DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (BUT THE FRANCHISE DOES OWN MY HEART HAHA)

Ch.9 - A Day Off In Konoha

- At The Seventh Training Grounds -

It was a peaceful Saturday in Konoha, and while most people were enjoying a relaxed day, Naruto could be found training vigorously with his clones at the Seventh Training Grounds. They had been engaged in combat for the past five hours, and exhaustion was starting to show on their faces.

Facing off against three clones, Naruto patiently awaited their next move. The tension was palpable as he locked eyes with his copies, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead.

Suddenly, Clone #1 made a move, rushing towards Naruto with a clenched fist. The other two clones followed suit. As Clone #1 leaped into the air, Naruto concentrated intensely, using a technique he had been practicing. With a quick sidestep, he evaded the clone's attack, causing it to stumble and fall to the ground.

Clone #2 attempted a spinning kick instead, but Naruto concentrated his chakra into his palms, making them sticky. As Clone #2's leg connected with his palm, it stuck, and Naruto seized the opportunity. He grabbed his opponent's leg, swung him around, and hurled him at Clone #3, sending both clones crashing to the ground.

Clone #1 quickly recovered and tried to attack from behind, but Naruto swiftly ducked and performed a sweeping kick, causing the clone to lose balance and fall. Clone #2, undeterred, clenched its fist and lunged at Naruto. In mid-air, Naruto countered with a powerful back-kick, landing it on the clone's abdomen. Applying chakra to his feet, Naruto hoped to connect with his technique, and to his surprise, it succeeded once again.

With all his strength, Naruto executed a flip in the air and slammed the clone into the ground. The impact caused the clone to bounce, and Naruto swiftly punched it towards Clone #3. Observing the scene, Naruto realized that the first clone was missing. Suddenly, the ground cracked beneath him, and Clone #1 launched from the ground, delivering a successful uppercut to Naruto's chin. The force sent Naruto flying, and as he skidded across the dirt, he tasted the metallic tang of blood in his mouth, having inadvertently bitten his lip during the impact.

Naruto stood back up, dusting himself off, feeling a sense of satisfaction despite his aching body. He had failed 28 times but succeeded twice, resulting in a streak of 28-2. It wasn't a bad record for someone who struggled with chakra control.

"That was more challenging than I anticipated," the original Naruto remarked.

"Well, yeah. Asuma-sensei told us that you have to practice it yourself to truly learn," Clone #1 replied.

"Yeah... I'm starting to get the hang of it, though I still need to refine my technique. But I have another question," Naruto said.

"Hmmm?" Clone #2 inquired.

"Have I ever been taught how to walk on trees and all that stuff?" Naruto asked, curious about his previous training.

"I don't think so... although if I remember correctly, this Nebaiken technique is closely related," Clone #2 responded, trying to recall their past experiences.

"I see... I guess I'll ask Asuma-sensei to teach me then," Naruto decided, determined to expand his skills.

"That sounds good, dattebayo!" Clone #3 chimed in, showing support for Naruto's plan.

"Thanks, umm... Me's? or I...?" Naruto pondered, unsure of the appropriate term.

"I don't know... What makes you think we have the answer?" Clone #1 questioned, raising an eyebrow at Naruto's self-reflection.

"Well, essentially, I'm thanking myself... I guess it's 'me's' then..." Naruto reasoned, attempting to find a suitable term.

"Why not 'I'?" Clone #2 suggested, considering the grammatical options.

"I'm confused..." Clone #1 admitted, finding the conversation perplexing.

"Me too.../Same..." Clone #2 and Clone #3 chimed in, expressing their shared confusion.

"You know what? Forget it. Good job to all of us. Problem solved," Naruto concluded with a smile, opting to let go of the linguistic puzzle.

Feeling satisfied with their training session, Naruto dispersed his clones and gathered his belongings near a tree. Among his things were the books and scrolls he had borrowed from the archives earlier. He carefully gathered everything, making sure not to forget any of the materials he had selected.

With hunger gnawing at his stomach, Naruto realized it was almost lunchtime. He had been training since 6 in the morning, and it was now around 11:30 before noon. His body ached, but he knew he needed to refuel before continuing with his day.

Leaving the training grounds behind, Naruto set off in search of a place to grab a well-deserved lunch. He craved a hearty meal to replenish his energy and satisfy his hunger, but we all know where he'll be heading to.

- At Ichiraku Ramen -

As Naruto savored his beloved ramen, he found himself engrossed in the scrolls he had borrowed from the archives. He carefully balanced the delicate art of reading and eating, ensuring not to spill any broth on the precious documents.

Ayame, the kind-hearted ramen stand attendant, noticed Naruto's intense focus and couldn't help but be curious. She approached him with a warm smile, genuinely interested in his reading material.

"Whatcha reading there, Naruto-kun?" Ayame inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Naruto's face lit up with excitement as he eagerly shared his newfound knowledge. "Oh, Ayame-neechan, I borrowed this amazing scroll from the archives. It's called 'Nebaiken: The Art of Grappling' by Mihara Kenchi. The technique involves using chakra to make my body stick to my opponent's body, like tree-walking or water-walking. It's all about preventing them from escaping while I beat the crap outta them!"

Ayame listened attentively, genuinely intrigued by Naruto's pursuit of strength. "That sounds quite formidable, Naruto-kun. How's your progress coming along?"

Naruto let out a sigh, momentarily overshadowed by his previous failures. "Well, if you consider failing 28 times and succeeding only twice as 'progress,' then yeah, it's coming along just fine. It's just frustrating... y'know?,"

Ayame's eyes softened with empathy as she shared her own experience. "Naruto-kun, don't be disheartened by those failures. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even I struggled when learning to serve ramen properly. But with persistence and practice, I eventually mastered it. You'll get there too."

Teuchi, the wise and experienced ramen chef, joined in on the lighthearted conversation. He interjected with a playful comment, teasing Ayame about her claim of being a ramen pro. "You're a hundred years too early to call yourself a pro, my dear daughter," Teuchi chuckled, adding a touch of fatherly affection to his words.

"Whatever you say, Dad," Ayame replied, her tone filled with affectionate exasperation. The playful exchange between Ayame and Teuchi continued to amuse Naruto, and he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Naruto found solace in Ayame's encouraging words. He realized that setbacks were an integral part of the learning process. With renewed determination, he resolved to focus on his small successes and keep striving for improvement.

"You're right, Ayame-neechan. Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it," Naruto expressed his gratitude sincerely.

Ayame smiled warmly at him, genuinely pleased to be of help. Curiosity piqued; she shifted the conversation to Naruto's life as a Genin.

"How's being a Genin treating you so far, Naruto-kun?" she asked, genuinely interested.

Naruto paused; his thoughts introspective as he considered the question. "It's tiring, that's for sure, but it's also rewarding. At first, I was always hoping for action-packed missions. But, after my first real battle, I'd honestly prefer more laid-back missions. though I'm still down for some kick-ass missions and at the same time I probably shouldn't look for danger,"

Ayame nodded, appreciating Naruto's growth and newfound perspective. "That's wise, Naruto-kun. It's important to value peace and stability. You're maturing into a thoughtful shinobi."

As the conversation continued, Ayame couldn't resist teasing Naruto about his relationship with Ino, one of their mutual friends.

"Speaking of Genin, where's your girlfriend?" Ayame playfully inquired.

Startled, Naruto vehemently denied the accusation. "Girlfriend? Ino? No way! She's not my girlfriend!"

Ayame couldn't help but tease him further, mischievously prodding at his emotions. "Since when did I say Ino was your girlfriend? You're the one who brought up her name. It seems like you do like her, huh?"

Caught off guard, Naruto's cheeks flushed bright red. "I-I mean, well, she's pretty..."

Ayame laughed, enjoying Naruto's flustered reaction. "See, you do like her. In that case, she can be your girlfriend. Our little Naruto is growing up so fast!" she joked, pretending to shed

"I SWEAR SHE'S NOT! And besides, I already like someone," Naruto pleaded, his voice filled with earnestness.

Ayame arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You mean the girl with the pink hair? What was her name again?" she asked, feigning forgetfulness.

Naruto's face flushed slightly as he confirmed, "Her name is Sakura."

"Ahh, that's it! But what about her do you like?" Ayame prodded, genuinely curious. Naruto paused, his thoughts gathering as he searched for an answer. After a moment of contemplation, he found himself struggling to provide a concrete response.

"I dunno... I guess I like her long hair, and the fact that it's pink," Naruto replied, his uncertainty evident.

Ayame raised an eyebrow, pressing further. "You guess? So, you're not sure? And even if you are sure, is that all? Are those two things the sole reasons why you like Sakura so much?"

Naruto was taken aback by Ayame's questions, his brows furrowing in confusion. "I'm not sure what you're getting at, Ayame-neechan. Why all the questions?"

"Nothing much really, just curious. Doesn't Ino also have long hair? Except hers is blonde if I'm not mistaken," Ayame added, a playful twinkle in her eyes.

Naruto nodded in agreement, confirming, "She does."

Ayame's mischievous smile grew wider as she continued, "Does that mean you like Ino too?"

Naruto's eyes widened, caught off guard by Ayame's line of questioning. He stammered in surprise, "WHAT?! Where are all these questions coming from, Ayame-neechan? I mean, seriously..."

Ayame chuckled, her laughter dancing in the air. "I'm just teasing you, Naruto. But honestly, do you like her?"

Naruto's confusion lingered, his gaze searching for clarity. "What do you mean?"

Ayame leaned in, her eyes locking with Naruto's. "That's it, Naruto. Do you like her? That's the real question."

Naruto pondered her words, realizing there was more depth to Ayame's inquiry than he initially thought. "Well, yeah, she's my teammate."

Ayame gently interrupted, encouraging Naruto to delve deeper. "But what if she wasn't your teammate? Would you still like her?"

Naruto hesitated, contemplating the hypothetical scenario. "I guess so. Even though we argue and bicker, I still think she's alright."

Ayame nodded, satisfied with Naruto's response. "I see... Anyway, just leave the bowl here when you're done. I'll be washing the dishes now," she said, shifting the conversation away from their playful banter.

Naruto finished his ramen quickly, leaving the bowl as Ayame had requested. With his hunger satiated and thoughts swirling in his mind, he decided to take a moment to rest and gather his energy before resuming his training.

- At The Hokage's Office -

Hiruzen sat at his desk, the weight of paperwork bearing down on him as he diligently worked through the stack. Despite it being a Saturday, the duties of the Hokage never seemed to rest. Hiruzen often found himself wondering how the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, managed to complete his paperwork so efficiently. As the years went by, the burden seemed to grow heavier, and Hiruzen felt his age catching up with him.

Lost in his thoughts, Hiruzen was interrupted by a polite knock on his office door.

"Enter," he called out, his voice carrying a tinge of weariness.

The door opened, revealing a chūnin holding a scroll in his hands. It was Natori, one of Hiruzen's trusted subordinates.

"Hokage-sama, we have received a letter from the Kazekage just now," Natori informed him, offering the scroll respectfully.

Hiruzen nodded, accepting the scroll from Natori. "Thank you for bringing it here, Natori. And what about the team we sent to patrol the border? Have you received any updates from them?" he inquired, concern lacing his voice.

"We have yet to receive any communication from them, Hokage-sama. However, if we do, I will immediately inform you," Natori replied, his tone earnest and respectful.

"Very well. Your vigilance is appreciated. You are dismissed," Hiruzen said, acknowledging Natori's dedication. With a bow, Natori exited the office, leaving Hiruzen to focus on the scroll before him.

Hiruzen carefully unrolled the message, revealing its contents—an important correspondence regarding the upcoming Chunin Exams and other related matters. It was that time of the year again, as the Chunin Exams were traditionally held in the month of July. Hiruzen had previously discussed the logistics with the Kazekage, as the hosting duties alternated between Konohagakure and Sunagakure.

Last year's exams had taken place in the Hidden Sand Village, so it was only fitting for Konohagakure to host the exams this year. With a sense of duty and purpose, Hiruzen dipped his quill in ink and began composing a response to the Kazekage's message, carefully addressing the details and confirming Konohagakure's readiness to host the prestigious event.

The Letter

Dear Kazekage-dono,

I wish this message finds you well, I would also like you to know that am pleased to hear from you. In terms of the venue for the upcoming Chunin Exams, I believe it is only fair to host the exams here in Konoha this year due to the fact that it was held in Suna previously. I shall be using the entire month of June to prepare for the exams, which range from the tests, proctors, as well as accommodations for those who will participate. With regards to the other villages we have invited, I am delighted to inform you that the following villages have accepted our invitation to join our joint Chunin Exams.

Takigakure (Hidden Waterfall Village)

Kusagakure (Hidden Grass Village)

Amegakure (Hidden Rain Village)

Otogakure (Hidden Sound Village)

Apparently, there is an up-and-coming village in Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields). Little is known about them for I have yet to talk to any officials in their village but that is a subject for a different time. That is all I have to say and we are looking forward to having your village here.

Respectfully,

Hiruzen Sarutobi (Hokage)

Hiruzen finished writing his response to the Kazekage's letter, setting it aside for a moment as he turned his attention to other pressing matters. He selected another file from the pile of paperwork before him, realizing that he had been toiling away for hours with seemingly little progress. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he took a puff from his pipe, seeking a brief respite from the mounting responsibilities. Opening the file, he discovered that it contained a missing person report.

The influx of missing cases, both among civilians and shinobi, had caught Hiruzen's attention. He had an uncanny sense that something was amiss, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. Such occurrences didn't happen without reason, and with his years of experience, Hiruzen knew better than to dismiss them as mere coincidence. He yearned to uncover the truth, to delve deeper into the matter, but his hands were tied. The approaching Chunin Exams and his numerous village obligations left him with little room to personally investigate.

Though he considered dispatching a team to look into the issue, he realized that manpower was stretched thin. Multiple teams were already engaged in missions, while others were occupied with their own duties—teaching students, managing various departments, and more. Hiruzen sighed once more, having lost count of how many times he had done so.

"I truly need to find a successor as soon as possible," he contemplated silently. The weight of being Hokage had become burdensome, surpassing what he could handle in his advanced age. While he remained the strongest ninja in the village, the administrative responsibilities had become overwhelming. Hiruzen longed for retirement, to savor the remaining time he had in the world. He understood better than anyone that his mortal life had an expiration date, and death held no fear for him. He had accepted that inevitability long ago.

Lost in his musings, Hiruzen's thoughts wandered through the significant events of his life—the days in the academy, his training under the guidance of the First and Second Hokage, his graduation, marriage, and countless memories. Suddenly, it struck him—recollection of one of his former students, one of the legendary Sannin. It seemed like a fortuitous opportunity to address two concerns simultaneously. Hiruzen reached for another clean scroll, ready to compose a letter to his former student.

Once satisfied with his words, he sealed the letter and placed it alongside the previously written scroll. Just as he finished, a knock on the door signaled someone seeking entrance. Hiruzen granted permission to enter, and a young woman, one of his assistants, stepped into his office.

"Good afternoon, Hokage-sama. I have brought your lunch. Is there anything else you need assistance with?" she asked politely.

"Good afternoon to you too, Kimiko-chan. Thank you for bringing me food; I'm beginning to feel a bit peckish. And yes, there is something you can help me with. Kindly take these two letters to our aviary. I want them prioritized as they are of utmost urgency," Hiruzen instructed, handing over the scrolls to Kimiko.

She placed the tray of food on his desk, accepting the scrolls with a nod. "Of course, Hokage-sama. I'll deliver them promptly. I'll also bring back the copies of the paperwork that were... well, burned earlier this morning. I must request that you refrain from using fire jutsus on your paperwork, Hokage-sama," Kimiko advised with a gentle smile.

Hiruzen chuckled at the reminder. Earlier that morning, he had resorted to using a fire jutsu to incinerate some of the paperwork, a release of pent-up stress

- Later That Night -

Naruto sat in his apartment, enjoying his dinner of ramen while engrossed in reading the scroll about Nebaiken. The fighting style fascinated him, particularly because he discovered that the creator shared a similar approach to combat.

Reflecting on his time at the academy, Naruto admitted that he never fully resonated with the standard fighting style they taught. While he acknowledged its usefulness, he always found himself naturally gravitating towards a more up-close and personal approach in his spars. It was akin to grappling, a style that felt more instinctual to him. Reading the author's notes in the scroll, Naruto learned that Mihara Kenchi, the creator of Nebaiken, also faced challenges when it came to restraining opponents. One day, the idea of combining chakra control with his fighting style struck him, leading to the birth of "Nebaiken: The Art of Grappling."

Rolling up the scroll and setting it aside with the others he had borrowed, Naruto's attention was drawn to another book lent to him by the archives. Its title read, "Fuinjutsu: The Art of Sealing - For Beginners." However, it wasn't the title that caught his eye but the spiral symbol adorning the book cover, similar to the one on the back of his own clothes.

Naruto shrugged, assuming it was merely a coincidence. After all, the spiral symbol could be found on the flak jackets worn by both Chunin and Jounin. Curiosity piqued, he flipped open the book, only to find the first page partially torn at the bottom. The author's name was missing, but the preface remained, beckoning Naruto to delve into the world of sealing.

PREFACE

To the reader of this book, greetings! It is so nice to see someone pick up an interest in fuinjutsu, the art of sealing is rare after all. In this book, I will be teaching you the basics of sealing. Despite being labeled for beginners, I would like to establish that the learning process won't be easy. So, if you don't get right away, do not be discouraged for mastering even the basics of fuinjutsu takes time much like anything else. Think of it as a flower, in order for it to bloom to its fullest potential one must tend to it patiently. That is all I have to say to you dear reader, and I hope once you finished reading this book, I was able to teach you a thing or two. Good luck in your education dear reader.

Naruto thought that the author was nice, he flipped to the next page containing the history of fuinjutsu, what fuinjutsu is, and many more information regarding the art. It seemed that Naruto was hooked on the book as he kept on reading throughout the night.

- Somewhere In Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields) -

In a secluded room shrouded in darkness, the air thick with an eerie stillness, two figures engaged in a clandestine conversation. The faint flickering of a dimly lit candle cast distorted shadows upon the walls, heightening the atmosphere of secrecy and malevolence.

"You wanted to see me, my lord?" a voice spoke with a hushed tone, filled with a mix of deference and anticipation.

The second voice, deeper and more commanding, responded with a chilling presence, "Yes, brief me about our progress. How is everything proceeding?"

"We're halfway there, my lord," the first voice replied, its undertones laced with a sense of satisfaction. "Though I'd like to note that if we maintain this consistent pace, we will be finished in no time."

A sense of sinister satisfaction seeped through the room as the second voice contemplated the information. It carried a foreboding tone that sent shivers down the spine.

"Very well then," the second voice finally responded, a hint of anticipation lingering in its words. "Be sure to keep me updated on our progress."

The room remained silent, save for the faint whispers of unseen shadows that seemed to dance along the edges of perception. The atmosphere grew even more chilling, as if the very walls themselves held secrets and malevolent intent.

"Is that all?" the second voice asked, its tone betraying a sense of impatience, an insatiable hunger for destruction.

"Yes, my lord," the first voice confirmed, its subservient tone laced with a mix of fear and loyalty.

"You are dismissed," the second voice commanded, and the figure slowly retreated from the room, leaving the darkness to consume them once more.

As the door closed, the room plunged into an even deeper gloom. In the solitude of the chamber, the second voice spoke softly, its words carrying an ominous weight.

"I shall bring upon the destruction of Konoha," it hissed, its whispered vow echoing through the stillness, a chilling promise that hung in the air, a harbinger of impending doom.

In the secluded room, barely lit and cloaked in a haunting ambiance, a malevolent presence plotted in the shadows, laying the groundwork for a sinister plan that threatened to unravel the very fabric of Konoha.

(A/N: And that's where Chapter 9 and if you haven't noticed this fic is sorta like those slow burn ones (correct me if I am using the term incorrectly). ALSO! I noticed I made a mistake in one of the chapters namely Chapter 3, I mentioned Valentine's Day which was a mistake as it messes up my dates. The first chapter should be around the last day of March, so please disregard the whole valentines thingy there (I will fix it). Also, I am contemplating whether or not you guys are interested in a chapter/s about the other teams. I do think they have potential which is why I am asking if you guys would be interested if I were to make a chapter about team7 or team8 heck even team Gai if I can. So please tell me haha, I might upload less for the upcoming days since I am going to be handling some college stuff so that I can transfer from one campus to another. So yeah, I plan on finishing the first part of this fic before my summer vacation ends. Other than that, that's all I have to say, cheers ^^)

(A/N#2: Removed a portion so that it makes sense haha)

(A/N#3: Removed Kirigakure in the letter because I did some research and apparently I misunderstood the wiki, Kiri and Konoha were in bad terms meaning they weren't in alliance or even have formation relations and stuff)

(A/N#4: Added back the removed portion and fixed it so it makes sense haha)