Author Notes: Honey I'm Home! I know you missed me so don't even try to hide it. As of about….. n….. Now, Naruto Sempai and Konoha High will return to receive a regular dose of updates. Good for the heart, haven't you heard?
Quick Reponses to PM's and Reveiws
I won't be using 'Allot' anymore, don't fret.
Yes, there are hints of Hina-Sasu because I want to create a bond between them. Not a pairing bond. However I feel that Sasuke needs to become close to someone in order for his 'destiny' to be fulfilled. While I definitely plan on creating a Naruto – Sasuke relationship given Naruto's current position there are parts of their 'canon' relationship which he cannot fulfil. Enter Hinata. Though don't misunderstand me, the story will be revolving predominantly around Hinata, so her relationship with Sasuke will mere be a way of me pushing extra story content for her in that manner! And Wow I'm sooo over answering this review! =P
Finally Naruto! I plan to take my time revealing my shiny new Naruto. My plans are to keep him very in character throughout this fic, with the only difference being his development. His high maturity is merely being a result of which. Let me know if you 'need' more Naruto time and I can see what I can do about it.
I could apologise for the delay until the cows come home (whatever that means, Heard it on The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, sounded good), but instead I'm going to write something one up. The next Chapter!
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Naruto Sempai: Chapter 7 – A Weapon
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The pitter-patter of rain surrounded Naruto's senses. His breathing was hard and strained, and his body becoming utterly exhausted. No matter how many times he fought Jiraiya-Sensei he was never unsurprised at how powerful his master truly was. Even after all these years, for all of his unique powers both of his own development and of his prisoner, all of the jutsu he had learnt, and his ever increasing mastery over all aspects of ninja combat. Even now he was barely able to faze Jiraiya, who could laugh off his attempts with genuine ease.
"Naruto-Chan, you're getting pretty strong" he complimeneted earnestly, without any sign of fatigue. "However…" he trailed off, Naruto relaxed his stance in curiousity to what Jiraya was going to say.
"I'll be leaving for awhile, so until I get back you're on your own" He said, folding his arms. Naruto considered.
"Research?" He concluded. Jiraiya paused, then grinned
"My books won't write themselves you know!"
"Typical" Naruto shot. Jiraiya frowned
"You just don't' appreciate mature material. But fear not. I have no doubt you will soon. I give it 2 years!"
"Unlikely"
"Likely!"
"Mature"
"Oh! Is that your preference?" Jiraiya came back with a wiggle of his eyebrows
"No!" Naruto shouted defensively
"Well, that's not exactly true now…" Jiraiya commented in a way which caused Naruto to pause
"…What ?"
"Well, I've seen you with that girl, who I'd have to say is quite mature-"
"Don't!" Naruto interjected, cutting off the hermit "The thought of you looking up someone my own age is a little much, even from you"
"Wha-" Jiriaya began to protest, but cut himself short this time "In any case. Got your own little trainee, or is it something else?"
"Get serious, Ero-Sennin" Naruto said without his former emotion of anger "I just… I see a lot of myself in her."
Jiraiya allowed silence to consume the watered training ground. Giving Naruto the time to truly understand why it was he was taking such an active interest. Was it because she had asked him for help?
No, that's not it.
If someone else had asked he would most likely have sent them through the more common channels. But not Hinata, the thought had never even crossed his mind at the time to even since. Why?
But the more thought he gave it the more apparent the answer became. How could he not help someone with whom he could relate so strongly? Alright, there were certain factors that from certain perspectives did indeed create an entire chapter of differences in their circumstances. Yet, even so, he saw the similarities, and in the end that was how he felt. Nothing else mattered.
"It seems you're already becoming a deep soul, Naruto" Jiraiya said, for once with seriousness. Naruto blinked back into reality, and gave his signature grin, one which Jiraiya had to smile in response to, but not for long
"But your Jutsu is still amateur!" He barked, destroying any moment Teacher and Pupil had been sharing.
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Hinata say looking out into the Academy's grounds. Her classmates were eating in the hall due to the rain. But Hinata seemed to find it oddly comforting today. Perhaps it was just the soothing sounds of it. Especially against her now often hectic schedule of training Naruto had her going through. It was hard, and greatly taxing. But without even thinking about it she wouldn't give it up for the world.
'I wonder where he is right now…' She thought to herself, causing her to pause with her head slightly angled, staring off absently. She allowed herself to ponder for a moment his daily life. He was a ninja, a fully fledged Ninja, whose strength was on the same ranking as Iruka-Sensei. She didn't recognise him as one of the ninja that took up village-related duties, which left outer-village work.
She was so immersed in thought she hadn't even noticed that Sasuke had taken up a position next to her. Leaning back, his hands behind him, supporting him as he himself looked out absently at the rain.
"The rain has a way of bringing back memories…. And thought." He said softly, almost dreamily. Hinata resisted to urge to flinch with surprise at her realisation of his presence. She looked at him, then followed his gaze into the rain.
"Y-Yes, I suppose it does." She agreed after a brief thought 'I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't even sense him? Even if, he even moves like a ninja already' She thought. She sideways glanced at Sasuke. She was in no way like one of his 'avid supporters', but she still held respect for him. How could anyone at the same point in their 'ninja career' not? He was a genius, and he proved it every day. They sat there in silence until the bell rang. All the while Hinata wondering exactly what was causing the usual lone Uchiha to recently take to her. Normally he wanted nothing more than his own space, or so it seemed.
Sasuke on the other hand was wondering much the same thing. All he could really say for sure, was that she seemed different from anyone else. Boy or Girl. He felt something like 'akin' to her. Though for what reason he could not discern. It didn't even occur to him that she was the only one he could feel any sort of bond with at all.
Hinata continued to sit next to Sasuke, until the bell rang, signalling the time for them to return to the classroom.
After all his students assembled Iruka smiled toward his class
"Today I have a special treat for you all." He announced happily "For the rest of this afternoon we are going to take a break from our normal lessons to learn about ninja weapons" To which the class seemed somewhat perplexed over
"But Iruka-Sensei" Sakura asked aloud "We are already training with Shuriken and Kunai. And we've learnt about smoke bombs, explosive tags and uses of wires." Iruka sighed, forgetting how thoughtless his students could be when they didn't think first.
"Of course Sakura, I am the one who taught you those things. But a ninja's weapon list can extend beyond those, and even jutsu. For example I'm sure you've seen on rare occasion a shinobi wielding a sword. Though few carry them around unsealed" He explained. The class growing ever more excited by the minute at the prospect of 'sword play' seemed to be getting the idea. Iruka with some effort, settled them down and lead them into the in door hall, where none other than Naruto sat, before him an array of weapons, both simple and entirely strange.
The students fought to rush over to handle the weapons. But looked on with obvious wide-eyed excitement at the selection of assembled weapons. Hinata looked across them, from swords to maces, claws or whips there were more weapons than surely any one person could use.
"In battle it's not uncommon at all to use a weapon. While many Ninja rely solely on jutsu, and perhaps the basic ninja tools, more combat orientated find advantages in taking up weapons to gain the edge in close quarter combat." The class was only half listening. The male students particularly were nearly drooling at the weapon. Naruto sat with an amused expression at the clear excitement of the class.
"Some even carry unique and powerful abilities" Iruka continued, attempting to add a mysterious undertone to his voice.
"Unique Abilities?" Sasuke repeated "What do you mean?"
"Well, there are weapons that have been crafted in a special manner, either with seals, or special chakra procedures, that can produce 'effects' beyond a standard weapon" Iruka explained. "For example the second Hokage carried a lightning-chakra bladed weapon which was said to have to power to cut through ninjutsu" Sasuke rose an eyebrow, while the rest of the class shown themselves to be amazed in their own way.
"There was even a group known as the Seven Swordsmen who were said to weild swords that contained their own unique and frieghtening powers" Iruka pressed on, pleasing the sheer awe on his students faces.
"Though relying too much on a tool will be the downfall of any ninja who allows themselves to become dependant on it" Naruto spoke up from behind the group. Iruka looked up, surprised at first, he smiled and nodded.
"That's right any weapon you weild on the battleground can not only be lost or even destroyed, but turned against you. So it is important to bare that in mind when handling weapons, and even why many ninja store them in seals that can only be activated by their own chakra."
"How do seals work?" Sasuke, again asked. Iruka's smile faltered slightly at his keen interest.
"It's complicated" Naruto answered.
"Like what?" Sasuke pressed
"Very complicated" was all Naruto responded with, without giving any effort into answering. Sasuke, gritted his teeth slightly, a fact not unnoticed by Naruto, Hinata and Iruka in particular. He was already beginning to detest Naruto's behaviour towards him. It was so unlike how anyone else treated him since…
"Relax boys, that's not what today is about" Iruka said, cutting their conversation short. Iruka proceeded to explain the varying purposes of weapons. That while swords possessed the obvious advantage. Weapons like a whip though not possessing the same outright power, can be far more tricky to combat against, being not only faster and therefore difficult to dodge, but possessing more alternative uses. After various questions being asked about some of the weapons present, it was finally time for the students to try their hand at some. Though with strong supervision. Naruto, finally revealing the purpose for his presence, burst into a dozen copies. Each discussing with the students about which weapon type they wanted to use.
"Hey Hinata-san." He greeted cheerily "So, given any thought as to which weapon you would like to try?" He asked, looking at her with a look of genuine interest.
"Ano…"she began, looking over the various weapon types. To be honest, she had never really ever considered using anything other than her Gentle Fist. Why would she? Her attacks were so unconventional that it was difficult to imagine anyone with a resistance to them. But given greater thought it wasn't impossible for her to consider that given the Hyuuga clans power and reputation that it would have enemies, ones that would be adequately prepared. Which bought her down to the predicament that was; If faced with such an enemy, what would her plan be?
Swords, maces, flails, whips, what appeared to be a bladed-knuckle dusters, as well as claws, metal covered gloves, spears and more. Naruto, who had been working out her likely thoughts, chuckled.
"There's no worry Hinata, I'm not asking you to make a life choice. But is there any weapon of which you are curious? If you end up not liking, it, you can always try something else. In fact I would definitely advise you to try a few out anyway." he said thoughtfully looking over. She gave him a weak smile, and looked over them again.
"M-Maybe the spear?" she half-asked. Naruto gave her a reassuring nod and passed it to her. He guiding her towards using a broad stance, to most effectively support her balance so she could swing the weapon effectively using it's advantage of range. After doing a few moves Naruto advised she set the large weapon down, and took a moment to look about her.
Sasuke had chosen a sword, and was swinging it around with what she thought to be surprising skill. Perhaps he had already considered using a weapon? It wouldn't surprise her. He was likely to of considered something as seemingly obvious as this.
Ino was brandishing a whip, which the poor Naruto clone was having difficulty in keeping safe whilst protecting everyone else. Hinata resisted a chuckle at the scene. 'How very like Ino' she thought or at least from what she knew of her.
Kiba had chosen a flail, somewhat to Hinata's surprise. For some reason she had assumed he would be one of the ones itching to get his hands on a sword. Although from the looks of it, it might've been a wiser choice, as the Naruto clone had been destroyed preventing Kiba from knocking someone clean out from his wild and completely uncontrolled swinging of the weight at the end of the chain.
"Ano, Naruto-Sempai?" she asked, turning back to him. He looked back up to her from passing another weapon out for use.
"Is there a weapon which you use?" she asked, having only just wondered about it herself. Naruto seemed to stop to consider
"Not generally." He answered "I have what I suppose you could call proficiency with a number of weapons. But actually, I don't like using them if I can help it" he said thoughtfully. Hinata absorbed what he said, then nodded, realising that she sort of felt the same way. Perhaps it was her being naïve, but the Gentle Fist didn't seem as brutal. The thought of using a sword or spear brought about the idea of impaling someone, an idea that she found herself quickly trying to forget.
Naruto all the time during her inner turmoil was studying her. He smiled to himself, as he quickly recognised the fear within her. He was proud of her. Exactly like him she felt the fear of taking a life.
"You know" he began, so as to get her attention "I abhor the idea of taking a life. But there come times when I must take a life to defend one. That is what my weapons are for. They are designed to kill, but I'll only ever use them to protect."
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Hinata stopped, she was panting so hard she felt each breath cause her body to nearly double then half in size again and against. He was pushing her now. She could feel the strain as she hit her limit so many times within such a short space of time. She felt reminded that he was a Chuunin, that however much progress she made. No, even Sasuke made currently, their strength was worlds apart. She had been training with the Gentle Fist almost as long as she could stand. Her arts required the utmost precision and dexterity, yet Naruto seemed not only faster than her, but much more so in her own defining attributes. She had yet to even feel his strength yet.
She reset her stance. Naruto looked on with a impassive expression.
"You're tough, Hinata-san" He said, slowly lowering into one of his own "That's the way it should be!" He charged.
Byakugan activated she saw every move he made, the way his weight shifted to support the attacks he launched. She dodged the first, aiming to make a counter with a palm thrust, but as she did so he kicked off to the side. He seemed to have no difficulty curving his momentum at all. As he slide to the side his outstretched hand moved again to bat her head. She twisted back to avoid it, moving her arm up to strike his own in the process. She felt her fingers impact.
'I-I got him?' she thought amazed. In the next moment she corrected her stance, to see Naruto creating distance. As he came to a halt he observed his arm.
"You hit me" he commented, seemingly in somewhat of a disbelief "It wasn't an accurate strike, but non the less" he said looking up at her. His expression still unreadable, she couldn't tell if he was happy or angry. He flexed his hand, testing out it's movement.
"Slightly numb" He commented, his gaze returning to her. He grinned "Hyuuga Hinata. Well done indeed" he said simply. He turned on heel
"Come on, I'm going to fix up my arm, with any luck you could of done some damage there. Besides, you're exhausted." He said, before waiting for her to walk up to him before continuing.
"I'm sorry, Naruto-Sempai" Hinata said between her breaths as she did jogged up to him. He looked at her, almost surprised
"You're sorry? For doing well?" he play-mocked "Hinata, if you don't come at me seriously, what's the point of trying at all?" he said clearly amused by her embarrassment. He put a hand on her shoulder as they continued to walk.
"Don't sweat the small stuff Hinata. If it was a problem, I probably wouldn't be smiling about it, right?" He pointed out. She looked at him for reassurance before giving an uneasy nod. "Good to see it"
It wasn't long before they ascended up several flights of stairs to the place Naruto apparently called home. It wasn't any place special, but it at least looked like it was high enough to get some sort of a view of the village. He invited her in, for her to discover the kind of place her off-hours Sensei was living in.
It was almost the kind of thing she might've expected if she were to think about it. It was a rather simple looking place but dressed smartly. It was cleaner than she would've guessed, apparently Naruto liked to take care of his home. The furniture was small, but very cosy looking, shelves holding several photographs of both himself with others and places.
"I'll be back in a moment" he told her as he disappeared into another room.
She stood there awkwardly, wondering why she was even here all of a sudden. To keep the pressure of thought down she absently moved to the shelves to get a closer look at the photos. One was of Naruto and two other older ninja with an adult. Naruto was younger in this photo by about 3 or perhaps 4 years. The other two younger ninja she recognised as the two that often guarded the door. One of them wore a bandana forehead protector and the other with the bandage on his nose. But she couldn't recall their names. She assumed this was his genin team. It fit at least. As she moved around the room she found a curious item on shelves tucked away in the corner. Two long cases, one a marble white in colour, the other ebony.
"You noticed my heirlooms I see" Naruto said from behind her. Hinata nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Relax" he chuckled "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you"
"It's okay" she breathed, getting her breath back "I'm sorry too, I didn't mean to be nosey" She apologised with a slight bow. Naruto rose an eyebrow
"Geez, Hinata-san, you're making me feel bad by being so polite. Don't worry about any of that stuff. It's natural to display curiosity you know" he said feigning a scornful tone.
"I'm sor-"
"Oh shut up" he silenced her with a small laugh at the end. Hinata couldn't suppress a small smile of her own. "So, want to see them?" he said, running his fingers over the white box.
Hinata paused, unsure if it might be impolite to say yes, though truthfully she was pretty curious herself as to what these heirlooms were. Though she was also curious if that meant that he was alone…
Naruto unclasped the white box and opened it revealing a beautiful silver sword. The cloth on the handle was white as snow, with the rest of the blade, clearly taken excellent care of, remained silver in colour.
"It's beautiful" Hinata whispered. She knew nothing of swords, and truthfully she had little care to. But this was truly a piece of art more so than a weapon.
"It's called Feisu" he said "But, to be honest, these are rather shoddy heirlooms" Hinata looked at Naruto, taken completely by surprise he would say such a thing.
"What do you mean, Naruto-Sempai?" she asked, clearly shocked.
"I mean my parents never used either of these. They were gifts or something, but never used." He explained, Hinata could see the disappointment in his eyes. A rare occasion when she could truly read anything from him. She looked back at the rather masterful looking weapon. She could understand how even something so beautiful could be a disappointment. There was a brief silence, before Hinata decided to try and break it.
"Have you ever used them Naruto-Sempai?" she asked, Naruto looked at her with a grin
"Of course! There isn't a boy alive that hasn't done something uncharacteristic because it seemed cool at the time!" he said, causing Hinata to smile once more. It certainly seemed like a truthful thing.
"What's the other one like?" she asked. Naruto's expression dropped noticeably. He glanced over at the case, and paused. With apprehension he closed the white case, and touched the ebony.
"N-Naruto-Sempai, if it's -" She began
"It's fine" He interrupted "It's just kinda the opposite of Feisu. You'll see what I mean I guess" Like ripping off a bandage, Naruto quickly opened the case. Inside sat an Onyx sword, that looked more marble than metal. The curious thing was the blade itself. The blades of either side were connected not by the marble looking material, but rather a black chain, which separated the weapon from guard to tip where the two ends finally met. She could sense what he obviously disliked. This weapon actually felt like something. She couldn't honestly say it felt bad, or bloodthirsty. It was far ore subtle than that. It actually kind of felt sad.
Naruto closed the box abruptly.
"This sword is called Zetsubou" He said "And, to be honest. I care nothing for it" Hinata looked at Naruto. It took no effort to understand why. And with a Name like that, well, it was icing on the cake.
"Never used it, not in a battle anyway" he said, sliding the case back. "Anyway!" he said, bringing his usual energy back, clasping his hands together "The reason I bought you back here, Training, I want you to borrow this" He said producing a scroll. Hinata blinked, looking at the item he was holding out for her. Slowly she took it.
"Don't read it until at least tomorrow. I do no know how well you will benefit from it, Hinata-san. But perhaps it will be of value to you. I certainly hope so." He said, causing her to nod. Slowly, she turned to leave, wondering if that was her queue to do so. But as she reached the door he spoke out again.
"And Hinata-san. Do not allow anyone else to view the contents of that scroll. In side are my own personal training secrets. I entrust them to you, and to you alone"
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Author Notes:
For those interested Feisu translates roughly into Faith
Zetsubou translates roughly into Despair.
No you won't be seeing a sword-wielding Naruto, though there is a reason I have shown these, so keep an open mind.
I hope you enjoyed the returning chapter of Naruto Sempai