Chapter 7 Anything and Nothing
Flame shields up.
I know some of you have been wondering about the team assignments, and I'm sorry to say that I will be keeping the canon teams. I respect those authors who rearrange the teams and use jonins other than Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma, but I'm just not a good enough author to try it myself. Believe me; I have almost no love in my heart for Sakura, although Shippuden Sakura has her moments. And as for Sasuke, let's just say it wouldn't break my heart if Kishimoto kills him off; I've always found him to be one dimensional. I like Kakashi as a character but he was a really terrible teacher, at least in Part 1. Don't worry though I will put my own spin on things to keep it fresh.
Flame shields down.
Don't worry though; Anko will still have an active role in Naruto and Hinata's development; as a big sister figure and Kurenai's friend respectively.
I also want to thank everyone for their input, this has become your story as much as mine, and I hope it stays that way.
Anko, Iruka, Naruto, and Hinata made their way to the training grounds as soon as they left the Academy. When asked why he was tagging along Iruka said that it was out of concern for his students and that he never gets to visit Anko at work.
"You two aren't going to flirt the whole time are you?" Naruto asked as soon as he heard the second reason.
"Naruto, I am offended that you would even suggest that I can't be professional outside of class," Iruka told his student in mock outrage.
"If you didn't catch that he means yes, gaki," Anko said.
"I do mean yes, but I also worry that you two will have a hard time keeping up with Anko-chan, she's a tokubetsu jonin for a reason, got it memorized?" Iruka said to his students.
"Yep, I didn't get this far on looks alone gaki," Anko added, clearly proud of her rank.
"You are very beautiful though, Anko-sensei," Hinata squeaked out, reminding the others that she was still there.
"Iruka-kun, she can blow of the rest of the year and still pass, got it," Anko said, semi-seriously.
"Of course, my Hebi-hime," Iruka said, playing along.
"Well here seems to as good a place as any," Anko said coming to a stop. The quartet had arrived at Training Ground 7.
"What now Anko-sensei?" Naruto asked.
"Now I want you to show me what you can do with Mu," Anko said.
"Everything I can do?" Naruto questioned.
"That's what I said gaki," Anko said impatiently.
"Remember Anko-chan, no taking that back later," Iruka warned.
"Okay, I'll try not to see too much Sensei," Naruto said as he started to turn transparent.
"What do you both mea-," Anko started to say as Naruto rushed right through her. Memories both old and recent started to swim around her head afterwards. "What was that?" she asked, slightly shaken.
"It's one of my techniques I can turn transparent and if a part of my body passes through someone I can see their memories, with it I can learn about a person's strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears among other things," Naruto said. He continued, "I don't have to look at their memories if I don't want to but you did say show you everything I could do. I'm sorry for invading your privacy Sensei."
"It's fine, I guess I did say show me everything, just don't go blabbing my secrets around the village," Anko said. She did hear Naruto's explanation of this ability at the Academy, but she still had her doubts.
"Okay, next are my barriers, I need someone to attack me," Naruto said. With that a kunai came at him courtesy of Anko, but stopped about a foot in front of him. "I think, given time I could make a barrier that surrounds me completely, but right now I can only make a barrier on one side. I can also stand on them in midair and control the amount of friction between my feet and the barrier," Naruto explained.
"I know, you and Hina-chan over there were adorable by the way," Anko said/teased.
"Moving on, I'll show you my ethereal blades," Naruto said, trying to control his blush and summon his weapons. Interdiction extended out from both of his palms and he continued his explanation, "I can change their shape and even shoot them at targets, when they hit people they disrupt their nerve impulses and chakra." As if to prove a point, Naruto change his blades into kunai and shuriken and shot them at a training post.
"Interesting, now why do you want to learn snake style?" Anko questioned.
"This morning I ran into Maito Gai, I wanted his opinion on a taijutsu style that would work with my blades, he mentioned snake style after I told him about how I can use my blades to bludgeon as well as cut," Naruto started to explain. "When I mentioned that I cut with vibrations as opposed to sharp edges he said snake style would be perfect," Naruto finished.
"I'm still not sure I follow gaki," Anko said.
"Well Sensei, he mentioned the whipping movements used in the style. Honestly sweeping and whipping motions feel natural with these weapons," Naruto said.
"I suppose that's a good enough reason; both of you meet me here tomorrow morning at 5," Anko said.
"Were not starting today Sensei?" Naruto questioned
"It's getting late and I need to get some things for tomorrow," Anko said. She then continued, "Also, Kurenai-chan wants a girl's night out tonight, I'll see you later though Iruka-kun."
"See you tonight Anko-chan, have fun," Iruka said.
"See you tomorrow morning, Anko-sensei," Naruto said.
"Have a nice night, Anko-sensei," Hinata added.
"See you tomorrow gakis, and don't worry Hina-chan I have plans for you too, just no taijutsu I'm afraid," Anko said, addressing Hinata's concerns.
"Why Sensei?" the young girl asked.
"As fun as annoying the Hyuga Elders sounds, I don't think it's wise, ja ne," Anko said as she went off to get ready for tomorrow and then meet her friends.
"I guess I should go too," Iruka said.
"Iruka-sensei, Anko-sensei's birthday is next week right?" Naruto asked, before Iruka could leave.
"Don't remind me, I still don't know what to get her," Iruka said.
"She likes performing tea ceremonies right?" Naruto asked, after skimming Anko's memories.
"Yes, but I got her a tea set last year," Iruka said.
"I was asking about a gift from me," Naruto said, wondering if he should divulge what he learned to Iruka.
"Great, but what should I get her?" Iruka asked no one in particular.
"Silver band with a diamond," Naruto said reaching a conclusion.
"What?" Iruka asked.
"She wants a diamond engagement ring with a silver band, you know if you want to ask her to marry you," Naruto asked.
"I was planning to do just that after the school year was over," Iruka said. Continuing he said, "But I don't think I can wait anymore. I'll do it, thanks Naruto."
"You're welcome, but it feels like I betrayed Anko-sensei's trust by telling you that," Naruto said.
"Somehow, I don't think she'll mind Naruto-kun," Hinata said. "But even if she does I think she will forgive you," Hinata continued.
"I hope so," Naruto said.
"Kurenai-san said that after Orochimaru left the village, Anko-sensei was lonely for a long time," Hinata started to explain. "I don't think Anko-sensei ever met her parents and many people feared that she was an Orochimaru sleeper cell," Hinata finished.
"That's how Anko-chan and I met," Iruka said. "My parents died in the Kyubi attack a year prior. I don't think Anko-chan knew what her sensei was doing, but she disappeared with him, and was gone for months. She needed someone and I did too, but she had trouble trusting others afterwards."
"That makes me feel worse, Sensei," Naruto told Iruka.
"It shouldn't Naruto,' Iruka said. He went on, "Yes, I should have come up with a gift idea on my own but, you did what you did because you care right?"
"Yes, of course," Naruto said.
"Then it's fine, but if it makes you feel better we'll tell her after I give her the ring alright?" Iruka asked.
"Thank you Sensei," Naruto said.
"No problem, see you both tomorrow," Iruka said and with that he was gone.
Now that it was just the two of them Naruto turned to Hinata and said, "Hinata-chan, let's talk on the way back to the Hyuga Compound."
"Alright Naruto-kun," Hinata said walking alongside the blonde.
"Hinata-chan, about what I said last night, I want you to know I meant it," Naruto said.
"Naruto-kun, you made me so happy when you said that," Hinata admitted.
"Hinata-chan you have no idea how relieved I am to hear that, I was afraid I screwed up one of the best things that ever happened to me," Naruto explained.
"Naruto-kun, you saw my memories so you know that I've been watching you for a long time, I've always admired you," Hinata said to her crush.
"Yes I know, I don't know much about any kind of relationship but I've seen how happy Iruka-sensei and Anko-sensei are and I want that too. And I know I might sound selfish but lately I've been thinking that I can't be happy without you," Naruto said.
"If you're selfish so am I, when you had a crush on Sakura I told myself as long as you were happy it was okay but I knew I didn't mean it," Hinata said.
"Hinata-chan, I'm sorry that I hurt you," Naruto said. He continued, "I'm sorry about this too, but maybe we should wait until after graduation to talk to your father."
"It's no problem Naruto-kun, I was actually going to suggest that," Hinata said.
"Well here we are," Naruto said. Feeling daring he kissed Hinata on the cheek and said, "See you tomorrow, Hinata-chan."
Hinata touched the cheek that Naruto had kissed and said, "See you tomorrow Naruto-kun." And with that she made her way inside her clan's compound.
The next day Naruto arrived outside of the Hyuga Compound a half-hour before he and Hinata were supposed to meet Anko for training. He didn't have to wait long Hinata, who was apparently just as eager as him, was already waiting.
"Ohayo, Naruto-kun," she greeted.
"Ohayo, Hinata-chan," he responded. As they started walking Naruto was acting unusually fidgety which had Hinata worried.
"What's wrong Naruto-kun," she asked.
"Remember yesterday when I asked Iruka-sensei about a birthday present for Anko-sensei?" Naruto reminded her.
"Yes," Hinata said, urging him to go on.
"Well, I know next to nothing about tea sets, and even if I did I'm almost positive I wouldn't be allowed to buy one," Naruto explained. He went on to ask, "I feel bad about asking, but if I gave you the money could you buy one?"
"Naruto-kun, I'll pay for half of it, don't forget Anko-sensei is helping me too," Hinata stated leaving no room for argument.
"Yes dear," Naruto said jokingly.
"Already whipped, you work fast Hinata," came a smooth feminine voice.
"Kurenai-san!" Hinata exclaimed, red in the face from the previous comment.
The now identified Yuuhi Kurenai revealed herself to the two academy students. Kurenai was a newly promoted jonin kunoichi. She was a woman with piercing red eyes, light skin, and dark hair in a Farrah Fawcett style. Kurenai had been assigned to look after Hinata as a chunin at the behest of Hyuga Hiashi and had been looking out for the girl ever since.
"I'm just joking, Hinata, but you two do look cute together," Kurenai said, while still chuckling at her own joke. She then turned to Naruto to introduce herself, "Hello, my name is Yuuhi Kurenai, a recently promoted jonin."
"Uzumaki Naruto, nice to meet you," Naruto said introducing himself. He then asked the newcomer, "Is it true that you're the 'Genjutsu Mistress of Konoha'?"
"People have started calling me that, but there is still much I must learn," Kurenai said in a humble tone.
"I've been having trouble with genjutsu, is there any advice you could give me?" Naruto asked as politely as he could.
"Let's wait until we get to Training Ground 7 and we'll see, but I'll do my best to help," Kurenai said, happy that someone appreciated her chosen craft.
"You're coming with us, Kurenai-san?" Hinata asked.
"Yes, Anko mentioned this special training of yours and I asked if I could help," Kurenai explained. She continued, "I am interested in this Mu jutsu she mentioned and wanted to see it for myself."
"There isn't much to see yet, we just started making it a few weeks ago," Naruto admitted.
"It's impressive that you've developed anything, creating jutsu, even with the proper affinity, takes years and the two of you are pioneering an entire nature transformation," Kurenai told the children.
"Thank you Kurenai-san," Naruto said as the trio arrived at Training Ground 7. They were soon greeted by Anko and Iruka.
"Hello, gakis," Anko greeted.
"Ohayo Anko-sensei, Iruka-sensei," Naruto and Hinata greeted.
"Kurenai glad you could join us," Anko told her friend.
"Like I said last night, I'm curious," Kurenai told her friend.
"I remember, now let's get started, gakis each of you a piece of this paper," Anko said holding up a small piece of paper and pointing to other pieces.
"Hai Sensei," her students responded, each taking a piece of paper.
"Now channel some chakra into the paper, Hinata, you first," Anko ordered.
"Hai Sensei," Hinata responded. Upon channeling some chakra the paper started to get wet.
"Thought so, Hinata your chakra affinity is water," Anko said matter-of-factly.
"How does the paper tell you that exactly, Sensei?" Naruto asked.
"When chakra is channeled into the paper one of five things happen depending on the nature latent in the chakra: for fire the paper will ignite and turn to ash; for wind the paper will split in two; for lightning the paper will wrinkle; for earth the paper will turn to dirt and crumble away; for water the paper will become wet," Iruka explained.
"Does it only ever respond one way?" Naruto asked
"As far as any of us know, yes, however, by the time most shinobi reach the rank of jonin they have mastered two natures," Iruka explained. He continued saying, "Many kekkei genkai involve combining two elements, and I have heard that the Sandaime Tsuchikage can use three natures to use something called dust release."
"That's cool, but what about yin and yang chakra?" Naruto asked.
"There is no record of chakra paper reacting to either of those natures, but that is probably because yin and yang chakra are the basis for all non-elemental jutsu," Iruka explained.
"Alright Naruto, your turn," Anko ordered.
"Hai, Anko-sensei, but I thought I was just learning taijutsu?" Naruto questioned.
"We are but I told Hinata I would teach her a few things and nature manipulation seems like a good place to start," Anko explained. "I thought it would be good for you as well, some people believe that a person's chakra nature has an impact on how quickly they learn specific taijutsu styles. Now, no more stalling," Anko ordered.
"Hai Sensei," Naruto said as he channeled chakra into the paper. The paper did something unexpected: it began to split in two but started to fade until it disappeared completely.
"Okay, that was weird," Anko stated.
"I think everyone should step back, I don't think it's done," Naruto said, taking a few steps back..
"What do yo-" Anko started to ask as the unexpected happened once again. In the spot where Naruto had held the paper a flame had appeared; after a few second a mini cyclone took its place; next up a few sparks appeared; a sphere of water soon replaced that; afterwards the water turned into mud and then dried out leaving a dirt clod; The dirt soon started to crack and light began radiating through the cracks; the dirt finally crumbled away to reveal a ball of light; and soon the light turned into a mass of darkness before fading out of existence again.
"What was that?" Anko asked.
"I don't know, but I think Hokage-sama should know about this," Kurenai said.
"I already know Kurenai," a voice said. Sarutobi Hiruzen accompanied by Hatake Kakashi were approaching form the direction of The Memorial Stone. "I came to pay my respects to those who are no longer with us when I ran into Kakashi here; we both saw what just happened."
"I must admit it was interesting," Kakashi said in a serious tone.
"Any ideas as to how it happened Hokage-sama?" Iruka asked.
"None, I'm afraid," Hiruzen admitted.
"I have an idea," Hinata said.
"What is it Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked.
"Remember Ichiro-san's explanation of dark matter and how if it exists it is in everything?" Hinata asked Naruto.
"I do, are you saying my chakra nature allows me to manipulate the dark matter in everything?" Naruto asked.
"Maybe," Hinata said.
"What exactly are the two of you talking about?" Kakashi asked.
The two academy students explained the concept of dark matter and its relationship to Mu. When they were finished the Hokage said, "After hearing that I believe young Hinata might be right. Naruto may very well be able to use one nature as easily as the next."
"But what about the light and darkness?" Kurenai asked.
"Yin and yang release are also called the dark and light release respectively, and because Mu exists between the two Naruto may be able to create techniques based on light and darkness as well," The Hokage suggested.
"That sounds awesome but maybe we should test that theory Jiji," Naruto said.
"I agree Naruto, but I am at a loss as to how to test light and dark techniques simply because I don't know of any," the Sandaime admitted.
"I'm already creating Mu jutsu, creating two more nature transformations couldn't be that much harder," Naruto said, mostly in an attempt to reassure himself.
"Maybe, but for now let's stick with the five established natures," Hiruzen suggested, seeing Naruto's discomfort. The Hokage then said, "Naruto I am going teach you some low level jutsu and I want you to try them."
"Hai Jiji," Naruto said.
Hiruzen then proceeded to teach Naruto Katon: Phoenix Flower Jutsu; Futon: Great Breakthrough; Suiton: Gunshot; Doton: Headhunter Jutsu; and Raiton: Discharge. After which he had Naruto try each, and while it was clear that he was just a beginner, Naruto did indeed succeed in using each jutsu.
"Well it seems young Hinata's theory was correct, Naruto with this you may very well be on your way to being the next Shinobi no Kami someday," the Sandaime said clearly impressed.
"That sound cool Jiji, but I still need to test the other two natures," Naruto said happy for the compliment but still feeling as though it was undeserved without light and dark jutsu to test out.
"You're still young you have plenty of time," Hiruzen said. Noticing the position of the sun he said, "Before anything else though you kids need to get to class."
"Sure thing Jiji and thanks," Naruto said. Turning to Anko he said, "Sorry we couldn't actually train Anko-sensei, should Hinata-chan and I meet you here tomorrow?"
"Same time same place gaki," Anko responded. Turning to her boyfriend she said, "Iruka-kun I guess you better get going too."
"Yeah, see you tonight?" Iruka asked.
"Of course," Anko responded.
With that the students and the chunin instructor headed for the Academy, leaving the others to discuss Naruto's latest surprise.
I know it has been done to death but yes, Naruto has all the elements and some others. I have been receiving suggestions to give him the abilities of the members of Organization XIII in regards to their use of elements. I must admit that those making the suggestions made a very convincing case to me, and although I am sure that this is not what they had envisioned I think it is acceptable. Do not worry, Naruto is going to be more concerned with light, dark, and mu techniques before he learns many already established, more powerful jutsu.
If I receive enough negative feedback I will redo this chapter, but I think I can work with it. The story summary did say Naruto "gains the power to do everything with power over nothing" so for now it will stay. Again with enough negative feedback I will redo it and will be willing to forget the whole second half of the chapter if you will.
For those who do like the idea though, please submit ideas for light and dark jutsu, I will try to incorporate Sora and Riku's techniques as well as jutsu based off of Ventus' Wing Blade and Terra's Dark Impulse Command styles, but all of those are too powerful to start off with, assuming things stay the way they are.
There is one more thing I need help with: Naruto needs to learn Xemnas' Into the Void technique. Players of KH2 will remember this attack as the one that drains Sora's health during the end of the final battle. It was described on the Kingdom Hearts wiki as an attempt to pull out Sora's heart, but I envision it more as a way to counter the Edo Tensei. The problem is I can't think of a situation where he would develop it and coming up with it on the fly seems wrong to me.
Read and review and thank you for your input.