(In Konoha with Naruto)
Entering the hotel room Naruto had a look round in disappointment; it looked like they would all be sharing. The room was very Spartan, with four single beds lining the walls, and two cupboards. Looking over to his team Naruto came to a decision.
"You lot make yourselves comfortable, and get ready for tomorrow. The first stage will be taking place in the Shinobi Academy. No doubt this portion of the test will be a trick, keep on your toes and make sure you pass."
Suigetsu rolled his eyes at that before saying. "I think we can manage to get through an Exam that is made for genin."
"Good, because if I thought you weren't capable then I wouldn't have brought you." Naruto replied bluntly.
"You lot can have a look around Konoha if you want, but make sure you behave. I don't want us to be kicked out of Konoha before the match even starts because one of you was fucking about."
The three 'genin' nodded at that. Suigetsu though looked a bit rebellious. "Why what happens if that happens? We don't get to become Chunin?" He asked mockingly.
"No, if you do fuck up and get us kicked out, you'll have made us fail our very important mission. For which I will hurt you." Naruto replied bluntly "A lot."
Both Chojuro and Suigetsu laughed at that, thinking Naruto was joking.
Hodan though paled slightly, the Pain he knew did not make idle threats.
Naruto's eyes narrowed fractionally as he heard two of them laughing, but for now he decided to leave it. He had given them a warning; if they chose to ignore it then it was their own faults what happened.
Thinking about it though, a swift death courtesy of Naruto was much better than a slow painful death courtesy of Mei. The stakes were too high for small measures, he only wished he could tell them just how important their mission was, unfortunately though, the risk was too high.
"So what will you be doing?" Hodan asked cautiously.
"Me, I will be having a look around the Village. I will be back later, and remember don't fuck up." Naruto replied as he turned to leave the room. Allowing the three 'genin' to unpack their belongings and settle into their new room.
Naruto didn't need to do any of that, he had all of his belongings sealed in a scroll that was hidden in one of the pockets of his flak jacket.
Just before leaving though, Naruto paused as he decided to say one more thing. "Also, try to keep a low profile while we are in Konoha."
...
Ten minutes later after leaving the hotel room, Naruto had quickly familiarized himself with his old stomping grounds. He had quickly found the main road running through Konoha, alongside which multiple stalls, stores and restaurants were lined.
All of which seemed to be flourishing, no doubt having a shop in one of the largest and wealthiest Shinobi Villages was good for business. Deciding to take advantage of the nearby stores, Naruto bought himself some food.
Slipping into a Ramen joint he remembered being to before, Naruto seated himself at the counter. Deciding to patiently waiting for the waitress, a pretty brunette only a few years older than him, to serve him.
As he sat there waiting he became aware of someone else approaching the stand. Looking sideways, Naruto had to hold in a slight gasp as a beautiful red haired woman sat on the seat one over from him.
His eyes widened even further when he saw the red haired woman had a young child in her arms, a little girl with golden blonde hair and crystal blue eyes.
Naruto felt his mouth go dry as he saw his mother for the first time in three years.
"How can I help you today sir?" A soft voice spoke out, quickly getting Naruto attention as he tore his gaze way from his mother and instead looked to the waitress, whose name was apparently Ayame according to her name badge.
"Oh… erm… yes can I get a bowl of Miso Ramen please." Naruto said licking his lips nervously a she did so; he could see that he had caught the attention of Kushina, the red haired woman having turned in her seat slightly to look at him.
"Right away sir shouldn't be too long." Ayame chirped back a smile on her face as she accepted the money Naruto gave her.
"So I take it you are here for the Chunin Exams?" Kushina suddenly spoke up.
Looking sideways, Naruto's crimson eyes fixed on Kushina. Noting as he did so that his mother looked older than he had last seen her, her eyes were sadder than he remembered.
But despite that she was smiling at him, even as she was holding what appeared to be her daughter close to her. Naruto had not even been aware he had a new sister, but then again if you run away from home it is unlikely that you would be able to get regular updates on the family.
"Err yeah." Naruto replied awkwardly.
Kushina seemed to smile sympathetically at him. "Must be strange fro you being in an unfamiliar Village, I bet Konoha are a lot different to Kiri."
"It is certainly a lot dryer." Naruto replied lamely, not really sure what he should do.
Kushina chuckled at that before saying. "My name is Kushina by the way, and this little bundle of joy is Naruko." As she said that she cuddled her three year old daughter to her, causing the little girl to let out a cute giggle.
'Naruko?' Naruto thought to himself as he looked at the little girl. Tearing his eyes away from the girl he looked back up to Kushina, not entirely sure what he should say next. Should he tell his name is Naruto and see what happens next?
"Nice to meet you Kushina, my name is Pain." Naruto replied. The mission comes first; anything else is just a complication that should be avoided when possible.
"Pain?" Kushina asked with a slight smile. "I am guessing that was not the name your mother gave me."
Naruto shrugged at that before replying. "It was a name I gave myself when I was much younger, it kind of just stuck."
"Must be a bit of a pain." Kushina replied amused.
Naruto snorted as he heard Kushina's pun, before he rolled his eyes. "You know, that is actually the first time someone has done that."
Kushina looked aghast at that before replying. "Do they not have any senses of humour in Kiri?"
"Oh they do," Naruto replied with a faint smile under his half mask. "But the jokes aren't quite as painful."
Kushina snorted loudly at that, even as little Naruko in her arms started giggling.
"One Miso Ramen." Ayame the waitress said as she placed the bowl down in front of Naruto.
"Thanks." Naruto replied before asking. "Can I also get two fingers of whiskey to wash it down?"
Ayame frowned at that. "Are you sure you are old enough? Only Chunin Shinobi and above are allowed to drink if they are underage."
Naruto looked amused at that before replying. "It's a good thing I am a Jounin then." With that he took out a Kiri identity card.
Ayame looked surprised at that, but shook off her surprise as she went to get Naruto his requested drink.
"So you're a Jounin Sensei, I did not see that coming." Kushina said as she looked at Naruto with a frown. The boy looked only a year or two older than Erza and Mito, far too young to be a Jounin.
Then again there were some Shinobi, like Itchai Uchiha and Kakashi who were so skilled they were promoted young, but Shinobi like those were often well known.
Naruto shrugged at that. "We are Shinobi; you always have to expect the unexpected."
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