Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Welcome to the world of Naruto Elseworlds, a look at Naruto's life in an alternate universe where even the smallest of changes have the greatest of consequences. Hinata Hyuga was gravely injured by her cousin Neji but would make a full recovery and ultimately rebuild a close relationship with him. But what if the jonin had failed to stop Neji's final blow against Hinata? What if Hinata had died that day? Would the death of the shy and unnoticed Hinata be a footnote in history or would it be the catalyst for life changing events to come?
Naruto Elseworlds: Kyubi Avenger
Chapter 4: Knowledge is power
Naruto pushed aside the flap to Ichiraku Ramen only to be greeted by the sight of Ino and Sakura both inhaling ramen with four empty bowls already stacked in front of them much to Teuchi's approval and Ayame's dismay. Naruto could only pause, stepping outside to make sure this was indeed Ichiraku. Assured this was in fact his favorite restaurant in all of Konoha, stepped inside and sitting on a stool next to the two unaware kunoichi .
"Hey there Sakura, Ino…hungry," Naruto asked staring at the carnage before him.
The girls stopped and turned to the boy they had not even seen come in, both of their mouths full of noodles, the realization of what they were doing causing a blush to encase their faces.
"What are you staring at Naruto," Ino snapped trying to maintain as much dignity as possible. "Haven't you ever seen anyone eat ramen before?"
"Sure I have, it's just I don't remember either you or Sakura ever liking ramen," Naruto said scratching his head. "Aren't you two on a diet or something anyways?"
"We were until we started training with Guy sensei this morning," Sakura said in between bites. "But after that torture, if I didn't eat something I think I was going to die."
"You guys are training with Guy sensei," Naruto asked surprised.
"Yeah, we decided we needed more training, ever since…the funeral," Ino said trailing off seeing Naruto's shoulders droop at the mention of the funeral. Sakura had told her that Naruto had taken Hinata's death badly though she couldn't for the life of her remember them being very close at the academy. Though everyone had known of Hinata's crush on the boy, he himself had seemed clueless to it. Had he known after all? Ino was shook from her musings by Naruto's waving hand.
"Hey Ino, you okay," Naruto said hand flashing in her face.
"Huh," Ino said shaking her head.
"I was asking about your training. What is Guy sensei teaching you?"
"What that maniac is teaching us is how to work our bones into dust," Ino shouted.
"Still," Sakura sighed, "we defiantly will get stronger if we keep up with his training. Guy sensei's methods may seem tough and a little strange, but I already feel much stronger," Sakura said cracking her knuckles.
"Just don't start getting too wrapped up in "the springtime of youth" or else Guy sensei will get you a green spandex suit to match his," Ino huffed.
The thought of Sakura in green spandex was too much for Naruto who nearly fell out of his stool laughing, which in turn led to Ino also laughing much to Sakura's annoyance. Normally she might have clocked Naruto in the head for laughing at her, but it had been so long since she had seen him actually happy. Swallowing her pride, she joined in the fun suggesting Ino would soon begin growing very bushy blond eyebrows. That earned another round of Naruto's infectious laughter and Ino screams of indignation.
Just outside the ramen stand, a young jonin who had been waiting on her date was listening in on the entire conversation. A small smirk crossed her lips as she always approved when young female ninjas took their craft seriously. It would seem Hinata's death had been a wakeup call for them and they had decided to not only seek out additional training, but from Guy no less.
Kurenai closed her eyes trying to remember the files she had received on the two when they were in the academy. Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno, both had finished top of their class in skill and intelligence respectively. From the limited conversation she had had with Kakashi, Sakura had excellent chakra control and was originally classified as a genjutsu type ninja. Asuma had said Ino was the top ranked girl in her class as far as skill and stamina, was fiercely competitive with very good chakra control necessary for her families own jutsu.
Both might be very proficient in genjutsu, especially Sakura, with the right training they could quickly become top kunoichi of the village. With Shino training with his father and Kiba training with his mother and sister, team eight had been placed on the reserve list until a new member could be found to replace Hinata.
Kurenai's hand balled into a fist at the very thought of replacing Hinata, but let her anger subside as a plan began to form in her head. She needed to keep her mind and time occupied, and if these two were willing, she would try to pass some of her skills onto them. Even though she was one of the best if not the best genjutsu users in the village, her team was made up of clan members who didn't use genjutsu like the Inuzuka and Aburame or felt they didn't need such deception, like the Hyuga.
Sakura on the other hand wasn't a part of any clan and the Yamanaka's mind techniques were a variation on her own craft. Training these two would not only clear her head, but get her focused on other things. Her mind made up, she disappeared in a swirl of leaves to got meet with a different Sarutobi.
Meanwhile with Jiraiya
Jiraiya was led to a large garden located in the heart of the Hyuga compound. His escort had left him and he had not seen anyone else the entire time.
"What a shame," he thought thinking of the many curvy Hyuga women that had to be somewhere hidden inside the compound. A small giggle escaped him as he lean against the compound wall lost in perverse thought.
"Ahem," a stern voice muttered as Jiraiya opened his eyes. Hiashi stood regal as always, arms behind his back looking on his guest with a mix of irritation and disgust.
"Lord Jiraiya," Hiashi said emotionless with the slightest of nods.
"Lord Hiash," Jiraiya said bowing obnoxiously low. "I've just been made aware that you've taken on a rather interesting student."
"I am merely allowing the boy a sparring partner in preparation for his match in the finals," Hiashi said dismissively.
"Of course," Jiraiya said walking over to his host. "According to that fellow Kō, you need my help to train this boy."
"He is unworthy and unable to learn the techniques of my clan. Beyond gaining familiarity with our style, there is little the boy will learn from what I am able to teach him."
"So why me," Jiraiya asked bored.
"You are a legend and have instructed legends in the ways of the shinobi," Hiashi said with the slightest displeasure at praising the letch, "he will learn much from a master such as you and I wish for him to become powerful enough to defeat his opponent in the finals at the chunin exams."
"And who is his opponent exactly," Jiraiya asked knowing full well the answer. The Hokage had filled him in on the recent events of the village and the death of the Hyuga heiress was certainly a topic of discussion. The third had been afraid Hiashi might try something like this, but he had never dreamed he would seek him out to personally aid in his vengeance.
"My nephew Neji," Hiashi said coldly.
"May I ask why you wish for Naruto to defeat Neji so badly," Jiraiya said putting on a confused face.
Hiashi crossed his arms over his chest, closing his eyes as he spoke. "I believe we are both well aware of the situation at hand Lord Jiraiya, so if we could please drop the formalities of feigned ignorance, it will save us both a lot of time."
"Very well," Jiraiya said becoming serious. "If that is the case, then allow me to restate my question. Why do you wish me to teach Naruto in how to kill Neji?"
"Because you are the only man capable of teaching him how to control that thing that resides within him," Hiashi said looking into Jiraiya's eyes.
"You play a dangerous game Hiashi," Jiraiya said glaring back, "even if I could teach him to control the beast's power, why would I do so to further your revenge."
"You are mistaken Jiraiya," Hiashi chuckled, "it is not my revenge the boy seeks. He has made an oath in blood to kill my nephew when they meet in the finals. For some reason I have not discovered, my daughter had become very important to the boy. Her death has spurred him to enact justice against Neji and he would do so with or without my help, or yours. My nephew is considered a prodigy among the clan, while the boy is the dead last of his class."
Those last words caused a slight flinch in Jiraiya which did not go unnoticed. "He has vowed to kill Neji or die trying," Hiashi said callously shrugging his shoulders, "if he is left untrained, then I'm sure his fate will be the latter."
Jiraiya now found himself in a corner. He could deny the request and allow his godson to be used as a weapon for Hiashi's own ambition. That or teach the boy and quite possible make an even deadly weapon. Jiraiya knew the road revenge led one down and had seen many good men devoured by it. He would not let that happen to Minato's son.
"I want to meet the kid first," Jiraiya said returning to appearing bored.
"Of course you do," Hiashi said smirking, "we will meet at eight tomorrow at training ground twenty-six."
"Until then," Jiraiya said disappearing in a puff of smoke.
The next day, Training ground twenty-six
Jiraiya sat in a tree watching as Naruto and the Hyuga girl exchanged blows. He could see that Naruto's skill in taijutsu was clumsy and too straightforward, and Hiashi was correct that a fighter such as Neji would have a field day against such a sloppy opponent. Nothing about the boy was very impressive and he inwardly cursed that the boy had been so poorly trained in even the basics of the ninja arts. Hiashi had also mentioned his chakra control was horrendous, even for a genin.
The girl was a typical Hyuga, methodical and precise with each strike and counter. She seemed to be able to respond well to any of the more unorthodox kicks and punches sent her way. Then Naruto summoned up a small squad of shadow clones, this got Jiraiya's attention.
The shadow clone jutsu was an advanced technique and was not something a genin just learned. He had never been briefed on Naruto's abilities because at the time it wasn't important, but watching his clones swarm over the young Hyuga got him very curious.
Hanabi in the meantime was feeling déjà vu all over again as Naruto after Naruto flew by aiming strikes at her head and body. Although she did not plan on falling for the same trick twice, Naruto had also adopted a new strategy to simply overwhelm the girl by having a constant barrage of attacks coming from all angles.
Hiashi watched as his daughter was fighting a losing battle and was impressed that he had taken his advice from the previous day and had adopted a new tactic to surround and force his opponent on the defensive. If Hanabi knew the kaiten technique, such a strategy would be useless.
"Perhaps you are ready to learn the more advanced techniques of our family," Hiashi thought watching his daughter. True Neji would not know such a technique as it was taught only to the main family, but these sparring matches were just as much for Hanabi's benefit as it was for Naruto's.
"That's enough," Hiashi called out halting the action.
Hanabi relaxed her stance, breathing heavily and glaring at her sparring partner who seemed unaffected by the fight, grinning like an idiot.
"Why is he not tired," Hanabi thought annoyed.
"That is all for today young Uzumaki", Hiashi said strolling forward. "You are to meet your tutor today and I wish to begin training Hanabi to be a more difficult challenge."
Hanabi cringed slightly at her father's words as she had always been a success in his eyes and it was rare for her to be viewed as disappointing.
"Sure thing," Naruto said dispelling his clones.
"Ah, speaking of that tutor," Hiashi said turning around, "Lord Jiraiya, its good of you to join us."
Naruto turned to see a tall man with white hair and a red coat, arms crossed with a serious look on his face.
"This is Lord Jiraiya, one of the sannin and a former student of the Third Hokage," Hiashi said motioning to the sannin, "he also taught the Forth Hokage."
If Naruto's eyes could have gotten bigger they would have exploded as he stared at the man who would be his tutor. Hiashi's held an amused smirk as he watched the loudest person in the village render speechless.
"Nice to meet you kid," Jiraiya said smiling. "Lord Hiashi tells me you could use some help as far as technique and chakra control."
"Well I'd like to learn some new techniques, but my control was fine until that snake bastard hit me in the forest," Naruto pouted.
"Orochimaru," Jiraiya asked concerned, "what did he do to you exactly?"
"He hit me in the gut and I passed out and ever since I woke up I felt weird," Naruto said rubbing his stomach.
"Hm," Jiraiya said rubbing his chin, "kid do me a favor and lift up your shirt."
Naruto did so with Hiashi looking on in interest and Hanabi turning quickly away blushing.
"Now just focus some chakra into your body."
Naruto did and the seal became visible as Jiraiya inspected it. "There is definitely a second seal that was placed over the original. No doubt Orochimaru's work, he never was really as good as Minato , better take care of this before that snakes seal causes a problem," Jiraiya thought.
"Okay kid, I want you to raise your hands up and hold them over your head," Jiraiya instructed.
"All right and then what," Naruto asked holding his arms up.
"Brace yourself," Jiraiya said doing hand seals.
"Huh," Naruto managed to say before Jiraiya slammed his fingers into the seal releasing the technique and crumpling Naruto in the process.
"What the hell was that for," Naruto yelled jumping to his feet.
"Quiet brat, I just undid whatever Orochimaru did to you. You're welcome by the way," Jiraiya said annoyed.
"Oh…um…thanks I guess," Naruto said rubbing the back of his head.
"I'll take him from here," Jiraiya said clamping a hand on Naruto's shoulder and in a puff of smoke, teacher and student were gone.
Training ground nine, noon
Sakura stood in her defensive stance staring down her blond opponent. Ino returned the glare, taking a step to the left before charging in with a wide spinning kick. Sakura dodged the kick, countering with a right hook followed by a quick spinning backhand. Ino backed away from both blows just stepping out of Sakura's reach. Pressing the attack, Sakura charged forward feigning left and catching Ino in the gut with a hard right. Ino gasped falling to one knee as Sakura returned to her starting stance.
"That's one more for Sakura," Tenten called out scratching a mark on the tree next to her. "That's four points to three in favor of Sakura Ino, one more and she wins."
"Like hell I'm gonna let that happen," Ino said steadying her breathing. The two resumed their positions as two other figures looked on.
"She hits awfully hard for someone her age, no doubt thanks to your training," Kurenai said smirking.
"Actually, I had nothing to do with that, the girl can hit quite hard all on her own," Guy said sheepishly. "She seems to have a natural talent at inflicting pain, combine that with my own youthful training regiment and you'll have a very dangerous kunoichi."
"What about Ino," Kurenai asked watching said girl back flip away from Sakura's axe kick.
"Ino's strength is in her superior agility and speed. I am teaching her to fight in a more defensive style, waiting for your opponent to make a mistake and capitalize. But sometimes her fires of youth burn a bit too bright and she charges headfirst a tad bit recklessly."
As if to drive the point home, Ino dashed forward trying to get inside Sakura's guard, only to be side stepped and hit with an elbow to the kidneys ending the match.
"I am curious as to why you wish to take these two under your wing," Guy said crossing his arms.
"I became aware of their goal to become stronger and I am always supportive of my fellow kunoichi, especially those who become serious to the lifestyle. They could learn a great deal from what I have to teach them and I think it would be good to return to teaching."
Guy nodded in understanding as he was familiar with her situation. Those students who were members of clans were often trained by their own families for the chunin exam finals, that and Kurenai had lost a member of her team. Guy closed his eyes angry at his student for breaking his word to not allow the hatred for the main family to consume him. He was fortunate enough that Lee had survived his match is only barley. Had Lee been killed, he didn't know how he would have dealt with it. Looking at Kurenai, he knew she was perhaps stronger then he could ever hope to be.
"I for one believe that one can ever learn too much and would be honored if you would also teach Tenten as well. Although I am a taijutsu master, there are just some things I cannot teach her myself," Guy explained.
Kurenai thought it over and decided it wouldn't hurt. Tenten from what she had seen at the exams was very dedicated and a very good ninja, one who without a doubt would be interested in learning what she had to offer.
"Very well then, I'll take her on also, you train them in the morning and I'll train them after lunch," Kurenai said walking towards the three.
"Agreed," Guy said following her down to give the good news to the three very tired genin.
Hokage Monument
Jiraiya and Naruto appeared on the mountain overlooking the village in a plume of smoke. Naruto looked around unsure at first where he was, until he caught sight of the village below.
"Why did you bring us to the monument," Naruto asked looking up at his new tutor.
"To talk," Jiraiya said taking a seat on a large rock.
"What do you mean "talk", aren't you going to teach me some cool moves to use?"
"Not quite yet kid," Jiraiya said chuckling, "I'm not even sure if I'm going to teach you yet."
"What! I thought you were my tutor, that's what you're supposed to do," Naruto yelled.
"Hiashi said I was your tutor, but I never said I was. The Hyuga's don't control everything and that certainly goes for me," Jiraiya said somewhat annoyed.
"Fine, so what did you want to talk about," Naruto asked sitting on the ground.
"Well, I'd like to get to know what a prospective student is capable of," Jiraiya said scratching his chin, "for instance, how did you come by that shadow clone jutsu of yours. They don't just hand that technique out at the academy, at least they didn't when I was a kid."
"It's kind of a long story," Naruto said sheepishly.
"Well, I've got plenty of time," Jiraiya said getting comfortable.
Naruto shrugged and related how Mizuki had tricked him, stealing the scroll with his sexy jutsu and learning the shadow clone jutsu in just a few hours. Jiraiya for his part was impressed that a boy his age and the supposed dead last of his class could learn such a technique so quickly. He was also very intrigued by this "sexy jutsu" and needed to remember to ask what that was before the day was done.
"Well I'll give you one thing kid, that is very impressive to master a jutsu like that in just a few hours," Jiraiya said watching Naruto's face light up, "but that doesn't mean I'm gonna train you."
"Why the hell not," Naruto said jumping to his feet.
"Tell me, why is it so important that I teach you?"
"I have to get stronger for the chunin exam finals."
"Why," Jiraiya asked staring into Naruto's eyes.
"So I can avenge the death of someone precious to me," Naruto said staring back.
"Revenge huh," Jiraiya snorted.
"Justice," was the reply.
"You know I've been hearing that word a lot lately, and I do not think it means what you think it means."
"Either way, I made an oath in blood and don't intend to break it. I never go back on my word," Naruto said balling his fists.
"And say you get your revenge," Jiraiya said standing, "and someone decides to swear an oath against you and they get their revenge, and one of your friends tries to avenge you and one of theirs tries to avenge that person, when does it end?"
Naruto had no answer and could only look into the serious face before him.
"The answer is that it doesn't end, that cycle of hate never does. To walk that path is to walk into darkness and if you are on that path, then I can't teach you."
Jiraiya had expected another outburst, but it never came. Naruto's look of anger changed to one of disappointment as he lowered his eyes to the ground.
"I understand, but with or without your help, I'm not breaking my promise," Naruto said quietly.
Jiraiya watched the boy leave and felt his heart drop.
"I've failed you Minato. I hope you can forgive me, but I can't teach him," Jiraiya thought watching Naruto walk off.
"I have to bring him back to the light, I couldn't save you, but I will save him," Jiraiya said to no one.
Later that night
Neji was walking down a hallway he recognized as part of the Hyuga compound. It was dimly lit and there didn't seem to be anyone around. The mansion was quiet as he made his way further down the hall, stopping when he spotted a shadowy figure before him. Walking forward he saw the long white robes of the Hyuga and a band on their forehead marking them as the branch family. The light was faint but he could just make out the man's face.
"Father," Neji gasped indeed seeing his dead father standing before him
Hizashi looked up at his son, before giving a sad smile, shaking his head and turning to leave.
"Wait father," Neji cried out only to have the man continue to walk away.
He ran after him only to have Hizashi fade into the blackness sending Neji crashing into a wall.
Neji woke gasping for air, sweat pouring down his face. Another nightmare, or really the same nightmare he had experience for the past few days. Calming himself, Neji got out of bed and walked to the window staring up at the moon through the canapé of trees.
The house he had been brought to was in a secluded part of the village, miles from the village center, hidden by the lush forest. He was told that he would be safe here and that he could train secretly away from the all seeing eyes of the main family.
Tomorrow he would begin learning some of the clans more powerful techniques and had hoped the nightmares would leave him for at least one night. The strange part about these dreams was not that he saw his father. In fact he often dreamed of speaking with his father and what life would have been like for them if he had not been sacrificed for the good of the main family. Always they seemed happy and carefree, but in these nightmares his father almost seemed…disappointed and sad. Pushing such foolish thoughts aside, Neji returned to bed and trying to get some sleep for a big day tomorrow.
Meanwhile
Across the village another genin was also suffering from some rather strange dreams. He was trudging through what seemed like a dark sewer. Foul smelling water slashing under his feet and a slight fog in the air. He walked forward unsure of where he was or where he was going, but felt compelled to continue onward.
Eventually, the tunnel made way to a massive room, a large cage door splitting it in half, the air heavy and even fouler than the sewer. The cage stretch from the floor to the ceiling and appeared to be made from gleaming steel, a piece of parchment with the kanji for seal hanging on it.
"Where am I," Naruto thought aloud.
"So, you finally have found this place,"a dark voice rumbled.
"Who's there," Naruto said getting into a stance.
"You know who I am. I have been with you since the beginning of your miserable and insignificant life," the voice growled out.
A pair of red eyes opened behind the bars revealing slit pupils and radiating rage and hatred.
"Kyubi," Naruto whispered backing away.
"Release me insect, and I shall destroy those who have hurt you, those that would hurt those precious to you," Kyubi bellowed.
"And every other living thing in the village," Naruto shouted back, "what do you think I am stupid!"
"You are weak, without my help you will never fulfill your oath. You are a failure and will remain a failure," Kyubi taunted.
"I've been on my own for this long, what makes you think I need you," Naruto yelled.
"Because I am the power you need. The power to kill your enemies and protect those close to you. The power to save the ones you love," the demon whispered.
"I…don't need you," Naruto said turning away.
"We shall see little boy," the demon said grinning, "when you are tired of watching those close to you die, come see me again. I'll be waiting."
Before Naruto could move, he was cast from his mindscape and falling into a dreamless sleep.
I'd like to thank everyone who's left a review so far. I went back to correct a few things here and there and rewrote a few pieces to show that the branch family is indeed divided when it comes to Neji and Hinata. I hope to have Gaara enter the fray soon and have more focus on Neji as well. The poll is still open so vote if you haven't at my profile. Until next time read and review people.