Ok, I am tentatively declaring that I am back. I have been able to sit down now for 20 minutes at a time since Thursday, without experiencing pain, which is what allowed me to finish off this chapter. I say tentatively, as I still have my stitches in and will have them removed next week, which may or may not, make it painful to sit again. Fingers crossed though and hopefully I'll be able to get out a few more chapters, before the month is over.
Thank you to everyone who wished me well and thank you all for your support.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Heavily demonic voice'
'Fox talking'
"Fox thinking"
*expression*
Jutsu
Flashback
Chapter 4 – Understanding
'Why *huff* the hell *huff* are we doing this?' Gasped Tayuya, resting her hands on her knees and taking deep breaths.
'What, you're the one with envy, I told you we'd need to train your body more.' Commented Naruto, from across Tayuya.
The two were in the woods alongside a small stream. Naruto was wearing his orange jumpsuit, but had taken the jacket off, giving him more freedom.
Tayuya was about to give another snarky remark, only for three bodies to float down the small stream.
'Tayuya, go get something to eat, we're probably going to have a mission soon.' Said Naruto, as he walked over to his jacket and put it on, before walking over to the three bodies and hoisting them all on his shoulders.
'I'll see you soon.' Said Naruto, before leaping off the ground, heading back to the village.
'Show off.' Grumbled Tayuya, at Naruto flaunting his own physical prowess.
'Wait a minute, I don't have any damn money!' Cursed Tayuya.
-line break-
Naruto took the three men to the hospital, where Tsunade just happened to have been at that moment, leading to Naruto being forced to watch over the three, after she healed them.
Naruto sat there, watching the three pensively.
'Is something wrong, Naruto?' Asked Kurama.
"Nothing, I'm just wondering where I want to go from here. Reflecting, that's all I'm doing." Thought Naruto in response to Kurama's question.
'Remember your own advice, don't overthink things, or you'll get lost within your thoughts.' Said Kurama, before going silent.
"Hmm, what to do, what to do? Tayuya is an interesting prospect and sure to be enjoyable for a while, but what am I really aiming for?" Thought Naruto, only for a soft groan to break him out of his thoughts.
'Where are we?' Asked one of the men.
The man had short black hair and black eyes. His attire consisted of a grey bandanna tied backwards and a blue yukata.
'You're in the Village Hidden of the Leaves. Man, you sure got lucky I found you and Granny Tsunade healed you. What happened to you guys?' Asked Naruto eagerly.
'So… we really made it to the Leaf Village… incredible.' Muttered the man, before focusing on Naruto.
'Who are you?' Asked the man.
'I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the next Hokage, believe it!' Exclaimed Naruto.
'Well, we'll see about that.' Said Tsunade, as she entered the room.
'Granny, you're here!' Cheered Naruto, causing Tsunade's eye to twitch.
'Brat, keep your voice down in the hospital, in fact, go train or something, why are you here?' Growled Tsunade.
'I was just wondering what was going on.' Said Naruto calmly, cleaning his ear in boredom.
'And where's Tayuya?' Asked Tsunade.
'Oh, her… I dunno, I was training before and she was doing some training as well, then I left after those three floated down the stream… I think I told her to get some food or something.' Said Naruto thoughtfully.
'There you are you little shit!' Screamed Tayuya, barging into the hospital room, causing Tsunade's eye to twitch in annoyance again.
'Wha-What did I do?' Asked Naruto in confusion.
'You told me to get something to eat… but I don't have any money you idiot!' Shouted Tayuya, before grabbing Naruto by the scruff of his jumpsuit and dragging him with her.
'Where are we going?' Asked Naruto anxiously.
'To get something to eat. You're paying.' Said Tayuya bluntly.
'So… like a date?' Asked Naruto curiously.
'No, not like a date! Like a "buy me food or I'll stick my foot up your ass" thing.' Informed Tayuya, before dragging Naruto out of the hospital.
"Funny, I guess it's always the redhead who wears the pants. Does explain why Grandmother could always get her way with Grandfather." Thought Tsunade in amusement.
-line break-
As Tayuya dragged Naruto through the streets, Naruto laughed to himself internally.
"At least she's feisty enough to not be completely submissive, even though I'm leaps and bounds beyond her." Thought Naruto in amusement, letting his new student drag him around.
Tayuya continued to drag Naruto through the Leaf Village, until they stopped outside a certain ramen stand.
'All right, time for some food.' Said Tayuya, pushing Naruto through the flaps of the stand.
'You didn't have to be so mean about it, Tayuya.' Pouted Naruto, as the girl sat on a stool.
'The hell I didn't! You told me to get food, without giving me any money and that was four hours ago, right after training. I want food damn it!' Ranted Tayuya.
'Fine, sheesh, you're so pushy.' Grumbled Naruto, before seating himself at a stool to Tayuya's right.
'A dozen bowls of ramen old man!' Exclaimed Naruto exuberantly.
'Half of those are mine, so extra chicken.' Added Tayuya, getting Naruto to look at her strangely.
'What do you mean, that was my order?' Asked Naruto in confusion.
'Well tough shit. I'm hungry and I will steal your food if I need to.' Growled Tayuya, causing Naruto to smirk for the barest instances, before adopting a look of fear.
'But that's my ramen… you can't take my ramen…' Whimpered Naruto.
Tayuya glared at Naruto, making him laugh internally, before pretending to be cowed by the look.
'Fine.' Muttered Naruto submissively, causing Tayuya to grin.
'Damn straight.' Said Tayuya triumphantly, before the first set of bowls came out.
Naruto watched Tayuya tear into the bowl with gusto, making him chuckle to himself, before doing the same, easily overtaking her. As the second set of bowls came out, Naruto turned to face Tayuya.
'So, Tayuya, did you enjoy being on top for a while?' Asked Naruto teasingly, causing the redhead to choke and splutter on her ramen.
'Wha-what are you saying?' Asked Tayuya, eyes darting around the stand nervously.
'Relax, I've set up an illusion to make it look like we're eating ramen. I just needed the first bowl out of the way, to make it convincing. I'm just looping that image over. So, did you enjoy it?' Asked Naruto again.
'Why'd you let me rough you around like that anyway?' Asked Tayuya, stopping her ravenous eating as well momentarily.
'What do you mean? You didn't really think I wanted someone who would always do whatever I say, without thinking for themselves. If I wanted that, I would have bothered to entertain that Hyuuga girl, who is deeply infatuated with me, to the point of obsession.' Said Naruto calmly.
Tayuya smirked to herself, ready to boast about that fact, only for Naruto to freeze her with his gaze.
'Of course, when I do ask you to do something important, I expect you to do so. Just know that you have freedom outside of that. After all, I don't want things to be boring between us.' Said Naruto sternly, only to turn back to his ramen.
'Come on old man, I've still got to eat more than Tayuya!' Exclaimed Naruto, as Teuchi came out with another pair of bowls.
'Don't you worry Naruto, I doubt anyone can match your appetite anyway, Tayuya looks full over there anyway.' Said Teuchi.
'Come on Tayuya, you said you were hungry, didn't you… even if you're making me pay.' Said Naruto cheerfully, before grumbling the last part.
'R-right, I'm starving.' Said Tayuya, before going back to shovelling noodles into her mouth.
'Naruto… have I ever told you that you are rather cruel?' Asked Kurama.
"Yep, but I was just having a bit of fun this time, nothing to worry about. After all, I need Tayuya's sanity… those others… well, they were expendable." Thought Naruto in amusement.
-line break-
'That has got to be the biggest stretch in history. If this actually turns up a solid lead, I will kiss your non-existent ass.' Sighed Naruto.
'Yeah… hey! I have an ass and just you wait, it'll make your ass look like a pancake by comparison, once I'm through with it.' Shouted Tayuya.
The two were back at the training field, in which they had found the three men, now known to be Rokusuke, Sangorou, and Hachidai, who had escaped from their village. Their village was located in the Land of Rivers, near the Katabami Gold Mine, which had been taken over by Raiga Kurosuki.
'I mean, what idiot would believe that Raiga, a former Swordsmen of the Mist, would be in contact with another former swordsman, who defected at a different time. It's bad enough thinking that Raiga would somehow provide a link to Kisame, but then, to say that due to that shaky link at best, finding Raiga, would lead to finding Itachi through Kisame… then, to stretch that line even further, to suggest that finding Raiga, someone only loosely affiliated with Kisame, a partner of Itachi, whom Sasuke is searching for and thus, finding Raiga, will help us find Sasuke, is the weakest bit of logic I've ever heard.' Lamented Naruto, shaking his head in disappointment.
'Why are you even bothering with it then?' Asked Tayuya, still sour at Naruto's repeated shots at her posterior.
'To help you integrate into things here before we leave. I'm sure you know this already, being as intelligent as you are, but you aren't exactly trusted yet in this village. The stupid civilians aside, many shinobi are still distrustful of you, due to the role you played in Sasuke's defection. It also doesn't help that you were part of the group, which hurt many of my comrades, most of which aren't entirely happy with you being here now, while they risked their lives to prevent Sasuke leaving.' Answered Naruto.
'So you're doing this so I can become butt buddies with the other Genin?' Asked Tayuya.
'… Not exactly what I was trying to say… but close enough.' Said Naruto, after a moment of thought.
'Well shit. I don't know if you realise, but I'm not exactly the friendliest person around. You don't get to become an elite guard of Orochimaru, of all people, by having a bleeding heart.' Commented Tayuya, crossing her arms over her chest.
'I know. Fortunately for you though, Neji respects me greatly and due to certain events, is more inclined to allowing people the opportunity to redeem themselves, through a second chance. Lee is, as you put it, a bleeding heart, but also very loyal. He might be suspicious of you initially, but once you win him over, that likely won't ever change. Tenten will be your easiest conquest, as she wasn't particular close to Sasuke and you being a strong kunoichi will be enough to pique her interest. They are the best team for you to start integrating with as well, because they are from the year above Sasuke, in regards to the academy, meaning they will be less likely to dislike you for endangering their friend, since Sasuke didn't really qualify for one with them anyway.' Explained Naruto.
'Damn… it's creepy how well you know people.' Muttered Tayuya.
'Today's lesson, Tayuya, every tiny bit of information you gather, is necessary in building a psychological profile on people, so you can know how they will behave. An unaccounted for variable, is an action you won't anticipate and could lead to your death in extreme cases, remember that.' Said Naruto, before standing up.
'Where are we going now?' Asked Tayuya, promptly following Naruto.
'Where else, to the gates of the village. We're finally going out for a bit, so I'm going to start your training, early stages though.' Said Naruto.
'About time! So what's the first thing I need to do?' Asked Tayuya eagerly.
'Uh-uh, not while in the village.' Chided Naruto, wagging his right index finger at her admonishingly.
Tayuya cursed under her breath, causing Naruto to smirk.
'Although not related to illusions, you should really learn to control yourself. Being easily riled up makes you an easy target.' Lectured Naruto.
Tayuya gave a stiff nod, biting the retort on the tip of her tongue, making Naruto smile.
'See, you're learning already.' Praised Naruto, before turning towards the gate.
'Go on ahead if you don't mind, I need to get in character.' Said Naruto, before leaping away from Tayuya.
'What is this, a damn play?' Grumbled Tayuya, but continued walking towards the gate all the same.
It was only a minute later, that Tayuya reached the gate, spotting the three Genin she would be joining along with Naruto, to escort the three villagers next to them.
'Where is Naruto?' Asked Neji flatly.
'Why the hell should I know?' Asked Tayuya.
'Isn't he meant to be watching you?' Queried Neji.
'The hell is that supposed to mean?' Shouted Tayuya.
'All right, let's go!' Exclaimed Naruto exuberantly, as he dropped down outside the village gates, having leapt from the gates themselves.
Naruto started walking off, only for Neji to stop him.
'You're going in the wrong direction.' Said Neji calmly, causing Naruto to instantly whip around.
'Right, in that case…' Said Naruto, trailing off, as he looked at Neji expectantly, who merely gave a small huff, before pointing to his left.
'Right, left it is!' Cheered Naruto.
-line break-
The group had trekked for a good two hours, before stopping for a small break. Rokusuke quickly ate his rice ball and looked quite irritated, as he watched Naruto and Lee train, seemingly not caring about his comrade's life, which was hanging in the balance.
'Oi, blondie! What are you doing?' Asked Tayuya in irritation.
'Training obviously. You should do some too, you need it.' Said Naruto, sticking his tongue out at Tayuya.
Tayuya growled to herself, before walking over to the pile of rocks Naruto was balancing on, before kicking one of the stones in the middle away, causing the tower to fall and Naruto with it, but he kept his balance.
'Nice try.' Laughed Naruto.
Tayuya grumbled to herself, before picking up the rock and hefted it on her back and started doing squats with it.
'I'll show you.' Growled Tayuya, even as she felt her legs start to burn.
"Fuck I'm unfit!" Thought Tayuya, not liking Naruto's grin, as he looked at her knowingly.
'Oh no, not another training nut.' Sighed Tenten, causing Naruto's left eye to quickly pan over to the brunette, before returning it to his pile.
'Come Tenten, Neji! Join us in this most youthful training session!' Shouted Lee loudly.
'Besides, Tayuya's only training to look better. She's jealous she's not as pretty as Sakura.' Teased Naruto.
'Sakura's beauty is unparalleled though, Naruto!' Exclaimed Lee.
'The hell is wrong with you two!' Shouted Tayuya, throwing the boulder off her back in irritation.
'Aw, don't give up yet. You can do it eventually. Maybe you'll be able to match the crazy snake lady one day.' Said Naruto encouragingly.
'Crazy snake lady? You mean the sadistic bitch?' Inquired Tayuya.
'Yeah, she's no Sakura, but I remember a lot of the Genin from the Chunin exams were staring at her for a lot longer than normal.' Said Naruto, currently doing a handstand on his tower of rocks, with his left hand, while his right hand scratched the side of his head.
'Since when did you become the resident expert on what makes a girl pretty?' Asked Tenten curiously.
'Well, I've grown up with perverts all my life. There was the old man… Iruka-Sensei, closet pervert Ebisu, Kakashi-Sensei and then Pervy Sage, to top it all off, so I'm pretty sure I've gotten a good idea by now. Besides, I do have my Sexy Jutsu after all. I know these things.' Said Naruto smugly.
'Really?' Asked Tenten disbelievingly, while Tayuya scoffed.
'Sure, here, I'll prove it.' Said Naruto, before dropping down from his pile, letting it collapse behind him, before making his signature hand-sign.
'Shadow Clone Jutsu.' Said Naruto, as a clone of him appeared to his right.
'What was the point of that?' Asked Tenten.
'Just wait.' Said Naruto, with a grin.
Lee had momentarily stopped what he was doing, to watch Naruto, while Neji looked at him in apathy, with a hint of curiosity.
'Sexy Jutsu: Tayuya.' Said Naruto.
'Sexy Jutsu: Tenten.' Said the clone at the same time, before both were covered in smoke, which slowly faded away.
'Well, what do you think?' Asked a pair of seductive voices.
As the smoke cleared, the collective group were stunned, but reacted quite quickly. Lee blushed profusely, while Neji averted his gaze, feeling a little sick.
"It's disturbing how he changes his chakra network, to fit his new proportions." Thought Neji trying to distract himself, as he couldn't deny the attractiveness of the one who set him on the right path, when he transformed genders.
'What the hell is this?' Shouted Tenten, eyes bulging out in shock.
'What's wrong, Tenten? Don't like what you could have with a bit of effort.' Spoke the clone of Naruto, which had now taken the form of a women, who was very similar to Tenten… minus her new proportions.
While Tenten was a very slim girl, with modest curves, the brunette in front of her had much larger assets, matching those of the second exam proctor. However, they were hidden by two green towels, one barely covering her bust, with the other tied off at the waist, hanging diagonally over her thighs. The brunette's hair was also tied into two braided plaits.
'Yeah, I mean, we do know what we're doing.' Commented the original Naruto, who had taken the form of a redheaded woman.
Tayuya growled lightly, as she examined the "girl in front of her" and couldn't help feeling annoyed. The face was unmistakably hers, only the features were softened somewhat. The hair was much longer though, reaching her ankles, with should-length strands, which framed both sides of her face and a black clip that parted her hair to the left. However, the curves, while also enhanced, in fact, beyond those of Anko, were stuffed into a horizontally stripped, orange and black, two piece bikini.
Then, to complete things, both Naruto and his clone leaned forward, emphasising their respective busts, before blowing a kiss at Tayuya and Tenten.
'Well, what do you think?' Both purred at the stunned girls.
The clone beside Naruto couldn't even blink, before it was dispelled by numerous pointy objects, before the original Naruto found a fist planted into the back of his head, slamming him into the ground and disrupting his transformation.
'What the hell do you think this is, you little shit?' Roared Tayuya.
'Hey! I was just showing you what you could look like, if you worked your flat ass a bit more!' Shouted Naruto, surprising the other three Genin, having never heard such language from Naruto.
'Should I be concerned that you modelled your ideal form of Tayuya on your mother?' Asked Kurama, in a lazy drawl.
"You should already know the answer to that." Thought Naruto calmly.
'I do.' Said Kurama calmly, causing Naruto to smirk.
'Bloody humans and their Oedipus complexes.' Grumbled Kurama.
"I'll have you know, that I am well aware of the difference between my mother and Tayuya. For one thing, they have different eye colours and Tayuya has tanner skin, closer to my own." Thought Naruto calmly.
Kurama gave a snort, but let the issue go, letting Naruto refocus on Tayuya.
Naruto felt himself get picked up by the scruff of his jumpsuit, before Tayuya shook him.
'I don't have a flat ass and I'll bloody prove it. I'll sit on your face and suffocate you, then what?' Threatened Tayuya.
'Ha! That thing couldn't suffocate an ant!' Mocked Naruto, laughing in her face.
Tayuya grit her teeth, before slamming her head into Naruto's.
'Fuck! Why is your head so bloody hard?' Cursed Tayuya, clutching her forehead in pain, as she dropped Naruto to the ground.
'Because I'm awesome. Believe it!' Exclaimed Naruto.
Tayuya muttered soft curses to herself, before walking away from Naruto, heading back to where she was sitting before.
'Naruto.' Said Tenten, getting Naruto to look at her.
'Don't do that again.' Said Tenten sweetly.
'Ever.' Said Tenten, pulling out a kunai in a flash and embedding it into the ground, just below Naruto's family jewels.
'Fine. That will be the only time I use Sexy Jutsu: Tenten.' Said Naruto calmly.
'Good.' Said Tenten happily.
'But I'm still going to use it in my Sexy Harem Jutsu.' Muttered Naruto, only for Tenten to hear him.
'What?' Shouted Tenten.
'I regret nothing!' Shouted Naruto, before running away from Tenten and the flood of pointy objects being thrown at him.
'How much longer are you ninja going to play around for? We need to get moving if we're going to save Kanpachi.' Asked Rokusuke.
Naruto suddenly stopped in place, alarming Tenten, who had just launched over a dozen kunai and shuriken at him. Naruto quickly pulled out two kunai and gripped them with the blade jutting out, just under his fifth finger, before quickly deflecting the onslaught of weapons aimed at him.
'We're ninja.' Said Naruto, putting his two kunai away.
'However, we're not miracle workers.' Said Naruto, showing a bit of blood on his hand, from where a shuriken had nicked him, studying his hand intensely, seemingly lost in thought.
'Besides, don't you know how long Kanpachi has been down there… it's hard, but we can't do anything for him.' Said Hachidai.
'He's right. We will stop those people who took over your village though, that's a promise.' Said Naruto seriously, gripping his bloodied hand and holding it out to Rokusuke.
Rokusuke grit his teeth at this and looked to the ground.
'Why? Why does he have to die and we get to live?' Asked Rokusuke bitterly.
'That's fate.' Said Neji.
'It's got nothing to do with fate. You three risked your asses to get help, this guy didn't. You're all alive because you pushed on. If you aren't willing to take a risk, then prepare to die. That's not a ninja thing either. That is life. You either fight for everything you can, or die. There's no in-between.' Said Tayuya in annoyance.
The Genin under Might Guy turned to Tayuya, mulling over her words.
'She's right. Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows after all.' Said Naruto calmly, looking back at his hand again in thought, clenching it briefly, before relaxing it.
Rokusuke looked down at this, before giving a small nod of acceptance.
'Come on, we've rested enough now.' Said Neji, standing up, before heading off again, prompting the group to quickly pack up their things and follow.
-line break-
The group trudged on until they reached a curry shop. Lee seemed to be familiar with the owner and chatted animatedly with her, before she offered the group lodgings in her little shop.
'You'll see, the Curry of Life saved me from death. It has amazing healing powers and is packed full of flavour!' Exclaimed Lee in excitement.
As a plate of rice and boiling black curry was placed in front of the group, Naruto blanched. Naruto watched Lee eat his curry, before looking back at his plate in trepidation.
"Kurama, if this is poisoned or something, you'll heal me, right?" Thought Naruto nervously.
'Of course.' Said Kurama calmly.
Naruto took a tentative mouthful, brought it to his lips and tasted the curry… only to feel as though he had swallowed a volcano.
The entire group passed out from the spice, leaving Lee to be the only one capable of speech, and enquired about Karashi, Grandma Sanshou's grandson. Hearing that he had joined the Kurosuki family, the very same group terrorising the villagers, caused Naruto to pause.
"Why would someone think terrorising others makes them strong?" Thought Naruto.
'Did you forget what you did to Mizuki?' Asked Kurama.
"That's different. I am strong. This Karashi person is not. Mizuki deserved it. Those villagers didn't." Thought Naruto matter-of-factly.
'Well, does it really matter?' Asked Kurama.
Naruto merely hummed in thought, ruminating on his musings.
-line break-
It was now night time and Naruto sat outside the shop, watching the moon.
'What are you doing out here?' Asked Tayuya.
Naruto glanced at Tayuya for a moment, before patting the ground next to him.
'Come, sit.' Said Naruto calmly.
'Is that an order?' Scoffed Tayuya.
'No, it was a request. Do you want it to be an order?' Replied Naruto, pointing an expectant gaze at Tayuya.
The girl huffed, before sitting next to Naruto, causing the tiniest of smiles to appear on Naruto's face. The two sat there in silence for a while, looking up at the sky. Naruto seemed to be deep in thought, while Tayuya was slightly fidgety, looking at Naruto occasionally, before glancing to the sky and back to the shop.
'Tayuya, what do you think it means to be strong?' Asked Naruto suddenly.
'What?' Asked Tayuya in surprise.
Naruto turned to face the girl, focusing an intense stare on her.
'Do you think you are strong?' Asked Naruto.
'Obviously.' Scoffed Tayuya.
'Are you stronger than Orochimaru?' Asked Naruto.
'Hell no! That guy's a freak.' Answered Tayuya quickly.
'Why?' Asked Naruto curiously.
'The fuck do you mean why?' Asked Tayuya.
'What makes you think he is stronger than you? Has he proved it definitively, to the point that you will never be stronger than him, no matter what you do?' Asked Naruto.
'What kind of a stupid question is that?' Asked Tayuya.
Naruto merely stared at Tayuya, waiting for her answer.
'Yeah, he beat me and those other three heaps of times, even when we worked together. Hell, even Kimimaro could do that.' Said Tayuya.
'So, you don't think that in time, you could become stronger than him?' Asked Naruto.
'… What's your point?' Asked Tayuya, after a pause.
'I'm just curious. This Karashi person thinks joining the Kurosuki family makes him strong. Undoubtedly, he viewed himself as weak prior to this, so why does he now think he is stronger? Did he actually get any stronger, or is it that his mentality has changed? Why do you think you can never be stronger than Orochimaru? Jiraiya was once weaker than Orochimaru, but I can say with certainty now, that that is no longer the case.' Said Naruto thoughtfully.
'Okay then, let me ask you a question. Are you strong?' Asked Tayuya.
'Of course.' Answered Naruto instantly.
'How strong?' Asked Tayuya.
Naruto hummed at this, giving it some thought.
'Well, in the right scenario, I could be the strongest person in the world.' Said Naruto calmly.
'How the hell can you think that?' Asked Tayuya curiously, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
'Life is just a bunch of random events strung together. Was it always planned that you would be sent to retrieve Sasuke? Was it always planned for me to go on this mission? No, these things happened because of circumstance. I have spent many years studying circumstances and people. Scenarios, reactions, actions, anything people do, I've been focusing on it since I was a kid, to help me better understand others. I started doing it… trying to figure out why I was hated, but after meeting Kurama, I shifted my focus to using it to better understand people as a whole. That being said, I still don't know why people put random, irrational thoughts, into their own minds.' Said Naruto, looking at the sky once again.
'Well that was… pointless… where were you going with this?' Queried Tayuya in thought.
'Do you think you can become stronger than me? Illusions aside of course.' Asked Naruto.
'Hell, I can try, but with a massive demon in your gut, I doubt I can do anything to match that.' Said Tayuya calmly.
'Yet a piece of Fuuinjutsu, albeit a complex piece, holds it inside me and kept it subservient, until I tweaked things. What is to say you couldn't learn something like that and become as feared as the Fourth Hokage himself?' Pointed out Naruto.
'Well… shit, you're right.' Said Tayuya softly, after a moment of thought.
'That is the first step of training in illusions, Tayuya. You need to learn to not set restrictions on yourself. The whole point of them, is to take what already exists, within a person's mind and manifest it. If you believe yourself to be weak, you are, if you believe yourself to be strong, you are. That is why, always remember… believe it. Believe in yourself, or you will never be able to become the strongest you can be. Believe in your potential, or you will never grow. Believe in your capacity to grow, or you will never adapt. Believe that you can adapt and become something great in time, or you will never evolve. Believe that you can evolve, or you will stagnate. Stagnant and you will remain weak.' Said Naruto.
'Hey, can I ask you something?' Asked Tayuya.
'You just did, but go on.' Said Naruto, with a small smirk.
'Ass… what was the point of that random ass jutsu you used, turning into a girl?' Asked Tayuya.
'An attractive girl, two of them actually.' Amended Naruto in amusement.
'Whatever. Why?' Asked Tayuya.
'I see… your observational skills still need work. Did you not see your failure to form a connection with Tenten? That needed to be rectified quickly. Tenten is not the type of person to wait for a connection to form. Out of Guy's team, she associates the least with the other rookies and myself. She is driven by her role model, in the form of Tsunade and doesn't see much outside her team. While this has changed, in light of the invasion and the defection by Sasuke, she wouldn't have warmed to you, without any type of facilitation. Lee is practically on your side already and Neji is about neutral, however, you had no ground with Tenten. As childish as it may be though, righteous fury at your forms being perverted by myself, gives you at least some common ground. While not exactly the best starting point, it endears a certain sense of familiarity, that you are not vastly different to her. From this point on, your relationship can develop more organically, as now you have something in common: disdain for that one jutsu. After this mission, you will have this experience as well. These things are all necessary in getting Neji to warm up to you. While Lee is a poor judge of character, believing the best in everyone, Neji is shrewder, however, getting Tenten to see you amicably, will help sway Neji's opinion, along with my own. This then, would give you a team in your pocket and afterwards, we can work towards another team accepting you. Shikamaru is level headed and Choji is also very kind… don't call him fat though and Ino, while rather frivolous in her ninja mentality, is more focused than Sakura. Convincing Neji will help sway Shikamaru and swaying Shikamaru sways Choji. Both of them sway Ino and then only one team remains, as Sakura will likely not warm to you, while Sasuke leaving is still fresh.' Said Naruto coolly.
'… all of that from you using that stupid jutsu…' Muttered Tayuya in shock.
'Remember today's lesson, Tayuya, every tiny bit of information you gather, is necessary in building a psychological profile on people, so you can know how they will behave. An unaccounted for variable, is an action you won't anticipate and could lead to your death in extreme cases, remember that. It would do you well to start doing this now. You will need to pick up on these things yourself as well, in order to use illusions to their full capacity. If you know how someone will react to certain things, you can then use that, to make them act the way you want them to.' Said Naruto pointedly.
'Yeah, I got it.' Said Tayuya absentmindedly.
'Not yet you don't, if you did, you'd realise Rokusuke has most likely already rushed off to the village, in a foolish attempt to save his friend. Come, let's re-join the others.' Said Naruto, standing up and offering a hand to Tayuya.
'I can get up myself.' Said Tayuya, ignoring the hand.
'You know, there's no need to be rude.' Said Naruto, with a small frown.
'Well too damn bad, that's just how I am, deal with it.' Grunted Tayuya.
'Hmm, well, maybe now, but time changes people and I excel at it, illusions or no illusions.' Hummed Naruto.
The two walked towards the curry shop and made their way to their rooms, only for Lee to be there, with Neji and Tenten, looking panicked.
'Naruto, Rokusuke has disappeared!' Exclaimed Lee.
'Most likely, to go and save that friend of theirs.' Added Neji, looking to the other two workers.
Naruto glanced at Tayuya and gave her a discreet look, enjoying her gobsmacked expression.
'Well, what are we waiting for then? Let's go and save him!' Exclaimed Naruto.
