IRON WILL II

Shoto goes to the arena and takes the traditional bow. Facing Hinata Hyuga.

Itosuke's eyes bulge at the sight. "Shoto, what do you think you're doing." Before he can walk int the arena, Sokon stops him. "Cousin?"

"A challenge has been issued. Do not interfere."

Hinata looks confused, between her group and the Teshin clan leader, unsure what exactly to do in this situation. Kotori and Yokumaru join her.

"Mom, are you going to accept?"

Hinata looks down. "Kotori, do you know something?"

Kotori looks to Shoto. "Maybe. I dunno."

She looks back to the boy challenging her. Even though his head is lowered, she can see him rightly gripping his hand, she can see the reaction of some of the members of the Teshin clan. She can tell whatever this is, it's not just a simple challenge.

She sighs and enters the ring.

The boy remains in his bowed position. "Shoto Teshin, Empty Hand of the Teshin clan's Shorin-ryu."

"Hinata Hyuga, Gentle Fist of the Hidden Leaf Village's Hyuga clan."

They take their respective clans' stances. Shoto is the first to charge, with a much greater ferocity than any of the previous matches. Whatever is going through his mind, he's serious about this. Hinata, being a much experienced combatant, easily keeps him away.

Shoto doesn't let up, delivering practiced punches, some kicks mixed in between, aiming as high as he can, which overall isn't very high with him being only 7 years old.

Hinata gets a few strikes in, naturally holding back so as to not hurt him. The boy is knocked down, ending the match.

Sokon declares the match as over.

However, Shoto immediately stands back up and bows again, declaring another challenge.

Hinata looks between him and Sokon, but accepts the challenge. Shoto comes at her with similar intensity, punching and kicking as much as he can. Probably more than he should. He's clearly overdoing it and tiring himself out.

Even though it's not difficult for Hinata to stop his attacks, they still sting. He's trained hard and diligently, but it's still not enough to come close to beating Hinata.

He's pushed down several times but each and every time, he stands up and declares a new challenge. Some are visibly annoyed, especially his father, Itosuke.

Shoto rushes in and delivers a series of kicks, using this time to weave a hand sign. His fingers and knuckles turn dark brown.

"Earth Style: Earth Spear"

He drives two punches forward and they sting even more. Hinata notices this the first time anyone has actually used ninjutsu. This is it. This is the Earth Style that made the Teshin clan famous, although he's still young and can only cover a small part of his hand.

"Cousin, you must stop this now. He's clearly doing it in rebellion."

Sokon's gaze remains focused on the match. "The challenge has been accepted."

The sparring continues for a long time. Or rather, the challenge is issued over and over.

The young boy has a look of desperation in his eyes, but also determination. He's calm and angry, focused and distracted, all at the same time. That look. Hinata has seen that look before, plenty of times. She's seen it in herself when she was trying to prove her worth to her father, she's seen it in Naruto when he worked to gain people's approval, she's even seen it in Lee when he became a shinobi using only taijutsu. This is the look of someone who wants to prove something and will do anything and everything in their power to prove it.

Several times, his Earth Spear deactivates and he performs the jutsu again, using up a lot of chakra.

Kotori and Yokumaru are in awe at the display. They've been training quite a lot, but Shoto is clearly leagues above them when it comes to taijutsu. They'll have to train five times as hard if this is the level they'd need to be at.

Eventually, after several spars, Shoto's legs begin giving out. He's knocked on the ground again, and tries to get back to his feet, to issue another challenge, to prove that he can be a shinobi, that that's his path in life. But he's no longer able. He remains on all fours on the ground, breathing heavily as would be expected.

Hinata's breathing is hastened, as well, but she knows proper breathing techniques and is able to regulate herself.

Itosuke power walks to his son, but before he can say anything, his wife Asami stands in front of him. "You will not, husband."

"Even you, Asami? Shoto disgraced us and Shorin-ryu in front of guests from the Hidden Leaf."

Hinata approaches, a look of concern for the boy. "Is that what you saw just now? Disgrace? Because I saw a warrior, someone putting every bit of their being to accomplish something they believe in. I saw someone willing and ready to work for their dream. I saw someone who does not give up- a shinobi."

"You do not know our son, nor what his dreams are."

"I didn't. But I found out everything I needed to know, through his fists and his eyes. Shinobi don't need anything else to understand each other."

The Leaf shinobi hear the conversation, being within earshot. Kakashi and Anko are impressed by the young Hyuga. She's absolutely nothing like what she used to be. She's completely different even from how she was a year ago.

"He is not a shinobi, we are not shinobi, a member of the Hyuga clan should know that better than anyone else."

Asami talks back to her husband, which surprises even him. "If we're not shinobi it's because of our own weakness. If our predecessors had fought even half as hard as Shoto did, we'd still be."

Sokon sighs. "Itosuke. The Teshin clan was renowned throughout the Land of Earth. Our Earth Style was so refined and strong that it could prevent the Hyuga clan from piercing our chakra network, and we gained fame and glory for being able to counter one of the most powerful clans."

"Of course, I know all of this."

"You clearly do not or I wouldn't feel the need to explain it once more." Itosuke remains quiet at his elder's words. "We grew complacent. Cocky and arrogant, to the point where we believed that we were just naturally gifted and didn't need to put any more effort. But where we stopped trying, the Hyuga continued to grow. Our Earth Style grew weaker and we were disgraced, and banished from the Hidden Stone Village. We closed ourselves off and decided we don't need anyone else and would isolate ourselves from the world. Until recently."

"Because we need to replenish our strength, and recruit more people into the Teshin clan."

Sokon sighs. "Even still, you don't…"

Kurotsuchi takes a place next to the Teshin leader. "It's like the new Shinobi Alliance. We've opened our doors to each other and are working together. Not to bolster our own power, but to bolster relationships. It's the same with you, isn't it?" She turns to Sokon, who nods.

"Precisely. I did this because I wished more people to experience the gifts we have to offer. And that's what they are. Gifts. And the same way we'll come to accept others among our ranks, I'd wish others to feel accepted in other ranks. Just as people come because they're interested in our lifestyle, if someone else is interested in another lifestyle- they should be free to pursue it." Sokon kneels down to his cousin's child. "What do you wish for, Shoto?"

Shoto looks to him, sweat pouring down his brow. "I… I want to be a shinobi. I want to surpass the strength of my ancestors."

"And how do you intend to do that?"

Shoto looks to the ground for a moment. He curls his hand into fists, grippIng some dirt. He then looks up to Hinata, who's unsure where this is going. Shoto kneels properly, places his palms on the ground and lowers his forehead to touch the ground, in a kowtow.

"Please accept me as your apprentice."

"My… apprentice?"

Naruto walks next to her. "Well then. Didn't think that would happen today."

Hinata kneels down and ushers him to lift his head. "You could become a shinobi through other ways, you could join the Academy in the Hidden Stone. We're Hidden Leaf and that might… complicate things."

"No. It has to be you."

Naruto scratches his head. "I mean, it's not really up to us, is it?"

Sokon stands up and straightens himself. "I cannot decide for his parents whether to let him go, and I cannot decide you will accept him, but as clan head, I will not hold anyone here against their wishes. You've my blessing to become a shinobi, Shoto." He turns to Itosuke. "And I know you see it, too, Itosuke. You're a good man at heart. I should know, I helped raise you."

"And yet the Leaf still have no reason to accept such a ridiculous request." Itosuke looks to his son who's still kowtowing.

Asami turns to Hinata and Naruto. "It's as my husband said. You've no reason to accept, but for months Shoto hasn't been himself. He does have dreams and he does have things he wants to accomplish, but we haven't given him the opportunity to do so. Today I saw him display more passion than ever." He bows her head. "Please, if you would consider, we would accommodate you in any way possible."

Naruto and Hinata share a look, being put in a tough spot, but they both saw the boy and how hard he fought. They're both aware this request is not hollow and not a rash decision. And they both want the same thing.

"If you would allow us," Hinata turns to Shoto's parents. "we would take Shoto on as an apprentice."

Shoto finally looks up, a wide smile on his face.

"But… why?" Itosuke is confused that they would do this.

"Because both of us know what it's like. Or…" Naruto places a hand on Kotori and Yokumaru's heads. "I guess I should say the four of us know what it's like. And we don't want anyone to feel trapped like we've been."

Asami turns to her husband. "You can't take this away from our son, Ito."

Itosuke grumbles. "You know it's not fair to call me that. Fine, but answer me this. What happens when you go back to the Hidden Leaf? Shoto is a citizen of the Land of Earth."

Kurotsuchi speaks up. "I can handle that part. Just like how some shinobi are travelling to the different lands to help, we're also in the process of establishing permanent residency in other lands for those who want it. Shoto can be one of those people, native to the Land of Earth but permitted to live in the Land of Fire. A dual citizenship, I guess you could call it."

Sokon turns to his cousin. "You could join him, you know. Establish another dojo in the Hidden Leaf, should the Hokage allow it. Be close to your son and spread the Shorin-ryu even further than we could by staying here in Shuri town."

"I can handle that, too, although there's a lot of things to handle now." Kurotsuchi looks at Sokon from the corner of her eye. "You're not going to throw more things my way, are you?"

Sokon chuckles. "No, I believe that's enough."

Hinata offers Shoto a helping hand. "Then, I guess it's settled. Welcome to the team."

The boy smiles and takes the hand, getting back up to his feet.

Kotori is as ecstatic as ever.

Before everyone scatters to where they're from, Naruto pulls Kakashi aside.

"Could I... talk to you for a second, Kakashi-sensei?"

The Jounin turns to his student. "Of course, what do you need?"

"It's not really about needing something, I just... found something. Or really the Head and Ma found, in Mount Myoboku." He reaches into his backpack and takes out the items he'd found that belonged to his father. They're not in the casket as it's much too large to be carried around, but they're still neatly packed. "These belonged to my dad."

Kakashi remains silent as he looks over, but he can't help but smile which only shows in his eyes closing as he does. "I see. I'm glad you found them."

They take a seat on a grassy area and look over everything. "Sealing pouches, huh? I'd expect nothing less of Minato-sensei."

"Sealing pouches? Is that what they are? I haven't really had the time to try them out or figure out what they do."

"It's basically a way to store items, like what Tenten does. Let me show you." Kakashi takes out a shuriken of his own, places it inside and performs a seal. With that, it disappears in a puff of smoke. Then Kakashi just forms a one-handed seal and reaches inside, the shuriken appearing. "Sensei made something similar for us, too, but ours were lost or torn through various skirmishes."

"So that's why you know how they work."

Kakashi nods. "And, you can do this." He throws the shuriken into a tree and then forms the seal again. The shuriken disappears and he takes it out of the pouch. "They return to the seal at your command. It's a very useful tool, although apparently the sealing formulae is not an easy one."

"I guess he probably wanted to replace the ones you lost, but never got the chance."

"Maybe. But they're in good hands now." Kakashi smiles.

"You don't want them, Sensei?"

"I'm good, Naruto, thank you. I think you might make better use of them, anyway, being a teacher now. And a father."

Naruto rubs his head embarrassed. "Ah, yeah. Still kinda feels weird, y'know?"

"I know. But you'll grow into and become a splendid role model for them, as you have so many." He places a hand on his student's shoulder. "There IS something you can take solace in. No matter what they do, no matter how reckless they become, know that they'll never be as much of a handful as you were." Kakashi manages to deliver that deadpan but he cracks.

The two begin openly laughing.

Naruto wipes away a tear. "You know, that actually does make me feel better."

Kakashi looks over other items. Everything in here is pretty practical, the only sentimental item being the photo of Minato, a pregnant Kushina, and Jiraiya. Kakashi finally notices the tanto.

"Wait, this is..." He takes it out and channels his chakra into it. He swings it around, witnessing it leave a very familiar white streak behind it. "My father's White Light Chakra Sabre?"

"Wait, your father's?"

"Yeah, this was a specially crafted item just for him. It's what got him the nickname White Fang. I inherited it, but it broke..." Kakashi feels the need to pause and gather his thoughts. He swallows. "It broke the day I thought Obito died."

"But then what's it doing here?"

"It's not, this is a different one." He holds it up to inspect it. "Did he commission a new blade?"

"Then, consider it a late present from my dad." Naruto grins.

Kakashi places it back in the pile. "Thanks, but I'll have to refuse this one, too."

"What? How come?" Naruto protests. "It's yours, isn't it? He clearly made it for you."

"Maybe, but I've had a lot of time to think about things and mull them over. I'm not the person I was back then, hell, I'm not even the same person I was a year ago. I don't need it. I'd much rather see it in capable hands, be passed down to the next generation. You can use it, or maybe one of your students can. I'm curious how they'll develop."

"Thanks, Sensei."

"No. Thank you, Naruto. For everything."

Kakashi extends a hand. Naruto takes it and shakes his hand, but also pulls him into a hug. Kakashi is taken aback at first, but pats the blonde on the back.

The following day:

Naruto and Hinata and their, now three, students are at the gates of Shuri town, ready to depart. Asami is kneeling down next to Shoto, fussing over his baggage.

"I have everything, Mother. I'll be fine." She tries to get away. Not that he doesn't love his mom, he's just embarrassed at being fussed over like this.

"And should he need anything, we'll take care of it." Hinata reassures her.

"I know. I just never expected this to happen so soon." She brushes his cheeks and kisses his forehead. He grumbles.

Kotori has a silly grin watching the two.

Itosuke is standing over her, arms crossed. "Don't be a burden to your teachers. If this dream means so much to you, then be the best at it."

"Yes, Father." His dad was never the most sentimental, but he had his own way of showing it.

Hinata can't help but be reminded of how her own father is.

"You guys not leaving?" Naruto looks at Kakashi, Anko, and Kurotsuchi.

Kurotsuchi waves her hand dismissively. "I still have a lot of things to take care of for the Hidden Stone, but we'll definitely meet up again soon."

Kakashi has his hands in his pockets. "And we're not really in a rush, we don't really have to return soon. Besides, I've grown curious."

Anko hands each of the kids a bag of select treats. "Now be sure to savour these, alright? Or just eat them all in one big gulp, either is fine."

"Thanks, creepy snake lady!" Kotori says that with too much excitement.

Anko glares at Naruto.

"I didn't even do anything!" He argues.

The five of them say their goodbyes and leave Shuri town, to make their way to the Hidden Stone Village.

-x-

The ones watching them departs also head back to where they need to be. Kakashi and Anko walk through the streets. The silver haired Jounin has a certain twinkle in his eye that doesn't go unnoticed.

Anko leans forward, staring at Kakashi. "You're happy."

"My student has grown into quite the dependable young man. Why wouldn't I be happy?"

"It's an odd look. I'd gotten used you being all lone wolfy and broody. Can't say I dislike it, though." She smirks.

"Yeah, well, the War gave me a lot to think about. I was able to get closure on a lot of things. And I've had the chance to see my pupil become a dependable adult in such a quick time. Makes me realize there's a lot to life I've missed out on. I kept using the excuse that I was lost on the pathway of life, but maybe it's time I actually did that."

"So you're done regretting the past, and moving on like the rest of us have long ago?"

He shakes his head. "I'm not sure if I'd put it that way but sure." He extends his elbow to Anko.

She furrows her brow at the display. "What're you doing?"

"Asking you on a date."

She grins widely. "Well, well, whaddya know." She interlocks her arm with his. "And you're in luck, dogboy, I totally dig it doggystyle."

"I feel like that's more 3rd date information, but sure."

Author's Note

Yeah, I ship Kakashi and Anko. Fight me.