Naruto: Legend of the Ghost Rider Chapter 20: Trials, and Naruto's team
When Naruto did finally return to Konoha, many were wondering about how strong he had gotten. So a series of matches were made to test him.
First was Gai. Gai had to go all out, and managed to wear Down Naruto, but Naruto proved he was strong, and almost as fast as His father, (when Arashi did use the Hiriashnin). Kakashi tested him in Ninjutsu, and Naruto proved that he knew a lot as well in that area.
Then, came to something that not a whole lot of people wold forget. Tsunade fought Naruto, to test his true strength, because he did say he was going to figure out how to make his strength like hers.
When they used all their might, a massive tremor was caused, going as far as Suna. Then...
"Damn. You busted my arm" Tsunade said. She was done. Naruto was shocked. He eased Tsunade down.
"Nana, I'm sorry" He said. He did call Tsunade that now, as it didn't make her feel TO old. She shook her head.
"No. I told you not to hold back. This is but an injury that can be healed. So don't worry. Oh, you're gonna be meeting your Genin team tomorrow morning. I Hope you got the memo" Tsunade said. Sakura got right to healing it, as she was on par with Tsunade now. Naruto nodded.
Next morning, Naruto was back in the Acadamy, to pick up his students. He smiled.
"Team 7, Konohamaru, Hanabi, and Inari. Follow me" Naruto said. The 3 did follow.
They were now at a bridge. It was the former team 7's meeting spot.
"Well, we do all know who each other are, so no introductions are needed. But you 3, I heard you 3, along with Udon and Moegi, all got along well, so I expect good teamwork from all of you. But there are some things you must know. The Shinobi world is not for the weak of heart. I've seen stuff that is only in the wildest and most twisted dreams of those still wet behind the ears. Just because I know you, doesn't mean I'm going to take it easy. In fact, most times, you will call me a Sadist, Masochist, or some other sick and twisted name. But rest assure you, I'm only being that way, because I care" Naruto said. The 3 knew he wasn't joking.
"Any questions" Naruto said. Inari raised his hand. Naruto nodded.
"No offense Naruto-sensei, but when do we begin our training. I didn't move to Konoha to not become strong" Inari said. Naruto smirked.
"And why do you wish to become strong. Is it to avenge, selfishness, or to protect?" Naruto said to Inari. Inari looked Naruto right in the eye, to give his reply.
"To protect my family. To protect anyone close to my heart. I wish to return one day, a strong ninja, capable of helping and raising ninjas in the wave country, to start another Hidden village possibly. Basically, to serve and protect" Inari said. Anruto smiled.
"Good. Konohamaru...what about you?" Naruto asked. Konohamaru was a bit more scared, not having the exact answer.
"To be...To be like my heros. A selfless ninja, who would do anything to protect what is truly important, and that, is freedom" Konohamaru said. Naruto still smile.d He then sighed, turnign to Hanabi.
"Same question" Naruto said. She kinda shyed away.
"What's that. Don't have an answer? In my eyes, if you can't answer that, you don't deserve to be a ninja" Naruto said. Hanabi then looked more at him.
"My...clan wants me to be like this. A ninja" She said. Naruto smirked.
"So it wasn't your choice. Well I will tell you this Hanabi. Your clan, is of right now, no concern to you. I'm trying to instill something that will make you believe in each other. Team 7's traditions have been, the team is like family. And Family is all about teamwork. You became part of this family, when you became Genin, and placed under my teachings. Going back to Clans, a lot of them try to use their prodigies to make them more powerful. The main house is considered stronger in Hyuuga. But there are only 3 people in the entire clan that will see you as family. Your father, your sister, and your cousin. They believe in you. Don't let them down, if you care about them. Isn't that right...Hinata-chan?" Naruto said. Hinata then jumped down, behind Naruto.
"Well said Naruto-kun" Hinata said. She then walked beside him.
"I'm also here to let you know, that due to some unfinished business, Naruto will not be there all the time to teach you. That is where I come in, if needed. So expect to see me around" Hinata said. Naruto nodded.
"Now Hanabi. Have you always wanted to be a ninja?" Hinata asked. She shook her head.
"It's what I've been designed to do. I don't have any other lifestyle" Hanabi said. Naruto smirked.
"You'll learn eventually. Open up more. Listen. To have the power, to protect, is an important thing. Being a Ninja can be fun, but it can be tiring. You have to each shape your own story. I do believe in you all. Now with that settled, there is one last obstacle that stands in this family's way. The final Genin test. The test you too at the Acadamy was to see who knew the basics to being a ninja, but this test, is to weed out the true losers. There is a common thing amongst the true graduates. It is a title, called the Rookie 9. We call you this, as out of 27 students, only 9 are able to pass. So rest up, and meet either Hinata or I at this very spot tomorrow at 10 Am. I would suggest that if you eat, eat at least 2 hours before you get here, or you aren't gonna keep it down" Naruto said. The 3 Genin nodded. Inari and Konohamaru left, but Hanabi Stayed.
"Naruto-sensei. Are you sure? I mean...I'm ot the only one who had no choice but to become a Ninja" Hanabi said. Naruto smiled, and kneeled down.
"Listen Hanabi. We all have choices. You have to break away from that no choice shell, before I have to pick away at it. You believe in that fate crap. Well I'll tell you this. People fear the Hyuuga, but when they get the chance, they will strike. I want to tell you something more" Naruto said. Hanabi nodded.
They then sat down at a Dango Stand. Hanabi had ordered a lot. Naruto smiled.
"There are many different roads anyone can take. A lot of people think thehy have it so hard, and that they're misunderstood. Take sasuke for example. His entire clan, wiped out by his older brother. He made the choice to kill him, and with that, he desired power, the quickest way. He thought he had it so hard, yet demanded respect due to his heritage. I had it much harder. No parents, everyone hated me. I could have chosen to kill everyone who dared hate me, but I chose not to. I chose to try to become a symbol of hope. There is nothing nobody can't do" Naruto said. Hanabi smiled at that, and nodded.
"Yeah. You're right. I'll become a fine ninja, because I want to. I want to help. I want to be a ninja, for I believe it's my purpose in life" Hanabi said. Naruto smiled.
"you made the choice to make it your purpose. Many paths have already opened. Let your mind, heart, soul, and instincts, drive you in the right direction" Naruto said. Hinata smiled.
"One more thing Hanabi. Going back to Naruto's analogy on Fear and Hyuuga, I know all about it. I feared the council was going to put me in Branch. But Father and Naruto gave me the strength to fight back, and become stronger. When you instill fear into somebody, they will kneel, but strike when the chance presents itself. I know. But Respect is something else. Respect, means trust, and trust, goes a long way. With true respect and trust, you will have people watching your back, at the same time, you watching theirs. It's always what people should aim for" Hinata said. Hanabi nodded.
"Well, I could stay longer, but I want to train. Besides, you 2 should enjoy yourselves. Later" Hanabi said. Naruto kissed Hinata quickly.
They had a date that night, and it was a good evening, out on the town. And Naruto was the ahpiest. But he knew of the impending danger he would have to go through.