Author Note: N/A
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
-Chapter IX-
Through their training with Anko, Naruto, Yugito, and Hinata's Taijutsu ability improved greatly. Though unconventional and often times almost impossibly harsh, Anko's training did produce the desired result. During the first part of training, Anko would have the three children go through stretching exercises in order to increase their flexibility. On the first few days, the three children would return home needing medical help from Shizune and Tsunade to treat all the different strains and sometimes torn muscles until they adjusted to the trainings. The second part of the training involved Anko going through the concepts behind the style and, occasionally, she would bring actual snakes to training in order for the children to observe the snake's movement. Also during this stage, Naruto and Yugito would sometime teach Gaara about the style and help him incorporate the concepts into the use of his sand. It's after the three children have mastered the first two steps that Anko decided to teach them the actual stance and movements of the Hebi no Mai. On the side, the brash Tokubetsu Jounin would try to work on building Hinata's confidence. On one occasion, Hanabi, after finding out that Hinata has a new instructor, demanded that she be trained by Anko as well only to completely give up a month later due to the harshness of the training. When Anko brought up that point a few days later, Hinata would meekly point out that Anko had been especially harsh on Hanabi after getting upset at the little girl's attitude. From that day on, whenever Anko brings Hanabi's training up again, Hinata's response got fiercer and fiercer until even Naruto and Yugito were shocked by the often-shy girl. Of course, the confidence only stayed in the training ground, as Hinata would return to her usual timid self when training ended for the day, a fact that vexed Anko to no end. The entire training spanned just about a year, after which Anko decided to let the children work through the rest by themselves, using their unique traits to develop the style into something that belongs only to them.
While the three children were training under Anko, Kyuubi took Ginko back to the demon world to further her training per Ginko's request. Ginko felt that the academy was not teaching her anything capable of assisting Naruto in the future. The Taijutsu taught at the academy is completely useless once the trainees become full fledged ninjas, and the basic jutsus: Kawarimi no Jutsu, Henge no Jutsu, and Bunshin no Jutsu can easily be duplicated with her demon powers, as proven with the human form clone that Ginko has been using. Being a relatively young demon herself, she also felt that she should learn about the inner workings of the demon world to prepare for the day Naruto finally takes over for her father.
Also during this period, the Namikaze household receives a surprise after one of Kushina's checkups.
"What do you mean the family is getting a new member!"
"Calm down Naruto," Minato says, "I thought you would want a sibling."
"A sibling? …Oh, so I'm not getting another wife?" Naruto says, "that would mean… mom's pregnant?"
"That's right Naruto-kun," Kushina says as she walks down the staircase.
"Mom! You shouldn't be moving around like this!"
"Oh calm down Naruto. I can move about just fine."
"But… but…"
"She's right Naruto. Just because Kushina's pregnant it doesn't mean she should be stuck in bed all day," Tsunade says, coming downstairs, "in fact, a moderate amount of exercise will do both her and the baby some good."
"Well… if you say so Tsunade-baa-chan."
"Regardless, you should be a bit more careful Kushina. You're really just around the time when it would start to get dangerous to have a baby and your coma spell before doesn't help things at all."
"You worry too much Tsunade-baa-chan."
"Quit fooling around Kushina! I am serious!"
"Don't worry Tsunade-baa-chan, dad and I will keep a close eye on mom," Naruto says, "I won't let anything happen to mom."
On the academic side, the three children have no problem breezing through the classes. During the spars, they would be amongst those who are the most impressive. Coincidentally, with the students divided into two groups: one with only male students and the other with only female students, Sasuke is never paired up with either Gaara or Naruto, but all the opponents he did face would invariably require medical attention after the match.
"Sasuke is getting more and more violent, " Naruto says.
"You do know that the two of you are his real targets right?" Yugito says, "he's only doing this because he thinks the teachers would have to put him against either one of you eventually just to minimize damage."
"Still, he is starting to become out of control," Naruto says, "the only reason I don't want to put him in his place is to avoid letting him know just how much stronger I am."
"I suppose he is not someone who take defeats well."
"Not someone who is likely to give up on what they want either by the looks of it," Yugito says.
"Well, we can't worry about him now. Let's go…"
"Naruto, I challenge you to a spar."
"Sorry Sasuke, I'm not interested."
"Are you scared?"
"Think what you want. Gaara, Yugtito-chan, let's go home."
The moment the group turns their back to Sasuke, the Uchiha goes through several hand seals and performs the Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu. Before the fireball finds its mark, a wall of sand suddenly appears between the attack and its target. Everyone in the schoolyard has to shield their eyes from the swirling flame so no one saw how Naruto bursts through the fire and punches Sasuke in the stomach, sending him into the trees, only the loud cracks as a tree falls to the ground giving everyone a clue what had happened. Before Yugito can move in to stop Naruto, he is already running after Sasuke, the blade of his kunai glistening in the sun. Eyes widening in fear, Sasuke can only crawl backward, desperately trying to get away from Naruto. An arm reaches out and grabs hold of Naruto's wrist just before he can drive the kunai into Sasuke's chest.
"I know Sasuke attacked you and your friends when your backs were turned, but it doesn't warrant killing him Naruto," Iruka says.
"Sasuke, this is your last warning!" Naruto growls, "if you ever try to hurt any one of my friends again, not a person in this world can stop me from killing you!"
"Come on Naruto-kun, let's just go home," Yugito says, tugging Naruto's sleeves.
Giving Sasuke one last glare, Naruto puts the kunai away and leaves the schoolyard with Gaara and Yugito flanking his side, trying to prevent him from going after Sasuke again. At the entrance, the group spots Mikoto, who saw everything that transpired and has an apologetic look on her face. Ignoring her, Naruto simply stomps off toward the Namikaze Compound while Yugito and Gaara stop briefly to show the wife of the Uchiha clan head the proper respect. When the pair finally catches up to Naruto, they find the boy standing outside the door to the mansion.
"Naruto-kun?"
"Don't worry Yugito-chan. I'm just trying to calm myself," Naruto says, "mom is pregnant. It won't do to scare her by slamming the door."
"Naruto-kun, I know Sasuke is a jerk and all, but I have a feeling that you seem to get angry for every little thing he does."
"Attacking us for no reason isn't a little thing Yugito-chan," Naruto says.
"However, you know very well that the attack will do us no harm," Gaara says as he walks past them and enter the building.
"If I don't stop him now, what's to stop him when he does have the power."
"I guess you do have a point there…"
"We are not going to pass judgment on you Naruto. I'm sure you know what's best. I decided to stay here instead of returning to Suna because you are someone I can trust my life with."
"Thanks Yugito-chan, thank you Gaara."
"Now what are you kids standing around in the hall for? Come in," Kushina says from the living room.
"We were just talking mom."
"Oh. Something you don't want me to hear?" Kushina teases.
"No! That's not it."
"I'm just kidding dear… why are your clothes singed?"
"This? This is just from a little spar…"
"Naruto! What are you hiding!"
"Sasuke attacked us with a Goukakyuu no Jutsu in the schoolyard Kushina-sama."
"Yugito-chan," Naruto hisses.
"He did what!"
"Don't worry about it mom. I took care of him."
"But Naruto, he still attacked you."
"He still has a long ways to go before he can hurt us mom," Naruto says, "he might be an Uchiha and might get the Sharingan eventually, but the three of us also have a trump card."
"For all our sake, I hope that you guys don't ever have to use your trump card," Kushina says, "well, I'm just about to start fixing dinner, do you want to help me Yugito?"
"Of course Kushina-sama," Yugito says, handing her bag to Naruto, "please take this back to our room for me Naruto-kun."
Ever since his latest defeat to Naruto, Sasuke has dedicated himself to even more rigorous training, determined to defeat the Hokage's son. However, no matter how many times Sasuke attempts to challenge Naruto afterward, either one of the instructors or a nearby ninja would no doubt step in before Naruto can even respond, making up some excuse to separate the two.
"This must be dad's work," Naruto says, after being called upon for another errand, "there is no way there can be this many distractions."
"But this means that you won't have to fight Sasuke," Yugito says, walking up next to Naruto.
"Blatantly obvious, but effective none the less."
"I'm going to have a word with dad after I get home. The excuses are sounding more and more ridiculous everyday."
Suddenly, a person walks out of a side street and stops right in front of Naruto. Shocked by the sudden entrance, the three young ninja-in-training leap backward and reach for their weapon pouch.
"Naruto-san, may I have a word with you?"
"Mikoto-san? Is something the matter?"
"It's about Sasuke as well as the Uchiha clan."
"Why talk to me about your clan Mikoto-san?"
"It's not something I should talk to Hokage-sama about, at least not at this moment."
"Should Gaara and I go on ahead?" Yugito asks, tugging on Naruto's sleeve.
"Well…"
"No it's all right. They can stay."
"What do you want to tell me Mikoto-san?"
"I want to ask you to pretend to lose a match against Sasuke."
"What!" Naruto screams before quickly regaining his composure, "my apologies Mikoto-san. I understand that you want to see Sasuke succeed, but I can't do it."
"This is beyond just a rivalry between you and my son Naruto-san. Fugaku has been… behaving strangely recently. I think he is plotting something and ever since Itachi's death he has been dedicating more time to his plan," Mikoto says, "I don't know what he's planning but from his behaviors since he saw Sasuke's defeat at your hands, I'm worried that his plans means harm to Konoha."
"So you think by me losing to Sasuke, it would stop whatever it is that he's planning?"
"I… I'm hoping that it would be the case."
"With all due respect, I highly doubt that Mikoto-san. If your husband does intend to do Konoha harm, then things are already beyond repair," Naruto says, "I understand your hesitancy to report any of this to my dad, and I can promise you that I won't tell him unless it is absolutely necessary. But I should advise you Mikoto-san, you should decide where your allegiance lie if you husband does intend to revolt. The fact that you came to me shows that you know the gravity of the situation. I hope that you give it some thought."
"I can't speak to you too much without attracting suspicion. Even coming to you here in the first place is a huge risk," Mikoto says, "this is a picture of my niece Kiyoko. She is a big fan of yours, so the clan wouldn't get too suspicious if she hangs out around you all the time. If I have any new messages, I'll communicate them to you through her."
"Thank you Mikoto-san."
"At this point, I can only ask this of you Naruto-san," Mikoto says, "not everyone in the Uchiha clan follows my husband blindly. I hope if something does happen, that Hokage-sama doesn't view everyone in my clan in the same light."
"I understand Mikoto-san, I won't let that happen."
As soon as Mikoto leaves, Naruto's entire demeanor changes. Even Yugito and Gaara take a couple of steps back from the pure killer intent.
"Na… Naruto-kun?"
"If they even try anything. I'll destroy them."
"But Naruto-kun, didn't you promise Mikoto-san that…?"
"I know what I promised Yugito-chan, but for her sake I hope she doesn't betray my trust."
"I'm sure she's not that kind of person…"
"Do you realize what she wanted me to do by losing to Sasuke?"
"No. I mean… it's just a small spar," Yugito says.
"Everyone in the village is saying that either Sasuke or I will succeed my father as the next Hokage. All they need is one opening to push Sasuke to the top," Naruto says, "only the school children and their parents saw the two fights between me and Sasuke. I bet the Uchiha are planning to host a public spar to showcase Sasuke and I to the villagers in the match they want me to lose."
"I don't think Mikoto-san is the type to do something like that…"
"I still don't know. It could be her own idea, or her husband might have forced it on her."
"I suppose every village suffers from internal struggles," Gaara says, "it would appear your hatred of Sasuke and the Uchiha clan is justified after all."
"So what should we do? Should we tell Hokage-sama?"
"No, not yet. I need more concrete information. Dad already has an eye on the Uchiha clan, I'm sure this won't be any news to him."
"If the three of you want to take on the Uchiha clan, then you'll need a lot more training," a voice suddenly says.
"Kyuubi-sama!"
"What do you want baka-kitsune."
"Your mate is a lot more respectful than you are kit," Kyuubi says, "the three of us won't be of much use against the Uchiha clan if they master their power. While I doubt any of them in this village has that ability, we still need to be careful."
"So what do you want us to do baka-kitsune?"
"This ninja academy… does it have a vacation?"
"Yes, what of it?" Naruto asks, quickly getting annoyed.
"Whatever vacation you would have, the three of you will be training to utilize your second gift."
"Second gift?" Yugito asks.
"Even though Ichibi, Nibi, and I are demon lords, our minds can easily be manipulated by foreign influences. However, even though the three of you have demon chakra flowing inside you, your mind and body are still that of a human."
"In other words, you're saying we have the best of both worlds," Naruto says, "the pure power of a demon and the complexity of a human mind."
"In a way, yes. However, you neither have the full power of a demon nor the full complexity of a human mind. That is what you need to develop."
"So it boils down to you wanting us to train our mental capacity."
"That's right kit. Even without its full power, the Sharingan can still produce powerful Genjutsu. You need to be able to deal with this threat or else you won't stand a chance against the Uchiha clan."
"Genjutsu huh? I think I have the perfect instructor in mind," Naruto says, smirking.
"You're talking about Kurenai-san right Naruto-kun?"
"Of course. She is the Genjutsu mistress of Konoha for a reason Yugito-chan," Naruto says, "now all I need to do is to pull a few strings."
"If you have your trainer, then I will send Ginko back to you to train alongside the three of you."
"But didn't you say that demons can't… I mean, even you were controlled right?" Naruto asks.
"Yes, but who says Ginko is a pureblood demon?"
"What! You mean…"
"Ginko doesn't even know about that herself, so I'd appreciate it if you don't let her know," Kyuubi says, "it's been a few hundred years ago anyway… that's not to say I don't visit her every now and then."
"How would you be able to visit Ginko's mom if she was a human that lived a few hundred years ago?"
"I am a demon lord. I can pull a few strings with Nibi and through her the Shinigami."
"So that means…"
"She is now somewhere between the living and the dead," Kyuubi says, "in other words, a demon in training. I plan on telling Ginko about her mother once she completes her training and can join Ginko and I."
"That's almost exactly like how Hokage-sama hid the truth about Kushina-sama from Naruto-kun."
"That's your choice Kyuubi," Naruto says, "just make sure Ginko-chan can spend a lot of time with her mother afterward."
"You don't have to worry about that," Kyuubi says, "I believe your school year will end in a month, I'll have Ginko come back by then."
"Fine, then I'll wait for her before starting the training."
A month after meeting Kyuubi, the demon lord sends his daughter back to Naruto like he promised. Thinking he should approach his father about studying under Kurenai, Naruto bursts into the Hokage's Office followed by a much more subdued group of Gaara, Yugito, and Ginko.
"My apologies Hokage-sama," Yugito says, "I tried to make Naruto-kun wait outside quietly."
"Don't worry about it Yugito. I'm pretty much used to it."
"Kurenai-nee-chan!" Naruto screams, spotting the kunoichi giving her mission report in the office, "perfect, I was looking all over for you."
"Why would you be looking for me?"
"Well… uh, about that…"
Glancing around the room, Naruto quietly walks up next to the Hokage and starts whispering into his ear. When Naruto finishes, Minato leans back into his chair and stares at the four children in contemplation. For a good five minutes, not a single person in the room dares to interrupt the Hokage, that is, until Naruto gets impatient.
"Oh come on, just give me an answer."
"Well… if you're willing to train along with someone else, then I can arrange for her to train you."
"…Someone else?" Naruto asks, looking at his father.
"Actually, I just received a request from one of the clans asking for a personal Genjutsu trainer for their heiress and I was just talking to Kurenai about having her train a student," Minato says, "if you can convince her to train all of you, then I guess it's OK. I'm having enough trouble just to get her to train the heiress."
"A clan heiress…?" Naruto whispers as he thinks back, "is it Kurama Yakumo-chan?"
"How do you know about her?" Kurenai asks.
"I've… heard of her clan before," Naruto says, glancing over at the Hokage, "I need to know about all the clans if I want to be the next Hokage right, Kurenai-nee-chan?"
"It's getting a bit late," Minato says, catching Naruto's meaning, "why don't you all come back tomorrow and we'll discuss it further then."
"Very well Hokage-sama," Kurenai says bowing before leaving the office.
"Can you tell the clerk not to send anyone in?" Minato says, "I'll be heading home with the children."
"Of course Hokage-sama."
Instead of leaving through the door, the group decides to leave the room through the window, taking pleasure in enjoying the evening breeze as they travel through the rooftops. When they arrive back at the Namikaze Compound, Minato sends Gaara, Yugito, and Ginko back to their rooms and work on the vacation assignments as he leads Naruto to the study.
"All right, what do you know about Yakumo?" Minato asks after making sure no one is listening in.
"Yakumo-chan has the Idou monster in her subconscious."
"So… it has finally manifested again."
"Jiji ordered Kurenai-nee-chan to seal away Yakumo-chan's power so the Idou monster can't harm Konoha," Naruto says, "but it ends up breaking out anyway."
"Any seals of that sort would depend heavily on the will of the person," Minato says, "I really don't see Yakumo having the determination to sustain the seal."
"Yakumo-chan didn't even know about the existence of the Idou monster at the time… well, she knows about it but she just suppresses that memory so much so that she can't remember about it."
"What happened?"
"The Idou monster killed Yakumo-chan's parents right in front of her."
"That's exactly why the village is so concerned about the Kurama clan," Minato says, "they can become a threat to the entire village if they can't control their power."
"We really need to convince Kurenai-nee-chan to train Yakumo-chan and see if she can defeat the Idou monster while it's still in Yakumo-chan's subconscious."
"Someone with Kurenai's chakra control and knowledge of the mind would be able to access someone's subconscious, but I'm not sure if she can defeat the Idou monster on her own. Inoichi could help but I'm not sure if he stands much of a chance since he's not exactly a fighter type."
"If only someone outside the Yamanaka clan can learn something like that."
Minato looks up and stares at Naruto for a brief moment. Even though it's brief, it's enough to unsettle Naruto. When it's clear Minato won't explain what the look was about, Naruto asks him about it.
"Don't worry about it Naruto. You won't like the answer."
"Just by saying that you're making me press you for an answer."
"I suppose that is true," Minato says, "there was one instance where the Yamanaka clan taught their techniques to someone outside their clan."
"What happened?"
"They have an ultimatum afterward: either marry someone from the Yamanaka clan or commit suicide after the mission is done. So if you were to learn it, that would mean…"
"No way dad, that won't work."
"Ino is a very nice girl. A bit bossy at times, but still a nice girl," Minato says, "besides, it solves two problems you want to deal with: help Yakumo and get Ino's attention away from Sasuke."
"I want Ino-chan to forget about Sasuke, but that doesn't mean I want to be the distraction that cause it," Naruto says, "besides, the Idou monster is a master at Genjutsu. I don't stand a chance against that."
"If that is still the case after you trained with Kurenai, I would be very disappointed in both of you."
"But training takes time."
"We'll just deal with things as they come," Minato says, "there's always the possibility that Yakumo can learn how to control the Idou monster's power with the proper training and encouragement. Even if we have to destroy the Idou monster, it might still be weak enough for Kurenai and Inoichi to deal with."
"I guess we have no choice."
"The priority is to make sure the Idou monster doesn't awaken and attack the Kurama clan members since they would be the first in line with their proximity to Yakumo."
"We can always move her out of the clan house."
"That's not a bad idea," Minato says, "I'll have a word with Yakumo's parents. Your job is to convince Kurenai to accept the training assignment."
Additional Author's Note: Leave a note if you like the story.