I don't own Naruto
"Earth Style: Earth Dragon MIssiles"
"Wind Style: Vacuum Wave"
'They are starting off strong' Naruto thinks as he sees his two sensei's jutsu coming for him. 'No holding back, I suppose.'
"Earth Style: Mud Flow Wave" as Naruto activates his jutsu a massive wave of mud emerges, circling away from the attacks aimed at him. Naruto uses chakra to ride the way and get to the side of his two opponents with impressive speed. Seeing he has caught them by surprise he blurs through more hand seals, "Earth Style: Mud Cannon" and two massive mud balls shoot from the wave. Instead of dodging, Hiruzen creates an Earth Style Mud Wall that is just strong enough to endure the assault. Releasing his mud wave, Naruto jumps back, preparing for an attack. He didn't have to wait long as Danzo appeared atop Hiruzen's wall, having already completed his hand seals, "Wind Style: Vacuum Serial Waves".
Naruto managed to dodge the attack with a shunshin back to his starting position, allowing the attack to cause damage to the training grounds instead. Seeing Danzo has returned by Hiruzen Naruto understands he's going to have to separate them to have a chance.
"Kunai Shadow Clone Jutsu" Naruto shouts as the kunai spread around Hiruzen and Danzo, but before the two can react, Naruto had already activated his seal, "Uzumaki style: Bringer of Darkness Seal" and instantly both elders are encased in unrelenting blackness.
'Hiruzen-teme I don't know how but this is your fault' Danzo thinks while remaining calm for the potential attack. It is only due to years of experience that he was able to dodge the oncoming water dragon, not realizing it was Naruto's plan. As soon as Danzo landed he found a new barrier erected around him with three, he assumes, shadow clones maintaining it.
As soon as the genjutsu seal was activated Hiruzen went underground using the Earth Style: Underground Projection Fish but as he emerged he immediately had to dodge a strike from Naruto's rattan. Having no time to summon King Enma, Hiruzen retrieves two kunai and engages his surrogate grandson in close quarters combat. Seeing his opening he throws one of the kunai, narrowly missing Naruto but was right on target as the kunai dispelled one of the shadow clones, dropping the barrier. Before the other clones could react they were dispelled by Danzo. Realizing his back is compromised, Naruto disengages and uses a shunshin to return to his starting position.
Returning to his partner, Danzo sees he is the fresher of the two. "Any plans, teme?" he asks.
"No, second best but we need to think of something. A war of attrition favors him and he's gotten his chakra control problem down, we can't just fling jutsu at him all day."
"Tsk, damn Uzumaki."
"Water Release: Exploding Water Shock Wave" Naruto says followed by an obscene amount of water rushing from his mouth, aimed at crushing Hiruzen and Danzo. Hiruzen erects another mud wall which leaves them surrounded by water. The two have little time to rest as multiple Water Style: Water Fang Bullets speed toward them from the newly formed lake, crumbling the mud wall. So distracted by the attacks they didn't notice Naruto had created a shadow clone and both had just completed their respective hand seals,
"Water Style: Explosive Bite of the Water Dragon" the original and the clone shout as two massive water dragons hurl themselves toward Hiruzen and Danzo, exploding on contact. Naruto being a sensor knows the two used a last second replacement jutsu but he decides to wait for their next move.
In the nearby forest, Hiruzen and Danzo marvel at the power of their shared apprentice, initially.
"It seems young Naruto wishes to taunt us with our own sensei's jutsu."
"It would appear so. I suggest we take the gloves off, if for no other reason than pride."
"It's still weird hearing you talk like that but I agree, I won't let a teenager show me up.
"Earth style: Earth Dragon Jutsu. Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet:
"Wind Style: Pressure Damage"
Naruto sensed the massive chakra spikes before he saw the oncoming jutsu. Wasting no time he and his clone converted the preexisting water into a defense, "Water Style: Water Formation Wall".
When the collective jutsu met, the wall absorbed most of the attack but there was a minor explosion that threw both Naruto's back, dispelling the clone.
"Oi! They said no S rank jutsu! But you wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend."
Blurring through one set of hand seals, Naruto stops for a moment and feels the pressure in his tenketsu, one stable he continues with a second set.
Merging the Wind Style: Great Vacuum Sphere and the Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet Naruto created the
"Sandaime Style: Vacuum bomb"
"Shit. That goddamn fucking idiot. I told him NOT to use this technique. I'm going to kill him. I'm going to kill that kid of yours Tsunade."
Seeing Jiraiya freak out has those in observation confused… until they see and feel it. An explosion generating white hot flames, burning the nearby forest instantly with flames greedily looking for more and more fuel to feed it.
"Water Style: Great Exploding Water Shock Wave" they hear Naruto say as a mass of water puts the massive fire out.
Instinctively ducking, Naruto sees an irate Jiraiya behind him. "What the hell?" he says between pants.
"What the hell? I should rasengan you into oblivion. You overdid it, Naruto."
"They started it. They broke the rules first, so if Jiji wanted to play the combination jutsu game I'll play it."
Seeing things are about to escalate Hiruzen and Danzo step it. "Jiraiya, he's right. We escalated things." Turning to Naruto Hiruzen continues, "Naruto you must explain that jutsu."
"Cool, right, Jiji? Well, thinking about it like this, how are we able to have fire chakra? Our chakra doesn't contain oxygen and yet we know we can produce fire nature chakra. Thinking along those lines, the chakra is really fire potential. I worked really hard to refine my fire nature chakra and condensed it in a vacuum sphere, denying it what it needs to be fire. Think, all that potential being released not in a stream but at once. It'd seek out any thing to realize its potential and you end up with my Vacuum Bomb."
"Impressive, Naruto-kun but that's going to be labeled a kinjutsu." said Tsunade.
"Why? There's no risk to the user and most people wouldn't have the wind manipulation skills to even attempt it."
"That's a weapon of mass destruction, and someone may try to learn the technique, have shoddy control and blow themselves up."
"But the Vacuum Bomb is the key, kaa-chan. It's the source of my greatest combat discovery. Even Pervy Sage doesn't know because he's dumb and wouldn't get it."
"What are you talking about?" asked Tsunade.
"Jiji was so close. If he had my ability with kage bunshin he would have cracked it years ago. Don't you see? Most elemental kekkei genkai and kekkei tota AREN'T!. Kaa-chan, the kekkei genkai is the ability to natural mix elemental chakra in your tenketsu. It's hard but it can be learned.
I had 200 clones, every day mixing various ratios of elemental chakra after I had mastered Jiji's process and Sage Mode. I learned that if the release didn't require yang or yin release added to it then, like mokuton then they can be trained. Kaa-chan, people will no longer have to breed or steal bloodlines!"
"Naruto, I'd like to believe you but this goes against everything we understand about kekkei genkai."
"You don't have to believe me, watch."
"Shadow Clone Jutsu" he said creating five shadow clones and the others watched patiently then it happened
"Ice Style: Certain Ice Killing Spears"
"Storm Style: Laser Circus"
"Crystal Style: Growing Crystal Thorns"
"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Jutsu"
"Lava Release: Quicklime Jutsu"
After the demonstration each clone dispelled, leaving Naruto with an openly shocked audience, even Danzo.
"That's impossible." Kakashi said.
"If I hadn't seen it I'd agree with you." said Jiraiya. Turning to Naruto, "How did you hide this from me and how did you learn those jutsu."
"Kurama has an eidetic memory, so seeing the jutsu performed gave me a template to work from. Why do you think I asked for those spars from Mei and Darui? Orochimaru or Kabuto kept detailed notes about their Shoton user and I saw Haku use that technique in Nami. As for how I kept it a secret, I had my clones practice at night. It still isn't combat ready, it takes too long to mix the chakra natures to be viable for anyone else and I'd prefer to not relay on my clones, it'd essentially leave my discovery unsuitable for anyone else but me."
The next thing Naruto knew he was engulfed in a hug, "You're a genius, kiddo. This has the potential to change so much."
"This is indeed beyond impressive, Naruto-kun. I would love to help you refine it."
"Thanks, Jiji, I need it. I can do the chakra nature mixture but creating or recreating jutsu is next to impossible without thorough knowledge of what hand seals do to mold chakra."
"Ah, yes, yes. Well, come by the compound, we have so much to discuss. To think, I've lived this long and got to see something new. You never cease to amaze, Naruto-kun."
Getting embarrassed by the praise, he scratches the back of his head and thanks Hiruzen. All were taken by surprised when they heard what started as a chuckle before soon blooming into full blown laughter.
"Danzo-sensei, are you ok?"
"I'm fine, hahahaha, Naruto. It's just, hahahaha, in under four years you've taken the field of ninjutsu further than the God of Shinobi has in the last thirty. Four years!" Seeing Naruto was about to interrupt he cuts him off, "I don't care about your use of shadow clones. Yes, it allows you to do a lot but you still needed the insight. Naruto, no one thought this was possible. At most, people pondered seals to perform this jutsu and that's because we were all focused on the wrong thing. When you start your book, I'll be more than happy to help."
"My book? I'm not writing a book."
"Yes, you are. Everyone here, save Kakashi, has written a book about their area of specialty and you've broken ground in the area of ninjutsu. You need to share your knowledge. It's your duty as a Konoha shinobi and with your shadow clones it won't take that long."
Looking at everyone, but Kakashi, nodding he realizes he's lost this battle. "Fine, I'll write the dang book!"
"Good, now that this is settled, Naruto I'll be giving you the next few days off as I decide on your placement." said Tsunade.
"I'm not going to be with Kakashi-sensei?"
"Naruto, you may be the most powerful Jounin we have, usually it'd be highly irregular to send you with Kakashi, that'd be like having Jiraiya and I running missions. Extremely overqualified. However, since I am putting a strike team together for the Akatsuki, you likely will be paired with Kakashi and two others. I haven't decided who just yet."
"Ok, well I'm off." Naruto says before flashing away.
"I need a drink." Kakashi says before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
"Jiraiya, we clearly need to talk more about the last six months of his training trip. Meet me in my office in an hour." She said as the the rest vacated the training grounds.
"Wait, Tsunade, how are we going to explain all of this?" he points to the ruined training grounds and the ice and crystal jutsu left over. To which Tsunade just shrugs and continues to leave. "I don't explain things to people. If I tell them to ignore it they will."
After flashing away from the training grounds Naruto made his way to the market district, hoping he could find who he was looking for. After a short trek he entered the Yamanaka Flower Shop and smiled that his luck won out.
"Hey, Ino."
"Hey, Naruto, when did you get back?"
"Just yesterday."
"Cool. So, what can I do for you today?"
"I was actually wanting to catch up with Asuma-sensei. I figured if you were here not only could I stop by and say hi but you'd likely know how I could reach him if he's not on a mission."
"You're just in luck. We were meeting over to Kurenai's for dinner. Those two got engaged while you were away and she's pregnant!"
"Well, go smokestack. If you guys had plans I can just talk to him later."
"No, don't be silly, it's informal, just our two teams. Hinata is going to be there."
"Ino."
"I'm just saying."
"Troublesome."
"Shut up, Naruto. I get enough of that from Shika." She said as they both laugh.
"Well, what time was dinner?"
"8."
"Ok, I can meet you back here and we go over together? Also, if you wouldn't mind picking out a flower arrangement for me, I'd appreciate it."
"Yea, that's fine. Wait, I thought you garden, why would you need my help?"
"Because I know how to make things grow, I don't know about the language of flowers. Just my luck I express my undying love to Kurenai and she swoons because I've been upgrade from cute to smoking hottie. Then Asuma will want to fight me. Kurenai will take this as a duel for her favor. I'll beat Asuma because I'm just that good and Kurenai will be torn between her loyalty to Asuma and the possibilities of being with a superior male. Soon tales of our duel will be spread throughout the village with the women finding it utterly romantic and the men becoming possessive and distrustful, to the point of wanting to attack me. The women of the village will defend me as the avatar of true romantic love I am and we'll have a gendered civil war."
Somewhere in Kumo a shinobi breaks out in tears as he felt proof of a platonic soulmate.
"You're an idiot, you realize this, yes?"
"I've been told but seeing as how I outrank you I can't be that much of an idiot, now can I?"
"..."
"Yea, you think on that and I'll be back later. Bye Ino" Naruto said before vanishing right in front of her.
Meanwhile back in the Hokage's office
"He really doesn't trust you."
"I see. I honestly don't get it. He's seemingly forgiven Sarutobi, doesn't seem to resent the villagers anymore but Minato and I are held in contempt." Jiraiya said, sagging in his chair. "Every time I attempt to build a bridge I just screw up. He'll learn from me but he doesn't see me as family. "
"I thought things were improving, what happened?"
"Fukasaku said there was some anger Naruto was holding onto that was affecting his senjutsu training, he needed to deal with it to progress. So, he cooks up this plan, I ditch Naruto for a week, make him think I'm up to my old habits and then blows up at me, gets it all out like he did in the inn when we got you." Seeing her nod, he continues, "Well, I did manage to piss him off. By a lot but not because I left but because he saw through our little manipulation. Asked why can't I ever be direct, why can't I ever tell someone no when they plan to screw with him. Then he says that Minato and I always think we're right and are always so sure we are regardless of the damage done. Of course that confused me until he explained that both Minato and Kushina left a chakra imprint in his seal, one he's managed to sustain and has had access to them since you returned to the village.
Apparently, they have access to his memories and even with everything he's been through, Minato holds steadfast that he did the right thing. It infuriates the kid, not because he disagrees but the disregard of the harm done to him. Like me and the prophecy"
"Jiraiya" Tsunade says softly. While they have disagreed about Naruto in the past she knows he cares about him and is sad he has such a difficult time showing it.
"I can try to talk to him for you."
"I wouldn't, he isn't wrong to feel that way. I left him for over a decade, never made contact and didn't try. He wasn't asking for the world, still isn't. I'll figure out a way to make it up to him, eventually."
"It's weird seeing you so serious Pervy Sage."
Both turn to see Naruto sitting by the window.
"Also, I didn't tell you because I wanted to surprise you. All my sensei in one spot, seeing the culmination of their time with me. I had already forgiven you about all that other stuff. You aren't as rigid as the yellow teme."
Tsunade and Naruto see Jiraiya flash a genuine smile at his words.
"What are you doing here?"
"I had some plans tonight, wanted to make sure it didn't interfere with anything you may have wanted to do."
"Aww, such a considerate son you have, Tsunade."
Rolling her eyes, Tsunade answers Naruto, "No, nothing planned. Have fun but can you tell me why you never mentioned being able to talk to your parents?"
"Because I wanted something for me. I feel like much of my life is public access and has been since I was born, I just wanted something that was meant for only me, ya know?"
"Understandable. Ok, get out of here, both of you. I have actual work to do. Unless you want to save your poor mother and become Hokage."
"Ha! No, too restrictive for me, I need to be free like the wind."
"I recall you being quite free in Suna." Jiraiya deftly manages to dodge the kunai tossed at him but before he can respond Naruto vanishes, without a trace.
"What was that about?"
"Oh, just him and the Kazekage's sister had a fling while we were in Suna. I might have to hand over my title. The Gallant Naruto does have a nice ring to it."
"You corrupt my son and I'll pound your ass."
"So, kinky, Tsunade." he said with a chuckle.
"That's not what I meant!" she said, fighting back a blush.
It is hours later that we find Ino and Naruto outside the home of Kurenai and Asuma.
"Welcome… Hey, Naruto! Kakashi said you were back. I think? He was pretty hammered."
"Hey, Asuma-sensei! Yea, I think my assessment broke his brain." Naruto said as Ino and he entered the house.
"Hi Kurenai-sensei, hey guys" Ino greets everyone.
"Hello, Kurenai-sensei" Naruto greets politely while handing over the bouquet, "and congratulations."
"Thank you, Naruto, I'll put these in vase immediately. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable."
The dinner was muted but amiable as the members of team 10 and 8 discussed the goings on. Naruto told them briefly of his travels, to the interest of everyone save Kiba. Soon the night was drawing to a close with most everyone departing.
"Naruto?"
"Yes, Kurenai-sensei?"
"I just wanted to apologize again. Now that I have a child on the way I sometimes think what would happen if he or she were to be put in your position and…"
"Please stop. I understand and I truly have forgiven you. I'm not one to hold a grudge. Thank you for hosting me, is there anything I can help with?"
"No, Asuma will take care of it."
"I will?"
"Yes, unless you find the couch comfortable."
"I kinda do actually." he replied until he saw her look at him with a stern gaze. "Ok, ok, ok. No, shorty, I've got everything covered."
"Oi! I'm one of the tallest of our graduating class now."
"But not as tall as me."
"I guess I'll have to console myself with being the superior ninja then."
"Anytime you want a spar, Gaki."
"Sure but talk to Jiji first, you might change your mind."
As he walks out to the front porch, Naruto sees a familiar crop of midnight blue hair staring into the night's sky.
"What has you so captivated, Hinata-sama?" he says, while approaching.
"Oh, just enjoying the night, really, Uzumaki-kun."
"It is a nice night but won't Hiashi worry if you're out too late?"
"He may but it is of no concern to me, I'm a big girl now."
"I've noticed." he mutters.
"What was that?" She asked smiling faintly.
"Oh, nothing. You didn't really share much over dinner, how are you?"
"I'm surprised my sister hadn't already filled you in."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, so are there a lot of orange, talking toads in the world? Gamakichi might be pretty good at stealth but I'm better and I've seen him talking to Hanabi a few times."
"Yea, those two are friends. Don't know how it happened but they are."
"So, that's the story you're going with?" she said turning toward Naruto, an action he mirrors.
"What exactly are you accusing me of, Hinata-sama? Nothing untoward, I hope."
"Certainly not, I'm just wondering if you're keeping tabs on me."
"And why would I do such a thing?" he said getting closer to her.
"I can think of a reason or two, but it'd be mere speculation. However, if you wanted to keep an eye on me you could have just stayed an ANBU, Gama-chan."
"Actually, I couldn't. The deal I struck with kaa-chan before entering put a time limit on my service. Besides, who says I want to keep an eye on you? Such arrogance, Hebi-hime."
"Well, seeing as how you struggled to take them off me throughout dinner, it leads a girl to wonder."
"Oh, how do you know I wasn't looking at someone else?"
"Because even when you are, you aren't."
"I never realized your hold over me was so absolute, Hinata-sama. You should be merciful and release this poor fool."
"No, I don't think I will. Keep your eyes on me a little longer and you might just see something amazing." she said before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
"I always do, that's why I never managed to look away".