Terrified, can't even begin to describe what Tsume is currently feeling. It's been hours since her meeting with the Hokage. Honestly why did she have to have an idiot as a son? Out of all the stupid things Kiba did in the past. This one definitely takes the cake. Not to mention out of all of the people Kiba had to have a problem with. It just had to be one of Mikoto's kids.
While it's true that she and Mikoto are friends. Tsume isn't stupid enough to think that Mikoto will take something like this lightly even if they are friends. Everyone in Konoha who knows of the Uchiha clan head knows that crossing her is essentially signing off your death certificate. That fact had been reminded to the council years ago when a stupid civilian councilor made a particular offensive comment about the Uchiha clan just a couple weeks after the massacre took place. Her chakra, the dark, intense chakra that rolled off of Mikoto nearly had her shivering in fear and it wasn't even directed towards her!
And if the rumors about Sasuke are true, he seems to have inherited his mother's powerful dark chakra. One would have assumed that Itachi, for all of his rare talent, would be the one to inherit it. But no Sasuke is the one who takes after Mikoto. It's been a couple of times where Tsume mentioned to Hiashi, Shikaku, Shibi, Inoichi and Choza on how Sasuke is the male version of Mikoto. You can't find a single speck of Fugaku in the boy's face. It's scary since even Itachi showed some features of Fugaku.
A prodigy just like his mother and a greater one than his older brother. The youngest to attain a fully matured sharingan at only 9 years old. A feat not even Itachi achieved if what Mikoto says is true.
Then there's the other two she adopted, Naruto and Sakura. Both who are also prodigies. While Sakura's birth parents were weak civilians. The girl herself is a different case all together. Never in the history of Konoha has there been a kunoichi with as much overall raw talent like her that's civilian born. Tsume is positive that if it wasn't for the fact that Mikoto adopted Sakura as her daughter. Multiple major and minor clans of Konoha would've tried to adopt the girl into their own clans once learning of her prowess. Her own clan included. It baffles Tsume still to this day that Sakura's birth mother is Mebuki Haruno. A weak woman who flunked out of the academy all those years ago.
Lastly is the one her idiot of a son assaulted, Naruto Uzumaki. The son of her deceased friend Kushina. Still to this day it kinda bothers Tsume on how she did nothing to help the boy out over the years. Truthfully knowing who his birth parents are, it shouldn't be surprising that Naruto is extremely talented himself. While it's true he looks a lot like Minato, according to Mikoto his personality and everything else is all Kushina. Mikoto has even admitted to her that it's been times where she's swore that she's staring directly at Kushina when around Naruto at times.
Which in itself is a nightmare, especially if he's inherited Kushina's temper. Oh kami she doesn't even want to consider facing his wrath.
Honestly with those four alone, Tsume isn't afraid to admit that her clan against them in an all out battle is suicide on her clan's part. That's not even including Tsunade and Shizune into the equation. Just pure overkill at that point.
This is why she's been stressing all night on what to do in case Mikoto is out for blood. According to the Hokage, Naruto's injuries were already healing by the time the blond brought Kiba in. While this can be seen as a good thing, it won't mean shit if Mikoto is still pissed off about the whole ordeal.
Even if Tsume wanted to help Kiba, it's pretty much out of her hands now considering what his crimes are. Seriously why one of Mikoto's kids of all people? She would much rather deal with the entire Hyuga clan than an angry Mikoto.
"Still up thinking about Kiba, kaa-san?" Tsume was broken out of her thoughts by her daughter Hana.
Being her daughter, Hana was the first one to learn from her mother about her brother's actions. Her reaction? A facepalm to the face while calling Kiba a dumbass. Of course she is worried about him as well.
"Yeah though I'm not too worried about Kiba. He may serve some time in prison though he'll still get out while he's young. I'm more concerned about how the clan head of the Uchiha clan will react. We may be friends but Mikoto doesn't mess around when it comes to her kids. Same could be said for any parent, however none of them are nowhere near as dangerous as Mikoto." Tsume answered.
Hana believed her mother's words. She may have never seen the Flame Goddess of Destruction in action before. Though the stories of her legend speak for themselves.
"Do you think she'll react violently?"
"It's hard to say, honestly I'm pretty sure we can work something out. Everything is really predicated on how pissed she still is by the time I see her." Tsume sighed.
"The Hokage can't help us?" Hana asked.
Tsume scoffed. "Please, it's true he's the God of Shinobi for a reason. But he's not foolish enough to cross Mikoto. He will definitely look the other way if it means avoiding her fury. Sadly, you can't even blame him for it either."
Hana shivered. "Kami, I hope Kiba didn't just screw our entire clan over a simple loss."
"Me and you both Hana." Tsume voiced.
(Hyuga Compound)
Hiashi could only sigh. "Well I can see how Hinata lost."
Today is the day Sakura fought against 3 older members of the Hyuga clan that are experienced in the Gentle Fist. All, who were handpicked by the Hyuga clan elders.
Which ended in three victorious wins for the young pinkette. She demolished each fighter with ease. If you ask Sakura, for being older experienced practitioners of juken, Hinata put up a much better fight than they did.
Mikoto smirked. "Good job Sakura-chan."
The elders on the other hand were not taking this too well at all.
"Preposterous!" One shouted.
"How can a mere child, not even Hyuga born, defeat some of our most experienced practitioners in juken?" Another questioned.
Walking up to Hiashi. "Well Hiashi-sama, I fulfill my end of the deal. Now it's time for you to pay up." Sakura smirked.
The only ones to watch the fights were Hiashi, Mikoto and the elders themselves. Obviously Hiashi wanted to keep this under the wraps from the rest of the clan as much as possible. No need to make a spectacle of it.
"Yes I believe it is." Hiashi nodded and reached for a scroll.
"Hiashi! You mustn't do it!" One elder yelled.
"I will do as I please. Going back on my word as the clan head will make the Hyuga look bad." Hiashi retorted in a stern tone.
"Don't be foolish Hiashi! This girl knows the ins and out to our clan's prized technique! If anything she must be captured to alter her memory or be assassinated for the safety of the Hyuga! The Hyuga will fall if you give her that scroll!" Another elder screamed.
Suddenly the air around the elders became frighteningly cold. Each of them can feel a shiver traveling down their spines. Looking over they saw that they were being pinned down by Mikoto's fierce sharingan glare.
"You'd do well to watch your words fool. Try anything against my daughter and I will send you straight to hell." Her steel tone nearly made each elder piss themselves.
To add insult to injury, Sakura smirked at them while flipping them off.
Breaking the tense atmosphere, Hiashi coughed. "Your beliefs about the clan's downfall are unwarranted. Sakura-san has agreed to not share our techniques with anybody except those of the Uchiha clan. If you want anyone to blame then blame yourselves. I tried to warn you to leave the matter alone. None of you would listen so I had to offer something worth her time. A mere alliance simply wouldn't have been enough since the Uchiha clan has no reason to want an alliance with our clan to begin with. As I said, you all brought this on yourselves."
All the elders could do is grumble in defeat knowing that what Hiashi said is nothing but the truth.
The Hyuga clan head handed Sakura the scroll. "This scroll is filled with all of the Hyuga clan's techniques as promised. I am sorry for troubling you with this nonsense, Sakura-san."
"It's fine at least I got something valuable out of it. Nice doing business with you Hiashi-sama." Sakura bowed slightly.
Hiashi nodded before turning his gaze toward his fellow clan head. "I take it we will discuss the terms of the alliance on a later date?"
Mikoto nodded. "Yeah if that's ok with you. I'm not in a rush to get it done."
"I understand this whole ordeal is an inconvenience for you. Again I'm sorry for troubling you with this Mikoto." Hiashi voiced.
Mikoto waved him off. "No need to be so formal with me Hiashi. Friends help each other out right?" She grinned.
A small curve to the side of Hiashi's lips could be seen. "I agree."
(Hokage's Office)
"So Minato's gaki made it the finals huh?" Jiraiya said as he just listened to what his sensei just informed him.
He has to admit, he's impressed with what he's heard about Naruto so far. From what he's learned, the kid could have graduated the academy his first year if Mikoto hadn't forced him to stay all 4 years. A mistake in Jiraiya's opinion considering how Itachi graduated at a young age. Naruto should've graduated from the academy much sooner than the age of 13. He wonders what could have made Mikoto make that decision.
What's really surprising is finding out that his former teammate is back in Konoha. Apparently she returned a little over a month ago as unbelievable as that is.
"Yes he has, he defeated his opponent in the preliminaries with no difficulty whatsoever. I would like to say he's the second coming of Minato, but he's more Kushina for as much as he looks like Minato. He will be facing Sabaku no Gaara in his finals matchup." Hiruzen answered.
That's another thing, why in the hell did Mikoto Tell Naruto of his heritage so early? In Jiraiya's opinion there's no way the boy is ready to know that kind of information yet.
"I see, do you know if he's come into contact with the fox yet?" Jiraiya asked.
Hiruzen nodded. "Yes, Mikoto's did confirm to me that the boy has made contact with the fox. However if you are asking if he's able to access it's chakra at will. Then I'm afraid I do not know. Mikoto doesn't tell me or anyone much about her kids' abilities. Her trust in me or the higher ups aren't the best due to how Naruto was being treated before she took him under her wing. Plus the whole Uchiha massacre incident. So I'm pretty much on thin ice with her. I used to have a close relationship with Naruto until he learned that I had been lying to him for years. Now the boy won't even speak to me unless it's mission related or a serious matter."
A jinchuuriki who doesn't trust their kage? That's only asking for trouble.
"Do..do you think he may be a flight risk? It doesn't sound like he's loyal to you." Jiraiya questioned seriously.
"Can you blame him? If I were in Naruto's position. I wouldn't trust a kage who has failed to protect him multiple times either. As for being a flight risk, honestly he can't be more of a flight risk than Mikoto. I wouldn't worry about it though, he's a good kid and even better shinobi." Hiruzen took a puff out of his pipe.
Jiraiya sighed. "So I'm guessing I'll have to take over his training when it comes to using the fox's chakra if Mikoto hasn't done it."
Hiruzen gazed at his student with a raised eyebrow. "Jiraiya, whatever you have planned in that mind of yours, I advise you to be careful. Naruto likely knows you from Mikoto. You don't have a bond with him and don't know how he will react to you. He's not as forgiving as you may be assuming he is. Just because you are his godfather doesn't mean he will want anything to do with you. After all it was your choice to not be a part of his life, when you had nearly 14 years to do so."
"Ah sensei you worry too much, everything will work out fine. The brat will be begging me for stories about his father once it's all over." Jiraiya waved him off.
Hiruzen could only sigh. He knew whatever Jiraiya had planned surely will backfire badly. Oh well he tried to warn his perverted student.
(With Sasuke)
"Come on Yakumo you can do better than that." Sasuke called out to her.
Yakumo grunted and charged back towards Sasuke's shadow clone to land an attack. Sadly the only resulted in her getting a kick straight to the face.
12 days have passed since the end of the preliminary rounds. Six days ago, Sasuke made a friend in Yakumo. He met her when he was walking around the village with his siblings. She was sitting on the bench looking depressed. Figuring he had nothing to lose, Sasuke randomly walked up to her and asked her what was wrong. Yakumo had been caught off guard by his sudden appearance. While she did not expect Sasuke Uchiha of all people to ask if she was ok. It made her happy that he at least noticed that something was bothering her.
Yakumo decided to tell him what was on her mind. Recently she overcame a mental plague that's been causing her problems for years. This problem led to her being forced to give up her dreams of being a kunoichi. She explained how one night she was finally able to subdue the plague in her mind for good. Leading to becoming more healthier than she's been in years.
Unfortunately even with her main issue solved, another issue came about as she had no one to help train her to protect herself. It's too late for her to attend the academy. And the Hokage isn't about to make one of his subordinates waste their time training her.
Sasuke felt inclined to help Yakumo, so did Naruto and Sakura once they heard her story. The three siblings agreed to all become friends with Yakumo and to help her train whenever they could. Yakumo cried tears saying thank you over and over again.
"Don't you think you are being a little too hard on her Sasuke-san?" Kurenai asked, a bit worried for her apprentice.
Two days after befriending Yakumo. Team 7 searched for the genjutsu mistress by keying in on her chakra signature. Kurenai had been very surprised when she was greeted by the famous genin team. Even more so when she saw her former apprentice.
The objective for Team 7 was to get Kurenai and Yakumo to make up. Luckily that was unnecessary as Kurenai immediately rushed and brought her former apprentice into a hug. Profusely apologizing for giving up on Yakumo when she needed Kurenai the most. Stating that giving up on Yakumo has always been one of her biggest regrets. Kurenai wanted to make up sooner but didn't know how Yakumo would react to seeing her again.
Hearing the genuine sincerity in her voice brought Yakumo to tears. Instantly letting go of all of the resentment she held for Kurenai.
This in turn also led to the blooming friendship between Team 7 and Kurenai. Shino, being the only one on her team that made it to the finals, is being trained by his clan for the month. Hinata is busy with her own clan matters and Kiba….
All she could do is sigh and shake her head when thinking about him. To think he would try to kill a comrade over a lost is disgraceful. She always warned Kiba that his ego would get him into trouble one day. His perverted tendencies also didn't help him gain much sympathy from the genjutsu mistress either.
"No, my clone is actually taking it pretty easy on her. Besides she may have been born with a weak body, but she has to be able to take some blows if she wants to live her dream of being a kunoichi." Sasuke answered.
Another reason Kurenai became very fond of Team 7. Because of Kiba being taken off her team, it opened up a free spot for another genin to take up. When Team 7 asked the Hokage if it was possible for Yakumo to take the spot once she was trained enough. The Hokage immediately agreed due to the prospect of another genjutsu specialist being added into the ranks. Especially one of Yakumo's caliber.
Seriously how could she not be friends with Team 7 after that?
Which is why she's been hanging out with them a lot more during the last several days. It opened her eyes as to just how further ahead the three genin are.
"That's true, I just can't help but worry about her you know?" Kurenai replied.
Sasuke nodded. "I get it though I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. For someone who was said to have too weak of a body to become a kunoichi. Yakumo is progressing very fast. Give her a few months of hard training, I can guarantee she'll be at genin level."
Kurenai had to concede to that, Yakumo is progressing much faster than she anticipated. It makes the genjutsu mistress so happy to see her apprentice do well. However it did make her realize one thing.
Each member of Team 7 is a better teacher than she is.
As a jounin, learning and accepting that is a tough pill to swallow. It helps that she's friends with them and they only rub it in her face in a playful manner. This certainly allowed her to be around Mikoto, Tsunade and Shizune more.
"It's all thanks to you, Sakura and Naruto forgiving her this chance." Kurenai noted with a small smile.
"Hey don't sell yourself short Kurenai. She's going to be a great genjutsu user because of you. Hell anyone would be lucky to have you as a teacher." Sasuke replied.
She told them to call her Kurenai instead of Kurenai-sensei.
Said woman couldn't help but blush a bit at his words. "You're too sweet Sasuke."
Sasuke shrugged then smirked. "I just call it like I see it."
Yakumo yelped in pain as she was sent flying by a blow to her stomach. She skidded hard against the ground.
"Ugghhh…" She groaned in pain.
Glancing over to where her instructors are at, she rolled her eyes. "Oi Sasuke stop flirting with Kurenai-sensei, she's way out of your league buddy." Yakumo told her friend/instructor.
Kurenai and Sasuke both blushed and looked away. Sasuke had a tick mark on his head.
"Since you have enough energy to tease me, I believe it's time to step up your training Yakumo-chan." Sasuke stood up and cracked his knuckles. Looking at his friend with a smile that promised revenge.
Yakumo's eyes widened in fear. Instantly hopping on her feet and running away. "Noooo I'm sorrrrrryy Saaasssuukkeee!"
A dust trail followed her much to the amusement of the other two.
Kurenai whistled. "Damn she's fast when she's scared." Mirth laced in her tone.
"I think we know who will be the fastest on your team now Kurenai." Sasuke chuckled.
(With Naruto)
"Naruto! You bastard it's about time I found you!" Anko called out to the blond.
Naruto stopped walking mid stride to turn around. He already sensed her chakra heading towards him. So he's not surprised to see Anko.
"Hey Anko-chan, did you need something?" He asked.
Like Kurenai, Team 7 also befriended Anko during the last few days. This happened when the purplette asked Mikoto to introduce her to Naruto to see if it was possible for him to remove her curse seal. Anko didn't have much hope that he could. Though she did hear he was the youngest seal master ever. So why not give it a shot?
Imagine to her surprise and ultimate happiness that Naruto told her he could remove the seal easily. The version that Anko had was an early prototype of the Cursed Seal of Heaven. Naruto assumed that the seal Orochimaru wanted to place on Sasuke is a much improved version of the seal Anko had. If it's similar to the one he gave Anko then he's positive he can remove the improved cursed seal just as easy.
"You bet your ass I do, I want you to come with me to go get dango." Anko said.
"But I have to go train for the finals." Naruto whined. "Can't you ask Sasuke or Sakura to go with you instead?"
Anko grinned. "Nope! It'll take too long to find them. Plus I want you to come with me. Besides that Gaara kid has nothing on you. You'll kick his ass without a doubt."
The blond sighed, it was no way he was getting out of this.
"Fine but you're buying and you have to pay for my ramen next time we go to Ichiraku's." He grumbled.
"Deal now let's go." She grabbed his arm then led him.
"Sheesh Anko-chan no need to pull my arm off. I'm not going to run away."
"You wouldn't get far if you did."
"Wanna bet?"
"...no…"
After spending an hour with Anko, Naruto made his way back to the Uchiha District. He noticed that he was being followed by someone with chakra reserves slightly larger than Tsunade's. Because was so focused on that, he never realized that fly on his arm.
Suddenly he felt a chakra pulse from the signature. Next his whole body froze out of nowhere.
'What the hell?!' He yelled internally, glancing down he saw a fly on his arm. Standing under a small seal that wasn't on his arm a moment ago. He instantly recognized the seal as a paralysis seal.
"A paralysis seal? I can easily break out of this by flexing my cha-"
His words were cut short as he fell unconscious due to being chopped in the back of his neck.
Removing his transparency jutsu, Jiraiya sighed in relief.
"Shit that was too close, I didn't think he would notice me as soon as he separated from Anko. He never let his guard down so any sneak attack would've been pointless against him. I couldn't risk conflict being so close to the Uchiha District. If it wasn't for thinking to henge a shadow clone into a fly to place a paralysis seal on him at the last second. I would've been so screwed. This definitely won't work on him again, he was too close to breaking the paralysis off until I got to him in time. Damn...I got real lucky a second later and it would've been bad on my part." Jiraiya said to himself.
He's too happy that he didn't have to fight Naruto head to head. Definitely would've brought too much unwanted attention.
Knowing that he shouldn't waste anymore time, Jiraiya picked up and placed the unconscious blond over his shoulder. Making his way outside of the village quickly.
Unfortunately for Jiraiya, a certain pink ninja pig saw everything. Quickly making her way to go inform the others.
Naruto eventually stirred out of his sleep. Through his blurry vision he immediately noticed that he wasn't in Konoha anymore. However he can tell he's not far from Konoha at all.
Once his vision cleared, he saw that a man was standing several feet away from him. He immediately got to his feet on guard. It took him less than a second to recognize the man.
"Jiraiya the Toad Sannin?" He's confused as to why would his own supposed godfather attack him out of the blue.
"I'll answer your questions after this, tell me Naruto can you access the chakra of the Kyuubi?" Jiraiya narrowed his eyes.
Naruto is really confused now, why does it matter if he can use Kurama's chakra? Did Jiraiya really think that Naruto is going to answer him when his actions are already highly suspicious?
"That's none of your business." Naruto answered.
"It is my business kid, I need to know if I have to correct your mother's mistakes." Jiraiya frowned.
"Mistakes? What mistakes are you even talking about? Listen I don't know what your deal is, but kidnapping me wasn't one of your brightest ideas. For all I know you could be a spy or something." Naruto checked to make sure no hidden seals were placed on him.
Jiraiya sighed. "I see you leave me no choice. Listen Naruto, you are the legacy of the legendary Fourth Hokage. It is your duty to protect this village as it's jinchuuriki. You answer to no one other than the Hokage. It's already bad enough that you don't trust the Hokage. A jinchuuriki who doesn't trust their kage is a threat and can be put down if the kage feels it's necessary. We need to know if you can access the fox's chakra whether you like it or not. If you don't follow my orders, I will report you for insubordination."
'This...this guy is my godfather? It's like he only sees me as a weapon.' Naruto thought.
While Naruto is extremely confident he can handle Jiraiya on his own and escape. He feels that he should contact his family through their shared communication seal to let them know of the situation. He's positive that his mother at least noticed his chakra signature no longer being present in Konoha by now.
Just as he was about to contact them. He heard the voice of his mother ring through his head.
'Naruto whatever Jiraiya does, let him do it. I want to see what he plans to do before I put him in a coma.' Mikoto informed her son through the communication seal. She was masking her chakra while watching them from a branch above. Tonton came home to inform them of what happened.
'Alright mom, where are the others?'
'Everyone is at home waiting for us to return. By the way, how the hell did he kidnap you?'
'He used a clone henged as a bug to place a paralysis seal on me. I knew he was following me for awhile, I was going to wait for him to act first. He knocked me out a second before I could break out of the seal.'
'I see so basically he got lucky?'
'Pretty much I'm too tempted to seal off his chakra as beat the shit out of him. Did you hear what he was saying? He only sees me as a weapon for the village apparently.'
'Oh I heard alright, what I don't understand is what the hell is wrong with him? He was never like this before. The Hokage can't be behind this, he wouldn't dare try this approach. For now let's see what he's about to do.' Mikoto cut off their connection.
"This is life and death, kid. If you don't wanna die then your only hope is to use the Kyuubi's chakra to save yourself." Jiraiya's tone was grave as he touched Naruto with his chakra enhanced finger tip. Sending him flying fast through the forest.
Mikoto grit her teeth in anger. 'Naruto there's a chasm where you're headed.' She warned her son through the seal.
'Got it, I knew this area looked familiar. Don't worry you know I'll be fine mom. A stupid chasm can't scare me the way you can.'
The Uchiha clan head rolled her eyes. Deciding not to respond she focused on Jiraiya instead. Her next target on her kill list.
"Shit! I forgot to make him sign the contact!" Jiraiya freaked out.
"JIIIRRAAAIIIYYYAAA!"
Jiraiya felt his heart and stomach drop dangerously low. He recognized that angry tone. This was it, he's done for. Why didn't he listen to his sensei?
"M-M-Miko-ugrhh! A fist smashed into his jaw.
A loud crunch was heard as Jiraiya was sent through multiple trees. When he finally stopped, he groaned in pain. That one punch definitely fractured if not broke his jaw.
Just when he thought he was safe, a hard stomp made contact with his stomach. Forcing him to cough in pain while some spit flew out of his mouth. Glancing up, he paled at the sight in front of him. Mikoto with her dark blue chakra surrounding her form, sharingan flared to life. Even wisps of black fire is in the air.
"Jiraiya you have three seconds to explain to me what made you believe it was a good idea to not only kidnap my son. But to also throw him down a fucking chasm just because he didn't want to bring out his bijuu's chakra?" The steel tone in her voice made Jiraiya shiver in fear. Besides Mikoto, only Tsunade and Kushina could ever make him feel this level of fear.
Naruto had appeared next to Mikoto via shunshin a moment ago. He only fell a couple feet deep into the chasm until he used his fire manipulation to get himself out. Is he ever glad he experimented flying with certain elements. Something he hopes to truly master one day.
Looking down at the toad sannin. The blond found it amusing to see a shinobi of Jiraiya's caliber scared shitless of his mother. Though it's not hard to be afraid of his mother when she's pissed.
Jiraiya didn't answer, Mikoto obviously didn't like that.
"OW!" Jiraiya yelled in pain as his stomach was stomped in once more.
"I asked you a fucking question you perverted bastard! Speak! Now!" Mikoto voiced.
Coughing and groaning in pain, Jiraiya nodded. "I-I only wanted to test him. Sensei didn't know if he could use the fox's chakra at will when I asked him. So I took it upon myself to find out. I knew that he knew of his heritage, I decided to use my ranking against him in order to force him to bring out the chakra if he could. But I needed him out of the village first just in case he couldn't. I also doubt he would've followed me out of the village if I just asked him randomly. Leading me to come up with the idea of kidnapping him. I had hoped by threatening him with insubordination, Naruto would do as I say. But that didn't work out, I assumed either he truly didn't know how and didn't want to admit it. Or that he was going to keep playing hard ball with me. The reason I threw him to the chasm had been to put him in a life or death situation to draw out the fox's chakra. I planned for him to use the Kyuubi chakra to summon Gamabunta, then I realized I forgot to have Naruto sign the toad contract."
"...First time you see your godson in nearly 14 years and the first thing you do is kidnap him then throw him down a damn chasm. Tell me Jiraiya, what would you have done if Naruto couldn't save himself? What if the fox decided not to help Naruto and let him die? What about if Naruto couldn't access the seal? Oh I know, NOTHING BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO LATE! MY SON COULD HAVE DIED AND IT WOULD BE ALL YOUR FUCKING FAULT!"
Jiraiya flinched hard, oh yeah she's furious. He really fucked up this time.
"Naruto did not use the bijuu's chakra to save himself. Meaning your whole plan ended up in a failure anyways since Naruto could have escaped. The only reason you were even able to touch Naruto that easily is because I told him to not retaliate against you. I wanted to see what you were planning before I kicked your ass. And what do I see? You, trying to kill my son. If Minato or Kushina were still alive and knew about this. You wouldn't have lived this long to even explain yourself. Why the hell couldn't you have just introduced yourself normally to him? Did you think this was a good start to building upon the nonexistent relationship you have with Naruto? Because let me tell you.."
Mikoto swung her fist downwards then shattered the pervert of a sannin's nose to pieces. Causing him to cry out in pain.
"YOU WERE MISTAKEN YOU DUMBASS!" Mikoto raged.
"I-I'm sorry…" Jiraiya apologized.
"No Jiraiya it's not that simple, you were already on thin ice as it is for not attempting to take care of Naruto. Tsunade's excuse may have been pathetic but at least it was a legitimate one. She didn't even know I adopted Naruto until recently. But you, oh I know for a fact you've known for years now. Yet you still made no effort to at least come show your face to Naruto. Then you have the audacity to pull a stunt like this? While forgetting to give Naruto technique to help save him. What made you do this Jiraiya? I know Sarutobi had nothing to do with this so don't try to pin it on him either." Miktoto asked him.
"...I didn't want to risk being rejected by Naruto after abandoning him for this long. It's already hard enough looking at him without seeing Minato in his place. I figured after learning what I wanted to know. I would introduce myself and build our relationship from there. Allowing me to take over his training to go over whatever you missed. Sensei said he could have graduated in his first year in the academy if you didn't force him to stay all four years. I assumed you were holding him back in his growth for a foolish reason since Itachi graduated the academy early. Neither did I agree that he was ready to know of his heritage. Naruto not trusting the Hokage also made me believe that he's a potential flight risk. I was going to be keeping a close eye on him in case he needed to be put do- ARGHH!" Jiraiya was cut off by a harder stomp to his chest this time.
The Uchiha clan head as well as Naruto are fuming in anger. Naruto is not only mad for what Jiraiya just said, but the fact that the man assumed he could just waltz into his life and take control over it.
"Judging my parenting when you have no right, not being man enough to face Naruto normally because you were afraid of being rejected, declaring my son as a flight risk because he doesn't trust a man who was lying to him for years.."
It's taking a lot for her to just not burn his ass to ashes with her Amaterasu flames. However that would be too good for him. No, Jiraiya deserves to suffer, he will learn that Mikoto doesn't mess around when it comes to her kids.
"You know Jiraiya you were right about one thing, I did hold my son back. I held him back from learning a jutsu he should've known by now all because I wanted to give you the honor of teaching it to him. Well I guess that won't be an issue any longer since I'll make sure to teach it to him myself. Naruto is strong enough that he can handle you in a fight on his own. There isn't much you can teach him, he's a seal master, a much better one then you can ever hope to be. All you have as an ace is your sage mode. Though we both know you never mastered it and can only use it when you summon the elder toads. He doesn't need you in his life Jiraiya. I don't want you to be in his or any of my family lives. For your actions, our friendship is over Jiraiya. Don't expect to see Tsunade either because she may come finish the job after I'm done with you." Mikoto glared at the man.
What happened next can be described as a brutal ass kicking that possibly crippled Jiraiya for the rest of his life. Naruto got a few good hits in himself. Breaking a few of Jiraiya's bones.
(Uchiha Compound)
"Really? Jiraiya said that?" Tsunade was shocked and angered by her former teammate's actions. Honestly this doesn't sound like the Jiraiya she's known for years.
Mikoto nodded then sighed. "It was hard to believe that it was."
"That's terrible, I never would've thought that Jiraiya-sama would put Naruto in a situation like that. Why couldn't he have just come to either one of you if he was afraid of how Naruto would react to him?" Shizune said.
"I wondered the same thing, Shizune-chan. Truthfully I think he used the part about him wanting to see if Naru-chan can use Kurama's chakra as a cover up. He mixed the lie in with the truth. Meaning this was his way of trying to form a bond with Naruto without having to truly face his fears. He didn't want Naruto to ask him questions that he didn't want to answer. Like why hasn't he been in Naruto's life for example? He did mention something about Naruto reminding him too much of Minato." Mikoto replied.
Tsunade sighed. "He's such a damn idiot, here I thought I was the only one running away from their issues. I've forgiven him for a lot of shit back in the day. But I can't forgive him for this. He endangered one of our family members. That is unacceptable, stupid fool won't be getting healed by me."
Everyone was sitting in the living room discussing what happened.
Sasuke looked towards his little brother. "Why is it always you ending up in these kinds of situations?"
"You do seem to have a habit of finding yourself in them Naru." Sakura pointed out.
Naruto shrugged. "Don't ask me, badass shinobi like us are bound to have enemies. Though I will give Jiraiya credit for getting lucky the first time. Using a shadow clone transformed as a fly to place a seal on me was a good strategy. Next time I won't be caught by that tactic."
"How were you even caught in it in the first place? You're a sealing master, how didn't you instantly counter it?" Sasuke asked.
"Wasted a second more thinking rather than taking immediate action. I really wasn't expecting that fly not to mention I was focused more on his actual location. I was on guard ready to take action once he made his move. Unfortunately the second I was about to break the seal, he knocked me out." Naruto answered sheepishly.
"Well he is a sannin so it makes sense that he was able to get to you that quick. Though it does sound like he got really lucky. Not like he would've gotten far even if Tonton didn't warn us anyways. Still be more careful in the future Naru. We may be extremely strong for our age, but we still lack a lot of experience." Sakura told her brother.
Naruto nodded. "Right neechan, I promise to be more careful."
"She's right Naru-chan, while I'm confident you would've defeated him since he knew nothing of your skills. Jiraiya isn't someone to take lightly, not saying you were doing so. I'm only reminding you to be careful around highly skilled shinobi. That goes for all three of you." Mikoto said.
"Hey what did you two do with him after? Drop him off at the hospital?" Sakura wondered.
"No, we left his ass there to suffer." Naruto and Mikoto answered together.
Everyone seemed to agree with their decision.
"So Mikoto-chan are you going to take over Naruto's rasengan training?" Shizune asked.
The Uchiha clan head nodded. "Unless Kakashi suddenly shows up to ask if he can do it. Then yeah I will since I'm the only other one besides Jiraiya and Kakashi who can perform the technique. In fact I'm going to teach it to Sasuke and Sakura as well."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Do you think they can master it? The rasengan isn't a jutsu that just anybody can learn. Especially not in two weeks alone."
"Yeah each of them have the chakra control required to do so. It all depends on how much effort they put into training if they want to master it in a short amount of time." Mikoto replied with a smile.
Naruto smirked. "Heh I'll have the rasengan down in a week." He spoke confidently.
"6 days for me." Sasuke voiced.
"4." The pinkette said knowing how good her chakra control is.
Mikoto grinned. "See? All of that overflowing confidence just leaking out of them. They have this in the bag."
Tsunade knew better than to doubt these 4. She wisely chose not to goad them into a bet that will only result in her loss.
(11 Days Until The Finals)
"Rasengan!"
Naruto slammed the sphere of concentrated chakra into a boulder. Destroying said boulder to pieces.
"Good job Naruto-sama." Saya hissed out to her summoner.
Saya is a snake summon who is mainly blue with purple markings. Her slit eyes are black.
During the last week, Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke each received weird markings on their wrist one night. Sakura's mark resembled a wolf, Sasuke's was a phoenix while Naruto's mark resembled a dragon. When they showed them to each other and Mikoto the next morning. Mikoto had a feeling what they were.
Her guess was right, the markings they received that night were summoning marks. When each tested out their mark, they learned that each of them were born with their summoning marks. According to the summons, Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke were chosen by higher beings to bear their marks since their birth as crazy as that sounds. While they won't meet the ones who chose them for possibly a couple more years. The three of them will be able to learn under their respective summons. Mikoto was amazed that her kids were gifted with such an honor. Granted her own summons are powerful and rare. But seeing her kids gets their own powerful summons at a young age was really something special.
Sakura learned from the wolf summon that her bloodline is actually called Second Gear. A rare bloodline only seen in those of the wolf clan or those aligned with the wolf summons by blood. Sakura is actually the first human in many centuries to be born with it. It intrigued her to know that she's connected to a line of powerful wolves somehow. One wolf in particular being known as a god among wolves.
Sasuke had been happy to know that he would be able to fly with phoenix wings one day. Not to mention all the other stuff they plan to teach him over the years.
Naruto and dragons...enough said right there.
What happened that's even more surprising is that Anko offered the Uchiha family the opportunity to become snake summoners. Something that Naruto, Mikoto, Sasuke and Sakura agreed to. Tsunade and Shizune politely declined. Though Tsunade informed that she expects either Sasuke or Sakura to sign the slug contract. Naruto can as well if he wants.
So yeah this past week involved a lot of summoning training for Team 7. That's not counting their rasengan and other training they needed to get in. This is where spamming shadow clones to help with their training came into play. An extremely useful training method for those who have high chakra reserves. While they know Orochimaru is planning something big during the finals. They have no idea what to expect so it's best that Team 7 is prepared as possible according to their mother.
Naruto smiled at his snake friend. "Thanks Saya-chan! I can't wait to take the rasengan to the next level."
"Next level?" Saya echoed.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah mom said that my dad wanted to add an elemental affinity to the rasengan. But he couldn't figure it out. He originally meant to pick it back up again at a later time. Mom said she probably could have figured out herself over the years. Though she felt that it should be me who does it first. Once I figure out how to combine either my wind or fire element to the rasengan. Mom, Sasuke and Sakura will most likely attempt the same with whatever element they choose. It's no rush to do it, mom said that it could take years even with my natural talent."
"I see, well you are powerful enough without an elemental rasengan in your repertoire. Most of my clan in Ryuchi's Cave believe you and your siblings to be stronger than that bastard Orochimaru." Saya hissed the man's name as if it was venom.
Let it be known that a majority of the snake clan do not like Orochimaru at all. He gives them a bad name. Only Manda is the one who deals with him for the most part. This is why Anko has the snake summoning contract instead of Orochimaru. The snakes have adored Anko since she was a young girl as Orochimaru's apprentice.
"That may be true but it doesn't make him any easier to kill. Plus we have bigger issues than him to worry about." Naruto replied.
Mikoto had recently informed her kids about the Akatsuki group that's hunting jinchuuriki down for their bijuu. It's made up of around 8 or 9 S-rank rogue shinobi. Orochimaru used to be a member and apparently Itachi is a member. Mikoto doesn't know when they will come for Naruto. But she said it could be soon or a few years from now.
Safe to say that Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto knew they would be ready to go to war with the Akatsuki when the time came. Sasuke and Sakura dared them to try to capture their little brother. For Mikoto it went without saying that she was ready to incinerate the entire group with her Amaterasu or just use her Susanoo to destroy them. Tsunade and Shizune were ready as well. Kurama wasn't worried at all. He knew the Akatsuki stood no chance once Naruto mastered his chakra.
Truthfully Mikoto believed that the Akatsuki wouldn't make a real move until a few years. For a group with their kind of objective, much preparation time is needed to set things in motion. Still it didn't hurt to be prepared for anything.
Saya didn't want her friend to think too hard about the upcoming future right now. So she made a suggestion to take his mind off of everything.
"Naruto-sama, how about we go get some of that ramen you like so much? You need a break." Saya suggested.
Naruto grinned at her. "I like the way you think Saya-chan. Instead of Ichirakus, I'm going to ask kaasan to make me some instead. Her ramen is the best after all."
He could already taste it.
Saya slithered her way up Naruto's leg to around his neck. Resting herself on his shoulders.
"Lead the way." Saya voiced.
Right before he was about to leave, he briefly sensed Sakura's chakra signature appearing next to him. A second later, she appeared via shunshin next to him.
"Hey little bro, mom is cooking dinner. Everyone is there, even Kurenai, Anko and Yakumo. She wants you to come join us." Sakura told him.
"Damn I was just going home to ask her to make me some ramen too. Oh well, all of mom's cooking is great." He shrugged.
Sakura sighed then smiled softly. "You and your damn ramen addiction will never get old." She playfully punched his arm.
"That's funny, Kurama said it got old years ago." Naruto replied.
"Maybe it's because he had to deal with it with your birth mother too. Mom did say she was a ramen addict as well." Sakura pointed out.
"Good point." Naruto nodded.
Both siblings disappeared via shunshin, heading straight to their home.