Chapter 28
Naruto's eye twitched at what the old man was going to teach him.
"Summoning?! I waited a whole day so you would tell me something I'm not interested in learning? I can own any summon with a punch. You saw what I did with the snake."
"Now, now Naruto..." Jiraiya said as they walked. "Summoning is a useful technique. Infiltration, or back up for jutsu combinations. And they can take messages to locations without someone interfering." Naruto simply looked bored at the old man's statement.
"And what so great is it about toads? You can't seriously expect me to believe toads are good for me?"
"Some of them are. Don't think they're a useless bunch. Toad summoning was a lost art till I fell in their home. And their abilities maybe something you could look into in future. Trust me, having the summoning jutsu. Using it or not. It's something you could always use as back up."
'I guess...' Naruto mussed as he looked to the sky. 'True to the fact I've already showed what I can do... Maybe summoning isn't a bad idea. After all, Tou-san used summoning and he used chi, so why not?'
"Ok, I guess I shall do the summoning then." Jiraiya grinned and rolled out the scroll.
"Ok, sign the scroll in blood. Then place the summoning palm at the base... The seal's are. I, Inu, Tori, Saru and Hitsuji. Then press your palm to the ground."
"Ok..." Naruto stated as he bit his thumb. He formed the seals and formed chakra into his palm. "Kuchiyose no jutsu!" Naruto roared as he palmed his hand to the ground. It erupted in smoke and Naruto blinked as he found himself sitting on the head of a toad the size of Jiraiya. Jiraiya grinned.
'He's a gifted ninja like Minato... But now...'
"Oi! Ero-sennin..." Naruto called. "You need a new jutsu. Seems I've completed this one."
"Hold you're, you still know nothing of how it works... You need to know what toads you need to summon. It's all about knowing each one and what sort of toad you need. So this is what you will do. You will think of a toad. How big you want it and summon it. Learn the toad's name and what's good about them. And then ask repeat the process. Kuchiyose is a c-rank level jutsu. But the level of summon can change that rank. Like any jutsu."
"Yeah, yeah..." Naruto said as the toad was dismissed. "So when will I be ready to learn a new jutsu."
"When you are on good terms with ten or more toads. And you know what each one can and can't do for you in combat."
"Oh this will be easy... You better start thinking up what jutsu you'll teach me."
"We'll see..." Jiraiya said waving his hands. He then noticed Naruto had that book he gave him out. Jiraiya shrugged. Silence was golden they say. And he could do with that right now after that talk.
They travelled over the next week in silence for much of their trip. Jiraiya even took time to get to know his student better. True of the fact Naruto didn't tell him how he got so strong. But his skills in each of the levels on ninjutsu interested him. Even the limit... He wasn't sure if Minato or Kushina had one... It was a little hazy there for some reason. In fact a lot about either seemed to be hazy. Like he had lost bits of the history he should be able to remember about them.
He had gathered was a close to mid range fighter. With mild long range skills. And since Naruto was a wind jutsu user. Jiraiya would need to look back into his ninja scrolls to see if he had any left over. Wind was something he was never good with.
It took another week before Jiraiya found where Tsunade was last scene. Seemed she was tiding again. And Naruto seemed have been getting to know the toads. Knowing 3 of the smaller ones like gamakichi. To some of the larger toads. But Naruto bit off more than he could chew when it came to gamabunta.
Luckily their brawl was safely out of sight and the pair finished on good terms. Much to Jiraiya's annoyance at that fact.
Two days later the pair was walking through a small town. It was quiet and had no gambling districts. Tsunade's perfect hiding place. Plus this place had a lot of sake on sale. Even better for her.
Though it was unsure if she was still in the town. But no matter, after a meal. They would find a room and be off after her the next morning. The longer the blond was away from the village the better.
Sadly though, fate seemed to speed up the process as the other blond could be seen from the entrance of the restaurant. 'Hmm... Their bigger...' Jiraiya mussed as he made his way in. He called out as the pair walked over.
"Yo, good to see you here Tsunade. I've been looking for you."
"Well, well, Jiraiya. What brings you out here?" Tsunade eyed the boy that sat beside the sannin. She'd ask later.
Jiraiya ordered a drink and they sat in silence. Naruto took this time to study the two before him.
Tsunade, the blond lady was in a white kimono, which seemed too small to hold the mountainous mounds on her chest. And a blue sash could be seen. Next to her was a short black haired woman. She had a pig resting on her lap and wore black robes. Her black eyes seemed to be glancing between the sannin.
When Jiraiya's sake was put down. Jiraiya spoke. "So... How you doing...?" He asked.
"Same old... And I see you've taken on a new apprentice..." Tsunade responded.
"I really wouldn't say apprentice... He hasn't really taught me much for him to even give him some respect. I'm just a drag along..." Naruto spoke up.
"Yes, he is my apprentice..." Jiraiya answered, ignoring Naruto's comment. "Now to get to why I'm here... I'm sure word has gotten out about the attack to konoha?"
"Yes... I've heard rumours about the attack and events there. But I didn't hear too much into it but that a ninja from konoha defeated the shukaku. I'm guessing you were the one to do it?"
"Maybe..." Jiraiya mussed. Naruto had a small fizzle of smoke appear above his head. But he didn't say anything as he took a drink. "Anyway..." Jiraiya continued. "Hiruzen Sarutobi-sensei is dead. And konoha wants you as the next hokage. Naruto chocked and collapsed on the floor. Shizune, Tsunade's apprentice went to check on him.
"The hokage huh? I decline."
"What!" Naruto yelled making Shizune jump as the blond stared in shock at the old blond. "Why the hell not?"
"Simply because I dislike anything about the hokages. The hokages were fools to take that title. All of them have died, never living a full life. Look at the fourth. He died not long into his position. Then the old fart the 3rd took the title again and died in battle. It's a fools dream. Anyone who clearly wants to live a short life should take it."
"Then I'll live that short life!" Naruto yelled at Tsunade. "I plan on becoming hokage of konohagakure. So such your mouth about the hokage!" Naruto growled. "You left the village before the 4th took his place. You're more a coward turning back on your home. Least the hokages battled to keep it safe." Tsunade glared at the blond.
"Got anything else you want to say to that?" She asked cracking her knuckles.
"Yeah... One last thing, obaa-san. You're not even worth being asked to be the next hokage. Even I could beat you."
"Well then brat..." Tsunade spoke up. "Let's take this out side... I'll teach you a lesson." With that she dragged the blond outside. Jiraiya sighed and followed. Shizune quickly followed behind the sage.
"Ok brat..." Tsunade yelled throwing the blond some distance away. Naruto righted himself and skidded to a stop. "I'm going to show you what you're up against... And I'll shut your cocky mouth at the same time." Naruto smirked as he stood. He smirked.
'I'll show you what you've underestimated...' Naruto said with he watched Tsunade raise one finger.
"This will be all you need to win." Tsunade said with a smile.
"Oh come on..." Naruto yelled. "I'm the one giving a handicap here." Tsunade stumbled at that.
"What?" Tsunade replied. Naruto crossed his arms.
"I was gonna just fight you with my left arm. Now I'll have to fight you no handed." Naruto stated. Tsunade laughed.
"Oh I'm so going to leave you sleeping for a week... But tell me boy. Why do you want to become hokage so badly?"
"To become hokage is my dream. I'm going to protect everyone." Tsunade blinked, but kept up her smirk.
"Well go on then... Attack me." Naruto smiled as he centred his energy. The ground round his feet whipped up a small circle of dust. Jiraiya spoke up.
"You know you asked me if I defeat the shukaku?"
"What's this got to do with anything."
"Well it's just that the person who won. Didn't win with a summoning. He defeated it with his bare hands... And the blond before you. Is just that person."
"What?" Tsunade stammered out. "This brat did that? No way..."
"Then see for yourself."
"Very well..." Tsunade stated.
At that moment, Naruto vanished. He was behind Tsunade in under the blink of an eye. His left foot skidded alongside his right leg and he swung out. His left taking Tsunade's feet from under her.
'So fast...' Tsunade didn't even get time to move as Naruto's right moved forward and flipped the sannin like a clock hand. Naruto in mid hop spun and kicked out with his left. Tsunade flew out along the ground skidding. The sannin flipped and skidded on her feet and legs. 'What was that...?' She mused as Naruto landed in a crouch. Naruto looked up with a smile.
'This brat is dangerous... Nothing can be that fast and strong.' Naruto took off forward with less speed this time and jumped up. He kicked out with his left and Tsunade jumped back as the foot hit the ground. Shattering it. Tsunade flipped some distance back and blinked. This blond really is dangerous. He did that with a normal kick alone. What on earth was he?
Naruto vanished and appeared behind Tsunade in slow flight. "Drink slows the reflexes... Bad time to pick a fight you can't win." Tsunade growled and kicked out. Naruto flipped with a smile and hopped back.
"You lose your one finger... Now I can move to my left hand." Naruto said as he stood side one. He waved his hand at him. Tsunade growled and attacked.
"Is it because you lost people close to you in the war?" Naruto called as he jumped out of the impact crater.
"Or was it because you couldn't save them?" Naruto blocked the right kick with his left. He glanced from the kick to the sannin. "If you live in the past... You will remain in the past. Living on what you used to remember. Not what you should make now." Naruto stated. He then spoke off what he read in some texts he found on Tsunade.
"You're brother died because of difference in war. He was a genin who was too eager for something he should have been more careful about."
"Don't you dare talk of him...!" Naruto leaned to the side of Tsunade's right fist. The ground showed the pressure of the chakra released. Naruto glanced at the hurt and angered look.
"And your fiancé died because it was one of those things. People die simple because they banged their head on the floor by slipping on water. You can't always have everything perfect. There is always something that could remove it." Naruto saw the left fist and caught it in his grasp. He then tugged Tsunade forward with force. He spoke next to her ear.
"People live hard lives every day. So grow up and keep on going. I almost died when I was ten. Do you see me sitting in pity?" With that he drove his left knee into the sannin's gut and watched her fly back. Naruto watched the sannin hit the ground before turning to Jiraiya.
"I'm out of here... Do what you want. If nothing's changed in the week... I'm heading home. With or without the jutsu you want to teach me..." With that Naruto turned round and vanished. Tsunade just lay there. Jiraiya sighed and walked off. No point talking now.
The next day we find an open field completely empty to anyone looking. But...
Naruto skimmed along the ground at high speed as he ran. His clones in full force on his back. Naruto glanced back and vanished as one attacked with an energy sphere. Naruto appeared in the sky flying backwards, he sensed a foe and glanced back and left an image. Naruto appeared behind and kicked with his left. The clone vanished and Naruto was kicked in the gut. He flew down under the force and twisted out of the kicks point of impact. Naruto sensed his next foe.
"Kamehame...." The clone called Naruto turned round with his own.
"Ha!" Both roared and fired the beam. The beams combine and explode and Naruto vanished as the other clone attacked with his sword. Naruto flipped in the air and skidded along the ground and looked up. He summoned his katana and vanished as both his clones attacked with their swords. Naruto skidded to a stop and the katana clicked into the sheath and both clones go up in smoke. Naruto sighed and sat down.
'It feels good to let loose...' Naruto looked to the sky with a smile. It was nice and peaceful. As he lay down and looked to the sky, he wondered what he would do from here. Having shown his power of chi. It made him someone to capture or kill. Konoha would send him on more difficult missions. But it was worth it when he attacked Lee. Nothing would make him change his mind.
He closed his eyes and he saw images that made him frown.
They, they were images he was doing that he had not done yet. Naruto's eyes snapped open and he gasped. 'What...' Naruto looked to the now night sky. 'What was that?' Naruto put a hand to his face.
'Was that, future events to come?' Naruto shook his head. Why would he be given this gift? True to the fact the points were small and had little detail. But what he saw, who he saw. Naruto sighed and looked to the sky. 'Why was I shown this?'
All he got was silence. Naruto summoned his katana and stabbed it in the ground before him. He looked at it, as if this would give him his answer.
The one star ball just reflexes the moon light and Naruto frowned. Nope, no help there. But he really doubted he would have got his answer. As he sheathed his sword, he stood and looked to the sky.
"What are you trying to say...?" Naruto asked.
The morning came and Naruto had seen nothing of the two sannin. Though he had seen Shizune. And did apologies to what he did to Tsunade. When he asked where the slug sannin was. She said she had no idea. Tsunade hadn't been seen since the fight. And Jiraiya was nowhere to be found.
Naruto spent the rest of his time training. He was going to leave when the week was up, either with the old man knowing or not. If Tsunade didn't get on track. This was a waste of time.
But surprisingly, Tsunade stood alongside Jiraiya with Shizune and the pig Ton-ton at the end of the week.
"So... What you doing?" Naruto asked seriously. Tsunade, who seemed like a child having been told off, spoke up.
"I've... I've decided to take the on the title. And I also want to apologies."
"You having nothing to apologise for. I'm the one who got you to fight. Though I was disappointed with your level of skill for a taijutsu sannin."
The image that was on Tsunade, vanished at Naruto's comment. And the angry woman returned. Jiraiya sighed as the pair argued. 'Brat... You're going to be in an early grave at this rate...' He smiled at the pair. 'But at least you convinced her. Though she's far from ready to defend the village.'
The group of five travelled for a few days as they headed back. Jiraiya stating to the blond that he wasn't going to teach him anything. Which of course left Naruto dragging Jiraiya's unconscious form back to konoha for the last day and a half.
When they returned. It took a while for Kakashi and Jiraiya to be checked out. Lee was recovering well from his fight with Naruto. And wasn't feild ready to get back to training. No matter how much the taijutsu genin argued. But at least he was ok to Naruto and Gai.
Then came Kikan. Who was now walking around with a sling for his right arm. Though what Tsunade said, was worse than they had expected.
The damage by the shuriken as easily repairable. But, the damage by the lightening through system when he went off like a fuse. Had fried his chakra nerves on his right torso. She couldn't connected them back up to the arm.
To put it simple. He would never be able to mould chakra in his right arm again. Kikan had taken off out the room at that. Naruto stepped aside as the teen ran off.
Kikan wanted to be a ninja... Was he about to suffer the results of it?
Jiraiya was next. And was then knocked back out by Tsunade for a perverted attack on her chest. He wasn't going to be up for a few days.
Next was Sasuke. Who merely looked dazed at where he was. Naruto didn't bother with Sasuke. He was busy looking for Kikan.
"Damn... Just great. Maybe I should go see Goku-oji-san first. See if he can help Kikan? Then find him..." Naruto mused walking off.
Elsewhere, Kikan stood on a small bridge overlooking the river. It was evening and the sun was setting. His mind going over what had transpired half an hour ago.
XXX
"I'm sorry Kikan. But I can't repair the damage to your arm."
Kikan blinked. "What do you mean? You're a medical legend. My arm shouldn't be no trouble putting back together."
"That's not what I meant. I can repair the damaged skin and muscle. But, the energy you released with your ration. Has burned the ends of the cut chakra cords. They can't reattach. I'm sorry Kikan, but you won't be able to use chakra in your right arm anymore."
Kikan's eyes closed and then he turned and took off. Naruto didn't say anything as he watched him leave.
XXX
Kikan clenched his fist. He was one of the first in his family to become a ninja. And now... To not even get to jonin before he was like this... He was angry, and to bad that his focus fell on the person to let his anger out on.
"Kikan..." Sakura called walking. "What you doing here?" Kikan merely looked out on the water. "Did you know Naruto brought Tsunade-sama to the village? She's the best medic known in the ninja world. She be able to heal your arm." Kikan's fist clenched.
"No..." Kikan muttered out. "She can't repair my arm. She told me herself." Sakura blinked.
"B-but why?"
"I destroyed the chakra ends... And why..." Kikan growled as he leaned on the bridge.
"Kikan...?" Sakura spoke up.
"It was because of you." Kikan growled. "That I'm like this..."
"B-because o-of me. B-but what did I?" Kikan turned to face her.
"It's because you weren't capable of defending yourself. Ever since we where a team you were the one always in the shadows. Never alongside me or that teme Sasuke. You never improved. Even after the forest of death. Otherwise I could have evaded that shuriken if I called to you and we wouldn't be here now." Kikan looked to his right. "But now look, just because I had to cover for your weakness, I've lost my chance at being a ninja. What can I do with not being able to form ninjutsu huh?"
"K-kikan... I..." Sakura muttered, her eyes being shadowed by her hair.
"What, you're sorry? Sorry doesn't bring back the fact that I lost my right arm... Why don't you just..."
Kikan stopped as he saw water trickle down Sakura's cheeks. Kikan frowned and sighed. What was he doing?
"Sakura... I-I didn't mean to say that. I was just angry. I didn't mean to aim it at you."
"No..." Sakura spoke. "You're right... I haven't improved at anything, unlike you or Sasuke... I'm usless..."
"Hey..." Kikan spoke as he flinched. His right hand holding onto Sakura's left arm. "I didn't mean what I said. It's just that... I did this to myself, because I was determined to protect you... And I needed something focus my anger..."
"It is my fault you're like this..." Sakura said with her head hung still. "If I had been stronger... I wouldn't have let this happen."
"Then I'll help you get stronger. You and I are alike. We are both from families who have never had a ninja till now. I will get stronger. Even with one working arm. And I'll help you get stronger..." Sakura smiled as she glanced away.
"Thank you..."
Kikan smiled... He watched as Sakura looked at him and he couldn't help but blink with the way the light was set. It was like... Someone was setting this up?
The water reflexes the pair below as Sakura grasped Kikan's left with her right hand.
Flower's hit the floor as eyes stared wide.
Lee sighed as he glanced down. He was looking for Sakura. And had hoped to ask her out. He'd spotted her and followed as best he could as he recovered and saw her talking to Kikan on the bridge. He smiled in hope that some nice flowers would help win her over as he asked her out once more.
But he had come to a complete stop. He'd watched Sakura kiss Kikan and he felt destroyed. He let the flowers fall to the ground then turned and limp off. His heart broken. (T/_\T)
Kikan could only blink as Sakura's face became full in his vision. She smiled with a light blush.
"Er... Th-thank you Kikan... Um... I-I best be going..." Sakura stammer off. She had no idea why she did it. But hopefully she could get away before Kikan's brain began to work again.
Kikan blinked as Sakura ran off. "S-sakura!" Kikan called as he moved to follow. But his feet seemed unwilling to move as he yelled and fell flat on the floor in a heap. Time moved by before a weak voice echoed out.
"Ouch..."
Meanwhile Naruto was talking to Goku.
"Come on Oji-san... You must have something for Kikan?" Goku sighed as he looked at the blond.
"I do Naruto. I still grow senzu beans. One will be enough t give him his chakra back to his right arm."
"Cool! Let me have one then." Naruto said with a grin.
"No." Naruto blinked.
"Huh, why not?"
Goku stabbed the shovel in the ground, and then looked to the sky.
"The time is nearing."
"Time is nearing?" Naruto repeated. Goku nods.
"You saw that vision."
"You know of that?" Goku nods. Naruto crossed his arms as he looked down. "What does it mean this vision?"
Goku sighed. "That I won't say. But I will tell you in a few days everything will take a turn. And you will be ready to go on your own."
Naruto stared blankly, what did the elderly saiyan mean?
"You'll see... Come to me again after your next mission. Everything will be answered then." With that Goku turned back to his small garden. Naruto sighed and rested his arms behind his head.
"Ok Oji-san. You better answer everything then... I have some questions I know only you can answer... And I'm sure I'm right." With that Naruto took off. Goku sighed with a smile.
"Yeah Naruto... I'm sure you've begun to see underneath everything now..."
The day passed into the next morning. And Naruto was summoned to the hokage's room. As Naruto made his way there. He met Kikan on the way.
"So... You seem better now." Naruto asked as Kikan seemed deep in thought."
"I bit... Something happened to me yesterday... I'm just trying to get it all in order."
"Well, whatever it was. I have some good news. How would you like your right arm working again." Kikan blinked and looked to the blond.
"What?" Naruto grinned.
"Soon, I will bring you something that reconnects those coils to your arm. But don't say a word. It's the truth, honest..." Kikan felt like he over the moon. He would be able to form ninjutsu. He felt giddy. Even more so with what happened with Sakura.
As they entered the hokage building. They found Shikamaru and Sai standing outside the hokage's office.
"Shikamaru, Sai. You guy's too? You think it's a mission?"
"So soon after the events in konoha? I doubt it... But konoha has taken some damage. They probably want to get out on the field so they can see a team of genin handled am a-rank mission or something. Seriously, if they say that. I'm not doing it." Naruto chuckled.
"Cheer up Shikamaru. Who knows..." Naruto said pushing on the door. "I maybe something completely different. The group blinked as they found Hinata standing in the hokage's office. "Hinata? You too? What's going on Obaa-san?" Naruto questioned.
"Please don't call me that gaki... Now, all of you stand in line..." Naruto noticed the jonin sensei's of their teams there. Gai, Asuma, Kakashi and Ryuunosuke.
"You selected group of 5. Have received points from high ranking officials and ninja among you village and other officials outside the village." Tsunade said with a smile.
"Each one of you has been offered the title of chunin. Please step forward and receive you jacket." Slowly each one stepped forward. Kikan was smiling like a cat had got a tasty fish. But he couldn't put his jacket on. He had received his jacket because of his skills in his long range weapons. And his face thinking tactics.
Sai was next; his skills in the match may have limited to show. But he had shown his skills out in the war with his techniques against the attacking ninja. This was alongside Shikamaru in the war. Who had also shown his tactical skills to be of above any ninja their age.
Hinata was next along. She received it for her show of battle. And skill at a ninja. She also received marks from ninja in the stadium. Where she had been based as she helped protect civilians. Showing she had improved vastly in 6 months under Gai's teachings. And to her surprise. She even got marks from some of the Hyuuga.
Then finally, Naruto. He heard what reasons he was being given the jacket. And he quite frankly didn't like it.
Because of his outrageous power to take down Garra. And throw a giant snake. And even fight like he did. He had been requested to have the title of chunin by the lord of the land. Naruto shook his head and declined.
The others had received better reasons for him to take the title of chunin. His fights had been brawls... What reason would he have received the title for more than just a show of power?
He would take the title when he had proven his worth. Not because they merely saw him a a means to show off.
He left with Kikan in tow as the teams left. There was an unasked question among them as to why Naruto wouldn't receive the title. As he never voiced it out.
And the two teen's left the building. They walked off in one direction together.
"Eh? Not enough reason?" Kikan asked. "You practically own that war on your own. Why did you not accept it?"
"Simple. Would you feel you like you were given something when you felt you didn't do enough to earn it. Or got it for something you did want to gain it for."
"Err..." Kikan tapped his chin as he walked along backwards beside the blond. "I guess... I mean if they said I gained the title of chunin for skills I showed and didn't mention my skills for my wire skills. I would feel rather annoyed they would pass me for skills I'm not an expert in."
"Well for me... I wanted to show off skills I used very little of. But with Lee, it was different. I wanted a good old brawl. And I didn't want to pass to chunin just because I can throw a punch or use an attack that can cut a demons head off. I wanted to prove I can use far more on their level skills... Sigh, guess I failed at that." Naruto muttered. Kikan turned round and walked in step. He blinked when he saw the hospital.
"What we doing here?" Kikan asked as the pair stopped outside.
"We're here to see Sasuke."
"And, why on earth are we here to see that guy?"
"Quite simple. To rub the fact your chunin in his face. And I was offered it."
"That's evil Naruto... Why didn't I think of that?!"
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Well, that's it for now... And it seems that things when fast. Mainly because Orochimaru had no reason to find Tsunade. So it was slightly quicker.
I predict either, 29 or 30 will be the end of Naruto's path of chi. Now onto better news.
Sorry to all those SakuraLee fans... But Kikan won this battle. But I felt gutted for Lee... Even I died a little.
Next that I'm planning to go back and do an old fic.
This fic is ki wielding ninja. After reading some ones take on it. I got this buzz. And some new idea's appeared. But it's not going to be team seven.
Naruto, Hinata and Lee are the characters I'll use. But I'm going to twist this story, throw it to my department of all things strange. And pull out a story line from imagination department.
But the fic won't be started on till after the end of both Naruto's path series and Saiyan reborn.
Please don't forget, that alongside these two main fics. I'm doing some minor fics. Can you remember what they are?
Also, I will inform you. That in the second series. It won't fully focus on our blond. But I won't go any more into it. Now I must...
"Open up!"
(Eye twitch.) "Who is it?"
"The SakuLee fan club! Open up Geta!" "Off with his head!"
"Gulp... Broly! Anti fan club plan 2!" (Door brakes down.)
"Hahahaha!!!" Gather's chi into his palm.
"Fan girl's attack!!"
"Broly!!!" Tackles the giant.
"Help!"
"Shit..." Presses finger's to forehead. "You're on your own. Till next time my readers!" Vanishes.
