Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto and Yūgao traveling towards Takumi Village, while getting some training done along the way, along with the appearance of a surprising character. So, without further ado.
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Naruto sat in a meditative position while spreading out his senses, feeling and sensing everything around him. Being able to sense Yūgao nearby while she was preparing breakfast, being able to "see" her Chakra as she moved. Even being able to sense animals moving throughout the forest, birds that were flying close by, "watching" them move and fly around.
"Naruto, breakfast is ready." Yūgao said, pulling Naruto out of his meditation before he got up and went over to the fire, grabbing the plate Yūgao held out for him.
"Thanks, Yūgao-sensei." Said Naruto, sitting down as they began eating, while the purplette nodded in response.
"No problem. You've learned the Sensing Technique fairly quickly, but how are you with the Flying Swallow?" Yūgao asked, wanting to know how he's doing with the training they've been doing the past few days.
Since they weren't exactly in a hurry to reach Takumi Village, the two had taken the time to get some training done during the trip. With the Anbu teaching Naruto her Sensing Technique to better sense and track a person's Chakra signature. And the Flying Swallow, allowing him to channel Chakra into his weapon, increasing its length and sharpness. Along with even being able to adjust the length of the Chakra Blade that forms around the physical one, making it as long or as short as the user wants.
With Yūgao also helping him with his Kenjutsu and overall abilities as well, along with teaching him some new Chakra Control Exercises.
"I've gotten better at the Flying Swallow, the Chakra Control Exercises also helping to better shape my Chakra around my weapons. They've also been a lot of help in recreating the Sonic Howl and Chakra Claws, with the Flying Swallow especially helping with the latter." Replied Naruto, pleased at how he's getting closer to recreating the two attacks.
The whiskered ravenette having also noticed how the Flying Swallow was similar to the Chakra Claws, creating solid Chakra constructs around a weapon. While the Chakra Claws does the same, as well as being able to launch them at a target. Leading to him also noticing the similarities they both had to his Beast Wave Gale Palm and the Beast Tearing Palm, especially with the latter.
Making it so he just had to deconstruct those Jutsu and how they're performed to further help in recreating the Chakra Claws. So between the Chakra Claws and Sonic Howl, Naruto's made the most progress with the Chakra Claws.
"That's good, they seem like incredibly versatile attacks to have and once you've managed to recreate them, you'll be able to further improve and make your own versions." Yūgao said with a nod, having seen how Naruto seemed to have a talent with Shape Transformation.
Something that's not only good at further helping his Chakra Control, but can be very versatile in shaping your Chakra into anything you want, giving you a wide range of attacks and Jutsu to use. Which only become more powerful when Nature Transformation is applied.
"That's what I'm hoping to do, once I've recreated and mastered them. After that, it'd be adding my Wind Affinity to them." Said Naruto, intending to improve the Sonic Howl and Chakra Claws by adding his Wind Affinity to them.
His words making the purplette, proud and amazed at her students determination and desire to keep improving himself, knowing it'll help him a lot to keep improving and grow as a Shinobi.
"Just don't try overworking yourself by training in too many things, even with Shadow Clones, you could end up pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion. Which will only do more harm than good for you." Said Yūgao, the Uzumaki nodding in response before he looked at her curiously.
"Yūgao-sensei, who taught you Kenjutsu?" Naruto asked, interested to learn who taught her Kenjutsu, with Yugao pausing slightly at the question before answering.
"Hayate-kun was appointed to teach me Kenjutsu due to the talent I showed in it, and he's one of the best Kenjutsu users in Konoha." Yūgao replied.
"Was there anyone before Hayate-sensei that trained you?" Said Naruto, given how Hayate was only a year older than Yūgao, the Uzumaki doubted he trained her in Kenjutsu from the beginning.
"I…did have another instructor, they started teaching me Kenjutsu after seeing I had a natural talent for it, along with helping me perfect my sensing abilities and teaching me the Sensing Techniques I use. It was their training that helped me get selected to join Anbu at a young age. They were actually considered the best Kenjutsu user in the village, being much stronger than me and Hayate-kun together. Though they were also…very intense when it came to training, but it certainly paid off in the end." Said Yūgao with a small smile, with Naruto's curiosity growing at who her other instructor.
"Are they still in the village?" Naruto asked, causing the purplette's smile to fall and shake her head.
"No, they aren't. They're dead, actually." Yūgao revealed, making the Uzumaki wince.
"Oh…sorry." Said Naruto, with Yūgao waving it off.
"It's fine, you had no way of knowing. While I miss them, they died protecting someone they loved and that's something they would glad give their life to do." Replied Yūgao, Naruto looking at her at this.
"Did you spend time with them outside of training?" Questioned Naruto, Yūgao nodding in response.
"I did, in fact, we probably spent more time together outside of training than we did training. Like I said, they were pretty intense in training and didn't hold back much, but outside of training, they were a different kind of intense. Being pretty hyperactive, impulsive, and stubborn, but still being level-headed and cheerful, along with being pretty sassy. Though they were also kind and caring to those close to them, always willing to do anything they could to help those they cared about. While for those that got on their bad side, it usually didn't end too well since one thing that they were well-known for was their temper. If you made them angry, the safer choice was usually to just take whatever beating they gave, since running only made them angrier. They were…someone you had to meet for yourself to see how amazing they were, and I'm happy for the chance to have met and be trained by them." Yūgao explained with a smile, while Naruto tried imagining a person like that.
"Huh…you know it's funny, I feel like a lot of what you just said could apply to me." Naruto stated, noticing that most of what she just said could be said about how he was before merging with Zen-Aku, and even then a lot of that stuff could still apply.
"I know, you actually remind me a lot about them too." Replied Yūgao smiling at her student, seeing a lot of her first instructor in him.
"I'll take that as a compliment. Though…if you don't mind me asking, what was their name?" Asked Naruto, interested to know her instructor's name.
With his question making Yūgao pause again, biting her lip as she's unsure if she should tell him their name, given how it could potentially cause some problems. But if she didn't tell him, then it's likely he'd grow suspicious and start searching himself, which would definitely lead to major problems.
"…Kushina, her name was Kushina." Yūgao revealed after a few moments, figuring just telling him would be the safer option, while Naruto frowned slightly at the name.
"Kushina. She…really does sound like an amazing person." Naruto muttered, unable to help but feel a pang inside him at the name, as if it should mean something to him.
"Yeah, she was." 'And would have been an even better mother.' Said Yūgao, adding the last part mentally while glancing at her student.
She was fully aware of who Naruto's parents are, having been trained by Kushina and learning she was married to the Yondaime Hokage. It's why the purplette had jumped at the chance to help train him in Kenjutsu when Kakashi asked, wanting the chance to help train her teacher's son. As well as the chance to get to know him, given the Sandaime's choice to keep him ignorant of his heritage and safe from his parents' enemies.
Though she did what she could as one of his Anbu guards growing up, keeping him safe from anyone that wanted to try hurting him or those like Danzō, that'd want to use him.
Yūgao also knew she'll likely get in trouble for telling Naruto about Kushina, should the Hokage ever find out, even if she didn't directly tell him she's his mother. But she also believed he at least deserved to know what she was like and know her name to feel some connection to her.
"Thanks, Yūgao-sensei, for telling me about your first instructor." Naruto replied, the purplette nodding in response and smiling at him.
"No problem, and if you ever want to hear more about Kushina-sensei, then don't hesitate to ask." Yūgao said, wanting to tell him all about his mother as much as she could.
The two continued talking about different things before they eventually finishing their breakfast and began packing up camp to continue on towards Takumi Village.
*Timeskip-One Day*
"When you said Takumi Village didn't like Ninja, I think you downplayed how much." Naruto said quietly to Yūgao as they walked through Takumi Village, with the villagers not even bothering to hide their dislike, even hatred, and cold attitude of the two Ninja being here.
"I've only heard about their dislike of Ninja, but seeing it firsthand…it's honestly a miracle they let us inside." Replied Yūgao, glancing around the village, her instincts telling her to have her sword drawn and ready for an attack.
Making the two wonder if maybe they should have tried the idea Naruto had suggested, before they'd arrived.
*Flashback*
"Yūgao-sensei, since Takumi Village doesn't really like or trust Ninja, do you think we should take off our forehead protectors?" Naruto asked as they were getting closer to Takumi Village, hoping they'd be able to find a blacksmith that'd be willing to do business with them.
Before the whiskered ravenette thought of something that may be able to make their time in Takumi Village, easier. With Yūgao looking at him with a frown, since while the idea had some merit and would help their trip, it'd also cause the more problems than they needed.
"Taking off and hiding our forehead protectors would make things easier in the short term, but it'd also likely make things difficult for us and Konoha as a whole in the long term. Keep in mind that everyone in Takumi Village hates Ninja and the Hidden Villages they come from, especially ones from the Five Great Nations. Ask yourself, how do you think they'll react when, not if, they learn we essentially tricked them into helping us?" Replied Yūgao looking at her student, making Naruto pause and think about it, before sighing in realization at what could happen.
The best case scenario being they just demand Zangetsu back and compensation for being tricked, the worst case being they put a hit out on both of them and just take Zangetsu back.
"Yeah, it'd be a bad idea." Naruto stated, with Yūgao nodding in response before patting him the shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'm sure there'll be at least one blacksmith willing to do business with us." Assured Yūgao as they continued on their way.
*End Flashback*
The Anbu honestly wished she could go back and kick herself, given how so far they've yet to find a single blacksmith that'd agree to make Naruto's sword. Every shop they've gone to so far has either declined accepting the commission or even just bluntly told them to get out and not come back. Making them realize the hatred Takumi Village had for Ninja was much worse than they originally thought.
"Come on, let's take a break before we keep searching." Yūgao said with a sigh before they found a place to sit down, pulling out some containers of dango they'd manage to purchase from a restaurant.
Though rather than start eating, Naruto and Yūgao began checking and testing each dango stick they had, wanting to make sure they weren't tampered with.
"Are yours fine, Naruto?" Yūgao asked looking at her student, who nodded after a few moments.
"They look fine and I don't smell anything wrong with them. What about yours, Yūgao-sensei?" Questioned Naruto, the purplette soon nodding as well.
"Seems like they weren't poisoned, so that's good at least." Stated Yūgao, while relieved that Anko wasn't here with them, knowing she'd likely go on a rampage and kill anyone that tampered with her favorite food.
Before the two began eating, knowing it's a miracle they've even managed to buy dango, given the restaurant they went to looked ready to deny them service or simply throw them out. Or even try to poison them, leading to both Ninja checking to make sure they didn't actually go through with the latter. Having also gotten similar trouble at the inn they'd checked into for the duration of their time here, looking ready to kick them out the moment they entered.
"Is there any other place at all we could try visiting that'd be able to make my sword?" Naruto asked, highly doubting they'll find anyone willing to help them here.
And even if they did, he felt that despite their pride in the weapons they make, it wouldn't really mean anything if he can't find someone willing to make Zangetsu for him.
"Honestly, there isn't any other place that isn't allied with another Hidden Village, at least not in the Elemental Nations to my knowledge. The only other option we'd really have would be trying to find a place outside of the Shinobi Continent. But I doubt the Hokage would approve a trip like that for just a sword to be made." Replied Yūgao, making the Uzumaki sigh in annoyance, but nod.
"You also get the feeling like we've been followed since entering the village." Naruto said lowly, with the purplette giving a barely noticeable nod.
"Yeah. It's hard to tell since the few Ninja that this place has don't have a lot of Chakra. But it does feel like someone's been watching us." Yūgao said, before the two subtlely checked their surroundings and spread out their senses to see if anyone was watching them.
Only to frown when they didn't see any sign of anyone watching them, either from the ground or from the roofs. Nor sensing any Chakra signatures indicating they were being followed by anyone, either.
"I swear it'd be easier and simpler if someone would just try something already." Muttered Naruto, honestly wishing someone would try something stupid, with Yūgao unable to help but nod in agreement with her student.
The two being unaware that they were being watched by a few Takumi Ninja, having taken notice of Naruto's large Chakra Reserves. Even without actively sensing the kids Chakra, they could tell he had more Chakra than anyone else they've seen.
"Hōki will want to know about this." One of the Ninja said with a smirk, one the other shared as they left to go inform the Four Celestial Symbols Men.
Knowing that they'll be able to go ahead with the ritual much sooner than they expected.
*Later*
"Just a few more shops to check, then we'll likely be leaving. Sorry if this turns out to be a wasted trip, Naruto." Yūgao said as they walked through Takumi Village, having finished their lunch and continued searching for a blacksmith to make the Uzumaki's sword.
Only for the number of shops they could visit growing smaller and smaller with each refusal they got, knowing soon there won't be any other options they could try.
"It's fine sensei, at least we were able to get some training done. And who knows, maybe there'll be a mission to another continent we could take, then I'll definitely get a one-of-a-kind sword." Replied Naruto with a smirk, making the purplette laugh slightly.
"Knowing your luck, that's honestly a real possibility." Stated Yūgao, having seen how Naruto can have either the best or worst luck in the world.
Though the two stopped when Naruto bumped into an extremely elderly man, making the whiskered ravenette drop his notebook.
He was a scranky old man with tanned skin, and huge eyes with pinpoint pupils that looked be permanently wide open, balding on the top of his head with what remains of his gray hair tied in a topknot, a thin goatee at the end of his chin that looked scorched, as well as a mustache that is, seemingly, shaved in the middle. He was wearing a green hoari with black horizontal strikes on it, with matching hakama, and was barefoot.
"Sorry about that, sir. I didn't watch where I was going." Naruto said quickly, not wanting to end up being accused of assaulting an old man, only to see the elder pick up his notebook.
"No problem there youngster, accidents happen…hmmm." Replied the old man as he began flipping through the notebook, looking over the designs and ideas Naruto had for Zangetsu.
"This is a mighty fine blade you've designed, unlike any I've seen before, and I've seen quite a few in my time. I take it you came here hoping to have it commissioned." The old man said, with Naruto nodding slowly in response.
"Yes, that's what we were hoping for. But so far, every blacksmith we've visited has either refused to take the job or just told us to get out." Said Naruto, with the old man humming in thought.
"Eh, not surprising. Everyone here hates Ninja and would sooner fall on their own weapons before choosing to make one for any Ninja, again. Luckily for you, I'm not like everyone else here, if you need a blacksmith then you found one of the best in the world." Said the old man, surprising Naruto and Yūgao.
"Wait…you're a blacksmith?" Yūgao asked, not expecting this elderly man to be a blacksmith.
"Of course I am! I've made some of the finest blades you could ever hope to see, ones that could even make those fancy swords in Kiri look like children's toys in comparison!" The old man said, surprising the Ninja further.
"O-okay, um…if you're really willing to accept the job, that'd be great. I'm Naruto Uzumaki and this my sensei, Yūgao Uzuki." Introduced Naruto as the old man seemed to have taken a particular interest in learning what his last name was.
"It's nice to meet you sir." Yūgao said as they held out their hands, which the old man shook.
"You too as well, I am Tōtōsai, Tōtōsai Uzumaki!" Tōtōsai replied, which really shocked Naruto and Yūgao.
"Y-yo-you're an…Uzumaki?" Naruto asked in shock and disbelief that he's actually meeting another Uzumaki, with Yūgao sharing his shock given how few Uzumaki were left in the world, while also taking note that Naruto seemed to already be in the know about his clan.
"Yes I am. We can talk more at my hut if you two are interested in joining me." Offered Tōtōsai, Naruto and Yūgao nodding in response.
"Yes, that'd be fine, Tōtōsai. Um…where do you live, exactly?" Yūgao asked as they began following the elderly Uzumaki.
"Outside the village, since I'm sure you've seen that everyone here don't like Ninja. Well not all the blacksmiths are like that, there are a few who don't hold any ill will towards Ninja, even a few that have Ninja-affiliated Ancestry like myself. But that dislike everyone here has spreads to those few as well, as they're essentially banished from the village and forced to live outside it, only being allowed in on rare occasions. You two are lucky that this was one my rare, allowed, visits." Tōtōsai replied, making the ravenette and purplette frown at hearing.
Not believing they'd actually banish blacksmiths for not hating Ninja or those with Ninja-affiliated Ancestry, just out of spite and hatred for Ninja as whole. With Naruto and Yūgao shaking their heads at how stubborn and short-sighted the people here were, to the point where it almost felt like they've never left Konoha in Naruto's case, before following Tōtōsai out of the village.
*Later*
It didn't take long before they arrived at Tōtōsai's hut, with Naruto and Yūgao being surprised again to see that rather than a building, it looked to be the skull of some giant creature. They also saw an open side area built next to the skull, which they could see had Tōtōsai's forge built inside of it.
"You…live here? What was it?" Naruto asked, not expecting him to live in a giant creatures skull.
"Yep, found it not long after settling down in Takumi and then being banished! As for what it was…no idea, but it's a good place for forging, no wood that would catch on fire or stones that'll make everything too hot. It's also really good at keeping away any brats, that and Mō-Mō helps. Speaking of…Mō-Mō! Come here, we have visitors!" Tōtōsai shouted, before the two Ninja were once again shocked when a large brown ox appeared.
What was shocking was the fact the ox had three eyes, with two regular eyes and then a third one on its forehead.
"Is…is that…is that a Yōkai?!" Yūgao said in shock and disbelief, not knowing what else the ox could be.
"That's right, this here is Mō-Mō, he's my companion whenever I need to leave the village." Replied Tōtōsai, patting Mō-Mō on the head, while Naruto and Yūgao shook off their shock as they all headed inside his hut, finding it to be much bigger on the inside than the outside.
"O-okay, so…um, about you making my sword. How much will it cost?" Naruto asked once they were inside and sitting down, with Tōtōsai looking over the designs of Zangetsu.
"Hmmm, for a sword like this, it'd definitely cost a lot, likely more than you'd be able to afford. But for my services, it won't be much, though in exchange for the lowered price, I want you to become my protégé." Tōtōsai said while looking at Naruto, with neither of them expecting this.
"You want Naruto to be your protégé…as payment?" Yūgao asked with a raised brow, given how they'd be getting his sword made at a discounted price and Naruto would be learning how to make weapons, something that'd also give him a more intimate understanding of Zangetsu and how it works.
"Yes. The Uzumaki Clan may be known for our longevity and I've certainly lived much longer than most, even some of my fellow clan members in terms of longevity, but I'm not immortal and I'm getting old. I've been looking for a successor to pass my teachings onto, but haven't found anyone deserving to learn them, until you that is. After all, who better to pass my teachings onto than another Uzumaki." Tōtōsai replied, much to their shock and gratitude with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Then I accept, I'll become your protégé and learn everything you have to teach." Said Naruto, bowing his head.
"Great! Then we can get started on teaching you the basics, come with me!" Said Tōtōsai as he got up and motioned for Naruto to follow him outside, with Naruto doing so.
"But the first thing is, since you're from Konoha and can most likely know Shadow Clone Jutsu that brat Tobirama created, you should know that you won't be using that. Blacksmithing is best learned and used with your own two hands, not through memories given to you by clones. You want to use clones, then wait until we get to the Fūinjutsu part of the lessons, otherwise you'll be doing all the work yourself." Tōtōsai said, wanting Naruto to get the experience in blacksmithing with his own hands, rather than using clones to speed things up.
Especially given how difficult and dangerous the process can be, not wanting a clone to accidently dispel from getting hurt due to inexperience. Which could lead to something being damaged or broken, requiring it to be fixed or replaced, or, even worse, a fire being started. All of which Tōtōsai would prefer didn't happen while Naruto was learning.
Even more so, since he'll be teaching the younger Uzumaki the Fire Style Ninjutsu he uses for forging as well.
"Okay, I can do that. Are we also going to be gathering the materials we need to forge my sword, too?" Naruto asked as they entered the forge area, with Tōtōsai beginning to search through several boxes of materials.
"Perhaps some of them, but I already have the main material for it right here. A fragments of my greatest masterpiece, back when its second wielder had broken it against a powerful Yōkai. While the blade had ultimately been restored and is now in the possession of his elder niece. I did keep some fragments of it as a potential forging material when I was repairing it, and with the sword you want made, it'll be perfect." Tōtōsai said before pulling out a long case and set it down before opening it up.
With Naruto looking amazed at seeing what looked to be a fragment of what was once a very large sword, being able to tell just from looking at the fragment, it was definitely a masterpiece.
"Now then…let's get started." Tōtōsai said, Naruto nodding in agreement as they got started.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see what Naruto's been training in on the way to Takumi Village, making progress in recreating the Sonic Howl and Chakra Claws, along with learning some new techniques from Yūgao. Before learning who her first Kenjutsu Instructor was before Hayate, with it being that Yūgao was trained by Kushina and is aware that Naruto is her son, with her doing what she could to help and bond with him, along with wanting to tell Naruto about his mother as much as she could. Then we see them arriving on Takumi Village, with a small flashback of Naruto suggesting they hide their headbands only for Yūgao to turn the idea down knowing it'd only cause them more problems in the long run. Only for them to see just how much the people of Takumi Village hate Ninja, being unable to find a blacksmith who could make them Zangetsu, while having other problems they'll soon be dealing with against the Takumi Ninja and their own plans. Finally we see Naruto and Yūgao bumping into Tōtōsai who is still a blacksmith but also a member of the Uzumaki Clan, who offers to forge Naruto's sword in return for him becoming his protégé, which Naruto agrees to, while seeing they'll be using a fragment of another sword Tōtōsai has forged to make his own. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out