The earth and the winds trembled as the sky suddenly turned dark and only one voice could be heard,
"Lightning Release: Thunder Barrage!"
Hinata screamed as the attack drew closer, but then...
...the whole clearing seemed to be surrounded in light and Hinata looked in shock, fear, and anticipation.
Chapter VII.
"Words spoken"
'Thoughts'
"Hinako or an angel speaking"
"Kyuubi or Kazuki speaking"
"The wind speaking"
Naruto had just finished training with Custos sensei and after Custos' evaluation, Custos was more than pleased with his student's latest accomplishments.
His physical training had gone great. His stamina, strength, and endurance, as well as speed and stealth, had improved greatly. He still had to work with them, but they had improved anyway. He was still five years old.
The clones that he had sent to the library had helped him greatly with his search for knowledge and he realized that he had made a new friend after one clone dispelled with the knowledge of said friend. He was currently studying strategy and planning, botany or plant science, the human anatomy, and medicine. He was also currently learning the basics of cooking and this was a skill that he definitely wanted to learn. Over all, his knowledge on different subjects had also improved, but he had much much more to learn.
After hearing this, Custos was once again very proud of Naruto and then asked Naruto to demonstrate the techniques that Custos himself taught to Naruto. Naruto of course, obliged and began to demonstrate.
He first demonstrated the first technique, the Mutatio Ars: Vultus amoveo (Transformation Arts: ShapeShift).
He had fully mastered this technique and had shown and explained to Custos what he thought to be the technique's full potential.
Naruto no longer needed to utter a word or anything like that, but he would simply transform with just a thought. The transformation did not produce smoke or make any loud noises or distractions, but instead Naruto's whole body shifted as if it were an illusion. Then a second after, there it was, transformation.
The technique had truly become its namesake and was no longer a pathetic illusion, but a full fledged transformation. Naruto's body mass would be reformed and would then shapeshift into whatever Naruto had wanted to become, be it man, woman, animal, or object. However, he did not gain their memories or their abilities, just their appearance, body, and voice (if it had a voice). Because it was not an illusion, Naruto could get hurt, but still be in his shapeshifted form. He could also have the same effect on other people, animals, plants, or objects. And he could do that with just a thought and in a second.
Next, he demonstrated the second technique, the Subpono Ars (Substitution Technique).
He had not yet fully mastered this technique, but could use the technique quite effectively. He could substitute with just a word and in a second's time. He could substitute almost anything, trees, logs, animals, different objects, and even people. However, he could only substitute people and some rather large animals in a mile's radius from his position. He could obviously not substitute himself with a building or something far bigger than a building. The pressure would be too much and the strain would immediately cause energy stores to drain, causing instant death by energy loss.
He had somehow modified the substitution technique by changing the ordinary small smoke explosion when performing the technique. He found out that this small explosion of smoke was like throwing a mini smoke bomb. This was a norm in the technique as it helps to fool the opponent by creating an optical illusion, making the enemy think the attack was successful. The user can then use this confusion to escape or launch a counter-attack. However, Naruto's modification changed the normal smoke bomb explosion and besides a normal smoke bomb, he could now create a much larger smoke bomb explosion, resulting in adding more confusion. Besides smoke bombs, he could also change the explosion to that of a stink bomb's, sleeping gas bomb's, and poison gas bomb's. However, he had to make the materials himself. This is one of the reasons why he studied botany or plant life, so he could create different concoctions and potions.
True mastery of this technique was when the substitution could be performed with an object, person, or animal in at least a 10 mile distance, Custos had said to Naruto. He still praised Naruto regardless and had said that with devoted practice, Naruto would master it quickly.
After demonstrating and explaining the substitution technique, Naruto then demonstrated the last technique he had learned from Custos, the Professio de Somes Scindo (Art of Body Splitting).
Like the Mutatio Ars: Vultus amoveo (Transformation Arts: ShapeShift), Naruto had also mastered this technique and could use the technique to the fullest.
He could summon at least a thousand perfect clones without falling into unconsciousness. Naruto realized that he could summon more because of his stamina and large energy reserves. Naruto had then realized that in the future, he could create thousands upon thousands and then not feel the loss of energy.
His clones were very strong and were very different from the normal Kage Bunshin. The Kage Bunshin would dissipate immediately after 1 hit and could probably take more hits if given enough chakra. However, Kage Bunshin are Kage Bunshin. Shadow clones, they do not have minds of their own, and they also have a low chance of survival. The body-splitting technique, however, was amazing. Instead of being dispelled immediately, they can take hits and will only dissipate when dealt with a fatal blow, such as a strike to the heart, decapitation, or a strike to the brain. They did not have regenerating abilities as their original has since the Kyuubi is only sealed in the original Naruto. These clones also have a mind of their own. However, these minds are no different from their original. It is more like a case of there being two Narutos. The clones and the original are the same, but have different mindsets. This helps with their survival as they do not have to completely rely on their original since they can make plans of their own. The clones could not revolt against Naruto since they were in fact still him.
Naruto had demonstrated his mastery over the technique by being able to perform the technique in a second, by being able to create a clone without any noise or distraction, but most importantly by using the clones to their full potential. He could perform the technique in a second with just a simple thought. Usually, when one creates a clone, there is some form of a small explosion, such as a small smoke explosion when using the Kage Bunshin, but when using the body-slipping technique, there is no sudden explosion of smoke or any kind. Instead the clones somehow fade into reality, making them the best clones.
Custos was once again impressed at Naruto's determination and commitment and praised Naruto graciously.
However, Custos spoke to Naruto of the true level of mastery over the technique. This level could only be achieved to constant use of the technique, as well as physical and mental training. Custos explained that at this level of mastery, the user of the technique would be able to somehow tap into the clone's senses, meaning the original could see through the eyes of each and every clone. The mechanisms were complicated, but it was like that. Not only the eyesight of his clones, but also their hearing, smelling, and sixth sense, which was a sort of 'warning' sense.
The good thing about these techniques was that it was only Naruto or a magic-using angel who could perform these techniques so Naruto did not have to fear about anyone taking his techniques.
After congratulating Naruto, Custos asked Naruto to show him any other things that Naruto had learnt.
Naruto once again did so and demonstrated to Custos, the wind techniques that he had taught himself from his father's side's clan's scroll.
He demonstrated the Blade of Wind, Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, and Wind-style Body Flicker.
He could perform the blade of wind technique without having to use hand-signs. His blade of wind was quite strong and could break through 2 thick trees. Naruto could create the blade from his fingertips, from the palm of his hands, but not his feet. Not yet anyway.
His Great Breakthrough had definitely improved and he could now create a strong gust, that could blow away an unsuspecting ninja. Though strong, Naruto was far from mastering the technique and was still training heavily. He still needed to use the hand-signs in order to perform the technique.
He could perform the Wind-style shunshin flawlessly. He no longer needed hand-signs, and could body flicker in less than 2 seconds. His performing distance was a 5-mile radius, but increasing.
Naruto also told him of his other bloodline, the Voice of the Wind, and his constant practice in using the bloodline.
Custos, very pleased at his student, taught Naruto 3 new techniques and explained to Naruto the basics and uses of the said techniques.
After that, Custos asked Naruto if the chakra exercises were helpful and Naruto, being Naruto, said that they were. However, he told Custos that he had already mastered all 3 exercises, from the water-walking to leaf-balancing and the tree-walking. Custos just agreed and gave Naruto another exercise to practice and eventually master. Custos taught him the Leaf Concentration exercise, which was similar to the Leaf Balancing. This exercise was taught in the academy to teach students how to control their chakra more effectively. However, the true purpose of the exercise was actually to hone the individual's concentration and to keep their mind from becoming distracted. The training method is done by placing a leaf over an individual's forehead and having them direct all their chakra onto the leaf, using it as a focal point.
Naruto took the training to heart and when Custos finished teaching Naruto and left, Naruto began to train and train.
Now he was finished for the day and it was already quite late. As Naruto walked outside, he noticed that there was a full moon. There were also little to no people around. Naruto walked around the corner, but then suddenly saw a figure running.
'Hm..? Who's that... and why's there a bag over- HE'S A KIDNAPPER!'
Then Naruto began to run to the man and while he ran, he also spoke in whispered tones, "Macero (Weaken)," and then the man suddenly hunched down in pain and dropped the bag he was carrying.
Naruto quickly ran to the bag and opened it, seeing a small girl, around his age. He quickly ushered her out and she ran to go behind him.
"T-t-than-nk y-you..."
Naruto nodded in return and was about to run away when he heard the kidnapper speak, "T-tsk, You'd better give me the girl brat, or I'll kill you..."
Then Naruto suddenly remembered his lesson with Custos.
Flashback ~!
Custos began to teach Naruto the first technique for the day, Macero (Weaken).
Custos first demonstrated the technique to Naruto before explaining the technique.
Custos summoned a human-looking figure, which he had said he would use as a training dummy. Custos then said, "Macero (Weaken)," and then the figure suddenly hunched in pain and then seemingly disappeared.
"This technique allows the user to weaken an opponent using will power alone. It is similar to Killing Intent, but is far more effective. To perform this technique, you must use your will and emotions and then gather energy from them, then release. The result should be instantaneous and should be as I have shown you, but it all depends on your opponent. This technique might work, but only for a few seconds, if the opponent uses his own will to overpower your's. Therefore, this technique will only work if the opponent is weak-willed or if the user is very strong-willed. To be able to sustain the attack, the user must stay within close proximity of the victim, otherwise the attack will weaken in strength. However, usually a strong burst of will-power will usually be enough and the victim will be weakened for a short while and then the user can use this as a distraction and then escape. Usually, this technique will always work when some certain emotions intensify, such as anger, rage, or another strong emotion. However, this technique will also work without those emotions, but just a strong will."
Naruto nodded and began to train.
Flashback End ~!
Naruto cringed, remembering that little detail about will-power. 'I'M ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD!'
Despite this, Naruto tried again, but this time enforced more of his will and emotions.
"Macero (Weaken)!" Naruto screamed and then watched as the man once again, screamed and doubled over in pain. Using the time as a distraction, he took the girl's hand in his own and then ran as fast as his little legs could carry him.
However, the man suddenly stood up and screamed, "HOW DARE YOU LITTLE BRAT! I'LL SHOW YOU NOT TO ATTACK ME!" Then the man began to rapidly perform different hand-seals and Naruto began to get scared. Naruto stopped running and just performed the second technique taught to him by Custos earlier in the day.
Then the man suddenly stopped and said with a shout, "Lightning Release: Thunder Barrage!"
Then the sky began to darken and thunder began to gather above them and after a second, a large bolt of thunder suddenly surged down from the sky to them.
Hinata screamed as the thunder came closer, then Naruto said with a shout, "Contego! (Protect)."
As the thunder bolt was about to strike the two children, there was suddenly a blinding light and a large circle seemed to form around them like a force field, then the thunder was seemingly blocked by the shield.
The kidnapper, now identified as a Kumo (Cloud) ninja from his hitai-ite (shinobi headband), then seemed shocked for a while, but got out of his shock and began to scream in rage, "I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU CAN DO! I'LL KILL YOU!"
Then he began to do hand-seals again, and Naruto could only gasp in shock as the ninja was about to do the same technique, but then Naruto began to gather energy around him as Custos had said and both said at the same time,
"Lightning release: Thunder Barrage!"
"Contego! (Protect)"
The same thing happened and Naruto silently thanked Custos for teaching him that technique.
Flashback ~!
"Now this next technique that I'm going to teach you is called Contego (Protect). This technique is a defensive technique and will allow you to create a make-shift shield out of your life energy. To be able to perform this technique, you must also need will-power, but most importantly control. Gather energy around your body and then will it to come to life using your will-power and life energy. This will create a large shield that can protect you and/or someone else. This technique requires a lot of energy and will for it to be truly strong. If used correctly, the shield should be able to withstand anything but attacks from underground. The proximity of the technique depends on the amount of energy placed in the technique. Let me demonstrate."
Then Custos motioned Naruto to walk back and give him space, which Naruto did. Then he suddenly chanted, "Contego! (Protect)." Then a large shield of white covered Custos.
After the technique diminished, Custos said, "The blinding light is a bonus and can help provide a distraction or temporarily blind the opponent...
... now you try."
Flashback End~!
The Kumo ninja then growled and ran to Naruto. Naruto widened his eyes since the Kumo ninja was going to fight him in hand-to-hand combat. Naruto was quite good, but he was only five.
As the opponent drew closer, Naruto chanted, "Macero! (Weaken)."
The man once again doubled in pain and using this as a temporary distraction, Naruto suddenly sucker-punched the ninja, which then threw the ninja over to a tree. The ninja then grunted and stood up from his position and ran to Naruto again.
The man threw a punch at Naruto, who dodged in return. 'I can use my small height as an advantage!'
As the ninja began to punch and kick, Naruto just dodged in return, but then the man got irritated and suddenly kicked Naruto faster than before. Naruto got kicked to the ground and then looked at his opponent who was now beginning to go through hand-seals, and also looked at the little girl for a slight second, who was just shaking in fear.
Naruto stood up and then began to gather up energy, but it was too late, the man had already finished.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Storm!"
Then Naruto screamed in pain as a giant bolt of lightning hit him from the sky. The lightning bolt shocked his whole body and even the grass at his feet turned black.
Naruto then fell on his stomach and cringed in pain. The lightning was still slightly shocking him and small sparks of lightning still continued to randomly shock him. Naruto stood up shakily and saw that the man had turned his back and was about to go and get that little girl again. Naruto grit his teeth together and then muttering his energy, he said, "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A great wind then attacked the unsuspecting ninja and the ninja screamed as he was carried from the wind and then brutally slashed. At the same time, Naruto said, "Macero! (Weaken)." The man just screamed louder as more pain went through his body and when the wind stopped, it threw him to a tree as if it threw a rag doll. Naruto then ran to the little girl and said, "Sano (Heal)," and then a white energy surrounded the little girl as she watched in amazement. When the light cleared, the little girl felt so much better. More better than even before she was kidnapped. She felt as if she had all the courage in the world. Naruto smiled at her bewildered expression and remembered just what Custos had said regarding the technique.
Flashback ~!
"Now Naruto, this is the last technique that I will teach you, Sano (Heal). This technique uses life energy to heal. This technique needs focus and proper control of energy to be able to perform. I already know that you are ready for this technique since you have the control and power needed. This technique is a very useful technique and not really draining if done properly. It heals not only injuries, but also cures any body ailments and poison. The greatest effect of the technique is that it completely rejuvenates the body, making the one effected feel better than before. Once mastered, the technique should be able to heal anything, but old age."
Flashback End ~!
"Are you okay?" Naruto said, as he offered her his hand.
She took it, but seemed to be trying to cover up a blush and failing miserably.
"U-u-umm... t-th-than-nk y-y-ou... I-I'm hi-hinata."
Naruto smiled in return, but seemed not to notice her blush. He then said, "I'm Naruto."
Naruto just nodded in return and then a figure suddenly landed next to Hinata.
"Hinata! Are you okay!"
"I-I'm o-okay F-father... N-nar-ruto-kun saved me..."
Then her father suddenly took notice of the figure next to Hinata and turned to look at him.
"The kidnapper is over there..." Then Naruto pointed to the twitching body of the Kumo ninja. Hiashi looked at the twitching figure, then his eyes widened and he turned to look at Naruto and said disbelievingly, "W-what! You did that?"
Naruto nodded in return and Hiashi just sighed in return and then walked over to the figure and carried him over his back.
"We're going to bring the kidnapper to Hokage-sama." Then Hiashi using his free hand held onto Hinata and said, "Naruto, come here."
Naruto nodded in understanding, then placed his hand on Hiashi's. A second later, all 4 figures disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
In the Hokage's office, the Hokage was doing what he hated most, paperwork.
He sighed in annoyance at the vast piles of paper. Then suddenly, 4 figures appeared in front of him from what the Hokage guessed was a shunshin.
The Hokage widened his eyes, then stood up from his chair and took a fighting stance.
However, as all 4 figures came into proper view and the Hokage saw them, he sighed in relief, then sitting back in his chair, he asked, "Hiashi... and Naruto... mind explaining why you're here?"
Hiashi laid the man down and then bowed in respect, and said, "Hokage-sama, this man was about to kidnap my daughter, but then Naruto here defeated him and waited for me."
The Hokage's eyes widened and he said, "W-what! Naruto!"
"Hai, jiji, I walking home, but then I saw this weirdo man carrying a bag and I figured out that he was a kidnapper so I went and then I attacked him. He kept trying to hit me, but I just kept ducking and running. Then I did this move that I saw someone doing..."
'I can't tell jiji yet...'
The Hokage just nodded his head skeptically not exactly trusting all that little five-year old Naruto had said.
'I'll talk to him in private later on...'
"Don't worry Hiashi, I'll make sure that Ibiki takes care of the kidnapper."
The Hokage then walked over to the man who was laying on the floor on his stomach and turned his head. The Hokage gasped, then growled.
"This is that Kumo ambassador!" Then the Hokage gritted his teeth and said menacingly, "I'll make sure that Ibiki takes good care of him..."
Hiashi just nodded in return, then said, "Well, I trust that you will take care of him. I'll be taking my leave now. Come Hinata."
"Y-yes... F-fat-ther.."
The Hokage nodded in return as Hiashi disappeared with Hinata via shunshin. Then he turned to Naruto and said, "We need to talk..."
Naruto gulped and said, "E-er..."
That's it for now...
Please read and review and don't hesitate to ask any questions! I will do my best to answer!
Sayonara!
-The Silent Peacemaker
