The Forgotten Child of Destiny

14. meeting Shukaku and Gaara

Author Notes: I claim no rights or claim to own the Naruto series or its characters as they are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.  The only characters I do claim to own are the OCs that I will be using.  I also don't claim the other kitsunes or demon foxes that I will be using as they are owned by the various anime series that they are featured in.  Please be sure to leave me your comments and reviews telling me what you think.

Key guide: "regular speech", 'thinking to one's self', *telepathic/mental speech*, (author notes), bold-demons/summons speaking, italics-attacks/jutsus/special abilities

Fourteen: meeting Shukaku and Gaara

A week had gone by in a blink of an eye as Minato was holding a secret meeting with all of the Jonin captains to see who they recommend for the chunin exams.  Already ninja from the other villages have made their way into the leaf village.  Minato was surprised when all of the captains recommended their teams to participate.  All of the teams had completed the necessary missions to enter.  Minato knew that Naruto and his team were beyond qualified especially given that they had completed a couple of B-Rank.  Minato also knew that Menma and Nariko were also in good standings. And it wasn't because he was their father or the fact that he had trained them.  But it was because they have been training even harder when the two learned about Naruto's A-Rank mission.  When Minato asked them why, they replied......

"We don't want to seem weak if we are to help Naruto complete the prophecy.  We want to be able to stand by his side as strong shinobi."  Minato found himself smiling at the thought as he handed all of the captains the papers to hand to their genins.  As the captains turned to leave, Minato called out to Simba.

"Can you make certain that Naruto gets this?" Minato asked as he handed a scroll to Simba.  Simba took the scroll as he bowed his head.

Meanwhile, squad thirteen was traveling to meet up with Simba when they heard some people arguing and kids screaming.  Without thinking twice, Naruto moved to find out what was going on.  A guy wearing a cat-like suit and purple with white kabuki makeup held Konohamaru by his scarf.  Menma was on the ground with a bloody lip.

"Let Konohamaru go!" snarled Menma as the guy kicked him in the gut laughing.

"You guys are weak.  And besides this brat ruined my outfit." he growled as he went to punch Konohamaru in the face.  Naruto moved grabbing the sand ninja's hand before he could punch the frightened child.  He freed the child from Kankuro's grip as Naruto's hand tightened around the sand ninja's fist causing Kankuro to gasp in pain.  Naruto could hear Kurama gasp in the back of his mind.

*It seems that my baby brother is here.  He is sealed into one of the sand ninja that is behind you.* Kurama stated.  Naruto could sense the other ninja's presence as it seemed that this ninja was very interested in Naruto but he couldn't figure out why.

"If you don't want your teammate here to end up with a broken hand then I suggest that you teach him not to pick on those whom are weaker than him.  Especially a child who didn't harm him in anyway." Naruto snarled.  Everyone looked at Naruto wondering who he was talking to.

"Kankuro......  Stop setting a bad example for our village." Stated a red-haired ninja as he appeared behind Kankuro in a swirl of sand.

"Gaara......." Kankuro studdered in fear.

"I am sorry for the disturbance as I will make certain that it will not happen again." Gaara stated as he watched Sasuke and Sakura help Menma up to his feet.  Something about Sasuke's presence made Gaara crave the Uchiha's blood.

*Don't even think about it Shukaku.  I will not let you full fill your bloody desires with anyone from this village.* Kurama growled out mentally.  This caused Gaara's eyes to widen when he heard Kurama speak in the back of his mind.