Howdy! Ninja Knight (Smoke Bomb) here.
Welcome to Chapter 10, Once again your response to this story has been overwhelming and i would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, If i did The Uchiha would of bought it in the first chapter of the Manga series, Save us all alot of trouble.
The morning after the preliminary rounds had been completed, In a run down apartment building a pair of bright blue eyes slowly opened in response to the sunlight steaming through his window. Naruto slowly sat up in bed revealing his ripped torso, perfectly toned and defined muscle hidden under tanned skin. Since he had unlocked his abilities this was just one of the new traits his body had become accustom to, his right forearm bore the symbol of the Phoenix Clan and contained his Katana Hisakikouhei (Flaming Justice). His left forearm bore the symbol of the White Tiger Clan and contained his second Katana Shiroikou (White Lightning).
Naruto stood from the bed revealing a third tattoo that covered his entire back the symbol of the Dragon Clan, This contained his third Katana each weapon a gift form the clan. Across his shoulders etched into his skin were a set of perfect tattooed Angel Wings, the gift bestowed upon him from the Uzumaki clan and the source of their incredible life span.
Naruto began getting ready for his day picking out his clothes and choosing a healthy breakfast of cereal and fruit, it had taken near threats to his life from Kyuubi to stop eating Ramen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kyuubi went on to explain that Ramen was the main reason he had been so short for his age, Naruto finished his breakfast and stood grabbing his leather jacket as he slipped his arms into the sleeves.
The blond moved towards his front door only to come face to face with a Neko (Cat) masked ANBU ninja who stood blocking Naruto's advance.
"Uzumaki-San, You have been requested by Hokage-Sama to attend a Council Meeting" Said Neko before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Naruto sighed stuffing his hands into his pockets before he disappeared in a puff of smoke, Naruto appeared into the council chamber of Konoha. A large cavernous room with a single long table and chairs lining it's edge, he could hear shouts and raising voices of the numerous Ninja and villagers sat around the table.
Moments Earlier
Sarutobi once again sat slumped into his seat why you may ask? because once again he had to listen to this councils incessant babbling about Naruto, About why he should be excluded from the Chuunin Exams, Why he should be teaching Uchiha his techniques.
'Uchiha loving morons' thought Sarutobi
The Sandaime was broken from his thoughts by another voice, This one he knew well and from the tone it was clear it was Danzo the ever scheming war hawk.
"Sarutobi we have received reports of a strange power displayed by the boy during the exams, he should be placed in confinement until we can better understand and ensure he is not a danger to his village" Said Danzo once again moving to bring the Kyuubi under his control.
"Danzo...
"Forget that one eye, What about the injuries sustained by Sasuke during the exams. We heard he almost put the precious last Uchiha through a wall" screeched a middle aged pink haired woman.
Before Sarutobi could response another voice interceded.
Present Time
"That teme deserved everything he got" Shouted Naruto having heard enough despite his short time in the council room.
The assembled members turned to face the blond as he approached the Sandaime and bowed his head in respect.
"You requested my presence Hokage-Sama"
Sarutobi laughed at Naruto's unusual respectful tone "Yes Naruto-Kun i have invited you to discuss some of the events in the Chuunin Exams"
Naruto nodded as he took stood next to the Sandaime facing the council members, A smirk gracing his face that unnerved some of the members.
"Naruto, Would you care to explain the events of the Second Test" Asked Sarutobi
"During the course of the second exam, My team was attacked by an S-Rank Missing nin who later identified himself as Orochimaru of the Sannin. He showed a vested interest in obtaining Uchiha Sasuke clearly due to the fools Sharingan" Said Naruto addressing the council.
"For what possible need would Orochimaru require the Sharingan" Asked Yamanaka Inochi, Ino's father and head of the Yamanaka Clan.
"He clearly wishes to obtain the Sharingan to fulfil his twisted dream of learn all the jutsu of the world" Said Naruto.
"That is a fair estimation" Said Nara Shikaku, Jounin Commander of the village and head of the Nara Clan.
"What are you people talking about, Sasuke-Kun would never betray this village to that swine" Screeched a voice the older woman's pink hair clearly identifying her and proving exactly who she was, Sakura's Mother.
"If you think that then your as misguided as your daughter" growled Naruto.
"What did you say Dem..."
"Hokage-Sama, Is your law still in effect" asked Naruto a sweet tone to his voice.
"Err Yes! Yes it is"
"Excellent"
Suddenly an intense wave of pressure and killing intent flooded the room so much so even the Hokage had trouble remaining upright, the pink haired offender having stood from her seat was slammed face first into the wood of the table below. Green eyes widened in fear as she saw a shadow advancing towards her glowing yellow eyes boring holes into her body, the room changed colour black and red flooding the space the sound created almost deafening.
"IF YOU WANT A DEMON, THEN YOU'VE GOT ONE" Screamed the shadow.
The woman screamed in absolute fear until everything suddenly returned to normal, the colours, sounds and surroundings everything was as it was before.
"What was that?" Asked a council member.
"I do not divulged secrets i afraid" Said Naruto a foxy grin gracing his face. He didn't want to explain that the whole display was simply an elaborate Genjutsu, powerful enough to even trick the Sharingan much to Danzo's annoyance.
"Hokage-Sama the threat posed by Orochimaru is too much to ignore he clearly has a motive for appearing in the village, now we don't know what that is but we must be prepared" Said Naruto
"Well said Naruto you may leave i don't think we of the council require anything further from you" Said Sarutobi.
"As you wish Hokage-Sama"
"Actually i have a question for you boy?" Said Danzo from his position on the civilian side of the council.
"I do not answer to civilians bandage man, If you have a question you can direct them to Hokage-Sama" Said Naruto looking over his left shoulder.
"How dare you, You will answer our questions you filthy Demon" Said another civilian councillor, a merchant of the village and owner of many shops in the village all of which refused Naruto when he was a child due to the Kyuubi.
Naruto tightened his fist and disappeared in a flash before a splash to blood landed on the wooden table, the headless body of the merchant slumped to the ground. Naruto had appeared on the table in a crouch on his haunches, his blade held in a reverse grip with droplets of blood falling from the tip and landed on the table before.
"Listen and listen well i am no ones whipping boy anymore, You break the law i end your life it's as simple as that" Said Naruto hopping off the table and sheathing his blade "By your leave Hokage-Sama" said the blond before disappearing in a flash.
"Man i like that Kid he sure knows who to make the days interesting" Said the feral Inuzuka Tsume leader of the Inuzuka Clan and Kiba's mother.
Sarutobi smirked "I call this meeting to a close" he said standing from the table
The remaining council members filed out some stepping over the dead body of the merchant as two ANBU appeared to remove the body, Danzo remained in his seat his mind calculating the best way to either bring the Kyuubi boy under his control or eliminate him as a threat.
'I must bide my time and find the perfect moment to strike' though the War hawk before he departed his scheming mind plotting Naruto's end.
He just made the worst mistake of his life.
Later that afternoon Naruto was standing in middle of an empty training field his eyes closed focusing his energy, Suddenly twenty shadow clones puffed into existence and attacked their creator. Naruto threw his arm to the side as Shiroikou (White Lightning) appeared, Naruto then proceeded to dispatch the clones in short order. His mind focused his attacks swift, sharp and deadly.
As soon as the original twenty were dispatched the blond created another forty clones once again Naruto swiftly dispatched his attackers.
Unknown to Naruto he was being watched from a tree at the edge of the grassy area balanced on a branch was Higarashi TenTen member of Team Nine and resident weapons specialist. The bun headed girl had been so impressed with Naruto's Kenjutsu skill which he displayed in the exams she needed to see his blades in action again.
From his position on the grassy the area strewn with Shadow Clones that were slowly puffing away in clouds of white smoke Naruto could sense he was being watched, he could sense no malice or ill-will coming from the observer so they were not an enemy but he wanted them to reveal themselves none the less.
He reached down to his thigh holster and rapid spun a Kunai dagger between his fingers and launched it into the treeline, TenTen saw the bladed weapon at the very last moment and ducked and it impacted with a thud into the body of the tree at her back.
Rather than be a human pin cushion she jumped from her hiding spot and landed in the grassy area, Naruto smirked before sheathing his blade and facing the young girl.
"Ah TenTen-San were you watching me by an chance" asked Naruto.
TenTen blushed slightly before shaking her head clear "Er No i wasn't but i saw you training and your swords are such beautiful pieces i wanted a closer look" she said.
Naruto folded his arms rocking back on his heels "Well if you wanted a closer look all you had to do was ask, what do you say to a friendly spar" he said.
A hopeful expression appeared in her eyes "Really, you want to spar?" she asked
Naruto nodded "Sure it's kind of hard to find a good sparring partner and with Zabuza-Sensei always out of the village on some mission it's hard sometimes you know"
TenTen smiled before pulling a Jian Sword from her scroll and taking a stance, Naruto joined her taking his stance Shiroikou (White Lightning) appeared once again.
"What are the rules?" asked TenTen.
"No body contact, Guard break wins a point" replied Naruto.
"Sure, you ready?"
"Are you?"
The pair then jumped towards each other and engaged in a fast paced series of blows and counter blows, Naruto brought up Shiroikou blocking a heavy strike from TenTen's Jian. The blond simply parried away the strike as the bun headed girl flipped through the air and landed on her feet.
"I got to say TenTen your technique is perfect, what you lack in strength you clearly make up for it with technique" praised Naruto.
Once again TenTen blushed "Thanks your no so bad yourself"
Naruto smiled before he readied his sword once again "Ready for round two"
"Sure"
Once again the pair engaged in a heated duel sparks flying from their respective blades, steel clashing with steel each one fighting for dominance. TenTen's eyes widened as she saw Naruto's blade rushed towards her raising her own blade to block, Naruto saw the block coming and adjusted the angle of his attack. The move sent TenTen's blade flying from her hand and spinning through the air the sharpened point embedding deep in the ground, Naruto then touched the flat side of his blade to her bare arm winning him the point.
"I believe that is one point to me" said Naruto.
"You got lucky with that Blondie" said TenTen growling at him.
"Then prove me wrong"
The pair continued their duel until neither could gain the upper hand each ending the battle with five points each, By the now the sun had gone down and darkness had enveloped the village.
TenTen stood to bid Naruto a goodbye "We should do this again sometime Naruto" she said helping him to his feet.
"Most definitely" replied the blond.
TenTen laughed before placing a kiss on the blonde's cheek and dashing away from the training ground on her way home, Naruto shocked at her actions rested a hand on the area she had pecked.
"Oooohhhh Naruto-Kun's got a girlfriend" mocked Kyuubi from inside his mind.
"Quiet you" mumbled Naruto before he too departed on his way home, As of tomorrow morning he would begin his training with Jiraiya of the Sannin.
The following morning with the sun slowly inching up into clear blue sky Naruto awoke early jumping from his bed, he showered and ate a light but fulfilling breakfast before he got dressed and grabbed his gear as he left his modest apartment and made his way towards the Northern Gate of the Village.
Upon his arrival he was greeted by the Sannin who was already waiting for him, The white haired man smiled and moved from his leaning post the door of the gate.
"Morning Kid"
"Morning Jiraiya-Sensei" said Naruto a big smile gracing his features
The white haired man smiled at the respectful title and the smile gracing the boys face reminded him so much of his father the Yondaime.
"So are you ready to begin you training?"
Naruto nodded "Sure am shall we go?"
Jiraiya nodded as the pair left through the gate and tracked along the road leading away from Konoha, the pair remained silent content that the moment required no conversation. The spot Jiraiya had planned for Naruto's training was a days travel from the village in a mountainous region to the North, It was rarely visited by others and the perfect spot to train someone of Naruto's destructive abilities.
They reached their destination the following morning high in the mountains, the spot Jiraiya had chosen was a huge natural rock bowl carved out of the stone by nature eons ago. The formation was bracketed with peaks on every side, sheltered from the weather and harsh winds but solitary enough not to attract unwanted attention.
Naruto threw his bag down and faced Jiraiya "So where do we start Sensei?" asked Naruto.
The white haired man reached into his own pack and threw a water balloon towards Naruto who deftly caught the object, the blond looked questioningly at Jiraiya wondering what he was supposed to do with a water balloon.
"Mind explaining Sensei"
Jiraiya laughed at the boys confused expression "Naruto the technique I'm about to teach you was created by your Father a power technique known as the Rasengan, the water balloon is your first step in learning it..." Jiraiya stopped talking abruptly when he heard a pop and a splash to water land on the ground.
Naruto his mind quickly deducing the technique required all the while Jiraiya was talking had popped the water balloon with Chakra alone, the task was designed to control the water inside the balloon with Chakra alone sending the water inside in multiple different directions emphasising Rotation.
"I've got to say Kid you are real quick study" Said Jiraiya throwing another balloon towards Naruto who once again caught the object.
Naruto nodded and placed the water balloon in his hand and in no time at all the object burst once again sending water splashing to the ground, Jiraiya had Naruto practice this dozens on times each time with the same result.
Catch-Burst-Again
"Alright Naruto next step" Jiraiya reached into his pack again and threw Naruto a rubber ball this time.
"I understand first step gain rotation second step increase power" Said Naruto smiling as he began the process.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes at the boy "Are you sure you not read up on this before Naruto" he asked
"Nope, access to memories doesn't necessarily mean access to techniques Sensei" quipped Naruto as the rubber ball in his hand rippled and bulged with the movement of Chakra.
"Right sure, cheeky brat" mumbled Jiraiya
Both Sensei and Student continued this process the rest of the day until the time came to complete the toughest part of the process, to combine the first and second to create the spinning destructive ball of Chakra known as the Rasengan.
Naruto stood in the centre of the bowl formation and extended his hand Chakra energy swirling in his hand and forming a perfect sphere of power, Jiraiya watching with rapt attention at this amazing feat it had taken the boys father nearly three years to develop the technique. It took a week for he himself to learn it but this boy this very special boy had learned it in just one day.
Incredible
Naruto focused his eyes on the target and dashed forward leaving a trail of dust in his wake he jumped and thrust his hand embedding it deep into the rock face.
He called out.
"RASENGAN"
The ball of power blew apart large chucks of the rock face and sent a cloud of dust high into the air, the resulting shock wave even knocked the white haired Sannin from his seat. The dust cleared as the Sannin righted himself and saw Naruto one again standing in the centre of the bowl a goofy grin on his face.
"How was that Jiraiya-Sensei?" Shouted Naruto
Jiriaya sat eyes wide and jaw hung low in absolute shock at this boy who not only learned the Rasengan in one day, but had perfected to a much greater degree than even him or maybe even his father.
"Naruto it was perfect, absolutely perfect well done" Jiraiya shouted
Naruto smiling folded his arms and rocking back on his heels happy with his accomplishments and achievements, especially considering the technique was designed by his father and had taken him three years to create.
"You know he got the idea from me right" Said Kyuubi
'Yes i know, Not like you haven't told me that more than once in the last 24 hours Kyuubi' replied Naruto dryly through his mind.
"I'm making sure credit is paid to the correct people" replied the great beast.
Naruto shook his head and didn't respond to Kyuubi's statement was Jiraiya approached still clapping.
"So what now Sensei" asked the Blond.
The white haired Sannin smiling fondly and handed Naruto three scrolls, taking the objects from his hands Naruto regarded them with confusion.
"What are these Jiraiya-Sensei?" he asked
"Naruto it's time you learn a few things about your parents and bloodlines they passed on to you and the power you have been gifted" said Jiraiya cryptically.
Naruto nodded and walked over to a nearby rock he opened the first scroll eyes widening at it''s title.
Hiraishin no Jutsu - Flying Thunder God Technique
It was the very technique that made the Yondaime Hokage Namikaze Minato the fastest Ninja to of every lived, the very technique that granted him his deadly nickname as 'Konoha no Kiiroi SenkÅ' (Konoha's Yellow Flash). Originally created by the Nidaime Hokage through the use of a Seal Formula it allow the user to mark a specific target or object, then travelling through a void in space appear instantly at that given location.
Naruto looked at Jiraiya shocked why was he being given this, What had he done to deserve the scroll containing details of a Hokage's signature jutsu.
"Sensei why have you given me this?" asked the blond.
Jiraiya laughed "Because your Father would of wanted you to have it Naruto, Oh i remember when Minato and Kushina told me they were pregnant with you they were both so proud. They would even more proud of you now Naruto to see the man you have become, I think it's time that you continue your families legacy and this can be your first step" Said Jiraiya
Naruto didn't respond his head hung low as fat tears escaped his shimmering blue eyes, water droplets landed on the dusty ground he missed his parents both having been stolen from him. But he made himself a promise that he would make them proud and worthy enough to bare the name of Namikaze and Uzumaki.
Naruto placed the Hiraishin scroll gently on the ground and picked up the second scroll, He smiled as he read the title of the open document.
The Namikaze Clan - Bloodline - Goenjin (The Five Rings)
Naruto sat and absorbed all of the information contained within the scroll, The Goenjin or Five Rings allowed absolute mastery over the elements of Ninjutsu. However their were different stages that Naruto was not previously aware of, The second stage was known as Goenjin: Soshirei (The Five Rings: Element Soul) it allowed the user to become the pure embodiment of a chosen element. Be that fire, water, earth, wind, or lightning and grant the user enhanced abilities while remaining in this form, however it only allows a user a set time limit of thirty minutes in each.
The most powerful and final stage of the Goenjin was known as Goenjin: Tokokai (The Five Rings: Endless Release), it allows the user to combine all the elements into their body increasing their power tenfold. But much like Soshirei this form allows only 15 minutes of use due to the immense strain placed on the body.
Naruto looked up from the scroll to see that Jiraiya had fallen asleep and night had descended over mountains, Naruto had been so engrossed in his reading he had lost track of time. Feeling tired himself he placed the scrolls away before grabbing his own sleeping bag and tucking himself in to grab some shut eye.
Sleep came quickly.
For the next 29 days Naruto worked himself tirelessly in strengthening his abilities, for the goofball that Jiraiya often portrayed he was a dam slave driver when it came to training. At the end of each day Naruto could barely move his Chakra levels low his muscle screaming in protest, When resting Kyuubi would take over training withing Naruto's mind scape,
On the final day of training the pair headed back to the village for the Chuunin exam finals, Naruto smirking quietly confident in his new found abilities and Jiraiya grinning like an idiot over his student.
It was time to reveal Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto to the world.
In Konoha for the last week nobles and dignitaries had been arriving looking forward the coming events, In the Stadium from his seat on the Royal Balcony Sarutobi stood from his chair and walked towards the railing. He was starting to get worried as Naruto had not returned and he was in the first match facing Hyuuga Neji, Pushing those thoughts to the side for a brief moment he spoke into the awaiting microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the Chuunin Exam finals today we will bring to a close the event that see's Genin strive to become Chuunin, to see if they have the power, spirit and strength of mind to be put forward for promotion. The Matches will begin shortly and we shall keep a keen eye of those who have what it takes, good luck to you all"
Sarutobi reported back to his seat as another dignitary arrived flanked by two guard each baring the mark of Sunagakure no Sato, The Yondaime Kazekage had arrived after accepting and invitation from the Hokage.
"Ah Kazekage-Dono I trust you trip wasn't to arduous" said Sarutobi jovally.
"No it wasn't Hokage-Dono, Once again thank you for the invitation" replied the Kazekage taking his seat beside the Hokage flanked by his guards.
Unknown to the Hokage the Kazekage was an impostor it was actually Orochimaru in disguise who had arrived to put his plan into action.
The crowd cheered on the Hokage's words, Meanwhile in the crowd the Konoha Genin that unfortunately did not make the finals were watching with their Sensei's.
"So do you think Naruto has a chance against Neji" Asked Kiba
"I'm not sure but the way he dispatched that Ame Nin in the preliminaries sure does give him hope" Said Shino
Hinata was silent as he team mates discussed the object of her affection he was worried for him, Neji was very strong for his age and master of Juken would Naruto stand a chance against their she wasn't sure. Still nursing injuries from Neji's severe beat down of her during the preliminaries she hoped Naruto would be ok.
"I think Naruto's got this in bag" Said Ino from seats further down that Team Eight
"You think so?" Replied Choji munching on yet more potato chips
Sakura sat with time had other ideas "Naruto-Baka has no hope in beating Neji, How can the dead last hope to beat someone like him" she screeched
Down on the arena floor a bandana wearing Tokubetsu Jounin appeared a silver senbon needle clenched between his teeth.
"Alright, I'm Shiranai Genma i shall be proctor for the final exam, Will Hyuuga Neji and Uzumaki Naruto report to the arena" shouted Genma
Neji smirking appeared on the area floor his hands stuffed into his pockets confident he would be putting the blond idiot in his place.
So misguided
However after several minutes Naruto had yet to arrive, Genma looked towards the Hokage wanting clarification on what he should do. Sarutobi signalled one more minute as the Jounin nodded in response.
"Uzumaki Naruto has one more minute to report to the Arena"
'Fool those who defy fate often fail' thought the arrogant Hyuuga.
Suddenly an intense wind blew through the arena, blocking everyone vision as a shadow then began to fall from the sky dropping rapidly to the ground below. The shadow landed in a crouched position his fist buried into the dirt, standing to a full height the wind died down to reveal it was Naruto still grinning with glee that he had hopefully arrived in time.
"Oi Genma-San I'm not late am I" asked the blond.
Genma smirked "No Naruto you had ten seconds to spare, are you ready to begin you match?" asked the Jounin.
"I was born ready" replied Naruto his leather jacket moving in the slight breeze that remained following his arrival.
Neji smirked at the blond's words "So you decided to show up, fool your mere presence here simply delaying the inevitable you will lose and kneel before me" said Neji.
"Why don't you let your actions speak for your foolish mouth Hyuuga" growled Naruto his anger had not been tempered since his time away, memories fresh from what this arrogant fool had done to his own cousin in the preliminaries rounds.
"My actions will speak volumes fool, the fates have decreed it" replied Neji taking the classic Juken stance.
"Enough of your fate mumbo jumbo, We each make our fate and if the only way i can teach you that Hyuuga is by spilling your blood so be it" growled Naruto taking his own Taijutsu stance.
"Alright enough trash talk, Fighters ready" shouted Genma as he raised his hand into the sky above "Hajime" he finished before jumping clear and out of danger.
Neither competitor moved at first as cold blue eyes stared into lifeless white ones, Naruto shifted his wright onto his front foot and disappeared in a flash reappearing above and behind Neji his fist reared back.
Ready to strike the first blow.
Ooooohhhhhh, Another cliffhanger. I'm getting pretty good at these, Anyway i hope you liked this chapter guys.
You all know what to do by now
Ninja Knight (Smoke Bomb) Out!