Journey Home!

The Great Blacksmith?


Gravesite

Team 7 stands in front of the grave sight of Zabuza, Haku and Yuto. Naruto stands with shadowed eyes as the sun begins to set. Naruto's clothes and hair still remain the same. On his back are both Kubikiribōchō and Hiramekarei. If the weight of both swords is bothering him, he doesn't show it. Sakura steps forward before placing flowers on the grave with a sad expression on her face.

"Kakashi-sensei?" Calls Sakura, making Kakashi look to the young Kunoichi, "Is a ninja really just a tool to be used and discarded?" Her questions makes Sasuke and Naruto turn to Kakashi who hums.

"Shinobi are not supposed to seek their reason to exist." States Kakashi as he looks at his Genin, "It's important that they exist as a tool."

"That idea exists in Konoha, too." Reveals Kakashi, making the teens melancholy.

"Is that what it truly means to be a Shinobi?" Questions Naruto in a calm tone, "I… don't like that." Kakashi looks to Naruto and sighs internally. Since his victory over Yuto and on the bridge, Naruto has become much more calm, taciturn, level-headed, and analytical, just like his Grandfather and Father. Though he does still have moments where his mother's personality shines through but even those are fading.

"What is the reason for all our training?" Questions Sasuke while looking at Kakashi who sighs heavily.

"That's a question without an answer and that is something we have to live with." Says Kakashi as he looks to the graves.

"No." Says Naruto, making his team look to him. Naruto turns to them with a small smile on his lips, "Starting now, I will find my own Ninja Way; a way that will ensure I have no regrets." His statement is said with such confidence, his team is caught by surprise. Kakashi then eye smiles at the boy while Sasuke smirks.

Bridge

Team 7 stands in front of the whole village who give them their thanks for saving them. Tazuna steps up with Tsunami and Inari right beside him. Tsunami walks up to Naruto and gives him a huge lunch, followed by a motherly hug. Naruto is taken by surprise before he smiles and returns the hug. Inari appears to be on the verge of tears as Naruto ruffles his hair with a small smile.

"We've completed the bridge thanks to you, but we're going to miss you." Says Tazuna with a sad smile while the villagers bow their heads.

"Be well and Naruto?" Calls Tsunami, making Naruto look to her, "Be sure to was behind your ears and eat your vegetables." Naruto turns red with embarrassment as Sakura and Sasuke snicker behind him.

"What are you, my mom?!" Exclaims Naruto, his mother's personality shining through. Tsunami simply giggles at him.

"Thank you for everything." Says Kakashi as Sakura smiles.

"We'll visit again some time." Says Sakura, making Inari look up and towards Naruto who has his arms folded across his chest.

"Promise?" Asks Inari with watery eyes, making Naruto scratch his face with his finger.

"I guess you'll be lonely, huh?" States Naruto as he looks towards Inari, "It's okay to cry."

"I'm not going to cry and if it's okay to cry, you can cry too!" States Inari with watery eyes. Naruto looks to his eyes and feels the tears welling up. He might be a teenager but saying goodbye is always hard.

"I-Is that so?" Questions Naruto as he holds in his tears.

"See you!" Says Naruto before turning away, making Inari gasp and cry. If one were to see Naruto's face, he would have tears running down his face as well. Sakura looks to Naruto and shakes her head.

"You stubborn mule." Thinks Sakura with a sigh. Team 7 heads out with Tazuna watching.

"That boy… he's going to change the world… just like he did to Inari and our village." Says Tazuna as he looks to the bridge.

"Hey, we haven't named the bridge." Says a builder.

"Not to worry, I have the perfect name." Says Tazuna with a smile.

"What is it?" Questions a villager.

"The Great Naruto Bridge." Reveals Tazuna, making Tsunami giggle and nod her head.

"What a lovely name." Says Tsunami and Inari nods his head vigorously.

Forest

Team 7 continues their walk to Konoha but a storm has appeared, making them slow their pace. The storm is more like a hurricane as the Team is hit with water and wind. Sakura skids back and struggles to regain her footing before she manages to stable herself. As she does, a tree is pulled down by the wind and descends upon Sakura who gasps in surprise.

"Get down!" Shouts Naruto as he draws Kubikiribōchō and cuts the tree in half. Kakashi looks back before he hears a tree falling. He turns to look ahead and widens his eye as several tree trunks head right for him.

"Watch out!" Shouts Kakashi as he takes cover. Sasuke sees them coming and takes cover behind a tree. Naruto sees the trunks coming and stands in front of Sakura. He then cuts the trunks in half as the come close.

"Help!" Shouts a voice over the wind, making the team look around. Naruto then spots a man holding on for dear life to a fallen tree. Suddenly, the part he is holding onto snaps, sending him flying back. Naruto throws Kubikiribōchō towards the man. The massive blade spins like a buzz saw before sinking into the ground. The man, aware of the sword, grabs the handle and hangs on.

"Naruto!" Warns Sakura as more trees follow. Naruto grips Hiramekarei, before pulling it from his back. The bandages around the blade unfurrow as Naruto drops into a stance.

"Hiramekarei Kaihō!" Shouts Naruto as the stored chakra is emitted from the holes at the tip of the blade. The chakra rapidly coats the sword before Naruto grips the second handle and pulls the sword apart and into two swords. Naruto swings his swords rapidly, cutting down the logs and debris, shielding himself and Sakura. The man turns his gaze to Naruto or more precisely, Hiramekarei before looking to Kubikiribōchō.

"Impressive, he just got them and he's already this skilled with them." Thinks Kakashi with an eye smile, "Though he was always quick to learn when it came to Kenjutsu." The man looks on with an analytic gaze at the teen before Kubikiribōchō, skids in the mud. With the ground wet from the rain, even the great blade can't fully lock itself in the ground.

"Boy, help!" Shouts the man, making Naruto look to him. He sees the blade skidding in the mud and clicks his teeth before forming a ram seal. Under his right leg, sprouts a thick branch complete with leaves. Naruto uses the branch to propel himself at the man. The man and the sword are sent flying before Naruto grabs Kubikiribōchō and puts it on his back with Hiramekarei. He then uses his body to sail through the air, heading for the man. In seconds, Naruto grabs the man and plants his feet. However, due to the mud, he slides off a ravine and into a lake. The waters are rough and fierce, as Naruto surfaces. He grabs the man and holds him tightly before the two head down river.

"Naruto!' Shouts Sakura as she looks on.

"I'll meet you guys down river!" Shouts Naruto as he is pulled by the river. Acting quickly, Naruto hops out of the water and lands on the surface before surfing. The two reach a calm section of the river before stopping at a small town.

"Hey, old man!" Calls Naruto, noticing the wrinkles on the man's face. The man looks to the teen with a tick mark, "You okay?"

"Respect your elders, brat!" Shouts the elderly man before hitting Naruto over the head. A lump forms on the head of Naruto who drops the man and holds his head. As he is doing that, the elderly man has somehow gotten a hold of Kubikiribōchō and is inspecting the blade.

"Hmm, this sword reeks of blade but is suppose that's why it is called by such a name." Says the man as he hits the blade with a mallet, making Naruto gape.

"Hey, be careful with that!" Shouts Naruto only for the old man to inadvertently hit Naruto with the mallet. The old man then takes out some leather and runs it across the blade.

"You've been too rough with her. This blade is all nicked up." States the old man as he rubs the leather against the blade, "Have you been chopping down trees?"

"I did it to save you, you crazy old loon!" Shouts Naruto in a rage. The old man looks to him with red eyes before quickly snatching Hiramekarei.

"Wha-… How'd you do that?!" Exclaims Naruto as he sees the old man working on Hiramekarei.

"My name is Masamune Watan, and I am the Great Wandering Blacksmith." Reveals Watan to the red haired teen who is becoming as red as his hair.

"I couldn't give a rat's ass what your name is!" Shouts Naruto before he has Kubikiribōchō in his hands and pointed at Watan who suddenly starts to sweat.

"Give me the other one." Orders Naruto in a deathly calm tone, making Watan hand over Hiramekarei. Naruto takes both blades and sheathes them on his back.

"No need to thank me for saving your life." Says Naruto as he walks away with a wave.

"Hmm, you might be the kind of guy I'm looking for." Says Watan, making Naruto stop and glance back at him.

"Huh?" Questions Naruto before Watan is right in his face.

"Someone is after my life and I want you to protect me." Says Watan before Naruto grips his face and squeezes.

"Say please before asking for favors, you shriveled up sack of bones." Says Naruto, making Watan nod his head but still doesn't say please.

"In return, I'll make you the strongest sword I can." Offers Watan but Naruto scoffs.

"In case you haven't noticed, I already have two swords and that's more than enough." Says Naruto as he turns away.

"Indeed, but what if I could make two into one?" Offers Watan, making Naruto stop.

"The power of Kubikiribōchō and Hiramekarei together could become my greatest work." Says Watan with a small smile. Naruto glances back at Watan with narrowed eyes.

"How is it that you know of these swords?" Asks Naruto, suspicion in his tone. Watan looks to him before dusting himself off.

"Simple, my family is responsible for making them." Reveals Watan, making Naruto widen his eyes.

"Y-Your family?" Questions Naruto in surprise.

"Indeed, my great grandfather Masamune Dosan honed his skill and made some of the deadliest weapons in this world." Says Watan with a smirk.

"And those skills have been passed to me." Says Watan, making Naruto think over his options. Suddenly, his danger senses flare to life and he grabs Watan before jumping away. The ground is uprooted by a shadowed figure who then stands.

"Impressive." States a voice, as Naruto lands and glares at the figure. The dust clears to show a green haired ninja with several umbrellas on his back, "I didn't think there was time to dodge."

"Aoi Rokushō." Growls Naruto, having heard of the traitor.

"Oh so you know me, then that'll make this easy." Says Aoi before he lifts his hand to show blade made of pure lightning, "Hand over the old man."

"That's the Raijin no Ken (Sword of the Thunder God), that you stole." Says Naruto as he stands fully, "I'll be raking it back." Aoi laughs loudly at the declaration.

"Fool, one who wields the Sword of the Thunder God is invincible!" Shouts Aoi before dashing forward at Jonin speeds. Naruto activates his Byakugan and raises Kubikiribōchō to block. However, Aoi laughs as his sword seems to slowly cut right through Naruto's blade.

"It's no use." Says Aoi before Naruto lashes out with a kick to the mid-section, sending the Jonin skidding back and making him cough up a bile from the power and force used. Naruto looks at Kubikiribōchō's blade and growls.

"Boy, look out!" Shouts Watan, making Naruto look to Aoi who tosses three umbrellas into the air. Naruto widens his eyes as he sees the attack coming with his Byakugan.

"Ninpo: Jouro Senbon (Ninja Art: Senbon Shower)!" States Aoi after forming a tiger seal. The umbrellas spins before releasing a "shower" of needles upon Naruto and Watan. Dust is kicked into the air as the attack hits, making Aoi smile. However, it is quickly removed from his face as Naruto dashes from the dust with Hiramekarei formed into a hammer.

"Brat!" Growls Aoi before Naruto slams the hammer into the gut of Aoi who coughs up blood before he is sent flying through a small hut and into the river. Naruto pants as he pulls a needle out of his shoulder. His body is riddles with several needles but Naruto has won the battle. Naruto falls to a knee as Watan runs up. His words are jumbled up as Naruto passes out. Watan looks to him before spotting the Sword of the Thunder God.

One Week Later

Naruto struggles to open his eyes as he sits up from a small futon. He rubs his eyes and looks to see Kakashi sitting beside him. Sasuke and Sakura are sound asleep on the floor. Kakashi then opens his eye and looks to Naruto who grunts.

"Good to see you awake, Naruto." Eye Smiles Kakashi, making Naruto look to him.

"How long have I been out?" Questions Naruto as the sun hits his eyes, making him squint.

"About a week." Says Kakashi as Naruto rolls his neck, "You were poisoned in the fight."

"How did you guys find me?" Asks Naruto as he stands up to show his bare chest.

"You left the wreckage of your fight clear to see by all." States Kakashi with amusement, remembering entering the town and seeing a destroyed hut. Naruto chuckles sheepishly before getting dressed.

"And the old man?" Questions Naruto, making Kakashi stand.

"He's been busy working all this time." Says Kakashi as the two walk out of the hut.

"Did you find Aoi?" Asks Naruto, making Kakashi shake his head.

"No, he was long gone when we arrived but I have a feeling he'll be back." Says Kakashi as the two head to Watan. Watan looks up from his work and smiles.

"Ah, there you are." Says Watan while Naruto notices the boiling metal. Naruto gapes, realizing the metal is from his swords. The boiling metal glows with chakra.

"You old fool, what have you done?!" Exclaims Naruto as he looks at the melted metal in shock. He then starts to strangle the Watan while spouting curses at the old man.

"Wait I can obviously fix it!" States Watan while covering himself up. Naruto stops his assault and looks to him.

"So you can fix it?" States Naruto, making Watan regain his composure and nod his head.

"I just need one little thing from you." Says Watan, making Naruto tilt his head in confusion.

"Like what?" Asks Naruto as Watan pulls out some pliers.

"Open up for me will you, Naruto?" States Watan, making Naruto open his mouth. Watan then uses the plier to pull out one of his canines, making Naruto howl in pain. Watan examines the canine and hums, while Naruto holds his mouth in pain.

"This one will do." Says Watan before Naruto's fist hits his head, creating a steaming lump.

"What'd you do that for?!" Shouts Naruto.

"Quit your whining! You're an Uzumaki! Your tooth will grow back in a mere half a day!" Shouts Watan. Naruto clicks his teeth before leaving the shop.

"It'll be ready in 3 days!" Calls out Watan, making Naruto sigh.

It's been two days since then as Naruto sits outside in the light of the moon. When he told the other two member of him staying for three more days, Sakura was not amused. She is desperate to get home and take an actual shower and lie in her own bed. Still Naruto will not leave until he has his sword.

"Tch, I wish he would hurry up." States Naruto. Naruto sits with his eyes closed as the night goes on. Soon, he opens his eyes and his nose twitches.

"Damn." States Naruto as his eyes narrow before Aoi appears on the building across from him. Aoi smirks as he looks at Naruto.

"Oh, you knew I was coming, did you?" States Aoi with a small chuckle.

"I caught your stench." Quips Naruto with a smirk, making Aoi growl. Aoi then pulls out a double-edged straight sword which is wider at tip and narrower at base and a long hilt. Naruto raises a brow at the sword, believing Aoi was going to use the Sword of the Thunder God. Suddenly, Naruto's senses are hit with bloodlust and evil but it is not coming from Aoi, it is coming from his sword.

"What did you do?" Demands Naruto, making Aoi laugh like a lunatic.

"Well, since you stole my Sword of the Thunder God, I needed to replace it with something powerful enough to help me get it back!" States Aoi, becoming unstable. Stole? Naruto doesn't remembering taking the sword.

"He's lost it." Thinks Naruto as drool falls from Aoi's mouth. Naruto then looks to the sword and activates his Byakugan, noticing the chakra in the blade.

"Where did you get that?" Demands Naruto as the rest of Team 7 awakens.

"I had another blacksmith forge this for me before killing him and slaughtering his family!" Says Aoi losing his mind to the sword.

"Wretch." Growls Naruto while sending a silent prayer to the family.

"Don't be angry, after all… you'll be joining them!" Shouts Aoi as he jumps into the air. Naruto looks up and evades to the right as Aoi's sword hits the roof. The roof is destroyed by the blade as Aoi turns and dashes towards Naruto. Aoi thrusts his sword in a flurry, making Naruto evade each thrust.

"Naruto!" Shouts Sakura before tossing several shuriken at Aoi. Aoi blocks them all as Sasuke appears behind him with his chokuto out. Sasuke swings down but Aoi blocks and spins, sending Sasuke tumbling. Kakashi lands and prepares to end the Jonin before Naruto steps forward.

"No, this is my fight." Says Naruto, making Sakura gape.

"Idiot, he's a Jonin!" Exclaims Sakura, making Naruto's brow twitch at being called an idiot.

"I started this fight and now I'm going to finish it." States Naruto as Aoi laughs before dashing forward at inhuman speed. Aoi swings down before Naruto smirks. Aoi's sword is blocked by another blade before Kakashi looks to Watan.

"Your order is done!" States Watan as Naruto looks at his new sword. It looks very similar to Kubikiribōchō but the blade is a mix of the two metals. In addition to the handle of Kubikiribōchō, the sword also has the two handles of Hiramekarei on both sides of the longer handle. It also has bandages tied to the main long handle which is used to wrap the blade when not in use. Naruto grips the sword and feels chakra within it. His chakra! So that's why Watan needed his tooth.

"Be thankful! I've made a sword that can only be used by you!" Says Watan proudly. The two swords grind against each other, creating sparks as the roof sinks beneath Naruto's feet.

"It won't help you!" States Aoi with a wicked smirk. Naruto then looks at him before blue chakra envelopes the blade and is followed by sparking blue lightning, making Aoi widen his eyes.

"What's this?" Demands Aoi, before Naruto deflects his blade and sweeps. Aoi guards with his sword but is sent sailing to the ground. Aoi tumbles before righting himself and looking up. The blue chakra trailing from the blade creates a ribbon out of the chakra. Naruto looks at his sword and grips it tight before swinging it around.

"Hmm, already made a technique." Hums Watan with a thoughtful expression. Sakura and Sasuke look on with Kakashi. Sasuke eyes the sword and Naruto before gripping his sword tighter.

"What is that Kakashi-sensei?" Asks Sakura with amazement.

"Naruto has used Hiramekarei to coat his blade in chakra and keep it concentrated within the blade." Says Kakashi with an impressed tone, "When he attacks, the chakra is released in the shape of a ribbon." Naruto then pulls his sword back and the chakra forms into the shape of the blade.

"Ōra Azūru (Blue Wave Cannon)!" States Naruto before releasing the energy at Aoi who is caught by surprise at the speed of the attack. The attack impacts the area, picking up dust and debris. Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura shield their eyes from the attack while Watan holds onto the door frame. The dust clears to show a heavily wounded Aoi.

"I missed." States Naruto, making Sakura gape. Indeed, the attack hit but not where Naruto wanted it too. He was hopping to hit Aoi square in the chest but instead the attack impacted on the ground near Aoi.

"Watan, you have fulfilled your part of the bargain." Says Naruto with a smile towards the blacksmith, "Now, I will fulfill my part." Naruto launches from his position and hovers above Aoi. The circle close to the top of Naruto's blade, releases chakra and envelops the blade. Soon after, the chakra forms a chakra hammer. Naruto swings down with enough force to uproot the ground and cause the following shockwave. In the dust, Naruto glances behind him as Aoi appears and swings down. Naruto blocks with his sword before ducking and mule kicking Aoi in his chest. Aoi flies out of the dust and tumbles against the ground before righting himself, only to widen his eyes as Naruto appears before him in mid swing.

"It's over." States Naruto in a matter of fact tone. Aoi lifts his sword only for Naruto to cut right through it and down his chest. Aoi's blade hits the ground before blood spurts from his wound. Aoi falls to his back as Naruto holds his blade to Aoi's throat. Aoi attempts to sit up but struggles to do so.

"Don't move." States Naruto in a composed and calm tone, knowing he has won the battle. Jonin or not, those who think the weapon they wield, makes the invincible are easily beaten. Aoi's finger twitches and he is punched in the gut by Naruto, uprooting and sinking him into the ground.

"I said, "don't move"." Repeats Naruto as Aoi coughs up blood. Kakashi grabs Naruto shoulder and pats it.

"Yosh, good work." Says Kakashi as he looks to Aoi.

"What should we do with him, Kakashi-sensei?" Asks Sakura as she steps up.

"We'll take him back to Konoha with us." Says Kakashi as he nods to Naruto who steps forward, "He might know something."

"Mokuton no Jutsu (Wood Style Jutsu)." States Naruto before branches sprout from his hands and bind Aoi in chakra restraining cuffs. Flowers grow on the cuffs, indicating the process of absorbing the victims' chakra. Naruto and Team 7 say their goodbyes to Watan who waves to them. After a while, Sakura is getting tired of carrying Aoi. She drops him and exhales a breath.

"Can't we just leave him?" Asks Sakura while taking a breath.

"He might have valuable information." Says Sasuke as he walks to Aoi.

"Perhaps there's an easier way." Says Kakashi, making Sakura look to him.

"Who's going to carry him?" Asks Sakura, making Naruto sigh. He bites his thumb and flashes through several hand signs.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu)." Says Naruto and after a poof of smoke, a large maroon colored snake appears.

"You called, Naruto-boya?" States the snake in a feminine tone as she gazes at Naruto.

"I did, Isa-san." Says Naruto with a head bow, making Isa giggle.

"My, unlike most summoners, you are very respectful." Says Isa as her tail coils around Naruto and gets close, "And you smell so delightful." Naruto remains calm as this is a running gag for many of the snake summons, especially the females.

"You can't eat me." Says Naruto with folded arms, deciding the play his role. Isa releases the red haired teen and gets close.

"I would never." Assures Isa as Naruto smiles, "So why have you called me, Naruto-boya?" Naruto then points to Aoi who is still out cold.

"I need him kept isolated and locked up." Says Naruto, making Isa look over Aoi.

"And you chose me?" Questions Isa, making Naruto nod his head, "Normally I would never let someone that smells this bad into my stomach or even grace my taste buds but… I feeling generous today." Naruto knows the snakes can be prideful and arrogant but knows how to maneuver around that.

"Thank you, Isa-san." States Naruto as Isa slowly swallows Aoi, making Sakura cringe and pale. After finishes Isa turns to Naruto.

"Until next time, Naruto-boya." Says Isa before poofing away. With that done, Team 7 head home. Naruto has kept the name Kubikiribōchō but has added a title to the sword. Daisōken Kubikiribōchō (Great Twin Blade)


I hope you guys enjoy the chapter!

Daisōken Kubikiribōchō will have the abilities of both Hiramekarei, Sword of the Thunder God and Kubikiribōchō. The lightning will be blue instead of yellow. It does not mean it is more powerful it's just due to the effect of Hiramekarei. Due to Sword of the Thunder God, Naruto will gain a boost to his Lightning Affinity. He WILLNOT learn Chidori or Raikiri.

I'm thinking of giving Sasuke a Gunbai.

Next Chapter- Chunin Exams! A Powerful Foe?