Naruto : Unknown Brothers

Yuji often dreamed. His dreams were almost always centered around one thing: becoming a Jonin. But that dream seemed harder to reach with each passing day.

Failing the Jonin test meant he didn't get the same training as the other kids. Being in the Genin Corps meant harsher missions with less pay, training without guidance, and having to figure everything out on his own. He didn't have a Jonin to give him advice, to teach him the finer points of strategy or technique. He had to learn through trial and error, pushing himself beyond what he thought was possible, only to realize that his progress was often slower than those with proper mentorship.

It was a tough life, and Yuji wasn't the only one feeling it. Most Chunin Corps ninjas never made it to Jonin, not because they didn't try, but because they didn't have the resources or opportunities. Without the right support, there was only so much they could do. So, many just gave up, content to stay at the rank of Chunin, their ambitions buried.

A few didn't give up. They fought, they trained, pushing themselves relentlessly. It was then that they were noticed—but not in the light. In the shadows. Most Chunin who refused to quit joined ANBU, the village's elite. They endured even more brutal training, taking on missions that broke lesser men. And, for some, if they survived long enough and accomplished enough, they were promoted to Jonin, stepping into the light at last.

But that was rare.

Yuji knew the reality. He was aware of the odds. But he wasn't ready to give up—not yet. He was going to keep pushing, even if it meant doing it alone. He was going to find a way to make it to the top.

That morning, after another grueling mission, Yuji walked toward the village gates with determination. A letter had arrived summoning him to meet his new team. The team was comprised of 4 chunin including himself. The team-leader was an elite-chunin. He knew little of each team member as everytone of them were older then him more than just a couple of years.

The morning air was cool as Yuji walked toward Training Ground 76. He'd just finished another grueling mission and knew this one was just as important. The summons had arrived the day before, calling him to meet his new team. It was a rare opportunity to be placed with older, more experienced Chunin, and though he didn't know much about them, Yuji was determined to prove himself.

As he approached the training ground, he saw the team gathered already. At the forefront stood the team leader, Goku Saki, a man in his early thirties dressed in standard Chunin attire, a sword hanging from his hip. He had a strong, steady presence—someone who exuded confidence and experience.

Leaning against a tree was Shino Sarutobi, a 16-year-old Chunin. His usual attire was slightly altered with a bandana around his head instead of the typical headband, giving him a more rugged appearance. Standing beside him was Kira Kurama, about 15 years old, also in standard Chunin attire, though her posture and demeanor made it clear she was someone to watch.

Yuji nodded at the group as he arrived. He was determined to make a good first impression. Goku met his gaze and spoke with calm authority. "You're on time."

Yuji nodded back. 'A ninja is never late or too early. Just on time, when he is needed.' he thought to himself.

Goku gave a small approving smile before speaking again. "As you read in the report, my name is Goku, and I'm the team leader. To my right is Shino Sarutobi, and here's Kira Kurama. We're a front-line team, typically tasked with missions that require fast resolution, often involving direct combat."

He paused, his eyes scanning Yuji. "Introduce yourself."

Yuji straightened up and spoke clearly, "Yuji Uzumaki. I specialize in taijutsu, but I also incorporate a couple of jutsu into my fighting style. I made Chunin about a month ago, and I hope to learn more jutsu that will help the team and expand my fighting style. I have more chakra than others, but I haven't had many opportunities to learn new techniques yet."

Goku nodded, absorbing the information. "And your goals?"

Yuji didn't hesitate. "To make it to Jonin. And maybe later, start a family of my own."

Goku raised an eyebrow, a subtle hint of approval in his expression. "Good. As I said, I'm Goku Saki, and I specialize in kenjutsu and taijutsu. My techniques focus on maneuverability—getting away from enemies or blocking their attacks. I have an Earth-style chakra nature, which complements my fighting style. I'll teach you how to stay on your feet, no matter the situation."

He gestured toward Shino, who stepped forward next.

"I'm Shino Sarutobi," Shino said, his voice calm. "I specialize in ninjutsu, particularly lightning-based techniques. I also know a few water-style jutsu and I'm not too bad at taijutsu either. My goal is to make the most of my versatility."

Kira followed, a soft smile on her face. "I'm Kira Kurama. I specialize in shurikenjutsu and genjutsu, but I've also started learning healing techniques. My role will be to provide backup and support when needed."

Goku nodded once again, clearly satisfied with the introductions. "Alright. We each bring something different to the table, and that's what makes this team strong. Our missions are going to be tough, but you'll be pushed to your limits. I expect nothing less than your best, every time."

"For the next two weeks, we're focusing on teamwork," Goku said, his tone blunt. "We'll find our weaknesses and cover them—either by ourselves or with each other." He gave them a quick look. "We'll go over the basic formations first, then look for mistakes and tweak them. After that, we'll spar to see what we've got."

And just like that, the two weeks flew by.

At first, everyone was still trying to figure each other out. But after a while, they started clicking. They got used to each other's rhythms and learned to work together. The tension started to ease up, and they were more comfortable around each other.

Shino, at first, had trouble trusting his back to an 8-year-old, even if that 8-year-old was a prodigy. But after a bit, he got used to it. Since their chakra natures were similar, they started pulling off some good combo attacks. Shino even took time to teach Yuji a few water jutsu he knew, and Yuji picked it up fast.

Kira, on the other hand, had a more relaxed approach. She treated Yuji like a little brother, which honestly made him a bit uncomfortable. Nobody had ever spoken to him like that. But he wasn't about to complain. Her care felt different, and while it made him feel awkward at times, he could tell she was looking out for him.

As for Goku, he was all business, but you could tell he cared. He didn't let them slack off. He made sure everyone knew each other's strengths and weaknesses and pushed them to be ready for any mission. Goku was strict, but everything he did made sure they would work well together when shit hit the fan.

...

[2 years later]

Team Goku stood by the village gates, waiting for their youngest member to show up. It had been two years since the team first formed, and the mission today was just like the others—dangerous, but routine.

Yuji, now 10, arrived quickly, looking a bit guilty for being late. "Sorry!" he said with a smile, trying to brush it off. Goku just gave a grunt, barely acknowledging his apology before walking off. The team followed in silence, Kira already scolding Yuji for his tardiness, while Shino, of course, supported her with sarcastic comments from the back.

In the two years they'd worked together, they'd grown used to each other. Surviving countless near-death battles would do that. Yuji had grown stronger, faster. He'd become a beast in taijutsu, and with help from Shino and Kira, his jutsu arsenal was solid—water jutsu, genjutsu, all of it mixed with his speed and raw strength. His pride was big, but Goku always found a way to knock it down a notch.

Today's mission was another B-Rank. The team had been on plenty of them by now. They were given a mission to deal with a bandit outpost with a couple of genin nuke-nin among them. The outpost was near the Kusa border.

Arriving at the location Yuji used his Minds-eye, a special Uzumaki ability to sense chakra he discovered. But something felt off.

"I don't sense anyone," Yuji said, confused. Goku, always quick to act, motioned for Yuji to stretch his senses further. Yuji did, pushing out to 125 meters, then 150 meters, then 175 meters. His eyes widened.

"Two, 10 a-clock!" Yuji yelled.

"Formation 10!" Goku barked.

Without missing a beat, Yuji and Goku moved to the front to block the attack, while Shino started charging up a heavy water jutsu.

A second later, the two attackers appeared, fast, slashing at their throats with deadly precision. Goku blocked one with his tanto, while Yuji did his best to defend with his metal-armored arms. His body shook under the force of the blow, but he stood firm. Shino fired off a couple of water bullets, but they only grazed one enemy. The other dodged and backed off.

Yuji kept his focus. His Minds-eye told him there were two more behind them, and they were closing in fast.

"Behind!" he shouted.

The fight was on. Now it was four on four.

Yuji locked eyes with his opponent. He didn't hesitate. He activated Shushin and lunged at the enemy, throwing a quick right hook. The ninja blocked it easily, but as Yuji followed up with a kick, his opponent caught his leg and tried to knock him down.

Yuji twisted in the air, avoiding the worst of it, and came at him again with another Shushin. This time, his right arm glowed with chakra, charged up from his intense training. He'd been working on a new technique—Shushin charged arm. He punched, and with a sickening crunch, his enemy's body exploded from the impact.

Yuji took a step back, exhausted. His arm was a mess, though. The force of the punch shattered his bones. He could barely hold his arm up.

"Yuji!" Shino yelled, but there was no time to check on him. Kira was in trouble. Shino rushed to her aid. Yuji could hardly keep himself upright, but he had to focus. His team needed him.

Kira was fighting hard, but her opponent was too much for her. In a flash, she was down, a blade through her chest. "No!" Shino screamed. Abandoning his opponent Shino shushined behind her killer and cut his throat in a second. Yuji, with his left arm, kunai in hand, appeared to the Shinos previous opponent and stabbed him in the back multiple times while they were moving.

Yuji's heart was burning. This wasn't the way it was supposed to go. His older sister just died.

They still had one enemy left. Goku was in the middle of fighting one of them.

The last enemy, seeing his comrades dead, decided. Using the last of his strength he moved at great speed and appeared between Shino and Goku. Mumbling something he pulsed his chakra around his body, which activated explosive tags he had around his body. Shino could only watch as he wasn't fast enough to stop what was happening.

The blast took Shino's life in an instant, Gokus arm exploded to nothingness and his face burned off, while Yuji was thrown back, the shockwave knocking him off his feet and knocking him out too.

Some time later, Yuji stirred awake, his head pounding and his vision blurred. As he pushed himself up, the reality of the scene hit him like a kunai to the chest. Kira's body lay still, cold, and lifeless. His stomach churned as he turned toward where Shino had been—but there was almost nothing left. Just scattered pieces, unrecognizable and devastating.

Yuji clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he forced himself to move. Gritting his teeth, he stumbled to Goku's side, checking for a pulse. It was faint, but there. Relief was short-lived as he saw the mangled mess that had been Goku's left arm.

"No time to waste," Yuji muttered under his breath.

Fumbling with his storage scroll, he pulled out supplies and wrapped up what was left of Goku's arm as tightly as he could. Blood seeped through the bandages, but it was the best he could manage.

Protocol dictated what came next. Swallowing his emotions, Yuji moved to his fallen teammates. He hesitated as he reached Kira, the weight of her loss almost too much to bear. Still, he carefully sealed her body into a storage scroll. Then, with trembling hands, he did the same for what little remained of Shino.

Yuji returned to Goku, shaking him gently but firmly. "Captain, wake up. We've gotta move.

Goku's eyes fluttered open, glassy and unfocused. Despite his condition, years of training kicked in. He groaned but managed to push himself upright with Yuji's help. His movements were sluggish, his strength nearly gone, but he didn't protest.

Yuji hooked one of Goku's arms over his shoulder, taking most of his weight. "We're going home," Yuji said, his voice steady despite the storm raging in his chest.

With every step, the weight of his fallen teammates and the sight of his broken captain pressed heavier on him. But Yuji kept moving, determination and grief driving him forward. They had to make it back. They had to survive.

---

Told you it was fast-paced