Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing how Naruto's progressed in his training under Tsunade and Shizune, along with them growing closers, before getting a look at Konoha and other groups. So, without further ado.
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Four weeks have passed, since Naruto won the bet against Tsunade, with him having begun his training under the Sannin and her apprentice. With both Tsunade and Shizune having mostly focused on his Chakra Control along with teaching him the basics and theory of Medical Ninjutsu, given he'd need better Control before moving onto the actual techniques, along with teaching him Poison-Making. Making use of all the Shadow Clones that Naruto can make, to teach him as much as they could.
While the real Naruto was being put through the ringer by Tsunade with his physical training, including how to dodge and evade attacks. The latter of which, Naruto was thankful for his healing factor, given it was Tsunade coming at him at full strength. With him either managing to dodge and see her attacks crack the ground open, or he'd get hit and sent crashing through several trees. And when Tsunade wasn't coming at him personally, she'd throw giant boulders at him, which he was expected to either break or dodge.
With Shizune, Naruto was learning how to use senbon and human anatomy to effectively use them to incapacitate or kill someone. Along with making sure to have some Shadow Clones studying Fūinjutsu, as well as reading the science and technology books that he'd bought.
The Uzumaki wanting to make sure he studied and trained as much as he could, refusing to waste a second, though Tsunade and Shizune did make him rest and relax still. Knowing he'd only do more harm than good to himself, if he overworked and collapsed from exhaustion. Something Naruto was reluctant to admit was true, knowing he still had limits, but also planned to break those limits, knowing he had a lot to do and learn.
One thing was that as a sign of trust, Naruto had told them about the Akatsuki, Kaguya and Black Zetsu, Madara, and the Ōtsutsuki, everything he saw in the future. With Tsunade and Shizune both being shaken at learning not only the true history of the Elemental Nations, but also just what kind of threats were out there. Though they were also thankful that Naruto told them all this, with it having lead them to also start training again, given Tsunade knew she'd fallen out of shape with her focus on gambling and drinking, and Shizune knowing she had a lot of improvements to make.
Currently, Tsunade and Shizune were looking over Naruto's and his clones training, seeing how far he's come since they started, impressed with how far he's come in only a few weeks.
"You have to admire his determination." Shizune stated, with Tsunade nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, I half expected him to give up after our first training session in dodging and evading, but the brat definitely isn't one to give up." Replied Tsunade, having been impressed that rather than whining or giving up, Naruto simply kept getting back up each time he was knocked down.
Tsunade herself actually had to stop the training a few times, when Naruto began getting too exhausted and tired, even when he said he could keep going.
The two then saw Naruto dispel his clones before walking over to them.
"So, what do you both think?" Naruto asked, wanting to know what they thought of his progress and if he's ready to advance to the more advanced stages of his training.
The two Medic-Ninja looking Naruto over while sensing his Chakra, seeing that it was much more controlled than before.
"I believed you're ready to start learning actual Medical Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, Naruto. With your improved Chakra Control, you'll be able to begin learning them, with it only improving as you practice and train more." Shizune said, believing Naruto was ready to advanced further in his training, with Tsunade nodding in agreement.
"Agreed, it also won't be long before you're ready to start learning to use my super strength, you'll just need to improve your Chakra Control some more or else you'll risk breaking your arms and legs." Added Tsunade, knowing a person's Chakra Control needed to be extremely precise to learn her super strength, or else they'll risk damaging their body.
"Thanks, I couldn't have gotten this far without you two helping me. And I'm ready to start on what you have to teach me next." Naruto replied, only for Tsunade and Shizune to shake their heads, as they returned to their camp.
The three having left Tanzaku Gai, a few days after Naruto won the bet, given they were sure by now rumors would start spreading of a kid claiming to be Tsunade's illegitimate son. Meaning it wouldn't have been long before Konoha or other villages, or certain organizations came searching. Even more so, when Tsunade herself actually shows up, so they had to leave before anyone could come searching.
"Easy brat, you've already been training since the sun started rising, you can rest for the rest of the day. And if you're so eager to keep training, then why don't you practice your Fūinjutsu. Cause from what I've seen so far, you could probably give that old pervert Jiraiya a run for his money, in a few months, if not weeks." Said Tsunade having seen some of Naruto's seals that he's been working on and thinking of, and safe to say she was impressed with the ideas he has.
Plus, given she's part Uzumaki herself, Tsunade had knack for the art as well, even if it wasn't her main field of focus, she could still recognize and understand seals.
"Agreed, you've certainly inherited your clans talent for seals, Naruto. It's also impressive with the designs and schematics you've begun making for Ninja Tools. I never would have expected the Nations would advance so far in technology, to make things like Foam Spray and the Kote." Said Shizune, amazed at the idea of Scientific Ninja Tools, having never thought such things would exist, yet they did in the future Naruto saw and so much more.
"What I wouldn't have given for Powered Suits to exist, already." Tsunade muttered, knowing how useful Powered Suits would be for crippled or injured Ninja, allowing them to still fight while healing and rehabilitating their bodies, not to mention being able to absorb Ninjutsu as well.
"Yeah, it was definitely surprising when they began being unveiled, with more and more being created every year." Replied Naruto, knowing Scientific Ninja Tools are something no one would think are possible to build, even the Land of Snow only has Chakra Armor to negate Ninjutsu.
"As for my seals, I'm working on a Barrier Seal that'd prevent those inside it from using their Chakra, but still allow them to use Senjutsu and Natural Energy. And another to be applied to someone and actively absorb Natural Energy to be released and activate Sage Mode instantly." Naruto added, knowing he couldn't rely on Shadow Clones to gather Natural Energy, so he's working on a way to be able to instantly enter Sage Mode.
The only problem was making sure the seal doesn't absorb too much Natural Energy and turn him into a statue, when it's released.
"Huh, I thought some of those seals looks familiar." Said Tsunade, having noticed some of his seals and ideas seemed familiar, getting Naruto's attention at hearing this.
"How were they familiar?" Naruto asked, with the Senju tapping her forehead, right where her Strength of a Hundred Seal is.
"This was originally created by my grandmother, Mito. Given that Uzumaki and those descended from them possess unnaturally large and powerful Chakra Reserves, she created this as a means to help them work on their Chakra Control. It's based on a much older seal from way before even the Warring Clans Era, which she improved on to store a vast amount of Chakra, allowing the Uzumaki to control the reserves they have left and release it little by little over time, until they had perfect Chakra Control. Though another benefit was that they could fully release the seal to gain a massive power boost from the stored up Chakra, before resealing it away." Tsunade explained, surprising Naruto at hearing this.
"Granny Mito was the one who taught me to use it, since me being descended from both the Senju and Uzumaki Clans, even more so that I was the Shodaime Hokage's granddaughter, I possessed the same large Chakra Reserves. It's also what inspired me to create my Creation Rebirth and later on combine them together to make the Ninja Art Creation Rebirth-Strength of a Hundred Technique. Though my grandmother also left me all her notes on the Strength of a Hundred Seal, including that she had planned to make a new version of it, after seeing my grandfather's Sage Mode. She wanted to make it so it could also absorb and store away Natural Energy, allowing a person to instantly enter Sage Mode when it was released. Unfortunately, my grandfather died before she could ask him how Sage Mode worked and the dangers of it, leaving me her notes on what she had." Said Tsunade, surprising the whiskered blonde again.
"Did you ever find a way to do it?" Questioned Naruto, knowing that'd be extremely helpful, only for Tsunade to shake her head.
"No, I never had the time. Given the wars that started, and me not knowing anything about Sage Mode or Natural Energy, before Jiraiya first used Sage Mode, himself. While Jiraiya never mastered Sage Mode and I wasn't sure if my grandfather's Sage Mode worked differently from his, due to his strong connection to nature with his Mokuton. And after the wars all ended, I just…didn't care about trying to finish it at that point." Tsunade replied, knowing after the Ninja Wars ended, she'd simply stopped caring about anything Ninja related, after the deaths of Nawaki and Dan.
"I just remembered it, after seeing your own notes and what kind of seals you plan on making. I still have my grandmother's notes, if you want to look at them, and see if they could help." Offered Tsunade, which Naruto nodded gratefully at.
"They may be able to. But I could also teach you Fūinjutsu." Naruto replied, wanting to help Tsunade learn more about Fūinjutsu.
"That's fine brat, I doubt you'll have time for your own training and trying to teach me Fūinjutsu." Tsunade said, only for Naruto to shake his head.
"I still want to teach you, since you are part Uzumaki and it's your grandmothers work. You deserve the chance to finish yourself, since she trusted you with her research. And I want to help you as much as I can." Stated Naruto, surprising the woman at his words.
"And you'd really think you'd be able to teach me enough about Fūinjutsu, to the point where I could finish Granny Mito's work?" Tsunade asked with skepticism, knowing Fūinjutsu is one of the most difficult Ninja Arts to learn, even more so since she didn't practice it regularly.
"Yeah, since you are a really talented Ninja, and being part Uzumaki will help you learn it even faster. Besides, you're already really strong, just imagine how much stronger you'd be if you learned how to use Sage Mode." Said Naruto, making Tsunade nod, having seen Jiraiya's Sage Mode and how much stronger he was in it.
If she could learn to use it, she'd be stronger than ever before.
'Maybe I could even find a way to improve my Creation Rebirth.' Tsunade thought, knowing for how powerful her Creation Rebirth was, it did have the drawback of shortening the users lifespan every time it's used.
Maybe by improving her Strength of a Hundred Seal and learning to use Sage Mode, she could improve that as well to where it'd be able to revive dead cells rather than forcibly creating new ones. Allowing her to safely use it without shortening her lifespan any more, than it was from previous uses.
"Okay brat, if you're so determined, then you can show me what you know about Fūinjutsu. Also, don't think a little flattery will make me go easy on you, otherwise you'll see just how strong I really am." Tsunade said, smirking at Naruto, thinking he was complimenting her to take it easy on him in training.
"It's not flattery, if it's true. I really believe you're a great and powerful Ninja. Both with your strength and determination, it's why I wanted to find you to teach me. If I had any hope of fighting the coming threats, you were the one I knew would help me be prepared." Replied Naruto, having seen numerous times that Tsunade deserved to be called a Sannin and Hokage, with the Senju looking at him in surprise by his words.
"Oh…well…don't sell yourself short, Naruto. You're only getting this far with your own strength and determination, since a teacher's only as good as their student. And so far, you've proven to be a pretty good student." Said Tsunade, not expecting him to hold her so highly.
Naruto nodded before he looked at Shizune, who had been smiling at their interaction, seeing how well they were getting along.
"By the way Shizune, what's your Elemental Affinity?" Naruto asked, getting a confused looked from the ravenette.
"I have a Water Affinity. Why?" Said Shizune, wondering why he suddenly asked that.
"It's because of that Poison Mist Jutsu you know, along with all your knowledge about poisons and chemicals. I was thinking of ways you could expand on them, depending on what your Affinity was. And if you have a Water Affinity, then that makes it even better. As some ideas I had were creating poison variations of Water Ninjutsu, like with the Hidden Mist Jutsu you could create a poisonous mist that either kills or paralyzes anyone inside of it." Explained Naruto, surprising the two at the idea.
"Huh, I've never actually thought of doing that before." Shizune muttered, having never thought of expanding her Jutsu or creating poisonous variations of other Ninjutsu.
"Yeah, it was something I was thinking of recently. Another thing, is that you would be able to learn to use the Strength of a Hundred Seal, since in the other future, Sakura told me how she was able to successfully use it. So, you'd be able to use it as well, while still being capable of fighting and using Medical Ninjutsu." Naruto revealed, surprising Tsunade and Shizune at hearing this.
"Would I actually be able to use it?" Asked Shizune, a little hopeful, as while she had loved being Tsunade's apprentice and learning everything she had to teach, she did feel that she's come up short with her inability to learn the Strength of a Hundred Seal.
"Yeah, she'd been able to find a way to divert some of the stored up Chakra back into her normal reserves, allowing her to still fight and perform Medical Ninjutsu. The only thing would be to get your own Chakra Control up to a better level." Replied Naruto, with Shizune looking at Tsunade, wondering if she'd be willing to teach her to use it.
"If you're sure Shizune, then I'll teach it to you, but only after you get your Chakra Control up." Tsunade said, willing to teach her apprentice how to use it, making Shizune smile happily at getting the chance to learn to use the seal.
"Thank you Tsunade-sama, I promise I won't let you down. And thank you Naruto, for your ideas and offer to help." Replied Shizune while smiling at them both.
"You don't have to thank me Shizune, I'm glad to help either of you anyway I can to help you get stronger." Naruto said, wanting to help them get stronger both for the coming threats, and because he cared about them.
This made the two smile, finding themselves surprised at Naruto's kindness and his willingness to help those he cares about. Seeing more of how he was able to convince Tsunade to return to Konoha in the other future, besides his resemblance to Dan and Nawaki.
*Later*
Naruto sighed in relaxation as he sat in a hot spring, the three of them having headed into town to relax for the rest of the day and pick up some supplies. With Naruto having decided to go to nearby hot spring to enjoy the water.
'I guess it doesn't hurt to relax, every now and then.' Naruto thought, admitting that Tsunade and Shizune were right, that he shouldn't overwork himself, and he did still have time before the first big threats appear; having three years until the Akatsuki begin targeting the Jinchūriki.
And with the progress he's making, he'll be even more prepared than he was in the alternate timeline.
'How the other me got by with just Shadow Clones and the Rasengan, I'll never know.' Thought Naruto with a deadpan expression, knowing he did have an absurd amount of luck, but to survive several encounters with S-Rank Missing-Nin and even defeat several of them, it seemed impossible especially with his limited move set.
Though suddenly, Naruto was pulled from his thoughts when the door slid open, getting his attention. Only to immediately blush brightly, when he saw Tsunade and Shizune enter the hot spring in nothing but towels, with the two soon taking notice of the Uzumaki as well.
'Oh come on! Why did this have to happen again?!' Naruto thought, mentally cursing while trying to reign in his hormones, having hoped this would be one of the things that didn't transfer over from the original timeline.
Remembering all the awkward times, that he ended up bathing with Tsunade and Shizune, due to mixed bathing. Something he'd hope to avoid this time around, but it seems that wasn't a possibility now. With it not helping, when he heard Kurama cackling inside his mindscape.
'Oh, I'm so glad you find this so funny!' Thought Naruto as Kurama continued laughing.
"Of course, I find it funny! Your humiliation brings me joy!" Laughed Kurama, making Naruto growl lowly, while swearing to pay the fox back for that.
While Tsunade and Shizune saw Naruto, fully aware of the reaction he must be getting right now from seeing them in nothing, but towels.
"Aaaaaah, what's the matter brat? I thought you'd like seeing your Nee-chan in nothing but a towel? Isn't that why you came here?" Tsunade asked with a teasing smirk, as Naruto glared at her.
"I told you I'm not a Siscon! And I came here to relax!" Retorted Naruto.
"Tsunade-sama, please don't tease Naruto. Let's just relax in the water, alright." Said Shizune, making Naruto nod gratefully at her.
"Thank you, Shiz-" Naruto said, only to stop when Shizune smiled teasingly at him.
"Besides, I was looking forward to spending some quality time with my adorable otouto." Shizune added, much to Naruto's disbelief.
"I thought you were supposed to be nice?!" Said Naruto, not believing Shizune was teasing him now, too.
"Oh, I'm sure Shizune would be happy to show you how nice she can really be, especially for her Siscon of a little brother. Or maybe you were hoping to see both of us here brat? Hoping we'd give you a show for being so sweet and kind?" Tsunade said slyly.
"I'm not a Siscon! And yeah, like I'd really want to bathe with you Granny. How about I leave, I'm sure your old bones could use the water more than me." Naruto retorted with a smirk, making Tsunade narrow her eyes, before she smirked.
"Oh no, by all means, stay. After all, getting hit with as many boulders as you have must leave you really sore. Not to mention all those trees you crashed through." Tsunade stated, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Oh yeah, definitely. But I'm perfectly fine letting you have it, especially since you might have broken your hip, needing to lift those boulders." Said Naruto.
"No, the only thing I got, was a headache from listening to you; but I'm afraid there's no cure for that." Replied Tsunade, with Naruto getting out of the water, while quickly wrapping his towel around himself.
"You sure it wasn't from your last hangover?! Maybe you should cutback on the drinking!" Naruto said as they both looked at each other, with narrowed eyes.
"And maybe you should respect your elders, brat!" Tsunade retorted.
"Oh you admit you're an elder, glad we agree on something, Granny!" Said Naruto, with a smirk.
"Maybe next, you'll finally admit to being a Siscon, brat!" Tsunade said, grabbing Naruto in a headlock.
"Look who's talking! Maybe you're a Shotacon with wanting to bathe with a young boy! Or does that make you a cradle robber?!" Said Naruto, before stomping on Tsunade's foot making her let him go.
"Oh you little!" Tsunade said as they glared at each other, while continuing their rough housing, making Shizune smile nervously and tried to get between them.
"U-uh, m-maybe we should all just relax and get in the water, that should help us-EEP!" Shizune said, only to squeal when all three of them ended up falling onto the ground.
Something that also resulted in them losing their towels, which they realized when they stood up, only to see they were all naked, much to their shock and embarrassment.
'Kami.' Thought Naruto, looking at Tsunade and Shizune, unable to help but notice how beautiful both of them were, seeing the Senju's massive F-cup breasts and Shizune's surprisingly large D-cup breasts, and their mature and curvaceous figures.
'Oh…wow.' Shizune thought looking at Naruto's physic, seeing that his training was certainly paying off, something Tsunade thought as well before their eyes began drifting lower, with the ravenette blushing brightly and even the blonde Sannin having a faint blush.
'…Guess he's not a brat, after all.' Thought Tsunade, seeing how big Naruto was in other areas, for his age.
The three standing silently before managing to regain their towels and continue their soak in the water, though now with an awkward silence and embarrassment. Though Naruto kept occasionally glancing at Tsunade and Shizune, with both women doing the same to him, before quickly looking away.
*Mt. Myōboku*
Meanwhile, within Mt. Myōboku, Jiraiya was working on perfecting his Sage Mode, before his eyes suddenly snapped open at feeling a strange disturbance.
"I suddenly have the strange feeling to be proud and envious of the kid, for some reason." Jiraiya muttered, getting the feeling of being proud and envious of Naruto, but wasn't sure why, only to yelp when Fukasaku and Shima both smacked him on the head.
"What did we say about getting distracted, Jiraiya-boy?!" Demanded Shima, seeing he'd lost focus on meditating.
"If you want any hope of completing your Senjutsu Training, you must remain completely focused on the task at hand." Fukasaku added, with Jiraiya nodding while rubbing his head.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Replied Jiraiya, having hoped to never experience being hit by them again, but knew he needed to truly complete his Senjutsu Training and master Sage Mode
The Toad Sage having decided to do this, after meeting with Gamamaru and learned some rather shocking news.
*Flashback*
"The future is gone?!" Jiraiya said in disbelief, looking up at Gamamaru with wide eyes, not believing what he just said.
"The future isn't gone Jiraiya, didn't you hear me? I said that the future is in a constant state of flux now, I can no long see any one future." Said Gamamaru, no longer able to see the future clearly, anymore.
"And what about the Prophecy? Does this mean the future is gone? Will Naruto no longer bring peace?" Questioned Jiraiya, wondering if this had to do with Naruto seeing the future.
If so, then that meant he really was the Child of Prophecy destined to bring peace to the world!
"That was only one future I saw Jiraiya, it was never set in stone that the world would know true peace. I saw many outcomes for the Prophecy, some good, some bad, and ones that were in between. There were even a few, where the Prophecy was never fulfilled, with Naruto choosing his own path. But now, I can no longer pinpoint a specific future, everything is moving out of my ability to see." Gamamaru revealed, much to Jiraiya's shock, having believed that was the only future, now hearing there could have been multiple paths that could have happened, before shaking his head and focusing on what's happening now.
"Well can you at least tell me about this evil that Naruto saw in future? What he may have seen that made him leave Konoha, to prepare for it?" Jiraiya asked, hoping for at least a clue on what this evil is, that Naruto saw.
"If young Naruto did look into the future and saw an evil that could destroy the world, then there is only one I know of, that could be the cause of it. Her name is…"
*End Flashback*
"Kaguya Ōtsutsuki." Jiraiya muttered with a frown, still having no idea who that could be or how powerful she could be, only that she must be more powerful than anyone alive or dead.
The only clue, if it could be called that, was that Jiraiya now has her name, Kaguya. The same name as the Kaguya Clan, in the Land of Water. The Sannin hoping to find some kind of clue about Kaguya, by seeing what's left of the Kaguya Clan; if she's connected to them, somehow.
But for now, he needed to focus on completing his training.
*Konoha*
While within Konoha, Kakashi was busy training his new students and members of Team Seven; Sasuke, Hinata, and Sai, the latter of whom was a former ROOT Recruit before Danzō was finally killed.
'They've come a long way.' Kakashi thought, proud of how far his team has come since the Bell Test, seeing that Sasuke was starting to work more with his teammates, Sai wasn't turned into an emotionless drone and could still feel his emotions, while Hinata was much more confident than her time in the Academy.
The latter of which, Kakashi knew it had to be attributed to the letter that Naruto had left her, knowing she'd received one as well. And whatever it said lit a fire in Hinata, as she'd begun training seriously and growing at an astonishing rate.
"Okay, I think that's enough training for today! Let's go meet the Hokage for another D-Rank Mission!" Kakashi said, calling his students over as they stopped their training.
"Why are we still doing D-Ranks? We're already much stronger than we were in the Academy and passed the Bell Test, showing we can work together. We should be doing C-Ranks by now." Said Sasuke in annoyance at going on another D-Rank Mission, feeling they shouldn't be wasting time doing such tasks.
"Actually I read in one of the Academy books, that new Genin usually wait at least six months to a year, before going on their first C-Rank Mission; unless they're a truly exceptional team. And while we may work well together, it may be best to ensure we are truly prepared for a C-Rank, never knowing how difficult they could be." Sai stated, with the Uchiha giving him an annoyed look.
"We are prepared, the most difficult thing we'd encounter would be some bandits; nothing that couldn't be handled by just one of us." Retorted Sasuke.
"Maybe if you thought less with your ego, you'd know anything could happen outside the village. Just because C-Rank Missions are easy on paper, doesn't mean they'll be easy in real-life. You'd know that if you actually used your brain." Said Hinata, making Sasuke glare at her, while Kakashi sighed.
While his students have grown, there were still a few hiccups, such as Sasuke's ego getting the better of him at times, and Hinata usually being the only one to call him out on it.
"Enough. We'll see how you all are in another month or two, then we'll see if you're ready for a C-Rank." Kakashi said, with Sasuke grunting in annoyance, while Hinata and Sai nodded before they headed for the Hokage's Tower.
*With Team Eight*
At another training ground, Team Eight consisting of Ino Yamanaka, Chōji Akimichi, and Shino Aburame were waiting for their own teacher, Kurenai Yūhi, to arrive. Ino having been annoyed at being placed on a team with Chōji and Shino, rather than being put on a team with Sasuke.
"Can you stop eating for once?!" Demanded Ino, looking at Chōji in annoyance, also getting annoyed that he always seemed to have a bag of chips in his hand.
"But I'm hungry." Chōji said, while eating his chips.
"You're always hungry! And stop just…standing there and staring!" Ino said looking at Shino, who hasn't moved a muscle since they arrived, the only sound coming from him being the faint buzzing of his insects.
"Would you like me to stop breathing, as well?" Shino asked rhetorically, making the Yamanaka groan in annoyance, before standing in front of them.
"Okay that's it! We've already been a team for a few weeks now and so far, we've only had Kurenai-sensei around to tell us what to do! But with all the times she's not around, I think we need someone in charge when she isn't here. And I for one elect myself, given I'm the smartest and most level-headed member of the team; it's only natural that I'm the leader, while sensei isn't here. Given you're too gluttonous and lazy Chōji, and you're too obsessed with your creepy bugs, Shino. So, that means I'll be the leader while Kurenai-sensei is gone." Said Ino with a smirk.
"That's quite a claim Ino, but I think your sensei would have a different opinion." Kurenai said from behind Ino, having arrived to hear what the Yamanaka said, making the girl jump back and look at the woman with wide eyes.
"Though I do like the idea of one of you being in charge, while I'm away, as there will be times when I'm not around to guide you. So, whenever I'm not here, Shino, you'll be the leader of Team Eight." Said Kurenai, much to Ino's disbelief.
"I'll do my best Kurenai-sensei." Shino replied, while pushing his glasses up.
"Bu-" Ino went to argue, only to be silenced at a look from the new Jōnin.
'I'll have to deal with that ego of hers before it becomes a problem.' Kurenai thought, knowing she need to take Ino down a couple notches before her ego gets her in trouble, along with working on Chōji's lack of motivation, besides when food is involved.
*With Team Ten*
Meanwhile, Asuma had an uphill battle with his own Team Ten, with Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shikamaru Nara. With how Sakura and Kiba tended to buttheads due to their clashing personalities, and Shikamaru's lazy nature also proving to be a problem. Thankfully though, he was able to find ways around the latter, thanks to Shikamaru's enjoyment of Shoji and the like. But the Jōnin still knew he had his work cut out for him, with his team.
'I swear, the old man gave me this team on purpose, I just know it.' Thought Asuma, knowing his father had to be messing with him by assigning him these students.
"What did you just say, mutt?!" Sakura shouted.
"You heard me, unless you're deaf and blind to wear that much red, to match that pink dye you're wearing!" Retorted Kiba.
"This is my natural hair color, dogface!" Said Sakura.
"More like naturally awful, and you wonder why Sasuke doesn't give you a second glance!" Kiba said, before Sakura tackled him as they began fighting, again.
'Definitely on purpose.' Asuma thought, sighing before going to break up the fighting duo.
*Hokage's Office*
'This year's Genin are shaping up to be rather promising.' Thought Hiruzen, looking over the files of all the Genin that had passed this year, seeing they had plenty of potential, though they were still rough around the edges, in regards to some of their personalities and skillsets, but were otherwise looking like a promising batch.
The Hokage then looked at the files for the Genin in the reserves, that while passing their Jōnin Sensei's test, they weren't a complete team. The two being Shin and Ami, while their third teammate, Hibachi, had failed. And was dropped from the Shinobi Program all together, due to him nearly getting Ami killed during the test. Thankfully, Shin was able to save her, with the two passing and being placed in the reserves, until a third teammate could be found for them on Team Eleven.
'Even then, it may end being only Ami, with Shin's unfortunate illness.' Thought Hiruzen, while letting out a sigh, having learned from Shin himself that he had a terminal illness, one that none of them were able to heal.
'At least, if we're unable to save him; Shin can pass, knowing what it's like to be a free Ninja, and not one of Danzō's disposable pawns.' Sarutobi thought, his mind drifting to when he killed Danzō, once and for all.
One thing he'd give to his former friend, was that he didn't go down quietly. But against the Sandaime, Kakashi, and Jiraiya, he didn't stand a chance, even with the Izanagi and the Mokuton. With Kakashi's Kamui having been vital in preventing Danzō from triggering his Suicide Seal, before Sarutobi separated his head from his body and burning it all to ash. While the rest of ROOT was dealt with by his Shinobi Forces, with the recruits that weren't fully converted being taken and integrated back into the village.
He'd also discovered all of Danzō's files and saw the true extent of how far he'd fallen. Learning he'd not only been making deals with Orochimaru, one of which was a planned invasion for the upcoming Chūnin Exams. With Orochimaru having also been making dealings with Rasa, to get his support and assistance for the invasion.
Which lead the Hokage to try and work out the flaws in the treaty between Konoha and Suna, in hopes of deterring Suna from attacking. But also preparing for the chance that they'll go through with the invasion regardless, knowing he couldn't afford to take any chances.
Along with learning that Danzō had even been making deals with a Masked Uchiha, claiming to be Madara Uchiha, something that made the Hokage scoff at the hypocrisy. That despite his hatred and fear of the Uchiha Clan, to the point he'd manipulate Itachi into wiping them out. He'd still being willing to work with a rogue Uchiha, who may be responsible for the Kyūbi Attack.
'But this may mean, that this Uchiha could also know the truth behind the Uchiha Massacre. A truth, he could tell Sasuke.' Hiruzen thought, knowing this put him at a crossroad, on telling Sasuke the truth or not.
Both of which having several consequences to the choices, thought the latter may prevent Sasuke from fully falling to the Curse of Hatred, yet had just as much of a risk in only accomplishing the opposite. And if he learned the truth from the Masked Uchiha, who could manipulate the facts to his favor, which would instill the flames of hatred towards Konoha in Sasuke.
'No matter what choice I make, I'll have to accept the consequences and deal with them.' Thought Sarutobi, while pulling out his pipe and taking a puff, knowing he's at a crossroads and whichever road he takes will be dangerous.
*Unknown Location*
Meanwhile, within a cave, the holographic images of the Akatsuki appeared, with only one physically there being Zetsu.
"What do you have to report Zetsu?" Said Pein, looking at the plant-like being.
"News from Konoha, it would seem the Kyūbi Jinchūriki has left and he's now traveling with Tsunade. Unfortunately, we don't know the reason behind this sudden action of leaving his village, nor how he was able to locate Tsunade so quickly." Zetsu said, making Pein frown at hearing this, confused at why the Kyūbi Jinchūriki would suddenly leave his village and now travel with a Sannin.
"Itachi, does this seem like something the Kyūbi Jinchūriki would do?" Pein said, turning to the Uchiha, given how he was from Konoha, he must have a good idea of the boy would act.
"Unfortunately, I'm unsure as to Naruto's thinking, since I only ever encountered him a handful of times, during my time in Konoha, and that was only from a distance. Though I do know he's known to making brash decisions, leaving the village wasn't one I considered him doing. So I'm unsure, as to what could have caused this." Replied Itachi, just as confused by Naruto's actions, knowing he would never abandon Konoha or his dream of becoming Hokage.
'What could you be planning, Naruto?' Itachi thought, knowing something drastic must have happened to make him leave, while planning to find and confront him to get answers.
Pein frowned at this, having hoped to get a clue on what the boy could be doing, but knew it couldn't be helped.
"Regardless, this changes nothing. However, all of you will now keep a closer watch on your respective targets, and any news from the Hidden Villages on their Jinchūriki. Don't make any moves to capture them however, as we can't afford to make our move yet." Said Pein, not wanting to get any more unexpected surprises, or news of Jinchūriki suddenly leaving their villages.
*Otogakure*
"I'm sorry, would you care to repeat that Kabuto? As it sounds like you just said Naruto Uzumaki has left Konoha and is now traveling with Tsunade, after posing as her illegitimate son." Orochimaru said, looking at his right-hand man, wondering if he's playing some elaborate joke on him.
"That's correct, Orochimaru-sama. I don't know what caused Naruto's sudden change in behavior, only that after he stole the Forbidden Scroll of Seals, he then soon returned it, before vanishing. With rumors of him being in Tanzaku Gai eventually spreading, with him claiming to be Tsunade's illegitimate son. Then next thing we know, Tsunade's now traveling with her apprentice and Naruto, himself." Explained Kabuto, much to the Snake Sannin's disbelief and genuine surprise.
"And…he's still alive?" Questioned Orochimaru, completely dumbfounded by this news, knowing how Tsunade would react to anyone daring to claim to be her son, by crushing their heads like a grape or throwing them through a mountain.
Yet, somehow, Naruto not only survived, but is now traveling with his former teammate.
'Well…this has certainly taken an interesting turn.' Orochimaru thought, intrigued and amused by this turn of events, that not only was Konoha without a Jinchūriki, but what could have caused Naruto to leave in the first place.
'Hmm, perhaps I'll send one of my subordinates to investigate the matter.' Thought Orochimaru, contemplating sending someone to investigate this, with his intrigue peaked and wanting to find what caused this.
*Timeskip-One Week*
*Land of Waves*
'And that's one small problem dealt with.' Naruto thought, looking at Gatō's corpse, before cutting off his head and sealing away his fortune.
While Gatō wasn't a major concern, his hold over the Land of Waves made him a target, given that while Naruto didn't have the same feelings for the island nation. It still didn't feel right for him to not deal with Gatō when he had the chance. Plus, this way, there wouldn't be any reason for Tazuna to get a mission request at Konoha for help, allowing him to focus on building his bridge.
Exiting the hideout, Naruto sighed before jumping up, just as two chains shot up from the ground and would have wrapped around him, had he not jumped. With the Demon Brothers soon jumping out as well, with Naruto Shunshining behind Gōzu and delivering a spin kick to the back of his head. Before grabbing the chain attached to his gauntlet and throwing it at Meizu, who raised his gauntlet to block it. Only for the chain to wrap around his gauntlet, with Naruto then yanking him forward and slamming his fist into his face.
The Uzumaki then ducked under a swipe from Gōzu, followed by knocking his legs out from under him and smashing his fist into hist face. Before either Demon Brother had time to recover, Naruto grabbed their chains and quickly wrapped them up in them, along with placing Chakra Suppression Seals on them as well.
"Okay! These two are incapacitated, you both can come out now!" Naruto called out, already knowing what's coming next, as he bent backwards to avoid being bisected by a familiar giant blade.
Along with pulling out a kunai and deflecting numerous senbon thrown at him, before soon he saw both Zabuza and the masked Haku appear, with the former retrieving his sword.
"Well now, aren't you a talented brat, being able to not only take down the Demon Brothers, but also sense both of us and avoid or block our attacks. Unfortunately, you also killed our employer, so you'll have to die." Zabuza said, pointing Kubikiribōchō at Naruto, while Haku pulled out more senbon, only for Naruto to hold his hands up.
"I'm not hear to fight, I was already aware you all would be here, but I only came to kill Gatō. And here, you can consider this compensation." Said Naruto, pulling out a scroll and throwing it at Zabuza, only for Haku to catch it, in case it was a trap.
"What is it?" Zabuza demanded, as Haku opened the scroll, only to be surprised when several bags of ryo popped out, along with several papers on top.
"That's not only the amount of money Gatō promised you, but it's double the amount, the rest of his money will be going to the people of Wave, though. As for those papers, they're proof that Gatō was planning on betraying you, the moment you killed Tazuna." Said Naruto, surprising them before they looked at the papers, angered to see Gatō had been planning to hire a small army of thugs to kill them, while even planning to contact Yagura and Kirigakure, telling them that they're here in Wave to collect their bounties.
"Okay, I'll bite, why are you giving us all this money, and telling us the pig was going to betray us?" Questioned Zabuza, now simply confused at his actions.
"Simple, in exchange for that, I just ask for my life in return, and that you'll all travel with me and my companions to help me with my training." Naruto replied, knowing Zabuza and Haku would both be great in helping him with his training.
Plus, Naruto couldn't deny the chance to travel with the girl who helped shape his Ninja Way, along with her mentor, who helped open his eyes to what it means to be a Ninja.
This now made Zabuza skeptical, not knowing if he was being serious or not, but after seeing how easily he defeated the Demon Brothers, he knew that'd put Naruto at a high-Chūnin-to-low-Jōnin level.
'If the runt's already that talented, then he may prove useful in helping to take down Yagura.' Zabuza thought, knowing if this kid was as talented as Haku is, then both of them together could have the potential to kill Yagura, before he could use the Sanbi's power.
"Free them first." Said Zabuza, wanting to test this kid first and see what he's made of, with Naruto shrugging before he went over and released the Demon Brothers, while removing the seals.
The two immediately jumping to Zabuza's side, as all four got into stances.
"Now, what's exactly stopping us from killing you right now, and taking the rest of the money?" Zabuza demanded, while flaring his Killing Intent, only to be surprised when Naruto simply smiled coldly.
"Check their gauntlets." Said Naruto, making them tense as they looked at the Demon Brothers gauntlets, only to be shocked and freaked out at seeing Explosive Tags attached to them.
"Those Explosive Tags are strong enough to turn this entire hideout and surrounding area into a fiery crater. You so much as make a move to attack me, you'll be nothing but ashes in a few moments. I'm also just a Shadow Clone, the real me is a safe distance away, so don't think I won't." Naruto threatened, making them look at him with wide eyes, seeing he wasn't bluffing.
"Okay, then you have a deal." Said Zabuza, seeing this kid wasn't some average brat that thinks being a ninja is fun and games, and also wasn't stupid either.
"Good…because that was just a giant bluff." Naruto revealed, before making a handsign, with the Explosive Tags simply dissolving into ash, much to the fours disbelief that he actually tricked them.
*Later*
After delivering Gatō's head and money to the people of the Land of Wave, Naruto along with Zabuza, Haku, and the Demon Brothers made their way back to the mainland.
"Alright kid, where these other companions of yours?" Zabuza asked, wanting to know who else they'll be traveling with, for the foreseeable future.
But all four of them were shocked, when they arrived at Naruto's camp, where they saw Tsunade and Shizune waiting for them.
"I'm sure you know Tsunade Senju of the Sannin and her apprentice Shizune Katō. They are my companions, along with my other teachers, that you'll be working with to train me." Replied Naruto, with a small smirk at their expressions.
'This kid…was being trained by a SANNIN?!' Zabuza thought in shock and disbelief, not expecting Naruto to be getting training from a Sannin of all people.
Before the Demon of the Mist began realizing that he might have just the goldmine with this deal, knowing now that Yagura's days were finally numbered.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see how far Naruto's gotten, along with him having told Tsunade and Shizune of the coming threats as a show of trust and to make sure they could prepare themselves as well. With him also offering to teach them as well and giving new ideas for what they could learn, before leading to a moment in the hot springs where they all get an eyeful of each other. Then we see Jiraiya working on mastering Sage Mode along with learning about Kaguya from Gamamaru who can no longer see the future, before seeing the new Genin teams in Konoha, with them being very different than in canon, along with that Danzō is finally dead and ROOT recruits are being integrated back into the village. Then we see the Akatsuki and Orochimaru both learning about Naruto's departure from Konoha and that he's now traveling with Tsunade. Finally Naruto deals with Gatō and manages to get Zabuza, Haku, and the Demon Brothers to his group and help with his training. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out