Naruto created a shadow clone to help Kiba work on his Earth jutsu while the original went to his own area to work on his own training.
As the blond created around two thousand shadow clones, they were split into different groups to help cover different areas. One section worked on perfecting the Rasengan, the other with Fuinjutsu, another group did kenjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. Others worked on doing chakra control and controlling of elemental chakra.
The real Naruto was meditating and having an image battle against Zabuza. Years ago, Naruto learned about image fighting from Guy. This allowed the mind to remain sharper, along with the body gaining strength from physical training.
Anko was training Hinata and though the girl was getting the hang of it, last night's conversation had her in a bad mood. This caused Anko to take her aggression out on the girl.
Fortunately, Hinata was used to this behavior from training with her father and family since she was younger.
Kurenai was at the bridge with Tazuna, but unlike Anko, she didn't play with the workers that tried to flirt with her. It took two genjutsu's to get the men to stop cat calling her.
In an unknown location, Zabuza was currently on bed rest while the tracker ninja, Haku, he was caring for his master.
"That Damn brat really messed me up." Zabuza said as he winced from the pain.
"We're lucky I was fast enough. But if I'm being honest, I think he spared your life." Haku said.
Zabuza's killing intent was leaking. "Watch your tongue, boy!" Zabuza snapped.
Haku was used to this behavior. "My apologies, Lord Zabuza. But it's true. He was aware of my presence but didn't react. I have reason to suspect that he could have killed you if he wanted to. I mean, his mark is still on your arm." Haku pointed out.
Zabuza sighed. "That brat isn't normal. I won't underestimate him next time. No, next time we strike, we'll attack him where it hurts. The heart." Zabuza said.
Naruto was sitting down in his clearing alone. After the training was finished, the blond decided to fight his clones in an all out battle royal. Of course, he was able to win, but not without having great damage.
As he sat down, Naruto was aware of Inari's presence. However, he decided to not bother with the boy. Suddenly, the presence of his sensei was known and Naruto decided to greet her.
"Hello, Kurenai sensei." Naruto said while remaining in the same spot against the tree.
"Naruto, I've got to have a talk with you." Kurenai said in a stern tone.
"What is it? Please don't lecture me in regards to my talk with Anko." Naruto said with his face growing an annoyed expression.
"What happened to you? You used to be such a sweet, kind, loving, and caring boy. Now, you've become this isolate boy that's shut off his emotions. You're." Kurenai but was cut off.
"You think I'm turning into Itachi Uchiha? Well let me tell you something. I'm nothing like him. I'd never lay my hand on a fellow Konoha shinobi." Naruto said.
"Don't you care how your actions are affecting everyone? Even your team has concerns about you." Kurenai said.
"Nobody told them to worry. Besides, once the chunin exams come and I get my promotion, you guys won't be subjected to me." Naruto said as he stood up and prepared to leave.
"Naruto. You're hurting her worse than any kunai ever. How can you live with yourself and be alright with it?" Kurenai asked as he face was building.
Suddenly, Naruto appeared before her, their faces inches away. As his Sharingan eyes were spinning, Kurenai's eyes went wide.
"That's impossible... That can't be true." Kurenai said in disbelief.
Naruto started walking away but stopped and turned his head slightly. "I wish that was the case." Naruto muttered before zleaving.
Kiba and Hinata were engaging Anko in a taijutsu spare. This was to help train their physical conditioning instead of working on learning jutsu.
As Hinata tried to strike the woman, Anko's serpent style allowed her move in flexible positions that allowed for ledher to dodge with ease. When Hinata charged, she was met with a kick to her gut and a fist to her face.
Kiba Jumped down from the trees but like Hinata, he received a kick to his gut that sent him flying. The two genin were breathing heavily.
"You two are getting better. I think when the chunin exams come around, you'll do well." Anko said with a smile of pride.
"What are the chunin exams?" Kiba asked.
"I can't go into detail but it will push you to your absolute limits." Anko said with a smirk. "Alright, that's enough for today. Let's turn in." Anko said.
"Yes, Anko sensei." Hinata and Kiba said as they followed the woman towards the house.
Team eight, Tsunami, and Tazuna were sitting down at the table, enjoying a nice hot meal. As they sat down, Inari came to the kitchen, glaring with anger.
"What's the point? You're all just going to die!" Inari shouted.
"Inari, stop that." Tsunami scolded as she tried apologizing to the others.
"No, it's true. It doesn't matter how hard you train, you can't stop Gato! You think life is so great? You probably never had to deal with pain. You don't know what suffering is!" Inari shouted.
In a flash, Naruto charged at the boy and slammed him into the wall as his eyes were spinning. "How dare you say such things. You don't know anything about me!" Naruto shouted.
"Oh please! You live in a shinobi village, you probably have a big fancy house, warm cooked meals, and people that can take care of you! You don't know anything about suffering.
Naruto shocked everyone by punching the child in his face, causing him to go wide eyed. "Spend your life being hated by every god damn person for just existing. Grow up with no parents and relying on the people from the order of your kage.
You don't know the first thing about suffering. To wake up and have to avoid the people you love and care about mind ear that they'll be hurt by associating with you. You don't know the first thing about suffering." Naruto said as he turned away.
"I'm going to train, don't follow me." Naruto said as he slammed the door behind him.
Silence took over the house. It was as if the blond pulled the vocal cords from everyone in the house. "Kurenai sensei?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, Hinata?" Kurenai asked hesitantly while try to recover from her shock.
"What did Naruto mean? Was everything he said true?" Hinata asked. While the girl was known for being high spirited, aggressive, and gave the aura of not caring about anything other than strength X hearing the words of Naruto had even affected her.
"Yeah, please tell us he was exaggerating." Kiba said with same level of nervousness.
Kurenai sighed. "No, he was telling the truth. Naruto's life has been a life filled with pain and suffering. Yes, he's had myself, Anko, and many others. But truthfully, he feared for our lives day after day." Kurenai said.
"How do you know all this?" Kiba asked.
"I went to speak with Naruto earlier. He was able to use his Sharingan and it allowed me to see into his mind. I have no idea how he hasn't snapped or lost his mind. But Naruto's determination to protect the people precious to him, I think that's what gives him his drive." Explained Kurenai.
Inari was sitting on his back porch, thinking about what Naruto said when he was joined by Anko. "Hey Gaki, you alright?" Anko asked while trying to be easy.
"I'm fine." Inari muttered.
The purple haired woman sighed. "You know, I don't think Naruto meant to snap the way he did. Like Kurenai said, his life hasn't always been easy. Even I don't completely understand him." Anko said.
"Then why? Why does he try so hard if he's so miserable?" Inari asked.
"It's because he knows what it's like to be alone and he'll do whatever it takes to keep the people he cares about sage. You know, I wouldn't be surprised if your home is saved before we leave." Anko said in a calm tone as she rubbed the kid's back.
"But I'm scared. I don't know what to do. I'm too afraid to stand up to Gato." Inari said through the tears.
"Being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared. Being brave means doing what you need to do, while scared." Anko explained as she stood up.
She proceeded inside and decided to go to her room and get some rest before taking Tazuna to the bridge.
Naruto was currently destroying trees and multiple shadow clones. "That little bastard! What the heck does he know about pain and suffering?" Naruto asked himself as he continued his barrage.
"It's only human." Said the voice of a familiar old man.
"Huh, what are you doing here, gramps?" Naruto asked as he saw Hagoromo.
"I've come to see my child. It looks like you're upset. Come over here and talk to me." Said Hagoromo.
Naruto sighed and began explaining everything. This caused the sage to smile sadly. "It's just so hard." Naruto said as a few tears ran down his face.
"Naruto, do you remember what I told you a long time ago?" Hagoromo asked.
Naruto looked up at the man. "Am I willing to make the sacrifice for a changed world?" Asked the blond.
"Naruto, you have impressed me time and time again. You saw first hand, the easy path to power. As you should know, the easy path often leads to long life of suffering and hardships.
When taking the hard road, such as you are. Yes, it may be difficult and even push you to question your own choice. However, I have reason to believe that it will bring you to a life of peace and content." Said the sage.
"But why does it hurt like this? How could anyone do this?" Naruto asked.
"You were chosen by fate before I existed. Many have walked the paths with the same heart as you. But they failed in their attempt due to not having the will to keep going.
Like your leader says, you have the Will of Fire. Naruto, I see it clearly. Your Will of Fire is burning brighter than anything I've ever seen." Hagoromo said with a grandfatherly smile
Naruto smirked. "Be careful gramps, you're starting to sound like Bushy Brow sensei." Naruto joked, causing the sage the laugh.
"Naruto, hold on to your will and let it guide you through the difficult obstacles you encounter. I have faith in you my child." Hagoromo said.
The blond stood silent as his eyes became shadowed. With a new determination, Naruto refused to ever back down and he'd keep moving forward, even if it kill him. The blond created a few shadow clones to resume his training.
Morning time came around, Naruto was sleeping peacefully. As a stranger with a feminine appearance entered the clearing, they saw the sleeping form of Naruto.
"It's him." Thought Haku as he grabbed a senbon from his basket. "I'll end him now and save Zabuza from the trouble of fighting." Haku thought as he approached the blond.
"Now, you weren't going to try and kill a sleeping man are you, tracker ninja?" Naruto asked with his eyes closed.
Haku froze. He didn't know if the blond would attack and engage him in battle. "Relax, I don't feel like fighting. But what are you doing out here?" Naruto asked as he sat down.
"I'm picking some herbs for Zabuza. He'll be ready in a day or so." Haku said, mentally cursing himself for revealing that information.
"I see. Well, I hope he gets better soon. I'm craving a rematch with him." Naruto said.
"Why do you want to fight Zabuza? Why do you even wish ti become stronger if you're already strong?" Haku asked.
Naruto looked at him. "I have people precious to me that I would protect with my life. Zabuza is a threat to them and just like him, other people may threaten those K care about. I will train hard and continue growig to make sure nobody can harm them." Naruto explained.
"I see. Well, I will be going now. I look forward to seeing you on the bridge." Haku said as he left.
"Likewise." Naruto said back.