I don't own Naruto, or any of the characters from the Manga or Anime.
A Price for Peace
Chapter 50: A New Yet Old Sensei
Naruto sat at a desk reading over the scrolls of jutsu that his parents had left for him. Many of his father's notes seemed to be focused around the Nidaime Hokage who Naruto guessed he idolized. "I guess it sort of makes sense there are so many jutsu invented by the Nidaime in here, they were both kind of nerdy, I mean look at all these books he left me on time space theory, who would enjoy reading these!"
"Well I do for one," Karin voice called out a little groggily, she entered the room in one of Naruto's shirts and little else, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "It's almost dawn, and you haven't come to bed yet."
The blond Uzumaki sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment "Sorry Karin-chan. I must have lost track of time. But there is just so much here Kaa-chan left me so many books on Fuinjutsu that I have barely any idea about, then my Tou-san has all these books on the Nidaime and time-space manipulation that I can't even begin to understand, and that's before I even start with Ero-sennin's stuff."
Karin couldn't help but smile at the enthusiasm of the young man, the eager glint in his eye to learn everything he could reminded her of herself when Orochimaru had coerced her into leaving Kusa to join him in studying jutsu. The reality in her case had been more that she had been used to simply keep the experiments alive with Sasuke there to keep her submissive. She quickly shook off the thoughts of her less than pleasant past and decided to focus on the new life she had found for herself. "I know you're excited to have new things to learn, so am I actually. But they're not going to disappear if you get a few hours sleep," she sighed lightly and without resistance pulling him out of his seat. "Besides, I can't get comfortable I need my personal body heater back."
It had been getting colder recently, clearly they were heading towards winter, somewhere in the back of his mind, Naruto realized that he had yet to experience what winter was like in these lands but his thoughts drifted elsewhere as the moment Karin pulled him down onto the bed and into her embrace he finally noticed how horribly tiered he was. He quietly managed to yawn out a "Good night," and give the red head a light kiss before he began to drift off.
It was only a short sleep for Naruto however as he was forced to wake not long after the sun hit his window, he complained as anyone short of sleep would but in practiced fashion from years of little sleep on missions and traveling with Jiraiya was able to get himself out of bed and ready for the day. "Alright first things first I need to get my clones to start reading all of these scrolls my parents and Ero-sennin left behind. I was at least able to get them organized by topic last night."
"So if that's what your clones are doing then what are you going to do? I don't imagine you teaching the students yourself," Karin giggled.
Naruto grinned and showed that he already had a scroll in his hand. "I got Tou-san's taijutsu style. It's supposed to be used at extreme speeds and against multiple opponents so it would be perfect to combine with my Bijuu cloak once I get it down."
"Well in that case I want to learn this," Karin declared picking up a jutsu scroll with an Uzumaki swirl emblazoned on the front.
"Hm, one of Kaa-chan's jutsu. Which one?" the blond asked intrigued almost hoping to work on it with Karin.
"A Jutsu designed to use the our chakra chains. I've never really used them for anything, and I've only ever really used them at times of desperation. So I think now would be a good time to learn, and these scrolls are almost hand picked for me to learn." Karin said with a grin of her own.
"So I take it that you will be sending a clone to teach your class today as well then, how irresponsible," Naruto laughed.
The young couple made their way to the large kitchen for a quick breakfast, Tsunade was already reading over a scroll left in Jiraiya's possession. Naruto had given the last remaining Saninin free roam over her old team-mates possessions, knowing she missed the old pervert just as much if not even more than he did. "Good morning Tsunade-sama," Karin greeted respectfully earning a welcoming smile.
"So find anything good yet Baa-chan? Like what's the deal with that weird chest we can't open?" Naruto added far less respectfully than his significant other.
"Why should I tell you, you damn disrespectful Gaki," Tsunade snapped with no real venom.
"Aw don't be like that Baa-chan," Naruto whined with a fake pout.
Tsunade sighed, shaking her head at the younger blonds antics. "Nothing on the chest, Jiraiya didn't seem to leave any instructions for it, I guess we just need to decipher the seals. Unfortunately that's not really my strongest area. Many seem to be based on old Uzumaki seals, I can tell that much. He probably used notes from her sealing scrolls."
"But they were locked by an Uzumaki blood seal, only a Uzumaki could open the scrolls." Karin protested.
"Minato and to a lesser extent Kushina were like Jiraiya's own family. He never owned property. Most of his money was spent to fund the villages spy network, so whenever he was in Konoha he stayed with Minato, in fact it was Kushina that taught Minato many of his advanced sealing techniques," Tsunade answered.
"Including the seal's he used to seal Kurama in us," Naruto added, he already knew this much from the brief moment he had met and talked with his mother.
"That's correct, but during that time she also spared a little time for Jiraiya, who was always decent with seals, but after learning from little Kushina became a master in his own right, even if he never put in the time and effort to be as far advanced as Minato, who was able to combine Ninjutsu and Fuinjutsu to unparalleled levels." Tsunade continued.
"So they are seals taught to him by Kushina-sama?" Karin asked skeptically, she had seen several advanced seals during her time, most notable being Orochimaru's curse seal. But the seals on the large chest left by Jiraiya were unlike any she had seen before.
Tsunade shook her head, "That would have helped, but most of those seals will be the work of Jiraiya himself. But I'm sure he would have had a small amount of Uzumaki blood courtesy of Naruto here for him to use the Uzumaki scrolls to his work."
"What how could he do that!" Karin yelled in indignation, looking to Naruto to back her up, but the blond just shrugged. "Why don't you care that he used your blood and took advantage of having what looks like multiple generations of Uzumaki fuinjutsu theory?"
Naruto didn't really have a proper response. "I'm sure Ero-sennin had his reasons, and I'm sure they were probably used for the good of Konoha."
"So that's it you just forgive him, he could have stolen your blood when you were a baby!" Karin raged indignant at the thought of someone hurting Naruto even though the irony was that not too long ago she would have killed him had Sasuke simply asked for it.
"I'm alive, there's really no point getting worked up over this Karin-chan. I'm sure for what ever reason Ero-sennin made that chest it was really important, so one day when I can understand what the seals do I'll open it and find out for myself, and until then I'll just keep believing in Ero-sennin," Naruto replied.
Hearing Naruto defend his sensei's actions had the desired effect and Karin could no longer stay mad. "You really are an overly forgiving Baka sometimes, Naruto-kun," she sighed taking a seat.
Naruto smiled taking that as a compliment. "Don't worry Karin-chan, the Gaki forgives everyone, but I'm sure you're still his favorite," Tsunade added with a smirk. Causing the pair to blush, 'They're still children, no matter what they do,' she thought with a smirk. "Well, it's either you or Gaara, he was pretty desperate to save the young Kazekage."
Tsunade's continued teasing forced Karin to look to the blond for confirmation that amused the slug Sannin still further. "Don't worry Karin-chan, you are my favorite," the blond chuckled seeing the funny side of the elder blonds teasing.
Karin smiled, leaning forward to whisper in the blonds ear, "Good, because you're my favorite too," she teased before stealing a quick kiss.
Naruto quickly returned the kiss but they were brought out of their private little moment by a loud cough from Tsunade who now had a stony almost expressionless face. "Save it for when you're alone, I take it you both have things to do. Also Naruto when you're ready there is that letter from Kakashi, which had a time-release seal on it. He said it's not important and to open it when you had some free time, but maybe you shouldn't wait too long."
"Oh man I completely forgot about Kakashi-sensei's letter," Naruto admitted, clearly embarrassed he made a mental note to check the letter before he went out to train.
The rest of breakfast was spent with the three talking happily, reporting on promising students that they were teaching, and how the changes to the village and surrounding areas were progressing. Karin left first, sending a single clone to teach the beginners class while she went in the other direction to a secluded training area.
Naruto on the other hand had to create a large number of clones ordering them to each study a specific topic in groups of about ten, knowing he was not the brightest of people he decided to make sure that each clone would read every book at one level before moving on to more advanced theory. 'It might take longer, but if they each read every book. Then I've basically read each of them ten times.'
Checking that he still had the scroll for his fathers Taijutsu style Naruto decided he would take Kakashi's letter with him. He passed through the village at a brisk yet still casual speed, joyfully greeting the civilians and recruits alike that were out in the early morning completing their daily chores or simply on the way to work. Overall the city had completely changed in the months since they had taken over. The people that remained now seemed to move about happily, no longer in fear of the gangs or the corrupt laws of the empire.
Finally coming to the edge of the city Naruto made little work of running up the giant walls before hopping to the ground below and taking off to his own training ground. Once out in the clearing he grabbed Kakashi's letter and sat down under a tall tree that despite lacking a few leaves courtesy of misplaced jutsu, still offered some shade. "Alright sensei, let's see what you've got to tell me." He thought out loud. Only to be surprised when as he broke the seal and began to open the letter it burst into a cloud of smoke. "Ah what the hell, did you really send that just to play a prank, I swear one of these days I'll make Kakashi-sensei pay!" he yelled while waving the smoke away from his face.
"Maa Maa, Naruto, is that any way to treat your beloved sensei," Naruto froze at the voice, he knew it all too well, hell he could practically feel his condescending eye smile.
"Kakashi-sensei?" he asked, still not quite ready to believe his eyes as the smoke was too thick around him.
"Not quite, but close enough," the same voice called out finally reaching out and pulling Naruto to his feet bringing the blond face to face with his silver haired sensei. "You've sure grown Naruto."
Naruto was at a loss for words, he couldn't believe Kakashi was here with him. "How?" was all that he could manage to get out.
"I thought that would be obvious with how proficient you are with the jutsu. I sealed a shadow clone in a seal that would break once the letter was opened," Kakashi explained still taking in the changes in the blond since he had faked his death. "You're taller than me now, I guess I can't call you my cute little Gennin anymore."
"It's good to see you too sensei," Naruto laughed.
"Yes, well I seem to have a small problem with my students running off without permission. I figured that even if I couldn't bring you back I could at least talk to you," Kakashi said while pulling out his little orange book.
"You made a shadow clone copy of Icha Icha?" Naruto asked in disbelief.
"I don't get a lot of time to read anymore, being Hokage and all," the clone answered in a matter of fact tone as if it was the most-simple answer in the world. "So I take it you received your inheritance from the toads?" he asked while flipping a page.
"Yeah I did, I have clones reading all Tou-san and Kaa-sans books as we speak," the younger shinobi said with a cheer.
"Still as eager as ever to learn, so I guess it's a good thing I'm here then, nobody knows Minato-sensei's techniques better than I do," Kakashi replied with another eye smile.
"Really you can help, great I was about to try learning the Kata for my fathers taijutsu. I'm sure you would have copied it… wait do you still remember the jutsu you copied now that you don't have a sharingan anymore?" Naruto asked scratching his head wondering just how the Uchiha's eyes actually work.
"Naruto eye's don't remember things," Kakashi deadpanned. Seeing the blond still giving him a confused look he sighed. 'Some things never change. "The sharringan improves the ability to process information to the point it can predict to almost a certainty what will happen next."
"Like seeing the future," Naruto replied earning a chuckle from the silver haired Hokage at the reference to their first ever-real mission as a team.
"Yes, but in truth it's analyzing the jutsu and predicting what hand seals are needed or the trajectory of a punch. The truth is the eyes are not special, it's how they affect the neurological pathways to the brain," Kakashi lectured but it was quite clear that a few things were not quite getting through to him. "In other words, I still know all of the jutsu I knew with the Sharingan, however it's likely that I can never use Raikiri to its full extent again."
Naruto nodded sadly he knew the Raikiri was Kakashi's prized jutsu, "Because you can't see well when you use it anymore right?"
"Correct, I have a theory that might help but for that I will need to learn to react at faster speeds, I'm hoping Kirabi can help me with that actually." Kakashi answered.
It was at that point realization seemed to strike for Naruto. "Wait, that's right you're really good with Raiton manipulation… I need help!"
"Well, Raiton is my primary element just like Fuuton is yours," Kakashi answered.
"Well not anymore, because of my connection with all of the Bijuu and Rikudou-jii giving me his chakra I can now use all the elements, but none of the toads know how to use Raiton. Something about it not mixing with their summons nature," Naruto explained still somewhat urgently.
"So you want a crash course in Raiton manipulation then? Well I'm here to help so lets get started," Kakashi said before pulling out a book of chakra paper and handing a piece to the blond.
"Why I told you what my elements were," Naruto queried.
"Call it curiosity," Kakashi answered, he was simply waiting expectedly.
Naruto shrugged pushing a small amount of his raw chakra into the paper. Just as he expected the paper split into four even parts, one section became damp, one burnt, one crumbled to dust while the last crinkled up. "See all five elements," the blond said proudly.
"I can see that, fascinating, well the first step as you may have guessed is making a leaf crinkle like that part of the chakra paper," the clone explained picking a leaf from the tree and demonstrating the task.
"Yeah and I've been trying but all a get is small wrinkles in the leaf," Naruto whined demonstrating his own lackluster attempt.
Kakashi observed the blonds struggles and silently wished he still had Obito's eye. He would often be caught wearing his forehead protector as if he was still hiding the sharingan eye of his ex-friend, even though as Hokage he had no reason to wear one at all. "I think you may be treating the element too much like its wind, you are applying the wrong type of force," he guessed.
"Huh what do you mean?" the blond asked.
"Unlike all the other elements lightning is the hardest to control in it's raw state, this is because of it's nature, it is unrefined and untamed only appearing for a moment before disappearing, it's not sustained like wind or the flow of water, it cannot be contained like fire or earth, even the most stable of Raiton jutsu have points that seem like they're unstable, because that is the nature of the element." Kakashi lectured.
"So I need to loose control of mu chakra?" Naruto guessed.
Kakashi shook his head. "Not quite, think of it more like controlled chaos. Then when using it your chakra needs to act quick almost like an instant explosion of chakra spreading out from the point."
Naruto nodded with a look of determination and picked up another leaf ready to try again. He didn't get the desired result but there was a marked improvement over the previous attempt. "Awesome, thanks Kakashi-sensei."
"Don't mention it, a little more work and I think you'll get it." The copy ninja complimented. 'Amazing, he showed that much improvement from just a few words. You really have grown Naruto.' "Do you want to continue, or would you like to start work on your fathers taijutsu?"
"Let's work on the Taijutsu, you already really helped me out with Lightning I should be able to get the rest on my own. Besides I don't even know how much chakra you have in that clone." Naruto replied.
"Hmm, I'd say so long as I don't need to perform any Jutsu, I'll have about a day' maybe a little longer. But that's neither here nor there, lets begin with the basic stance!" he ordered.
(Meanwhile)
Far away from the lively new country another group of shinobi were training as if their very lives depended on it, mostly because they did. Groups were running through hand seals, taijutsu kata, or simply strenuous physical exercises. "Again!" Tetsu called once the groups began to slow down signaling they had reached the end of the allotted exercise. A loud groan could be heard from the more inexperienced soldiers, but the older groups just grit their teeth and got to work.
Tetsu moved to observe the group that decided to voice their opinion of the training sending them a glare and threatening to double their workload if they complain again. "My my Tetsu, you really are working them into the ground, I must say I'm almost impressed." Came a rather bored yet silky soft call from the edge of the massive field where Tetsu was training his division.
Realizing to whom the voice belonged Tetsu fell to a knee and ordered everyone to do the same. "Gouhara-hime! It is not like you to inspect the soldiers like this."
"Really is that all the response my presence gets from you Tetsu-kun?" Gouhara purred.
Tetsu gulped, he had no idea how to respond now, the truth was the Uchiha princess was dressed to kill, she wore a tight low cut black dress that hugged her hourglass form that was highlighted by blood red lace and a teardrop pattern that seemed to fall from the Uchiha fan worn on her back. While the blood release wielder managed to maintain a stoic expression, some of the other men could be caught openly leering at the wind goddess of death. "You are breath taking as always Gouhara-hime," he finally managed.
"Yet sadly no reaction, perhaps I should try something else," the albino said ignoring the compliment completely. Her mood then seemed to darken considerably, "Train your men better!" she yelled then every man that had dared react to her looks as well as a few of the more adventurous kunoichi were struck with a blade of wind that sent them toppling over with a deep cut, each one in the same place just below the right eye. "Only those who I chose may look at me with such vulgar eyes," she spat before turning to leave, she was half way across the field before her voice rang out again. "Tetsu come see me when you have finished training this filth!"
Only once Gouhara was long gone did Tetsu release the breath that he had been holding in. The squads around him all began to relax seeing their commander do the same. "What the hell was that Nii-san!" Koha called out no longer afraid of repercussions.
"That was Gouhara-sama being merciful," Tetsu chuckled knowing the punishment she usually put him through during otherwise pleasant conversation.
"Merciful she just crippled half of the men!" Koha stammered.
"And some of the women," Kara the kunoichi of the young iron wielders team muttered with a slight blush guessing the reason why.
"That was a warning, my guess is we do not have much time left." Tetsu explained, rubbing his cheek, a small trickle of blood rolling down from a deep wound he had sealed with his own chakra and bloodline limit. 'She was testing our reaction, does she truly intend to attempt to seduce Naruto? I'm not sure what would be worse for us, if she succeeds she will have the ire of the empire, if she fails then our men will be like labs to the slaughter against him and those giant creatures he can control.'
"Time left for what? If we're supposed to be ready for a fight why injure our soldiers?" Koha questioned. As far as first impressions Gouhara had left a rather shocking one on Tetsu's younger brother, only a slight delay to the more hormonal side of adolescence had spared the young teen the same punishment as others.
Tetsu sighed in half agreement. His brother had a point after all. "Gouhara-hime has a rather… unique outlook on things, to her pain is a motivation. Those who can't deal with pain or punishment are not worthy to live," he explained.
"That's insane, who could think that way?" Kara gasped in shock.
Tetsu paused unsure how to explain his superior's actions. "I agree, not everyone is as durable as others. However in this instance Gouhara is simply treating others the way she has been treated. She too is a bit of a black sheep in her family, for one unlike most Uchiha she has white hair as opposed to their usual black. For a family that deems anything out of character for their family a weakness, then she lacks the Uchiha families Katon affinity. In short she was mistreated and deemed a failure."
"Really, but she's so powerful, how could they consider that a failure?" Koha asked, clearly stunned at the revelation.
"She wasn't always that strong Koha, she forced herself to be strong in order to escape her families abuse. That is why she believes pain and punishment makes someone strong." Tetsu lectured, then realized that almost everyone he was supposed to be training was listening in rather than working. "What are you all looking at get to work!"
(Later That Day)
"Not bad at all. What happened to my cute little Genin who could barely throw a decent punch," Kakashi chuckled as he watched Naruto effortlessly flow through Kata striking a makeshift training post the blond had made shortly after moving into the city and declaring independence from the empire.
"That was six years ago, and I could always throw a punch," said cute little Genin replied with a pout.
I'm sure you could," Kakashi replied with some mirth. "So when do you plan on taking a break, I wouldn't mind having a look around this village of yours."
Naruto ran though a few more kata then came to a halt. "Well I'm basically done, so we can go check it out now… but there is somewhere we have to go first,"
Kakashi quirked an eyebrow but showed enough interest to at least put his precious orange book away. "Is that so? Then lead the way."
The two tree hopped across a few training fields, mostly filled with the blonds clones working on various jutsu or elemental manipulation, till finally they came to a clearing that was almost empty, just a single red head sitting still in the centre of a large clearing a few chains rising from her palms as sweat coated her brown from the intense concentration she needed.
"Now isn't this interesting," Kakashi mused, his casual tone hiding the shock of seeing the same chakra chains that Kushina was well known for.
"Yeah Karin-chan has the same Kekei Genkai as Kaa-san. But that's not why I wanted you to come here," Naruto replied with a smile. Kakashi was about to ask why when Naruto cut him off. "Hey Karin-chan!"
The call broke Karin's concentration. The chains she was supporting seemed to collapse, receding back into the various points from which they were summoned. Still she smiled at hearing the blond's voice. "Naruto-kun why are you he…" her voice was lost as she caught sight of the man beside him. "How?"
"Mah mah, are you underestimating the Hokage young lady?" Kakashi said his tone quite firm surprising Naruto while Karin was frozen, unsure if he was going to do anything that may harm her in any way.
"Uh Kakashi-sensei, Baa-chan did mention Karin-chan in her report right?" the blond questioned a little on edge while subtly positioning himself to get in the way should Kakashi attack. He really didn't want to have to defend his girlfriend from his old sensei.
Immediately Kakashi's demeanor changed giving the pair an eye smile. "Of course she did, I was just testing to see if you still remembered my first lesson, I was afraid you forgot that those who abandon their friends are worse than trash."
Naruto's head was hung in shame, he didn't want Kakashi to think of him that way. "Sensei I didn't"
The blond didn't get to finish though as Kakashi spoke up. "I'm proud to see that you not only remember that lesson but have taken it a step further; always protect your family. I'm proud of you Naruto," he spoke with yet another eye smile.
Naruto visibly relaxed, his stance slackening. "Oh thank Kami, you had me scared for a second there."
"Naruto-kun, do you want to tell me what the hell is going on?" the red head asked, or more like demanded. "How the hell is Kakashi Hatake here? Are we going to have any more guests?"
"Relax Karin-chan, Kakashi-sensei is a shadow clone he sealed in the message he left me for my birthday, he's been helping me train all day. But I thought who better to help you learn your element than sensei," Naruto beamed happily.
"But we don't have any chakra paper, I can't figure out what my element is, we have already been through that, Tsuande-sama hasn't gotten any from the slugs yet." Karin replied.
"That's not a problem," Kakashi replied revealing a small book of chakra paper tags. "My original goal for the day had been to teach Naruto a new element so I sealed extra chakra paper in the letter. It appears I was a little late to the punch though as he can now use almost all elements now without my help," he added a small depressed sighed at the end before reverting back to his normal self. "Regardless that means I can test your affinity right now."
Karin was a little taken aback, she had just been yelling and now she felt a little like an idiot. "Oh uh, thank you," she stammered slightly as she reached out to take one of the small pieces of paper. She waited a minute before channeling her chakra. The paper crumbled from one end and began to soak from the other. "So Doton and Suiton right?" she questioned, she was surprised to see two elements but couldn't deny she felt somewhat proud.
"That's right, both used predominantly for defensive jutsu but can be quite powerful in their own right if used on the offensive," Kakashi explained. "Now I'm not the best at either but can use both quite proficiently. With that said I'm sure Naruto can teach you what you need to know in terms of elemental manipulation."
"Yeah we can start whenever you're ready Karin-chan, but I wasn't to show Kakashi around the city and I'm sure he needs to speak with Baa-chan as well." Naruto added eagerly.
"Yes I should really discuss a few things with Tsunade-sama. It was nice meeting you Karin-chan, I'm afraid it will not be easy to pardon you should you return, but I'm sure Naruto would find a way," Kakashi said adding a friendly eye smile.
"T-thank you Hokage-sama, but I don't know if we will ever return," Karin admitted. The thought of living a safe life in Konoha with Naruto was quite enticing, but she knew he had left for a reason and there was no going back now.
"Mah mah, never say never. In this world anything is possible." The copy ninja gave one last eye smile before turning towards the large city walls. "Now that is impressive, Konoha could learn a thing or two." With his final piece said, Kakashi walked off forcing Naruto to follow after him.
END CHAPTER!
Man this one took longer than it should, my laptop has been bugging out, the keypad is basically stuck on caps all the time so I have to go back and manually correct so much, so I may have missed some of the grammar errors, for that I apologize. So basically not much happened this chapter, just minor filler between arcs where I can flesh out a few plots while I work out in my head where to go next. Hope I didn't annoy too many people with Kakashi's shadow clone showing up; he won't be around for too long though.
