Author Note: Sorry for the late update, everyone. Hope you all like the chapter, though
"Human Speech"
'Human Thoughts'
"Summons/Bijuu/Jutsu Speech"
'Summons/Bijuu/Jutsu Thoughts'
Most Jutsu names are in English (Except the ones for which most of us know the Japanese translations)
Chapter 3: Training Days - Part 1
"YOSH! Naruto-kun, let us begin our training from 5 A.M tomorrow morning! I will be on Training Ground 9! If that is all, Hokage-sama, I shall be off!", Gai said as he blitzed away in a green blur without even waiting for Hiruzen to dismiss him.
"I'm starting to regret this already.", Hiruzen said, face-palming in exasperation.
"Don't, ojisan. I like his energy. He actually seems to care about training. I would say that if anyone were to train me with their full focus and attention, it would be him.", Naruto said.
"I guess your right, but Naruto-kun, I need you to promise me one thing.", Hiruzen said, as Naruto looked expectantly.
"Never wear the goddamn green spandex jumpsuit he will try to offer you.", Hiruzen said seriously, as Naruto's expression crumpled into one of disgust.
"There is no way in hell that I would wear that, ojisan. When I looked at the trees around Konoha, I thought green was a beautiful color, but his jumpsuit is such a nasty shade. I think my eyes hurt looking at it.", Naruto said.
"Good. Now, let's get you your own place. And don't worry. I will inform Fugaku-san where you will be, so that he and his family can visit you.", Hiruzen said.
"Thank you, ojisan. For everything.", Naruto said, causing the old man to smile.
"You're welcome, Naruto-kun. Does that mean you have forgiven me?", Hiruzen asked hopefully.
"Almost, ojisan. I think I need some time to think about things before I completely forgive you. I'm sorry.", Naruto said, looking down sadly.
"Ah, that's alright. It is understandable, as after all, you have gone through something traumatic. Take all the time you need, Naruto-kun. Thank you for being truthful about this. And don't hesitate to ask me if you need anything.", Hiruzen said.
'Very nice. Now he will support my future needs.', Naruto thought, as he nodded at Hiruzen.
"Alright, then, let's go. I will also personally give you your monthly funds", Hiruzen said.
"Thanks so much, ojisan!", Naruto said, jumping with joy. 'Ugh. I have to remember to act my age around him.', Naruto thought, inwardly cringing at his action.
Hiruzen smiled as he led Naruto out of his office. Naruto followed behind him as they reached an apartment-style housing building. It was nothing special, but it wasn't bad. It was completely normal – a blank slate for the new life Naruto would live there.
As he entered, the landlord – a stout man wearing expensive garments – bowed to Hiruzen, although his eye twitched when he saw Naruto. Hiruzen obviously noticed this, and gave a stern glare to the man. "Amida, I need you to lease a flat to this child here. What will the monthly rent be?", he asked.
"Hokage-sama, I'm sorry to say we have no flats available. The boy will have to live elsewhere, sir.", the man lied.
"Then you wouldn't mind if I were to check to see if one of your flats was available?", Hiruzen asked forcefully.
"Wait, Hokage-sama. I will check and make sure I am right before you go and check for yourself. I wouldn't want to be wrong.", Amida said.
"Sure, sure, go ahead.", Hiruzen said.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama.", Amida said, as he stumbled away to 'check' his flats.
He returned a few minutes later, as he spoke up. "Apologies, Hokage-sama. I overlooked that I still had three rooms available. Would you like to check them out?", Amida asked.
"Hmm…I'm sure you did. Fine, Naruto-kun, shall we move along?", Hiruzen asked kindly. Naruto nodded.
They ended up renting a rather small apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, a hall, and a kitchen. The kitchen had a fridge, stove, and cabinets lining the walls. The bedroom had a cupboard and a shelf that was attached to the wall. The bathroom had a sink, a toilet, and a shower area, with a mantelpiece above the toilet to keep toiletries. Overall, it was a rather plain, but nice house. Naruto liked it.
"Alright, Naruto-kun. Your rent is 5000 ryo, and your expenses for utilities are 1000 ryo. I will give you a total of 10000 ryo per month, so that you can take care of your remaining expenditures with the 4000 ryo that remain after you pay for rent and utilities.", Hiruzen said, as Naruto nodded happily.
(A/N: According to the Naruto Fandom website, 1 ryo = 10 JPY (Japanese Yen) = 0.087 USD (U.S Dollar). I converted the cost of living in Japan from yen to ryo and used those here. The 4000 ryo Naruto has left is about 348$ - more than enough for a four-year-old's expenses for a month)
With that finished, Hiruzen turned back to Amida. "Listen here. Don't think I did not notice your dislike of Naruto. If you do anything that results in the harassment or harm of Naruto, like overcharging him, kicking him out, or physically or verbally abusing him, you will be tortured mercilessly and killed. He is the one holding back the wrath of the Kyuubi from bringing harm to our village, and he is to be treated well. Understand? I will personally check on Naruto every month.", Hiruzen said, as he focused Killing Intent onto Amida, causing the terrified landlord to rapidly nod.
"Good, now that we have that sorted out, I believe we have to pay your old orphanage a visit, Naruto-kun.", Hiruzen said, as he turned to Naruto. Naruto followed him out of the housing building to the orphanage.
Hiruzen entered the orphanage, as the matron and all the caretakers looked at him with uneasy smiles on their faces. "Hello, Hokage-sama, what can we do for you?", the matron asked.
"I would like to see Naruto, Tsubaki-san.", Hiruzen said with a smile on his face. Causing the matron to gasp, before she composed herself.
"I shall get him, Hokage-sama.", the matron, Tsubaki, said. She climbed up the stairs of the orphanage and was out of sight.
Tsubaki made her way towards the caretaker's room. "Quick! Do any of you know how to perform the Henge no Jutsu? Hokage-sama is asking for that Kyuubi-brat we just kicked out.", she hissed out, afraid that Hiruzen might hear her if she talked.
"I know it. I learned it at the Shinobi Academy, but didn't succeed in becoming a Genin.", one of the caretakers whispered.
"Good. Now transform into the brat and follow me.", Tsubaki said, as the caretaker nodded and did as she was told. There were very slight imperfections, but it was believable that this person was actually Naruto.
"Here he is, Hokage-sama. Enjoy, Naruto! And be respectful. After all, he is the Hokage.", Tsubaki instructed patiently.
'She is a good actor.', Hiruzen thought with a sweat-drop. "Alright, Naruto-kun, let's go for dinner now, shall we?", Hiruzen asked.
"Yes! Hokage-sama! Let's eat dango!", 'Naruto' said.
"Now, now, Naruto never showed an interest in eating dango. He has never even tasted the food so far. And I am aware of the fact that you don't make dango in this orphanage. Why do you try so hard to lie to me, Tsubaki?", Hiruzen said, as he signaled to call Naruto, who stepped into the orphanage.
Hiruzen turned to Tsubaki. "Now, don't start lying again about this. I know you kicked him out. Why would you do such a thing?", Hiruzen asked.
"He was being a bother to the other kids, Hokage-sama.", Tsubaki said angrily.
Hiruzen scoffed at the lame excuse. "So, you kicked him out for that? A four-year-old who is still young and impressionable. If your own son was troubling other kids, would you kick him out of your home?", he asked.
"Hokage-sama, we both know that boy is no mere four-year-old. He is the Kyuubi wearing human skin as a disguise!", one of the caretakers said maniacally.
"Naruto, is this the one who kicked you out?", Hiruzen asked, as Naruto nodded.
"Tatsu.", Hiruzen called out, as a dragon-masked ANBU appeared and knelt beside Hiruzen. "Take this disgrace of a woman to Ibiki and tell him to have her tortured with his worst methods before executing her.", Hiruzen continued, before turning to Tsubaki.
"You, as well as the rest of the adult villagers, will be sent a recording of how that woman my ANBU took away is tortured, to discourage you all from mistreating Naruto. You might want to avoid dinner tonight, Tsubaki. And for the record, the only reason I am not executing you or the rest of the caretakers for holding similar feelings towards the boy is that you are responsible for the kids you take care of. However, make no mistake in assuming I will let you live if you are responsible in any way, shape, or form for Naruto's harm or mistreatment.", Hiruzen said darkly, as Tsubaki gulped and nodded.
Hiruzen nodded back and took Naruto back to Naruto's residence. Hiruzen left him with an extra 8000 ryo, giving him 18000 ryo rather than the promised 10000. This was to allow Naruto to furnish his house as needed. Hiruzen then gave him some toiletries to start off with, as well as some food, as the grocery stores would only open the next morning. Hiruzen also pulled something from his pocket, which Naruto recognized as a frog-shaped pouch.
"A gift from a well-wisher. To keep your money in.", Hiruzen explained.
"The Uchiha family? They don't seem to be the type to buy something like this.", Naruto said in confusion.
"No, it is someone else. They will meet you someday in the future.", Hiruzen said, in a tone that made it clear that the person in question wanted their identity to be hidden.
'If they were actually my well-wisher, they would visit me. Make sure I am alright and all that. I'll keep this, though. It is not everyday that I get gifts. And this is useful too.', Naruto thought, as he picked up the frog pouch and put his money inside. He planned not to get any furniture – other than some chairs and a table, perhaps. Anything more than that would be useless. And it was best he saved as much money as possible – for that possible rainy day.
Naruto thanked Hiruzen, as the two parted ways, with Hiruzen making his way back to the Hokage Office and Naruto settling into his new home. 'I wonder what Gai-sensei will teach me tomorrow.', Naruto thought. Of course, he knew a little bit about the shinobi arts. The Uchiha family taught him the basic theoretical stuff, but Naruto was anxious to find out how he would fare in the training, and what combat style would suit him.
Suddenly, Naruto's body lurched, as he ran to the sink in the kitchen. 'Shit!', he thought, as he threw up some sort of viscous black liquid. 'What the hell is that?', Naruto thought, looking at the goop. He suddenly felt very lightheaded and fell unconscious.
Naruto, once again, found himself in the sewer-like area where he found the Kyuubi's cage before. He made his way to the massive cage that was completely dark inside. "Yo, Kyuubi, I'm back. How've you been?", Naruto asked, knocking on the bars.
The Kyuubi's massive eye opened slowly, as it spoke. "Oh…it's you. Keep it down brat, foxes trying to sleep here.", the Kyuubi said.
"Sorry, but something worrying just happened to me.". Naruto said.
"Then fuck off and let me sleep. I'm not your emotional support plushie.", the Kyuubi said, forcibly closing its eye.
"No, I suppose you're not. However, this is something that might cause me to die.", Naruto said, slightly on edge. He did not want to die yet.
"Do I look like I give a damn? Look, just let me be, alright?", the Kyuubi said with a sigh.
"Kyuubi…if I were to die, what would happen to you?", Naruto pressed on.
"I would die and reform after a certain amount of time. At least, that's what would happen if it wasn't for this seal. The way the Yondaime sealed me ensured that if you were to die, I would be sealed into the Shinigami's stomach, and Kami knows how long I would spend my time there. He probably didn't want to risk your death freeing me.", the Kyuubi said.
"That's terrible! How am I supposed to save you?!", Naruto asked in panic.
"You can't brat!", the Kyuubi roared. "At least, you can't unless you somehow were to become a master of Fuinjutsu. The only thing you can do as of now is prolong your remaining life by refraining from using my Chakra.", the Kyuubi said.
"Wait…so you mean I will die. How long do I have left? And what is happening to me?", Naruto asked worriedly.
"Jinchuriki seals are designed to slowly let the Bijuu's Chakra out of the cage into the jinchuriki's Chakra coils. However, there is a certain amount of Chakra one must have prior to becoming a jinchuriki – in order to maintain the stability of their Chakra when they use Bijuu Chakra. In your case, you had insufficient amounts of Chakra to handle mine, so when our Chakras mixed, it resulted in an incomplete combination. A portion of our Chakra mixture was corrupted. Corrupted Chakra is corrosive to your coils, as it causes them to degrade. And every time you use my Chakra, they will degrade even further.
Of course, they can be healed by a top-tier Iryo Ninjutsu practitioner, but the only one of those alive today is Tsunade Senju, one of the Densetsu no Sannin. And with the nine years you have left to live – if you refrain from using my Chakra at all costs – I wouldn't bank on her help to save you. The only way you can save yourself, and by proxy, me, is if you were to separate our Chakras completely and let your coils gradually heal by themselves.", the Kyuubi said.
"Damn, way to provide me with a near-impossible task. However, I will find a way to save us, Kyuubi. I swear it. After all, there is no point living on borrowed time.", Naruto promised.
"I appreciate the sentiment, brat, but can you keep your word? Especially with the fact that there are no consequences for you breaking it – other than us dying, of course.", the Kyuubi asked.
"I don't have a choice, but to keep my word here, Kyuubi. As much as this is for your sake, don't forget that it is for mine as well. And I didn't say I would do it without help. I assume I can count on yours? Since your life is at stake as well?", Naruto asked.
"Hmph! Thought you'd never ask. Normally, my pride would never allow me to help a runt like you, but as you said, we don't have a choice. Truce?", the Kyuubi suggested.
"Mm. I agree. Truce…you know something, Kyuubi? I thought you would be a lot more angry and hateful than you are right now. At least, that's what the Uchiha family told me you would be like.", Naruto said, as the Kyuubi suddenly snarled.
"I take it you are not a fan of the Uchihas?", Naruto asked.
"I am not! Not that it's your business to know, brat.", the Kyuubi growled.
"Right. Anyways, you are a lot calmer than I expected. Excluding this moment, of course.", Naruto said.
"Eh, it would be pointless to try to rile you up of show my hatred. You are not some sort of reckless idealistic fool. You won't react as per my liking if I were to waste my energy being the beast I am portrayed as.", the Kyuubi said.
"I'm glad you understand that much about me.", Naruto said with a smile, causing the Kyuubi to stare for a second before shaking his head.
"Right. I just hope you won't double cross me and try to forcefully obtain my power after our little quest is done. If we manage to do it." the Kyuubi said, with a slight growl at the end.
"No, no, nothing of the sort. I actually have a few questions I have been meaning to ask you. You have been around since the era of the Rikudou Sennin, right?", Naruto asked, causing the Kyuubi to nod.
"That must mean you have many stories to tell, and a lot of knowledge to share. I am interested in learning how the world changed as you aged until it became what it is today.", Naruto said.
"That's a first, brat. You're the only human who is not interested in my power.", the Kyuubi said.
"Now, I won't confuse you by saying I am not interested in your power – as I very much am. I want to know you, Kyuubi. And your power is very much a part of you. A being like you intrigues me to no end. However, I am mainly interested in learning how shinobi have evolved through the ages from your unbiased perspective.", Naruto said.
"Interesting…very interesting. Fine, I will spare one hour daily to tell you about the past. However, in exchange, on our consequent meetings, you will tell me what you learn from my stories. You will tell me of ways in which you would make use of them in the future. From what I have seen so far, you are very much capable of exceeding these expectations of mine. However, if you fail to meet this condition, my willingness to share my knowledge with you will cease to exist.", the Kyuubi said.
"Very nice! I agree to this deal!", Naruto said excitedly, as he heard a voice that sounded like it was far away from him. Someone seemed to be calling his name.
Naruto looked at the Kyuubi, who shrugged. Naruto made his way in the direction of the sound, until he found a separate cage. This one was smaller, and looked more like prison bars than a gateway to hell. Naruto saw the woman who had been calling for him inside this cage.
"So, after I have been calling you for so long, it looks like you have finally come dattebane!", a redheaded woman said with a childish pout on her face.
"Umm…excuse me, but who are you?", Naruto asked. 'Wait, "dattebane"? Is that the datteba-version Kyuubi was talking about before?', Naruto thought.
"Oh, right! We haven't been properly introduced! I'm Kushina! Kushina Uzumaki-ttebane!", Kushina said enthusiastically.
"Not, going to introduce me, Kushina-chan?", a male voice said from behind Kushina.
"Tcheh! Do it yourself, baka! I still can't believe you were reckless enough to seal the Kyuubi in a civilian boy. What the hell was going through my mind when I agreed?", Kushina snarled.
'Heh, they sound like Fugaku-ojisan and Mikoto-obasan. Maybe these two are also husband and wife?', Naruto speculated.
"Hehehe…gomen, Kushina-chan.", the man said as he stepped forward, causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
"Y-You're the Yondaime Hokage! What are you doing in my head?". Naruto demanded.
"Hello, Naruto-kun, as you have learned, I used you as the vessel for the Kyuubi instead of mine and my wife Kushina's own child. For this, I sincerely apologize. If I was only a fraction of a second faster, perhaps I could have saved my own child and not let you endure the burden of holding the Kyuubi. Anyways, Kushina and I decided to seal our Chakras into you as well, so that we can offer you guidance whenever necessary. We have also left our possessions to you. They are to be collected by you after you reach Chuunin level.", Minato said.
"How did you expect your possessions to be of use to me if I die in another nine years – if I don't use the Kyuubi's Chakra?", Naruto asked, narrowing his eyes.
"What? Only nine years? How did that happen?", Minato demanded.
"It all started with you trusting that the idiots in this village will not harm me once they find out about my nature as a jinchuriki. I was tortured by a civilian couple, until I killed them using the Kyuubi's Chakra. This corrupted some of my Chakra, causing damage to my coils. Unless I fully separate the Kyuubi's Chakra from my own, neither of us will survive.", Naruto said, causing Kushina to angrily glare at Minato.
"Baka! You should have just let me drag it with myself to my death! Damn the 'balance of power' nonsense you were spouting!", Kushina reprimanded, causing Minato to sulk.
"Wait. I am forgetting that you both are the Yondaime Hokage and his wife. If there are two people that I know who I can ask for help with this, they would be you both. Do you know anything about Fuinjutsu?", Naruto asked.
"Well, you are looking at two Fuinjutsu masters, Naruto-kun. What do you need?", Kushina asked.
"I already told you. I don't know if it's been done before, but I need to separate the Kyuubi's Chakra from mine within my own body.", Naruto said.
"I don't think anyone has done such a thing yet, but that's what's amazing about Fuinjutsu, Naruto-kun! The possibilities are endless!", Kushina said animatedly.
"So will you both help me?", Naruto asked.
"Of course, Naruto-kun. We were the ones who put you in this position, and we will help you get out of it. However, since we are Chakra imprints, we can't use Chakra. We will destabilize and die if we do. So we can only talk and share seal designs with you. This is how we will teach you. In the meantime, we both will also try to come up with possible ideas that can work. However, it will be up to you to test them and alter them properly.", Minato said.
Naruto nodded. "Thank you, Yondaime-sama, Kushina-sama.", Naruto said.
"Nonsense, Naruto. Call us 'mom' and 'dad'. We would like to be your parents, and guide you through life.", Kushina said.
Naruto nodded. "Alright, I will call you both my parents then. Anyways, I think it is time for me to wake up. Oh yeah, I forgot to ask. What is this place called?", Naruto asked.
"This place is your mindscape. The area that your subconscious self can access. And go ahead, son. We will meet you again tomorrow.", Minato said kindly.
Naruto smiled as he faded away from the mindscape. "Thank you, mom, dad. I will see you tomorrow."
Naruto opened his eyes and saw that it was 4:30 A.M. "Crap! Gotta get ready for training at 5!", he said, as he quickly got up. His head spun a little, but Naruto was able to regain his bearings. He felt quite tired, but with a little warm-up, which Gai-sensei would probably make him do, he would recover.
Naruto quickly brushed his teeth, dressed, drank water, and ate some instant ramen that he made. 'I have to learn to cook real food.', Naruto thought, as he dug in to his instant ramen. It was good, but not great. But little did Naruto know that he would soon find a place that blows his expectations of how good ramen can be out of the water.
Naruto still didn't feel that he was at a hundred percent yet, but he supposed it had something to do with what happened the other day with the Kyuubi's Chakra.
As Naruto made his way to Training Ground 9, the people did not try to harm him, but they gave him uneasy looks or hateful glares instead. Because of Hiruzen showing all the adults what would happen to those who try to harm Naruto, no one dared to attack him anymore.
Naruto reached the Training Ground to see that the man in green had already begun his training. 'What the hell! Upside-down pushups on his fingers? Just what is this man?', he though incredulously.
Gai hopped back to his feet and animatedly waved. "Ah, Naruto-kun! You're here! How are you this youthful morning?!", he yelled enthusiastically.
Naruto jogged up to him. "I'm doing well, Gai-sensei. What about you?", Naruto asked.
"Me too, Naruto-kun, me too. I feel the flames of youth burning brightly in my body!", Gai said, as flames erupted in his eyes.
"Right, so can we get started?", Naruto asked.
"Thought you'd never ask!", Gai said, as he smiled brightly and did a nice-guy pose, showing off his brilliant white teeth.
Gai took Naruto to a tree and they both sat down next to it. "So, before we start, tell me, young Naruto-kun, what do you know about Chakra?", Gai asked.
"Not much. I know it is a combination of physical, or Yang, energy and spiritual, or Yin, energy. It has equal parts of each.", Naruto said.
"Good enough, Naruto-kun. Now, tell me what you know about the shinobi arts.", Gai said.
"There are three main ones – namely, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu. There are also other lesser utilized ones like Fuinjutsu, Bukijutsu, and Iryo Ninjutsu.", Naruto said.
"Well said, Naruto-kun. The Uchiha family taught you well. You are correct.", Gai said.
"But Gai-sensei, could you explain the theory behind how each of the shinobi arts work?", Naruto asked.
"Are you sure, Naruto-kun? While I appreciate your youthful desire to learn more, Chakra theory is quite complicated and might confuse you.", Gai said.
"Yes, Gai-sensei. I think it will be easier to learn the arts if I understand them better.", Naruto said.
"Well said, my student! Who am I to deny such youthful curiosity?! I shall tell you what you want to know then!", Gai said, with anime tears gushing from his eyes.
"Thank you, Gai-sensei.", Naruto said, as he mentally sweat-dropped. Gai immediately stopped crying as his face became serious again.
"Right, so here is your explanation, Naruto-kun. Shinobi mold their Chakra, either with elements or without them, to perform Ninjutsu. Yin release, or Inton, is used to perform Genjutsu, as well as special Clan techniques – like the Nara Clan's Kage techniques and the Yamanaka Clan's mind techniques. Yang release, or Yoton – not to be confused with lava techniques – is used to perform Taijutsu and Sensory abilities, as well as the Akimichi Clan's expansion techniques.", Gai said, as Naruto looked at him with slight amazement.
"What? Don't look at me like that! I never would have become a Jounin if I didn't know all that. That would be unyouthful and unfair.", Gai said.
"Right. So what about the other ones I mentioned?", Naruto asked.
"Fuinjutsu is a variation of Ninjutsu. In Ninjutsu, Chakra is molded into attacks, but in Fuinjutsu, Chakra is molded into kanji, and the action indicated by the kanji is performed. Of course, that is an oversimplification of the art, but I unfortunately don't know much about it, so I can't tell you more.
Bukijutsu is simply the integration of weapons into Taijutsu. A sword is the most popular choice, other than shuriken and kunai – which come under the mantle of Shurikenjutsu. Longswords, katanas, double-edged swords, wakizashis, and other weapons of the sort – the art of using them is known as Kenjutsu. Hokage-sama uses a bo staff to practice Bojutsu. I myself practice Nunchakujutsu, whenever my Taijutsu proves to be inefficient.
Iryo Ninjutsu is a combination of Inton and Yoton – called Inyoton. This is why only those with the greatest degree of Chakra control can practice it. Inton is used to create the form of the healed cells, and Yoton is used to use the patient's life force to accelerate the healing of the injury. Although, it is still a very basic implementation of Inyoton – nothing close to something like the legendary Rikudo Sennin's Inyoton: Banbutsu Sozo. However, that is neither here nor there.", Gai said.
'Wow. I thought this man was a bit of a joke, but he really knows his stuff.', Naruto thought.
"Thank you for explaining, Gai-sensei, so how should we start our training?", Naruto asked.
"Before we start, I will tell you what you will learn. You see, I am a Taijutsu specialist. I am so terrible at the other shinobi arts that the only Ninjutsu I use are the Kawarimi no Jutsu, the Henge no Jutsu, and the Kuchiyose no Jutsu. So, you will learn mostly Taijutsu from me. Other than that, you will learn the three Academy Ninjutsus – the Kawarimi no Jutsu, the Henge no Jutsu, and the Bunshin no Jutsu. If you want to learn more than that, I am sorry, but you will have to explore those on your own.", Gai said, as Naruto nodded.
"Alright then, let's get you to access your Chakra. But first, you must know the twelve hand seals. They are as follows: Tori, Ino, Inu, Tatsu, Usagi, Uma, Saru, Ushi, Hitsuji, Ne, Mi, and Tora.", Gai said, demonstrating each sign slowly so that Naruto could copy them.
Naruto practiced the hand seals for about a minute, until Gai was able to see that he was able to perform all of them. For the next ten minutes, Gai made Naruto perfect his hand seals, slightly adjusting his hands and fingers when the shape was not perfect. Finally, Naruto was able to make hand seals perfectly, although they were quite slow. Gai told Naruto to practice switching between hand seals at random daily so that he could improve his speed at making them.
"Right, now that we got that over with, sit down with your legs crossed, Naruto-kun. I want you to close your eyes and meditate. Search within your core to find your Chakra. Once you find it, grasp it and pull it outward. It usually helps you do this if you make the Hitsuji seal while meditating.", Gai said.
Naruto did as he was told, and for half an hour, he was unable to find anything. "I don't think it's working, sensei.", Naruto said.
"Try harder, Naruto-kun. For some people, it can take several days for them to find their Chakra. Naruto nodded and continued to meditate. After about two hours, Naruto felt something. It was pure black in color, and full of some sort of evil energy that made Naruto shiver. However, he continued to do as instructed and pulled it to his surface.
A few minutes later, Gai felt a sinister presence around Naruto – much more sinister than the Kyuubi's energy he felt that day. What was up with this Chakra? It wasn't a lot – in fact, the amount could compare to the Chakra of maybe an untrained Hyuuga – but it felt like pure evil. Goosebumps formed on Gai's skin.
Naruto opened his eyes, seeing Gai's fear. He also felt a little pain inside him after bringing the Chakra out. Naruto frowned and stopped releasing Chakra. "What happened, sensei?", he asked.
Gai took a moment to regain his bearings, before speaking to Naruto. "Nothing, N-Naruto-kun. Your Chakra was just a little intense for an untrained person. That is all.", Gai said, chuckling nervously.
'Hey, Kyuubi, can you hear me?', Naruto thought.
'What's up, brat?', the Kyuubi asked.
'Yeah, I just wanted to know. What's with my Chakra? Why is it all dark and sinister?', Naruto asked.
'Side effect of Chakra corruption. Now let me sleep.', the Kyuubi said, causing Naruto to sweat-drop.
"Right, so Naruto. Let us get started with the three Academy techniques first.", Gai said, as Naruto nodded.
"Now, first, we have the Kawarimi no Jutsu. There is a lot of confusion among academy students as to how this technique works before they learn it. You see, the Kawarimi doesn't magically switch the places of you and another object or person. Instead, you let Chakra enhance your speed, strength, and agility, as you leave something in place of yourself and run to a safe area. This is done in a fraction of a second. Very useful for a quick escape. It might sound cowardly and unyouthful, but we are shinobi, and sometimes we need to retreat and regroup in the face of stronger enemies.", Gai said.
"I see. That makes sense. But what if there is nothing to substitute with?", Naruto asked.
"The default thing shinobi substitute with is a log. If you ask me where we get the logs from…well…I don't know. It is an inherent quality of the technique that when a shinobi has nothing in mind to substitute with, a log of roughly the same weight as the shinobi randomly appears. We all still don't understand why, even though this technique has been around since the era of the Rikudou Sennin. We have simply come to accept it.", Gai said, as Naruto nodded. He was unsatisfied by the explanation, but he would try to figure out an answer to this mystery some other time.
"Alright then, the hand seals for Kawarimi are Tora → Ino → Ushi → Inu → Mi.", Gai said, as he demonstrated the hand seals slowly and substituted himself with a log.
However, Naruto was able to sense his presence in a tree behind him, as he turned around and looked to where Gai was now standing, surprising the Jounin. Of course, he wasn't trying to hide his presence, but for Naruto to possess Sensory abilities as well…how youthful!
Gai hopped down and landed next to Naruto. "How were you able to find me so easily, Naruto-kun?", Gai asked.
"I noticed your energy move from her to that spot on the tree behind me. It was like a…sixth sense or something.", Naruto said, confirming Gai's suspicions that he was a Sensor.
"Amazing! Simply amazing! You are really a goldmine, Naruto-kun! You have Sensory abilities as well! This is so exciting!", Gai exclaimed joyfully.
"I see, so I can sense positions of people and not get caught off-guard in battles! Sounds cool.", Naruto said with a smile.
"It's more than cool, Naruto-kun! Natural Sensors are very rare in Konoha. They mostly exist in Kumogakure and Kirigakure – as shinobi's natural adaptations to fight in the presence of clouds and mist without relying on vision. You will become a shinobi that show that Konoha's flames of youth have not dwindled, my boy!", Gai said, picking Naruto up and spinning him around.
"Umm…that is very kind of you, Gai-sensei, but you can put me down now.", Naruto said with a sweat-drop.
"Sorry, young Naruto-kun. Anyways, we will explore your sensory abilities at a later time. First, practice the Kawarimi no Jutsu that I demonstrated. And remember to let your Chakra flow through your coils as you perform the hand seals for the technique.", Gai said.
"Alright, Gai-sensei.", Naruto said, as he tried to do the technique. However, the first time, he did not get far enough once he completed performing the technique, causing Gai to chuckle. A slight burning pain also coursed through Naruto's body as he performed the technique as well, possibly because of his damaged coils.
"It's all about the timing, Naruto-kun. You must get the timing right – that is the challenge with learning this technique.", Gai said.
A few attempts later, Naruto was able to perform the technique perfectly. However, the pain increased slightly each time he repeated the technique. But he still smiled as he was able to do this for the first time, much to Gai's joy.
"Very good, Naruto-kun! It seems you have quite good Chakra control already. It is nowhere near perfect, but it is quite good. Your next goal is to reduce the hand seals you need to perform the technique, until you can do it without the hand seals. You can do it by being consciously aware of how each hand seal molds your Chakra, and try to mold your Chakra in the same way without the hand seal. Reduce the number of hand seals one by one. I will give you time till 8:30 A.M – and then we will go to have something for breakfast. I will start teaching you something else once we return.", Gai said.
Naruto nodded as he continued to practice the Kawarimi. The pain becoming worse each time he did it, until it felt like fire was flowing through each part of his body every time that he performed the technique. Naruto clenched his teeth and allowed the pain to pass before continuing. Despite the pain, he still was able to succeed in performing it with four hand seals about sixty percent of the times he tried by the time Gai called him so that they could go for breakfast. Of course, Naruto did eat some ramen, but that was only so that he didn't have to train on an empty stomach.
Naruto was relieved that he was able to take a break. He did not want Gai to be soft with him, or worse, inform the Hokage of his affliction. If news that killing him would make the Kyuubi disappear into the Shinigami's stomach for good, probably everyone in the village, even those on his side, would line up to have him killed.
As he walked with Gai, he wanted to talk to the Kyuubi about this burning sensation and if there was any way to avoid it, However, Gai started to talk to him, and Naruto decided to put off the issue until he continued with his training.
"So, Naruto-kun, how are you liking the training so far? Do you find it youthful? Do you feel like you are getting stronger?", Gai asked brightly.
"I do, sensei. I am very happy you are doing this for me. Thank you.", Naruto said, suppressing a wince as he thought of his Chakra coil problem.
"No problem, Naruto-kun. It makes me happy to see such a youthful student improve under my tutelage!", Gai said enthusiastically, causing Naruto to smile. It would probably break Naruto's heart if this man were to turn against him in the future.
"But don't you have missions to do, Gai-sensei? You are a Jounin, right?", Naruto asked.
"I am, Naruto, but we are currently living in peaceful times – no important wars are taking place – so the high-ranking missions are less in number. Hokage-sama told me I don't have to take missions until you enroll in the academy – unless, Kami forbid, a sudden war involving Konoha starts. My eternal rival will take my quota of missions till then. He's in the ANBU, after all.", Gai said proudly.
"Cool. Who's your eternal rival?", Naruto asked. Gai smiled.
"He is…", Gai started to say.
"He is…", he continued, as Naruto leaned closer.
"He is…", Gai continued a bit louder as his face became serious.
'My anticipation is killing me.', Naruto thought.
"I FORGOT!", Gai yelled, causing Naruto to face-vault.
'All that build-up for nothing…', Naruto thought, as he face-palmed.
"Ah, it seems we are here!", Gai said, stopping at an Akimichi family's restaurant called "Chouba's Big-Boned Breakfast Buffet."
Naruto stepped in, as everyone inside grew uneasy at Naruto's presence. However, their fear quelled a bit, when they saw that one of Konoha's strongest Jounin would be there to protect them if Naruto tried something. Kakashi wasn't the only legendary Jounin in Konoha. Maito Gai – Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey – was just as powerful and famous.
As Naruto and Gai sat at a table, a smiling plump waiter handed a menu to them, although his smile twitched a little on seeing Naruto.
"Alright, Naruto-kun. Order what you would like. Remember to order about half of what you are capable of eating, as the portions here are rather large.", Gai said.
Naruto nodded and ordered uni-don (sea urchin with rice), tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), and tsukemono (pickled vegetables). Gai ordered yaki sake (grilled salmon), shiru (miso soup), and natto (fermented soybeans with spicy mustard and seaweed).
Gai saw that Naruto ordered the same amount of food as him and laughed to himself thinking he wouldn't finish it, but when the food arrived, Naruto left none of his food untouched. Everything had been consumed, causing Gai's jaw to drop. Where did all that food go? Just what was this kid?
Gai just shook his head and led Naruto back to the Training Ground. Turning to Naruto, Gai started to speak. "Now, you will practice the tree-climbing exercise to practice your Chakra control.", Gai said.
"How will climbing a tree improve my Chakra control?", Naruto asked.
"Normally it wouldn't," Gai agreed. "Unless you do it like this."
Gai started to walk up the tree, causing Naruto's jaw to drop.
"This exercise will not only develop your Chakra control, but learning to fight using trees or buildings around you will help you improve your spatial awareness, agility, and reflexes. It also improves your core, lower back, and leg strength and stability, as you have to hold yourself perpendicularly to the force of gravity, which is very difficult to do at first. I love this simple exercise due to these reasons.", Gai said.
"Any pointers on how I can make it easier for myself to do this?", Naruto asked.
"A lot of Jounin think that it is easier to learn this by running up the tree, as the momentum can help them a little, but I disagree for two reasons: the first is that it is difficult to guess the amount of Chakra required to perform the exercise this way. The second is that the speed at which you go makes it difficult to switch from applying Chakra on one foot sole to the other as you step up. I feel that my method is easier.", Gai said, as he turned back to the tree.
"What is your method?", Naruto asked.
"It is simple. Put one foot on the tree, and apply Chakra to it gradually, until you feel its sole firmly attach to the bark. After that, try removing your other foot from the ground, and see if your foot on the tree still holds. If it starts to slip, immediately put the foot back down. Apply larger amounts of Chakra on your soles until your grip on the tree bark holds firmly while your unattached foot is off the ground.
Then, memorize this amount of Chakra, and latch your unattached foot onto the tree with the same amount of Chakra. After that, remove the first foot and take a step. Remember to apply the same amount of Chakra when you plant it on the tree again. Too much Chakra will crack the bark and push you off, while too little will make you slip and fall. Like this, walk all the way up the tree and back down.", Gai instructed, demonstrating for Naruto.
Naruto nodded as he did as Gai instructed. He made it a quarter of the way, before his core tired out and he fell back down, crashing into the ground. The burn when he used his Chakra was significantly lesser now. Perhaps because he was using lesser Chakra?
Gai nodded, as if understanding Naruto's core instability problem. "I see, you are strong for a four-year-old, but you need better physical conditioning before you can perform this exercise completely. However, you still must practice till lunchtime, as there is no better way to improve at doing something than practice. After your lunch at 1:00 P.M, we will work on building your strength.", Gai said.
Naruto huffed as he nodded. He continued to perform the exercise, and Gai was impressed by the determination and persistence he was seeing in such a young boy. 'How youthful…', he thought, shedding a few tears.
When it was finally lunchtime, Naruto was exhausted. He could barely walk. Also, the burning sensation in his body had become worse. On that subject, when he asked the Kyuubi about this issue, the Kyuubi told him that it was just a consequence of his coils being damaged. The Kyuubi said that the pain was the only thing Naruto needed to worry about, as the damage wouldn't increase unless Naruto used massive amounts of Chakra at once. Essentially, as long as Naruto could bare the pain, he could train.
The Kyuubi also suggested – quite sadistically, Naruto would add if you asked him – that this would be an excellent way to build Naruto's pain tolerance, as the pain receptors in Chakra coils were connected to those in the rest of the body.
For lunch, Gai decided to take Naruto to another place. "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I should have planned better – I should have packed bento boxes for us or something.", Gai said.
"I don't mind, sensei.", Naruto said, as he saw where Gai was taking him. It was some sort of ramen stand, apparently.
'Ramen again?', Naruto thought with slight disdain, as he remembered the instant ramen he ate in the morning. However, he continued as he did not want to hurt Gai's feelings.
"Hello, customers! Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen! Have a seat!", a middle-aged man behind the counter said enthusiastically. Naruto felt genuine warmth from them towards him, and his demeanor completely changed. This was the first restaurant that was actually happy to have him dine at it.
"I'll have the usual, Teuchi-san.", Gai said.
"One miso char siu ramen coming up! Ayame, did you hear that?", Teuchi announced.
"Loud and clear, dad!", a girl, around twelve years in age, called back from the kitchen area.
"And what will the little one have?", Teuchi asked jovially.
Naruto looked at the board with their menu. "I'll have the same as Gai-sensei.", he said with a smile.
"Excellent choice, young lad! You won't be disappointed!", Teuchi said excitedly before getting to work in the kitchen area.
The energy and enthusiasm in this little stall were so positive that Naruto couldn't help but find comfort in it. This seemed like a wonderful place to just hang out – talk to Teuchi and Ayame – things like that. It would be nice to take the Uchiha family here the next time they visited him.
Once the orders had arrived, Naruto dug in, and his eyes widened. "Amazing…", he muttered.
"See, I told you that you will like it! Our ramen is the best in the Elemental –", Teuchi started to boast, but Naruto did not let him finish. He quickly ravaged his bowl, eating every last noodle and drinking every last drop of broth. The bowl looked like it had just come out of a dishwasher – what with how clean it was now.
"That was heavenly. I want seconds!", Naruto exclaimed with stars in his eyes. Teuchi let out a hearty laugh as he obliged. Naruto ate the second bowl just as quickly. And then a third. After that a fourth. Then a fifth – and so on. After a few minutes, Naruto's tower of twelve ramen bowls sat on the counter, beating Gai's three-bowl tower by a factor of four times. Gai wept as he emptied his pockets to pay for Naruto's meal, as Naruto tried his best to look apologetic as he patted the small hump on his stomach.
As Naruto and Gai left the stall, Ayame called back to them. "Feel free to come here whenever you please! You are always welcome to eat here!", Ayame said, as both her and Teuchi gave a pointed look to Naruto, to remind him he was not alone. They would be there for him.
Naruto smiled and waved back at them. A tingle of warmth spread through his stomach – though it was not because of the ramen.
END of Chapter 3