Chapter 9: Surprises
AN: Okay back again. I'm in th midst of a semester and pretty busy but I'll do my best to write a good chapter of decent length. This chapter will basically be about explaining the details of the summoning contracts, and assessing the threat of not just the akatsuki but another threat; as well as announcing Itachi's return and absolution. Possibly discussion about the roles that Itachi and Hyakkimaru will play in the village now that they are no longer actively training Naruto.
Quick recap: "I have a bit of a surprise for the both of you as well." 'I just hope you like it' he thinks as he releases his henge filling the spring with smoke.
Anko and Hana jump a little at the sudden copious amount of smoke and are very unsure about what they are about to see. Before long the smoke begins to dissipate and the pair can begin to make out Hyakkkimaru's outline but something is off about it. They can make out his shoulders neck and head but pieces of his hair look like they're standing up taller than before.
"What's the surprise?" snickers Anko, "A new perm?"
"Not quite, sweetheart. Come here and find out" replies Hyakkimaru through what's left of the smoke that mixes with the steam and refuses to clear.
Grabbing Hana's hand the two make their way towards Hyakkimaru's silhouette. A few seconds later he is in full view and Hana and Anko are in a bit of shock.
"What the hell are those?" asks Anko incredulously
"Hyakkimaru-kun, are those... ears?" asks Hana confusedly.
Hyakkimaru merely nods while looking at the water between the women afraid of how they are feeling, a strange new feeling for him to be experience.
Hana is the first one to move; slowly reaching out to pet one of Hyakkimaru's wolfish ears. She's only slightly surprised to find that they are as soft as any other dog's ears, and just as sensitive apparently as is evident by hyakkimaru's relaxing demeanor and small smile.
"Well I guess they are kind of cute." says Anko having a few reservations but moving forward to pet Hyakkimaru's ears regardless.
"Yeah, I kind of like them." states Hana with a small blush.
"I'm glad you do but there's something else..." says Hyakkimary; his voice trailing off.
"What else could there possibly be? A tail?" asks Anko in exasperation feeling him brush against her leg.
There is an awkward silence as Hyakkimaru glances away from the pair and drops his ears and gives a slight cough. Anko's eyes widen a little bit and Hana adorns a skeptical look.
"You're shitting me. I don't believe you for a second." says Anko feeling him brush against her leg again.
"I don't think it's that impossible, Anko, but I'm having a hard time believing this too." agrees Hana a little bit incredulously.
"I know it seems weird to you both, but it's true," he says slowly raising himself out of the water until it becomes apparent that there is indeed an extra appendage dripping water from his muscled body.
Hana gasps and Anko recoils visibly in surprise upsetting Hyakkimaru, which does not go unnoticed by Anko. Hyakkimaru wraps his tail around himself hiding everything from his hips to the middle of his thighs.
"Like I said: I know that it's weird but I'm stuck with it... And I'm still the same man I was..." states Hyakkimaru as he turns to hoist himself out of the spring only to be quickly dragged back in by Hana who quickly grabs at the base of his tail and drags him back into her wrapping her arms around his torso.
"Oh no you don't," she says as she tries locking herself around him, "we all know that this is strange but that doesn't mean that we don't still like you; right, Anko?" Nodding Anko makes her way over to him.
"She's right, handsome. I may find this really weird but the ears are kind of cute and I'll just have to get used to you having a sixth appendage, honestly it's nothing that I'm not willing to give a try." agrees Anko petting the furry appendages in question. "I'm sorry that I was so put off, I didn't mean to be... offensive or to upset you."
"It's okay, Anko-chan, I'm just not used to any of these sorts of interactions or feelings I don't really know how to keep my emotions in check when it comes to such things. I hope I didn't overreact." he says in response as Hana lets go of him
"No, you didn't, it's just a tense situation that none of us really know how to deal with." says Hana leaning in to kiss him.
"She's right," agrees Anko doing the same. "Now where were we before all of this." she says leaning in towards his neck.
A day or two passes and before long notices are posted and news is circulated that the Hokage has an important announcement concerning not just the entirety of the ninja populace but the civilians as well. Nobody knows what the announcement is about or whether it is good or bad news but rumors have been circulating about Naruto's return. There has been an increase in the number of foxes seen in the village setting a few people on edge.
"We have enjoyed peaceful enough times for the past few years," states Tsunade addressing the large and still growing crowd in front of the Hokage's tower. "We have bounced back from the death of a beloved Hokage, the betrayal of close allies, and the loss of one of the most powerful clans our land has ever known. But for every loss we have suffered we have gained something else. Our medical corps has never been stronger, our ninja have never been more skilled, we have never known as much as we do about our enemies as we do now thanks to our skilled men and women. We have renewed allegiances and a strong new generation ready and waiting to take the reigns. I am also pleased to announce that several of our most valuable ninja have recently returned to the village as well. Perhaps most important of all, however, is a revelation brought to light by the third hokage from beyond the grave. For years we have lamented the destruction of the Uchiha Clan and cursed the name of Itachi Uchiha as traitorous and malicious. It has come to light in a confession left behind, hidden, many years ago by our sandaime that we have been wrong to do so."
Producing Sarutobi's confession Tsunade continues.
"In this scroll, scrutinized for several years by myself and the council of the Village hidden in the Leaves, the Sandaime reveals exactly what happened the night of the massacre and the true role played by Itachi Uchiha. Stating that the Uchiha Clan had been long planning a coup d'etat against the hokage and councilors. It was with great apprehension that the Sandaime asked the impossible of one of our most skilled an dedicated shinobi. He requested Itachi Uchiha to investigate and destroy his entire clan. And it was with a heavy heart and great love for the village and the safety of it's inhabitants that he did just that. His only hope for redemption being the seed of vengeance planted in his younger brother, Sasuke, who he could not possibly bring himself to kill." Pausing Tsunade takes a deep breath, so far so good it seems based off of the crowd's dead silence.
"It is no secret that nearly five years ago Sasuke Uchiha himself defected in pursuit of power forever destroying whatever chance there was for the redemption and reestablishment of the Uchiha Clan. Or so we thought. With these new revelations in mind it is with great hope that I, Senju Tsunade with full approval of the council of elders, can welcome to the village with open arms Uchiha Itachi, who will immediately be reinstated as a ninja of the hidden leaf village on a probabationary period to be served for a minimum of one year under surveillance of the ANBU special forces." Finishes Tsunade presenting Itachi as he is led forward by Naruto, Jiraiya, and Hyakkimaru. Numerous people gasp, some let up cries of anger and hate, some look unsure and remain silent, very few appear to approve of the decision though.
The revelation goes exactly as Itachi had feared but is not a surprise to him in the least. Walking forward he takes his place next to Tsunade. In a rare moment of uncertainty Itachi takes a breath and with practiced calm opens his mouth to speak.
"I know that many of you must be feeling an intense sense of anguish and distress over my return. I have no words of comfort to assuage the pain in your hearts. I'm painfully aware of my own past deeds but would repeat them time and time again if it meant no more than the safety of the village that I grew up in; that I love. I do not expect acceptance from you all, but I do hope to earn it. Never have I lifted a finger against this village and never shall I. I tried my hardest to make my brother a hero of this village only to see it squandered. And now it pains me to have to potentially see him destroyed. But if that is what I must do to atone for my crimes and protect this village and those in it I will."
Tsunade places a firm hand on Itachi's shoulder trying to comfort the man next to her who she does not even know. Likewise Naruto Jiraiya and Hyakkimaru step forward to do the same. Hoping that such a gesture will help win over at least some of the crowd.
"I can't ask or tell any of you what to believe, feel, or think," begins Tsunade again, "but I can hope that at least some of you will keep an open mind and heart to show acceptance and forgiveness. My heart, like all of yours, is heavy at the memory of the Uchiha clan but his feels a pain so unique and devestating that I know that very few if any of you will ever understand and I hope none of you ever experience."
When all is said the crowd has gone silent; pensive and distraught. How can this be happening? Can it be true? How can they trust somebody like Itachi? Slowly but surely the crowd in front of the tower dissipates; everyone going home to contemplate what they had learned today most uncomfortable with the whole situation, but who can blame them.
"It's only logical I suppose," states Itachi to nobody in particular as the area empties quickly with a few exceptions.
"Don't worry, they'll come around. Even if we have to make them." says Naruto as he stands next to the raven haired man causing him to crack a small smile.
"Thank you, Naruto. I suppose it will take some time but hopefully I can find happiness here once again." replies Itachi gratefully placing his hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"I have no doubt about it, Itachi. At least you aren't starting off alone. We're alll here for you." adds Hyakkimaru walking up with Jiraiya and Tsunade.
"That's right. I'm sure the people that we are close to already will accept you too, especially since we already trust you." agrees Naruto causing the rest to nod in agreement as Itachi stares up into the sky his hair blowing softly in the breeze.
"Speaking of, it looks like we have some company" smiles Hyakkimaru looking at the approaching group.
As the hokage finishes her announcement and the crowd begins to disperse a small group slowly starts to form out of the stragglers. Each of the rookie and teams had gathered along with their sensei as well as Anko and Hana. Once the group finally stopped growing they all began to make their way to the dais from which Tsunade had been speaking.
Wasting no time at all Hana and Anko practically tackle Hyakkimaru as per usual and like always he picks them both up. On the other hand Ino walks over to Naruto and grabs his hand pulling him in for a kiss shocking the rest of the group almost as much as the fact that he did not even try to pull away.
"Where did that come from?" asks Shikamaru in surprise as he stares dumbfounded at the pair of blondes.
"Hell if I know," replies chouji just as in awe as Shikamaru.
Hinata blushes, Kiba is speechless, shino is just shino, Neji is unphased Tenten is a bit dumbstruck but waves it off quickly while Lee proclaims Naruto and Ino's flames of youth have reached a new level. The sensei all gape for a second then let it go. Kids will be kids afterall.
"Well hello to you too, Ino." says Naruto with a grin when they seperate. "Hey guys, what's up?" he says nonchalantly ignoring the looks on his friends faces.
"What's up is we wanna know why you and Ino were just sucking each other's faces!" says Kiba animatedly earning himself a light smack from his sensei. "Don't pry, Kiba, it's none of our business." reprimands Kurenai with an almost unnoticeable blush.
"Well it's pretty simple actually," says Naruto somewhat sheepishly. "Ino and I..."
"STARTED DATING!" finishes Ino ecstatically cutting Naruto off causing him to sigh.
"Did you really have to cut me off like that?" he says in mock dejection.
"Oh don't pout you know I'm the gossiper and you're what I'm gossiping about right now so deal with it." she replies with an innocent smile.
'Because that makes it better...' he thinks incredulously.
"Geeze, Ino, you sure move quick, don't you?" laughs Sakura, "He's barely even been back two days."
"Can it, forehead," says Ino mockingly both of them locking eyes and smiling before laughin lightly at each other.
The group converses jovially until Naruto realizes that Itachi has not ben present in the conversation at all this whole time. Instead he has simply been milling around near Jiraiya and by extension Tsunade sharing in hushed conversation.
"Hai, hokage-sama, I understand the level of skill that I possess and how valuable that could be for the village. But, unless it is absolutely necessary, I would prefer to stay as far away from battle as I can. I've grown weary of fighting, and never had much of a taste for the deaths of others. If it were possible, instead of being on active duty I would like to take a more supportive role, perhaps even become an instructor at the academy, though I suppose that'd be difficult. I doubt anybody would want the likes of me nar their children after all." explains Itachi slightly put off.
"He has a point, Tsunade. He may be an invaluable ninja but I think the knowledge that he could impart to future generations would be even more useful." agrees Jiraiya understanding where exactly Itachi is coming from. The two have had lon conversations late in the night about the curse of the shinobi world known as hatred an death. Itachi an Jiraiya both have seen and done more than either of them have ever desired to and both of them have damn near had enough, understandably.
"I know, Itachi, you have been burdened with a tough life an you've had to do more in the nme of your village than should ever be asked of any number of people let alone one. I will see what I can do but try not to get your hopes too high. We still have the council to deal with and they often seem much more cold hearted than me. I'll do everything in my power but we'll have to wait and see." replies Tsunade with a heavy heart.
"I understand, thank you,m'lady." sighs Itachi.
"Hey, guys, there's something I have to ask all of you about. You might think it's crazy but hear me out." states Naruto in a much more serious tone.
"Then spit it out Naruto, what's up?" chimes Kiba.
"Well it's just that Itachi doesn't really have anybody here for him." begins Naruto looking over his shoulder towards Itachi. "I've been traveling with him for the past couple of years and well I just want to ask you guys if you can give him a chance; he's going to have a tough time here as is, and I don't want him to have to deal with that alone." finishes Naruto, his voice full of an emotion none of them ever thought Naruto felt. It sounded like sadness but so much worse, it sounded like pain.
Looking back at his group of friends he can tell even the jounin are having trouble schooling their features. Whether it was because of his tone or because of what he was asking of them he could not be certain.
"Like I said I know that it sounds crazy but we can trust him. He's tired of living with his past, he wants a peaceful future here in his home. I don't think that it's too much to ask either." he says seeing that nobody is about to break the silence.
"It's okay, Naruto, you don't have to beg for me." chuckles Itachi putting a hand on Naruto's shoulder causing him to jump a bit. "I'm prepared to live my life here in such a manner if it comes down to it. Look to your own life, my friend."
"I'm not going to have a very long one if you keep doing that, Itachi." laughs Naruto as his heart begins to beat normally again.
"Well a comrade is a comrade I suppose," says Kakashi stepping towards Itachi holding his hand out.
"Yes comrades again eh, Kakashi? Sorry about what happened the last time we saw each other. I needed to find a way to subdue you without killing you." says Itachi almost sheepishly grasping Kakashi's hand.
"I understand, Itachi, you definitely succeeded I was in the hospital for a week after that little altercation" chuckles Kakashi in response.
"Maybe I overdid it a little, huh?" laughs Itachi. "Kurenai made it out of the whole situation unharmed at least, and Gai. Sorry about your arm though, Asuma, Kisame always gets a little too excited about a good fight."
"Think nothing of it Itachi, I'm impressed that you made such a worthy opponent while refraining from making lethal attacks, you are a truly youthful adversary." chimes Gai striking his classic thumbs up pose.
"Yeah that blade of Kisame's barely even scratched me so no harm done really." smirks Asuma dragging on his cigarette.
"Yeah, no harm at all, though it was certainly shaking when my genjutsu failed to effect you. That's a rare occurrence for me." agrees Kurenai looking at Hyakkimaru who is conveniently looking in a different direction.
"Well since it looks like we're all getting along so far I think it's time for introductions," suggests Hyakkimaru at long last disengaging himself from Anko and Hana. "Kurenai, why don't you start off with your team?"
"Okay well Itachi and I are already plenty well acquainted but this bunch of misfits is my team." she smirks nudging Kiba and Shino and placing her hand on Hinata's shoulder. "This is Inuzuka Kiba and his companion Akamaru. This is Aburama Shino. And finally Hyuuga Hinata."
"Yes the Hyuuga heiress, if I remember correctly." states Itachi looking Hinata over with an appreciative eye as discretely as possible. "What about your team, Asuma?"
"Well if Kurenai's group is a bunch of misfits I don't even know what my group is." laughs Asuma. "Well that short blonde over there with Naruto is Yamanaka Ino. This is Nara Shikamaru, probably one of the smartest kids in the village. And last but not least, this is Akimichi Chouji."
"Shikamaru, huh? Maybe I could give you a run for your money. I don't suppose you care for shogi?" Itachi inquires a hint of excitement in his voice.
"I do, actually," says Shikamaru with a smirk, "I hope you're more of a challenge than old Asuma, here."
"I guess we'll see," says Itachi with a confident grin. "Well guy, how about your team? I see we have another Hyuuga in the mix."
"I thought you would never ask, my friend! This team is my pride and joy, you're correct, Itachi, this is Hyuuga Neji, Tenten, and last but most certainly not ever the least, Rock Lee"
"Lee, I can only assume by your look that you take very heavily after Gai and are quite formidable in taijutsu. Am I right?" laughs Itachi noticing how excited Lee becomes at his statement.
"Yes that is true but I am nowhere near the level of Gai-sensei, but someday I hope to be." exclaims Lee excitedly hoping to test his ability against someone new.
"Well, Kakashi, that just leaves you. I guess I'm only missing one member of your team aren't I?" says Itachi in a more matter of fact way than a question.
"It would seem that way indeed. This is Haruno Sakura." replies Kakashi patting Sakura on the shoulder.
"So this is Lady Hokage's new apprentice; I've heard quite a bit about you from Naruto. He thinks very highly of you. He says you are an invaluable friend he says that the two of you together can undoubtedly return my wayward brother. I hope for everyone's sake that this is true." states Itachi solemnly.
"With a group like this I don't think we have anything to worry about," laughs Hyakkimaru surveying the group of shinobi before him. "In fact, on that note, I have a bit of an idea. I think it might be prudent to form a training group of sorts so we can all benefit from each other's collective knowledge and better underrstand each other's skills in case we have to work together." he suggests.
"A splendid idea, Hyakkimaru-san. There is no time like the present to start." exclaims Gai as animated as ever. Unsurprisingly Lee whole heartedly agrees with his sensei.
"Hold your horses there, Gai, keep in mind that all of you still have duties as shinobi of this village." chimes Tsunade bringing the group back down to earth a little. "I will entertain this idea only if you all can balance it with the missions that are assigned to you all. I will do my best not to split you all up but I have to work with the circumstances at hand." she finishes trying not to dash all of their hopes completely.
"I don't think we have anything to worry about in that aspect, Hokage-sama" states Kakashi, "They're willing to put in whatever effort they must, every single one of them has adamantly refused to give up on their comrade and have been working tirelessly to that end. Right guys?" he finishes only to have a chorus of agreement ring out from the group.
Tsunade has no choice but to concede that Kakashi has a point, she's noticed herself even in Narutos absence. With that the group began to meet regularly wherever there is enough room for them to train together.
"You know they're going to have to find out eventually, kit." states Kurama seemingly out of nowhere causing Naruto to look over at him from his place on his bed.
It has been a couple of weeks since the former rookies all started training together with their sensei itachia, Hyakkkimaru, and every so often Jiraiya. However, Naruto has yet to demonstrate his summoning in front of the group.
"I know, I just don't know how they're going to take the information. I could lie to them but I don't want to do that to my friends." replies Naruto pensively he has in truth been trying to come up with a tactful way of revealing everything to them without freaking them out but it just does not seem possible.
"Look, I'm tried of being stuck in your house, as nice as it is. I need to get out and stretch my legs and it won't help us not to train together either so if you ask me it is a necessary risk. Beyond that if they won't stick with you after everything all of you have been through together then can you truly say that they are your friends?" he reasons trying to nip the argument in the bud because he is not really willing to entertain Naruto's lingering self doubt.
"I guess not," concedes Naruto, "I guess I'll tell them all when we meet again later but instead of you coming with me I'll summon you when I'm ready to tell them. Okay?"
"Sounds good to me but you may want to let Hyakkimaru know as well he might be able to help you explain the whole situation better," suggests the kyuubi trying to make the situation easier on Naruto.
"That's probably a good idea, I'll explain it to him when we're on our way later. Now let's get started I think I get what the scroll is saying." says Naruto getting up off of his bed releasing his own henge. Much like Hyakkimaru his head is adorned by a pair of red fox ears and a tail protrudes from his clothes and wags softly behind him.
"So then you understand what exactly your master means when he calls himself a sage? It is not simply a title, the title is simply a way to show that he has mastered on some level the use of sage jutsu." explains the fox demon to his young counterpart.
"Yeah that makes sense but I don't quite get how to do it." admits Naruto
"That's fine, I'll try to explain it to you. Everything in nature has an essence sentient beings have a chakra network and it is completely self contained until we release it. Everything else however has a more natural essence that is constantly being released and replenished as they grow for instance tree are constantly releasing this natural energy while absorbing it from the ground when they absorb nutrients from the water and the soil they need to survive. Therefore the air is nearly always saturated with this energy. As an animal I am naturally more in tune with this energy and can harness it more efficiently than you can. If you were to attempt to harness this energy on your own you would likely have to take your time and not move at all. I however do not and some day neither will you but until then whenever Iam near to you I can allow you to tap into the energy that I have built up. Understand?"
"I think I do but what will that energy help me do?" inquires Naruto not grasping the point of the training.
"Do you remember when you were learning about chakra natures during your training trip, Naruto?" sighs Kurama trying his best to be patient.
Flashbback
"Alright, Naruto, I have something new and important to teach you so pay close attention, okay?" says Hyakkimaru walking towards Naruto holding a bunch of papers. "Do me a favor and channel your chakra into one of these pieces of paper." he explains holding out a sheet of the paper.
Taking it Naruto does so with a look of confusion on his face. What is supposed to happen? This seems like a weird way to start training for the day. After a moment of channeling his chakra into the paper he is surprised to see the paper split cleanly in half.
"Well that is certainly interesting," comments Hyakkimaru as he watches intently. "Do you know what that means Naruto?"
"No what is this stuff?" responds the younger blonde holding up the split piece of paper.
"It's chakra reactive paper. Based off of what element your chakra has a natural affinity for the paper will react differently when exposed to chakra. Yours split in half which means that your chakra has a natural affinity for the wind element, a very devestating and uncommon style in the land of fire. What this means for you is that when learning or developing wind style jutsu you won't find it as difficult as me or somebody who has a different chakra Nature." explains Hyakkimaru holding out another piece of paper. "Every so often people have two chakra natures and most jounin have mastered a second nature. I originally had the water, and lightning natures; since I have mastered both earth, and fire as well."
Watching intently Naruto sees Hyakkimaru's paper react, a quarter turning to dust, another quarter burning apart, while another becomes damp and drops to the ground, while the final piece crinkles remaining in his hand.
"Whoa" is all Naruto can say.
"Unfortunately the only nature that I cannot use is wind; so I don't have any jutsu that I can teach you but I can teach you how to harness and utilize the wind style chakra you posess. Do you remember the scroll that Asuma gave you. I recall him mentioning channeling chakra into weapons, why don't we give that a try?" suggests Hyakkimaru.
"Okay, I haven't really found a weapon to my liking yet, though." replies Naruto, "I've tried all of the ones that I think are reallly cool like the katanas, spears,scythes, and stuff like that."
"Hmm, I have an idea. It may not be what you want right off the bat but I think you could easily use it to great effect if you like it." says Hyakkimaru searching through the scroll provided by Tenten. After a few minutes of searching he manages to find what he had in mind.
"Do you know what this is, Naruto?" asks Hyakkimaru holding up a sickle and a chain.
"Not really, no. What is it?" he replies not sure about the weapon choice.
"Well it's called a kusarigamaand it is simply a sickle attached to a long weighted chain. It has a couple of valuable funtions. obviously you can use the chain to swing throw and retrieve the sickle if you want but additionally you can use the chain to disarm, trip, or completely imobilize enemies allowing you to move in closer to them to finish them or incapacitate them for interrogation which may come in handy since you're a close range style shinobi." explains Hyakkimaru swinging the chain around deftly.
"Furthermore if you channel your chakra into it it could have interesting effects. For instance" says Hyakkimaru approaching a tree swinging the chain and wrapping it around the trunk of the tree where scorch marks instantly begin to appear. Unwrapping the chain he subsequently throws the sickle beyond the tree and almost instantly it appears back in his hand and a huge gash is missing from the tree. Finally he launches the weight on the end of the chain at the tree and there is a loud crash and before Naruto can even comprehend what happened the tree cracks and falls.
"Did you notice what exactly just happened, Naruto?" Hyakkimaru asks the dumbfounded boy who can only shake his head. "I channeled different types of chakra into the kusarigama. First my fire nature chakra, then my lightning nature chakra which was attracted to the lightning nature chakra I also built up in my hand causing it to move at lightning speed back to me. And finally I channeled my earth nature chakra into the weight at the end of the chain and made it as heavy and dense as possible to do as much blunt force damage to the trunk of the tree as possible. I'm sure you cold do plenty of different things with just your wind chakra. Now let's give it a try."
end flashback
"Yeah but what does that have to do with nature energy?" asks Naruto more confused now.
"Imagine you're body as the Kusarigama that you use. Nature energy channeled into you hands can extend your attacking range a limited amount while also not being strictly visible unless somebody else can also sense nature energy, understand?" states Kurama clearly exciting Naruto. "Now in addition you can use nature energy to regress back into your full human form if you wish though you will lose the benefits of your current form unless you use nature energy to maintain it's funtionality which is nearly impossible. On the other hand you could also use nature energy to progress into a more feral form much like when you would use my chakra except younwill undoubtedly have more control over your actions."
"Whoa, seriously? " asks Naruto somewhat dumbfounded.
"Yes but it comes at a risk, if you aren't careful about utilizing this type of energy and you stay in your feral form for too long it will get progressively more difficult for you to change back and you will start to lose your humanity. Remember that is important to maintain a proper balance. Got it?" cautions the fox demon ominously.
"Yeah, I think so. So I guess we should get started then shouldn't we?" says Naruto unsure about how he's going to keep himself in balance.
"Yes, don't get too worked up right now I will be helping you and if I see you starting to lose balance I'll absorb the nature enrgy from you. For now just try to feel the energy that I'm giving you and start trying to recognize it all around you."
For the next several hours the two work to familiarize Naruto with the feeling of nature energy. When Kurama is satisfied that Naruto is capable of sensing the energy on his own he begins the next phase of the exercise.
"Alright, kit, I believe you know how to sense nature energy now and have a grasp on roughly what sort of balance you should have. Now I want you to try building it up on your own. You need to remain absolutely still though otherwise it will be nearly impossible to balance yourself, understand?"says Kurama confident int Naruto's abilities.
"Okay, I'll give it a try." replies Naruto trying to concentrate as hard as he can.
Watching closely Kurama senses nature energy starting to build up in Naruto. Impressed with Naruto's natural aptitude for building up the energy he begins to see Naruto lose balance and slowly shift into a more and more feral version of himself. Acting quickly the fox demon latches his mouth onto Naruto causing him to yelp in pain.
"AAAAAAHHHH WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?" shouts Naruto in pain clutching his bite wound.
"You were losing your balance, you're not staying still enough, now try it again." he responds ignoring Naruto's frustration
Naruto's training continues in much the same fashion until they decide to break so that Naruto can eat to regain his strength, he will need it for more training later after all. Walking towards the kitchen Naruto sees that Hyakkimaru must have had the same idea and is already preparing something for them to eat.
"So, how goes your training, Naruto?" he asks without even turning around. "Not easy harnessing nature energy is it?"
"Not at all, I take it Akihiro has you doing the same thing then, huh? replies Naruto sitting down at the table in the kitchen.
"Sure does, it's nice not having to walk around with a henge up all the time." he affirms in response to which Naruto whole-heartedly agrees.
"Yeah but I never thought it would be so damn hard to sit still." Naruto confesses ask Hyakkimaru walks over with some rice and miso.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. Just remember it's no different than learning a new jutsu, this one just has different requirements to get it going, you'll find a way just like you did when you first learned the rasengan." smiles Hyakkimaru trying to comfort Naruto. "You ready for training later? Everybody is starting to progress quickly."
"Yeah I think so, Kurama wants me to explain the whole situation to the group but I'm still apprehensive about it. What if they look down on me? It's not exactly an easy revelation to stomach after all." says Naruto dejectedly playing with his spoon.
"Don't worry so much about it, Naruto, they are your friends after all. I let Anko and Hana know about my beast form before we knew we could reverse it and they didn't let me doubt. I bet your friends will not be any different. They seem like thick or thin kind of friends." he replies before drinking down the rest of his soup.
And just like Hyakkimaru said when it comes time for Naruto for reveal his secret to his friends not a single one wavers in the face of Naruto's past. Not even after he summons his companion right in front of them. Naruto never realized until that exact moment how much he truly meant to his friends and was never more grateful to have them all.
Training that day went smoothly after that Shikamaru and Asuma play shogi while trying to come up ways for quickly increasing Shikamaru's chakra reserves. Chouji and Neji practice on learning about their chakra natures and increasing their chakra control even further. Sakura and Ino both focus on increasing their taijutsu by training with Lee and Gai. Kurenai and Hinata work on both genjutsu and studying medicines and battlefield first aid. Kakashi trains with Itachi learning how to best utilize his sharingan. Naruto and Hyakkimaru continue practicing gathering nature energy. Kiba and Shino exchange tracking and terrain knowledge.
Slowly but surely the weeks turne into months and the village settles back into a rythm. The inhabitants of the village get used to Itachi's presence but have not grown to accept the man yet. Rumors have begun circulating regarding Orochimaru's demise at Sasuke's hands. Surely Itachi's return to the leaf village has reached his ears and it is just a matter of time before Sasuke himself returns to face Itachi. They will be ready though. Sasuke will not be leaving the leaf village again.