Chapter 24 Storied Past

As always I don't own Naruto just my own OC. I'll probably do the time skip chapters like this from now on with a action one followed by world building one or one focusing on other characters. Enjoy!

-Konoha-

Dodging a strike from his sensei Rock Lee smiles at how much progress they'd made with newest training program. "That was a youthful move my brilliant student! We should thank Tsunade-sama and Yakumo-san for their aid!" Nodding vigorously Rock Lee gives his role model a thumbs up as light seems to audibly ping from his teeth as he smiles. "Yosh! That we should Guy-sensei! Tsuande-sama and Yakumo-chan's aid has helped me immensely! If I can not find a way to repay them I will run around the village fifty times on my hands while carrying a boulder! And if I can not do that.."

Before Lee can say another word he hears unrestrained giggling from behind and turns to see Yakumo standing there bent over with a two bento boxes on the ground by her feet. Smiling at the look Lee is giving the girl Guy dismisses him for lunch and heads off looking for his eternal rival. Laying out a blanket for the two to sit on Yakumo smiles up at Lee as he quickly pours water over his hair before shaking it out. "I see you're back to your usual chipper self Lee-kun."

-2 weeks ago-
-Konoha Hospital-

Waiting anxiously for Tsunade to enter the room Lee sits on the raised examination table while Yakumo and Guy sit on either side of him. Nearly jumping up when Tsunade enter the room he begins to worry at her expression. "Lee, Guy, and Yakumo I have the final reports from his examinations. I'm sorry to say Lee but despite the quality of the care your body is still recovering. I believe the strain of using the Gates is the reason why. Though you will recover fully in two to three months."

Looking down Lee's knuckles go white before he looks up at Tsunade. "Wha...What does that mean for me Tsunade-sama?" Sighing Tsunade puts her board down before looking at Lee. "It means no using the Gates till I say so. Your body is still recovering and short of a life or death situation you must not use them. Understand?" Looking down again Lee nods before sighing sadly.

"I understand Tsunade-sama...But what should I do till then? I need to grow stronger so I can protect those precious to me." Smiling in a tired way Tsunade sighs before looking up for a bit. "I believe it would wise for you to learn another form of Taijutsu. While Gōken is a very powerful style I believe it places too much strain on the body if it is all you use. Guy I believe you know other styles as well? Perhaps it is time to diversify your apprentice's fighting style."

Nodding slightly Guy seems lost in thought as he looks at Lee before nodding. "I believe it is. Tell me Lee do you remember what happened the first day we trained after your rehab?" Shaking his head Lee is surprised when Guy begins to laugh while Tsunade pales slightly. "You accidentally drank some of my sake while we had dinner with some of the others. I believe you to be a natural master of the Suiken."

Looking between the three Yakumo seems confused and so does Lee to her further confusion. "The Suiken? What's that Guy-sensei?" Facepalming and muttering Tsunade rises and excuses herself. "You tell him Guy. But any damages he does are on you." Nodding Guy smiles before looking at his apprentice. "Suiken is more commonly known as the Drunken Fist. And while most users of it are not actually drunk you seem to become a natural master when you drink even the smallest amount of sake. I believe if we experiment we could have you gain it's effects without actually being drunk."

-Present-

Blushing at the Kurama heiress's words the usually loud genin can only nod while looking down in embarrassment. Patting the blanket beside her Yakumo lays against Lee as he slowly sits down. "You know Lee-kun I've noticed other girls checking you out recently. I think your new outfit suits you as Konoha's Green Beast." Blushing again Lee smiles as he looks down at his new outfit. Instead of his green jumpsuit he's wearing a green kimono-shirt with black pants while his hair once cut into a bowl is growing slightly wild as it curves up and out. "Th..Thank you Yakumo-chan. I am very glad you like it."

Opening one of the bento boxes Lee smiles at the rice balls within that look like him and Yakumo before he eats a piece of grilled chicken beside them. "Yakumo-chan as always your cooking is amazing!" Blushing Yakumo smiles at Lee before leaning forward and kissing him on the cheek. "And you Lee-kun always know how to be the perfect gentleman. But hurry up we have to eat before we join the others."

Nodding rapidly Lee resumes eating while Yakumo sits there and lays her head on his shoulder. Across the village within the Uchiha Compound the sounds of lightning echo from one of the clan's, formerly, lesser used training areas. Ducking and weaving through multiple volleys of electrified shuriken Sasuke smirks at Yama and Tenten as they attempt to land a strike.

Showing a degree of flexibility he didn't have before his training with Anko Sasuke leans back far enough to nearly touch the ground and his eyes widen. From multiple angles shuriken on nearly invisible ninja wite are coming back to him. Knowing he can't dodge the incoming attack Sasuke drops down to the ground and begins sinking into it before he freezes as his eyes widen. Just below the surface of the soil he can feel more wire that begins to rise up around him as the shuriken fly over head.

Barely able to move the Uchiha can only stare in surprise and annoyance at the two kunoichi as they walk up to him smirking. "Alright very funny now can you let me go. This isn't the most comfortable position you know." Laughing Yama and Tenten nonetheless let the wire in left hand go loose allowing Sasuke to get out of their trap. Standing Sasuke whistles when he looks over the trap's scale as he notices a large part of the training ground had been similarity prepared with nets of wire barely visible.

Brushing the dirt off his clothes Sasuke gives his friends a small smile as their sensei walks forward. "Good work you two. You managed to create a trap without him realizing it and left him no way to escape except into it. And Sasuke I see your sessions with Anko are proving useful." Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at Kakashi the young Uchiha stretches slightly to cool down.

"Yeah she might be crazy but Anko-sensei knows what she's doing." Chuckling a bit Kakashi nods before dismissing them as he pulls out his favorite book and heads off. "Hmm I know the brats are going to spar but what to do...Maybe I'll pop in on Shizune-chan.." With a eye smile Kakashi begins heading over to the village's hospital even as he watches for his students and their friends.

Slipping through the crowds Kakashi smiles briefly as he sees Shino and Fū jumping across the rooftops. Further out near the village's edge the various rookie teams, Team Guy, a new friend, and two of their sensei wait for Karin to finish her seals. "Alright that should do it!", placing the last tag Karin channels her chakra into it before stepping back, "Ok so Kaida-kaachan and Tsunade-sama are going to watch over us today. Please don't break the barriers again...I don't want to deal with the barrier team again."

While most the Genin and Chunin nod or say they'll try two seem rather unconcerned or hesitant to answer given what they plan to show off. "Alright who's going first. I don't have any seals from Naruto-nii to show so I'm just going to watch today." Stepping forward Neji motions for Hinata to join him. "Myself and Hinata-san have completed elemental versions of one of our clan's jutsu. Excuse me Kaida-sama but could you create two clones for us to demonstrate them on."

Raising her left eyebrow Kaida smiles before creating two clones with a single sign. "Whenever you're ready." Stepping back so Hinata can go first Neji smiles as she takes a breath before activating her Byakugan without a single handsign. "Excuse me Kaida-san", smiling at Hinata's respect for a clone Kaida's clone chuckles, "can you attack me? This is a defensive jutsu." Nodding the clone draws a kunai before charging forward at about half speed.

"Suiton: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palm Guard!" Before the clone can react Hinata's arms seem to blur before incredibly sharp blades formed from water and chakra come out and form a net between the two. Unable to dodge in time the clone, and soon Kaida, hisses in pain as the chakra slices deep. For a brief moment Hinata shows just how lethal a defense her jutsu is as she continues to use it leaving deep but precise cuts in the surrounding soil.

Whistling in appreciation of the jutsu Sasuke looks over at the newest member of their group who is sitting and trying to avoid the other's attention. "Hey Jūgo-san wanna help me show my new jutsu after Neji? From what I've heard you can use Earth Wall and that would work perfectly for my jutsu." Looking up in surprise Jūgo nevertheless nods even as they both turn to watch Neji. "He's a strange one Kimimaro-san but he's a good man.."

Watching Neji with his Sharingan active Sasuke notices he seems to be concentrating a larger than usual amount of chakra within his arms and palms. "Doton: Eight Trigrams Mountain Crusher!" Blitzing forward Neji unleashes his jutsu into the clone that is sent hurtling back and into the surrounding barrier instantly dispelling it. Wincing slightly as the memory from the clone hits her Kaida mentally promises to never let a Hyūga use her clones for target practice again.

"Alright that was very impressive who's next?" Lifting a hand Sasuke begins walking forward with Jūgo behind him. "I'm going to show off a variant of the Chidori that Kakashi-sensei helped me develop. Jūgo if you would." Giving the newest member of their group time to form a wall of stone and step around it Sasuke crouches and soon a standard Chidori forms in his hand.

Standing up Sasuke lifts his hand so it's aimed at the center of the wall. "The weakness of the Chidori is that aside from needing a Sharingan to use it without getting tunnel vision is it's lack of range. This solves that issue...Chidori:Sharp Spear!" To the other's surprise Sasuke's Chidori suddenly lengthens into a blade and punches through the center of the wall. Lifting his right hand Sasuke's jutsu easily carves through the wall causing it to begin to crumble.

"Not as flashy as the Dobe's but still pretty good right? And Jūgo thanks for the help." Nodding his head Jūgo remains silent as the others stare at him. "Hey Jūgo-san", as Jūgo turns he's surprised to see Yama walking forward, "would you like to join us all tonight it at Yakiniku Q? We're supposed to get sent on some missions soon so we wanted to have one last get together before we all get busy again."

Nodding slowly Jūgo seems surprised by the invitation as he walks back to the edge. Sitting once more away from the others he's again surprised when Ino of all people come to sit by him. "Hey Jūgo don't forget to come by tomorrow afternoon. Otousan wants to see you again." Nodding Jūgo looks away just as quickly to avoid staring at the younger kunoichi though not fast enough to hide his blush.

Sitting down beside the older teen Ino smirks on the inside. "So Jūgo wanna head to the dinner tonight with me? I know the Hokage put you up in our smaller compound so it makes sense to me." Nodding Jūgo looks at his feet while Ino smiles and waits for him to answer. "Y...Yeah I can do that. But what about your team?" Flicking her hand dismissively towards Asuma and her childhood friends Ino shrugs. "They can make it without me. I'm sure they know the way seeing as we go there all the time."

-Tetsu no Kuni-

Laying down slowly Naruto groans as the muscles in his back and legs seem to scream in protest. "Pervy Sage why are we here again? I thought you were gonna teach me jutsu not let some angry old samurai beat me up." Laughing a bit Jiraiya looks across the room at his godson before smirking. "Think of it this way brat. With Toyotomi-san training you to better use your tanto you'll be the match for most of Konoha's kenjutsu users. Plus he's toughening your body up and you'll need it for the next part of your training."

Groaning again Naruto creates a clone that moves over to his travel bag and unseals a few small jars. "What's that brat?" Not answering Naruto sighs in relief as the clone begins spreading a pale ointment across his back. "It's a medical ointment made..made by Hinata-chan. It helps you heal a bit faster..." Nodding Jiraiya chuckles as Naruto seems to try and sink into the floor while he clone puts away the jars and dispels himself.

"So brat what are you going to work on next? I know you're still working on the those gifts for your friends, but what's next?" Shrugging his shoulders Naruto stays on the floor but turns over and looks up at the smirking sage. "No idea...Karin-nee sent me some seals she worked on and gave me some ideas but I'm stuck..." Raising a eyebrow Jiraiya looks down at his godson and apprentice before he begins to laugh.

"And here some in Konoha still think you're a moron. You better prove them wrong when we get back or me and Tsunade are going to beat you down for embarrassing us." Rolling his eyes Naruto slowly turns back over before rising and sitting in a shorter chair. "Yeah yeah I'm sure the jutsu and seals Kaito-nii gives me will help me prove them wrong. I don't know about the stuff you plan to teach me though."

Smirking at Jiraiya who rolls his eyes at Naruto's joke of a jab. "Yeah yeah laugh it up brat. You've still yet to beat me in a fight." Immediately Naruto pouts while Jiraiya laughs at the blonde's annoyed expression. "You better go to bed you know he's gonna be just as brutal tomorrow as he was today." Muttering Naruto heads off into the small dining room for a quick dinner while Jiraiya continues reading his scroll.

-Kiri-

Resting against the bench's back Suigetsu tries to appear relaxed as he looks across the diner's room. Slipping a hand into his cloak Suigetsu palms a small knife as someone sits across from him. "So it's true the brother of the demon isn't dead." Looking up the white haired teen smirks at the teen across from him before spearing a piece of chicken with his fork. "Yeah and what's it to you? Gonna try to retrieve the bounty that man placed on my clan?"

Shaking their head the teen across from Suigetsu grabs a cup of water which immediately begins to freeze before stopping. "Oh no I wouldn't try. Afterall if I tried to turn it in he'd kill me too. So tell me does the Second Coming of the Demon still wish to retrieve the swords and reform the Seven Swordsmen?" For the first time Suigetsu's smile becomes downright predatory as he nods. "Yes and if I get to avenge my brother that's a plus."

-Konoha-

Waiting outside the head family's home Jūgo knocks hesitantly. "Come in." Opening the door Jūgo isn't surprised to see Ino sitting across from her mother while Inoichi sits in his usual chair. "Ah Jūgo please come and sit", motioning to the seat across from him Inoichi doesn't miss the look his daughter gives the boy, "Ino-chan I believe it's time you learned one of our clan's more specialized jutsu. The Psycho Mind Transmission, normally it is used for interrogation purposes but it has other uses. For instance helping our friend here achieve the stability he needs to reach his full potential."

Surprised Ino walks up to her father who directs her to place her hand atop his on Jūgo's forehead. "Now Jūgo remember remain calm. We will be helping you in there and remember how much progress you've made. Psycho Mind Transmission!" Before Ino can blink she finds herself in a partially shaded clearing in a forest standing next to her father and before Jūgo. "Wo...What is this place?"

"This is Jūgo's mindscape or at least the closest representation of it. As you know Ino everyone has some form of mental world, even civilians, which can be entered using various techniques. And usually it reflects the individual's true nature. For instance Jūgo's is a peaceful forest filled only with the sound of animals while others might be more chaotic, darker, or even simpler like their childhood home or even a dear friend's. Now let's get to work."

Walking to the edge of the clearing beside Jūgo and behind her father Ino looks around amazed at the sights, sounds, and feeling of the forest. It's almost like it's she's in one and not just in another's mind. In awe of the world around them Ino zones out almost immediately as they walk along a shaded path. It's only when she hears a low but incredibly deep animalistic growling that she notices the world around them has changed.

Instead of a idyllic forest the ground is cracked and scorched, the trees are twisted or burnt, and the sounds of the animals are replaced with guttural growls that seem to echo the louder growls from further in the darkness. "Go. Away." Immediately Inoichi, Jūgo, and Ino freeze as they feel the attention of what feels like a hungry beast is watching them.

"Ino no matter what stay behind me and Jūgo. You aren't ready to deal with what we're about to face." Nodding Ino steps back behind her father and Jūgo as the darkness seems to fall away revealing a twisted sight. Before them within a cage seemingly crafted out of a golden metal is Jūgo. But not the Jūgo standing before her instead he seems twisted by hate and bloodlust with blackened eyes, and a strange seemingly organic armor seems to coat his skin.

"Ahh..You've brought me food. I knew you were too sof.." Reaching out with a clawed hand the twisted being is suddenly shocked and screams in pain as lightning suddenly arcs through him. "Damn this cage! Damn the ones who put me in it! LET ME FREE!" Stepping back Ino is shocked and terrified when Jūgo and her father walk closer to it. "We can not do that. You know why we're here beast. This mind does not belong to you." Growling at the Yamanaka Head the beast like man seems to grow in the cage only to scream even louder when it's back touches the back of the cage.

Watching her father and Jūgo the young kunoichi is terrified when Jūgo sits just before the cage and reaches a hand out as a bar seems to grow out from it. Placing his hands on Jūgo's back Inoichi smiles back at his daughter before the two seem to zone out entirely. For a few moments nothing seems to happen before the thing within the cage begins roaring in pain as the cage begins to shrink around it.

"No! I won't die here! YOU CAN'T TAKE IT FROM ME!" Pushing back against the cage's bars the beast like thing roars in both pain and defiance even as it's hands are burned by the bars. To Ino's shock the bars seem to retaliate as they begin to visibly glow with heat while Jūgo and Inoichi's face become drawn and the two begin to sweat. For what seems like the hours the two sit there as sweat begins pouring down their faces as the cage shrinks bit by bit while the thing within becomes thinner and it's voice weakens.

When the two finally open their eyes both men gasp for air like they were drowning. Falling backwards the two move away from the cage as the thing within growls hatefully at them and collapses. "You won't take my power...I will...I will break free...You can not stop me.." Sitting up slowly Jūgo stares down the thing within that wears his face. "It was never Your power. And yes I can with my friends I can and will erase you."

Stumbling forward Jūgo grabs the bars directly and to Ino and Inoichi's shock they begin to shrink even further until the beast within is being squeezed and unable to move. "Stay like that and suffer. I will erase you one day." Suddenly falling backwards Jūgo is caught by Ino and Inoichi who stare in shock at him. "I think it's time we woke up." With a single sign the world around them seems to warp before the trio are back in Ino's living room.

"Wow..." Falling back into a chair her mother had likely moved behind her while the jutsu was active Ino's head spins for a moment. "That..That was weird..." Nodding Inoichi smiles as Jūgo shakily grabs a cup of water from the end table before downing it in a few big gulps. "I'm sorry you had to see that Ino-san..." Shaking her head Ino stands and hugs the still shaking teen. "It's alright...It's alright."

After a few moments the three have all managed to catch their breath and Ino releases Jūgo before heading further into her home. "Jūgo my daughter mentioned something about another dinner with the other teams. I assume you are going with?" Nodding the teen is surprised when Inoichi begins to chuckle before he refills both their cups with a pitcher of water. "Well then Jūgo-san good luck to you." Nodding slowly Jūgo wonders if perhaps it's not too late to let Ino head to dinner with her team instead.

-next day-
-Tetsu no Kuni-

With a yell Naruto lands and rolls as the poles below him are cut without warning. "Get up Uzumaki. I didn't take you as a student for you to lay about and dirty up my mat." Using his chains to help him stand Naruto wipes some of the sweat before jumping back onto the poles before once more drawing his tanto. "Alright you geezer let's go!" Watching from the side of the dojo Jiraiya has to hold back a laugh as he watches the interactions between Naruto and the old samurai.

"I told you he was like this Kusunoki-san!" Looking away from Naruto even as be blocks a strike from the boy's tanto the old samurai simply raises one eyebrow. "I knew his clan before Uzushiogakure fell. I expect nothing less from one of Ashina-sensei's line." For a moment Naruto freezes before he jumps from pole to pole trying to get around his sensei. Seeing his sensei seemingly lost in thought Naruto blitzes forward and across leaps the distance between them with his blade up to strike.

Just before he begins to strike Kusunoki's eyes harden as he quickly draws his katana and deflects Naruto's tanto up and away before kicking the boy away with his left foot. Sailing across the room Naruto lands once more and rolls as he tries to catch his breath. "You know for a Uzumaki you are remarkably straight forward boy...Why have you not used your chains? Your seals? Your clones? Do you think a master of your clan's Harikēnburēdo is not capable of matching them?"

For the first time since arriving at the man's private dojo Naruto seems surprised as he looks up and notices the Uzu insignia on the base of his katana's hilt. "Wa...Wait you know our style how? I thought..." For the first time Naruto is surprised to see a smile appear on Kusunoki's face even if it is quite sad. "How else little Uzumaki? I was trained in it by your ancestor. Would you like to hear more about it and him?"

Nodding Naruto is surprised when Kusunoki motions for him to sit across from him. "As you know we samurai typically look down on shinobi and vice versa. But back when I was a young man I was saved by a Uzumaki shinobi. This man who did not know me saved me from the blade of a cruel ronin who I had been tasked with bringing to justice. To my shock your kin defeated a man many years his senior with just his tsurugi and no ninjutsu at great risk to himself."

As Naruto's eyes widen Kusunoki loosens the obi around his waist before opening his kimono to reveal three large scars on his chest. "These were wounds I received that day and had your ancestor not arrived they would've killed me. But instead he saved me despite the disdain my kind held for his. For months I was confused by this shinobi's actions till fate brought us together again."

Fixing his kimono and tightening his obi Kusunoki motions to a broken blade hanging from his wall. "As you know the Warring States period was incredibly brutal. What many shinobi fail to understand is that it spread even to lands like ours. During a skirmish with a rival nation our forces were assaulted by Kaguya shinobi and were on the verge of annihilation. That is until he arrived...Ashina Uzumaki the Clan Heir had been tracking the Kaguya nin for days."

Taking a deep breath Kusunoki pulls up his left sleeve revealing multiple scars that run along his arm and up his shoulder. "I had tried fighting their leader to save my comrades only for the man to toy with me. That is until Ashina arrived and broke him like a rotten log...To this day I still remember the sound of his chains and blade slicing through them even as he calmly walked forward."

At this point even Jiriaya is listening attentively as Kusunoki had never told him of how he'd learned the Uzumaki's kenjutsu. "Reaching the brute Ashina sliced through the bones holding me up even though my own blade had shattered against his skin like glass. As I dropped for just a moment I saw fear in the Kaguya's eyes before Ashina sent him flying with a blow from his chains."

Taking a drink from a small cup of water Kusunoki smiles slightly before continuing. "The next I saw him he was carrying the man's head and was providing aid to my comrades...After that day I asked the Shogun if I could visit Ashina's homeland. Imagine my surprise when your clan allowed a samurai to stay in their city. After days of waiting I was able to enter the home of the Uzumaki Head Family."

Reaching into his kimono Kusunoki pulls out a small piece of cloth with the Uzumaki crest upon it. "This is the armband I was granted when asking if I could train under your grandfather...I must say though I was surprised when they put me in a class with men and woman years younger than me. It was a shock but I must say Ashina-sensei was quite the teacher. He pushed us to our limits day after day."

Eye widening Naruto reaches out and touches the fabric and smiles slightly at it. "I am sure you received your own when you trained right?", nodding slightly Naruto looks up, "After nearly six months I was granted the title of adept. And I'm sure you know how much work that takes right?" Laughing Naruto nods before looking down at his own blade and tracing the marks left from years of training.

-Kiri-

Near the coastline of Kiri a small band of Kiri nin move silently in search of their prey. Unbeknownst to the eight Kiri nin a pair of eyes watches them from the sea while another watches from the shadows. "Those bastards are his alright..I can smell the blood from here.." Slowly drawing closer the presence in the water barely lifts his hands above the surface and aims his pointer fingers at them.

Slowly drawing closer even as his comrade cuts off their enemies escape Suigetsu smiles as one of the Kiri nin looks his way. "Suiton: One Handed Magnum!" Before the man can turn away Suigetsu's first shot strikes him dead on piercing through his armored jacket and causing him to drop bonelessly. Keeping his right hand up Suigetsu rises with the water and prepares another shot.

Targeting the hunter-nin leading he growls in annoyance as the man drops below the shot allowing it to shatter a stone behind him. "Ahh Suigetsu Hozuki the lost brother of the cursed Mangetsu. The so called Second Coming of the Demon. Tell me how's your brother these days?" Pulling a short blade from a scabbard across his back Suigetsu easily charges across the surf towards the man.

Before he can close the distance though a mirror made of ice appears behind him and a masked shinobi steps out of it. Before the shinobi can react he's impaled by two ice spikes. "Suigetsu you shouldn't let your emotions control you. Your brother and kin will be avenged as will all our fallen families. Now come on if there's one squad here I'm sure they have friends nearby. We need to move now." Quickly moving the two rebel Kiri nin leave the bodies behind and head further away from the scene

-Tetsu-

"For nearly three years I trained with your kin even as the shinobi system we know today was established. It was honestly one of the best times of my life...And ultimately led to one of my saddest. As you know the samurai from Tetsu have not participated in any of the Shinobi Wars. Including when Uzushiogakure was attacked..." Looking down a single tear falls from Kusunoki's left eye shocking both shinobi.

"I...I tried to help your people...I left my family's home to fight but arrived too late. I saw the islands burning and heard the roar of both it's whirlpools that raged and the sealed jutsu. When I found shinobi and samurai from the other lands I fought for hours to avenge those I had trained with and celebrated with. In the end...I turned back and returned home. It was a dark time for me..."

Giving the two some privacy Jiraiya quietly steps out while Naruto gives his usually stoic sensei a tight hug. "Can you tell me more about him Kusunoki-sensei? I've heard some of his history but not enough to feel like I know the man." Nodding Kusunoki sits back and calls for more water to be brought in. "Of course...The first thing you should know about him is Ashina-sensei was not a prodigy.", surprised at this Naruto's eyes widen, "Oh he was certainly skilled but that was solely due to his constant training."

Leaning in closer Naruto seems about ready to explode as the old samurai once more is lost in his memories. "Ashina-san was in many ways the epitome of your clan. As you can no doubt guess from his actions regarding me and later my comrades. He was always willing to lend a hand even to those who despised him. In fact according to one legend some of the Kaguya wished to leave their clan and joins yours over it. But as far as I have seen and heard they either gave up or were stopped from trying."

"Another thing about your grandfather is he was not just a shinobi but one that could match even the legends of his time. The few times I saw him train with seals and jutsu his knowledge was immeasurable. He could counter most attacks and respond in kind almost instantly. I think he was what your clan would call a master of masters when it came to seals. The best example is his battle with the Kaguya alongside Mito Uzumaki to save the Kazama Clan."

Pointing to the wall Kusunoki's finger seems aimed at a spot within Kiri where two blades crossed on the map. "As you know at the time the Kazama Clan was backed into a corner atop a extinct volcano. Below them the Kaguya intentionally moved slowly to make those they fought suffer. They would take their time killing the Kazama nin just to feed their bloodlust. But before they could reach the top a massive wind tore across the volcano's base sending their fighters there flying into the nearby lagoon or into the black boulders with bone crunching force."

Smiling Kusunoki clenches one fist and then strikes the floor with it. "Following the wind in your kin tore through the Kaguya sparing only the women and children who fled. As the Kaguya atop the volcano turned to face this new foe Ashina led the charge to meet them. Your grandfather's blade was said to have been glowing that day as he channeled both wind and fire chakra into it. To most Kaguya he was like a reaper that cut through their iron or bone blades like they were butter. But to the Kaguya's warlord he was just another foe who he, foolishly, thought he could rip apart."

Using his left hand Kusunoki seemed to absentmindedly trace the movements of a sword with his eyes closed. "Knowing he had to defeat their leader to break the Kaguya Ashina left a trail of ruined bodies behind him as he moved up with his brothers. According to some his mastery of seals that day was to the point he managed to create explosive seals on the Kaguya's bone armor with just a touch of his chains or finger."

Eyes widening Naruto instinctively manifests a single chain and tries to form a simple storage seal upon a paper only to sigh in annoyance as the seal fades away. Laughing a bit at Naruto's expected scowl Kusunoki shakes his head in amusement before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Relax little whirlpool even the waves take time to wear down the rocks." Looking up Naruto snorts slightly in amusement before allowing his chain to recede.

"Sensei I gotta say even Pervy Sage can come up with a better saying than that." Laughing once more the old samurai shrugs his shoulders slightly. "Yes yes admire that old pervert some more. But let's get back to the story. So Ashina-sensei was truly a force to behold easily striking down more and more of the clan's shinobi before reaching their leader. And while many expected a truly epic fight in truth it was over in seconds. I am sure you know the range a Uzumaki can have with their chains, right?"

As Naruto nods his mind whirls as he wonders why and how that's so important. "According to your clan when he faced the man barbed chains sprang up through the very rock below their feet and skewered the man armor and all. To say your grandfather had had enough of their pointless murders is best left unsaid. But also after that moment when the survivors fled he let them go."

Smiling Kusunoki lifts the small armband and deftly reties it on his arm for the first time in decades. "That day he showed not just the Kaguya but the Kazama what kind of shinobi he was and what kind of clan he was from. For you see to be truly strong one must not only protect the innocent but also show mercy to those who are not. In many ways I truly believe this is why he and your clan never truly got along with the Uchiha before Madara's betrayal. But that is a story for another day...Now let's go have our lunch."

-Konoha-
-Training Ground 4-

Across the rocky terrain Lee, Kiba, and Choji frantically ran as they weaved through a seemingly never ending rain of shuriken and kunai. "You can now use your weapons to block the strikes but no jutsu!" Instantly the trio is armed as Kiba pulls his hand claws on, Choji removes a staff from his back, and Lee pulls two tonfas and begins rapidly spinning them. Above the boys Tenten, Yama, and Sasuke increase their barrage of weapons even as the small valley below echoes with the sound of steel meeting steel.

Looking between the two teams Guy nods at Mikoto Uchiha who smiles before whistling. "Attackers can now channel chakra into their blades. Defenders you are free to counter attack with your own ranged weapons." Much to Mikoto's surprise Lee seems to be leading the charge using his greater speed and prior training with Team Guy to keep his team moving forward.

Surprised at the boy's accuracy Mikoto tilts her head to the side as a kunai deflected by Lee flies by her head. "Your apprentice is quite the skilled one isn't he? He's blocking their strikes effortlessly." Smiling Guy nods before looking back to the students below who have stopped as the boys stand within a small white circle. "Oh they made it this time. Alright, guess it's time for part two. Alright full combat! Just don't use lethal moves me and Guy don't want to intervene too much."

Instantly Sasuke, Tenten, and Yama rush forward but to their surprise only Choji moves in response. Spinning his bō only Sasuke notices the buildup of chakra before the young Akimichi smiles. "Partial Expansion Jutsu!" Before Tenten and Yama can even blink Choji's arms and the bō suddenly expand and shots towards them. Ducking under the blow Sasuke winces as Tenten and Yama are sent flying.

In the brief moment Sasuke looks back Lee rushes forward with his tonfas spinning so fast they're a blur. Just before he cab strike though Sasuke looks forward and uses one of them as a springboard to launch himself over the boy. "You just don't quit do you Lee?" Spinning on a single foot the older Genin smiles before blurring forward even as Sasuke reaches for his blade. "Of course not Sasuke-san! If I am to become a splendid shinobi with just taijutsu I must match my eternal rivals!"

Chuckling a bit Sasuke smirks as he deflects Lee's first tonfa up only to smirk as the boy stops the sudden strike of his blade with the second. "Well I welcome the challenge Lee!" As the two begin to fight back and forth Tenten and Yama are caught on the backfoot by Choji, Kiba, and Akamaru. Deflecting yet another volley of shuriken from Tenten Choji blitzes forward at a surprising speed given his stocky build.

Dropping under the younger Genin's bo Tenten manages to slap a tag on the back of his left leg before smirking at him. "Let's see how you like eating dirt. Kai." Before Choji can react the seal on his left glows before releasing a rather shocking amount of lightning into his body causing his muscles to seize. Running towards the downed Akimichi Tenten nearly manages to place a paralysis seal on him before she jumps away as Yama yells at her.

Just as Tenten jumps back Kiba and Akamaru land between her and Choji even as he begins to rise. "Choji I'll take Tenten. You deal with Yama." Nodding Choji moves to stop Yama from joining Tenten. Staring down Kiba the kunoichi scowls in annoyance before drawing more kunai from her pockets. "I've gotta ask how can you carry that many kunai and shurik...You've got a seal in your holsters don't you?"

Nodding slightly even as she begins throwing a veritable rain of kunai at the Inuzuka and his partner Tenten tries to keep some focus on her teammaates as their fights escalate. "I hope you're ready to lose Kiba. Cause Mito-sama has taught me some new tricks." Even as Tenten says this she begins marking the area around her with the occasional seal wrapped kunai.

Slipping under another headfirst charge by Kiba and Akamaru she smirks as she slaps down the last seal. "What that..?" Before Kiba can decipher the seal's meaning lines of kanji quickly erupt from it and soon the others ensnaring both Genin. Struggling to move Kiba and Akamaru glare at Tenten even as she smirks with her hands held in the ram sign. "Like I said new tricks...So how do you like my latest combination? Combining the *Timer and Mass Paralysis seals was hard enough...Though I think the next part will suck more for you.."

It's at this moment that another *seal between the two lights up, and for once Kiba immediately recognizes it, and he notices Tenten has managed to slip a cloth with a unknown *seal on it over her mouth and nose. "Enjoy Kiba!" Eyes going wide as he tries to break free Kiba and Akamaru are subject to the full force of the seal's noxious contents.

Cursing Naruto in his head even as his vision dims as his mind reels from the absolutely horrid smell Kiba doesn't even notice he's fallen down until just before Tenten knocks him out. Chuckling Tenten whistles in appreciation of how effective even a prank seal can be if used right. Wondering what to do Tenten's eyes widen as Yama nearly crashes into her. Spinning his bō Choji stands before them and smiles at the two before he suddenly gags.

"You..you used Naruto's..stupid prank seal...That's evil and hilarious Tenten." Smirking Tenten unseals a half staff and moves to stand beside Yama who stands shakily. "Well guess I'll have to avenge my friend." With a speed most didn't know he had Choji rushes forward leading with the heavier end of his bō raised. "Partial Expansion Jutsu!" To the two kunoichi's shock the bō suddenly shots forward as Choji swings it down towards them.

While Yama is able to get away and shield herself with a Fuma shuriken Tenten is sent flying by the debris created. Groaning Tenten lands and moves away from the fight even as Yama rushes Choji using her chakra to spin her Fuma shuriken. Ducking under another swing Yama throws her weapon up into Choji's knocking it out of his hands. Drawing kunai both genin try to end the fight only to freeze. Stepping back slowly the two seem annoyed that their strikes would've hit simultaneously. "So another draw... Good work there Choji-san."

Smiling the larger boy nods before turning as the sound of combat reaches the two of them. "You too Yama-san. Wanna see who's gonna win this time?" Sitting back the two watch as Lee and Sasuke seem to blur away only to reappear as their weapons collide. While it's clear Lee is just a bit stronger and faster Sasuke's Sharingan allow him to keep up. Twirling his blade Sasuke deflects Lee's tonfas with the flat of his blade before his eyes widen as they quickly come back down.

Knowing he can't stop what's about to happen the young Uchiha lets go of his blade just as Lee's counter strike is about to hit. Watching his recently clean sword get driven into the dirt Sasuke has to suppress a annoyed sigh as he raises his hands. "You got me Lee. Good job on that strike." As Lee shows his usual boundless energy Mikoto and Guy drop down beside the duo as their friends walk forward. "Now that was a surprise. Good job Lee-san."

After the two teams go over their battle with their sensei Mikoto smiles to herself as Sasuke laughs at Tenten's clever trap for Kiba. Looking up at Hokage Rock as they enter the village Mikoto smiles again as she see's Itachi's face beside the other Kage. Sending Yama and Tenten home the Uchiha Matriarch smiles as her son walks protectively beside her. "You know Sasuke-kun I am a Jonin. Why don't you focus on protecting a certain pinkette genin you've been seeing lately." Instantly Sasuke freezes and begins to blush before he takes off much to Mikoto's amusement.

-3 months later-
-Hi no Kuni-

Looking down at the massive capital city Naruto is amazed at how it seems to stretch out for miles in every direction from the Daimyo's castle. "Wow..." Chuckling at Naruto's reaction the older man pushes him slightly to get him moving as they continue across the treetops. "Yeah she's quite the city. A lot of people from Konoha seem to forget just how massive the nations are. Sure we're a major city but *Okayama has more people in it than two the major villages combined."

Eyes widening in surprise Naruto continues jumping from treetop to treetop beside Jiraiya until the trees stop and a seemingly unending sea of buildings lay before him. "Alright let's go drop our stuff off at the hotel. And then it's off to see the Daimyo." As the two run across the rooftop Naruto's mind wanders as he looks all around while keeping close to Jiraiya. Almost immediately though he's surprised at the almost fearful look they get from the civilians below whenever they have to leap across the wider intersections.

"Weird you'd think they'd be happy to see Konoha nin..." Landing beside Jiraiya before the hotel Naruto's eyes nearly leave his skull at the sight of the extremely opulent hotel before them. Taller than even the Hokage Rock back home the building is exquisitely decorated with a dozens of small marble statues dotting alcoves across it's face. "We're gonna stay here!?"

Chuckling Jiraiya nods before leading Naruto inside. Again Naruto is surprised when those inside seem almost afraid of the two of them. Heading up the stairs Naruto begins to get annoyed as almost everyone they see on the way up backs away slightly. Noticing this Jiraiya puts a hand on Naruto's shoulder to stop him from lashing out in some way. "Relax Naruto."

Nodding stiffly Naruto begins ignoring the looks they get as they get closer and closer to their room. Entering it Naruto is surprised to see it's surprisingly spacious with two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a combined dining room and kitchen, and a large living room with sliding glass doors facing a elegant partially covered balcony. "Wow..." Going through the rooms Naruto runs his hand along the carving along the wall and occasionally whistling.

"I take it you like it?", laughing at Naruto's excited nod Jiraiya notices his godson still seems rather off, "You're still wondering why the civilians were staring at us right?" Instantly Naruto freezes and his hand slowly drops before he nods and looks at Jiriaya. "Why do they look at us like that? Isn't Konoha a part of Hi no Kuni?" Taking a deep breath Jiraiya shrugs his shoulders before looking at the clock in the room.

"Yes and no. Yes we are technically under the Daimyō's command but even he knows that control is tenous. The Great Villages and their respective nations are like a balancing act. The nation can't allow the village to grow weak but it also can't stand it being stronger than the nation itself. At the same time the villages do make quite a bit of ryo from their nations but don't want to become beholden to them. It's why we compete so fiercely for the attention of other nobles via the Chunin Exams."

Taking a quick drink Jiraiya decides to go even further with his lesson. "Tell me Naruto how do you think the Daimyō, and the citizens of this land, feel knowing that Konoha has around *17,000 shinobi of various ranks that can are each more than a match for the nation's samurai." For the first time Naruto's eyes widen in shock as he realizes just a bit of how the rest of the nation must feel.

"And that's BEFORE you bring in things like the Uchiha's Sharingan, the Hyūga's Byakugan, your clan's Chakra Chains, and the other bloodlines some shinobi have. To them our jutsu from E to S-rank are nothing short of warping reality. Of course they know that chakra exists but much like how even many shinobi know of fuinjutsu that doesn't mean they truly understand it, right?"

Nodding slowly Naruto looks out the window before shaking his head. "So you're saying they fear us because we do stuff they don't?" Nodding slowly Jiraiya lifts his right hand and easily forms a Rasengan in it before letting the jutsu fade away. "To you jutsu are things you can can learn with varying degrees of difficulty. But to them, it might as well be magic. That's why it's not just say Kiri's shinobi loyal to the Mizukage attacking their shinobi with kekkei genkai but also many of their civilians and nation's samurai as well."

When Naruto looks back at Jiraiya his eyes seem hollow for a moment before that familiar spark comes back. "But it's changing right?" Nodding Jiraiya tosses his godson and apprentice a scroll. "Yeah but I'll tell you about that later. For now we have to go." Opening the window the two leap out of the hotel and begin running across the rooftops towards the Daimyō's palace. "Naruto remember I will be speaking to the Daimyō. They'll probably have you waiting in another room with some of his guards."

As the two draw closer to the Palace Naruto is only slightly surprised to see other Konoha nin appear around them and escort them into the Palace's eastern wing. Landing in a bare courtyard Naruto smiles at those around them causing a few of them to chuckle and smile back. "Jiraiya-sama it's good to see you. Though I am afraid you will have to wait a few moments before speaking to the Daimyō he's meeting with a contingent of his samurai."

Shrugging his shoulders the white haired Sannin follows the shinobi guards into a small waiting room. To Naruto's surprise upon the walls are paintings of Uzushio and Uzu no Kuni around the room. "I see you like the room shrimp." Turning around quickly Naruto smiles as he recognizes the voice. "Jiro-oji!" Rushing forward Naruto nearly manages to tackle the older Uzumaki, now wearing the robes of the Mask Temple Priests, much to the amusement of those watching. "Yeah yeah get off of me you monkey!"

Knocking Naruto not so gently atop the head the thinner Uzumaki nevertheless smiles down at the boy. "So I see you like the Daimyō's Room of Remembrance. It was his greatest shame that neither Konoha nor Hi no Kuni's forces could break the siege of our ancestral land. I guess despite how...odd he is the Daimyo here is a decent one." Nodding Naruto lets go of the older Uzumaki and resumes looking around the room tracing a few of the carved whirlpools on the walls.

"Why did he care so much though? I can understand Konoha since the Senju's influence but the Daimyo's shame seems strange." Smiling sadly Jiro motions for Naruto to join him before pointing to a painting. "See the blonde there? That was his sister. She married the Daimyō of Uzu no Kuni soon after Mito-sama married Hashirama Senju." Looking at the photo Naruto notices for the first time that the Uzu Daimyo is wearing a happuri-style headband in addition to his headpiece.

"Wait the Uzu Daimyō was a shinobi!? Was he a Uzumaki?" Looking to Jiro and the other Priests behind him Naruto misses the amused chuckles by the other shinobi present. "Yes and no, the Daimyō was more a priest like me than a true shinobi even if he knew multiple jutsu. As for his lineage there was Uzumaki in his family tree but not alot. His family had settled on the islands before we did. Upon joining them we cemented the alliance with marriages and exchanging of knowledge."

"So what happened to him?" Looking down in shame Jiro and the other priests smile sadly at their young heir. "He fell in Uzushio alongside his samurai and shinobi guardians. Legend has it he managed to manifest his chains briefly to take revenge for his fallen friends before the seals decimated the islands. As for his family we believe they died with all those on Uzushio as they refused to leave."

Looking down sadly Naruto nods before sitting on a nearby bench. "So what would happen if Uzushio was ever rebuilt? Who would the be the Daimyō?" Shrugging his shoulders Jiro sits beside Naruto as Jiraiya quietly leaves the room with a samurai wearing ornate armor. "We'd likely have to create a new dynasty. Though I'm sure nobles from here would wish to marry in. Our land was rich in some things afterall."

Nodding Naruto leans back before pulling out a scroll and handing it to Jiro. "Hey Jiro-oji, can you check my work on this? Pervy Sage said the seals are good but I wanna be sure I'm gonna start having the bottles made soon." Looking over the seals Jiro's eyebrows very quickly begin rising before he looks down at Naruto. "This…This could make you Alot of friends amongst the Aburame Clan. Do you have any idea how long they've been trying to do this? Hey Hikaru-san check this out!"

As the Uzumaki begin geeking out over Naruto's work from outside the room the Daimyō's samurai and shinobi guard laugh quietly to themselves. "Hatake-san was right. Give them a new seal and they're like kids again." Laughing at the man's joke the guards relax slightly as the day goes on. Further in the palace Jiraiya takes a deep breath before being led into a small room.

Bowing to the Daimyō Jiraiya works to keep his face neutral as looks at the advisors and others around the man. "Greetings Daimyō-sama, Godaime-sama sent word to me that you wished to speak with me and be brought up to speed with the events the village is going through." Nodding the Daimyō motions for Jiraiya to continue. "As you know our forces are still cleaning up the remaining followers of Orochimaru using information gained from both prisoners and my own informants. But unfortunately that is not the only things we are dealing with..There is another threat…"

-1 week later-

Waking up in a small room Naruto stretches before heading into the small bathroom to get ready for the day. "I wonder why the Pervert brought me so far out…" Quietly walking to the shack's combined kitchen and dining room and yawns while waving to Jiraiya. "So Pervy Sage what are we going to do today?" Pouring himself a small glass of orange juice motions to a scroll on the table. "I planned to train you in more destructive jutsu and seals…Unfortunately Hokage-sama needs me to check on something so I'm going to leave you here.", before Naruto can say a word Jiraiya holds up a hand, "Relax you're not going to be alone. I asked the Toad Sages if they could send someone to train you and Itachi-san is sending a team this way to help as well."

*Timer seal-delays activation of a seal for a set amount of time based on amount of chakra put into it to allow for greater control low D-rank
*Stinkbomb seal-obvious what it does & why the Inuzuka would hate it as Naruto's first addition to the Uzumaki Library barely E-rank
*Gasmask Seal-usually added to cloth to allow it to act as a impromptu gasmask that can filter out weaker gases and such mid D-rank for lowest level high B for highest
*-couldn't find a name for any of the capital cities so I'm going to use ones from real life for them
*-look if the Shinobi alliance somehow mobilized 80k shinobi I'm just going to assume the villages have a large # of shinobi the show never showed hence why I made other Academies exist in this story & thus the influx of Genin is larger