Chapter 5: Toad Sage Jr (1/4)
12 Years ago:
To many of the population of Konoha, the current day was just like any other. But to a selected few, it was a very special day.
Not long ago, Senju Tsunade announced that she was pregnant. Though it took a lot of convincing, Sarutobi Hiruzen was able to convince her to stay at the village until the end of her pregnancy. She was reluctant at first, but after Shizune practically begged her to do it, she ended up accepting.
For the next nine months, Tsunade was almost obsessively discreet about her pregnancy. She barely left the apartment that she was staying in once he belly started to grown, using Genjutsu to hide it when necessary.
Of course, Tsunade's sudden reappearance on the village raised some questions. Luckily, Hiruzen and Minato were able to make up a convincing story about Jiraiya doing some type of perverted act that caused Tsunade to travel all the way there to kill him for it. The story didn't really had to be convincing thanks to Jiraiya's reputation.
The three made several visits to Tsunade during the nine months, and they couldn't help but notice that she had a sort of glow around her, one filled only with the happiness that came along the path of motherhood. Even with almost no contact at all with her over the years, it truly seemed that she was happier than she had been in a long time. Which was something that brought a smile in Hiruzen's face.
Jiraiya was still in a deep state of agony due to not remembering the night he spent with Tsunade. Alongside the disbelief that he was actually gonna be a father because of it. Though he knows that Tsunade wouldn't admit that he was the father unless she was certain.
Minato helped as much as he could, by providing everything Tsunade and Shizune needed for their stay. Jiraiya was very quick to ask Minato to be his child's godfather. Which the fourth Hokage gladly accepted.
In the blink of an eye, the magical moment came and Tsunade's water broke before she went into labor. Thankfully everyone was prepared and transported the Slug Princess to a private room in Konoha's hospital, one expertly sealed off. With Shizune overseeing the delivery, everyone was excited beyond belief in their own way.
Tsunade screamed, cursed and a pushed. For an considerable amount of time. Until the first cries from a baby silenced the room. Shizune with a tender smile on her face, gently grabbed the newborn, cut the umbilical cord, cleaned and wrapped him up in a small blue blanket before handing him to a waiting Tsunade. Just as Shizune handed the baby to her master she gently said, "Tsunade-sama, allow me to introduce you to your son."
The very tired but very happy Tsunade gazed down at the still crying baby in her arms with glistening eyes. "Hello," She cooed as she brushed her hands over the baby's white hair, smiling with as much love as she could muster. "Mommy is here, Seiryu." Tsunade spoke the name that she choose for him.
Soon enough, Seiryu stopped crying as he looked to his mother to show his curious and dark eyes.
"He's beautiful, Tsunade-sama." Shizune gushed as she looked down at her new godson. She then wiggled her finger over Seiryu's face, who was following it around with innocent eyes.
"He is, isn't he?" Tsunade whispered more to herself. She couldn't keep the smile from her face as she took in every detail of her baby. In her mind he was the most adorable thing she'd ever seen, and might as well have been the most beautiful and precious entity in the world.
While the Slug Princess was admiring her baby, she didn't notice or even cared that Jiraiya, Minato and Hiruzen had entered the room and approached them.
"Hey, look at this." Jiraiya spoke as he ran to the bed to see his son.
"He looks just like you, Tsunade." Hiruzen couldn't help but notice, as he came over to see his grandson in all but blood.
"Yes, but the hair and eyes are definitely Sensei's." Minato said with a chuckle as he sees his godson.
"Good, the last thing he needs is to look too much like the filthy pervert that he got the misfortune to be the son of." Tsunade spoke coldly without breaking her gaze from Seiryu. "You definitely got your good looks from your mommy, Sei-chan." Tsunade told her baby warmly.
"Definitely, and when he gets older he'll be a killer with the ladies," Jiraiya chuckled with a slight gleaming gaze, ignoring Tsunade's insulting comments about him. "Hundreds will be chasing after him."
"Ha! Like any of those little hussies or tramps will ever be good enough for my sweet little Sei-chan." Tsunade replied to Jiraiya. "I'm not gonna let any of them even attempt to sink their claws into him," Tsunade huffed, never breaking eye contact with Seiryu.
This, of course, caused a series of chuckles to come from them. Since the idea of Tsunade being an overprotective mother and chasing away all the girls away from Seiyru in his teenage years was very comical.
Oh Hime, you don't know it yet. But once I'm done with him, he'll be the biggest pervert Konoha has ever seen, hahaha! I will teach him everything I know so no girl will be able to resist his charms! He'll be a legend second only to yours truly! Jiraiya thought with a smile as he imagined his son's future. Only for Tsunade to notice his smile and frown at him for it.
If this bastard is planning on turning my son into a pervert like him, he's gonna regret that I didn't kill him when we were children. Tsunade thought as she noticed Jiraiya usual perverted smile. Alongside the memory of the pain she caused him for trying to spy on her as she bathed several years ago. Then her gaze descended back to her baby and her smile quickly returned.
Hinata's Room: A few hours before the Bell test.
After taking a shower and other things, Hinata changed into her pajamas and plopped down onto her bed. With the lights off, she merely stared at the ceiling.
Tomorrow will determine whether I become a Ninja or not. Hinata relayed through her mind. I hope I'm strong enough to pass, I don't want Seiyru-kun thinking I am weak.
The sounds of a hand hitting across the door to Hinata's room was heard.
"Yes?"
The door opened, and Hyūga Hiashi entered her room.
"F-Father?!" Hinata gasped as she quickly rose from the bed and gave her father a bow.
Hiashi looked at he daughter with rather stoic and emotionless eyes.
Such eyes made Hinata a little uncomfortable when she was in his presence. Very uncomfortable actually.
"Have you been assigned to your team?" Hiashi asked her daughter, not even bother to say 'hello' or 'how are you doing?'
"Yes." Hinata answered politely. "We are having a survival test tomorrow to determine whether we truly become Genin or get sent back to the Academy."
"Very well. Do well, and try not to be a burden to your teammates." Hiashi said, causing Hinata to look at the ground.
There it was, her own father didn't even acknowledge her. Sometimes she wonders whether all of this was worth it. Becoming a Ninja and all.
Hinata had wanted to cry multiple times in front of Hiashi whenever she would bring her confidence and self-esteem down, but Hiashi was the head of the clan and her father, she couldn't afford to cry in front of him.
"Hinata, are you listening to me?" Hiashi's voice rang through Hinata's ears as she was brought out of her thoughts.
"I-I'm sorry." Hinata took a quick bow of apology to her father.Hiashi let out a small sigh, closing his eyes as he repeated what he said while Hinata was spacing out.
"Who are your teammates and Jonin sensei?" Hiashi questioned.
"Oh um...my teammates are Uchiha Sasuke and Senju Seiryu. " Hinata answered quietly, with her voice unsteady slightly.
So, father's plan... whatever it was, worked. Though, I wasn't expecting her to end up on a team with the last Uchina. Although he showed no reaction or emotion on the outside, he was slightly caught off guard from the team, as he wasn't really expecting his father to be able to put Hinata on a team with the Senju heir.
"My sensei is Kakashi Hatake." Hinata added.
First those two and now the Copy Ninja? Hiashi thought to himself. "Very well, that is all." Hiashi turned around and walked out of the door, however, he stopped right at the doorway. "Show up at the time he specified. Although he makes no effort to make it on time, that doesn't give you the right as a Hyuga to show up late, failure or not. And remember, don't be a burden to your teammates."
That was the second time he said that to her in the entirety of this conversation.
"Yes, Father." Hinata croaked as if she had lost her voice. When the door was slid shut and Hinata knew that Hiashi was far enough, she began to shed tears.
Why? Why doesn't he show me any appreciation? It's already bad that the entire clan treats me bad, but it's even worse if it's my own father! Hinata sobbed.
Oh, how she wished her mother was alive right now. If only she hadn't died giving birth. She could be here to help and encourage Hinata.
Occasionally, Hinata would mourn and pay her respects to her mother in her own room, because for some odd reason, the members of the clan never buried her mother's body when she died.
To this day, it was still a mystery she never knew the solution to.
Present day: Four Hours after the bell test.
"And that's what happened."
In the Hokage's office, Hatake Kakashi was finishing to give the details of the bell test to the Hokage.
"Amazing, even with the advantage, that was quite a feat." Hiruzen commented to Kakashi as he put his pipe on his mouth.
"Agreed, though, there is one thing that I still don't understand." Kakashi spoke up. "How did Seiryu used a water release technique, without any water around?" He asked in doubt while scratching his head.
I sincerely hope that my suspicion is correct. But only Jiraiya can confirm it. Hiruzen thought as he inhaled the smoke from his pipe and exhaled before speaking. "I have a small suspicion, but I'm gonna have to wait until Jiraiya in order to confirm it."
Suddenly, they were surprised by two people entered the office. It was Asuma and Kurenai, arriving together.
Asuma should really stop denying that he is interested in Kurenai. Hiruzen thought as he observed his son entering the office. I would love if he gives me another grandchild before my time comes, maybe granddaughter. The Hokage kept in thinking of scenarios on his head.
"Kakashi? I must say, I wasn't expecting you here so soon." Kurenai commented. "Does that mean that your team passed?" She asked him, as she was wondering if Hinata managed to succeed.
"Yes, in record time to be honest." Kakashi answered.
Kurenai smiled and Asuma raised his eyebrow, as he wasn't exactly sure if this team would pass or fail. Although he was happy that the kids passed, he was still slightly disappointed as there had been a large betting pool with a large number of the Shinobi population, about if the kids would be the team that passed the test. Many had bet that they would pass, considering who was on the team, while many others bet that they wouldn't, considering Kakashi's high standards and track record. Asuma himself had bet that they would fail, hence he lost a considerable amount money. Which he would be extremely frustrated to know that his father also made a bet and he actually won part of this considerable amount.
"So the team passed your test and figured out the hidden meaning of it." Asuma spoke and he puffed out a smoke from his cigarette.
"Actually, Senju Seiryu already knew the test and warned the others before hand." Kakashi revealed to him. "They actually came up with a really nice strategy and took the bells from me."
After hearing that, Asuma feels even more stupid. Of course, he already knew the meaning of the test. Asuma for some reason forgot that Senju Seiryu was the son of his father's former students and that they would have commented to him about the bell test. Which made him even more frustrated over the money that he lost.
"So, what was the strategy?" Kurenai asked in curiosity.
"Seiryu managed to trick me twice with a Shadow Clone and a Transformation Technique. Then him and Sasuke got me with a surprise Fire Style and Water Release techniques." Kakashi summarized the test. "Hinata observed everything from a high ground, and used her Byakugan to keep tracks on me, which helped Seiryu escape one of my attacks."
Kurenai smiled after hearing that. As she was happy that Hinata succeed and found a way to help her team.
"What about you two? Did your teams did well?" The Hokage asked Kurenai and Asuma.
"Well... Nara Shikamaru has some obviously problems due to severe laziness, but he is a very intelligent individual." Asuma spoke of Shikamaru, who he could tell, had a very high intelligence but was very lazy. "Akimichi Chõji has potential but he has a great lack of confidence in himself and his abilities which I plan to work on it to help him get over it." Then he spoke of Chõji , who he could tell had a lot of potential but lacks confidence in himself. "Yamanaka Ino is a confident and outspoken girl but she has a mild-temper and occasionally lashed out at others, though, I'm sure she can become a good Kunoichi." Ino, actually pretty much bosses Shikamaru and Chõji but it's better to not mention that.
"Inuzuka Kiba is a little short-tempered and impulsive but he seems to very loyal to his teammates." Kurenai commented, Kiba came off to her as someone you can definitely count on. " Aburame Shino is a calm, collected, and solitary person. He seems to prefer a more logical approach to things, which is a good thing to balance his teammates more impulsive nature." She sincerely meant what she said. "Haruno Sakura has a lot of potential but..." She sincerely needs to get over her crush on Uchiha Sasuke, because she complained about it every time Kiba teases her about. "She really needs to learn how to work together with her teammates." She hit Kiba more than once, and stepped on several of Shino's bug, which really angered him.
"What about your team, Kakashi?" Asuma asked him in curiosity.
"Seiryu aims high but is overconfident, Hinata has good intentions but is shy and doesn't seem fit for the cruel work of a Shinobi, and Sasuke is your typical avenger." Kakashi pretty much summarized his team in a short fashion.
That's a pretty good description of Hinata. Kurenai thought sadly.
The typical avenger will definitely be a problem later. Asuma couldn't help but think.
The Hokage was about to say something about the matter , but before he could say anything, a figure suddenly appeared in the office in a puff of smoke, the figure was none other than Jiraiya.
"Hey, Sensei." Jiraiya announced his presence with one of his signature poses. "Long time no see, sorry I'm late, my meeting with my contact took longer than I thought." He apologized with a smile as he approached the Hokage's desk.
"Jiraiya, I was waiting for your arrival." Hiruzen greeted his former student.
He hasn't change a bit. Asuma noted, as he's seen Jiraiya on a few occasions when he was younger.
That's Seiryu's father? Wow... he probably got his good looks from his mother. Kurenai thought as Jiraiya gave her a serious pervert vibes by how he stared at her legs just now.
Maybe I can ask for a preview of his next Icha Icha book. Kakashi thought as he couldn't wait to see the next installment.
"So how did Seiryu do….no wait! Don't tell me! Let me guess, he passed with flying colours." Jiraiya spoke with a lot of certainty.
"As a matter of fact, he did." Kakashi answered Jiraiya's question.
"Hah! I knew it! So, you're his Sensei Kakashi?" Jiraiya was quick to ask him. Which he just nodded in response. "Haha! Minato would have been very pleased, that his student got to train his godson." He spoke with a smile.
The mention of Minato made Kakashi a bit upset, since he still missed his Sensei.
"Asuma and Kurenai, I need to speak with Jiraiya and Kakashi in private, unless you two have anything else to repor-" Hiruzen spoke with both of them before he was interrupted.
"No, we'll be on our way now." Asuma spoke up as he inhaled the smoke from his cigarette.
"Excuse us, Hokage." Kurenai spoke with a bow.
Both Asuma and Kurenai proceeded to exit the Hokage's office.
"Ummmm... what exactly do you wanna talk with me?" Kakashi asked in a bit of confusion.
Hiruzen sighed before speaking. "Well... The council requested to informed of Jiraiya's arrival to discuss..."
"Let me guess, they wanna know the extent of Seiryu's training." Jiraiya was quick to finish for the Hokage. "And since Kakashi is his Sensei now."
Oh, right. Kakashi understood.
Jiraiya also sighed as he sincerely wasn't a big fan of the council. "Fine, but call them already, I have something important to discuss with you."
Hiruzen raised an brow to that. Does this have something to do with this contact that kept him from meeting with me when Seiryu came to the village? He wondered.
"WHAT?!" That was the main response of the Council when Jiraiya finished listing the extent of Seiryu's training.
As soon as Jiraiya arrived, Hiruzen called up the Council for a meeting. Jiraiya didn't waste time and started to list the extend of Seiryu's training. Which surprised everyone including Kakashi and Hiruzen.
He possesses the Second Hokage's High Water affinity, that's how he used the water release with no water around. Kakashi thought as he now understood how Seiryu.
He has four Natural Nature Affinities, Water,Earth,Fire and Lightning. Hiruzen thought in amazement, as someone with more than one natural affinity was something rare.
He has his mother flawless Chakra Control, along with her Monstrous Strength and Medical Talent. Koharu thought in deep surprise.
He received Kenjutsu lessons from the General of the Land of Iron. Homura thought.
This boy may prove to be a great asset to the village. Danzō thought, already making plans for the Senju heir.
"Jiraiya, what were you doing on the Land of Iron anyway?" Homura asked in confusion.
"I was... tracking a clue about something that I rather not mention. But, Seiryu and I had to stay there for longer than I expected, he ended up becoming friends with the General during our stay there." Jiraiya explained. That brat certainly inherited my inhuman charisma, to be able of convincing the general of the Land of Iron to teach him Kenjutsu, was quite a feat. He thought proudly.
"Why Tsunade taught him Medical Ninjutsu at such an early age?" Koharu asked as she was still surprised.
"Tsunade's trains him since he started to walk." Jiraiya informed him. "Can't blame her though, after what happened to her brother."
The mention of little Nawaki, made Hiruzen very sad. As he still remembers the dreadful day of his death. Tsunade probably wants to make sure that her son is more prepared to face adversity than her little brother was.
"Umm... how exactly did you discovered that he had four natural nature affinities?" Kakashi asked him in curiosity.
"Well... The brat came to me and asked me to test which was his natural affinity because he wanted to train it on it at once." Jiraiya explained. "So, I gave him the papers and to my surprise and shock, the paper divided into four and each had a different reaction."
"It's amazing." Hiruzen spoke.
Jiraiya smiled and made an eccentric poses. "What did you expect, Sensei. My powerful genes mixed with Tsunade's heritage could only produce greatness." Jiraiya spoke with a lot of pride in his voice.
That, of course, caused everyone to have very large sweat drops at the back of their heads. He's never going to change. Hiruzen thought humorously.
Soon enough, the council meeting was finished and the still surprised council members and Kakashi left the Hokage's office. Leaving Jiraiya and Hiruzen to discuss whatever Jiraiya wanted to speak about.
"That was quite an interesting meeting." Hiruzen commented, as most of the meetings regarding Seiryu were quite unique.
Jiraiya laughed a bit, due to the faces that they made when he revealed Seiryu's capabilities. "Though, there were a few more things that I taught him that I didn't mentioned."
"You revealed his main capabilities, which is good enough, don't worry about it." Hiruzen assured him. "So, what is that you want to talk about?"
"Well, first, I wanna take Seiryu somewhere with me." Jiraiya announced. "I know he just became a Genin, but I won't be coming back to the village for a while after this specific trip and I promised the brat that I'll teach him a certain technique." He explained to Hiruzen.
"If that's the case, you have my permission." Hiruzen was quick to grant it. "But, what exactly is this trip you're going to make and why all the secrecy?" He asked in curiosity as Jiraiya seemed to be very eager to speak to him.
Jiraiya paused for a second, trying to find the right words to say it. "Sensei... I think I found Kushina."
As always thanks everyone for reading my story. I appreciate every single one of you who either follow or favorite my story. As always, if anyone has any questions, just leave in the reviews or PM me about it and I'll be glad to answer them. (As long as it's not a spoiler of course.)
[Special thanks to THEBLACKDAB, for helping me with this story.]