"Ow..."
Literally the first thing I said as I exited my memory space – or is it memory room? Or is it memory apartment?
Give me a break, it's not like this is something that comes up every day.
Spending Kami knows how long catching up on things I have forgotten I knew would do that to you. It's disconcerting, learning something you didn't know you knew.
Thankfully, I got dragged in during sleep, so no harm there. When I wake up in maybe an hour or two in real time, it will be the day of the Hyūga Affair, which means I'll have enough time to get everything into place.
"Back to your old self now, are we Kiiro?" smirked Kurama as he continued meditating.
"As good as I can be I guess. Now," I pointed to copies of me playing poker, "You mind explaining THAT to me?"
Kurama looked down at the quartet he has gotten to know as friends during the last three years. "Couldn't really tell you. When Tsunade synched you up, your essence broke up into several pieces and hid in the recesses of your mind. Best I figured, your mind was too vast to simply fuse with your undeveloped baby brain. So, it broke into pieces, each possibly representing a different façade of you or separate souls. Whether or not you are still one tama is to debate – it's not like you can just grow them, even with a Bijū helping you. Although all rules have been thrown out the window with you, so what do I know?"
"Absolutely nothing apparently. But that makes no sense – Father was pure mind. He had no spiritual attachments. Ergo, no emotions or experiences to work off of and create us."
"I have a theory if you want to hear it," spoke Ao as he folded his cards.
Seeing nothing better, I decided to join the game. During which I decided to observe my… other personalities? Personas? Do I have Dissociative Identity Disorder? This is going to be something to get used to.
They all had my face so no change there.
Aka had flowing red hair that spikes up slightly and violet eyes, so he kind of reminded me of my mother.
Ao had green eyes and straight blue hair that was combed to slightly cover his left eye.
Midori looks exactly what Naruto was supposed to look like except his hair is green, and his eyes are yellow. I only say supposed to look like him because my hair looks more like Minato's in shape – or at least it will with time.
Kasshoku had long brown hair in a ponytail and chocolate brown eyes. I could have sworn he looked like Neji until I realized that I haven't met him yet in this timeline.
(Kiiro) "So what's your theory?"
(Aka) "Tch – the nancy boy here thinks that we are all personifications of elements. Damn it, I fold."
(Ao) "Now now, Aka, just because you represent Fire doesn't mean you have to be grouchy about. Remember, each element has their own strength and weaknesses so no need to be hung up on it."
(Aka) "Says the guy whose element naturally beats mine."
(Kasshoku) "Calm yourself brother. Ao's theory makes some sense. It supports his claim that the environment one grows up in has some influence one's primary element then genetics. I raise."
(Kiiro) "Really? Well, that would explain why a lot of people in Konoha are Fire – you know, with the Will of Fire drilled into them as kids and all. I call."
(Midori) "Hai, Hai. That's actually not why, but the naming is funny, isn't it? The Will of Fire teaches people to always think of their comrades first and that the entire village is like a large family and every Konoha shinobi with the Will of Fire loves, believes, cherishes, and fights to protect the village. However, protection has two definitive representations: either as a defender or as an aggressor, or avenger if you want to be technical. In turn, such upbringing basically makes everyone naturally Fire based in the village. Which is hilarious in hindsight! Also, check."
(Ao) "You have to admit though, in the village as large as this for only Naruto and Asuma to have Wind as primary seemed statistically unlikely. However, at the same time, both had rather different personality types compared to those in the village. Naruto was a prankster, and Asuma was a cross between a wanderer and an adventurer. It would explain why he decided to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja instead of staying in the village. I check, and dealer draws the fifth card…"
(Aka) "Damn it! I folded too early! But that theory doesn't explain someone like Kakashi or Hiruzen who mastered multiple elements. You really want to tell me that Kakashi was a mixture of multiple personalities unlike us who are a diffusion?"
(Kasshoku) "On the contrary. Training to use an element requires one to manipulate their chakra in a specific way. As such, one, in essence, trains their chakra to react in a predetermined manner. As chakra is partially spiritual in nature, it trains their essence – or themselves – to think in a certain way. Hence why a primary element is so easy to learn – one already thinks in such a manner and in turn, can more easily attune chakra to that form. Learning another element, however, requires one to modify or outright change their way of thinking, making it that much more difficult. However, the end result is the individual coming out of the training somewhat enlightened, as if discovering another aspect or layer of their being. Truly, if Ao's theory holds merit, then individuals who can use various elements are the most stable and wises of individuals. One only has to consider Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hiruzen as examples. Also, raise."
(Midori) "Hey, what about Obā-chan and Otō-san? Both were good leaders as well in the original continuity. I call and raise."
(Kiiro) "To be fair, Tsunade never learned Wind Release and Minato never got around to Water and Earth. Don't get me wrong, both were powerful in their own right and were level-headed when the need arose. Still, it does put things in perspective. I fold."
(Ao) "It also explains why the dominant primary element for each hidden village is where they are hidden. Iwa has Earth, Suna has Wind, Kiri has Water, Kumo has Lightning, and Konoha has Fire. In turn, each village has their own different mindsets and Wills. I fold."
Everyone stared at Kasshoku and Midori as they remained in the game. Midori just smiled, "I call."
Kasshoku nodded, "Full House – Queen high."
Midori smiled and crossed his arms, "Full House – Ace high."
(Aka) "Kami damn it. Is the Devil's Luck just tied to Wind or anyone who acts like the original Naruto?"
(Midori) "Who cares? I won!"
Kurama sweatdropped, "Do you have any idea how trippy it is watching you five play?"
(All) "Sorry, Kurama."
(Kasshoku) "Good game today. If anyone needs me, I will be meditating."
(Aka) "I got some rage to vent, so see ya!"
(Midori) "Sure, sure. I got some weapon ideas I want to try sketching. You going to do calligraphy Ao?"
(Ao) "Yes, but after I talk to Kiiro."
Three Naruto's Shunshin away while two remained and Kurama got up from his meditation, "I'll leave you alone for privacy. Got to take a bath anyway."
Ao and Kiiro remained in a seating position. Both started cleaning up while Ao spoke, "Can I assume that our Father left you the necessary instructions?"
"Father? Aren't we all the same tama?"
Ao shook his head, "I am afraid it's too late for that. When our original soul – our father – shattered, we became like seedlings, growing and developing on our own. We each matured differently, developing into our own separate little trees. It's better to say that we are all brothers rather than one person. We are still probably linked to one tama as Kurama assumes, which is worrying. One of our biggest fears is that one day we may no longer choose to become one and we fear the ramifications of such an act on our wellbeing."
"Is that really a bad thing? Not fusing, I mean."
Ao looked at Kiiro in shock, "Do you really want eight different beings in your head?"
Kiiro shrugged, "Hey, as long as we keep to ourselves and make some kind of plan, I do not really see a negative here. You all have your own space, and by what I can gather, you all get along, and I can see benefits in having a council of me with various outlooks and opinions. Heck, if I decide to become Hokage one day, it would be like having my own personal advisory council."
Ao pondered this, "I never looked at it that way. Granted, we've been busy with other things in the last two years but still."
Kiiro finished up cleaning, "Out of curiosity, now that I am aware of you guys, are we going to be switching who's in control from now on?"
Ao raised his hand, "No need. We've gotten used to you being in the driver's seat as it were. Besides, we are all linked to your senses just like Kurama. If the need arises however or you call on us, we can switch without a problem. Also, we don't really want others to catch on, do we?"
"Huh. Good to know."
As they finished putting everything away, Ao finally asked, "So how far along are you? What exactly did father leave you?"
"Not much. I mean, he gave me the layout of a lot of things, but unlike you four, I haven't really started training myself. I've been dealing with… other stuff."
Ao nodded, "But you at least now know how to do the Academy Three (Kawari, Bunshin, and Henge), Shadow Clone, and the Body Flicker now, right?"
Kiiro nodded.
"Good," continued Ao, "That's more than enough for our plan regarding Hinata. Go out and practice chakra control a little. You will move out at night when everyone in the orphanage is asleep."
"Got it."
Kiiro phased out of the mindscape as Kurama returned, shaking the water off his fur. "Did he ask about Yin and Yang?"
"No, but I think he gets the idea about them."
"Which is?"
"That they are not yet done growing."
Later that night…
Kiiro was currently Henged as a bird, watching the Hyuga compound. More specifically, he was watching the room where Hinata was presently sleeping in. He noted that the guard currently observing her quadrant was about to change shifts, so Kiiro expected the Head Ninja of Kumogakure to sneak in sometime soon since the new moon was at the apex. It was brilliant actually; they picked the night with least amount of light possible to commit the kidnapping.
While waiting, Kiiro pondered the last three years of his life and how certain things played out. Orochimaru still abandoned the village, Kakashi still disobeyed Danzō and allowed Yamato to live (probably), Inu still watched over me which was a plus, and the Civilian Council were still dicks to 'Naruto' and abused their privileges.
A lot of things changed though in hindsight.
Due to Kurama's influence, 'Naruto' looked more like a five-year-old then three-year-old, which was a plus. As expected, Tsunade hammered into him to file down his nails and watch his fangs – which to be fair, he only had like four – since the eye and ear-thing didn't stick. Oh sure, his ears were slightly pointed, and his pupil wasn't completely spherical, but you had to get right up to him to notice. Villagers gave him smack for that because it looked weird and they at least had a genuine reason to convince their children no to hang out with him. It still allowed Naruto to meet Teuchi and Ayame at Ichiraku's. And like he hoped, the ramen was delicious. Thankfully, he seemed to have inherited the original 'Naruto's' never-ending pit of a stomach which was a bonus. Plus, unlike the original, he actually orders extra vegetables to counteract the sodium in the dishes.
He was not going to be short like the original.
Getting Jiraiya into high gear seemed to have done some good as well. As he promised, he visited 'Naruto' on a much more frequent basis to see what was happening. Kiiro couldn't prove it, but he suspected that Jiraiya had something to do with the staff in the orphanage changing some time ago to retired shinobi who treated him like a decent human being. He also suspected that Jiraiya had something to do with certain business ending unexpectedly for overcharging or kicking 'Naruto' out of their establishment. I wasn't going to complain. Plus, based on what I heard before I became 'enlightened' as it were, Jiraiya was already looking for an apartment for me live in on my own. Maybe he assumed since I grew faster I matured faster as well. With my new mindset, I can actually 'support' that theory. The sooner I start to live on my own with a stipend from my godfather – and maybe Jiji - the faster I can start training in private.
Same was with the Hokage. I still called him Jiji, which I found hilarious, and I was still working my way to being his honorary grandson. I wasn't going to do anything about Asuma leaving to join the Twelve Guardians in two years since that was needed. I am however planning to do something with Itachi though. Based on my math, he joins ANBU in three years, makes Captain in five (effectively allowing Kakashi to quit and become a Jōnin, allowing him to fail four teams), Leader of ANBU in six and abandons in seven. For my plan to work, I have to get to him after he makes Captain but before Shisui dies and he turns 'traitor.' If all goes to plan, it will be my 'Divine Move' in this timeline – one for the better.
Tsunade turned out to be the biggest change maker. For one thing, Hinata's mom is still alive. Turns out, Higure died from undiagnosed complications during Hanabi's birth which became fatal. But since Tsunade was around, it didn't happen. Tsunade also used her considerable power and position as a Senju to both hold back the worst of the Council – especially the extra one that had to join since the Ninja Council opened her seat again – and head up the Medical-nin Program again. I am somewhat torn about it: I am happy since it will mean fewer people will die in the future and the students who fail out the Academy have an option to join them instead of going to Civilian School. On the other hand, I am torn about the possible ripple effects I haven't foreseen, the biggest of which include the people Tsunade would have saved over the years if she was still traveling. Oh well, they were NPCs so who really cares? Fun tidbit though – Shizune, while working as Tsunade apprentice and disciple, seemed to have a struck up a friendship with Iruka. It was awkward for the kid at first – he was two years her minor, which currently made him 15 and her 17 – since he saw me from time to time when I would be brought for my check-ups, but Tsunade literally beat into him that I was not the Biju, but rather it's jailer.
He smiles and gives me candy now. Hopefully, he still becomes 'Naruo's' teacher in the Academy. Plus, I enjoy playing matchmaker with him and Shizune. I smell a summer wedding by the sea.
(Get it? Umino means 'sea' and Iruka means 'dolphin'?)
Oh, before I forget, Anko made Tokubetsu Jōnin when she turned fifteen – this year - and is apprenticing with Ibiko in Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Force. Got to remember to get to know her over dango at some point so I can somehow remove her 'mark' in the future.
She deserves a happy ending too.
Kakashi is only two years older than her… No, bad thoughts! But they would be so fun together…BAD THOUGHTS! The world is not yet ready for silver-haired Ankos running around reading 'Icha Icha.'
Speaking of which, I should really give that series a try. Jiraiya still managed to find time to run his spy ring, train his Sage Mode, and somehow still write his books. Looks like the pain of associating 'Naruto' with Minato and his failures really held him back. Thank Kami that was corrected.
A yawn snaps me out of my thoughts. I note the Hyūga watching that quadrant slowly dusted himself and began to walk away. I quickly checked the most likely point of entry and noted a figure hiding in the shadows.
Right side covered by bandages and headband, goatee, snarky self-confidence…
"So it's time."
The Council of Naruto – really? – have decided that the main reason everything went downhill is that Hiashi intercepted the thief during his escape and quickly killed him. Despite the sinister nature of the visit, Kumogakure demanded Hiashi's head as compensation as per the agreement in the treaty they had signed, or risk starting another war. Left with not much choice, Konoha seemingly handed over Hiashi's corpse, but it was, in fact, that of his twin brother Hizashi, upon whose death, the Byakugan was sealed away.
Which made thinking up a plan to prevent all of this rather simple.
Interesting little tidbit about the architecture in the Hyūga Clan District. To give all their members privacy within their homes, they specially reinforced the materials to be able to block the see-through ability of the Byakugan. However, it also made it so that strong chakra signatures couldn't be detected inside the structures. I mean sure, the people would feel something, but it would be difficult.
Outside, however, was a different story…
Hiashi woke up the second he sensed the massive chakra flare coming from the direction of Hinata's room. Quickly getting dressed while Higure promptly consoled a crying Hanabi – as her crib was for now in their bedroom – Hiashi ran to locate the source of the flare.
He arrived at Hinata's quadrant to see the delegate from Kumo being tied up and paralyzed by the guards on the scene while some of the attendants were checking his daughter. Realizing they were performing the standard test for poison and blood extraction – as well as a sack in the corner – Hiashi made a reasonable conclusion before three ANBU arrived.
Usually, ANBU couldn't enter a clan district uninvited, but there are regulations in effect that allowed emergency entrance if a disturbance was felt or reported.
So they investigated.
A shorter ANBU quickly got up and approached Hiashi.
"Hiashi-sama, we detected an unknown and large chakra flare from this area. Can you please explain why your guards are currently tying up the delegate from Kumo?"
Hiashi stared at his guards who looked up as they finished. "Forgive me ANBU, but I just got here before you arrived. Based on what I can see, it seems that my guards have caught this Kumo-nin in the middle of kidnapping my eldest child. Is that correct?"
The guards nodded.
"I do not, however, know who or what caused that chakra flare that alerted us. I can only assume that it was someone from the village since they alerted us that the crime was occurring."
The ANBU swore as he took the information in, "Hiashi-sama, the peace accords were just signed."
Hiashi nodded, "And we caught a ninja attempting to steal from us. I doubt that was covered in the treaty. Plus, he is still alive."
Catching the meaning, the ANBU nodded. His two subordinates grabbed the delegate and Shunshined away.
"Hiashi-sama, please report to the Hokage to explain what happened here and make a report."
"I'll be there in an hour, Tori. I need time to let the Elders know what happened and to corroborate the story with the other guards."
Tori nodded before he Shunshin away.
Hiashi watched as Higure rushed to a terrified Hinata and hugged her. Hiashi wished he could have done the same, but he had to maintain a stoic face – he was the Head. He noticed his brother Hizashi and nephew Neji in one corner watching the scene. Neji had just received the accursed seal on his forehead today and was still wearing the bandages. Confusion was evident on his face as he seemed to be asking his father questioned that there were no easy answers for. Noting his brother's panic, Hiashi gave his brother a nod, one which Hizashi returned after a surprise.
Tonight, Neji would learn the dark truth of what would have happened had Hinata been taken to Kumo.
And what would have possibly happened if the delegate had died by Hyūga hands.
This was not a conversation he would wish on a four-year-old.
As Hiashi was about to leave to change for his meeting with the Hokage when he felt a presence watching him. Activating his Byakugan, Hiashi searched the surroundings until he spotted a crow watching from one the trees near Hinata's room.
Observing that the crow was just that – albeit with a stronger than expected chakra network – Hiashi decided to chalk it up to paranoia as it cawed and flew away into the night.
"Thank Kami that the True Henge gives me the actual physical characteristics of whatever I am transforming into it. How no one has ever noticed this with the original 'Naruto' is beyond me. Although, it could be the effect of being a jinchūriki of the Kyūbi. I mean, kitsune are trickster…"
Hour later…
Hiruzen rubbed his head in annoyance as he – as well as Ibiki and Inoichi – listened to Hiashi recount of what happened earlier tonight.
"I need to summon Jiraiya – give me a moment."
Reaching out for a scroll in one of his blood-sealed cabinets, Hiruzen quickly unfurled something Jiraiya made recently for convenience. A 'bastardization of Minato's Hiraishin' as his student described, it was basically a two-way teleportation connection between a pair of scrolls. It allowed Jiraiya to quickly be summoned to a scroll paired with his and back, cutting his travel time significantly as well as the expediency of his information. It had significant downsides, however. One was that it required Jiraiya to find a remote area to use his scroll, as he needed it to remain hidden, so he had a point to return to and so that it wasn't moved by an enemy. Second, he needed to be sent back and called in by a person from one end, which at the current moment was his Sensei. Third – and probably why Jiraiya called it a bastardization – he could only link the pair. If Jiraiya ever managed to overcome the summoning and number limitations, Hiruzen suspected that he would be able to create high-speed gate points for Jiraiya to use – and if possible, other ninjas as well.
The tactical advantages of this were astronomic at best. This wasn't even accounting the potential economic profits as well.
And all because Jiraiya needed a quicker way to get to his godson in case of emergency.
Hiruzen wasn't going to push for Jiraiya to finish this innovation of his. Space-Time Ninjutsu and Fūinjutsu were difficult enough as it is and fusing the two together wasn't something he was going to rush. The only reason Minato managed to complete Hiruzen was that he was a genius and because Kushina helped.
In any case, Jiraiya responded almost immediately and was summoned. Noting the atmosphere in the room, Jiraiya slouched, "What happened now, Sensei? Did someone make another attempt at Naruto's life without me knowing again?"
Hiruzen anime sweat drop, "Don't worry Jiraiya, there hasn't been another attempt on your godson's life."
'Again' was unspokenly implied – there have already been a few in the last three years. Most done by the civilians, a few by ninja who couldn't control themselves after losing their loved ones, and two by foreign ninja's who were visiting the village at the time for whatever reason.
Those two only had their minds wiped and let go. The rest were dealt with accordingly.
Jiraiya sighed, "Lay it on me Sensei."
One explanation later…
Jiraiya crossed his arms, "I know that Kumo is desperate for more bloodlines since they are rebuilding, but this doesn't sound like A."
"You can tell as well?" inquired Hiruzen.
"Yeah. The Raikage may be a bull-headed, militaristic, muscular hot-head, but he isn't stupid. No, this screams planted fake mission."
Hiashi looked up, "How so, Jiraiya-sama?"
Jiraiya looked around, "Are the ANBU in the room?"
Hiruzen shook his head before Jiraiya made a few hand signs to create a privacy jutsu. "This feels like something Danzō would do."
Everyone frowned. "Hear me out. Danzō always wanted to get his hands on a Byakugan for his Root program, but he never could. This sort of backhanded tactic sounds just like something he would do."
Hiashi – barely containing his rage – asked the question, "How so?"
"This is going to sound crazy – mostly because of how farfetched it is – but here's how I would do it. I would falsify a mission from the Raikage to the delegate with no actual meeting occurring and make it S-class to prevent him from talking. Then, intercept him with ninjas disguised as other Kumo-ninja to take the Hyuga off his hands and into Danzō clutches. In the process, they would mind-wipe said delegate to forget he ever had the assignment. We would scream foul play, they will play the 'show me the evidence' card, we will claim mind-wipe, they claim 'how,' and we go deeper and deeper into the whirlpool. That's not even considering the backlash had a Hyūga killed the delegate. If they did, A would have to save face by demanding a Hyūga in return – either because it was his plan or because he needs to show strength."
Inoichi inquired, "You suspect that Danzō has a hidden Yamanaka in Root?"
"You suspect he doesn't? I wouldn't be surprised if he had members from all major clans other than the big three. Uchiha and Hyuga watch their members too carefully to pilfer one even if 'killed' in the field, and the Senju line is for all intended purposes dead."
Ibiki considered what he heard, "What is our course of action then?"
Jiraiya noted the 'go-ahead' nod Sensei gave him pushed on, "Simple – we double down. Ibiki interrogates him to confirm my theory and get anything interesting out of him. Inoichi goes in afterward to erase the events of last night from his mind and the memories of getting this mission. Hiashi goes back to his clan and makes's sure this stays buried – the fewer people know about it, the better. Outside the Council, of course. We send the delegate back with the signed treaty, and we wait. If A doesn't make waves, then we know that the Raikage had nothing to do with this. If he does make waves – and I will know – and tries to find out what happened to this guy, he can't make an inquiry since he would have to admit that he send out a ninja to kidnap a Konoha citizen while we had a peace accord. Either way, it's a win-win in my book."
Hiruzen smirked, "Does anyone disagree with Jiraiya's proposal? Good, then carry on then. Jiraiya, stay behind."
Everyone else bowed before leaving.
Hiruzen took out his pipe and started smoking it, "Jiraiya, you sure you don't want to take the hat off my shoulders?"
Jiraiya smirked, "Sorry Sensei – it's not for me. I just can't see myself behind the desk for the rest of my life. Plus, I love my work. Sure, I already risk my life whenever I split my chakra three-ways to make Shadow Clones to help me out with my spy work and writing, but it's worth the risk of a surprise attack. I can only trust myself to look out for Konoha."
Hiruzen smiled, "I understand, Jiraiya. I have been trying to get Tsunade to reconsider, but she isn't budging. I may really have to consider another candidate soon – I am too old for this shit."
"Please, you will outlive us all, you stubborn bastard."
Student and teacher shared a laugh at that. Hiruzen wiped a tear before turning serious once more, "How certain are you that Danzō had his hands in this?"
Jiraiya leaned closer, "I have the same gut feeling as when Dan died during the Second War."
Dan Katō's death during the war was a somewhat buried discussion at this point – not something brought up. Besides the fact that his death was odd in Jiraiya's book – even if it was the war – he just couldn't buy that Dan got sloppy and didn't set up a barrier for his Reika no Jutsu. Add in the fact that Tsunade seemed to have developed hemophobia – a death mark for a doctor – as well as losing her fiancé all screamed cover up to the spymaster. Add in the fact that Danzō – or rather his 'supporters' – were pushing her to settle down and marry someone else to continue the Senju line just solidified the conspiracy.
Jiraiya suspected that Danzō was against the union since he had nothing on Dan. Whether or not he wanted the line to die off or actually continue was uncertain since Tsunade left the village. Danzō never made a move on her – that Jiraiya knew of – but it wasn't something he wanted to bring up.
Hiruzen, aware of his student's theory, didn't outright dismiss it. Tsunade has finally gotten over her fear with the help of Inoichi – the one Yamanaka Hiruzen trusted outright – who in turn admitted that the phobia was rather firmly rooted in her mind to his liking. Plus, ever since then, there have been subtle inquiries into whether or not her eggs could be donated. No one questioned if Tsunade could still conceive a child despite being in her early 40's. However, using surrogates would be more efficient. There was no actual call or desire made yet, but Hiruzen could practically smell Danzō's gauze on the rumors.
"You know that there is nothing I can do about this Jiraiya – I have no inside man within Root."
"What about Kakashi?"
"Ever since he rescued Kinoe… I mean Tenzō, from getting the cursed seal, Danzō kicked him out – Inu is purely ANBU now. Thank Kami he never bothered giving him the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal. With what we managed to get out of him, I managed to put a tighter leash on his Root activities. What comes of that is to be seen."
Jiraiya nodded in understanding, "If that is all Sensei, I have to get back. I was on an expedition in Oni no Kuni [Land of Demons]. I've been hearing rumors that Orochimaru was carrying out experiments there."
"Very well. I hope to see you again soon."
"Same thing, Sensei."
Hiruzen smiled as he summoned Jiraiya away. After allowing the ANBU to return to the room and removing the privacy jutsu, Hiruzen sat behind his desk in annoyance. It was too late to go back to sleep, so he decided to go back to his paperwork.
Oh, how he hated paperwork.
He knew there was a running bet among ANBU of how long it would take before he snapped and set a pile on fire in his rage.
He knew of it because he started the ANBU betting ring when he was in it. That's how he initially got his moniker 'The Professor' – by making predictions and analyses that always led him to win his bets.
Say what you will about the group, but they have their ways of getting their jollies and maintain comradery while keeping their secrets.
Honestly, Hiruzen still wandered to this day how Minato could smile every day as he got all his paperwork finished on time. He would never tell him how he did – all he gave him was a scroll that he made him swear not to open until he finally deduced it.
It was so headache inducing. Jiraiya probably gets more paperwork then him, and he keeps up with it with his…
Hiruzen eyes bulged.
Jiraiya keeps up with is paperwork… with his Shadow Clones.
Trembling in an odd mixture of rage, shock, and what can only be described as a face that was reminiscent of 'how could I be so stupid?', Hiruzen reached for another blood-sealed cabinet. As he unfurled a scroll Minato left behind long ago that he was told never to open unless he figured out the solution to paperwork on his own. He saw only two passages on it.
"Don't maintain more than two Shadow Clones to help you with the paperwork. You can do three if you are certain you can risk the chakra usage. Dispel them every ten minutes and use the recycled chakra to summon a replacement. Allow yourself hourly breaks every few hours through the day to recover chakra. I preferred using meal times for this or during physical training to keep in shape."
Hiruzen's eye twitched as he read this before he moved on to the next passage.
"Hit forehead on this circle here after realizing how the proud and mighty Professor missed such a simple jutsu to help him out with the evil deity known as paperwork."
Hiruzen noted the red circle drawn underneath with a cartoon of Kushina smiling and pointing at it. Both his eyes were now twitching as he noted three more lines underneath.
P.S. - It took Kushina less than a minute to come up with a way around paperwork – Uzumakis always did think outside the box.
P.S.S - I made Jiraiya swear never to tell you after I told him and he was forced to use the red circle as well.
P.S.S.S – You know that I had ANBU watch me as I worked right? Couldn't you have asked them what my secret was? They would have told you if you ordered it.
And at that point, Hiruzen lost it and started hitting his head on the red circle muttering 'stupid' to himself, over and over again.
The three ANBU in the room were silently taking pictures while exchanging money. One of the most outstanding bets was finally going to be called in. After checking the betting pool, they realized that Inu was about to make a killing.
Jiraiya was putting away his summoning scroll as he sensed one of his trigger markers – seals that only activates if certain conditions have been met or 'triggered' – burned away. He laughed realizing that Sensei has finally figured out a way around paperwork.
Guess the 'slip-up' he made finally reached his ears.
Anko woke up in a shock from her bed, looking outside her apartment window, as if sensing someone in great pain and trauma that wasn't caused by her.
At the exact moment Hiruzen started smacking his head, all other current Kages either woke up or stared in the direction of the Land of Fire, sensing that one of their kin has finally managed to defeat the demon known as paperwork.
A crow who watched everything transpire within the office – even reading lips when the privacy barrier was set up – was rolling on the ground outside the Hokage Tower losing his mind laughing after witnessing the spectacle of Jiji realizing he could use Shadow Clones to help with paperwork.
Kurama and the rest of the Narutos who were watching this through their collected senses were rolling around on the ground hollering and losing their minds.
Ao slowly got up – still clenching his stomach – and wiped away a tear, "Oh Kami… I know we were planning to tell Jiji how to do this in the future, but that was so worth it! Screw changing the timeline, this was worth almost losing our lives in the fall!"
October 10th, years later…
I stood inside his new apartment in one of the nicer sections of Konoha with Jiraiya at my side.
Some kids get a bike for their 5th birthday. I got an apartment. Not like I really needed it though; the ninjas who ran the orphanage where I was were very nice. The kids bullying me at times was a problem, but that was dealt with by a well-placed prank.
I now see why 'Naruto' pranked so often… and that it was more difficult then it looked. The logistics and planning for some of his pranks must have been ridiculous. How the hell was he considered a dunce? Granted, it could have been instinctual – like Fuinjutsu to an Uzamaki – but still, the physics and mathematics alone must have been torture.
Granted, that isn't the case anymore. With Obā-chan, Shizuna-ane, Iruka-ani, Jiji, and Ojī-chan (Jiraiya), I was 'educated.' Had to pretend that I struggled with writing, reading, and math at first, but I accelerated quickly. Iruka mostly did the job of the teacher – most likely solidifying his desire to teach at the Academy – while the others just tested me from time to time when I visited them. Iruka chalks it up to me being naturally smart; the others already know I am Minato's son, so they assume my smarts come from there.
Makes me sweatdrop a little thinking that it implied that Kushina wasn't as gifted in the brains department.
The adults were becoming an issue as of late: its only been issues with selling food and giving me the looks, but I don't doubt some will start overcharging me for other necessities.
Never really had any fears about walking through the town; sure, I got dirty looks, and my advanced hearing allowed me to hear their whispers. But really, as a kid with an adult knowledge, it really didn't faze me. Attacks against me are almost non-existent since the ANBU keep watch over me, and I run away and hide from the rest. The fact I know Henge in secret helps.
How the ANBU haven't noticed it yet is beyond me. To be fair, I haven't really started abusing the few techniques I am comfortable with... yet.
Jiji, Jiraiya, and Tsunade are on top of everything, so it's probably not going to get that bad, but one has to be vigilant.
In any case, Jiraiya assured me it would be better if I stayed here. He promised that someone would always come by to check up on me. I honestly thought that Hiruzen would veto the crazy idea of giving a five-year-old his own apartment and two stipends – still amazed I managed to trick them into that – but apparently, I was more mature than most pre-teens.
That should have bothered me, but I didn't care.
Wonder if Clan Heads will start using me as a measuring stick for their kids to imitate?
Didn't really have much on me but Jiraiya brought some basic furniture and goods in storage scrolls to get me started. He wanted me to develop my own tastes and décor rather than influence it.
Guess he was more of a 'let the kid discover himself' then 'hands-on parent.'
Speaking of which, now is the perfect time to address something that always intrigued Father about the 'Naruto' universe – their level of technology.
After reading the news and hearing whispers from the traders and townsfolk – and actually living in the village and all – I would say that the technology is somewhere between late 70's and late 80's of Father's world. It's somewhat tricky to pin down since the nations don't use fossil fuels at all, so they don't have specific things like say cars or rocket ships. They do have windmills and water turbines, but that is still considered new tech at this point, with solar panels still a glimmer in someone's eye. Hell, despite having steam power, a train is deemed to be innovative. Based on Father's knowledge, I am terrified of what will happen if uranium is ever discovered.
Granted, knowing the likes of Orochimaru, it would have happened at this point. That or some of the summons of this world would have warned people against it – radiation would be an antithesis to nature and all that.
They do, however, have batteries, cameras, computers (64-bit), e-mail (infant stages since, you know, ninjas can apparently hack), telephones (no mobiles), television, DVRs, satellite dishes, video games, and wireless radio. There are other things, but these are the big ones.
Some places have more advanced technology in specific fields, like the Land of Snow - with their trains and power generators - and the Land of Sky - with their advancement in aeronautics – coming to mind.
Other things that I can at least consider the norm are around, some aren't. Credit cards or the very notion of 'credit' don't exist – long-distance money transfers do, however, so that's a thing. Pesticides haven't been created, but genetic engineering and study of DNA are, so that's a toss-up. I will admit that their knowledge regarding sciences is more advanced in general to keep up with all the plants and animals that are affected in multitudes of ways by chakra. That's not even considering all the poisons and viruses out there in the world.
Printing presses are a regular thing, as are vinyl and cassettes, so big plus for me there. Can't wait till they figure out how to store music on disks – walkmans are weird. Video games are alright for now; they seem to be following the same pattern that Father's world did.
The music itself is an issue, but that is probably because there are so few genres. Although considering that survival is still a major priority for some people and that technology isn't particularly widespread, it is accepted. I mean, even in the manga, farming and fishing seemed to be the primary way of living.
Entertainment hasn't really caught up socially with the advent of television. Theater and live shows are still considered more popular than say movies, albeit the distance is shrinking. TV shows themselves haven't caught on yet: most television programming is more informative, and news focused. I am chalking it up to the fact that the people haven't figured out about advertising, so they have no need to make TV dramas or soap operas to market them.
That or the fact that not enough house-wifes actually exist in the nations to market off of them.
Wonder if I can get a computer and start making the digital music our Father has memories of? That would require a band for other stuff though…
Anyway, I am getting off track. In summation, the technology present in the nations is decent is what I am saying.
"So, any plans little Gaki?" smiled Jiraiya. How the hell he still managed to twist his words and keep sending me to treatment without mentioning Kurama outstand me at times. I've heard of phrases like 'double-talk, ' and 'stretching the truth,' but this is ridiculous. Hopefully, with my new found freedom, maybe I can convince everyone that I found out about the Kyūbi through reading on my own. Yeah… they can't argue against that.
"Not much, Jiraiya-san."
I use Ojī-chan sparingly since I already call the Hokage Jiji. Speaking of which, Hiruzen is an actual grandfather now since Konohamaru was just born… which unfortunately caused Asuma to leave to be a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Turns out since Asuma's sister – who was younger - gave birth to Konohamaru, Hiruzen has been trying to talk Asuma into finally settling down. I guess things were said and Asuma left. I knew this was going to happen and since I never actually met the guy I wasn't too hung up on it, unlike Jiji.
Jiraiya sat down on the couch he and his clones – and thanks for that excuse in the future regarding the jutsu – have placed in the center of the room. "Well, say it out loud. Speaking your thoughts helps sometimes."
I shrugged, "Nothing fancy I guess. I mean, it's spacious sure, but it is still a one bedroom apartment with a large studio-like living room. I guess I'll take advantage of it and make as much extra space as possible – probably have shelves put in everywhere for stuff. Maybe a small garden in the back near the window – just cuss. Maybe some weights or bag to hit, TV in the corner. Probably splurge on kitchen stuff though – it's ridiculous how much stuff you need to make ramen."
"True," grumbled Jiraiya. He and his wallet were acquainted with Naruto's love of ramen, as was Hiruzen. "What about the bedroom?" snickered Jiraiya.
"Probably get a large bed, so I have space to roll around at night. Honestly, I think I'll just walk around town till inspiration strikes."
Jiraiya smiled, "Well alright then."
He reached into a back pocket before giving me more ryō which I put in Gama-chan – I actually like the frog wallet, sue me – for later. "Okay, that's from Hiruzen and me and should cover whatever you may want to buy. Just remember: I am already paying for this place so your allowance won't be a lot, so save up for the nicer stuff in the future, okay?"
I smiled, "Sure thing, Jiraiya-san."
"Now I have some stuff to take care of, but I'll be back in a few days. So see you later Gaki."
I waved and smiled Jiraiya off as he left through the door. I made a quick glance at the surrounding buildings, not finding any ANBU that I could see. I quickly closed the door and the window blinds.
I have been waiting years to try this out. While Tsunade didn't want me working with ninjutsu due to my condition (which thankfully she managed to 'regulate'), Jiraiya got around that by convincing Iruka to teach me chakra control exercises.
Tsunade gave him a decent smack for that, but I don't think she really put any effort into it. Something about the way she and Jiraiya have been getting along seemed off… Oh well, it will come to me.
In any case, that combined with Kurama's cooperation means that unlike the original 'Naruto,' I currently have decent chakra control. I haven't started learning to walk on walls yet, but I had the Leaf Concentration in the bag: I managed to get up to four leaves on each arm. I can't walk with them, but I can spin them independently of each other, so that says something.
So, making a cross with both my hands and dividing my chakra into five large pieces, I shout out, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
As expected, four sources of smoke appeared. From them came out Aka, Ao, Midori, and Kasshoku. There was one thing wrong though…
"I thought you guys were supposed to look like me."
Everyone look at each other realizing that they, in fact, looked like they did in the mindscape – same clothes as each other, but different hair and eyes.
We all looked at each other before the four made the hand-sign for Henge and changed to look like me. I opened up my wallet and took out the extra cash I have been storing for this day in advance, "Okay, everyone takes some and goes buy stuff for themselves. Afterward, we will dispel and confirm one of our biggest worries and discuss if I can still use the normal Shadow Clone Jutsu or not. Got it? Brake!"
The other four snuck out the back window while I exited through the front door, allowing whatever ANBU that should be watching me stay only with me.
"Today should be interesting."
Aka
Man, walking around the village felt weird. After spending almost five years inside 'Naruto's' head with Kiiro driving, it felt odd just walking around the place. And if that wasn't enough, all the looks people keep giving me were annoying.
How Kiiro deal with it is beyond me. If anything, the whispers just keep pissing me off more and more. To be fair, Midora finally managed to convince Kiiro to start pranking like the original 'Naruto.' Instead of attention though, we did it for stress relief.
And practice - let's not forget that. It was remarkable how easy it was to break into the civilian stores and set up some stuff during the middle of the night on a time release and the like.
But venting, definitely venting.
I Henged into random older kid before I enter each store on my walk. So far – nothing interesting struck me. I did, however, get some practice targets, a punching bag, an anatomically correct dummy with tenketsu points and the Chakra Pathway System, one with pressure points, and a Muk Yan Jong dummy since I thought Kasshoku could use it – he was the martial artist among us.
I did pass a weapons store but figured Midori probably bought something from there already. Books? Not my thing – I leave those to Ao and Kiiro. I did grab books on wire strings and grappling since they looked interesting.
Honestly, having a Fire affinity was so annoying. There wasn't really anything I can practice to prepare myself since all Fire jutsu Father knew were big and flashy. I mean seriously, whatever happened to tact? Earth jutsus are amazing for trickery and survival, Water jutsu are versatile, Lightning and Wind are okay, but Fire? It's all about the how much widespread chaos you can cause. No subtlety what so ever! Why can't it have something useful like a jutsu that gives you fire claws, or something that increases the heat in the surrounding area to distract your opponent?
I was so mad that I almost missed the Shinobi store. I didn't really notice the name as the scrolls on the windowsill caught my attention – jutsu scrolls. I practically gleed as I walked into the store.
Then I saw the prices.
No wonder clans were powerful – if C-rank jutsu were this much, and clans had hoards of their own jutsu, how were civilians supposed to compete? Suddenly, the Academy only testing three D-rank jutsu suddenly made a lot more sense.
Wonder if I could steal the old scrolls clans through away in the trash? I mean, they got to rewrite old scrolls onto new ones from time to time.
Onthat train of thought, what ever happens to the stuff people lose in the Forest of Death during the Chunin exams? Food for thought.
It also explained why so many people hated the Uchiha – their Sharingan and its ability to copy other people's jutsu basically guaranteed them a never-ending cash cow!
And a library of techniques…
THAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS!
I was so stuck in my train of thought that I missed the shopkeeper walked up to me, "See anything you like?"
"Tch… not really. If the prices weren't an issue, the Fire jutsu selection is."
"Oh? And what do you have against Fire jutsu?"
I raised my hands in annoyance, "It's all just so dramatic! I mean look at this; the 'Fire Release: Flame' family basically breathes out something big and bulky to obliterate your enemy, 'Fire Release: Great' branch trifecta involves raining balls of fire and the like, and don't get me started on the Uchiha clan 'secret' techniques. I mean, you have useful jutsu like 'Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique' [Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu] since it requires wires to work meaning you can aim for surgical precision. Then there is this 'Fire Release: Running Fire' [Katon: Hibashiri] which allows you to create a stream of fire you can manipulate. Hell, get good enough, you can literally circle your enemy into a trap."
The shopkeeper watched me in fascination, "Your Henged into a civilian, right?"
I looked up annoyed, "No, what gave me away?"
He smirked, "No need for the sarcasm – your not the first Academy student who tried improving their graduation chances by learning a higher rank jutsu. You are however the first to show at least some knowledge about what you are looking for."
He went behind the counter and gave me a scroll, "Here, this will help. Its the first of a series. The later ones become restricted, but I think you'll make the rank in the future."
I took the scroll worryingly and noted the name, "Hand Seals: Guide to Jutsu."
I looked up at the shopkeeper for clarification, my rage subsiding.
"Everyone knows the twelve hand seals: Bird (Tori), Boar (I), Dog (Inu), Dragon (Tatsu), Ox ( Ushi), Tiger (Tora), Snake (Mi), Rat (Ne), Horse (Uma), Monkey (Saru), Hare (U), and Ram (Hitsuji). What no one really thinks about is what they represent."
This caught my attention.
"No one really asks where jutsu comes from. The kids see their teachers, parents, or friends show them the hand signs, how the chakra flows, and you get a new jutsu to use with practice. But do they ask how the jutsu was made, who thought it up? No, they do not. It's why Tobirama Senju is considered an icon among people in my profession."
Now I was entirely focused, "Really? What did he do?"
"All Hokage have a nickname associated with them. Hashirama Senju was the 'God of Shinobi' not only for unifying warring clans and forming Konohagakure, but also for his absurd level power and his Wood Release [Mokuton]. That's not even counting when he used Senjetsu and entering Sage Mode to boost his power even further."
I nodded in agreement – say what you want about the guy's faults, he was basically a deity in human form.
"Then there was Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as 'The Professor' for his encyclopedic knowledge of almost all jutsu that wasn't clan bound, and even then I doubt he didn't know a large chunk of them to begin with. He is also called the 'God of Shinobi,' but that was more for how much he accomplished despite being inherently weaker than the previous Hokages – which is not an insult but a matter of fact. It is still debated that he could take on either one at his prime and more often than not, actually win. Then comes Minato Namikaze."
"The 'Yellow Flash'?"
"No, that name came later, after the war. Before that, he was merely 'The Genius.' Think about it, he became Hokage by the time he entered his 20's. Hiruzen took the hat in his 30's and passed it to Minato after nearly two decades wearing it. Hashirama and Tobirama only wore theirs at such young ages because the village was still forming. Only Minato got the hat through sheer skill and ability alone."
"Wow… so wait, what makes Tobirama so special?"
"Because Tobirama was the unsung genius. You see, Tobirama never really enjoyed being Hokage – he was a soldier, not a leader. So during the years Hashirama wore the hat until he got weak and had to pass it on, Tobirama researched. He sought out knowledge in droves and traveled the lands to quench his thirst. In time, he gained his moniker – 'The Inventor.'"
"Ohh… since he made jutsu like the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation [Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei], the Flying Thunder God Technique [Hiraishin no Jutsu], and the Shadow Clone Technique [Kage Bunshin no Jutsu]."
"Yes, like those - although they are only famous for being kinjutsu, mind you. He created hoards of jutsu for a variety of elements. He didn't really dip into Fūinjutsu or anything else, but his contributions to ninjutsu and genjutsu alone were staggering."
Thinking about, a conclusion came to me, "So basically, all ninjas in Konoha owe their skill to Tobimara and his creativity, as it were."
"Not just Konoha – all the nations have jutsu created by him. And that scroll you have in your hand is the first of a long series that detailed his research into the field of Jutsu Sōken [Jutsu Creation]. That scroll alone deals with the intricacies of hand signs and their association and impact in jutsu creation. For example, it will explain to you why Bird is affiliated with Wind Release, Dog with Water, Tiger with Fire, and Snake with Earth and Lightning."
I held up the scroll in my hand with awe, its weight now felt. "I don't think I have enough money to pay for it."
The shopkeeper raised his hand, "No, by tradition, the first scroll is always free – it is in all the Shinobi stores, the Academy, and the Shinobi Library for anyone to study. It's the scrolls that come later that require forms of payment."
I tilted my head, "Forms?"
"Some scrolls can be bought, but a good chunk requires one to pass certain tests or be vouched by people in the field – I being one of them. Each scroll gives you more information that will be necessary to progress in your training. There are no shortcuts here – only dedication. I should warn you now that many fail in their pursuit. Are you willing to make the journey?"
I didn't hear the man. I was so giddy, so excited… I BURNED IN ANTICIPATION!
I smiled as I looked at the man in sheer joy, "I will walk through the roads of Naraka [Hell] itself to achieve my goals. So I swear, I will raise jutsu to a higher standard – a true shinobi standard, one of tact and wisdom, not showmanship and crass."
"And in that alone, you passed the first hurdle. I will wait for your return in the future. When you come back, just ask for the next scroll of the series."
I bowed, "And I shall."
I left the store, sensing that I wouldn't need to buy anything else today.
I probably walked around for hours in exploration until I walked up to the 'Dango Shop.' I was hungry, so I decided to indulge the sweet tooth.
I expected the worse, but lo and behold, a retire shinobi ran the place, and he had enough brain cells to know the difference between a kunai and a scroll.
I was planning to sit alone until I heard her.
"Hey, bring me some more sake and dango! Anko is living large tonight!"
And boom goes the dynamite.
Anko Mitarashi – the sexy dominatrix of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Force.
I rubbed my hands in anticipation of screwing with her.
I jumped over the seat into the cushion opposite of her as a waiter put more dango and sake on the table, grabbing one of the sticks along the way. "Hey there pretty lady, mind sharing?"
Anko, in rage of her dango being taken, said the first thing that came to mind, "BUZZ OFF YOU PIPSQUEAK! Wait in line for your own," before trying and failing of snatching the dango back from Naruto.
"Well, I would if you didn't hoard all of it. Come on, I'll pay you back…"
Anko gathered everything on the table closer to her, "MINE!" she growled.
I couldn't help but smirk, "Oh come now – is little Anko afraid of little old Naruto Uzumaki?"
That caught her attention, "So you are the kid that's been playing pranks around town. Thought you'd be taller."
"And I thought you would remember that I am five and have the balls to call the Hokage 'Jiji' to his face."
Anko raised an eyebrow, "Touché. BUT I DON'T CARE! MY DANGO!"
Sighing and releasing that this was getting nowhere, I decided to play with fire. The guys agreed that we need Anko as a friend to get rid of her seal at some point.
Plus, hooking her up with Kakashi was still heavily debated even after all these years.
"Fine, fine, but if you are taking all the dango," I reached and took the saucer of sake, "Then I am taking a drink."
This caused her to panic, "Stop that, you idiot! That's alcohol! You can't handle that!"
"Oh please, if a little girl like you can drink it, how bad could it be?"
I held the saucer to my face as she fumed, "You want to put your money where your mouth is little gaki?"
"Oh, I don't know," I smirked as I reached and pulled out a wad of ryō from my pocket, "I guess this stack is barely big enough to do so. Can you back up it?"
Anko growled and smiled as she slammed her hand on the table, "BARKEEP! Put two more flasks on my tab! This boy wants to play with the adults then I'll show him how we play."
I waited for her to pour herself a shot before clinking cups, "Game on bitch. First one to pass out pays the full tab and winner walks away with this wad!"
"DEAL!" she shouted as we both drank.
Ah… just like Father's memories showed. Alcohol truly does taste great…
Should I feel bad for knowing I am about to whoop her ass?
Nah – she wouldn't respect me any other way.
Ao
Oy, oy… Kiiro wasn't kidding about the looks people gave Naruto. It made walking across town so much less enjoyable.
And it really did ruin the ambiance of the place. The manga didn't do the place justice – there were trees everywhere. The anime only showed the town and some training grounds, but there was so much more to it.
Parks, districts, shops, specialty zone, clan homes, there was so much to take in.
So what if I had to Henge myself a couple of times to get away from the staring eyes – it was worth it to bring a smile to my face.
Eventually, I come across the calligraphy specialty shop, 'Sumi wa Kami' [Ink and Paper]. Oh, how I wanted to get my hands on some real sealing ink and scrolls. Its one thing to practice within the mind but it's another to apply it in the real world. The Uzumakis were specialists in Fūinjutsu, and I plan to continue the tradition.
Shopping for materials proved to be more expensive then I realized, so instead I bought the Fūinjutsu skill books to build a foundation rather than the supplies. All of Father's knowledge of the art was based on techniques that he knew rather than the skill foundations.
Studying what little Fūinjutsu Father remembered made me realize something relevant as to why the Uzumaki Clan was so skilled at the art. After noting how Jiraiya always seemed to struggle with the art and yet I could somehow understand it inherently, I started thinking that understanding Fūinjutsu wasn't based on how much you knew, but rather how you saw it.
Which is when it hit me - low latent inhibition.
It actually made so much sense. Low latent inhibition resembles ADD in early decades of the individual's life and often correlates with distracted behaviors. This distractedness can manifest itself as general inattentiveness, a tendency to switch subjects without warning in conversation, and other absentminded habits, which is the original Naruto to a fault. Well, him as a kid anyway – he grew out of it eventually.
The upside of the condition – other then the fact it's inherent – is that it makes the individual see the world as pieces, rather than mere objects. And what is a Fūinjutsu Seal other than a collection of random kanji coming together for a unique effect? All the other Fūinjutsu practitioners are taught to see the seal as a whole rather than its parts. The Uzumaki's, however, consider the gears within the machine. When they build a seal, they think and make it piece by piece. Other practitioners just focus on the outcome.
That is not to say that someone like me is suddenly a genius in Fūinjutsu.
All it means is that I have a leg up in the field that others don't.
Other than the knowledge Father left me.
If I want to become a master, I got to start small before jumping to the big stuff. Which means I got to bring my hands up to snuff, but how? Practicing kanji is one thing, but I also need dexterity for these fingers. I already paint, but that too was mental. No, I need something else…
I was just passing back a music store when I noticed the instruments hanging on display.
I smiled as I noted one instrument in particular, "Huh… guess they have guitars here too."
Midori
Ah, so many targets, so little time.
The guy who kicked Kiiro out of the grocery store a week ago – prank with glue and feathers.
The librarian who wouldn't let Kiiro into the library a month ago – temporary deafness.
People whispering around Kiiro words like 'demon,' 'monster, and 'Kyubi' – I'll consider not reporting them to Jiji.
Maybe I should just make a schedule of people to prank on a rotating cycle? Would be so much easier.
Wait no, not what I planned to do – looking for fun stuff.
Buy clothes? No, Kiiro wears orange – Naruto likes orange, ergo I like orange.
Buy books? Ao likes books, Kiiro likes books, Kasshoku sometimes likes books – someone will buy something.
Explore? Nah, do it later – busy jumping from building to building.
Go see other stores? I could use Henge, but it would be boring – nothing exciting in civilian stores.
OOOH, pranking supplies – Kiiro always goes for subtle, I NEED A BIG SHOWY PRANK!
I freeze in midair and almost fail the landing. I run down to gawk at the shop in front of me.
"'Fōji wa Ken.'- 'Forge and Sword' – NEAT!"
I run in – making sure me slamming the door doesn't make a sound – before gawking at the weapons on display.
Fuma shuriken and variants in one corner, kunai of all forms and shape in the other, chakra blades behind glass counters, swords and tantos on the walls for sale as well as armor, explosive tags, storage scrolls, and wire strings. There are even specialty items like senbon, kusarigama, some shikomizue for the elderly, and also a fan or two with a kusarigama nearby.
SO…MUCH…AWESOME…STUFF…MUST…NOT…DROOL.
Why did we let Kiiro hold on to Gama-chan? No way I have enough money to buy anything here.
Oh well – time to draw and make ideas.
I took out my pen and notebook as I started scribbling stuff down – so many ideas, so little time.
I wonder if they have a grading system to their swords like 'Meito'?
"Can I help you with something?"
I turn – girl, same height as me, grey eyes, black hair going brown in Chinese-style buns with short fringe-bangs framing her face, child size qipao-style blouse, bandages covering arms and smudges from smoke.
Yup, it's her alright – just like in the manga.
I give my friendliest smile, "Nah, just looking around. This place gives me so many ideas for weapons I want to make one day."
She actually squealed and gets twinkles in both her eyes, "REALLY? You like weapons too?"
"Like them? LIKE THEM? I love weapons!" I shouted as I waved my hands in the air with one and book in separate hands. "I want to grow up and be a ninja of renown for my Bukijutsu."
"Me too!" said the girl practically jumping for joy. "Everyone says that a ninja can't get famous unless they have a fancy jutsu or something."
"I call bullshit," as I deadpanned, "If that were true, then we wouldn't have the Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths be infamous to this day or have the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"I know, right?"
I raised a finger, "Let's not forget about Taijutsu masters or clans that specialize in close-combat fighting. Hyūgas may be shortsighted by not using any ninjutsu or genjutsu, but you can't deny the fact that they got famous by only relying on Taijutsu. Then there are guys like Might Guy."
She tilted her head, "Might Guy?"
"Jōnin, master of who knows how many fighting styles and possibly weapons, as well as the only one in the village who is able to use at most six of the eight Hachimon. If it weren't for his personality and clothing style, he would be a perfect ninja example of succeeding by specialization, but when you get to that rank, you need a quirk to cope… What were we talking about?"
Anime sweatdrop, "We were talking about Might Guy and what are the Eight Gates?"
"Something you children shouldn't know about," Said a loud booming voice.
I turned to expecting to see a man. I had to look up to see a mountain of a man instead.
Large, muscles basically chiseled out of stone, black hair and full ace beard, square-shaped head, eyes that could cut stone, tunic and gloves usually seen with blacksmiths, and an aura that could make kids wet themselves.
HE WAS A MONSTER!... Panic now over.
I jump and grab on to his leg, "Are you the one who made these weapons? What metal ratio do you use? Does water play a significant impact on the forging process and if so, do you use different kids for different weapons? Where do you…"
I would have gone on chattering if a woman's laugh didn't distract me or the surprised look on the man's face. I studied the woman – short, dainty looking, calluses on her hands showing that she works with them frequently, long silky brown hair, a feeling of serenity to her yet a sensation of power behind it as well.
"Oh, this is rich, Yama. I only though Tenten had so much enthusiasm for weapons."
The man now known as Yama tried shaking me off as Tenten did her best to suppress her laughter. Yama looked at the woman – who I assumed was his wife – and almost pleaded, "Kawa, can you please get this child off my leg… PLEASE?"
I smiled at the man's hesitance to try and remove me, so I just jumped off. "Hey, I am no child. I am Naruto Uzumaki, dattebayo!"
The women named Kawa smiled at that, "Well then, Mr. Uzumaki, welcome to the 'Forge and Sword.' To answer your question, yes, my husband has built many of the weapons here. Some were made by Iō, a ninja tool inventor, so those have to be specially ordered. And as a crafts store, we can't disclose our secrets to just anyone who passes by – we have our honor as craftsmen and as members of the Hyaku Clan."
I sulked… for like a second.
"Wait a minute – Yama Hyaku means 'Hundred Mountains,' Kawa Hyaku means 'Hundred Rivers', and your name is Tenten Hyaku meaning 'Hundred Heavens'… I see a theme here.'"
Yama's eyebrow actually raised, "Huh – guess you are smarter then you look. Tenten hates it when people make a joke about her name which is why she prefers just to go by her given."
Now I tilted her head, "What joke?"
Anime sweat drop as he leaned forward, "You know… ten by ten is…?"
I rubbed my head, "NO NO NO, NO MATH! I hate math!"
Everyone anime sweat drops.
Tenten was first to interject, "So… you like making up weapons?"
And back to sulking, "No… I don't know how to make them… I like drawing them and thinking up cool stuff with them, but I am too young to make them."
Yama leaned back up, "You look fit enough to at least start working in the forge. How old are you anyway?"
I raised my hand, "I am five."
Everyone's bulged. A five-year-old was not supposed to 4 feet tall!
"NANI? But I am a year older than you!" shouted Tenten. Granted, she reached her parent's knees, but when your parent is literally named 'Mountain,' it's a different standard.
I smiled and rubbed my hand against her hair and messing it up, "And one day when you grow up, you may end up taller than me and any other kunoichi in the village with a dad like that!"
Her face took on a slightly red tint – I didn't notice her mom smirk nor her dad gain a tick mark on his forehead.
Distraction needed.
"What were we talking about again?"
Tenten frowned and deadpanned, "You are very scattered brained, aren't you?"
"Tsunade says I have A.D... something… GIANT NODACHI!"
Yama and Kawa quickly registered the phrase, realizing that the boy in front of them was the jinchūriki while Tenten got stars in her eyes, "YOU KNOW TSUNADE, THE LEGENDARY SANNIN?"
I looked at her nonchalantly, "I guess. I have a bi-monthly check up with her to treat a condition of mine."
Tenten looked confused while her parents breathed out in relief and eavesdropped, "Condition?"
"You realize that I look older than a five year old, right? Plus, there are these." I lifted my lip showing some of my fangs, as well as the claws since Kiiro didn't file them down recently. She looked in wonder, "Is that some sort of blood-line?"
I shrugged as I put my lip down, "Not really – she says that my chakra system and body is slightly out of synch, so my physical energy reacts weirdly to it. She thinks that as I get older, it will fix itself, but for now, she treats in."
"Wow…" awed Tenten, "That's my idol for ya!"
"I thought you wanted to be a weapons mistress?"
"Doesn't mean I can't be a medical-nin as well! I would be the greatest medical-nin of them all – able to protect my allies and heal them!"
Her parents smiled – I didn't.
I grabbed her wrist and pulsed some of my chakra into her repeatedly while 'pretending' to take a pulse.
"What are you…"
I put my finger to my lips in the universal message of silence.
From my father's knowledge, I recalled that Tenten only found out about her lack of inherent chakra control near the time she graduated from the Academy. Meaning she dedicated a good chunk of her childhood learning something that wasn't going to be of genuine use in the future. Sure, it gave her rudimentary medical skills, and her knowledge of anatomy helped in her aiming and fighting, but…
Better correct this now rather than later.
I looked at her thoughtfully, "You just started the Academy right?"
"Yeah…" said Tenten worryingly. Her parents looked on with interest.
I send one more pulse of chakra, slightly shifting it to my element, to confirm my hunch. Noting her reaction, I let go of the hand and looked at the parents, "Are your names as revealing about your natures as I suspect?"
"In what way?" asked Yama.
I pointed, "You're Earth, and she is Water, right?"
Kawa smiled, "He also has a Fire secondary that he strengthened over time."
I nodded, "I thought so."
I turned dejectedly as Tenten, "Well then, I have bad news, good news, and better news for you then."
I raised a finger before she could interrupt, "Bad news – you don't have enough natural chakra control to be a medic-nin."
Tenten became dejected as I pushed on, "While that doesn't mean you can't train and improve your chakra control, you will never reach the level of control needed to be as great as Tsunade – this is a fact, not an insult."
I clapped my hands, "GOOD NEWS THOUGHT!", shocking Tenten out of her gloom. "You primary affinity is Wind, a perfect element for Bukijutsu!"
"Really?" inquired Yama. "No one in my family has ever demonstrated a natural affinity for it – Kawa?"
Kawa pointed at her chin as she looked up,"Hmmm… I think I have an Uncle who has that affinity but he is the only one."
Tenten slowly smiled, "And what's the better news?"
"Time to screw with continuity," I thought
I rubbed my hands in anticipation, giving off a laugh that slightly scared her, "You may not have medical-nin ranked control, but you have enough – along with your chakra supply – to maybe pull off something else Tsunade is known for."
"Which is?" she asked in confusion.
"Consider this – how is Tsunade able to break grown men and shatter boulders with her bare hands and feet?"
Tenten gawked, "She can do that?"
I crossed my arms, "Yup – I've seen her slap Jiraiya-sama from one end of the village to the other more than once. She does it by building up chakra in her fists and legs, releasing it on contact with a target or environment, causing severe damage. If you want, I can put in a good word for you so she can show you how it's done."
She paused, "Jiraiya… as in the Gama Sennin? As in the only recognized Fūinjutsu Master of Konoha?"
I shrug, "I see him from time to time when I visit Jiji."
"And your Jiji is?" asked Tenten in worry.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi."
Silence.
"He isn't my actual Jiji," collected sigh of relief, "more like I am his honorary grandson. I am an orphan you see, and since I always get called in for my pranks and what not, we've gotten really close."
Tenten looked at me in shock, "You know a lot of famous people you know that."
I gave her my widest smile, "That is because I am Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha's Number One Unpredictable Ninja, Dattebayo!"
She couldn't help but outright laugh at that while her parents smiled, with Kawa approaching him, "Well then Naruto, thank you for your offer, but I think our Tenten is too young to start shattering boulders with her bare fists just yet."
I rubbed the back of my neck, "Sorry… figured I should offer though."
She raised her hand, "Oh don't worry – I only said she is too young. When she is old enough, I'll consider your offer once more," Tenten's eye twinkled, "if she gains enough chakra control first." Tenten sulked.
I smiled, "Okay then! She'll catch up and be ready in no time then!"
Again, Tenten got a red tint to her cheeks as she smiled. Noting where this was going, Yama interrupted, "Since you've helped out my daughter discover her element affinity – something that I will confirm with chakra paper later – how about I give a discount on whatever you want to buy?"
I turned and bowed to him, "Thank you Yama-sama, but I think I am too young to have an actual weapon just yet. I wouldn't mind getting some scrolls explaining weapon forging or maybe even some relating to Bukijutsu and such."
He smirked, "I think I can offer you something like that. I keep those books in the back on request."
I couldn't help but smile – this turned out to be a great day!
Kasshoku
It is interesting what you can find if your patient enough and keep your eyes open.
As well as Henge yourself.
In one shop I managed to locate a book detailing exactly how to make resistance and weight seals. Perfect for Kiiro to use to strengthen himself and in turn our bodies. Ao probably knows them, but it's better to buy now than regret later.
In a civilian clothing store, I managed to find a bulk sale for some decent clothes – NOT ORANGE – in various colors. Ninjas could always Henge, but who wants a whole day maintaining a constant focus on chakra control? Most people aren't Tsunade using her perfect control to support her giant rack – which was something that Kiiro wished he never found out. Or ever tell anyone else - Tsunade liked to joke that her body naturally grew her famous rack when she went off bras in exchange for her own power.
In the 'Yamanaka Flowers' I manage to negotiate a decent deal for a fair number of pots, earth, and a variety of perennial flowers to liven up the home. Inoichi – who was running the counter that day – did not seem to mind that I got such a great deal. At least the storage scrolls where free of charge.
I also found a shop that – in my Father's words – sold Eastern Medicine. In this world, it's technically a holistic and natural healing shop, but they market themselves as a tea shop.
Despite his interest in the field, Father's knowledge regarding the use of herbs and such was rather… limited. He was more interested in growing them rather than harvesting them for their uses. And in my learning of gardening, I gained an insight into the field that piqued my interest.
So, seeing as how I already had the pots and earth necessary, I decided to buy some books of the use of medicinal herbs, as well as some seedlings to grow them. As a bonus, I found books on acupuncture, massages, and Reiki.
Father never really bought into the plausibility of Reiki and acupuncture, but seeing as how everyone and everything in this world has chakra, they may actually be viable in this world.
I will probably buy the senbon needles at a later date if it piques my fancy.
I was flipping through a book on Tai Chi, debating on whether or not to buy it, when I saw a certain Green Beast of Konoha enter the shop.
Deciding to eavesdrop a little, hearing Guy order what he called 'his usual.' I tried watching what the old medicine woman put in the bag, but I only managed to recognize a few: Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Schizandra, and Holy Basil.
I did not need to hear the rest since I managed to associate exactly what Might Guy bought them for.
Waiting for him to leave, I calmly approached the medicine woman, still disguised as a nondescript civilian pre-teen who wanted to start guarding as a hobby.
"Pardon my intrusion, Elder-Sama, but that was a ninja, was it not?"
The old woman turned to me, "He was, child, why do you ask?"
"I did not intend to, but I accidentally heard some of the herbs that he brought. Tell me, is it not easier to see a medical-nin for a much quicker if slightly more expensive form of muscle recovery, pain relief, and energy replenishment?"
She smirked, "For someone who just forayed into natural medicine, you seem well-informed about what I gave to my favorite customer."
I bowed, "Forgive me, I simply performed some slight reading before deciding to fully commit to trying my hand in the field. In any case, am I missing something?"
"Not necessarily. While the advancement in the field of medical ninjutsu has progressed healing in massive bursts, it also forgot some of the subtleties of the field. For example, in the old days, poison making was considered a necessary field of study to become a medic since the only difference between medicine and poison back in the day was dosage. Now, medical students focus more on the medial aspect than the neutralization and improvisation aspect. There is also the fact that medical ninjutsu also relies on the energy of the one being treated as well. In most cases, this is a non-issue since hospitals are a controlled environment but in the field? It only becomes viable for ninja since civilians could pass out from sheer chakra exhaustion. There's also the rapid nature of it as well. In the hands of a professional, one can heal bones and grow muscles in moments. But if a novice makes a mistake in the healing process, they can't exactly go back and fix it. There is also the inherent unpredictability and requirements of the field."
I raised a brow – this was no something that our Father had information about. Granted, he had some medical knowledge from his world and understanding of medical-ninjutsu, but nothing like this.
"Forgive me for asking, but what unpredictability and requirements?"
"People already know that to be a medical-nin, one needs high levels of chakra control. As a result, most medical-nin are women since their usually low chakra stores provides them an inherently good base chakra control. However, there are also secondary requirements that most are not aware of until later, that being elemental affinity."
A lightbulb went off in my head, "Ah, you are referring to inherent natures of elements and their effects on ninjutsu techniques."
She smiled, "Good, you understand it. Tsunade was lucky that she had a natural Water affinity, as its adaptability and versatility allows her most options in healing techniques, as well as amount and degree of application, plus the number of surgeries she can actually perform without issue. Other elements are less fortunate as they are limited. Lightning nature medics are specialized in neural medicine and brain surgeries, but weak in actual treatments. Earth nature is second only to Water, but they are used more in the role of stabilizers or for accelerating recovery by strengthening the patient. Fire nature is only allowed for healers and even in monitored capacity, as their element allows them to accelerate cell recovery and body regeneration, but one misstep and they can give their patient cancer. Finally, Wind natures are not healers – they are only surgeons. Desired of course, but for those who spend a great deal of time learning to heal, realizing that they inherently are weak medics is rather… depressing."
Thinking it through, it made perfect sense. "So why is natural medicine used in certain situations?"
"First, its something anyone can learn, which is why it still so popular with civilians like yourself. Secondly, it has a gradual and natural effect on the person using them – there is no sudden change in the homeostasis of the body. Third, at times, herbs can do things that ninjutsu can't not."
"Such as elevate depression or to aide in pregnancy?"
"Now you are getting it. If this was a metaphor, medical ninjutsu is like a hammer: blunt, general, encompassing, strong, fast. Natural medicine is a carving knife used by craftsman: precise, slow, gradual, specific, patient."
I nodded understanding, the message of what was being told. "One last question elder. Did Tsunade ever study natural medicine?"
She gave me a full smile, "How do you think she figured out some of her legendary techniques? Observing the effects of herbs allowed her to figure out the bodies reactions and its subsequent effects on the body."
Out of curiosity, I did some mental math. Coming to a logical deduction, I inquired further, "Were you the one who taught Tsunade about the benefits of natural medicine?"
"Oh Kami no! I was barely older than her when she came to my mother for advice. She only stuck long enough to get the basics but knowing her genius, that was all she needed."
Considering that Tsunade was just in her 40's and this woman looked like Hiruzen when the manga started, I am thinking she was being generous.
Being a 'good' person, I decided to indulge her, "That is nice to hear. Does that mean you intend to pass this store to your children as well?"
She actually frowned at that, "Unfortunately, my daughter is an airhead and my son is a Chūnin in the Analysis Team. Thankfully, his wife is pregnant, and hopefully, those smarts pass on to his kid."
"One can hope," I smirked.
The medicine lady seemed to decide on something and reached for a book behind the counter and gave it to me. I flipped through it, "A cookbook?"
"People may laugh at the concept of foods that are hot, cold, and neutral, but certain clans do buy into it. The Nara Clan for example, who are all yin rich, require a diet of warming foods to strengthen their yang and maintain balance. The Aburame Clan needs warming foods for similar reasons as their insects consume massive amounts of chakra, as well as their vitality and physical energy, or their yang. The Akimichi Clan, on the other hand, need a diet of cooling foods to do the opposite of the Nara. In any case, there are merits to at least give this topic a shot."
Seeing no harm, I decided to pay for the book.
Could not hurt to have someone among them be a cook.
Kiiro
Okay, going over the checklist one more time.
Cooking utensils and books? Got it.
Food surplus to last for a week or so? Get it when going home.
Book on sewing, home repair, and crafting? Check.
Clothes for all personas? That took a while actually but check.
A turntable for home and cassette player for travel, as well as a wide selection of listening material all sealed in scrolls? Double check. Something about vinyl just sounds so much better than cassettes. I'll wait and see how the nations deal with CDs in the future.
Some mishmash of furniture and home decorations? Dubious check – more than likely the other personas will have already bought something of interest or they will build something themselves. Hence the books.
So a few more checks and…Huh… I am done?
I looked at the sun, noting that it had been a few hours already.
Shrugging, I decided to go and check out the Training Grounds – maybe there is one that can provide a decent place to train away from prying eyes.
Took me a while before realizing that some fields were just too far to get to – troublesome.
I did check Grounds 1 through 10 – even the Zero Training Ground wildlife preserve out of curiosity – before finally coming to the Third Training Ground.
Father's knowledge showed that this was the place that the original Naruto underwent the hellish bell exercise with Kakashi. I planned to explore the ground in quiet, but the sound of someone practicing katas caught my attention.
I walked silently through the foliage before spotting a Bruce Lee rip off.
We have 'family' activities every night when I sleep, so sue me for watching movies from Father's previous life. Kurama gets a kick out of laughing at how humans without chakra tried to imitate superhuman feats with Wire-Fu.
We do respect Bruce Lee thought – he was a civilian who trained to be as strong as a ninja.
In any case, I shook my head before finally pegging the kid as Rock Lee. A six-year-old Rock Lee, one who had just recently started the Academy.
I frowned as I realized that it also meant that he was already being harassed for his chakra issues. The lack of talent in ninjutsu and genjutsu would come later from that.
Fans of the manga had many theories about why Lee couldn't use chakra. The prevailing one was that his chakra coils and/or network were underdeveloped or flawed in some way. This was supported by the fact that he could still mold and use chakra to walk on surfaces and on water, as well as develop enough skill to dispel genjutsu. One must also not forget the fact he can use the Eight Gates, since they basically force open tenketsus along the Chakra Pathway System, implying he actually has everything in place then.
I personally think - based on Father's theories - something else is in play as well. Chakra is the mixture of physical energy and spiritual energy. From our reading, physical energy is the energy collected from each and every one of the body's cells and can be increased through training, stimulants, and exercise. Sounds simple enough – it's the energy the body possesses. It's why the clans that had naturally high vitality and longevity – Senju and Uzumaki – had such a leg up in the chakra amount department. It's the other one that gets tricky to pin down. Spiritual energy is understood to be derived from the mind's consciousness and can be increased through studying, meditation, and experience.
To me, that reads as willpower, or the motto of 'I think, therefore I can.' Perfectly reasonable: ninjutsu and genjutsu are basically the user's willpower affecting and imposing their reality on the rules of the universe. It would also explain individuals like Yakumo Kurama who lacked a healthy body and as such, had high skill in genjutsu. But that reasoning brings up more issues.
If we play it by that tune, then the original Naruto's belief that he can accomplish anything is also probably what influenced his chakra amount – it also apparently affected his control since both energies most likely clashed with each other.
Here's the issue though. Out of all the Rookie Twelve, Lee trained his body to the peak physical condition. Plus, his desire actually meshed with his training, meaning at some point, he should have achieved some sort of balance, especially since he had enough control of what little chakra he had to walk on walls and water.
Something just never added up…
I finally snapped out of my thought when I realized that I have been watching Lee kick and punch a post for almost an hour from the shadows.
I was not about to become a stalker.
Curiosity be damned…
I walked out of the foliage as Lee was taking a breather, noting my presence, I waved, "Hey! How you doing? Getting some training on the weekend?"
He wiped off his sweat, "Yes! I am here training to become the best ninja possible!"
I nodded, "I can see that – little young for such high dreams though, no? You just started the Academy didn't you?"
Lee nodded enthusiastically, "Indeed. But I believe that I must work twice… no, FIVE times harder than my classmates to achieve my dream!"
I tilted my head, "And why is that?"
"Well umm…"
"Naruto Uzumaki."
"Well met Naruto, I am Rock Lee. You see, we have recently started training to attach leaves to our heads for chakra control…"
This caught my attention, "Little early for that isn't it?"
Lee shook his head, "We thought so too, but the Hokage has instituted certain educational changes as of late. Nothing serious – only slightly more leanings toward physical activities and the lessening of certain civilian topics. The leaf training is the easiest form of chakra control and doesn't strain any of the kids that badly. They figure better start practicing now than were are older."
Huh, guess learning the Shadow Clones uses against paperwork is already paying dividends – let's see how this plays out in the future.
"Okay, go on."
"So we started training, but unlike everyone in my class, I struggle with even the most basic of the exercises even though I don't get tired from them."
"Really? That seems… paradoxical…"
He raised his fist in determination, "Which is why I am training my body! If I cannot match my classmates in one aspect, then I shall outrank them in another!"
I smiled. Truly, he was a determined little guy – it pays off big time though. But what he said struck a nerve. That and if I recall correctly, he only started getting real attention when he finished the academy in six years.
I already altered Neji's life, why not add another?
"You mind if I check your chakra? I happened to have a certain talent in this. Maybe I can tell you what your issue is – wouldn't hurt."
"Ummm… okay, I guess." Said Lee as he gave me his wrist.
I started checking his pulse and sending my chakra into him in waves. I would bullshit and use Father's knowledge to help him out but being treated and basically raised by a super-doctor does rub some knowledge off onto you.
I've seen Tsunade do something similar enough that I snuck a medical book on chakra pathways and tenketsus a few months back. I combined that with my chakra practice and some of Father's medical knowledge to create a rather interesting skill.
Quick medical explanation. The body has a chakra network which is powered by chakra coils that spread it through the body. Think of the coils as arteries and veins that make up the circulatory chakra system. All knowledge regarding the network usually ends there, but I took it a step further. Working off that metaphor and including the effects of sealing tenketsus, I proposed that a 'heart' or vessel must exist that actually houses the chakra that the body uses. Simply stating that chakra permeates ones being seemed a bit odd, especially since if that was true, sealing off tenketsus shouldn't cut off chakra access – unless the chakra network was very precise and chakra was stored somewhere specifically. It would also explain why civilians couldn't become ninja even if they had a healthy chakra network: not enough gas in the tank to work with. It's why civilian turned shinobi are considered the weakest since they didn't have generations of selective ninja breeding to piggyback off.
Basically, the technique amounted to me striking the vessel of what was subject's body and deciphering the echoes. Some sounds include physical energy, mental energy, vessel size, and rate of production. There are others like for elemental affinities and kekkei genkais, but that's neither here nor there.
So I started listening. His element came out as Earth, which was expected. His physical and mental energy also sounded good which was already a red flag.
I checked his coils. Very, very constricted, as expected. Barely enough to allow any chakra to flow through.
Then I checked his vessel.
I didn't hear the echo.
Scratch that, I know I hit it, and I know I made a sound, but there was no echo. I started hitting it from different angles before I slowly realized something terrifying.
His vessel was huge.
Let me explain. My vessel – Naruto's – was huge, but that was to compensate for both his – or rather mine - naturally high chakra amount, chakra production, and Kurama's chakra on top of as well. He was a stamina freak for a reason – he had chakra to constantly burn off.
Lee was a different story. He had a large vessel, but a low rate of chakra usage. Granted, he could store it fine, but with his restricted coils, it was like forcing a tsunami through a faucet. No wonder he had such issues despite such strong training foundations – he was blessed with suck. He had the necessary chakra, he had the training and body needed, and the essential mentality, but his own body prevented him from utilizing his naturally vast chakra reserves. In hindsight, it made sense: he was the only one other than a few Jonin who managed to perform the Eight Gates, implying that he had enough inherent chakra strength to deal with the feedback, something that no Genin and most Chunin didn't have. Hell, it even explained how he had the stamina to keep up with the chakra monster known as Naruto.
Wait…Natural chakra… Nature Chakra…
Oh sweet Kami.
Naruto had trouble achieving Sage Mode because he already had a huge amount of chakra to work within an overflowing vessel paired with his horrible chakra control.
Lee is basically an empty container since he can't get his chakra out, meaning that he always has a finite CONTROLLED amount within his body…
And if rumors were to be believed, achieving Sage Mode has been known to achieve some rather powerful regenerative and healing capabilities.
"Naruto, are you alright? You're sweating a lot."
I pulled my hand away from his wrist, realizing that I was in fact sweating; from fear or exhaustion, I didn't care. I slowly realized that I was staring at a sleeping dragon – a very, VERY big one.
I started breathing in and out to control myself. "Lee, I want you to listen to me very carefully. Hear me out completely before you react."
We both sat down, Lee becoming both serious and frightful of what I found out.
"First off, your natural affinity is Earth. Secondly, you will never be a normal ninja."
Lee was about to cry before I raised my hand, "I said NORMAL ninja."
That caused him to stop and wipe his tears away. "I am not going to explain what is wrong with you mainly because I suspect I am the only one who can confirm it besides Tsunade-san. Just understand that this is something that is never really checked… but it can be abused."
Lee noted my apprehension – good, he realizes that it is serious.
"What you have is a double-edged sword – detrimental if not forged properly, and potentially world-shattering if trained correctly."
Lee gulped in shock, "I… I am strong?"
"NO! You have potential to be strong, but right now, you are weaker than the average trainee. You still need training – specific training – VERY specific training."
I rubbed my chin, "I'll have to talk to someone at one point, but for now, I only have one solid piece of advice to you: seek out a Jōnin by the name of Might Guy."
"Might Guy?"
"He is also known as Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey. He is in a similar position as you – not good at ninjutsu nor genjutsu, but a master of Taijutsu."
"Really?"
"Yes. Tell him your story, beg him day and night to take you as his disciple, do everything in your power to convince him otherwise. And if he ever asks, tell him that you have the disposition of a sage. If he inquires, tell him that the one who examined your chakra told you this. If he reacts as expected, he will go to the person I will talk about your case."
Lee wiped off his tears as we both stood up, "Does… does that mean I can be a ninja?"
I smiled, "Yes. One day, you will make a fine ninja. Not a normal ninja, though. Rather, an outlier."
"An outlier?"
"Someone outside the norm. We have great ninjas, good ninjas, superb ninjas, geniuses, savants, and even gods among men. But then there are people like me and you – outliers, uncategorizable for one reason or another."
Lee stared in fascination, "What makes you an outlier?"
I laughed at that, "Trust me, compared to me, you're freaking normal. Maybe you'll find out one day. In any case, take my advice. Heck, based on the time, you can probably catch Guy's end day run around the village."
I pointed at the Gates of Konoha, "He finishes there after running the gate circumference ten times."
Lee stared in shock, "Ten times?!"
"Oh don't worry, that's just his cooldown amount. If he is being competitive with Kakashi Hatake, he will do a hundred on his hands."
As Lee tried to register this, I just smiled and waved as I started walking into the city, heading back to my apartment. "Well, hope our paths cross one day again."
And Kami pray that it's not against each other.
Kiiro walked into his apartment through the front door – since he still suspected that an ANBU was watching him – and registered his brothers waiting for him.
Aka was almost passed out on the couch mumbling something about drinking Anko under the table and winning rent money – which we didn't need.
Ao was fiddling with a guitar and smirking every time Aka winced at him adjusting the tune.
Midori and Kasshoku were fiddling around with some training dummies and a meditation mat.
"Alright, clearly everyone here had an interesting day. How about we address the elephant in the room and answer two of our more troubling inquiries?"
The Narutos got up and stood in a circle, worry clearly on their faces. Kiiro noted the head nods, "KAI!"
As four Narutos dispelled, Kiiro anticipated the mental backlash.
None came.
"Fuck – well that's going to be a problem."
Jumping straight to the second issue, Kiiro made a cross-sign and used only his chakra signature to make copies.
"Alright, one of you try to summon yourself."
One of the clones morphed into Ao – which was super weird since it was an actual morph. Kiiro watched - along with his copies – as the hair changed color and actually grew.
When all was done, two Kiiro's left the room, did something, and the audible sound of being dispelled was made.
"Well?"
Ao shook his head, apparently not receiving whatever the Kiiros did.
"Double fuck – this is going to make abusing the Shadow Clone training method tricky."
"Hey, Kiiro, Ao – get in here. We may have figured out a solution to the first problem."
Kurama stared at the giant sakura tree that formed in the center of Naruto's – does the term apply in this case? – mindscape, only a few feet behind his usual meditation spot.
Well, he calls it a meditation spot since calling it 'chakra dispersal zone' seemed too clinical.
Kiiro and Ao walked toward their brothers and Kurama, all looking up at the tree.
(Kiiro) "Was this here before?"
(Kurama) "Nope. It formed right after the four entered back into your mind. Scared the crap out of me when it suddenly started growing out the ground – haven't seen anything like that since the Mokuton."
(Midori) "Anyone else bothered by the fact that the Sakura tree has yellow leaves instead of pink?"
(Kasshoku) "I think I know why."
The brown-haired boy approached the tree and placed his hands on it. As he did so, brown leaves started to grow on the tree.
(Kiiro) "Hey – I know what you did today! And KAMI SHIT!"
(Everyone) "What?"
(Kiiro) "Deposit your memories, and you'll understand."
As red, green, and blue leaves appeared on the sakura tree – now dubbed 'Kioku no Ki' (The Tree of Memory) – Kurama placed his paw on it last to see what transpired as well.
(Aka) 'Wait, why are you checking the memories, Kurama? Weren't you with me today?"
(Kurama) "No, you only felt my presence. I was only in Kiiro the entire time – you'd think your little memory experiment would explain why."
(Ao) "Guess that's another issue we're going to have to work around – no near limitless chakra for everyone to share."
(Kasshoku) "That is not the only thing we must worry about – the Kioku no Ki has a weakness as well. It only gives memories – no context. I am checking Midori's memories, and I do not know any of the weapons he saw at Tenten's parent's shop."
(Aka) "And I don't get any of the plant crap hippy boy other there studied either."
Kiiro sat down on a rock in a meditative pose, thinking about everything that transpired today.
(Kiiro) "Alright, let's address everything point by point. Our little… Naruto Council… seems to present us with several disadvantages. Point one – Shadow Clones can only transfer knowledge to personality it was made from."
(Ao) "Point two – memories of events that were carried out by one person isn't recalled by another unless its part of the tree."
(Midori) "Point three – even if said memory is part of tree, the knowledge related to said memories is not present unless we choose to add it to said tree. Ergo, unless we put it into the tree, you have to learn about what's in the memory to understand it. I guess we are all specializing then."
(Aka) "Point four – unless we Henge to look like Kiiro, I mean Naruto, we will look like we do in here. I am assuming this is something we will have to tell the Hokage eventually and MAYBE pass it off as a Kekkei Genkai – a weird one, but one none the less."
(Kasshoku) "Point five – the physical training will also have to be carried out by the main body as inhabiting one the clones is still training as said clones meaning that only the muscle memory will carry over, not the muscle mass."
(Kurama) "Point six – there is only one of me and five, no wait, seven of you in here. I can't be everywhere which means neither can my chakra. You may all be Uzumaki's with large natural reserves, but unless I can transfer between each one of you while in combat, spend your source wisely – especially since as clones and not the main body, you will have a finite amount to work with before dispelling on your own."
(Ao) "Point of order – can we all agree to at least put some general knowledge into the tree for all to share? We can keep out professions and interest to ourselves, but other stuff we can share, agree?"
(Aka) "Hmmm… Agreed. But don't share any knowledge regarding jutsus or anything that requires specific elements. Everything else is fair game. Also, point of order – are books that we memorize perfect recollections? I don't want to re-read a book someone else has read already but not put into the tree."
(Midori) "I think the written word isn't so much of an issue as muscle memory is – we all technically share one body. Can it handle whatever we plan to train in if Kiiro is mainly going to be the one handling the actual muscle training?"
(Kasshoku) "True – it is something we will have to experiment to determine in the long run. Kiiro, can we assume you have already planned something out?"
Kiiro nodded, realizing that despite everyone – minus Kurama – was sitting a circle around him, they were all looking at him for guidance.
He sighed in exhaustion, realizing this is how Kakashi probably felt when he trained the original Team 7.
"Alright, let's all agree on a game plan. We have about four to five years to train up before the rebellion is expected to occur. In that time, we must change certain things in our – and the villages – favor. As you all know based on my memory of today, Lee revealed that Jiji has already begun implementing certain changes to the curriculum in the Academy. Whether or not this is because he discovered he could do paperwork with Shadow Clones or because of some Butterfly Effect outside of our control is beyond us. In any case, can we all agree to not make any big or rash decisions without first making a majority decision?"
(Everyone) "Hai."
"Good – this is going swimmingly. Alright, first off. Aka, I get the village pissed you off but rein in it. We will make a pranking schedule so all of us can burn off some steam if we feel like it. We can even team up if the need arises."
Midori rubbed his hands in anticipation with an evil smile on his face while Kurama had anime sweat on his head. "He is clearly the one who's going to abuse that system."
"Duly noted. Also, thank you for getting those dummies. The Muk Yan Jong is something that will definitely come in handy if Kasshoku decides to study Wing Chun that Father learned out of curiosity. There are gaps in the knowledge so you may have to check the Taijutsu Library at some point."
(Kasshoku) "I figured the same. Father never actually studied any of the styles he saw in movies and shows – only the knowledge regarding them and some real-life footage. Worst comes to worse, I will seek out Might Guy, risks be damned."
(Everyone) "Our condolences."
"Good. Ao, Midori – are you willing to share the dummy with tenketsu points and the Chakra Pathway System when either of you are in control of the main body along with Kasshoku?"
Said Narutos' nodded in agreement.
"Good. Aka, I don't know what interests you have regarding wires and grappling – that's all you. I only request that you share some basics of both since they are covered in the Academy, and a heads up would be nice. In turn, Kasshoku will share his knowledge of grappling with the tree as well – unless you can share scrolls that contain knowledge between each persona separately – something to test out later…"
Kasshoku and Aka shared a look, pondering this as well.
"Also, you can keep all knowledge regarding jutsu creation to yourself; it is outside my interests and the interests of your siblings. Should we share other element jutsus with you personally for self-study since you plan to focus on Fire?"
(Aka) "Keep them to yourself – I am too green to confuse myself with that much influx for now. Give me a few years before I can at least make some headway in the field on my own. Plus, I want to focus on Fire jutsus."
"Fine – everyone will hoard respective elements jutsu repertoire. Just tells us when you are ready. Also, just because you can outdrink Anko doesn't mean you should. Your incentive to befriend her early on is not without merit though. Ao, can I assume your Fūinjutsu studies will eventually deal with that particular hinderance?"
(Ao) "On it. It will take time since I don't have a subject to test it on."
"Better that way. You left the extra money with the rest of the stuff you bought, right?"
Aka smiled awkwardly at the glare Kiiro was giving him, but he nodded nonetheless as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Good – that's our splurge budget. But still, that's the last time we drink like that in public."
Everyone nodded except for Aka who hanged his head in shame and slight annoyance of not being allowed to drink anymore – he enjoyed the flavor of the sake.
"Ao, please focus your studies on resistance seals. Our main body is too young to use gravity seals for training, but resistance won't strain our growing body. I'll buy the conductive chakra ink when you are certain you can do it. I'll practice the guitar strings to ready the fingers for you when you are in control."
(Ao) "Thanks."
"Midori, good job befriending the Hyaku and changing Tenten's interests – I will talk to Tsunade in the near future about possibly teaching her the strengthening technique. Can I assume you desire to forge weapons in their shop?"
(Midori) "Hai."
Kiiro sighed, "We will consider it. Can you practice Bukijutsu mentally? Good. If we find anything of interest for you, we will share it. If you get ideas that you need to write down in the real world, just give me a call, and I'll make you a clone."
Midora just gave a wide-open smile that Naruto was known for. Seriously, it was unnerving how much Midora reminded every one of the original Naruto. Except unlike the original, he wasn't as dense or stupid.
This is a fact, not an insult.
Kiiro turned to Kasshoku, "I guess the book you brought on resistance and weight seals came in handy, huh?"
The brown haired me smirked, "Indeed."
"Alright, I'll read it, and Ao can get started on learning. I also scan the books on herbs and other stuff you got – flipping through them should be enough for my mind to remember them perfectly for recall for you to use. Speaking of which, you want to study under that Elder woman by any chance?"
Kasshoku pondered, "Not for the foreseeable future. Like Aka, I do not have an understanding of which to work. Someday maybe. I will strike up a conversation in any case. For now, I wish to hone my physical skills. Speaking of which…"
"I will check the library for all of you guys, don't worry," said Kiiro as he raised his hand. "Anyway, I guess my training plan is set in stone then?"
"Which will be what, exactly?"
I looked at Kurama, "Why, the very basic - physical conditioning and chakra manipulation."
Kurama tilted his head, "Manipulation? Not control?"
"Same family. Manipulation is after shaping which is after control. Since I am primarily in charge of the body, I have to prepare it for these guys in the future. The physical conditioning should strengthen me up, and chakra control because I find using hand seals tedious."
"You find using hand seals – the necessary part of every jutsu – tedious?"
I waved my hand, "It's too much of a hassle – no offense, Aka – to memorize them all. Sure I'll train my hands, but I see seals as crutches. Arent the veterans able to shorten hand seals needed for jutsu with time to like, one seal?"
"Yes… After years of training and conditioning their body to respond to said mental command."
"So what? If reality can't keep up with me, that's its problem. If I can't force jutsu into existence, then I'll just learn to manipulate chakra to the point that I won't even need jutsu."
Kurama got curious, "What do you have in mind?"
I smiled, "Two techniques: Chakra Threads and Rasengan."
Kurama thought for a second and then gave his most evil smile, "Oh, you're evil."
I raised a finger, "Not evil – just lazy and knowledgeable as to how to play the game."
I got up, "Well, you guys have the game plan – I got to return to the real world. I have to set down the furniture, get the shelves in place, cabinets filled, plants planted, books organized, dummies propped. I also have to figure out a system for all the clothes Kasshoku brought – thankfully, he brought them in multiple colors. Wonder if Ao can make a seal that changes clothes with whatever persona is in charge?"
(Ao) "Should be simple enough since we all have distinct chakra signatures."
"Well then, Sayōnara!"
I opened my eyes and noted the clock – almost a minute. Good, seems like the whole 'mind faster than real world' time dilation works.
I summoned a few shadow clones. "You guys know what to do."
As my flock ran off with a game plan in mind, I had an appointment to keep.
"Hokage-sama, Naruto is here to see you."
Hiruzen looked up and checked the clock while two of his clones kept writing. Almost seven.
"Let him in, Shina. I am almost done anyway."
Hiruzen smiled as he saw Naruto walk into his office. He feared the worst when his status as the Jinchūriki was blabbed, but it seems with Tsunade and Jiraiya constant watch – plus ANBU – he was relatively normal.
Hassled by some civilians, but mostly normal.
If you disregard the fact that he looked older then a five-year-old, had whisker marks, nails that needed filling – that was an odd conversation to have – and canines.
Still, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel at times that something else was off with his favorite prankster.
Naruto looked up at him, "Guess paperwork finally agrees with you, Jiji."
"It took time, but I finally figured it out," chuckled Hiruzen.
One year. One year of using Shadow Clones and Hiruzen never felt better. He already noticed that the rate of grey hairs growing has nearly stopped.
Minato's advice to train physically while recovering chakra has done wonders for him. He feared how far he would have fallen power wise had he not discovered the techniques application. Sure, he couldn't practice jutsu, but staff training with Enma and seals? That was good enough to keep him at least in his physical prime, age be damned.
He was the Hokage, damn it, he had a village to protect!
Naruto started at his copies, "I see that your copies are easing your workload?"
Hiruzen eyes slightly narrowed, "And you know what they are how?"
"Jiraiya," replied Naruto nonchalantly, "used them to help me move today. Heard you've been implementing some new curriculum in the Academy."
"Yes. I noticed that certain… individuals… have slipped in by-laws in past documents and such. Benefited the civilian-born students who entered the Academy by making classes geared more toward the intellectual rather than physical and ninja related. How did you hear about that?"
Naruto approached Hiruzen and sat in the chair in front of his desk, "Met an interesting kid in a training ground – Rock Lee. Nice kid, dedicated to the Will of Fire. So what do you have in mind for the Academy? Less math and sciences, more survival training?"
Hiruzen smoked his pipe, "Survival training may not be a bad idea, but removing the sciences? Civilians will put up a hassle."
Naruto shrugged, "Then just modify the existing problems into ninja-applied scenarios. Physics and Math? Shuriken throwing. History? Hidden Villages, essential clans, famous battles, and strategy. Biology? Chakra network and Kekkei Genkais. Literature? Well actually, keep that one as it is – kids need some normalcy."
Hiruzen considered this, "That… actually has merit."
"That's how Iruka teaches me from time to time – keeps me interested."
"I'll have to ask him about that – maybe the Academy does need a newer outlook on its lessons? He is chūnin, no? Perhaps I can convince him to take teaching classes until he is old enough."
"Throw in Shizuka as well – I think she needs to get away from Tsunade from time to time."
Hiruzen smirked, "I am sure that she gets enough time off as it is, Naruto." 'If you only knew the excuses that Tsunade has to come up to get her out of the office…'
"Anyway," started off Naruto as he leaned in, "can you put up the privacy jutsu, Hokage-sama?"
That stopped Hiruzen cold – Naruto NEVER called him Hokage. "What's wrong Naruto?"
"Nothing is wrong – just something I think you should know about Lee. I am just not sure if it's going to be a secret or not."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes as he dispelled his two clones for a chakra refund. "ANBU stay?"
"Yeah, I think they should hear this as well – they might know what to do with this information."
Now Hiruzen was less worried. How Naruto knew that he had three ANBU guarding his office at all times was beyond him – he calked it up to Naruto's talks with Jiraiya – but if he wanted them here, then it wouldn't be an A-class secret or more.
Privacy jutsu later…
"Alright Naruto, go on."
Naruto breathed in and out, "I got curious about Lee's condition – you know, his chakra control issues? So I tested out a technique I've been experimenting with to see if there was something wrong with his network – don't look at me like that Jiji, I've seen Tsunade do it all the time! Anyway, mine's a little different and all, so I kind of figured out what was wrong with him."
"Oh?" asked Hiruzen. He had heard that Rock Lee had difficulty manipulating chakra – but so did Might and look how he turned out. "And what was wrong with him?"
"Well… say that a person is like a water storage tank, with water being the chakra. Some people have large tanks, some have small, some have fast rates of water build up, and some don't."
"Okay, I get the analogy."
"Well… Lee's chakra usage is low because his pipes are small, but it's his vessel that's the issue."
"Too small?"
"No, too vast."
That piqued Hiruzen's curiosity, "I see. Well then, then the boy should have no trouble becoming a ninja then. Some training and decent control and he should have no trouble…"
"I may have made a suggestion to him as to how to train though – well, other than asking might Guy to be his Sensei."
Now the ANBU whinsed. Say what you will about Might Guy, but even they felt pity for whoever he took under his wing. Hell, he made their ANBU physical training look like a cake walk compared to his own personal routine.
"That… doesn't seem particularly bad. I am sure Might can go easy on him since Lee is a kid."
Naruto shook his head, "I only recommended Guy because I've heard tales of his Taijutsu prowess. I figured he would toughen Lee up for the real training I had in mind."
"Which would be what exactly?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, which meant – as Hiruzen realized – that he did something bad.
"Well, Jiraiya told me about his toads and the Sage Training he did with them. So I kind of got the idea that if Lee couldn't increase his own chakra usage, why couldn't he just use Nature Chakra as a substitute?"
"Well Naruto, other then the fact he needs a summoning contract and training, such an idea is… is…"
Hiruzen tried to make a rebuttal, but none came to mind.
"Hokage-sama," asked one ANBU as they emerged from the ceiling, "that wouldn't work, right? Everyone knows that to achieve Sage Mode, there must be a balance."
Naruto scratched his head, "I get that, but wouldn't it be easier for Lee since he has so little of his own chakra to work with? I mean, if he strengthens his body energy through Guy and his spiritual energy doesn't really waver, wouldn't a large vessel make Sage Training actually easier for him?"
Three ANBU looked at themselves considering what Naruto said while Hiruzen remained frozen.
"Did I say something wrong, Hokage-sama?"
Hirzen delicately and slowly refilled his pipe as he took down the privacy jutsu. "No Naruto, not at all. Your idea has merit, but don't forget – Lee is still a child. Maybe one day he can become a sage, but he first has to become a ninja, does he not?"
"I guess so."
Hiruzen smiled, "Look Naruto, its getting late – you've had a long day, you moved into a new place. How about we meet up for ramen tomorrow and catch up? We haven't had a good long talk for over a week now."
Naruto smiled as he got up from the chair, "Okay Jiji, that would be nice."
Naruto waved goodbye as he left the Hokage office. Hiruzen could only lean back into his chair, pondering what Naruto proposed. True, having a lot of chakra at beck-and-call made mastering sage training more difficult. Granted, Jiraiya was impatient to begin with, but his vast reserves are probably what made him get annoyed with the training. But still, to consider using someone who had naturally small reserves and a large vessel for sage training? The potential was frightening…
"Hokage-sama, Jōnin Might Guy here to see. He says its an emergency."
"Send him in."
As Might Guy walked into his office, Hiruszen interrupted him before he got a chance to speak with his naturally loud voice, "If you are here about asking me to take Rock Lee as your disciple you have my blessing."
That shocked the spandex wearing man, "How did you know, Hokage-sama?"
"Naruto came by and told me… he also told me why he recommended it. Tell me, Guy, what do you know about Sage Mode?"
Well, that worked out way too well. Oh well, Lee will thank me in the long run for this. Wonder what clan he'll get to train him? Doubt it will be Toad Sage, and I don't even know if Slug Sage exists since Tsunade has never shown it. Monkey or Turtle Sage seems possible – one for offense and one for defense. Wonder if he'll still learn about the Gates? Questions for later…
Kiiro finally returned home to see that his clones finished setting up the apartment. He quickly dispelled them and took in his new home.
That's when he noticed a particular book series in one of the bookcases.
What the…must be something Ao brought. Damn that bastard – always the romantic.
Kiiro was about to put them as far away as possible when a thought occurred. Well…Kakashi always read the book… Jiraiya always claimed he was a best seller because of them… how bad could it be?
It should be emphasized that despite their age, all Narutos – even Kiiro even if he was updated late – were much older mentally, accounting for the time flow within the mindscape. Them reading semi-legal published porn was not out there since they were basically teens in a kid body.
So, taking the plunge, Kiiro opened the infamous orange book, golden light shining from its pages.
Kiiro finally closed the last of the published series, feeling ragged.
He suddenly felt his aching body and tired eyes. How long was I reading for? When did the Sun come out?!
He then noted that he finished the whole series. KAMI DAMN IT!
Jiraiya woke up in a jolt.
"Jiraiya, its five in the morning, get back in bed."
"Sorry Hime, it's just… I felt a disturbance in the force…"
"Unless that disturbance plans to help you in not pissing me off, get back in bed."
Jiraiya sighed, "Sure thing Tsunade, sure thing. Besides, it can't be that bad…"
To all the people wondering if I have made Naruto overpowered in my SI, note that I am already writing in some specific shortcomings to his fake Kekkei Genkai. There are more dangerous ones as well that I have yet to mention that will come up later in the story.
So, bullet points:
1. Neji and Hinata – basically the Hyūga Clan – have been changed
2. Tsunade is with Jiraiya – about time. More will come from this.
3. Hiruzen uses Shadow Clones – effects already apparent.
4. Tenten gets to know 'Naruto' earlier and is forewarned about her chakra
5. Lee – I will make you superhuman… BECAUSE I CAN! (IT'S OVER 9000!)
6. Naruto's personalities are slightly explained – more to come.
7. Ninja titles already picked out for all personas, including Yin and Yang (those two will come in later in the story.)
8. I need a good website for English to Japanese translating – anyone knows a good one besides Google?
