Chapter 9: This is why you need to finish tutorial missions
(Night)
([Field type] Dungeon - Tranquil Meadows {F-rank})
(Konoha Camp)
"Okay, this is officially the weirdest thing I've seen today," Ino was heard saying with a disturbed look on her face.
"T-T-That's not being n-n-nice, Ino-san," Hinata stuttered back with a small frown.
"Please, Hinata-chan. You can't really tell me you can look at that and you don't immediately think that something feels wrong," the Yamanaka rebottled while pointing at what was distressing her.
The sight in question that was one Naruko Uzumaki reading the spellbook she had earned previously this morning. However, as weird as it was to see the girl who once said books were tools of torture read it paled in comparison to seeing her studying actively and efficiently. All around the Uzumaki and her small portable desk they could see all manner of supplies like loose papers, notebooks, pencils and markers in a variety of colors, and every other possible drawing tool one could see a student use in school. Not only that but under the light of the desk lamp, the whiskered kept writing words, sentences, formulas, and diagrams that they couldn't make heads or tails about yet seemed to be perfectly comprehensible to the supposed Dead Last.
At one point the adults had tried to look at some of the formulas and diagrams that were around the girl. While they couldn't understand the words that seemed to explain them, they could see the formulas looked scientific. Neither of the jonin were as good as the people in R&D but they had been around the labs enough times to recognize the mathematical symbols and the abbreviation for chemical elements. As they observed, many of the formulas looked similar to the once used to understand the elements needed to create a jutsu or other elements however due to the language barrier they couldn't make out much of it.
Then adding to the weird factor of the Dead Last studying, more than once they saw the girl practicing what she was learning. An example of this was the whiskered girl making her hands glow a bright blue and moving or sustaining the energy in place while taking notes of it. Other shows of practice were her writing magic circles on paper, fueling it with power and lifting the circle off of the paper which was burned the material in the process. These circles, however, didn't last long as they either shattered or destabilized into small explosions that, given the Uzumaki's frown, showed that these were failures. However, after many tries, about 58 by Hinata's count, the jinchuriki managed to produce five consecutive stable versions of the simplistic looking sigils which floated around her.
"Reminds me of when I was learning new genjutsu back in my genin days," Kurenai commented with a nostalgic tone in her voice. However, the small smile this brought to her was soon turned into a frown as the crimson-eyed beauty remembered she and her superiors had learned about the students' time in the academy.
| Flashback ~ Start ~ |
"Okay, so it's not that people can't learn to control all of the elements but that the time needed to do so almost makes it impossible for most. Got it," Naruko said after the kage and jonin had explained to her some of the more complex information about elemental jutsu.
Once they had managed to wake up the Uzumaki from the knockout she suffered from briefly poking Hinata's chest the party decided to eat their meal. During this, the adults indulged in the awkward air that now existed between the Uzumaki and Hyuga who were now turned into a blushing mess whenever they caught the other staring. Ino also enjoyed that display for a while with a grin but after a few moments asked the adults if this was a good time to teach Naruko about the elemental chakras. This caused both the Sarutobi and Uzumaki to remember the promise and so they spent the remainder of dinner giving the lecture. At first, the Yamanaka and Hyuga princesses had tried to ignore what was being said thinking it would be a repeat of what they knew but it didn't take more than a couple of minutes for them to be entranced by their Hokage's voice.
Hiruzen, being the only teacher in the group, had long ago since learned how to give a lecture to three troublesome students. In three distinct and far of lands around the Elemental Nations the Sannin all sneezed in unison. This caused the experiment of one to blow up in his face, another to be found and beaten up by the kunoichis he had been spying/peeping on in a hot spring and the final one to lose another round of poker. Anyway, back in the camp, the old shinobi had put his experience to good used had managed to captivate the girls with his story-telling voice. Then he explained how the elements worked with, around or against each other, basic history of how the elements were found, how people usually train in them and all of this interlaced with stories of his and his students' experiences when it came to learning or using jutsu. During this, he also showed examples of these nature transformation techniques either by doing it himself or asking the jonin to do so.
"That's correct Naruko-san and to cement this fact to my knowledge only five people have managed to do so. Including myself these people are Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, Madara Uchiha and Mu the Nidaime Tsuchikage," the old Sarutobi explained and chuckled. "As you can imagine such a feat is very difficult and could put you in the running to be a kage. Now given that you've been such good listeners I think a prize is in order. Kakashi-kun, do you have any chakra paper on you?"
"Right here Hokage-sama," the cyclops said with the sheets of paper already in hand. The students, alongside the Benihime and Kurenai, had to blink at that seen neither hand seen the man move from where had been sitting. Come to think of it, they didn't seem him eat either but the three finished skewers by his feet told a different story.
'When did he take off the mask?' all the women asked themselves simultaneously. The cyclops seemed to have read their minds as he gave them an eye smile before handing everyone, including Benihime, a sheet of paper. Then he explained to the students that the paper was made from trees that were grown using chakra this way the paper created from them would react to even the slightest hint of chakra. To prove it he applied a bit of energy and the paper wrinkled between the jonin's fingers which he explained signaled he had a natural affinity to lightning. Next was Hiruzen whose paper burst into flames that just as quickly dissipated with the paper being reduced to ash which announced that the old man's primary element was fire. After this, the Hatake explained that for wind the paper will split in half, water would make it damp and earth would turn it into dirt that crumbles away.
It was here that Kurenai decided to show the girls her element. As expected, they all looked on in awe as the paper turned black with the expectation of a small white dot in the middle. This, she explained, was the element Yin or darkness as others called it and one of the two elements outside of the main five with the second being its opposite Yang or light. This was followed by the raven-haired woman explaining that this was the reason why she had a natural affinity towards genjutsu. Yet it had the added cost of making it difficult to learn to use any of the others. Thankfully she managed to do so as mastering two elements was one of the major requirements to even qualify for the Jonin Exam.
That girls took the hint and knew they had a long road ahead of them. As such, they started with Ino whose paper wrinkled though the girl's smirk told them she had probably learned that at an earlier time. Next came Hinata's paper that became damp but unlike the Yamanaka, before her, they could hear the girl whisper to herself "I am a failure." Naruko frowned at this and placed a hand on the classmate's shoulder. The princess jumped at the sudden contact and turned to the orphan.
"Hey, don't say that. So, what if it wasn't the element you wanted? That doesn't mean you failed but that you now have other options. Take it from me! I keep trying and failing until I either succeed or find a way around the problem. Hence, you can do the same," Naruko finished with the biggest grin she could muster.
The little speech managed to bring a small smile to the Hyuga's lips that whispered a soft "T-T-Thank you," along with a blush-dusted face. This would have been an incredibly sweet moment if the Uzumaki's hand have not given a reassuring squeeze which let the blond feel the bluenette's bra. That fact made both girls remember the incident and they quickly separate while competing over who could have the brightest blush. The redhead fairy found that hilarious given the giggling fit she went through that earned her a glare from her mistress.
"Sorry, Sorry. Anyway, I'll go next and then Naruko-chan as I theorize that we'll cause some discrepancies due to our access to magic," Benihime commented and then concentrated her energy on the paper. Just like the fairy had predicted the paper show none of the previous options as it started shining with green light and bright yellow cross (+) grew in the middle of the paper. "Yep, just like I thought. It recognized that am I a support unit but also the healing magic is my forte."
As everyone marveled at the fairy's show Naruko looked at her paper and channeled her chakra into it. Like with everyone else the item reacted in an instant but this time it split in half. With an exclamation of "Hey, I got wind!" she got everyone's attention however before anyone could comment the two pieces ignited into blue fire. The twin flames then shot out of the girl's hands to dance in the air above them in a circle as if trying to chase one another. Then the dance turned into a spiral funnel that descended unto the campfire which turned green as a result. Moments later the green flames rose and formed a circled that create a mirror facing them.
It was in this mirror that an image of a human clad in robe armor with its hood to conceal their face except for their glowing blue flamed eyes. Then the figure lifted their hands which were engulfed in barely restrained mana. In response, the elements themselves reacted to the person's call. The wind became a howling hurricane that leaves destruction in its wake. Lighting crackled into existence with a thunderous cry they could feel in their soul. The earth itself trembled as it rose into mountains that pierced the heavens. Water awakened into a raging tsunami that engulfs everything in its path. Finally, fire exploded into the very sun in the sky with a heat that turned everything to ash. Then the figure slammed their hands and the world became split into realms of nothingness except for one completely white and the other entirely black.
From that nothingness twin crescent moons were born; one black with white outlines and the other white with black outlines. Then the opposite elements became a staff for each moon and thus turning them into scythes fuelled with the powers their natural enemies. Upon their completion, the black scythe was given to a white figure and the white scythe to a black wielder. What followed next was a battle between nature itself as the figures attacked one another with every possible slash, thrust, swing or blast of energy they could muster for what felt like hours without giving an inch. Then it happened as one final clash between light and darkness caused an explosion that covered the world in white.
Next, as colored slowly returned to the world they once more saw the figure clad in robe armor. However, this time they were holding a white and black dual-blade scythe on their shoulders. The party completely transfixed on what they were seeing, gulped and waited with bated breath as the figure rose a finger to their lips. Then the robed human smirked and…
"Shhh."
And just like that, the magic mirror shattered into nothingness and the green fire turned back to its normal yellow-orange flare with the campfire returning to its normal form.
"That… That was certainly different," Kakashi commented after finally realizing the shown was down as abruptly as it began. "I am guessing that display was because of the chakra paper reacting to the mana in Uzumaki-san body correct?"
"Yes," Benihime responded before adding: "However since Naruko-chan does not have any of the requirements needed to understand what just happened I will not explain it. But what I will say is that what we just saw was a divining about the possible evolution of our leader's powers."
"What would be these requirements that Uzumaki-san need fulfill if I may ask?" Kurenai inquired. The fairy in turn responded:
"Well, first would be for her to learn the basics of magic and no First-aid doesn't count. This will be resolved by reading that spellbook. The next requirement is to have an Intelligence stat of 50 or higher. Next is to learn at least one spell from each primary element. Then all that would be left is for her to reach Lv20."
"Four requirements and one of which that would normally be considered difficult for most jonin let alone an academy student," Hiruzen noted while scratching his chin. "This almost seems like the system is designed to make Naruko-chan have to gain the skills of a fully trained and seasoned shinobi before she even leaves the academy."
"At face value, it would seem like that, yes," Benihime answered and added: "However in practice, entry-level spells are mostly negligible in battle. For example, an Ember spell would be the same as hitting someone with a lit match. Sure it would hurt and light up if they're covered in an exalerent but one match can be turn off easily."
"I guess I better start training," the gamer commented while opening her status screen. There she used all of her free AP on raising her INT which changed it from the miserable 8 to an 18. Doing so gave her a small headache as her brain pulsed but it only lasted for a moment. Then she pulled out a small portable desk from her inventory, set it up and turned on the battery-powered lamp to help read the book.
"Wait a moment Naruko-chan," the Hokage called out and stopped the girl before she could start. "Before you start why don't we start about what you've studied in the academy? Given how they did not teach you about the elements we need to know what other things they may have neglected."
The Uzumaki made a sour face but didn't fight it. She did, however, asked for the princesses to help out as she had the title of Dead Last for various reasons. Thus, started a retelling of the material the students' education throughout their lives at the academy.
As the girls talked the adults learned that while the history and knowledge about their nation were well documented the same could not be said about other nations. When it came to Sunagakure, their biggest ally, it was just sporadically mentioned to the point either of the girls could barely name one of the Kazekages by name if at all. Then when it came to the information of the other nations, things got a lot worse as they could hardly remember important facts about them or their hidden villages.
For example, neither Ino or Naruko knew about Kumagakure's tendency to kidnap kunoichi or very young girls for their bloodlines. Then they would either convince or force them into joining so they could breed more ninja with special abilities. At first, neither of them could believe such a thing could happen until Hinata, reluctantly, told them about what happened to her when she was younger. The Yamanaka princesses gasped in horror and hug her classmate in support. Naruko, on the other hand, choose to remain quiet but everyone could see her fist trembling and her eyes had turned purple that was bleeding into a violent red.
Thankfully the kage change to subject towards the other villages. Things still didn't get any better as no mention was made of their greatest enemy Iwagakure, the highly industrial Amegakure or even Kirigakure that was currently embroiled in a civil war. Not even the document fact of the Bloody Mist's practice of having its academy students kill each other at the end of their school life as their Genin Exam was mentioned.
"Please," the Sarutobi begged through gritted teeth "Tell me that you at least know of our ally Uzushiogakure, the noble sacrifices Uzumaki Clan did during the Second Great Shinobi War and the reason why we wear their crest on our flak jacket."
"I/she have/has a clan?"
| Flashback ~ End ~ |
Kurenai felt a shiver at remembering the explosive amount of pressure released by the old kage and the jinchuriki. Thankfully they managed to calm themselves before the heiresses were left unconscious. After that, both angered individuals refuse to talk to anyone which resulted in the kage talking a walk and Uzumaki putting her all into studying magic. That had been about two hours ago and enough time for the sun to go down.
"Hey, Yuhi-san," the woman heard her senpai called out. Turning her head, she found the Copy Ninja but her eye started to twitch rapidly as she saw the book he was reading. "Did you notice that during the girl's story there were a few common points?"
"You mean besides the blatant disregard for Uzumaki-san's education for almost everyone but Unimo-san and Suzume-san?" she inquired back with a raised eyebrow. Then her frown deepened "Yes and I sure Uzumaki-san noticed it after recounting it to us. It seems that the Chunin Mizuki and the principal like to remind the teachers of what they need to teach the students bases on the schedule. A schedule that seems designed to neglect or forget about a lot of essential material needed to function outside of the Land of Fire. Seriously, you would think to tell them "Hey, you see does ninja with mountains on their forehead protectors? Those are our enemies so treat lightly," would be something of importance."
"True, but I more worried about something we didn't ask them," the cyclops commented. However, he noticed some bit of confusion on his fellow jonin's face as she tried to figure it out. As a hint, he shook his book a bit and her eyes widen immediately.
"No… that can't be…" the Genjutsu Mistress tried to deny in horror as she looked at the three kunoichi hopefuls. Then she gulped and looked back with the senior jonin with a remarkably pale look. "Do you think it's possible they wouldn't have taught them about that, right?"
"Yamanaka-san and Uzumaki-san did seem surprised at the prospect of a woman being forced into such a position." The cyclops tried to sound casual but even the man's normally calm and seemingly uncaring voice could not hide the gravity of the situation.
He remembered very clearly during his time in the academy that a considerable amount of time was given to prepare the kunoichi against some of the worst aspects of humans when it came to a captured female. Thankfully it was not something barbaric like making the kunoichi experience the act at the hands of an ally like in the Warring States Era. Still, there was a level of exposure by having the girls hear or read anonymous medical reports or victim statements as well as seeing pictures or hearing audio of those horrible situations. This didn't make it any less traumatizing for the children but at least told them what would happen to them if they didn't take it seriously. As an added effect these courses help eliminate the ones who had no hope of surviving the cruelties they would experience out in the field. Something that could turn into a blessing for both the person and the village as more often the people who couldn't handle that possible threat could end up working on other aspects like the R&D apartment.
However, the fact that two of these kunoichi hopefuls, already in their last months, couldn't fathom a fellow woman being in a position of being seen as a breeding cow did not sit well with either jonin.
"Tomorrow alongside Sandaime-sama, we'll have to ask them about their sexual education," Kakashi announced after a brief silence. Kurenai was about to agree even if the subject would be highly uncomfortable for the preteens when they heard a book slam shut. Blinking they turned to Naruko who had her spellbook close between her hands. At the same time, they could see her eyes glowing with chakra that gradually increased in intensity. Then in a flash the Uzumaki's eyes turned into a raging blue inferno yet the girl remained collected as she took a slow calming breath. Right after this, he dropped headfirst into her desk like a puppet without strings.
"Naruko-kun!" Hinata was heard yelling before the bluenette materialized beside the blond faster than even Kakashi could track. The princess in a panic lifted the gamer to see what was wrong, only to be met with the face of a sleeping angel. Call it a spiritual awakening or whatever but at that moment Hinata's Byakugan had never seen something so beautiful in her life. Originally, she had activated her eyes to see what was wrong but instead found a thriving and evolving chakra network connected to those blazing blue eyes. 'I feel… like… if I got… closer...'
"Hey! Are both okay?" The princess jumped once she felt the voice and hand calling to her attention. After turning off her bloodline, she looked and found Ino looking back at her worried. "Sheesh, don't scare us like that! While you were panicking Benihime told us that Pumpkin over there just knocked herself out from overusing her brain reading. She would be okay by tomorrow morning. So please don't go into shock over nothing."
"S-S-Sorry" Hinata muddled while looking back at the sleeping girl. There she had to bite her lip after noticing noticed that Naruko's eyelids had a soft blue light under the lids with gentle chakra smoke escaping out of the sides. 'W-W-What was t-t-that I just f-f-felt? I-I-It was like my eyes w-w-were trying to l-l-learn how her c-c-chakra moves. But why? The Byakugan c-c-can't copy jutsu like the Sharingan as f-f-far as I k-k-know.'
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(Morning)
Hiruzen had gotten back just a little after Naruko passed out and was informed about the reason. He took that as a sign for the girls to go rest and after producing sleeping bags he sent them to bed. After this, the adults took shifts to guard the camp but thankfully it was an uneventful night with only birds and small animals moving about. Then morning came which brought with it a revitalized Uzumaki who found Kurenai as the guard. After morning pleasantries the girl explained she had to do her morning workout before breakfast which the jonin accepted as a good work ethic.
By the time everyone else woke up, which was probably an hour or so later, the kunoichi felt like a lazy bum. The Uzumaki had said this was supposed to be a light morning exercise but from what the crimson-eye woman had seen it was more like a marathon meant to break the participants. She knew she wasn't as physically fit as others given her specialization in illusions but this was the first time it made her feel inadequate. The same thing happened to Ino and Hinata when they woke up to see the girl in an orange sports bar and shorts doing one-handed pushups. Though it did have the added effect of showing them that a woman with muscles could look desirable if their slacked jaws and blushing faces were anything to go by.
"At least Gai remembered she's a novice," they heard Kakashi say and in surprise turned to see him already up and cooking them breakfast.
About an hour later they had finished what they could of their morning routines, eat, packed up and left the forest. At this point, they asked what they would be doing today which caused a bit of surprise to the party as the Uzumaki gave the power of leadership to the Hokage. This was to show them that she was willing to work with others and thanks to this the trip towards the tower would be more direct. Though the girl did lament that she would not be getting any more materials since she still couldn't make clones.
"What are you talking about? Clones aren't tangible," Ino asked with a confused face which was mirrored Naruko's after the question.
"But Mizuki-sensei showed me how the jutsu worked. He even… showed them… holding hands…" the girl started before a look of realization dawned on her face. This was quickly obscured by a facepalmed and a growl of frustration "That snake in the grass stick licker fooled me with an optical illusion."
"W-W-Why would M-M-Mizuki-sensei do that?" questioned Hinata since she couldn't think of why the teacher would do something so detrimental to her classmate. In response the girl muttered:
"Oh, I'm sure it's the same one everyone has. But I'll make sure he will pay for this; oh, he will pay. Hehehe, I'll make sure that there will be a reckoning." The cackle which followed this promise could only be described as evil and Ino wisely stepped away from the smaller blond. The adults and Hinata, on the other hand, noted that this was another instance in a long line of evidence of the white-haired chunin sabotaging the student's progress. Therefore, that declaration fell on deaf ears since they couldn't expect karma to do all of the work. Thus, the group proceeded towards the tower though this time they did so at shinobi speed as a way to test the young trainees' stamina now they were fully charged.
Not surprisingly but still frown upon Ino was the first to become too tried even though they were moving at a pace no faster than a mid-level genin. Seeing the girl almost fall flat on her face made Naruko summon a two-wheeled rickshaw from her inventory. Then she pulled it to run pass the Yamanaka, grab the girl, threw her on the sit and kept running while pulling the cart. This, understandably, made all of the humans and fairy look at the Uzumaki weirdly.
"What? I won it in a bet three weeks ago. May as well use it now that I can carry it with me whenever. Also, surprise, my inventory can carry things bigger than me without me feeling their weight at all. Though I still haven't tested out what is the largest or heaviest thing I can put in it."
Taking note of the information that a small girl could end up working as a living warehouse should her ninja career not pan out the group kept running. It was about an hour later when Hinata started showing signs of fatigue and on Naruko's suggestion changed places with Ino who everyone agreed had rested enough. Regretfully the Yamanaka's lack of stamina stroke again as she didn't last more than 30 minutes before she started lagging. Unsurprisingly the Uzumaki huffed while muttering something about weak legs before throwing the fangirl into the rickshaw and telling her to stay there. After this, the Uzumaki asked the adults if it was possible for them to run faster because she wanted to test out how fast she could go. In response, the jonin nodded and picked up their pace which left the students in the dust.
"Great, Now I feel both insulted and ashamed of my performance. Thanks for that Pumpkin," the mind walker commented from her seat as she saw the adult's back getting further and further away.
"Hey," Naruko called out to her passengers. "It's possible to increase your physical performance like your running speed by applying chakra to the required muscles, correct?"
"Y-Y-Yes, Naruko-kun..." Hinata stuttered out which earned her a chuckle that made both passengers shiver.
This was especially so when they heard "Better hold on then!" from their driver. On instinct, they grabbed the handles and each other while the Yamanaka yelled for the Uzumaki to not do something stupid. The possible threat fell on deaf ears as they fell the buildup of chakra around the girl as it concentrated into her legs.
[Due to repeated use of chakra manipulation into the legs the Dash function has been unlocked. At the cost of 25mp per second the player's AGI will be doubled.]
That small window was all the warning they got before Naruko's gained a burst of speed that while nowhere near enough to pass the trained ninja it was enough to catch up to them. Thankfully at their new pace, they managed to reach the Watchtower before the minute mark as the technique managed to almost drain the Uzumaki dry. This was something everyone noted given how much the girl was panting and that her MP bar was almost empty.
"You okay, Uzumaki-san?" Kurenai questioned after they stop at the tower's base.
"Yeah, *pant* It's just *pant* that this the first *pant* time I used that *pant* much chakra. *pant* Just give me a minute." Naruko answered while laying on her back. Though what surprised the women was the satisfied grin of a job well done plastered on the girl's face. It seemed even the sweat pouring from her brow wasn't bothering her as Benihime fanned her with a paper fan as big as the fairy herself. As for the passengers, they got down from their cart and thanked the girl for her work and asked if she needed anything. "Hehehe, water *pant* would be good. *pant*"
"Here," Kurenai said while handing her a full canteen and helping her sit. The girl took it and drank just two gulps so she wouldn't empty the can. She didn't know where the nearest source of clean water was so they needed to conserve their reserves. After handing the bottle back she managed to get up and look at the structure providing them with shade and whistled.
"That's definitely taller than the wall back in the academy," the whiskered student commented with her fairy companion, no seating on her lap, nodding in agreement.
"True," Hiruzen agreed with a chuckle and added: "Still, between using the Wall Walking Exercise and the platforms at its side climbing this tower will be a rather easy affair."
"Sorry to say but that's not going to happen any time soon." Hearing the blue-eyed jinchuriki say this caused everyone to look at her in confusion. After getting everyone's attention she sighed and said "I just tried to use Scan on this thing and I got an error message. Something tells me that it has a magic nullification field around it. If you don't believe me, try to mold chakra or do a jutsu." Following the girl's advice, everyone tried to do basic chakra practice but nothing came out. They could still feel the energy inside themselves but it was like a glove was over them that stopped the chakra from being expelled. Hinata did manage to turn on her Byakugan but had to turn it off almost immediately as everything became white and black static while also giving her a short headache.
"Your intuition is correct Naruko-chan," Benihime announce while looking up at her mistress. "I tried scanning the tower as well and got a warning saying that there is an antimagic field present which restricts many of my functions. Chief among them would be my ability to fly, which is why I'm now wingless as you can see."
"So that's why your wings don't touch your back," Naruko commented as she stood up with the fairy safely in her hands. Then she put the Navi on her shoulder and asked: "Considering I'm the one who gets the quest it would be safe to assume that this one can only be completed if I get the top corrected?"
"Yes, though that does not stop you from having someone help you get to the top," the red-haired fairy answered. Kurenai, already proving her protectiveness over the students, was about to tell the girl to rest when she noticed the small blonde wasn't out of breath. This made her take a harder look and found that not only was Naruko breathing steadily but her posture was relaxed. About the only thing that showed the jinchuriki had been running was the sheen of sweat on her and even that was what remained as the was no longer producing the cooling liquid.
'Impossible! It's as if she recovered all of her stamina in seconds. Is this part of her being a jinchuriki or this weird bloodline limit of hers?' the Yuhi questioned to herself in wonder.
The Hokage, for his part, had also noticed this and agreed to let the whiskered student climb the tower but with the help of Kakashi. Following that order, the Copy Ninja produced the needed climbing gear from a sealing scroll and help Naruko put on her harness. Then he grabbed the grappling hook, gave it a few swings and threw it a right above the first platform which caught itself perfectly on the mesh fence that covered the tower. Three strong pulls later he declared it to be secure enough for them to climb.
"Hey, wait," Naruko called out before they started. Then she threw a grin towards Ino and Hinata that at least the taller blond did not like. "I don't know how long it will take Hatake-sensei and I to climb this so why not take the time to train my classmates. I, for one, would love to see them get stronger and that is all but assured if they're under the supervision of the Hokage."
The kage chuckle at this but agreed much the young kunoichis' disbelief. After that, the two climbers and fairy started their trip up the tower while ignoring the girls now doing workout routines. At first it there was silence between the two as they reach the first platform and continued through the second platform in the spiral formation they were made placed in. However, halfway through the third platform Naruko finally talked.
"Hatake-san. You were the student of the Yondaime, correct?"
"Yes, why do you ask? Want to see if I can teach you some of his jutsu?" the cyclops asked as child up.
"While that would be awesome, I have to say no for now," she chuckled at now possibly having that option. "No, what I wanted to ask was if you knew my mother, Kushina Uzumaki? You know, since he was helping her with my birth and all. Jiji told me they were friends so I thought that maybe you knew her in passing or maybe she helps your team on a mission."
"I did know Kushina-san," Kakahi commented and even if he tried to be casual the nostalgic tone of good memories could be heard. "She was… a hard woman to forget. Powerful, beautiful, made wielding a sword look like an art form and a prodigy all her own when it came to Sealing Arts. Though the last part was hard to believe given that no one but her and maybe Minato-sensei could understand her notes."
"Are Sealing arts what they use to make Explosive Tags and Storage Scroll? Sorry, they didn't teach us that in the academy."
"For once the academy didn't fail you as even in my time, they didn't teach about how to make seals. Regretfully Seal Crafting has become something of a lost art relegated to repeating rudimentary seals like elemental traps, light enchantments or the storing units that ninja can buy or if need be get from the village armory. At this point, only a few dedicated practitioners can do the more complex seals and fewer still can invent new seals. Your mother was one such person as more than once I saw her create complex formulas that did all manner of things. Though a lot of the times it was so she wouldn't have to do something she considered boring."
"An example of these being?" she asked after they got to the platform and threw the grappling hook towards the next.
"Well out of the top of my head I would say it was the house cleaning array. I never saw her make it but from what sensei told me, Kushina-san got into a drinking contest with Tsunade-sama and lost badly. After that, they brought her home so she could sleep it off but she was too drunk to sleep. So, she sang and danced the night away to a tune only she knew. Then in the morning sensei found her passed out on the kitchen covered in slashes of ink, three brushes in each hand, her hair braided into eight more brushes and the entire interior of the house 2,568 activated seals. It took us about a week to write everything on paper to try and see just what Kushina-san had done in her drunken state. Turns out all we could make out was "Die dust bunnies!" over and over again when we finally managed to arrange the seals in a somewhat legible format."
"Something tells me you guys were never able to recreate what mom did," Naruko commented with a grin at hearing about that frankly silly adventure. Kakashi's chuckle joined her merriment at the situation as he confirmation of her assumption for how that resulted. Though it was a bit of a shame, a seal like that one would have made a killing for housewives and new mothers with their energetic little hell spawns/angels running around the house.
"Hey, Hatake-san. Do you think it would be possible for you to teach me Seal Crafting? Well, if it's not too much to ask that is," the jinchiriki asked while they continue climbing. The Copy Ninja for his part eye smiled down at her given that this was finally his chance at getting to know the girl that could have been his little sister or niece had that horrible night not happen.
"Sure, I could help you with the basics but I have to warn you. I have failed all of my previous students because they didn't have what it takes."
He had tried to scare the girl with that to see if what she would do but when he looked down the Hatake's eyes meet the determined look of the Uzumaki's blue gaze. It was clear that the small student had taken that as a challenge much like her parents would have and made the silver-hair jonin smile.
'You would be proud of her. Sensei. Kushina-san,' he thought and continued to climb.
"Hey, wait a minute!" the jonin suddenly heard coming from the blonde. "No one ever told me what was in the treasure chest!"
"Oh, that? Turnouts it was a bounty of 5000 gold for everyone and a set of gloves called Thief Gloves that Benihime-san up into your inventory." The nonchalant tone of the jonin didn't stop the girl from nearly slipping from the information.
'Just how much money can I make thanks to this bloodline?!' the girl asked herself in surprise at the insane amount of money.
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(half an hour later)
(Top of the watchtower)
With one final grunt, Naruko pulled herself up onto the top platform of the spiral tower where Kakashi was waiting for her. After taking a couple of calming breaths she looked around and was struck in awe over how high in the air she was. The jonin, who looked around with her, commented that this tower was probably the same high as the wall surrounding the village. Give that Naruko could almost see everything on the surface of the dungeon and the fog that surrounding at its very edges the Uzumaki didn't see a reason to contradict that assumption. Then the pair heard a clicking sound and quickly turned around with weapons drawn. However instead of an enemy or a trap what met them was a pedestal that lights up and created a screen with two handprints on it.
"Place your hand on it *yawn* and the quest will be completed," Benihime explained drowsily from her mistress's shoulder.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Naruko questioned while softly cradling the small creature in her hands. In response, the fairy yawned again and curled up to sleep before speaking.
"Sorry, the antimagic field as if very strong here and since I need MP to remain functioning my body is going into sleep mode," the redhead answered her worried owner before adding: "Just place your hand on the screen. The data transfer will commence and the barrier will be shut down."
With those final words, the wingless fairy fell silent with only the steady breathing showing she was sleeping. The gamer nodded a thank you to her small companion and gently handed her to the Kakashi's waiting hands. After this, the blond walked over to the pedestal and placed her hands on the screen. The effect was immediate as her mind went blank before she sees a pencil appear and start drawing the map of the entire meadow. From Kakashi's point of view, things were different once the girl places her hands on the information hub. For starters, he could see blue veins like lines shining below the skin of Naruko's hands while her eyes had turned completely blue with small white letters, numbers, and symbols crawling up or down in five lines over the blue background. Next, he saw the outside of the tower turn into a green chain link mesh barrier that started to burn itself away.
[Climb the tower (COMPLETED)]
[Rewards:
- The full map of the Tranquil Meadows unlocked
- Markers can now be placed on the map]
[Markers - as the name suggests can be used to mark a special area one wishes to explore or a destination on desires to reach. Once the marker is placed on the map it will appear as a pillar of light on the world that only users and be extension their party can see. Thanks to this even if the party gets separated, they can regroup by walking towards this light. Note, markers will disappear if: (1) everyone in the party reaches it, (2) the user dispels it on the map or (3) the user enters an area with a strong jamming signal.]
After that massage both the dispersing of barrier and the downloading of the map was finished in seconds. Though it did take Naruko a moment to regain her vision as she blinked the bit of pain away. At the same time, Benihime's wings sprouted back to life which made her wake up and start to float again as she yawned. The silver-haired jonin was about to congratulate them on a job well done when chimes rang out. This was followed by another screen appearing.
[Special Reward!]
[Due to being the first players to climb this tower since it was abandoned you will each be awarded special gifts. Please open the chest provided to claim your reward. NOTE: It matters not which chest you choose as your gift has already been decided.]
Just as they finished reading the text, they heard two wooden thunk sounds and looked to see two small wooden chests now laying in front of them. The adult looked at the child with a questioned look only to get an "It's a videogame thing," and a shrug as a response. Thus, he relented and went to open the chest she didn't take.
{Special Items}
Wing tattoo (Faded)
Description - Once this magically infused ink tattoo had the power to give its wearer the ability to sore through the skies like the Valkyries of legend. However, years of neglect and natural decay of mana has caused its magic to weaken to the point it can barely lift its user of the ground for more than five seconds.
- Unlocks Double Jump
- Unlocks Dive Kick
- Unlocks Hover (Duration is only 5sec.)
- Gives the user full control of their direction of the fall so long as it's in a cardinal direction.
Parachute (Pakkun decal)
Description - a device used to slow down the motion of a falling object by creating drag. Commonly light but strong fabric is used to maintain the safety of the user. That fabric of this parachute is infused high-grade mana to make it nearly indestructible to most conventional weapons or attacks. NOTE: After the object or user has landed safely the storage sigils on the backpack will fold and retract the parachute into itself so it will be ready for the next deployment. Also, thanks to these sigils mechanical failure or faulty maintenance are taken out of the equation.
"Well, these are certainly a pair of unique items," Kakashi commented after reading the description of the backpack. Then he grabbed it and, in a flash, he now knew exactly how to use the item due to the short tutorial video that played in his head. "Okay, that was a weird experience."
"You'll get to use it after enough times," Naruko commented while holding the fade wings encased in a clear mana orb. The wings themselves looked simplistic and amateurish single line design. Also, just like the description said, she could feel the magic inside the tattoo but it was very weak as if was dying. Still, she shrugged and equip the special accessory on her back. Not a second after the click the jinchuriki had to grit her teeth to stop the scream as her back exploded in what felt like living flames. Thankfully the sensation didn't last more than a second. After which she took off her jacket and lift her shirt to show the Jonin her bareback who confirmed that the tattoo was painted on her back.
"Congratulations on finishing your mission you two! Now let's celebrate by taking your prizes for a test drive," Benihime exclaimed with a grin.
"Beni-chan," Naruko started with a disturbed face "As enthusiastic as I am to test out a new power, and I am, I don't think Double Jump will save me from falling from this height. I mean, sure I'm a video character but even I'm not dumb enough to think gravity doesn't apply to me."
"True but if you jump again at a safe height the second jump will cancel any G-force you were under and in turn, you'll just feel the fall from this new hoop," the Navi explained to the humans which renewed the younger own spirits but the older one was not convinced. Understandably he voiced his concerns about simply jumping over the railing on the blind fate that these new items would save them. In response, the fairy said: "Worry not Hatake-san. One of my primary functions is to keep Naruko Uzumaki alive so she can reach her true potential whatever it may be. Also, if she dies so will I hence it's in my best interest to keep her alive."
"I trust Beni-chan, sensei. We may have only met for less than a week but right now I trust her more than anyone," the Uzumaki vouched for her partner. Seeing the conviction and trust in the girl's eyes made the jonin wish for the time when he hadn't learned that trust was a commodity.
'Still, Naruko's bloodline has shown that anything could be possible here. Plus, the item description explicitly mentions the parachute can't fail and the tutorial played back enough times that using it became second nature to me, weird as it is.' the silver-haired man thought to himself before sighting and agreeing to the girls' crazy plan. He had to shake his head at the thumbs up and grins they gave him but he still put on the backpack. Then they walked over the railing and looked down at where the other party members would be located.
"You know, I always liked high places. Guess that's part of being a wind elemental due to the whole being closer to the wind and all that jazz."
"At least you're not a pyromaniac."
"Bah, starting fires is weak. The real art is in making explosions." Regretfully for the adult's sanity, the girl took a running leap over the railing with a "FOOOOR RAAAAMEEEEN!" before he could even ask what she meant.
"Sensei, that girl may look like you but she is 100% Kushina-san's daughter," he sighed before jumping after her. He could already tell this girl was going to bring a new age to this world and he really hoped that the chaos of having an Uzumaki at the helm would be kept to a minimum. Thankfully having known both Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki taught him to not keep his hopes up when it came to that particular matter.
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(Moments before)
(Base of the watchtower)
"I truly hope this isn't an indication of the state of your other classmates Yamanaka-san," the Hokage plead with clear disappointment in his voice.
"Sorry *pant* Hokage-sama," Ino panted out from the ground as she tried to catch her breath.
Just like the old shinobi agreed with Naruko's suggestion, he had put both girls through training. Said training was exactly the kind of regiment you would anticipate from a military comprised of super-powered soldiers that were expected to cross mountain ranges with less then a day or fight 1 vs. 10 if needed. Safe to Ino couldn't even finish a quarter of the work-out the old shinobi had set them out to do. The disappointment on the leader's eyes was a major blow to the heiress's pride. To make matters her classmate and the resident wallflower was succeeding in at least finishing the reaps. This was even if it looked like it was taking every last bit of the Hyuga's willpower to remain standing.
"I'll *pant* make sure to *pant* train more when we *pant* get home," she promised with tears in her eyes from both exhaustion and the realization that she was weak. Even before today, Ino knew she couldn't compare to Naruko and almost all of the guys but not in her wildest dreams did think it was to the point it would disappoint the man who would be her employer in the near future. 'And then Hinata-chan, who people can practically forget exist, is not only stronger than me but able keep up with Hokage-sama's commands after that run we had. Dammit! Otou-san and Kaa-chan were right when they said I wouldn't be able to make it if I didn't set up my training. I promise for this point on I'll train as hard as I need to. Even if it means asking Naruko for help!'
"FOOOOR RAAAAMEEEEN!"
"Huh?" was the thought on everyone's mind when they heard the yell.
Fearing what they already knew the party looked up to see an Uzumaki shaped missile heading their way. The first to react was Hiruzen who in less than a blink of an eye summoned a clone and quick succession both fired an elemental dragon. Both the water and earth serpentine dragons roared as they shot towards the falling gamer in a spiral formation that fused them in the new jutsu Mud Dragon. Naruko saw the incoming beast and even without her fairy telling her the blonde knew the jutsu had barely any power behind so would catch her without harm. This made the whisker girl smirk as it gave a chance to use that spell, she learned last night.
"I force my will unto this world with my hand. Force Push!" the novice-witch chanted. Then, for maximum effect, she made sure to channel about triple of the needed amount of mana to unleash the spell. As a result, a wall of kinetic energy three times her size explodes out of her right palm and smashes onto the dragon. The under-powered jutsu and over-fueled spell smashed into each other with the expected result of the mud crumbling into nothing much to the shock of everybody else. This shock was enough to stop the other from trying to save the plummeting jinchuriki.
Well, all but Hinata who in an explosion of adrenaline dashed towards the tower and ran up its side like it was solid ground. Then the bluenette jumped and tackled the smaller girl out of the air with the idea of using her own body to protect the falling blond. Naruko was only distracted form a moment due to this panic charged action but she recovered fast enough to flip them before they would crash. Then the Uzumaki cradled the Hyuga in her arms before unleashing her wings to activate the second jump. Thus, with a single flutter, the two young maidens jumped just before they hit the ground and gently floated back down as if nothing happened.
"Sorry Hime, but there's no reason to risk yourself for me today," Naruko commented with a charming grin directed at the girl in her arms. The heiress only took one look at that smile and let her body feel those strong arms holding it to buy a ticket straight to Yuri Dream Island.
"You did that one on purpose," the redhead fairy accused from the girl's shoulder.
"True but you can't blame me for wanting to see that smile of hers even if it only appears right before she faints," the blond revealed with a soft smile. Then she saw a large shadow however her and looked up to see that Kakashi had deployed his parachute to float his way down. It was here that the Uzumaki and the rest of the conscious party members managed to see the image of an orange pug with a ninja-headband stitched in the fabric. "Okay… that dog is just too cute."
"Yeah, I can see that in an ugly sort of way," the fairy commented with some jealousy in her voice.
Minutes later, after Kakashi landed and ran back to them with the parachute safely in the backpack, both climbers were in front of their leader to explain what happened. By the end of it, Hiruzen was both glad that they now had such useful tools on their hands and the rising urge to strangle the two for doing the previews stunt.
'This almost feels like I'm teaching those three again,' The Sarutobi thought as he remembered some similar events his students had put him through all of those years back. "Next time, because I can already tell this could become a habit, do not go around and practice a new ability in a dangerous situation Naruko-chan. I don't care if you know how to use them from games or the items tell you it's a safe rule of thumb should always be to practice new skills in a safe and controlled environment. Do I make myself clear young lady?"
"Crystal clear Hokage-sama," the jinchuriki agree and gave a bow while letting her wings out to float off of the group just a few inches.
"I can't believe you can fly now. I understand bloodlines almost always make its bearer stronger one way or another but yours is too much," Ino complained while looking at the transparent silhouette of dove wings attached to the whiskered girl's back. Out of curiosity, she was about to touch them but the mana holding them together depleted and they shattered into sparkling dust as the Uzumaki landed on her feet. 'Wow, it feels warm.'
"I can't fly Ino. The wings are too weak for that so they only let me jump higher and further," the shorter blonde explained before asking "So what are we doing now? I'm up for some training or maybe some sparing. Thanks to my Practice Mode we could fight all out without actually kill each other."
"Just remember that everyone is still susceptible to dislocations, fractures and broken bones. So, try to avoid those types of attacks on your friends," Benihime remained to the party members. "Now, Hinata-san and Ino-san please stand side by side so I can restore your stamina."
"Wait, since when could you heal stamina?" Naruko questioned and the fairy chuckled.
"Saving Grace remember? When I said I could use any healing spell to keep the player alive it included stamina restoration too," the small creature announced with a satisfied grin. Then waited for the girls to get into place after which she summoned the need green colored magic sigil around them. "Let the winds of relaxation comfort you in its soft embrace. Second Wind!"
With that chant, the two heiresses felt revitalized as energy returned to them and their muscles relaxed as if they were getting a full-body managed. Then the light of the magic disappeared along with any fatigue their body may have accumulated. The fairy for her part started lowering her flight height as exhausting set in. Already knowing that would happen Naruko was there to catch her companion and gently proceeded to restore the Navi's MP.
"Impressive skill. Would it be out of the question to think Naruko-chan can learn this spell?" the Hokage inquired while already imagining the sort of boon having such a restorative jutsu at hand would be for a team needing to escape. Then his mind was swift to remind him what would happen if the girl ends up in Danzo's hands. 'Each day I question the reason why I let that bastard live.'
"Yes, Naruko-chan could learn that skill but she would need to reach Intermediate Level mastery with actual restorative magic. Regretfully the only way to do that is to continuously heal people that are either gravely injured or are about to open death's door. On the plus side, that would unlock the White Mage/Priestess line of jobs."
"Which would mean I lose access to any advance attack spells and my ability to use higher-level weapons since healers are relegated to using either to maces, enchanted staffs or their bare hands. Yeah, I'm all for helping people but I rather stick to using the healing potions I make or buy. Which now that I think about is another skill I have to practice," the Uzumaki announced before muttering "Stupid Clone Jutsu. If you weren't an illusion I would have it practice making them."
The jonin all managed to hear this but only the men thought about the Shadow Clone Jutsu since only they had gotten to see the girl's mother use it. They filed this for a later date/experiment and proceeded to start the training match. Theorizing the Yamanaka may not be a challenge for the Uzumaki even in their current state they decided to the jonin decided on the other possible match-up. Hearing this Naruko was about to cheer in excitement when she noticed the Hyuga looked both alarmed and reluctant.
"Hey, what's wrong, Hinata-chan?" the Uzumaki asked the Hyuga who tried to shy away from them. Not having any on it the smaller girl grabbed her slightly taller friend by the shoulders and look up straight into her eyes. "Hinata, what is wrong? Why don't you want to fight?" Regretfully the questions only seemed to make the bluenette try to hide harder and refused to look at her. Thus, the whiskered gamer gently grabbed the Byakugan user's face and moved so there would be no choice but for them to see eye to eye. "Hinata, forget about everything else and just focus on me. I promise you if something is bothering, I'll help."
Hinata for her part was feeling both terrified and cloud nine at being the center of attention of the small Uzumaki. It hadn't even been 24 hours since the lavender eyed female learned what a lesbian was, that Naruko was one and the bluenette could be one given the feelings the blond seemed to invoked in her yet here she was being caressed by that very person. The poor Hyuga wanted to run or at the very least faint again but those cerulean pools looked at her with so much concern that Hinata felt compelled to speak her deepest secrets.
"I'm… w-w-weak," the wallflower mumbled so softly it could have been mistaken for a mouse sneezing. Thankfully Naruko did hear her and softly smiled with understanding before she used her other hand to frame Hinata's face. Then used her thumbs, she dried the unshed tears that were building on the edges of those beautiful lavender pools.
"Don't say that Hime," Naruko started with a tone full of caring and understanding "Trust me when I say you aren't weak. I know what weak looks like because I had days were, I wake up and utterly hate the image in the mirror. It's because of this that I, Naruko Uzumaki, know that you, Hinata Hyuga, are not weak. Even of this bloodline of mine just confirms it.
Sure, it may just look like meaningless numbers but in my eyes, you are a Lv24 warrior. To a simple Lv3 novice like me it's like I'm standing in the face of a legend. Therefore facing an opponent that's eight times my level would be not only a challenge but an incredible honor. Hinata-chan, I don't know nor will I pretend to know what you have gone through to make you think you're weak but what I do know is that you're holding back your potential. However, now you have me to help you unlock it and together we can show the world that we are not the weaklings and losers it made us think we are.
So, what do you say? Want to finally go wild in a fight and give it everything you got in a situation where there will be no repercussions?" After finishing the pep talk Naruko gave Hinata her best friendly and encouraging grin. Seeing such sincerity was the undoing of the bluenette was done for.
'How can she do that to me? How can she just talk or smile and make me feel like everything will be alright? Is… Is this what it feels like… to like someone? No Naruko-kun is a girl…' Hinata thought and then her eyes landed once more on the face of the pretty Uzumaki. She found it was impossible to resist her own smile 'Guess… I guess there's no helping it… I like Naruko-kun… Otou-sama and the elders must never find out. I'm already a disgrace to them anyway no need give them more ammunition.'
"Okay… I'll spar with you, Naruko-kun." the lavender eyed agreed with a tiny smile that someone matched the radiant grin the whiskered blonde had.
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Author's Note:
Sorry it took so long to update. Hope you like it and that this one helps understand a little more on how they messed with Naruko's education.