Chapter 6: Developing brothers
Opening 1: Unravel by TK
Naruto and Amano felt their brotherly bond grew. Having felt a sense of relief on their shoulders, they went back to meeting with Kakashi in Training Ground 7.
"So it seems that you have planned to join Team 7, Amano." Kakashi commented.
"Yes. I already made my decision based on whom I feel affiliated to." Amano responded.
"That sounds similar to favoritism." Kakashi noted.
"It may seem like it, but I already know of Naruto's and Sasuke's history. The least I can do is help fill in the void of their spirits." Amano refuted.
"You have chosen to be with Team 7 out of pity?" Kakashi questioned.
"Do not question me of my objective like that, Kakashi. Even if you're a Jōnin, that's pushing the wrong buttons. I know of Naruto's secret and I could honestly say this... The villagers are being irrational idiots." Amano spoke with spite.
"You know of the...?" Kakashi said with surprise.
"I already know of it... I would take care not to open old wounds." Amano frowned.
Kakashi remained quiet. The tone Amano gave him was one of being protective. He sighed in response.
'Amano Uchiha... Despite being of Uchiha blood, he cares for Naruto as though he was a brother. Maybe he might help the boy feel less lonely.' Kakashi thought.
Soon, Sasuke and Sakura arrived. Sasuke looked exhausted from training, but he felt stronger. Sakura was reading a book on chakra exercise.
"It seems my cute Genin squad is taking things seriously. I'm proud to see that." Kakashi commented.
"I came back to ask Amano about chakra exercises. I just need some tips on how to improve my capacity." Sakura said.
"I can give some pointers, but I'm not as accurate as a Hyūga though." Amano joked.
Sakura laughed, seeing that Amano joked about being able to see chakra. Naruto also laughed.
"I needed that laugh... Anyway, how will I be able to improve my chakra prowess?" Sakura asked.
"The best way to do so is by doing the tree walking exercise as long as you can. Mind you, doing this will not only allow you to exercise your chakra, it will allow you to expand your reserves." Amano explained.
"Oh, that's why." Sakura realized.
"I'm sure you realized it by now... The chakra circulatory system may act like a large blood vessel, but it also acts like a secondary muscle." Amano continued.
"A secondary muscle?" Sasuke asked, interested.
"Yes... You over exert, you feel exhausted and may collapse. Same is true if you didn't use chakra, but resort in using taijutsu." Amano spoke.
"Now I see what you mean... Exercise the chakra prowess to make it denser, stronger. By doing so, you'll build up its ability to hold more chakra. If you stress it too much, it would be detrimental." Sasuke theorized.
"Precisely." Amano confirmed.
"For a Genin, you're one with a big brain." Kakashi said.
"I've told you before so I'll say it one more time... I've studied anatomy and physiology during my time in the ninja academy. Let's just say the medical world is not as peaceful as one might presume..." Amano refuted.
"Duly noted..." Kakashi said.
"Since we have our brief discussion on trivial matters, let's just enjoy our day either training or doing missions." Amano said.
"Alright! It'll be fun!" Naruto said with excitement.
Amano chuckled in response.
"I like his energetic attitude." Amano admitted.
"Let's head back to the Hokage to finalize your decision." Kakashi said.
######
Walking their way to the Hokage tower, Amano noticed the villagers giving spiteful looks to Naruto. Sakura and Sasuke didn't pay any attention to them. Kakashi was the only one who noticed the glares.
"That kid again... The Hokage should restrain him or the demon will grow stronger." Male Villager #1 said.
"He even bewitched the lost member of the Uchiha clan. There must be a way to finish what the Fourth started." Male Villager #2 followed.
This set off warning bells on him. He controlled his emotions for a moment, breathing softly.
"I would agree with a Nara clan member... What a drag..." Amano commented, getting everyone's attention.
Soon, a huge wave of killing intent was suddenly sent. Sakura, Sasuke, even Kakashi felt pressured by it. They all fell to their knees, looking at Amano.
"If you villagers continue speaking derogatory comments about Naruto, I won't tolerate them anymore. Would you all care to experience death!?" Amano questioned with anger.
A blazing aura of orange chakra erupted from his body. This scared the villagers, now fleeing from the sight.
"That's enough, Amano!" Kakashi said.
Amano glared at Kakashi, having his Sharingan active. The Jōnin was shocked to see a fully mature Sharingan with the three tomoe clearly visible in a straight triangle formation.
"If you are the sensei for Team 7, do take care to treat EVERY one of your students with equal attention. If you can't even perform a duty to protect a comrade, then you would be considered lower than trash." Amano spoke with disdain.
Kakashi's visible eye widened. Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto were visibly shocked. Seeing Amano defying against a Jōnin with little self-repercussion made them feel impressed. Kakashi, on the other hand, felt depressed.
'He's right... As much as this wounds my soul, I haven't been training my Genin squad equally...' Kakashi thought.
Naruto felt happy, giving a genuine smile. His life was starting to change for the better as Amano helped him.
######
Sometime later on in the Hokage tower, Hiruzen was visibly concerned. He had his crystal ball showing the moment of Amano's conflict with the villagers.
"I'll allow Amano to be with Team 7, but I will ask him to be providing support." The Sandaime Hokage replied.
Nearby, Kakashi was present with Team 7. He was holding his favorite book to read.
"So he will be with us for the most part. I see." Kakashi said.
"Yep. Team 7 can take the day off. Kakashi, Amano, you two need to remain here for questioning." Hiruzen ordered.
"Very well, Sandaime-dono." Amano replied.
######
Kakashi and Amano were talking with the Hokage.
"Your stunt today scared a great deal of the villagers, Amano. Why go that far to protect Naruto?" Hiruzen questioned.
"I know what happens to a Jinchūriki. Orchestrated to be alone, forced to be a village's weapon... I honestly find it unconscionable to hate a person meant to hold a tailed beast, let alone be used as militaristic weapons." Amano answered.
"Your Will of Fire burns brightly... I too wished the villagers could see the reasoning. However, it was leaked by an unknown party that Naruto is a Jinchūriki. I attempted to pacify their bloodlust by decreeing the law to prevent them from harming Naruto. However, they found the loopholes and extorted through them." Hiruzen solemnly spoke.
"I have one tip of advice to give to you, Sandaime-dono. You're the Hokage and your voice is law." Amano said.
"You're right, Amano... I have been dragged by the council members for too long due to my pacifistic views. I will have to make several changes to the council for their insolence." Hiruzen realized.
"Now we have reached a common interest. Be sure to tell the villagers of my name and my role of being Naruto's brother in spirit." Amano said.
"Though I'm curious, may I ask why?" Hiruzen questioned.
"Uzumaki clan members treat everyone equally. There are no main nor branch family members. However, if even a child is threatened by anything, we wouldn't hesitate to deal with the problem accordingly." Amano answered.
"Meaning...?" Kakashi asked reluctantly.
"Do not provoke an Uzumaki. It's akin to stirring up a hornet's nest or worst, a kikaichū's nest." Amano said.
"Duly noted... In any case, I will also need to speak with Kakashi as well. You may go, Amano." Hiruzen said.
######
Amano left the Hokage office. Naruto was waiting for him, looking impatient.
"What was the talk with Jii-chan about?" Naruto asked.
"I made my decision to join you guys in your squad. Kakashi is talking with Sandaime-dono. Though I don't know what it is..." Amano answered.
Naruto felt curious, but decided not to intrude. Instead, he wanted to continue training with Amano.
"So Amano-nii, can we do some training for today?" Naruto asked.
"Sure, I'm happy to help out." Amano replied without hesitation.
Naruto jumped with joy as he found an opportunity. Soon, both he and Amano disappeared in wisps of wind.
######
Within the Hokage office, Hiruzen held a serious expression to Kakashi. The Jōnin knew it was something serious.
"I watched Amano's interaction with you Kakashi. It also points to why you're not training your team equally." Hiruzen spoke with authority.
"I have indeed and I was blind by my belief of Sasuke walking in my footsteps. I failed to watch the other members of Team 7." Kakashi admitted.
"Don't let this failure drag you down. You already have enough emotional baggage to deal with. However, I won't tolerate favoritism. Shape yourself up, Kakashi. You've recently have a team to teach so there's still time for redemption." Hiruzen spoke.
"Yes. I wish to redeem myself. Amano's words hit harder than any weapon a shinobi could possess." Kakashi commented.
"Indeed so." Hiruzen admitted.
"Reminds me of how Naruto is... Untainted from the shinobi world..." Kakashi mused with a calm tone.
######
In Training ground 7, Naruto and Amano arrived. The former was surprised to see a jutsu that he didn't see before.
"Calm yourself, Naruto. This will be today's lesson. This jutsu is called Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker). It allows a shinobi to move at extreme speeds. It's not teleporting though." Amano explained.
"So that's what the jutsu is called, but yours was different... It had wind." Naruto noted.
"Very observant, Naruto. Yes, the jutsu I used has a wind variant. It's called Kaze-shunshin (Wind Body Flicker).
"How will this jutsu help me?" Naruto asked, looking uninterested.
Amano chuckled, seeing that Naruto didn't find the meaning of its use.
"I'll explain it to you very simply. Have you ever felt the need to rush through the landscape or escape from a chase? This technique will help shorten the trip. It's great for a quick escape if necessary." Amano explained.
"Oh, I see. That really does help." Naruto realized.
"Yep. Most people use the general variant, which emits smoke, but there are elemental variants suitable for one who controls their main element." Amano revealed.
"I remember wind is one of yours, other than fire and water... Is it possible for me to learn the wind variant?" Naruto asked.
"Ah, that particular jutsu is not only quick, but quiet as well. Most wouldn't sense your presence since wind also manipulates sound to a degree." Amano said.
"Wait, you mean I can use this jutsu without people noticing me?" Naruto asked with surprise.
"Indeed. That's a possibility. It's a good technique to use, not to mention getting the drop on your opponents." Amano chuckled.
Naruto laughed in response. Feeling inspired, he watched as Amano showed the tiger hand sign to perform the jutsu.
"It may seem like any ordinary jutsu, but don't underestimate it. This jutsu will save you in a pinch if needed." Amano commented.
Naruto smiled and began to train himself to learn the technique.
"I'll have to do some training on my own, Naruto. I'm trying to create this new technique that mainly involves the use of the fire element." Amano said.
"Okay. Can you show me when it's done?" Naruto asked.
"I will." Amano promised.
######
Amano was in a different training ground. It was a barren area, akin to a small desert. He began to summon two shadow clones to prepare a new jutsu.
"Okay guys. We have to finish the new move." Amano spoke with authority.
"You mean the big bang?" Amano Clone #1 asked.
"Yes. The same one." Amano confirmed.
Soon, he and clone #1 began performing hand signs at rapid speeds before stopping at the tiger hand sign. A ball of fire emerged from their palms. It soon grew large before it began to compress itself into a compact ball, no larger than a pebble. Fire was erupting around it, but the shape of the ball was contained.
'Here goes...' Amano thought.
Holding the ball, he placed his left hand forward before shouting the name of the technique.
"Katon: Hi Shinsei! (Fire release: Fire Nova!)"
The ball was soon launched. It was shot up to the sky. Amano quickly left with his clones away from the premises. The ball soon came flying down at rapid speeds. Upon touching the ground, a powerful explosion of fire occurred. The entire training ground was razed from the fiery explosion, turning the once sand filled desert into molten glass. A small mushroom cloud was soon created.
"Boss, you had to go that far?" Amano clone #2 questioned.
"It's how we improve. We learn from our mistakes." Amano admitted.
Amano soon dispelled the clones one at a time to gain their knowledge and observation. He briefly expressed some discomfort.
'Hope Sandaime-dono wasn't too alerted from the jutsu... I could imagine if he was panicking...' Amano thought with a nervous laugh.
Soon, Hiruzen came to the area to see the molten training ground. He was deeply shocked to see the area, much to Amano's brief amusement.
"What happened here?" He questioned in fright.
"I was testing out an S-rank technique..." Amano answered.
"An S-ranked technique!? You're capable of such, despite being a Genin!?" Hiruzen asked with shock.
"Perks of being an Uzumaki clan member... We can throw such techniques without wasting stamina." Amano explained.
"Remind me to ensure you don't go overboard with your jutsu... What was the technique's name?" Hiruzen asked.
"Hi Shinsei." Amano answered.
"A nova!? You practically created a mini star!" Hiruzen said with shock.
"A jutsu that can be useful, but it is dangerous. I just created a compact fireball and hurl up to the sky before it hits the ground. When that happens, you see the result." Amano explained.
Hiruzen rubbed his forehead in exacerbation. He didn't think one as young as Amano was capable of such destructive techniques.
"Try not to cause too much damage... It's difficult repairing the after effects of such jutsu." Hiruzen sighed.
Amano scratched his head nervously while laughing. The Hokage looked at the after effects of the technique used. Almost all of the sand melted into glass.
'At least we don't have shortage of glass...' Hiruzen mused mentally.
######
Amano chuckled nervously of his jutsu. He went back to Training Ground 7 to meet with Naruto. The same boy soon zoomed in to the half-Uchiha.
"Aniki, what was that earlier!? I heard a loud explosion and a giant mushroom smoke cloud just came out from afar." Naruto asked, showing concern.
"That was the jutsu I was training with. It's an S-Rank jutsu, but it's very destructive. I could potentially level this forest, leaving it a charred wasteland if I used it again." Amano admitted.
"Your jutsu could do that!? That's so cool, 'ttebayo!" Naruto exclaimed with excitement.
"I did end up causing the desert training ground at the outskirts of Konoha to be turned to glass." Amano spoke mirthlessly.
"Wait, the training ground is now glass, ttebayo?" Naruto asked.
Amano chuckled from the verbal tick, but quickly calmed himself. He did like hearing it, but chose to be respecting to Naruto.
"Yep. The sand got superheated, melted and turned into glass. At least we won't have shortage of glassware." Amano joked.
Naruto laughed in response. Soon, he remembered his training before Amano left him.
"Oh yes, Aniki. I wanted to show you how far I've gone with the technique you taught me." Naruto realized.
"Go ahead, Naruto. Show me how far you've been going." Amano said.
Amano watched patiently as Naruto began to create a single hand sign. It was the ram hand sign.
"Futon: Kaze Shunshin!" (Wind release: Wind Body Flicker)
Naruto was soon enveloped in a blanket of wind. He was now seen standing on top of a nearby tree branch, smiling with a prideful laugh.
"Hey, not bad! If you haven't eaten any onions, I wouldn't realize you simply disappeared if I'm near you." Amano complimented.
Naruto laughed from the joke. He soon came down to the ground.
"Okay. Now that you have a grasp on the elemental variant of the Shunshin (Body Flicker), it'll be a useful tool to train for your Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clones). More specifically, creating elemental Kage Bunshin (Shadow clones).
"Oh? Will this really be helpful?" Naruto asked.
"Yes. Elemental variants of the Kage Bunshin (Shadow clones) will put a surprise to your enemies. For instance, Katon (Fire Release) will cause them to burst in flames, burning your enemy. In the case of Futon (Wind Release), they disperse in invisible blades, slashing the unsuspecting attacker." Amano answered.
"Wow... This can work in that way... Wait, I remember seeing Mizu Bunshin (Water Clone) before ttebayo." Naruto realized.
"Mizu Bunshin (Water Clone) huh? That jutsu does use water as a medium to create a copy. Since you have witnessed that jutsu, it'll make things easy. For your case Naruto, the Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone) doesn't need a medium, but can be combined with elements of any kind." Amano explained.
"Awesome. I'm going to be strong for sure, ttebayo!" Naruto said with a cheery expression.
Amano chuckled, hearing Naruto's confidence rising. Both resumed in training each other to boost their skills up.
######
The two male ninjas decided to take a brief break. Amano and Naruto were eating at Ichiraku Ramen.
"This definitely hits the spot." Amano commented.
"Yep! Ramen is food of the gods!" Naruto agreed.
Nearby, Ino and Hinata came by. They saw Amano and Naruto eating peacefully.
'Oh my... Amano-kun is with Naruto, eating at Ichiraku's. Could it be he made his decision?' Ino thought.
Hinata looked bashful, eyeing mainly at Naruto. She was pressing her index fingers in a cute manner. Her curiosity of the boy near him was evident, seeing how he was being a positive influence to her crush.
'Naruto-kun, I haven't seen you smile this openly. Could it be that Amano-kun is the reason that helped you?' She thought.
Both girls were feeling a sense of temptation to talk to their respective boys. Each passing second as they heard them eat their meals made it difficult to ignore. The girls decided, against the judgment of others, to boldly talk with the boys. Hinata was still very bashful with her blush reddening her face. Ino also had the same feeling, but it was dusting her cheeks compared with Hinata.
"Hi you guys." Ino spoke, surprising the boys.
Naruto and Amano were shaken by the sudden announcement, causing them to comically fall from their seat. Luckily, their meals were left on the table.
"That's one way to surprise someone." Amano commented.
Ino and Hinata giggled in response, feeling their tension loosen, if a little.
"Ara? Ino-chan. Fancy meeting you here." Amano noticed.
"Sorry to surprise you, Amano-kun. I ended up hearing your voice when you were talking with Naruto." Ino replied.
"Oh, it's nothing wrong about that. I guess it was a random time that we ended up meeting here again." Amano reassured, scratching the back of his head.
Hinata noticed how Ino, despite looking a bit bashful, was actively talking with Amano. Following the example, she decided to speak with Naruto.
"Um... Naruto-kun?" She asked with a soft tone.
"Ara, Hinata. What's up?" Naruto asked.
"I was wondering if... If I could join..." Hinata spoke softly.
Her bashful personality was overcoming her bold attempt to speak with Naruto. Though Naruto didn't get the memo clearly, he looked confused.
"Join me?" Naruto asked.
Amano gave a silent chuckle, finding the interaction calming.
"She just wants to be with you for lunch, Naruto." Amano said.
"Oh, now I get it. I'm sorry, Hinata. You can join me." Naruto said, scratching his head in embarrassment.
Hinata had a surprised expression. She soon felt glad for Amano and Ino indirectly helping her talk with her crush.
'Those two will grow up to be newlyweds before they know it.' Amano thought.
He soon felt Ino holding his left arm close. This made him blush from the contact, much to his bashful side showing. Ino noticed it, finding it cute.
'Aw... He's shy. It makes him look cute.' She thought.
She soon attempted to continue the conversation.
"So, Amano-kun. Have you decided on which team you want to be with?" Ino asked.
"I already made my decision with the Hokage present. I'm with Team 7." Amano answered.
Ino felt slightly depressed of him not choosing her team, but she kept calm.
"Team 7, huh? Out of curiosity, what was the reason?" Ino questioned.
"It's due to familial reasons." Amano answered.
"Family, huh? Does it involve with Naruto or Sasuke?" Ino asked.
"Both, actually. Keep note I'm not a full-blooded Uchiha like Sasuke. I have inherited another family bloodline." Amano said.
"Another bloodline?" Ino questioned.
"Not exactly something that alters the body. It's more of a passive effect. You've already seen me with my actual hair color, have you? If not, I'll show it again." Amano hinted.
Ino didn't recall it till she saw Amano's hair turn a bright red color. Hinata also reacted with surprise, seeing that Amano was using a low level genjutsu to conceal his actual appearance.
"That's how you actually look!?" Ino asked with surprise.
"For the most part. It's just cosmetic change. Anyway, members of a clan whom were born with red hair are gifted with exceptional chakra reserves. The members can hurl A-rank jutsu like they were nothing. Even S-rank jutsu wouldn't tire them out that easily." Amano explained.
"A clan with red hair… The only one I know of would be the Uzumaki…!-" Ino soon realized.
"You got it…" Amano chuckled.
Ino looked flabbergasted. However, seeing Amano laughing made her forget the surprise. In her sight, Amano looked more like a friendlier version of Sasuke with shiny red hair. His blue eyes were also enticing to her.
"Oh man… I'm still in surprise, but now I see everything." Ino said.
"All water under the bridge. I kept my hair in a genjutsu for so long, it became a habit. It was mainly use to smite the Uchiha side of my family." Amano said.
######
The quartet soon left Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto and Amano paid their bills, both still savoring the taste from the meal.
"Remind me to order the curry ramen, Naruto." Amano comically spoke.
"Curry ramen!? Can you handle something that spicy?" Naruto questioned.
"It helps tolerate with katon jutsu. Better in my opinion than eating ghost peppers." Amano said.
"Ghost peppers…?" Naruto asked with a shiver.
"They're not actually ghostly peppers. The peppers pack a nasty wallop if eaten. I would dare say you be burning your mouth for hours… Even among the Uchiha, the pepper is quite painful." Amano said.
Naruto pictured the scenario with Sasuke eating a ghost pepper. The imagination showed Sasuke running frantically while breathing a dragon flame. This got Naruto to snort in amusement.
'Guess he thought of a scenario of someone eating said pepper.' Amano thought, seeing Naruto smiling.
Ino and Hinata were watching their respective crushes. Both noticed the interaction as though the boys were like brothers. A sense of relief came to them. Hinata sympathized with Naruto due to not having a familiar figure of whom he can relate. Ino thought of the same thing, but was hopeful that Amano found a member of the Uzumaki clan.
Ending 1: amazarashi - Kisetsu wa Tsugitsu Shindeiku