Hello and Merry Christmas all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing more of Naruto's training trip, seeing what he's learned under the toads, and where he'll be making his first stop. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Six months have passed since Naruto had woken up and learned about his new condition, along with beginning his new training under the toads. With the Uzumaki having learned a lot more than he did under both Jiraiya and Kakashi combined. Along with having learned the secret of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, something that only made Naruto angrier that neither of his past teachers told him the secret.
Though Fukasaku and Shima did limit Naruto's use of Shadow Clones, given as he was now, the memory feedback from them could cause him more harm than good, if he used too many at once. With the two toads having Naruto limit himself to using twenty Shadow Clones maximum. Which would still provide him more than enough to help catch up with his training and then some.
For Ninjutsu, Naruto had learned that he had a Wind Affinity and had since mastered his Wind Manipulation Training. Along with learning a couple Wind Style Ninjutsu to make use of it, with the Jutsu being, Wind Style: Great Breakthrough, Wind Style: Gale Palm, Beast Wave Palm Jutsu, Beast Wave: Gale Palm Jutsu, Wind Style: Drilling Air Bullets, and Wind Style: Rasengan. The latter of which he made, after being able to add his affinity to the Rasengan.
The Non-Elemental Ninjutsu he learned, included being able to perform the Rasengan and Big Ball Rasengan with one hand and without clones. Another new variation of the Rasengan he's called the Razor Rasengan. Where the Rasengan spins at such high speed and velocity, it can tear and shred his enemies, or anything really, rather than just grind into them.
Along with learning the Rope Escape Jutsu, Shunshin Jutsu, and mastering the Transformation and Substitution Jutsu's as well. Along with learning a sensory technique, known as the Mind's Eye of the Kagura, a Jutsu that allows him to open his mind's eye to find and track Chakra from a vast distance. As well as allowing him to perceive unusual chakra activity and fluctuations to a person's Chakra. Meaning that once fully mastered, the Mind's Eye of the Kagura could even surpass Dōjutsu with comparable its powers.
Naruto also began learning Fūinjutsu, being able to learn it due to some of the toads past summoners leaving several Fūinjutsu scrolls and books with them. In the event they weren't able to pass on their teachings to anyone, or to keep them safe, the toads would be able to safeguard them. With the whiskered blonde having taken surprisingly well to Fūinjutsu, having already reached a high-intermediate level, low-advanced level in the art.
With him also working on and mastering some Collaboration Jutsu with the toads, so he'd be able to fight alongside them better when he summons them. Particularly with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu, since they were the two that Naruto summons the most, outside of Gamabunta.
Finally, after his seal had been fixed, Naruto worked on controlling the Kyūbi's Chakra, at his own pace rather than having it happen forcefully. With him succeeding in being able to control up to three tails worth of the Kyūbi's Chakra without going berserk. Though it did make him more brutal, whenever he used more tails.
Naruto's attire had also changed during his training as well, with him now wearing black sandals, dark blue pants, a black shirt, his orange jacket which he now left unzipped, and the cloth on his forehead protector was replaced by a longer black one as well. While another new addition was a turquoise scarf with lighter colored stripes and thread tassels on the ends being wrapped around his neck.
The scarf having come from Tsunade, who had found it while searching through her former teacher's things before having sent it to Mount Myōboku, figuring Naruto would like it. With the Uzumaki indeed liking the scarf, along with feeling attached to it and warm whenever he wore it, for some reason.
Currently, Naruto stood in front of Fukasaku and Shima, as it was time for him to go off on his own, now that his training with them was complete for the time being.
"You've come a long way Naruto-boy, you showed quite the determination these past six months and they've certainly paid off." Fukasaku said, knowing Naruto never once slacked off and put his all into the training, wanting to make up for the previous six months with Jiraiya.
"But don't let it go to your head, you still have much to learn. And once we believe you're ready, we'll be going onto the more advanced training." Added Shima, not wanting Naruto to get a big head or arrogant.
As for the advanced training, the Two Great Toad Sages planned to eventually teach Naruto Sage Mode, believing he had what it takes to master it, whereas Jiraiya and Minato hadn't been able to. Though they decided to hold off on teaching it to him, for the time being. Given how difficult and dangerous it is to learn, as well as how long the training can take. Along with wanting him to grow stronger, both physically and mentally, to handle the training as well.
"Thank you, both of you, for all of your help. I wouldn't have been able to get this far, without you all helping me. And don't worry, I know I still have a lot more to learn and experience." Naruto replied, grateful for their help in his training.
"Of course. Now, is there anywhere in particular you'd like us to reverse summon you to?" Fukasaku asked, with Naruto thinking it over on where he wanted to go first.
"Would you be able to reverse summon me to the Land of Wind, near Sunagakure?" Questioned Naruto, wanting to visit Gaara and his siblings to see how they've been, along with seeing if they might be able to help him with his training as well.
"That can be done, just stand still and I'll send you on your way." Fukasaku replied before making a handsign, with Naruto vanishing in a puff of smoke not a moment later.
*Land of Wind*
When Naruto reappeared, he looked around seeing he was now in the Land of Wind before he spotted Suna not too far off from where he was.
'I wonder how Gaara and the others are doing?' Naruto wondered as he began heading towards Suna, given the last time he saw them was when they dealt with Four Celestial Symbols Men and the resurrected founder of Takumi Village, Seimei, after Gaara's student Matsuri had been kidnapped by them.
It wasn't long until Naruto arrived at the gates of Suna, before being stopped by the gate guards.
"Halt! State your business for entering Suna." One of the guards said, initially thinking Naruto was just a regular kid until they saw his headband, showing he was a Konoha Ninja.
"Genin Naruto Uzumaki of Konohagakure, I'm here on a training trip." Said Naruto, pulling out his ID card to show he is who he says, with the guards raising a brow as they looked between the picture and Naruto before eventually nodding and letting him pass.
Once he was inside the village, Naruto closed his eyes and activated the Mind's Eye of the Kagura to search for the largest Chakra signature, knowing that would be Gaara. Eventually finding Gaara in what he guessed was the training grounds, along with two other decent sized signatures, which he guessed were Temari and Kankuro.
Heading there, Naruto soon arrived and saw the Sand Siblings in middle of their training, Gaara with his sand, Temari with her fan, and Kankuro with his puppets.
"Gaara!" Naruto called out while smiling and waving to his friend and fellow Jinchūriki, with this getting their attention as the three looked to see who it was, only to recognize Naruto.
"Naruto Uzumaki, I'm surprised to see you here. But it's good to see you again." Stated Gaara as he and his siblings walked up to Naruto, only for them to be confused as they got closer, and saw that Naruto looked exactly the same as when they last saw him a year ago.
"Yeah, it's great to see you all again. And I'm actually on a training trip right now, with this being my next stop." Naruto replied, but mentally sighed at their confused looks, knowing they noticed his height and how it hasn't changed.
"Uh yeah. But…why are you short?" Kankuro asked, figuring he'd at least grow a little after a whole year, with Naruto's eye twitching at being called short, before he began explaining what happened, how he originally went with Jiraiya on the training trip, only for it to end after six months, when he tried loosening the seal to make him use the Kyūbi's Chakra.
Only for it backfire and result in Naruto now being stuck as a chibi for the rest of his life, with the siblings sharing his anger and annoyance with the Sannin. Given how Gaara contained Shukaku, they knew better than most not to mess with a Jinchūriki's seal or try to force them to use the Bijū's power.
"After that I trained with the toads on Mt. Myōboku for six months, which ended today, and I decided to come here to visit you guys and see if you might be able to help me with my training." Concluded Naruto, only to blush in embarrassment when Temari leaned and patted him on the head.
"Well, while Jiraiya's an idiot for what he did, I can't say it's all bad. Especially if you'll look this adorable forever." Temari cooed, making Naruto grumble and swat her hand away, with Temari giggling at the reaction she got out of him.
"S-so how have you all been anyway?!" Naruto asked quickly.
"We have been well. Baki-sensei has also been training me, for the day that I will be named the Godaime Kazekage." Revealed Gaara, much to Naruto's shock at hearing he's going to become Kazekage.
"You're going to be named Kazekage?!" Said Naruto, not expecting that.
"That's right. After the incident with Seimei and his followers, the villagers have started supporting Gaara more and it was decided that he'd become Kazekage. Baki-sensei's just been instructing him on everything he needs to do and his soon-to-be new duties. In fact, he'll likely officially take the title either this year or next year." Kankuro said, with both he and Temari being proud of their brother and how far he's come.
With Naruto looking at Gaara in shock, before smiling at his friend.
"That's awesome! Congrats Gaara, you've really earned the chance to lead your village." Said Naruto, happy for the chance his friend was getting.
"Thank you, but I should thank you for the help you've given me. If not for your actions, I wouldn't have changed that day. You have my thanks for helping and believing in me, Naruto Uzumaki." Gaara said, making Naruto scratch his head sheepishly.
"It was nothing, but I'm glad I could help. Besides, you already returned the favor when you guys showed up to help when Satsuki went rogue." Replied Naruto, not expecting to be thanked for helping Gaara, since he did it given how similar they are.
"I was also wondering if you guys might be able to help me with my training as well, while I'm here?" Naruto asked, with the siblings looking thoughtful.
"We…may be able to help you. Unfortunately, we can't share anything that would be considered villages secrets in Suna." Gaara said as while he'd like to help his friend, he also couldn't reveal anything meant to be known only to Suna Ninja.
"That's fine, and I meant like improving my Wind Manipulation and other basic stuff." Said Naruto, not expecting anything powerful or dangerous.
"That we can help you with, since Wind Affinities are so common here, we have the highest level of mastery over Wind Ninjutsu. With Gaara and I being among the best." Temari said with some pride, having worked long and hard to master using both her fan and Wind Ninjutsu, while Gaara used his own Wind Affinity to increase the speed of his sand and cover larger areas.
"If you've got the time and patience, I could show you the basics of Kugutsu, since it's not exactly a secret. But you'll need near perfect Chakra Control to form Chakra Threads." Said Kankuro, knowing Kugutsu was a difficult art to master.
Hearing this, Naruto remembered when Iruka told him how Mizuki learned Kugutsu, when he escaped prison and used it against the Chūnin. And while he hated Mizuki for what he did and working for Orochimaru, Naruto knew it'd also be useful to learn how to use and make puppets. Especially with how easily he heard Kankuro took down those two Sound Four members with his puppets.
"That'd be really great. When can we start?" Naruto asked, eager to get more training done, only to remember something else he wanted to tell them.
"Wait, there was something else I needed to tell you guys. The whole reason I started on this training trip in the first place was to prepare for a group called the Akatsuki." Said Naruto, wanting to warn them about the Akatsuki, given if they were after him for the Kyūbi, it's likely they'll be after Gaara for Shukaku as well, along with the other Jinchūriki.
"Akatsuki?" Temari asked, confused at the name.
"Yeah, I don't know a lot about them, only that whoever they are, they're hunting Jinchūriki like me and Gaara. When Pervy-Sage and I went to bring granny back to become Hokage, I ran into two members, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki." Revealed Naruto, shocking the siblings to hear this.
"Clan Killer Itachi and the Monster of the Mist?!" Said Kankuro, shocked to hear he encountered two S-Rank Missing-Nin.
"Yeah, if it wasn't for Pervy-Sage, I probably would have been captured. Since Kisame had a giant sword that just ripped away the Kyūbi's Chakra when I tried using it, while Itachi has his Sharingan to control it and me." Naruto said, while hearing the fox growl angrily in his mind at the mention of it being controlled by the Sharingan.
"Meaning any members sent after me would be able to counter my fighting style, along with likely being S-Rank as well." Said Gaara, frowning at this, while knowing he'll really have to step up his training if the Akatsuki were hunting down Jinchūriki, and had members like Itachi and Kisame.
"Probably. They might also have someone that's a Missing-Nin from Suna, who'd be familiar with the village and the defenses. Since they had infiltrated Konoha after Pervy-Sage and I had already left to find me." Naruto added, making their frowns deepen.
"The only Missing-Nin from Suna that'd fit that description would be Sasori of the Red Sands, a master puppeteer. He's the one who built Crow, Black Ant, and Salamander." Said Kankuro, with Gaara and Temari nodding in agreement, though knew it'd be unlikely that if Sasori was in the Akatsuki, he'd be the one to face Gaara.
Meaning if he had a partner as well, one with a fighting style that can counter and bypass his sand, then that would be who Gaara would have to fight.
"Thank you for informing us of this group, we'll be sure to inform Baki-sensei. So we can begin working on increasing the villages defenses, should the Akatsuki ever show up." Gaara said, grateful for the warning, giving him the chance to prepare for the inevitable appearance of the Akatsuki.
Naruto nodded in response, glad he could help his friend and warn him about what's coming for them, wanting to make sure they'll be ready.
*Timeskip-Two Months*
Two months have passed since Naruto's arrival in Suna, warning the Sand Siblings about the Akatsuki, and started training with him.
For his Kugutsu training with Kankuro, Naruto had initially focused on increasing his Chakra Control, something which was made much easier thanks to his Shadow Clones. With the three having been amazed after learning that clones transferred knowledge back to the original when they dispelled. With Naruto even offering to teach it to them, so they could use the training method as well. Given they all had above average Chakra Reserves, or much higher in Gaara's case. Which the siblings were grateful for, knowing such a method will be useful, especially with the news of the Akatsuki.
Aside from working on his Chakra Control, Naruto and Kankuro also went over stealth and trap-making, which were two of the main focuses of puppeteers. Which also allowed Naruto to get back in touch with his stealthy-side and the trap-making abilities he acquired during his time as a prankster.
Leading to the two also trading ideas on different weapons to put into puppets and better ways to hide while attacking enemies. Along with Naruto bringing up different ideas for puppets designs, something Kankuro hadn't thought of before, having been content with his current puppets. But couldn't deny the appeal of creating and using his own puppets as well.
With Temari and Gaara, Naruto had begun surpassing his limits with his Wind Manipulation Training, while realizing that he was only adequate with his Wind Affinity. Given how Temari was capable of forming a tornado with her fan and Gaara didn't even need to move to manipulate the wind through his sand. It was definitely a blow to Naruto's ego, but he simply used it to push himself harder to truly master his affinity.
When they weren't training, Naruto also spent time with the siblings, getting reacquainted with them and learning more about them as well. Naruto had also told them about all his past missions, like to the Land of Snow now the Land of Springs, the Crescent Moon Kingdom, Takigakure, and the smaller nations he's helped as well. With the siblings surprised and amazed at how many nations Naruto's been to, and the fact he's befriended so many leaders as well.
And possibly more the way he mentioned Koyuki, Toki, and Haruna as well, with Kankuro mentally cursing Naruto's luck at somehow getting so many girls attracted to him.
With Naruto also offering to write to his friends and allies in the different countries to see if they'd be willing to help Suna as well. Both in improving their defenses, the overall village, and sending them missions requests. Something that the siblings were more than thankful for, glad their village would be getting help soon.
Though Naruto had been embarrassed, when Temari went as far as to hug him tightly and kiss him on the cheek.
Currently the four were in a training ground doing their respective training exercises. Only to stop when a brown haired girl came running into the training ground. With Naruto recognizing her as Matsuri, Gaara's student.
"Gaara-sensei! Is it true that Naruto Uzumaki is here?!" Matsuri asked, smiling in excitement at her teacher, with Gaara mentally sighing at hearing this.
They had been trying to keep Naruto's presence here a secret, in the event it got back to the Akatsuki and they tried attacking to capture him and Naruto. Though it seemed like at least rumors of Naruto being here have already begun to spread across the village.
"Yes, Naruto is here." Said Gaara, as Naruto stepped forward and smiled at Matsuri.
"Hey, it's really great to see you again, Matsuri." Naruto said while smiling at the brunette, with Matsuri looking at him in amazement before grinning brightly.
"Wow, it's so exciting that I get to meet you, officially at least! You were the only one who's ever been able to beat Gaara-sensei and helped him!" Said Matsuri, excited at getting to meet Naruto, while the whiskered blonde blushed in embarrassment at the praise, not use to such a thing.
"Uh, yeah…i-it's nothing really, and Gaara's really strong. Besides you're pretty strong and brave yourself Matsuri, like when you saved me from Seimei's attack. Thanks for the help for that by the way." Naruto replied, making Matsuri blush.
"O-oh, y-you're welcome. B-but I couldn't have done that without Gaara-sensei's help, he's really helped me grow stronger and learn to use more weapons." Said Matsuri as she smiled at Gaara, who merely nodded.
"You've improved much on your own as well Matsuri, even more so while with your squad. Which is where you should be right now." Gaara said while looking at his student, with Matsuri smiling sheepishly.
"Uh…right, I'll go now. Bye Naruto, bye Gaara-sensei! I'll tell Yukata and Sari that you said hello!" Said Matsuri, while running off and waving at the two.
"Huh, she seemed…really excited." Naruto stated upon seeing how different Matsuri was compared to when he first met her.
"Yeah, Matsuri's attracted to powerful Shinobi. Given how Gaara's the strongest Ninja in Suna and you're the only one who ever really beat him, she was excited at the chance to see both of you at once. Though her main focus usually seems to be Gaara, something that's begun budding in her friends, Yukata and Sari, as well." Temari said while smirking at her younger brother, since it definitely was a surprise that he had three admirers.
"Matsuri and her friends like you?" Said Naruto to Gaara, surprised to hear this, but also happy at the chance his friend could find someone, only to see Gaara's neutral expression was now mixed with an uncomfortable look.
"Yes, but I don't have any interest in pursuing a relationship with any of them. While they are nice girls and deserve a chance to find happiness, I'm afraid I'm simply not interesting. Unfortunately, I'm unsure how to tell them and not hurt their feelings." Gaara replied, knowing he isn't the best at expressing himself, given his childhood and past personality, and could come off as rather blunt and unfeeling.
"Oh. Yeah, that can be pretty difficult, I honestly don't know a lot about love or anything really." Said Naruto, willing to admit he was pretty dense and naïve when it came to love, given how to him, loving someone was the same as loving ramen.
It was only after his time on Mt. Myōboku that Naruto began seeing the difference between loving someone and loving food. With the way Fukasaku and Shima interacted, as while they could argue or get into fights, they did show they loved each other. Along with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu, seeing the two brothers interact and hang out, knowing while they may have different personalities, they were brothers and cared for one another. And Gamabunta with both his sons, knowing while he was strict and easily annoyed or angered, he cared about them more than anything.
It was certainly an eye-opener for Naruto, but he never really brought it up since he wanted to focus on his training.
"Wait…you two were given The Talk, weren't you?" Temari asked suddenly, as both she and Kankuro felt their older sibling instincts triggered at hearing this, having believed both of them were given "The Talk" before.
Only for Naruto and Gaara to both look at them in confusion.
"The Talk?" Naruto asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Oh wow." Muttered Kankuro, knowing this was going to be awkward.
"Okay um…this might be a little late, but it's important that you both hear this." Said Temari, agreeing with her brother that it was going to be awkward.
*Later*
"And that about covers it." Temari concluded while looking at Naruto and Gaara, who both were embarrassed by everything they just heard, as both Temari and Kankuro had just filled them in everything about love, relationships, and sex.
"Alright, how do you both feel, when you think about any of that stuff now?" Asked Kankuro looking between them.
"…Satsuki…Koyuki…Toki…Haruna…Hinata…Isaribi…Yakumo…Sasame…Hokuto…" Naruto said in a trance-like tone, as he began going over every interaction with every girl he's friends with and began to see them so much more clearly.
Even with those like Shizune, Anko, and now Temari as well.
"…Okay, I think he's broken." Kankuro stated before looking at Gaara to see how he feels.
"I feel…uncomfortable and…nothing." Said Gaara, only feeling uncomfortable with everything he's just heard, making his siblings frown.
"That…might mean you could be asexual and potentially aromantic as well. Meaning you don't feel romantically or sexually attracted to people." Temari said.
"…I see…" Gaara said at hearing this, but saw that made the most sense, but not sure how to feel about that.
"It's not something bad and doesn't mean you can't have relationships or be with someone, since you still can. You just won't actually feel attracted to them romantically or sexually." Said Kankuro, knowing Gaara could still have relationships or have sex, he just wouldn't be attracted to his partner.
"Yeah, you can still be with someone if you want to Gaara." Temari said while smiling at her brother supportively, with Gaara nodding to his siblings.
"Thank you for telling me all this and for your support. But I think I would prefer to not have a relationship with someone if I cannot feel anything for them." Said Gaara, not really minding the idea, since even after he changed and the village began accepting him, he was never interested in the idea of a relationship.
"Well you'll still have your friends and family, no matter what." Naruto said, having come out of his trance, and smiled at his friend.
"Thank you, Naruto Uzumaki. And I believe I can now tell Matsuri, Sari, and Yukata that I can't return their feelings, without hurting them." Said Gaara, wanting to tell them all now, rather than letting them gain false hope for something that could never happen.
*Timeskip-Two Weeks*
After being given "The Talk" by Temari and Kankuro, along with learning Gaara was asexual and aromantic, the future Kazekage had gone to tell Matsuri, Yukata, and Sari that he couldn't return their feelings. Explaining why he couldn't and that it wasn't anything to do with them, along with saying how he hoped they could each find their own happiness. And while it did hurt the girls, they also accepted it along with asking if they could still be friends, which Gaara agreed to.
It had also lead to Naruto spending time with the three, wanting to get know Matsuri and her friends better. Learning they each had a talent for Wind Ninjutsu and a talent for another ability as well, with Matsuri having Bukijutsu, Yukata with Genjutsu, and Sari with Kugutsu. Leading to Naruto offering to help them with their training as well. Only to be embarrassed when they all accepted his offer by hugging him. With his embarrassment only being worsened, whenever they all cooed about how "adorable" he was.
Currently, Naruto was training with Gaara and Matsuri, having joined them in their weapons training, the whiskered blonde having seen several times how useful weapons could be. With Temari also being present as well, given her use of her fan made her an expert on using both Wind Ninjutsu and Bukijutsu.
"Naruto, one thing you should know, is that while Wind Ninjutsu are powerful on their own. Some forms of it are only at their strongest if they're used through a medium, like my battle fan. And while you're getting a much better grasp of your Wind Manipulation, it'd help if you also branched out into using it with a medium as well. Which is why, I got you these." Temari said, smiling and pulling out a set of familiar swords.
"Weaknessless Soaring Shortswords? Weren't these destroyed after Gaara took down Seimei?" Naruto asked while taking the wind-manipulating blades.
"We managed to retrieve and repair them after the encounter. And with your large Chakra Reserves and improving Chakra Control, along with your growing mastery of your Wind Affinity and Wind Style Ninjutsu, we figured they'd be a good fit for you to use, and get you started on using a weapon." Replied Temari, as Naruto smiled at her.
"Thanks Temari, these are really great and will definitely come in handy." Naruto said, making Temari's smile widen before it gained a mischievous edge.
"Glad you like them. They'll also be great for beating away any girl that tries corrupting you, my adorable little chibi." Cooed Temari while patting his head, much to his embarrassment and annoyance.
'At least not before I corrupt you first.' Temari thought.
Given how he saved her brother and even let them go after they helped attack his home, Temari couldn't deny she did develop some feelings for Naruto. Now seeing him again, telling them about the Akatsuki, teaching her and her brothers the Shadow Clone Jutsu to improve their training, and even offering to send messages to his allies to help improve Suna. The fan user would admit that she's really starting to like the whiskered blonde.
Afterwards, she began showing Naruto how to use his new swords and channeling Wind Chakra through them.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruto has learned plenty under the toads along with the secret of the Shadow Clones to help make up for the time he spent with Jiraiya. With him also getting a new outfit, including the scarf Kushina knitted for him. Then we see Naruto taking a trip to Suna where he reunites with Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, warning them about the Akatsuki and being trained by then as well, along with telling them about his past missions and being willing to speak with his allies about helping Suna. Then we see Naruto and Gaara being given "The Talk" by Temari and Kankuro to help them better understand love and relationships, with Naruto now reevaluating all his past interactions with girls while Gaara is revealed to be asexual and aromantic, leading to him letting down Matsuri, Sari, and Yukata gently, with them still being friends, while Naruto now gets to know them. Finally we see Naruto being given the Weaknessless Soaring Shortswords by Temari, who's also planning to stake her own claim on the chibi before anyone else. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
