A/N: Apologies for the long wait. I have been caught between work, laziness, video games, and catching up on Dragon Ball Super. Plus, I was stuck being unable to decide what to work on, plus I couldn't seem to get a good flow going, I kept on rewriting and second guessing myself and it has been a total mess. Your patience is very much appreciated. Now then, as a friendly warning, there is some bashing in this first chapter, but it won't be a major focus.
'A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can't do. I always look on the positive side of what I can do.' Chuck Norris.
Chapter one: The almighty fists! Enter Naruto Uzumaki.
"Damn it." Naruto muttered as blood filled his mouth, both he and Sasuke were on the ropes, trapped within this prison of ice and unable to mount a decent counterattack as their opponent moved at high speeds, even with Sasuke's newly awakened Sharingan, they were unable to fight back. The blonde quietly deduced that either he could start playing possum and hope that their enemy makes a careless mistake in releasing the Jutsu, or he could tackle this problem head on by outlasting them until they couldn't maintain the Jutsu anymore.
"Oi! Teme, I got an idea to beat this guy!" Naruto whispered just loud enough for his teammate to hear, lest he accidentally alert their opponent on his plan.
"Shut up Dobe! If you aren't gonna be useful then just lie there and die. I have my own ambitions and I won't die here, because of your own incompetence and this idiot! As an Uchiha Elite, I'll never lose to the likes of this guy." The Uchiha spoke, whether from confidence or arrogance however was highly debateable at this point in time.
Naruto grit his teeth angrily, wishing that Kakashi had been more diverse in his teaching, or at the very least attempted to fix the tensions and ease the quirks and issues of the team's chemistry. Sasuke typically did his own thing because of his arrogant nature and need to prove his strength. Sakura was still deeply set in a hormonal fangirl stage. And Naruto was still learning the ropes of fighting and being a Shinobi. Did the Jonin try to fix these issues? Noooooo, Teamwork exercises were more important.
Naruto had to scoff at the overimportance placed on teammwork. What good was perfect teammwork if individual skills were lacking? What if they were seperated or placed in a situation where they had to fend for themselves? What then? The whiskered teen cursed himself for his own weakness, wishing, begging to the heavens that there was a way to get out of this. He wasn't going to die here, not until he found a true goal for himself. Even if he became Hokage, what then? Where would he go? What would he do? No, becoming Hokage was a dead-end road. He needed to think bigger. Of course, thinking would be easier if he wasn't impersonating a porcupine at this time.
He yelled in pain as another barrage of senbon pierced his flesh, growling as Sasuke managed to evade thanks to his Sharingan being able to keep up with the incoming attacks. Anger boiled into Naruto, but he wasn't going to give up just yet.
"Not bad Sasuke Uchiha, but... what if you have no room to manuver?" Asked the masked Shinobi as they threw a massive amount of needles from all angles, even with his Sharingan the Uchiha couldn't avoid them all. Without warning, Sasuke grabbed Naruto by his orange jumpsuit and threw him in the path of the incoming Senbon to create an opening the self-proclaimed avenger could slip through.
Time itself seemed to slow down for the blonde, shocked that Sasuke had so callously used him as a meat shield, sure the Uchiha was always an asshole for no genuine reason, but not even Naruto could have predicted this. Guess that showed his poor judge of character like during the Mizuki incident. The blonde knew he hand to do something, he had once heard that some Shinobi could create a temoporary barrier by expelling large amounts of chakra in an explosive burst, in theory the technique could be used to deflect incoming projectiles like Kunai, Shuriken, and in this case, Senbon.
Seeing no other option, he brought his arms up to shield his head and began to build up Chakra within his body... then within a second, an explosion of Chakra came from his body sending the many Senbon flying away clinking softly on the ground as he landed on his feet. "Wow. That actually worked." Naruto spoke in disbelief, surprised that he pulled off an experimental technique like that. He then glared heatedly at his 'teammate' and socked the Uchiha in the face, sending him sprawling onto the ground.
"What the hell Dobe?!" Sasuke shouted as he spat up blood from his mouth as he glared up at the blonde. In the background, within her mirrors, Haku stood silently to allow the blonde to vent his anger on the Sharingan user. Let them fight each other, and allow the blonde to punish his teammate for pulling such a vile move. Two birds with one stone from her kind heart if one knew the ice user well enough.
"I should be asking that you bastard! You could have killed me doing that! I'll never forgive you for this!" Naruto yelled angrily. His faith and trust completely shattered in the Uchiha... what little there was at least.
"I had to protect myself Dobe, I'm the only one that can beat this guy and you aren't contributing at all! You're just getting in my way!" Sasuke shouted, earning another blow from the blonde's fist. The Uchiha reeled back as he cupped his bleeding nose, wondering why that even with his Sharingan... he couldn't perceive the blonde's attacks.
"Shaddap! You never learned anything did you? Not from Sensei, not from the Genin exam. Sure, the teamwork lessons never stuck with any of us... but at least the rule 'Those who abandon the rules are trash. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash' sticked like glue. And you disregarded even that. I am going to make your life a living hell Sasuke, just you wait." Naruto growled as his sapphire blue eyes changed to a shining silver color, a white and blue aura emanating from his body. A strange seal forming on the blonde's forhead and then melted off his forehead.
The ground beneath them shook as though an earthquake had begun to shake the bridge to its very foundations. Suddenly, Naruto felt like his body was being lit on fire, doused, then lit again over and over as foreign memories filled his mind. He remembered frequently training in martial arts, that he was an unnatural prodigy, he dreamed of owning his own Dojo and training a great many disciples in his techniques. Then... some kind of smoke bomb went off and he passed out, must have been sleeping gas. The rest was a blank afterwards and there were numerous holes in his past memories.
In a sudden burst of light, that blinded both Sasuke and the ice user, a sudden gust of wind cleared away Zabuza's mist to reveal the scene unfolding within the cage of ice mirrors. When the dust settled, Naruto's form came into sight, except he had become much taller, his body now more muscular much like a swimmer as evidenced by his orange jumpsuit having torn apart, his pants threatening to burst at the seams and hugging tightly against his crotch area at this point and the throwing needles that had previously been imbedded in his flesh had suddenly been ejected from his body.
Shrugging, the blonde smirked and spoke in a tone of confidence "Whoooo, I sure got big, I can't even fit in my jumpsuit now, its gonna be hard to fight like this. Anyways, sorry Masked Accomplice-san, for some odd reason, it seems my true personality and power had been locked away for reasons unknown, everything is just now coming back. But now that my true self has been let loose... I'm gonna fight you seriously." He cracked his knuckles a bit, his team, client and of course his current enemies all looking on with mixed expressions of surprise and curiosity.
The Ice user narrowed her eyes behind her mask and replied "Did you honestly believe you can bluff me with a Genjutsu and a Henge? You must be getting desperate." She readied her senbon and dashed from mirror to mirror, sending down a rain of the sharpened needles.
"No offense, but those crappy attacks won't work on me anymore." Naruto commented as he casually walked towards the closest mirror, however, not a single one of the throwing needles so much as scratched his skin, it was like he was simply taking a casual stroll into a local park without a single care.
He stopped in his tracks with his arms crossed over his chest, he smirked as he spoke "You're going to charge at me directly aren't you?" As he so predicted, the masked Kunoichi charged at him from behind, her eyes widening beneath her mask. How did he know what she was going to do, and how had he avoided all the senbon before? Was he now even human?
She wanted to stop, but it was too late to change course. She brought up her arms, her hands holding a bundle of senbon to strike at her oponnent. "Armament: Hardening." the blonde uttered as his leg was suddenly coated in an inky black colored aura. Then he swung his leg upward like a whip, colliding with her arms. She cried out in intense pain as she felt like her bones were crunching beneath his heel. She was then sent flying back by the force of the blonde's kick, crashing through one of her mirrors, she rolled across the ground until she came to a halt, her body sprawled out on the ground much like a rag doll.
In the background, Zabuza was stunned that the boy had defeated Haku with a single kick. What kind of training did that kid go through? There was no possible way he could gain that kind of power in a single week! Growling, the swordsman readied his blade, prepared to use his Silent Killing technique to end the blonde for hurting the girl he considered to be a daughter in all but blood.
In a blur of motion, the infamous swordsman appeared behind the blonde before Kakashi could stop him. The massive blade quickly bearing down upon the boy's neck... until that inky black aura covered his bare hand and caught the blade creating a small shower of sparks. "Sorry Zabuza-san, much as I'd love to fight you, the real enemy has already arrived." The whiskered teen spoke, releasing the swordsman's blade and turning his head towards the unfinished end of the massive bridge.
Following the boy's gaze, Zabuza's eyes narrowed as he saw the form of his current client Gato standing there, a small army of thugs and mercenaries climbing off a large boat. It seemed that the corrupt and dirt Business Tycoon got greedy and decided to betray both him and Haku. "Hmm, so that's how it is then. Guess we no longer have any quarrel Gaki." Zabuza spoke in an even tone, allowing his blade to rest on his shoulder as he stared down his now ex-client.
The blonde nodded as he walked over to Haku's form and gently removed her mask and recognized her as the 'boy' he had met earlier before in the woods, and she had already fallen unconscious now. It was probably better this way. "Oi, Tazuna-san, Sakura-san. Mind taking this girl away to safety? Zabuza and his partner aren't our enemies anymore." Naruto called out while waving to the pinkette and Bridge builder. At first they hesitated for a brief moment, but sensing no hostility from the swordsman, they nodded in agreement and rushed over to carry the unconscious Ice user away from the coming battle.
Kakashi then appeared beside Zabuza in a swirl of leaves, his visible eye narrowing at the growing crowd of thugs. "You know Zabuza, it would be a shame to waste the talent of one of Kiri's Seven Swordsman, and your partner is quite talented. I am sure that arrangements could be made if you wish to join Konoha." The copy nin offered, directing an eyesmile towards the swordsman.
Zabuza however scoffed and replied "Join up with a village full of peace loving softies? Forget that. That's not for me. I'm a warrior first and foremost. Something like that would be more for Haku. But right now? I don't mind lending a hand in gutting Gato." Kakashi shrugged slightly, having a feeling that the swordsman would say something like that, but at least he tried. Since the two hadn't exhausted themselves in their brief duel, it wouldn't be difficult in overpowering the mercenaries, even with their numbers.
"Hn, when this is over, I'm going to finish my fight with that ice bitch." Sasuke spoke as he pulled the senbon from his body and walked forward, earning a nasty glare from the swordsman that could turn blood into ice water.
"Sasuke? You might want to better pick your fights. Zabuza and his accomplice are no longer our enemies." The Copy nin warned in a grave tone as he pulled up his headband to reveal his Sharingan eye for this battle. He was surprised when Naruto casually walked forward, his hands clasped behind his head.
"Man, nothing here but small fry. Not even worth any real effort. I could take all these guys down with both my arms and a leg tied behind my back." The blonde complained with a frown on his face, earning sweat-drops from the two Jonin. Was the boy even aware they were facing a small army of hired thugs? It was as though he wasn't even taking this seriously.
"Ah well. Life is filled with disappointments." The blonde replied as he glared lightly at Gato, who was busy laughing and gloating at the Shinobi, saying something about them being outnumbered and that he was going to hang their corpses off the bridge before destroying it or some crap like that. Naruto's eyes narrowed and then suddenly a gust of wind blasted throughout the area, both Kakashi and Zabuza trembled slightly, feeling a powerful presence coming off of the whiskered teen, it was similar to that of Killer Intent... but it felt much more focused and controlled.
Then without warning, the mercenaries collapsed to the ground, eyes rolled into the back of their heads leaving Gato all alone and open-mouthed at the fact a kid used some weird technique to defeat his gang of thugs. "Wha... What are you? Some kind of monster?" Gato asked while pointing his cane at the blonde, who was now sporting a large and cheeky grin.
"Yup. I'm a monster." With that said, the boy turned on his heel leaving behind a confused criminal Tycoon and earning odd looks from the Shinobi.
"Oi, gaki. Aren't you gonna smash that little shit's head in?" Zabuza asked with a frown, wondering if this kid was a softie like countless other wet-behind-the-ears Genin that Konoha produced.
"Don't need to. They're the ones with an axe to grind." The blonde replied, pointing towards a mob filled with angry Wave citizens with both Inari and Tsunami at the front, the people armed with improvised weapons as though they had come prepared for battle. Seeing that Gato was all alone and his thugs were lying on the ground, the people of Wave felt emboldened and promptly charged at their oppressor, the various Shinobi stepping aside to allow the mob to do their work.
The bridge was soon filled with Gato's screams as the people got their pound of flesh. When his cries fell silent, his remains were tied to blocks of concrete and tossed into the ocean below so that he may never return from his watery grave. Soon after, the people of Wave began tossing the unconscious thugs off the bridge as well in case they tried to raid their village when they woke up.
"Looks like our work here is done. Tazuna-san, you can now safely finish the bridge, yes?" Naruto asked with a grin, earning a deeply grateful nod from the client who had tears filling his eyes from the joy of finally being free of the man who had taken advantage of his home country.
"Naruto, as much as I'm relieved that you singlehandedly stopped Gato's gang... I have to know where that sudden power boost came from." Kakashi spoke in a serious tone as he covered his Sharingan eye with his headband.
"Wish I knew. There's a lot of holes in my memories. I'll explain everything that I know on the way back to Tazuna's place. I could use a small break and a nice meal." The blonde answered in a casual tone, earning a nod of agreement from the Copy nin, sensing no deception in the boy's words.
"Oh... and I think I need a change of clothes now. My pants could explode any second... too late. They're about to go." The blonde spoke bluntly, as soon as the words left his mouth, there was an explosion of orange fabric and a loud scream of 'Kya' from a certain pinkette rang out from across the bridge.
Later.
"Umm... why are they here?" Asked Sakura as she nervously pointed at the form of Zabuza, who was busy bandaging the injured arms of his daughter figure. The pinkette being thankful that Kakashi had a spare change of clean clothes for Naruto to borrow until they returned to Konoha
"Don't mind me, I'm just staying long enough to patch up Haku, then we'll be going." The swordsman gruffly replied earning a brief nod from the Konoha team, except Sasuke who couldn't stop glaring at the Ice user, his pride still stinging from the fact he had been beat by a Kunoichi. He was supposed to be the Rookie of the year, and an Uchiha elite! How had Naruto defeated that girl in a single blow when he couldn't defeat her with his awakened Sharingan? What was the source of his power?
"That aside, let me get this straight. Naruto, you claim that you are actually a 'fighting genius' with unnatural strength and martial arts skills. And that someone sealed away a large portion of your true personality and almost all of your power, along with the knowledge of the techniques you had cultivated? And then... after Sasuke used you as a human shield, your rage shattered the seal by happenstance and that it all came back, but you still have memory gaps? Does that about cover it?" Kakashi spoke, his visible eye never once leaving the Uchiha's form. There was definitely going to be a very harsh punishment ahead for him when they soon returned to Konoha.
"Yep. That about sums it up. I can't remember who sealed it all away, but when I find them, I am gonna turn the bones on their limbs into powder and break their jaws so they'll be forced to eat their food through a straw for the rest of their days. By the way... I wanna ask you something Zabuza-san. Where'd you find Haku-san? During our fight... I could feel the pain in her heart, along with the pure adoration, love, and loyalty to you. She thinks the world of you, ya know." The blonde spoke with a large grin as he drank a warm broth that Tsunami had prepared for the Shinobi when they arrived back.
"Heh, you noticed that kid? You really are something else. You know she has a bloodline right? She's an orphan from Kiri, far as I know, her dad tried to kill her when he learned of her bloodline. She killed him in self-defense and then lived on the streets for awhile, scavenging through the trash to survive. I found her on a bridge and decided to take her in for the sake of having a tool... that is, until she started to grow on me. Guess that pure heart of hers rubbed off on me, making me view her as a daughter instead of a tool. That damn kindness of hers has infected me like a cancer... and I can't help but love her for it." The Swordsman spoke longer than he meant to, earning looks of respect from both Naruto and Kakashi, along with some heartfelt tears from Tazuna and his family and Sakura as well.
"You tell her I said any of that mushy stuff and I will kill you all." The swordsman warned with a heated glare, pointing his sword at them all.
"Don't need to. She's awake and playing possum." Naruto replied while pointing at the Ice user, who's eyes shot open when the blonde had announced she was already awake. Her eyes then filled with tears as she had never heard her master say such kind words... he genuinely cared for her as more than a weapon.
"Haaaaakuuuuuuu, unhear everything. All of it. Every word, or I'll kill you right here." Zabuza spoke with a pulsing tic-mark on his forehead his hands making gesture that resembled a threat of strangulation earning a series of giggles from the Kunoichi despite the throbbing pain in her arms.
After this, the atmosphere settled into relative silence, no one sure how to carry on from this point. The silence was broken when Naruto shouted "Yosh! The real Naruto Uzumaki is back in business! Haku-san! I want you to become my first martial arts Disciple!" At the blonde's announcement, the room fell into a pregnant pause, everyone staring at him awkwardly at his sudden proclamation.
"You can't just say something like that out of nowhere! What is this a manga?!" Sakura yelled at the blonde, her eyebrow twitching since despite, the blonde's growth... he was still largely his usual self.
"I already did! Haku-san, during our fight, even with my true self sealed away, I sensed a deep connection to you. Like I knew what lied in your heart as your feelings were channeled through your attacks. If you become my Disciple, then I believe we can learn from each other and help each other grow to new heights and shatter our limits! Whaddya say?" Naruto asked with a broad grin. The Ice user felt touched by his offer, but she felt conflicted on leaving Zabuza, having grown somewhat dependent on him for a sense of purpose. But if she accepted and learned some of the blonde's strange techniques, then she could better serve the one who saved her from a life on the streets.
"Oi! Gaki! No way in hell am I letting you take Haku just like that!" The swordsman shouted angrily as he rose to his full height, glaring down at the blonde boy for his insolence.
"Two months!" The blonde yelled while raising up two of his fingers. Zabuza's anger swiftly replaced by confusion at the boy's statement.
"Lemme train Haku-san for two months! If she defeats you in combat, then you must acknowledge me as her new Sensei and let me keep her as my Disciple, and for Haku-san's sake, you must also join Konoha so that she knows you'll be closeby! But if you defeat her, even with my training, then I'll teach you my techniques as well and you two can continue traveling around the Nations. Hahahaha! It's a win-win! If you defeat her, you get a stronger apprentice and new techniques, but if you lose then you get to join a major village and Kiri's Anbu becomes a minimal concern! Haku gets to become stronger for your sake too, in her case! Neither of you can refuse me!" Naruto shouted in a jovial tone, his smile stretching out so broadly, it appeared his cheek seemed like they might split apart.
"Damn you, you evil little brat! I hate you! I'm going to kill you for this!" Zabuza shouted while beating his head against the wall animatedly, his face a beet red from anger. Haku however was crying anime tears, since she knew that refusing wasn't an option at this point.
"You're a horrible person Naruto-san." She whined while showing the infamous sad puppy eyes, but the whiskered teen simply laughed at the Kiri duo's sudden defeat. The Civilian family and the Konoha nin all stared with wide dinner plate shaped eyes at the scene... was Naruto truly an evil genius in disguise since he manipulated the two missing nin into accepting this bet?
Suffice it to say... this 'real' Naruto wasn't one to be underestimated in the slightest.
"Grr. Fine! You win! Haku, you better train hard under this gaki and learn a lot under him! I won't be holding back when we duel, if I sense that you aren't fighting me seriously then I'll disown you and abandon you in Konoha!" Zabuza shouted with several veins bulging on his forehead.
"Hai Zabuza-sama! I will endeavor to beat you after my training!" Haku yelled back while animatedly saluting her father figure.
"I don't actually want you to beat me! If you do, I'll be trapped in Konoha you dumbass!" The swordsman shouted, his mouth appearing from between his loosening bandages around his face.
"But you said that you'll disown me if I don't fight you at full power. Do you want me to fight at my best or hold back and let you win? If I win, Zabuza-sama will be mad at me, but if I lose Zabuza-sama will be mad at me. How do I make Zabuza-sama happy?!" The ice user yelled in anguish, unable to take the mental strain of the catch twenty-two she was now in. Her eyes formed into swirls as she collapsed to the floor in a catatonic state, mumbling incoherently.
"Congrats No-Eyebrows, you just broke her. What say you meet us in Konoha when its time to fight her?" Naruto commented, with a shark-like grin, laughing at the Kiri duo's expense.
"... Gaki. You had better learn to sleep with one eye open. Maybe tonight, maybe a week from now, maybe a month, or a year from today... I will kill you. This death threat... will never and I mean NEVER expire. I'll be staying here in Wave to train on my own, don't think that I'm gonna get fat and lazy for any reason ya damn gaki." the swordsman threatened before storming off, carrying Haku over his shoulder to get away from the blonde menace.
"Well... that was interesting." Kakashi commented, never having seen such a seasoned killer reduced to a mess by a certain blonde. The boy was definitely 'that woman's' child, no questions asked.
A week later.
"Remind me to thank Zabuza that your recovery time, doesn't affect the time I can spend training you." Naruto spoke as he sat on a stump, the Ice user sitting in front of him cross-legged with her arms having healed now, allowing her to train unhindered.
"Zabuza-sama might act all gruff and tough, but he's not a bad person. He does believe in fair play when it is applicable of course. And I would hate to disappoint him with a half-hearted fight... in fact, I am now firmly resolved to beat him. He may complain for awhile about joining Konoha, but at least he'll be safe and have someplace to plant down roots." Haku spoke, her eyes hardened with resolution.
"Figured you'd say that. Guess that means you've also accepted in becoming my Disciple. Ready to get started?" The blonde asked as he adjusted his headband, earning a nod from the Kunoichi.
"Yes, what manner of Taijutsu do you use? Do you use the Eight Inner gates somehow? I have heard a bit about a Taijutsu specialist called Might Guy in Konoha that uses the technique." Haku asked, wondering if that was the source of her new Sensei's power.
"Nope. The Eight Inner Gates is a dangerous double edged sword. It grants intense power, but as a consequence, it puts a heavy strain on the body. If you use it poorly or don't finish the enemy before your body gives out, you are virtually defenseless. Plus, it is said if you unleash the final gate... you'll die. I'll be teaching you something far better! It's called 'Haki'!" The blonde spoke, entering into a newly found teacher mode. Was this how Kakashi felt when he trained his team?
"Haki? What kind of Jutsu is that?" The brown haired girl answered with a raised eyebrow, never hearing of a technique like that.
"It's not a Jutsu. Haki predates even Chakra! Best part about it is that anyone can use it if they learn to unlock it, and even better is that it requires no handsigns to use it, and it doesn't even require Chakra to use in the first place. Anways, to begin with, Haki is a power that lies dormant inside of people, their 'fighting spirit' or 'Willpower' if you would, in a manifested form. With training, the usage of Haki can become as natural as breathing. There are three different types of Haki, allow me to demonstrate. Mind if I borrow one of your Senbon?" the whiskered teen asked, earning a nod from his new Disciple who handed over one of her throwing needles.
Naruto accepted the weapon, and held it between his fingers, his hand then became coated in that same inky black aura that caused her loss on the bridge which then coated the Senbon in his hand. "First, is Armament Haki. It allows the user to use their 'spirit' or 'willpower' as a form of armor around their body, or to increase the power of their attacks. This is very useful for offensive and defensive techniques since it could make your Ice mirrors harder to break, it can even be implemented in weapons. Like so." The blonde explained and casually flicked the Senbon towards a neaby tree, the trunk exploding as the needle pierced the wood and sending the tree crashing to the ground.
"Whoa... that... would make my Senbon far more deadly." Haku commented while swallowing a lump in her throat. Her new teacher then got up and motioned for her to stand as well, she obeyed without question but wondered what he was going to show her next.
She gained a puzzled expression when Naruto closed his eyes, a knowing smirk on his face as he spoke "All right. Attack me however you like. I'll demonstrate the next form of Haki." With a nod she got into her Taijutsu stance and lunged at him.
"Your first strike is aimed at my chest region." He spoke, then promptly side stepped her fist. She then performed a sweeping kick towards his legs, but he smoothly jumped over it. She narrowed her eyes and used her momentum to send an elbow into the blonde's jaw, but he casually swatted the strike away.
"Okay... I give. How do you do that? Its like you're predicting my attacks before I make them!" Haku noticed with an curious expression on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest with a smal pout.
"Correct! That is Observation Haki! The ability to sense the presence and strength of your enemies, along with their incoming attacks! You might could call it a sixth sense, it bears a few similarities to Chakra sensory, but it is far superior since people may hide their Chakra, but that won't hide them from Observation Haki. But don't get careless! If you lose focus of your Observation Haki, you could be caught off guard, and in some cases if you can't react fast enough then the ability to predict your enemies attacks is a moot point. So don't for a second think you'll be completely invincible!" Naruto explained, giving her a hardened glare when he warned her not to become careless making her nod in understanding.
"This is the final form of Haki." The blonde spoke, closing his eyes briefly. Haku wondered what he was planning to show her... then she felt a huge domineering presence that seemed to want to crush her body. She suddenly felt light headed and out of breath as her legs turned into jelly beneath her. Finally, the presence let up and Naruto opened his eyes, offering a hand to help her back to her feet. She accepted it as he pulled her back up.
"That was Conqueror's Haki. The ability to overpower the will of others and render them unconscious, which is what I used back on the bridge against Gato's goons. However, unlike the other two, Conqueror's Haki is a type you need to be born with to be able to use it, and I am one of the lucky people that has it. Reason I showed you, is so that you would know what it is and how to resist it. Though I don't think it likely anyone knows about Haki." The blonde explained with a small smile.
"But... didn't someone teach you how to use it?" Haku asked while tilting her head in confusion.
"I suppose someone did... but I can't for the life of me remember who or how I remember them. Damned memory gaps. Ah well, it might come back to me someday. Till then, I'll be training you! First things first, we need to unlock your latent Haki abilities! Here." The blonde spoke and offered a blindfold to her, she nodded and tied it around her head so that it may cover her eyes, since this was obviously to help train in Observation Haki.
"All right. I am ready whenever you are." She spoke... but then felt a sense of dread filling her as she heard the sounds of crackling knuckles.
"Run fast Haku. Consider this payback for lying to me about being a boy when I was still my dumbass self. I should have realized then you had too pretty a face for a boy." The blonde announced with an unseen grin filled with malicious intent.
"Umm, in my defense, I lie about being a boy to avoid possibly being raped." She explained while backing away slowly... seemed that he really didn't like being lied to... and was fairly petty as well. She then took off running in a random direction, yelping in pain as she bumped into trees and the like as she ran through the woods.
"I'll give her a full minute headstart. I might be petty, but I'm still a good sport." He spoke to himself as he began counting off the time in his head.
Some time later.
"Hokage-sama! Team Seven has just returned." Announced a Chunin to the Sandaime, the aged Hokage smoked his pipe for a moment and nodded with the Chunin teacher Iruka sitting next to them as they looked over available missions for the varying teams. Kakashi had sent a brief report ahead of time, explaining a small bit of the situation in Wave, and that the mission was actually that of A-rank level, but it was all well in hand and negotiations with Tazuna regarding a reasonable payment plan were now underway since he had finished his bridge.
Now he was looking forward to a much more detailed and in depth report from Kakashi and his team, although he was also concerned when the report also mentioned about punishing Sasuke Uchiha on arrival. What had that boy done to earn Kakashi's ire?
Suddenly the door was sent flying off of the door frame and its hinges, a foot-shaped print imbedded in the now broken door and a young adult with blonde hair burst into the room yelling "Hiya old man! How do ya like me now?!"
Hiruzen stared open mouthed for a few brief moments, smoke leaking from his mouth as he stared at this newcomer... then he noticed the whisker marks on the young man's face, his eyes threatening to pop out of their sockets as he shouted "Naruto?! What in the Elemental Nations happened to you?!"
"Steroids. Kakashi doped me up on tons of steroids." The blonde replied with a cheeky grin plastered on his face, the Sandaime's eyes bulging out further, unable to tell if the boy was serious or not.
"Just kidding. Kakashi-san will explain most of it." The blonde spoke, jabbing a thumb behind him to his team entering inside, the silver haired Jonin offering an apologetic look for the blonde's antics, Sakura however seemed to have a downcast expression on her face, Sasuke on the other hand had his hands bound tightly by a very intricate knot meant to inhibit the ability of Shinobi to use handsigns, the Jonin himself jerking the Uchiha around as the black haired boy refused to follow. And finally... there was a newcomer amongst them that the Sandaime didn't recognize.
"Welcome back Team Seven, and who might you be young lady?" The Hokage asked as he sipped on a cup of tea to calm himself, she was probably a homeless stray that Naruto took pity on during his travels.
"My name is Haku, formerly apprentice of Zabuza Momochi and now Disciple to Naruto-sensei." The young woman introduced herself and gave a small curtsy, as though she were a princess which earned a smile from the Hokage... until he registered what she had just said and did a spit-take, resulting in tea and saliva spraying from his mouth.
"Ehhhhhhhh?! Zabuza? As in the Demon of the Mist? What in the hell happened during your first C-rank?!" The aged Hokage yelled, demanding an explanation for what was obviously a truly crazy story. At this, Kakashi began the explanation and started with their brief encounter, sparing no detail including how Naruto froze up yet Sasuke quite easily fended off the Demon brothers, then explained about Tazuna's deception and the true reasoning behind it, followed by their encounter with Zabuza who had been hired by the corrupt businessman Gato to assassinate their client.
Then he detailed the swordsman's false demise at the hands of Haku who had disguised herself as an Anbu, then he skipped on ahead to their second duel with Tazuna, how Sasuke had become trapped within a bloodline related jutsu of Haku's, and then Naruto's appearance and ended up trapping himself within the technique as well due to his lack of strategic thinking. Sasuke awakening his Sharingan... and then spoke of the Uchiha using Naruto as a human shield, with Haku confirming it as well from her own perspective, then the blonde somehow broke through a seal that locked away aspects of his true personality and his power, which also resulted into his unexpected growth spurt, and then concluded with Gato's demise and how the boy gained Haku as a Disciple along with a bet he had made with the swordsman himself.
"Why is it that every carnation of Team Seven always gets into the craziest of situations?" The Sandaime muttered quietly to himself as he rubbed his temples. His eyes glancing at Naruto who seemed to be looking at the portraits of the past Hokage's for some reason. The question on who sealed the boy's memories and skills away is most definitely a grave manner, and he already had a few suspects in mind for such a cruel action. Then his attention turned to Sasuke Uchiha, he should have known that little brat would be a problem child given his condescending attitude and disregard for authority, now this was a problem he could cut down right here.
"I see, very well then, Sasuke Uchiha. By the power vested in me as Hokage, for your crimes of deliberately endangering a teammate while on active duty, you shall serve twenty full years in prison with no hope of parole and you shall be permanently removed from the Shinobi program with your Chakra sealed away." The Hokage announced in a grave tone. Then with that, he ordered his Anbu to take the brat away. A certain purple haired Anbu appeared and escorted the brat out, however much he screamed and struggled, proclaiming that they couldn't do this to him, he gained no response from her. However, something about her struck a familiar chord in Naruto's memory, but he just couldn't place it.
"Hokage-sama, isn't that a little harsh? With Sasuke out of the equation, Team Seven will be an incomplete team and..." Iruka tried to defend the Uchiha, only for a Haki-empowered foot to be planted hard against his face. Pinning him against the wall which resulted in some spiderweb like cracks to form. Naruto glared harshly at the Chunin, his blue eyes gaining a sharp edge to them.
"You questioning the old man's decision asshole? Ya saying that the rules of law shouldn't be enforced and the duckbutt Teme should get off scott-free just because of him being from a bigshot clan that is now all but extinct? Ya know... you really piss me off." The blonde spoke in a cold manner, applying more pressure on the Chunin's head, a small cracking noise coming from the wall as blood leaked from his nose. Anymore and Iruka's head could be crushed much like a watermelon.
"Naruto-kun, enough of that. He's not worth it. I shall be having words with Iruka-san later about this questionable support of the Uchiha." the Sandaime spoke coolly, his eyes narrowing at the semi-conscious form of the Academy teacher.
"Mmm, fine. Though he wasn't wrong about the team being unbalanced. I know! What if Haku-san can become a replacement member?" The blonde asked with a broad grin since if she was going to defeat her former master and make him join Konoha, she may as well join herself.
"That's a good idea! I have no objections to this if the others don't." Haku spoke with a small smile on her face, earning nods of agreement from both the whiskered teen and Copy nin, although Sakura seemed to be in a slump, her eyes showing that her mind was someplace else.
"True, but there is much paperwork involved and there is a very long process in recruiting an unregistered Ninja, especially one who was apprenticed to a missing nin, despite however cooperative Haku-san may be." The Hokage spoke in an displeased tone, since the Ice user was obviously very talented. It would be a grave waste to turn her away.
"Come on! You're the Hokage! You can cut through all the red tape! How about we make a deal?" The whiskered teen asked, hopping onto the Sandaime's desk in a crouched position, a broad grin on his face.
"What kind of deal? What could you possibly bargain with?" The aged Hokage asked in a curious voice, wondering what the boy was up to. This wasn't the usual hyperactive antics Naruto was so infamous for, from the look in the boy's eyes, the gears were turning in his head.
"You immediately make Haku-san the replacement member of Team Seven, and tell me more about the rest of my kind... then I'll give you the secret in defeating your archenemy, paperwork." Naruto explained, earning looks of confusion from the veteran Shinobi and ice user.
"Your kind?" Asked Hiruzen as he smoked from his pipe, his question prompting the blonde to turn towards his team, his fingers now loosely laced together as he hopped off the desk.
"Yeah, my kind. The Jinchuuriki. The Ichibi, Nibi, Sanbi, Yonbi, Gobi, Rokubi, Nanabi, and Hachibi. I wanna know where they are. I have become far more curious about my burden as the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki now, I want to meet the others, learn about their own experiences, how they lived, how strong they are, who they are, and I want to know more about the Bijuu themselves." Naruto announced, earning wide eyed looks from Kakashi, Haku and Hiruzen, even Sakura finally snapped from her stupor at this revelation.
"You... but that's not possible! The Yondaime killed the Kyuubi!" Sakura yelled from ignorance, not knowing the full story.
"Not true! Even if someone succeeds in killing a Bijuu, and that's a big 'if'. Then the beast will simply reform someplace else! You really think my birthday sharing the same date as the Kyuubi attack is a coincidence? And no Sakura, I'm not the Kyuubi reincarnated or anything like that. The most blunt way of putting it is that I'm a walking prison. I'm hoping that if I meet others like myself, then I can better understand my own burden!" Naruto spoke, his hands clasped behind his head.
"So then... that's why my dad told me to be mean to you." Sakura spoke before realizing her slip-up and then slapped a hand over her mouth.
"What did you just say?" The whiskered teen asked with a raised eyebrow, a frown on his face at this new piece of information since he'd never even met her father before. Who was he again? He felt like he should know who it was. Damn memory gaps again probably.
"My dad, he... he encouraged me to try my hardest to get on Sasuke's good side... and that I should treat you poorly because of you being some kind of a freak. He... never really told me why though. I just did as he said. I'm sorry, I can't imagine how it must feel to hold one of the biggest threats in the Elemental nations inside you." Sakura spoke, taking the news surprisingly well along with Haku. The latter of which being a fugitive of the bloodline purge making her understanding of Naruto's situation.
"Eh, think nothing of it. I was a pretty stupid person back then. So how about it old man? You go first then I'll tell you how to beat your paperwork." Naruto spoke, knowing that the aged Hokage wouldn't hesitate for a chance to finally put an end to the seemingly neverending flow of paperwork.
"You drive a hard bargain. And you're an evil person for taking advantage of my weakness Naruto-kun. Fine then, I hereby grant Haku-san membership of Team Seven, she is now a full citizen and Kunoichi of Konoha. Congratulations." The Sandaime spoke briefly as he opened his desk and handed over a spare Headband he kept around in case of emergencies or special occasions and gave it to her. She smiled and then placed it on her head with a grateful nod.
"Now, about the Jinchuuriki. The Ichibi is in Suna, the Nibi and Hachibi both live in Kumo, both of whom share a positive relationship with the new Yondaime Raikage. The Yonbi and Gobi both lived in Iwa, but I hear they now travel around. The Sanbi and Rokubi are currrently unaccounted for due to the Civil war in Kiri,but I hear its coming to a close there with the Rebels winning so more information may come up soon. And finally, the Nanabi lives in Taki. I am afraid that's all I can say since their public identities are largely kept a secret." The Hokage explained, then waited in anticipation for Naruto's solution with his damned paperwork.
"That's fine with me! I'll find them myself somehow. Wouldn't be any real challenge or adventure if I knew where they all were and who they were. Anyway's, you know how to make Shadow clones right? Don't they transfer their memories when they dispel? I was too damn dumb to realize that when I was still my brain dead self." Naruto spoke in a matter of fact tone as he crossed his arms. The Sandaime's eyes widened to the size of suacers as he slammed his head on the desk for not ever thinking of such a simple solution. He could easily make three or four clones to sort through and perform his paper work, freeing up a huge amount of his time! Maybe now he could take it easy until he found a replacement to take his position.
"Umm, can I say something?" Sakura asked, raising her hand slightly with a small frown on her face, earning the attention of everyone.
"I... I don't think I am cut out for being a Kunoichi. I only did all of this... because it was what my dad wanted, so I could get Sasuke's attention. But since he's now in jail, I don't have any reason to be on this team. And I'll just be a burden to Haku and Naruto since there's no way I can keep up with them." The pinkette spoke as she removed her headband and offered it to the Hokage, who nodded stiffly. Inwardly, he was proud of Sakura for admitting this and choosing to quit while she was ahead.
"As you wish. But if you want to rejoin the Shinobi corps, I'll leave a door or two open for you. It seems that Team Seven will need an additional replacement for Sakura as well." Hiruzen spoke as he accepted her headband. The pinkette then bowed slightly and to Naruto and Kakashi, thanking them for taking care of her and protecting her, then quietly departed.
"Oi! Sakura! If you ever wanna learn some martial arts, I'm always looking for new Disciples!" Naruto yelled after her retreating form. She turned around slightly and smiled at his kind offer, maybe even considering it for a brief moment before she continued on her way back home.
"Well, there goes another student. Now we have another empty space. Who can possibly fill it?" Kakashi muttered as he scratched the back of his head with a sigh. Naruto smirked as he looked down at the various missions on the Sandaime's desk and noted that one was marked for a certain village.
"Oi, Old man! You said the Nanabi lives in Taki right? This mission right here is a C-rank to guard some Shibuki guy and escort him to his home village... which is Taki! I say we go overe there, and make the Nanabi Jinchuuriki our new teammate and my next Disciple!" The blonde spoke with confidence, earning a jaw-drop from the Sandaime. In the background, Iruka awoke and overheard what the whiskered teen had said.
"Are you crazy? You can't just pick any mission you want and go! Hell, you're talking about recruiting a foreign Ninja! Another Bijuu container at that! Do you have any idea about the politics involved? The other villages may feel threatened if Konoha gains a second Jinchuuriki, you could disrupt the balance of power the Shodaime set so long ago!" Iruka yelled, using his 'Big head' Jutsu on the boy.
"Details. I don't care about any of that. We'll take this mission! Besides, if the Nanabi Jinchuuriki doesn't wanna come, then we can't make him or her. So there's no problem." Naruto spoke confidently and snatched away the Hokage's stamp of approval and slammed it down on the Taki escort mission scroll.
"Well... I suppose that settles that then. Good luck Team Seven. I think the three of you shall suffice for this mission, I bid you good luck. Bring in Shibuki-san!" The Sandaime called out so that the client may be brought in.
"Wait, you're not going to stop them?!" Iruka yelled in disbelief, this was not proper procedure nor was it a good idea to mess with such things like village assets or the political status quo.
"Why bother? Naruto has already determined their destination, and knowing how stubborn the boy is, he'll move heaven and earth to get his way. Besides, if he brings back the Nanabi then that will not only fill the team's vacancy, but also empower Konoha and give Naruto someone that shares his burden to bond with. I have every confidence that everything will turn out okay, Naruto has proven quite persuasive now." The Sandaime replied in a dismissive tone as he took a drag from his pipe.
After a few moments, a nervous looking man with a Taki headband entered and waved at the Shinobi team. "Thanks for being my escorts, I am Shibuki. Pleased to meet you." He spoke and bowed slightly with a small smile.
"Likewise. I am Kakashi, and this is Naruto and Haku. We're ready to go to Taki whenever you are." Kakashi spoke in a polite tone, earning a nod from the Taki nin. With that, Team Seven and their new client left on their way towards the latter's home village. When the door closed behind them, the Sandaime harshly glared at the Academy teacher with a deep frown on his face.
"Now then, Iruka, why don't you explain to me why you tried defending Sasuke even after, learning that the Uchiha tried to sacrifice Naruto-kun." The Sandaime spoke in a grave tone, a dark aura surrounding him with a hannya mask appearing. Glaring menacingly down at the Chunin. Iruka swallowed hard...this wasn't going to end well for him at all.
"Now that I think about it... you had been Naruto's Academy teacher for three years in a row. And you never once tried to help him improve his grades, his taijutsu, or even explain to him what was going wrong whenever he attempted the clone Jutsu. It seems almost as though you were trying to sabotage him for some unknown reason. Tell me... was it simply a grudge you held because of his being a Jinchuuriki and this was some vain attempt at revenge for your late parents... or were you involved with whoever denied Naruto his true self?" The Sandaime spoke in a tone that was promising indescribable pain and suffering depending on the Chunin's answer.
Meanwhile.
"Whoooo, what a nice day." Spoke a girl with mint green hair as she wiped the sweat from her forehead, using a gardening hoe to dig at the ground. She leaned down and planted some seeds down in the ground so that they may grow. A large variety of fruits and vegetables growing across her garden.
She hummed a tune to herself, as she dug at the ground. She then stopped for a moment as her orange eyes flashed crimson for a moment. "Cho-kun? What's wrong? You're shaking like a leaf. Hmm? Someone very powerful is coming here? Ehhhhh?! You can sense them coming from Konoha?! That's miles from here! Could... it be someone like me?" She asked as she looked at the sky. Her dark skin glistening in the sunlight.
"If that's the case... maybe I should greet them as a proper host." She spoke with a toothy grin, putting away her gardening tool and heading inside to make some tea.
"I hope its a good person. It'd be nice to meet someone... that could actually understand me." She spoke to herself, her eyes flashing a bright crimson again as her friend 'Cho-kun' felt both excitement and trepidation. Because whoever it was that was coming to Taki... it was someone with power enough to shake the Nations to their very foundations.
End chapter one.
Next time, on History's strongest sensei: With the newly formed yet incomplete Team Seven marching towards Taki, Naruto is resolved in his quest to find his fellow Jinchuuriki, and seek new Disciples to teach the secrets of Haki. But even in this peaceful village, trouble tends to arise.
Omake: Naruto's training. (Part one.)
Haku stooped over, panting for breath with her hands on her knees, the blindfold now removed so that she could now see again. Her face bearing scratches and bruises from the times she fell and got hit by branches as she ran into the woods to avoid her new teacher's fists. The blonde offered her a bottle of water, which she accepted and greedily drank from to quench her thirst.
"Don't be disappointed you couldn't awaken your Haki just yet, it takes a lot of hard work and training to get to that level. Now then, let's move on to something else. Ready to gain a nice set of thunder thighs?" Naruto asked and slammed his fist into an open palm.
"Isn't thunder thighs a derogatory term?" The Ice user asked with a small sweat-drop forming on her head at the blonde's overly hyped attitude. In response, the blonde placed his hands on his knees, then lifted a leg up much like a Sumo wrestler, then slammed his foot back down causing the ground to quake beneath their feet, which also resulted in several trees to have their roots loosened from the ground and fall over.
"You tell me." Naruto replied bluntly, earning a nervous swallow from his new Disciple. Later on, she began performing a set of two hundred situps with Naruto keeping her legs down on the ground, her abs burning as she kept lifting herself up again and again.
"Say goodbye to your jelly-belly, and hello to an awesome six-pack!" Naruto yelled in the manner similar to a drill sergeant. After the situps, she was then moved to performing three hundred situps... with an increasing amount of heavy stones being placed on her back as she pushed herself up from the ground.
Afterwards, she was punching at tree trunks with her barefists in an effort to shatter them... then things got more ridiculous as Naruto captured a bear then ordered her to wrestle it down with her... well... bare hands. And on top of that, he then made her walk across a tightrope with several large rocks tied to her back. When it was all finally over, she had collapsed to the ground with swirls in her eyes. Her sensei sitting close by in the lotus position.
"He's not human." Haku muttered, noting that he wasn't even close to being out of breath. Zabuza had trained her hard, but Naruto was utterly ridiculous in training her. He hadn't even broken a single sweat just yet.
"And we're done with the warm-ups. Now go and steal Kakashi's orange book and get me a picture of his face without his mask, and for bonus points, I want you to make Sasuke into a Eunuch! Assuming he already hasn't castrated himself!" Naruto shouted and shoved a camera in her arms.
"Kami... please save me from this psychopath." The Ice user prayed, hoping that she unlocked the ability to use Haki before her body gave out.
End omake.