The next day...
(Konoha Hospital)
Naruto's eyes bolted open and began to examine the room he was currently in. 'White...white everywhere.' This could only mean one thing to his awakening mind. He was in the hospital and he didn't like it one bit.
As he forced himself upright in the bed he recalled the dream he had last night. 'Mother...father...' He only remembered bits and pieces but what he did remember was the love that he felt from his parents. That was something he had never felt before and he had to admit. It felt nice to be loved.
'Damn its cold.' He thought the moment his bare feet touched the ground. Enduring the discomfort he made his way towards the small restroom. Flicking on the lights he examined himself in the mirror and to his surprise not much had really changed. Only thing that changed really would be that he seemed toner. As if he had been working out his whole life.
Not really getting any new information from his appearance he exited the restroom and made his way to the large window in his room.
As he stood there he felt a noticeable feeling in his body. It was as if he felt completely empty but at the same time full. It was a weird feeling that he hadn't felt before but he decided just to leave it at that.
1 week later...
(Konoha Hospital)
Naruto sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time. "I'm already an entire week late medic-san. I have to get out of here so I can begin my training."
This was the same medic that had given the bad news to the Hokage. "For the last time. You will be released shortly. So please...remain patient and let me do my job Uzumaki-san."
In reality Naruto could have been released days ago but was forced to stay in order to study what exactly was happening inside his body.
Writing down a few extra notes he put on a smile and informed him. "Just one last test and you're free to go Uzumaki-san."
This entire time Naruto had switched his focus from the medic towards the door. He really wanted to get out of that place. "You know the more I hear you say that the less I believe it."
The medic seemed less than pleased at his response but managed to stay in control. "I assure you this will be the final test. So if you can get up for me. "
Naruto did what he was told and stood up. "This had better be it or I'll personally jump out that window."
The medic didn't pay his words attention and merely commanded. "Take off your shirt for a moment. I need to inspect your body one more time to check if anything is out of place."
Naruto groaned in frustration but still did what he was told. He wanted to get the hell out of that place after all. "Fine but be quick."
The medic did not waste any time knowing how short of a fuse Naruto had. Bringing his hands onto his chest he immediately sensed the boy tense up. "Did that hurt Uzumaki-san?"
Naruto's silence was enough of an answer for the medic. Writing down his finding he informed the boy. "It seems you need to stay another day Uzumaki-san. At least until your ribs recover."
Naruto of course did not like what he heard. "What! Another day! You just said this would be the final test! Look I'm fine see." Naruto did his best to jump in place to show the medic that he was perfectly fine. Unfortunately for him he was anything but perfect.
The medic noticed this immediately and had to stop himself from smirking. "What did I say Uzumaki-san. Now look at you. Trying to hide your pain as if I wouldn't notice."
Not wanting to lose Naruto did not stop jumping no matter the pain he was feeling. "Pain is expected when you're a shinobi."
The medic shook his head in frustration. 'If only you knew.'
The next moment Hiruzen stepped into the room. "Naruto-kun! Glad to see you're doing much better."
Hiruzen turned his head towards the medic. "I presume Naruto-kun is ready to leave this place medic-san?
The medic wasn't one to disappoint the Hokage but he had to be truthful. "I'm afraid not Hokage-sama. He needs at least another day in order for his ribs to finish healing."
Hiruzen hummed in contemplation. Naruto not healing within a day was something unheard of. 'The Kyuubi's chakra would've healed him already. Seems the medic was right.'
Hiruzen turned his attention back to Naruto. "How are you feeling Naruto-kun?
Naruto didn't even look Hiruzen in the eyes. "I'm fine old man."
Hiruzen could tell that he was anything but fine as he watched him soothe his aching chest. "Relax for now Naruto-kun. I'm sure you're eager to begin your training with Maki-san but listen to the medic-san. At least for another day."
Naruto stopped rubbing his chest and sighed in defeat. "Fine. But please tell me you've told Maki-chan about my situation."
Hiruzen smiled and waved him off. "Of course Naruto-kun. She was surprisingly worried for you."
Naruto's expression changed slightly. "Why would she though? We've met all but one time."
Hiruzen shook his head not really knowing her motivations. "Well you are supposed to be her student Naruto-kun."
Naruto didn't respond to his comments. After a short while a young nurse came through the door pushing an aluminum tray that contained his meal for the day.
Flashing them a magnificent smile she greeted herself. "Pardon my interruption Hokage-sama/Medic-san, but its time for the patient to eat his lunch."
As they both exited the room the sound of Naruto complaining could be heard throughout the entire hospital. Clearly he wasn't a fan of the food the hospital served.
The next day...
Our blond Jinchuriki could be seen walking down an empty road after finally being released from that hell hole. "Its been a little more than a week already. What a giant waste of my time this whole thing was."
What happened that night still bothered him greatly but he didn't show it. It was more the fact that he didn't understand exactly why that happened to him. Also he was told nothing about it during his time in the hospital.
Finally arriving to where he was instructed to go he spotted his sensei who was resting under a large tree. Not wanting to scare her he announced his presence. "Yo Maki. I'm here."
Maki immediately jumped up and stared at the blond kid in front of her. "Naruto?
Naruto looked at her for a moment not sure if she was kidding or not. "Umm yeah. Remember a week ago you were assigned to be my sensei? Well...I'm here."
Maki shook her head in disbelief. "Sorry for the questioning but seriously. It looks like you've been working out non stop."
Naruto just stood there as she examined him over. "The old man didn't mention you were secretly training. He just said you were busy."
Naruto stepped away a bit feeling uncomfortable. "Sure...let's go with that."
Maki quickly got used to him and went forth with what she had planned. "You ready to get stronger Naruto?
Naruto's previous uncomfortableness went out the window after hearing her words. "You have no idea."
Maki not knowing what really went down that night didn't dig deeper into the meaning. "Alright you stay there while I go over here."
Naruto watched his female sensei as she prepared herself for combat. "What exactly are we doing?
Maki was now a good lengths away from her student as she did some breathing exercises to prepare herself. Finally she opened her eyes revealing her level two sharingan.
Without even thinking it Naruto was already in front of her staring curiously at her red eyes. "Woah...your eyes turned red Maki. Are you alright?
Maki meanwhile could not comprehend how her student had gotten to her so fast. "Umm...how did you get to me so fast Naruto?
Naruto stood still for a moment as he looked between where he was and where he was now. "I...honestly have no clue. But forget about that. Whats wrong with your eyes!
Maki looked at him as if he was dumb. "Nobodies told you about the sharingan Naruto?
Naruto stood in front of her with a dumb expression. "Sharingan?
Maki chose to show him instead of just telling him. "Watch Naruto. You see how I can switch between my normal eyes and my sharingan eyes?"
Naruto was amazed to say the least. "How did you get them Maki? You think I can get them?
Maki's ego rose seeing the amazement in the boy's eyes at her special eyes. "Firstly no you can not get them Naruto. Only people of the Uchiha clan can get them. Secondly..."
Naruto's amazement had vanished when he heard that he couldn't get those cool looking eyes. "Are you sure..."
Maki chuckled. "I'm pretty sure Naruto. As to how I got them well let's just say it wasn't easy. It took me two full years of harsh training in order for them to evolve to the next level."
Naruto meanwhile became depressed once again and began drawing dirt circles in the training grounds.
"Naruto! Pay attention to me. Don't you want to know how my eyes work? Maki asked.
Naruto wiped the dirt from his fingers on his jumpsuit and stood up. "Nah I'm good."
Maki showed signs of irritation clearly wanting to explain every single detail of her special eyes to her brand new student.
Naruto of course was completely oblivious to this or simply didn't care. "What's that Maki?
Maki followed his eyes that had spotted her homemade lunch sitting under a large tree. "Oh its food I prepared for us. You hungry Naruto?
Naruto's eyes opened wide and his mouth began to salivate. "Once again. You have no idea."
Maki didn't really get his meaning but understood enough. "Here help yourself. I made plenty."
Naruto grabbed the neatly made sandwich and stared at it for a little bit before biting into it. "Wow..."
Maki was surprisingly waiting for his feedback. "Well..how is it Naruto?
Naruto didn't have to lie whatsoever. "Are you kidding me! These are amazing! Give me another one."
Maki did as told and handed him another one. As he began to devour it he asked a question.
"Did you teach yourself to cook Maki?
Maki's previous happy face turned into a serious one. "Actually my mom taught me. She was better than me if you can believe it."
Even though Naruto was still just a kid somehow he could feel the turmoil in her words. "Don't be sad Maki-chan. Now we have something in common."
Maki's eyes widened at what Naruto was trying to tell her. "You're an orphan Naruto?
Naruto nodded. "That's right. But enough about the past. Show me some cool moves Maki-chan!
Maki smiled seeing him so excited over training. "I have to warn you Naruto. This won't be easy."
Naruto didn't care one bit. "Doesn't matter Maki-chan. Just get me stronger!
Several hours later...
Naruto was on his knees as large drops of sweat dripped from his forehead onto the dirt floor. Even though he couldn't move a muscle he still had a large grin on his face.
Maki meanwhile was for the most part fine but still she was impressed. "You've got impressive speed for someone who barely began training Naruto. Although you are lacking in the stamina department but that will improve the more we train together."
Naruto stood up and let out a large breath as his body began to cool itself down. "Man Maki-chan. I was wrong about you. You're strong for sure."
Maki chuckled. "Don't ever forget it. Now come on we've been training for hours. Let's get a bite to eat."
Naruto's mood brightened at the idea of food since Maki's sandwiches were long gone by now. "Your treat right?"
Maki nodded. "I am the sensei after all. Now let's get going already before it gets dark."
The both of them walked side by side. "Where are we going Maki-chan? Maki merely grinned. "Ichiraku Ramen!"
