The Bending Ninja

Chapter 2

Writing the bell 'mission' scene is a bit of a drag. Sorry if it's not quality.

(Hani's POV)

I went back to my, currently empty house. I hope my brother's mission is a quick one. I decided to relax a bit today so I wouldn't be too tired tomorrow. I went to our bookshelf and found the book I was looking for, KatanArt...horrible title, but I heard it's a good beginners guide. Missy had left it here quite sometime ago. I guess now I know why.

I planned on simply reading but I had to try some of these forms and exercises, but casually...no intense training. Wielding my katana felt weird, felt new, felt like a minor challenge I will overcome, because it felt like my first time practicing my bending; A little frustrating but more than anything exciting.

I got a little better. Just with the basic swings and moving it around. I'll have to see who can teach me later. Maybe Missy, or Hakota Sensei, my brothers sensei. Maybe a different instructor.

I ate dinner and then prepared everything for tomorrow. I put the kunai my brother got me in my weapons pouch, but in a section I never use so it doesn't mix with the regular kunais so I don't accidentally use it. I put my katana in the gift box and placed it under my bed, not planning on taking it out to missions until I know I'm ready. I'll have to remember to get those special hooks so I can place it on the wall somewhere.

I went to bed. I'm used to sleeping in an empty house but it's still not very pleasant.

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I woke up next morning and got ready. I went downstairs to the kitchen and had an apple, a muffin, and some orange juice. Skip breakfast? HA! Yeah right! I'm not doing anything unhealthy. I need breakfast! I need food and the energy it gives. If I'm hungry...well then it's not a good day.

I approached the training grounds we were told to meet at and spotted the other members.

They seemed tired and who could blame them, I was kind of tired as well. We waited, and waited, and waited, and saw the sun come up, and waited some more.

"Good morning." He finally arrived!

"You're late!" both Naruto and Sakura shouted, pointing accusatory fingers at sensei.

"Ah yes, well a black cat crossed my path...oh well." He took out a clock and set it on a log stump. "It's set for noon; your mission is to take the bells away from me by then." He held up three silver bells. "Those who don't get one, won't get lunch and will be tied to those posts and will watch the rest of us eat."

So, this must be why he didn't want us to eat breakfast. Looking over to the others, it's clear they're starving. They probably didn't even bring any snacks or anything for later.

Sakura then pointed out something interesting. "But hold on, why are there only three bells?"

"Well that way, at least someone will be tied to the posts over there. Those will be disqualified for failing the mission and will return to the academy. It could just be one, but it can very well be all four of you. Without the intent to kill me, you won't be able to take a bell, so come with me with anything you've got."

"But sensei! That's really dangerous!" Sakura stated.

"Yeah! You couldn't even dodge a chalkboard eraser!" Naruto laughed.

I replied, mainly to Sakura, "but he is a Jounin and has gone on A ranked missions. He's fought high level ninja who I'm sure have tried to kill him."

"Yes and those who don't have the skills tend to complain more. We'll just ignore the loser. We'll begin when I say go."

Out of nowhere I see Naruto running at Kakashi with a kunai in his hand. Kakashi Sensei smoothly maneuvered himself to hold Naruto in a position with the Kunai pointing at his neck.

"Don't be so hasty. I didn't say go yet. But that's fine, at least you came with the intent to kill." He laughed. "what can I say. I guess I'm beginning to like you guys.

"Ready - GO!"

I jumped back into the bushes to conceal myself. I stayed where I could keep an eye on him though. I saw Naruto out there and watched as he went for a straight forward attack...and Kakashi pull out a book...it all seemed ridiculous to be honest. But, with Genin straight out of the academy, how are they supposed to be able to match up against a Jounin with so much experience? Maybe against a Chunin, but not Jounin...but I didn't go to the academy so maybe they prepared them enough...nonsense. With the way Naruto is doing it doesn't give me high hopes for any Genin.

The next thing I notice is a bunch of Naruto clones. That's pretty cool I must admit. That could be helpful...makes me wish I could do jutsu. But of course, it doesn't work out for him in the end.

I wonder what's a good plan of attack for this, as I see Naruto moving towards a bell trap on the floor and then hanging up-side-down by his feet. Kakashi gives a speech about obvious bait. 'I know nothing about his skills. How sharp is he? Is it better to attack from afar or close combat? Could I sneak up on him? At least I think I have an advantage, I'm sure he hasn't fought anyone with my kekkei genkai, or at least has little experience.

Suddenly, there's shuriken hitting Kakashi Sensei! Who used substitution...I guess means sneaking up on him is a no go. Wait. Then...where is he?!? He must be hiding and watching from somewhere...which means he probably knows someone else's location, Sasuke's location.

I hear Sakura shriek loudly, I guess I have a location on Sensei and Sakura...and then I hear her yell again about a minute later. I change location, carefully moving closer to where the screams came from. Suddenly I can see Sasuke and Kakashi in a small clearing. I see Sasuke has some quality skills with shuriken and taijutsu, and he almost grabbed a bell. Impressive. He seems better suited for this so called 'mission.' Maybe he'll be a better distraction than Naruto.

I see Sasuke making hand signs and decide to attack while Kakashi is distracted.