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Chapter 4
The Meeting of the Young Geniuses
Hiruzen Sarutobi was right about most things. In his old age he had learnt many things and retained a lot of information. Information about people, recently regarding one Naruto Namikaze, Hiruzen had predicted that Naruto would take to Fuinjutsu. Well Naruto had fallen in love with it to say the least. Kakashi bought him a beginner seal kit, which entailed some paint brushes ink and paper. He also bought him a book that showed him how to draw kanji.
Minato and Kushina had been very surprised that their son was a genius. However, the pair had their suspicions. Especially Minato, who had tested Naruto a couple of times, Minato had deduced that his eldest could retain information at a very high rate. Also that Naruto was a lot like himself when it came to the shinobi arts. Naruto was progressing at amazing speeds. His mother had trained him in chakra control on numerous occasions, he herself had stated when Naruto was born that, 'He's going to be like his father, I can already tell, a mother knows'.
Naruto had also grown a little taller. His hair had also grown out a little, his bangs reached just below his nose now. He wore a mesh shirt underneath a white shirt. He also had a black and white hoddie on, which was slightly opened at the top. He wore tape around his calves and over a pair of black pants. He also wore blue opened toed shinobi shoes.
The youngest Namikaze, Ren, had celebrated his first birthday the other week, just after Naruto's seventh birthday. Both birthdays had been a small affairs, only close family and family friends. The two brothers were extremely close and Ren knew who exactly his big brother was and would often call out to him when he saw him. Ren would often follow/crawl after Naruto around the house, always chasing after him, afraid of being left out. Unfortunately he never got very far.
Ren had also spoken his first word a few weeks ago, 'kaa-chan', much to Kushina's delight. Seeing as Naruto first word was 'tou-san', Minato had hoped to go two for two, but he was significantly busier than he was back when Naruto was first born, whilst he was being groomed for being Hokage. Minato spent as much time with his son as possible; sadly though he tried his very best to spend time with Ren but his Hokage duties kept him busy most of the time.
Naruto had exceled in his shinobi training. He had mastered all the academy Ninjustu, necessary to pass the exam to become a Genin. Kakashi was well aware of this; however, Minato had risen the age for the academy, so Kakashi's request for Naruto to enter the academy was denied. Although Minato was aware that Naruto wouldn't have a problem with the requirements to pass, however, he wanted him to have a normal childhood and for him to enjoy being a kid.
Naruto's Taijutsu was also coming along nicely, Kakashi was never adept at this area but he was competent and taught Naruto the basic leaf kata, in which all Genin were taught, however, Naruto had often told him that he didn't like it. As it didn't feel natural, he had learnt all the basics despite this. Kakashi had just smiled and told him that one day he'll find a style that'll suit him and it'll come even more naturally to him than anything he had learnt prior. Minato had offered Naruto some scrolls on the Namikaze Hummingbird style, however, Naruto had declined his offer, much to his surprise. Naruto had reasoned that he didn't want to become a carbon copy of his father and that he wanted to forge his own path. Minato had gained a little more respect for his son as shinobi after that conversation.
At the moment though Naruto was standing with Kakashi at their usual training field, Rin sat on a log observing. She had gotten quite attached to the blonde Namikaze. She found the fact that, that he was so polite at his age was adorable. To her never-ending delight he had slipped on day and instead of the usual 'san' suffix he always used he had called her, Rin-oneechan. From then on she instead that he call her that. And so he did.
"Kakashi-nii, why do you have a piece of paper?" he asked.
"Very astute of you, you noticed", Naruto huffed.
"Now, now I was only joking", he handed it to him. "It's a special paper called chakra paper, it'll tell us what your element is", he explained.
"Oh, so then I can start learning so elemental Jutsu?" he asked.
"Yup, to find out, all you need to do is channel your chakra into the paper. What happens will tell us what element you have. If it splits in half, you have a Futon element. If it turns into dirt, then you have Doton. If the paper becomes soggy, then you have a Suiton element. If the paper burns, you have a Katon element and finally, if it crumbles then you have a Raiton element", explained Kakashi.
Naruto hadn't taken his eyes off the paper. This was his next step that he had to take in his training, to becoming a splendid shinobi.
"Alright, let's go", he said as he channelled chakra into the piece of paper.
Naruto then dropped the paper and he watched in anticipation.
After a few moments nothing happened.
"Is there something wrong with the paper?" he asked.
"I guess that means that you don't have an elemental affinity", said Kakashi.
"I don't?" asked Naruto, crushed.
"I'm sorry Naruto you just have to-
The chakra paper was swiftly cut in half. Then the right half burned and the left half crumbled.
'Three elements, now things get interesting, I've come to never be surprised by this kid', though Kakashi with a smile.
"The number of Jutsu that you could potentially learn has just doubled', he grinned as he watched Naruto's shocked expression.
"I-Is that good?" asked Naruto.
"That's amazing Naruto-kun, I can tell you're going to be very adept at Ninjutsu", he chuckled as he patted Naruto on the head in a brotherly way.
"Alright, I think we'll start with a Katon Jutsu as I know some basic ones", he rubbed the back of his head.
"Okay, I'm ready", said Naruto.
"Alright I'm going to teach you the Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu", explained Kakashi.
Kakashi went showed Naruto the hand signs. He quickly memorised them, however, the sequence wasn't very fast. Kakashi then told him once he had memorised the sequence that he needed to quicken the pace of his hand signs.
"It's fine, at least you know it. Now, the key to any Katon Justu is your stomach. They call the stomach the sea of chakra, although yours is full of ramen", he chuckled. "You suck in, inhaling air. It'll become gradually easier to do this once you've practiced. Once you've sucked you'll force the chakra from your stomach, up your oesophagus and out your mouth, it then becomes fire infused with chakra", Kakashi turned around and quickly went through the hand signs.
He blew out quite a large fire ball. Naruto's hair wisped up as he watched the fire burn. The fire reflected in his eyes and the smile on his face began to be more and more noticeable. Once the fire receded Kakashi pulled his mask back up.
"Okay", Kakashi turned around and gave him an eye-smile.
"Now you try", he said.
Naruto walked past him and went through a series of hand signs.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu", he breathed in; he could feel the chakra travel up from his stomach. He blew out and a stream of fire shot out of his mouth.
It was by no means as large as Kakashi's, however, it could do harm to a small group of ninja no doubt. Naruto turned away from the charred earth with a smile. He had soot on his mouth, he chuckled.
One Week Later
After his training with Kakashi and Rin, Naruto had set out to master the Katon Justu to its fullest extent. Kakashi had stressed that whilst he was able to perform it firstly was an achievement. However, the intensity and speed, which the Jutsu was conducted was sub-par. So Kakashi refused to teach Naruto any more Jutsu until he could do the fireball Jutsu in his sleep.
He had done so and was now very proficient.
Naruto was currently at home and had resolved to target practice in the Namikaze backyard. He threw three kunai at the three logs set up. He hit all three targets in the bullseye. The seven year old smiled at his accomplishment.
'It's becoming second nature', he thought to himself.
Naruto went to walk over to retrieve his kunai, he stopped mid step. Somebody jumped from behind him, with a kunai the young boy thrust down with a kunai. Naruto pulled out a kunai the two met with sparks.
Kushina answered her front door with Ren in her arms. She smiled when he saw who it was. It was her best friend. Mikoto Uchiha, her son Sasuke was also in her arms.
"Mikoto, you're glowing. And this is little Sasuke", she cooed.
"Hi Kushina, thank you, you're glowing yourself. I think Itachi-kun went around to your backyard to play with Naruto-kun", Kushina smiled.
"Yes that boy is always out, always learning something new", she said.
"Well are you going to invite me?" she laughed.
Kushina blushed in embarrassment.
"Of course I was!" she yelled and stepped outside.
Allowing a giggling Mikoto into her home.
"I really hope that Itachi-kun and Naruto-kun can become friends", she said as they walked through the Namikaze compound.
"Yeah, maybe they'll even become rivals like us", laughed Kushina.
"Of course, you never beat me though", she gave her a sly grin.
"What! You just can't admit when you lose, that's your problem", said Kushina with her arms crossed over her ample bosoms.
"What's your problem?" asked Naruto as he held the attacker at bay.
"My name is Itachi Uchiha and well, I didn't know how to approach you….so I decided that a direct approach would be best", he smiled.
Itachi was a similar height to him and also a recognised genius like Naruto. Itachi had a long ponytail tied at the back of his head. Two bangs of black hair framed his face. He had to tear makes running from his eyes to his lower chin. He wore a simple black shirt with the Uchiha fan on the back and pants with white shinobi tape around his clalves. He also had open toed shinobi shoes on.
"It's nice to meet you Itachi", Naruto groaned as they both struggled trying to force the kunai out of each other's hands. "I'm Naruto, so I take it that you want to spar?" he asked.
A smile on either boy's face began to grow.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu/Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
Mikoto and Kushina heard the Katon Jutsu being called out. The pair of them had been talking for about 10 minutes. They both jumped up off the couch in a panic and made their way quickly out into the backyard.
Two streams of fire fought for dominance, Kushina and Mikoto looked horrified. They spotted Jiraya watching them with a small smirk on his face.
"What are you doing just watching this!?" she yelled.
"Why would you want to stop this?" asked Jiraya.
"What!" yelled Mikoto.
"The smiles haven't left their faces since they've started", comment Jiraya as the streams of fire dissipated.
Naruto and Itachi charged at each other, each with kunai in hand. They both swung forward, the pair ending up on opposite sides. The prodigies pivoted back and began trading blows and slashes. Itachi swiped horizontally and Naruto vaulted Itachi and went to punch him from his blind spot. Once he made contact Itachi replaced himself with a log. Naruto channelled chakra to his feet and flipped back.
"How did you know I was going to do that?" asked Itachi.
"You aren't the only one with a Kekkei Genkai, although, it doesn't work when I tell it to, only sometimes", he chuckled as he threw the kunai at the ground between.
"Truce?" he threw his hands up.
Itachi smiled.
"Alright", said Itachi. "Truce", he chuckled when Naruto began to rub the back of his head.
"Ahhh, those kids", Jiraya Namikaze laughed.
"Why are they both laughing?" asked Kushina.
"They're even weirder than use", commented Mikoto.
Jiraya chuckled.
"Because", he smiled. "Their friendship is born out of mutual respect, which will turn into a rivalry, and a rivalry that those two will grow through. Becoming best of friends", he chuckled. "You two are exactly like them", he rubbed the back of his head.
"Well of course Naruto-chan is way stronger", commented Kushina.
"What! Itachi-kun was about to win! Get some glasses grandma", Mikoto huffed.
"Can't you to take a lesson from those to?" asked Jiraya.
The bickering mothers looked up to see their sons laughing together. Not too long ago they were like that, starting their journey to becoming a shinobi. They both saw themselves; their sons had just becoming friends.
"So you're from the Uchiha clan, well obviously since your name is Itachi Uchiha", said Naruto as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Yes that is correct", said Itachi. "What have you learnt so far?" he asked.
"I've mastered the three chakra control exercises; I've learnt all the basic academy ninjutsu, a Katon Jutsu and some Fuinjutsu. I've also trained in the leaf katas", said Naruto with a smile.
Itachi nodded.
"I assume you've done a lot more than me?" asked Naruto.
"Why would you assume that?" asked Itachi. "Aren't you the Namikaze heir", stated Itachi.
"Yes well, I hear that the Uchiha heir starts training at age 4, whereas I started age 5", he said.
"Actually you assume wrong", he smiled. "I haven't learnt much more than you, I've only had more time to practice", he chuckled when he saw Naruto sigh in relief.
"I was worried there, I thought that you were miles ahead of me", he sat down on the cool grass and Itachi joined him.
"Who says I'm not", joked Itachi.
"Says the spar we just had, well I could tell you were holding back", said Naruto with a smile.
"Well I could tell you were holding back as well", said Itachi.
Naruto and Itachi's expression softened. Suddenly they both broke out in a smile; they shot up and resumed their spar. Their smiles never leaving their faces, not for a second.
The two proud mothers watched on their younger children had recently joined them. They watched their two eldest children spar. They both saw themselves and what they were like as shinobi rivals. Unknown to them, those to children were going to go down in the history books as two Konoha's greatest shinobi ever.
"We have a problem", stated Minato.
He and the other shinobi council members assembled, Koharu and Homaru were seated next to him.
"I'm afraid that I miscalculated", he said sadly.
"What exactly is the problem?" asked Shikaku.
"My son, Ren, the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi", he sighed. "The seal isn't going to work like I wished it to. It was initially unwise to seal away that much chakra, however, the seal is holding it back quite nicely", he said.
"Then what's the problem Minato-sama?" asked Inoichi.
"The seal worked to well, Ren will never know that he's a Jinchuriki unless someone tells him. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but, I wanted Ren to master the Kyuubi's chakra when he came of age. Unfortunately none of the Kyuubi's chakra is mixing with Ren's, meaning that Ren won't be aided in anyway, nor will he have any benefits of being a Jinchuriki", explained Minato.
"In a time of uncertainty such as this Ren would be greatly aided by being a Jinchuriki", stated Homaru.
"What do you suggest?" asked Koharu.
"Another vessel", Danzo stood up. "I may have a solution", he stated.
Minato grew uneasy.
Danzo was a very suspicious man, Minato wasn't sure if he had his son's best interest at heart, or his own.
"Yes", pushed Minato.
"Kusagakure", he said.
"Kusa?" asked Shukaku.
"Yes…..they were greatly weakened in the war and are in need of allies", he smiled.
"Hokage-sama, I have a remedy, however, at the present time I do not have all the details confrimed", he narrowed his visible eye.
"Well alright then Danzo, I trust that you have this village's best interest at heart", he nodded at the affirmative.
"Well alright then, you said another vessel, do you intend to capture one?" he asked as he narrowed his eyes.
"Of course not Hokage-sama, I will not act without your consent", he said.
"You will inform me of any developments whatever they may be. Also this whole affair is to remain secret, nobody is to speak of this meeting outside this room. Ren will be told of his Jinchuriki status by myself and Kushina. When we transfer the yang half of the nine tails out of Ren, he will be sedated and his conscious mind will remain unaware of anything. The sealing will occur out of the village aware from the village, similar to the births of my two sons. My personal Anbu will also be present and will monitor the situation. Also, we are to properly inform the new host of his or her soon to be status. If they come from…Kusa…then we are to meet them at the border and escort them to Konoha. Danzo, I trust that you will work collaboratively with Koharu and Homaru. You will report back to me with your plans. I will also be present in the diplomatic talks with Kusagakure. If they wish to give us a new host as a symbol of an alliance we will not turn their offer away", he stood up and sighed.
"Meeting adjourned.
Chapter End
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