Naruto woke up pissed, which is unusual. Emotions high and exhausted from both his work and the taxing conversations the day before he slept in his workshop, which is not unusual. The shop itself is actually a bit more like a small brick warehouse, for a lack of a better term, with a few rooms. The largest of which was obviously the shop itself. He had another room for storage and other things.

And a third room that he had really just built into the first bigger room, this room contained the essentials. Which was really just a cot a sink and a toilet. He had once debated on getting a mirror for the sink, but he eventually decided that was fancier than he cared to be.

But after his very fitful nights rest he was no better off than he had been when he went to sleep more or less after his 'argument' with the toad jackass, leaving only a clone or two to take care of his project from the night before, so as to not ruin it. If anything he was worse for the ware, his anger and regret from the day before causing him stress, not to mention the reopening of some very old, and very deep wounds.

It was safe to say he did not enjoy his sleep. But he did wake up with one thing, an idea, and a hell of a lot of drive.

He got to work right away. As this would be the most difficult smithing undertaking he had done so far, it would require a lot of energy and concentration. But he believed he had a solution to the problem that Orochimaru had highlighted for him in the forest of death.

To start off after waking he dispelled his clones from the night before and gained their memories. Good, the annealing process from the previous day had gone well at least, one for four isn't great, but he would take it. Additionally, another clone had taken it upon himself to work on some fuinjutsu script ideas for the new blade. Which is something he had resigned himself to require for basically all of his works going forward.

Nothing insanely impressive, some scripts that allowed for further hardening, which he already put on anything of worth he crafted. And a secondary seal overlaid within the hardening one, which helped to keep the blade sharp, which is impressive but not amazing, it was something he had already been toying with already but just never put in the time to finish the intricacies of it.

In normal reality, you don't necessarily want a blade to be perfectly hard. They naturally needed some bend. But in the ninja world they had completely changed the game when it came to weapons. Moving at such intense speeds and swinging with as much force as a typical jounin can, would shatter most regular weapons with just one swing.

So naturally weapons evolved, as they tend to do when you have a society built around the military. And weapons were being forged out of materials most civilian metallurgists would doubt the very existence of, and when you bring chakra into the forging process, it makes something that can hold up under pressures your average non-enhanced samurai would balk at.

Apparently, his clone also spent some time going over some interesting theory ideas about interweaving fuinjutsu seals within the material of the weapons as well. Which would require him to etch them into the billet before folding it over itself, and would also require him to keep it powered with enough chakra that the seal wouldn't just disappear into the metal, becoming inert. But he could deal with those interesting ideas later.

Today he was going to finish his prototype. After sorting through these memories Naruto went about the process of gathering his materials. First, the ingots he had his second clone make out of the sword Orochimaru broke. This would allow him to properly reuse the high-quality chakra treated carbon-steel alloy Masa-Jiji had previously given him.

Second was to study his previous plans for the weapon. A Wakizashi 36 cm in length, with a standard handle and guard. After this he spent some time meditating, not only on the blade itself, the heft, length, how it felt in his hands, how it moved through the air when he used it to cut, even the feeling of it tied to his waist by a traditional rope. But also on his emotions, his intense anger, and the anguish he felt on that mission to wave, losing his first 'family', his desperation.

And then he began. First, by holding the materials in his hands, imagining the process of forging the blade, heating it up, shaping it until it was a perfect extension of himself, physically and spiritually. Using his chakra in a way that he has been practicing intensely for years.

It was a little like fire chakra, although Naruto guessed it felt that way because that was really the only thing remotely close to it. But really he worked it by, for a lack of a better term, forcing his chakra into the material, even becoming the material. Making him a part of the material and heating his chakra up to what he knew, from his years of training and experience, was the perfect temperature.

He could almost literally see the steel heating up in his hand, stretching to take the shape in his mind, folding to what he knew would be the perfect density, something that a normal smith would be unable to achieve by hand. His concentration was so intense that he could hear the hammer in his mind. Extruding, shaping, folding. Again and again and again.

While doing this he poured not only his intense chakra, but the intensity of his emotions, and he let it all go. Pouring it into the material, his mind almost became a sieve, letting his emotions and intentions for the blade pour out through its holes. This isn't the first time that he had done this, but it is only the second time he's gotten this far, and the first time it felt like this.

True this is technically still just the first two steps in chakra forging, but it has never felt this good, never been this… right.

Forging, extruding, those were the only two things left on Naruto's mind after he emptied it of his strong emotions from the night previously and his intense passion for this blade, the continuation of the blade that saved his life, of the blade that failed to save Ichiro and Yui and how he could never let that happen again. He just let it all go.

After what felt like hours or days he relaxed, not even noticing how tense he had become he was so focused on this process. Opening his eyes expecting to see a piece of red hot steel he only saw the Wakizashi, his wakizashi that he lost in Wave country, and he almost felt a small part of himself return. Something he hadn't even realized was gone.

But he knew he wasn't done yet, because he could still feel the intense heat left in the material of the weapon. The shank, where he would eventually place a grip, was in his hand and the blade extended out of it left horizontally, but the heat emanating from it didn't harm his bare hand. It was his heat, but he needed to cool it. And unlike many of his traditional weapons, this is the most difficult step, quenching.

The thoughts racing through Naruto's head were intense, yet abnormally calm, almost as if he was at peace. If done wrong, too soon, or the weapon is wrong, it won't harden, but in chakra forging one could lose everything they worked hard for. Not only does it involve removing their 'heat', their chakra, from the weapon, they need to recirculate their chakra through the weapon and vent it out to cool the weapon.

The process must be done at intense speeds, pull the heat from the blade into your own body and then vent it out only to push your chakra through it and repeat, again, and again, and again. At an intense rate of speed. In the past, Naruto has burnt out entire tenketsu in his hands practicing chakra quenching for hours and hours on end.

It took him years to even figure this process out, previously he had tried using wind chakra similarly to near fatal results. Stress turns into cracks, cracks turn into splinters, splinters shatter, and shattered heated steel is not something you want hitting you. That was before he eventually came to the realization that he could circulate and expel his chakra, a little bit thanks to the Hyuuga. Seeing one of them expel chakra from their bodies when performing that spinning technique of theirs gave him an idea.

This process, unlike the previous two, was not one that made him feel better in the traditional sense. It didn't clear his mind, it didn't calm him down, and it certainly didn't make him feel well-rested. But it did make him feel an immense sense of accomplishment upon feeling the blade successfully cool down. It took less than a minute, yet it used more than twice the amount of chakra as the previous two steps combined.

Now comes the most vital step, tempering it with chakra. Now the blade did already hold his chakra, it was literally brimming with it, almost vibrating in his hand. He could feel the power thrum throughout his creation. But he knew if it was left like this for long the chakra inside of it would become inert.

Inert chakra is a little bit like lightning, in that it wants to 'ground' itself. Or in the chakra's case, rejoin the natural cycle of circulation. What many don't know is that chakra when expended in a technique of any kind doesn't just up and vanish, energy can't be created or destroyed, only change forms. Chakra is everywhere, in the air, the rocks, water, trees, etc… and once expelled from a body it goes back into nature.

But inert chakra, or chakra that has been expended and therefore wants to change forms, once trapped, needs to return to the cycle. And becomes intensely powerful and volatile in order to do this. But if one is able to settle inert chakra, then you not only have chakra imbued in the weapon making it exponentially stronger and more dangerous, you have inert chakra imbued in your weapon. Which is chakra on the level of natural energy, possibly more so, Naruto hasn't been able to directly compare the two, he only learned of the existence and strength of natural chakra from significant and expensive amounts of research into the subject.

Naruto has spent a small fortune, everything he could scrounge and save, to pay merchants to find or bring certain texts to him, and even then he would often need to spend significant portions of time decrypting and understanding these texts. Apparently, the sage himself could utilize natural chakra almost innately to great effect, world shattering effect even.

But the process, which Naruto has self-dubbed as Chakra Tempering, is one that even Naruto himself doesn't quite understand properly. Because it was done entirely through trial and error. The best way he could describe it was finding balance. A bit like balancing his non-expended chakra in his own body with the slowly becoming inert chakra in the blade until it felt right.

This is also one of the few times he was ever truly grateful for the giant natural disaster in his gut, who would heal him from just about anything. Because the amount of weapons that have exploded in his own hands while working on practicing this step would have killed or maimed anyone else but him. They would explode so violently he would often practice with both of his hands stuck through two holes in a brick wall he built behind his shop, so that only his hands would actually get hit by the shattering metal.

Which is a bit of a 'stupid' solution, but if it prevents him from ending up like Zabuza, with a sword in his neck, then he would say it was worth it.

Although, with this weapon, he didn't need to do such a practice. Not only because of his hours upon hours of intense and dangerous training in the matter but because it already felt balanced internally. It was simply a matter of matching the blades 'feel' to his own 'feel', if that makes any sense.

Imagine this, it is almost like balancing on a spike forty feet in the air while sitting on a stone slab, over a volcano. Achieve balance, or you fall in. Only with the weapon the stakes are, achieve balance or the blade shatters with tremendous power and will certainly send shards of razor sharp metal into you like a pincushion.

After you find the balance, all you have to do is get up and walk away, just leave it. Don't tip too far one way or the other. And voila, you have the mostly self-made or self-rediscovered steps to make a legendary weapon.

Before Naruto was the most perfect thing he had ever created in this workshop. The Jishaku or 'Magnet', which may not be very creative but what can he say, he was never known for coming up with great names.

—-

After finishing what Naruto would consider his most powerful blade to date using the most advanced form of chakra smithing he had ever come to utilize. Naruto created a clone to record his notes on the event, making sure to write down everything that occurred to the best of his ability. Everything from the feel of his chakra, how he molded it, his emotions and thoughts at the time, even his intent when forging it.

Confident that the clone would do a good job, he made a mental note to later match the new clone's documents with the notes another clone took during the process. All the while Naruto simply went back to his cot and passed out, exhausted from the relatively short events of the day.

He awoke the next morning intent on not only showing Masamune-Jiji his creation but to apologize for how he had treated the man previously. What the old smith had said was true. He had never really treated Naruto differently, at least not how the villagers had in any way. He had always been supportive of the young smith, allowing him to use his forge when Naruto was just starting out, even if he was doing so partially so that he could sell a lot of Naruto's own creations for a profit.

But all things considered, that was incredibly reasonable of him, and Naruto still got to see some of the profits and was often allowed to use materials and time to craft his own personal weapons at no cost to himself.

Naruto walked through the village streets early in the morning as he thought these things about the man who truly brought him into the life of a bladesmith. It was early enough that the sun was just barely peeking over the trees, and most of the village was still asleep. Only the occasional dedicated merchant opening up their storefront or setting up the occasional stall along the streets were awake to appreciate the beauty that was Konoha in the morning light.

He allowed himself a deep calming breath when he arrived at Masa-Jiji's shop. Looking pretty standard for a weapon shop. Two large windows framed the door, lined with some pretty impressive blades of a variety of sizes. Some of them were even crafted by Naruto, although most of Naruto's inventory left in the shop was gone by now, as he hadn't made much recently that he had been willing to part with, and he no longer used Masa-Jiji's forge.

Although he did still supply the occasional high-quality weapon to the man for him to sell, mostly just to help supplement his own income.

He entered the store with his own personal key, as it wasn't open to the public yet. But that didn't mean Masamune was not already awake and working away in the back. Most likely working on kunai and shuriken, Naruto judged from the very quick and repetitive thuds of the hammer on the red hot material. Not even needing to see what the old man was hunched over working on to know exactly what it was and where he was in the process.

These strikes were quick and short, not very hard either. Judging by the lower heat in the room as well he knew he would be on the finishing steps of a batch of kunai. Probably hammering out the final dings and edges before sharpening them. No polish was around for display, so this was either a private order or a standard village supply requisition.

"Does Hokage-Sama have you working double shifts, Jiji?" He asked, hedging his bet that it was an order for the village's own supplies from the pure quantity of excess metal on the nearby workstations.

The only reply the younger man received was a small raise of the eyebrow, otherwise the old smith seemed to have not noticed him. So he waited for Masamune's attention to shift from his work to 'notice' him in his shop. Although Naruto knew for a certainty that he had known Naruto was in his workshop the second his foot crossed the threshold. Even a non-shinobi knew exactly what was going on in their workshop at all times, let alone a smith with the renown that Masamune-Jiji held.

"Naruto" The old man let out in a voice that covered every inch of the somewhat small backroom of his shop that he used to forge most of his cheap or easier weapons.

"Jiji, I've come to apologize for my earlier actions. You were right, I wasn't handling things in a healthy way and I… I was stuck in the past I guess." Naruto let the implication hang, as he knew that Masamune already knew exactly what Naruto had been thinking about.

The old man knew exactly what happened in wave country, and had definitely already surmised why Naruto was angry. He had nearly lost his team again, because, at least in Naruto's mind, he wasn't strong enough to protect them. Even if that was against a ninja more than three times his age and strength, that didn't matter to Naruto.

"The young always think that they can take the weight of the world on their shoulders. And when they try to do so, they often think they are the only ones capable of dealing with it." He said in a sage-like tone. "But they often forget that others came before them, many of whom had made the same mistakes and only wished to help."

"I understand. But I was so helpless against Orochimaru."

"And you will most likely be helpless against many others in your future, Naruto-Kun. I've seen it in your eyes. The path you walk will be one of intense hardship and struggle. Possibly even sacrifice. That is the way of the Shinobi, and doubly so for great Shinobi. Which I firmly believe you will be one someday."

"But how am I supposed to get to that level?" Naruto asked, voice firm yet quiet. "How can I ever achieve the level of strength that these, monsters, are able to reach?

"Well for one, stay strong on your current path. As well as by standing on the shoulders of the giants who came before you." The man said, gesturing his somewhat wrinkled head behind Naruto. Who just now noticed the large presence behind him. Jiraiya with his Kabuki clothes and white mane stood in the doorway of the shop. Apparently having picked the lock, he let himself in.

The legendary shinobi chose this moment to speak up. "Now gaki, I don't mean to pry, but that weapon on your hip seems to be quite new. Why don't we take a look at it together?"

At this Naruto's hand fell towards the black scabbard on his hip, engraved with swirls reminiscent of whirlpools along its length. He may not be sure if he was a true Uzumaki, but he certainly idolized their swordsmanship and craft enough to pay homage to them.

—-

The three men were now a ways away from Masamune's shop and in a clearing designated as a training ground that Naruto often used. Enjoying it for its seclusion from the general population and its relative secrecy. Naruto and Masamune were facing off from each other. The elder smith with a Katana already drawn and in front of him, while Naruto held his scabbard against his waist with one hand and the other on the hilt ready to draw.

Admittedly, Naruto had a bit of a fascination with the Samurai quick draw techniques, as not only was 'One draw one kill' in line with Shinobi teaching of efficiency, but as a child, Naruto definitely had a fascination with Samurai and their 'cool swords'. But in addition to that, with his newfound weapon he believed it effective to be able to surprise others with its effects, which were mostly dampened while in its fuinjutsu covered scabbard. At least until he could better control it.

The white haired legendary nin stood off to the side, watching intently as the battle began. Masamune rushed in on Naruto at an impressive speed for a man his age, especially one with limited shinobi training. But not nearly fast enough to outpace his younger counterpart.

With a motion even the Sannin found difficult to follow, Naruto drew his blade in a flash and knocked Masamune's own larger sword aside with an ease that surprised both the older sword wielder and the Sannin.

Jiraiya certainly knew Naruto should be stronger than the aged smith, especially with his superior chakra training, but to knock such an experienced Kenjutsu user's blade wide in such a manner with what should have been a weaker strike is certainly impressive. The shock on Masamune's face showed this as he backpedaled.

Naruto made a show of tapping two of the older man's weak points with his own blade while Masamune's was still wide and out of his guard. The heart and carotid artery being the ones Naruto chose, without actually cutting his opponent. Then making a showing of backing off two steps and shifting from his lowered quick draw stance to a more centered stance with the blade held out in front of him.

Masamune the renowned bladesmith got over his shock quickly, and took Naruto's change in stance as a signal to continue. Moving in quickly but sturdier than he had previously, obviously intending to strike in at the heart of Naruto's guard with a few practiced quick jabs that should be difficult to guard, even with a Wakizashi.

But Naruto simply tapped the first strike away, which should have been nearly impossible with Masamune's supposedly superior leverage and angle of attack. Masamune simply continued, no longer surprised and unfettered by his young counterparts' parry of what should have been a deadly attack.

Naruto nearly stepped into his opponents' guard for the next three strikes, batting them away as easily as he had the first one and parrying the last one up and away from both of the trained swordsmen. Allowing him to once again tap the old man's weak points with his blade too far away to do anything useful. This time Naruto chose the older practitioner's kidney, heart, and both lungs before backing away a few steps and sheathing his blade.

Jiraiya for his part as a legendary ninja did not display the shock and surprise that mirrored itself on Masamune's own face. He was far too cool to do something like that in front of Naruto. But he certainly was surprised. He watched as Masamune got over his shock and sheathed his own weapon, accepting his defeat at the hands of the younger man.

"You only took five steps in the entire time, and all but one of them were unnecessary." The older man finally let out after grabbing his breath. "Just what in the hell is that blade?"

The Sannin thought he may have figured it out, his face finally showing any emotion in his realization. "You perfected the magnetic blade?" He questioned the young smith.

At this question, Naruto simply nodded and patted the blade in its scabbard secured around his waist. "Well perfected is a strong word, but it certainly isn't a prototype anymore. I don't even need to keep chakra in it to interact with the magnetization." He said, pride in his creation leaking its way into his voice.

Finally Masamune's face lit up like a lightbulb, realization having finally come to him. "So that is how you were able to so easily repel my strikes. Your blade literally pushed them away, all you had to do was put forth enough effort to direct where it would go." The old man extrapolated, beginning to look excited.

"So you've excelled even further in chakra smithing then, have you?" He asked, already knowing the answer. As that would be just about the only way he could think of to achieve such a feat.

"Yes, Sensei. I believe I've gotten even closer to the legends. It appears that intent and emotion may play some part in it, or at the very least may affect the blade itself. It almost feels like a genuine extension of myself. And not in that philosophical Samurai mumbo-jumbo either, I mean almost literally." The blonde haired ninja replied in an excited tone.

"The blade seems to shift magnetization to suit my needs and may even repel other sources of chakra, although I've only recently figured that out in preliminary testing with some of my clones using chakra blades."

At this both older men looked quite excited and impressed. If this was true then Naruto may have just broken through a wall that had been standing since the sage himself walked the earth. Or at least since the Uzumaki were still standing. Chakra Smithing was an intensely rare and secretive art and is said to be the origins of just about all legendary weapons. From the blades of the seven swordsmen to the Kusanagi, the secrets of their powers lie in Chakra Smithing. And this thirteen-year-old just got closer than anyone they have ever met or heard of.

He might have even outpaced the Uzumaki clan's knowledge in such an area, including Yawarakai Uzumaki, who was said to have been the man to have gotten the closest to achieving anything resembling the Chakra Smithing of legends that the Sage could perform with but a thought.

"Holy shit." Jiraiya let out, his cool and calm facade fading away. "There is no way I'm not training you now."

At this, Naruto just let out a bright smile. 'Fuck it' he thought, how bad could training with this jackass really be?

Ya know, sometimes you just have some spare time and you just say fuck it. So here it is in only a few hours.