Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto Franchise that belongs solely to Masashi Kishimoto; I do not own Heaven's lost Property, High School DxD or any other Anime I borrow themes from. The only thing I claim is my OC's and original Story Plot.
Author's Note (A/N): Hey guys I'm back once more with another thrilling chapter in which Naruto and the others finally meet Tsunade and Shizune. Naruto and Hinata will learn much about Tsunade and her personality. A fight will ensue between Naruto and Tsunade that will leave a deep impression on the Legendary Sannin who has been in self imposed retirement after the lost of her dear love ones. Naruto will finally master the Rasengan as well as share in some romantic and silly encounters with Hinata that will explore their budding relationship and the norm that they are going to be establishing for the future.
Chapter 75
The Rasengan
A reunion between two of the three Legendary Sannin should have been a happy occasion but the tension currently built up in the air around the table was something Naruto and Hinata were very nervous by. After everything that has happened in the last three weeks the two Genin were starting to come to the conclusion that being surrounded by powerful shinobi was hazardous to their health.
"Mind if I take a seat princess?" Jiraiya politely asked with a warm smile on his face that actually surprised his two protégés as this was a side to Jiraiya that was rarely seen. "It's not like you'd leave me alone if I declined Jiraiya, so do whatever you want." Tsunade rudely replied as she gestured to the seat across the booth from her. "Guys, I'd like to introduce you to my former teammate and childhood friend. Tsunade Senju the Slug Queen and member of the Legendary Sannin." Jiraiya introduced to which Naruto, Hinata, Iris, and Chaos bowed in respect with Tsunade raising an eyebrow at Chaos's eerie smile and Iris's exotic appearance and luminescent blue eyes. 'These children aren't human… what are they?' Tsunade immediately concluded with a simple glance at the Uzumaki twins as her decades worth of life experience told her gut that the blond duo were supernatural in nature. "And her assistant here is Shizune Kato." Jiraiya finished off as the group bowed to Shizune in greeting who gave a polite smile and bow back with an air of tranquility around her.
Sliding into the booth Jiraiya scooted over to the far corner of the large bench with Hinata sliding in afterwards with Chaos taking a seat in Hinata's lap who didn't mind in the slightest as she knew one of them had to keep an eye on the unpredictable psychopathic girl. Chaos's knee length blond hair was like silk to Hinata as she felt it drape over her body as the tiny terror giggled and jittered around in Hinata's lap. The only thing the blue haired girl could do was to pat Chaos on the head and message it to pacify the girl who could put any child with ADHD to shame. Next was Naruto who slid into the bench that didn't have much room left on it and moved over until his shoulder was touching Hinata's. Placing Iris in his lap Naruto felt an air of tranquility overflow within him as he placed his chin on top of Iris's head and held her unused hand that didn't have her special teddy bear in it. He hasn't had time to be affectionate with his lovable daughters in a while. This last week has shown him experiencing an overflow of his emotions regarding Iris after they mended the fractured bond in their relationship.
Naruto and Hinata took this time to take in Tsunade's appearance and that of her assistant. Starting with Tsunade herself the legendary kunoichi had golden amber colored eyes and straight, shoulder-length blonde hair that she usually keeps tied in two loose ponytails. On the center of her forehead she has a violet colored shape tattoo that for some reason Naruto felt was much more that meets the eye. Moving down both children felt it hard for them to focus on Tsunade any longer as the woman had massive breast. Far larger than any they've collectively ever seen before. 'I thought I'd never see someone with bigger boobs than Shoko… but this… this is just absolutely ridiculous. What is she feeding herself?' Naruto agitatedly questioned himself with a small twitch of his eye. 'Isn't she supposed to be 51 years old… the same age as Lord Jiraiya? How… how come she has this appearance… and her chest…?' Hinata bashfully mulled over in her mind as she has met yet another woman with incredible beauty and sex appeal. She remembered being blown away years prior when she first met Shoko. Hinata didn't think a woman like that existed. Meeting Anko and Kurenai soon after only strengthen this idea. Now meeting Hitomi a few days prior and now coming across Tsunade has thrown the young impressionable girl for a loop. Were all adult Kunoichi like this… was this going to be the norm for the females in her life?
Moving on to her height Naruto estimated her to be around 5'3 at her full height which was 4 inches taller than him considering the fact he was currently 4'11. For her attire Tsunade was wearing a grass-green haori with the kanji for "gamble" written on the back, inside a red circle. Underneath she wears a grey, kimono-style blouse with no sleeves, held closed by a broad, dark bluish-grey obi that matches her pants. Her blouse is closed quite low, revealing her sizeable cleavage. She wears open-toed, strappy black sandals with high heels. She has red nail polish on both her fingernails and toenails and uses a soft pink lipstick. Around her neck she wore a simple necklace with a special aquamarine colored gem that radiated a mesmerizing presence to Naruto who felt Miya's soul and that of the Cauldron of Resonance respond within him. The necklace was something Naruto intended to ask the living legend soon as this spiritual response within him was far too profound to ignore.
Moving on to Shizune, Naruto and Hinata were pleasantly surprised to see that the woman was very beautiful in her own right yet at the same time not as exotic as most of the kunoichi that they knew which turned out to be a silent refresher for the duo. Shizune is a fair-skinned woman of average height and slender build with onyx eyes and jet-black hair; her hair is straight and shoulder-length with bangs that cover her ears and frame her face. Normally, Shizune is seen in a long bluish-black kimono with white trimmings, held closed by a white obi, and open-toed sandals with low heels. Naruto estimated that the black-haired woman stood at a height of 5'5 which was much taller than either him or Hinata who was 4'10.
"Let's get down to business Jiraiya… you didn't spend your time tracking me down after all these years to simply say hi. You want something from me and what's with the group of children? Was being a regular pervert not enough for you?" Tsunade spoke in a crass tone as Jiraiya sputtered in indignation at the wild accusation while Naruto and Hinata both blushed in mortification at the audacity of the Sannin as well as what her statement was implying. The children were used to hearing such vulgar and flippant words and characteristics from Anko but never did Naruto and Hinata ever think they'd witness such a personality from such a renown ninja. It was jarring.
"Oh, come on! Where's the love princess? I'm not into that kind of thing!" Jiraiya defended himself while slamming his hands down on the table. Tsunade only rose her eyebrow in response to this as Shizune shook her head in disappointment next to her master. "Oh, really now… I think your actions to us the other day speak differently pervy sage." Naruto couldn't help but add in his two cents as Jiraiya sucked in a deep breath of air with a mortified look on his face that spoke of betrayal and hurt.
Nudging Hinata in her shoulder Naruto grinned ever so softly that his faithful companion immediately picked up on his intentions. "I was so embarrassed. His actions were deplorable… I felt my dignity slipping away." Hinata added in as she covered her face to hide the smile that wanted to stretch her face out. She could just feel the look of betrayal of Jiraiya's eyes on her as the Hyūga heiress tapped into her hidden prankster side that Naruto has helped develop in her over the years. She was his partner in crime in a lot of the pranks he and Chaos would often pull back when they were still academy students in the Shinobi Academy.
Picking up on the family fun going around Chaos's eerie smile turned dark and foreboding as she covered her face as well. The only reason why she did this is because she knew she couldn't pull off a convincing distraught and traumatized facial expression with her face currently trying to rip itself in half with the grin that wanted to form. "He was uncontrollable… he took so many pictures… so many pictures…" Chaos fake sobbed as her normal uncontrollable jittering made it look like she was crying.
Tsunade and Shizune who heard all of this had looks of shock and disgust on their faces before it turned into outrage as the Legendary Sannin took her foot and lashed out underneath the table to land a devastating shot to Jiraiya's crouch that comically exploded causing the Toad Sage's skin to turn whiter than his hair. Letting out a silent cry of unparallel agony Jiraiya fainted on the spot as his face planted itself on the dining table with an audible thud. All was silent for a total of five seconds before Chaos was the first to break as the tiny terror couldn't hold in her laughter any longer as the sound of childish laughter that sounded slightly unhinged rang out in the local bar while Naruto and Hinata both started to laugh in earnest with Iris's elegant giggles adding to the mixture. Eva herself made no attempts to hide herself as she fell out of Naruto's hair and right onto the table where she continued to laugh.
On the other side of the table Tsunade gasped silently in shock once she saw Eva fall out of Naruto's hair. This event made Tsunade actually pay attention to the physical appearance of the children where she took in Naruto's and Hinata's features and a second gasp left Tsunade once the resemblance came to mind. "It can't be… children… what are your names?" Tsunade questioned as Naruto and Hinata shared a look between them.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto responded as Tsunade felt her eyes mist up. "You're Minato and Kushina's child. I can't believe you're here." Tsunade whispered out as she remembered stopping by the village when Kushina informed her she was pregnant. Kushina had petitioned for Tsunade to help deliver her baby when it was due but because of Tsunade's hemophobia she declined not wanting to see an ounce of blood during a pregnancy delivery. The duty was instead passed on to Hiruzen's wife Biwako Sarutobi and Shoko who was recovering from recently giving birth herself to her own first child.
After the Nine Tails incident and the death of her student Tsunade never stuck around to find out if the baby survived. She found it suspicious that Jiraiya was making frequent trips to the village for the next few years afterwards, but she never questioned him about it during the few times they would meet up afterwards until one day she cut him off and never contacted him for the next 8 years until now. She didn't know that Naruto was actually still alive and looking back she should have seen the signs written all over Jiraiya's face who looked like he was hiding something. He knew all this time and was checking in on Naruto's progress since he was born. "You knew my parents… you were my mother's Jōnin sensei back in the day." Naruto stated as Tsunade looked on in surprise. "You know of your mother… you know of your heritage?" This was a statement Tsunade asked eagerly as she didn't think Naruto would know of who his mother was if he was an orphan. Knowing her old sensei and Jiraiya they would probably keep it a secret from him until he grew up and was ready to handle to responsibility of being the child to two of the Legendary Titan's. The potential within him was vast.
"I know who my mother is. Her name was Princess Kushina Uzumaki and as of now I'm the current Shī-ō of the Uzumaki Clan and the Land of Whirlpools. Hōrai Island is under my protection." Naruto declared with a level of pride and maturity in his voice that blew Tsunade away. She wasn't expecting for Naruto at such a young age to be shouldering the burden of his entire clans responsibilities and legacy. He was only a Genin. "But you're so young. No one should have such a responsibility placed into their lap." Shizune lamented in worry as Naruto smiled a small grateful smile in return. "It is a lot of responsibility… but I've spent more time with immeasurable responsibilities on my shoulder than anything else." Naruto replied back in such a relaxed tone that it sounded like he was talking about the weather. Both medical ninja frowned at the indiscriminate way Naruto described his past. It was far too casual and unnerving.
'What type of life has he lived to be able to rationalize and shrug off the weight of such statements?' Tsunade considered in her mind as she could see signs of stress and an accelerated maturity within Naruto's eyes that shouldn't be present in a child his age. He held the eyes of a veteran shinobi whose been through life or death battles. Not to mention stressful situations he's more than likely had to deal with in his personal life.
"And you must be Queen Neo's daughter. The resemblance that you have to your mother is identical." Tsunade surmised once she looked at Eva who was now curiously and hopefully looking up at the older woman. "You knew my mother?" Eva asked with a spark of hope in her voice that Tsunade couldn't help but sympathize with. "Yes… Kushina and Neo formed a blood contract with each other when Kushina had turned 8 years old. The two of them were inseparable." Tsunade revealed as Naruto and Eva looked to each other in wonder and excitement. This was a hazy questioned that they've wanted answered for a long time now. What was the exact connection between Queen Neo and the shinobi world. Now it was answered, and it felt good to know that they were practically falling into the footsteps of their parents.
"And you are clearly a Hyūga… but?" Tsunade stated while leaving the question opened ended for Hinata to answer herself. With Hinata's dark navy-blue hair Tsunade couldn't picture in her mind who she might be related to. Getting ready to introduce herself Hinata was cut off by Evangeline who wore a proud if not mischievous smile on her face. "This beautiful girl here is our girlfriend. Her name's Hinata Hyūga!" Eva boldly declared causing both Naruto and Hinata to nearly pass out at the sheer audacity of their mutual best friend. In a crowded bar with dozens of other customers around. This was something the very young and inexperienced couple didn't want people overhearing.
"Eva! Not here!" Hinata squeaked out as Chaos who was discreetly stealing food off of the table started to laugh once more as she absorbed the negative energy her family was giving off. If things kept up like this then the unstable little girl might end up going on a rampage again. "Oh my…" Shizune mumbled bashfully while placing a hand over her face. That was very unexpected. 'Hinata… as in Hiashi and Yume's daughter?' Tsunade silently pondered as she stared into Hinata's lavender colored eyes. The typical Hyūga had nearly white eyes. The coloration of them was very slight. Females had a darker shade of coloration in them compared to males but the Byakugan wasn't supposed to have such a deep saturated coloration to them that it could be clearly visible.
"It's nice to meet you all I guess… and these little mini brats. Who are they?" Tsunade pondered as she pointed to Iris and Chaos who perked up at the attention. Perking up Iris smiled one of her dazzling smiles to the older women that instantly caught their attention. "My name is Iris Uzumaki miss… it's a pleasure to meet you." Iris politely introduced as her rich and alluring accent mesmerized Tsunade and Shizune who have never heard such an accent before. Chaos's signature giggle was next as she squirmed around in Hinata's lap who couldn't help but smile faintly at the hyperactive child. The heiress was used to Chaos's mannerisms and hyperactivity, she actually found it quite refreshing. "My name is Chaos Uzumaki and I like to cause trouble. I want to play with you soon." Chaos grinned one of her ominous smiles that managed to creep out the two women while Naruto and Hinata could only chuckle in amusement as this was a typical greeting from the tiny terror.
"More Uzumaki…? You're the only child of your parents…" Tsunade quoted as Naruto smiled an amused and loved filled smile at his daughters as he snuggled Iris closer to his chest who blushed happily and lit up like a Christmas tree. "True… but these girls here are my daughters. I adopted them a long time ago." Naruto admitted as the conversation dragged on with the children getting to know Tsunade and Shizune more. The two older woman were highly interesting in Naruto's early childhood and him meeting Iris and Chaos.
The conversation was going well enough as Naruto and Eva asked Tsunade about questions regarding the relationship between their mothers which the genius medical ninja graciously answered giving the two halves a sense of peace they never thought they'd ever get with their past. It didn't take long for Jiraiya to eventually wake up and after getting into yet another argument with Naruto returning the favor causing a scene in the middle of the establishment. After a few minutes of the two males in the group arguing with each other the Toad Sage finally calmed down enough to ask his old teammate the question he's wanted to ask her.
"Tsunade… sensei was murdered by Orochimaru recently. The village is in need of a new Hokage and the higher brass has chosen you to fill that role. You're the only one we have that is suitable for the position." Jiraiya stated as cynical and angered look appeared in the medics eyes. "You have some nerve Jiraiya… don't play coy with me. I know you probably recommended me for the position. I don't want the hat or the responsibilities that come with it." Tsunade immediately shot down with a harsh glare that took the children by surprise. However, for Jiraiya this is what he was expecting. Tsunade's past had a strangle hold on her life. Especially the position of Hokage itself.
"Princess… I know you hate the position of Hokage, but the village needs the hat filled. Sensei was killed Tsunade. By Orochimaru no less… this is a situation that can't be ignored." Jiraiya pleaded with a large frown on his face that was matched by Tsunade who had a burning ember of anger in her eyes that worried Jiraiya for his chances at recruiting his teammate. "I know that sensei was killed Jiraiya. Orochimaru was here yesterday and he informed me of his deeds. His arms are completely dead due to a Forbidden Jutsu. He can't use traditional Ninjutsu anymore." Tsunade revealed in a grim tone that got an immediate reaction from both Jiraiya and Naruto.
"He was here!" Jiraiya exclaimed in shock as this changed everything in his mind. If Orochimaru sought out Tsunade the it could only be for one reason and one reason only. He was seeking Tsunade out for her to heal his arms. "Orochimaru was here and you didn't kill him. He killed old man third! He was your teacher! Don't you feel anything?" Naruto growled as he glared a hole into Tsunade's skull who was incensed at the audacity of the young child before her.
"How dare you child… don't speak of things you don't understand. The position of Hokage is nothing more than a curse. It's a fool's errand for any shinobi to strive for the title of Hokage. Sarutobi Sensei would still be alive right now if he didn't foolishly sacrifice himself for that ungrateful village." Tsunade spat in distain which caused Naruto's face to grow red in anger. A hole was still in his heart over the death of the Third Hokage who gave his life to take out Orochimaru's effectiveness as a shinobi. Even if he was still a threat as a presence, he couldn't fight anymore which would make dealing with him much easier for a strong enough shinobi. The fact Tsunade didn't seize the opportunity before her to avenge her fallen sensei was unforgivable in Naruto's eyes.
"Tsunade! That is uncalled for!" Jiraiya reprimanded in a harsh tone which Tsunade dismissed with a wave of her hand. For Naruto, this was much more than he could take. "How can you sit there and be okay with that snake killing the old man? He raised me and cared for me when no one else would. He taught me so much about life and about treasuring what you have. I wouldn't be the shinobi I am today if it wasn't for him. He is a hero… my hero! Yet you've known him for decades and you just let Orochimaru walk away from you!?" Naruto yelled with fresh tears starting to build up in his eyes. He took Iris out of his lap as he slammed his hands on the table separating him from the object of his fury who to her credit narrowed her eyes in anger and self-loathing.
"Don't you dare lecture me child on loss and pain! The position of Hokage and the village as a whole took everything from me. Those who become Hokage needlessly sacrifice themselves leaving those behind in pain. Orochimaru is just another catalyst for my point. Killing him would solve nothing." Tsunade rationalized with an insensitive tone that had Naruto seeing red. "Tsunade… did you make a deal with Orochimaru? Did you heal his arms?" Jiraiya questioned in a serious tone that brought the medics attention back to him.
"I swear Tsunade… if you healed him or did anything to facilitate in him attacking the leaf again I will kill you were you stand." Jiraiya threatened in the darkest tone Naruto's ever heard his god-father speak in which caused a hollow feeling to engulf his heart. The death glare on the Toad Sage's face was so profound that Naruto could honestly say that it terrified him. It was the look of a man who would bury his heart and feelings for the sake of his duty and all that he truly held dear. It was the look of a true shinobi. The look on Jiraiya's face was etched into Naruto's mind from that day forward.
Tsunade's heart skipped a painful beat in her chest at the look her old teammate was sending her, yet she remained firm in her stance and regained her composure. "I didn't heal him Jiraiya, I sent him away. He won't attack the village." Tsunade reassured in a more subdued tone that surprised the children and Shizune as a private conversation was carried out between the two old teammates with nothing but their eyes for over 10 seconds before Jiraiya dismissed the intense glare on his face.
"I believe you… I don't know what he could have promised you in exchange for healing his arms Tsunade and I won't pry as a sign of faith… but I'm telling you now. Don't take it. I don't want to fight you. But for the sake of the village and for preserving the memory of my best friend and the woman I've always loved I will kill you if you ever side with him on anything. Do you understand?" Jiraiya stated as he laid it all on the table with an intense stare that Tsunade couldn't bear to maintain for long. "I understand…" Was the only response the legendary kunoichi could make as Naruto and Hinata took in the fact Jiraiya was in love with Tsunade. That was mind blowing in and of itself.
A lot was flowing through Naruto's mind at the moment as he stared at the woman who was supposed to be the Fifth Hokage. He thought back to Shoko's words the previous week before they set out on this journey and the Legendary Titan explicated stated that personality wise and mentality wise Tsunade wasn't fit for the role. Now Naruto understood what his surrogate mother was trying to tell him. Tsunade had her own closet of demons she was trying to overcome.
"Fight me." Naruto abruptly called out causing Tsunade and those around to turn to him in shock. "Excuse me?" Tsunade stuttered in confusion. "I challenge you to a fight Lady Tsunade. If you are to be the next Hokage then I need to know that you're fit for the job. I can't accept you as my leader if you're not ready. If you were to become Hokage then that means I'm placing the safety and wellbeing of my family… of my children in your care. I can't do that if I don't know you're up to the task." Naruto lectured in a heartfelt tone that honestly touched Tsunade in a way she wasn't expecting to.
"I want to be the Hokage when I grow up so that I can protect everyone that I hold dear to me, so that the villagers will accept me for who I am and not what I hold inside of me… and most importantly of all so that no one will ever be discriminated against, taken advantage of, or suffer needlessly the way I do. If I become Hokage there will be no more orphans left behind to suffer from wars and tragedies. I'll take care of all of them and make sure that everyone is happy and safe. That is my dream… that is what it means to be Hokage to me. I told old man Third my answer one day after he had asked, and he congratulated me and told me I answered right. If you can't come up with an answer on your own, then I can't let you take that hat." Naruto preached as Tsunade felt a tear boil up in her eye.
The images of her deceased little brother Nawaki and her soon to be fiancé Dan flashed through her mind as they both dreamed of becoming Hokage to protect the village and those that they cared about. Naruto bared an unnerving resemblance to her dear younger brother. 'To be Hokage is my dream.' Tsunade could hear both of their voices overlapped with Naruto's and the tear that was in Tsunade's eyes fell without her consent as she thought over what the son of her student said.
"You know you can't win against me… right?" Tsunade pointed out as she quickly wiped away the tear stain on her cheek. A look of determination was on Naruto's face as a fire burned brightly in his eyes. "It's not about winning. I need to know if you're ready." Naruto replied as Tsunade rose from her seat shocking Shizune.
"Let's take this outside kid."
Tanzaku Town / Main Street
Outside on the main street of Tanzaku Town Naruto stood in the middle of the street across from Tsunade who stood at least 20 yards away. The street was clear of civilians by Chaos who put up a simple illusion that steered the general populace away from the area.
"Naruto are you sure about this… please reconsider." Hinata gently pleaded with her best friend who turned to her with a small smile. "When I said her responsibly as Hokage would require her to protect everyone… I was including you in that statement Hinata. I'm also doing this for you. I won't place your life in the hands of a leader who won't truly care for you or any that's under her care." Naruto admitted which got a pleasant blush of gratitude to appear on Hinata's cheeks. Standing this close to Naruto with Iris and Chaos besides her it was tough for Hinata to see very well even with her Byakugan off. Her medical problem was in serious need of attention.
"Be careful." It was the only response Hinata could give to the boy she cared so much for as he looked back at her with his signature grin in place. "I will." Eva flew into Naruto's hair as the beginning surges of Yōki could be felt within Naruto's body who chuckled and plucked his other half out of his hair. "That statement includes you as well Eva. You're always included. So, l want to do this on my own." Naruto requested as Eva's blue eyes looked into his identical pair for a few seconds. A small impish grin came to Eva's face as she nodded her head in acceptance. "Good luck Naru." Eva supported as she kissed Naruto on the cheek before flying off to land in the hoody of Hinata's large jacket. Blushing ever so slightly at the affection his other half gave him Naruto turned to look at Jiraiya who only gave him a single nod of the head and a thumbs up. It was all that was needed as Naruto turned back to face Tsunade while Iris and Chaos cheered him on in the background.
"I'll only use one finger against you." Tsunade declared as Jiraiya raised his eyebrow in amusement. It was a sentiment shared by Naruto who chuckled. "Let's see how long you'll hold onto that promise considering the fact I've forced both Jiraiya and Orochimaru to do much more than that to fight me." Naruto spoke as a shimmering aura of visible chakra glowed off of his body. Silently shocked at Naruto's statement the heiress to the Senju Clan didn't let that emotion show on her face as she turned to Jiraiya who grinned at her. "Don't underestimate him Tsunade. This kid is the real deal. He's their son alright." Taking this warning in stride Tsunade brought her full attention down on Naruto as she made the universal signal of "bring it on" with her finger. "You asked for it." Naruto's game face was on as the battle started in blinding fashion.
"Acceleration!" Naruto yelled as he took off from his position in a light blue blur that took the old Sannin and her assistant by surprise. 'He's fast! What kind of technique is that?' This was the question shared between the two woman as Naruto appeared before Tsunade within the blink of an eye. Taking her finger Tsunade attempted to jab Naruto in the stomach to send him flying with her super strength but Naruto could see this coming from a mile away. Pivoting on his foot Naruto grabbed Tsunade by her wrist where he immediately began to freeze it much to the woman's surprise. 'Just like Kushina… he's inherited the Ice Style Kekkei Genkai.' Tsunade noted as she wrenched her arm away from Naruto's grip who immediately created a kunai made of ice in his hand.
Flicking it at Tsunade the powerful shinobi plucked the weapon out of the air using her pointer finger by placing it in the tiny loop at the end of the blade. Taking the weapon and smashing it over the frost built up on her wrist the medic darted across the street at Naruto who took a deep breath as he narrowly dodged the single digit that nearly poked him in his chest. 'She just got faster all of a sudden.' It was a noticeable increase in speed as Naruto dove and rolled back into a fighting position just as Tsunade turned around.
"Ice Style: Ice Ground Spears Jutsu!" Activating his favorite technique Naruto slammed his hand into the ground as a long column of icicle shards shot out of the ground in a trail leading straight for Tsunade who pressed her pointer and thumb fingers together. "Smash!" With a single flick of her fingers Naruto felt the air get ripped from his chest as a massive column of concussive wind blasted apart his technique and slammed into Naruto's chest with the force of a train. 'What the hell kind of strength is that? How is that even possible?' Naruto screamed in his mind as he tumbled down the street with the air knocked from his lungs.
"No way…" Eva whispered in awe as Hinata placed her hands over her heart in concern. This was one of the Legendary Sannin. Extraordinary feats beyond what normal shinobi are capable of should be expected, but this was on a whole different level. "Lucky shot." Naruto coughed as he sucked in a huge intake of air to replenish his lungs. "Is that so… well then this next attack should prove otherwise." Tsunade challenged as she disappeared from her spot in a burst of speed that nearly caused Naruto to choke on his spit. "Ice Style: Ice Mirror Jutsu!" It was a snap decision as Naruto spawned in a thin sheet of ice on his left just as Tsunade reappeared. Her finger smashed straight through the weak construct, but it gave Naruto the opportunity to set up his next attack.
"Ice Style: Icicle Barrage Jutsu!" The shards of ice that was just broken by Tsunade came to life as they attempted to bombard her position in a swift counter attack, but the old woman was ready as she shook off the rust of not having to fight for a long time. Taking a single finger and with agility and dexterity that defied both her age and heavy "assets" on her person the Legendary Sannin smashed each individual shard of ice before any of them could even touch her. "Wind Style: Hurricane Fist!" Bringing it back old school style Naruto got within his opponents personal space as he swung his fist at the woman who pushed his attack off course with the same finger.
Using the technique, he's known for years Naruto engaged Tsunade in a dazzling display of Taijutsu that impressed Shizune who's never seen a Genin with that level of skill before. "Ice Style: Ice Make Jutsu!" Going back to his absolute basics Naruto used his very first technique he's ever created to make a concave wall around Tsunade that he slid across while spawning in his trusted Bo staff. Getting into her flank Naruto unleashed the full weight of his Bōjutsu skills against Tsunade who was taking her finger to block each strike of the thin icicle staff. 'These moves… they can't be. These are Sarutobi Sensei's techniques. The boy wasn't lying when he said he and sensei were close.' Tsunade took keen notice of Naruto's precise attacks that mirrored that of the Third Hokage's. It was the spitting image of her masters incredible skills in Bōjutsu.
Skating up the side of his makeshift skating rink Naruto was attempting to hit Tsunade from above, but the experienced shinobi had other plans as she flicked her finger into the ice wall next to her causing it to shatter and disrupt Naruto's momentum. "Come here!" Tsunade called out as she jumped up into the air to tag Naruto who sucked in a deep breath. "Wind Style: Gust Jutsu!" Blowing a gust of wind out Naruto propelled himself away from Tsunade's reach who switched tactics immediately by jabbing her fist forwards so fast that a billowing column of air pressure rushed out and knocked Naruto out of the air with a resounded crash as he hit the ground causing his body to ragdoll across the street. 'I feel like I ran straight into a brick wall. Her strength is monstrous.' Naruto groaned in his head as he could see Hinata and Eva with worried expressions on their faces.
'I've got to do something to contend with her speed.' Naruto strategized in his mind as he activated his cloak once more. "Double Acceleration!" Putting a crack in the ground Naruto blitzed Tsunade before she could place both feet on the ground causing the Sannin to immediately fall onto her back foot as she did everything she could to block the dizzying barrage of strikes Naruto was sending her way. A brief pause was inserted into Naruto's relentless assault as he used up the first burst of his signature technique. Quickly transitioning into his second wind Naruto landed a powerful strike to Tsunade's stomach which sent the powerhouse kunoichi skidding back a few yards who dusted off her blouse with a smirk. 'There was a brief pause in-between his attacks as he recharged his speed. Interesting.' Tsunade noted with her keen eyes that haven't truly dulled over the years she's been in self-imposed retirement.
"You have a lot of speed to you Naruto… and this unique technique of yours is something else. I've never seen anything quite like it among the many speed related techniques I've seen in my lifetime." Tsunade praised in acknowledgement as Naruto smirked back in challenge. "Thanks… but I'm not done." Naruto declared as he once again used his Double Accel Turn to close the gap between him and his opponent who was ready for this level of speed this time. Staying one foot ahead of Naruto in this engagement Tsunade flicked the air next to Naruto's head causing him to become disoriented from the back blast of displaced air. With a blistering jab to his ribs by the blond-haired woman's finger Naruto felt the air leave his lungs once more when his rib pressed into them.
Coughing up spit Naruto pressed forward despite the pain to deliver a devastating strike to Tsunade who met it head on with her finger. "Accelerated Punch!" A shockwave tore through the streets uprooting everything that wasn't tied down to the ground and blowing the children off their feet while Jiraiya and Shizune planted themselves to the ground with a quick application of chakra. Feeling the overwhelming amount of force behind just Tsunade's one finger Naruto was blown back at the end of the clash while Tsunade stepped backwards two paces on her back foot. 'Such power… that's a powerful punch. It's similar to my chakra enhanced strength technique. I detected a small opening in his cloak when he connected his strike. A massive amount of chakra and kinetic energy was unleashed. Fascinating.' Tsunade was dumbfounded by Naruto's talent and skill which was far above what a Genin should be capable of. This was the most fun she's had in a long time.
Skidding to a halt Naruto rushed forward only to pause for a microsecond as the second burst from his Double Accel kicked in. 'There's that brief lag in the technique again. Now's my chance.' A show of force unlike anything he was expecting was what Naruto was faced with when Tsunade swung her entire arm around unleashing a devastating shockwave that rattled the shingles on the roofs around them while shaking the buildings themselves to their foundations.
Landing in a dug-out trench of earth from the force of Tsunade's swing Naruto coughed up the spit and dirt that got in his mouth. "Incredible… that's just not possible." Superhuman strength like that was unreal. The young Shī-ō wasn't expecting for Tsunade's strength to be on such a ridiculous level. "This match is coming to an end… have you found what you're looking for in me?" Tsunade questioned as she stood perfectly in place across from Naruto who slowly got back to his feet. "Almost… I see you got the talent down… and the look in your eyes is finally there. You're smiling and having fun. But I want one more push just to make sure." Naruto admitted as he disappeared in a blur of speed that Tsunade was quickly getting used to.
"Tempest Turn!" Naruto shouted as four kinetic clones spawned off of his body at the Legendary Sannin who hesitated upon seeing such a bizarre and strange technique manifest itself before her. Striking out at the first clone was a mistake on Tsunade's part as it exploded on contact with her stunning her with the concussive blast of kinetic energy that was built up inside of its body. Rooting herself to the ground Tsunade tanked the point-blank detonation while jabbing her finger out once more to launch consecutive concussive blasts of air that destroyed Naruto's three other clones.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" 12 clouds of white smoke erupted around Tsunade who suddenly found herself under the onslaught of a group of clones wielding dual blades made out of ice. "Kenjutsu: Arctic Ballet Dance!" All twelve clones shouted as the swarmed Tsunade who began a dizzying display of dexterity and acrobatics that left Naruto and those around her in awe. "A Medical Ninja must never allow themselves to be hit when it's necessary." Tsunade lectured as she slammed her entire fist into the ground placing a crater in the dirt around them that destroyed all twelve clones in an instant. 'I did it… I forced her to use more than just her finger.' Naruto preened in his mind as he grinned a megawatt smile in person.
"I've forced you to use more than one finger Lady Tsunade… it looks like I've got this!" Charging in with an explosive Double Acceleration Naruto quickly approached Tsunade who growled at the truth thrown in her face. However, she was ready for the brief delay in Naruto's technique again. 'I won't let you get me again.' Naruto noticed as he flared his cloak up in its intensity. "No-Interval Double Acceleration!" The burst of speed was instantaneous for Naruto who completely nullified the natural gap that forms in between his prized technique throwing Tsunade off of her game who wasn't prepared for this.
Holding his hand out Naruto gathered chakra into the palm of his hand that he subconsciously started to rotate in multiple directions. A spinning ball of chakra sprung to life in Naruto's hands that was unstable and small compared to what a traditional Rasengan would be, but the technique was being held together by Naruto's chakra cloak. 'IS THAT THE RASENGAN?!' If Tsunade was shocked before then she was definitely shocked now as Naruto got within her personal space to deliver his attack but at the last possible second Tsunade regained her composure as she lashed out and flicked Naruto's headband off of his forehead with her finger that she then drove into the ground at Naruto's feet as he was stumbling backwards causing a massive fissure to open up in the ground before her swallowing Naruto's body up as the entire street shook from Tsunade's strength.
Naruto's premature Rasengan detonated in his hand while the rest of his body was wedged in the new man-made crevice in the ground. "And that's the end of this match." Tsunade called out as she walked over to Naruto's prone form and pulled him from the large crack in the ground. His clothes were dirtied, and he had a few cuts and bruises that were healing but other than that Naruto was completely fine. "I almost had you there towards the end. You're pretty fast on your feet considering the amount of strength that you wield." Naruto complimented to Tsunade who chuckled a bit in good nature.
"Have you found what you're looking for?" It was a simple question and one Naruto had an immediate answer to. "You show promise… I think you can get there. I could never even touch old man Third when we used to spar so all things considered I'd call this fair." Naruto replied as Tsunade got a good-natured laugh out of his statement. "I see you started teaching him the Rasengan Jiraiya…" Tsunade noted to Jiraiya who grinned a knowing grin. "If anyone can master that technique then it's Naruto."
"Humm… let's make a bet then." Tsunade proposed which immediately caught Jiraiya and Shizune's attention as they are well aware of Tsunade's tendencies in gambling and betting. To simply put it's horrendous. "Oh… and what might this bet be?" Jiraiya perked up as his teammate looked over to Naruto who was being doted on by the females in his life. "If Naruto can master the Rasengan in a weeks' time I'll place my faith in him and the village one last time and become the Hokage… I'll even throw in my grandfather's necklace as proof that I support you being the Hokage in the future." Tsunade proposed which floored her two closest companions who immediately voiced their own opinions.
"Lady Tsunade… you can't be serious, are you? Your necklace… no one can wear it but you. And the village… you swore never to go back." Shizune spoke up as she looked on at her master in worry who gave her a comforting look. "Princess… why change your mind now…?" Jiraiya questioned simply as Tsunade prepared to give everyone an answer.
"I can't explain it… but I see something in you Naruto… and not because of who your parents were or how much they meant to me. It's something about the young man that you are becoming. I can't help but want to bet it all one last time. I won't sit here and say that I hold any love for the Leaf anymore because that would be a lie… but I'm willing to compromise, I'm willing to try to be the Hokage that you're looking for. But only if you yourself stay on the current path you're on." Tsunade admitted to the stunned group who would have never thought she'd be capable of such sincerity.
'Sarutobi sensei… I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you all these years… and I'm sorry that Orochimaru has killed you. But the next time I see him I will kill him… the promise of seeing Dan and Nawaki again are tempting but… I would be spitting on their dream if I allowed him to bring them back and desecrate their souls.' The Slug Queen privately thought to herself as she went over the conditions of the bet with Naruto who grew more and more determined by the minute.
Tanzaku Town Castle / Jasmine Dragon Mafia HQ {Week Time Skip}
Progress was slow but steady for Naruto who began learning the steps to the Rasengan in earnest. For the first two days Naruto with a large group of shadow clones got to work perfecting the first step of the technique. Quite a large number of water balloons were popped during the exercise as Naruto finally learned to maintain a perfect rotation of chakra in a contained area. Hinata herself was working on her training and taking it to a new level as she began training her eyes to ignore the entire crowd of orange clad shinobi who were all training around her.
Small traces of divine grace flows through Naruto's body at all times. Having an entire army of them around her was proving to be the ultimate challenge on top of Iris herself who was constantly providing moving distractions by walking around Hinata as she sat and meditated with her Byakugan on. To add to the already stressful training Chaos decided it would be a good idea to flare the Tainted Holy Grace within her body to draw Hinata's attention which was working… unfortunately it was working to well as the heiress would often pass out several times a day due to overstimulation of her Byakugan and brain. After short rests periods the determined heiress would jump back into the training and go on until she passed out again. The intervals in which this was happening was starting to become further apart which was a sign that Hinata was slowly… painfully so… getting used to having to keep track of and at the same time ignore all of the multiple sources of holy grace around her.
It was a long and uphill battle but one she was determined to see through to the end. To that end Hinata was happy to see Naruto moving on to the second step as he was given an entire crate filled with thick rubber balls that he had to create a Rasengan inside of to pop. This step proved to be harder as Naruto had to expel a huge quantity of chakra from his hands which eventually lead to him receiving chakra burns on the palm of his hand. This of course would lead to Hinata using her healing ointments on Naruto's hands which was a welcomed activity for the young couple who would joke around and "try" to flirt with each other which would only end in mutual and fun embarrassment that they would then tease each other about seconds later.
While this was happening Iris and Chaos much to Naruto's surprise expressed an interest in learning new techniques to match his own and so the Uzumaki twins set out to develop corresponding techniques of their own that would complement the legendary Rasengan when it was finished. Unsurprisingly enough for Naruto the complexity and power of the techniques his daughters were working on left him in awe as he witnessed the techniques slowly but surely coming together throughout the week alongside his.
One obstacle that Naruto found himself running into was the fact that with Iris and Chaos now working on their own techniques it was interfering with his chakra control. His internal system was overtaxed and in turmoil with Iris, Chaos, and even Eva using the energy stored within his body for their own agenda which served to make learning the prized attack of the Fourth Hokage an extremely steep and uphill battle. With over 100 shadow clones out and about each and every day it was a lively sight to see in the Tanzaku Castle as Naruto informed the staff and caretakers there that he was with the Jasmine Dragon Mafia. Once that was established a private training hall was provided for the group within the castle building which was so massive that it could easily fit the massive numbers of shadow clones Naruto was spawning and have three times as much room still left over.
"Ughh… this is ridiculous!" Naruto complained as he let the built-up chakra in his hand dissipate after he felt frustration overtake him. Five days have past and he managed to finally pop the rubber ball passing the power stage of the technique. Now he had to combine the first two steps and contain the perfect Rasengan within a finite space in the palm of his hand. A water balloon was once again in his hands as he attempted to keep the raw power from popping the fragile construct but so far, his progress was hitting a wall. To go from popping the balloons and balls to maintaining them was a drastic shift in the focus of the training that Naruto wasn't prepared for.
The haywire interference of his sizable chakra network by his family members attached to his body and soul wasn't helping matters either which was only serving to increase the difficulty level of his training. Deciding to take a break in her own training that she was making steady progress in Hinata came over to address Naruto who was become frustrated with his perceived lack of progress. "Take a break… sit down with me." Hinata suggested quietly as she never liked to see the frustrated and angered look on her best friend face.
Taking a deep breath Naruto sat down on the floor with Hinata doing the same next to him. Eva was providing live target practice for Iris and Chaos in the background so that the twins could practice their developing techniques on. Between the two of them it came as no surprise that Chaos was enjoying this opportunity greatly. "I think you're doing really well Naruto… it's okay to take a break you know." Hinata gently spoke as she rubbed more healing ointment on Naruto's palms. "That's easy for you to say… you're only saying that to cheer me up." Naruto grumbled in dissatisfaction while Hinata frowned in sadness.
"I'm not telling you this to make you feel better Naruto. I honestly think you've made amazing progress." Hinata admitted with a pointed look to her best friend who looked down in shame. "I'm sorry Hinata… I'm just frustrated." Naruto apologized as Hinata smiled and snuggled up next to her favorite person. "It's ok… my eyes are exhausted, and I've already passed out twice today. But we've both made great progress that we can be proud of." Hinata encouraged as Naruto took careful look at his closest friend and crush and noticed the red aggravated veins around Hinata's eyes. The skin around her eyes were red and inflamed while her skin was slightly pale with sweat glistening her skin.
Hinata was pushing herself pass her limits as well which was something that Naruto was immensely proud of as the heiress was now able to ignore the glaring distractions of holy grace. A tolerance was being built up by the heiress as she was no longer turning her head to look at targets and she was able to effectively track up to ten different sources of holy grace and light energy of different sizes and intensities at the same time with no difficulty. Hinata has also started to develop her fledgling ability in producing light energy from her body. Over the course of the week she was trying her best to incorporate these new abilities into her Gentle Fist Style. It was slow progress as Hinata had called upon her divine grace out of instinct alone during her fight with Kisame. Now she was having to train properly in this instance and it was very hard for the young girl to call upon this powerful energy type without prior training.
Realistically both Genin have progressed immensely in their training with mastering techniques that ordinary shinobi could never accomplish. Continuing to look at Hinata, Naruto got lost in her eyes as his best friend started to blush indiscriminately while covering her face in embarrassment. "Is there something on my face Naruto… you're staring." Hinata shyly asked as Naruto who only now took notice of his actions. Blushing brightly in embarrassment Naruto started to stutter while looking everywhere but at Hinata who while blushing was now smiling in amusement as she felt flattered by her crush.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare…" All of the frustration from earlier was erased in Naruto's mind as now he was attempting to blink himself out of existence as being caught blatantly staring at his girlfriend in all except for name was extremely embarrassing. "It's ok… I don't mind really. It's flattering really, even if it is embarrassing." Hinata comforted as she bumped shoulders with Naruto to reassure him. Chuckling in delight Naruto teased Hinata back by bumping shoulders with her in return. The young couple both stared at each other for a few seconds before they both started to laugh in amusement. "We really need to go on a first date Hinata… I think if we pass that point then we don't have to be so awkward around each other." Naruto suggested as Hinata giggled in agreement.
"I'm already an awkward and shy person as it is. I guess I'm just used to it." Hinata joked as Naruto shared a good laugh at her expense. "I guess… though I can't wait until I can call you my girlfriend." Naruto teased as he rubbed his cheek against Hinata's who blushed but responded back in kind. "I can't wait either… but either way it goes you know my father will still be hard on you." Hinata giggled as she watch Naruto's skill pale in terror. "Well… I guess I have to get stronger then so that I can impress your dad… I don't want to be afraid of him forever." Naruto tried to rally his resolve while Hinata only giggled harder.
"Hey don't laugh!" Naruto whined good naturedly as he reached out to pinch Hinata's cheeks who squealed in delight as she tried to pull back in retreat. "No!" Hinata squealed while scooting back from Naruto who pursued her relentlessly. "Come here!" The two close friends roughhoused with each other as the fatigue and stress that had built up over the week of intense training vanished all at once with the fun the two friends were having. It took a minute but eventually Naruto and Hinata found their faces which was flushed beat red inches apart. Staring into each other's eye the young inexperienced couple leaned forward until their lips where just about to connect when without warning they were blasted by a concentrated blast of water breaking them apart.
Sputtering and coughing out water from their mouths Naruto and Hinata looked up to see Eva floating above them with a playful jealous expression on her face while Iris and Chaos stood before them with Iris having a completely jealous look on her face while Chaos giggled into her hands. It made it all the worst that some of the staff members in the castle were standing around watching the events unfold. "What are you two lovebirds doing!? You can't be kissing and stuff without me you know." Eva protested as she punctuated this fact by slashing another ball of water in Naruto's face who fell down from the recoil.
"I'm sorry Eva! This is so embarrassing." Hinata squeaked as she placed her hands over her face in mortification. The heiress wanted to run into a hole and hide away forever. "I'll forgive you my sweetheart if you make me a new dress." Eva purred out in a teasing manner as she waited until Hinata took her hands away from her face to make her move. Zooming in Eva planted a lightning quick kiss onto Hinata's lips who turned cherry red in response. "EVA!" Curling up into a ball Hinata wanted to turn invisible forever.
"Daddy where is my kiss?" Iris pouted in jealousy as she shook Naruto's shoulders frantically. "Iris… I'm sorry!" Naruto slurred as his head was bounced back and forth by his jealous daughters pandering. Leaning forward the empathetic twin placed a kiss down on her father's cheek while jumping into his lap to steal his attention away. Chaos took this opportunity to appear on Naruto's back while snuggling her head into his neck. "Sorry Hinata…" Naruto chuckled in embarrassment as he was being smothered by his daughters. "It's ok Naruto… we got carried away." Hinata smiled as Eva buzzed around Hinata's face peppering her with tiny kisses.
It took a few minutes, but the two friends eventually got back to their training with a refreshed outlook on their goals. "Naruto let me help you out for a minute." Hinata offered as she placed her hands over Naruto's while he was forming the Rasengan in his hand. "This is still tough… I'm trying to maintain the power of the technique, but it's not working." Naruto explained with Hinata nodding in understanding. "How about I help form a shell around the chakra to keep it contained." Hinata offered as she produced chakra out of her hands that helped to keep the power of the Rasengan in check.
"Hinata! You did it! You're a genius!" Naruto praised in elation as his Rasengan maintained a perfect shape without popping the balloon it was inside of. Beyond the point of happiness Naruto leaned forward and kissed Hinata fully on the lips causing the girl to let go of the hold she had on the Rasengan. Before either friend could even process what they had done the ball of chakra exploded sending both Genin flying apart from each other. Landing comically on the ground Naruto shook the dizziness out of his head as he leaned forward to see Hinata doing the same. "Oops."
"You two really are in the awkward stage of your relationship, aren't you?" Jiraiya's voice was heard as the hulking figure of the Toad Sage could be seen behind Naruto with amusement clear in his voice. Ignoring the teasing tone in his master's voice Naruto hopped to his feet with excitement in his eyes.
"Pervy Sage! I've found a way to master the Rasengan!" Naruto was ecstatic with the theories running through his mind now. If this worked then he could beat the deadline set in his bet against Tsunade. "Oh… we'll come back to you and Hinata later. I'd like to see this Rasengan of yours." Jiraiya pondered curiously as Naruto stood back and crossed his fingers. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Now Jiraiya was getting curious as to what Naruto was up to as was Hinata who came to observe what Naruto was going to do. Iris and Chaos were standing off to the side with Iris's eyes turning green in preparation. A small knowing smile was now on her face as everyone watched the clone spawn into reality with a cloud of white smoke.
"Let's do this… Rasengan!" Naruto held out his hand with a look of determination etched into his face as he generated the chakra necessary for the powerful technique. His clone just as Hinata just did stood next to Naruto and placed his hands around the forming maelstrom of chakra. What was previously a small slow-moving sphere of chakra suddenly turned blindingly bright as the power and stability of the technique was added by the clone who shared the workload with Naruto making it easier for the young shinobi to perform the technique in a relatively short amount of time.
Jiraiya whistled in appreciation as he examined the Rasengan in his students hands with an appraising eye. It was a perfect Rasengan with a good size proportionate to Naruto's size and the amount of power rolling off of it was impressive. The Rasengan was like a bright light as it illuminated the large hall around them with it's blue light. A light breeze generated by the spinning vortex of chakra rustled the clothes of everyone present as a proud grin formed on Jiraiya's face. "That's my boy… this is a perfect Rasengan. Congratulations." Jiraiya praised with pride evident in his voice while he ruffled Naruto's hair in response. The Toad Sage was impressed that Naruto would come up with such a short cut to complete the incredibly difficult technique.
"I did it!" Naruto cheered as he successfully dissipated the Rasengan in his hand. Clapping in praise Hinata congratulated her best friend with a smile on her face. It was a proud moment for the blond haired Uzumaki as he mastered a technique of such difficulty that no ordinary shinobi, let alone a Genin could ever hope to master.
For the rest of the day Naruto and the others took a break from training as Naruto accomplished the main goal he set out to do which was master the Rasengan. For Hinata she had reached her limit for the day as her fatigue wouldn't allow her to continue in her endurance training. For the twins they had made steady progress with their new techniques as well and so they thought it best to take a break from their training.
With the entire group resting in one of the many guest rooms of the castle all was peaceful with Naruto placing Iris and Chaos in bed after reading them a story. It was late at night and spending time with his two original daughters made Naruto think of his new group of adoptive children that he took in. He wondered how they were doing under the care of Aria and the others at the casino. He hoped that his new children were adjusting comfortably to civilization. He couldn't wait to get back to them to join in on their important memories.
Naruto was dressed for bed but the excitement of finally finding a trick to mastering the Rasengan was still fresh in his mind. The technique felt special to him since Jiraiya had pulled him off to the side to explain to him that this was one of the two signature techniques of the Fourth Hokage. When Naruto inquired more about the Fourth as he was his favorite Hokage to learn about growing up Jiraiya smirked and ruffled Naruto's hair while stating that he had a lot to tell him about the Fourth, but he'd tell him another time after they've returned to the village. This of course bummed Naruto out as he tried to pester the old Toad Sage into telling him more, but the old shinobi held out against Naruto's onslaught.
This now left Naruto with a burning curiosity to learn more about the things Jiraiya had to tell him but for now he was stuck with the satisfied feeling in his heart over his accomplishments. Hearing footsteps behind him Naruto turned to see Hinata removing some of the thick strands of hair out from Chaos's face. The young Angeloids knee length hair was extremely thick in volume and often covered her face if she were to quickly swing it around. When she sleeps the large mop of hair usually blankets her face as the young girl had terrible and restless sleeping habits that often cause her to toss and turn in the night even though she's powered off. How that was possible was beyond Naruto's comprehension but like everything else his strange daughter does he's just learned to accept over the years for the peace of mind of his sanity.
Placing the story book that was read to the girls on a shelf next to the bed, Hinata came to join Naruto on the balcony of the room with the boy watching her closely in contentment. Naruto bashfully took in the sight of Hinata in her nightclothes which were a pair of lavender colored sweatpants and a thin matching t-shirt. The pants had tiny floral patterns on it while the t-shirt had a stylized cartoonish lion on the front. It was very girlish and something Naruto expected his best friend to wear.
"The girls are fast asleep now… but you know it won't stay that way forever unless you join them. They can always sense when you're not there." Hinata joked which got a quiet chuckle of agreement out of Naruto as that was a true statement. The twins could sense the distance between them and him since they were born. Whenever he's not in bed with them the twins will eventually wake up to search for him if he decides to get up in the middle of the night.
"How are you feeling about your training?" Naruto asked as his hand naturally sought out Hinata's who graciously took it in anticipation with a soft giggle as she knew this was going to be the new norm for them. It was a comforting warmth in between their hands as the swung it back and forth a few times in playful spite. To answer the question posed to her Hinata circulated her chakra and activated her Byakugan turning her eyes from their vibrant and mesmerizing lavender color that Naruto secretly loves to look at into their new and one of a kind golden color that illuminated Hinata's face with its light. It reminded Naruto of whenever Sōkyoku takes over Iris's body. The deities powerful emerald green eye glow with an ethereal glow that reflects off of the skin on Iris's face.
"I can look around now without immediately turning to face Iris. I still see her behind me and it's quite distracting, but I can see up to 50 feet around me without worry and take in all of the visual feedback for up to 3 minutes before I have to stop." Hinata explained as she examined the flow of divine grace inside of Naruto's chakra network that used to be invisible to even her powerful Byakugan. Now she could see it's flow clearly and it was mesmerizing to her newfound sensitivity. It was a beautiful energy to look at as it flowed graciously and tranquilly within Naruto's body and that of Iris and Chaos though the little Angeloid's energy was tainted due to her origins at the hands of the Fallen Angels. The power was bright and pure but not to blindingly so in Naruto's body which was refreshing for Hinata or else she wouldn't physically be able to look at her best friend at all.
"Hinata… now you're the one that's staring." Naruto teased as he nuzzled Hinata's face to break her out of her trance like state. Blushing profusely Hinata squeaked as she buried her face in Naruto's neck to avoid looking at the boy who captured her heart a long time ago. Chuckling in amusement Naruto brought his closest friend into his embrace which she soon melted in as her embarrassment slowly died off. "You could see the grace inside of my body now can't you." Naruto theorized in a curious thought that Hinata confirmed with a shake of her head. "It's beautiful…" Hinata praised as Naruto smiled back with a blush on his face. "Not as beautiful as you." The words came out of Naruto's mouth almost faster than he could even take the time to come up with them and the second Hinata heard them her face invented a new shade of red to call its own.
Melting her face into the fabric of Naruto's shirt Hinata refused to look at Naruto who was trying and failing to get back the embarrassed girls attention. "Ok! Maybe I went to far on that! I wasn't thinking Hinata." Naruto stuttered as he soon heard quiet giggles coming from his female companion. "That was so corny…" Hinata snickered as her face was redder then Naruto's ever seen it, so he knew his compliment was well received but as he was coming to find out Hinata has been developing quite the vast and extensive sense of humor. Of course, she was still a very shy and reserved girl at heart but being around Naruto and the extended Uzumaki family for the last six and a half years has transformed her personality in ways she would have never thought possible.
Shyly looking away at Hinata's rebuttal Naruto nervously chuckled to diffuse his profound embarrassment. "What score did I get?" It was a simple teasing question that Hinata was more that willing to answer. "A- for effort since I like your cheesy jokes and compliment… and an overall 7/10 for delivery." Hinata's critique was spot on yet harsh as she grinned at Naruto who had to place a palm over his mouth to keep from laughing aloud. The girls were still asleep after all. "I guess I have to get better then huh?" Naruto inquired as Hinata giggled while nodding her head yes.
"Yes… but I like when you try your best… it's what I like most of all about you after all. It's why I try my best too." Hinata said softly as she leaned over and planted a small more tender kiss on Naruto's whiskered cheek that got a more healthy and subdued blush to rise to the surface. The mood was much more comfortable now between the two best friends as they stared out at the courtyard overlooking the castle building. It was a beautiful compound with décor and landscaping that only the richest individuals could afford.
"Somethings on your mind isn't it?" Hinata probed a few minutes later after a comfortable pause in their conversation. Smirking ever so slightly at Hinata's intuition and inherent ability as a Hyūga to read body language in people Naruto shook his head yes as he let his mental barriers fall. "I'm nervous about the future. If Lady Tsunade becomes the next Hokage… are things going to change? Because as it stands now things aren't the same without the old man here. I don't want things to change to much." Naruto admitted as Hinata hummed in thought. She could understand the anxiety and fear that was plaguing Naruto's mind. It was a thought that ran through hers as well. Everyone in the entire village including her looked up to the Third Hokage and had him in their lives consistently. Especially the current generation who were just born when he had to resume the mantle of Hokage after the death of the Fourth. He was a grandfather to everyone who knew him, and his death was a major blow to the entire village and the world as a whole.
"I understand how you feel… but I believe everything will be just fine. If Lady Tsunade was the student of Lord Third, then I think she'll carry his memory with her and let it guide her in her duties." Hinata reassured as she looked over to Naruto who smiled a small smile in appreciation. "I think you're right… I just have to have a little faith in her abilities. She did train Shoko and my mom after all. Thanks, Hinata." Naruto thanked as he hugged Hinata close to his chest in appreciation. Smiling in satisfaction at helping her loved one Hinata calmly let the mood overtake her as the young couple spent the next 20 minutes just relaxing in each other's presence.
"I guess it's time for bed huh?" Naruto suggested as it was late at night now and he could sense Iris and Chaos starting to get restless. It wouldn't be long before they wake up to seek him out. "I guess so… I was enjoying our time together." Hinata pouted cutely as Naruto gently ran his hand through her short dark blue hair. It felt like silk because of the care the heiress put into her hygiene. "Well it doesn't have to end really…" Naruto trailed off in true embarrassment as Hinata perked up to see the boy she cared about with a genuine and shy look on his face.
"What does that mean?" Hinata was curious as a gentle warmth and pit of anxiety welled up in her heart all at once as she saw the cute and sincere look in Naruto's bright blue eyes that were trying to look everywhere but at her. "Well you really didn't settle down in any of the guess rooms that much. You've been with me the whole time and the bed is big enough for like six people to fit in on it so… ya know… if you wanted too that is… you could bunk with us…" Naruto was never more embarrassed in his life then he was in this moment as he was asking his best friend to share the bed with him and the girls. The previous time it was a prank on the part of Jiraiya and the girls but now this was completely voluntary on the young children's part.
A pretty and mesmerizing look that Naruto couldn't possibly put into words appeared on Hinata's face as she seriously contemplated this proposal much to his shock and internal joy. The two of them were always closer than most kids their age as they opened themselves up to one another with their deepest secrets and on Naruto's part has trusted Hinata with the complete knowledge of his daughters and status as a Jinchūriki. The level of trust, respect, and fanatical loyalty between the two was on a level all onto its own. The bond Naruto shared between him and Eva was spoken for and didn't need words as the two were each other's other halves as they liked to affectionately refer to each other by. They had a blood contract binding the two together for as long as they both lived and the level of trust between them couldn't possibly be broken.
But for Naruto… Hinata was his first successful attempt at a friendship that blossomed into what it has become today. The tragic death of Kenichi back when they were in the orphanage left a deep scar on Naruto that has tainted his heart at getting close to others and opening up to them. The fact that his friendship with Hinata could pull so much trust and faith out of him was a shock that he would have never seen coming in a million years. Looking at this faithful companion now Naruto was blown away to see a look of trust and love appear in Hinata's eyes after only a moment of consideration.
"I'd love to… I know you'll take good care of me. I've always trusted you after all." Hinata reassured as Naruto actually bowed to Hinata in a show of gratitude and respect as this was a huge leap of faith and trust on his part that he knew he could never do with another person. "Thank you, Hinata. You're the best ya know." Naruto said in the softest voice possible with his verbal tic coming in at the end which Hinata picked up on with a quiet giggle. "I know… I just like to hear you say it." Hinata teased with a quick peck to Naruto's lips as she purposefully left Naruto at the balcony with a silly love-struck expression on his face.
Climbing into bed Naruto wrapped his arms around Chaos's tiny body who had pushed the blankets off of her in her rowdy nature. Her snores were music to Naruto's ears after so many years of hearing it as he placed a gentle love filled kiss on the girl's forehead who suddenly curled up into his form with her signature dopey and somewhat spooky facial expression on her face topped by the small grin of her mouth. Smiling softly down at the tiny terror in his arms Naruto reached over to kiss Iris in the same way who responded just as she always does with a tiny subconscious blush coming to her cheeks as she in turn snuggled into Hinata's embrace since she couldn't reach out for Naruto.
"She's so warm… also I guess I wanted to hold her because of my condition." Hinata admitted with a bashful if not guilty expression on her face as she felt Iris's higher than average body temperature as well as the fountain of divine power beneath the surface of her skin. Naruto chuckled softly at this admission of guilt while smiling back in response. "After all of the training that you've gone through you deserve a little break. Enjoy it while you can."
Snuggling up closer to the divine deity in response to this Hinata planted her own kiss down on Iris's forehead as she looked to Naruto. "When we get back you have six more children to dot on and take care of just like this." Hinata reminded Naruto who grinned in response to this. "Yep… and it feels good. As an orphan growing up without a family, to suddenly have 8 kids to take care of is overwhelming but at the same time the best feeling I could ever ask for." Naruto admitted honestly as Hinata smiled at the sincerity in her best friends voice.
"You'll be just fine. You'll do your best in this just like you do with everything else, and I'll be right here to help you all the way." Hinata reassured in a sweet tone that got a familiar look of love to appear in Naruto's eyes. "You're the best Hinata… you really are, believe it." Naruto grinned as he felt Eva stir in his head. The tiny fairy had gotten her teasing in from earlier before the duo climbed in bed so now she was content to fall asleep knowing those closest to her heart were with her.
"Thanks Naruto… goodnight." Hinata said in a soft tone as she let her eyes close with the image of Naruto's eyes staring back at her being the final thing she saw. "Goodnight Hinata." Naruto whispered with the most amount of love he could place into his voice. 'I'm really falling for this girl aren't I…? It feels great.' Naruto drowsily thought to himself with a content smile on his face as he slowly closed his eyes while gazing at Hinata for one final time before sleep claimed him.
Tomorrow was going to be a new day with action around the corner while the future itself was looking up for Naruto even if he didn't know it just yet. Love was now in Naruto's heart and it was going to be a powerful weapon for him to use in the trails to come in the years ahead.
To be continued...
[The Search for Tsunade Arc]
Jutsu Library
1.) Acceleration - Accelerating Turn works by storing Kinetic energy in one's own body, reinforced by their own internal energy (Chakra, Yōki, etc.), and then releasing that kinetic energy through an opening in the shielding their internal energy is creating at the bottom of their feet allowing the user to reach and utilize explosive high-speed movements.
2.) Ice Style: Ice Ground Spears Jutsu - A move that Naruto uses. The user must be connected to the ground for this to work (Preferably by the feet) the user sends a surge of chakra through the ground that will travel to the intended target. The ground should freeze over in a thin sheet of ice. Once the user has his chakra spread out in his desired area he or she will send a pulse of chakra out into the area which will cause ice spikes to shoot out of the thin icy patch that their chakra created earlier. The technique is good for taking down enemies by impaling them in their legs.
3.) Ice Style: Ice Mirror Jutsu - A move that Naruto can use that allows him to create thin sheets of ice that are smooth and reflective. The technique is relatively weak and is used mostly for light defensive purposes only. He can create them easiest in the water, but he has no problem creating them in midair or on dry land.
4.) Ice Style: Icicle Barrage Jutsu - A Jutsu that Naruto can use that allows him to mold his chakra into thin shards of ice that he can telekinetically control for a short period of time. Usually they form the ice shards above the targets head and then impale the opponent with them.
5.) Wind Style: Hurricane Fist - A low C - Rank Jutsu that creates a gust of wind that blows an opponent off their feet. The unique functionality of this technique however allows for the gust of wind to come from a multitude of places. Ex: Hands (Palms or Fist), Feet, Mouth, or through a weapon (Fan or other weapon that can generated air based on movement).
6.) Ice Style: Ice Make Jutsu - A Jutsu created from the combination of both Naruto and Evangeline's teamwork. By molding chakra mixed in with Eva's Yōki into his hands Naruto can create any object he wants out of Ice. Depending on how much chakra he puts into the Jutsu will determine how durable the creation is.
7.) Wind Style: Gust Jutsu - A low level Wind Style Jutsu that causes swirling winds to form around the user's fist. Although it is a Ninjutsu it is mostly used in Taijutsu combat to augment the users punching strength. The winds generated by the Jutsu are strong enough to launch opponents away and send them flying. The winds can also be concentrated in the user's hands to palm thrust opponents or to grip, catch, or push things away from the user.
8.) Double Acceleration - The first variant of Accelerating Turn that works the same way as the original. The user stores up kinetic energy in their body but the difference is at this point. The user separates the built-up energy into two separate pockets surrounded by a shell of the user's internal energy (Chakra, Yōki, etc.), the two bubbles of kinetic energy is pressed up against each other and concentrated at the user's feet creating which in turn creates tremendous amounts of pressure on the body. Once released the added pressure results in a massive shockwave of kinetic energy that propels the user forwards at incredible speeds. The user then releases the second and final bubble of kinetic energy after the first gets depleted allowing them to speed back up again. Because of this there is a brief amount of lag in between each jump but the lag spike is so short that only experienced fighters would be able to notice or counter it.
9.) Accelerated Punch - The only known technique of Acceleration. By molding all of the chakra in the cloak to his fist Naruto can discharge a massive burst of both chakra and kinetic energy that can demolish at this point in time almost anything. However, this attack can be canceled out by an attack of equal force of makeup.
10.) Tempest Turn - Tempest Turn works by storing Kinetic energy in one's own body, reinforced by their own internal energy (Chakra, Yōki, etc.), and then giving form to that energy using their internal energy and shooting it out of their body. With this technique that is unique to only Naruto he can create multiple afterimages of himself that function similarly to Shadow Clones. However, they cannot interact with their environment like normal Shadow Clones. They are literally made up of the energy cloak Naruto creates whenever he activates his Accel Turn. The after images energy wise are indistinguishable from their creator but visually they have a light blue glow to them. The copies have a sizable speed advantage, but they are not moving at the same speed as when Naruto uses Acceleration. Also, the copies take up so much energy that Naruto can only create up to four copies with this move. Also, while using this move to its fullest Naruto is unable to use Acceleration because all of it is being used to maintain Tempest Turn.
11.) Shadow Clone Jutsu - A Jutsu invented by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. The technique was created to be used to spy on an enemy without fear of going in person. The Jutsu works by splitting the chakra of the user evenly in two which makes the clone have half of the user's chakra. By creating multiple clones, the fraction in which you have to split your chakra becomes larger. The clones can think independently of one another and can use any technique that the original can use as long as they have enough chakra to use it. A clone can feel pain and can even bleed, but it will be dispelled if it is hit hard enough. The unique ability of the Jutsu is that during the clones' entire life span it is recording everything that its five senses experiences and upon dispelling all of that information is transferred back to the caster of the Jutsu. Because of this training or learning something new that would take an extended amount of time can be cut down to a fraction of the time depending on the number of clones you use. Because you have multiple people learning the same thing at the same time and having all of that knowledge compiled into one person it can speed up the time it takes to learn something.
12.) Kenjutsu: Arctic Ballet Dance - An advanced version of Naruto's Arctic Duet Dance technique. Naruto and a group of clones ranging anywhere from 4 to 12 all attack a single target or multiple depending on the situation. The amount of coordination between Naruto and his clones makes this technique especially difficult.
13.) No-Interval Double Acceleration - The Special variant of Double Acceleration. It works much like its base technique. However, the difference comes in the fact that there is no lag in-between each jump. This is achieved by connecting both spheres of kinetic energy together before releasing them. Once released the user has to control the opening in the chakra cloak and syphon out the kinetic energy in one continuous burst of propulsion. Also, an alternative would be to release the second bubble of kinetic energy before the first one depletes but you run the risk of damaging your legs and feet by releasing so much kinetic energy upon them.
14.) Rasengan - The Rasengan is a spinning ball of chakra formed and held in the palm of the user's hand. Once it is formed, it also does not require any additional chakra to sustain it, which means that there is no definite limit to how long the Rasengan can be used. Though the Rasengan's shape is consistent from user to user, its size varies from only barely large enough to be noticeable to much larger than the user's hand. With greater experience with the Rasengan comes a larger size. On contact, the Rasengan grinds into its target, propels them along the Rasengan's trajectory - either away from the user or into the ground beneath them - and at some point, bursts causing severe damage at the point of contact.
Author's Note (A/N): How was that guys? This chapter depicts the encounter between Naruto and Tsunade who reveals some information regarding his parents and Eva's. Upon learning that Tsunade let Orochimaru live Naruto instantly turned on Tsunade and demanded to fight her to see if she is worthy of the title of Hokage. Naruto advocates that Tsunade can't become Hokage if she doesn't have the will to protect others.
Naruto and Tsunade fight in which Naruto learns first hand of Tsunade's legendary strength and skill which overwhelms him in the end. [I even throw in a My Hero Academia easter egg in during the fight]. Naruto approves of Tsunade becoming Hokage after he gets the chance to fight her. Naruto and Hinata resume their training in which after sharing a moment with Hinata, Naruto is able to find a shortcut to mastering the Rasengan.
The last half of the chapter is filled with teasing, awkward, and romantic moments between Naruto and Hinata as their adolescent emotions and feelings run high between them.
Next Chapter: Chapter 76 (The Legendary Sannin)
That's the end of Chapter 75 I sincerely hoped you enjoyed it.
Please rate, comment, and subscribe… Oops I forgot this is not YouTube.
Please leave a review explaining what you liked, didn't like, and any positive criticism that can help me in improve in the future. Every review helps me in the long run. Thank you and stay safe everyone.
Published: 11/12/2018
