Our Will of Fire
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AN- SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY, HERE'S THE NEXT INSTALLMENT FOR YOU ALL. READ IT WITH YOUR FACE! I do not own either Naruto or Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in any way shape or form and they are the property of their respective owners Masashi Kishimoto and Monolithsoft respectively. I make no money from this story. Also if I swap between English and Japanese sporadically I am sorry.
Warning: Naruto and others will become quite overpowered compared to most others for most of this story. I am also semi to pretty damn bad at writing fight scenes so for that I'm sorry. UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE ALL BLADES ARE IN A HENGED HUMAN FORM
"Biju Speaking"
'Biju Thinking'
"Biju Telepathy"
"Telepathy"
'Person thinking'
Flashback Speech
xXxXx Location: Konoha Uchiha Compound, 7:00 PM
Sasuke had just finished dressing himself after taking a well-deserved bath, wearing a simple black short sleeved shirt and black cargo shorts. He walks into the dining room and a number of delicious smells hit him, knowing that his brother was cooking something great again his mouth starts watering ever so slightly while he silently prays that there is a tomato dish to go with their dinner.
Itachi sensing his brother smiles, "Sasuke, dinner will be ready in about ten minutes, can you do me a favor and set the table?" Itachi asks from the kitchen.
Sasuke gives an affirmative 'Hn'. Sasuke walks over to the nearby cabinets and pulls out a couple of plates and bowls and begins setting the table after gathering the other utensils.
A few minutes later Itachi walks into the dining room with a pot of soup before going back into the kitchen and coming back with a small roast with vegetables, and leaves again before returning with rice. The two sit down and say their thanks before digging in.
After a few minutes of silent eating Itachi decides to start up a bit of conversation, "So how'd your mission to Nami go Sasuke?" Itachi asks.
Sasuke swallows and smiles, "It went well, it jumped rapidly to a high-B rank or low-A rank after we were attacked by some associates of Zabuza Momochi." Sasuke says, though Itachi knew these small details he didn't know most of the mission results. "After we got to the lands of Nami we were attacked by Zabuza, Kakashi-sensei managed to handle fighting him while our squad took up guarding Tazuna-san." He explained causing Itachi to nod.
"Good work Sasuke, you protected your client while your sensei engaged a superior foe." Itachi says with a smile.
"Thanks nii-san, though after a while Kakashi-sensei was caught off guard and trapped in a Water Prison jutsu and he then sent a few water clones, thankfully Naruto and Mythra managed to take them out and force Zabuza to release Kakashi-sensei. After that Naruto and Mythra rejoined us while Kakashi-sensei fought Zabuza until his accomplice Haku put him into a death like state and fled with Zabuza in tow." Sasuke explains, a bit shocked that the Uzumaki siblings were able to push back an A-class nin like Zabuza.
"I find myself a bit surprised at that, Naruto-san and Mythra-san were able to hold their ground against Zabuza Momochi?" Itachi asks and gets a nod in response, "Well, I'm not as surprised as I would be if it were any other genin team as I know how skilled their family is when they work together. Please continue Sasuke." Itachi says and Sasuke continues to relay the details of their mission.
After a while, and a hug from Itachi over Sasuke's first kills, Sasuke finishes his explanation, "Unfortunately, the rest of the details were classified so this is where the story ends, after we saved Nami, we came back home and here I am." Sasuke says.
Itachi closes his eyes and gives his brother a warm smile, "I'm happy your mission went well Sasuke, it could've been a lot worse had the five of you had done anything differently, and getting both Zabuza and Haku as shinobi of Konoha was a wonderful move on the part of Naruto-san." Itachi says before putting a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. "I'm proud of your actions Sasuke, and because of your first C-rank mission being finished you have a week off, we can use that week to train you more if you want." Itachi suggests.
Sasuke gives a small smile, "I'd like that Nii-san." Sasuke says after finishing his tomato soup.
Itachi smiles back, "Alright, I have some time off coming so we'll start training the day after tomorrow. Be up at 4:00, because we're going to train like no tomorrow." Itachi says with a now slight sadistic grin which unnerves Sasuke slightly. "Though, maybe we could also spend some time with Naruto-san and the others, training with people who use different styles will help you improve your ability with adapting to different situations." He suggests causing Sasuke to smile widely at the idea.
"Yeah, we'll run by their new place tomorrow once you get back from ANBU HQ and ask if it would be alright if we trained there. Plus I'm interested in the jutsu library Naruto goes on and on about seeing as it's the former Yondaime's compound." Sasuke says with a widening grin at getting stronger.
Itachi sighs, "Don't forget little brother, those libraries are usually heavily guarded by high grade seals or traps. If they don't give you permission to use it then don't get upset about it, understood?" Itachi says.
Sasuke sighs and gives an affirmative 'Hn' in response before the two of them go back to eating their dinner.
xXxXx Next Morning, Haruno Residence, 6:25 AM
Sakura woke up after a very good rest, namely due to explaining to her mother and father the results of team seven's mission to Nami and the resulting celebratory meal her mother cooked. Sakura out of bed and gets on her clothes just as a knock is heard from her door, "Sakura dear, are you awake?" Mebuki asks through the door.
Sakura chuckles, "Yes kaa-san, I'll be downstairs in a minute." Sakura calls back as she puts on her shoes.
"Alright dear, breakfast is already ready." Mebuki says before going back downstairs.
As Sakura finishes getting dressed she heads downstairs, their house being in a small merchant compound that her family has owned for around 30 years and as such is above average in size. Though of their family only Sakura, Her mother, and her father live in the building with the occasional cousin or uncle coming to visit for business as most of them live elsewhere in and outside the village.
Sakura stretches as she enters the dining room, "Morning Kaa-san." Sakura says as she sits down at the table and begins putting food onto her plate, "Dinner last night was amazing, and breakfast smells just as good." Sakura says as she puts a few extra strips of bacon on her plate and begins eating. Having learned not long after being teamed up with Naruto and the others that her dieting was harming her due to the lack of calories she needed to burn for proper training, she started eating extra portions on days she knew she'd be training.
Mebuki chuckles, "Thank you dear. Now I know that you have some time off due to your mission jumping in difficulty, so what are you going to do with that time?" Mebuki asks, hoping that her daughter makes a smart choice.
As Sakura swallows a mouthful of scrambled eggs she smiles, "With how strong Naruto, Pyra, Mythra, and Sasuke showed themselves to be I realized that I have a long way to go to catch up to them." Sakura says and takes a sip of tea while her mother smirks at the statement, "I'm going to train, possibly head over to Naruto's new place and see if I can practice there as they apparently have a jutsu library there and a training field." She says causing her mother to smile even wider.
"I'm proud of you Sakura; you're taking your duties as a Kunoichi very seriously. Just keep practicing and improving your skills to show that the Haruno name is nothing to scoff at in the shinobi world!" Mebuki says with pride.
After her mother's words Sakura gains an even brighter fire in her eyes and begins devouring her food at an increased pace. After she finishes she raises her fist above her head, "CHA! I'll show everyone that I'm a kunoichi to be feared!" Sakura yells causing her mother to smile almost madly as her daughter gets up and starts to run towards the door, "Thanks for breakfast Kaa-san, I'll be at training field seven if you need me and if I'm not there I'll be at Naruto's!" she yells back to her mother as she runs out of the house with a small dust cloud trailing behind her.
Mebuki looks out the door and sees the dust rolling behind her daughter with a mad grin on her face, "That's my girl!" Mebuki yells to herself and gets up, grabs a broom, and begins sweeping the dust that flew into their house, "Though she is going to pay for dirtying my nice clean floors." She says as her eyes darken and gains a sadistic grin on her face.
In the distance Sakura stops running for a moment as a chill runs down her spine, a promise of pain and humiliation run through her mind for some reason but she writes it off as nothing and begins her run once again.
Hyuga Compound, Same time
Hinata woke up feeling happy, Naruto, his sisters, and the rest of team seven had returned successfully from their mission the previous day but due to her training with Brighid and Kurenai she couldn't see them until today. As she got up and proceeded to get dressed for her day she heard knocking from the door, "Hinata, are you up?" Brighid asked through the door.
Hinata smiled more as she put on her boots, "Yes Brighid, I'm decent so feel free to come in." Hinata called back as she finished strapping into her remaining boot.
Brighid smiles as she enters Hinata's room, "Good morning Hinata, how are you?" Brighid asks in her usual regal manner.
Hinata turns around and gives Brighid a warm smile before walking over to her and giving her a quick hug, "Good morning Brighid, I'm doing well. And you?" Hinata asks as she ends the embrace and heads back to her dresser.
"I'm doing well Hinata, I believe you wanted to spend some time with Naruto and the others today correct?" Brighid asks causing Hinata to nod.
"Yes, they got back from their mission yesterday and since we have today off I'd like to spend some time with them. Would you like to accompany me?" Hinata asks as she puts on her gloves.
Brighid smiles, "But of course. It's been a few weeks since we've seen Mythra, Pyra, and Naruto. I'd like to hear how their mission went as well." Brighid says with a fond smile.
Hinata finishes dressing and turns back to Brighid as Brighid hands over their bladewhips, "Well, let's go eat breakfast before we depart." Hinata says as she straps on the swords and heads to the dining room with Brighid.
As the two walk to the dining room they pass by a familiar face, "Hello Neji-niisan." Hinata says in a kind tone to the now named Neji.
Neji bows slightly, "Hinata-sama." Neji says before walking away, causing a slight pain to Hinata's chest.
As Neji walks away Hinata watches him leave with a pained look on her face and gets slightly startled by Brighid putting a hand on her shoulder, "One day Hinata, he'll see his hate is unjustified. You'll show him that even a caged bird can break its cage." Brighid says in a motherly tone.
Hinata turns to Brighid and gives a sad smile, "T-thank you for that Brighid, I needed that." Hinata says and recomposes herself. "Come, let's get some food and head over to Naruto's!" she says in a much brighter tone and starts walking towards the dining room once more, leaving a smiling Brighid behind.
'You're getting so strong Hinata. Maybe you'll be ready soon.' Brighid thinks to herself as she remembers her most recent project before chuckling and walking slightly faster to catch up to Hinata.
After the two eat their breakfast an older Hyuga elder walks into the dining room and sneers at Brighid before mumbling something under his breath about 'damn outsiders' and 'worthless heiress' before sitting at the large table not knowing that both Hinata and Brighid had heard his words, choosing to ignore the bitter old man.
A while later as they begin to finish their meal another familiar face walks into the dining room with a stoic, almost stone-like, face. Hinata looks at the little figure in sadness, "Good morning Hanabi, how are you?" Hinata asks the now named Hanabi Hyuga who looks at her with a still stoic expression.
Hanabi walks over to her seat and sits down and begins filling a plate with food, "Good morning sister, I am fine." Hanabi says as she finishes filling her plate and begins eating.
Hinata sighs and goes back to eating alongside Brighid and both overhear the elder speaking to Hanabi, "Hanabi-sama, don't forget that you have training from after breakfast until the afternoon with Aki-san." The elder says in a stoic manner.
Hanabi nods, "I understand Sho-sama; I will meet her at the training yard. Do you know what my regimen is for today?" Hanabi asks in the same manner.
Hinata's heart dropped at his answer, knowing that she couldn't interfere, "Endurance, Aki-san is going to fight you using the Gentle Fist, you are only allowed to deflect and dodge. If she disables too many of your pathways then she will stop your training and wait for the pathways to reopen before continuing, understood?" Elder Sho says.
Hanabi nods and goes back to eating her breakfast, slightly faster than before. Hinata notices this and sighs sadly but relaxes as she feels Brighid's hand on her shoulder and gives her an approving nod.
After finishing breakfast both Hinata and Brighid give a small bow towards the elder and leave the dining room and head towards the compound gate. As they approach the two guards give a bow to Hinata while one of them scowls slightly at Brighid as they pass.
As the two walk down the road one of the guards turns to the guard who scowled at Brighid, "What is the problem Ko?" Guard #1 asks.
Ko scowls, "Hinata-sama shouldn't be so close to that outsider, and the fact that Hiashi-sama not only allows it but also allows the woman to reside in the compound as well goes against several of our traditions!" Ko says with venom which makes the other guard scowl at him, "On top of that, all the Hyuga have ever needed was our Gentle Fist and our Byakugan, and yet the heiress of the clan goes against this tradition by using ninjutsu that isn't supplementary or required by the academy but also is using WEAPONS as her main combat choice and a non-traditional version of the Gentle Fist! Ever since that woman showed up Hinata-sama has fallen further and further from our traditions, it's a mockery of our prestigious line!" he practically yells as he finishes his rant causing the other guard to sigh, "Listen Makie, we need to get that woman away from Hinata-sama."
The now named Makie once again scowls, "And then what?" Makie asks causing Ko to give her a questioning look, "We get Brighid-san away from Hinata-sama and then what, make her go back to being berated by the elders while they force her to use a version of the Gentle Fist that doesn't work for her?" she asks causing Ko to scowl further, "Have you even seen the improvements she's gone through ever since that woman came into her life, how happy she is, or the life that is finally back in her eyes and it's all thanks to that woman you want to separate Hinata-sama from. If you want to do something stupid and piss off Hinata-sama, Brighid-san, and Hiashi-sama then you're doing it alone Ko." She finishes with venom before turning back to her guard pose.
Ko grits his teeth and does the same, 'Damn woman, traditions are more important than Hinata-sama's happiness, and more so if the elders decide to force the issue of Hiashi-sama choosing an heir. I just hope the elders do something about that damn outsider soon.' Ko thinks to himself with a sadistic gleam in his eye.
Back with Hinata and Brighid who are around halfway to the Uzumaki compound due to its close proximity to the Hyuga compound, Hinata is thinking about how Brighid and she are going to spend the day with Naruto and the others.
"Excited are we Hinata?" Brighid asks in a teasing tone.
Hinata's cheeks flush red slightly, "Y-yes, I'm wondering what we're going to do when we get there. Are we going to train together or are we just going to relax?" Hinata asks out loud.
Brighid hums for a moment, "Personally I think we should have a quick spar and then relax. After all we haven't been to his house since they cleaned up the hot springs." Brighid says.
Hinata giggles, "Yes, I think that would be best, though I would like to talk before we do any training because I really want to know how their mission went." Hinata says as they see the gate to the Uzumaki compound.
As they approach they notice a new sign next to the gate, 'Uzumaki Compound, press the seal to let us know you're here.' is written on the sign.
Brighid sighs, "This was Mythra's idea wasn't it." Brighid states before sighing again, "She never was one for subtlety according to my diary." She says causing Hinata to sweatdrop.
Hinata giggles nervously, "I guess so, it's like posting a big 'We're not home and here's all of our jutsu scrolls' sign on the front gate. We'll have to talk to them about that, though I don't think anyone would be able to get past the barrier Yondaime-sama put up." Hinata says nervously before putting her finger on the seal causing a small pulse of chakra to emit from the seal.
A few moments later a small torrent of flame appears behind the gate, revealing a smiling Pyra, "Hey there Hinata, Brighid, how are you?" Pyra asks as she approaches the gate.
Brighid smiles back, "I'm doing well Pyra, thank you for asking. How are you?" Brighid asks.
Hinata also smiles at Pyra, "I'm also doing well Pyra, thank you. How have you been?" Hinata asks politely yet kindly.
Pyra opens up the gate and motions the two in, "I'm doing well you two, still unwinding from our mission to Nami but otherwise we're getting back into our routine… albeit with some new additions." Pyra says nervously. "So if you don't mind my asking, what are the two of you doing here?" she asks.
"We wanted to say hello as we haven't seen you three in a few weeks, also we wanted to see your new house and possibly get some training in with you all. Is that okay?" Hinata asks as she looks around at the beautifully maintained shrubbery and flower beds lining the walkways and surrounding the various benches. "Your home is beautiful Pyra." She says as they begin walking around the house instead of into it.
Pyra chuckles, "Thank you Hinata, that means a lot as the three of us put a lot of effort into maintaining it. As for your question, it's perfectly fine with me. In fact Naruto, Mythra, and I were training with our two new roommates." Pyra explains much to Hinata and Brighid's joy.
Both Brighid and Hinata also get questioning looks in their eyes, "New roommates Pyra?" Brighid asks.
Pyra nods as they begin walking into the small forest, "Yes, while we were in Nami we managed to get a nuke-nin and his apprentice to join us here in Konoha as fellow shinobi. Since they're on probation we decided to allow them to live with us until they get on their feet." Pyra explains.
Hinata and Brighid both are confused by this as they heard about the extensive jutsu library in the former Yondaime compound, "Are you sure that having 'former' nuke-nin in a home filled with some of the most advanced shinobi techniques Konoha has is a good idea?" Hinata asks with a hint of worry in her voice.
Pyra chuckles again as they continue walking, "We're sure, Haku and Zabuza aren't too bad, Haku less so than Zabuza, though Zabuza has some amazing skill with a sword." Pyra explains.
This explanation seems to placate the two guests as they know that Pyra, Mythra, and Naruto aren't easily fooled…. Well maybe just Pyra and Mythra. They continue walking for a few more minutes until they finally start hearing the sounds of metal clashing and jutsus being used, another minute or so of walking and they enter a large and beautiful clearing with a small river that has a bridge going over the water.
As Brighid and Hinata look around the clearing Naruto comes flying out of the forest on the opposite side of the forest and slides across the ground while holding Pyra's blade in a defensive posture. A split second later a man that neither Brighid or Hinata recognizes comes out of the forest and swings a large cleaver like sword at Naruto in a horizontal manner, causing Naruto to jump backwards. "Come on Gaki, is that all you got without those sisters of yours?" Zabuza taunts as Naruto charges at him and the two begin trading blows.
Hinata, Brighid, and Pyra all watch the exchange of blows as Naruto is being pushed back, slowly but surely. "Wow, Naruto-kun has really improved since the last time I've seen him fight, who is that he's fighting?" Hinata asks Pyra as Naruto jumps to the side and swings upward towards Zabuzas' side, blade impacting the former nuke-nin's Kubikiribocho.
"That's Zabuza Momochi, one of the former members of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure no Sato." Pyra explains as Naruto blocks an overhead cleave before forcing the zanbato to the side and getting away from the much more experienced shinobi in order to think of a strategy as he huffs in mild exhaustion. "The two of them have been going at it for around an hour or so, it's to allow Zabuza to see how Naruto fights alone, without our assistance. That way he can help Naruto learn some new tactics and teach him in a way that will be effective for Naruto." She explains as Zabuza knocks down Naruto as the force from a powerful blow unbalances him.
Zabuza puts his blade to Naruto's neck, "And you're dead." Zabuza says before pulling back his blade and allowing Naruto to get up before putting the blade over his shoulder, "You did well, extremely so. I'd say your skills fighting alone with a blade are around mid to high-chunin, though with the power that blade holds I could say that just about any 'normal' shinobi weapon wouldn't last long against it, giving you a major advantage over other weapon users." He explains as Naruto listens intently, "There are a number of gaps in your style that I noticed were filled by your sisters that you can't effectively fill yourself without using shadow clones which in turn have their own weaknesses of being taken out in one hit so using them as a distraction so you can get close in their attempts to determine which is the real threat will be your best bet when fighting alone. There's more, but nothing that can't wait a little while, we have guests." He says as he tilts his head towards Pyra and the others.
Naruto turns around and smiles widely, "Hey Hinata, Brighid!" Naruto yells happily as he jumps over the river and lands in front of the group and embraces Hinata in a hug quickly, "It's great to see you Hinata!" Naruto says as he ends the hug, leaving a heavily blushing Hinata stunned. "Uhhh, Hinata, you ok there?" he asks.
The question snaps Hinata out of her stupor as Brighid and Pyra laugh at the antics of the two young shinobi, "I-I-I-I'm fine Naruto-kun, t-thank you." Hinata says, falling back into her old stutter for a moment before recomposing herself again despite her still red face, "It's great to see you as well Naruto-kun." She says with a smile on her face.
'Wow, she's really beautiful. The wind blowing her hair and the kindness in her eyes….' Naruto thinks to himself as he hears a chuckling in his head.
"Like what you see there, eh kit?" Kurama says to Naruto who blushes slightly, "At least you aren't completely dense, I remember your father took a damn eternity to notice your mother's affections, damn Namikaze could see her wearing a sign that said 'I love Minato' and still not get the hint." He says with a hint of mirth while Naruto mentally scowls.
Naruto rubs the back of his head, "You look great Hinata, so what are you two doing here?" Naruto asks as Hinata smiles even brighter at the compliment and both Pyra and Brighid grin at each other.
"Hinata and I wanted to spend some time with you three and possibly get some training in as it's been awhile since our last session together. But I must say Naruto, your skill as a solo fighter is greatly improving." Brighid says causing Naruto to blush slightly at the compliment. "Though he does have a point, it also might be a good idea to make some shadow clones that will use ranged jutsu to force them into a position where you can take advantage of a distraction no matter how small. Though you'll all try to avoid it, there will be situations where the three of you can't fight together so I'm glad you're practicing fighting solo." She explains while Naruto listens.
Zabuza approaches, "Hey Gaki, Pyra, the two of you going to introduce me to your friends here?" Zabuza asks sounding a little annoyed.
Naruto turns around, "Yeah, yeah Zabuza-sensei. This is Hinata Hyuga and Brighid Ladair." Naruto says as he gestures to the two new arrivals who bow slightly in acknowledgement, "Hinata, Brighid, this is Zabuza Momochi, former Jonin of Kirigakure no Sato and member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. He's also my new kenjutsu instructor." He explains.
Brighid smiles, "It's nice to meet you Zabuza-san, please just call me Brighid." Brighid says.
Hinata looks at Zabuza and is slightly unnerved by the look in the man's eyes but stands firm, "Hello Zabuza-san, it's nice to meet you." Hinata says kindly.
Zabuza looks over the two with a keen observing eye, "I'm Zabuza Momochi." Zabuza says simply, 'The older woman is regal yet dangerous; I can see that with a look, and gives off an aura of power.' He thinks to himself as he looks over Brighid, 'Shy yet powerful, Hyuga as well. Looks weak but also gives off a strong aura similar to the older woman. Not bad Gaki, you chose nicely.' He thinks to himself as he looks over Hinata. "Nice to meet you." He says simply before turning to Pyra. "Where'd Haku and Mythra go?" he asks Pyra. "I wanna test Mythra's sword skills as a solo fighter."
Pyra chuckles, "You're in for a rough time then Zabuza, I wish you luck. The two of them went to go buy some things for dinner, they should be back soon." Pyra says, excited for what Haku and her are making for dinner. "I'm just glad Mythra's sense of taste has gotten so much better than it used to be." She says almost under her breath yet loud enough for those present to hear.
Konoha Market (Same time)
Mythra's nose twitches for a second before she covers her mouth and sneezes, "Ugh, what the hell. I can't get sick so someone must be talking about me." Mythra says in an annoyed tone as she uses a cloth to clean her nose.
Back at the Uzumaki compound
Naruto chuckles nervously at that sentence as he remembers the horror stories of Mythra's past attempts at cooking with Addam. "Anyway, I'd love to train with you Hinata. We can also talk about how our mission went." Naruto says happily before he and Hinata walk into the field and drop into their respective taijutsu stances.
Hinata's Mouka Juken has her in a slightly more relaxed starting form of the regular Juken with her Byakugan active. Naruto drops into his Drifter Fist stance which is a very relaxed defensive stance.
Pyra walks up and signals them to begin before jumping back. As Pyra jumps back Hinata charges Naruto with a good amount of speed and makes a palm strike at Naruto's chest with her left arm.
Naruto sees the strike coming thanks to his training with Hinata and, like a leaf in the wind, flows to the side to dodge the strike before using his right hand to make a punch at Hinata's side causing her to block with her right arm, flinching slightly from the force of the impact.
Hinata quickly forces Naruto's arm back and uses her other hand to make an open palm strike at Naruto's arm, Naruto jumps back and the two begin clashing against each other, each of them striking at various limbs while the other blocked and deflected their strike and retaliated. "You've gotten a lot better Naruto-kun," Hinata says as her hands begin to glow with slightly blue-red chakra, "But you are within the range of my Divination." She says confidently before using her hands to push away Naruto's arms and begins striking him, "Two palms, four palms, eight palms, sixteen palms," she says as she strikes his arms, stomach, shoulders, chest, and forearms leaving scorch marks where she hit, "thirty-two palms, Eight Trigrams Thirty-two Burning Palms!" she yells as she strikes his chest with both hands and leaves a scorch mark where she struck and knocking Naruto back about 10 feet. Hinata releases a held breath as she watches Naruto huffing and wincing in pain, "Those clothes of yours are very resilient, I had to expend at least twice and a half again as much chakra to close your tenketsu on each strike." She says while breathing slightly heavier.
Naruto huffs as he puts himself into his stance again, "Yeah, it's because Mythra-neechan made them, they're a lot tougher than normal clothes." Naruto says proudly, "Hey Kurama, any ideas? I can barely feel my chakra." He asks his tenant.
A small chuckle is heard, "Just let my power out for a moment, it'll hurt later but it will force open your chakra pathways." Kurama says and begins seeping out some power through the seal.
Naruto feels the pain Kurama was talking about while Hinata is stunned by red chakra forcing open Naruto's tenketsu. A moment passes before all of his tenketsu are forced open and the red chakra recedes. 'W-what was that…. That chakra wasn't Naruto's, was it Pyra's?.' Hinata thinks to herself as Naruto charges her and catches her off guard while she is thinking, managing to hit her in the stomach, causing her to spit up.
Back with the spectators they are all watching with interest, "Damn gaki's aren't too bad, that Hyuga girl isn't using the usual taijutsu stance her family is famous for however." Zabuza says, causing Brighid to smile.
"Indeed, she's using a variation of the usual Juken stance, one of her own creation." Brighid explains, catching the attention of Zabuza who raises his hairless eyebrow, "She could never truly utilize the basic stance of the Juken so she created a more fluid variant of her own design that utilizes her fire affinity. Her strikes not only close the tenketsu but also burn the flesh, she's trying out a new way to inject her chakra but I'll let her keep that secret until she wants to say." She explains, causing Zabuza to nod in understanding.
As Naruto gets back into the fight, a pair of figures walk into the clearing, "Hey Pyra, we put all of the stuff in the fridge." Mythra says as Haku and her walk towards the group, now noticing the taijutsu spar, "Hey there Brighid, you and Hinata came to train?" she asks as she watches the two 'friends' spar.
Brighid chuckles, "Among other things, it's also so Hinata could spend some time with Naruto." Brighid says which makes Mythra and Pyra grin while Haku looks at the Hyuga.
'So that's her, she does have some skill and it looks like Naruto is really enjoying the fight.' Haku thinks to herself as she watches Naruto land a chakra coated punch on Hinata's arm and the two continue their spar, both with small grins on their faces.
xXxXx Unknown Location: Same time
A single cloaked figure enters a rather spacious cave before looking around, 'Now where are those two?' The figure thinks to himself as he notices the other cot is empty. The figure sighs before going over to a series of covered and uncovered pedestals and taking a familiar blue crystal out of his pouch, thankfully wearing full gloves as not to accidentally bond to it, and places it on an empty pedestal before covering it with a cloth. "Well, that's another one down, hopefully those two found their target." He says to himself before going to a nearby crate and pulling out some fruit, polishing the apples he grabbed he begins to eat.
A few minutes pass and as the figure eats he hears feet hitting stone, "So how'd your assignment go?" the new female figure asks as she enters and walks over to the crates to set down some pouches.
The male figure swallows, "My assignment went fine, you're the one who is very late." He says, "You were supposed to have the easier assignment due to distance, around two days shorter than my own. So what happened?" he asks.
The figure sighs before grabbing some apples of her own before sitting down on her cot, "I DIDN'T complete my assignment, and for good reason." She says, her words surprising the male figure, "The reason why I'm late is while I was in Nami no Kuni I came across a devastated battlefield, the ether in the area was disturbed and agitated, it was…. Both uncomfortable and familiar." She says before eating the apple in her left hand, the male following her example before grabbing a water bottle and tossing it onto her cot. She throws the apple core before grabbing the bottle and downing a third of it, "Thanks." She says.
"So that's why you didn't find the core crystal in that area? I can mostly understand why you'd leave but that doesn't explain the two day absence. And where is your partner?" He asks her as he also throws one of his apple cores into a spare crate.
The female figure sighs again before lying down on her cot and taking a bite of another apple, "My partner is out getting us some meat, he's trying to hunt a few deer, I'll get some fish tomorrow. The reason why I was late is because I was following the ether trail, there WAS a core crystal in that area, in fact there were three, but from the feeling I got from the town they were all active core crystals." She says, further surprising the man who is practically leaning on her every word. "That means that there are three blades at least out there, I followed the trail to one of the shinobi villages, the one in Hi no Kuni, Konohagakure no Sato."
The male figure strokes his chin, "That's odd…. And you said the ether signature felt familiar?" he asks, receiving a nod in return, "Familiar how? A blade you know?" he asks.
The woman nods, "I'm positive, in fact the ether signatures I felt while in town there were all familiar, all three were blades I know. And all three of them are in Konoha; I made sure over the night before I came back." She says fondly as the man stares at the ceiling.
'Konohagakure no Sato, if I remember correctly it's located….. Wait….' He thinks to himself and his eyes go wide, "Hey, Konoha is located in the center of Hi no Kuni right?" he asks in a semi worried tone and gets a nod in return, "And didn't the Mor Ardain titan fuse with the land on the western hemisphere?" he asks and get another nod.
"Yeah, why? You seeing something I'm not?" she asks.
"Think! What people were buried in the area where Mor Ardain fused with the land? From what you've told me, what people were sealed there?!" he asks in a calm tone that containted some worry, causing the woman's eyes to start widening in realization, "What blade has the power to devastate a battlefield like that and yet is also familiar to you?"
The woman shoots up out of her cot, "Mythra….. Someone found Pyra and Mythra and woke them up! Oh my god!" she exclaims and she drops to her knees, the man stroking his chin again. The woman stands up a few moments later, "We need to go to them. They would've only woken up for someone worthy." She says excitedly.
The man thinks for a few minutes, as he's thinking the woman looks to be about to yell at him before he puts his hand up, "I happen to agree with you, but there is also the issue of our assignments." He explains, causing the woman to deflate a bit, "At the moment I can't have either of us staying in one place for too long because we need to gather these core crystals to keep them out of unworthy hands." His words seemingly upsetting the woman, "However, I can allow you to take a core crystal or two with you to try to find a few worthy drivers before you go look for a few more core crystals." His words now perking the woman up, "And if you so happen to come across Pyra, Mythra, or any old friends while you do so then that's fine too." He says, causing the woman to jump up and down before pulling him into a bone crushing hug. "Bones…. Breaking…. Lungs….. Empty…." He says as he falls limp in her arms.
The woman releases the hug and the man falls to the ground, "Heheh, my bad." She says as she rubs the back of her head as the man groans before standing up.
"You've definitely gotten stronger over the years. Almost scarily so." He says as he leans against the wall and rubs his stomach before chuckling.
A few minutes later, more steps are heard from the entrance of the cave before a thud sounds, "My lady, I have returned!" says the new figure.
xXxXx Location: Uzumaki Residence, Noon
After their series of sparring and training the group of shinobi and blades decided to take a break and eat lunch, being cooked by Mythra and Pyra. "OW, damn that's smarts." Naruto says as Haku applies a burn salve to his arms.
Haku chuckles, "Quit being such a baby Naruto-kun, if you hadn't taken so many hits then this wouldn't be an issue." Haku says as she applies more salve to another burn mark causing Naruto to wince.
Zabuza grins, "She's got ya there Gaki, take this to heart and don't get hit next time." Zabuza says, the glares he gets from Naruto and Mythra making him start to laugh.
Hinata chuckles but winces when Brighid applies some numbing cream to her bruises, "Thank you for the spar Naruto-kun. Your Drifter Fist has improved quite a bit since our last spar." Hinata compliments as Brighid helps her put her jacket back on. "Though you are still a bit too rigid with your movements, especially since your style revolves around fluidly dodging before striking using the momentum." Hinata explains.
Naruto groans, "Yeah, I know Hinata. I've been practicing but there's only so much you can do fighting the same people over and over again. Kakashi-sensei has been busy recently, even before our mission to Nami, and I normally only see Sasuke or Sakura during training or missions." Naruto explains, causing Hinata to nod in understanding.
After Haku bandages the last of Naruto's wounds and tells him to take it easy for a few hours she sits down and relaxes. "The two of you are quite skilled for your age; all you need is experience to push yourselves further." Haku says, earning smiles from the two.
A few minutes later and both Naruto and Hinata are bandaged up and feeling much better than before. After a little while of rather inconsequential talking both Pyra and Mythra walk into the room with plates and pots of various foods, placing them all onto the table, "Alright everyone, dig in!" the two say in unison, causing everyone to do so.
A little while into the meal the residents of the Uzumaki compound feel a pulse of chakra from the front gate, "I'll get it this time you two, just save me some of that beef please!" Naruto says as he gets up and performs a basic leaf shushin.
Uzumaki Compound Gate, 2 minutes earlier
Sasuke, Itachi, and Sakura, having met up earlier are walking down the road that leads to the gate of Naruto's compound, "So Sasuke-kun, how big do you think their jutsu library is?" Sakura asks Sasuke.
Sasuke seems to think for a minute but before he could answer is cut off by Itachi, "If I remember correctly, their new home is the old compound of the Yondaime Hokage. If the rumors are correct about the extent of his collected knowledge then we're about to see probably the largest repository of jutsu in the village outside of the ANBU repository. But until I take a look I can't be sure." Itachi says, surprising the two genin.
Sasuke smiles, "I just hope they let us take a look at the library, they already gave us a few jutsu scrolls already and I've pretty much mastered the lower ranked jutsu while using the higher ranked ones still consume a bit too much chakra to be practical for me at this point." Sasuke says before he turns to Sakura, "How's your training with the jutsu scrolls you got from them Sakura?" he asks his fellow genin.
Sakura blushes slightly before puffing her (Somewhat non-existent) chest outwards in pride, "I managed to get rather efficient with all of the scrolls they gave me, though I did completely master the Mud Wall jutsu. I'm going to see if they've got any other supportive jutsu scrolls. By the way, how are your chakra control exercises coming along?" Sakura asks Sasuke who grins and walks over to the nearby wall and starts walking on the wall.
A few meters later and Sasuke is still on the wall before he jumps off, "I've managed to up the time I can stay attached to a surface, I think once I can keep it up for a while longer I'll start on the water walking exercise." Sasuke says.
Itachi chuckles, "Indeed, you have improved since before your time in Nami no Kuni, though I would give it a few days after you master tree walking before you move onto water walking." Itachi says, "You really don't want to jump the gun on that training before you're ready after all." He says with a smirk that unsettles both Sakura and Sasuke.
A few moments later they reach the front gate of the Uzumaki compound and both Sasuke and Sakura are stunned by its size, "Holy hell, how did they afford this?" Sakura asks no one in particular.
Sasuke shakes his head, "No idea." Sasuke says before he looks next to the gate and sees the note from earlier, "Though I think we need to push this to get in." he says in a deadpan tone and pushes the seal. A few moments later a swirl of leaves appears behind the gate, revealing a bandaged Naruto.
Naruto seeing who had run the proverbial doorbell smiles at his teammates before opening the gate, "What's up guys?" Naruto asks as he shows the group in.
The group, now following Naruto inside look around as they approach the main building, "We came by to see how you were all doing and to see if you wouldn't mind letting us check out your jutsu library." Sasuke says.
Naruto smiles, "We're doing fine, and I personally don't mind. We are teammates after all. Just avoid the locked sections of the library; we'll know if you try to get in there." Naruto says, his tone becoming serious.
Sakura nods, "We understand Naruto, thank you for trusting us with this." Sakura says, a large smile forming on her face.
The group enters the house and eventually the dining room where greetings are exchanged before they all sit down and chat. After half an hour of eating and talking they all head into the library except for Zabuza who heads into town to find some metal in the market.
END
AN- IT'S BEEN A LONG FUCKING TIME! I hope you all enjoyed this little chapter of mine as I finally hit a point where I was satisfied with how it went. I got some major inspiration for this story so I might start alternating weeks in which I work on stories, unless I find myself having a big idea for one of them. Another reason I might not update a story for an extended period is for a story arc. Like with this story, I'll possibly do three chapters in a row leading through the Chunin Exams beginning and end of the prelims. I'm sorry again that this chapter took so long. Next time we deal with more training from team Seven, someone receiving something of note from a mysterious source, and possibly meeting a familiar face.