Naruto: A New Perspective

Chapter 35

"I can't believe Kabuto is a traitor..." Sakura said glumly, the group had left Tanzaku to head towards Konoha after the failed assassination of Orochimaru. They were keeping a steady pace, but were going pretty slow all things considering. Tsunade had suggested the slower pace; she was still feeling a little wary to be returning to the village after all these years... it seemed unreal.

Naruto scowled, "That guy really pisses me off. Acting all friendly in the Chuunin exams..." The blond was still kicking himself; he hadn't suspected a thing about Kabuto. He actually remembered kind of liking the older genin. Who else had he made false assumptions about? Who else might be tricking him?

The scary thing was that he really didn't know.

Jiraiya guessed what was going through his apprentice's mind, "Don't beat yourself up kid. Kabuto escaped detection from the entire village for years, a green genin like you couldn't be expected to spot a pro like him."

"How do I get better at it?" Naruto asked.

"At spotting them?" Jiraiya shrugged, he supposed it was as good a time as any for an impromptu lesson, "I suppose it comes down to intuition, putting things together."

"Like what?" Sakura was curious as well, she had been equally oblivious to Kabuto's true nature.

"Information." Tsunade broke in helpfully, "Spies mask their intentions behind lies, knowing what's true and what's false is key in identifying when someone is deceiving you."

"There are other things as well." Jiraiya added, "People have facial nuances and body language that tell you when they're lying, telling the truth, or uncomfortable with the subject."

"We learned some of that stuff in the academy." Sakura recalled a few lessons focusing on the very topic.

Tsunade nodded, "Those are the basics. You have to also remember that a good spy can adjust his body and face to make you see what he wants you to see. One other thing that you must consider when you suspect someone of spying... routine. Does the person keep to themselves? Are they alone constantly? Do they go to places that they don't belong? What's their schedule? All important questions to ask."

Naruto scowled, "It sounds complicated. If I think someone is a spy, why don't I just capture them and convince them to tell me the truth?"

"You mean torture?" Jiraiya looked amused, "What if you're wrong? Extreme paranoia is a bad trait for a ninja; you'll never fall asleep at night."

"Whatever." Naruto grinned, "That's why I have Kage Bunshin. I'm never really asleep."

Jiraiya rolled his eyes, "Sometimes I wonder if you can take anything seriously, you stupid brat."

"Sis..." Naruto sniffled, "Jiraiya is being mean to me..."

"Don't be mean to Naruto, asshole!" Tsunade scolded Jiraiya automatically, before blinking in surprise, "Was that mind control or something?"

"Nah." Jiraiya smirked, "Naruto just has you pegged. He knows your buttons now, and he knows exactly which ones to press."

Tsunade scowled. Jiraiya laughed, "Don't worry Tsunade; he knows all of my buttons too. Stupid brat."

"Er... Tsunade-sense I," Sakura said, trying to change the subject, "Maybe you could help me learn how to heal stab wounds now...? I think I have the theory down, but I'm sure you have some idea how I can improve."

Tsunade stiffened, before saying, "Shizune can help you."

"Lady Tsunade..." Shizune sighed sadly, she had almost forgotten Tsunade's little problem with blood.