Naruto opened up his eyes, with some grogginess in his muscles and all over his body, as if it wasn't really ready or willing to leave the warm and nice bed. Wasn't the first time that he had this feeling, but it was a really long time since he had experienced it, as he was very much used to waking up just before the sunrise. Having lived with his family, as much as he had loathed that word nowadays, he had learned that none of them could stomach to get up before at least 6.30, and so Naruto took to liking waking up before that, at 5 AM at latest.
It had quite a few advantages for him: longer day, more time to get things done, enough time to eat, clean up and not get spotted by his family. Wasn't all that easy to adjust at first to this, but it did get normal for Naruto after a week and a half. Plus, apparently his organism didn't need all that much time for rest, being probably in the same category as his increased endurance and strength. Not that he had ever complained for that, if anything, it had served him a good service throughout the time and continued to do so.
However, this time was different, as Naruto had slept in different house, in guest room, which looked a lot like a comfortable, not too big personal room of a person should look like. Desk, wardrobe, bookshelf, enough space for moving and a bathroom, quite like his own room in the residence, but this one felt differently. It felt… warm, comforting and comfortable in here, while his own felt empty and hollow, and was only used to rest. Here… Here Naruto felt like he could relax and let his guard and posture drop. Maybe it was because of all the positivity with the Uzumaki here. He has heard that caring and loving family makes any home welcoming, but he did not really believe it to be true. Apparently, he might have to reconsider his opinion on that.
Dressing and cleaning himself up, Naruto looked at the clock, stating that it 25 minutes before 5 AM., which wasn't something surprising for him. Carefully, trying not to make any noise and wake anyone up, Naruto made it downstairs and saw the door, leading into the backyard. From the window and from the sounds, Naruto saw that the storm had passed and it was a clear pre-dawn sky, already starting to light up.
Stepping outside, young redhead was a bit surprised to see that the entire yard was dry and clean, as if it wasn't affected by the rainfall. Dismissing it as a possible barrier Ninjutsu, Naruto walked through the yard, seeing several practice dummies and training equipment here. Seeing that this was the place where the family trained and honed up their skills, Naruto decided that the best way to kill time would be to get some practice while he had the opportunity. Taking his stance at the training manlike wooden dummy, made to both practice strikes and blocks, Naruto went on ahead at it, going into semi-trance, as his hands and arms went on ahead at it at an instinct level.
Naruto worked fast, not letting himself get caught up in any thoughts, letting his limbs move freely with his own style. Over the years and fighting, Naruto had developed three styles, to be exact, each centered around a certain idea or direction of a battle. With Aikido and Wing Chun, Naruto was able to create a universal quick defensive style, centered on quick counters and blocks. Hapkido and Wing Chun were similar to the first, but were a more universal style for either good offence or defense, meaning to grab on opponent and disable him in rapid motion. And with Krav Maga and Aikido, it was a style meant to cripple, incapacitate and kill his enemies quickly. This allowed for Naruto to have a good degree of versatility and effective means for every situation.
After what Naruto considered about half an hour of training, his right arm blocked the coming left limb of manikin, before finishing him off with his quick and powerful punch to the chest, knocking the dummy into the ground. Out of his stance and trance, Naruto could see that he had done quite a bit on the thing, as there were now numerous pumps on it and even broken pieces near it. He must've been pushing more and more strength into his strikes and counters without even knowing it, like he usually did. He would have to apologize to Shingen and Aika for this and find out if he could…
"That dummy is made of special kind of oak, found in Land of Iron, and is famous for its sturdiness." Naruto turned his head to see Shingen, stepping out of the house, dressed in plain sleeveless jacket, baggy black pants and boots, and holding in his arms, what appeared to be, two big swords. "I usually use it myself to get some workout for my punches, but you appear to have finally pushed it beyond set limits of durability."
"I-I apologize. I will…" Naruto was starting to panic a little bit, before he heard Shingen chuckling. "Wait, you are not mad at me for this? Or that I've apparently woke you up?"
"Not at all. The old thing was already at its final days and I was thinking about replacing it, so it's okay. And no, you didn't really wake me up." Shingen simply stated to him, stepping closer to Naruto, looking carefully at him. "Well, I'll have to say that I didn't think I would see another Uzumaki with my kind of bloodline." Naruto cocked his eyebrow up at this one, with Shingen promptly continuing on. "You already know that we Uzumaki have a much stronger body and organism than that of a usual Shinobi, giving us larger reserves of chakra and longer lifespan. It is a common thing among Uzumaki, but among us, there are those with special variations of this bloodline. One such variant are the Chakra Chains, like with Kushina, the other is an extremely potent sensor ability, which, when trained, can allow a person to literally sense and predict any enemy's movement, like with Byakugan, only even better. And then there are people like you and me, Naruto."
"What do you mean by that, Shingen?" Naruto asked of him. "I just know that every time I get beaten up, or really tired and weakened, I simply get stronger and better once I heal up. Isn't that the same with all Uzumaki?"
"To a limited extent, yes, but not with you and me." Shingen put both swords down, before speaking up again. "Our variant of bloodline is called Combat Adaptability. When put under stress, with wounds and with adrenalin rushing through our veins, the body begins to subtly reconstruct and improve to decrease the stress and pain, such as improving strength of muscles, bones, tissue, or decreasing the amount of toxins in your body, as well as improving immune system and developing anti-bodies for poisons, all in rapid orders. It is like forced evolution at great speed, making us stronger, faster, and with much higher endurance. In other words, the longer and harder you train and fight, the tougher and more powerful you'll get, literally. Your body will only accommodate your increased exercises, as well adapt to new challenges, like poisons. Pretty neat, wouldn't you say?" Shin smiled to him, with Naruto nodding to it.
"So, it's like a mutation of sorts in Uzumaki bloodline? Like with Mangekyou Sharingan of Uchiha?"
"No, it isn't. It is, more correctly to say, one of the bloodlines of Uzumaki, brought in by one of the clans that have merged into Uzumaki over the centuries. This particular one was around since it's foundation." Shingen explained to Naruto. "Since it's obvious that Kushina didn't tell you shit about your ancestors, you should know that overall Clan Uzumaki was not a simple clan per say. It was more like a union of several clans, joined together and forming a single entity, with the identities of clans merged in together and mixed in. One of those Clans was Senju, at least the part of it that split away from the main body. By the time they reached Uzu, there were two other clans on the island, Clans Azai and Shimazu, both with their own respective bloodlines. About 5 centuries ago, those three became the foundation of what Clan Uzumaki is now, or was, until it's near complete genocide…"
Naruto was stunned to hear about this, as it was something completely new to him. There were books about history of the various clans in the residence's library, but there was only very sparse information about Uzumaki Clan. Most of it was already well known facts, but this was the most details and information in general that he had gotten. Hell, even Kushina told nothing about it to either him, which isn't all surprising to Naruto, or the twins, only going over what is general information for everyone. But to hear that Clan Uzumaki was actually a union of clans, or a conglomeration of them… This is something unheard of, as the Clans typically prefer to stick to themselves and their own ways, not adopt and mix in the others, as it would ruin their identity and pride. But the Uzumaki did just that, and it looked like it only worked in their favor…
"Well, enough about that." Shingen broke Naruto's thought train, as picked up one of the swords, the shorter and smaller one, yet still a significantly large one. "Sorry, I haven't been completely honest with you yesterday. I have been keeping an eye out for you for quite some time now, Naruto, observing you and figuring you out." The fact that Naruto had found out that he was an object of someone's observation didn't please him one bit, making him irritated.
"What for? What would a man like you gain from observing someone like me, a clan failure?" Naruto asked of Shingen with full seriousness. "Wouldn't you be more interested in, I don't know, the heroic twins that hold Kyuubi at bay?" Naruto asked in sarcastic and irate manner, with Shingen not faltering one bit at this response.
"I believe you've already deduced, that I am not like most people in this village, Naruto. And I have no interest in two pampered, self-assured, irritating brats." Shingen simply stated to Naruto, as he tossed to Naruto the two-handed sword, which he caught. "I am more interested in those that have determination, will and guts to become something much better than they are now. And you fit that category. Now, look at this sword and tell me what do you think about it?"
Naruto did as Shingen said, taking a careful and good look at the weapon in his arms and studying it carefully. This was a large long sword, with at 5 to 6 centimeters width and just a bit shorter than Naruto's own height, which was around 159 cm., with the blade being about 110 cm. and handle around 30 cm, allowing it to be held by two hands. It was double-edged and straight, completely unorthodox from usual katanas and ninja-to, along with probably weight close to three kilos. Another interesting thing about it was the guard, made not in the form of a small shield, but as a rhomb, with two forward slopped prongs and a pointy rain-guard at the base of the blade.
It was the most unusual, yet strangely, impressive weapon that Naruto had saw and held. Taking it with two hands, he stepped away a little bit and made several swings with it, finding out that it had rather large swings, but it was actually not as hard to wield and hold as one would think. While Naruto may've been knowledgeable about theory of Kenjutsu, he had zero practice what so ever, and it was obvious that the usual techniques and teachings of it wouldn't work on this piece of good work. No, this sword seemed to be centered around not elegant and swift strikes, but around powerful and wide strikes, compensating lack of speed with power behind swing.
It was something that Naruto had found quite to his liking, actually, as with his built up strength and endurance, he didn't feel like katana was for him. But this… This could be something he could get behind. Having finished his analysis, Naruto spoke up to Shingen.
"The sword is a straight double-edged with long and wide blade. The two handed grip and it's general construction indicates that it's probably used for powerful strikes and wide swings, along with keeping opponents on a distance. Its size may sacrifice maneuverability, instead gives greater range, strength and possibly better defense, if mastered." Naruto said to Shingen, who picked up his own sword with one hand. "I've never seen any sword like it. Doesn't look like it was made in any of the Elemental Nations, or in the Land of Iron."
"Because it wasn't made in any of big five." Shingen said, as he took the stance, and in what seemed like a split second, performed a series of powerful and wide swings with his sword, easily moving his weapon, impressing Naruto, before he continued. "This sword is called claymore, and it is a sword created and utilized throughout the ages by Clan Uzumaki, made specifically for powerful and destructive blows, meant to break and pierce any and all armors. Because our Clan was often at target of attacks from mainland, our smiths and crafters had developed weapons that would accommodate our more straightforward Shinobi, with claymore being one of them. Not a weapon for subtlety and stealth, true, but a fully trained Uzumaki Shinobi with claymore, or as we called them, a Vanguard, can quite literally cut through two or three enemies with ease. I'm personally capable of slashing four or five heads in one go with this thing. Pretty impressive, isn't it?"
"Yeah, very much so." Naruto admitted, as he looked closer at it, before asking the obvious question. "Why did you show this to me? I doubt this is just because you wanted to give me a history lesson."
"Actually, I did want to give you." Shingen chuckled to him. "And the other reason is because I believe it will suit you, as a primary weapon, and because I would like to train you in it, as well as Uzumaki Clan's styles of combat and techniques." Naruto instantly widened his eyes at what he had just heard. "I will be plain and honest with you, Naruto: there is a great deal of potential, a potential for being probably one of the strongest Shinobi in the world. But along with that, there is a great deal of fury, resentment, anger and even malice in you, all of which that can destroy you as a human being."
"If you've been observing my life, you should already know by now why I've got all of this." Naruto did not object to possessing it, as he himself understood that he had them. "But why, why do you really want to train me so badly? For the matter of that, what makes me so… special in your eyes that you let me stay in your house for dinner and the night, and now offering to train me? Are you trying to suck it up to Minato or something, or is it to reconcile with Kushina as clansmen?"
"For your information, those two people I consider to be both failures as Shinobi, and as parents, and I hold little love for them, even if Minato and I were teammates and Kushina and I are from the same clan." Shingen said with clear signs of seriousness and even anger at them. "If you want to know so badly, I will tell you, Naruto: it's because I know how you feel, and I know what it will do to you. I will not go into much detail, kid, but let me tell you: all this resentment, malice, hatred… It can empower you, make you stronger, faster, better, but in return… It will destroy your soul, leave you a hollow shell with nothing inside. If you continue bottle it in you and use it without care, one day you will find out that all people you cared about, your loved ones and friends, all of them are gone, either dead or have abandoned you. And at that moment, you'll realize, that all your efforts to get better and out do someone, or to prove that you better than people thought you were… Will be worth absolutely nothing to you." Shingen said seriously to Naruto, with the conviction and soul in the harsh words, with Naruto guessing that Shingen had went through the same. "I've been there, and I know that the end of this road is not for you. Now, I know I can't exactly tell you to simply get over what happened to you."
"Glad to know that somebody understands that." Naruto let out an amused chuckle, though he was being serious, recalling all the times that Minato and others have told him to get over his parents' decisions and grow up.
"But what I can do, however, is to teach you how to channel that wrath of yours into the right direction, without making you lose your humanity and control over your mind. And this sword," Shingen pointed at claymore in Naruto's hand. "Requires both a powerful resolve to swing it, and a clear and open mind to see where to swing it. So, what do you say, Naruto?"
Naruto took a moment to think about it, as he was finding himself conflicted. On one hand, he finally had the chance to start learning under a real Shinobi, and an extremely powerful one possibly, with expertise in his arts. But on the other hand… It meant that he would have to do something he hasn't done in a long time: to fully put his trust in someone. After everything that has happened to him and how people have been treating him, Naruto found it pretty hard in him to put his full trust into someone or something. The last time he had put his trust into someone after his parents had all but exiled him from his family, he was taught a cruel lesson: some people like to take advantage of others, especially in their vulnerable state, via offering them something they crave most, and Naruto was no different.
The result had all but cemented his distrust for the general Shinobi population of Konoha, a unyielding rage and grudge towards a specific person, and was also the reason why he spent three weeks in ANBU jail cell. And now, Shingen Uzumaki was essentially asking Naruto of the same thing, the thing that Naruto had nearly swore to never give to anyone. But… Putting his analytical mind to work, Naruto worked through all of his words and speech, tone and way he spoke. And as a result of it…
Naruto took up his claymore and lifted it up, looking at the blade, with the sunrays starting to appear from the east and glittering on it, before he looked at Shingen… and gave him a firm nod. Shingen Uzumaki smiled to him and lifted up his sword and spoke up.
"Alright, we'll start up right now. First up, you need to learn the stances and how to hold this blade. Watch closely, and repeat when I say you can do that, got it?" Naruto nodded to Shingen, as he went on to take a stance, beginning their lesson.
Three hours later.
Their training lasted for near two and a half hours, with Shingen not wasting a breath on idle chat or a joke, spending every moment to either show Naruto something important, correct his form, improve his stance or to judge how the boy acted and moved. And the veteran Uzumaki had to admit, that while Naruto had a couple of chinks in his style and movements, most probably the result of his self-training, he certainly had the aptitude and attitude for claymore, as well as the build for using it. While he didn't have any swordsmanship training prior to this day, he was able to pick up on movements that Shingen shown him repeat and adjust them to his physique.
He hadn't taught Naruto any fancy moves, powerful sword techniques, but he did manage to teach him the basics and foundations of claymore's specific fighting style. Now Naruto knew how to utilize it and effectively fight with it, at least to the extent that he would be able to defend himself with it. Still the progress was already impressive and Shingen was already making plans on the correct ways of training for Naruto, with his new style of Kenjutsu, as well as beyond it, as the boy had a lot that he needed to learn. Especially, if Minato was going to go through with his veiled threat to Shingen.
After they were done with the training and showering, Shingen and Naruto joined in breakfast, with Aika with siblings not at all surprised that Shingen and Naruto were already training. The breakfast was going on pretty much as did the dinner, only this time Naruto felt himself a little more at ease and ate normally. When they were done with it, Hiryu and Akemi went to their rooms to gather up their things for the Exam, while Shingen attended the shop, as it was time to open it up. Naruto remained behind, deciding to help out Aika with her dishes, as it was the least that he could do for her. Once they were done, and he was ready to head out, Aika called him out.
"Naruto, could you spare a few minutes, please?" Naruto nodded to her and went back. "I have noticed that your garments do not really seem to fit your body's size. Aren't you feeling a bit… tight in them, uncomfortable?" Aika asked of Naruto, who looked at his clothes and moved a little bit, taking a notice that he did feel that way.
"Hm, now that you mention it… I've purchased these, along with most of my garments quite a while ago, over a year, when it was a good deal bigger on me, but now it seems I've grown out of them." Naruto sighed. "Truth be told, I've mended them a couple times in the past few months after trainings, but I didn't really have any sewing machine around me, and I don't really like to go to commercial district." Aika nodded to him at that.
"So Kushina didn't buy you this, or any of your clothing?" Aika asked for confirmation, with Naruto nodding.
"The last thing she bought me was a book titled: "How to be a proper older brother to your more successful siblings." By the tone of Naruto, Aika understood that he did not joke. "I believe you can understand that I didn't exactly read it."
"Yes, I can. And that just confirms my suspicions… Naruto, could you go downstairs and wait for me at the changing room. I will be in minute." Aika suddenly said to him, as she went upstairs for something, with Naruto simply shrugging at this and going downstairs, waiting for the white haired woman, before she returned with various garments and military-like shoes. "Now, I think would be just the right sizes for you. I may not have Shin's eye, but I'm not hopeless at all with garments either. Please, try them on, I insist."
Naruto took a look at the offered garments and then took a look a kind-hearted woman that was handing them to him. He sighed, before grabbing them and heading into the changing room. A couple of minutes later, he emerged from there, with the whole family as an audience. Instead of plain black garments, Naruto now sported a black short coat with pockets and hood, the shoulders and upper arms being colored red and two red stripes on each of his sleeves, with a black t-shirt underneath, as it looked out from unzipped upper part. He wore black comfortable pants and the military shoes. Overall, he felt like it was good improvement over his previous garment, as well warmer and more comfortable ones. Plus, he also felt that they were somehow purposefully designed heavier than the normal ones and had bit of a military feel to it, while also a good style as well, not that he cared for it.
Akemi blushed a little bit at the sight in front of her, while Hiryu and Aika smiled to him over this new look, with Shingen speaking up.
"Ah, so Aika has decided to give you one of my personal works. Not a bad choice, quite a good one actually." Shingen said with a professional tone, with Naruto looking up with a puzzled look. "As a Shinobi myself, I've had to deal with rather lacking equipment, so I've decided to design for Hiryu and Akemi something that could them work better, and this is one of my such works. The coat is two-layered, with cold and water resistant materials, with a protective chainmail, made out of a special synthetic material, sown in between the two layers, protecting your body. Tails and your chest area are protected by plated variant of that armor. Pants are about the same way, with the synth protection centered around your knees, upper thighs and close to feet in form of plates, so be warn. Boots are the usual Shinobi special type, closed up and not too tight around your ankles and feet, so circulation of blood goes on there. Overall, should do you well in, as it's both quite durable against shuriken, kunai and senbon and some of the large blades, but is also good for maneuvering around. Most of the Jonin I know of would want it themselves, but they are all oh so proud of those damn green jackets… So make the most of it, kiddo."
"I-It sounds great, but are you sure that I should…" Naruto was about to retort, but Shingen stopped him.
"You keep it, I've got more of this model, and it's a gift for accepting my proposition." Shingen then handed to him the claymore with which Naruto had trained up withheld by a twin hook below the crossguard, which was attached to a belt, with Naruto accepting it. "If my instincts are right, you'll be having your first real Shinobi test today, and you could use a bit of combat practice with it."
"Right, thank you." Naruto accepted it with a smile, putting the belt over his head and resting the sword on his back. "We should probably be on our way now. Thank you for everything." Naruto bowed to the parents of Hiryu and Akemi, before heading out with them.
Once outside, Naruto took a closer look at his companions and saw that they were also dressed up differently, with Hiryu sporting an fully opened variant of his coat without a hood, only platinum grey and light blue in color scheme, with a black belt holding a black straight long ninja-to, with black pants and boots. Akemi went for a dark red sleeveless jacket with several pockets, black pants and sandals, coupled with a black mesh shirt underneath it all and black gauntlets on her wrists, with a medic specialized black bag on her hip and a wakizashi behind her. All seemed to point towards them being ready for real mission.
The first one to break silence was Hiryu, as he took a look at Naruto's new armament.
"I hope that this claymore isn't too hard for you, Naruto. It can be a bit of hassle to get used to, from what I understand." Hiryu told him, with Naruto turning his attention to Hiryu. "Dad always told me that it takes a special kind of finesse to utilize it. Sadly, he didn't say I could effectively use it, so he taught me a more traditional style of Kenjutsu."
"Don't know about any finesse, but this sword does feel right in my hands. Maybe it's because I more of forward, overpowering type of fighter, so it could be that." Naruto said as, he reached to his back and gripped the handle, lifting the blade up slightly, before returning it back in hold. "Yeah, definitely my type of weapon. Just need a couple of weeks, and I think I'll be able to pierce and cut with it at a good speed. And how are you two with your weapons, and how do you prefer to fight, out of curiosity?"
"Well, you could say I am something of your antithesis in fighting style, Naruto. I've noticed that you've got a lot of stamina, strength and endurance, so you go with full on assault with brute strength and power, or hold up in sturdy defense, right?" Naruto nodded to this one. "I focus more on striking swift and precise, finding blind or vulnerable spots to utilize. My best defense is simply evasion and getting out of the attack's range, not a direct block or something of that sort. I can take a couple of hits, true, but in long term fight, I'm afraid I don't fare well at all, as Dad had told me."
"Hm, I see. And what about you, Akemi?"
"I-I'm don't really enjoy fighting all that much, so I'm more on the defenses, with Mom teaching me Aikido and using wakizashi, but I'm not all that particularly good with them." Akemi said with a shamed voice. "I've always had something of an interest in medicine, so I know a couple things about it, and teachers often said I had a good chakra control, so…"
"Akemi isn't much as a frontline fighter like you and me, Naruto, but she makes up for it by being an expert in medical arts, poisons, antidotes, anatomy and Iryo-Ninjutsu, along with Genjutsu." Hiryu took the initiative, seeing his sister struggling with a self-explanation, and making her blush. "Akemi would be an invaluable member for any team or squad, especially because of her Iryo Ninjutsu and medical knowledge learnt from Mom. From what I understand, there aren't many Shinobi these days that dedicate themselves to medical studies and Iryo Ninjutsu, not like they used to, so quite a lot get hurt pretty badly during missions and some even… Well, die, so it's practically a blessing to have a medic on and at your side."
"That's nothing new, but you are right. You've got a really useful and important skillset, Akemi, so don't sell yourself too short. Better we have more medics than grunts like me." Naruto made a small smile to her, with Akemi blushing in response. "By the way, you mentioned a couple of Uchiha orphans that'll be taking the exam with us. Anything I should know of them?"
"Well, they are twins, with Rei being the older one and Keiji the younger one, but they aren't exactly full-blooded Uchihas like most of their Clan." Hiryu told Naruto. "Their mother was apparently one of the Uzumaki Clan and a friend of our parents, but she got killed not long after the Kyuubi attack. And as for their father… Have you heard about the Hyuuga incident, about two years ago? When an ambassador from Kumo had tried to kidnap the heiress of Hyuuga Clan?"
"Yeah, I've… Been involved in it, somewhat, myself." Naruto said vaguely, recalling how he had managed to stop the kidnapper in his tracks and stall him long enough for Hyuga clansmen arrive and finish the work. "Not really all that important, but what does this have to do with their father?"
"Well, according to the investigation that was conducted after the incident, their father was found to be guilty of cooperating with that Kumo Shinobi, having provided him the means of infiltrating the Hyuga Mansion." Hiryu told Naruto, who understood how it all was connected. "Rumor has it that he pleaded not guilty and that it was set up, but when it didn't work, he had tried to escape, only to be cut down by Lord Hokage himself. Some say that Rei and Keiji were there when it all had happened and saw it firsthand, and `cause of that, they don't like Hokage, not one bit, and aren't really liked by the rest of the Village but even worse are their Uchiha Clansmen."
"What about them? Aren't they all conservative and collective, keeping only to themselves? What would those two have done to them?" Naruto asked.
"That's the thing: they are despised and even hated by Uchihas because of their mixed origins. According to Dad, Uchihas are just as hell-bent on keeping the bloodline of their Sharingan pure, as are the Hyuugas with their Byakugan. So, it wasn't a much liked union, between Uzumaki and Uchiha, plus add in the fact of their father's supposed betrayal, and…" Hiryu trailed off, with Naruto understanding what he meant.
"Looks like I'm not the only one being shafted by people of this village." Naruto bluntly stated. "I'll keep that in mind, and it doesn't sound like you believe in that guy's guilt."
"To be honest, from what I understand and have noticed, Clan Uchihas aren't very much liked in this village nowadays, and ever since the Kyuubi attack, they've been losing their position in here, even before that, actually." Hiryu told Naruto. "First they had lost their seat on the Council soon after Forth Hokage took the office, then they were literally exiled into outskirts of Village, and now they've lost one of their senior members like that. Dad says that the Uchihas didn't really approve of Minato Namikaze taking the office and opposed it, but were overruled the rest of Shinobi Clans, and are now being driven into the corner. Situation worsens for almost every day now, and nowadays, you can't have a day without hearing at least of one incident with Uchihas involved. I don't want to jinx it, but… If this continues on like that, then there might be big trouble for the village."
"But it doesn't make any sense, why would other clans and Hokage try to frame and do all this to their own comrades. This isn't how people should act, and especially Konoha Shinobi." Akemi spoke up in a judging tone, not agreeing with actions of other Clans. "The Will of Fire clearly states, that all people are a part of one big village, where they all support and love each other."
"And it also speaks about sacrificing themselves for its safety." Naruto also recalled, having heard more than enough times about this Will of Fire. "Only these Clans and Hokage don't really want to throw their own lives on the line, and would rather have it be done by someone outside of Clan, or by someone they all don't really care or like. Clan Uchiha are the latter for `em, since they are seen as unwanted elements now, despite how powerful the Sharingan is. Plus, they are the one of two founding Clans of this village, with a great deal of fame and influence, bigger than most of the clans in here, and this isn't something they like. Naturally, they would want them out of picture… The Will of Fire is a pretty exclusive concept in minds of Clans and Hokage, with them being able to use it as they please."
"No wonder that Dad has always scoffed at it, saying that it was a cheap rip-off of a Will of Unity of Uzumaki." Hiryu stated, as they began closing in on the Academy, noticing that the Kushina and her twins were in front of the doors, having seen Naruto and his companions.
Naruto stiffened immediately when he saw Kushina and her brats in front of the academy, a notion that did not escape the eyes of Hiryu and Akemi, with the latter being worried that something might happen. Kushina looked with a judging look at Naruto's new look, as well as a suddenly new addition to his armament in form of claymore, Uzumaki's traditional weapon of Vanguards. She had heard from Minato that Naruto yet again had gotten himself into trouble, now with Inuzuka Clan, and was ready to deal with humiliation of having her eldest spend time in ANBU jail, but somehow, Shingen Uzumaki had intervened and stopped Minato.
Kushina had easily recognized Shingen's and Aika's children, Hiryu and Akemi, and had to hold herself from scoffing at them. She and Shingen didn't have friendly relations, especially after he started opposing Minato in his ways of running the Village. Even before that, he had always had tried to show her up in every way, as to prove himself of being better than her, a notion she thought was idiotic, as she was obviously his superior, having been chosen by Mito Uzumaki to be the vessel of Kyuubi, out of all other Uzumaki sent here.
After that and realizing what a burden and task she was carrying on her shoulders, Kushina envied Shingen and his "freedom", even if he didn't realize it. Their animosity only furthered when after coming in terms with his condition, he had suddenly began to become one village's most respected and loved people, a protector of civilians and all those that needed it. He was even nominated and nearly won a position of Hokage, when she, holder of Kyuubi, the best of Uzu and chosen representative of Uzumaki, in Kushina's mind, wasn't even mentioned. Granted, she was happy and glad that Minato had won, but it still hurt her pride that she, a proper Uzumaki in her mind, was so easily passed over. Needless to say, her relations with Shingen did not get any better.
At the same time, Kushina had once tried to make friends with Aika Azuma, the adoptive daughter of Mito Uzumaki, her last apprentice and her closest friend and aid in her last years. At first, it was so that Kushina could gain a better chance of being handpicked by Mito as an apprentice over some "civilian" girl, as Kushina really thought, but later it was out genuine desire to be friends, as Kushina had grown to respect Aika.
Unfortunately, after the death of Mito and Kushina's ascension into a status of Jinchuriki, Aika didn't remain at her side, instead becoming a medical expert and Combat Medic in Third Shinobi War, saving countless lives during the conflict and becoming known as the White Maiden of Life. She did not stay with Kushina and supported her, as the redhead had wanted her to do, to be her friend and one she could rely on. Instead, Aika became Tsunade's equal and, along with her husband, had overshadowed Kushina at nearly every turn. The initial desire for friendship turned into a bitter feeling of resentment and jealousy, as even now, there were far more people in Konoha that praised Aika over saved lives, than Kushina for holding Kyuubi away. At least now her children were getting the respect and admiration she deserved, while Aika's and Shingen's children are nothing more than civilians, as their parents now.
However, it seems as if her eldest son, Naruto, had somehow attracted the attention of Shingen, and the old scoundrel did not waste time to use him to his advantage. Kushina knew well enough, that Shingen would not act kindly and considerably towards her son if he did not intend to use him against her and Minato, something Kushina could not allow. Naruto may've been her and Minato's less impressive child and had left a lot to be desired, such a obedience and humility, but he was still her child and she would not see a member of her line being used against her without him even understanding it.
Minato may've allowed for Naruto to pass Exam early, but Kushina didn't agree with it, as she wanted him to be there for Menma and Narumi. She needed her older son, though flawed and less important than her beloved twins, to be with them, to serve as their support and back them up in their path. And this meant that he needed to graduate with them, and while he may be older than them. What she and Minato had done was a punishment meant to teach him humility and obedience to his family, which was necessary after that public humiliation. He may've avoided his family, brought countless disgraces to her and Minato and now even sought to break away from her, but she would not allow him to act like he is the most important thing in the world. Taking in a breath, she spoke up.
"Naruto, there you are. I have been waiting for you for quite some time." Kushina said, without even greeting him or his friends. "You've nearly made your twins miss their first lesson when you did not show up. How can you explain this behavior of yours, young man?"
"Yeah, because of your stupid ass, we nearly got punished for arriving late!" Menma added up, with Naruto simply looking at him with a blank sight.
"And where did you go after the Academy, and who are these two with you?" Narumi asked arrogantly of him. "Is this fake red hair or something? Well, if she's trying to copy Mom, she's failing badly, if you ask me." Akemi looked insulted at this jab, with Hiryu narrowing his eyes on the girl.
"I'd watch your tongue if I were you, Narumi." Naruto had to hold himself from slapping the girl in public. "They are members of Uzumaki Clan, our very distant cousins, to be exact. And unlike the shrimps like you, she doesn't need to cosplay as their parents to look beautiful and attractive, at least in the case of Akemi, though I suppose Hiryu would be getting some attention from women, given that he does look far less repulsive then most people." Akemi blushed red at the praise, while Hiryu nervously chuckled at this compliment.
"I think I'll take that as a compliment, but you are correct in this regard. I often do see girls and even some of the older women looking at me like I'm on the sale or something. It's kinda… satisfying in its own way, but also really creepy at times." Hiryu commented to Naruto, before turning to Kushina and her kids. "Apologies, Lady Kushina, but we have already met. Your husband and you have visited our shop a couple of months prior, ordering a new kimono for you and your daughter."
"Young man, I believe I haven't asked you or your sister to speak up, so do not butt into a conversation." Kushina cut Hiryu off without any sense of politeness, making him shut his mouth. "Now, Naruto, I am still waiting for an answer. Why did you miss your class?"
"I think that is pretty obvious already. Didn't Hokage tell you?" It was an obvious question for Naruto, which made Kushina stiffen up at this one, before she answered.
"Naruto, I believe we have had this discussion already a couple years ago. You will graduate, but only when you are ready for it, and in my opinion, you best do so with your twin siblings." Kushina said sternly to Naruto. "You are not ready, and I will have words with your instructors about this negligent attitude towards their responsibilities. Now, you still have to apologize to Tsume for your…"
"That's filthy rich, coming from you. And as for that apology, how about that woman apologizes to Akemi here for those mingy mutts and their blatant assaults on her?" Naruto stood his ground, with Hiryu listening to this one closely, while Akemi has decided to quietly hide behind her brother's and Naruto's backs.
"Listen, loser, don't go disrespecting our Mom! She and Dad were right to have given us our titles, and you are just jealous of all the fame and stuff we get! And what about this redhead and apologizing? Sure, she's got some nice looks and all, but she should be proud that Shinobi are taking a notice of her. After all, it's always cool to have a Shinobi checking you out. That's what civilian girls are for: to look cute and nice for taking, as Ero-Sannin told me." Menma loudly proclaimed, with Hiryu responding to this one.
"That's quite a statement, coming from a pre-teen kid. I would be careful with that mouth of yours, because you never know when that same mouth will get permanently shut for insulting one's sister." Hiryu's tone immediately changed from a nice and rational one, into one of cold and determined threatening, with Menma and Narumi taking a step back, while Kushina glared at him. "Lady Kushina, perhaps it would be best if you had imparted some manners about etiquette into your son's head. It does not befit a future Clan Head to have manners of a… Well, I would like to say a tavern keeper, but that would be insulting of them." Hiryu let out the smallest of smiles out, with Menma practically growling at Hiryu, while Naruto actually smiles at it.
"I believe the term you are looking for, Hiryu, is a deviant, if I am not mistaken." Naruto added up to this statement.
"Hm… Yes, that does sound about right." Hiryu openly agreed with Naruto, with Kushina glaring at the two of them. "Mind if Akemi and I go on ahead? We'll wait at the Exam room."
"Sure thing." Naruto agreed with them, with Akemi and Hiryu leaving the conflicting family members alone. "Shouldn't you two brats go as well? Your fan clubs and fanatics must be starting to shift towards that emo and his shrieking banshees." Naruto simply stated, with the two deciding to head towards their class, with Kushina's agreement.
"Naruto, tell me, are you acting like this because your father and I've made Menma and Narumi into heirs? I've already told you, that they have what it takes to be heirs and are better suited for it. You are acting like a bratty child, who can't have another toy for himself. If you had stopped being such a child, you would see that Minato and I've made the right decision." Kushina argued to her son. "Now, what is it with your new cloths and that claymore you are wearing? Did you steal them from someone again?"
"For the hundredth time, I'm not a thief. And these are actually a gift from our relatives." Naruto simply stated to her. "And as for all this acting, how would you react when you've been metaphorically fucked over by your own parents, hm? Let me tell, it tends to make people bitter, resentful and quite angry, just like it happened to me. Now, if you are done, I've got an Exam to take and a headband to receive." Naruto was moving towards the door, before he was grabbed by Kushina who glared at him.
"And I've said, that you will not be taking that Exam, not until your siblings graduate." She gripped Naruto's hand tightly. "Now, what you will do, is go to my friend, apologize to her, and after that you and will have a long and profound talk about your attitude, is that clear?!" Kushina nearly shouted at him, nearly yanking Naruto's arm off, until Naruto has had enough and released himself from her by pushing out of his arm Chakra, nearly making Kushina fall onto her butt at this one. "What in the… Naruto, get back here this instant! If you don't come here and apologize, then…"
"Then you can go and fuck yourself!" Naruto shouted out at Kushina, stunning her with his anger and rage. "When will you fucking get it through that thick head of yours, that those damned brats are the last things I want to see on daily basis, along with you and that blond idiot of a husband?! You've denied me everything I had ever wanted and took away from me what was rightfully mine, but enough is enough! I'm going there and I am graduating, and after that, you can kiss me goodbye, because I'll be leaving that damned house of yours!" With that, Naruto headed to the building, with Kushina finally catching on what he was saying.
"Naruto, you can't mean that! I won't allow you to leave your house! I am your mother, and you will listen to what I have to say to you!" Kushina shouted at Naruto, who stopped and looked at Kushina with a heated glare, before stating in a cold fury to Kushina.
"I don't have a mother." Naruto stated with cold fury to Kushina, closing the door behind him, with her standing there with a stunned expression.
Alright, I think I've drawn it off enough. I initially planned for Naruto to graduate in this chapter, but I got caught up a bit in writing this part with Kushina, as I wanted to show you the relations between Naruto and his family. Hope I did well enough.
Now, as you've read, I've decided for Naruto to have a not so standard weapon, namely a Scottish claymore, one of the more fearsome weapons, with a good bit of balance to it. While I understand that this isn't exactly a Japanese type of weapon, it is however, now a part of story, and is a part of my lore of Uzumaki Clan, who will be playing a significant role in it too. Also, considering that there are some pretty massive and powerful weapons in Naruto, like Samehada, Kibikirihocho and some others, claymores are pretty tame.
As for the Clan Uzumaki, they aren't exactly a singular clan, but more like a union, a federation of clans, united in a single political entity, a country. This is why there are several bloodlines in it, and there will be more distinctions, as well as secrets of Uzumaki to be revealed.
Naruto Path of Shinobi and Lion of West are being written, but it takes quite a bit of time for me, sorry. Next week they will be posted up. Do please mind that I have a university and real life to consider, so it does put a couple of wrenches in my free time.
Comment, review, suggest, follow, favor, question, I'll answer all.
See ya!