Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Naruto and any related matter. It all belongs to Kishimoto, the original brain behind the character Naruto. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and any original jutsu, seals, concepts and OC's that are present within the story.
"Thoughts / Telepathic Speech"
"Speech"
Letters / Jutsu notes
Chapter 19 – Birth of a Legend
"Here you go Naruto-sama, Sakura-san, Kaa-san!" Uzumaki Sakaki, Natsumi's daughter said as she placed a tray of cinnamon buns and three cups of green tea on the small table in between the three.
"Thank you Sakaki-chan!" Natsumi said with Naruto and Sakura nodding in gratitude. Sakaki smiled before walking out of the room. After leaving the private sitting room, Sakaki closed the shoji door causing seals to glow into life before fading.
Naruto took a sip of his tea as Sakura nibbled on a cinnamon bun after which Natsumi asked, "What did Anko-san say Naruto-sama?"
"She won't care about the consequences of a failed unsealing. I warned her, but she just said that she would go through it none the less."
"I see. Then I believe that Sakura-san is here to include her expertise on how to handle the enzymes that were injected into her body?" Natsumi asked with a questioning gaze at the pink haired medic. While it was not a strange sight to see Haruno Sakura roaming about the Uzumaki Compound or having tea or even staying over, but it was quite strange to her be present clan for discussions that weren't related to her position as the Chief Medic of the Clan.
"That's right. Sakura-chan, you read the reports and you have studied the samples Jugo willingly submitted. You tell me, how do we handle that aspect of the Jūinjutsu?" Naruto asked turning his attention to Sakura who was sipping her cup of tea.
After setting down the cup, Sakura frowned and said, "I have devised three ways to handle the enzymes. We either seal it permanently, but that would effect Anko-san's ability to learn Senjutsu, or, I can medically handle it. I can either extract all traces of the enzyme or create a neutralization compound that will need to be injected into her before you unseal her. Even then, I am a bit hesitant to go through either. I would like to consult with Tsunade-sama before finalizing anything. We don't want to do anything that would harm Anko-san in the long term."
"She makes a valid point, Naruto-sama. Orochimaru was quite brilliant when he created the Jūinjutsu. Normally, a Jūinjutsu is easy to remove for us, but the physical aspect changes things quite a lot. These enzymes and Orochimaru's cautious nature that have me worried. I have a bad feeling that if we remove the seal without handling the enzymes would only end in Anko-san's death."
"Alright, I will ask Tsunade to join us here. Do you two have all the notes on the seal and the enzymes?" Both females nodded causing Naruto nod before a Kage Bunshin phased into existence behind him. As soon as the clone came into existence, it vanished before reappearing with a confused Tsunade, who was wearing a bath robe and was drying her long blonde hair with a towel.
With a vein pulsing on her forehead, Tsunade growled out, "You better have a good reason for this Naruto, because I don't like it when people abduct me!"
"We do baa-chan. Sakura-chan wishes to consult with you about something before we proceed. Sakura-chan, if you would…"
Tsunade turned to Sakura as the Slug Princess sat down while she kept running the towel over her hair. "How much do you know about Orochimaru's Jūinjutsu, Tsunade-sama?"
"Not much. I am not a sealing expert after all. If you need a second opinion on it, I would suggest getting Jiraiya."
"I already did Tsunade-sama. We three came to the same conclusion. While most Jūinjutsu effect either the mind or the chakra of the victim or even both, this one also effects the body of the victim. There is a failsafe that if we were able to remove the seal, it would release a concentrated amount of enzymes that would overwhelm the victim's body and cause excess natural energy to fill and rupture the chakra coils. It would lead to a very painful death."
"Even I won't be able to expel the gathering natural energy before Anko's chakra coils rupture. The enzymes are quite a problem." Naruto explained with a glower.
Tsunade nodded before turning to Sakura, "They say that you are a Iryōnin that can rival me in skill. What is your take on this?"
"We need to handle the enzymes before they can cause problems. I have come to the conclusion that there are only three possible ways to handle the situation, and all three have possible drawbacks. I suggested that you give a second opinion." Sakura said as she handed over the folders to Tsunade, who placed the towel on her lap before picking up the folders.
As Tsunade pursued through the files, Sakura poured another cup of tea and placed it in front of Tsunade before returning to sip her own cup. Naruto had already finished his tea and was now nibbling on a cinnamon bun while Natsumi was adding sipping on her cup. After a few minutes, Tsunade placed the files on the table as she took up her cup of tea and drank it in a single gulp.
"You are right, there are only three possibilities, but I say that sealing the enzymes is the best way to go."
"Not if Anko-san wishes to learn Senjutsu, which she unfortunately does as the last approved Snake Summoner." Sakura said as Tsunade nodded.
"I see the predicament. If we seal the enzymes, there is a chance that her body will lose the ability to adapt to natural energy. Then we only have the choice to either remove all traces of the enzymes as the unsealing procedure is being done, or we have to inject her with a neutralizing agent. Both have too many factors that can lead to Anko being crippled. I would say that injecting the neutralizing agent is the best bet. Do you have samples from the original source? I doubt that Orochimaru used the original strains."
"No he didn't. The original strains are the basis of a Kekkai Genkai. We have the source here in the Uzumaki Holding house. You can meet him if you want." Sakura said with a careless tone as she took back the files.
Tsunade nodded before saying, "I don't think that is needed. What I want to know is how much of the concentrated enzymes are we talking about?"
"From what Jiriaya-sama, Naruto-sama and I have come to understand, the seal has two active stages and a dormant stage. In the dormant stage, a concentration of 0.35 ppm is the standard amount of enzymes the seal constantly circulates. In the first active stage, the concentration increases to 75.78 ppm. In the second active state, the amount varies from 150.89 ppm and 230.55 ppm." Natsumi said with a frown.
Sakura continued, "The host has a concentration of about 528.78 ppm when he actively uses his kekkai genkai at which point he loses cognizance. As of the amount of enzymes the seal will release if we remove it, it would exceed 925.47 ppm. The concentrated enzyme has a reactive index ratio of 3.21 to the original enzyme. You can understand how dangerous the amount will be, don't you?"
Tsunade nodded before commenting, "I do, but I am sure that with proper preparation, we can create, administer and modulate the proper dosage of the neutralizer while the unsealing is occurring. Can that be done?"
Seeing the question was posed to Natsumi, the Uzumaki Seal Master thought for a moment before saying, "I don't believe that there will be any problems if you hook up the equipment to Anko-san before the unsealing is done."
"I wasn't speaking of any machines. I was hoping that the Uzumaki would have a seal that could be used to do it. Other than that, it is futile because otherwise, we need someone to adjust the neutralizer absorption rate in real time. But unfortunately, there are no medical techniques that have been developed yet to do that. Maybe, if my Great Uncle was alive, he would have been able to control the absorption rate of the neutralizer substrate prepared in an aqueous base." Tsunade lamented causing Sakura's eyes to widen in realization.
"I think I may be able to do that!" Sakura mumbled though it caught everyone attention.
"What did you say?" Tsunade queried only for Naruto's eyes to widen as he commented, "You can use your immense control of water bending to control the absorption rate, especially since you can even bend blood and bodily fluids!"
"Exactly!" Sakura said with excitement causing Natsumi to look surprised at that titbit of knowledge. Tsunade, on the other hand, looked confused.
"What do you mean? There isn't anyone who can control blood! It's impossible!"
Naruto and Sakura turned to Tsunade with matching grins as Naruto said, "Maybe not with ninjutsu, but with ninshu, specifically water bending, it is highly possible. Very few have the strength of will and the disposition to be able to bend blood and bodily fluids, but Sakura-chan and I are two of them."
Tsunade looked disbelieving for a moment before Naruto sighed before focusing on the blonde haired medic. Suddenly, Tsunade felt the fluids in her left arm act out. She tried to resist, but unfortunately, the arm was not listening as it rose into the air.
With a panicked expression, Tsunade exclaimed, "Alright, I believe you!" As soon as she said that, her arm fell limply back down. Moving it around a bit to see if it was back under her control, Tsunade nodded with a satisfied smile and said, "That's a dangerous ability. More so than even the Hyūga Jūken."
Sakura nodded, "I agree, but it has quite a lot of great applications in the medical field."
Tsunade nodded before turning to Naruto, "How do you learn this water bending?"
"This is why I told you to learn ninshu from me, though I can't guarantee that you will have an affinity for water bending. Unlike ninjutsu, if you don't have an affinity, it is near impossible to learn bending of that element."
"Then how can you use all the elements? I doubt that you have an affinity for all?" Tsunade posed with a frown.
Naruto chuckled, "I said near impossible, not impossible. You would need hundreds of years of training to do that. As for me, I only have an affinity with Air."
Tsunade glowered as she said, "You don't look that old gaki!"
Sakura chuckled, "He may not be hundreds of years old, but he does have access to Kage Bunshin and an immense understanding of each of the elements and what they represent. Then there are his skills in senjutsu, that allows him to become completely connected to nature. If he can't realize the true natures of the elements, then no one can!"
Naruto blushed at the praise before commenting, "Ninshu is much more based on the disposition of the user than their skills in manipulating chakra. To bend an element, you need to understand what it represents and then change your mental state to reflect that disposition."
Tsunade nodded, "Alright then. Now Haruno-san, do you believe that you can do it. Administer and modulate the dosage in real time?"
"I believe so. It shouldn't be much of a problem for me to adjust the dosage on the fly."
"Then I believe we have a course of action. Is the neutralizer substrate ready?"
"I have had the Haematology department at the hospital already preparing and testing various strains. They will have the reports on my desk by eight this evening." Tsunade nodded before commenting, "Would you mind if I checked the reports?"
"Not at all. I would be honoured to have your input. In fact, as I am still an active Kunoichi, I would request that in my absence, you completely take over my position!" Sakura said with a little bow in the end.
Tsunade looked surprised but nodded, "It would be my pleasure Haruno-san!"
"Oh, please just call me Sakura, no honorifics. Like Naruto, I don't like formalities much."
Tsunade chuckled, "That's good, because unless completely necessary, I don't like formalities as well. Just call me Tsunade from now on Sakura."
"Of course Tsunade!"
"Alright then. We have a plan of action regarding Anko-chan's Jūinjutsu. Now, Sakura-chan, don't you have a class at the academy in a few minutes?" Naruto asked with a grin causing the pink haired girl to look up in surprise. Taking a look at the clock, Sakura hastily bid her farewells before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"What class is she attending in the Academy?" Tsunade asked in confusion causing Natsumi to giggle.
"She teaches the applications of water bending for healing purposes at the academy for future Iryōnin." Naruto said with a teasing smirk causing Tsunade to gape in shock. It wasn't everyday she hears of a girl, barely thirteen years of age, who is teaching such a complex subject. "You can join her in training new Iryōnin, if you want. She only has a couple of students in the bending class, but has quite the following in the basic Iryōjutsu class. Maybe, you could take off the burden a bit."
Tsunade nodded with a smirk. Though it was posed like a suggestion, she knew it was an order. "That's a good idea. I think I will drag Shizune along with me. I always did suggest such a program. It is good to see a similar program up and running!"
Naruto nodded before saying, "That's one of the reasons why Hideyoshi-jiji ordered your return, though before the order could be followed through, you were already here."
Tsunade nodded with a nervous gulp. She was so happy that she decided to return before she even got the official recall order.
Madam Shijimi was sitting with Moka in one of the Zen gardens within the Uzumaki Compound, sipping tea when Kanna walked up to them with a bunch of scrolls in her arms. Seeing the Heiress to the throne of Hi no Kuni walking up, Moka and Shijimi placed their cups on the small tray in between them and stared at the young princess with an inquisitive look.
"What are those scrolls about Kanna-chan?" Shijimi asked with a curious expression.
"I believe that they are the Uzumaki Library scrolls that deal with basic chakra manipulation, chakra theory and medical theory. Why are you reading them Kanna-hime?"
"I recently had a talk with Sakura-san, and her skills as a medic. After hearing what is needed to receive a certification to practice healing, I was intrigued. After asking if it was possible to for me to start learning at my age, she said it was not impossible, I just needed to be able to unlock my chakra and then gain appreciable control over it. Until I have achieved that, she advised me to study medical theory, basic chakra theory and basic chakra control. She said that it would help."
"You wish to become proficient in Iryōjutsu?" Shijimi asked with surprise.
"That's right Obā-sama! after talking with Otohime-dono, I was intrigued that she trained in the ways of the Samurai. I don't have the mentality to be a fighter, but that's doesn't prevent me from learning Iryōjutsu. In fact, Sakura-san and Otohime-dono suggested that I would do well as a medic. Besides, it is better if I know medicine. We can't always hope for one of the Iryōnin from Konoha to reach the capital in times of crisis!"
"A very wise precaution Kanna-hime. If you have any questions about chakra theory and chakra control and can't find Sakura-kun or Naruto-kun, come to me. I can guide you." Moka said with a gentle smile.
Kanna nodded before bowing and replying, "It would be an honour to learn under someone as experienced as you, Moka-sama!"
Many of the Jōnin were sitting on the top branches of the trees overlooking the large clearing in Training Ground 56. Beside the Sensei sat most of their Genin teams. In a particularly large tree sat Hiruzen, Hideyoshi and Kanna, latter of whom were sitting on two large throne grown from the tree. Right below them sat the Uzu Shinobi with Dōmon holding a large scroll in his hands. On the branch opposite the one occupied by Hiruzen and Hideyoshi, sat Otohime and her brother, Shiki with Zabuza and Haku beside them. Both royals were sitting on thrones made of wood.
The Clan Heads, some of the Clan Elders, the Anbu Commander and Tenzō were sitting on a large wooden stands, grown from the trees of at the edge of the clearing, a few feet above the ground. The Anbu Commander turned to Tenzō and said, "Good job Tenzō, your skills with the Mokuton are truly becoming awe inspiring!"
Tenzō chuckled and said, "I don't have the skills yet to do this. As of this moment, there is another Mokuton user in Konoha. One who will soon rival the Shodaime's famed skills!"
The Clan Heads looked startled at the revelation as none of them were privy to this mysterious Mokuton user, though a couple had some suspicions about who Tenzō was referring to. The Anbu Commander chuckled, "Then you better pick up the slack, or everyone will start calling you lazy!"
In the middle of the field stood Naruto, his cloak fluttering in the light breeze that was flowing through the clearing. On his left was Tsunade and on his right was Sakura. Both of them were wearing their usual cloths, but had donned a modified Iryōnin flak jacket. Tsunade's was pale green while Sakura's was dark pink.
On the other side of the field directly opposite the Hokage's perch were a collection of giant summons. A large black snake, the new Snake Boss, Aoda was there with Anko sitting on his head. The White Tiger Sage, Byakkō was sitting beside Aoda with Sasuke sitting on Byakkō's head. Beside Byakkō was a Vermillion bird with gold tipped wings and tail. This was Suzaku, the Phoenix Sage. Beside Suzaku was a large blue serpentine dragon, the Azure Dragon Sage known simply as Seiryū. Beside Seiryū was a black turtle. He had sage markings on his shell and was the Black Turtle Sage who was called Genbu. Behind the four Sages sat Gamamaru. Curled up behind Aoda was the Hakujā Sennin quietly hissing to Gamamaru. The Ōzaru Sennin was sitting on the other side of Aoda with Enma on his head. On the other side of the Ōzaru Sennin was Gamabunta with Jiraiya, Ma and Pa on his head. On Jiraiya's head was a small part of Katsuyu.
"Hiruzen, I didn't know that Konoha had this many summons?" Hideyoshi asked in confusion only for Hiruzen to shake his head and say, "Neither did I. Many of the summons are sages, from the small markings they have and their clothes. I believe that there is much more riding on this spar than we anticipated."
Tsunade looked around at the collected summons before commenting, "I though you said it was to be a simple spar Naruto?"
"So did I, but it seems that Gamamaru-sensei decided to make it into a meeting of the elder sages, I don't know why though. Anyway, just ignore the audience and fight to your best ability. You too Sakura. I have placed the whole clearing in a powerful barrier that will be able to hold back a full powered Bijūdama fired by the fox without problems."
"WHAT? This is a spar Naruto, not a war!" Tsunade complained while Sakura just nodded with narrowed eyes.
"Did I stutter! Go all out, or you will regret it!" Naruto said focusing a bit of his chakra pressure on her causing the ground beneath the Slug Sannin to crack. Nodding her head in acquiesce, Tsunade cracked her knuckles signifying that she was ready.
"The rules are simple, to win, one must knock out or force their opponent to yield. If I find the battle becoming too dangerous, I will stop it and will then discuss the performance of both participants with the gathered Elder Sages before declaring the winner! BEGIN!" Naruto called out before he suddenly blinked out of existence and reappeared atop Gamamaru's head.
"Why did you call the council meeting Sensei?"
Gamamaru chuckled and said, "All in good time my young apprentice. For now, watch the battle intently. I sense that it will be legendary!"
"When you sssay sssomething like that Sssensssei, it worriesss me!" Koshiro the Hakujā Sennin said casuing the four sages sitting in front of Gamamaru to chuckle.
"Isn't that true. Hey Seiryū, remember when Sensei threw you into an active volcano so that you could master your unique ice based senjutsu?"
"Shut up Byakkō, I really don't need to remember that horrifying experience!"
"You made it out alright and with greater mastery of ice!" Sasuke was horrified at the information and was hoping that Byakkō wouldn't be doing similar things to him.
"Both of you be quite! The match has started. I wish to see the young one's potential in manipulating the earth!" Genbu said with a gravely tone causing both sages to quickly become silent. Neither wanted to anger their fellow student. There is a reason that Genbu is considered the greatest defence specialist among them with his mastery over earth and water.
"The battle isn't quite as exciting as I expected, is it Inoichi?"
"I know what you mean Choza. For the legends of these two kunoichi's monstrous strength, I expected shockwaves to fill the clearing already."
"They are testing each other out. See how they move, how they pull their punches, how they easily parry each other's strikes? It will heat up soon." Shikaku said causing the other two to nod. And indeed, the battle started heating up as Tsunade and Sakura started speeding up and hints of their monstrous strength started appearing in the small craters that started forming on the ground and the small shockwaves erupting from the contact of their fists.
Jumping back, both Tsunade and Sakura had smirks on their faces. Wiping a bit of sweat from her forehead, Sakura caused Tsunade's attention to fall on the small diamond seal on her forehead. A seal that was similar to her own.
"Is that a Infūin on your forehead?"
Sakura chuckled and said, "Not exactly. It is based on the Infūin but instead of Yin chakra, it stores Yang. Yang chakra has a strong effect in regeneration factors and do not shorten the life span of the user, not that I need it."
"And why is that?"
"Healing through Water Bending can be just as effective. I can apply the healing techniques to the blood in my body to gain instant regeneration, giving me a pseudo-immortality as long as the technique is active!"
Tsunade chuckled, "Let me guess, it doesn't shorten your lifespan, does it?"
"No!"
"Then why don't we throw away the training gloves and start the real fight?" Tsunade said activating her Infūin. At the same time, Sakura smirked and activated her own seal.
The two stared at each other for a few moments before suddenly, Sakura was launched into the air by a pillar of stone. Tsunade was surprised but jumped back just in time. Sakura struck the ground causing a massive ten feet deep crater to form.
With a smirk, Tsunade jabbed her foot into the ground and kicked up causing a massive bolder to fly up. With a spin kick, Tsunade sent the bolder fly towards Sakura who just smirked in return and thrust her fist forward causing a shockwave to fly off and collide with the massive bolder. A simple hole formed in the middle of the bolder before it disintegrated into dust.
Sakura focused and caused multiple rocks to fly up around her and start spinning at great speeds as they heated up before turning into spinning shuriken made of lava. "Hope you can survive these!"
Tsunade looked shocked at seeing the flying lava shuriken and was barely able to dodge the first three but the forth caught her on her outer thigh, cauterizing the wound. Steam erupted from the burned wound as it sealed up in an instant, just in time for Tsunade to roll left and dodge the returning lava shuriken.
For the next few minutes, it became a game of cat and mouse as Sakura tried to guide Tsunade towards her with her flying lava shuriken, while Tsunade kept dodging and weaving out of the shuriken's paths with extreme dexterity.
"You have taught her well Naruto. Her skills in controlling earth is astounding!"
"Thank you Sensei, but that was completely her. She was the one who discovered the secret to bend lava."
"Don't be modest Naruto-dono. It isn't only the student, but also the teacher's accomplishment in discovering new applications of any discipline. Even, I haven't been able to understand the earth enough to be able to bend lava. Metal, yes, but not lava."
"You honour me with your words Genbu-dono!" Naruto said as he watched the battle unfold.
Tsunade had finally got bored of dodging and was rushing Sakura with the shuriken following her. Seeing a chance, Sakura caused the shuriken to suddenly solidify and crash onto the ground as she closed her eyes and focused on the ground around her. Taking a deep breath, Sakura suddenly opened her eyes and crashed her fist into the ground in front of her. All around her, the field started melting and changing into lava causing Tsunade to jump back and throw a few kunai at the distracted girl.
The kunai embedded into Sakura's stomach with sick squelches causing the girl to cough up a bit of blood. To everyone's surprise, the kunai flew out on their own and began circling around the pink haired as the blood around the wound flew back into it before a blue glow appeared for a few moments before vanishing revealing a completely unblemished stomach.
Raising her hand up, a long tendril of lava followed which solidified into a small handle with a long thin whip of lava flowing out. With a smirk, Sakura twirled the lava whip for a moment before causing it to fly forwards towards Tsunade who was too shocked to retaliate found her arm engulfed in a burning whip of solidified lava.
With a flex of her super strength, she easily shattered the burning rock revealing the burned muscles beneath. As the burns healed within seconds, Tsunade smirked and dodge another whip as she threw a few kunai to test a theory. She smiled when she saw that while Sakura could control the metal and the lava, she couldn't do complex things with both at the same time.
Sakura narrowed her eyes as she took control of the kunai Tsunade threw and caused them to join the others orbiting around her before snapping out with the whip again only for the Slug Sannin to roll out of the way and throw a few senbon at her. Again she took control of the senbon before whipping again causing Tsunade to roll and throw a few shuriken.
"What are they doing Hiruzen? Why are both not charging forward?"
"Both have monstrous strength that would assure their victory if they were able to land a blow on their opponent. They both know this, so both are being cautious, but with Sakura-chan's other abilities, I would say that Tsunade is at a disadvantage. Tsunade doesn't have any way to really cause damage from afar, while Sakura has, not that it would matter with both of them having the ability to instantly regenerate. This is becoming a battle of attrition. First to become fatigued will win."
Hideyoshi nodded in understanding when Moka spoke up from the branch below theirs. "Not quite. Sakura-chan is at a disadvantage at the moment. See how both are just taking pot shots at each other, Tsunade with the weapons and Sakura with her lava whip?"
Both Hideyoshi and Hiruzen nodded causing Moka to continue, "Sakura-chan is controlling the too much earth at the same time. It is mentally fatiguing her quicker. There is her focus to keep the lava in molten state and under her control. Then there is her split focus in controlling the whip and the metal weapons. I believe that Sakura-chan is putting too much pressure on her mind. Soon, she will faint from mental strain!"
"Ah, I see now, but it seems that she has realized that, since she now begins to attack aggressively again!" Hideyoshi said.
Feeling the sudden headache, Sakura realized what the problem was and made the orbiting weapons to fly towards a surprised Tsunade who was unable to dodge most of the weapons. With a grunt, Tsunade flexed her muscles causing the weapons to fly out as her wounds instantly healed up. Tsunade looked up only to see Sakura surf towards her on a wave of lava with the area around her feet frozen into ashen stone. Before Tsunade to could react, the wave was upon her and so was Sakura. In reflex, Tsunade stabbed forward and would have stabbed Sakura through the heart if Naruto hadn't reappeared and caught her hand in his glowing golden ones while Sakura was being held in an arm of chakra. The lava flew around the three before flowing into the craters filling them up and solidifying into a plane rocky surface.
"This fight is over!" Naruto declared with authority as he caused the chakra arm to put Sakura down on her feet and let go of Tsunade's wrist. "Please check over your wounds while I discuss the performance with the Elder Sages!"
With his piece said, Naruto vanished and reappeared on Gamamaru's head. "So, what do you think Sensei?"
"Byakkō, you go first!" Gamamaru said with a thoughtful expression.
"Both performed well. The young one's mastery over ninshu is astounding, especially since she has been learning it for such a short time, and at such a young age as well, but I believe that she could have done better. She needs more experience. Katsuyu's summoner needs to get some ranged techniques under her belt as well, and she seems a little rusty. Over all, I would say that it was a draw!"
Everyone nodded as Suzaku spoke up, "I had an interest in your friend Naruto-dono, for her healing skills, but her elements don't match mine and mine peoples. Her skills in healing with water bending by using one's own blood is something I have never come across. On the other hand, Katsuyu's summoner also has a similar technique that uses yin chakra to facilitate increased cellular mitosis. Because of that, both were practically immortal and the outcome of the battle would have only ended up with spiritually broken participants. One requires more experience and the other is rusty, so I say that the battle was a draw!"
"The battle was won by the pink haired one. Even with instant healing, Katsuyu's summoner would be the one getting the short end of the stick. Though Katsuyu's summoner has much experience and skill, she has stagnated and hasn't bothered to broaden her horizons. If we took away their regeneration abilities, then it would have been Katsuyu's summoner who would have died. The battle was won by the pink haired one!"
"You two have been unusually quiet Genbu and Koshiro. What are your thought?" Gamamaru asked causing Koshiro to chuckle and say, "I believe that this was a win for young Ssssakura. Ssshe has earned my ressspect by her performance. Tsssunade would have losssst if Naruto had allowed Ssssakura to dousssse her in lava!"
"I agree with Koshiro-sempai, Sensei. This was young Sakura's win and I believe I have found a new Turtle Summoner!" Genbu said with a grin as everyone looked at the ancient turtle with appraising looks. In the past, he had turned down many great shinobi and kunoichi the honour of becoming a summoner. To admit that a young iryōnin had earned his respect was something that many believe would not happen, especially since Genbu preferred those with a deposition towards defending the innocent.
Gamamaru chuckled, "I see your point Genbu, Koshiro, but I say that it was a draw. I saw the future possibilities that are now impossible, but there were equal number of outcomes in which Tsunade won, as much as Sakura won. Oh goodness me, it seems that we need a seventh vote to finalize the outcome. Ōzaru-kun, what are your thoughts on the battle?"
The Ōzaru Sennin looked stunned at suddenly being asked his opinion but quickly regained his composure and stated, "I believe that it was a draw Gamamaru-sama. If Naruto-sama hadn't intervened, Tsunade would have been drowned in boiling lava while Sakura would have been knocked out by a kunai to the heart. Even with their respective regeneration techniques, they would take a lot of time to recover and would have been mentally and physically exhausted, so I believe that the battle would be a draw!"
"Well said Ōzaru. There you have it Naruto. Declare the result. As the referee, it is your duty to officially end this!"
Naruto nodded before reappearing in the middle of the field. Focusing on his air bending, he softly said, "The battle has been a draw! There is no winner!"
Even though Naruto has spoken softly, the air bending technique had caused his words to be carried all around the clearing to the point that even the people occupying the farthest reaches of the clearing clearly heard him as if he was standing right beside them.
The Clan Head, Anbu Commander and Tenzō were nodding their heads in agreement with Naruto and the Elder Sages judgement when Naruto commented, "I am very happy that I agreed to allow Hinata, Hanabi and Neji to train in ninshu. If this is what a competent user can do, I don't want to face off against a master!"
"Right you are Hiashi-sama. Tenzō, you were in Kiri with her. Did she every show such skills there?"
"I believe that she did, Commander. Unfortunately, I wasn't the one to witness it. you should ask Neko. She got front row seats to the massacre Sakura-san orchestrated with her control of the elements. From what I heard, it took her less than three minutes to completely wipe away nearly three hundred shinobi and kunoichi, that too without sustaining a single blow."
"Tenzō, you are being taught by Naruto-sama." Tsume asked getting a nod from Tenzō, "What are your thoughts to his teaching methods. I asked my son, but Kiba is too much of an idiot and worships Naruto too much to give a proper assessment."
Tenzō hummed for a few moments before saying, "He is a very good teacher, and his techniques are quite effective in transmitting the understanding needed to use ninshu. Plus, he teaches by example. He shows us the path, then it is our prerogative to walk it."
Tsume nodded as Shibi spoke up, "And his character?"
"He is a great leader. He is kind, but when needed, he is tougher than nails. If someone messes up during classes, he takes the time to personally get us through the mistakes, but if someone is goofing around, then let's just say that Asuma and his Team found out what happens during the Wave Mission."
Kakashi chuckled drawing everyone's attention to him. "What's so funny Hatake?"
"I was there when Naruto chewed out Asuma and Team 10. It was not pleasant. I am so happy that I have been able to quickly adapt to ninshu. That's all I will say Commander. If you don't believe me, just ask Sasuke. I am sure that you will be enlightened about how Naruto completely changed Sasuke's views."
"So that's why Ino changed so much after that mission. I just thought that it was because of her being exposed to the realities of the world." Inoichi said with a chuckle.
"Didn't you read the reports Inoichi, our kids didn't really need to do anything. The only time Ino really had to fight was when she eliminated a group of Gato's thugs. Even then, it was a mixture of air bending and genjutsu." Shikaku said with a thoughtful expression. "Now that I think about it. Even Shikamaru has been training harder than usual and has started incorporating ninshu into his strategies."
"I wonder if we can find a way to adapt ninshu into our clan jutsus?" Shibi murmured in a low voice, but everyone heard causing Tsume to chuckle and say, "Kiba is already doing it. He may not be a master in either fire or air, but he can apply both elements to increase the potency of the Inuzuka Clan Techniques. Who knew that air bending could be used to increase our already impressive speeds by a hundred fold!"
"Hinata has started adding water bending to her modified jūken while Hanabi is still learning the basics of fire bending and hasn't touched earth bending at all yet, but I can already think of many different applications of fire and earth to the standard jūken."
"Ino has been becoming quite strong in the mental arts of my clan. She says that our clan techniques and air are similar and that some of the air bending techniques she is trying to incorporate are related to astral projection and telekinesis."
"But don't your clan already use astral projection in those possession jutsu?"
"They do, but not in the way Ino is starting to apply them. We need to possess someone and at that time, our bodies are vulnerable. Ino doesn't need to possess someone. She floats around like a spirit and if required, can transfer back to her body within an instant."
"Chōji hasn't really adapted ninshu into our clan techniques but we do still use ninjutsu. Chōji has been replacing the ninjutsu with his earth bending. I wonder if Sakura-san would be willing to help Chōji learn to manipulate lava?"
"You know," said Kurama Hokuto, "At first I thought that a bit of favouritism was being shown as Sakura-san is Naruto-sama's best friend, but I now know that the promotion wasn't a fluke."
"If you knew Naruto-sama well, then you wouldn't have thought that. Naruto-sama is very fair and doesn't show favouritism. In fact, many would complain that he had influenced the Hokage to allow Konohamaru to be inducted into the forces, but let me tell you. Not only did Konohamaru had to give the new standardized graduation exam, he had to give a personal test administered by Naruto-sama. From what I saw, the test would force many experienced Chunnin into depression. Konohamaru, survived such a test and Naruto-sama had threatened that if Konohamaru failed, he would have to stay an extra two years in the academy. While Naruto-sama had suggested Konohamaru be given the chance, it was Konohamaru's choice to take the early graduation exam." The Anbu Commander said with a chuckle.
"Then I can rest assured that Konoha is in good hands!" Kurama Hokuto said getting nods from everyone present.
Before anyone could comment, Kakashi exclaimed, "Quiet, it seems that Tsunade-sama wishes to say something!"
"After thinking about the fight, I have concluded that it was my loss. I had greater experience than Sakura and had a greater time to hone my skills, but Sakura already matches me. In a few years, Haruno Sakura will easily surpass me! For that, I say that the winner of this fight was Sakura! Here is Grandfathers Necklace, just as promised!" Tsunade said throwing the necklace to Naruto and then giving a respectful bow to Sakura.
Surprised at the sudden gesture, Sakura returned the gesture before something suddenly clicked in her mind, "Why did you give Naruto your necklace Tsunade?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and said, "You don't know? Naruto here betted that you would win the spar, which, in my opinion, you did. So I had to part with the necklace."
Sakura growled and turned to Naruto with narrowed eyes causing Naruto to feel a sudden shiver run down his spine. Turning his head, he saw Sakura glaring at him. Supressing the shiver, Naruto asked, "Do you need something Sakura-chan?"
A light killing intent started wafting from the petite girl causing everyone to suddenly see the illusion of an angry war goddess.
"Oh my, it looks like young Naruto has bitten of more than he can chew. I told him it was a bad idea to bet on the outcome, but he wouldn't listen."
Koshiro chuckled and said, "Remindssssss me of Hagoromo and his wife. He ussssed to do thingssss like this as well! Do you remember Ssssensssei?"
"Of course I do. Their arguments were fun to watch!"
"Well, I better interfere before she causes any major harm to Naruto-dono." Genbu said before he was engulfed in a large cloud of smoke and disappeared. At the same time, a puff of smoke formed in between the two time travellers and from that smoke emerged Genbu in a size that was a bit taller than an average human.
"Haruno Sakura-san. I, Genbu, the Kurokame Sennin, have seen your skills in bending the earth to your will and have decided to allow you the honour of signing the Turtle Summoning Contract!"
Everyone looked startled, even Naruto. After a few moments of silence, Sakura finally regained her composure and with a bow said, "I would be honoured to sign the Turtle Contract, Genbu-sama!"
Genbu chuckled and said, "I see great potential in you. I believe that you may just be the one to be able to master my unique Sennin Mode. While there is a general Turtle Sage mode created by the younger Turtle Sages, mine gives complete mastery over earth and water. I am sure that it shall benefit your fighting style greatly. Come, let us head to Akaiiwashima." Genbu said as he placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder and vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Well, that was unexpected!" Ōzaru said before he bowed to the elder sages and said, "I shall be taking my leave. It is an honour to meet all of you. Hiruzen, when your grandson is ready, have him sign the contract. I am sure that with Naruto-sama as his master, he will be able to understand senjutsu better that you did!"
"Of course Ōzaru-sama!" Hiruzen said as the Monkey Sage vanished in a puff of smoke. With his leave, the other summons started leaving as well until only Koshiro, Byakkō, Katsuyu, and Gamamaru were left.
"Everyone dismissed! We wish to speak with our summoners in private!" Gamamaru commanded causing everyone not connected to the remaining summons to quickly vacate the area. Hideyoshi, Kanna, Shiki and Otohime being taken away by clones of Naruto, who used the Hiraishin to transport them to the Uzumaki compound while the shinobi left in either shunshins or leapt away in fear of the unsaid repercussions.
After a few minutes Gamamaru nodded and said, "Now, the reason all of you were asked to stay was because we believe that all of you have great potential. Yes, even you Jiraiya!"
"Sasuke, as I said, you have the qualities I have been looking for in a Tiger Summoner. What I didn't say is that you also have the qualities to become an immensely strong sage as well. While your chakra pool isn't large enough to learn how to safely harness natural energy yet, it will grow and in time I shall ask that you take up my offer. Until then, I shall assign you Kagedora as your familiar. He will be your primary summon and is the heir to the clan. He is well versed in the clan techniques and styles. Learn well Sasuke, for I have great expectations."
Sasuke nodded with a bow, but didn't say anything as he was stunned at the revelation.
"Anko. You have been given a sssshort ssstick from fate, but you keep persssssevering. You had great potential and I was overjoyed when Orochimaru had you ssssign the contract, but unfortunately, that potential is being sssssealed away because of that Jūinjutsssssu. After it is removed, I assssk that you ssssummon me sssso that I can sssstart your ssssenjutssu Training. It has been a long time ssssince a true Human Ssssennin has repressssented usssss!"
"I will make sure to bring honour to the clan Hakujā-sama!"
"Tsunade, I have only one advise. Learn Ninshu. It will broaden your horizons!"
"I have had the same though Katsuyu." Katsuyu nodded with a pleased vibe before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"Jiraiya, you do not spend much time perfecting your senjutsu skills. You haven't even mastered the basic sage mode yet, so I cannot even suggest that you start the advanced exercises. My advice is that you start mastering senjutsu to a greater degree. After you have mastered the basic mode, ask Naruto to help you understand the exercises needed to start your path down the road to become a true sage."
"As you wish Gamamaru-sama!" Jiriaya said with a respectful bow. In the past, he may have ignored the advice, but at that time, he had believed that Gamamaru was a senile old coot, now that he knows the truth, he won't discard even the strangest suggestion.
"Naruto, after the Chunnin Exams, I ask that you reverse summon yourself to Myōbokuzan. I believe that you are now ready for the next set of exercises."
"Of course Sensei. I will head over as soon as I have settled into my place as Hokage." Naruto said surprising Sasuke, but the last loyal Uchiha decided not to comment.
"That is fine. I had already foreseen it. Make sure to visit Oni no Kuni soon. It will offer you a great opportunity!" Gamamaru said before he, Byakkō and Koshiro vanished in puffs of smoke leaving behind a group of confused shinobi and kunoichi.
"What did he mean by that Naruto?" Sasuke asked only for Naruto to shrug.
"I sometimes get disjoint visions every now and then while I am meditating while submerged in senjutsu, but Sensei has it down to an art form. The only way I will know, is if I follow his advice, which I will. I do need to talk with Miroku-dono and her daughter about the contract my father made with them."
Sasuke nodded while Jiraiya gave a perverted grin right before a snake wrapped around his neck while Tsunade punched the idiot in the head. "Keep it K-Rated in that empty mind of yours Jiraiya!" Both Tsunade and Anko said with glares before sharing a grin.
A/N:
Japanese Translations
Kekkai Genkai = Bloodline Limit
Gaki = Brat
Iryōnin = Medic Ninja
Ōzaru Sennin = Great Monkey Sage
Kurokame Sennin = Back Turtle Sage
Akaiiwashima = Red Rock Island
Hakujā = White Snake
Myōbokuzan = Mt. Myōboku
Oni no Kuni = Land of Demons
Japanese Jutsu, Style and Weapon Name Translations
Jūinjutsu = Cursed Seal
Kage Bunshin = Shadow Clone
Jūken = Gentle Fist
Senjutsu = Sage Arts
Iryōjutsu = Medical Techniques
Mokuton = Wood Release
Bijūdama = Tailed Beast Bomb
Infūin = Yin Seal
Hiraishin = Flying Thunder God
Shunshin = Body-Flicker
A/N: Here it is everyone, a new chapter of 'Return to the Past!' I hope all of you enjoy it!
SSG.
