Chapter 20 A Dragon and a Raccoon

POV Kai

Kai was walking home from his meeting with the Hokage complaining in his mind like Shikamaru (This is such a drag. If it wasn't for Anko being chosen as one of the Dragoons, I would be long gone.) On the way home, he heard yelling when he looked he saw a scene from the anime, the first meeting of the Sand Ninja and Naruto. Kohamaru was held by his arm, and Naruto was demanding that Kankuro release him. Gaara showed up and threatened Kankuro before showing his bloodlust to the leaf village ninjas.

Kai understood that while Gaara might change later, right now, he was a mad dog that would bite anyone thanks to that stupid raccoon. Kai decided to do a little threatening of his own. He tapped into the power of the divine dragon ever so slightly not enough to trigger a transformation, but enough that you could sense its power and rage. Guaranteed stopped in his tracks, looking around. The others felt a chill but couldn't tell what it was.

As Garra looked around, his eyes landed on Kai. Kai smiled evilly before stating, "Guests should not cause problems in the hosts home. You look tired from your trip, shouldn't you three find your inn?" Naruto Sakura and Sasuke looked in shock they hadn't seen Kai in a few days and had no idea that he was here. Kai signaled them to remain silent, he nearly sweatdropped when, despite his signal, the number 1 knucklehead ninja still nearly called out to him before Sakura covered his mouth, telling him to shut up.

Temari convinced Gaara and Kankuro to leave without further incidents. (She is smart and doesn't want them to draw any more attention before the Konoha Crush plan) Kai realized as they walked away. He then turned and walked towards Naruto before punching him on the top of his head. "Didn't Kakashi teach you handsigns? Couldn't you tell if that guy and i fought here, then there would be a ton of collateral damage?"

"Sorry bro, I was just excited to see you." Naruto said, pouting." You left without saying anything."

Kai sighed before patting him on his head. "I get that, and I'm sorry I left, but this is no game. A mistake like that could result in a lot of casulties. Among the first might have been you, Kohamaru, Sakura, and Sasuke."

Sasuke, in an arrogant tone, replied, "They didn't look that strong." He then fell down as he too got punched in his head.

"Never underestimate your opponents!" Kai said harshly. "Even the smallest snake can take down an elephant. You should think about your comrades."

Sakura started towards Sasuke before Kai stopped her. "I expect these two to be idiots but you. You need to be the voice of reason. You are not a frontline fighter study support teqniques such as medical skills, genjutsu, and strategy. Be the voice of reason to these two." Kai said, disappointed.

Seeing all three looked suitably chastened by his words, he invited the 3 plus Kohamaru to ichiraku to get ramen on him. On the way there, he spoke to Kohamaru, who was young enough that Kai had to talk to him differently. He explained kindly that Kohamaru needs to be more careful. "As the Hokage's grandson, you have a giant target on your back. The enemy may target you to get to your grandfather." Kohamaru nodded before asking how Kai frightened them off. Kai explained, "I didn't frighten them off, I just made it so that they realized while they might have won. The price would have been way too high."

At Ichiraku Kai, once more was lamenting the state of his wallet as the three ate bowl after bowl. They ate in silence all 3, still thinking about what Kai had said. After they were done, Kai mentioned that he had to find a swordsmith. and left them to their devices. Stepping into an alley, he looked up.

"You might want to tell the Hokage that he needs more ninja watching his grandson. that could have turned out very badly." Mike said out loud.

Kakashi looked up from his book before responding, "Agreed, what did you make of those three?"

Kai shrugged, "The one with the puppet on his back and the girl were about average for genin, maybe with more potential, but manageable. The problem was the one with the gourd. The bloodlust he showed is not something one so young should be capable of showing."

Kakashi agreed before he left he about fell flat as Kai said, "I get your lazy but educate the knucklehead about handsignals please. Also, this is not eh first time Sasuke has let his temper and impatience endanger the team. If it happens again, I will educate him so it doesn't happen again."

Kai then asked where the most skilled swordsmiths were located in the village. Being directed to a few artistsen shops, he went on his way with the scroll containing the star metal in his pocket.

Kai was not sure if he could fund a swordsmith capable of what he wanted here due to Konoha not really using the sword as a primary weapon, but he figured it was worth a shot.

After the fourth visit to a shop, Kai was visibly frustrated. (The first had no idea what they were doing. All of their equipment was low quality. Fine for a kunai or disposable throw-away weapons but inadequate for a quality sword. The second knew my identity and tried to overcharge to forge it "as a favor." The Third had a long wait time for custom orders. At least the Fourth was honest in the fact that they did not want to touch the metal lest they ruin it since rhey have seen nothing like it before.) He at least had the name of a smith that might be able to do what he wanted.

The man apparently hailed from the Crescent Moon Kingdom and had set up shop recently. Kai entered the shop to see a buff old man who reminded him of Yamato from Bleach. He was over a forge banging away with total concentration. Rather than disturb him, Kai looked around at the swords on the wall. They were western style blades such as Sabres and Gladiuses. There were a few longswords, each of which were well balanced and masterfully forged.

Finally, the smith finished what he was doing and approached the front of the shop. "I don't forge, kunai, shrunken, or any other ninja weapons. I learned my craft well and only forge swords. if you don't like it get out. Payment upfront and don't bother me till I tell you it's ready. I don't make showpieces, and each sword is made for the weilder, so I have to meet the weilder. If you have a problem with that, get out."