Chapter 3: Learning my Trump Cards
And so, the year came and went. I kept in contact with Anko, who unsurprisingly, took every chance she could to tease me - something I was very happy about - and taught me many more different tea ceremonies, along with techniques for what she called 'casual information gathering'. Which basically amounted to asking seemingly benign questions that would help me acquire whatever information I was looking for. She also taught me all sorts of things regarding the life of a shinobi, and the less popular details associated with the profession. She did do her best to keep any over-the-top details out of her explanations, which was a big plus in my book. Making her a much more serious candidate for my totally not harem - harem. *Ahem* Anyway, other than that, we shared lots of things together. Sweets, training tips, cooking recipes, weapon maintenance tips, we also played a lot of different board games and listened to music together. We also shared a lot of affection with each other. Me hugging her whenever I could and her giving me soft pecks on the cheek whenever she thought it would get me flustered. She rarely failed. We also cuddled a lot, and I was happy about that. I felt that I was helping her heal from her recent trauma, and I was getting to spend time with a smart and beautiful Onee-san type.
I also got to meet mommy Kurenai. And boy was she a bombshell. I think she's twenty-two at this point and she's already mommy material. I was still about six years old, and I'd never had a mother figure. So, when I met her and saw these qualities I unashamedly asked if I could call her 'mom' since I already called Anko 'nee-chan', and she mothered Anko all the time. Anko is three years younger than her. She seemed uncertain at first, but my cuteness prevailed, and she said yes. I then took every chance I got to call her mommy and cuddle with her. She was very affectionate, and she was always kind. Then one night when she was staying over at my place – as she had started to do occasionally when we began our 'mother-son' relationship - I told her about my dream as we snuggled and asked if she could be a mommy in my clan once I started to restore it.
She seemed startled at what I was asking and decided to tell me exactly what I was asking for, since she thought I didn't know what I had asked meant. I essentially got a watered down 'birds and the bees'. I then used my childlike wonder to ensnare her, "You mean I can make you a mommy for real?! Can I please? You're already the best mommy I've ever seen, so imagine once you turn into a real one." I'll be honest, I'm a piece of shit. But I'm a proud piece of shit.
She said she'd wouldn't promise anything, but that she'd consider it if she hadn't already started a family of her own once I was old enough to begin accomplishing my dream. I said yes and hugged her and gave her the biggest kiss on the cheek I could muster at the time. I had also gotten her to meet Hinata, much earlier than in canon mind you, and they started a sort of motherly/ sisterly relationship. She loves kids it seems. It also made Hinata and I siblings of sorts in her eyes, and she treated us as such. I didn't mind.
As you might have guessed, I was also in regular contact with Hinata-chan. She was getting a lot better when it came to her confidence. Part of that being that I told her that I started sparring with my Jiji just so I could help her train - which made her really happy that I would go so far for her -, and the other part being that I never insulted her when she didn't do something right or was too shy to be aggressive when she needed to be in a spar. We also got a lot closer as well. She was a lot more open about her feelings towards things when speaking to me. Not to mention that having Kurenai as a loving mother/older sister figure was doing wonders for her confidence as well.
She also, often got jealous when I told her I was going to spend time with Anko, though. The two had met briefly and I will never forget the stare-down those two were having when I met up with them. It. Was. Epic. She also helped me in refining my chakra control, and both of our Taijutsu were coming along nicely.
Another person I kept having regular meetings with was, of course, the Old Man. These days he seems a lot spryer, a lot happier and motivated too. "I guess having someone to talk to regularly and a willing pupil who cares for and respects you will do that for a wary old master..." I also managed to weasel out the names of his Jutsu, which then led to me asking a very peculiar series of questions.
Flashback, Start:
"If your version is called the 'Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu', then does that mean that the original is called the 'Shadow Clone Jutsu'? And if so, what does it do?" He later responded with, "Ah, correct you are my boy. Yes, the technique I derived mine from is called the 'Shadow Clone Jutsu'." He said before pausing to take a puff of his pipe. "The 'Shadow Clone' creates an identical physical copy of the user by dividing the user's chakra equally between parts. The copy is then able to use Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu, among many other things. It also allows for the caster to receive information via the memory transferal process that takes place once the clones are dispelled, along with the clones remaining chakra. Making it great for infiltration and spy missions." he finishes. I nod and wait for a moment. "So then why don't you just use 'Shadow Clones' to do your paperwork? You'd still remember everything they did, right?" I know this is a repeat phrase, but I swear, no, scratch that. I know, for a fact. That at that moment, time in the Hokage Office stood still for what seemed like centuries.
I looked at the Old Man with near mechanic movement, and I saw him glaring at what I could only assume were the ANBU trying their very best to phase through the wall and escape certain doom. "All of you knew this." He stated as a fact. "And chose to say nothing!" He wailed and smashed his fist through his desk with enough force that the pieces were sent flying to either side of him and the floor had a very noticeable hole going all the way through to the next floor down. "Oof, this is some prime-time entertainment right here" I thought to myself as I watched the esteemed 'Professor', the 'Lord Third Hokage' of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Throw a massive temper tantrum at his guard for not telling him something he should have very well been able to figure out. It was even better when a full ten squads of Jonin and ANBU came bursting in through the doors only to find me eating some honeyed sweet chestnuts I had brought specifically for this occasion, and grinning like a madman. While the Old Man repeatedly punched the floor in frustration and what I can only assume to be self-loathing.
After a moment of them trying, and failing to understand what was going on they asked, "Uzumaki-san, what is going on here?" I got up and dusted myself off before I bowed and spoke. "Hello, ANBU-san. I don't really understand." I lied, before I continued. "All I did was ask him why he didn't use 'Shadow Clones' to help him fight the 'Paper Beast' he always complains so much about." I may have embellished things a bit, but at this point I'm still six, so I decided to have a bit of fun with this. At this, every person in the room just looked at me with...was it awe? "Wait..." I started. "Are you telling me nobody here ever thought of that?" I stared at them incredulous, which I know looked incredibly cute on my features because I got a bunch of 'oos' and 'ahs' from the females in the group. Their silence was telling. I had to hold the urge to just facepalm right then and there. "How has no one thought of this?!" I cry out internally. "You guys can't be serious..." I say in as much a deadpan as I can muster. They all look at each other before sighing collectively, "I'm afraid so..." The ANBU finishes.
Flashback, End:
"Hmmm, yup. It's totally me and not the clones doing paperwork." I conclude.
I also got to finish part of the scrolls my mother had left for me. I got to take a look at the 'Rasengan' from, surprisingly enough, my mother's training scrolls. It seems like my dad had created the Jutsu just for her. It was there that I found out my dad's way of training for it before he completed the technique. It wasn't all that much different, besides the fact that he did not use balloons of any kind to train it. "Maybe that's why his was so much bigger and dangerous in the Anime." I thought to myself. I decided to try and learn it his way once I turned ten – so not for some time - and that took me a whole 30 days of nonstop training and excruciating pain in my hands because of the chakra burns to get a perfect 'Rasengan' in one hand. I want to do that with both hands simultaneously though... Ugh.
I also got a look at the 'Uzumaki Hidden Jutsu: Adamantine Sealing Chains'. And I was not at all surprised at how much chakra those required to manifest. Thankfully my control was at about Low A Rank by the time I had gotten to this technique. Which seemed to be about as high as I could get it without medical training, or other specialized training methods that the Old Man was holding onto for when I finally graduate the Academy. "Ugh, that's in like forever, ya' know?" I remember groaning at the Old Man. But yeah, those chains were awesome, though I still couldn't use them for more than a few moments before I was mentally exhausted from the amount of concentration required.
Another great thing about those scrolls was that my mom seemed to have made very detailed notes on all of her - and some of my father's - techniques and training methods. So, I had a much more effective training regime than the one I had previously. I was progressing quite a bit faster physically, and I was steadily increasing my reserves more and more, thanks to all of my studying and meditating.
This year was also the year I finally got Kurama to talk with me for more than just a few words or grunts. And most of these are much less hostile and angry than they were beforehand. I also found out that he has a rather peculiar sense of humor. As evidenced when he kept chuckling at my first interaction with Anko-nee. And yes, I do, in fact, call her 'Anko-nee'. It makes her gush with joy and gets me a face full of titty. I am going to milk it for all it's worth. Pun very much intended.
So yeah, all in all, I think this was perhaps my most productive year yet.
It was in the late winter of my seventh year that I began the Ninja Academy with my friend Hinata. I still had to come help her deal with some bullies on our first day, but this time she had helped me send them packing with their tails between their legs. I had also finally met, - or rather seen - Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino. I could not help but sigh at their naivety about the shinobi profession. I saw Akimichi Choji, and Nara Shikamaru, lazy as all hell. That's going to have to change. Inuzuka Kiba, loud, brash, and obnoxious. Needs to change too. Aburame Shino, too damn quiet, I gotta get him to open up if only slightly. And finally, Uchiha Sasuke. I gotta admit, seems alright pre-massacre. Cute kid, too. But yeah, hopefully, my being smarter and stronger than most everyone here by a mile will get the 'Rookie 9' to kick it into high gear. Otherwise, I might have to get Iruka Sensei to help me stage some sparring matches to get them in line before it matters.
Why would Iruka Sensei help me out, or like me at all at this point? Do you ask? Simple. I met him when I was still a toddler and was spending my days at the Hokage Office. We hit it off swimmingly back then, and I often gave him my small pottery projects to keep as gifts. - He still has them, all 20 of them. So, this Iruka and I have much more history together. But I digress.
After entering the classroom holding hands with Hinata-chan - because why the hell not? - we picked out some seats near the middle in the front. This got us a bunch of looks from the extras that me and my princess readily ignored in favor of doing literally anything else. That morning after beating those bullies I had asked Hinata if she knew anything about Change in Chakra Nature. She replied with that super cute little head tilt of hers that always makes me melt. I then spent the better part of 30 minutes explaining what it was, and how it could augment a person's fighting style and Jutsu. She said she would like to try to learn this and asked me if I could help teach her once I learned how. I damn near kissed her - on the cheek - right there, she was so adorable.
Not a moment after she had asked me that, Iruka came in with Mizuki. And right off the bat I could feel him giving me the stink eye. "I'm going to have to do something about him before he tries anything funny." I thought. Hinata also seemed to have noticed this. Iruka then went and introduced himself to the class before asking everyone to do the same and went by seating order. So, since I was in the middle seat before Hinata, I was first of the eventual 'Rookie 9' to be called. "Hello, my name is Naruto Uzumaki. My likes are training, ramen, sweet red bean buns and my friends. I dislike traitors - look pointedly at Mizuki, who looks at me murderously - and those who put themselves before others. My dream is to restore the Uzumaki Clan to prominence. And my hobbies include taking walks around the village with Grandpa Lord Third Hokage, - at this everybody, Mizuki included gasps - and performing tea ceremonies for my friends in the T and I department." "Try something now, you dumb piece of shit" I think looking pointedly at Mizuki with my most innocent look.
After me, it was Hinata's turn. "Hello everyone. M-My name is Hinata Hyūga. My likes are flower pressing and cinnamon buns, and Naruto. I dislike the traditions of my clan, and people who think that they are better than others based on family name. My dream is to one day unify my clan. My hobbies are to train my clan's techniques and spend time with my real and surrogate sisters." She barely stammered the one time. This was amazing progress. Also, rather forward with the confession, I like it. I was so happy for her that I held her hand when she sat back down and gave her my best silly grin. To which she responded with a smile and small blush.
I pretty much ignored the rest of the introductions because I honestly couldn't be bothered.
After we got sent on lunch break. Hinata and I went straight to Iruka sensei.
"Hey Sensei, how's it going?" I ask him casually. He looks at me with a tired expression. "You know, you shouldn't be so casual around school Naruto. Even if we are already well acquainted." "Well, yeah, but it's lunch break, right?" I ask, tilting my head to the side. He sighs again, then smiles. "What do you need Naruto?"
"Well, did you notice Mizuki giving anyone the stink eye besides me? Or did you not notice?" At this, he straightened. "Naruto, are you sure?" I nod. "Yes, I can sense a person's emotions through their chakra, and his were non-too pleasant when he looked at me. I don't care if he doesn't like me for whatever reason. But I don't want any of my graded assignments or practical lessons to be anywhere near him. I don't think he can be trusted to not meddle in some way." Iruka nods at this and says "Very well. I will tell Lord Third about your observation and will take care of grading all of yours and Hinata's assignments and evaluations just in case." "Thanks, Iruka Sensei" I reply with a smile and small bow. I then go and leave the classroom to get some food with Hina-chan.
Later that same day, I entered the Hokage Office to see a rare sight. The Old Man sitting on the large sofa, pipe in one hand and Sake in the other, with three clones slaving away at the paperwork. "Hey Old Man" I greet. "Ah, Naruto, my boy. What can I do for you this fine evening" He gives his customary greeting. I then explain what happened with Mizuki. "I see..." He remains quiet for some time. Then he begins, "I want you to notify me of any developments with this. Iruka has also informed me of your observations and has been tasked to do the same. Do not, under any circumstance unless it's life or death, engage him in any manner. We will let this run its course to see what his intentions are, before I take any decisive action. Do you understand?" He commands. "Yes, Lord Third." I respond.
"Good." He relaxes his demeanor and continues. "How was your first day?"
"Ugh, where do I start?" I reply dramatically before giving him a foxy grin.
After that first little incident, Mizuki seems to have gotten the hint because he never looked at me that way again. Or at all. For the rest of the school year. He did his damndest to ignore me whenever possible and I was glad since the feeling was mutual.
Hinata and I blew through the class rankings and were the best in almost every academic subject. This had the added effect of getting Hinata more respect at home, which in turn helped boost her confidence even more. I was still somehow one of the least popular kids in my class, but since I could beat everyone up without breaking a sweat nobody was willing to try anything. Hinata, on the other hand had flourished and made some friends with Shino Aburame, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and by extension Shikamaru Nara. Which also had the added benefit of getting me acquainted with them early on. She had also made friends with the soon to be 'Handsome Green Beast of the Leaf' and Tenten, who were a year ahead of us and were in her cousin Neji's class. The guy was still a prick, but since Hinata could bite harder than he could bark, he wasn't that big of an issue.
During the year, I was also finally able to do was finish My Lady's Shrine - something that'd been long overdue. I had decided to build a small Ancestor type Shrine in my bedroom once I was given my apartment. Then I spent the next two - almost three, years sculpting different figures of her from metal, wood, and ceramic. I had one statue made of each material for both of her forms. The one she had when we made love, and the one she had when she sent me here and took over for Kurama's sealing. After I had completed them, I placed them in a pyramid around a portrait I had commissioned. I then added small, scented candles around the Shrine with a few incense sticks laying in the middle of the shrine.
I still remember the first time I prayed to the Shrine; I had prayed to her before, almost daily since I was able to. But that first time in front of the Shrine, it was magical.
Flashback, Start:
I finished setting up the Shrine, and just admired my handy work for a few minutes. Once I decided it was time for my daily prayer, I sat in front of it and lit the incense sticks. I closed my eyes and called out to her. After but a moment She materialized with a kind and motherly smile. I then crashed right into her and hugged her for all I was worth. I had missed her so much; I hadn't even noticed until now. "Hello, my young warrior. It's been some time." She says with her silky-smooth voice while caressing my hair. We stayed like this for some time. Me enjoying her embrace and her just caressing my hair.
"I've missed you, My Lady." I start. "I have been wanting to thank you for helping me on that first night." I finish, looking up at her with a shy smile. "Will you... will you visit me again soon?" I asked after a brief pause, staring at her beautiful face. "Fret not my love, I shall not be far." She says with a smile pointing at her shrine. Then crouches down and kisses my forehead. "I will always be near you, Naruto Uzumaki" She finishes with a whisper in my ear as she embraces me once more. Pressing her body closer to mine and rubbing her cheek to mine. Then after a few more moments, she starts disappearing from view and showing me her true form once more as she does so. I smile and wave at her. Then, after finishing my prayer, I decided cooking some dinner and going to bed for the day would be best.
Flashback, End:
I still get a goofy smile when I remember that interaction.