~AT THE TRAINING GROUNDS~
"So, you really think you could have the Mokuton Kekkei Genkai?" Shikamaru asked.
"I'm not sure." Naruto responded, walking over to drop off his bag, having just arrived.
About two weeks had passed since the Mizuki incident. Almost everyday since he'd been at a training ground trying to master the new jutsu he'd been given. Naruto also returned to the academy, which was none the wiser, and he and Iruka had scheduled when to retake all his tests.
He had planned to simply retake all the tests at once, however, Iruka needed time to grade what he was already assigned, as well as all of Naruto's new tests. Originally, Iruka had come up with the idea that over the next 16 of the 22 weeks left of school, Naruto would take two tests a week: One with the rest of the class a per-usual, and one retake test after school on Friday's. After all, Naruto had only taken 16 tests before the Mizuki incident. However, Naruto did NOT want to have to wait any longer than he had to to graduate. Furthermore, Naruto knew that he could handle taking more than one test a week due to his photographic memory and shadow clones. So, Naruto instead persuaded Iruka into a new schedule, albeit with the approval of Hiruzen and Iruka. Over the next 4 of the 5 weeks before Academy students would be let out for christmas break, Naruto would take 4 tests a week, one on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, along with the one he'd take with the rest of the class as per-usual.
Since then, he'd taken about 8 of the 16 retakes and only had 8 more remaining.
It was Saturday now, however, which was a day purely reserved for training.
So far, neither Naruto nor Shikamaru had brought up the Mokuton jutsu. Instead, Naruto had focused on the jutsu he'd been given by Hiruzen as well as the Clone Great Explosion Jutsu he'd found in the Scroll of Sealing.
'So far, I've got down the jutsu Jiji gave me and the academy three, not including the clone jutsu, to only a few hand signs. And, even though there's not much to learn regarding the Clone Great Explosion Jutsu, I've also got that pretty much down. So, I think it's about time I try this out.' Naruto thought.
"Yo, Naruto?" Shikamaru said suddenly before he could pull out the Mokuton jutsu.
"Yea?" Naruto asked.
"If you do indeed have the Mokuton kekkei genkai, then you must also have an affinity to both earth and water at least." Shikamaru said.
"Right, atleast, that's what it said in the book I read." Naruto said.
"So, before trying something as advanced as a Nature Transformation Kekkei Genkai, you should probably learn some earth and water release jutsu." Shikamaru said.
"Hmm? Well, I suppose that'd be nice, but Hokage-Jiji said I'd only get these jutsu from him until I graduate." Naruto said.
"You're right, that is what he said, however, he might be more acceptable to giving you more jutsu and / or techniques if you could show that you've already learnt what he's given you." Shikamaru said.
"Well…it wouldn't hurt to try, I suppose." Naruto said as Shikamaru nodded.
Suddenly a shadow appeared where the sun previously shone on Shikamaru's closed eyes.
"Hmm?" Shikamaru said as he opened his eyes, only to be suddenly thrust onto Naruto's back.
"Hold on." was the only preparation Shikamaru received before Naruto jumped off in the direction of the Hokage Tower.
~HOKAGE TOWER~
'I really need to learn how to do that.' Shikamaru thought as He and Naruto arrived outside the window.
Naruto gave a quick knock.
"Oh, Naruto-kun and Shikamaru-kun, what brings you two here?" Hiruzen said as he opened the window to let the two inside.
"I know you said that I was pretty much cut off from any more jutsu, but I've already learned the ones you gave me. So, I was wondering if you'd be willing to give me some jutsu regarding Nature Transformation. The only problem is I don't know what mine is, and I don't know where to get the chakra paper required to find out." Naruto explained as he and Shikamaru sat down.
"Hmm? Well, I did say that'd you be cut off, but I suppose that if you've already learnt the ones I gave you, there'd be no point in cutting you off and stunting your growth as a ninja. And, I would give suggestions for Taijutsu, but for now, without a sensei, the best you can do is work on your physical aspects. Hmm, Naruto-kun, how're you doing in terms of hand sign count per jutsu?" Hiruzen asked.
"Well, I've got most of my jutsu down to only a few signs, with the shadow clone jutsu and the sensory jutsu only requiring one." Naruto explained, not mentioning the Clone Great Explosion Jutsu, as Hiruzen nodded along.
"And your Fuinjutsu?" Hiruzen asked.
"I mean, I've read the one book I had available to me, but it didn't teach me much except on how to somewhat read certain symbols and on how to use sealing scrolls." Naruto explained.
"Hmm. Alright, Naruto-kun, here's what I'll offer. However, know that until you graduate, I won't offer you any more, and I'm serious this time, alright?" Hiruzen asked.
"You got it, Hokage-sama!" Naruto said, trying to be polite while naturally being energetic.
"Alright, well, you've got about 20 weeks left until you graduate and, knowing you, you'll want to use shadow clones to speed up and get even more ahead." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded in response.
"So, I got five things you can work on until the end of the year, but first, Rabbit, I'd like you to go find the items on this list please." Hiruzen said after writing down a few items to retrieve.
An Anbu member suddenly popped into existence in front of the Hokage before nodding, taking the list, and disappearing in another plume of smoke.
"Woah.." Naruto said, eyes wide.
"Anyway, Naruto-kun, while Rabbit is retrieving those items, I'll explain what exactly I'm giving you." Hiruzen said as Naruto nodded in excitement.
"Firstly, I've asked Rabbit to retrieve some arm and leg weights to train with normally, and while using chakra control exercises. However, because I understand that currently you can't exactly finance new tools or gear yet, I've asked Rabbit to use some of the money from your family's account. After all, Naruto-kun, I have to treat everyone equally. Secondly, I've asked Rabbit to retrieve a few books containing the first level of Fuinjutsu. Fuinjutsu contains 9 stages. By separating the stages in to different levels of proficiency, during the first two you're classified as novice level, during three and four you're classified as beginners level, during five and six you're classified as intermediate level, during seven and eight you're classified as advanced level, and during the ninth step your classified as a master. However, each stage contains multiple books, seals, and knowledge you must understand and know to advance to the next, even in stages like one and two. Thirdly, I've asked Rabbit to retrieve some books on Bukijutsu so as to improve your skill with weapons. And, fourthly, I've asked Rabbit to retrieve a Genjutsu called Genjutsu: Infinite Darkness Jutsu. Usually, Genjutsu would be a problem for someone like you with so much chakra, and not as much control. However, while your chakra control isn't currently enough to do smaller jutsu, the Infinite Darkness Jutsu is a Jutsu that is A ranked and requires a large amount of chakra. It also doesn't have as much of a limit, which means you can worry less about chakra output." Hiruzen finished as Naruto looked on, excited as ever.
"Wait…but what about the fifth?" Shikamaru asked, confused.
"Yea?" Naruto realized.
"I'm getting there, however, before we continue, I'd like you to push your chakra into this piece of Chakra Induction Paper." Hiruzen said as he suddenly pulled out a piece of special paper.
"Huh? Is this the special paper I read about in the nature transformation book?" Naruto asked as he took the piece of paper and looked it over.
"Yes, Naruto-kun. Now, why don't you go ahead and we'll see what exactly your affinity is." Hiruzen responded as Naruto nodded and proceeded to push chakra into the piece of paper.
All of a sudden, most of the paper began to get wet, and the rest turned to small pieces of dirt and crumbled away.
For a single moment, there was silence.
"Leave us." was all Hiruzen said somewhat quietly, and suddenly, Naruto could sense all other chakra signatures in the room, other than he, Shikamaru, and the Hokage, leave.
Then, Hiruzen suddenly formed a few hand signs before slamming his hand down on the desk, causing a seal to form. From what Naruto could tell, it looked like a silence seal.
"Naruto-kun, do you understand what you've just done?" Hiruzen asked, staring at the paper.
"..." neither Naruto nor Shikamaru said anything, an idea forming in their heads.
"Having TWO natural affinities is almost always a sign of having a kekkei genkai, and water and earth are the elements that make up Mokuton, or Wood release." Hiruzen said, coming out of his stupor, now looking at Naruto and Shikamaru who had taken on his own facial expression.
~TWO WEEKS LATER~
Yet another two weeks had passed since Naruto had found out his affinities. Immediately after it had occurred, Hiruzen had told both Naruto and Shikamaru to keep the information secret, afterall, the chance of someone even possibly having the Mokuton kekkei genkai was a serious matter. However, Hiruzen made sure to explain that while it could be Mokuton, it could also be nothing at all. Hiruzen personally thought that there was a higher possibility of the latter due to his blood ties, though he kept that to himself. Then, after Rabbit had returned with what he had been tasked to retrieve, he'd been sent back out to get 6 scrolls: four of which were jutsu, and two that were on level one nature transformation in water and earth. Afterwards, Hiruzen had given Naruto the two scrolls on nature transformation and four jutsu, two of which were earth, and two water. Those being: Water Style: Raging Waves, Water Style: Water Formation Wall, Earth Style: Earth Style Wall, and Earth Style: Double Suicide Decapitation Jutsu. Hiruzen had told Naruto to wait until he had learnt these four jutsu, before coming back to at least try a Mokuton Style Jutsu. Two weeks later, he'd yet to accomplish this feat.
"Well, Naruto-kun, I'd say you've done a tremendous job on your test retakes!" Iruka said after grading the final of the 16 tests.
It was Friday, and Naruto had just finished the last of the tests and had decided to wait for Iruka to grade the last one and find out if he qualified to pass. Iruka had decided to wait until all 16 test retakes were done before telling Naruto anything.
"So… I passed then?! My overall score is high enough?!" Naruto asked Iruka on the edge of his seat.
"Yes, Naruto-kun, your score is indeed high enough to qualify to graduate this semester." Iruka said with a smile.
Naruto gave a big grin for what seemed to be about half a second before halting, and somewhat freezing.
"Y-you.. How'd you know I wanted to graduate this semester?!" Naruto asked, mouth gaping, pointing an accusing finger at Iruka.
"It wasn't that hard to put together Naruto-kun. Afterall, knowing you, I highly doubt you'd cram all these tests together over the last four weeks when you could have spread them out more and had more time to train. The only reason you'd do otherwise is if you planned on finishing earlier, ergo Hokage-sama and I's conclusion." Iruka said with a bit of a smirk.
"H-hokage-jiji knows about this?!" Naruto asked, fearing that he'd be denied graduating this semester before he could even make his case.
"Indeed. However, Hokage-same and I have talked it over and decided that while we wish that you'd wait until the end of your fourth year to graduate like everyone else, we understand that with how you're progressing, holding you back and not letting you graduate would only hinder you, not help you." Iruka said as some relief came back to Naruto's face.
"However, that doesn't mean that we're going to let you simply graduate this early and miss two and a half years. Instead, like every other student who tries to graduate early, you're going to have to pass a test that will tell us whether you're truly ready or not. Though, I'm well aware that you may not know what exactly to study, which is why I've created this: a syllabus and list for all topics that will be included in the test. And guess what? We're going to not only go over all of it today, but also, you're going to take the whole test today as well! Isn't that great Naruto-kun?" Iruka said with an evil grin as Naruto looked on in horror.
"N-no… I'm supposed to be done!?" Naruto said, looking for an escape route.
"Not so fast, Naruto-kun." Iruka said, grin widening, as he grabbed the back of Naruto's collar.
"NOOOOO!" Naruto wailed as he was dragged back into the classroom, the door slamming shut.
~ONE WEEK LATER~
A week had passed since that horrid day that will forever exist in Naruto's nightmares. Today, Friday, was the last day of the semester before winter break, though, in places like Konoha, it wasn't exactly snowing. However, almost all students had felt excited about the prospect of having three whole weeks of no school. Most students, a majority of which were civilians, talked about what their families had planned over the break. Some even talked about trips out of Konoha and to different cities or places like the capital of the Land of Fire, Oujisama City.
On the other hand, however, there were also students who seemed saddened or, at the very least, not as excited, or indifferent. Shikamaru looked depressed, probably because during the break, he'd be at home and his mom would be telling him to do stuff. Shinso looked indifferent. Choji and Kiba looked excited at the prospect of three weeks of break. Ino and Sakura looked sadly at Sasuke, probably not looking forward to being away from Sasuke for so long. Sasuke tried looking like he couldn't care less, as per usual, but it was clear to him that he looked sadder than usual. Probably because this was only his second Christmas without his family, his second Christmas after what his brother did.
Itachi Uchiha was interesting to Naruto. He'd heard great things about him before the massacre. Talks about how he was a prodigy, or of how he was no doubt going to be the next head of the clan, and even talks about how he'd one day make a great Hokage. Then, after the massacre, it all changed. Things flipped. A complete 180. Itachi was spoken of like he was. Maybe even worse after the first couple weeks of the massacre. Itachi the clan killer. Itachi the deranged. The kid killer. A wolf in sheep's clothing.
He was the last person to graduate early from the academy, and, from what he heard before the massacre, he was a stand up guy. Kind, generous, patient, smart, prodigious, powerful, and according to some girls, he had the looks to go with it as well.
After the massacre, Civilians, mostly the younger crowd, talked about how they'd seen it coming. That, to them, it was clear that there was something wrong with Itachi Uchiha. That they could never understand how the Hokage thought that Itachi could be anything but bad news. However, some Shinobi, and even some civilians, said the exact opposite. Naruto overheard them, mostly when they were drunk, talking about how there were practically no warning signs. How Itachi was good, and kind hearted when he could be, and smart, How he had no desire for power, or to test his own, like Sasuke had apparently said after he'd been found. There was but one thing that had apparently looked suspicious. The death of Shisui Uchiha. Naruto had heard him in passing, but never in detail like the night at the bar over a year and a half ago. According to the drunken shinobi, Shisui was just as strong as Itachi, maybe stronger, and even older with more experience. Sure Itachi could have caught him off guard, they were close after all, but it didn't make sense. Itachi and Shisui were apparently like brothers, closer than most people had seen any two Uchiha before.
Naruto didn't know what exactly to think other than that Itachi, Shishui, and the entire Uchiha Massacre made no sense. He didn't know what to make of it now, but he'd keep those thoughts in mind as he moved forward.
"Alright class, I think it's about time we start." Iruka said as he clapped his hands.