Hey author here!
First of all we finally reached the one hundred comments, thank you all that have been supporting and commenting. Now to the comments!
Protector for all: Probably not. As I said before I don't like the Otsutsuki part of the series, so six paths chakra won't be as accessible as it was for Sasuke.
GunBlade2021: Well… Arturia is a much more complicated character to approach than Shirou is. After all she already had her own satisfactory end to her character arc on the Grail War, I mean her whole thing was she came to accept her failures and herself and learn to look past that, it's kinda hard to top that. There is no logical way you can say that she is unhappy or is doing something that goes against something or someone. Her country and world are long gone now, Shirou is by her side and almost nothing can pose a threat to her, at least for now, she has almost nothing to worry about and even has the man she loves with her, the only possible way to make any huge characterization with her would to either involve her kingship of Britain which is impossible or an fallout with Shirou which is illogical. But don't get me wrong I do pretend to make a few points of change on her attitude regarding other people and how she interacts with them, but in the same way it won't be anything on the same proportions as Shirou.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter! This one is a bit smaller as I just wanted to finish the training part and continue with the chunin exam.
*Chapter start*
In the same river as before massive wind explosions occur scaring all of the nearby animals.
"Booom"
"Errg,does everything she does involve explosions?" Jiraiya's clone says while overlooking his real self sparring with Aoi.
"If she wants to kill you, yes." Replies Shirou with a scroll on his lap.
"So? Do you think you can do it?" The clone asks while looking at Shirou with the scroll.
"Yes, but that isn't a surprise. I already knew that I was capable of using neutral types of jutsus and had already tried a few sealing techniques before. Nothing on this scale, but I'm adapting." Shirou says not taking his eyes from the scroll or being distracted by the ongoing fight.
Turing to look over the fight or more specifically to Aoi's wind 'jutsu' Jiraiya says."When did she create such ninjutsu? There is almost no jutsu like this one, its flexibility is on another level too. Though I assume the chakra consumption on that thing would be crazy… hmm had she ever thought of using it on anything else, like shurikens or her fists?"
"I don't think she ever thought of using it on anything else than her sword." Shirou says dodging the first question."But I'm more interested in the fact that you said that there is almost no equal to her jutsu. Is it really true? Could no one else come up with a jutsu similar to hers?"
Putting his hand on his chin Jiraiya says."Exactly as flexible as hers, with just natural transformation. Unless we talk about kekkei genkais, no, not really. But it is not like it was ever necessary to do that as most ninjutsu are either an offensive middle range to long range or a close quarters defensive one. Most shinobi prefer to engage in taijutsu or kenjutsu when they know that they will win, her fighting style is much more like a samurai than a shinobi. Anyone that reached the level when they can learn this kind of technique don't usually fight head on like her."
After a few minutes the duo finally stop the fight and return back to the group as the shadow clone disappears and Jiraiya closes his eyes for a second.
"Hmm, I have nothing I can criticize about your sword, your sword techniques, you are way above my level of comprehension. Your jutsu is good enough to pose a threat to most jonin in this world, once you get older and stronger reaching my level or sensei's wouldn't be that hard as long as you continue to improve. For now we will follow as we planned before I will pass you some of my many water, fire and wind jutsu and your focus would be to implement them on your fighting style to increase your adaptability and to better counter your elemental weakness." Jiraiya says while looking at Aoi.
Aoi nods and then Jiraiya turns to look over Shirou."For now you can continue with your studying once every day I will come back to see your progress."
As Jiraiya says his final words he leaves with Aoi, leaving Shirou alone with his scroll."Have fun I guess."
"Scene break"
Onto a mountainous region several kilometers away from the training grounds Aoi and Shirou are using…
"You can do it Sasuke-kun, even if you're beat up like a ragdoll." Sasuke hears a screaming Izumi as another puch from Kakashi connects with his face, sending him flying. Wiping the dirt on his face again, Sasuke gets up from the ground to face Kakashi again as he also deals with a massive headache.
"Hmm, you are getting better, but still not enough. You are still struggling way too much to use your third tomoe even if temporarily." Kakashi says while taking his stance once again waiting for Sasuke to make his moviment.
Easy for you to say. You're not the one with a massive headache every time you try to use your sharinga.'
The two lock eyes with each other and then Sasuke jumps, hastily making hand seals.
'Fire release: Great Fireball'
Sasuke sends a massive fireball at Kakashi, but only to be countered by a water jet slitting the fireball in half.
Dodging the water blade Sasuke grips his sword, increasing the chakra density as he unsheathed it and slashing at Kakashi. Just before the blade could reach Kakashi's body he takes a kunai from his pouch and fastly makes several hand seals covering his kunai with electricity.
'Lightning release: Lightning Blade'
The blades collide sending waves of chakra and lightning everywhere, but not even a second later Kakashi overpowers Sasuke as he slashes him, dispersing the chakra concentrated on his blade and sending him a few meters back.
Not giving him any time Kakashi keeps the pressure with the lightning blade, forcing Sasuke to waste more chakra on his blade to keep up with Kakashi's. Even though Sasuke has the range advantage over Kakashi he more than compensates with superior speed and technique… and also a better sharingan.
Taking advantage of the pressured figure of Sasuke, Kakashi manages to land a low kick at Sasuke's heel making him fall on his butt. Sasuke tries to get up again but he is stopped by a sudden wave of nausea as his sharingan returns to its normal state, making him stay on the ground with a frustrated expression.
"Well, considering your chakra consumption you are doing well. There is no need to get angry. As you are now I'm sure you have a good chance of defeating that boy from the sand." Kakashi says while looking at Sasuke's expression." But I've been wondering, have you learned it yet?"
Sasuke feigns ignorance to Kakashi's question while avoiding Kakashi's eyes."Learned what?"
"Don't be like that, Sasuke-kun, since you saw Kakashi's Raikiri, you haven't stopped trying to force him to do it. There is no need to lie, I also couldn't stop ogling it after I saw it for the first time. The technique almost seems like it was made for the sharingan." Izumi says to the embarrassed Sasuke.
"It doesn't seems, It is. raikiri is an evolution to chidori, a lightning technique that I created based on another one. Its main problem was how the technique funnelled my vision during its performance with the increased velocity required during its use, making it extremely hard to orientate yourself while using the jutsu. That was when I didn't have my sharingan which completely removed the problem, raikiri is just a better version of chidori created with the intention of fully taking advantage of the sharingan's increased eyesight capabilities." Kakashi finishes his explanation before saying."But anyway, since you are already exhausted we will continue after a few minutes of rest and since you seem to like my raikiri I will see if you have what it takes to master it."
Kakashi then turns his attention to Izumi as he says."Izumi with me."
Kakashi says as he starts jumping away from the position Sasuke is currently on, ordering Izumi to follow him. As they distance themselves from their original position Kakashi asks."Do you know about the current mental state of that kid?"
Looking into Kakashi's eyes Izumi says."What are you referring to?
"Don't try to play smart with me Izumi. That boy is pushing himself too far in his quest for vengeance and having people like Shirou and Aoi at his side isn't helping him in the slightest. He is comparing himself to them way too much and it's not healthy. As they are right now… he is leagues below both of them and he is smart enough to notice this. For now things are within control because of the bond that they have, but what about the future? Orochimaru has already shown interest in him and frankly as things are now and with how obsessed he is with Itachi… I'm not sure if he would refuse to go with Orochimaru if he asked. You are the only person that he comes close to considering his family Izumi, I'm sure that if it's you he would at least listen." Kakashi says while seriously looking deep into Izumi's eyes.
As Izumi turns her eyes from Kakashi's, he presses the point further."You should consider talking to him. Maybe give him some time away from the shinobi world so that he can evaluate his decisions and try to make heads out what he wants for his life. Things are slowly but surely spiraling out of control Izumi and the consequences may be horrible."
Giving the conflicted woman some space, Kakashi leaves her alone and comes back to Sasuke.
"Hah… What should I do? He is definitively not ready yet." Sighs Izumi as she looks into the horizon, uncertain of what the future may hold for them.
*Scene break*
Sitting in front of an Exhausted Aoi and A reading Shirou Jiraiya says."Man I don't get why you are still reading it? Don't you get bored?"
Shirou without turning his eyes from the sealing techniques scroll says."Not really, unsurprising sealing techniques are quite useful."
'Might I say almost as useful as an entire world filled with legendary swords.'
"Besides that, it is refreshing being able to learn something that I can actually use in combat." Says Shirou with a smile.
'I can already picture a dozen of Caladbolg being sealed inside one single scroll, ready to blow up anything on my path. Or maybe a few hundred random swords at that point the effect be the same and way less costly. Or maybe sealing someone inside… that could actually work…'
"If you say so… Anyway it has been almost two weeks since we started and you two had progressed pretty well. I suggest for you two to use this last week to digest all the knowledge you gained and try to understand how to effectively use it in combat." Jiraiya says while looking at his two newest disciples with a smile.
"And since I will be doing some rescer-I mean I will be doing some missions for a while I will show you two one last jutsu." Jiraiya says while getting up.
Walking a few steps away from his disciples Jiraiya puts his hand in front of his body and opens his palm as he starts to perform the jutsu."This jutsu is called rasengan. IIt is mostly a neutral jutsu with only a small output of yin release to actually make it. This ninjutsu was created by Aoi's father and is considered an A-rank ninjutsu and his variant odama rasengan an S-rank ninjutsu."
As Jiraiya speaks, large amounts of chakra start to concentrate on his palm, slowly rotating and forming a bright, light blue sphere of chakra."And this is what happens when someone gets hit by it."
Jiraiya lowers his hand making so that the rasengan reaches the ground. On contact the rasengan easily descends, sending dust to the air as it easily descends into the ground like it is nothing. Letting go of the rasengan Jiraiya gives a small jump back avoiding the subsequent explosion that the jutsu created, making a perfect two meter wide spherical crater on the ground.
"So what are your thoughts?"Jiraiya asks with a proud smile.
Shirou that for the first time looked away from his scroll and gives his opinion."A perfect jutsu for close quarters, maybe it should be able to rival that jutsu kakashi-sensei used against Kakuzo and certainly should be able to stop other long range jutsu of the same level, but it seems like it would be hard to actually lend the attack on someone."
Aoi then says."And that without mentioning the chakra coast. I don't think an average genin has enough chakra to even create half of it. But I have to admit, if I learned it I would have an equivalent to a secondary weapon. While I don't know how the consumption to maintain the rasengan is activated, it doesn't seem as coasty as my usual technique and also gives me the advantage of not losing my sight of the enemy when I use it to block, contrary to wind king."
Looking at his disciples' options Jiraiya says while scratching his head."And I thought that Shirou would like it more."
Shirou shakes his head and says."It's not like I don't see the value of having rasengan as an option while fighting someone at close quarters. Is just that most of my most destructive techniques that I use are long distance ones and most of my fighting style revolves around them. Besides that, I'm not sure if I would be able to use rasengan frequently as it has a big chakra coast that I'm not able to sustain, differently of Aoi I still have to be more conservative of my reserves even if they are much bigger than someone of my age especially with how I have been fighting S-rank nukenin one after the other. And rasengan suits Aoi much more, it is direct, efficient and it does more than you would think if used correctly."
"Well this certainly had the opposite effect that I thought it would. But anyway, why don't you two try to practice the technique? Even if you two aren't able to use it, it still is a decent method of practicing chakra control, especially since Aoi found the technique interesting." Jiraiya says officially ending the training month." Besides that we have finished your training for the chunin exam. Any more than this would only be detrimental for your future steps as a shinobi. You two are officially dismissed… oh and you can keep the scroll Shirou. I don't have any more use to it anyway."
As Jiraiya sees his new disciples walking away from his field of vision with a smile a shadow appears in front of the man keeling on the ground and passing the sanin a scroll."Jiraiya-sama, you have been chosen for a mission by the Hokage."
The keeling man disappears as fast as he appeared, leaving Jiraiya alone with the scroll. Opening the scroll and reading it's contents Jiraiya releases a small sigh."Ahhh… and I thought that I could finally have some time for myself."
Making a few hand seals, Jiraiya quickly burns the scroll."Investigate several indices of infiltration, eh? A revengeful kage level shinobi suddenly appears in the middle of the chunin exams, the possibility of a jinchuuriki being one of the participants of the exam, an tokubetsu jonin assassinated and now traces of invasion in the village. Why do I feel that things will go very wrong?"
*Scene break*
"Where are those two idiots?" Aoi and Shirou get stunned as Izumi lets out a scream in the middle of the morning.
Massaging her head uncomfortably, Aoi says." I'm sure they will be back before the tournament begins."
After the few first days of training Sasuke and Kakashi completely stopped coming back to the compound.
"Ahh… I just hope Kakashi-senpai doesn't rub off his tendencies to get late all the time." Izumi says as she remembers her senpai's old costumes.
"Anyway, I have some work to do today. A lot of important people are going to show up to watch the finals. Due to some things… happening in the village the anbu has been tasked to maintain order around the village. So make sure to enjoy the festival, I will be rooting for you Aoi-chan." Izumi says with a smile, instantly vanishing as she finishes speaking.
"Well… I guess we have some time before the matches start. We could have a look at the festival. Maybe there is something fun to do." Shirou says.
"Hmm… It's not a bad idea, I only have to be present by eleven, so we still have some time." Aoi says, smiling.
The duo exit the Uchiha compound and reach the main road after a few minutes just in time to see the Kazekage parade makes its presence known with the sound of fireworks and the animated shouts of the crowd.
"I didn't think that the Kazekage would be so popular among Konoha's citizens." Shirou muzes while looking at the crowd shouting at the Kazekage's convoy." Especially since the alliance between Konohagakure and Sunagakure is fairly recent."
"Hm… well it's not like the civilians from Konoha were that involved in the war, most of the war was fought outside of the country and hardly affected them enough to show their hatred to the Sand. After all, they were in one of the safest places in the world at that time, but the Noble Clans of Konoha definitively aren't all that happy by their presence here in the village. They were the ones who suffered the highest losses during the last war." Aoi says while looking at the ceremonial wagon carrying the Kazekage.
"It seems to be heading to the termal district of the village-" Shirou says, noting the direction in which the convoy is moving.
"Aoi-ne-chan."
Hearing someone shouting her name, Aoi turns her attention to see the approaching figure of Konohamaru." What are you doing here Konohamaru? Aren't you supposed to be with your grandfather now?"
"Hmph, as if I would stay by Ji-chan's side while he does all that boring stuff. And this place is much cooler too." Konohamaru says while looking at the passing crowd, following the Kazekage.
"Ahh… fine, I don't really have time to look after the Hokage or any of your caretakers. So you better not cause problems until the final start and after that as well. Knowing you, you just try to get close to the kazekage's place for the most stupid reasons." Says Aoi while looking firmly into Konohamaru's eyes.
"Huh? And what is the problem with that? I'm the grandson of the Hokage, of course someone as important as me should go talk to him." Konohamaru says, as if it is a matter of fact.
"Hah… what I did to deserve this…" Aoi says while massaging her head." If you do anything stupid I will take your allowance."
"Eh? You can't do that, you aren't my mother." Konohamaru shouts while pointing at Aoi's face.
Furrowing her eyebrows Aoi says with a serious tone of voice."Try me."
Konohamaru cowers as Aoi takes him by the hand and starts walking." And how many times did I say to you to stop pointing at other people's faces?"
Looking at the duo in front of him Shirou says, smirking." Mommy Aoi is angry."
Turning to look behind at Shirou, Aoi just sends him a glare before focusing her attention at the road in front of her as she takes Konohamaru with her.
A few hours later in front of a stadium Aoi says to the two boys." I will be going now. My match is the first one."
"Hm, good luck." Shirou says with a small smile.
"Yeah, go kick some ass Aoi-ne-chan." Konohamaru says, shouting while punching his fist in the air.
"Hm, I will." Aoi says as she nods.
Passing through the two guards at the main entrance to the stadium and following through the main corridor Aoi finally reaches the arena, of which she seems to be one of the last to enter.
Aoi looks around and analyzes the arena.
'A big open place with some trees and bushes, tall walls preventing most attacks from reaching the audience. Unlike shinobi, such an open field that forces the fighters to meet each other head on and a place so that the entire world can see what is happening. This chunin exam definitively isn't about who has the ability to rank up, but which village has the bigger stick.'
As Aoi reaches the center of the arena where the other participants are, Shikamaru says." Wasn't Sasuke supposed to be with you, Aoi…-san?"
Ignoring Shikamaru's awkwardness about how to address her, she says." No he was under the tutelage of our sensei for the last month, him not being here is certainly Kakashi-sensei's fault."
"Oh, Kazekage-dono you finally came. I almost thought that you wouldn't get here in time, hohoho." At the top of one of the three bleachers where the audience are standing the Hokage greets the approaching figure of the Kazekage.
"Hmm, we got a worse than normal sandstorm while getting out of the village. It took us more time than we expected to reach Konoha, and your ever complicated architecture didn't help us one bit." The kazekage replies with a forced laugh.
"Now I think it's time to give one of your meaningful speeches." The sand kage says with an intonation of sneer present on his voice tone.
"Yeah, sure." The Hokage gives the other kage a confused look, before turning his attention to the participants in the arena.
"Hmm, today is the day which these eight brave shinobi will show us their power in the finals of the Chunin Exams. As genin they have passed through numerous tribulations and conquered their place among the very best of this generation, but will it be enough to reach the rank of chunin. These are the questions which I'm curious about: who among these eight will show us his unyielding determination and power? Who among them will show their unparalleled mind? And who among them will reach the very top? These are the questions that I hope will be answered today, now why don't we give a warm applause to our friendly neighbors and the kazekage." The Hokage finishes his speech with a shout inciting the audience to do the same and nodding to the Kazekage.
"With this I finally announce the start of the finals of the chunin exam." With the kage's last words the audience goes crazy making the stadium vibrate with their combined voices.
'I wonder if this is how the slaves felt in Old Rome in the Coliseum… hah, a bunch of kids basically fighting for their lives as the masses applaud and cheer as the soil is drenched in blood.'
"What a cruel world." Aoi says almost inaudibly, but Shikamaru at her side notices it.
"At least it is better than fighting in a war." Shikamaru says not really contradicting Aoi.
Changing the assunt Aoi asks." What happened to Dosu? I saw that he wasn't listed on the bracket anymore, wasn't he your first opponent?"
Shikamaru shakes his shoulders." I don't have a clue and by the way our judge talked about it, not even the jonin in Konoha know. Well, better for me, at least I won't have to fight one more fight than the others, that is if I win my first fight."
"Now let's start with this already. Because your last instructor died I will be the judge of your matches for this finals, is there any problem with that? Good, now then let the first match begin…" As the new instructor loudly announces...
"Uzumaki Aoi versus Hyuuga Neji."
*Chapter end*