DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (FOR I AM NOT A JAPANESE MAN NAMED MASASHI KISHIMOTO FOR THERE COULD ONLY BE ONE HAHA [I LOVE YOU KISHI FOR CREATING NARUTO])
Ch.8 - A Weapon A Few Dare To Touch
- At The Hospital -
"Do I have to...?" Naruto complained, his voice tinged with reluctance.
"Of course, Uzumaki-san. This medicine will help you recover much faster," the nurse replied firmly.
"But it tastes awful... It's disgusting," Naruto protested, scrunching up his face in distaste.
"Now, Naruto-kun, good medicine often tastes bitter. It's in your best interest to receive the treatment. Unless you want to stay here longer..." the Hokage interjected, emphasizing the consequences of refusing.
With a sigh of resignation, Naruto reluctantly agreed and swallowed the medicine, grimacing at the bitter taste.
"See? That wasn't so bad, right? Anyway, you can go home tomorrow since you're pretty much back to a hundred percent. I'll be leaving now, Hokage-sama," the nurse informed them before taking her leave, grateful for the opportunity to oversee Naruto's recovery.
Now alone with Hiruzen, Naruto seized the chance to express his concerns. "So, Naruto-kun, how are you feeling?" the Hokage asked, his tone gentle.
"I feel much better than I did back at Kaneshiro-san's ranch," Naruto replied, his voice reflecting a mix of relief and lingering discomfort.
"I heard you took quite a beating, Naruto-kun," Hiruzen remarked, acknowledging the challenges Naruto had faced.
With a heavy sigh, Naruto admitted, "sigh Yeah..."
Hiruzen's tone became reassuring as he spoke, "Look, there's nothing to be ashamed of about what happened to you. In fact, you should feel proud that you were able to come out on top."
Naruto's brows furrowed in confusion as he considered his sensei's words. "I guess so, Hokage-jiji. I'm guessing Asuma-sensei told you, huh?"
"Yes, he did. He informed me about how you were feeling disappointed in yourself. I was simply concerned about your well-being, Naruto-kun. I apologize if I intruded upon your privacy," Hiruzen explained sincerely.
"No, it's okay, Hokage-jiji. I'm not mad about that. There's something else that bothers me," Naruto admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Curious, Hiruzen prompted him, "And what is that?"
"I... I killed someone... And I don't know how I should feel," Naruto confessed, his voice filled with a mix of guilt and confusion.
Understanding the weight of Naruto's words, Hiruzen chose his next words carefully. "I see... Well, there comes a time in a shinobi's career when they have to take a life for the first time. It is a part of our duty, Naruto-kun. You should prepare yourself for such situations in the future. However, it is crucial not to relish in the deaths of those you kill, as that path leads to darkness."
"A dark path?" Naruto questioned, seeking clarification.
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Yes, Naruto-kun. We kill because we must, not because we want to. It is a fine line to tread, but it is necessary to maintain our values and protect what is important."
Listening attentively, Naruto absorbed his words, a mix of contemplation and acceptance filling his expression.
Shifting the conversation, Hiruzen inquired about Naruto's plans once he left the hospital. "Do you have any plans in mind, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto's mind started racing with excitement as he made plans for his immediate future. "Well... I was going to check on Shino and Ino first and foremost, to see how they're doing. Next, I'm going to Ichiraku Ramen. I haven't had a bowl of ramen in so long... And lastly, I'm going to train," Naruto replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Hiruzen, intrigued by Naruto's third plan, inquired about his intended training focus. However, Naruto found himself at a loss for words, unsure of what he should practice.
Noticing Naruto's hesitation, Hiruzen asked, "Naruto-kun, are you alright?"
"Oh! Sorry, Hokage-jiji, I must've spaced out," Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. Naruto's ability to amuse Hiruzen never failed to bring a smile to the old Hokage's face.
Curious about Naruto's training aspirations, Hiruzen asked, "So, what do you want to learn, Naruto-kun?"
The prospect of being trained by the Hokage filled Naruto with excitement. "Wait... ARE YOU GONNA TRAIN ME?!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm.
Hiruzen chuckled at Naruto's reaction. "Not necessarily, Naruto-kun, but if time allows, then we'll see if I can at least teach you a thing or two," he replied, managing to temper Naruto's expectations.
Naruto's initial excitement waned slightly as he contemplated what he should focus on in his training. Sheepishly, he admitted, "Okay then... And to answer your question, Hokage-jiji, I don't have any idea what to practice..."
Understanding Naruto's predicament, Hiruzen offered a suggestion. "I see... Well, why not head to the library once the hospital releases you?"
Confused, Naruto questioned, "The library?"
"Yes, indeed," Hiruzen affirmed. "What are you going to do there, though, Hokage-jiji?" Naruto asked, still uncertain of the library's relevance to his training.
"Why read, of course! You can learn so many things there, Naruto-kun. Knowledge is a powerful weapon that only a few people dare to touch. And all you have to do is look for it," Hiruzen explained, emphasizing the importance of knowledge.
Perplexed, Naruto wondered how reading could make him stronger. Sensing his confusion, Hiruzen posed a question, "Think about it for a second, Naruto-kun. Why do you think I am referred to as 'The Professor'?"
After pondering for a while, Naruto arrived at the answer. "Because you pretty much know all the jutsus in Konoha," he replied.
Hiruzen nodded, pleased with Naruto's understanding. "Exactly. Well, technically yes. But some of the jutsus I know are not common knowledge. They were made available to me when I became the Hokage. However, that's beside the point. The main idea is that knowledge is a powerful weapon. It is a real strength to put that knowledge to good use," Hiruzen emphasized.
Realizing the significance of his mentor's words, Naruto reluctantly agreed, saying, "I see... Well, alright then. I'll head to the library tomorrow. Will I be allowed there?"
"Now that you're a shinobi of this village, you're granted access to sections of the library that were previously restricted to civilians. However, your access will be limited to the rank of Genin for now. Certain areas will still be off-limits to you," Asuma explained to Naruto. He was pleased to see that Naruto understood the situation without any need for further clarification. Asuma couldn't help but feel proud of Naruto's growth.
"I'll inform the library about your arrival tomorrow, so there's no need to worry. Just go there, and they'll take care of everything," Asuma assured Naruto.
"Thank you so much, Hokage-jiji. I really appreciate it," Naruto expressed his gratitude, reaching out to hug Hiruzen from his bed. The Hokage returned the gesture, patting Naruto's head affectionately. "It's my pleasure, Naruto-kun. But for now, I must take my leave as I have other responsibilities to attend to," Hiruzen said as he departed, leaving Naruto to his own devices.
- Later That Night At Naruto's Room -
Naruto lay on his bed, his recent dinner settling in his stomach. Contemplation washed over him as he pondered his plans for tomorrow's visit to the library. If he was going to delve into the books, he wanted to find something that not only captured his interest but also aligned with his personal style.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the door to his room swung open, revealing his sensei and teammates standing in the doorway.
"Asuma-sensei! Ino! Shino! What brings you guys here?" he asked, curiosity lacing his voice.
"We came to pay you a visit, obviously. Shino and I barely had the chance to see you since we were recovering at home as well," Ino replied, a touch of playfulness in her tone.
"Are you both alright, though?" Naruto inquired, concern seeping into his words.
"Yes, Naruto, we're fine. The real question is if YOU'RE alright," Ino emphasized the word 'you're,' directing her attention to him. "Among the three of us, you took the most beatings," she added, hinting at his recent battles.
"I'm doing better, thanks for asking Ino," Naruto assured her, gratitude coloring his response.
"We brought you something, and if we're not mistaken, it happens to be your favorite: Miso-" Shino began, only to be interrupted by Naruto's enthusiastic outburst.
"MISO CHAR SIU!" Naruto exclaimed, his love for the dish evident in his voice. Shino didn't mind the interruption and continued without objection.
"Yes, it was Ino's idea to get you ramen," Shino concluded, with Ino chiming in.
"Really, Ino? You did this for me? And you remembered my favorite?" Naruto's voice exuded surprise and appreciation.
"Yeah, yeah... How could I forget? You never stop talking about it," she teased, a playful jab directed at him.
"Just like you and your endless conversations about Sasuke," Naruto retorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I do not talk about Sasuke-kun all the time!"
"Oh, you do!"
"I don't!"
"You do!"
"I don't!"
Naruto's sensei, Asuma, interjected with a sigh, noting their spirited banter. "Seems like Naruto is back to full health, already bickering with Ino even before being discharged from the hospital," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement.
Naruto sighed, deciding to let go of the argument. "Thank you, all of you. This means a lot to me," he expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"Don't mention it," Ino replied, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and genuine care.
While conversing with Naruto, Ino's gaze wandered around his room, and her eyes landed on a tray with plates and utensils. It became apparent to her that Naruto had recently finished his dinner. Curiosity getting the better of her, she couldn't resist asking, "Did you already have dinner by any chance?" In response, Asuma and Shino's attention was drawn to the same tray Ino had noticed.
"Yeah, I did. Why?" Naruto inquired, puzzled by the sudden interest.
"Are you sure you have room for more?" Ino questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"I always have room for ramen, dattebayo!" Naruto proclaimed, a mischievous foxy grin spreading across his face. Ino rolled her eyes playfully, while Asuma couldn't help but chuckle softly. As for Shino, he remained his usual quiet self, observing the exchange without a word.
"Well, we should get going now; it's getting late. See you tomorrow, Naruto," Ino bid her farewell. Shino, on the other hand, chose not to speak further but nodded in Naruto's direction before leaving alongside Ino.
Now, only Asuma remained with Naruto in the room. "And what about you, Asuma-sensei? What brings you here?" Naruto inquired, curiosity lacing his words.
"Remember when I asked you to dispel your clones?" Asuma reminded him.
"Oh yeah! You mentioned that you would explain it another time," Naruto recalled.
"Good, let's differentiate first between a clone and a shadow clone," Asuma began, his voice carrying a weight of importance and attentiveness. Naruto's excitement grew as he eagerly awaited his sensei's explanation.
"A regular clone is merely an illusion, serving as a diversion or decoy without a physical body. However, a shadow clone is far more powerful. It possesses all the abilities of a regular clone, but it can do much more. Now, tell me, Naruto, why do you think the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique), was sealed away?"
"Because it's forbidden?" Naruto guessed.
"Yeah I know, but what makes it forbidden?" Asuma prodded.
"I... I honestly don't know, Asuma-sensei," Naruto admitted, his curiosity piqued.
"The technique is forbidden because it poses a significant risk to the user. When you create a shadow clone, your chakra is evenly divided among all the clones you produce. If you make one clone, your chakra is split in half. Create ten clones, and your chakra is divided into ten portions. Make fifty, and your chakra becomes stretched thin, spreading enough chakra to each clone. And so on. But what's the danger of depleting your chakra reserves?" Asuma asked, his voice carrying a tone of inquiry.
"Chakra exhaustion?" Naruto offered, catching on.
"Exactly. If you create more clones than you can handle, there's a high chance of either success or death due to chakra depletion. If you succeed, you'll be left weakened, with the clones sharing the same limited chakra as you. If you fail, you may die. That's why the technique is forbidden. Only those with high chakra reserves or those who know how to utilize the jutsu properly are aware of its existence," Asuma explained, shedding light on the forbidden nature of the technique.
"But what does this have to do with me dispelling my clones back then?" Naruto asked, eager to understand the connection.
"I'm getting there. What makes a shadow clone truly valuable extends beyond its physical presence—it's the information it gathers," Asuma continued.
"Information?" Naruto questioned, his interest intensifying.
"Remember when you sent a clone to follow those three? And you were unsure of where your clone had gone? When you dispelled all your clones, their memories merged with yours. This technique not only serves in battle but also for reconnaissance purposes," Asuma elaborated, highlighting the additional utility of the jutsu.
A realization dawned upon Naruto as Asuma's words sank in. "HOLY CRAP! THAT'S AWESOME!" he exclaimed, his excitement uncontainable.
"It certainly is," Asuma acknowledged, sharing in Naruto's enthusiasm.
"But wait... If I receive the information gathered by my clones upon dispelling them, then maybe I can utilize this when I go to the library tomorrow!" Naruto suggested, his mind racing with possibilities.
"In theory, that could work, but there's a catch. Overusing this aspect of the jutsu isn't good for your brain. If you create, let's say, five clones and have them read five different books, that's not an issue. However, if you create a hundred or more clones and dispel them all at once, a flood of information rushes into your mind. It can cause you to lose consciousness or even result in brain damage, which is something you definitely want to avoid," Asuma cautioned, concerned for Naruto's well-being.
"Okay, I'll create a few clones and learn some valuable techniques," Naruto contemplated, adjusting his plan accordingly.
"And there's one more thing to understand: the distinction between grasping a concept and developing muscle memory," Asuma continued, delving deeper into his explanation.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Naruto asked, seeking clarification.
"Let's say you make your clones practice a particular move you discover in the library. While you'll learn the steps and understand the technique, you won't instantly be able to execute it flawlessly. The actual physical execution is a separate matter; you'll need to practice it yourself. Have you ever noticed that when your clones get injured, you don't feel any pain?"
"Yeah, now that you mention it, they take hits and I don't feel a thing," Naruto affirmed, recalling past experiences.
"Exactly. Physical training works differently. While you can use clones to train on your own, it's ultimately you who needs to practice and refine the techniques," Asuma clarified.
"I see... But why are you telling me this, Asuma-sensei?"
"I'm telling you because I see great potential in you, Naruto, and I want you to fully utilize the resources available to you. I know your father would have advised you to go to the library to become stronger, but I wanted to impart this knowledge before you unintentionally harm yourself. In the long run, it will benefit you. Consider it like killing two birds with one stone," Asuma explained, revealing his intentions.
"Thanks, Asuma-sensei. I truly appreciate you looking out for me," Naruto expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"Don't mention it. I'm glad I can be of assistance," Asuma responded warmly. He then placed a cigarette between his lips and bid Naruto farewell. "Anyway, you should rest now so you can leave the hospital tomorrow. Take care, Naruto," he said, waving goodbye before departing from the room.
- On The Way To Konoha's Library -
Once Naruto was finally discharged from the hospital, he wasted no time and headed straight to the Konoha Archive Library. It was his first visit, as he had never been particularly interested in reading before. However, if reading would make him stronger, he was willing to dive into every book available.
Although Hokage-sama had assured him that he had nothing to worry about, Naruto couldn't help but feel anxious about being allowed into the library. He had often faced rejection and mistreatment from people, starting from his childhood. This ingrained fear lingered in his mind, making him apprehensive about being chased out of yet another place.
As he reached the entrance of the Konoha Archive Library, Naruto gazed at the building. It had a slightly worn-out appearance, but it was still in decent shape. Gathering his courage, he pushed open the door and entered, revealing rows upon rows of bookshelves overflowing with books.
"Oh! You must be Uzumaki-san. Hokage-sama informed me that a blond-haired boy with whisker marks would be coming here. I'm Imada Keiji, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Uzumaki-san," a friendly voice greeted him.
"Good morning, Keiji-san. Nice to meet you too," Naruto responded, relieved to encounter a welcoming face.
"How can I assist you today?" Keiji inquired with a smile.
"I'm looking for books or scrolls that contain jutsus, though I'm not sure which type exactly," Naruto replied, his excitement evident.
"I see. Well then, follow me, Uzumaki-san. I know just where to find them," Keiji offered, leading the way.
Naruto followed Keiji deeper into the library. The building seemed relatively empty, with a few scattered individuals—some civilians and others shinobi—browsing through the shelves. Naruto had expected the library to be filled with dust, but to his surprise, it was well-maintained.
After a short walk, they arrived at the section that catered to Naruto's needs. It housed an array of ninja arts, encompassing taijutsu, ninjutsu, genjutsu, and more. This particular section was accessible to Genin-ranked individuals.
"Here we are, Uzumaki-san. Feel free to explore these resources. Just remember to handle them with care and return them properly. If you have any questions, you can find me in the lobby. I hope you find something valuable, Uzumaki-san," Keiji informed him, wearing a friendly smile before taking his leave.
"Okay, Naruto, you've got this," Naruto encouraged himself. He instinctively almost blurted out "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)" aloud but caught himself just in time, remembering the library's silence rule.
Creating a dozen clones to assist him in his search for useful scrolls, Naruto reminded them to behave appropriately, to which they all nodded in agreement.
"Alright, guys, spread out and find anything that might be useful. Let's regroup in an hour, and remember, stay quiet. We don't want to get kicked out," Naruto instructed his clones, as he embarked on his own quest to find materials he could benefit from.
- With The Original Naruto -
Naruto pondered over his choices, wondering what he should prioritize reading. He felt a bit overwhelmed, not knowing exactly what he was looking for among the countless books and scrolls in front of him.
"What to read? What to read?" Naruto contemplated aloud. He realized that he should focus on areas where he lacked skills or needed improvement. With this in mind, he came up with an idea.
Returning to Keiji, Naruto politely asked for a pen and several sheets of paper, which were readily provided to him.
Sitting down at a nearby table, Naruto placed the papers in front of him and began making a list of the things he felt he needed to work on.
"Let's see… I did get my ass beat once again cause I wasn't able to grapple the guy effectively, guess I'll add this to the list," Naruto muttered to himself as he wrote down "Way to grapple enemies" on the top of the list.
"I also want to learn how to use weapons. There must be some resources here about that," he thought, adding "Weapons" to the list.
As Naruto continued to reflect on the words of his past adversary, they resonated deeply within him. He couldn't deny the truth in those taunts. It was a painful realization that he had been relying on the same jutsu, the Shadow Clone Technique, as his primary skill in battles.
"That's true... all I know is that one jutsu," Naruto admitted to himself, a tinge of disappointment in his voice. He understood that being a one-trick pony wouldn't take him far in the shinobi world. To become a well-rounded and formidable ninja, he needed to broaden his abilities and expand his knowledge.
Determined to overcome this limitation, Naruto became even more motivated to find ways to diversify his skill set. He knew he had to take full advantage of the resources available to him in the library and seek out techniques that could complement his existing abilities.
"I need to learn more... I need to become a shinobi who can handle any situation," Naruto resolved, his determination shining through. With a renewed sense of purpose, he focused his attention on the task at hand, eager to discover new avenues of growth and become a stronger ninja.
Naruto felt a sense of satisfaction as he continued to add more items to his list. He understood that acknowledging his shortcomings and identifying areas for improvement was an essential step toward growth.
As Naruto brainstormed, he kept writing down the skills and techniques he believed he needed to focus on. His determination to become a better shinobi fueled his motivation to explore and learn from the resources available in the library.
- An Hour Later -
"Alright, you guys, let's see what you found," Naruto instructed his clones.
All the books and scrolls they had collected were laid out on a table before him. Naruto let out a sigh at the sight of the pile. This was the price he had to pay for seeking knowledge, and he wasn't sure if he had the willpower to go through with it.
Naruto began to go through each item, checking to see if it was useful for him. If he found something valuable, he set it aside. If not, he returned it to his clones so they could put it back where they found it.
"Water Ninjutsu: The Art of Flowing Water," Naruto read the title aloud. He pondered for a moment. "Do we even know our... uh, what do you call it? Chakra nature? That's it! Do we even know what it is?" he asked his clones, who simply shrugged and shook their heads.
"Welp, can't use this then. Maybe another time," Naruto remarked as he handed the book back to one of his clones.
Naruto continued his search, going through book after book. Then, he came across "Nebaiken (Sticky Fist): The Art of the Grappler Volume 1," and his eyes widened. This was exactly what he had been looking for, a way to supplement his fighting style. He realized he was starting to enjoy his visit to the library, contrary to his initial expectations. He set the book aside, keeping it for later reading.
Hours passed, and there was a peculiar discovery among the pile—a ramen cookbook. "What the heck is this? Who brought it?" Naruto asked his clones.
"I did!" one of his clones proudly admitted.
"And you found this in the jutsu section?" Naruto asked, raising an eyebrow at his clone.
"Of course not! I found it somewhere else, duh," the clone replied confidently.
Naruto's confusion deepened. "Then why did you bring it here?" he asked, trying to make sense of his clone's decision.
"We can't be strong on an empty stomach, can we?" the clone argued.
The other clones nodded in agreement, murmuring their support. Naruto let out a sigh but couldn't help but see the point his clone was making. After all, they couldn't neglect their nourishment. He decided to keep the cookbook and read it later, which brought a smile to the faces of his clones.
Naruto was nearing the end of his search as he approached the last two books: "Fuinjutsu: The Art of Sealing - For Beginners" and "Advanced Fuinjutsu - M.N." He checked the contents of the books to see if they were suitable for him. One was within his rank's scope, while the other was too complex for his current understanding.
"Return this to where you found it; we can't use it right now. It seems to be for High-Chunin and above," Naruto instructed his clone as he handed the book back.
With the gathering complete, it was now time for Naruto to actually start reading. He let out another sigh, fully realizing the challenges and sacrifices that came with seeking knowledge.
(A/N: Would you look at that, Naruto's beginning his grind to be stronger for upcoming battles. This fic already has 1.5k views and it's only been a couple of days haha, thank you for those who enjoy my fic. And also! Shoutout to Ogremen for your wonderful PM to me, I appreciate your support to this fic as it warms my heart to see people truly enjoy what I put out there haha. I would also like to make it clear that I will not be giving Naruto a billion jutsus to jerk him off, no haha. I still plan to make his arsenal diverse but I won't replace his core techniques such as the Kage Bunshin and Rasengan (coming soon). Also, expect clone training but for knowledge only, I mentioned it above that there's a difference between concept and muscle memory. So I kinda nerfed it so to speak, but yeah that is all for me and thanks for stopping by, cheers ^^)