Trying to do the large scale fights are difficult for me to illustrate, that's why I have mainly focused on Naruto's perspective while lightly addressing the progress of others. Hopefully y'all are ok with that. If not I'll work on trying to show the others. Sasuki won't be sidelined forever, that'd be a waste of the character but for now it will be that way.
Naruto Of The Uchiha
Jiraya...
The fighting seemed to calm as of late. Ever since Kakashi's arrival, there wasn't another large siege that they had to fight against. There were little raiding parties and scouts but nothing too major. It had been 3 weeks since being stationed there and they were doing pretty well. The morale was up and everyone was getting accustomed to their circumstances.
Reinforcements were coming in today to replace those that were lost. From the original 184, 115 survived those first attacks. Out of those, 20 needed to fall back to the main base of operations for medical treatment that couldn't be provided in the field.
Naruto really began settling into his role as Company Commander of 2nd Company. His leadership and battle prowess garnered the respect of his subordinates. They all looked up to the Fox ANBU but everyday he was getting worse.
After those first attacks, his chakra almost reached absolute zero...generally once you reach that, you die. Due to this, his body automatically began siphoning chakra from the Kyubi out of natural habit. Kurama managed to stop it but the damage had been done and Naruto's condition worsened.
Naruto was walking around camp when he noticed a platoon of shinobi coming in the distance. He called for everyone to gather so they can greet the new faces. He recognized Yugao amongst them along with Asuma Sarutobi. Rather surprising since he figured they'd be on another front.
From what he was told, his company took on the most out of any other Company. Everyone else hadn't faced onslaughts as large as them. This was annoying to Naruto since it seemed that trouble only ever followed him.
Finally the platoon of reinforcements reached them and they saluted to their Company Commanders. Kakashi had been named the Executive Officer of the Company shortly after Naruto woke up from chakra exhaustion.
"How's it going Cat?"
"We're doing well Fox. We've come to help you out. We're a total of 80."
Naruto nodded and looked to Asuma who signaled him over somewhere more private. He gave Naruto a knowing look about his condition before speaking. "Naruto, father has told me to send for you. Your presence has been summoned as Jiraiya-sama has returned..."
"I see..." Naruto's Sharingan spun and he looked at Asuma who remained in position. "It's good seeing you again...I always looked to Jiji as a grandfather, by extension you'll always hold my respect."
"I appreciate that. Just keep an open mind alright? I once didn't get along with my dad...it's part of the reason I left the village to join the 12 Guardian Shibobi. I know you aren't going just to build a relationship, just don't treat it as a mission."
Naruto nodded and the two went back to everyone. "Kakashi, I have been summoned by Hokage-sama. You are in charge in my absence."
Kakashi nodded and everyone went about business while Naruto balled up a fist and grabbed a duffel with some clothes and gear. He looked into the mirror and noticed that some of the color was leaving his skin.
"That can't be good...Is becoming pale a part of this? Guess it only reflects the impending death ain't it." Naruto looked away from the mirror and threw his duffel over his shoulder and put his mask on as he walked out the tent to be greeted by everyone. They all came to say goodbye to to their leader.
Naruto assured them that he'd be returning. He didn't know when but this training he was supposed to undergo won't take him long. Whatever it is, he and his clones will get it down. With one last goodbye, Naruto disappeared as lightning danced around where he previously stood.
The trek back to Konoha was a long one as he wasn't looking forward to meeting this "legendary" Jiraya. For all he was concerned, the guy was a bastard and failure. He would hear him out but if he didn't like the reasoning, well there would be no hope for Jiraya to form any type of bond. He not only failed Naruto, but betrayed Minato and Kushina. Left Shisui to raise Naruto all on his own, and even when Shisui died, he didn't come back.
He wanted to go see Sasuki but decided against it as right now, it was down to business. He needed to obtain whatever power he was going to get, and then return to his Company. There was no point wasting time to get to know someone that had nearly 13 years to come and get to know him, yet chose not to.
There was a knock at Hiruzen's office and he called for the person to enter. When said person entered, he was greeted by the sight of a 4'10" ANBU with a Fox mask and a duffel with blood stained clothes.
"Ah Naruto-kun. Go ahead and remove your mask. You're not on official duty at the moment."
"Hai." Naruto took a knee and bowed as he took off his mask "How are you doing, Jiji?"
"I'm alright I guess...wish this war could have been avoided. How are you holding up? I've heard of you recent battles. I'm honestly impressed and proud of how well you've conducted and led that Company."
"I'm doing about as well as I can...I watched Renzo die and held him in my arms as I watched the light fade from his eyes...there was nothing I could do...I don't want to have that happen again!" Naruto clenched a fist as stared into space, he could still see Renzo's life fade as his Sharingan memorized every detail.
"I'm sorry to hear that Naruto-kun...I wish I could tell you that it gets better...but in reality, all you do is become numb to those feelings. You know I'm always there for you should you need me. Even though we hit a few bumps in the road, that will never change."
"I understand...now you've summoned me for a purpose, am I right?" Naruto was done with the pleasantries and wanted to get straight down to business now as he looked up to Hiruzen from his bow.
"Yes, Jiraya has arrived. You can fi-"
"Have him come here and stop delaying. If he tries to reason with me on why he won't give me the key so I can live, or give excuses to why he's never been around...you may want to be present or he may end up losing his life." Naruto said completely serious. Even the ANBU stationed above felt a little fear and gulped. They would not like to have to intervene. Besides, they got close to the young ANBU and disliked Jiraya for this failure.
"I will get right to that...just...nevermind...I'm going to send word. Bunny!" A bunny masked ANBU appeared and waved to Naruto. It was Rya and she was happy to see her first ANBU friend. "Summon Jiraya...he's at the hotsprings..."
Naruto raised an eyebrow and Rya clenched a fist as she nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Naruto's Sharingan began to spin slowly as he awaited Jiraya's appearance. The two stayed in utter silence that Hiruzen wasn't enjoying one bit.
After 20 minutes Bunny returned but without Jiraya. "Where is he..." Naruto said in a dangerous tone.
"He...was reluctant...He said he'd bring himself here and didn't need to be escorted."
Naruto growled and stood up pacing the room. He was getting angrier as each second passed by. Suddenly there was a large puff of smoke in room and there appeared a pretty large toad, a little bigger than Hiruzen's desk, and on top of it stood a posing Jiraya.
"BE IN AWE, AS THE GREAT JI!" Jiraya was cut off when he was kicked against the wall and had a tri-pronged kunai at his throat. He looked down and saw a pair of glowing and spinning Sharingan eyes.
"So...you've finally come! Don't fuck around...I am in no playful mood!" Naruto said as no one had even been able to see him move. It all happened too fast for either one of them to notice. The ANBU above, Rya, and Hiruzen all gulped and wondered how the hell this would go.
"Do you know, who I am?" Jiraya said with extreme confidence and cockiness despite his current situation.
"A bastard that is a mere inch from death! Now talk! Why aren't you giving me my key, why are you still wasting fucking time? Don't you know the damn war is going on!" Naruto said as he threw Jiraya at the toad which jumped away and held back its laughter at watching Naruto be manhandled by this kid.
"Hey! I am no bastard brat! I am the great Jiraya the toad sage!"
Naruto shunshined to him and hit him with the ring of the kunai on the top of his head before kicking him in the chest sending him into the wall.
"Yeah? And I'm Naruto Uchiha, and despite being weakened, can kill you faster than you can say please! Stop fucking around, or there will be one less useless bastard in the world! Or, please do...I'll find the key myself..." Naruto looked down at Jiraya who had slumped to the ground after hitting the wall.
"Naruto...huh...How can you trust that damn demon? What's to say it isn't tricking you just to be set free? Huh! Did you think of that!"
"Do you really think my father, would make a key to the seal if there was a chance it would escape that easily? Are you a moron? How the hell was a bastard like you able to teach him anything? I bet you really did nothing to strengthen him, merely watched as the prodigy of a student he was grew and grew...surpassing you in no time. You probably held onto his coattails and rode on your high horse to be able to call him your student, when really you never were much of a teacher! Stop acting all high and mighty over being a spectator to one's greatness. Your bullshit title of Sannin isn't special...it only signifies your loss to a man who didn't find you three worth killing! Merely surviving an encounter doesn't make you strong...now, stop wasting my time! I have people that I need to protect. Stand in my way...You'll die. I promise you that!"
Jiraya fell silent. His head sunk in shame and couldn't believe what just transpired. He never imagined it going this way. He thought that Naruto would be in awe of him. It was the complete opposite. Hiruzen's jaw dropped...everyone's jaw dropped. Naruto just snapped and went off on the perverted sage.
"I trained him well...he was the best...I loved him like the son I never had..."
"And yet you abandoned his son. Good job. I wanted to hear your reasoning but now, I don't care. I could care less. Let's just go."
"Well first, I want you to sign the Toad Summoning. It's important for what I'm going to train you in."
"Not interested. If that was all you could offer, I'm out." Naruto then shunshined away and left everyone in there to think about what just happened.
"He...he's mad..." Jiraya said as he looked where Naruto once stood.
"No shit Jiraya. How do you think he feels to have learned that there was someone out there that was supposed to look after him but didn't. Do you know the shit he's gone through?" Hiruzen said with a stern voice.
"Exactly. Don't expect Naruto to easily follow you, Jiraiya-sama. He is someone that will close himself off from the world if he so wished. He doesn't necessarily care for bonds. He already has the few he cares for and that's enough to him. I'd tread carefully if I were you." A new voice said from within the room.
"Ah, if it isn't the ANBU Commander. What about you huh? Once your secret comes out, are you sure they'll be accepting with open arms?" Jiraya said as he looked over to Wolf.
"I am not starting a competition here. You just saw that you stand no chance head on...You'd better hope he still sees you of some value."
"I need him to sign the Toad Summoning...they won't teach him Sage Mode otherwise..."
"Figure it out. Go to Myoboku for all I care! Fix his condition or you will have more than one enemy!" Wolf said and his tone sent a shiver to Hiruzen and Jiraya's spine. They knew who he was and he wasn't one to mess with...the only one capable of beating Naruto at this point for one sole reason...
"I'll be back...I will talk to the Elder Toads..."
Jiraya reverse summoned himself and appeared before the Elder Toads of Mount Myoboku. There were two small, old looking toads, a really large old one.
"Jiraya-boy. What brings you here?"
"Great Toad Fukasaku...its about Naruto."
"What have you done now!"
"He does not want the Toad Summoning...he also doesn't want much to do with me." Jiraya then looked down away from the Elder Toads.
"You must bring Naruto here. It was what his father wanted. Stop sulking and get him in our presence. Do whatever you must to fix the relationship."
"Let me go. I can maybe get him to ease up." Spoke a new voice. It was loud and deep, it's presence commanded respect.
"Gamabunta...are you sure?"
"Yes Jiraya. Now do as I've said or you'll pay dearly!" Gamabunta said.
Jiraya nodded and left Mount Myoboku and returned to Hiruzen's Office. Upon entering he told them of how the Elders ordered him to get Naruto to sign the contract as well as the fact that Gamabunta himself wished to see Naruto.
He received the nods of approval and left immediately to find Naruto. It took forever and he had searched everywhere. Running out of ideas, he ran into the other surviving Uchiha and decided to give it a shot.
"Hey, Uchiha, where can I find Naruto?"
"Uh...why would I tell an old man like you that?" Sasuki said as she then turned to walk away.
Jiraya grabbed onto her shoulder which seemed to be the wrong choice as there was a flash of black and red and he was kicked 30 feet away.
"You piss me off...then turn aggressive to her? Are you trying to die?" Naruto said in a cold tone that even Sasuki didn't recognize. Apparently the seal he had on Sasuki activated as Jiraya had roughly grabbed her shoulder.
"Naru-kun? What are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry...I was summoned here for the training but this bastard's been a waste of time...in fact...maybe I'll just kill him now." Naruto said as he took out a kunai and began to walk to Jiraya. Jiraya sat frozen, paralyzed by Naruto's Sharingan Genjutsu and could only watch.
"Calm down...take it easy Naru-kun. I'm sure that as hurt as you are, it can't be easy for him either...I hope he's got some good excuses otherwise its just a shame...but please, just listen to what he has to say...if not for you, then do it for me. Ok?" Sasuki held his hand as she slowly removed the kunai from his hand and put it away.
Naruto sighed and nodded to her before looking back a Jiraya. "You're lucky that she is a lot kinder than I am...Let's go get this over with...but she comes too."
"Naruto I'm no..." A glare from Naruto showed that there was no request. Perhaps it would be safer for him this way. "I'm sure it will be fine. Let's go."
Jiraya led them to a large open field outside Konoha and there was a ravine that carved through and beside that was a river about 40 ft from it. Jiraya took out his large scroll and opened it up to reveal to reveal 3 signatures with a hand print on each. Naruto read a name he hadn't recognized followed by Jiraya's then followed by Minato's.
"Father had the summoning? Interesting." Naruto said and looked to Sasuki. "Can she sign as well?"
"I'm not sure Naruto...your father chose you as a natural successor to the contract. Generally only one per generation takes the contract. You could ask but as I said, I'm unsure."
"Very well." Naruto grabbed the scroll and cut open his finger to write down his name. He spread the blood over his hand and imprinted it on the scroll beneath his name. "There, now what?"
Jiraya closed the scroll and went through the handsigns slowly so Naruto could watch...although the Sharingan would have let him see it anyways. Finally saying "Summoning Jutsu" Jiraya slammed his hand to the ground and in a poof of smoke the same toad he had been on appeared. "Now you try."
Naruto did as told and performed the Jutsu. On his first try, a large battle toad appeared. He wore a white robe and had a tanto as well as a cigar. He was a light red with dark red marking all over the back of his body.
"Hello Naruto. I have waited a long time to meet you. I'm Gamabunta, Chief Toad. I was your father's main ally."
"Good to meet you Chief. I'd like to hear more about those times sometime."
"Ah, a kid with respect. I like you. I'd love to talk about some of our battles. But I'm sure you aren't too happy at the moment..." Gamabunta gave a side glare to Jiraya who took a few steps back. "Anyways. Our intentions are to teach you Sage Jutsu. Something your father almost perfected."
"I see...Well Chief, I think I like you. When do we start...also I have a request."
"What is it?"
"Can Sasuki-chan gain the contract and training as well?"
Gamabunta looked between the two and shrugged. "I don't mind. She can sign the Summoning Contract, but we will discuss with the Elders about if she can undergo Sage training."
"Thank you, Chief." Naruto bowed and they all gathered up to be taken to Mount Myoboku.
The two newcomers were greeted by an entirely new landscape, it was of vibrant colors and the environment was different than normal. All the plants had a bright and diverse amount of colors. Trees were larger and broader with all kinds of flowers in them, the grounds were of bright green grass with vibrant plant life of purples, blues, reds. It was crazy to them.
Shortly after arriving, Sasuki signed the Summoning Contract and they all were led to a large tree in the center of Mount Myoboku. Within the tree was a large chamber that housed the Great Toad Sage, as well as the two Elder Toads.
Fukasaku and Shima both smiled at seeing Naruto come to them. It was a long time coming and they all awaited his arrival.
"Welcome, Young Naruto. I am Fukasaku and this is my wife, Shima."
Naruto bowed "Pleased to meet you. This is Sasuki-chan...my girlfriend." She too bowed when he said her name and the Elder Toads both smiled at the formality being displayed. Minato had been the same and he was reminding them of him.
"Please, take it easy Young Naruto. We are all friends. Now. Let's get to business?" Naruto nodded to Fukasaku who then got serious. "We wish to train you in the arts of Sage Jutsu. Will you accept this training?"
"Hai. I will master this form of Jutsu. I have a request."
"That is?" Shima said and looked to Sasuki as she figured that it was about her.
"Can Sasuki-chan undergo Sage training as well?" Naruto said with a bow.
"Hmmm...she has a pure heart...I would be ok with it, however." Naruto looked up at Shima "She lacks the Chakra levels to learn it safely. It would be too risky and she Gould die from this. Maybe after a year or two, she can. At which point, she'll have my blessing." Shima said.
Naruto nodded thankfully to her and smiled at Sasuki. She would be able to get the same training later on and he'd be able to help her through it since he'll have already mastered it.
"Naruto...there's another Jutsu that I'd like to teach you." Jiraya said
"Yeah? And what's that?" Naruto said not even looking at the man.
"Your father's own creation. Rasengan."
Naruto raised an eyebrow and nodded. "I see. When does training start?"
"Right now." Fukasaku said as he led the way to an open area that had a fountain spraying some sort of tan liquid that resembled oil. There were also tons of stone toad statues everywhere.
"What's with all these statues?" Naruto said looking around. There were statues for as far as the eye could see. Some even stacking onto eachother.
"They're former students...they failed in the training..."
Naruto and Sasuki looked to eachother in shock. This was the result of failure? Was this even worth it? He closed his eyes and took a breath to think on things. If he doesn't do this training, the supposed power boost it offers won't be gained and hell remain as is until eventually weakening and dying. If he goes through the training, he may end up just dying now...or he can succeed and gain what could help him. Although ultimately, there was still a clock to his lifespan.
"Naruto. You should do it. It's risky but you can do it. Besides, that Sharingan will help you. As a benefit later on, once you get the key, I can gather the necessary energy to put in Sage Mode myself. You would be the only Sage ever that doesn't have to remain still minutes at a time, and be able to enter at will practically...there's more to it than what I've said, but we'll cross that path when we get there."
Naruto nodded and opened his eyes looking at everyone. "What do I need to do?"
"Naru, are you sure?"
Naruto looked at her and smiled "Yes. This is needed." He looked to Jiraya with a slight glare as he still wanted the key but chose to just head off with Fukasaku for training.
"Ok Young Naruto, first we need you to learn meditation and remaining still to begin."
"Actually I can do both since I meditate everyday. What is the next step?"
"Very well." He led Naruto to the fountain of tan liquid "This is a special oil of the land. Toad Oil. This oil is used for a variety of purposes but for now, it will be used to help you feel Nature Energy. You already know your Chakra is based on your physical and spiritual energies coming together. Well Sage Chakra is built on the two as well as a third energy. That being Nature Energy. It is abundant and practically infinite since Nature is all around us, always building and growing. This means you aren't using your own Chakra when in Sage Mode."
"I see." Naruto nodded and took everything in. "And what are the drawbacks?" Nothing was perfect and this definitely had to have consequences.
"Well, death is one. If there is an imbalance of the three energies, then there is a corresponding result. Too little nature energy, and you won't enter Sage Mode. Too much nature energy and you will turn to stone. Balance is key."
Naruto took it in and understood. "What else? I feel like there's more to it."
"There is. It only lasts a certain amount of time for humans since you can't just constantly absorb natural energy. You must remain still in order to do so but that is impractical for you in a fight." Naruto nodded as Fukasaku continued "This is where we can come in. If me or Ma are summoned, even other smaller toads, we can gather natural energy for you while you fight. Ofcourse the rate is different based on who is summoned."
Naruto understood but still knew there was more to it. It all sounded too good, even the death thing wasn't a worry when you learned how to balance the energies. "Ok, why doesn't just everyone do this once they get the reserves?"
"Well Young Naruto. Aside from needing high chakra reserves due to needing to balance the energies, the strain on ones body is immense. You gain speed, strength, and heightened senses but all that strains your body. You will feel little pain in Sage Mode but after leaving, you feel 3 times the pain you would have all at once. On top of that, you may tear muscles and break bones due to the strain of using it. Overtime those issues will go away when you've gotten accustomed to Sage Mode but it's excruciating pain afterwards will always be there unless you take absolutely zero damage when in Sage Mode."
"So even if you have the chakra, your body can be too weak and destroy itself while using the power, or you can kill yourself from shock afterwards."
Fukasaku could only nod. "Yes...but those risks get lowered as you learn how to properly use Sage Mode. Don't worry, most people just don't take the required time to truly master the use of Sage Mode. You will not die from it so long as you take the training seriously."
Naruto nodded and awaited further instruction as he sat in the lotus position for meditation. Everyone else took a seat to watch while Fukasaku walked to the oil and wet his finger with it. He then walked over to Naruto and began rubbing the oil into Naruto's inner wrist.
"What is this doing? It feels weird..." Naruto said as the oil was sending chills through his arm, it felt like it traveled through his nerves and branched off throughout his chakra network.
"This Young Naruto is allowing you to feel and take in small amounts of Natural Energy. It won't be enough to enter Sage Mode and it is not enough to cause worry. This is just to help you get a feeling."
Naruto nodded and looked around using his Sharingan. As he got more used to the feeling, he noticed the foreign chakra coming to the point of where the oil is on him, and it spreading through out his chakra network. If it had been the Byakugan it would be far more detailed but this helped.
"So what do I do exactly?"
"Well...would you believe me if I said nothing?"
Naruto looked at the Elder Toad dumbly. "You're kidding right...like you have to be...no power I've ever gained is through doing nothing."
"That is true but for this, you need to do nothing so you can absorb energy through the environment. The process is all internal."
"I understand...let's get started."
Fukasaku smiled and the two began meditating together. Naruto would constantly get oil placed onto him in small amounts to help in absorbing nature energy. After a while he felt that there could be a faster and more efficient way to getting a handle on the technique.
Naruto stood up abruptly and sat under the fountain with the oil pouring all over him. "Are you insane! You can die!" Shima said next to Sasuki.
"Don't worry. That stick that Fukasaku-sama is holding has a purpose I'm sure." Naruto said gesturing to the stick in Fukasaku's hands. A nod from the Elder Toad confirmed his thoughts and he returned to meditating.
"How's he doing?" Sasuki said quietly as to not disturb Naruto's training.
"So far he's going slow with the absorption, most likely to feel when it starts to take effect. Other than that, he's doing well with remaining perfectly still and focusing on his 3 energies." Shima looking to Naruto and feeling the absorption of nature energy into him.
Sasuki nodded and looked over to see Jiraya watching intently at Naruto. What was he thinking about in that moment? He had to know that there was little hope for him to get close to Naruto now. But there was still the most important question that he had yet to truly answer. Why won't he give the key? He doesn't trust the Kyubi, ok...was that it? Couldn't be the only reason.
Looking back to Naruto they noticed the area around his eyes slowly begin to change. There was a faded orange color appearing very slowly. As it appeared though, it disappeared and wasn't there.
"You're almost there Young Naruto. You'll have to take in more though. It's risky and you have every reason to be hesitant but it is the only way. I'll stop it from going too far out of hand if you begin to lose control."
"I understand Fukasaku-sama." Naruto began to take in more and the hue returned however his left arm began changing. Almost becoming toad like. Immediately Fukasaku hit him with the stick. "OW!" Naruto said and glared at Fukasaku.
"Sorry. But you began to change. This stick immediately removes all Nature Energy from you. That is why it hurts." Naruto nodded and refocused only to instantly be hit again.
It was going to be a long day...
After about the 100th time of being hit, Fukasaku decided to call it a day for Sage training and have him rest from that. Naruto tried to argue but was told that this was a training that won't be mastered in a day. There was no faster way...
Naruto sighed in defeat and cleaned up before going to a clearing in a hoodie with strips of tape at the wrist and half way up the forearm to keep the sleeve in place, and some sweats.
He unsheathed his tanto and began to channel wind chakra into it. He didn't know how to increase his strength in the chakra form since he only knew of Asuma being another wind user but hadn't asked anything. All he knew was the basic fundamental of using the element. He did learn though that when he channeled wind into his blades, they gained significant sharpness and could cut through anything he tried it against.
Finding a boulder, he decided to hack at it for a while and then go from there. He wanted to get to the point of slicing clean through in one strike. Depending on the size it normally took a couple.
"What am I going to do? I know this will give me strength but...in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't help me." Naruto sighed and smirked when he felt someone enter the area. "So. You want to spar?"
"Maybe later. I want to show you what I've been working on. It's almost complete."
"Very well. I'm all ears, Sasuki-chan."
Naruto watched as she stood in the center of the clearing and began to form the chidori in her left hand. After it formed she gripped her wrist and the chidori seemed to grow and get violent before she directed it to some trees and the chidori seemed to branch out into blew beams of lightning that pierced and eventually blew up the few trees infront of her.
"It is stronger when a single stream shoots out but the more streams, the more split the power from the chidori. I call it 'Chidori Nagashi'. What do you think?"
Naruto looked where she was, then to the trees, it traveled 15 feet...that was some pretty good range for what was an upclose jutsu. He wondered what else it could be used through. That would be thought of another time. He looked back to her and smiled "Very good Sasuki-chan. I can't believe you've gotten it this far already."
"Thank you. Yes, it took a little while but it works similarly as normal lightning jutsus, it was just harder to control out of the Chidori. I want to make it faster and be able to be done with a single hand."
"Makes sense. Since you can form the Chidori in one hand, it would be beneficial to form Chidori Nagashi the same way. Aside from that, perhaps you can find other creative ways to use it."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, take out your Katana." She did as she was told and looked at him curiously. "Now channel lightning chakra into it." She didn and the blade became blue. "Now imagine that with your Chidori Nagashi..."
Her eyes went wide at the realization. Chidori stronger than normal lightning chakra and if she used Chidori Nagashi in conjunction to her katana, then it would become even stronger...perhaps she could fire off the streams from her katana as well.
"Oh, I forgot to show you. I can finally do it like you." She channeled more lightning chakra into it and lightning danced around her blade and when she swung it, an arc of lightning shot off into the tree line.
"Well done! I'm proud of you. What else have you got?"
"Hmmm...I tried what you said about the crows and Shurikenjutsu, I can do it, it was easier than I thought. Genjutsu still isn't my strong suit but it definitely helps. I want to learn that fire jutsu you used back in wave."
"Hmm. It's simple but it will take a lot of chakra. we need more space though for you to learn...and a lot of water...how about when we get back?"
"You'll be leaving back to fight though..." Sasuki looked down until she felt him place a hand on her shoulder.
"Very well...I'll show you now. I can do it with the single sign but you will need to start from the beginning. Its a three sign jutsu." Naruto showed her the signs and walked her through it. "Just practice it later. Either when we return or if you find a large body of water."
She nodded excitedly and smiled. "Now, I have to warn you, I was helping Jiraya find you..." Naruto frowned and nodded in understanding. On cue Jiraya stepped into the clearing.
"What can I do for you."
"I thought, maybe you would want to start learning the jutsu..." Naruto looked him in the eye with his sharingan just staring into the man's soul before sighing and nodding. "Great! So the idea is to rotate your chakra in your hand, compress it and add chakra to strengthen it. If you gather it all correctly it'll look like this."
Jiraya formed the Rasengan in his right hand and the blue ball of swirling chakra was seen. He then put it to a tree and it completely destroyed the tree upon contact. Naruto had analyzed it with his Sharingan and understood what he was supposed to do.
He began to try and a swirling sound was heard but it went away immediately. Not even having the chakra form. Naruto frowned and tried again. It only took him a few hours to learn Chidori, that jutsu was based on this one. It shouldn't take too long to get this one down.
After failing a few more times, he formed 200 shadowclones and got to work. It was getting annoying and he wanted to master this one as fast as possible. Chidori was an attempt to add change in nature, he wanted to try that himself.
Finally after an hour, he managed to get it to form but it wasn't stable. He couldn't do it with one hand though. He needed both of his hands over eachother and housed the sphere of swirling chakra in-between.
"That's how Minato needed to do it at first when he developed it. He couldn't do it with a single hand until later on. You're on the right track kid." Jiraya smiled at Naruto who just nodded. He wished the kid could forgive him and they could bond but it didn't seem to be in the cards.
Another hour and a half later and he could form it with two hands and it was technically complete. He just had to work on forming it with one hand which he could another time.
"Thank you, Jiraya...for showing me my father's jutsu..." Naruto bowed and turned away walking off with Sasuki.
"Atleast he isn't openly hating me...just wishes to be alone..." Jiraya thought as he watched the two leave him there.
A few more days would go by and Naruto began to enter Sage Mode with the help of the oil. He held some toad like features in the arms but it was no discoloration of that area. Only his eyes changed which had the orange around them and a black horizontal bar through his eyes. When his Sharingan was active it was still red, with the black tomoe but in the center of the ring was the black horizontal bar signifying Sage Mode.
"Good Young Naruto, now, go see what it is like. Try lifting that stone toad over there."
Naruto looked at the huge stone toad that he knew he wouldn't be able to lift. Looking back at Fukasaku with a little doubt left to the Toad. He went to pick it up and to his surprise, it felt really light. He picked up over his head and was shocked at the strength he now had.
"Wow...this is crazy..."
"Dang...Naru...that makes you really strong! What else does it do for you?"
"I'm not sure...I feel more around me...like I can feel your guys' chakra...I feel lighter."
"Yes. It makes your stronger, faster, and you gain sensory abilities through Sage Mode. Now we move to the next step. You will learn to enter Sage Mode without the oil. It shouldn't take you too long since now you know how." Fukasaku said with a smile.
"I also don't feel the illness at the moment...Why is that?"
"This isn't your own normal chakra. To put it simply you're using a different source of energy. Your chakra takes a back seat while Sage Chakra is active and in use." Jiraya said "This was why I wanted you to learn Sage Mode. It solves your chakra illness."
"Temporarily..." Naruto said
"Yes...I'm looking into if there's a potential permanent fix."
"THERE IS! Give me the key!"
"No. I will not hand over the key to the seal that holds the very thing that killed Minato! It's because of the dammed fox that he is dead! I will not give it a chance to kill you too!" Jiraya then left without saying another word and everyone just stood there.
"Moron! The only fix is the key! Kurama isn't a problem damnit! Why doesn't the fool listen!"
"Young Naruto. Try to understand, Jiraya-boy does not trust the Kyubi one bit...I don't even hold much trust in it. Minato was like a son to Jiraya-boy...he doesn't want to risk the same thing happening to you."
"Sounds like bullshit. He abandoned me. You said he looked at my father as a son...how would he abandon that man's own son then? Huh!"
Fukasaku fell silent. There was nothing he could say. He hadn't even known why either and therefore couldn't continue to try defending Jiraya. Sighing in defeat he motioned for Naruto to follow and return to training.
The rest of the day had been quiet and nobody seemed to want to say anything. Regardless, Naruto decided to implement his clones in this training. Fukasaku was cautious but Naruto had shown the ability to control the amount of Nature Energy now and didn't need to be hit with the stick anymore. He just automatically would correct the imbalance.
This drastically increased his training speed and was getting a hang of entering Sage Mode faster than before. By the end of the day, he could enter Sage Mode without the help of Toad Oil. It just took him 2 minutes at the moment. But over time it would lessen the time required.
"Now, it's time for you to learn how fighting works with Sage Mode. You'll be learning Frog Kumite."
Naruto nodded and the two began to fight in Sage Mode. Naruto learned quickly that in Sage Mode he could hit someone without hitting them. There was a small aura of chakra around his body that acted as an extension of him. That small aura could inflict damage should he barely miss a strike.
Needless to say, Naruto really liked being in Sage Mode. It was powerful and helpful in many ways. This was also only the beginning since Sage Mode boosted Ninjutsu as well so his techniques when in Sage Mode would be more powerful and devastating.
"Naru-kun, you've really gotten a handle on this fast!"
"Yes...and you're a perfect Sage..."
"What do you mean by that, Shima-sama?"
"Young Naruto...generally all humans are imperfect Sages. There's always some sort of side effect on the body, like toad features in some way...you posses none. Its really rare to have such a feat."
"I see...is there anything different in it?"
"In a way. More of the fact that Sage Mode has less of a drawback since it is incorporated in perfect balance within your body. The imbalance is what leads to issues and the danger." Fukasaku said.
"Then how did I reach that status?"
The two Elder Toads just shrugged and left it as the fact that it may have just been meant for him in some way. There had been others in the past that were able to be perfect Sages, it generally just took time though.
"Well Young Naruto. There isn't anything else we have to teach you. You are free to return to Konoha."
"Thank you, Fukasaku-sama, Shima-sama." Naruto bowed and went over to Sasuki for them to leave. "Tell Jiraya...I'll hear him out. I will not tolerate bullshit excuses, but I'll hear his story. Have him come find me at some point...I still expect the key, I'll find it eventually if need be."
Fukasaku nodded and sent the two back to Konoha. "I suppose it is up to you now to fix things between you two, Jiraya-boy." Out of the shadows Jiraya stepped forward and nodded before walking off.
Konoha
"Ah, welcome back Naruto-kun." Hiruzen said.
"Naruto. How did it go?" Wolf said
"Jiji, Commander." Naruto took a knee and bowed before the two of them. "I have successfully completed my training."
"You did? This fast?"
"Did you forget who I am, Commander?" Naruto said with a smirk.
"So what was it?" Hiruzen said.
Naruto closed his eyes and concentrated after a minute there was orange around his eyes and his eyes changed to being yellow in color with a black horizontal bar. "Sage Mode..." Wolf said as he looked on.
"I can also still utilize my visual prowess so there is no worry of that. I also learned a new Jutsu." Naruto stood up and extended his hands as his palms faced eachother with a foot gap. A swirling sound was heard as a blue orb of spinning chakra formed.
"So you've finally been taught the Rasengan."
"Yes Jiji. What are my orders?"
"Naruto your company has been under attack since this morning. We need you to get there and show the enemy our strength. Bring our men their hope once more." Wolf said.
Naruto immediately threw on an ANBU vest over the black hoodie and his Fox mask. With a nod he disappeared in a flash of black and red.
"He's left already?"
"Yes, Sasuki. It is time for you to go home now. I have business to deal with."
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
2nd Company
"I'm running out of chakra..." Kakashi said to himself as he panted heavily and looked over to see the enemy still was coming. It seemed that there was no end to them.
"Kakashi! We need to move! We can't stay here!" Hinto said as he ran up to Kakashi.
"I know...but we can't just retreat. If we do, they gain ground...we can't afford that."
"Even so! None of us can push enough to even make a big enough dent for everyone. We can't do what Naruto can..."
"I know. We just need to keep fighting. Where's Zabuza?"
"He's currently still engaging but his squad is being pushed to our location."
"Ok. Let's br ready for them."
Kakashi stood up and the two charged ahead to help clear the area for Zabuza and his squad to return. They could see them being pushed back towards them and everyone looked tired.
Finally regrouping and after a water dragon by Zabuza and some fireballs from Kakashi, they created an opening and had a moment to breathe. Everyone was exhausted though, they were fighting all day. They probably wouldn't last much longer.
The entire company gathered for their final stand. This would be it, this was the last of their chakra and after the next siege, they'd be done. Everyone had a frown, they knew that this was the end. They began wondering how that first day had worked out. As their spirits all dropped, there was a bright flash of black and red infront of them all.
"You guys look like shit." said a Fox masked ANBU in slightly different attire than normal.
"THE COMMANDER'S ARRIVED!"
"WE'RE SAVED!"
Immediately the morale went up and they felt like they could win like before.
"Kakashi, Hawk, Zabuza. Take a break. I've got it from here." They felt Naruto's new power and aura he was giving off. It felt so different and he seemed so much stronger than they ever felt before from him. "Twin Lightning Dragon." Naruto gathered his chakra and two massive Lightning Dragons came from each of his arms and launched into the enemy.
Naruto shunshined into the them and gathered his chakra again "Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame" Naruto brought his hand to his mouth and breathed out a massive torrent of flames. Stretching out 50 feet and charging ahead, incinerating everything in sight.
Everyone watched as Naruto took on the enemy and wiping them out alone and effortlessly. It was insane to watch. Fire and Lightning shot everywhere and flashes of black and red filled the area. In a matter of minutes, the enemy was no more.
Konoha
"Sensei...where did Naruto go?"
"Jiraya. Well he was sent back into the fight. His Company had been under attack all day and he's gone to help."
"I see..."
"What is it?" Hiruzen looked onto Jiraya with curiosity as it seemed like he was contemplating a lot.
"I just want to do right by the kid...I can't give the key, if I so the Kyubi might kill him. I don't want to lose him like I did Minato."
"Jiraya...not giving him the key will make you lose him. You need to place more faith in your student and in Naruto. Minato as we know was no fool and if he made a key, there had to be a reason."
"Maybe you're right...I just don't want to risk it..."
"What in our lives isn't a risk? Everything we do is a risk. There is no guarantees that something good or bad will happen. All we can do is hope. As shinobi, we are to endure. Perseverance is the ninja way and trust me, that kid has an incredible will. Besides...if all else fails...his visual prowess may be a saving grace. It is stronger than any other I've come across."
"I understand...maybe you're right...just give me some time."
"Don't wait too long Jiraya. You don't want to get him to feel like his health is the cause to losing anyone. That may lead to a build up of anger and resentment towards you. This could build to hatred and that is a dangerous thing with Uchiha..."
Jiraya nodded and walked out of Hiruzen's office. "I will still search for another way...if I can't find anything soon, I'll have to trust the seal..."
Well right now I'm about to be increasing the stakes. Naruto's gained his power boost through sage mode, now its time for the major events to take place. Jiraya is searching for another answer to Naruto's illness, ultimately that will effect things. I think I'm going to hold off on having Sasuki develop Kirin until after the war, still to be decided.
I wonder about if Jiraya would give the key...since it wasn't him that gave it to him in the first place. Then again, the guy was dead so...up for debate? Part of it is because for one I don't agree with Jiraya never being around, same with Kakashi, but also logically speaking, would someone willingly give the key to a seal that would release a "demon" so to speak? Being hesitant is only natural.
Next Project still up in the air. Will come in the next coming weeks at some point...the title "The Fox The Tiger" kinda popped into my head last night. I don't know what I'd call the other. Honestly that title might not even stick but then again, I kinda suck with titles and try to be simple. For that story that title fits the bill of simplicity for what it is summarizing. Although the other main character will have to be reduced in age in that one...also I forget how she was lol. Need to go back to see what she like also so I can get her fight in this one to be as correct as possible but I don't think there is really much on her if I'm not mistaken. Either way I'll see y'all Tuesday? That's my next day off and should have a chapter up, if not expect it Thursday or Friday at the latest as usual. Hope you enjoyed.