Naruto: Archer and Loner
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I do not own Naruto or Bleach.
Chapter 6: The Results of Training
Naruto stood in the middle of the training grounds breathing heavily. Sweat pouring off his body, a glowing blue bow fading from the wrist of his left hand. 'I did it finally,' he thought to himself. 'Two years of intense training has resulted in this. I can finally manifest my own bow.'
Naruto walked towards the main house to clean up. After 2 years he's changed a lot. He stands at 4'3 and weighs in a little over 70 lbs. He isn't muscular, but has the body of a runner, sleek and quick. The training he went through could only be described as hell. Kiski made sure that Naruto knew how to be fast and agile. Yet, at the same time, as silent as a small breeze. Kiski pounded the importance of a ninja into Naruto over and over. Making Naruto walk on a rickety walkway that creaked at the slightest movement. Every time Naruto made a noise, Kiski would throw a weighted ball at Naruto forcing him to either dodge or take the hit. Once Naruto learned how to walk silently, Kiski made it harder by making Naruto carry weights with him and even made Naruto wear bells! Then Kiski had Naruto infiltrate the Anbu headquarters. Being silent and not being seen. His goal was to steal the mask of the head Anbu, Dragon. It took Naruto over 3 months to learn the patterns of the Anbu to be able to pull that one off. That training may have been brutal, but to Naruto, the hardest training came from learning to meditate properly and sense out Spiritual energy and learn how he can draw it in or stop its flow. Naruto was so used to be constantly on the move that learning how to sit still was a chore. But, eventually he did it. Naruto learned a lot from Kiski. He learned that knowledge is essential to a ninja. You don't give knowledge away easily. One benefit from learning to meditate, Kiski and Naruto found out that Naruto was somewhat of a sensor. He could detect people around him who were using Chakra. However, they found out that if someone knew how to suppress their Chakra, Naruto couldn't sense them. Kiski told Naruto not to worry about that aspect for now. That given time, his sensory skills could improve with age and experience. Kiski also taught Naruto the importance of teamwork and how to work with anyone. Naruto learned to put aside feelings to focus on a task, but also learned that abandoning a teammate was something one should never do.
As Naruto stepped into the shower, he had to chuckle at the other important events of the last 2 years. Shikaku Nara would probably describe the last 2 years as "extremely troublesome." The Nara head had his hands full in council meetings, constantly fighting the civilian council and the Hyuga head to protect the Uzumaki clan and Naruto. Both the civilian council and Hyuga head tried multiple times to either gain access to the Uzumaki Clan grounds or to take away Naruto's rights as Clan head. Shikaku with the help of his former teammates, Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi, fought off the advances of the council. It finally came to a head at the last council meeting. Naruto actually was forced to be there for that one.
Flashback 3 weeks ago
Council Chambers
Naruto walked into the council chambers to a wall of noise. Council members yelling back and forth over one another. He couldn't make heads or tails of it. He made his way over to his seat beside Shikaku Nara.
"Hello, Nara-san. How are you today? I hope you haven't had a troublesome day," Naruto says as he sits down.
"It has been quite troublesome today, Uzumaki-san. Why did you choose me to be your voice," Shikaku asks lazily.
"Because out of everyone here, you have the foreknowledge to stop any greedy attempts at the Uzumaki clan and I trust you with my life," Naruto replies. Hearing Naruto's reply Shikaku's eyes widen a bit and he nods in respect at the young Clan head.
"Sit down NOW," the Hokage yells. "This is the council chambers. NOT a back yard brawl. Either compose yourselves like council members or I will dispose of you all and find others to fill your spots." The chambers quiet immediately.
"Now, why has this council been called? We weren't supposed to meet until next week," the Hokage asks.
"We asked for this meeting to pass a law and set up a few arranged marriages," Mibuki Haruno says looking over at Naruto with a smug smile.
"What is this law and what arranged marriages," the Hokage asks.
"The law we'd like to pass is this, Hokage-sama. We'd like to pass a law stating that Clans that are the cause of destruction of public property must pay for that property out of their Clan accounts. If they do not have the money, then they will have to pay by giving up land or Clan scrolls," Hiashi Hyuga says.
"And pray tell what Clan has caused destruction to public property," the Hokage asks already having an idea of the answer.
"Why the Uzumaki Clan, Hokage-sama," Hiashi replies.
"When did this happen," the Hokage asks.
"8 years ago," Mibuki replies.
"The Uzumaki Clan denies any allegations on that matter," Shikaku shouts. "It wasn't until recently that this council even acknowledged that the Uzumaki Clan was in Kohona. Therefore, the Uzumaki Clan can not be held responsible for an incident that occurred before this council's ruling."
"Nara-san makes a good point," Homura Mitokado says. "Besides, what event are you talking about and why are you trying to lay blame at the Uzumaki's feet?"
"Why, the Kyubi attack, councilman Mitokado," Mibuki smugly replies.
"That was an event that no one had a hand in it. It is much like a storm on the sea. The Kyubi attack came out of nowhere. No one could have predicted it or was responsible for it," Inoichi Yamanaka says.
"But he's the demon," shouts a councilwoman. Before anyone can do anything, an Anbu appears out of nowhere and takes her head off with a swift slice of his blade and vanishes with the body.
"Now that the trash has been taken care of, does anyone want to try that again? This law is complete bull. The audacity of this council to even propose such a law is outrageous. And remember, my law is still in effect," the Hokage calmly says while eyeing each and every civilian councilmember.
"But Hokage-" Mibuki starts to say until the Hokage's eyes meets hers and she falls silent.
"All those opposed to this proposed law," the Hokage asks.
"The Yamanaka clan opposes," Inochi says.
"The Nara clan opposes," Shikaku says.
"The Akimichi clan opposes," Choza says.
"The Inuzuka clan opposes," Tsume says.
"The Aburame clan opposes," Shibi says.
"The Uzumaki clan opposes," Naruto says.
"I, Danzo Shimura oppose this," Danzo says.
"I, Homura Mitokado oppose this," Homura says.
"I, Koharu Utatane oppose this," Koharu says.
"I, Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage oppose this," Hiruzen says. "That is more than enough to oppose this law. It can now go into the trash where it belongs." The civilian councilmembers and Hiashi Hyuga all sit down grumbling quietly.
"Now, onto the next matter before us. You mentioned a few arranged marriages, correct," the Hokage asks.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I have here a proposal to the Uzumaki Clan to marry my daughter, Hinata and to marry councilwoman Haruno's daughter, Sakura. This contract states that when Naruto reaches the age of 16, he will marry both girls," Hiashi says.
"Hyuga-san, may I see the contract," Shikaku asks politely. Hiashi hands the contract over to the Nara clan head without a thought. Shikaku starts reading through it quickly. After a few moments, he gasps and glares at both Mibuki and Haishi.
"Hyuga-san, Haruno-san, is it your intention to deceive the Uzumaki Clan," Shikaku asks coldly.
"I have no idea what you mean, Nara-san," Haishi replies.
"Really, Hyuga-san? Then tell me why it says in this contract that until Naruto marries the two young ladies that he will give all political power over to the Hyuga clan and to Haruno-san? Or why it says that he would live with the Hyuga and have a seal placed on him," Shikaku asks angrily.
"What the hell," the other clan heads, Hokage and elder council shout at the same time.
"I can tell you right now, the Uzumaki clan will never sign this contract, Haishi-teme," Naruto shouts.
"And I can tell you that the Nara Clan stands behind the Uzumaki clan in its decision," Shikaku says standing up. The other Clan heads stand adding their support to Naruto and Shikaku.
"Then I withdraw the proposal," Haishi says, holding his hand out for the contract. Instead of handing the contract to Haishi, Shikaku hands it to the Hokage.
"I think I will keep this for now," the Hokage says glaring at Haishi. Haishi schools his features and calmly sits down.
Flashback end
Of course that didn't stop the Hyuga clan head, councilwoman Haruno or even Danzo Shimura from trying to gain access to the Uzumaki Clan grounds. Over the last 2 years all 3 had sent many ninjas to try and break into the Uzumaki grounds. All they had to show for it was various dead ninja or ninja with no mind left. The Uzumaki Clan seals protecting the grounds stopped them every time.
Naruto stepped out of the shower and got dressed. Heading downstairs to the kitchen, he thought on what he learned about Kiski. That had been a bombshell and an eye-opener for both him and the Hokage.
Flashback 1 year ago
Naruto was sneaking up behind Kiski. He slowly and quietly drew a kunai and ran forward. He leapt into the air and came down leading with the kunai. The kunai cut through the back of Kiski's shirt exposing the man's back to Naruto. As Naruto stood back up and before Kiski could move, Naruto noticed seals covering the man's back.
"What are all those seals, Kiski-sensei," Naruto asks.
"I didn't mean for you to discover that secret so soon, Naruto. I think it would be best if we talked with the Hokage present so he can hear this too. It's something I had planned on telling you when you were older. However, since you discovered it, I best tell you now or you'd never give up until you found the answer," Kiski says.
He goes over to Naruto and places a hand on his shoulder. They both vanish in a shunshin appearing outside the Hokage's office. Kiski knocks on the door and hears the Hokage say, "Come in." They both walk in and Kiski points Naruto to a seat. Naruto sits down, confusion on his face.
"Kiski, Naruto, to what do I owe the pleasure," the Hokage asks.
"Hokage-sama, I must ask that you clear the room. I have something that I must tell both you and Naruto," Kiski says. The Hokage makes a motion with his hand and the Anbu appear and walk out without a question. Kiski goes through some hand signs and shouts, "Uzumaki Sealing Technique: Room of Secrets." There is a great boom as the jutsu goes off.
"There now. We can talk without anyone listening in," Kiski says calmly as he sits down. "I have a very dark secret to tell you both. I was only to tell the secret if Naruto found out or if I deemed him ready for the secret. Naruto, Hokage-sama, the truth is, I am not a flesh and blood human. I am the culmination of Uzumaki sealing techniques. I was created over 200 years ago by an Uzumaki named, Katshuchi Uzumaki. I was made for one purpose. To protect the Uzumaki Clan and to train those who had their Quincy powers awakened." Sarutobi and Naruto's eyes both widen in shock at this.
"What? How can that be," the Hokage asks confused.
"I don't know how I was made. I just know why I was made, Hokage-sama. I don't even know if I can truly die. I've seen so much of this world. I have seen friends and people I consider family slowly die of age while I stayed the same," Kiski says sadly. "When young Naruto passed the test a year ago, I found purpose again. I found someone to train in the Uzumaki arts once again. I haven't started training him in sealing yet, but when he is ready, I will. I will teach Naruto everything I can for as long as I can."
The three spent a few hours talking about what this all meant and how it would affect Naruto as he grew.
Flashback ends
Naruto walked into the kitchen and saw Kiski setting the table for dinner. Over the last 2 years, Naruto has come to see Kiski as more of an older brother than his protector and trainer. Naruto helps him with dinner and the two dig in.
"So, Naruto, you ready for tomorrow," Kiski asks.
"Yeah, I'm ready, Kiski-sensei. I have studied as much as I can and I plan on being in the middle of the class. This way I can hide my abilities and gather as much information on everyone in the class," Naruto replies.
"Very astute of you, Naruto. Thinking calmly and knowing not to show off shows how much you have changed over the last 2 years. I'm proud of you," Kiski says.
"They won't know what hit them when I start," Naruto says chuckling evilly.
"No pranking them too much, Naruto. You have to remember the Anbu is still mad at you for gluing their masks to their faces and dying their uniforms hot pink," Kiski says laughing merrily at the memory.
"Don't worry too much, sensei. I'll be on my toes to follow the rules," Naruto replies.
The two spend the rest of the evening talking and laughing. When Naruto gets ready for bed, he takes one last look at the moon and thinks, 'tomorrow will be the start of the real training. I must not allow anyone to know what I truly can do.' And with that final thought, he crawls into bed and falls asleep.
Whew! I hope this turned out alright. There were many ways I could've gone about this, but this is what felt right. As for Naruto's abilities, he doesn't have much other that being able to manifest his bow and sensing other people at this point in time. The majority of the training dealt with knowledge and learning how to maneuver as silently as possible. It's where I will deviate from the "norm" in the fact that Ninja are supposed to be silent and deadly. Not screaming battle cries or jutsu names as they attack. I hope you all enjoy this and let me know what you think.