New day (open)

[wrin40]

Uzumaki Naruo trudged along broken ground as the sun just rose over the mountains. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he tried to adjust to where he was. Several ninja were in the same shape he was, which to be exact, was worse for wear. Zipping up his orange jacket he breathed in the fresh air with yearning. It seemed all the nations were suffering these days and every day seemed to never come soon enough. Looking around he left his hut and wondered where Jiraiya had gone off to.

"He is always not around when I want to train," Naruto shook his head in disdain. The white haired elder could pass as his uncle, and with his many disappearences, he could be like a father. So far he had been taught chakra control and that was fine, but, he wanted to learn something new. There were no girls around, as most couldn't become kunoichi, and most of the guys were busy with whatever they were doing. Naruto kicked a pebble and continued walking letting his mind wonder.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara Tsume walked silently down the path, looking up at the sky as he walked. He was returning from the coastline where he had been training with his Summons to become their Champion. Yawning he rolled his head around, popping his neck in several different places, relieving the small headache that had started to build. He looked back on the path and thought of how much farther he would have to go just to get home. He might be able to cut through the Fire country if he was lucky enough to find an area where the border patrol was weaker. If not he would have to go around the North Western border, instead of cutting through it, which could add days to his journey. He rearranged his large pack. And sighing out loud. Then he noticed a distance off a large orange clad person walking, and by the way it looked to Kara, their paths might intersect. Checking to make sure his headband was in plain sight, which would ward off any unwanted trouble, he pulled a rag out of his pockets and wrapped it around his face, hiding his new Crab Claw Summoning Tattoo's. He continued to walk at the same, even pace.

[Rock Lee]

Rock Lee casually strolled down the streets of the liberation camp. Gai-sensei was in a meeting with the other Jonin and could not train him at this moment. Lee silently prayed it would not be too long before he could resume his training. Wait... Who said he couldn't train without his sensei? He could do some training exercises now! Oh how proud Gai-sensei would be to see his youthful determination.

Steading himself into a crouch, Lee prepared to do a sprint through the camp. One... Two... Three! He took off at full speed, not having to dodge much considering that the road was fairly empty at the moment. That is, until he came upon an orange dot in his path. As he grew closer he realized this dot was... "Naruto-san! Look out!" He called as he tried to stop. He was going to slam right into Naruto if he could not stop soon.

[wrin40]

Naruto was lost in thought, as usual on a day such as this. The Pervy sage was off doing some errand, and he wondered if it was writing another book or using that scope of his. It was then he heard a sound that almost sounded like a warning. Nah, he thought, the village has been too quiet for an attack. Continuing to walk he noticed a guy in the distance. He seemed to trying to hide something, or, looked oddly distracted for someone here. Naruto thought of walking up and saying hi but then he heard the sound of approaching feet. Turning his head he felt his blue eyes widen as he saw Lee.

"Wha-Bushy Brow slow down your going to-." Naruto barely had time to substitute out of the way, or for that matter use a shadow clone to jump to safety. What made Lee run so fast to begin with? Naruto held up his arms to shield his face as he knew the inevitable crash was going to occur. This is great, he managed to think, no training and now I'm going to be a pancake due to Bushy Brow and his uneven shoes. Naruto thought of only one more thing to say before he went... "Ugh..."

[Kara Tsume]

Kara watched as someone emerging from the camp literally ran over the kid in the orange jump suit. He cocked his head to the side and tried to keep from laughing as he picked up his pace to see if they were alright. From this distance he really couldn't pick out any details other than one was wearing Green and the other Orange. He scratched his arm and kept watching, wondering if it was an accident, or if there had been some reason to the tackle

[Rock Lee]

Lee's attempts to keep from crashing into Naruto were all for nothing. He plowed straight into the number one knuckle-headed ninja and sent them both straight into the ground. Lee very much resembled a rag doll as he continued to tumble.

After getting over his dizziness Lee helped Naruto up. "I am very sorry Naruto-sna!"

[wrin40]

Naruto yelled as Bushy Brow plowed straight through him. Laying flat on his back he had rotational circles going the opposite way. A little spit lazily came out of his mouth and his arms seemed to twitch like they were hammered to the ground. Accepting help from the person who plowed him down he held his head and glared at him. "Haven't you heard of breaks Bushy Brow?"

Naruto noticed someone approaching and waved. "Hi...sorry you had to see that," Naruto laughed and ran a hand behind his head.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara cocked his head to the side, realizing that what had just happened was in fact an accident, and these two were friends. He smiled, a futile gesture since his mouth was covered, and said, "Haha it was a good break in the monotonous walk I've had to endure since my journey from the coast line." He paused and looked around and then said, "But if I may ask, what is this place? I don't think that it was here last time I was in the wave country, and I have been...out of the loop for a while." He reached up and adjusted his village plate, a small nervous habit he had sometimes.

[Rock Lee]

Lee grinned sheepishly at Naruto. "Sorry, I was training and I did not see you until it was too late." He explained. He looked over when he heard the newcomer's voice. He grinned and waved. "Hello! My name is Rock Lee!, What is yours?" He greeted. Training had temporarily slipped from his mind.

[wrin40]

Naruto shook his head and grinned. Typical bushy brow, he thought, incapable of taking a breather in his training regime. When he found time he would train, but, without a sensei around he normally hung out with people he knew. This new guy spoke of the village and not knowing it, which was weird to him. Hmm, Naruto mused, how can I describe this in the simplest of manners? Looking around at the newly built Hokage mansion he shrugged his shoulders.

"This is the liberation camp," he began, "we've been here for a while training for the day war occurrs again. At the moment it isn't much to look at, but, looks can be deceiving and a ninja must see through deception. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, you've already been introduced to bushy brow there." Naruto grinned over at his friend.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara looked at Rock Lee and saw just how much Bushy Brow defined him and he realized that the problems in Konoha that had been brewing must have gotten much worse than he though if Konoha needed ninja in a liberation camp. He said, "My name is Kara Tsume, of Iwagakure as you can see." He pointed to his headband. He realized he would have to be acquainted with current topics before he got any farther. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his money bag and saw how much he had in it. It looked like enough for a meal for three people. He looked at the two and said, "Any chance I could get you guys to describe the situation for me? I have no idea whats going on so I would like an update in world news, there's a meal in it for you if you would be so kind." He pocketed the money and stared at them hopefully.

[ashurii mitsukai-uchiha;;]

A lone figure appeared in the distance, striding forward completely confident. She had visited this place many times before, alone and with her husband. Her face fell slightly, imperceptibly, when Naruto, Lee, and an unfamiliar shinobi turned out to be the only ones there. She had been hoping to be able to meet Tsunade directly, but as always, the acting Kage appeared to be too busy. Quite disappointing, as Ashurii had wanted to see the woman; they hadn't personally talked in a long time. Too long, in Ashurii's mind.

She used a quick body flicker to save time; she would be missed quite soon in Konoha. "Naruto-san, Lee-san, nice to see you again." Ashurii spoke cheerfully. "As for you, Iwa-nin, nice to meet you. At least, I hope it'll be nice." As usual, she wanted to spend a little time just being social; if things had gone differently and Konoha was still under the Sandaime's rule, one of them-- or even both-- may have trained under her, and she always tried to share a technique or weapon trick whenever she spontaneously appeared.

"How is everything going, guys? It's been what, three months since I've been able to visit? Border security being tightened, the whole shebang." She didn't care much that the Iwa-nin could hear; the liberation camp, Iwa, and she and Itachi were all working together, right? They should have nothing to hide, and yet it seemed someone always did.

The tall woman placed an arm around each of their shoulders. "How's the Pervy Sage and Gai? Still being their eccentric selves? Jiraiya get pummeled by Anko yet? It is only a matter of time, you know. One day she's gonna catch him staring, and boy, I pity the man when that happens. Anko can do evil, evil things with those snakes of hers-- trust me there. Of course, there are the other things, but that's for another time." she chattered.

[wrin40]

Naruto was done with his explanation when he thought he saw someone familiar in the distance. Nah, he thought, must be the ramen making me see things, he thought as he returned his attention to his guest. Still, much like a feeling of being watched, he kept his guard up. Sure he had been tackled by a run away Lee, but, he wasn't the fool to be caught twice by surprise. Suddenly a woman appeared near them and Naruto jumped in surprise. She had come so...quickly and without warning, damn, he thought...and I thought I was being on my guard. Naruto tried to regain his composure as he listened to the woman.

Her name was Ashurii, a woman whom had paid them regular visits. She was a nice woman, even treated him to ramen, which was rare in these parts. She seemed to recognize, or at least know about the guy who appeared near them a few minutes ago. She probably is on the road a lot, he thought nodding his head as if he knew that made sense. "Nice to see you too," Naruto said with a broad grin. Seeing familiar faces was often difficult with war tension gripping everyone by the pants.

"I'm doing great," Naruto lied at first, "ok a tiny bit great...all right it is a little boring. The pervy sage isn't around and I want to learn something new. Spending time practicing chakra control can be a bit...unnerving." Hearing her speak of the border patrol he understood, for once, what she was talking about. No one in the liberation camp under chunin were allowed outside the village gates. If a mission were to partake, they would have to be under a mentor or instructor, hence securing a safe return. War was always closing in on them, so, they had to make ninja tool checks before stepping foot out.

Chuckling at her comments on his teacher he folded his arms. "The pervy sage is probably off researching again. I swear the guy has had enoug nose bleeds to fill up a well. As for him going near Anko, fat chance on that. Anko hardly rests, let alone lets her guard down to get into anything resembling a bathing suit. She is all patrol this, secure this, Naruto stop eating this, it makes me crazy. Say...is something wrong?" Naruto lifted his head up and wondered why the sudden visit, it was great she was here, but, he had the occassional notion something was afoot.

[ashurii mitsukai-uchiha;;]

"ok a tiny bit great...all right it is a little boring. The pervy sage isn't around and I want to learn something new. Spending time practicing chakra control can be a bit...unnerving."

"I know how you feel, little buddy; and I might have time to show you guys a new move or two before I have to leave."Ashurii told the two. She felt bad for them; staying cooped up on an island without being allowed to leave wasn't any way for a shinobi to live. She had almost gone stir crazy within the span of two days after she had been confined to the village due to Ibiki's evaluation of her mental stability. Of course, she hadn't listened, but that was besides the point.

The pervy sage is probably off researching again. I swear the guy has had enough nose bleeds to fill up a well. As for him going near Anko, fat chance on that. Anko hardly rests, let alone lets her guard down to get into anything resembling a bathing suit. She is all patrol this, secure this, Naruto stop eating this, it makes me crazy."

"A well? Come on, more like a couple of hot springs!" she teased. "And trust me-- Anko would not wear a bathing suit. Don't tell anyone I said that though-- Anko's already after me for tying her to a tree with her own snakes. And last I heard she was offering a ryo award for any information about me." She and Anko had always been friends, even before the incident-- or at least tolerable acquaintances.

"Say...is something wrong?"

"I wouldn't say wrong exactly. More like Tsunade-shishou's last message was a little too good to be true." Ashurii told him. Of course, it wasn't the smartest idea in the world to let a couple of genin-- or were they chunin now?-- and an Iwa nin know the concerns of the small covert operation base in Konoha. Small meaning Itachi and herself, basically-- the paranoid couple hadn't trusted anyone else enough to inform them of their plans.

[wrin40]

Naruto was more then thrilled at the notion of learning a new jutsu. Ok rest assured it wasn't a jutsu he'd learn but one he would watch, but still, it was so cool. Looking over at Lee and the new guy he wondered what they thought of all this. Anyone knowing Lee's mentor would probably get him all excited. This new guy was another picture, one that was half complete like a half drank carton of milk. I am pumped to see a new jutsu, he thought, anything to get my mind out of this boredom. I really want to learn a new jutsu too, he thought, though, I might as well stay away from my thoughts. The pervy sage wouldn't like it if I got too into a jutsu.

Laughing as Ashurii talked of Anko he could imagine she'd be mad. Anko was strict and loved dumplings, anyone near a dumpling stand would be pushed aside instantly. Dumplings like ramen were a rare treat for any ninja. Girls like dumplings and never gained a pound, he mused, though he wouldn't say that to their face. Girls were so on edge about their weight, still, it wasn't like he would understand girls now at his age. Girls were out of his league, as he was told by Kiba during their training. It still irked him at seeing Kiba show off and get a good joke out with Akamaru at his side. That dog is probably why he gets attention from girls, he thought, I got to get myself a dog.

Having his interest peaked he pulled slowly away from the shoulder and raised an eyebrow at the woman. "Alright...now I have to know. I figure Lee here is intent too, but, I am more curious. What is Grandma Tsunade up to?" Naruto folded his arms and planted his open toed sandles in the dirt. There was no way he'd allow her to leave now with the information she had. To be gone three months and then reappear, it was something that was stirring suspicion in the recess of his brain.

[Kara Tsume]

((Alright I'm assuming I already treated you guys and you told me everything lol))

Kara paid the bill and was standing there with Naruto and Lee, contemplating everything that had just been said. War between the Liberation party and the Leaf Village could be very good for Kara's reputation. No one knows about the new jutsu that he had just learned, and back home he would only be known as the chuunin who was only good if you needed back up and he would never be put on the front lines. But if he went back with the report of single handedly liberating Konoha and putting the rightful Hokage back in charge, he would be deemed a hero and possibly even given a promotion. As the female ninja appeared Kara didn't even hardly notice her. He grunted at her return when she welcomed him, and he half listened, but he was so absorbed in his own thoughts he wondered what the enemy was like and such. He heard them talking about training and he perked up. He had yet to try out his new fighting style against anyone but the crabs, so he was eager to see if he was any good. He jumped in and said, "Would it be alright if i were to accompany you to observe this training?"

[ashurii mitsukai-uchiha;;]

"Alright...now I have to know. I figure Lee here is intent too, but, I am more curious. What is Grandma Tsunade up to?"

"That's our problem-- neither Tachi or I could figure it out. There's got to be something going on... Honestly, it makes me kinda mad that Shishou won't tell us what's really going on. That's why I managed to sneak away to come make a personal visit." she explained. "Hopefully, our next scroll from Iwa will help explain things-- I know she's been in contact with the Tsuchikage, Onoki of Both Scales, more than with us."

She wondered what reaction her flippant usage of the Tsuchikage's name would get from the Iwa-nin, who was clearly not where he was supposed to be. Then again, neither was she, but all she had done was sneak past dozens of ANBU to make a conspiracy visit, while he looked as if he'd had a tougher time getting out here.

"I'm fine with it." Ashurii told him, shrugging. "It's not like what I'm gonna show them is a matter of national security or anything." She had to snicker slightly at the thought of telling either genin a national secret. Naruto couldn't keep a secret worth shit-- and Lee would run to Gai, tell him, and then they'd both joyously shout it throughout the camp. At least, that had been what happened last time she told them a secret.

"I'm thinking I'll show you guys a wind jutsu-- and see if Naruto can learn it, then maybe one of my.... ahem, "special" jutsu, and then I've got to get back. Or something bad might happen." Ashurii decided. The boys knew that special meant a jutsu allowed by her kekkei genkai, but hopefully, the Iwa-nin wouldn't pick up on it. It wouldn't do her any good if rumors about a kunoichi who used crystal jutsu got out, seeing as she was the only one who fit that description. She would have to come up with a way to get Kara to leave before she used her crystal release.

[wrin40]

Naruto nodded his head as he could understand her frustration. Being left out of anything was often what got him even more curious then before. Grandma Tsunade had been holed up in her office for a few days now, no one but Shizune were allowed in there. Naruto remembered when the Pervy sage tried to get in, the result wasn't pretty. In fact, he remembered with a chuckle, the pervy sage held a bag of ice between his legs. Secrets were often within a confine of a scroll, and as a ninja, they were told that on certain missions they weren't supposed to look at a scroll even if the enemy held them hostage.

Naruto was getting impatient as the minutes passed. The new guy, or Kara as he was called, seemed to be a tad too quiet. Though as he spoke Naruto wouldn't mind him sitting in on what Ashurii had to show them. Sure he was from another place, but, it didn't exactly mean he was a spy or anything. He was amped to just see something new and having been run down by bushy brow was worth it just to have not moved too far from here. A wind jutsu? Naruto hadn't seen many wind jutsu, so, he rubbed his hands together in glee just wondering what it would be...move wise.

"A jutsu...for me? Alright I am so ready believe it!" Jumping up and down he could feel his energy surge through him. Though he stopped jumping as Ashurii mentioned something bad would happen if she didn't get back. What was going on? No matter, he thought, if I can learn a new jutsu I can rub it in the pervy sage's face next time I see him. Smiling over at Bushy Brow he knew he would be jealous that he was learning a new jutsu. Though, he thought, knowing his sensei, he'd probably be ready to teach him something to top his.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara nodded his thanks to them and resolutely stood to the side, lost in his own thoughts waiting to find out exactly where they would go. At the sound of the Tsuchikage's name and Iwa's involvement he perked up, deciding that bit of information needed to be expounded on. "What exactly is Iwa's involvement in this war?" He asked warily.

[ashurii mitsukai-uchiha;;]

"A jutsu...for me? Alright I am so ready believe it!"

Ashurii let out a chuckle, ruffling his hair. "Have patience, Naruto. It's gonna be pretty hard to learn. And maybe I can dig up some moves from my taijutsu style for Lee too. And then, of course, the special jutsu. I wonder which one I should show you this time... definitely not the giant one." she thought out loud. "Because the giant one often makes it look like there's been some kind of invasion."

What exactly is Iwa's involvement in this war?"

Ashurii stared at him incredulously. Where had he been that he was so far out of the loop? "Iwa is part of the main firepower behind the war. Working with this camp, possible Suna-- have you guys heard back from them yet?-- and the Konoha intelligence base-- basically meaning Uchiha Itachi and myself, the spies for the camp. Without Iwa's large armies and specialized earth jutsu, it would be hard to bring Konoha to its fall." she explained.

They had been working on Mission: Konoha's Fall in secret for an entire decade. Unless Kara was a loner of the worst sort, the kind that paid attention to no one but himself, it would be hard to know nothing of the plans. It made her a little suspicious. "Say... Where have you been for the past ten years? If you'd been in Iwa you would know. I know almost every shinobi there personally. You... You I've never heard of." she asked, eyes narrowed with her suspicions.

Maybe he had been on a training retreat... or maybe there was something fishy going on. It certainly smelled like fish, but that was besides the point.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara shrugged his shoulders and said, "I was sorta out of my village for a while and before then I really was not very high in the know, other than smaller missions. I was never told about any massive war effort" He scratched his face under the face mask.

[wrin40]

Naruto didn't care how hard the jutsu was, he would master it even if it expended all his chakra. A jutsu was a prime weapon in a ninja's arsenal that usually created awe, fear, or revulsion from the enemy. To learn something would mean he would be getting stronger and not getting weaker. Being a genin his whole life was not something he was aiming for, and if he did wind up a genin still, he'd practice harder then everyone else. "Lee won't accept anything unless it is taught by his sensei," Naruto laughed, "he is bound by that principle and that his sensei will teach him to be a splendid ninja." Naruto had respect for bushy brow, living his whole life bound by a code.

Then again, everyone in this camp had a nindo in which they abided by. Watching the interaction between Ashurii and Kara he knew there was a tenseness mounting. Kara didn't say much, and when he did, it seemed to strike a dumbfounded or irritated look from Ashurii. Sometimes he was just out of the loop with war and stuff, but, he still knew a little more then Kara did. I don't want to judge, he thought, as I don't know the entire story yet, so I will simply nod my head and try to follow along with what is said. Naruto wondered how strong the Uchiha were...and what plans the spies currently were up to.

"Um...not to be rude...but can I learn that new jutsu now? I know you and Kara have things to talk and stare at, but I'm just dieing to learn a new jutsu. The Pervy sage has only taught me chakra control and some summoning, but, I want to learn more jutsu. C'mon please?" Naruto stared at Ashurii with his blue eyes and burned with energy just to use. If it was hard, it would be that much better to learn then if it were easy. Learning the shadow clone jutsu took many hours, so, this would no doubt be just as long.

[ashurii mitsukai-uchiha;;]

"I was sorta out of my village for a while and before then I really was not very high in the know, other than smaller missions. I was never told about any massive war effort"

"Well, there's the catch. It isn't exactly massive yet-- it'll become massive after my husband and I execute the Godaime." Ashurii explained. It worried her that she could say that with no emotion at all, casually explaining assassination to an Iwa shinobi. A rather weird situation, and one that she'd rather not be in. Can't exactly help it, I guess. shethought with a shrug.

"Lee won't accept anything unless it is taught by his sensei; he is bound by that principle and that his sensei will teach him to be a splendid ninja."

"Well, that's not right. What if what I could teach him would help him win a battle someday, and because he won't learn from anyone else, he loses the battle?" she spoke sharply. If he had grown up in Konoha, he wouldn't have that way of thinking... Well, okay, so he probably would, but that was besides her point. "We're all supposed to learn from each other, even people like the Pervy Sage and Tsunade-shishou can learn from others still." She grimaced; words of wisdom had never really been her strong point.


"Um...not to be rude...but can I learn that new jutsu now? I know you and Kara have things to talk and stare at, but I'm just dieing to learn a new jutsu. The Pervy sage has only taught me chakra control and some summoning, but, I want to learn more jutsu. C'mon, please?"

"Alright, but you might want to watch what you say. Itachi, even with his Mangekyo, fears me." Ashurii warned, grinning wickedly. "You want me to yell at Jiraiya for you, tell him to get his ass over here and be productive? I've got my ways, and he's got two elite jonin for spies. He needs to teach you more than just chakra control!"

[wrin40]

Naruto was getting a little unnerved by all this talk of executing plans and scaling war plans. War was never really a thing he liked, as it often did more damage then it did any good. It was true that war shifted through the layers of doubt over time, but, the casualty rate also meant losing comrades close to one. Naruto didn't want to lose anyone close to him, as well, it would mean being alone. It was true that he hadn't lived a solitude life since he couldn't remember one, but, it was always in the recess of his thoughts. Walking through the camp he saw people he knew, people who had helped him every step of the way. Not really speaking his thoughts he kept quiet until he heard her harsh tone.

"That's not going to happen," Naruto glared, "Bushy Brow is one of the best fighters in his age group. He trains harder then anyone...even me...and he is my friend. It is true that learning new jutsu is a principle of a shinobi, but, it is also true to stay close to those you trust. Gai Sensei has been there for Lee as long as the pervy sage has been there for me. It is his choice to stick to what he believes, not what other people believe." Naruto didn't soften his stare, even if Ashurii had paid visits to the village regardless of safety. People grew strong of their own accord through what they felt was comfortable.

Naruto folded his arms and stared again at Ashurii...she was not doing well to get on his good side right now. "It is true that the pervy sage has many places to be, and, he tends to stick to his researching as much as a moth does to a flame, but...even in all my complaining he is the one I trust to under take my training. It is said that the more a person complains about someone, the more they entrust their very life in their hands, and with me and Lee...we follow that stricture. I am more then open to learn this wind jutsu, but it is because I want to." Naruto grinned over at Bushy Brow and felt accomplished some how.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara realized that this Jiraiya may have very well been THE JIRAIYA, the legendary Toad Sage, who learned the Toads Secret arts, but already feeling like a fool he decided to keep his questions to himself. He looked at them and listened to Naruto defend the two sensei against this obviously more powerful woman, which made Kara like Naruto a little more, to stand up against all odds for what you believed in was not a common trait with the younger generations, and it was good to see someone with a back bone. He said, "I was wondering if this training was going to take place right here or in a training area somewhere around here?" Realizing if the Tsuchikage was involved he would need to know Kara's intention to stick around and assist in the war effort. He might also need to speak with Tsunade or someone else about it, maybe even this woman right here would be a good person to speak to.

[Rock Lee]

Lee had been fidgeting slightly, eager to get back to his self-training, when he heard Ashurii mention something about showing Naruto and him some techniques. "It would have been an honer, Ashurii-san, but I am afraid I cannot except your most generous offer. I can only do Taijutsu, and Gai-sensei is the best there is in that category!" He replied, full of vigor.
He frowned."You really should not disrespect Naruto-san's master in such a way, Ashurii san."

~OOC~ So... Short... ._.

[ashurii mitsukai-uchiha;;]

"That's not going to happen. Bushy Brow is one of the best fighters in his age group. He trains harder then anyone...even me...and he is my friend. It is true that learning new jutsu is a principle of a shinobi, but, it is also true to stay close to those you trust. Gai Sensei has been there for Lee as long as the pervy sage has been there for me. It is his choice to stick to what he believes, not what other people believe."

Ashurii twitched at him. "After you've seen what I have and been in the situations I have, you'll know why I told you that. Sometimes, you have no literal choice when it comes to those things." she told him, letting a bit of anger leak into her jovial tone. "Sometimes, you have no choice other than to trust those you wouldn't normally... if your other choice is to watch your comrades die, without being able to do anything to save them, what other choice is there?!"

Flashes of events, memories that should never have been wrested away from their slumber deep within her mind arose again. First it had been her parents, taken away from her at the young age of eight, and then the Sandaime, a mere five years later. Then Junko, her dearest friend, murdered in her sleep during the chunin exams by those damn Kiri shinobi. Next had come Kukiko-sensei, on a solo mission after she and Itachi had become chunin. Then comrade Shisui, an unavoidable death in the war, and countless others.

Ashurii held her hands to her head, hissing softly under her breath. She couldn't lose her composure now, not in front of the others. No matter what anyone said, seeing death didn't get any easier as you got older and more experienced. She couldn't help but let out a small, short whimper; every death she had seen-- and even those she hadn't-- was imprinted so deeply into her mind that she couldn't help being personally affected.

And then she spoke quietly again, looking right into Naruto's eyes. "When you can't sleep at night because you've seen so many innocent people die, knowing that there were some you could have saved... but you just weren't able to make a move until it was too late... then I dare you to come and tell me you wouldn't feel the same way I do." she told him. Her blue eyes were dark and stormy, filled with emotions she'd rather not show... But it was like she just couldn't help it.

"It is true that the pervy sage has many places to be, and, he tends to stick to his researching as much as a moth does to a flame, but...even in all my complaining he is the one I trust to under take my training. It is said that the more a person complains about someone, the more they entrust their very life in their hands, and with me and Lee...we follow that stricture. I am more then open to learn this wind jutsu, but it is because I want to."

"And that isn't a bad thing-- just... Being a shinobi isn't always just knowing cool techniques and fighting on missions. It isn't a game-- and it never will be. You guys are more sheltered than I was, so maybe the horrors haven't hit you yet, but... I watched first my parents, then the Sandaime-- a man I considered my grandfather-- my teammates... I watched them die at an age younger than you are now. I couldn't have done anything about the first three deaths... But Junko, if I had accepted medical training earlier than I had, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE DIED. I can't help thinking that if I hadn't been stubborn, she would be waiting for me in Konoha, ready to squirt cheese down Itachi's pants like we did when we were genin." Ashurii told them.

"I was wondering if this training was going to take place right here or in a training area somewhere around here?"

"Have a little patience, Kara. Just... let me finish yelling at them, and then we'll go train." she replied, rolling her eyes. Obviously, he was deaf to long monologues and rants, or he wouldn't be interrupting her tirade. It made her twitchy, and she had to hold a finger to her eye to prevent it from happening again. "Besides, isn't it about time you're getting back to Iwa? I'm sure you're missed by now."

"It would have been an honer, Ashurii-san, but I am afraid I cannot except your most generous offer. I can only do Taijutsu, and Gai-sensei is the best there is in that category! You really should not disrespect Naruto-san's master in such a way, Ashurii san."

"Hey, you should see me with a bo staff! I did get him a couple times... okay, so there were those times I missed, too, but at least he didn't outright beat me! But he is the best in Taijutsu, and has been since before you were born, I'll admit that." Ashurii responded. "Lee-san, it's called sarcasm. You should try it sometime. Like I would actually tell the Toad Sage that! Utter disrespect, even if he is a pervert. And that's assuming I could even find him-- I'm good, but not quite that good."

[wrin40]

Naruto couldn't believe that a tirade could be so long. Still, he tried to not let his mind wonder as she told them her story. It was true he hadn't known death or had death as his companion for too long, but, he had no parents...and never got to know them. At least she knew the bond of a mother and father to feel that loss. What did he have? At night he tried to picture his mom and dad, and all he got were paper cut images with no faces. He imagined that his father was tall and his mother was shining with love for him. Hearing her say sometimes there were no choices with your comrades life in the line of death he wanted to laugh. Was she serious? There were always choices no matter what, and he felt like pointing it out to her.

"There is always a choice," Naruto held his hands at his side and wore a smirk. "Even when your surrounded by enemies or have kunai knives at one another's throat, there is always a way out. Even in the darkest of wars, there is a beakon for which to fall upon and get through alive. I will never allow my comrades to get hurt...and I will never give up on them no matter what. When there is a fighting chance...that is all anyone needs. You speak of death, and I can't say I know much about it, but, I won't let it get the best of me."

Naruto always held true to his word, and if he ever ran away it would just mean cowardice was to follow him forever. The names she recited from memory wanted to draw him into a dark enclosure and cry. Though, tears never solved anything, and death was a natural part of being a shinobi. Jiraiya had often spoken of comrades he knew who had died and how mourning their lives all the time would leave them in the past. Fighting for tomorrow was the way to remember them best, and he tried to follow that everyday of his life. Placing his hands behind his head he tilted his head to the side as she mentioned a shelter life.

"It is a good thing we're sheltered," Naruto admitted, "as most of us are genin and still incapable of battlefiled combat. But...don't think we're weaklings because of that though, as we have these to prove we're capable of kicking butt." Naruto pointed at his headband and smiled. "We are full fledged shinobi and when the time comes...we'll be ready for what comes our way. We aren't quitters...and we aren't surely going to lay down our lives here and now doing nothing. I appreciate your words, and I am ready for this jutsu, so here I am...ready for the next step." Naruto had never done a wind jutsu, but, anything new he'd say bring it on.

[Kara Tsume]

Kara snapped his head up at the passion in the words of Naruto, each and ever syllable struck a deep cord in his mind as he realized the truth of what he was saying. Clapping his hands softly he said, "You've got a lot of spunk kid, one day I hope that I get to work with you." He put out his hand for Naruto to shake it, and said, "And I truly mean it." It was time to stop pondering what his course of action could be and make a move. Once Ashurii taught them the basics of the move she would be teaching, he was determined to get her alone and talk about what he could do to assist the war effort here with the Liberation Force.

[Rock Lee]

Lee couldn't help the grin that spread across his face when he heard Naruto's words. "Naruto-san, you are so correct!" He said, practically jumping up into the air with enthusiasm, "Gai-sensei would be proud of such youthful words!" He finished- his grin growing wider still-- if that was even possible.