Disclaimer time: I do not own Naruto, anything from Paramount Pictures, or anything Ozzy Ozborne or AC/DC related. Also, I am not the owner of the San Diego Padres. Hopefully this will not be subject to MLB sanctions.
Konoha Ninja Academy
Iruka finished up a lecture on the Second Great Shinobi War and looked over his class. As usual, Shikamaru was sleeping, Chouji was eating and Kiba was being loud. He scowled looking at those three until he saw their partner in crime, Naruto, actually putting down a brush.
'Unbelievable. The class clown is actually taking notes.' Iruka thought as he sighed. His eyes widened when he saw Sasuke doing the same thing. 'Is this Chronos's doing? I think I want to talk to those two.'
"Class, we are going to take a ten minute break before we practice our Bunshin, Kawarimi, and Henge." Iruka stated as he walked up to the two boys. As he reached the two, he motioned for them to stay put. "I never seen you two take notes before."
Naruto looked up and smiled. "Normally, I really wouldn't care about your lectures, Iruka-sensei, but Otousan wants us to give him a daily lesson on what we learned each day and he would do the same. I figured I should make an impression."
Iruka nodded and looked over to Sasuke. "Is that why you are doing it too??"
He nodded his agreement and mumbled. "He wore us out this morning without breaking too much of a sweat. Anyone with that kind of endurance probably also has some decent taijutsu. If this is what it takes to get stronger, then so be it."
Iruka left them to finish their notes and then made his way back to his desk. Internally, he was slightly concerned. 'Neither of them is really interested in the lesson. Naruto only wants Chronos's approval, where Sasuke just wants to get stronger and is using Chronos to do it. Their Otousan has more work ahead of him than he may realize.'
Training Area 44
Chronos arrived at the training area and already decided that a change is in order from looking at the thick forest in front of him, separated by a simple chain link fence. He chose his attire on the assumption that his tests and training would take place in an urban setting, so the choice of camouflage is now inappropriate.
"I should have remembered that saying." Chronos muttered to himself, thinking no one would hear him.
"What saying – cough – would that be?" Hayate inquired.
"When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me."
Anko laughed at the comment. "I like that saying. What was your assumption?"
"I figured on either the training to be conducted in an urban environment or there would be no need for cover and concealment. Now we have a heavily forested area so my choice in attire won't blend in as well. Luckily, I prepared and have a change in gear. Mind if I change?"
"Not at all. – cough – This is a test of your abilities. If a change of clothing or equipment will make a difference, then do so. – cough – " Hayate replied.
"Yeah runt, go ahead and change. Not like it will do you much good at all. I will still rip you a new one." Anko mocked eagerly awaiting her revenge for her target's actions.
Chronos gave a mock pout in response. "Is little sweet Anko all discombobulated over a simple greeting?" He continued to mock until he realized the jab she threw at him. Then his demeanor changed. "What the fuck you mean by runt!?! I'm taller than you, lady."
Anko knew she had him at that point. "So little man, I didn't think the big bad Uzumaki had size issues just like his youshi. What a shame."
Chronos growled as he tried to ignore the insult. After a quick look around the area, he noticed there were no buildings for him to change into.
"Just perfect." Chronos complained to no one in particular. "Not a place to change. Screw it."
He ripped open his pack and pulled out a set of woodland camouflage utilities, a green t-shirt, and a small compact with green and brown face paint. With no hint of shame or dignity, Chronos changed right in front of the both of them. Hayate turned at the display, slightly jealous at the sight.
'I need to work out more. Yuugao always liked the strong types. How she ended up with me, I haven't figured out.'
Anko blushed slightly and started to sweat at the sight in front of her. Every part of his body was sleek and toned, as if no part of his body was for wasted effort. It also made her even more furious, especially since he was not wearing underwear.
'What does he think he is doing? It would have been nice if he wasn't facing away from me... GRRRRRRR!! What am I thinking?? I am supposed to be the one that makes people uncomfortable with either my flirting or my body. This teme is trying to beat me at my own game. I'm going to make this torture last a long time now.'
After a few minutes, Chronos was fully set in the appropriate colors for blending in to the environment and his face was painted in various shapes of green and brown.
"Alright, now that you are changed," Anko pointed out, "it is time to explain the test. Right now it is nine fifteen in the morning. By twelve-thirty, you will need to travel through the gate in front of you and find two kunai." Anko held up a kunai of hers for a visual. "One Kunai is colored red and the other blue. After you retrieve the kunai, you must make your way to a specific clearing for the next part of the test."
Anko then handed Chronos a map and compass. "The locations for the kunai and the clearing are on the map. I will give you the next ten minutes to prepare and you can ask up to five questions."
Chronos looked over the locations on the map. Each position for the kunai were about two to three kilometers from the gate and on opposite sides of where the clearing was marked on the map. No matter which way he went, there were no distance shortcuts and the path is a perfect Z in shape. The only difference is there a stream running just left of the location of the blue kunai and is just to the east of the clearing.
After coming up with a plan, he proceeded to put together his equipment. He pulled out a green camouflage vest with pouches on the front and a thick green belt attached to the bottom. Attached to the vest was a canteen in a green pouch and a small box with a red cross on it, both sitting directly on the back of the vest. He then strapped the Bo to the pack, adorned the vest and put on the sword harness over the vest. Finally, he attached a combat knife to the front of his vest on a hook near the left shoulder and put the throwing knife pouch on his right bicep. Confident that he was properly equipped, he started with his line of questioning.
"Is explosive ordinance permitted in this test?" Chronos smirked while giving his first question.
Anko smiled in response. "No. We wouldn't want our new guest injured that badly. However, you will get hurt. I guarantee it."
He matched her smile and continued his questioning. "Is the area cleared of wildlife or have wildlife of a non-ingenious nature been added to the engagement area?"
"No animals have been removed or added, except ones on my own summons."
"What are the numbers of the aggressor force in this engagement?"
Anko smirked. "It will just be me. You won't see Hayate until you get to the clearing for his part of the test."
"Is there any methods that would be grounds for disqualification on either part?"
"Not on your part, since you do not have ninjutsu skills yet. I will limit myself to the basic ninjutsu arts and my summons. Last question, short stuff."
Chronos gave her a mischievous grin. "Do you like playing poker?"
Anko laughed. "Are you asking me out already?"
"Not at all, but on Sundays, I like to get people together to relax. Most of Naruto's and Sasuke's friends are going to come over to watch movies, work in the greenhouse, play games, and eat dinner. I figured I would like to invite some others to try and make friends of my own. So, please answer my question."
"If you want me to come over and challenge you in cards, you're on. I can even bring over a few others if you are up to the challenge."
"Deal. Come over around noon with your friends. I probably will make a roast that night. Do you know if there is a butcher around here or do I need to go hunting?"
Anko looked at the man appreciatively. Maybe there was more to him than met the eye. Shaking loose those thoughts, she replied. "I think we can cover that later. Time to get moving."
Chronos handed Hayate his pack, gave a quick look on the map using the compass to gain his bearing and took off.
Anko looked at her remaining companion as he shouldered the pack. "What do you think of him?"
"– cough – I think he has the makings of a good hunter-nin or infiltration specialist; he already has the mindset. – cough –"
"I'm glad you agree. Time to go. See you at the clearing, just keep your eyes peeled for the signal in case something goes wrong, which it will." Anko stated as she bounded onto the branches leaping after her new prey, licking her lips in anticipation.
Hayate just shook his head in disbelief and took off towards the clearing. "She needs a boyfriend."
Konoha Ninja Academy
Everyone was lined up in the classroom practicing their Henge and Bunshin. No one ever liked the monotonous practice of these jutsus, especially since practically every student had them down. Well, almost everyone.
"Damn it all!" Naruto screamed in frustration after another failed attempt at a Bunshin. "There has to be something I am doing wrong. Three months of work and still getting nowhere."
Sasuke glared at his otouto. "Maybe you aren't practicing hard enough, or maybe you are just a dobe."
"Listen here teme. I end up practicing this every night after class and still get nowhere. If you're so great, tell me what I am doing wrong!"
"I don't know baka. You're doing all of the hand signs right. Maybe you are not using the right amount of chakra."
"Don't you think I tried that?!? I tried using less and more, but nothing changes."
"Maybe you need to get a tutor, or maybe you are just an idiot."
"I'm not an idiot, Sasuke!"
"Could have fooled me, Naruto."
Iruka was getting a headache from their constant bickering. He tried to shake his head clear, but nothing happened. Growing irritated, he ended practice for the day and dismissed the class for an early lunch.
Everyone was glad and went off to eat, except for Naruto, who continued to struggle with the jutsu that has been the bane of his time in the Academy. Iruka saw this left the boy to his work. Unbeknownst to them, a couple of girls were watching from the back of the classroom.
Ino looked over at Hinata who had a face etched in concern. "Hinata, why haven't you said anything to Naruto? Why are you always watching him from here?"
Hinata blushed slightly and turned to Ino. "I don't want to get in his way. N-Naruto-kun is always trying so hard and… I am not strong enough."
Ino sighed. "Does he wear himself out like this all the time?"
"Hai. He will train until he is exhausted, just like he is now." Hinata said gazing admiringly at her crush.
"Well he did like the idea of us helping him with the greenhouses. Maybe he will like us helping now." Ino stated as she grabbed Hinata's hand and dragged her down to where Naruto was struggling still with the jutsu. "Hey Naruto. Naruto! Need some help??"
He turned to see Ino pulling poor Hinata down to where he was. A big smile crossed his face. "Hey there, Ino, Hinata. I sure would like some help. What am I doing wrong?"
"We can't tell unless you try once more for us. What do you think Hinata? Should he try once more for us?" Hinata just let out a small squeak and nodded trying not to look Naruto in the eye.
"Alright, here I go." Naruto went through the hand signs and scrunched up his face in an expression of complete effort, as if he was throwing everything into the attempt. A poof of smoke came forth, but when it cleared, again there was just a sickly clone.
Ino could do nothing but shake her head as Hinata sighed at the failed attempt. "Naruto, it shouldn't be that hard. That might be part of the problem. You are forcing the jutsu and not letting it work."
"Really, Ino, how do I fix that? I have a hard time relaxing."
A light bulb went off in Hinata's mind. "Ano, N-Naruto-kun. I m-might have a solution for you."
"Really?" Hinata nodded. "Great, so what is it Hinata?"
Hinata looked up at him and blushed slightly, knowing what she was going to suggest. "What things make you h-happy?"
Naruto looked up at the ceiling searching for pleasant memories. After a brief moment, he answered. "Eating ramen at Ichiraku's and talking with friends and family."
Ino caught on and finished the thought. "I see where Hinata is going with this, Naruto. The next time you start to get frustrated, try taking a breath and think about those happy things in your life. Some things in life are supposed to just happen naturally, they are not forced."
"So do you two think that I can do this if I try that?"
Both Ino and Hinata nodded smiling sweetly. Naruto then took a deep breath and released it, closing his eyes, remembering his first bowl of ramen at Ichiraku's with Iruka-sensei. He then opened his eyes and ran through the hand signs as if they flowed naturally. Another poof of smoke came and as it cleared, a clone appeared, but it still wasn't perfect. It wasn't sickly as before and was standing, but the color was faded like a bad photograph.
For a moment, Ino and Hinata saw a slight bit of disappointment, and then he grinned and grabbed both of them in a big warm hug. "Thank you so much. I glad I have friends like you. I know I'll get this now."
Ino was shocked at the expression of gratitude but smiled and returned the hug, while Hinata did only what she could do best. She fainted in his arms.
Inside Training Area 44
Chronos went just to about a half a kilometer away from the first objective, stopping every two hundred meters to look at his map and compass ensuring he kept his bearings. So far, he had not spotted any sign of traps or Anko anywhere in the past forty-five minutes. Thinking for a moment, he decided to try to see what that feeling he had when he woke up a couple days ago was about, and resolved to push harder for the rest of the test.
He took a small drink from his canteen and studied his surroundings. He was on a small hill overlooking a depression where the red kunai was located. The depression was mostly barren except for some small brush and what seemed to be a couple of lean-tos set on one edge of it about fifteen meters from where the kunai was located on the map. An obvious simulation of a campsite, but according to the intel from Anko, no one else was out here except for the three of them. Then again, there is no real way that the information could have not been part of a deception.
Not seeing anything else in the area that could be seen as an area for ambush or trap, Chronos set off to approach the target area from the east. He approached as quiet as he could through the brush to get behind the covered part of the lean-tos. He was about twenty meters away from them when two purple snakes burst from them.
"SHIMATTA!!"
Chronos leaped to the left and found himself about thirty meters from the massive green pythons. These were the largest ones he ever seen and could put any snake found in a movie to shame. Immediately, he grabbed two throwing knives and launched them at one of the snakes and started to circle them.
The snakes deftly slithered away from the attack and darted at Chronos with deadly speed. On instinct, Chronos jumped over the strike from the pythons and spun landing with his feet firmly on their tails and facing their heads. With a swift and smooth motion, Chronos unsheathed his katana and made a wide arching slash beheading both reptiles.
Taking a minute to survey the area, he was confident no more obstacles were in the area and studied the two pythons that attacked him. He saw that tied to one of them was the red kunai he was searching for. Smirking, he retrieved it and regained his bearings. Before taking off for the next objective, he took a deep breath and spoke quietly.
"Either those were her summon animals or something that was caught and used. Either way, it would have been nice to have snake for dinner."
Sighing to no one in particular, he took off at what he thought would be a decent pace and noticed he was moving much faster than normal. He started to take the current events and analyze them.
'There are a few things that are off. I never been able to jump for than five meters and I cleared six times that. I have never been that acrobatic or lithe either. A spinning jump to land perfectly to pin the snakes under foot? The old me was never that graceful, and now I am running hundreds of meters at a sprinter's pace. WTF??'
Kakashi's apartment
Kakashi poured over the scroll dealing with the Nyuurou Saisei curious as to what was contained. It seemed the Uzumaki kekkei genkai was a multi-level one, which dealt primarily with the nervous system, sensory input, and the brain. However, the first portion that he read seemed familiar, from what was noted during Chronos's hospital stay.
The first level of the Nyuurou Saisei is called the Shinkeisen. This portion of our kekkei genkai is awakened on the person's thirteenth birthday. On that day, a genetic lock is released pushing a unique enzyme into the nervous system, musculature, and chakra network, making enormous changes in each.
The changes start with the growth of existing nerves and neural pathways, as well as the creation of new ones. Those nerves and neural pathways are more compact and allow for a dramatic decrease in resistance to electrical signal flow. Nerve inputs into muscles and joints are also modified to full efficiency. Typical effects of this change are increased speed of thought and faster reaction times.
To accommodate the improved neural-kinetic network, the enzyme modifies the muscular structure to create a perfect balance of speed, strength and endurance. If this was not done, the individual's muscles would rip apart due to the increased stresses called for from the network. Typical effects of this change are a significant increase in physical speed, strength and stamina.
This enzyme finally reformats the chakra network widening the pathways and increasing chakra density. The result is a dramatic increase in chakra capacity, a more efficient output of chakra, and a change in chakra color from the normal blue to a silver color. Typical effects of this change are reduced chakra cost for various jutsu and a natural resistance to chakra draining or blocking jutsus.
There is a cost to this change. It is extremely painful as the bodily changes occur. Most likely the individual will end up in a temporary coma from the pain. The individual will also need a few days to get used to the changes in his or her body.
One bit of warning. If an Uzumaki is ever subject to a secondary chakra source at the time of the change, there could be further bodily changes ending in disfigurement, brain damage, or even death. This might be counteracted with a counterbalancing chakra source at the time of the change.
He knew that Chronos already activated the first part of the bloodline, but why was it dormant? What concerned him more was the last part of that passage. Could the Kyuubi change Naruto in such a way during the activation of the Shinkeisen that either would allow the Kyuubi to take control or turn Naruto into what the villagers already thought of him? These questions forced Kakashi to do something out of character. Movement with urgency.
Inside Training Area 44
Chronos was getting pissed as he dodged yet another kunai thrown by Anko. After he crossed the stream, Anko started tossing kunai and shuriken as if she had an unlimited supply, as well as summoning more snakes. The constant defensive posture she forced him into drained about an added half-hour from the time. Looking at his watch, he noticed he had about forty-five minutes to get the blue kunai and head to the clearing.
Noticing this, he ducked behind a nearby tree and pulled out three throwing knives, holding them like claws in one hand and took a small calming breath. He heard a twig snap behind him to the left and he immediate burst to the right, spinning around the tree launching the knives towards the sound, surprising Anko as the knives impaled her two snake summons. She barely had enough time to get into a defensive stance as the man charged her.
He feinted with a left jab and then struck with a hard leg kick to her left knee. Anko crumpled slightly and he took it as an opening and tried to launch into a combination starting with an elbow strike, but she used it to grab that arm and turn his momentum into a throw.
Chronos flew a few feet but managed to turn to land on his back and throw two more of his knives at her, which she dodged and leaped landing on him with a kunai drawn. Chronos smirked and bucked his hips freeing his legs, grabbed her wrist with the kunai, and trapped her arm in between his legs.
"Got you now." He chuckled as he turned with his body forcing Anko on her back and pulled on her arm. He increased the pressure on the arm by pressing down on his legs, which were draped across her chest and throat, while pushing up with his hips, hyper-extending her elbow.
"Do you yield? I don't want to break your arm but I can."
Anko grunted in pain, but then turned her head to him and smiled. "Not yet."
Chronos sighed in resignation. "Oh well, your loss." He pulled hard and heard a crunch and snap, preceded by… smoke?? Confused, he looked at his opponent, only to find he just broke a branch attached to a log. Frantically looking around, he saw Anko dropping from an overhead tree branch, and then noticed a hint of blue on her belt.
Anko was wondering why he was grinning as she went to drive her kunai into his shoulder disabling him. Unfortunately, she had no time to react as he brought up the log with his leg to meet the descending Anko in a perfectly timed counter. The log struck her in the chest knocking the breath out of her. She stumbled to the side, which gave him the perfect opportunity to drop Anko on her back and got into a mounted position with his combat knife drawn held to her neck.
"Nice move you pulled, but I think we're done now." Chronos said as he moved his face a few inches from hers.
She felt his breath on her and decided to use one last trick in her arsenal. She deftly knocked the knife away and pulled his head down and kissed him. Now for most men in Konoha, if Anko kissed them, they'd be excited to no end. Unfortunately for her, Chronos was not most men.
'What does she think she is doing?' he thought as his training instinctually took over, running his hands down her sides.
He broke the kiss and wrenched himself from her grasp, looking at her with a slight disappointed look. Anko looked up confused at him.
"Is something wrong with the way I kiss??" She cooed.
"Yes and no. Next time, you will have to do it the right way. However, there isn't much time for a proper lesson," Chronos said winking slowly pulling a blue kunai from behind his back placing it into a pouch on his vest. "And as you can see, I got what I wanted. See ya!" Chronos then dashed away laughing loudly.
Anko just looked at the retreating figure in shock. No one has ever resisted her wiles and even attempted to flirt back. He even managed to swipe the blue kunai off her while she was distracted by his touch. A hint of a blush was followed by an evil smirk.
'As they say, payback is a bitch.' She thought as she took off to where the last objective was.
Chronos arrived at the clearing with about fifteen minutes to spare, which he used to take a drink from his canteen. Off to the left, his pack lay against a small boulder, which he promptly sat on.
A couple of minutes later, Anko casually dropped from a nearby branch and sauntered her way to an open spot on the boulder next to Chronos.
Chronos shrugged and held out his canteen. "Thirsty, Anko?"
She ripped the canteen out of his hand and took a large swig, then handed it back. "Arigato, but it would have been better if it was sake or tea."
"I guess you're welcome but I don't think sake is my type of liquor right now. Is there anything else around Konoha other than sake?"
"There is a shop that gets some imports in from other countries, including ones Konoha is not on good terms with. One I particularly like was this drink from Iwa called Vodka. You can make a lot of drinks with that stuff."
Chronos's eyes perked up at that. "Really. Thank Kami for Vodka! I almost thought I'd be stuck drinking that sake crap. Care to take me there in a bit?"
Anko sighed. "I guess it would be okay, but you have to take me to get some dango after."
"Dango?"
"Never had it?" She asked surprised.
"Not one bit. Heard of it though. But I think I got something better in here for after my duel with Hayate." Chronos mentioned tapping his pack. Then a look of sudden realization crossed his face. He opened his pack and pulled out his speakers and music player again.
"I always wanted to see how music would affect a sparring session. This will be fun."
Anko looked on curiously as Chronos put the items in place on the boulder and fiddled with a knob and switch. All of a sudden, a heavy guitar beat sounded throughout the clearing.
Don't tell me I'm wrong
Don't tell me that you knew all along
I won't roll over dead
Only I know what goes on in my head
I've got nothing to hide
I'm not guilty inside
I won't give up
After all I'm still crazy
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Try so hard to break me but all your diamonds turn to sand
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Say goodbye forever, I'll wait for you in no man's land
Get out of my way
There's nothing you can do to change what I say
I won't ever let go
I got the answer but you'll never know
I got my eyes open wide
Ain't gonna slip up or slide
Can't take me down
After all I'm still crazy
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Try so hard to break me but all your diamonds turn to sand
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Say goodbye forever, I'll wait for you in no man's land
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Try so hard to break me but all your diamonds turn to sand
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Say goodbye forever, I'll wait for you in no man's land
I'm not going away
I'm not going away
I'm not going away, I'm not going
Say goodbye forever, I'll wait for you in no man's land
At the end of the last note, Anko looked at Chronos curiously as he seemed to have a sense of excitement bordering of an adrenaline rush from the music. Just then, they noticed a guy walking slowly from the far side of the clearing and immediately noticed him to be Hayate. He calmly walked to the center of the clearing and drew his katana with a flourish.
Chronos nodded and selected a specific song. Anko looked on curiously and made a note then and there to ask him about his music, especially if she could get him in a more casual setting.
As soon as the first bell of the song sounded, he walked purposely as if keeping to the beat of the music until he came within a few feet from Hayate. In his mind, he was thinking back to the first baseball game in San Diego when he saw the pitcher come out of the bullpen to this music. Ever since that day, he wanted to do the same thing, and now he was. Slowly, he closed his eyes and lowered his head as he drew his katana, dragging the tip in a semi-circle. When the guitar joined the song, Chronos raised his head as if signaling he was ready.
Both men waited until Hayate launched into a combination of a couple jab-like thrusts followed by a diagonal slash which Chronos blocked to his left, forcing both tips into the dirt. Chronos used that as leverage for a flipping heel kick, catching Hayate on the chin as he flowed through for an impromptu handstand.
They continued for fifteen minutes with various thrusts and slashes, each parrying the others attacks in a deadly dance of flesh and steel. Ultimately, Chronos had the better of it when he managed to add some kicks to the flurry but the fight ended when Hayate clipped Chronos's sword hand cutting him and forcing him to drop his katana. Chronos made a valiant attempt to duck and sweep out Hayate's legs while trying to regain his blade but it was kicked away, leaving Chronos staring at the end of a katana.
Anko stood up and interrupted them as the two stared at each other. "A rather interesting duel. Made me hungry for some dango just watching it. Ready to go?"
Hayate nodded and helped Chronos to his feet, then handed him back his katana. "That was a good duel. – cough – You did well and integrated some taijutsu moves in with your ittou-jutsu style. Chuunin level work, I'd say."
"Thank you, I appreciate it. Now how about some food before we get out of here."
Anko growled along with her stomach. "Baka, didn't you hear me say I wanted dango?"
"Most certainly I did," he replied cheerfully as he pulled out three tan plastic pouches and another canteen from his pack. "However I figured I'd treat both of you to a special meal from where I came from. MREs."
"What is an MRE?" Hayate asked, before coughing again.
"It stands for Meals Ready to Eat. Prepackaged meals for use during missions. I brought about a case worth with me so I figured I'd bring some with for lunch, just in case. I have four here. None of you are vegetarian, right?"
Both of them shook their heads and watched as he opened one of the pouches with his combat knife and laid out the contents for them to see. For the next half-hour, the three ate an MRE each. Anko actually liked the meal she got, which was the Chicken a la King, especially after he showed her how to warm up the meal with the heater and a little water. Hayate wasn't as pleased with his Beef Stew but the cheese spread and crackers made up for it. Strangely enough, Chronos bemused his luck by being stuck with the Ham Slice and Potatoes Au Gratin.
'Why do I always get stuck with the Potatoes are Rotten??' Chronos thought looking to the sky, hoping some deity would save him from.
Konoha Ninja Academy
Most of the students were fidgeting in their seats as they watched the clock, ignoring Iruka's lecture over the various Shinobi Nations. The clock read two twenty-five in the afternoon. Everyone was eagerly awaiting the taijutsu demonstration between Iruka and the newcomer that came to class with Sasuke and Naruto.
Strangely enough, ever since it was found out that Sasuke and Naruto were now related, the students, except for the group of friends that already knew them, had no clue how to treat the two anymore. In turn, it made some of the fan girls that flocked to Sasuke shy away since Naruto was nearby, but it also kept away the insults from Naruto. Both boys appreciated the change but hated that it was due to the other's presence.
Iruka ended his lecture and moved the class to the sparring circle outside in the main training area. Strangely enough, in the bleachers there were a few Jounin and even the Hokage himself. Iruka was surprised that all of them came out for this simple demonstration, until the Hokage motioned for him to come over. He had the class sit in an empty bleacher and made his way to the Hokage.
Naruto noticed Chronos sitting next to the Hokage and a few Jounin, including Kakashi and pointed this out to his group of friends.
"Hey guys. I wonder why Otousan is sitting with the Hokage and those Jounin."
"It does seem a little strange if everyone is here for a simple demonstration." Sakura noted.
"It is quite troublesome, but it must be important for the Hokage to be here as well. If I was betting on this, I'd say this is an evaluation." Shikamaru reasoned.
"So Chronos-san is getting evaluated. Why would that be?" Ino asked.
"Most likely since he is in line for one or possibly even two clan seats on the council, his skills as a shinobi come into question. No council member would accept a weak clan head." Shikamaru retorted.
"Otousan then will have to fight Iruka-sensei. Will be interesting to see." Sasuke commented as Iruka and Chronos made their way to the center of the sparring circle. He noted Chronos had shed his coat and weapons, leaving him with just the green t-shirt and green camouflage trousers.
Naruto noticed the change in attire but also noted something else. "Hey Otousan, what is with the makeup?"
Chronos looked over to his son and explained to the class. "This is a form of camouflage. Earlier, I was training out in one of the heavily forested areas. Combine my clothing and the face paint and it makes a person hard to spot using visual methods in a forest environment."
"Does this method mask chakra?" Sakura asked curiously.
"Probably not."
"Then it is a waste of time, I think. And that makeup doesn't even look good. Why should any guy wear makeup anyways?" Ino scoffed.
"It is not MAKEUP!" Chronos furiously replied. Sighing to regain his composure, he continued with the impromptu lesson.
"Listen, not all enemies use chakra or are ninja right?" The students nodded in agreement. "So if they can't use chakra, then they have to use their eyes, right?" They nodded again. "If you make it harder for them to see you, wouldn't it be easier to defeat them?" Everyone agreed again. "Finally, don't you have methods for suppressing chakra?" Another group nod. "What would you think would happen if you combine camouflage methods with chakra suppression techniques?"
A collective 'Oh' came from the class. Chronos looked around and ensured they understood. "So Naruto, does that explain why I am wearing my face paint?"
"Hai, Otousan."
"Good, now I am going to spar with your sensei here. Please take notes and if you have any questions after the spar, I will answer them." Chronos said as he looked back to Iruka and settled into a combat stance.
Iruka took this as a sign to get himself ready. "Are you ready Chronos-san?"
"I was born ready, Iruka-san." Chronos said with a confident smirk. Unfortunately for him, Iruka was smirking back as he got into his stance.
"Good, 'cause this will not be easy."
Chronos laughed in response. "I wouldn't have it any other way. In other words," Chronos said as he cracked his neck bringing one hand up in a come here motion. "BRING IT!"
Iruka scowled and came in a rush and launched into a flying front kick, which Chronos deftly swatted to the side, then grabbed Iruka's chin, wrenched it back and threw a left handed chop to the throat slamming Iruka to the ground.
Chronos was going to drop an axe kick to his opponent's shoulder when Iruka kipped up and thrust a double palm strike to his chest knocking Chronos off-balance. He quickly recovered as Iruka came at him with a flurry of punches which he mostly blocked with head bobs and weaving until Iruka over-committed with a spinning back fist. Chronos countered it by capturing the arm in between his while locking his hands in a modified Muay Tai clinch to the back of Iruka's head. Swiftly, Chronos went through a combination of a knee thrust to the head, lead elbow strike to the ribs, wrenching of the lingering arm, and then an axe kick sweep of Iruka, dropping him to the dirt with a satisfying thud in three seconds.
To finish off the fight, Chronos took the arm that he held and wrapped both legs around it in the same fashion he did with Anko.
"YIELD OR I BREAK IT!" The students heard this and a collective gasp was released from them. None of them thought Iruka-sensei would have been defeated so quickly. He only managed to get one decent hit on Chronos but the rest were dodged or blocked effortlessly and with such quickness that it seemed unreal.
Iruka relented by tapping on the ground as was agreed to during the conversation with the Hokage. Chronos helped him up and looked over to the group sitting to the side. The three Jounin and the Hokage were obviously conversing on their observations of the test so far today. Finally, the Hokage came over and spoke.
"A rather interesting test, Chronos-san. You managed to best a Chuunin and a Jounin today in different tests and lasted fifteen minutes in a kenjutsu duel with our best swordsman. After much consideration, we have seen that you have already possessed the skills to be awarded the rank of Chuunin." The Hokage stated handing him a standard issue Chuunin vest.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama, but I already have a vest." Chronos stated and walked over to where his pack was on the bench, proceeding to adorn his woodland camouflage blouse and his armored vest. The Hokage nodded to this and kept a hold of the vest he was going to give to Chronos.
Naruto stood up and started cheering loudly, hopping around applauding and congratulating his Otousan while Sasuke just nodded and gave a small 'Hn' in acknowledgment.
Chronos walked over to the class and motioned everyone to sit down. "Does anyone have any questions about what they saw??"
For the next thirty minutes, the students prodded him with questions and asked for demonstrations of the methods he employed to defeat Iruka so quickly. He happily obliged and walked them through the two combination counters he used step-by-step and told them how to practice it in a safe manner. Iruka then proceeded to dismiss the class and went off in search of an icepack for his aching head.
Chronos sent Naruto and Sasuke off to go home and train in the two combos they saw in class, while he took off with the three Jounin. Anko led them to the one liquor store in which they bought a few bottles of vodka as well as various varieties of flavored cream to make mixed drinks, as well as a couple decks of cards and playing chips. Interestingly enough, the three Jounin paid for it as well as some Ichiraku's ramen and dango, some rice balls, sautéed crab meat, and steamed vegetables to make a decent meal for all of them.
Chronos invited them all up to the complex to share the meal with his two youshi as well as deciding to play some poker. They decided to play in the same conference room that they used to play the movie for the two boys.
Needless to say, the pick of 'Saving Private Ryan' was enough to get everyone, including Kakashi to be distracted by the initial fight scene. The poker game was abandoned and everyone watched the movie, with everyone peppering Chronos with questions about the weapons and vehicles that were used. They now understood why Chronos never used chakra and how now he had a lot work to do in order to deal with their methods of fighting.
One question that was brought up by the movie led to a very valuable conversation for Naruto and Sasuke.
"What was the point of going to save that one guy? Sacrificing all those men to save just one seemed to be a waste." Sasuke mentioned.
"Well this goes back to a few simple rules that my family passes down. I think you should keep these in mind, because it gives the real reason someone should fight and lead down the path of a ninja or a Marine."
Both boys looked at him curiously as he continued his speech.
"My grandfather taught me these rules and Yamada added one more. Keep these in mind as you train and keep pushing forward in life and you will achieve your dreams. One, always protect who is precious to you. Never abandon them and do anything it takes to keep them safe, even if sacrifices need to be made. Two, love purely, speak honestly, and listen carefully. Three, look underneath the underneath of things. Finally, don't live in the past and hold no regrets."
Kakashi looked up as he heard rule number three. It was passed to him by his father and he kept it close to him every day. It was one of the two rules he lived by. After hearing this, he made a simple promise to himself. These two boys will be on his Genin team. Kakashi was constantly peppered with questions and request from the Hokage to pass a Genin team and take them on as their Jounin sensei. He now saw two that would become the Genin team he wanted to train. All he needed now was a third, but he'd request for those two personally.
"How does that apply to saving that one man?" Naruto asked, shaking Kakashi from his thoughts.
"It works like this, at least from my point of view. No nation should ever be as callous as to let a whole generation of a family sacrifice themselves needlessly. If word ever got out that three of the man's brothers died and the army never rescued the last son, wouldn't other nations see that as dishonorable? Also, wouldn't it hurt morale if it seemed that the army's commanders were uncaring for a plight so dire? Plus, what about that mother we saw near the beginning of the movie. Should any mother ever have to feel the weighted anguish from losing all of her sons? That is what it means by sacrificing to keep those things precious safe and looking to the underneath of things. Understand??"
Both boys were confused but Chronos just simply told them to think on it and sent them off to bed as he escorted the three Jounin out bidding them a pleasant evening.
As the trio finally made their way to bed and fell asleep, one thing was for certain. The first days of a united clan are always memorable.
(A/N): Trust me, I will get more into the Nyuurou Saisei, the Sharingan, and how it relates to Naruto and Sasuke in the next couple chapters. Chronos will not be the strongest of the three. Anyways, the next chapter will gloss over training and then the next one will be fluff before we get to the trials and the Genin exam. Until then, you now what to do. REVIEW!!!
Finally, Shinkeisen roughly translates to 'War of Nerves'.
Secondary Author Note: For all of you that have reviewed, or placed this story as an alert or Kami-forbid, a favorite, I am truly grateful. I will continue to take what you say in consideration and work to make this story the best I can possibly make it. If anyone else besides my current Beta wants to be my 2nd Beta, please let me know. Besides that, after 50 reviews and over 3000 hits, I am left humbled and proud to have written a story that all of you enjoy so much. bows to his readers
