Welcome once again to the next chapter of Naruto the wolf sage. Hoping you guys are really liking the story and if there is anything that you think would make the story better message me about it. This story is just as much written by the ideas of the fans as much as it is by the writer just know that not all ideas are feasible. Still hoping that more of you guys will review my story and give me your opinions I want your input on what you guys think of the story so far. Otherwise hope to hear from you guys soon. P.S. Forgot to state this when I started this fic so please bear with me. The wolves Naruto made the contract with are dire wolves so they are bigger, stronger and meaner than your average wolf sorry about that.
"You really should have told them that from the start and two you need to get some new material dude this intro is getting old."
"Wait Naruto, how did you get in here?"
"Hello, Ninjaduh."
The atmosphere in the Uzumaki-Namikaze estate was a happy one as Kushina hugged her five kids with all the strength and happiness she could muster even though Naruto was a bit stiff in returning the hug. Don't get the wrong idea he had almost gotten to about maybe 40% in the family issue resolution department (hey don't knock it that is way more than what it used to be.) but he still wasn't ready to be all touchy feely or fully open with most of his family yet. At this Narumi spoke up from among her siblings, "Mom easy if you squeeze any harder and you'll crush us." She managed to squeak out before Kushina pulled back a bit.
"Oh, I'm just so proud of you all." Kushina said before returning to squeezing them in her tight embrace.
"Stop it you're killing us." Narumi piped up again.
When Kushina finally did let go of them Naruto spoke up, "You know this isn't really all that noteworthy right. I mean we still have the third part of the exam to pass."
Minato spoke up at this comment, "This may not seem like much but it is still a reason to be proud you all performed wonderfully out there." At this Narumi hmphed since she never got to fight in the preliminaries. This caused those who were in the room to laugh at the young girl's reaction while Naruto only smirked slightly he knew how much his sister had wanted to fight so she could show just how far she had come.
"Alright lets go out and celebrate." Jiraiya cheered
"Yeah!" Tsunade cheered ready to party.
Orochimaru couldn't help but sigh and shake his head slightly but he was used to it by now since he had been on the same team as these two, but he had to admit their attitude was if nothing else a bit contagious as he tried to hide his smirk.
Minato smiled at the antics of his former sensei and his teammates. While he himself would be the first to suggest that they celebrate he also knew that the third part of the exam was going to be the hardest one. Since none of his children liked to lose, not to mention that they all seemed to have inherited Kushina's competitive nature to boot. All he could think was, 'This is going to be one heck of a final exam.'
As they were about to leave Naruto asked if Haku was allowed to come with them as well since she had no one in the way of family to celebrate with. Kushina just smiled at her son as she responded, "Of course she can." At this Naruto smiled and raced off go get Haku. Meeting the family at the Yakiniku Q since the three sages managed to convince Minato that going to Ichiraku ramen every time they went out for dinner and or to get food was overkill. To which Minato conceded the point twenty minutes later the family plus Haku was eating and having an all-around good time for the most part.
Also running into Team 10 was fun since Asuma ended up having to pay up on the barbeque he offered up since both Shikamaru and Ino made it to the final round of the Chūnin exams, plus he felt bad for how he had gotten Choji into the arena when he was out classed by his opponent. After he saw the bill however he didn't feel like it was such a good idea and his wallet was going to be feeling it for some time to come. When all was said and done the family went home after saying goodbye to team 10 and dropping Haku off at her new apartment they were about to call it a night before Mito pointed out one very important fact.
"Wait we need to pick who we want to train with for the final round." At this statement both Menma and Narumi agreed with a spoken, "Hey that's right."
At this the room became serious as Minato posed the question, "Alright which one of us would you like to train under kids? Just remember, there won't be any switching or complaining allowed once you've chosen your sensei for the month." Minato explained, getting excited reactions from his children.
At this Mito spoke up "Orochi-oji please train me for the month!" Taking first pick Orochimaru couldn't help but smile as he replied.
"I look forward to our time together, be ready though when I'm done with you the others won't know what hit them."
Next to step forward was Menma as he asked "Hey! Jiraiya-oji, you'll make me stronger then Tou-san right?" Menma asked his godfather. At this Jiraiya answered with a hearty laugh before responding.
"Heh! What do you take me for Menma!? I am Jiraiya the Great toad Sage of Mount Myōboku! The sensei of the 4th Hokage!" this statement caused Kushina, Shizune and Tsunade to sigh at his boasting, while Minato just chuckled slightly at his Sensei's antics.
When the groaning was over Narumi stepped up "Tsunade-baachan! Could you please teach me this month?" Narumi asked, employing her 'puppy dog eyes Jutsu'.
"Of course, Rumi-chan! Once I'm done training you, I'm going all in on you winning the finals!" Tsunade said with her eyes burning in determination as Narumi just laughed at her godmother's actions as everyone else chuckled wryly knowing how her luck normally went.
After this Kōga was next to speak on who he wanted to train with "Kaa-chan will you train me for the finals?" he asked at this Kushina smiled as she replied.
"We'll show them who's boss when all is said and done." This statement made Kōga chuckle as he knew that his mother's competitive side was showing.
"Well Naruto what do you say if you and I…" Before he could finish his statement Naruto held up a hand to interrupt his father.
"If it's all the same to you I would like to ask if I would be allowed to have access to training ground 44 for the month to train?" At this request everyone in the room turned their attention to Naruto while Minato deflated slightly before trying one more time at getting Naruto to train with him.
"Naruto, I can train you if you'd like or I can get Kakashi to…" again Naruto raised his hand before speaking up.
"While I appreciate the offer more than you know I can't accept. However, if you could approve my request I would greatly appreciate it." Naruto said as Minato gave him a sad smile.
Nodding to him he relented, "Okay I will let Yūgao know where you are training along with Anko so that they both don't freak out for different reasons. Just be careful in there ok and come back safe." Minato said, concern in his voice."
"I will and don't worry I will be back in time for the finals." Naruto stated smiling.
x x x x
Two weeks have passed since then and the training of the young shinobi was not slowing down one bit. Minato was sitting at his desk having managed to get his greatest foe paperwork under control for the time being he took a rare moment to think about how things were going with his kids training. As his thoughts jumped to this and that about what each of his children were doing they finally settled on Naruto. Wondering what he could be doing in training ground 44 right now that would be able to help him more than training with himself or Kakashi? From what Anko had said in her report she couldn't figure out where he was in the forest and she had combed the whole thing. Yet it was as if he left no trail to follow no tracks not even a bent branch to note his passing. It was as if he just vanished or blended into the forest as if he were one with it like a chameleon.
'Maybe he's using a natural cave or some sort of hidden area like when he ran away.' As this idea rolled through his mind he also remembered that Naruto had hid for four years in there and Anko couldn't find him the first time around with an army of other ninja to help search. Did he really expect a different result this time.
Minato's thoughts then shifted to what had been dropped on his doorstep so to speak. He still couldn't believe it and it had been over two weeks now since he had been summoned to Training ground 44 by Anko during the second part of the exam along with his wife. He had gone thinking that something terrible had happened or that one of his kids had died or been grievously injured to the point that they would never be able to be a ninja again. But what he had found was something completely different.
Flashback start
Minato would normally be about knee deep in paperwork right about now, if not for the fact that an ANBU who had been stationed at training ground 44 had shown up at his office telling him that he needed to come at once along with Kushina at the request of Anko. So here he was heading back to the same place that seemed to have become a permanent part of his family's life as well as giving him more than one headache for quite some time now. He almost dreaded coming but when he and Kushina both arrived Anko was waiting with two other ANBU and a bound red-haired girl with glasses and wearing a Grass village Hitai-ate. Minato simply arched a brow at the proctor of the second exam only for her to glance at the girl who was sitting on a stump with her wrists tied behind her back. Minato was about to speak but the girl spoke up beating him to it.
"You're the leaders of the Uzumaki clan?" The red headed girl questioned bluntly.
It was Kushina who stepped forward at this question. "That would technically be me if you are asking about the Uzumaki since my husband is the last member of the Namikaze clan."
"Wait you're the head of the clan?" The red head asked slightly shocked that this plain looking women was the head of her family's clan.
"Yes I'm actually the last living main house family member of the Uzumaki clan not counting my children and from what I am aware of last living descendant of Ashina Uzumaki himself." Kushina replied making the girl gape at that.
Even Anko and the two ANBU members were shocked by this info to think that the wife of the Hokage was related to the former head of the once great Whirlpool nation was something they were not expecting to say the least.
Regaining her composure Karin finally introduced herself. "My name is Karin and if the information I have been told is right then my mother and you are related somehow so that means that you and I are related."
At this both Minato and Kushina were a bit surprised but it wasn't unthinkable that there weren't some remnants if however small of the Uzumaki clan left who had escaped the destruction of the hidden whirlpool.
"I think this is something that we should discuss in private." Minato said as he dismissed the two ANBU and signaled for Anko to follow as they took the girl now known as Karin back to the Hokage tower so they could talk in a more private location.
Flashback end
Who would have guessed that this exam would cause so much commotion. First with the turning up of a possible unknown Uzumaki relative and then with the bet that was now going on between the whole of the adults in the Uzumaki-Namikaze household. Things seemed like they were just getting crazier by the day.
Flashback start
"Say what!?" Tsunade shouted, clearly not amused by what Jiraiya was proposing.
"That's right Tsunade! Menma vs. Narumi, winner take all! If Menma wins the tournament, I get my long-awaited date with you! If you and Narumi-chan win, I'll pay off all the debt that you owe and pay it all back to you!" Jiraiya said with a confident smirk on his face.
Tsunade couldn't believe what she was hearing. Never before had such a golden opportunity made its way to her. If Narumi managed to win this, then her life would be set. Her debt would be wiped clean and she'd get every single Ryo back to boot. The only obstacle that stood in her way was her perverted teammate and her god son Menma. Cracking a somewhat manic smile, Tsunade's eyes burned with determination as she held out her hand.
"HA! And people say I'm a sucker, you got a deal Jiraiya! You had better start emptying your savings because I'm definitely not losing this one!" Tsunade shouted, as Jiraiya cracked a smile of his own, albeit a little perverted, as he reached to meet her hand with his.
But before they could shake on it the other people in the room cleared their throats.
"Aren't you two forgetting a few people?" Kushina said with a slight glare, making Jiraiya shrink back slightly as Tsunade winced a bit, knowing firsthand what that look meant and what it could lead to.
"I agree, it wouldn't be fair for just the two of you to make such a high stakes wager." Orochimaru said, his eyes narrowed at his teammates lack of inclusion on the event.
Though he didn't show it, Orochimaru did enjoy the idea of making the final part of the exam a bit more interesting though he'd never admit it openly he was a bit of a gambling man himself when it suited him. This bet in particular caught his attention seeing as it was on his godchildren. He wasn't going to accept being left out on such an interesting and exciting wager.
"I have to agree sensei, Tsunade, if you want to bet on the finals all of us should be a part of it since it concerns all of us!" Minato said as his eyes burned with the same determination that they had.
Seeing the expecting looks, or slightly annoyed ones in the case of Kushina and Orochimaru, the two sighed before they relented, knowing that they weren't getting out of this one.
Changing the stakes of the bet to suit each person depending on who the winner was and what the losers would pay up was quite difficult though they managed to make do. All that was left was to pick who they were betting on.
"Alright, so now it's time to place your bets on who you think will win." Kakashi said, as he readied a pen and notebook to record the bets.
"I'm sticking with Menma! By the time I'm done with him, he'll be unstoppable!" Jiraiya confidently said, his eyes burning with confidence.
"Hmph! I'm sticking with Rumi-chan as well, I'll make her strong enough to smash through everyone!" Tsunade said, making everyone laugh wryly knowing that she was probably giving Narumi the knowledge behind her monster like strength.
"I'm going with Kōga! I'm in charge of his training so I'll make sure that he wins!" Kushina said as her eyes sparkled brightly.
"As for myself I will be placing my bet on Mito-chan. She's the most balanced out of all the siblings." Orochimaru said, placing his hand on his chin. "And with me as her teacher she will have no problems winning."
This statement made the others in the room stare at him. Orochimaru wasn't one to normally make such boasts that was Jiraiyas job.
"... I'm going to place my bet on Naruto." Minato said with conviction as the others blinked in confusion as they turned to the blonde.
"Really? Naru-chan?" Kushina said, thinking that it was an interesting bet since they hadn't seen what Naruto could fully do yet.
"That's... an interesting gamble Minato." Tsunade said, as her thoughts turned to her enigmatic godson. He was definitely the dark horse in this race. However, she couldn't deny that Naruto had not only made it through the first two parts of the exam but had also made it through the preliminary phase, having defeated one of the top rookies from his class. She had never really seen him in action until then, since most of the time she only saw him when he came in for his regular checkup or when he had a serious injury. But still He was definitely someone to watch closely.
"But we don't really know where he stands in terms of skill Minato. Sure, he's shown great potential, but what if his win in the preliminaries was a fluke? From what we know of his training or lack thereof and have seen of him in the academy he's about as average as they get. In terms of skill the rest of his siblings are way ahead of him. Though we're mostly to blame for that." He said taking a moment to mentally kick himself over it for the hundredth time. "Are you sure you still want to take that risk?" Jiraiya asked in a worried tone.
"I... I know that Jiraiya-sensei, but it's not going to change my mind. I'm going to put my faith in him." Minato said, his confidence showing much more then they have seen in the past. "After what I have heard from his sensei and the abilities he has shown here and there to be honest I think Naruto is the best bet to make."
"Hmph, we'll see how far your faith takes you then Minato." Tsunade said with a small smirk on her face, though she knew it was wrong of her to think, she was almost certain that he was making a mistake by betting on the boy. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling that Naruto hadn't even shown them what he was truly capable of. "And who knows if Naruto really is the sleeper that you seem to think he is we may just get to see what he truly is capable of."
Jiraiya couldn't help but shake his head at the notion. Sure, the kid was fast according to the reports that Yūgao gave and he had seemed to have picked up a few… very impressive tricks like his summon contract but that could be evened out in more ways than one. Even though it seemed he was able to access the fox's chakra It didn't help much as it had the potential to do more harm than good, the chakra cloak was a double-edged sword at its best. From what he learned from Kushina the cloak was able to give the user a power boost but if the user couldn't control it the cloak would cause them to go into a feral state. At which point the match would be stopped and Naruto subdued by the ninja in the area, plus the chakra was corrosive or so he had been told to the point that it would cause harm to the user even if they healed at an accelerated rate. All in all, what Naruto had managed to gain in the way of abilities while impressive meant nothing if his opponents were on a whole other level skill wise to begin with.
Seeing that everyone had made their bets, though Kushina looked torn, Kakashi quickly jotted down names along with the ones that they believed would win. After making sure that everyone had their bets correctly recorded, everyone signed their names and applied a little bit of chakra to ensure that the document was now official.
Flashback end
Minato couldn't help but laugh at the whole situation he found not only himself but his entire family in. Who would have thought that the final round of the exams would get them all this involved. In fact, at this very moment in a forest near the leaf village
"Ha! Take this!" Menma shouted, lashing out with a quick jab intent on connecting with Jiraiya's jaw. Only to have Jiraiya sweep his feet out from under him and follow up with a hit that slammed him into to the ground.
"Ooohhh..." Menma groaned, his head was spinning as he saw his godfather smirk, clearly amused by his current position and action.
"You're getting better but your still too naive. Did you honestly think something like that would work on those in the exam finals! If it wouldn't work on them it definitely won't work on me!" Jiraiya boasted, puffing his chest out before striking a dramatic pose. This made Menma's eye twitched at the scene.
He was sure that he could see sparkles emanating from his godfather's eyes as he held his pose, clearly not acknowledging that Menma had gotten back up. Narrowing his eyes, he quickly made a few clones before reengaging the older shinobi as Jiraiya cracked a grin at his godson's stubbornness as he moved to intercept the clones.
Bending slightly to the left, he avoided the kick from one of the clones before sending said into the clone approaching from the right with a well-placed grab and throw. Ducking the incoming blow from a punch that was aimed at his head, he launched an uppercut that caught the clone. Turning to face the next clone that came in from the side. While the real Menma came at him from behind only to be firmly planted on his ass, again.
"Grr! Why are you so good at this you old pervert!" Menma shouted, his face red with anger and frustration.
"Ha! I told you kid! I am the great toad sage of Mount Myōboku!" Jiraiya declared while striking another pose this only served to fuel Menma's anger even more.
Shouting, Menma again quickly made a few dozen clones before he launched another attack against his godfather, not noticing that he was facing a clone to begin with as the original watched on from a tree nearby.
'You're not winning this bet Tsunade! I will get that date with you, this I swear!' Jiraiya shouted in his head, intent on making his godson strong enough to win the tournament in order to claim his prize, as Menma was thrown into the river nearby before he shouted in indignation. "Faster Menma! Let your fists fly with all the speed you have!" Clone Jiraiya said as Menma just sweat dropped at his godfather's seemingly random rambling.
Meanwhile in a clearing near the leaf village. "Rumi-chan! You're never going to get anywhere with those weak punches!" Tsunade roared as the fires of determination burned brightly in her eyes.
Rushing in, Narumi quickly delivered a volley of blows that Tsunade blocked single handed causing the young blonde to widen her eyes before she was sent flying with a single finger flick.
"Ouch! That hurt Baa-chan!" Narumi cried out as she rubbed her now red forehead.
But she had to quickly roll out of the way as Tsunade rushed to engage her, her deadly flicks causing Narumi to pale before dodging out of their path as even just a single finger flick was enough to cause major pain.
"Quit dodging and fight like you mean it!" Tsunade shouted, she definitely wasn't going to lose this bet, there was way too much at stake for her to lose. Plus, if Jiraiya won she would never hear the end of it.
"Take this!" Narumi shouted as she sidestepped and launched a reverse roundhouse kick at her godmother only to have her kick stopped and be thrown into the lake nearby.
"KYAA! THIS WATERS FREZZING YOU OLD HAG!" Narumi screamed as she frantically made her way to land as Tsunade's brow started twitching, as tick marks broke out on her head.
"W-What did you just call me Rumi-chan?" Tsunade whispered as Narumi began to sweat as she backed up.
"Oh crap..." She whimpered as Tsunade reached out and grabbed her head in an ironclad grip before she could back up far enough. The poor girl started to shake in fear and grimace in pain.
"I'M NOT OLD!" She roared before throwing Narumi back into the lake, the girl letting out another shriek as she hit the cold water.
Yet again else ware in a field near the leaf village "Haa!" Mito shouted, as she traded blows with her godfather.
"Not bad Mito-chan. But don't forget the follow-up!" Orochimaru shouted as he grabbed his goddaughter's wrist and threw her.
"Guh!" Mito cried out when she hit the ground, rolling in an attempt to spread the impact over a wider surface area.
As she got back to her feet, he was already on top of her as he lashed out with a kick that sent her flying a short distance. Not giving her a chance to recover, Orochimaru was about to strike the final blow but stopped when the Mito that was flying dispersed into a mass of snakes. At this Mito erupted out of the ground with an upper cut in an attempt to catch her godfather by surprise as he jumped back not letting up Mito rushed forward to try and keep him on the defensive only to be caught in his Binding Snake Glare as a Snake the size of a full-grown human was now coiled around her the fight was over. Or that would have been the case if not for the fact that the Mito caught by the snake simply crumbled to dust. As the real Mito emerged from the ground behind her godfather who was smiling at her ingenuity.
"You're getting better Mito-chan! Just you wait, by the time I'm done with you you'll win the finals for sure." Orochimaru confidently said as he turned to face her. Mito let a smile appear on her face at the compliment.
They resumed their training as Mito was once again sent flying. Catching Mito while in mid-air with his hyper extended arm, Orochimaru slammed her into the ground as Mito let out a gasp of pain. Getting to her feet she dodge the incoming strikes while weaving a set of hand sings. Using wind style: Gale palm, she created some distance as she took a fighting stance before reengaging sending a barrage of shadow snakes at her godfather only for him to dodge most of them.
Catching one of the snakes before it could strike crushing it in his hand, Orochimaru lashed out with another strike forcing her to a knee before he helped her up and told her to take a break. Sitting under a nearby tree as they took said break the two analyzed what she needed to improve on and where she was lacking. As well as her strengths and how to capitalize on them. It was in a way refreshing for him to have someone so young who was able to keep up with him on an intellectual level to a certain point.
And still yet again, in the Uzumaki clan estate training grounds Kōga and Kushina were trading blows as they trained.
"Good, good Kōga-chan! But you left yourself open." Kushina stated as she grabbed her son's arm and threw him on his back.
"Gah!" he gasped out when he hit the ground, only for him to poof in a plume of smoke as the shadow clone dissipated.
Kushina was already moving dodging the real Kōga as he lashed out with a kick that stuck air, before Kushina grabbed his leg and flipped him only for Kōga to use his momentum to carry him into a backflip that gave him a bit of space. Not letting go of her momentum, Kushina rushed him striking with a flurry of blows. Weaving though the strikes as they came at him like the scrolls for the Uzumaki taijutsu style had taught him, 'Like a raging current flow though the battle'. As he did this he flashed through a quick set of hand signs while he sent a kick for Kushina's head that caused her to back off so she didn't get hit. As she did this she too went through a set of hand signs as Kōga called.
"Water Style: Water Hail Jutsu!" cupping his hands together and thrusting them forward unleash a barrage of water bullets at Kushina.
Finishing only a hand sign behind him she counter with "Water Style: Water wall." Using the water from the large pond in the training ground to fuel her Jutsu she stopped his cold.
"You're getting better Kōga. Once I'm done with you the finals will be all yours!" Kushina cheerfully stated before they took a quick break before they resumed their training. Kushina was determined to win that bet even if she felt a little guilty for betting against Naruto. Yet while all this was going on she couldn't help but wonder how his training was going.
x x x x
While all of this was going on it seems that a certain spy was up to no good as Kabuto made his way to the prearranged location between him and his contact. It was the middle of the night so most residents both ninja and civilian had turned in for the night. However, this was a much different story for others. As one such Sand Jōnin was waiting for said spy to arrive.
After waiting for about an hour clearly to Baki's displeasure, Kabuto Yakushi, made his appearance.
"Kabuto." Baki greeted the white-haired youth.
"Baki." Kabuto replied back.
"You're late." Baki noted in annoyance.
Kabuto shrugged as he said "Sorry about that. Had to get away from some watchers earlier. Seems they're on to me earlier than we expected." He said with a nonchalance that irritated Baki more than he would ever admit to. "As to who tipped them off I have my suspicions but nothing concrete."
Baki then spoke "If they're onto you, you do realize that if they learn of our meeting here, our plan to destroy Konoha and afterwards will be ruined, correct?"
Kabuto shrugged as he replied, "While not everything is panning out quite to plan due to one or two...complications, things are still for the most part going according to schedule."
"Does this have to do with the Uchiha who was marked by your master? Or is it due to the fact that the Uzumaki is now fight Gaara instead of Sasuke like you had originally planned?" Baki questioned
"Indeed, but these inconveniences will be dealt with in due time by those who have been selected for the task." At this Baki just nodded as he accepted a scroll from Kabuto who continued "In any case though, here are the plans with the one or two revisions we had in mind. Make sure to pass it along to your subordinates." Baki simply nodded again. As this was going on it seemed that the tail who had managed to keep his distance so as to not be detected made to leave but in doing so gave himself away. Baki and Kabuto looked unperturbed, as they both had suspected that someone would attempt to spy on their little meeting.
"So, do you want me to get rid of our little rat?" Kabuto asked the half-masked man.
Baki shook his head as he spoke "No, allow me. I can't let you lot do all the work. And besides...one little mouse is no big deal."
At this point, all three ninja shunshined away from their spots, but only two would end up surviving the night as said rat as they had called him ended up being dealt with violently.
x x x x
One week before the finals near Full moon cavern Naruto trained with the wolves relentlessly as Arashi and Yasuo the twin brothers both oversaw the young man's current training. Remembering just how intense his training had been thus far.
Flashback start
"Again!" Arashi barked at this Naruto sighed and took his position again. They had been at this for four days straight now and while Naruto was getting better with each passing day. He was still a ways away from mastering the concept of being completely still. The brothers had been training him nonstop for two weeks already and they were now on the most difficult part of the training that anyone could face. As Naruto tried again and failed again as he fell into the broiling hot water beneath the stone spire that he had been trying to balance a stone plate on and got burned again. The whole point of this exercise was to train one's body to be perfectly still, so as to Quote "Be one with nature." unquote but all Naruto had been doing for the past few days was trying to balance on a stone plate on the tip of one of the spires that jutted out from the natural hot springs near full moon cavern. (Now I know what you're thinking it's a hot spring how could it hurt him well hot springs are made when the water reaches a temp pf 122F and up. These springs can far exceed the boiling point of water. They can also be highly acidic and have been known to cause severe burns and even death in some cases.) This particular spot was closer to the active underground vents that heated the water.
Having surfaced from the hot water that burned his bare skin and now getting healing from Yasuo so that the burns wouldn't leave any damage. Naruto was fed up with this whole thing. "How is me being one with nature going to help me in battle when my enemies are going to be coming at me trying to kill me?" he asked perturbed at the idea that standing perfectly still was going to help him best his opponent.
At this Yasuo answered the young man's question with a question like he often did. "When fighting a superior enemy do you attack him head on, or do you wait for an opening?"
"What does that have in common with this." Naruto shot back.
"Humor me." The wolf responded.
"No if your foe is stronger you would wait for them to reveal an opening or show a weakness that you could exploit." Naruto commented still having no idea what that had to do with this.
"So, what happens when your enemy doesn't have a weakness or is too fast for you to exploit an opening?" Yasuo answered by posing another question.
"The ability to use nature energy will help you in many ways one of which will be to overcome your physical limits." Arashi stated stepping up to Naruto, "But this can only be achieved when you master the ability to become one with Nature."
looking at them you would never guess that they were brothers based on their fur color and looks. Arashi had charcoal colored fur and electric blue eyes and a gray strip like pattern down his back while his right eye had a lightning bolt mark under it. Yasuo on the other hand had pale white fur with no pattern and red eyes in fact one would have thought that Yasuo was related to Usagi rather than Arashi. Naruto had met them several times back when he had first been here and he had even made the mistake of commenting on this fact which he would never do again. Lest he be subject to another two weeks of grueling taijutsu training with Arashi, alone.
"We have been training you so that when the time comes you will be able to use this power but if you think it so lacking perhaps a demonstration is in order." Arashi said motioning for Naruto to follow. The brothers led him to a place a slight distance away from the hot springs to an area that was ringed with a few dozen large stone wolf statues. A large boulder the size of a small house could be seen not far from the space. Arashi lead Naruto to the center of the ring of statues and turned to face him. "Strike me." He ordered.
Naruto blinked before responding. "I thought you were going to show me what this whole one with Nature thing was all about?"
"I am now strike me with your fists and come at me like you mean it." Arashi ordered.
At this Naruto would normally have hesitated but when one of the wolves gave an order Naruto learned fast that you should head said order lest it come back to bite you. Rushing forward at his top speed Naruto threw a punch at the wolf only to strike empty air as the wolf now stood two foot to the left of where he had been. Naruto stunned by the speed at which the wolf had moved, rushed him again and met with the same result as before. Trying his hardest he struck again and again at the wolf only to have his fist meet empty air each time, Arashi always seeming out of reach.
Now perched atop said boulder Arashi taunted the blond who was out of breath by this point. "I said to strike me or is this all you have?" At this question he jumped and struck the boulder with his paw. The boulder shattered like it was made of glass along with the ground around the boulder five feet in all directions. Naruto both amazed by the feat and on his ass gapped at the display, as Arashi stepped forward. "Do you think it so useless now?" the wolf questioned.
"Nature energy is the very essence of the elements flowing through you in their most primal state yet in harmony with your body. With it you will be faster, stronger, more durable you will not tire as you did when you were trying to strike my brother." Yasuo said coming to stand next to Arashi.
Naruto looked at the damage one strike did and could only compare it to Tsunade in terms of pure raw strength. Now he wanted to train even harder. "Well, what are we waiting for let's get this done so I can learn how to use this stuff." Naruto exclaimed only to have a damper put on his mood.
"We must warn you first the reason that we have been having you try to be one with nature has also been to see if you could learn to sense nature energy on your own and have a bit of time to practice." Arashi stated which made Naruto cock his head just like a dog.
"Why would that matter?" He questioned not understanding why this would be important.
"Do you see those stone wolf statues over their?" Yasuo asked.
"Yeah what about them?" Naruto replied.
"Those are the one before you who have tried to master nature energy and failed." Arashi stated making Naruto somewhat confused.
"What do you mean they are the ones who failed to learn how to use Nature energy?" Naruto asked slightly worried.
"Those aren't just statues Naruto nature energy comes with a risk. Too little of the energy and you will not be able to use it affectively or get the power boost that you need in order to unlock what is known as sage mode or even achieve physical transformation that some have managed to achieve. But too much of the energy is much worse the energy will consume you." Yasuo said as he looked at the statues.
Naruto blinked thinking he understood what they were trying to get at, "Wait you're telling me that if I screw up and take in too much nature energy than…" he trailed off looking back to the statues.
"Yes you will become one with nature permanently." Arashi stated with a tone of finality before continuing, "Do you still wish to learn how to use Nature energy?"
At this Naruto looked back and forth from the two wolves in front of him and the statues before his face changed to a look of determination as he nodded to the brothers.
"Then you will need to come with us to see the sage so you can perform the rite, even then there is a chance that you will not be able to endure the rite." They said and walked off with Naruto following. When they arrived at their destination, the sage was waiting for them.
"So, the young pup has come seeking knowledge but is he ready?" asked the sage.
"Is one who seeks knowledge they know not ever truly ready?" asked Yasuo in answer to the sage's question.
The sage simply nodded, "If you seek to prove yourself than step forward."
Naruto stepped up at the sage's request. "I seek to learn how to use nature energy to achieve sage mode."
"Very well but know that if you should fail the rite it will most likely mean your death."
"Wait what do you mean it will be my death I thought that if I took in too much nature energy I would become a stone statue?" Naruto asked hoping that it wouldn't come to that. "Which I guess is a death of sorts."
"This is true but the rite is different. Some who attempt to use Nature energy can't their bodies simply reject the energy. The rite will cause your body to be infused with a small portion of nature energy if your body is able to withstand the rite you will be able to use the energy but if your body rejects the energy it will destroy your body from the inside out. I have only ever witnessed one who failed the right and managed to survive it." Naruto gulped at this statement from the sage. "I ask you do you wish to proceed knowing the consequences should you fail?"
"If I'm to become stronger than I have no other option." Naruto said gaining a measure of respect from the sage at his determination and conviction even if they were a bit misguided.
"Then approach and be given the rite young pup." The sage replied.
"My name is Naruto and you are?" he responded.
"I'm known as Sēji young Naruto now approach so we may begin." Sēji ordered.
Naruto stepped forward and dropped to one knee at this Sēji approached him and used one of his claws to cut a shallow line in his paw then he reached out his bleeding paw and place it on Naruto's shoulder. At his touch Naruto felt like a hot branding iron had been place to his skin but he couldn't move. The pain was intense but Naruto gritted his teeth and didn't cry out. When the pain subsided, he felt something in its place feeling like he had just been given a shot of pure energy to his whole body, yet it was like he was at peace. When Sēji pulled his paw away it revealed a mark that resembled a wolf totem tattoo made using his blood as a form of ink which had turned to a dark red color, he nodded at this and then bowed to Naruto.
"You have passed the rite and are now truly deserving of the title wolfs blood. Continue your training to be one with nature and you should be able to sense it easier now." Sēji remarked. "However, this will not make it any easier to master being one with Nature that is still dependent on you."
Flashback end
Sēji was right it had still been a grueling challenge to learn Sage mode the rite had made it so his body would recognize and be able to sense nature energy a bit easier but it didn't make it any easier to master or any more or less dangerous. From what he had been told by Sēji the toads of Mount Myōboku were the only ones who had developed tools to help with the process of learning how to use Nature energy and to master sage mode. He had also been told that Hashirama Senju had mastered Sage mode, but it was not said where he learned it from. Sēji believed that much like the wolves Hashirama learned without the aid of tools and perfected his art by instinct alone. Naruto took pride in the fact that if this were true it would mean he was following in the footsteps of one of the greatest shinobi to ever live. For the first week after that point Nartuo had been trying to achieve sage mode with little results since he was trying too hard not to take in too much and it was impeding his progress. Till he remembered something Yasuo had said about the energy. 'Nature energy is the very essence of the elements flowing through you in their most primal state yet in harmony with your body.'
It was the last part of this statement that caught his attention. Harmony was what he was looking for not just taking in the energy but being in harmony with it. So far he had been fixated on only taking in enough energy without over doing it but now he knew different. Focusing on that point he shifted his focus from not taking in too much to finding that point of harmony he was looking for. He also learned that if he hadn't had his massive chakra reserves to begin with he wouldn't have even been able to attempt this. But sure, enough with only three days left before the final exam Naruto achieved Sage mode and much like Hashirama he showed no signs of what the wolves described as a change in the physical features of his body to that of a wolf meaning he had done it. He hadn't mastered it yet but he had taken a very important step.
On the day before the exam finals Naruto was working on a new technique that he had had found in a scroll in the Uzumaki family library two month before the exams started. It may have been by chance but it was definitely a fortuitus find. As he was going through the hand signs for one of the Jutsu listed on the scroll Usagi approached him in her wolf form.
"Ah Naruto hard at work still I see?" She questioned as the blond stopped his hand signs to focus on the conversation.
"Hey Usagi checking up on me?" Naruto asked.
"Well, it would be rude of me to ignore you and I hear that my daughter was able to help you out in your exams." She replied.
"Tell her thanks for me by the way…"
"Why don't you tell me yourself." Akiko commented as she walked up to the pair.
"Good to see you again too Akiko." Naruto said smiling at the she wolfs approach.
"Are you heading back soon?" Asked Akiko at this Naruto just shook his head.
"Not yet I still have time to train so I plan to use as much as I can before I have to leave." Naruto answered.
"Well don't train too long or you might end up being late." Usagi joked chuckling slightly since she was one of the few he had told about the time he overslept on the mission in wave.
Naruto just groaned at that implication, 'not this time not again.' he thought to himself.
x x x x
The next morning came swiftly as the hidden leaf village was busier than ever. What with all the stalls and venders that were setting up for the Chūnin exams influx of traffic from the other hidden villages who would come to observe. Along with all those who will be spectating the event as civilians the amount of traffic was going to be through the roof. The village would be so packed that there would be nothing but standing room left. Not to mention the chance of any enemy that has a reason to attack the leaf could use the event as a distraction which is why extra security had been allocated to both the venue and the village boarder.
The final part of the exams was set to start at 10 sharp. Naruto had been prepared ahead of time having set up a reverse summoning seal in the clearing that he and Kōga used to train. Having carved the seal into one of the trees. So, he had made it back with little effort and time wasted, the guards would probably wonder how he had made it past them. However, they hadn't even noticed him when he and Kōga and even sometimes reluctantly Choji and Shikamaru had pulled the many pranks that had happened over the years (this counting from when he was 6 till now. Though having been overlooked by 99% of the village had at least one advantage it made it easier to get around without being noticed.
Since he had about an hour before he needed to be at the stadium so he decided to get some breakfast stopping off at Ichiraku Ramen much to Ayame's and Teuchi's delight. As he ordered a Shōyu ramen with fried sliced pork dashi, Menma (the fermented bamboo shoot not his brother.", Negi, and was topped with a boiled egg. After finishing his breakfast, he had about 45 minutes left before the exam finals started so he decided to look around a bit taking in the setup for the stalls and vendors who would be overly busy during the week. Since the exams would be held over several days the venders would be milking the events for all it would be worth. And the celebration ceremony that would be held after. With 15 minutes left he made his way to the stadium where the finals would take place.
At about the same time Naruto was walking around Kōga was sitting on a bench at the top of the Hokage Monument and simply taking a moment to relax and enjoy the calm before the storm along with the scenery, only to notice a girl with light red hair and brown eyes playing a flute as she sat in a lone tree nearby. She was dressed in a black shirt under a tan tunic with elbow-length sleeves and black skin-tight shorts. She also wore black arm-warmers, traditional black shinobi sandals with calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages, and a purple rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around her waist. To top of her look, she wore a black bandana like hat with bandages wrapped around the sides and pipe like fixtures on top.
She seemed oblivious to Kōga's presence as she sat going about playing her flute. he made no move to talk to her or move closer so as to hear the music better he simply sat and listened. The music she played sounded sad as it spoke of something that only she knew about that weighed down her heart. In a way he could relate to her about that since he was hiding something himself. She played for a bit longer then stopped and stood about to leave only to finally notice Kōga where he was sitting. In fact, if she hadn't done a double take she would have missed him as her gaze passed right over him without so much as a second thought the first time. She scowled at his back and was about to leave only for Kōga to make her stop.
"Your music is beautiful you know, in a sad way."
Slightly shocked at the statement it took a second before she recovered and returned the scowl to her face answering with a crass, "What do you care how my music sounds shithead?"
He turned to her and his eyes made contact with hers as he replied, "I simply made a comment you don't need to get defensive about it. Take it as a compliment I meant what I said your music is beautiful."
The girl just sneered at his remark. She was ready to go since she was just waiting around till she was given the signal and her team was to be mobilized for the plan. Since she was the least conspicuous looking of the four she was their scout. But till things got interesting she was just to sit and wait.
"I don't really give a damn what you think shithead so next time keep your comments to yourself." She shot back a bit loud since they were only about a yard and half from each other.
"If you didn't care you wouldn't have remarked about it in the first place." Kōga replied calmly never looking away as she turned around.
The girl paused as she had turned to leave. Why had she responded to his comment in the first place? Most of the time it was out of spite or for the fact that someone had ticked her off or needed to be put in their place. But this time it was different this time someone was complimenting her so why did she feel so defensive about it. Maybe because compliments were something that she had rarely ever received before and only form certain people so she didn't know how to process it when anyone else did it.
"Look you can say you don't care but then it makes your music lose the emotion it invokes. It loses the beauty of it and all that's left is a hollow sound that means nothing just something pretty on the outside but empty on the inside."
Feeling like he had just made a jab at her she rounded on him ready rip him a new one only for her retort to die on her lips as she blinked in confusion. There was no one there the kid was gone. All that was left was a note on the bench where he had been sitting. She walked over and picked it up. She thought about just ripping it up. She wanted to, she should, what did she care about some kid and what he thought. Yet something was making her hesitate. It was what he had said to her, no one on her team had ever said anything like that or done anything to show they cared then again why should they. She knew how her team felt about each other they were just the ones who had survived the selection process. Instead of ripping up the note she decided to read it.
Opening it, she found that there as a second folded note placed inside taking it out she looked at the first note and read it. 'Sorry to have to leave but I have an exam final to make it to. Who knows maybe you will be there to watch maybe not it's your choice. Since you're from the sound I guess you planed to watch since one of the ninja from your village made it to the finals. Also hope that this helps found it in a book in my family's library just remember to add a bit of chakra. Whatever you decide to do don't lose your emotions. When that happens, it means that you're already dead inside and it would be a shame to find out you were nothing but a walking corpse.'
'P.S. My name is Kōga Uzumaki-Namikaze not shithead and next time we meet you owe me a name.'
The girl blinked at this then looked to the second note. What did he mean hope this helps? She opened the second note which was actually a copy of a piece of sheet music the title of the song was written at the top of the page. Deciding to try it out she raised her flute to her lips but as she did she hesitated questioning why she was doing this. However, before she could change her mind she took a chance and just like he said added a bit a chakra and played the song. The music was beautiful so much so that she almost lost herself in it but she refocused and played through the whole song as the music settled over her and the area around her something felt different. When she finished she looked around and found that everything seemed brighter as the leaves rustled in the slight breeze. It was as if someone had turned up the color on her vison. Not only that but she felt different too. It felt like the song had lifted something that had been weighing her down not physically but something that had been weighing on her soul. She found herself overwhelmed and she started crying of all things but why? What was this feeling that had come over her? It wasn't anything she was used to, Pain, Anger, Rage, Hate, Sadness, Self-loathing, Bitterness, Jealousy, Envy, Resentment, Fear, Emptiness, Depression. She was very familiar with these but what she felt right now was something she had never really experienced before the closet thing she could compare this feeling to was when she played her flute. She felt happy. No that wasn't it, she couldn't remember the last time she had felt happy. But then what was it that she felt right now? Whipping away the tears she looked at the piece of music the smallest hint of a smile crossed her lips before she folded it back up and placed it in her pouch. With that done she vanished with the use of body flicker and was gone.
Having arrived at the arena 10 minutes before the exam finals started Minato entered the box reserved for the Kage's to watch the matches dressed in the full attire of his office only two minutes after this the Kazekage entered the box greeting Minato with his two bodyguards in toe. "Lord Kazekage welcome, I hope your trip here was a pleasant one?"
"Indeed, Lord Hokage it was, thank you for having us here for this event."
"Of course, we wouldn't dream of depriving you of the chance to observe your young talent and how far they have come. These events are also meant to help foster relations between villages." Minato said motioning for his fellow Kage to have a seat as he took his own. The exams were about to begin and they were sure to be if nothing else very entertaining this year.
As this was going on the participating candidates of the exam made their way on to the field for the opening ceremonies. However, they seemed to be one person short since Sasuke was missing from the group, that however didn't stop the crowd from cheering for them. When the cheering died down Minato stood and addressed the gathered audience.
"Welcome all to the village hidden in the leaves. We welcome you to the final stage of the Chūnin selection exams. We thank each and every one of you for coming to show your support and for those who have traveled here to be with us today we extend our deepest thanks to you and hope that you will enjoy yourselves. We do however ask that all those who are in attendance to remain until all of the matches being held today have ended. As you all know the exam finals will be held over the course of the next several days. So please enjoy the hospitality of the leaf and with that out of the way let the final rounds commence.
And that brings another chapter to a close hope you all enjoy it. Hope the part with Kōga wasn't too cheesy and if anyone wants to know the song used in this chapter is Oracion from the pokemon Rise of Darkrai movie here is the link for the version of it I used. watch?v=QPGPSGQDKZ8 Also a bit of info for you guys you may not know but Oracion, when translated into Spanish, means "Prayer". Anyway hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy holidays. Until next time.