Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishomoto even thou he ruined the story for so many of us.
...
Take me to the Place I Belong
...
It has been days of boring, never-ending walking as Jiraiya seemed to take pleasure in looking at every tree. Today after the sun set he continued and they ventured deeper into the dark forest, the only sounds that accompanied them were the rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. The dense canopy overhead blocked out the moonlight, leaving them shrouded in shadows. Naruto and Nariko walked side by side, their senses on high alert, while Jiraiya led the way with a confident stride.
Nariko's root training told her that this was some new test and she focused all her attention on the forest around her. Turning off her emotions she moved a few extra steps away from Naruto to give her room to react.
Naruto, too, was deep in thought, trying to grasp the significance of what lay ahead. The path were following was clearly a deer tail or some other large animal but why didn't they stop like every other night? He noticed Nariko moving apart and he got on edge, she knew something was going to happen. Naruto slid his hand into his weapon pouch and fingered a couple of shusrikens into his palm.
He stole a glance at Nariko, who seemed lost in her thoughts staring off into the darkness. The sight of her with that signature face mask and skin-tight Anbu armor reminded him of the battles they had fought together, the lives they had taken to protect the village. They were no longer simple Genin on a D rank mission this journey was about more than just being a skilled fighter. It was about confronting the one thing he avoided at all costs, himself.
Jiraiya's voice broke the silence, pulling them back to the present. "This forest has a life of its own doesn't it, and it will test you in ways you can't predict." Those words seemed to echo from tree to tree as he jumped over a log leaving them momentarily without a leader.
They continued to walk in silence, the forest closing in around them. Naruto felt the hairs on his neck stand on end, sensing a presence lurking in the shadows. His hand instinctively gripped the shurikens in his hand as he scanned the surroundings.
Nariko's gaze darted from tree to tree, every rustle making her muscles tense. She had fought countless battles, but this darkness was different—it was alive, unpredictable, and seemingly endless. Jiraiya had somehow disappeared and all her training screamed danger.
As they continued, the darkness enveloped them like a suffocating embrace. Every rustle of leaves made their muscles tense, and each snap of a twig sent shivers down their spines. The forest seemed to be alive, whispering secrets that only the shadows could understand.
Nariko's years of training in Root demanded vigilance, but this darkness was unlike any enemy she had faced before. It wasn't a tangible opponent she could strike down with a kunai; it was an intangible force, a fear that gnawed at the edges of her mind.
Naruto, too, grappled with the darkness, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. This journey wasn't just about mastering the Will of Fire; it was about facing the demons that resided within himself—the doubts, the insecurities, and the loneliness he had buried deep within his heart. Memories of his younger self hiding in the allies hoping not to be found. Begging for food and sleeping in the trash before the Hokage found him came bubbling up from the dark corners of his mind uncalled for as he did his best to push them back where they belonged, dead and buried like so many other lost souls he had seen in those dark days.
In the midst of the suffocating silence, a lone owl hooted, breaking the stillness. Naruto and Nariko's gazes snapped towards the sound, their senses now heightened to the smallest details. They weren't alone in this forest, and the awareness of that fact only fueled their unfounded fears that this strange darkest was pulling out of them.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a form appeared out of the haze, large and foreboding Naruto could see it rushing for him making him feel like a small child again. Throwing a shrunken he dropped to his knee letting out a cry as fear overwhelmed him.
His heart raced as he looked down at his small, trembling hands. "Wh-where am I?" he whispered, his voice quivering with fear. The towering trees appeared monstrous, and buildings and their rustling leaves sounded like ominous whispers of the villages as they looked for him. He was three again, alone and hunted like an animal in the dark alleys of the village.
Nariko's voice reached his ears, but in his distorted perception, it only heightened his anxiety. "Naruto, it's okay, I'm here with you!" she called out, her voice taking on an eerie echo. Her form was nothing but shadows as she moved next to him. She appeared as a menacing figure, her silhouette cloaked in a hood like so many shinobi that hurt him. Fear overpowered him, and he stumbled backward, tripping over a root.
"Stay away!" he cried out, his eyes wide with terror. The forest seemed to echo his fears, conjuring up illusions of his old attackers, twisted into nightmarish versions of themselves.
His mind couldn't distinguish between reality and illusion, and he saw things around him as a potential threat, ready to harm him. The memories of the past mixed with the present, and he struggled to comprehend what was real and what was merely a figment of the forest's malevolence.
Nariko approached him cautiously, trying to break through the illusion. "Naruto, it's me, Nariko," she said, her voice steady and gentle. "You're not alone, and I would never hurt you. You're safe with me."
But in Naruto's perception, even her soothing words held a hidden menace, further feeding his fear. He clutched at his head, trying to silence the onslaught of illusions that haunted him. So many had said to trust them, so many had hurt him so after that her words were nothing for a veiled threat.
Nariko knelt beside him, her eyes filled with concern and worry. "Naruto, please, listen to me. You're strong, and we can overcome this together," she urged, her voice trying to reach him.
Gradually, the illusion began to crumble, and Naruto's surroundings shifted back to reality. He blinked, trying to regain his bearings, and found himself back with Nariko in the dark forest.
His heart still pounded, but as the illusion's grip loosened, he saw Nariko's outstretched hand on his shoulder and the concern in her eyes. "Nariko..." he murmured, slowly recognizing the truth as he whipped a tear from his eye.
Nariko's face softened, and she gently pulled him into a reassuring embrace. "It's alright, Naruto," she whispered, "I'm here, and I won't let anything harm you."
Jiraiya's sudden appearance startled Naruto and Nariko as they huddled on the ground, still shaken from the illusion that had taken hold of Naruto's mind. His words carried a weight of experience and wisdom, reminding them that they were not the first to face the malevolent influence of the forest.
"Before you," Jiraiya began, his voice somber, "a great evil was defeated in ages past. A malevolent force that threatened the very fabric of our world."
Naruto and Nariko listened intently as Jiraiya recounted the tale of an ancient evil, and the sacrifice made by previous generations to destroy it. He spoke of the lingering influence of that evil, how it continued to test and torment those who ventured into this part of the forest.
"The darkness you face here is a reflection of that evil," Jiraiya continued. "It seeks to exploit your fears, your vulnerabilities, and the memories that haunt you. But remember, the defeat of that ancient evil was possible because of the unity and strength of the people who stood against it."
Naruto and Nariko absorbed Jiraiya's words, understanding the challenges they were about to face. They knew they couldn't erase evil from the world, but they were determined to confront it and protect those they held dear.
Jiraiya's gaze softened as he looked at his young students, pride and hope to shine in his eyes. "You two have the power to overcome this darkness, but you have to understand it is the darkness within you, your deepest fears that it will use against you," he said, his voice full of faith. "Together, you must find the light that will guide you through the darkest of times."
"What do you want us to do?', asked Nariko as she pulled Naruto to his feet but still held his arm for her support as much as his.
"We make camp, here in the center of this evil, and for the days that follow we will confront that which is inside all of us.", said Jiraiya.
Jiraiya's words hung in the air, and Naruto and Nariko exchanged a knowing glance. They understood the significance of his words—the darkness they faced was not just an external force, but also the inner turmoil that resided within them.
Naruto nodded his willingness to face his inner demons. "You're right, Ero-Sennin," he said, his voice steady. "We can't defeat the darkness around us if we don't first confront the darkness within."
Nariko's grip on Naruto's arm tightened, fear showing in her eyes. "We've come this far together," she added, her voice steady. "And we'll face whatever comes our way.."
Jiraiya smiled, pleased with their response. "Good," he said, "that's the spirit. The path to becoming true shinobi is not all about strength and skill in battle, but also about self-awareness and understanding. Only by confronting your deepest fears can you truly grow to be a leaders. This was a path every Hokage had to take and many a clan head before the founding of the village."
Naruto and Nariko followed Jiraiya's lead, setting up camp in the heart of the evil forest. The darkness seemed to close in around them, but for now were not afraid. They had each other, and Jiraiya's presents seemed to hold back the darkness.
In the morning, as the dappled rays of the sun filled the forest with light, Jiraiya stirred a pot over the fire. He prepared a simple breakfast of porridge to calm their stomachs, knowing that the coming day would be challenging for his students, despite their confidence.
Naruto and Nariko crawled out of their tent, still rubbing sleep from their eyes. It was evident to Jiraiya that they had little if any, sleep.
"Here, eat this," Jiraiya said, placing a bowl of gray porridge in their hands. "And I want you to leave all your shinobi tools in your tent. You won't be needing them today."
"Yes, Sensei," they replied, unwilling to question him after the events of the previous night.
As the morning sun cast its warm glow over the campsite, Naruto and Jiraiya finished their breakfast, but Nariko's absence did not go unnoticed. Naruto looked around, concern etched on his face. "Hey, where's Nariko?" he asked, glancing at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya gave a knowing look. "She needed some time alone," he replied. "Nariko has her own demons to confront, just like you."
Naruto's brow furrowed, understanding the gravity of the situation. He nodded, knowing that this was something Nariko needed to face on her own. "I'll give her some space, then," he said, looking in the direction of the dense forest, he felt her out there, alone and afraid.
Meanwhile, Nariko wandered through the trees, her mind filled with a storm of emotions. She had purposefully moved away from Naruto, needing the solitude to come to terms with her fears. There was a part of her that was as afraid of him learning the truth about her past as she was of confronting it on her own. The memories of her time in Root weighed heavily on her heart, and she felt the urge to break free from the shadows that had haunted her for so long. She would rather die than go back to what she once was, and she was determined never to let Naruto see her in that light, ever.
As she walked, she replayed the words of Jiraiya in her mind—the reminder that emotions were not a weakness. They were what made her human, and denying them had only led her down a path of darkness.
Finding a secluded spot by a small stream, she sat down, her thoughts engulfing her like the shadows in the forest. The stream's gentle flow seemed to mimic the turmoil within her, and she took a deep breath, trying to find the courage to confront her fears.
She had been conditioned to believe that emotions were a hindrance, that they would only serve to weaken her. But now, as the memories of her past deeds resurfaced, she knew that she couldn't keep burying her emotions forever. She had to face them, acknowledge them, and find a way to make peace with her past.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she allowed herself to feel the weight of her actions. She had been a tool, a puppet of Root, and her heart ached at the thought of the lives she had taken. The faces of those she had eliminated haunted her, and she knew that she could never undo the pain she had caused.
As Nariko sat by the small stream, her thoughts consumed by the turmoil within her, a rustling noise behind her made her turn her head. To her horror, she saw a girl standing by the stream, no older than herself, with blood running down from a deep cut on her neck. The girl's eyes held a haunting mixture of sadness and accusation. "Why?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What did I do to you? Why did you kill me?"
Nariko's heart pounded in her chest, and her hands shook uncontrollably. She couldn't believe what she was seeing—a ghost from her past, a victim of her actions, now confronting her in the flesh.
"I'm sorry," Nariko stammered, her voice choked with emotion. "I didn't want to do it. I was only following orders, I didn't have a choice." But her words felt hollow, even to her own ears. She knew that there were no excuses for the innocent lives she had taken.
As she tried to comprehend the surreal situation before her, more figures appeared—one after another, each a person she had ended during her time in Root. An old man with a hole in his chest, a woman clutching her bleeding side, a young boy with tears streaming down his face—all of them haunted her, their eyes piercing into her soul. Each had only been in the way as she tracked down her real target.
"I was only serving my village," Nariko pleaded, desperation in her voice. "I didn't want to hurt anyone. I thought I was doing what was necessary to protect the village." The words echo hollowly as the truth was she was doing it to protect herself from the pain of failure.
But the ghosts' accusations echoed in her mind, and she felt the weight of their pain and suffering on her shoulders. The memories of her past actions became too much to bear, and she covered her eyes, trying to block out the haunting images.
But the ghosts persisted, their voices swirling around her, their presence becoming overwhelming. The pain inside her swelled, and a scream built up within her, tearing at her soul like a tempest. Unable to contain it any longer, Nariko let out a primal scream—a scream that reverberated through the evil forest, echoing off the trees, carrying with it the torment of her past.
Her scream held the anguish of a thousand souls, a cry for forgiveness, for redemption, for a chance to be free from the chains of her past. The intensity of her scream matched the horror of the moment, as she confronted her darkest fears and the devastating consequences of her actions. Looking at her hands she could see only blood, blood dripping from her fingers in an unending stream of horror.
With tears streaming down her face, Nariko fell to her knees, her body racked with sobs. The ghosts of her past continued to stare at her, their expressions were unyielding, and Nariko felt her heart breaking. She realized that there was no absolution for what she had done, no way to erase the pain she had caused. Thoughts of ending her own life flashed in her mind, that was the only way to stop the pain. She must end this by ending herself.
But as she sat there, her soul laid bare, something shifted within her. It was not forgiveness she sought from the ghosts, but rather the strength to change, to become someone who would never repeat those mistakes again. Pushing the evil influence out of her mind she came to an understanding.
"I can't change the past," she whispered, her voice filled with newfound hope. "But I can choose a different path. I will honor your memory by living a life of compassion, of protecting the innocent instead of harming them."
With each word, Nariko felt a weight lifting off her shoulders as one by one the ghost faded away. The fear of facing her past had held her captive for too long, but now she was ready to break free from its grasp. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, that there would be moments of doubt and pain, but she was going to find her own path—one that was filled with compassion, understanding, and the strength to protect those she cared about.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the forest, Nariko felt a sense of peace washing over her. Kneeling down by the stream she splashed its cold water on her face and stood up, looking around at the peaceful forest.
…..
As the day wore on and the sun began its descent, Naruto allowed Jiraiya to convince him to stay by the fire. They talked of all the adventures he had had with Nariko, reminiscing about their training, missions and the battles they had fought side by side.
Jiraiya prodded him with question after question, trying to dig deeper into their unique situation. "So I have been wondering," Jiraiya began, pulling out his notebook with a mischievous glint in his eye, "Just when did you two figure out you were different sexes?" The question hung in the air like a playful riddle.
"What?" Naruto replied, poking at the fire. "I mean, it's clear she is a girl, and I am a boy."
"No, no," Jiraiya chuckled, "what I meant was, when did you realize, you know, that you were different from each other?"
Naruto furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of Jiraiya's line of questioning. "I noticed it the first day, why?" he responded, still not grasping the direction of the conversation.
Jiraiya sighed, realizing he needed to be more direct. "Okay, so let's be honest here. You're not the smartest shinobi to walk the earth," he said, a teasing smile on his face. "When did she let you have sex with her?"
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, and he jumped to his feet, his face turning red with embarrassment. "Pervert! I am not telling you that," he yelled, shaking his finger at Jiraiya. "And do not put that in one of your books!"
Jiraiya couldn't help but laugh heartily at Naruto's reaction. "Relax, Naruto, I was just messing with you," he said, trying to contain his amusement. "Your love life is none of my business." He said the words but Naruto could see he was still writing something down in his little red book.
Naruto grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, but his embarrassment eventually subsided. He sat back down by the fire, feeling more at ease as he watched the flames dance.
"So, what's the plan now, Ero-Sennin?" Naruto asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his personal life.
Just as Jiraiya was about to answer a piercing scream echoed throughout the forest. It was the sound of someone's soul being ripped in two and as a cold sweat covered his body Jiraiya grabbed his arm to hold him still.
"She needs to do this alone, stay here and wait.", said Jiraiya
Naruto's eyes widened in alarm as the piercing scream echoed through the evil forest. It was a sound that sent shivers down his spine, a cry of agony that seemed to cut through the very fabric of reality. He instinctively stood up, ready to rush to Nariko's side, but Jiraiya's firm grip on his arm stopped him.
"She needs to do this alone I said," Jiraiya, his voice steady but filled with concern.
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, torn between his desire to help Nariko and his trust in Jiraiya's judgment. He knew that facing one's inner demons was a deeply personal and arduous journey.
"Is she going to be alright?" Naruto asked, trying to keep the worry from overwhelming him.
Jiraiya nodded, his eyes reflecting both understanding and determination. "She's strong, Naruto," he said reassuringly. "She's been through a lot, and I believe she has the strength to confront her fears."
As the haunting echoes of Nariko's scream subsided, the forest fell eerily silent again. Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness as if he was standing on the sidelines while his love faced her darkest demons.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, and Naruto's impatience grew. He wanted to rush to her side, to offer his support and let her know she wasn't alone in this fight. But he knew deep down that she needed to confront her fears in her own way and in her own time.
Finally, as the campfire breaks through the darkness, Nariko emerges from the shadows of the forest. Her face was stained with tears, but there was a newfound strength in her eyes that seemed to defy the evil that had gripped the forest. The fact that she had allowed the mask to hang around her neck was a new sign that things had changed.
Naruto rushed to her side, worry and relief flooding through him. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Nariko gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I will be," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of vulnerability. "It was tough, but I understand now."
Naruto pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling a mix of emotions—pride, love, and an unspoken understanding of the journey she had just undertaken.
"I'm here for you," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "Whatever you need, whatever you're going through, we'll face it together."
Nariko nodded, her grip on him tightening. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know where I'd be without you but I just want to sleep now."
…..
As the night settled in, enveloping the evil forest in darkness once more, Naruto found himself feeling a growing unease. The sinister aura of the forest seemed to seep into his very soul, stirring up his deepest fears and insecurities.
He excused himself from the fire, wanting to be alone for a moment. Nariko glanced at him, concern evident in her eyes, but Jiraiya gave her a reassuring nod, silently indicating that Naruto needed this time alone.
Stepping away from the warmth of the fire, Naruto ventured into the shadows of the forest. His heart pounded in his chest as he walked deeper into the darkness, the eerie silence amplifying his own inner turmoil. Each rustle of leaves felt like a taunt, every twisted tree branch seemed to mimic the claws of his inner demons.
Images from his past flashed before his eyes—memories of loneliness, rejection, and feelings of inadequacy. He saw himself as the ostracized child, the prankster seeking attention and the boy who craved acknowledgment and validation. The darkness within him threatened to engulf him, and for a moment, he questioned if he was strong enough to confront it. He turned as if to run back to the fire but stopped, No he must do this and do this alone.
Naruto took a deep breath, finding the will to face his darkest fears. He couldn't let the shadows control him any longer. "I won't run away," he whispered to himself, his voice determined. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, and I won't let my past define me. Dattebayo!"
As he continued to walk, a sinister presence seemed to manifest in front of him, a malevolent mirror image of himself—an embodiment of his inner darkness. The dark Naruto sneered, taunting him with every insecurity, every weakness he had ever felt.
"You're nothing," the dark Naruto hissed. "No one cares about you. You're just a burden to everyone around you."
Naruto gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. "That's not true!" he shouted back, his voice echoing through the evil forest. "I have friends who care about me, who believe in me. I am not alone, and I am not weak!"
The dark Naruto's grin widened, trying to break his resolve. "You're just a failure," it sneered. "You couldn't even save Sasuke, the one person you cared about, you let him die and did nothing."
A surge of pain and guilt washed over Naruto as memories of Sasuke's death resurfaced. But this time, instead of succumbing to despair, he stood tall. "I will protect the ones I love," he declared, his voice firm. "I will never give up on my friends or myself. I will become stronger and protect everyone."
As the words left his lips, a brilliant light emerged from within Naruto, pushing back the darkness around him. His determination to overcome his fears and doubts radiated like a beacon, dispelling the malevolence of the evil forest.
"This isn't over between you and me, you can not push me aside forever.", said the dark Naruto.
The dark Naruto's form wavered and faded, unable to withstand the strength of Naruto's conviction. At that moment, Naruto realized that his true strength came not from denying his dark side but from embracing it as a part of himself, learning from it, and transforming it into something positive.
With a newfound understanding of himself, Naruto emerged from the shadows of the evil forest, his head held high. He felt the journey to confront his dark side would be ongoing, they would meet again someday but he was no longer afraid. He had faced himself and had come out stronger.
As he returned to the campsite, he found Nariko waiting for him, a knowing look in her eyes. She didn't need to ask what had happened; she could see it in his expression. Without a word, she embraced him, offering silent support and understanding.
…
"What are you looking at?" Nariko asked, raising an eyebrow as she sat across from Jiraiya. It was another morning in the evil forest, and they were breaking camp to move on to their next training site.
"Looking at? Why, you, of course," Jiraiya replied with one of his sly smirks, earning an eye roll from Nariko. "You do know that without your mask, you are one of the most beautiful women in the five lands."
"Pervert!" Nariko yelled, getting up and walking to the tent to finish packing her bag. Jiraiya noticed that she still hadn't pulled up the mask she had hanging around her neck. 'Progress,' he thought to himself, amused by her reaction.
"What did you do now?" Naruto asked, returning to the campsite after visiting one of the local trees.
"Oh, just giving our lovely Nariko a compliment," Jiraiya said with a playful wink. "She needs to learn to take one or there will be a lot of misunderstandings when you get back to the village."
Nariko poked her head out of the tent, giving Jiraiya a mock glare. "You're impossible," she muttered before disappearing back inside.
"She'll come around," Jiraiya said with a chuckle, taking out his scroll and performing some hand signs to neatly pack up all his camping gear. "You have to be patient with her, you know."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Naruto replied, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "She's got a tough exterior, but she's got a big heart too."
"All in due time, my young student," Jiraiya said with a grin, putting away his scroll. "Now, hurry up! We don't want to waste daylight in this godawful forest."
Naruto and Nariko quickly finished packing their bags, and soon they were on their way, following Jiraiya through the eerie trees and dense undergrowth of the evil forest. Despite the darkness that surrounded them, the atmosphere lightened as Naruto and Jiraiya engaged in their usual banter and playful arguments.
Nariko joined in occasionally, trying to keep her tough facade, but it was clear to Naruto that she was enjoying the camaraderie as much as he was. The weight of the past seemed to lift a little, replaced by the warmth of friendship and shared laughter.
As they walked, Jiraiya couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Nariko—small signs that she was starting to open up and let her guard down. He knew that it would take time, but he was confident that with Naruto's support and their little adventures together, she would find her way back to her true self.
Later that day, they burst out of the tree line, brushing cobwebs off their faces. Jiraiya held out his arm, stopping Naruto dead in his tracks. Before Naruto had a chance to yell out, he could see why— they were standing on the edge of a ravine so deep that the river at the bottom was almost invisible.
"The Wound of Sintara, or as the locals call it, The River," said Jiraiya, turning right and starting up a small hill, following the edge of the ravine.
"Wound? That's a funny name for a river," remarked Naruto, hopping from stone to stone like a small child out for a morning walk. Nariko came up from behind, keeping an eye out for anything that could jump out at them from the forest.
"The world is old, Naruto, older than you could ever hope to know, and some things happened in very ancient times that still leave their mark. This wound in the earth was carved by what some would call a demon, others a man, but either way, his name was Sinatra, and this is his legacy," explained Jiraiya, finding the location of the hidden path he was looking for and starting down the side of the cliff face, using the small carved-out stones as footholds.
Using chakra and skill, they navigated the small carved-out footholds, zigzagging their way down the cliff face until they stood on the riverbank. The river, which looked so small from above, was now a raging monster of white water rapids, the color of mud, hundreds of feet wide as it rushed down to the ocean many miles downstream.
Nariko noticed that the river was lower now in the high summer, as the waterline was a dozen feet overhead. It told her that in the spring when the snow melted in the stone mountains, this place would be impassable.
"We will train here?" she asked, seeing no other reason for them to spend most of a day climbing down to this point.
Jiraiya nodded with a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Yes, my young student. The River is not just a natural wonder; it holds a secret. Here, the darkness within you will be tested like never before. The river's wild currents represent the turmoil inside you, and only by mastering your emotions can you truly control your power."
Nariko swallowed hard, realizing that this training would be more intense than anything she had faced before. But she was ready. The resolve she had found within herself earlier would be put to the test here, at the edge of The River.
Naruto grinned, always up for a challenge. "Alright, bring it on!" he said, his determination unwavering.
Jiraiya chuckled, pleased with their eagerness. "Good. Let's begin then," he said, stepping closer to the roaring river.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the river, Jiraiya presented Naruto with his next trial. "Alright, Naruto, it's time for your next challenge," he announced, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
Naruto's curiosity was piqued. "What's the challenge this time, Ero-Sennin?" he asked, eager to prove himself once more.
Jiraiya pointed to a large rock standing defiantly in the middle of the river, It was made of pure basalt, its glass-like surface shockingly out of place among the gray granite. The tumultuous waters roared and crashed with unwavering force around its faceted surface. "Your task is to stand on that rock, Once there you are to use your wind chakra as a blade to cut the water down to the riverbed," he explained as if it was just another training exercise.
"What?!", said Naruto staring at the black monolith that dared him to touch it.
"It's just water walking, we have done it a thousand times before.", said Nariko even as she eyes the rolling waves of water that rushed by, Now and then a log or small boulder would go rolling by pushed by the rushing water.
"So, you want me to do this now.", said Naruto still not sure he heard Jiraiya right.
"We have a couple hours of daylight, I am sure you can do it.", said Jiraiya his face lighting up with a grin as if daring Naruto to try.
As Naruto struggled to walk on the rushing river, each attempt felt like a constant battle against the relentless current as he jumped back onto the river bank. The water seemed to taunt him, mocking his efforts to stay afloat. With every stumble, he felt the chill of failure creep into his heart.
Looking at Nariko as she pulled a rope from her bag, he gritted his teeth and tried once again, but he soon learned that determination alone wasn't enough. The river's wild turbulence seemed to overpower him, leaving him feeling defeated. Each time he fell into the water, it was as if the river was washing away his confidence along with his body.
Nariko watched from the riverbank, her heart going out to Naruto. She knew how fiercely determined he could be, but this trial seemed to be testing him like never before. She felt a pang of empathy, remembering her own struggles while training in root but this was like being forced to fight nature itself.
Seeing Naruto's repeated attempts and near-falls, Nariko decided to lend a helping hand. She quickly used the robe from her bag and tied one end to a nearby rock, leaving the other end free. With fire in her eyes, she waded into the water, positioning herself in a spot where she could reach Naruto if he lost his balance as he worked his way father out.
"Come on, Naruto! You've got this!" Nariko called out, her voice filled with encouragement even as she readied the rope.
Naruto glanced at her, a mix of hope and frustration evident in his eyes. "I know how to walk on water, but this river, it's like it's alive!" he exclaimed, trying to regain his footing as he slid down a five-foot-tall standing wave.
Nariko nodded understandingly. "I know it's hard, but don't worry. I've got you," she said, extending the robe towards him.
Naruto made another attempt to walk closer to his goal. He concentrated his chakra, feeling the familiar sensation of his feet connecting with the water's surface. Yet, the powerful currents still proved difficult to control.
As he lost his balance and began to stumble, Nariko acted swiftly, throwing the robe around him and pulling him towards the riverbank. As the water crashed over his head he felt small stones beat against his body as the rope grew taught as he was pulled to sure.
"Thanks, Nariko," Naruto said, grateful for her help.
Nariko smiled back, her sense of accomplishment evident. "We're in this together, remember?" she replied.
Jiraiya, who had been observing from a distance, approached them with a nod of approval. "Great effort, Naruto. Walking on moving water is much more challenging than a calm lake. But remember, it's not about how many times you fall, it's about how many times you get back up," he said, imparting his wisdom even as he wrote some notes in his little red book.
Naruto knew that he had to keep trying and keep pushing himself to overcome his limitations.
He spent the rest of the daylight continuing his effort to reach the rock, but with Naruto making only a little progress they decided to make camp before they lost all the light. The morning they would start again. As the sun set over the river, Naruto and Nariko sat by the campfire, exhausted, wet to their cores but content. Jiraiya watched them with pride, knowing that they were well on their way to becoming formidable shinobi.
In the days that followed, as the sun rose and set, Naruto found himself slowly but surely making progress. He still stumbled and fell, but each time he did, he would get back up, more determined than ever to succeed. Jiraiya taught Nariko a new way of throwing a robe in what he called a lasso he had learned in his many trips.
Each time Naruto would be pulled under Nariko would loop a rope around whatever body part she could and pull him to the bank of the river to start all over again.
The morning of the fourth day found Naruto on the edge of the water staring at the glassy rock only a hundred feet away, it might as well be a mile for he cared.
"Jiraiya Sensei, there has to be another way, What am I doing wrong?", asked Naruto looking over at Jiraiya who had taken up his normal spot on a rock overlooking the river.
"I thought you would never ask.", said Jiraiya, jumping down and walking over to Naruto.
"Let me show you first, and then we can talk about it.", said Jiraiya as he moved over to the water and leaped to the top of the nearest wave before sliding down its side and leaping to the next, always landing on the top of the rapid and allowing the water to push him over to the next. In a matter of seconds, he was on the basalt, giving them a wave and returning again grinning at Naruto.
"What? How? Why didn't you show me that before?", asked Naruto in frustration.
"And the question is, would you have listened? You are stubborn and thick-headed. I know you Naruto; you have to fail a hundred times doing it your way before you will listen," said Jiraiya. "Now pay attention; this is how you use your chakra and let the water be your ally, not your enemy," said Jiraiya as he went into more detail on the technique of what he called water skating.
With Jiraiya's guidance, Naruto tentatively stepped onto the water's surface. He channeled his chakra, feeling the connection with the river's flow. It was challenging, and there were moments when he stumbled and almost fell, but he refused to give up.
Nariko watched from the riverbank, her heart swelling with pride as she saw Naruto making progress with every leap. She knew that he was capable of great things.
As the day progressed, Naruto kept practicing, tirelessly attempting to master water skating. He fell many times, but with each fall, he picked himself up, determined to try again. Nariko hadn't needed to use the rope once today as he was able to get to his feet each time.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the river, Naruto felt a surge of exhilaration. He had made so much progress he almost touched the rock on his last try.
"You're doing great, Naruto!" Nariko called out her encouragement.
Naruto grinned back, feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks, Nariko. Your belief in me means a lot," he replied, sincerity in his voice.
Jiraiya approached them, nodding approvingly. "You're getting there, kid. Keep pushing yourself," he said, giving Naruto a pat on the back. "I am sure you will make it on the next try but let's return to camp and start again in the morning."
The next morning was almost anticlimactic as Naruto gave the water a confident nod as if he was about to outsmart it with his ninja skills alone. "Alright, river, you're no match for the great Naruto Uzumaki!" he proclaimed, striking a heroic pose.
With a dramatic leap, he landed on the first wave and soared like a graceful bird, hopping from wave to wave with newfound mastery. Naruto felt exhilarated, knowing he was finally getting the hang of this water-walking thing.
Nariko watched, impressed by Naruto's progress. She cheered him on, "Looking good, Naruto! You're really nailing it!"
However, as soon as his foot made contact with the stone, it seemed to push him away with a burst of chakra. Naruto was sent flying backward, spinning like a top as he landed with a splash in the water, completely caught off guard.
Nariko, always quick to react, saved him from being carried away by the current. She swiftly tied off a rope and jumped into the water, wrapping her arms and legs around him tightly. With her help and the aid of the rope, they were pulled back to the safety of the shore.
"What happened?" Nariko asked, concern evident in her voice, as both she and Naruto lay on the shore, dripping wet and tangled in a ball of arms and legs.
"I don't know," Naruto replied, still a little dazed from the unexpected tumble. "As soon as I touched the rock, it felt like it kicked me."
"Yeah, about that," Jiraiya chimed in, walking over with his notebook in hand and a sly grin on his face as he wrote down pages of notes on what he could see. "I forgot to tell you that the stone is full of negative chakra. Right before you land on it, you have to reverse your chakra flow from pushing on the water to pulling into the rock."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "You could have mentioned that earlier," he grumbled, feeling a little frustrated by the unexpected challenge.
"Well, where's the fun in that?" Jiraiya replied with a chuckle, jotting down some more notes in his notebook. "You learn best through experience, after all."
Nariko couldn't help but laugh at Naruto's exasperated expression. "Don't worry, Naruto. You'll get it next time," she reassured him, giving him a playful kiss on the cheek.
"Yeah, you got this," Jiraiya added, offering his own words of encouragement. "Just keep practicing and adjust your chakra flow as you approach the rock. It takes time to master, but I have no doubt you'll get it eventually."
Naruto nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. He knew that mastering this technique would take time and effort, but he was ready to face the challenge. He stood up, shaking off the water from his clothes, and looked out at the river once again.
"Let's do this," he said with a newfound resolve, and with Nariko and Jiraiya cheering him on, he leaped back onto the river's surface, now with a practiced ease he moved from wave to wave and this time leaped high into the air to spin around and land with both feet on the very top of the basalt. He seemed to waver for a moment and then as he anchored himself to the surface he looked over and waved.
"Good Job kid, now don't get too cocky.", yelled out Jiraiya over the river's roar as Naruto stood tall on the black rock.
"What now?", yelled back Naruto over the rushing water.
"Face the oncoming water and use your wind chakra to cut it so it goes around you until you can see the riverbed.", yelled back Jiraiya.
With a nod, Naruto moved to the edge with the water almost touching his feet, and with his hands held out he made the sign of the tiger and yelled "Wind blade", as he pushed all his willpower into his chakra out into the water.
"There has to be more to the technique than that?", asked Nariko as she stood next to Jiraiya watching Naruto.
"Oh there is, but do you think he would understand chakra theory or the five elements folding styles? I had a student once who I could tell what element to mold and how the hand signs affect one's chakra network. He became Hokage,", said Jiraiya not looking at the blonde at his said, "He still died young."
Nariko stared at Jiraiya for a moment then cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled, "It's a knife, think if it is a knife.", Turning back to Jiraiya she shook her head.
"I hate it when you're right, you know that?", she said taking a seat on one of the many rocks lying around the shore.
"I hate myself for being right more than you will ever know,", he said back taking a seat next to her. This was going to be a long long day.
As Naruto faced the rushing water once again, he summoned all his courage and determination. He focused his chakra, trying to recall Jiraiya's advice about the wind chakra being like a knife. But despite his efforts, the water continued to overpower him, knocking him back time and time again.
Frustration grew within Naruto, and he could feel his self-doubt creeping in. He thought about how much he had relied on the Nine-Tails' chakra in the past, but he had promised himself not to resort to that power unless it was absolutely necessary. Yet, as the relentless river continued to thwart him, he knew he was running out of options.
Nariko watched him struggle, concern etched on her face. She could sense his internal struggle, torn between his desire to succeed on his own and the temptation to draw on the immense power of the Nine-Tails.
Jiraiya, ever observant, saw the internal conflict in Naruto's eyes. "Naruto, don't forget the strength that lies within you," he called out, reminding him of the power of the fox spirit sealed within him.
Naruto hesitated, unsure if tapping into the Nine-Tails' chakra was the right choice. But as the water continued to crash against him, he realized that sometimes, relying on the help of others or even one's own inner power was necessary.
With a deep breath, Naruto called upon the Nine-Tails' chakra, feeling the familiar rush of energy surge through him. His eyes turned into red slits as he channeled the fox's power into his wind chakra.
This time, as he performed the jutsu, the water responded differently. The force of the river seemed to wane as if acknowledging Naruto's newfound strength. With each attempt, he became more adept at manipulating the water, guiding it around him as he moved with confidence and control.
Nariko and Jiraiya watched in amazement as Naruto tapped into the power of the fox, using it not to overpower the water but to harmonize with it. His movements became more fluid, and he no longer struggled against the river's current.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, Naruto's eyes returned to their normal blue, but a newfound sense of accomplishment and understanding glimmered within them.
"Great job, Naruto!" Nariko cheered, clapping her hands in approval.
Jiraiya smiled, proud of his young student's growth. "You tapped into the fox's chakra, and you did it with finesse. That's impressive, kid."
Naruto beamed with pride, feeling a sense of triumph he hadn't experienced before. He had not only faced his fear of the river but also embraced the power within him without letting it consume him.
As they made their way back to the shore, Naruto was dripping wet and covered in mud, but he didn't mind. He knew that this experience was a crucial step in his journey as a shinobi and as a person.
As the night sky enveloped them, Naruto felt a sense of peace and gratitude.
"You will uncover the riverbed in the morning I know it.", said Nariko hugging Naruto.
'He will uncover more than that.', thought Jiraiya knowing that once he reveals the secrets the river had been hiding all these many years a whole new adventure awaits.
...
Plot Bunny came alive and wrote this last night.