Chapter 13
Training
On the first day Naruto showed Fu and Haku the shadow clone jutsu and explained how it would help them train. Though it took both a few tries (something that made Naruto grumble about unfairness) neither of them could spam them like Naruto. Fu managed a hundred before having to stop and Haku only 5. The three theorized that it was due to its massive chakra cost and how Naruto naturally had chakra in buckets and the nine-tails as a backup as the reason why there he is barely affected.
Naruto then quickly pointed out that Fu also shouldn't be affected since she has the seven-tails. Having no other explanations, the three decided that maybe it was something they would discover with time and left it and tried to focus on how they would train with maximum efficiency.
Unsurprisingly Haku, not being a powerhouse like Naruto and Fu, relied more on strategy and thus is slightly smarter, suggested that they all write down their jutsu (excluding clones and other basic jutsu). Then they could break down the technique's strengths, range, weaknesses and other information. They took some paper and wrote down what they remembered. Once done they all looked at the papers.
Xxxx
Haku
Ice dome
Type: ice, defensive
Strength: strong defense, unable to see inside
Weakness: unable to see outside
Range: short
Ice spikes
Type: ice, offensive
Strength: little warning
Weakness: requires ice surface
Range: any
Ice-grenade
Type: ice, offensive
Strength: can be concealed and made quickly
Weakness: easy to dodge
Range: close-mid
A thousand ice needles of death
Type: water/ice offensive
Strength: jutsu can be done with 1 hand
Weakness: easy to escape
Range: close to mid
Demonic crystal ice mirrors
Type: ice, offensive, support
Strength: speed increase, camouflage, can use to escape quickly
Weakness: high chakra cost
Range: mid
Coming of winter
Type: ice, support
Strength: easier to use other ice techniques
Weakness: extremely high chakra cost, gets weaker with range
Range: short-mid
Naruto
Water wall
Type: water, defensive
Strength: can block most lower ranked justu, conceals Naruto, water can be reused for other techniques
Weakness: Naruto can't see outside
Range: short
Glimmering water chains
Type: water, support, offensive
Strength: can be formed quickly, low chakra cost, large amount can be formed
Weakness: needs water source
Range: any (provided water source nearby)
Fu
Hidden jutsu: scale powder
Type: support
Strength: can blind opponent
Weakness: easy to blow away
Range: mid
Hidden jutsu: hiding in scale powder
Type: offensive
Strength: can blind and explode
Weakness: easy to blow away
Range: mid
Water cutting jutsu
Type: water, offensive
Strength: low chakra cost
Weakness: lightning,
Range: short
Net shaped prison
Type: support
Strength: traps opponent in sticky web, restricts movement
Weakness: speed
Range: mid
xxxx
The trio looked at each other before Naruto and Fu looked at Haku, "Now what?" Naruto asked.
Haku looked over each of the ninjutsu again before he had an idea. He looked at the Jinchuriki and explained his idea. "none of us are anywhere near strong enough to defeat Zabuza alone, correct?"
The two nodded
"and each of these techniques have their own weaknesses, correct?"
Again they nodded
"get to the point Haku." Naruto impatiently said.
"Well what if we all cover each other's weaknesses and enhance their strengths?" he said as Naruto slowly understood what he meant.
"So like your ice grenade can be made quickly but is easy to dodge, so if Fu was to use her net shaped prison to trap Zabuza, you can hit him with a higher chance of success right?
Haku nodded, "that is the point, yes"
"Alright! What are we waiting for? I'll just create a bunch of clones and we can use any jutsu we can think of in conjunction with each other and see what works best!"
Haku then remembered something Zabuza explained back when it was only the two of them.
xxxxx
Flashback
"Today I will teach you about nature types. This will hopefully help you with your ice style and will give you an idea of each nature's strengths and weaknesses. Of course, most ninja below jonin wouldn't have much more than a few jutsus and prefer to use neutral chakra, but just in case you do met a jonin.
First there are basic elements. These are fire, wind, water, lightning and earth.
Fire is strong against wind but weak against water. Wind is strong against lighting and weak against fire. Lightning is strong against earth and weak against wind. Earth is strong against water and weak against lightning. Finally water is strong against fire and weak against earth.
Some ninjas can mix two of them together to form sub elements like your ice style which is a mix between wind and water.
Usually this is accomplished by lots of training and mastering both elements. However some shinobi have bloodlines that allows them to naturally mix them. Two elements is usually the maximum anyone will achieve, but people like the second and third Tsuchikage have a bloodline that allows them to mix fire, earth and wind and creating the dust style. Keeping up so far?" Zabuza asked.
Haku nodded "so the two elements are mixed internally?"
Zabuza nodded, "usually yes, however they can also be mixed externally when two ninja use their jutsu in conjunction with each other. This is called collaboration and is very deadly. For example, if two ninja were to combine wind and fire, against water of the same rank, the collaboration would usually win as it is stronger."
Flashback end
Xxxx
"What about collaborations?" he suddenly asked.
"What?" Naruto asked back confused.
Haku explained what they are and how it would increase the jutsu's powers.
"That's great an all, but we don't exactly have any jutsu that are compatible with each other. Most of our jutsu are water, ice or neutral." Fu pointed out.
Haku faltered, "guess you're right, I forgot about that."
Haku felt a hand on his shoulder, "it's not a bad idea, it's just that we don't have the jutsus yet." Naruto smiled.
"right, Naruto make those clones and let's get cracking!" commanded.
"yes sir! Shadow clone jutsu!"
Instantly the whole clearing was filled with smoke before an army of Narutos appeared. Naruto made an extra few to stand on the sidelines to observe which was best.
"Alright clones! Today we will be practicing defense and evasion! Evade and defend against everything thrown at you!" Naruto shouted at his clones.
"Haku, Fu, lets fire away!" Naruto shouted as he charged into the crowd slicing away with his sword and jumping around while occasionally firing off a water chain to impale or throw the clones.
Haku and Fu looked at each other before shrugging and charging after him.
Landing in the middle of the crowd Haku gave a strong punch to the face of the nearest clone. "This is oddly satisfying." He said with a grin.
"I know what you mean!" Fu laughed as she backflipped.
"Hey! No hitting below the belt!" a clone cried while protecting his family jewels before dispelling due to a kunai to the head.
If anyone were to watch the trio train, they would wonder about their sanity.
Some hours later, around midday, finally all the clones had been destroyed and the trio was all lying on the ground panting.
"That was fun, but now I'm all out of chakra" Haku grinned.
"Same here" Fu agreed.
"Let's get some food and replenish our chakra before we start taijutsu royal rumble, so we can get used to each other's style" Naruto suggested.
"Good idea, what about money?" Fu asked.
Just then a couple of clones appeared from behind trees holding bags that made clanking sounds.
"Got that covered, made a couple before I came here and another few to reinforce them just as we started" Naruto explained.
"Is it safe to come out yet?" one of the clones asked.
"No more scary boom booms?" another whimpered
Fu couldn't help but laugh, "You're a wimp Naruto."
"Shut up clone, you making me look bad" Naruto muttered with a small blush.
"Does he realize he just told himself to shut up?" Haku whispered to Fu.
Xxxx
The week passed quickly, too quickly. The three kids practiced as much as they possibly could, yet they still didn't think they stood a chance in defeating Zabuza in battle. Even if there was 2 Jinchuriki and an ice-user.
The three got to know each other pretty well. Fu told them about her history and in turn Haku and Naruto told her theirs. Fu was surprised that they were others that were treated just as, if not worse than her for something out of their control. She almost lost control and started leaking some of the seven tails chakra when Naruto told her that he was being experimented on since he could remember. In the end she managed to calm down and they all felt a connection. All of them had a bad past, yet all of them still managed to push through.
Through the use of clones, they knew each other well enough that they could pretty much tell what the other was planning and how to enhance it half the time. Of course, Fu and Naruto worked best since they created the most clones. Though Haku was getting better, the constant use bringing his amount up to 10.
Finally, the day of the test is here. The trio went back at the clearing used for battle where Zabuza was waiting.
"Haku, Naruto, Fu." Zabuza greeted.
"Zabuza" they greeted back.
"I trust you are ready?" Zabuza asked.
The trio shook their heads "we won't be ready for a top jonin like you, not for a few years at least." Haku stated.
"But we have prepared the best we can in the time you have given us." Fu continued.
"Good, you have passed the first part. A shinobi must not be lazy and should be humble. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogant." Zabuza nodded. "But a shinobi's worth is shown through actions. Come at me with full force." He shouted as he grabbed the handle on his sword.
AN: for those who follow me on facebook. I know I said that I probably won't post this week, but turns out that I had a mid-term break that I forgot so I though "why not?" and typed up this chapter =)
Reviews (glad there were so many this time):
BlackDragonShinigami: you think right =)
Noahendless: thanks
AmbertheCat: thanks, here's more =)
Dzerx: I won't spoil anything, but I will say that you can be both happy and disappointed in the future. As for his blue sharingan… soon before chapter 20.
Draco7347: thanks, here you go
Outcastmike: here you go
Zeus501: correct on all accounts, even though you missed Killer B. The bleach guy was Ichigo. I admit that sometimes I run out of things to say and tend to accidently drag it on unnecessarily thanks for bearing with me though. Same as you, I tend to favor grammar a lot (206 favs, maybe a few with bad grammar but all worth a read) and I have only given up on maybe 5 at most with bad grammar and good plot. As for the Rasengan, at the moment it hasn't been decided.