Chapter 5: Training on the Go

The businessman Beloukas is overseeing the coming shipments of exotic animals and goods, along with many new empty cages in the case war with Siltvelt broke out, while some would think that the Queen's effort in illegalizing slavery would ruin his business in truth it'll do very little as it will only affect him on the surface level his shady dealings and underground trade will still go strong, plus there's the added fact that he's investing in the spice trade which is fast becoming a lucrative business venture, speaking of spices two of his employees went to him and lay down a crate in front of him removing the lid.

Beloukas grins at the sight fresh raw cinnamon, picking up a small bark to his nose to smell it savoring the sweet aroma, returning the product in the crate he turns to his accountant. "Well, I assume the travel went without much trouble."

"Yes, Boss, as ordered we have fifty crates of cinnamon, twenty-five crates of ginger, thirty crates of nutmeg, twenty-seven crates of pepper, sixty crates of cardamom, forty sacks of sugar, and we manage to gain fifty-five rolls of soft silk."

The merchant grins wider anticipating a very profitable weeks to come. "Good, very good, send word to our clients and buyers they'll be very delighted by the amount of products we have."

"As you say," His accountant begins writing up the messages.

They suddenly felt a presence behind to which the two men turn and Beloukas sees a familiar face along with a new one. "Ah, Miss Uzumaki, back so soon I see, I guess this means your friend is here and this must be him?"

"Indeed, this would be Jiraiya."

"I learned that you have connections with some shady people, is that right?" Jiraiya tends to be careful when setting up a spy network, he must first know if this man can be trusted, and he's certain that this man either is cooperative due to money or maybe he's helping them because he was ordered to.

"You heard right, good sir," Beloukas looks to at his right, glancing around the warehouse full of crates and cages. "Let us talk in my office, it's much more secure and I can bring out some files and reports that might interest you."

"By all means lead the way."

Back with the Group

Four days had passed since Raphtalia recovered from her illness, healthy in body she now accompanies her new friends on her new journey, the plan for today is the same as yesterday, fighting monsters to gain level but now with added training session for the young demi-human, she will not fight monsters right now just observe Kushina, Jiraiya, Naruto and Hinata from a distance so she can learn each of their different unique fighting styles. Despite Naruto and Hinata being just older than her by two years they can really hold their own and prove to be strong fighters.

She learns so much from just watching them, despite that he can't wield any weapons except for shields Naruto proved to be very resourceful using magic from his homeland or jutsu as they call it, his trademark Shadow Clones can easily overwhelm any enemies and combine with Wind type jutsus such as Great Breakthrough and Air Bullets he can dispatch most foes with ease. She even learns that Naruto can summon a few hundred Clones effectively creating a small army out of just Chakra.

Hinata is very unique as she rarely use any weapons for melee combat mostly using her fists, Kushina explained to her that Hinata came from a prominent shinobi clan the Hyuga, their famed and feared Gentle Fist is their main form of unarmed hand-to-hand combat, she initially thinks that it is a massive disadvantage but Kushina further stated that the Hyuga's Gentle Fist is actually pretty lethal further explaining that they can paralyze limbs or the whole body, can knock an opponent unconscious with a single strike, even damage organs, even prevent the victim from using magic, wearing armor will do little against such attacks, and with their Kekkei Genkai the Byakugan their attacks can be more devastating to the body. This information makes Raphtalia somewhat afraid of Hinata as the thought of doing so much damage without ever penetrating the skin sounds very terrifying, she definitely don't want to get in the bad side of Hinata or any other Hyuga.

There's Kushina herself, Naruto and Hinata often state that Kushina is a fearsome kunoichi, strong and fast as proven when Naruto tells her during the farce trial when the foolish king decided to have her executed just for proving Naruto's innocence, she disable or killed the knights who surrounded her and made an ominous promise that she will end him if he ever harms Naruto, Hinata, or any of her friends. But when Raphtalia asks about Kushina's husband and Naruto's father they were silent, Naruto explained he never know and Kushina stated that she'll reveal his identity when the time is right.

Then comes Jiraiya, Raphtalia first thought that Kushina is the strongest until the redhead and the two genins explains the powerhouse that is Jiraiya the great Toad Sage, a war veteran with decades of experience under his belt, feared and respected by many, powerful shinobi of his generation, his humorous perversion and eccentric personality is debated by some as either his true face or a façade to hide his more serious and cunning side. During the time she spent with them Jiraiya tell tales of his adventure and fond memories of his friends and student, fascinated that he befriended the great Toads who can grow to a size of castles and can summon them in battles. She sees the legendary Sannin easily lives up to his name when he defeated several monsters with a single strike or two, or casts jutsu that can wipe out clusters of enemies.

On regular day of grinding to gain more levels, Raphtalia is on a clearing with Hinata they're about to train in taijutsu, Kushina is overseeing this spar. "Are you two ready?" She asks.

"Yes" They both said getting in their own fighting stance, Hinata gets into her Hyuga fighting stance while Raphtalia took of a more boxing stance though clearly nervous as she's up against a superior unarmed combatant.

"Good, now begin!"

Raphtalia charges at Hinata with a raised fist, lunging at her face but Hinata merely moves her head to her left avoiding the fist completely, then Raphtalia's left lift rise up going for an uppercut on Hinata's chin but the she merely backpedals, the demi-human then goes for a kick but the Hyuga easily blocks it, another attempt with a quick jab but Hinata parries it throwing it off course. On and on Raphtalia kept on the offensive but all of her attempts are easily block or avoided, the years of harsh training for the young Hyuga Heiress have proven to be advantageous as she spots an opening and goes for the strike on the chest, but Hinata's open palm stops just an inch away from Raphtalia's body. The demi-human knew that she lost as this attack could put an end to her if Hinata was serious.

"I yield."

Seeing Raphtalia is bit in the slump Hinata cheers her up. "Don't feel too bad, you're making improvement."

Kushina joins in patting their head. "She's right you know, your attacks are much faster than last time, keep on training like that you might become as fast as Might Guy." Kushina's Clone had a word with Beloukas when she and Jiraiya visited the business man; he stated that demi-humans and beastmen can rapidly age if they gain experience and leveling up, proof of this is when Raphtalia was age up by a year in a span of five days adventuring and gaining levels. Kushina is a little troubled by this, she doesn't want to rob Raphtalia of her childhood by continuing her path in becoming a shinobi, then again her childhood life was shattered because of the Waves and the cruel treatment of her former masters thus making her choose this life so she can't protect the other children so they won't suffer the same faith as her.

"Who's Might Guy?" Raphtalia asks as she has no idea who the man is.

"A fellow shinobi" Kushina starts, "A taijutsu specialist, in fact probably the best taijutsu user there is, he can move incredibly fast and can shatter stone with his bare fists. In fact he is probably one of the fastest shinobis I ever known" Kushina's thoughts drift to her husband, Naruto already know about the Nine Tailed Fox sealed in him but he is still unaware of his connection to Minato

Raphtalia is astonished, looking at her own hands wondering if she can have the same kind of strength or move faster than Kushina. It does make her wonder if there are more shinobi from their world that are extraordinary. "Wow, d-do you think I would be able to become strong or fast as him?"

Kushina smiles at her. "It's a huge possibility, because I can see potential in you."

They went to rest under the shade of a tree, drinking water and eating snacks; Hinata took out a piece of paper that she picked up from a guild. "Miss Kushina, here's the list of jobs we can take: there's a village wanting to get rid some Dire Wolves that are eating their livestock, an escort mission, a village named Lute wanted someone to get rid a high level monster that went into hiding in one of the nearby mines, and many more"

The young Hyuga hands the paper to Kushina, looking through the list she contemplates where to go and what to do next, she reads that there's a bandit problem, giant insects harassing farmers, though there are some missions that she'll never accept such as hunting down escape slaves. A wave of information hits her, her Shadow Clone just dispelled which she learns of the meeting between Jiraiya and Beloukas, also added that the Toad Sage just summoned their reinforcement.

"Looks like our comrades are here." Kushina looks to an empty field which Hinata and Raphtalia did the same.

Raphtalia is confuse at first until Naruto, Jiraiya, and two other new people appear, she completely forgot that the shinbois have a jutsu called Body Flicker Technique which to Raphtalia is a teleportation spell until Kushina explained before that is grants the user extreme boost in speed that looks like the shinobi just appear or disappear.

Naruto waves at them with a grin. "Hey guys, Jiraiya decided to summon our reinforcement early but he summoned just Kurenai and Kakashi-sensei."

The red-eyed woman approaches Hinata and gave her a hug. "Thank goodness you're alright, your parents and sister are worried sick feared that you might have been kidnapped, it's good to see that you three are doing fine."

"Don't worry too much, Kurenai-sensei, we're doing our best here." Hinata pauses for a bit, remembering some of the challenges ahead. "Well there's the king of Melromarc who have a grudge against Naruto just for being the Shield Hero and this country's main religion."

"We are all aware of that fact, we were briefed before we get here." Kakashi piped up, then chuckles as he finds the situation somewhat funny. "I find it rather humorous that the princess accused Naruto of all people of such a heinous crime."

"Agreed, their plan to ostracize and convict Naruto backfired spectacularly." Kushina smiles remembering most of the gossips and rumors she heard, seeing their respect for the king dropped dramatically. "So anyway, is it going to be just you three?"

Jiraiya folds his arms as he explains his situation. "Not for long, bringing people from our world to this one is probably the same as me summoning the Great Toads for battle, but summoning to an entirely different world in a different universe is new to me, I just wanted to be sure that there be no problems by doing this method which is why I'm started with a small number. The Great Toad Sage along with Fukasaku and the others are studying and coming up with a new method as we speak as they took an interest to this Legendary Shield that Naruto have."

While the adults are talking among themselves, Naruto went to greet the two girls. "How's your training?"

"Hinata said that my fighting skills are improving, even Miss Kushina stated that if I continue on I might reach the same speed as Might Guy's, or at least near his level." Raphtalia felt proud because of the compliment.

"You mean Bushier Brows Sensei," Naruto thinks back to the first time he met the famed taijutsu user; it was during Hinata's eleventh birthday, then remembering a funny event with Guy and his sensei. "Oh man you got to know the wacky games he and Kakashi-sensei played, did you remember that last year, Hinata?"

Hinata remembers the friendly rivalry between the two and smiles at the memory as she began recounting it. "I remember it well: Guy challenged Kakashi in a rock-paper-scissors and lost, he had to go around the village ten times just by handstand balancing a tray of cups and a kettle on his feet, he did it successfully though without falling down or spilling the tea." It's a light hearted moment that made Hinata chuckles.

"That's sounds rather hard." Raphtalia tries imagining the image already, she remembers Keel trying to do a handstand but ended up losing her balance, and to hear that this man was able to do it is pretty impressive for her.

"Speaking of which, we can try something that can help you become faster." An idea came up and Naruto wants to try it as he remembers his previous interaction with Rock Lee. "I talked with Bushy Brows of how he moves so fast, I asked and he told me that he uses ankle weights saying that he can move in incredible speed after wearing them for months."

Raphtalia is now intrigue by this and asks. "Wow, do you think it'll work?"

Naruto just scratches his cheek and admits. "Truthfully, I didn't actually see him removing his ankle weights and then moves fast before, he said he will only do it in dire situations or Might Guy told him to."

"Maybe we can ask Miss Kushina," Hinata recommends.

The blond shinobi take a look at the adults and sees that they're too busy discussing the next course of action. "Maybe later, after they're done with their meeting," Another simple idea came to mind as he turns to the demi-human. "Hey, I can teach you the Shadow Clone Technique; do you like to learn it?"

Raphtalia saw Naruto used this trademark technique of his many times before, the ability to instantly outnumber your enemies, overwhelm them with numbers, and to replenish lost manpower on a whim is a must have for any warrior and soldier, and with an excited smile the demi-human nods. "That would be great, I'm always ready to learn from you all."

"Alright, just a heads up you might be able to summon only one or two in fact it is best that you start with just one, because this technique requires a lot of chakra, Mom and Kakashi-sensei warned me before that this technique divides your chakra depending on the number of the clones, summoning dozens of Shadow Clones can potentially be dangerous."

"Wait, but I saw you summoned dozens to almost a hundred of Shadow Clones before, if what you say is true then how are you not affected by its drawbacks?" Rahptalia asked, curious and also worried for Naruto.

"The thing is," Naruto started, trying to come up with an explanation. "I'm kind of the exception to this, because I have a large chakra reserve, very large…"

Naruto isn't comfortable enough to tell them about the Nine Tailed Fox yet, in fact he would prefer that it would be her mother who explain it to them as he knew very little in how the Sealing works and being a Jinchuriki. Seeing that Naruto become very uncharacteristically silent Raphtalia thought that he might have a deep troubling secret and Hinata who also have the ability of seeing Statuses earlier took note of Naruto's buff called Vessel of a Tailed Beast, they respectfully not try to peer deep into what it is.

It is Hinata who broke the silence. "Perhaps we should tell Miss Kushina and the others so they can supervise us, just to be safe."

And with that the three genins consults with the jonins, after their little snacks they began training again this time Raphtalia is learning the Shadow Clone Technique alongside with socializing and getting to know Kakashi and Kurenai. For two hours Raphtalia practices with the technique failing a few times until she manages to summon one Shadow Clone, for this achievement Kushina rewards her by having a dinner at a nearby village called Lute, hot delicious meal and a cozy bed for the night. There Kushina and Kakashi went on to explain the uses of the Shadow Clone further, such cutting training time by half, and the clone's experiences and remaining chakra are transferred back to the user once they disperse making them useful for spying and scouting. After eating and planning out their schedule for tomorrow Kushina, Kurenai, and the three genins went to get some sleep while Kakashi will be on a lookout and Jiraiya heading back outside resuming his activities as spy master.

Next day

The group have breakfast, Kakashi reports that he confronted some Shadows; he killed those who are loyal to the king or the three heroes' church disposing their body far away, while those who are loyal to the Queen he just had a nice conversation with them, a message from Queen Mirellia who wishes to talk to Kushina with the hopes of forming a mutual partnership. Jiraiya also say his piece, talking with envoys from Shieldfreeden and Siltvelt, learning of the previous Shield Hero he decided to dig deep into the case, three theories in how he died, Siltvelt envoys simply stated that assassins from Melromarc killed him, Melromarc's side believe that he was killed by fanatical demi-humans who can't accept that their beloved Hero is a human, and lastly envoys from Shieldfreeden theorized that the Shield Hero was killed for being too loyal to Shieldfreeden; it's an unsolved murder mystery that Jiraiya wishes to solve.

During their meal Raphtalia gets to know more about Kakashi Hatake and Kurenai Yuhi, the former would be Naruto's sensei while latter is Hinata's, from their explanation she learns that they're quite formidable were Kakashi is well known to have copied and used over a thousand jutsus, and Kurenai is an expert in Genjutsu the art of illusions which varies to making enemy see things that are not real to putting an opponent in nightmare induced sleep.

After a hearty breakfast Kushina made Naruto's idea of ankle weight go through strapping one on Raphtalia but they're going to start with just one kilogram each, Kakashi explains to her to how this work. "Alright then the purpose of these is to increase leg muscle strength it'll be definitely feel heavy at first but you'll eventually get used to it, it'll even reach the point where you won't even know it's there, as the time goes on we'll be increasing the total weight, it'll not be easy, Rock Lee train this way for years and now it yielded the results."

Raphtalia asks him. "If I remove it would I become incredibly fast, Kakashi-sensei?"

The masked man simply nods. "Yes, but not just that, not only you can move at high speed but your kicks will also be more powerful. Now we start working with your upper body, do you like to fight with just your bare hands or do you prefer to use weapons like swords and such?"

Thinking at her options it didn't take long for Raphtalia to realize that she would be far better off wielding a weapon, she don't have the Gentle Fists like Hinata have nor any unique abilities like Kakashi and Jiraiya. "I think I would like to use a sword."

Hearing this Kushina hands the young demi-human a sword, Raphtalia marvels at the design now knowing that it is hers, the red head then explains. "A simple wakizashi, masterfully forged and built to last, use it well, Raphtalia."

"I will, I will do my best and you all proud." Raphtalia declared, looking forward in learning and gaining more strength.

"Nice," Naruto is happy that she have a cool sword, he would ask for one if not for the strict limitation that the Legendary Shield imposed on him. "So where should we go now? Kick some bandits' butt, slay some monster, or treasure hunting?"

"This village have a few requests," Kushina lays down a map on the table, pointing at a certain point. "But there is one that peaks my interest, nearby is a mining cave filled with ores and gems, we can use them to strengthen that shield, and also we can use a monster that currently inhabits the system as a practice for you."

"M-Me?" Raphtalia is a bit surprise by her plan.

"Team work is important," Kurenai chimes in, further explaining the reason. "Naruto and Hinata are already working very well with their teammates and all is needed is for you to learn, fighting in a well-coordinated team allow you to cover each other's weakness at the same time effectively combining you and your comrades strengths to overcome your obstacle, and become a formidable fighting force."

"You don't have to worry too much; we'll be close by supervising your actions and step in if things get too dangerous." Kakashi reassures them.

At this the demi-human girl merely nods ready for this simple teamwork exercise, Naruto then asks about the monster. "Alright, so what kind of monster we are facing? Zombies, demons, giant insects, though we should get Shino since he and his family are well known in dealing with bugs."

Kushina chuckles at her son's enthusiasm and decides to tell them about it. "The monster in question is a giant two-headed black dog, level fifteen, and apparently is a part of the horde that was summoned during the First Wave that wandered off and make home in one of those mines." It won't be too much trouble in fighting the monster as Naruto is currently level seventeen, Hinata is fifteen, but Raphtalia's level is seven.

"Oh, maybe we should get Kiba or any one of the Inuzuka instead," Naruto turns to Hinata. "There might a good chance that they might be able to tame it, right?"

Hinata shook her head in disagreement. "Kiba stated before that wild adult canines such as wolves are very difficult to tame and it's far better to just drive them away or put them down, the only time that is acceptable would be if they're still puppies."

"Ah, okay." Naruto thought it would be cool if they manage to get a two-headed dog to fight for them, it'll definitely intimidate many enemies and have a double bite.

After some preparation the group head out, taking the path that lead up to the mine, double checking their equipment and also bringing a rucksack in case they find some ore that can be used in forging weapons. Once they enter the mine Kakashi takes point activating his Sharingan to scout ahead, Hinata also activates her Byakugan to help the Copy Ninja out, it didn't take long for them to locate it not that far from where they are going. The tunnel soon leads them to a much more open area which from what they can see is have multiple ores and gem-like minerals.

"Wow, should we mine these for my Shield right now or deal with the monster dog first?" Naruto asked, marveling at the beauty of this cave and its deposits.

"Deal with the monster first," Kakashi looks at Kushina and Kurenai and nods. "Already your teamwork exercise begins now." And with that the three adults disappear from sight.

"W-Wait, where did they go?" Raphtalia is surprised that they disappears so suddenly leaving just the three of them alone.

Before panic sets in Hinata comforts Raphtalia. "Don't worry, you cannot see them but I can, just as they said they're watching from afar and will step in if things become dangerous, do your best."

The Hyuga Heiress's assurance calms the demi-human down as they prepare themselves, Naruto then summons ten Shadow Clones as they surround the three forming a protective circle and bait, then one of the clones walks forward with a bell and a pan and start bashing the pan on his shield and ringing the bell taunting the monster, his shouts and noises echoes throughout the cave in hopes of gaining its attention.

"HEY DOG FREAK, NARUTO UZUMAKI IS HERE AND I'M READY KICK YOU BACK THROUGH THE CRACKS!" For an entire minute this goes on until he stops, waiting to see if there is a response, after another minute of silence. "Think I might've scared it instead?"

Before Hinata or Raphtalia can say a word they hear a growl, thanks to her Byakugan Hinata immediately spots their target "Behind us!" They all turn to face the beast and they took a defensive stance, all except for Raphtalia who froze in fear her terrible memories flooding back to her like flood as the two-headed dog reminds her of the beast that killed her parents

The beast charges forward pouncing on one of the clones who manages to block one of the head but the other head bites his shoulder causing him to scream in pain, the beast's momentum didn't stop as it carries the clone forward Hinata grabs Raphtalia and move out of the way, the rest of the clones charge at the two-headed dog.

"Are you alright, you suddenly froze." Hinata is very concern for her teammate wondering if it's too early for her to be in a stressful situation.

"I-I-I'm sorry; it's just that that monster look almost the same one that killed my parents." She felt ashamed that she let herself become so vulnerable like that almost to a point of crying, but to her surprise Hinata hugs her.

"I understand, it can be very hard and traumatizing, you can back out now we'll not judge you, but if brave yourself just this once and to assist or even deliver the final blow you be able to overcome this fear." She said in a soothing voice doing her best to comfort and inspire.

Hinata's words have made an impact in the young demi-human, if she backs out now then this event will be a setback, remembering what she said earlier how she vows that she'll become stronger, committed to becoming a shinobi, and promising to not disappoint Kushina, her resolve strengthens as she grabs hold of her sword. "I want to fight, please tell me what to do?"

They look at the battle between the Shield Hero and the Wave monster, surprisingly it's going pretty well for Naruto, the fact that he's two levels higher, a jutsu that allows him to basically summon a small army, not to mention the Legendary Shield he can actually solo this fight. One clone manage to grab hold both of the heads limiting its biting range then the rest punch and kick dealing as much damage as they could.

Then the real Naruto rushes towards the two. "Hey, are you two alright?"

"W-We're fine, I lost my nerves for a second, w-what's the plan?" Raphtalia reassures him, as she readies herself to do her part.

They look at the battle, one clone was lost during the first seconds of fighting but now it looks like they got it under control until the dog's two heads suddenly bite on the clone one on his face and the other on his neck causing the said clone to disperse, then it uses its sharp claws to dispatch two more and chomping down on another one, now it's down to five clones.

"Ouch that really hurts." Naruto feels his neck despite the fact that it was his clone the one who got bitten. "It's tougher than I thought, alright if we want to take it down fast we need to throw everything we got, I'll create more Shadow Clone to pin it down, Hinata you can hurt its' insides and even paralyze it, and Raphtalia you'll be the finisher, go for its neck or head."

"Right!" Raphtalia and Hinata readies for the attack as Naruto summons ten more clones.

With the numerical advantage they go in for an all-out assault, Raphtalia throws four shurikens each hitting its' mark on the dog's torso; two clones grab hold another clone hoisting him up and spinning to gain momentum then throw him at the beast turning the clone into a human missile, both feet colliding with the dog's head causing it to stagger. Hinata strikes at the main and lower body inflicting internal damage. Upon seeing an opening Raphtalia raises her sword and swings it down with her might cutting off the beast's left head.

They initially think they finally did it and slay the beast until it is still moving violently were the other head make a surprise bite on the head of another clone.

"It should be dead!" Said one clone.

"Maybe we need to strike both its head!" Said another.

Raphtalia quickly pulls out her sword as the beast turns to attack her but Naruto is fast getting in front of her using the Shield to block the incoming head then pushing it back, two clones quickly get in front of it and the next thing it knows is they tackle it one grabs it's snout keeping it shut and the second one holds its head firmly, it was this that the rest of the clone went to fully restrain it, grabbing its legs and body.

Seeing that it is now in a vulnerable state Naruto said out loud for Rahptalia to hear. "Alright, this is your moment, finish it!"

Without a moment to lose Raphtalia rushes forward, jumps up high and falling down, with all her might thrust her sword forward plunging it deep into the dog's skull, now it is really dead. Raphtalia looks down on the head ensuring that it's not moving, seeing that it's dead she let's go and backs away along with the other clones from the body, a wave of relief flows through her body. Then she asks. "Is it dead?"

"Yes," Hinata confirms it with her Byakugan then she turns to Raphtalia with a smile. "You did it."

Raphtalia looks back at the Hyuga Heiress and returns the smile, knowing that she finally got her courage. "We did it."

Naruto wraps his arms around their shoulders and bring them close to him making Hinata blush. "Yeah, we did it!"

The three adults then appears before them, Kushina have a proud look on her face, Kurenai is more relieved, and despite the mask they can tell that Kakashi is happy with the outcome. Hinata's sensei sigh a relief. "I was worried there for a second, but I'm glad you came out of this without a scratch."

Kakashi take a closer looks at the dead beast, examining the corpse with his Sharingan. "So this dog actually came from the so called Waves, fascinating, I think we bring this back to our village so our researchers can study, find out more about the creatures and this mysterious phenomenon."

"You do that but after Naruto took a piece and absorb it to his Shield, might get a new unlock." Kushina turns and went to the three genins patting Raphtalia on the head. "You done well, though if we had known before that you have a trauma when it comes to facing monstrous dogs the plan would be same as before were you just watched Naruto and Hinata fight, but this works out pretty well, you have conquered your fear and taken another step in your path as a shinobi."

Raphtalia blushes at the praise, Naruto says out loud that should celebrate her achievement as Kakashi and Kurenai discuss more about the beast and the strange phenomenon. Things are looking bright despite ominous threat of the Waves of Calamity is ever getting nearer.

Chapter ends

AN: Finally I was able to work on this and finished the chapter, hopefully you like this. Was the fight scene too fast, need more dialogue? Do tell as well as giving an idea or advice.

Also I did correct some spelling and grammar, but I added some more info in the first chapter, mainly it's about Naruto making friends this now includes Gaara and his siblings, I figured it might be interesting that the Sand Siblings would join the fight against the Waves, but I'm not quite sure if I should add this one.

One more thing, I've been thinking what type of jutsu would Raphtalia learn and gain in this story, the canon states that her affinity is Light and Darkness and that's sounds like Yin and Yang to me meaning genjutsu and taijutsu, though I think it's fair that Raphtalia learn at least one nature affinity such the Fire or Wind.

And I know that seventeen days had past but I like to say Happy New Year to you all :D

Omake

Motoyasu vs the Parents: Haruno

The gallant Hero of the Spear made a triumphant strut through the streets of Castle Town after completing another quest which involves destroying a dangerous monster, basking in the glory and praises he pauses when he saw a peculiar girl, this girl have fair skin and green eyes, but what got his attention is her long pink hair that seems to be flowing with the wind. He suddenly can't control himself as he walks towards her.

And when he got close and the girl took notice of him he says his cheesy pick-up lines. "I say it is such a pleasure to see a beautiful girl such as you, your hair matches the color of the cherry blossom and your eyes are like the breath-taking green fields."

"Er, thank you?" Sakura just stood there in confusion but becomes guarded. "What do you want?"

Motoyasu take hold of her hands surprising the girl. "Can't you tell I'm Motoyasu Kitamura the Spear Hero and I like to know your name and maybe get to know each other? There's more room in my party if you like to join." A little wink and a manly charm never fail him, until now.

Sakura just pulls her hand away from his as she slowly backs away. "Yeah no thanks, I'm already in a group and the only boy I like is Sasuke."

As she walks away Motoyasu made the mistake of grabbing her arm. "W-Wait surely this boy can't be better than me, right? I can be so much better than this Sasuke you're talking about."

"You, better than Sasuke?" Sakura is stunned by his arrogance, Sasuke trained his whole life to become stronger and there is no way this loser who seems to be too reliant on the Legendary Spear can beat him. "Don't make me laugh, now let me go!"

"Come on just give me a chance."

Unfortunately for him Sakura have enough and shouts. "MOM!"

Seemingly in an instant someone grabs hold of his shoulder and forcibly moves him away from the girl, Motoyasu is now being confronted by Mebuki Haruno. "I really don't like the way you're acting towards my daughter, what are you planning?"

Tensing up as he didn't expect this to happen he quickly explains and excuse his actions. "W-Well, when I saw cute girls I couldn't control myself, I have to know her name, her likes and dislikes, a-and maybe start a relationship."

He definitely should not have said the last part nor the part where he "Couldn't control himself" because all it did is make his situation worse as Mebuki now sees him as one of those "degenerates" perverts who prey on children.

And just as he can't control himself when he's around cute girls Mebuki now is losing her control to anger because of this sicko, to Motoyasu's surprise a frying pan appears on the woman's hand and she said dangerously. "Know your PLACE!" She swings the pan on his face so hard that it sends him flying to the sky.

Omake end