Tsunade, Shizune and Naruto exited the bar after her story. Jiraiya hadn't moved but looked utterly shocked by what Tsunade shared. As the three were making their way back to Orochimaru's, Naruto was curious about something.
"So, were you and Orochimaru friends?"
"I think I'm as close to that as she'd allow anyone to be but it isn't a straightforward relationship and how she shows she cares is a little unorthodox." Tsunade said.
"What do you mean?"
"When I initially left the village with Shizune, I was a mess. Depressed and quickly succumbing to alcoholism and a gambling addiction. Whether I wanted to be completely numb or just hurt myself through debasement I don't know but I was hardly functional and Shizune was taking care of me more than I was truly training her. That lasted for about a year before Orochimaru found me. She-" Tsunade stopped to laugh, "she was not happy with what she saw. She said there are very few people she deems remarkable and I was one of those but if I was going to lose myself in grief it'd be better to just join those I lost. She said she'd give me three months to make a decision and if I were still some stumbling drunk she'd kill me and even as drunk as I was I knew she meant it."
"So, what happened?"
"She found me three months later and we fought. Well, sparred. Sparred for us."
"You destroyed a forest with your antics." Shizune interrupted.
"Hey, I appreciate she cared but no one threatens me so we had a bit of a tussle. Last good fight I've had, honestly. Hmm,"
"No, Tsunade-sama! You two are reckless and will just cause destruction."
"But it'll be fun! Oh, and that reminds me, brat you got to find someone around your level you like fighting. Not necessarily a rival as those relationships tend to turn bitter."
"Don't know too many people who could fit the bill and the ones I could think of don't much care for me."
"Who were you thinking of Naruto-kun?"
"Neji Hyuuga, Rock Lee and Sasuke Uchiha."
"Oh, yea. People take maiming, attempted murders and losing their lifetime goals personally." Shizune offered, helpfully but slurred.
"They do?" Naruto jokingly asked.
Shizune nodded before confirming, "They do. And it doesn't even matter why." The blonde and the redhead both snickered at Shizune's earnestness. While engaging in light banter as he returned to Orochimaru's, Naruto thought about Tsunade's words. True, as far as taijutsu; Neji, Rock Lee and Sasuke could push him. Chances are they had skills superior to his own, or in Sasuke's case having it buttressed with the predictive abilities of his sharingan.
Neither Shikamaru nor Shino were heavy combat types. They could certainly handle themselves but it was just a different approach as they favored being several steps ahead of their opponents, leading them into traps within traps. Naruto could plan a few steps ahead, especially when previous experience came into play but he wasn't the strategists his teammates were. It's what made sparring with them so fun, he had to be unpredictable and improvise in ways that would blow up their plans.
Naruto was lost in his thoughts and not fully aware he'd made it to his final destination until he heard Tsunade knock on the door. The trio were ushered in by Kabuto who led them to Orochimaru's first story office; the manor appeared to be two stories but had two sublevels as well. When they arrived, there were three other people in the room with her, a tall boy in his late teens with white hair and two red dots over his eyebrows. Two teenage females, one in her mid teens with pinkish red hair and the other twelve to thirteen with red hair and eyes to match, a shade similar to Naruto's.
"So, this shithead is the our clan head? I don't see it." Said the older girl.
"What?" was Naruto's response.
After Tsunade forced Naruto to sober up with the help of medical ninjutsu the heir of the Uzumaki was better able to engage with his new clansmen. Tayuya was foul mouthed so he quickly learned not to take anything personally, she was only respectful to Orochimaru. But she was also funny, direct and honest which were all things Naruto could appreciate. Karin was… interesting. She was, for the most part pretty quiet an amiable until something set her off, then she'd explode. Tayuya enjoyed setting her off.
As the three Uzumaki chatted through the night, Naruto learned that Tayuya was a genjutsu specialist but also had some cool summons she could control through her flute. Karin specialized in medical ninjutsu and research. She was originally from Kusa but her mother and she were not treated well there and she was eventually saved by Orochimaru. Naruto tried to include the older boy, Kimimaro he learned his name was, but he was terse and didn't seem interested so Naruto let him be. All in all, it was an interesting evening getting to know his fellow clan members, even at the cost of a full night's rest.
While the Uzumaki had been getting to know each other, Tsunade informed Orochimaru she'd told Naruto about team Hiruzen's history, including her past with the Sandaime. She relayed how Jiraiya looked beyond shocked, as if he couldn't process the information given.
Orochimaru didn't really care that Tsunade blabbed about something that, for almost anyone else, would be considered a highly personal piece of information. Not only did it make Hiruzen and Jiraiya look bad in the eyes of Naruto but it may cause a rift between the Toad Sage and the Old Man.
Besides, Tsunade was defending her. The two have had the debate long enough for her to know Tsunade's position on the issue. Tsunade can't, or refuses to believe, she would have made the same choices if not for the fallout of their team. Orochimaru doesn't feel guilty about, well, anything really but she doesn't like that Tsunade accepts blame for her choices. She did what she did because she wanted to do it. She's not some damaged, little girl that Hiruzen broke. She'll never accept that.
Also, she just doesn't want to be one more thing Tsunade blames herself for. The woman is so guilt-ridden it's amazing she manages to get out of bed. It's unhealthy and limiting. The two have never and will never see eye to eye on this issue. Outside of their ethics on human experimentation, it is really the only thing they vehemently disagree on. Well, and Tsunade's haori.
There are pleasant ways to start a day, Hiruzen is sure of this. Granted, he hasn't had what he'd consider a pleasant start to any day in years. It's always something, always. It'd be bad enough if the letter he received from Rasa was the whole of it, because clearly his counterpart is a sadistic asshole upstart in need of a beating. Rasa finally sent word on if he'd provide aid in the upcoming Ame invasion and he would, under some conditions. Hiruzen realized the man would try to get something out of this, the fact that it was to their mutual benefit wouldn't be enough prompting to act. But why this?
Rasa wants to see the fight that should have been the finals of the Chunin exams, Gaara vs. Naruto; jinchuuriki vs jinchuuriki. He also wants this exercise is pointless dick measuring to take place in Suna, as to give his boy as much of an advantage as he could. Hiruzen could have safeguards on hand, making sure Jiraiya was there with seals in hand to subdue either of them. However, they are jinchuuriki and things can escalate. There is a real risk of serious, permanent injury occurring and Hiruzen didn't see the value in it. But he'd have to trust Naruto to handle it as support from Suna reduced the risk for his own shinobi and gave them more manpower.
So, yes, that'd have been enough to sour his mood for the day but he also had the displeasure of sitting across from a, clearly, hungover Jiraiya looking both depressed, angry and confused. It was bad enough he stumbled in, making Hiruzen's ANBU tense but the large man just sat down and hadn't said a word. Hiruzen, being used to his students' quirks knew this happens when Jiraiya is building up to have a conversation he'd much rather avoid; he was trying to find his nerve and if he held to pattern the first thing he said would be crass and inappropriate.
"So, Sensei…. Impregnate any students lately?" And there it was. Hiruzen immediately signaled for his ANBU to leave, refusing to do this in front of an audience. He trusted them but even that had its limits.
"No, not lately, Jiraiya. The old boy doesn't get around like he used to."
"But you did get around. So very smooth, the Professor was."
"Jiraiya, I'm going to need you to get to the point as I have actual work and something of actual importance we need to discuss."
"You toyed with your student and then sent her to your lunatic of a rival, I think that's important."
"Not to you, it isn't. Every one of her accomplishments was taken as a personal slight by you, Jiraiya. Blame me if you must, in my alleged favoritism but you burned the bridge between you two so you'll forgive me if I find this to be a bit hypocritical; especially from a Super Pervert."
"Alleged favoritism? Even now you deny it?"
"No, I'm just tired of having to confront it. I'm not perfect, far from it. I've been a professional killer longer than you've been alive. I mess up, I think too highly of myself. I'm flawed, Jiraiya. So, yes, when I had someone that looked upon me with admiration and desire I savored it. I indulged in it because it was new and simpler. Biwako and I were having problems. The demands of being Hokage leaves little time to be a quality husband and father but the excuse had worn thin. She wanted more time, the children did as well. Orochimaru just wanted me."
"Until you had your fill and threw her away."
"Yes. I didn't know Danzo was as twisted as he'd become but for the sake of my marriage and to manage my own guilt I needed some distance so I reassigned her and limited contact. And before you go on, yes, I've often wondered if how I handled things led her to do what she did. It was one of the reasons I couldn't kill her and let her flee. I often wonder which I regret more, crossing that line with her how what I did with Naruto but I can't go back, only forward."
"I know, Sensei. I'm not sure why I'm here. I guess after Tsunade told me I've just been thinking about how things could have been different. If I hadn't been so jealous and the like. Maybe she would have stayed on the straight and narrow."
"Maybe, Jiraiya. This is a question I've often had to ask myself as well. So, does this change things for you?"
"No. Regardless of the why, what she's done is unconscionable and I want her away from Naruto as soon as possible but it does add some context. Not enough to excuse her behavior but I feel I might understand her a little better." he said with a shrug. "Now, what's this business you need to tell me?"
"Rasa wants Naruto to fight Gaara, it's his condition to support us against the Akatsuki."
"Mm. I'm not ashamed to admit I wanted to see the fight."
"Were you disappointed when Naruto forfeited at the Chunin Exams?"
"No, it was the right call but Gaara had the best chance to push Naruto. You weren't exactly forthcoming with his skills so I know very little of what he can do."
"He was to be your apprentice, you were supposed to find out." Hiruzen said crossly, which Jiraiya waved off, dismissively.
"I was under the impression I was to babysit and play bodyguard. If I seriously trained the kid he'd run through the finals, which he did anyway."
"I never told you not to seriously train him." the Sandaime shot back. He hadn't.
"No, you just said you had concerns about his maturity and didn't think he was quite ready to advance and just so you know, I've been distracted with Orochimaru and the Akatsuki but we will be having that conversation soon, Old Man."
"So you teach him the rasengan?" The Sandaime asked, deciding not to acknowledge the latter statement.
"I didn't know the kid would get it in a month. Neither Kakashi nor I managed it that fast."
"That must have stung." Hiruzen said with a smile.
"Like a bitch and a half. At least his father was an adult before he started showing me up." Jiraiya said, sulking the entire time.
"Of course, you'll go there with him in case things get out of hand."
"Of course."
The clang of blunted tanto meeting each other rang throughout the private training ground. The smaller combatant was giving it his best but against a practiced opponent, he was finding himself wanting. The pressure of the assault was unrelenting, suffocating and forbade any thought. He could only react and react and react, never open to taking the initiative. It was frustrating. Infuriating. It was… it was…
"Troublesome." Shikamaru said, as he rolled out of the way of the blade aimed at his neck, only to receive a kick to the ribs for his effort. He was in a simple outfit of black shirt and black pants, his chunin jacket long since discarded. The kick made him realize what a mistake that was. He continued his roll until he got back to his feet, to see his opponent already on him. It was with the barest of margins he was able to block
What the rookie chunin had not be prepared for was for his attacker's free hand to grab the wrist of the hand holding his tanto and slip into his guard. Before he could make sense of her movements, he was elbowed in the face, causing him to drop his weapon. Next, he felt his arm wrenched behind and above him, causing him to bend over as she kept his arm perfectly straight. He was not given time to dwell on the pain in his shoulder as a fist to the face dropped him to the ground.
"Troublesome." he said, rolling to his back.
"Getting your ass kicked generally is, sweetie." Yoshino said. Shikamaru had no response for this. He wanted to complain but he constantly reminded himself that he asked for this. He recalls how powerless he felt in the Forest of Death, how Naruto did his best to insure their safety and then willingly marched toward his doom. Shikamaru hated that feeling, his intellect was rendered a non-factor, irrelevant. Nothing he could think of would have helped in the slightest, that was the gap between Orochimaru and them so he watched as his teammate crossed swords with someone he had no hope of defeating, only to get stabbed in the end.
Now, with what is coming he knows he has to be more than he is. It isn't enough to be able to plan things twenty steps ahead against people that can blow up your strategies with overwhelming power and skill. He could have been forced to watch a teammate die and been no more useful than a blunted kunai. He resolved to never let that be the case again.
"You know what your problem is?" Yoshino asked. She was shocked when her son requested she help him train as she knew his father was handling his development in clan techniques but she was happy he seemed to be taking things more seriously. Seeing he wasn't going to answer she continued. "It's taking you to long to get where you need to be. You keep thinking you can warm up in a fight or flip a switch to get serious when you really need to. That might work as a genin, with a Jounin leading you and a jinchuuriki at your back. Not as a Chunin and certainly not in war.
You aren't going to get breaks to craft your next plan. You'll have to constantly be moving, fighting, defending while creating your intricate strategies."
"It's a drag but you're right. I'll have to think more like that troublesome redhead."
"What do you mean?" asked Yoshino.
"He's good at coming up with tactics on the fly."
"Not surprising, his parents were like that as well."
"You knew his parents?"
"Yes, but not well. His mother was teased a lot as a kid and kept her social circle small because of it so not a lot of us could say we knew her well and his father was extremely kind but also very private."
"Who was his father and does Naruto know?"
"I can't tell you and yes, he does."
"Troublesome.
At the Aburame compound Shino was being watched by his father. The two stood in silence, the son continually stabbing his sais into the wood dummy and his father content to watch for flaws in his form. Shino started working on these for the Chunin Exam finals but his match with the puppeteer didn't lend itself to close quarters combat. He, too, lamented his inability to aid Naruto against the once traitor. A hive functions best when all can contribute to the embetterment of the whole but he was unable to do so. It left him with a feeling of shame.
His parents tried to tell him his feelings, while understandable, were illogical. He stood no chance of defeating the once traitor and could have done very little to alter the outcome. He'd acknowledged their words and the validity of their argument but it did little to quell his emotions. Naruto is strong, the strongest of the three of them. Neither he, nor Shikamaru would challenge that but their teammate has never lorded it over them; he never discounts their contributions or tries to invoke his seniority in an attempt to diminish them. He has relied on them, their skills and talents but when he needed them the most they were impotent.
Useless is something he'd never felt before and something he wishes to avoid ever feeling again. So, he resolved to better himself; to diversify his skill set while sharpening himself. He would not be the weak link, he would not be a spectator. But progress is a slow process, so for now, he'd simply focus on handling the weapons in his hands with every ounce of precision he could muster.
She sometimes forgot when Asuma was properly motivated he was a damn good shinobi and somehow she'd managed to motivate him. They'd train and spar before he met his team for the day and she hadn't been pushed like that in some time. She wouldn't say she'd gotten lazy but she had gotten content, maintaining her skills instead of pushing. Jounin were the elite but even among them there were levels. She needed to be a legitimately elite Jounin, her students needed her to be so. Especially Naruto.
It was hard being his sensei, not because of what he contained. She wasn't a small minded fool but for reasons completely divorced from that. It was difficult to separate how he was on missions; calm, almost detached and focused, with the borderline shy nine year old that commissioned her to talk about genjutsu. She remembered how cute he was, his face still retaining his baby fat. He'd become a seasoned shinobi since then and it'd taken a bit for him to warm up to his team. When he finally did, she realized he was the same good natured boy just one that kid behind a facade to those he didn't trust.
Her second concern was simply, she wasn't sure how much she truly had to teach him. His chakra control was decent, excellent given his reserves, but not fine enough for genjutsu. She wasn't a ninjutsu type so had very little to offer someone that could use all five nature releases. Stealth? To some extent but his summons had taken care of a good portion of that. He was ready to be a Chunin when she got him and felt a little lost but they managed to figure it out.
Now, however, he was marked. By the Akatsuki and by Orochimaru. Kurenai was honest enough to know she'd be of minimal use against either threat as she was. Asuma understood her concern, he'd been around elite shinobi his entire life and understood feeling inadequate. He'd been helping her perfect his nature releases; fire and earth along with polishing up her taijutsu and kenjutsu as she hadn't wielded her kodachi in sometime.
She was also taking a page from Naruto's book, trying to create more original genjutsu, something people hadn't seen and couldn't just cast off. When it was time to remove the Akatsuki she promised herself she'd be ready and if she needed to fight Orochimaru to save her student, she'd be ready for that.
He never questioned his Mistress, it was not his place. She spoke her will and he carried it out. Theirs was a simple relationship. However, when he first laid eyes on the redhead she was so taken with, he had to admit he was filled with doubts, concerns that said boy was not worth his Mistress's attention. As if she knew, she arranged for them to spar and while he never took opponents lightly he still held little hope for the boy.
Kimimaro could admit when he'd been wrong and he misjudged this Naruto. The spar started with taijutsu and the smaller boy quickly learned not to kick someone with the Dead Bone Pulse in the leg, though he recovered quickly. The exchanges were fast, both boys using agility, reaction time and spacing to deflect and slip their blows. Kimimaro initially disregarded the other boy's tactic of kicking him in the calf, instead of the outside of the leg that typical leg kicks targeted. That is, until he started to slow down and wasn't able to put as much pressure on his legs.
The boy had been wearing him down, the accumulated damage had taken its toll but even still, Kimimaro had gotten the better of their fight. Naruto was worse off, a bloody lip is all that remained of the visible damage as his bruises healed swiftly but he was breathing heavily. Kimimaro admitted to himself that Naruto was a tank, taking hits some of the Sound Five couldn't endure and keep going. A small part of him was having fun, curious what an all out fight between the two would look like.
Orochimaru-sama called a short break before she had them engage with kenjutsu and Kimimaro saw immediately that the redhead was a much better swordsman as he pushed the older boy in what he, Kimimaro, would consider his best skill. The duel was fast but Kimimaro could tell Naruto was attempting to incorporate some new elements, it hadn't been quite mastered yet but when it was the Uzumaki would be a nightmare. His speed and power were excellent but his, nascent, ability to transition from a downward slash to a thrust to a horizontal slash with just a change in his grip and wrist movement was impressive. Once mastered he'd flow through defenses as he'd either be too fast or too hard to predict for most to stop his offense.
Once Orochimaru called a halt to their fight, she informed them this would be a daily occurence until the month was over and Kimimaro went back to Oto. Both boys acknowledged her words and Kimimaro was dismissed for the day, choosing to shower, change and then explore the village for a bit. While Naruto impressed him, he doubted most of the rest of this trash would.
The village was too open for him, the general mood didn't seem befitting of a shinobi village. Civilians all about, concerned about very little and generally in the way; as far as he was concerned. Kimimaro wasn't used to this kind of atmosphere. Oto only had people who were of use to his Orochimaru-sama and before that he spent his time in a cell, like an animal. He had to stop himself from thinking about his time with his clan, it always angered him and anger would do him no good. They were all dead so it didn't matter.
As he traversed the village he started to notice a shadow tailing him. Deciding against playing coy, he called it out to see a panther cub emerge and trot up to him.
"Hi!"
"Why are you following me?"
"Onii-chan said you might want some company since you didn't know anyone and Konoha residents can be jerks."
"The trash of this village does not concern me." he said before turning around and continuing his walk and noticed the cub walked right alongside him. "You can return to your summoner."
"I'm good." she said, not taking the hint. Kimimaro relented, figuring she'd be content to travel in silence.
"Ne?" he was wrong.
"Yes?"
"What do you do for fun?"
"Fun? I'm a warrior, I don't concern myself with fun."
"That's stupid." the cub said.
"That is not stupid, it is dedication."
"Onii-chan is dedicated and he still has fun. He plays ninja with some village kids and myself."
"The Uzumaki is not without skill but he'd be better if he spent that time training."
"Pfft, he could totally kick your ass in a real fight." she said and then looked panicked when Kimimaro shot her a glare. He assumed it was the glaring that caused her reaction.
"Don't tell nii-chan I said a bad word, ok?" He was wrong again.
"I'll consider it." He said, causing the summons to relax. He was curious why she was so concerned with the Uzumaki finding out about her word choice but decided it was of little concern.
"We should get some lunch, I know the perfect place."
"Fine." Kimimaro said and followed the cub to a small stand, that served ramen. He learned the cub's name was Mageela and she apparently came to the stand a lot, enough to have a tab and be known by the chefs. Teuchi and Ayame were some of the few people to treat Naruto decently so he ate at the stand a lot, as a consequence Mageela did as well. They didn't even hesitate to feed nor speak with her as if were an everyday occurrence. He paid little attention to the exchange until the expressive cub called him her "onii-chan's new friend". If he were one to do so, he would have snorted. He could respect the Uzumaki but friends? Juugo was his only friend, he didn't see the need in another however the ramen chefs seemed excited and offered him a free bowl in thanks.
Their gratitude mirrored Juugo's own and Kimimaro was curious why it was of note that he'd be friends with, though he wasn't, the redhead. Granted, he knew very little of the Uzumaki's life, he never considered asking and assumed his Mistress would give him all the information he needed. Now, he was curious. He offered to pay for the meal but the chefs declined, saying Naruto leaves a balance in case Mageela stops by so it was covered. He decided to return, having seen enough of the village and the small summons was right beside him.
Letting his curiosity get the better of him, Kimimaro was forced to ask, "Why did those chefs find it noteworthy I'm friends with Naruto?"
"The villagers weren't very nice to him, many still aren't. They treat him like he isn't there or, at the very least, like they wish he weren't. Almost no one wanted to befriend him so he was alone a lot before he joined us panthers. Then he was happy because he had friends."
'Interesting' Kimimaro thought but said nothing else as the pair walked back to the manor.
As Kimimaro was gone to explore the village, Orochimaru was continuing her training of her latest apprentice. She couldn't let go of the feeling he was hiding something significant from her and without knowing the full extent of his abilities she may be covering things he already knows instead of advancing him with new knowledge. It was time she got a full picture of what he could do. Having her snakes bind him was just to help loosen his lips.
"You're holding back on me, Naruto-kun."
"Huh" he said intelligently. Granted, he was but how did she know that?
"If I'm going to train you properly I really need to know all you can do. Tai and kenjutsu I know and you'll be at a higher level by the time we attack the Akatsuki but I know ninjutsu is your strongest skill so what are you hiding?"
"Um… just a few things but they are my trump cards. Also, the Old Man's ANBU is always watching and I don't want him to know." Naruto said. Seemingly, she approved of the sentiment as she had her snakes release him. As she released him the ANBU appeared before them.
"You have no reason to fear my reporting your skills to the Sandaime. My orders were to protect you, not monitor you especially as your original techniques all fall under clan techniques until stated otherwise." The ANBU swiftly disappeared after that.
"See? Now, please, Naruto-kun what have you been holding back?"
"Well, first, I developed a Yin release technique but I only have one. It's an illusion."
"Please demonstrate it." she said and watched as he hesitated before following her orders. Four hand seals later and she saw a flash of light and then her world turned black. The only source of color was a red moon and Naruto's red hair. However, his hair was longer, flowing down to the ground and had become black at its ends. It kept growing until the ends became panthers, all coming from her. It surprised her when she felt actual pain from the bites and it took a considerable flare to end the illusion.
"I call that my Hunters' Moon Technique."
"Impressive. Similar to Tobirama's Bringer of Darkness. But that isn't all, is it?"
"No. You should probably come by me, though. My control with this isn't where I'd like it to be." Orochimaru quirked an eyebrow but did as her student requested. He then promptly performed eight hand seals and slammed his hand on the ground. She couldn't hear his vocalization but didn't have to wait long for the jutsu to emerge. Forty feet from them, she saw something amazing. Unbelievable really. It rushed from the ground and spread to the sky. Even as far away as she was she could feel the heat. She could only stare at her apprentice. He'd, seemingly, done the impossible.
"H-how?" she asked and he bashfully scratched the back of his head. His natural affinities are Wind and Water, she knows that for a fact, Kabuto is the best at what he does.
"It's really just phases of matter. Once you understand that, the trick just becomes moulding the chakra. No big deal, really." The two senior ninja bearing witness to this couldn't have disagreed more vehemently. Itachi now understood why Naruto wanted to keep this secret. Orochimaru was simply beyond pleased. It seems she has something to learn from her student. She, of course, wasted no time relaying how delighted she was.
"If you were older Naruto-kun, I'd have you right here and now until you begged for mercy twice."
"I've never begged for anything a day in my life." He retorted.
"Twice." She didn't seem to care. "What do you call that, by the way?"
"It's my Lava Style: Burning Geyser."
It was another team training session for Team 7 and the clear blue sky did not reflect the mood of the team. The Uchiha had changed recently. He'd lost his spark. It was obvious to every member of the team. His drive all but gone, everything he did was by rote, his body moving through the motions. Sakura was no help, as her history of trying to befriend/ensnare/console the last Uchiha always ended in failure. He dismissed her out of hand if it wasn't about missions. Sasuke respected Kakashi, as much as Sasuke respected anyone but still could draw no comfort nor inspiration from the man. He was too remote, contrasting Sakura's extreme openness.
Sasuke was the acknowledged leader of their pack but he was faltering and Kiba, his partner, could do little to help either. He'd taken the secondary position so any challenge levied now would seem impotent, he'd given up being a true challenge early in their formation. Akamaru was concerned, if the team didn't function well his partner was at risk which meant he was at risk. He didn't fully understand why the Uchiha had lost his motivation but it negatively affected all.
He never liked the Uchiha, there was an omnipresent darkness in him. It had been focused and intense. While it's lost its intensity, the lack of focus makes it a possible contagion. Would he bring the rest of the team down as he believed his emotions were somehow deeper than anyone else's? Would he turn violent as his depression gave way to anger? Akamaru didn't know and the elders of his pack had very little to say on the matter.
He was powerless to change things and could only be diligent in protecting his partner. It was all he could do. That and hope someone could reach the boy before he sunk in on himself completely or lashed out at others. Neither were ideal and both would be a waste of potential.
"C'mon, Akamaru, let's show Sasuke what's what!" Kiba said with forced enthusiasm. Akamaru heeded his call all the same. The spar would likely have the same results they always did but even if Kiba did win he'd take no pride in it and Sasuke would feel no shame. This team was going nowhere fast.
Of all the ways she had planned to spend her evening, having a civil discussion with Jiraiya was nowhere on the list. He claimed he'd come with important news concerning Naruto, so of course she prepared for another screed on how she was going to corrupt him and make him experiment on babies and kick puppies in her attempt to take over the world. She was in no mood and Naruto was kind enough to make dinner for everyone; including his fellow Uzumaki, Kimimaro, Mageela and Kabuto and she'd rather not miss that as it smelled divine. Now the two sat in her parlor, each in a lather chair staring at the other.
"Make it quick." she said, neutrally.
"The Kazekage is hinging his support with the Akatsuki on Naruto fighting Gaara in Suna. Sensei has agreed and we'll leave at month's end."
"Maybe Sensei should tell Rasa he'll help or I'll kill him myself."
"Oh, yes, the Orochimaru school of diplomacy. When in doubt, hold a sword to someone's throat." Jiraiya said dismissively.
"What's wrong with holding a sword to someone's throat? A lot gets accomplished by holding a sword to someone's throat."
"Well, as fun as this is let me inform the brat so we can come up with a plan."
"No. He'll be fine, Gaara holds no challenge for him currently."
"I wasn't asking." Orochimaru narrowed her eyes.
"You keep at this Jiraiya and you won't like the consequence."
"You think you can keep me from my godson? You overestimate yourself."
"Sensei managed it and you didn't even put up a fight. I'm confident I can achieve similar results, if you push me."
"To think I felt bad after Tsunade's little story. You're just a bottomless void. I'm more certain than ever you belong nowhere near Naruto."
"And yet he lives with me and is being trained by me because he trusts me."
"No, because you plotted and schemed to make it happen. You may be getting away with this now but it won't last forever."
"Leave, Jiraiya."
"Fine. I'll be back tomorrow to speak with Naruto." He said and made his way to the front door. She just rolled her eyes at the lifelong idiot. She joined the rest in the dining room where Naruto and Karin were just bringing out dinner. She was never one to enjoy group meals but she had to admit seeing everyone talking and laughing, especially at Mageela's retelling of her time with Kimimaro. It was much more relax than Oto, though she realized it's because she terrified everyone, giving the impression she was mercurial to the extreme. Good to keep a bunch of rogues in line, bad for dinner conversation.
She paid special attention to her newest student and how he seemed to draw everyone in. He wasn't put off by Tayuya's language, could get Karin to open up and even a stoic like Kimimaro was willing to engage. She knew he was something special but mostly she focused on his potential as a shinobi. It was comforting to know she had chosen correctly and it was time to start moving things along. As the others cleared the table, Naruto was headed to the library, Mageela underfoot, to do some studying but Orochimaru had different plans.
"Naruto-kun." she said.
"Yes, shishou?"
"We need to discuss another part of your regimen, namely recovery."
"Recovery?"
"Yes. While most experienced ninja know to rest and some even visit hot springs occasional to relax their muscles, most don't pay enough attention to post workout recovery. It limits their gains as they aren't taking care of their bodies. I won't let you make that same mistake so take a hot bath and then go to your bedroom. You'll be receiving a massage afterward to make sure there's no tension in your muscles." The redhead simply nodded and headed toward the bathroom nearest his bedroom.
After his soak, Naruto returned to his room to see it alight with candles and the smell of incense burning. He also saw a massage table and laid on hi, face down. He had not suspected the person to give him the massage to be Orochimaru herself as he tensed when he noticed her presence. This only caused her to laugh as she told him to relax. It was weird, outside of sparring Naruto wasn't accustomed to much in the way of physical contact so even ordinary acts to most people felt intimate to him so this was doubly so.
Orochimaru paid attention to his initial discomfort, part of the reason she chose to do this was to get him used to her touch so she wouldn't have to later. Also, it was a chance to make him start seeing her as an object of affection and not just a teacher as he had clearly labeled Kurenai. She started at his legs and methodically worked her way up. He did have a great deal of tension in his muscles and knots to work out so it wasn't completely manipulative. 60/40 she'd wager. By the time she'd gotten to his back he'd relaxed completely, no doubt in part to the incense which were made of a little something extra. It'd also, most likely, give him an interesting dream tonight.
He was asleep before she finished, leaving her to place him in bed. She watched as he slept peacefully. Truly, he was beautiful in her eyes. Not just aesthetically, though she reasoned he'd be quite attractive when he matured instead of just boyishly cute now but it was his potential and drive she saw. It was similar to Jiraiya, when they were kids she'd seen his potential that was just begging to be unleashed. If he had not been a jealous, petty boy she'd have continued to be interested in him. Naruto would be greater still and hold none of Jiraiya's inferiorities. He broke the rules of ninjutsu and apparently had been working on his Lava release for almost two years, all in secret. Ice release as well, after seeing it in action during a mission.
'Phases of matter' she remembers him saying. Simple in conception not execution but he was right. If you can make water vapor, and viscous liquids then ice should be possible. If you can make earth, mud and stone then lava should be possible. She, like others, assumed only bloodlines could truly wield the sub-elements but she was wrong. Because no one was there to tell him he couldn't, Naruto truly believes chakra is limitless potential, energy to be manipulated and he'll go farther than any before him. That, she believed, was his beauty. Until she was around him, exposed to him.
He has a lightness to him, one that shouldn't be there; he's within his rights to hate much of the village or simply deem life unfair and not care about anything but he doesn't. She's seen him genuinely enjoy others. She was drawn to it even if it'd be something she'd seek to quash, bend or otherwise eliminate from others. But with him? She'd protect it as she sees that quality and his potential as intrinsically linked. His belief in chakra mirrors his belief in himself and his innate optimism. Not naivete but true optimism that he can improve things if he doesn't give up. It's intoxicating.
So much so she has to remind herself not to rush things. He's still too young so she must be patient and she will but one day Naruto Uzumaki will be hers and hers alone. Even if she has to burn the rest of the world to make it happen. Not Jiraiya, not Hiruzen, no one will stop her. She gives Naruto a small kiss on the cheek and departs, knowing more is in store once he gets old enough. She just has to wait.
A dark forest illuminated by the waxing crescent. The foliage is familiar, the dewey scents are as well. His only question is how he got here. Well, and where he got these clothes. Over a mesh lined black shirt was some red armor he'd never seen before. Over that he was wearing a black haori with red and blue flames at the bottom. He can't see it but a red Uzumaki swirl lies at the center of his back. His sword is strapped to his back and he has his kunai holsters strapped to each leg. His black pants, strapped with crimson tape at the ankles and his black shinobi sandals finish the look.
He has no more time to think about his clothing as a tidal wave comes toward him, uprooting the trees in its way. He wastes no time performing a series of hand seals and immediately unleashes a strong blast of wind; one powerful enough to cleave the tidal wave in two, splitting so none of the water hits him. In the distance he sees a figure running toward him with great speed. As the figure gets closer, he sees the glow of raiton chakra contained in some type of blade. Finally, he can make out the figure; it's Tobirama Senju and he's wielding the Raijin no Ken.
Naruto sprinted toward the Hokage with great speed himself, able to perform the full shukuchi without any ill effects. Tobirama readied himself, bringing his lightning blade over head, preparing to delivery a powerful strike. Naruto draws his blade, smooth and without mistake, coating it with his super sonic chakra. The two blades meet in the middle and neither give way to the other. Naruto placed his left hand on the hilt, now gripping with both as Tobirama is much stronger than him but that will be to his benefit. Naruto spun, allow Tobirama's forward momentum to carry him forward while tries to horizontally slash his back but the Senju was more than ready for that and swiftly blocked the strike with his own blade. Naruto jumped back to give himself some space and the two combatants eyed each other.
Without a word to the two reengaged but there were few sword clashes, their dance performed in near perfect silence. He was the better technical swordsman but technique can be overwhelmed by physical superiority and experience, something the Nidaime had in spades. This was leaving Naruto on the defensive more than he would like but it couldn't be avoided. He knew he had to be patient, to find a true opening and exploit it for all its worth. It took a few moments but he finally saw it, a hole in Tobirama's offense. Naruto promptly charged forward with a thrust of his blade, the speed surprising the former Hokage and just as Naruto was about score a blow Tobirama vanished.
'Hiraishin' the redhead thought and swiftly turned to wear he believed the follow up attack would come, bringing his sword down. He was met with a clang but it was not Tobirama's Raijin that stopped his blade but a tri pointed kunai. Blue eyes met blue eyes as Naruto stood in front of one of his long time idols and his father, Minato Namikaze.
Without preamble the Yondaime went for a leg sweep and Naruto jumped back, it was a mistake as the Yondaime kicked him whilst he was in midair causing the smaller Uzumaki to fly back and roll until he got back to his feet. Minato launched three of his signature kunai and Naruto knew he'd be overwhelmed if they got near him so he tried something, an experiment he hadn't perfected yet. He coated his blade with his super sonic chakra flow and swung his blade, creating blades that flew through the air. He managed to sever the shiki of two of the kunai but missed the one, his control over the technique failing at some point. The kunai landed beside him and he jumped forward, turning to face the opposite direction, hoping he predicted right. He didn't.
He tried to swing his blade where he thought his father might flash to but he guessed wrong and was punched in the stomach for his trouble. The hit was hard enough to make him drop his blade and Naruto shunshin'd away but another tri tip kunai was in hot pursuit. Naruto landed on a tree branch, one of the few not taken out by the Nidaime's water jutsu. To his dismay as soon as he landed he heard a thud. On instinct he sent a great deal of chakra to his left hand, turning toward his right. Rasengan met rasengan as father and son battled for dominance. Minato eventually released his and grabbed Naruto's wrist with the same hand. Before he could think Naruto was no longer on a tree but hanging over a cliff.
He looked up to his father, who was dangling him and the man smiled before releasing Naruto's wrist and letting him fall. It was darker, he could see nothing but black as not even the moonlight penetrated. His fall felt never ending until he landed on something soft. He was on a bed and in a room with sporadic spots of candle light. The scent was familiar but he couldn't quite recall what it was but he was very comfortable. He decided to close his eyes, the two former Hokage had pushed him hard and he needed to rest.
"Kukuku" he heard the familiar laugh and shot up; turning to see his new sensei, in a dark red kimono. Her nail polished matched the color of the kimono and he could see a faint trace of lipstick. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun and the candle light accented the complexion of her skin nicely. She was, in short, beautiful; desirable in a way Naruto hadn't thought another person could be. Her sauntering over to him, pace deliberately slow didn't help matters as he saw the sway in her hips and the slip bounce of her breasts. He was feeling things he couldn't put words to. Like some long lost knowledge he couldn't quite remember, an impression he should be doing something to… with her.
When she finally made it to the bed and claim his lips, the picture became a little clearly. Acting on instinct he returned the kiss, mimicking her motions. His hands around her waist but decidedly unhappy with their lack of activity. As if they had a will of their own, they started to undo her purple obi and he felt her smile. Taking that as a cue to continue he slipped his hands in her now loosened kimono. Each making the slow climb toward her breasts. He was enjoying the feel of his skin, slightly cool to the touch and wanted to savor it.
Before he could reach his intended goals, she broke off the kiss and push him back so he was lying flat on the bed. She then mounted him, smiling as she started to slowly drop the kimono from her shoulders. So entranced he could only stare at her eyes until he realized she was topless. Daring to break eye contact his vision drifted down, once again noticing her red lips and then her slender neck. Just as he was about to lay eyes on her naked breasts he felt a thud. And then another. And another.
"Wake up, onii-chan!"
"I'm up, I'm up!" Naruto near shouted, confusion and irritation warring within him.
"Good. It's time for training."
"Ok, I'll start getting ready." he said before noticing a certain stiffness which caused him to blush, "After I take a cold shower."
