247Boom!
A massive column of energy arose, completely engulfing Kabuto. The energy created a powerful shockwave that blasted dust and small chunks of earth around. It was a direct hit. It must have blown him apart when it exploded. Naruto didn't want to think too deeply about how that actually happened. Nor was he happy that he had actually managed to pull it off.
When the debris cleared, there was nothing but a huge crater where Kabuto had once stood.
Not even his glasses.
He'd simply vanished from existence.
Naruto didn't get up from his knees. He should have ran. He should have made haste the moment he pulled it off. But, he stared at his arm. The tattoos were moving. There was a burning sensation. It would heal, but he was damaging it. It was first the Rasenshuriken, and now it was this. After a moment, gritting his teeth in pain, Naruto glanced up.
As long as the seal was active, he couldn't weave hand signs.
He stared at a bleeding Orochimaru. Lying on the ground like a snake. More importantly, there were people watching. But he tried not to look. The snake lifted its head, glaring at him murderously. Naruto felt a shiver down his spine. He'd seen Orochimaru mad before but not like this.
This was pure contempt.
"Naruto…" Orochimaru hissed, coughing blood. He'd almost died. Dead for real. Even if he survived, he'd lost Kabuto. He'd lost Sasuke. He couldn't retrieve the Uchiha in this condition. Worse, he let Guren go.
If she was still around, he would use her. But he had no one now. Except for Karin. He would have to call for her. To aide him. He needed a new host. This body was going to break apart any time soon. Karin could help him locate a new host.
"You're looking good." Naruto said, standing up. He could finish off the Sannin.
A Rasenshuriken would finish the job.
Not even Orochimaru could survive being hit by that jutsu.
"Kukukuku..." Orochimaru hissed. He replaced his anger with a tired grin. Still on the ground, he responded.
"That is thanks to you. You exceeded my expectations. I knew you were coming, could have left before you arrived, but I thought Sasuke would win."
"A pity he lost." Naruto stared coldly. He could not pity the snake. Not even a little. If anything, he wanted to march over there and stomp on the snake. Humiliate him. Make him feel what it meant to be at someone's mercy.
"Yes." Orochimaru grunted, contemptuously. "That was an impressive jutsu, Naruto-kun. Fuinjutsu is indeed a powerful thing." He frowned. His eyes sharpened. "Could you be the one who took those masks from the Uzumaki temple?"
"Yes…It is the property of my clan after all."
That was going to cost him. He had been late in discovering the method to regain his hands but when he finally did, the mask was gone. Someone had stolen it. And it was Naruto. Damn brat. He was the reason everything was happening today.
Orochimaru was not going to forget this.
"Do you even know how to use those masks?!"
Naruto tilted his head to the side. "Ah, yes. Your hands are still sealed away. It appears that there is one method of obtaining them. The Dead demon consuming seal, seals targets within the belly of the Shinigami. And the only way there is through the shinigami mask." Naruto explained lightly.
His lips twirled into a sickening smile. "For someone who is used to taking things from other people, how does it feel to have your things taken away, Orochimaru? Sasuke. Guren. And Kabuto. Now, I have your only method to ever get back your ability to perform the ninjutsu you spent years trying to learn."
The Sannin responded opening his mouth wide.
Another form.
But he still fell to the ground, lying on his belly. Sweating a bit, he spoke. "Sasuke-kun will return to me. And I will take you in, Naruto-kun. I will remove that right hand of yours and then study it before making you a valuable test subject. The Bijuu's power grants you some impressive healing powers. I want to know just to what extent…" He exploded it a huge white snake.
It was a creepy thing.
He then slithered his way toward him, opening his mouth wide.
Ready to swallow him whole.
Naruto's eyes snapped open
A week had passed since then. He was back in the Hidden Leaf. Everything was back to normal. For him at least. Sasuke was locked up in an ANBU cell. Not even Sakura had been able to see him. But Naruto was not concerned. At this stage, he no longer cared what happened to the Uchiha. He just wanted to live his life.
It had been amusing when they returned. To some people, Sasuke was being manipulated by Orochimaru.
Denial.
Then again, this village was tragically obsessed with fictional alternatives. Reality was a bitter pill to swallow. So, they ignored it.
His life had been miserable because of systems set up in shinobi villages. He didn't understand it. And never would. He was not even willing to understand. Because he had already decided.
Their actions had been completely irrational.
"You are awake."
Naruto tilted his head to the side. There was a black haired woman. She was half naked. Dressing up. He closed his eyes for a moment. Trying to remember her name. He'd been out drinking. Again. He hadn't been alone though. Anko made a good drinking partner.
And how was he with another woman?
She was no doubt a kunoichi.
But what was her name?
He opened his eyes, squinting them slightly. "Umm…"
She turned to him, amused. "Don't worry about names…"
"I was not worried…Just trying to remember."
"You can't recall something you never processed."
"I never got your name…Kunoichi sure are dangerous…"
She could have been a spy sent by Orochimaru.
Danzo.
Anyone really.
He smiled, inwardly.
He was becoming a little paranoid.
It was no good.
"Be seeing you around, Uzumaki.. You should clean this place." She remarked, after a pause of her footsteps.
Once she was gone, Naruto sat up. He was in his apartment. The crappy place that reminded him of many miserable nights. Lonely nights when he wished he was different. Had parents. But the whole time, the Sandiame Hokage knew and yet kept it away from him.
Shaking his head, Naruto stoop up, he didn't care that he was naked. He walked to the window and watched the outside. The sun was rising. Its orange rays were starting to hit the village. He could go home and do a bit of physical conditioning. His body needed to be physically strong.
He would need to stop using Senjutsu when it was not necessary.
The streets were with few people. It was still early morning. He could see people moving around. He smiled. Seeing someone staring at him. He waved his right hand. Amused.
The silent streets.
The place that once tormented his very existence. The hateful glares. The contempt. The whispers. Why was the Sandaime even allowing him to join the academy? Don't speak to him. He is dangerous. Don't look at him, honey!
Some of those things he heard.
Some didn't bother hiding their hostility.
He stupidly walked around though, grinning corner to corner, doing pranks to try to get their attention. He never got it. They only hated him more. Well, at least things were good for exercise. A pity he'd been focused on fruitless endeavors that he could not see his special set of skills.
For a moment, Naruto thought of grinning.
Smiling all over.
Just for laughs.
Just to see the reaction of the villagers.
They'd probably think he'd finally lost it. These days, he hardly walked within the streets. Well, at least not everyone was whispering Kyubi and he could walk into any shop. He smiled bitterly. It did help that he'd been on missions to retrieve Tsunade and another to bring back Sasuke. The people very close to the hearts of the villagers.
'Humans are truly complicated beings, aren't they?' The Sanbi asked.
Naruto raised an eye brow. The Bijuu hardly spoke to him. They only time it spoke was when he was training to use its chakra. "You say that but unlike the Kyubi, you don't appear hate humans."
'My former host was crazy. He was the Mizukage. With my power, he did so many things.' The Sanbi said, pausing for a moment.
'But you are different.'
'I'm just like any other Jinchuriki. We get called names. Our existence doesn't matter but they only see what is inside of us.' Naruto responded quietly. 'Of course, things are different, but it does not change the past.'
'Which you seem to be holding on to."
'I can't forget it. I have been curious. Bijuu have been around for long. But your names come from humans. And as far as I have noticed, you all know each other. What do you call yourselves?'
Isobu was quiet for a long minute, just wondering what to say. It was the first time. A human asking his name. A curious thing that he doesn't seem to have asked Kurama. Then again, it was not like the Bijuu would willingly give it.
But he could be wrong.
The relationship the two had was different from what he had imagined, knowing Kurama's attitude and hatred for humans, that is.
'Isobu.'
'Isobu, huh?' Naruto said in thought. 'I would like to know Kyubi's name one day. Patience will have to do with him. He is just way too prideful to even tell me…'
'You are not going to ask me to tell you?'
Naruto shook his head. 'He has been close to me since I was in my mother's womb. I want to hear it from him.'
Naruto had debated about this but he finally decided to ask for Tsunade's help. His arm was not giving him any problems but he knew, it could become a problem in the near future if he did not help it. Of course, the main issue had been trust. But Tsunade has always been kind, honest.
He understood not everything she could tell him. He was after all, just a subordinate and she was the Godaime Hokage. Their relationship may be a little closer but she still had a duty to the village. Expecting her to throw it all way for one person was just stupid. Even his parents understood this much. At least his father did so.
The office was quiet. As always. For much of his life, he had been coming here. Not for missions or reports.
But to speak to his lying Jiji.
Naruto shook his head and then sat in front of Tsunade's desk.
She glanced at him, quiet. She was always like this when she had bad news. "You are quite easy to read... Then again, you never do make an attempt to hide your emotions. Unlike Jiraiya-sensei…"
Tsunade shrugged. "I can…I just choose not to..." She paused. "You've been spending a lot of time training lately. Shouldn't you find time to rest?"
"I rest when I sleep."
Her concern. Those eyes. He smiled. It was pleasant being with someone you knew cared for you without any ulterior motives. "So?"
Tsunade sighed, leaning against her chair. "What did you do to your arm?"
"First." Naruto said, holding out his right hand.
It was free of all marks. A small jutsu started to form. It was small, but its unique screeching sound brought the Hokage to alert. He cancelled it quickly.
"This jutsu is big. There are thousands, if not more wind blades within it. If it hits you, the damage won't likely be visible physically but internally. I didn't know how to execute it safely. So it hit me. The power of the Kyubi is very dangerous to humans. Did you know, in its raw form it can burn you alive? I'm a Jinchuriki, and I have long been exposed to it, so it is not harmful to me. Except in a few cases. When I first started with my jutsu. The seal wasn't written properly, so it went boom."
Tsunade shook her head. It was all because of power. Then again, what was a shinobi without power?
"Your hand is different from the rest of your body. The chakra doesn't heal you…It just forces your natural healing process. This degenerates your cells quickly. Eventually, they'll stop functioning and you'll lose use of it."
"How long?"
"It really depends on the damage. Since it is not something that happens often, and you are Uzumaki, might take years to show. But all quick regeneration abilities have the same issue. You age quickly. But, there might be a way to help you."
"Which is?"
"It is something more specific that I am still trying to study. But far more closer than I was when I first got a hand on Yamato's file. My grandfather was perhaps the best medical ninjutsu user. I'm a little envious at how quickly the Kyubi can heal you. But as you said, the chakra is lethal to a human. You are different because you are a Jinchuriki…Perhaps it is something 'forced' not controlled, maybe results would be different. If you could control it willingly control that healing aspect of it, you'd not suffer. But the method I have would negate any side-effects. It would give you superior regenerative capabilities, far beyond anyone." She said in thought, smiling a bit.
"I'd need time to prepare your body and ensure that the cells don't invade the rest of your body uncontrollably. As this could become dangerous to you."
Naruto nodded. Anything to work around this issue. At least now things were going to be solved. And even more, he would have Hashirama's DNA in his body. That was something, else, wasn't it? He smiled. "Thank you."
She shrugged. "You brought me back here…Made me realize something I had forgotten. I can dream again… because of you Naruto. If I can make your life and your path as a shinobi, a little better, I will do that."
She'd been different then. A hopeless woman who cursed the dream of becoming Hokage. She had been a degenerative gambler who was legendary for losing more than winning. He smiled warmly. It was amazing just how some people could change.
"You have my thanks nonetheless. I have not always found people who willingly helped me out of the goodness of their heart."
A hard life. A torturous life. But he had made it this far. Alive and marching toward bigger things.
Circumstances didn't stop anyone from getting to their dreams, it was their mindset.
"Well, you can say I am doing this for the village." Tsunade tossed him a stern look. "We might be going to war. No, it is inevitable at this stage. It was why even getting Sasuke was most important."
Her honesty was refreshing. But Naruto was not afraid of war. He was waiting for it. It didn't matter that those who spoke of war have always said it is a horrible thing. "He getting there?"
Tsunade shook her head. "No. I'm going to give him to Danzo. He needs to change. It still possesses some risk, but I have made some contingency plans for the eventuality."
"You know he is going to try something."
"It is in his nature." Tsunade said in a firm tone. "Besides, we were not getting anywhere with Sasuke. As things stand, he might never get back to Team 7. But with Sakura's duties at the village, Team 7 will hardly be functioning as usual."
Nothing unexpected.
"Understandable."
"With the war coming, you might engage. But Sakura will be required to be on the rear to do the healing. There comes your healing abilities. It is not an ability, in the sense of medical ninjutsu. It is the Kyubi's chakra that regenerates your wounds. If you could learn to control this chakra, you'd become a great asset in the front lines. We would not lose so many as you'd be able to do something not even I can do. My abilities are only limited to me, and while hailed as the greatest medic, I can't regenerate people's wounds on the snap..."
She pointed a finger at him.
"But you could do it. Without weaving hand signs."
"I never considered that."
"You're not a medical shinobi. You focus much on creating jutsu for defeating your opponents." Tsunade shrugged. Once more, she smiled sadly. "I'm going to use you as a weapon…Something the Sandaime resisted."
Naruto shook his head. "My own father made me this. Besides, for shinobi, it is about power. Those who have power must use it. You cannot be afraid to send me into war because you are thinking about my feelings. A weapon. It doesn't matter. I am a shinobi. I train to fight. To be available for any battle. This power, ensures that I survive. You can say, I'm blessed."
"You have a bleak way of looking at things."
"It is just reality. Something that we must accept. That is why you are telling me this, yes?"
Tsunade nodded, falling silent for a couple of moments. "In the missions you have completed thus far, you have displayed strength, sound judgment, ability to lead and proven yourself as a valuable asset to this village." She smiled, taking something out.
A Jonin vest.
"Congratulations, Naruto. You are now officially a Jonin."
Receiving his vest. His acknowledgement. Naruto felt happy. He had been waiting for this for a while now. For it to finally happen. He was happy. A pity Jiraiya was still out cold. Tsunade refused to wake him. More repairs to his body were needed. But he'd finally made it. He would no longer be mocked by his friends.
Especially Kiba.
He would no longer have the shame of having the same rank as Konohamaru.
"I'm sorry it took so long to promote you."
Naruto shook his head. "To achieve this because of my strength, record in missions is something that no one can take away. Not one can deny that I am worthy of it."
"You were worthy of being at least a Chunin before you left. You displayed wit. The will to fight. An undying spirit to defeat someone hailed as a prodigy. You showed courage, dedication and most of all, strength when you fought a fully transformed Bijuu. Most Jonin would have been killed. But you made it. You also showed this strength in the mission to retrieve me. You defeated Kabuto. I should have promoted you."
"Politics..." Naruto shrugged. "I'm going home."
A pity, his parents were dead.
If not, he'd been taking this to them. Or maybe he could think of a method to bring his mother back to life. There were methods. He just needed to find a way. He shook his head. He should not be thinking of fuinjutsu in that way.
At the same time, he needed to change his attire.
"Frog Slap."
Naruto slapped his open hand on the trunk of a tree, sending waves of natural chakra. Within seconds, the trunk exploded. Seeing the tree fall towards him, Naruto didn't move, but waited for it to get closer. A Senjutsu enhanced punch slammed the tree, sending it flying away from him.
Frog Kata was a cheat.
Tsunade's chakra enhanced punches could not come close to the attack by this technique. Just one hit, and he didn't have to touch his opponent and he would end it. Truly, Sage Mode was powerful. So powerful it should not be used just for merely any opponent.
Using this technique, he need not even see an attack. His senses were enhanced. But there needed to be improvement. He needed to improve the range. The techniques he could use under Frog Kata. If he could do that, then he would have improved massively.
He could now afford to keep Sage Mode as his ace card.
Everyone would eventually know he was a Jinchuriki.
Naruto glanced up. A disturbance outside the barrier.
He sighed.
The barrier was needed to keep his jutsu a secret. He then did hand seals, deactivating the barrier.
Sai: there was only one reason this shinobi had come to see him and that was something to do with Danzo.
He sighed.
Well, at least this gave him an opportunity to take risks and be closer to the war hawk. No doubt the man didn't trust him. But he was obviously looking to use him for his goals. But one day would come, Naruto would grab the snake by its head and turn it to ashes.
"You are really redecorating this forest." Sai was doing his best fake smile.
Naruto looked around. Trees were cut down. Craters all over. Tsunade had already warned him to take it away from the village to avoid causing unnecessary panic.
"Stop with that fake smile, will you? It is starting to irk me."
"I read that you must smile when talking to friends."
Naruto raised an eye brow at this. "Ah, so that is what you read. A fake smile is not for friends. You do not pretend to smile. If your heart is not smiling, then don't smile."
Sai tilted his head to the side. He then shrugged. "Danzo-sama wishes to see you."
"I didn't know we are friends, Sai." He stared, ignoring the shinobi's call. "We are teammates, but not friends. Learn the meaning of friendship and then we will talk. But don't read about it. Books can lie. Observe."
"You and Sasuke?"
Naruto laughed. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you were being sarcastic." Smiling, he spoke once more. "Don't take Sasuke as an example. He has some loose screws...So, what does your boss want with me?"
"I don't know." he said, shaking his head. "I was just instructed to get you."
"Lead the way…"
"You'll have to be blind…"
"Sure…" Naruto held up both hands, rolling his eyes a bit dramatically.
Root hideout. It was large. Much bigger than he had expected. Still, it felt rather empty. Not because the people here were emotionless shinobi. But because there very few of them. It was surprising. He'd expected Danzo to be doing better than this. Then again, recruitment must be difficult, especially since the Sandaime had restricted it.
People here did the nasty things. They instigated wars. And then acted like sages. When there was trouble outside, within the leaf, they did not help. Danzo would rather see the villagers slaughtered if it could earn him the position he wanted dearly.
A corrupt man.
Itachi understood him better.
He knew him inside and out.
Looking around at the many pathways. He could not understand the structure. He came to a halt. Hearing the footsteps.
Soon, Danzo appeared, flanked by two shinobi.
He stopped some distance away.
"Come." He ordered.
Naruto said nothing but just followed. No one said anything. It was just the sound of footsteps. They came to a halt at what appeared to be a cell. They stepped inside. He was not surprised to see Sasuke sitting in a dark corner.
Crimson eyes glared at them.
"He has been brought to me for some lessons." Danzo stated.
Honestly, it was disappointing seeing just how the younger brother of Itachi had turned out. So weak and unable to control his emotions. It was fine to have anger but he should learned to control it. To channel it to make himself stronger.
Not express it through childish tantrums.
Naruto stared at Sasuke. He was surprised they didn't seal off his chakra.
He realized, the others didn't get in.
To avoid being caught in Genjutsu.
"This seems to suit you better, Sasuke." He said in a flat tone. "Disappointing truly."
Sasuke's glare was murderous. If he actually feared the Uchiha, he would have been begging for mercy, making plans to break him out to avoid the vengeance.
"It is your fault. I should be out there."
"My apologies."
"I will not forgive this, Naruto. You have stood in the way of my revenge. I wanted to avenge my clan, but you stood in the way."
"I was being sarcastic. I'm not sorry at all."
Sasuke glared.
"You will get your revenge. Itachi is still out there."
"Why am I here?!"
"Because you are weak, Sasuke. You have no control over your emotions. If Orochimaru's training had been enough, you would have evaded capture." Danzo stated coldly.
"ButI willput you in shape. And we will send you after Itachi."
Naruto had no doubt about that. It almost sounded as if it was something a bit personal. Even Itachi's reference of Danzo was curious. There was history there. Much more than what Itachi was willing to tell. After that, they stepped out.
Danzo faced him, making Naruto wonder why the man had even brought him here.
"He will be put into shape soon. But I don't need him to be too indifferent. The Mangekyo Sharingan only awakens from grief. But I wanted to show him to let you know that we might need you to test his skills. We don't have anyone who can match him skill to skill. In order to gauge his progress, we will need someone he cannot beat."
Naruto merely nodded.
"Since you have succeeded, I am willing to help you learn to control the power of the Kyubi."
Naruto shook his head. "Not necessary…I can control it."
Danzo did not offer a response. He merely took out a small booklet. And then handed it to him. Naruto took it. He was asked to turn to a page. The book was Iwa's bingo book. Naruto frowned. There was a recent picture of him.
What concerned him was the things under the name.
Jinchuriki of the Kyubi.
Trained by Jiraiya.
Son of Konoha's Yellow Flash.
There were two things that people outside were not supposed to know unless someone leaked it. In fact the rumors about his parents were only starting to fly now. But it could not be something Iwa already knew to even put it in their bingo book.
"Did you leak it?"
"Yes…I fed them the information. They have not publicly released this book, but they soon will. Konoha cannot afford to be seen as weak. You are the village's greatest weapon. You cannot be a secret. If we must use the fear of the Kyubi and the possibility of you knowing your father's technique, then so be it."
"It would be a problem if I become targeted."
"It only escalates things." Danzo said without care. "You will survive. And the war will grow near. They will come in fear and we will use Sasuke as a secret weapon."
Naruto shook his head.
To think that things would come to this.
Iwa's feelings regarding his father were not a secret. But who would have thought that Danzo would try to use this to his advantage? He was troubled. Greatly so. What more was this man willing to do to give Konoha the advantage. Perhaps from now on, he needed to keep his distance.
At least, he had not stated anything about Sage Mode.
Or any of his known abilities.
He needed to get out of this place now before Danzo said something else that would piss him off to the point where he would go on a rampage.
"Rasengan!"
Naruto glanced behind as he walked in a forest within the training grounds. He saw Konohamaru speeding through the ground, dashing toward him with the A-rank jutsu. He still needed two clones to do the jutsu. He shook his head, and then stopped walking.
The genin jumped slightly as he drove the jutsu toward his back. Naruto shifted to the right, a bit, while holding out his left hand. He caught Konohamaru by the wrist, cutting off the flow of blood for a moment, causing the boy to disperse his jutsu before he lost control over it.
He then twisted around, hurling the boy toward a tree.
"Gaah!" Konohamaru cried, as he hit the tree with his back, eyes closed. He wanted to curse Naruto but when he opened his eyes, the blond was in front of him, glaring down at him.
"Disappointing." He breathed hot air. "If you are going to attack someone from behind, at least be silent about it."
Konohamaru glared.
"You didn't have to be so rough!" He exclaimed, feeling his back ache a bit.
Naruto shrugged. Perhaps he was being a little tough on Konohamaru. But if things became bad, even children would be sent to war. There was no telling just how long the war would take. If Konoha's forces became stretched, what happened in the last Great War will happen again. It was not wrong to prepare him. To keep him awake, but he may be strong enough to survive and not just survive but have the strength to protect his friends.
He had seen with Kakashi, the pain of losing friends in battle was something few were able to overcome.
"Next time, you'll learn to be silent." He said flatly. Still, he'd learned the Rasengan. It was worth something.
What was missing was improving his Taijutsu skills and his chakra control.
"You never let me hit you!" Konohamaru complained.
Naruto just smiled. He would never give him that comfort. There was a gap. And each day he had to remind him that the gap existed. And he needed to cut it.
"Come on." He said, waving his right hand as he turned away from the Sarutobi.
"Who holds the summoning contract of your grandfather?"
Konohamaru looked thoughtful before shrugging. "I don't know…"
Naruto sighed. A child. He thought mildly. Couldn't he think better of such things. Naruto did not hold any contract. Konohamaru was from the Sandaime's clan, he could inquire about the contract and if he can sign it.
But for now, he could leave it.
They arrived at a place were there was a small stream of water. Konohamaru quickly rushed forward to the water. Naruto just shook his head. He did have things he could do. Back at the house, the clones were busy consuming all the information they could about Fuinjutsu.
He would have to finish learning the Four Symbol technique or perhaps just open the one holding the Kyubi.
But the problem with that was that the Toads still had the key. He could not do anything without the key. He could weaken it but not completely tamper with it in the way he wanted.
"I have already explained to you the reason why you can only create the Rasengan in the same manner as I used to. Lack of chakra control and focus…" Naruto started. "We will have to beat some control into you. Create five clones."
Konohamaru did as instructed.
Naruto sat down and then did hand seals, slamming his hands on the ground.
He summoned a huge sealing scroll. And unfolded it. He placed his hand, channelling chakra before a couple of weights appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Put them on your wrists and ankles." He instructed. "The clones will be doing water walking and you will be doing tree climbing."
Konohamaru stared at the weights. He grabbed two and tried to lift them but completely dropped them. He released some sweat.
"Maybe we shouldn't be doing this." He said hopelessly. "How do you expect me to float on the water with weights I cannot even lift?"
"You can lift them. You just need to put some strength into it…How you float…Well, you just have put enough chakra under your feet to stay afloat." Naruto said with a shrug. "Succeed in this, and I will teach you another jutsu."
He waved Konohamaru away.
The boy grumbled for a couple of minutes but Naruto didn't entertain him. He just tore off the part of the scroll he'd just used and then unwrapped it again, revealing similar markings on his right arm.
His jutsu worked in a very simple way. He 'sealed' the Kyubi's chakra into the seal. And then released it. However its release written differently. When releasing, it could only pour out a certain percentage of both negative and positive chakra, as written in the formula. There was no way to convert the basic elements. Not unless he drew that into the formula.
Sealing 'sealed' staff. Absorbing chakra was possible. Then he would have to draw a seal on the palm of his right hand that could absorb chakra. However, he would have to draw formulas for all the basic elements. If he could do that, then he would have to draw up a path of 'unsealing' the chakra.
However, this would have to be done at the same point to combine all elements into one. And then he could have a release. He nodded. That could work. But it would now be two different seals. The release could still be one nevertheless.
After more than two hours, Naruto looked up from the scroll and found Konohamaru lying flat on his back. There was just one clone in the water…Drowning. He sighed and then stood up. He could have him try to dodge kunai while with those weights but that kind of training was too brutal. He didn't want the boy to go home with wounds.
Let him have battle scars rather than training scars.
He clapped his hands as he stood. "Konohamaru. Remove the weights; I want to show you something."
Konohamaru was more then happy to remove the weights. He felt lighter. He jumped up. Kicked out a bit.
And then tried to dash toward Naruto but he tripped.
"Whoa!"
Naruto laughed. He'd fallen flat on his face. "See the benefits of training using the weights? Speed. And also physical strength. These are basic stuff for a shinobi. You cannot become Hokage if your are the slowest. You don't need to be faster than everyone. Just fast enough. You've also been constantly using chakra. Trying to find the right balance. That is another take on this. You see, in this one thing, you were training different things."
Konohamaru could not deny that he felt lighter the moment he removed the weights.
"You still haven't learned to reach the top. Take a small break. And try again. With the weights. When you make improvement, remove them and try climbing without them. Try it now without them and you'll see…"
Konohamaru tried but he fell.
"The weight is different. You have become used to using more chakra than necessary. You need to learn to apply the chakra that is necessary depending on the situation. Take a break, and get back to it." He said, sitting down.
Konohamaru felt beat.
Tired.
He'd never worked so hard before. Not in his life. It was not as brutal as sometimes Naruto threatened it would be. But at least with things this way, he could handle them a little better. He was improving. It was frustrating that he still could not touch Naruto but he was happy with improvements.
He looked up at the blond, walking in the streets, hands inside his pants.
A Jonin flak.
The usual coat was not there.
The streets were different.
Since his grandfather died, he stopped being the Hokage's grandson. Even for Naruto. People stared. Some of them. But for different reasons. The whispers about him being the Yondaime Hokage's son. And the reflection of the past.
It made things awkward.
But his sensei didn't seem to actually mind it.
Still, he smiled. He had no complaints.
When Naruto halted, and turned to him. He realized he'd been lagging behind. His smile only widened and he ran toward the blond.
"What are we going to be doing tomorrow?"
"Don't you have team missions?"
Konohamaru shrugged. "It's not missions….It is chores. I can avoid them by pretending to be sick."
Naruto shook his head. "Discipline, my friend. I have some things to do from morning till noon. Be with your team, and then come to my house. We will pick up where we left off…"
"Can't we do something different?"
"Peeping?"
Konohamaru looked at him, wondering if he was serious but before he could say anything, Naruto hit him on the shoulder.
"Perverted child!" He said with a laugh.
"Hey…You are the sensei…I learned the jutsu from you!"
"You are just a pervert…Probably got it from the Third." Naruto said, shaking his head slightly. The ramen stand. It was a rule to fill up the stomach after training, and with ramen. Not just with one, but as many bowl as he needed.
Ayame was delightful as always. Konohamaru had his and they started to dig in while he was being congratulated on his promotion. His former classmates still didn't know he'd been promoted. Kiba would lose his talking point. It would be amusing to watch. At least he no longer had to walk with the shame of being ranked lower than both Ino and Sakura.
Though, with the ranking, some missions usually dangerous for a Genin, would become less dangerous. And that would mean less pay. Money was needed. In this life. In this world. Weapons were not made by chakra.
They were bought.
By money that was earned from missions.
Naruto was brought out of his thoughts when Guren walked to the stand, Yukimaru right behind. She sat beside him, scowling about something. Yukimaru greeted him pleasantly, and Naruto returned the greeting with a smile before introducing him to Konohamaru.
"How is life in Konoha?"
Guren's eyes turned to him, glaring. She blamed him. He could not fault her. But he was not going to apologize for it.
She could blame working zealously for Orochimaru.
"My chakra is sealed…Thanks to you. And I can't leave the damn village!" She all but shouted, still glaring.
Naruto smiled at her frustrations. And she had an ANBU watching over her. Even now. Ah, it was a bit sad.
"Missions." He said, shrugging. "But you are not going to leave…This village."
"That much has become apparent." Her face flashed with bitterness and anger. "Should have known things would turn out like this when I allowed myself to get captured."
"Allowed?"
"You caught me off-guard."
Naruto chuckled lightly. "You ambushed me. But on the bright side of things, nobody knows your true identify. The village is trying to get your loyalty."
She snorted. But said nothing on that regard. She knew that. It didn't matter if she swore that she was not going to join an enemy. With how things were going with Orochimaru, he was unlikely to leave her alone. she did wonder if anyone was safe from the Sannin, even if she was in this village.
"I heard you killed Kabuto."
"Hmm, yes…That did happen." Naruto smiled. "I could have gotten Orochimaru, but he slipped away."
"You speak as if you could have killed him…" Guren said, staring at him.
Naruto stared back. "I'm a Jinchuriki…With that firepower, I could turn him into dust…If only he would stay still. Though, he did threaten to haunt me..." He sighed in thought.
"What is that you want to add regarding Kabuto?"
"I hated him."
She said those words in a simple tone. He held himself from laughing. "Did he take your master from you? This is a funny way of saying thank you." He, eyed her out of the corner of his eyes.
"I'm not saying thank you!"
"Ah, yes…You still haven't said thanks for keeping Yukimaru safe. I mean, I did promise you I'd bring him to this village. And here you are, with him." Naruto said. "Though not free. But I never did promise any freedom."
Guren was silent, mentally arguing.
"You have my thanks." She said through gritted teeth.
Naruto shook his head.
It was truly difficult for some people to say those words. Then again, this one appeared to be very proud. This situation must be very infuriating. But there was nothing that was going to change if she just continued to be bitter.
"If I were you, I would start getting used to this village. You are not going anywhere, and the village is not going to keep supporting you. You'll have to earn your living. And the only way that is going to happen, is you being open up to the idea of becoming a Leaf kunoichi. Yukimaru is protected, and so are you."
He didn't mix those words.
She hated hearing them.
"Konohamaru, go home…" She heard him say to the boy sitting next to him.
"So soon? Can't we go somewhere else first?"
Naruto sighed. "I know you want to go to the hot springs. It is only a pity that you can't get into the mixed baths. You are a child, after all."
"Not if I transform into an adult." Konohamaru suggested with a grin.
"Hmm…" Naruto looked thoughtful. "Fine…We will consider it part of training. But if you get caught, I will let people beat you up. And no trying to peep."
"Training would be peeping without getting caught." Konohamaru said as he jumped from the stool.
Naruto shook his head and turned to Guren. "We must leave you, but if you need someone to talk to, find me. If the place you have been given is crappy, find me…I have an apartment that I'm not using. It only has one bed though…So no bringing back boys at night."
"I'm not a charity case."
"Suffer then." Naruto said carelessly. "That child must play with other children. He is a civilian, he should play with the others in the park or something. You are not always going to be around for him to suck your thumps."
"I don't need advice from you, especially since you are the reason I am even stuck in this situation."
"True that…At least the last part." Naruto said, walking away with Konohamaru in toe.
"I'd suggested you come here, but in your view, it was dangerous." Naruto said, staring at the man who suddenly appeared before him. He'd been sitting alone, in a respectable place where you could eat and drink without some drunk throwing a bottle in your face.
"That was before things became interesting." The man said.
Shin.
His name if anyone asked.
Naruto preferred calling him that.
Things have always been interesting. Then again, different people had different tastes. Despite the obvious pain and suffering that comes after wars, some humans, mad people really, still enjoyed it. The likes of Danzo cared for no one but their ambitions.
War was merely a method to expand their influence, to change certain things and to get away with crime. He may not have been at war, but he has often heard the saying 'anything goes at war.' War was war. There was no time for feelings or kindness. The enemy had to be killed.
"I still haven't received your report on Iwa." Naruto was staring at the bottle in front of him. He was drinking using a saucer. The purpose was not to get drunk but enjoy the evening in peace.
"Some of it, I'm sure you've seen…" Shin stared at him curiously. "Iwa's new Bingo book."
"I have."
"I won't ask…but it does seem that the leak came from Konoha. Someone in high places." Shin glanced at the bottles.
He wondered if it was the stuff from the Land of the Toads. It was some excellent stuff. Nothing quite like it. Thinking of it, he felt his throat thirst. He glanced up at Naruto.
The blond wore an amused look.
He frowned. "Iwa thinks that Kumo may try to destroy the Akatsuki for its actions. The problem is, nobody knows where it is based. It has different hideouts, but they are all just empty.
"In war plans, they have already forced the Land of Canyons to join their side, or face an invasion. Worse, If they don't, Iwa will intentionally move some of its forces into the land and use it as a battleground for one of its Jinchuriki. Mushrooms has so far refused and is supposedly speaking to Konoha for protection. Storms, there is no contact. They are trying to avoid it since it is locked in a civil war as far as everyone is concerned. But history will probably repeat itself. Kumo haS apparently roped in the Land of Hot Water. Through that land, you need to pass the nation to get to the Lightning."
It was inevitable, as he had suspected. Of course, as things now stood, the Leaf was going to get dragged. The problem was that while Kumo and Iwa had reasons, Konoha was just going to get caught. But if the Leaf chose not to defend Kusa, it wouldn't necessarily get dragged into the war, unless some battles enter the borders of the Fire Nation.
But for a reason to fight, Konoha may decide to offer its help.
Getting in the war would probably benefit the Leaf. Besides, the money from Kusa would be too attractive to ignore. The Fire damiyo would also pay massively to protect its borders. And not to mention, but perhaps the greatest reason would be to ensure that the smaller countries bordering it were not taken over. If that were to happen, it would put the Leaf in a difficult position.
If Kumo wins heavily against Iwa, it also became a problem. Konoha hasn't had a good relationship with both villages. It had to fight. The outcome, no matter who wins would not suit its survival if it doesn't get involved to twist things in its favor.
"What of Suna?"
Shin shook his head. "Nothing as yet. I think it won't get involved. It will only offer reinforcements to Konoha if there is a need."
Naruto nodded, thinking. War was here. And it was going to be interesting. It had to suit him. Perhaps Danzo would try to make his move during the war. There was no better chance than that. Tsunade had to ensure she stayed safe at all times. Otherwise, that man would pounce.
"Is Jiraiya-sama dead? I met with some of his contacts on my way back here and they told me that he last went into the Storm. His trail went cold after then."
Naruto shook his head. "The hermit is alive. His situation is…" He paused, looking at the entrance.
The Godaime and Shizune.
"Anyway, you need to go to Kumo. Find what you must…Send someone to Kiri…You can take an identity in Kumo and integrate as a member of the village."
"I already have some roots there." Shin said. "It should be easy…" He paused, glancing over his shoulder.
The Godaime Hokage.
He glanced at the sake one more time.
"Hokage-sama…" He greeted, standing up. "You'll come visit?"
"Yes." Naruto said with a nod.
"Friend?" Tsunade asked as she sat across him.
"Something like that…Met him during my training." Naruto glanced at Shizune. "You're not joining?"
"I have a shift at the hospital. I would have been forced to stay if she was alone." Shizune said, shaking her head slightly.
"Take care of her…"
"Of course." Naruto said with a sharp nod.
He faced the Slug Princess. Staring at her, he realized that they were descendants of the Uzumaki clan. Through his mother and through her grandmother, Mito. She has lost everyone. The Senju clan was extinct, so was the Uzumaki.
And now, her childhood friend, had nearly died.
He smiled sadly. "Alcohol from the land of the Toads…" He poured for her. "There is plenty of it."
Tsunade stared at him. "You've been drinking this and you never shared?"
Naruto smiled. "I mustn't get you used to something you can't get whenever you want." He said shaking his head.
"This is just for today. It is indeed a special occasion…"
Tsunade took the saucer and gulped. She tried to grab the bottle but Naruto snatched it away. "The night is still young…I have heard that you struggle to hold your liquor."
"Who told you that?" She scoffed. "Just give that…"
"I have my sources."
A moment of silence passed. With Tsunade continuing to drink. Naruto joined her.
"Why drinking alone? You do have friends…"
Naruto stared at those eyes of the Hokage. Her tone, curious. It was nice seeing a human. Expressing concern with the usual defenses lowered. "Some times, you just need moments alone. To think about things…"
Tsunade nodded. "I'm going to wake him tomorrow…"
"Restrain him when you do… I'm sure he'll want to cover up for some lost time by going on a rampage along the hot springs, might even try to jump on you…" He laughed, knowing Tsunade would most likely beat him up, despite injuries.
"Not sure that will work." Tsunade shook her head. "How have you been dealing with it?"
Naruto was silent for a couple of moments. "I'd always thought we didn't get that close during our training trip. You know, I had my issues with all the secrets hidden from me… but the human heart is a curious thing. It was sad… truly sad… I thought, I don't want him to die… Still, it is nothing compared to the despair I felt when the Sandaime died. It was the first time I experienced loss. Despite his secrets, the old man had truly been a grandpa. He looked after me. Ensured I had food. I see with you just how busy the job is, but he made time for me. It was truly sad. A part of me, somehow understood your pain. I mean, the aside from Iruka, the Sandaime was the only one I could trust."
Tsunade didn't immediately respond. "It has been difficult." She said, more about their situations than just her.
"Yeah…"
"But more to you…"
"Each with his own challenges…But admittedly, some more than others," Naruto said. "Jiraiya tells me those were not as big when you were young…"
"Do you want to die?" the Hokage asked in a threatening tone.
Naruto smiled, holding up both hands. "I just want to know what it was like in those days. You fought in the second and third wars…"
Tsunade's mask became expressionless. Naruto was going to have it rough. The problem with being powerful meant that you were expected to fill many voids. It was the same thing with Minato and them. They were expected to move through different battlegrounds.
It was death.
Blood and chaos.
"We are out." She said, shaking an empty bottle.
"My house." Naruto suggested, his eyes staring at the Hokage. "There is privacy there…Besides, there is something I want to show you. It is will be a test of my trust in you."
Tsunade stared, suddenly sobered up. She didn't like the sound of his voice.
After a moment, she nodded.
Groaning slightly with a throbbing head, Tsunade stirred slightly. She massaged her forehead, applying a bit of chakra with her eyes closed. After a moment, she turned to the side. She ignored the unfamiliar scent through her nose. She tried to think of how much she drank last night. She would admit when drunk, she tended to go a little over board.
She usually out drank Shizune, but although just a brat, Naruto had a bottomless pit.
Saying she couldn't take it was just provoking her into a competition.
What about the secret he told her?
It made her uncomfortable just thinking about it. She wanted to beat him for giving her a headache and putting himself in this kind of danger, but there was nothing she could do. She couldn't change it. She turned around and faced the unfamiliar ceiling before blinking.
She had been ignoring this for a couple of moments.
She got up, allowing the sheets to drop slightly.
She stared at her bust.
"Oh, fuck no!"
End Chapter
