A New Nindo
Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto I would be rich, I don't. If I did own it I wouldn't be counting my pennies like the pauper I am. In the future some of my jutsus may be borrowed from other authors; if they are I will hopefully remember to point them out in my author's notes. This story does not reflect the ability of those authors I borrowed from. In other words if my story sucks it's not their fault, it's mine. However I haven't borrowed any yet so I don't worry about it. This version of the Naruto story belongs to me; most of the characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: What if you died? What if it was a mistake? What if you were given a chance to step out of your normal everyday life and become hero? I'd grab the chance. This is my story.
Author's Notes:
Italics include my thoughts as well as other characters' thoughts. Bold is for the Kyuubi's thoughts.
Haku is a girl!
Once again I do not write Yaoi, don't worry. I have nothing against it but I just don't see it plausible for Naruto.
For those who think that my author's notes take up too much of my story than please skip ahead. The chapter title is in bold and underlined so it shouldn't be hard to find. In the future (after this chapter entry) I will try to keep responses to reviews to one or two sentences (probably won't happen). Thanks to Judah I realize I've been making too long review responses. This chapter has author's notes for 3 pages, story 13 pages. It may not me 10,000 words but this is just how I write.
Reviews:
Twin-Dragon: Thanks for the advice I have changed the interludes to author's notes. I was worried about calling them author's notes because a friend of mine said didn't like those and took them off sometimes.
Blackknife: Are you sure Itachi is 19 because I read on that he was 17.
Author's Note: To anyone else out there, can you tell me of a good reliable Naruto site that will give me accurate character bios? I've visited multiple sites where Sasuke was 13 and in others 12. Right now I am relying on I love Itachi as a bad guy too because it just seems to fit him. This does not mean I will or won't make him a bad guy this time around.
Tombadgerlock: There is no way I am killing Itachi off soon in the story. I feel it would be a waste to let go of a character with such high potential (as an anime character, I don't mean his abilities as a ninja). Sorry if you think the chapters are too short. It's just the way I write, but I feel as if they are decent length since they are typically 5-6 pages. I'll try to make the chapters longer in the future, but it may be difficult as the reason I divide the chapters this way is because I like to leave cliffhangers.
Wolvesmon: Yeah I read an Itachi/Kurenai once and I liked it. However like many people pointed out there is the age issue. Then again he was an Anbu at what? 13? He's old enough to kill but not old enough to date an older woman? I see what people are saying about the age difference, but I'm saying that in a world where your life is always in question you should be allowed certain vices.
G-Man: I'm glad there's another Getbacker fan out there reading this fanfic. I still think Ban kicks ass because his Snake Bite is awesome and his Evil Eyes. Plus his raw strength and power. Akabane's the same and I like his psycho, bloodlust side. Thanks for supporting and recognizing Naruto's growth. Naruto is strong but he has trouble recognizing that because his adult mind feels he should be stronger. This stems from the fact that he feels his child body is weak.
Tortu: I realize Kage Bunshin can perform techniques. I remember an Anbu (when 3rd Hokage and Orochimaru fight) saying that Kage Bunshin divides the chakra evenly among the clones. So if I had 20 chakra and made a clone does that mean we'd have 10 chakra each? That seems to suck.
Author's Note: Can anyone please answer the above question about Kage Bunshin?
Seta Himura: In the battle at the Valley of the End between Sasuke and Naruto, Sasuke had to turn his head to see the "prediction image" or the "predicted path" of Naruto attack him. When Sasuke fought Haku and Orochimaru he had to turn his head to follow them with the Sharingan. I believe that the Sharingan can only predict movements within the user's range of view and that the user turns to follow that image.
Author's Note: Can anyone please give a better possible explanation or understanding of the Sharingan predicting movements?
Downer: My thoughts on Shunshin are yeah you're right. It should stay powerful because the 4th defeated fifty guys in Kakashi's gaiden with it. Plus he was able to teleport halfway across a battlefield with it (I assume that's how he saved Kakashi's ass in time). I didn't make it into a bloodline because I figured if it was then there would have been other Yellow Flashes before the 4th right? Also I wanted to stress the fact that Naruto had to work hard to become strong. That he wouldn't be given anything on a silver platter. As impressive as Shunshin is, it is hard to learn and even harder to master. It is special technique developed by the 4th, because it was developed by the 4th like the Rasengan I assume it cannot be copied by Sharingan.
Author's Note: The reason Tsunade has it is because she was entrusted with it. Reasons will be explained later on. Reason she does not know it is because it was developed by the 4th, who trusted people like Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Sandaime to keep his techniques secret.
Daniel Lynx: Thanks for pointing out my mistakes. If everyone could be as kind with their criticism I would probably welcome even flames (just kidding). For your information Bleach is a manga about Shinigamis (Gods of Death) who hunt Hollows, monsters who consume souls. The Shinigamis have spiritual powers and each have their own special and unique sword.
Hiroangelica: Thanks, I'm anxious to read what you're going to write as well. I'm glad I could be of help to you. When I get near the Chuunin exam I may email you for some advice because I'm a little sketchy about what I want to do there.
Chapter 5: Returning to the Leaf
I woke up to a warm embrace. As I tried to slowly ease myself away from Haku's grasp her hold became firmer. I wanted to wake her up but she still had dried tears on her face from crying. I figured that yesterday had been very taxing on her, mentally. When she started to nuzzle her face in the crook of my neck I had to get out of there.
Man that tickles…
I had to bite my tongue to stifle my laughter. Unfortunately I woke her up.
"Morning Naruto-kun," she said as she rubbed her eyes with her fist.
I must be getting soft because kids seem to look cute when they do that.
"Comfortable?" I asked.
"Uh-huh," she mumbled.
I thought she'd scramble away embarrassed, wait a sec.
"Hi Kaasan," I said.
That did it.
Haku scrambled out of bed and seemed to stand at attention. She looked around to find Tsunade but couldn't.
NARUTO-KUN!
She must have realized my trick by now because she had a scowling expression on her face. Then she jumped on me. We giggled so no one would hear us as we wrestled and played around on the bed. I thought we weren't quiet enough because Shizune came in.
"Naruto-kun," she said before she became tongue tied.
She looked like a deer in the headlights as her eyes widened at the compromising position Haku and I were in.
I guess she didn't hear us otherwise she wouldn't be surprised like that.
After a few seconds of all of us in a picture still positions, Shizune closed the door.
When she opened the door again Haku and I were magically sitting on opposite ends of the bed, facing away from each other.
"Naru-chan, Haku-chan," she said.
Now she was smiling, I guess she thought it was funny how two children could be so comfortable and caring towards each other. At least that's what I thought.
"We'll be leaving later today," she instructed.
"Are we going back to Konoha now?" I asked.
"Yes Naru-chan," she answered. "So please get ready, since we'll be leaving around noon."
She nodded at us and left. Haku and I relaxed ourselves. We sheepishly looked at each other before laughing. We were tempted to go back to playing around but understood the need to get ready. Haku was fairly quick as she only had two bags of clothing to pack. My stuff wasn't much but it was lying all over the place.
Where are my socks again?
As I went off to search for my things I noticed Haku leaving the room.
"I'm going to see if Tsunade-sama and Shizune-san need any help," she said from the doorway.
"Okay," I said.
After Haku left I began sulking.
I'm so weak. I was scared yesterday. What the hell's wrong with me. I've trained so hard but was it all just useless? Without Kyuubi Haku would have been taken, and I would have been dead…
I threw something across the room, I didn't care what it was, I just needed to throw something.
Don't Kakashi and Itachi become Chuunins a couple years older than me? Why can't I be more like them?
After I was finished and decided to follow Haku's example. However they were already done. It turns out they were waiting for me in the living room.
How long did it take me?
It turns out that I had been in there for an hour. With everybody ready we set out. When we had exited the town Tsunade couldn't hold herself back any longer.
"I was thinking about saving on boarding expenses," she said.
I quirked an eyebrow and awaited her response. From her tone she seemed amused
"I was thinking three rooms, one for me, one for Shizune, and…"
No no no! God dammit!
"one for Haku-chan and Naru-chan."
Haku tightened her grip on my hand as she started to blush.
I just rolled my head back and groaned. Tsunade and Shizune continued to laugh at us.
Geez man, you'd think they're planning out our marriage already or something.
Haku's spirits were lifted when she found a rabbit on the side of the road and decided to adopt "Usagi-chan." I let the relaxing mood overtake as I thought that this journey would help lift my spirits. How wrong I was.
Wind Country on the way to Sunagakure no Sato…
On our way back to Konoha we had to stop off in Wind Country. Shizune needed to get something. It was cheaper to pick it up in person, you have no idea how much it costs for packages to travel in between the various countries. Despite the fact that we are at peace the countries don't really trust each other. Even without an all out open war the Hidden Villages are always testing and challenging one another through the missions and services they perform. For that reason there are numerous checkpoints and middlemen that have to authorize packages or deliveries. Depending on the nature of the delivery it may even require an escort. All that, coupled with Tsunade's luck at loosing money so quickly we decided to go. It wasn't really out of the way and I wanted to help Gaara.
That was easier said than done. The sandstorm outside the village was furious but the inside was only slightly better. Which meant visibility was still very low. Atleast it was dark and we didn't have to deal with the harsh sun. I don't think I would have survived that. Haku seemed to be fairing worse than me.
That's right, Haku's only been in Wave Country her entire life. The climate is much different than the desert. I tossed Haku my canteen and she seemed grateful. Usagi-chan was huddled under her cloak in her arms.
Somehow we were able to find the village and luckily an inn was open.
"Everyone, I'm going to pick up the package now. I'll be back before dinner," Shizune said.
I turned to look for Tsunade but she was nowhere in sight, neither was her purse.
"Do you want to look around the village, Naruto-kun?" she asked.
I can tell by the look in your eyes that it's girl talk for "I really really want you to go with me Naruto-kun." Well at least it isn't "You better say yes Naruto!"
However the situation outside didn't seem favorable. Then I turned away from the window and into her puppy-dog eyes.
That must be a jutsu. Hmm I've got to learn it, it's very effective.
"Okay," I said sounding not too thrilled.
She led me out of the hotel room, surprising by my hand. Before we left the hotel I spotted the lobby. I felt a little thirsty.
"Haku," I called out.
She turned to face me with a sweet smile. I noticed that she had been smiling more and more lately. I was happy that she was opening up which meant that her emotional wounds from killing her father were healing. Even though I was an orphan I don't know if I could recall such a traumatic experience. It made me wonder if I would have the right to preach to people like Neji and Gaara when the time came.
"Maybe we should get something to eat before we leave," I suggested.
She seemed to be thinking over what I said before she agreed with me. She decided to leave Usagi up here and that we would bring some food back later. I was surprised that it had become so tame around Haku, but then again I didn't expect it to rabid either.
Attached to the lobby was a small dining hall. A waiter came by and we decided on eating sukiyaki. The drinks were expensive but that was understandable, after all we were in the middle of a desert. It would be hard to cultivate anything in the desert, but then again I wasn't very knowledgeable about these things. I'm sure that the natives have found ways of surviving here but there was still the necessity for outside food sources apparently from what the waiter said.
"You're in luck we just got some new tea and fresh vegetables from Tea and Grass country this morning," he said.
That was a clear indicator that despite being a powerful Hidden Village, the Sand needed food from other countries in order to support themselves. Combined with the restriction on military size I could understand the tension in the village ninjas. I was sure that they had even more problems than that. It was admirable that they were able to endure all these harsh conditions. I was snapped out of my thoughts as I noticed Haku snatching the meat away.
"Hey!" I said.
She smiled at me before snatching more meat with her chopsticks. I had just about had enough so I took the plate away, and downed it anime style. I was surprised cause I didn't know I could do that. I guess I would have to thank the Kyuubi later. I turned to see Haku pouting as I wiped my mouth. Did I mention she looks cute when she pouts? With her cheeks puffed up and her hands crossed over her chest.
"Hey man did you hear?"
"What about?"
"It's that demon kid again, you know the Kazekage's son."
I froze.
"Oh you mean the weapon."
I gripped the table. I couldn't understand how these people could treat Gaara like that. Shouldn't they be helping him with his mentality. Things like this where the government experiments on kids seems like something out of Sci-Fi novel. I was wondering where the men in black were right now.
"Who'd he kill this time?"
"He really went off the deep end this time."
I saw one of the men motion the man closer.
"He killed his uncle this time."
I paled.
Shit! If he killed his uncle that means his frame of mind is really unstable right now! I can't go out with Haku.
Unfortunately Haku already had other plans. I noticed she was already waiting for me at the door.
"Haku wait!" I shouted.
But she chose to ignore me and stepped outside. I guess she is still pissed at me. However this wasn't the time to be emotional. I had planned to get a foothold in Gaara's life before he went psycho. Now I would have to wait until the Chuunin exams. But first things first...
"Haku get back here right now!"
As the wind picked up, so did the sand. I wondered if this was any indication Gaara or Shukaku was pissed. A girl's scream rang out and I followed it blindly. The sight that I stumbled upon scared me.
Gaara's sand was crawling up Haku's legs and he was holding a teddy bear that looked like it had been abused in an unkind way.
I instantly turned on Hirameku and grabbed Haku, Gaara looked confused but his senses followed me. That was just plain creepy, I had never had someone follow my movements with Hirameku activated.
"Who are you?" he asked in a slow threatening tone.
His sand moved slowly around him but made no movement towards us.
"Uzumaki Naruto," I replied.
I kept my gaze on Gaara and felt him do the same. I also felt Kyuubi stirring. That gave me all the more reason to end things fast. I was confident I was screwed once again. Just because Gaara was a child didn't make me think he was weak, his mental instability right now made me think he could be worse than in the anime.
"Suisho Haku," she squeaked up.
Dear God, please don't hurt Naruto-kun again because of my mistakes. I promise not to run off like that again. I will never leave his side again, just please keep him safe.
"Who are you to each other?" he asked.
I knew what the wrong answer was which was everything. Haku decided to answer.
"We're friends," she said.
The sand rose up and moved towards, not as quickly as it could have but it was advancing nonetheless.
"Looks like that was the wrong answer," I said as I picked up Haku again and began dodging his sand.
This was getting us nowhere and I was getting tired.
"I wanna be your friend too!" I shouted above the sounds made by the sifting of his sand.
Gaara looked shocked but that moment quickly passed. I could tell he didn't trust me.
"I have no need for those," he said. "In the end people will only betray you…"
He looked distant and sad so I took advantage of it.
"I know I'm weak right now, weaker than you," I said to catch his attention.
He turned his head to me.
"One day I'll be stronger, and I'll prove to you with my strength that I can be someone you can trust!"
To anyone else that would have been empty words, a bluff. To Gaara and I it was a promise. Gaara made no indication in his body language that he was satisfied with that answer. We stayed there for a couple more minutes before the sand receded. Then he turned his back to us, dragging his teddy bear with him.
"I'll be waiting for that day," he said without turning to face us, and then he vanished in a swirl of sand.
What I didn't know was that he had shown a brief but sure smile. I couldn't help but feel bad anyway. I had been too late to save Gaara, he wasn't even on my list of things to do. I knew I needed to re-evaluate my list, there were obvious flaws. Maybe I was just too greedy, wanting to save everyone. I didn't say anything and neither did Haku as we went back.
When we entered our room (Tsunade was serious and got us a room together) I collapsed on the bed. When I didn't hear any movement or feel it in the bed. I looked up. I sighed as I looked at Haku, she was shaken up. Even though she hadn't witnessed what Gaara could do, she knew that we had been very close to death.
We were lucky again. I'm always causing Naruto-kun trouble.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun," she said.
She was crying again. For as long as I've known, I couldn't stand girls crying for some reason.
"Why are you sorry?" I asked as I moved across the room to hug her.
She struggled out of my arms, "No!"
"What's wrong?" I asked.
I was worried that I had done something wrong.
"It's because you're always with me that all these bad things happen," she said.
I smiled because I was relieved. I walked over to her shaking form by the window. As she was sniffling I handed her some tissue and lightly bopped her on the head.
"Baka," I mumbled softly. "It's not your fault."
"It is," she said as she faced me with her tears. "That man wanted to kidnap me but you wouldn't let him. Then that boy tried to kill for no reason. If I had just listened to you we wouldn't have been in danger."
"It's not your fault," I said. "If you want to do something don't run away from me. I don't know about you but I plan to be a ninja. That will put me in tons of dangerous situations. Besides aren't we in danger of starving thanks to Kaasan?"
I tried to lighten the mood it worked a little. I got a giggle out of her for my efforts. When she had stopped sobbing I decided to reassure her with my actions.
As I hugged her I said, "If you're worried about the future than just stay close to me. I promise I'll protect you."
She started to cry again but at least these were tears of happiness, I could tell.
God, I promise I'll never leave Naruto-kun's side again. Please don't let me be hindrance to him. I want to help him in any way I can.
When Haku was in the shower Tsunade came to check in with us. I hesitated to tell her about today but I decided to anyway. She was Kaasan after all, I'm sure she'll understand. She did.
As I retold my story to her she seemed to have a growing smile. When I was done she praised me.
"I'm very proud of you Naru-chan," she said.
"It was nothing," I said modestly.
Getting praised by Shizune was nice but getting praised by Tsunade was different. I couldn't explain why, maybe it was just the difference between a mom and a sister.
"I was just lucky that he decided not to squash us like grapes."
"I wasn't talking about that."
I looked up at her confused.
"I was talking about Haku-chan. She's in a very delicate state. Her trauma from defending herself against her father has left some deep scars in her heart."
For a minute I thought she was talking from experience. She probably was. Even though the scars may be different the pain is the same. The guilt from something out of your control, and sadness from the loss. For Tsunade that was being unable to heal Dan and blaming herself for Nawaki dying on the battlefield.
"You made her feel welcomed and loved. That's why I'm proud of you," she said as she kissed my forehead.
She left and I got ready for bed. When Haku got out she was dressed in a white bathrobe. I went inside and turned on the shower. I always liked being clean so my shower was a little long. When I came out I got into bed next to Haku and she snuggled close to me like before. Usagi joined us. There was no shyness or blushing only comfort. I understood that Haku was a part of my life and she understood that I wouldn't abandon her.
When we woke up the next day we both seemed oddly refreshed unlike Tsunade and Shizune. We almost had to drag them out of bed. Tsunade complained while Shizune tried to convince us there were better things to do, like get breakfast. We agreed with her thinking.
Haku and I got our orders and waited for Tsunade and Shizune. The food arrived a little soon but we waited for them to eat. Tsunade and Shizune seemed pleased. Tsunade rewarded both of us with a kiss on the cheek. After Haku and I had our fill we ran upstairs to get ready. Tsunade and Shizune seemed to be eating slowly, maybe it was too early for them today.
When we were at the gates preparing to leave I felt something as the guard was checking our papers. I turned to see Gaara in the distance, cradling his teddy bear. His eyes were hard but they weren't devoid of emotion. I couldn't feel any killer intent. He just seemed intrigued by us. I nudged Haku and she saw him to. I gave her a knowing look and we both smiled at Gaara. Then we waved. He didn't smile back but he raised his hand. He didn't wave but I guess that was what he intended. As we walked away I could tell Gaara was watching us until we were out of sight.
I will save you one day, that's a promise.
Somewher in Fire Country, near Konohagakure no Sato…
On our way back to Konoha we took time to enjoy the greenery. I made sure we didn't take too much time when Tsunade informed me that a Cloud Ambassador would be visiting Konoha soon. That combined with the Naruto timeline told me I had little time. I began to train vigorously.
When I struck the trees I used my Chakra Mesu to make deep cuts on the wooden log. I would always make a few combos and end with a chakra induced punch, Tsunade style. That would usually shatter the log. From there I would cut it up into usable pieces for firewood.
Haku would usually watch me or join me in training. I was helping her use her bloodline. She found it easy to form senbons but creating larger objects made them loose their durability and were easily broken. Tsunade and Shizune didn't know many suiton jutsus but they did know a few that they taught Haku. I declined learning them for now. I told them I wanted to master my own techniques before learning any new ones.
Despite my telling Tsunade I wanted to kick ass instead of being a medic, I ended up learning some more healing techniques from her. Shizune armed me with a small crossbow like weapon that you attached on the arm. When you pulled back a string, several senbon flew out from the barrels (Author's Note: for more clarification watch Naruto episode 94, I think Shizune uses it there).
Haku and I also worked on our teamwork against Shizune. We identified our strengths and weaknesses. Despite my weight training, Haku was naturally fast and almost at my speed already. While I would attack Shizune, Haku would cover me with senbon or whatever she could at a range. In a group battle the point was for me to protect Haku from close combat while she kept most of our enemies away from us. This way I could single out an enemy to protect Haku from or vice versa.
By the time we reached Konoha. I had become learned Kage Bunshin, my Chakra Mesu was a burning knife, and my Chakra enhanced punch could dent boulders. I had also worked on my grip strength by trying to crush rocks by holding my chakra in my hands and pressing it into the flat of my palm.
Haku on the other hand had learnt to freely manipulate water and grasp the basics of her bloodline. She had learned Mizu Bunshin and Suikodan, but had not mastered them yet.
As soon as we saw the gates I heard Kyuubi rumble inside. We were allowed in almost instantly. It seemed Tsunade's reputation preceded her. We went to the Hokage's office despite Haku and I wanting to explore. I finally felt safe. Everywhere we had been didn't give me this feeling. Somewhere I understood this was home and I was here to stay.
As I looked at the Hokage Monument I wondered what my face would look like next to Kaasan's.
The Hokage was definitely an old man. I could tell he needed to pass on his title to Tsunade or Jiraiya. He seemed like a gentle old man, but let's not forget he almost had Orochimaru by the balls in the series. He was strong, no mistake there. At the same time there was no arrogance or prejudice. He seemed to be one of those people that things just rolled off of. He had a calming feeling on everyone. His small frame commanded respect. In short I thought he was pretty cool, not as cool as Kaasan though.
"Hey Sarutobi-sensei," Tsunade greeted.
"Hey Hokage-jiisan," I said.
Shizune and Haku seemed ashamed by our lack of respect. The Hokage only chuckled as he lifted his pipe from his mouth. His desk was relatively clean with a few loose papers. This was omething I could tell Kaasan might never accomplish.
"Hokage-sama," greeted Shizune and Haku.
"I've heard of Haku from your letters and I must say you've grown up well Naruto-kun," said the old man as he ruffled my hair.
After the pleasantries Tsunade grudgingly agreed to return to the hospital. While Shizune would spend some time at the hospital she didn't mind being a Jounin-sensei. All the Hokage had to do was find suitable candidates. Haku would probably be one. She had an interest in chemistry and she told Shizune that she wanted to heal my wounds for me.
I was touched, really. We decided we'd go to the nearby baths. Tsunade seemed to stop for a second before looking around. She shrugged and we went in. Haku was so lost in thought that she almost went into the men's side with me. Shizune held her back and pointed out her mistake. When Haku understood she ran into the women's half, I was sure she was red as a tomato even though I couldn't see her.
As I settled into the hot-springs I looked up and admired the sky. My musings were ruined by a perverted giggle in the men's bath area. I scanned for other occupants and discovered what Tsunade had been looking for. I walked over to the white haired pervert and stood behind him with a towel on. I was disappointed that he didn't hear me. I whispered in his ear to make my presence known and determine if he really was who I thought.
"Kaasan will kill you if she finds you peeping," I said.
He jumped before turning to face me. I was really disappointed. Was this really the Legendary Sannin, the frog hermit, Jiraiya.
"Some Sannin you are," I said. "You didn't even hear me sneak up on you."
"Hey brat why should I be alert in my own village, let alone the bath area," he said defensively. "And how do you know me, more importantly what's your mother like?"
He had me totally grossed out.
"She's the only woman alive that you should be afraid of," I answered.
It was like some shot him with a taser, his eyes bulged and his mouth stopped working.
He barely mumbled it out, "Tsu-Tsunade-Hime?"
"You know anyone else who summons slugs and breaks boulders like play-dough?"
"So you must be Naruto," he said.
"Trying to change the subject?"
"NO!"
I looked in just to make sure he didn't peak on Kaasan, Neesan, and Haku. None of them were there. Satisfied, I turned around and snatched the book from his hands.
"Is this what you're writing? That perverted book of yours?" I asked.
"Hmph a brat like you couldn't understand the wonders of the female body," he said.
My sleeping with Haku is probably closer than you've ever been to a woman.
"Kaasan!" I shouted.
Jiraiya clamped his hand down on my mouth and shushed me.
"Shhh!"
"Only if you teach me cool jutsus."
"That's blackmail."
"I'm shameless, sue me."
"What makes you think I know anything good?"
"You're a Sannin, that alone says you're powerful."
"What about your Kaasan?"
"I don't like medical techniques I wanna be able to kick someone's ass than save it. Plus Kaasan doesn't really know too many destructive techniques. She has a lot that affect the body but she mostly relies on her physical prowess to overpower her enemies."
"You've thought this out."
I could tell he was impressed by my analysis of Tsunade's techniques. I knew that Tsunade was powerful but some of her techniques needed an experience that I didn't have in order to be effective. While Jiraiya's had a wide range and clear, immediate effect.
"Why should I teach you?" he asked.
He looked smug, I didn't know why. I merely pointed to next door and mouthed, "Kaasan."
He paled and agreed immediately. Then he went back to writing, without peeping. He knew that one word from me would spell his doom.
I grabbed his book from his hands just to see what this trash was. I had never been a prude but my time with Tsunade must have made me anti-pervert.
"Geez can't you put an ounce of thought into this, I mean it wouldn't hurt your book since you've got enough smut already."
"What do you suggest?" he said amusedly.
I answered without hesitation for some strange reason. I pointed out areas where I thought he could actually make a storyline and real characters. My support for the changes was that maybe women would buy it if it was at least decent, that way he could double sales.
"Kid I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship."
I quirked an eyebrow at him. Little did I know I would become editor of Icha Icha Paradise before I became author Icha Icha Schooldays while Jiraiya was the illustrator. Schooldays would be a lot less smutty and popular among men and women. My pen name would be Hikaru Genji. I couldn't have anyone knowing I was writing with the perv. I didn't want anyone to think I was one too. Somehow it worked out and I was getting paid more than a Jounin. Although that would occur much later on in the future. But first things first… I needed to prepare the warm welcome for the Cloud Ambassador Sinobi Gashir.
Tsuzuku…
Author's Notes: Next time I venture into the depths of my mind and challenge the Kyuubi but what I find changes everything, even the village. Now I have even more things to do before the Cloud Ambassador arrives.
