Chapter 13: Graduation and That Empty Feeling
Alright folks, I'm back with a new chapter.
Alright folks, I'm glad people don't entirely hate the Organization weapons idea. For those wondering, right now Arpeggio is just sort of there, if Hinata isn't around water there isn't much point in having it with her. It isn't as though she can pull moisture out of the air like the Nidaime.
For those of you wondering, I won't be putting the Keyblade in this story. Maybe I will put it in some other story but it has no place in this one.
It's the long awaited Forbidden Scroll chapter. I hope you like it.
Today's the day, Naruto thought as he woke up and got ready to start his day. All too soon the school year had come to an end, at least Naruto thought so. It had been a long and unusual year but Naruto was sad to see it end, or rather he was dreading team assignments. I want to be on Hinata-chan's team but my luck isn't that good, Naruto thought.
"If you're put on the Uchiha's team, kill him," the Kyubi said.
He makes it pretty damn tempting, but I can't, Naruto responded. He went on; I don't have the skills to get away with it.
"If you don't like him either why were you trying to make nice with him a few months back?" the Fox asked.
It seemed like a good idea at the time, I didn't realize he was so against the idea of having friends, Naruto answered.
Continuingwith his questions the Kyubi then asked, "Are you worried that teaching him those jutsus will come back to bite you in the ass?"
No, they were four low-level elemental jutsu and chances are he would have come across them on his own at some point, Naruto answered.
"You're probably right about that, but I still think it was a bad idea," the Fox commented.
Yeah, extend an olive branch to Sasuke and he tries to beat me over the head with it, Naruto though rather bitterly. With the conversation over, Naruto showered and got ready to start his day.
Iruka had just finished making breakfast when Naruto had finished his morning routine. Sensing something amiss with his surrogate little brother and favorite student he asked, "Is something wrong Naruto?"
"Yeah gaki, I thought you would be excited," Anko chimed in from her spot at the table
"I am, I mean I'm sure I'll graduate this time with my Mu bunshins, but I guess I'm just nervous about the future," Naruto told them.
"If you're worried about your friends don't be, I'm sure they'll pass," Anko said.
"It's not that, I think I'm worried about the team assignments," Naruto explained.
"Naruto, you should focus on the obstacle in front of you right now, worry about the teams after graduation," Iruka told the blonde.
"If you pass one of us will teach you the Shunshin no Jutsu, how's that sound?" Anko asked.
"Sounds great, I think I feel better too," Naruto told his surrogate sister.
"Glad to hear it, now eat up. We have to meet Hinata-chan and Kurenai-chan for independent morning training," Anko reminded her otouto.
"Sure thing Nee-chan," Naruto said, all worries forgotten.
Anko had finished teaching Naruto what she could about snake style a few months back. That didn't stop Naruto and Hinata from insisting on morning training. The training now focused on jutsu creation, elemental manipulation, and taijutsu practice, under the watchful eye of two jonin kunoichi.
For the past week-and-a-half Naruto had been working on a new jutsu; he found a way to shroud himself in darkness but he could not complete it. He would try to cover himself in his shadow but he couldn't get it past his waist without it receding.
"One more try and then you have to get to class gaki," Anko called, alerting Naruto to the time.
"Forget it, I'll try after class," Naruto said, figuring he had too much on his mind to get the technique right.
"That's probably a good idea Naruto-kun," Hinata said. She knew that Naruto wouldn't pass if he was too tired for the practical parts of the exam.
"All right then, let's go," Kurenai said leading the group towards the Academy.
"Are there any leads on who attacked Hinata-chan and I a few months back?" Naruto asked the adult kunoichi.
"No, whoever it was has been quiet since then," Anko said. Thinking that Naruto suspected something she then asked, "Why, did something else happen?"
"I don't know if the two are related but Mizuki-sensei started acting really strange after the attack, like 'creepy uncle' strange," Naruto said.
"What exactly do you mean?" Kurenai asked.
"I might be reading too much into it, but Mizuki-sensei has been unusually nice, like going out of his way nice, I'm afraid to be alone with him," Naruto admitted.
"I guess there's no point in keeping it a secret anymore. Iruka-kun and I are convinced that Mizuki was the one who attacked the two of you, but we didn't think we should say anything without proof," Anko told the kids.
"And if you told us and Hinata-chan and I started acting differently towards him it might have forced him to act," Naruto said.
"I know why you did it Anko-sensei, but I don't really appreciate being lied to," Hinata said.
"I know and I'm sorry," Anko said as she bowed her head.
"It's fine Anko-neechan, you and Iruka-nii did what you thought was best," Naruto said in an understanding voice.
"Alright, enough of that, it's time for class you two," Kurenai told the children. She then wished them the best of luck and sent them on their way.
"Eyes on the prize gakis," Anko reminded them.
The graduation exam had two parts a written test and a practical examination. Naruto managed to get through the written portion on the exam with little difficulty this year, Iruka had made sure he was given the correct test paper and that it had not been tampered with. The practical exam tested the students' knowledge and aptitude with basic ninjutsu, specifically the henge, kawarimi, and bunshin no jutsu. When a name was called that student would go into the next classroom where Iruka and Mizuki would test them on those three jutsu. Naruto was happy to see that none of his friends had any trouble passing the exam. Once Sasuke had completed his exam, Naruto knew it was his turn next.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Iruka's voice called.
Naruto got out of his seat and made his way to the next classroom but not before Hinata stopped him.
"What's up, Hinata-chan?" he asked, noticing how cute she looked wearing her hitai-ate as a choker.
Hinata shifted uncomfortably before leaning forward and giving Naruto a peck on the cheek. "For luck," she said as a blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Can I have another when I get back," Naruto asked.
Hinata, going a few shades darker just said, "Go take the exam."
"Yes dear," Naruto responded as he went into the next room. He was greeted to the sight of an irritated Iruka.
"So glad you could join us Naruto," Iruka said.
"Sorry Sensei," Naruto said sheepishly.
"Let's just get started, perform the three Academy Jutsu starting with the henge," Iruka instructed.
"Should I transform into anyone in particular?" Naruto asked.
"As long as it is someone Mizuki or I recognize," Iruka said.
"Alright, henge," Naruto called out after he went through the hand signs. After the puff of smoke cleared the two instructors saw a perfect replica of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Excellent, nice attention to detail Naruto. Now kawarimi," Iruka said as he tossed an eraser at the transformed blonde.
Once the eraser hit Naruto, he burst into smoke and a chair had taken his place.
"Good reaction time Naruto. Now please create at least three bunshins," Iruka told the blonde as Naruto went to stand in front of the teachers again.
"Already done Sensei," Naruto said as he pointed off to the side. Iruka turned his head to see four full copies of Naruto standing off to the side.
"Excellent, not basic bunshins but bunshins all the same, you pass. Step forward to receive your hitai-ate," Iruka said as the Mu bunshins faded back into nonexistence.
"Are you sure Iruka, shouldn't he be able to perform the basic bunshin no jutsu?" Mizuki asked, sounding worried.
"It doesn't matter that much Mizuki, the rules don't specify the type of bunshin no jutsu that must be performed. Come to think of it, last year a boy who couldn't perform ninjutsu or genjutsu passed and I hear he's doing alright," Iruka said in a tone that said the matter was not up for discussion. Giving the matter some thought Iruka then said, "All the same Naruto, you might want to try and perfect the standard bunshin no jutsu, it couldn't hurt."
"I'll see what I can do Sensei," Naruto said as he reached the table with the hitai-ates.
"Actually Naruto, Hokage-sama sent a special hitai-ate for you, it belonged to the Yondaime," Iruka told the boy while holding up a worn yet clearly well cared for hitai-ate.
"Awesome, I should thank him after this," Naruto said taking his father's hitai-ate and putting it on his forehead.
"You can do it when you take your registration photo, you'll see him then," Iruka told Naruto dismissing him so the next student could come in.
Once the last student was finished Iruka and Mizuki re-entered the classroom to congratulate the students.
"I would like to say how proud I am of all of you. Looking back on all the years we've spent together it's hard to believe that it's all over," Iruka said.
"I know that we've only known each other for this school year, but I am just as proud of you as Iruka-sensei," Mizuki told the students, hoping he sounded sincere.
"Remember report back here in a week for team assignments. Until then, dismissed," Iruka told his students.
As the class was leaving Iruka pulled Naruto aside and said, "I have something to take care of so I need you to wait for a bit before we go home and celebrate."
"Alright Iruka-niisan," Naruto responded as he went out into the Academy yard. It wasn't long before he heard what the villagers thought about him becoming a genin.
"Can you believe they let him become a ninja, what's this world coming to?" A woman with long, dark hair said to her friend.
Another woman started to say, "I know I hope he isn't on my son's team. I don't want my baby associating with a de-"
"Shh, you know it's forbidden to talk about that," the first woman reprimanded.
You people don't know me, and you don't know the Kyubi either!" Naruto mentally yelled.
"They can't hear you Naruto," the fox reminded his container.
I know, and I'd say it out loud if I could but it would probably be a bad idea to make a scene right after graduation, Naruto mentally responded.
"Hmmm," the Kyubi grunted.
Something wrong? Naruto asked his partner biju.
"Just thinking is all," the Kyubi said. In truth, he was wondering if Naruto had earned the right to know his name.
I guess I'll leave you to it then, it seems Mizuki wants something, Naruto told the fox breaking their connection. Turning to Mizuki he asked, "Is something wrong Sensei?"
"Nothing's wrong Naruto, congratulations on passing," Mizuki said.
"Thanks Sensei," Naruto responded.
"So looking forward to team assignments?" Mizuki asked.
"Sort of, I just hope I'm put on a team with some of my friends," Naruto answered.
"Well I shouldn't say anything but there is a way for you to pick your teammates," Mizuki said.
This should be good, Naruto thought. "How's that Sensei," he asked, playing along.
"You would have to take another test to earn the right to pick your teammates but I think you deserve it," Mizuki said, thinking Naruto had taken the bait.
How stupid do you think I am? Naruto asked mentally. "What do I have to do Mizuki-sensei?" he asked.
"There's a scroll in the Hokage's office, you need to take it, undetected of course; bring it to a shack in the woods; and learn at least one jutsu from it," Mizuki explained.
A shack in the woods, I really hope he just wants me to go there so he can kill me. What does any of this have to do with team assignments anyway; those are determined by class rankings. Now he's just insulting my intelligence, Naruto mentally ranted. "How do I get to this shack, Sensei?" he asked the chunin.
After giving Naruto directions, Mizuki took his leave but not before saying, "Remember, keep what we talked about a secret until after it's over."
"I understand perfectly Sensei," Naruto said. It's sad, but if I had failed, I probably would have been desperate enough to believe this crap, he thought.
After Mizuki left, Iruka came over and asked, "Ready to head home Naruto?"
"Could we make a slight detour Iruka-nii, I just heard something the Hokage should know about," Naruto answered.
In the Hokage's office both Hiruzen and Iruka listened attentively as Naruto told them what Mizuki had said.
"Hokage-sama what do we do about this?" Iruka asked.
"I'm afraid we have to actually catch Mizuki in the act before anything can be done," the Sandaime said. After taking a puff on his pipe he turned to Naruto and said, "Naruto, I want you to play along and 'steal' the Forbidden Scroll. I will raise the alarm so that Mizuki doesn't get suspicious. If all goes well Iruka will meet up with you afterwards and take care of Mizuki."
"You want him to use the real Forbidden Scroll Hokage-sama?" Iruka asked confused.
"We have no way of knowing how long it will take Mizuki to meet Naruto, a genjutsu or an object under henge would be impractical," the Hokage explained.
"Shouldn't someone stay with Naruto then?" Iruka asked, worried for his student/brother.
"Mizuki is probably going to try to use you for his alibi, and I think it best if we keep this between the three of us for now. If I raise the alarm and Mizuki doesn't report for orders I will explain what is happening to the others," Hiruzen told Iruka.
"I'll be fine aniki," Naruto assured his surrogate older brother. Turning to Hiruzen he asked, "When do we start?"
I suppose I should have expected this, Naruto thought to himself. He was at the shack Mizuki told him about, the Hokage had sent him right after they had finished discussing their course of action. Unfortunately for Naruto that meant he had at least a seven hour wait since the sun hadn't even started to set, and Mizuki had said that he wanted the Scroll at midnight.
"You could always read the Scroll, maybe even make a copy," the Kyubi suggested.
I suppose I could, I certainly have the time, but I must admit I am slightly apprehensive about learning 'forbidden' techniques, Naruto responded.
"The Shodaime labeled these techniques as forbidden jutsu because of the chaka requirements, you will not have this problem," the Kyubi explained.
Well Jiji never said I couldn't, and I guess it wouldn't hurt to look, Naruto thought as he opened the scroll. He also pulled out a few blank scrolls and something to write with. He was glad he had trusted the Kyubi, many of these techniques would be useful particularly the Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu; the Hakke no Fūin Shiki; Genjutsu: Kokuangyo no Jutsu; the Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku; and the Hiraishin no Jutsu. Although, Naruto had learned of some techniques he wished that he hadn't, particularly the Edo Tensei.
Reviving the dead and forcing them to fight, I feel dirty just reading about it, Naruto thought with a shudder.
"I suggest studying it and find a way to counter it," the Kyubi suggested.
Well, no one ever died because they were too prepared, Naruto reasoned as he continued to copy jutsu.
"My point exactly," the Kyubi said.
After he was finished making his copy, Naruto began to train to master the Kage bunshin no Jutsu. Just as he was finishing up he sensed someone coming. That's probably Mizuki, but Irkua-niisan isn't close by. I guess I better keep Mizuki busy, Naruto thought as he put the copy he made away and closed up the Forbidden Scroll. With that done, he made a Kage bunshin and told it to go find Iruka.
"Naruto you did it, now give me the scroll and we'll see what we can do about those team assignments," Mizuki said as he arrived at the clearing. In addition to his usual attire, Mizuki had two fuma shuriken on his back.
Well, don't we look suspicious? Naruto thought. "You know Sensei, I've thought about it and for all I want to keep the teams as they are. Who knows, I might like the team I get," Naruto said trying to keep up the act.
"Even so, we still need to give the scroll back. Give it to me and I'll return it for you," Mizuki said clearly losing his temper.
"That's alright Sensei, I got it out easily enough, and I can put it back. I mean, it's not like we've done anything illegal," Naruto said, hoping he could keep the conversation going. It was in vain however, since Mizuki finally lost his temper and threw his first fuma shuriken at Naruto. In response, Naruto summoned Interdiction and redirected the projectile into the woods.
"I'll make this easy for you fox, give me the Forbidden Scroll and I'll make your death as painless as possible," Mizuki said, finally dropping the act.
"What are you talking about?" Naruto asked.
"Oh right, you don't know. Twelve years ago after the Yondaime defeated the Kyubi a decree was enacted, one that everyone knows about but you. The Kyubi has been walking among us in a human form, but we are forbidden from so much as mentioning it. The reason for this decree is you Naruto, you are the Kyubi!" Mizuki yelled.
"Actually I wanted to know how a fuma shuriken can be used to give anyone a painless death, puncture wounds hurt like hell," Naruto said in response.
"Wh-What?" Mizuki asked no one in particular, surprised that he hadn't broken Naruto's spirit.
"I already knew that other thing, and you have a few details wrong. It doesn't matter though, I know who and what I am. I'm Uzumaki Naruto: I'm not ashamed of being a jinchūriki and I'm not ashamed of Kurama either!" Naruto declared. After he finished he wondered, Wait who's Kurama?
"I am Kurama," the Kyubi, or rather Kurama told Naruto. Kurama went on to explain, "I figured you had earned the right to know my name by now, that was my voice mixed with yours that said it."
I'm honored, thank you Kurama, Naruto responded.
"No, thank you Naruto," Kurama said, glad to have a jinchūriki that didn't see him as a tool or a curse.
"You think you're better than me, don't you Kyubi?" Mizuki asked pulling Naruto away from his internal conversation. Mizuki then continued to rant, "Well you're not, I'm a chunin and you just became a genin. Orochimaru-sama has noticed my talents, and no one acknowledges you. You're a demon and I will become the hero that killed you."
"You're no hero Mizuki," Naruto said simply. Then, feeling lucky he wrapped his shadow around himself forming a cocoon of darkness.
"What the hell is this?" Mizuki asked. Getting ready to attack the cocoon, Mizuki saw a something rush out of the top and head straight for him. Before he had time to blink, Mizuki was being bludgeoned by Naruto and Interdiction. After thirty seconds it stopped and 'Naruto' froze in place and faded, it was then that Mizuki noticed it was a silhouette of Naruto and his ethereal blades, not the real thing.
"What the-?" Mizuki started to ask as it happened again, another silhouette another beating. This happened a third time; a fourth time; a fifth; and finally a sixth time until the real Naruto reemerged and attacked Mizuki himself, knocking him into a tree.
"That's a technique I've been working on, that was my first successful test. Admittedly it needs work but I think I did a pretty good job," Naruto said.
"You!" Mizuki shouted as he threw his last fuma shuriken at Naruto in desperation. This time it was deflected by a chakram.
"That's enough Mizuki, it's over," Iruka said as he walked into the clearing. Turning to Naruto, Iruka said, "Sorry Naruto, I got here before you started that jutsu but I wanted to see it. Excellent work by the way," Iruka said referring to the jutsu and to how Naruto handled Mizuki.
"Iruka, now's your chance, you can kill the demon that killed your parents," Mizuki said as he got to his feet and grabbed the fuma shuriken Iruka had deflected.
"There's no demon here Mizuki, but there is a very sad excuse for a chunin in front of me," Iruka told his former assistant.
"Alright fine, I'll kill you both and give the Scroll to Orochimaru-sama," Mizuki said as he got ready to throw his shuriken.
"I wouldn't do that Mizuki," Iruka warned as his hand in front of him and got ready to snap his fingers.
"Why would I listen to you?" Mizuki asked.
"So you don't get burned," Iruka said as he snapped his fingers causing Mizuki's fuma shuriken, and Mizuki's right arm, to burst into flame.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Mizuki screamed in pain, while waving his arm in a vain attempt to put out the fire.
"Alright let's stop this before the woods burn down. Kai," Iruka said ending the jutsu and dismissing the flames.
Mizuki, thanks to the beating Naruto gave him and the third-degree burns he was now sporting, passed out from the pain. After that Iruka went to pick Mizuki up so they could turn him in.
"Oh Naruto before I forget, what's that jutsu you used called?" Iruka asked.
"I think I'll call it Yamiton: Munashiikage no Mai," Naruto said, grabbing the Forbidden Scroll.
"Good work boys," Hiruzen told Iruka and Naruto as he put the Forbidden Scroll back where it belonged.
"Thank you Hokage-sama," Iruka responded.
"No problem Jiji," Naruto said.
"Naruto, there's something I've been meaning to say to you and it's long overdue," Hiruzen said.
"What's up Jiji?" Naruto asked.
"I wanted to say that I'm sorry I didn't tell you about your parents or the Kyubi. I thought that I was doing the right thing but in the end I just caused you more pain," Hiruzen said.
"It's fine Jiji, it wasn't your fault. Anyway thanks to that I got something the other jinchūriki never get," Naruto said.
"What do you mean?" Hiruzen asked; confusion all over his face.
"Kurama told me that in order to ensure that a jinchūriki remains loyal to their respective village they are usually selected from family of the village's own Kage. If I had known that my father was the Yondaime I may have felt compelled to become a ninja to protect the village, but since you didn't tell me you gave me a choice. I chose to become a ninja, originally it may have been for selfish reason, but I never once felt obligated to become a ninja. So thank you Jiji," Naruto explained.
"Naruto," Hiruzen said simply, prouder than he had ever been of how Naruto had turned out.
"Anyway, good night Jiji," Naruto said exiting the office.
"Good night Hokage-sama," Iruka said following Naruto.
"Minato, Kushina, you would both be so proud of your son," Hiruzen said before heading off to bed.
Another chapter done.
I'm actually pretty happy with this one, so I hope you like it.
I'm sure most of you are familiar with the jutsu in the Forbidden Scroll, but I'll translate some of the others.
Hakke no Fūin Shiki- The Eight Trigrams Sealing Style, consisting of two Four Symbols Seals, was used by Minato Namikaze to help Naruto Uzumaki access the chakra of Kurama, the tailed beast sealed within him.
To perform the technique, the user must first summon a ceremonial throne and place the target on it.
Genjutsu: Kokuangyo no Jutsu- Bringer of Darkness Technique, this is the genjutsu that one of the reanimated Hokage use against Hiruzen during the Invasion of Konoha (the manga has Hashirama use it and the anime has Tobirama use it).
Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku- Fire Release: Great Flame Annihilation
And the jutsu Naruto used against Mizuki is the attack that Vanitas's Lingering Spirit uses in Birth By Sleep where his silhouettes attack the player before the spirit attacks the player. The proper name is never given, this name was suggested by a guest reviewer, I just tweaked it a little. It translates to Dark Release: Empty Dance of Shadows; or it is supposed to. I used a free translator and I have poor luck with those.
I'm taking a break next week. Those of you in the U.S. who hosts Thanksgiving at their house will understand why.
Read and review and I'll be back in two weeks.