Tazuna's Home

Kakashi was relaxing on a sofa by the window when Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami, walked in. She has long, blue hair. Her attire consists of a blue skirt and a short-sleeved pink shirt. She brought him a cup of tea.

Kakashi sighed gratefully. "Thank you, ma'am."

Tsunami nodded. "You helped my father arrive safely, so a hot cup of tea is the least I can do."

At that moment, his team and Tazuna entered the room.

"Seems like you're in better health than when we arrived." Tazuna nodded. "With you demolishing that assassin, we should be safe for a while."

"Safe is a relative term." Kakashi looked to his team. "I'm well enough to take over guard duty for the foreseeable future, so you four are going to be doing some training." He nodded. "I'll show you what I want you to work on and leave you to it after."

Naruto was shaking with anticipation.

Kakashi noticed this. "Heh, Naruto's clearly ready to train. I bet he can't wait to get another shot at Zabuza and Haku."

Sasuke spoke up. "Do you really have some last-minute training for us?"

"I got something in mind since taking on these enemies will require you four to really work together. By now, you should see the value good teammate has. You've experienced it time and time again since becoming Genin." Kakashi stated.

Sasuke crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

Daichi decided to speak up. "Sasuke, you'd be surprised how strong a little last-minute training can make a Shinobi."

"You really think any amount of training will make you strong enough to stand up to Gato?" A kid asked from the doorway.

Everyone turned to see a boy with spiky black hair and dark eyes. His attire consists of a green jumpsuit with a yellow shirt, a simple pair of sandals, and a blue and white striped hat.

"Who are you?" Naruto questioned.

Tazuna held out his arms joyfully to the kid. "Inari, where have you been?"

"Welcome home Grandpa." Inari happily stated as he ran over and hugged the bridge builder.

"Inari, that was very rude." Tsunami walked over to her child with her hands on her hips. "These ninjas helped your grandfather and brought him home safely."

"It's quite alright." Tazuna began to lovingly pat the boy's head. "I'm rude to them to."

Daichi noticed the kid's eyes. After the initial happiness of seeing his grandfather, they were filled with sadness. He had seen the same look in his and Naruto's eyes before.

Daichi leaned over to Naruto. "The kid's lost someone important to him. Someone that meant the world to him."

Naruto was no longer filled with anger as he walked over to the kid placing a hand on top of his head. "We all deal with life's struggles in our own ways. You can either break down when life gives you a bad hand or continue to fight like the people you looked up to."

With that, the Genin left the room. Hinata was smiling while Sasuke was admittedly a little impressed.

"Very good you two." Kakashi slightly smiled at what his students had done before standing. "Come along, we got to start your training."

Forest: Clearing, Some Time Later…

Team 7 stood in a forest with plenty of tall trees.

"Alright, training starts now." Kakashi pulled out four pieces of paper. "We're starting with these."

"What are those?" Naruto asked.

"This is Chakra Litmus paper. Each of you will pour your chakra into the paper when I say so, and a certain reaction will happen based on your Chakra Nature. Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and Lightning. The five basic elements." Kakashi informed before handing each a paper. "Go."

Half of Sasuke's paper caught on fire and the other half wrinkled. Hinata's paper turned to dirt before being soaked. Naruto's split in half with both halves became damp. Daichi's split into four pieces with each doing something different. Dirt, dampen, burn, and wrinkle.

"Whoa, what does all of this mean Sensei?" Naruto asked. "What about Daichi's. His did a whole slew of things."

"I'll use what Daichi's did as the example. The paper can burn, cut, wrinkle, crumble, and/or dampen. This indicates what Chakra nature you have an affinity with. Fire, wind, lightning, earth, and water, respectively.

For a good number of Shinobi, the paper only does one. Those with Bloodline Limits sometimes have two. In the case of Daichi paper, there are three known Bloodline Limits that grant all five naturally. Fusion Clones, the Rinnegan, and Godaido.

Of course, Hinata and Sasuke don't have Bloodline Limits that grant two natures. This can easily be explained through your clans. The Gentle Fist is an Earth Based Taijutsu and Uchiha's are more associated with Fire than even Leaf Shinobi."

"So, our natures are lightning and water." Sasuke began.

Hinata finished. "Our Bloodline Limits passed on fire and earth to us."

Kakashi nodded. "Naruto is a rare case. A Shinobi born with two affinities." He explained. "I've never heard of the Uzumaki being associated with any particular affinity. The argument could be made for water though. Either way, this is truly a team of potential.".

Naruto scratched his head. "Okay, but what does any of this mean?"

"Having an affinity for a nature means it's easier to learn Ninjutsu from that nature. Of course, you don't need a nature to learn a Jutsu outside your affinity. The Third, for example, has mastered countless Ninjutsu form all five natures and he only has Fire Nature." Kakashi stated.

Naruto became excited. "Does that mean you're giving us each new Jutsu to learn!?"

"You'll all get a Ninjutsu to learn, but first a few things must be gone over. Each of you must then complete a certain exercise to get your Jutsu. An exercise I feel half of you can already do, but we'll get to that. For now, let's talk about Chakra.

Sasuke said, "We know about Chakra."

"He's right." Naruto nodded. "We learned about it at the academy."

"I'm aware, but Chakra is a ninja's basic source of power. Understanding it is essential." Kakashi looked to the Hyuga. "Please, tell us about Chakra, Hinata."

Hinata blinked. "Oh, uhm…" She nodded. "Chakra is the elemental life energy a ninja uses for any Jutsu. It's the source of all our power. This power comes from two forms working together. Physical and spiritual.

Physical energy exists in every cell throughout the body while spiritual energy is the primal power which is intensified through training and experience. Shinobi can focus Jutsu through hand signs and/or other methods."

Hinata was proud she got through that with no stuttering.

"Right on all points." Kakashi stated. "Iruka Sensei really had some excellent students."

Naruto groaned. "What's the big deal with these complicated explanations? The point is to learn the Jutsu, right?"

"Naruto is right, for once." Sasuke agreed. "We already use Chakra in our Jutsu."

Daichi spoke up. "Actually, you're missing the key to any Jutsu which is Chakra Control."

"What's that?" Naruto asked.

Kakashi nodded. "Yes Daichi, why don't you enlighten us."

"Alright." Daichi nodded. "As Hinata said, you must draw on both physical and spiritual energies to perform a Jutsu, but every Jutsu is different. Each requires a different amount of Chakra. Without control, you'll run out of Chakra and can no longer fight."

"How do we learn to control our chakra then?" Naruto asked.

Daichi walked over to the nearest tree and began walking up it to the shock of Naruto and Sasuke. He continued to climb until he reached the first branch and hung off the bottom of it with his feet alone.

"The first exercise is to climb a tree using nothing but your feet." Daichi replied. "Focus the Chakra into the soles and use it to connect to the tree."

"I must be seeing things." Naruto stated in shock.

Daichi began reciting what his mom told him. "What makes this effective is the fact that the feet are the most difficult points in your body to focus Chakra to. As a result, it can greatly increase your chakra level and is great strength training as well.

If you master this, you can theoretically master any Jutsu. Not only that, but it'll train you to maintain your Chakra during a fight. Without this training, you would theoretically be at a disadvantage in the field against those who can."

Kakashi looked at Hinata. "Before Naruto and Sasuke try, I want to see you do it Hinata."

Hinata nodded and effortless walked up the tree before sitting on a branch.

Kakashi produced two kunai and threw them at Naruto and Sasuke's feet. "Now you two. Mark where you reach. Each time, your goal will be to surpass the previous mark. Since you're starting out, I suggest getting a running start. Your momentum will take you up the tree. You ready?"

The two Genin picked up the kunai at their feet. They then looked from their teammates, already so far ahead of them, before looking at each other with determined glares.

"So, Hinata and Daichi are already this far ahead." Sasuke tightly gripped his kunai. "I'm not about to be left behind. I refuse."

"I'm more than ready." Naruto declared. "This is going to be no sweat. Believe it."

"Then get focused and do it." Kakashi stated.

They both focused their Chakra.

"I got it." Naruto declared. "Charge!"

Naruto and Sasuke took off running at their respective trees. The two Genin made it up a decent and surprisingly equal length before cutting the tree. Sasuke flipped down to the ground while Naruto fell onto his back.

Sasuke looked up at his tree. "This is harder than I thought. The balance must be perfect. Too much Chakra smashes the tree and pushes you off; however, not enough Chakra and you slip like Naruto." He looked at Naruto's tree. "The Dobe's even with me. Damn it."

"That's about what I expected from Sasuke, but I didn't think Naruto would tie him. Still…" Kakashi addressed both boys. "Well, seems we have two Genin who not only understand Chakra, but can control and maintain it fairly well." He looked to Naruto.

"I believe we spoke about someone becoming Hokage, didn't we? Seems Hinata and Daichi have a better chance of achieving that dream than you." He looked to Sasuke. "As for the great Uchiha Clan, it appears they don't compare to the Fusion Clan."

Hinata blushed at the praise while worrying about Naruto.

Daichi knew what Sensei was doing and decided to help. "Hey guys!" He got their attention. "I managed to climb a tree in a week. Of course, I was 9 when I did it. Still that view was amazing. Maybe the two of you will be able to see it…" He smirked. "…in a few years.

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other as an intense fire burned in their eyes. They were fired up to get past this challenge.

Kakashi removed two scrolls. "I'm no longer needed here, so I'm going to go guard the bridge builder." He threw Hinata and Daichi a scroll each. "You two can learn from those. They have a Jutsu that go with your affinities."

He looked to the other Genin. "Once you two manage to climb the tree, come find me. I got Jutsus for you as well." He looked at Hinata and Daichi. "As for you two, what you work on is up to you. There's a lake nearby though."

With everything said and done, Kakashi left them to their training, "I think those four are more motivated than ever. If this training works, their mastery of Chakra will be an asset. With a new Jutsu under their belts, if they get that far, they'll only be stronger."

"Alright, straight to the top for me." Naruto looked at Sasuke. "I'll even beat you."

Sasuke looked at him. "Dream on Dobe."

They started training.

Some Time Later…

Daichi and Hinata had moved off to the lake to spar on the water's surface since both were well acquainted with water walking. This left Naruto and Sasuke working hard to master Tree Climbing. By this point, the boys had managed to get to the halfway point on their trees.

This is currently where both, panting in Sasuke's case or constantly hitting the ground in Naruto's, were stuck at. Neither of them planned on giving up, so they just started running at their trees once more intent on beating the other.

Lake

Daichi and Hinata were currently going at it on the water's surface. The Hyuga attempted to strike The Fusion member who either blocked or deflected her hands preventing them from hitting him. Hinata did the same whenever he tried a kick or punch.

This was more about working to improve their moves, and naturally neither wanted to hurt the other. Even so, both were panting from their hard work as they fought while maintaining their Chakra. Neither was willing to give up, so they continued pushing each other.

Bridge Construction Site

Kakashi leaned against the bridge observing the workers and paying attention for threats.

"So, you're the only one guarding me." Tazuna walked over. "Where's the rest of your team?"

Kakashi nodded. "The team's training. After our last encounter with Zabuza, there's no chance he'll be coming around today even if he had a medical Shinobi with him. Not to worry. Once the chance of him returning rises, I'll put forward all the precautions to see you're safe."

Tazuna nodded and walked off with a piece of lumber only for one of his workers to approach him. "Tazuna I need to speak with you."

Tazuna wiped his face with the towel around his neck. "Huh, what about?"

The worker replied, "The thing is, I've been thinking a lot about the bridge, and I've decided that I pushed my luck enough. I want out."

"You're going to quit on me, just like that!" Tazuna shouted angrily. "You're kidding!"

The worker rubbed his head. "I stayed on because of our friendship, but I'm putting my life on the line every day I stay here. Gato and his thugs will show up eventually. When they do, they'll kill you and your guards." The man sighed. "This bridge is a lost cause."

Kakashi watched the exchange with his arms crossed waiting to see what Tazuna would do.

"Your wrong." Tazuna stated with utter conviction. "This is our bridge. Our island is poor, and it will stay that way until this bridge connects us to the mainland. Commerce, trade, and hope. That is what we are building."

"You got some guts Tazuna." Kakashi thought.

"There won't be much hope if we're all dead." Tazuna turned away from the worker. "Tazuna, Let's does not end it like this."

Tazuna walked on. "Save your breathe; furthermore, don't bother coming back after lunch."

Streets of the Village, Evening…

Kakashi was Tazuna's bodyguard meaning he had to follow the old man everywhere. He'd have sent a couple of his Genin, but they were still hard at work in the forest. All of them were. He decided to leave them be and handle things himself.

Kakashi looked around at the village. It was a sad sight. The people were dressed in old clothes which were dirty, torn, or a combination of the two. There were children and adults alike sitting on the street begging.

"Here we are." Tazuna stated.

The two had walked into a food store only the selection was small and the food itself didn't look appetizing. It was probably fresh enough at least. Tazuna finished his shopping and the two of them left. Suddenly, Kakashi stopped and turned to face a child surprising him.

The child quickly got over his surprise, smiled, and held out his hands. "Please?"

Kakashi pulled out a small bag of Ryu and gave it to the boy. "This should be enough to get you something to eat."

The kid smiled gratefully. "Thank you, mister."

He ran off.

Tazuna walked over to him. "This is how things have been since Gato came. Children suffer while the adults are too afraid to stand up to him. They've lost all hope. That's why we must finish the bridge.

It will bring commerce and trade, but it's more than that. The bridge is a symbol of courage that we must restore to bring back the spirits of the people. Once that bridge is finished, I know people will believe again. We can't let Gato stop us."

"Don't worry bridge builder." Kakashi put his hands in his pockets. "My team won't leave until that bridge is complete."

Forest

Sasuke and Naruto just kept at it climbing higher and higher every time. Their trees were covered in cuts, and they were close to the top now.

Naruto looked at Sasuke panting. "All this time, we've been dead even. I haven't managed to surpass him at all."

Sasuke was also panting. "All day he's been climbing at the exact same rate."

They both grit their teeth and ran at their trees once more.

Lake

At this point, Hinata was laid out on the riverbank panting and sweating. She just couldn't go any further no matter how much she wanted to. Daichi had taken to running laps while still on the water. He was panting and sweating like mad; however, he pressed on.

Hinata managed to get to her shoulders and look at him. "Naruto, Sasuke, and Daichi are all working so hard. I wish I could push on, but I just don't have their stamina or Chakra."

Tazuna's House, Night…

Everyone sat down to eat a meal. The three male Genin were just wolfing down their meals while Hinata, who was very hungry, minded her manners instilled into her by the Hyuga Clan.

Tazuna chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "It's been so long since we've had this many guests at our table."

At the same time, the three Genin finished and held out their bowls. "I want some more."

The three glared at each other.

Kakashi spoke up. "Now you three, you've already had seconds. Eat any more, and you'll end up puking. That won't help any of you get stronger."

They each sat down their bowls.

Some Time Later…

Tazuna had finished telling the group about Kaiza, the Hero of their Village. They learned how he saved Inari, became a part of the family, and became the hero when the town needed him. They learned how he fought against Gato and lost his life.

Losing to Gato meant death. In one fell swoop, everyone lost the meaning of courage. Inari left during the story forcing Tsunami to go after him. Naruto got up from his seat but fell to the ground a moment later.

Hinata stood up. "Naruto are you okay?"

"You better take the day off." Kakashi stated. "No more training. Push yourself any harder, and it could kill you."

Naruto rose to his feet. "I can't relax Kakashi. Not now. I'm close to getting tree climbing down, and I need to prove that in this world there are real heroes."

"If you insist on training past your limits, I'm going to be the one to push you." Daichi stood. "I trained hard today, but I still got energy to burn."

"Those two will not surpass me." Sasuke stood as well. "I'm coming to."

Hinata spoke up. "A-After resting I feel ready to go as well, so I won't sit out either."

Kakashi sighed before producing the remaining scrolls and threw them to Sasuke and Naruto. "I saw how far you two got. If you're going to continue your training, you'll reach the top. Might as well have something else to learn while you're out there.

The four Genin smiled at their Sensei before taking off back to the forest.

The Forest, Morning…

This time, the Genin had gone their separate ways to train last night. Daichi had pushed himself until he ended up crashing on a branch well above the ground. He now woke up and climbed down. Everything ached.

Daichi looked at the sky and saw that the sun had risen hours ago. "I should attempt to find the others." He walked towards the original clearing and met up with Sasuke and Hinata along the way. "Hey, you two, how did your training go?"

"It went well." Hinata informed.

"I got tree climbing down and began practicing the hand signs of the Jutsu Kakashi gave me." Sasuke stated. "You?"

"I also practiced my hands signs and ended up finishing out with some routine tree climbing." Daichi informed.

The three Genin passed by a young boy with long, black hair and pink robes before they noticed Naruto.

"Whoa, I've seen a lot of weird things in life, but this one takes the cake." Naruto got to his feet when he noticed his teammates. "Hey guys. I completed the tree climbing exercise."

In the end, the Genin had made excellent progress.

Tazuna's House. Still Morning…

The door opened, and Team 7 proudly walked in.

"Well Kakashi Sensei, none of us got down our Jutsu, but we achieved some level of success." Daichi informed.

"That's good to hear." Kakashi nodded. "Starting tomorrow, all of us are on guard duty."

"Alright!" Naruto celebrated.

Night…

Everyone had just finished another dinner.

"The bridge will be finished in a few more days, and we have you to thank for that." Tazuna stated gratefully.

Tsunami said, "You've all done great, but you still must be careful."

"I've been meaning to ask this, but there's never really been a chance until now. Why did you stay to protect me after I lied?" Tazuna asked.

Kakashi replied, "Those who stray from the path of justice have no courage, but under the wing of a strong leader, cowardice cannot survive. That was a quote from the first Hokage."

Inari began to cry and slammed his hands on the table. "What's even the point!? All this training is just a waste of time. Gato's got an army, and they'll beat you. The things you say don't mean anything. No matter what you do, the strong win and the weak lose."

"Speak for yourself." Naruto firmly stated. "It won't be like that for us."

"Why don't you just be quiet! Looking at you all makes me sick!" Tears began to stream down Inari's cheek. "None of you know a thing about this country so stop butting in! You don't know what it's like to suffer!"

"Listen to yourself whining and complaining." Naruto declared. "You can whimper all day for all I care, but in the end, you're just a coward!"

Naruto got up, put his hands in his pockets, and walked away.

Outside Tazuna's House, Some Time Later…

Daichi walked outside where he found Inari staring out at the water with his arms on his legs.

"Mind if I join you?" Inari said nothing, so Daichi took a seat next to him. "You know, the life of a ninja isn't easy. I lost my mom and acted a lot like you in the beginning." Inari looked at Daichi. "I cried because she was gone, but she'd never want me to be like that.

So, I decided I wasn't going to let her death stop me from reaching my dream. Making that choice and following through with it are two entirely different things. Fortunately, I met Naruto, and he inspired me to continue reaching for my dream.

He had no mother, father, or even friends, yet he never let that get to him. He works hard because he wants people to respect him. He will put his life on the line to achieve that dream. He is someone that I both respect and am proud to call my best friend.

Your father sounds like he was a lot like Naruto. It's true that what he said may be kind of rude, but I think it's what you need to hear. In his own way, he's helping you move on and become like your father." Daichi said.

Inari stared at the Genin before turning his gaze out to the ocean.

Kakashi had watched him with a proud smile. "Daichi's growing into a fine boy."

The Next Morning…

The sun was up, and everyone, except Naruto, were heading for the bridge.

Kakashi waved. "Alright, I leave Naruto in your hands. He's pushed himself farther than his teammates did, so he may not be able to move at all today."

Tsunami was concerned for the other Genin. "What about the rest of your students? They may not have pushed themselves as hard, but they were extremely tired."

Sasuke answered. "The difference between the Dobe and us is the fact that he stayed up later."

"Sounds about right." Daichi nodded. "Naruto's work ethic can be a bit much at times."

"Let's go." Tazuna declared.