CHAPTER 17: Familiar Change of Clothes
As Naruto promised the Hokage he didn't tell Ma or anybody else about his two encounters with death, and even when he said his transformation was attributed to the sudden change in diet both ma and pa easily believed him. Which made Naruto feel a tad guilty, having to lie to the ones who cared from him so much.
Jiraiya on the other hand was extremely suspicious of Naruto's story, though he chose not to point him out in front of Ma and Pa. He did eventually corner him inside his study though.
"Spill it Naruto I know your lying to Ma and Pa. The question is just why?" Jiraiya questioned Naruto.
Making sure the door to the study was shut, Naruto whispered to Jiraiya, "I know I shouldn't have lied to them but the Sandaime asked me too."
"What did the old man ask you to lie about?" Jiraiya asked definitely intrigued.
Naruto sighed and said, "Promise me you will never tell ma and other toad about this grandpa?"
Jiraiya nodded his head.
"Well let's just say on more than one occasion during my stay in Konoha I almost died." Naruto said disinterestedly.
"YOU WHAT!" Jiraiya yelled out
Naruto slapped his hand over Jiraiya's mouth, while giving a moment to see if anybody had heard Jiraiya's shout. Most likely not knowing Jiraiya, he had silencing seals placed over the room for his more private moments.
Removing Naruto's hand from his mouth Jiraiya asked him in concern. "What happened?"
Naruto said, "Look you promised you wouldn't tell Ma or the other toads so let me tell you from the moment I stepped into Konoha."
As Naruto told the story to Jiraiya, You could clearly see the rage building in his face. Especially at the part where the drunken Shinobi had beaten him up and how the Shodaime's chakra awakened inside him to save him.
"So the Sandaime thinks that if I tell Ma, then she will summon all the toads into Konoha and completely flatten it to find him. Then punish him in horrible ways." Naruto said finishing the story.
Stroking his chin a bit Jiraiya though mad at the treatment Naruto received, was still a bit pleased with how things turned out. Especially about the part how he saved the pretty Hyuga girl and her mother and now they were indebted to him, though he never would dare say that to Naruto out loud. And dont forget about the new Mokuton abilities Naruto had uncovered. Maybe Naruto nearly dying twice wasn't such a bad thing after all.
Regardless now that Naruto had these newly discovered powers, there would be even more people that would want to hurt him. "Maybe it was time for me to start training him." Jiraiya thought sagely, than he asked Naruto. "You said the old geezer had two Anbu training you right?
Naruto nodded and responded, "Yes Hatake, Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi. Itachi-sensei also mentioned one more Anbu training me but he was away on a mission at the time."
"Hmm yes, both of them are very powerful Shinobi in their own right. The son of the white fang, the Uchiha prodigy and a mysterious Anbu, that old geezer was really trying to make up for those two near death experiences wasn't he?"
"I guess you could put it that way grandpa." Naruto responded a tad annoyed that Jiraiya was showing so little respect for the Sandaime,he wondered what Jiraiya was doing when Ma ever thought him the whole respect your elders and superiors lesson.
"Well what if I were to tell you, that starting tomorrow I will begin teaching you in the Shinobi arts as well." Jiraiya said while giving him a giant grin.
Naruto's eyes dilated wide open and asked, "Really grandpa? You're going to teach me tomorrow."
Nodding his head Jiraiya said, "Yep you have grown up enough for me to begin passing down my legacy to you, so go and get some sleep because tomorrow I'm going to train you harder than Itachi or Kakashi ever did."
Naruto gulped slightly but he knew he couldn't decline, stating with conviction in his voice, "I won't let you down grandpa. I will carry on your legacy and spread your belief of peace throughout the elemental nations."
Jiraiya ruffled Naruto's hair slightly than said, "You couldn't make me any prouder Naruto, now run off and go get some sleep."
A couple of days later back in Konoha, Anko and Hinata were walking through the streets of Konoha after one of their training regiments. Their current destination a little known shop that specialized in Shinobi gear, because during their harsh trainings Hinata's more formal and high end kimonos just couldn't stand the wear and tear of being chased around by giant snakes, and being used as target practice. So currently Hinata had on one of Naruto's shirts, which she 'so happened to be carrying around that day' on over her tattered Kimono.
"Say princess why do you keep wearing kimonos every single time we go out to train, I mean like shouldn't you realize after the first one getting torn. You should switch to more suitable apparel?" Anko asked with a mouth full of dango.
"Well don't you answer your question every time you call my name?" Hinata giggled slightly, after hanging out so much with Anko she had picked up some of her traits. Which included being more confident when she used her Hyuga sass during their verbal jousts.
"Heh, right don't really expect your little pristine self to have commoner clothing. But don't you have any training clothes?" Anko asked.
"Well those clothes are mainly for use in the Hyuga dojos, and honestly they aren't too durable either. Because in Juken practice the amount of chakra we use isn't enough to actually destroy clothing." Hinata answered.
"Hmm well doesn't matter, we are going to fix that issue today. We are going shopping for new durable clothes for you girly." Anko responded as they turned the corner into a side street and walked over to a quaint little shop called Konoha's needle and threads.
Walking into the shop they were greeted by an old lady who was at least the Hokage's age wearing eyeglasses sweeping the floor, Alerted by the bells on the door she looked up and smiled at Anko.
"Ah Anko-chan, what brings you around here. I doubt you are here just to visit this old bag of bones." The old lady asked cheerfully.
Smiling Anko replied, "Nothing much Nana, just wanted to bring my new friend to get some more durable clothes."
"Oh really now." Nana said as she walked over to inspect Hinata, who for some reason felt at ease from the calming presence Nana gave off. "Oh ho ho a Hyuga and if I'm not mistaken the Heiress no less, you didn't kidnap her did you Anko?"
Anko let out a chuckle than said, "Maybe, maybe not but if I did wouldn't those two stiffs outside be busting into your store now to rescue her." as she stuck a thumb over her shoulder to point out
Hinata's Hyuga guards who had their faces nearly pressed against the glass staring through the window.
Returning the chuckle Nana said, "I guess your right Anko-chan," Nana then turned to Hinata and said. "It's a pleasure meeting you Lady Hyuga, and if I wasn't so old I would defiantly give you a curtsy."
Hinata quickly said out, "Please don't, even if I'm the Hyuga heiress there is no need for an esteemed elder like you to bow to me."
Chuckling once more Nana said, "Oh the manners on you miss Hyuga, maybe you can instill some into this one over here." she then pointed toward Anko with her broom.
"Yeah, yeah whatever hey Nana we need to get the princess here some new clothes that can actually last in the battlefield. And I know exactly what to recommend just bring out a set of what I usually want."
Nana narrowed her eyes slightly than said, "Are you sure about that Anko-chan?"
Anko nodded at her, turning to Hinata Nana said. "Well okay please Miss Hyuga just take a look around while I fetch your new outfit. After seeing Hinata nod at her Nana disappeared into the backroom.
Walking around the store Hinata notice various articles of clothing, one she spotted immediately was a white zip up hoodie with two green lines that ran down the side of the sleeves. (Exactly the same thing as what Minato wore in his academy days.) It was at least two sizes too big for her.
Just as she bought it off the rack Anko immediately grabbed her hand, and pushed the sweater's hanger back onto the rack. Shaking her head she said.
"Definitely not princess."
"But." Hinata tried to say but Anko cut her off
"Just wait till Nana brings out what I have in mind, definitely much better than anything you could have chosen."
Just at this moment Nana walked back out with a box in her hand, walking over to Hinata in an unsure voice, "Here this is what Anko-chan usually orders you can use the changing room over there." She then pointed to one of the doors.
Taking the box from Nana Hinata thanked her and walked into the changing room, the moment the door closed Nana turned and asked Anko.
"You sure about this?"
"Of course," Anko replied with a cheeky grin.
After a few minutes later the door to Hinata's changing room opened, well at least just enough for half her face to stick out she said in a low voice. "Uhmm I'm not too certain about this outfit."
"Oh come on princess, just get out here." Anko said as she walked over toward her.
Shuffling her feet slightly Hinata opened the door all the way and stepped out of the changing room dressed exactly the same as Anko was but in a scaled down model.
Before Nana or Anko could even say anything Ko burst into the shop, "YOU WILL DEFINTELY NOT WALK OUT OF THIS STORE DRESS LIKE THAT HINATA-SAMA."
Nana shaking her head said, "Yes I agree with him, this style does not fit you at all Miss Hyuga."
An annoyed Anko asked, "And what exactly is wrong with my style I for one think it looks extremely sexy especially on me, and eh not bad on your princess."
Ko said in a infuriated tone, "Hinata-sama is from a prestigious and honorable clan, she cannot be seen outside dressed like this."
Anko huffed in annoyance and was about to say something in retort before Nana cut her off. "Yes like I said before I agree with what Hyuga-san here is saying, Miss Hyuga is definitely a girl of regal and noble blood so her outfit should match that. And I definitely have something that fits that description, if you would come with me." Nana then directed Hinata to follow her to the back of the store.
Walking into the back of the store Nana walked over to a door and unlocked it, opening the door to reveal a room filled with mannequins all dressed with different styles of ninja gear all, judging by the dust in the room they were definitely quite old and most likely quite expensive. Well not really that expensive when you have bank accounts the size of the ones the Hyuga had.
Nana saw the awe on Hinata's face and said, "As you may notice Miss Hyuga, this store has been around for a very long time. This store was first opened by my mother back when Konoha was a new yet thriving city and this store had many customers, some quite famous like the late wife of the Shodaime Hokage."
Hinata nodded in understanding
"Back then wars and battles were prone to erupted very suddenly so many commissioned their clothing to be both for normal everyday use and if necessary for battle. And thus for Kunoichi's tailors gave birth to the battle kimono." Nana said while dragging forth a mannequin dressed in kimono.
"As you see Miss Hyuga this looks very much like a normal kimono, but the design was completely revolutionary for its time. The material it's made out of is much strong spider silk which while more expensive was extremely durable, the top of the battle kimono while looking like its normal counterpart is vastly different for it has a multitude of compartments and bigger sleeves for holding your normally assorted ninja tools and on the inside it is covered with multiple layers of sturdy fabric especially over vital areas. The bottom of the kimono is actually its own individual piece with the sash covering the dividing area, it's designed this way to annoy maximum flexibility in battle, and to further optimize motion while usually covered by the front of the bottom the sides are actually slit open to give your legs complete 360 degrees motion."
In one word you could describe Hinata's expression as amazement, even if she didn't fully follow all of what Nana had said Hinata knew this was something special she softly said out, "Regal yet deadly."
Nana smiled at the young girl, "Quite deadly and definitely majestic, the issue is that these aren't cheap. The very reason not many people own them and why they had fallen out of style after the wars."
Hinata a bit nervously asked, "How much would it be to make one?"
"Well I wouldn't actually recommend one for you at the moment because of how young you are and all the growing you will be doing. But normally they would cost 15,000 thousand ryos give or take." Nana said to the young girl.
Hinata gasped while she knew that the Hyuga bank account could easily afford it, 15,000 ryos was no small sum. She wondered how she would convince her father to allow her to buy it.
"Well you can think about it for now Miss Hyuga, and when you start academy you can come back and we can discuss it more in-depth. I'm sure there is something else outside you can buy for now."
Seeing Hinata nod her head they walked back to the front of the store, upon seeing them Ko was quite upset that Hinata was still dressed the same as before. But was put at ease when Hinata walked back over to the rack of clothes she was looking at earlier and grabbed the same hoodie much to Anko's displeasure and took it into the changing room. Coming back out from the room Hinata had shed the trench coat and replaced it with the bulky white hoodie that was at least two sizes too big for her. Though Ko believed that Hinata could have done much better, he nodded in approval because at least it wasn't obscene like her last outfit.
It was now late in the afternoon of the next day; Anko was once again with Hinata at one of the training grounds. Hell bent of doing as much damage to Hinata's new jacket as possibly destroying it so Hinata would have to pick a new outfit again.
Though Anko didn't actually hate Hinata's choice in clothing, she just believed that as Kunoichi they should use the one advantage most males didn't have. This was of course using their bodies as tools to their advantage, once again completely disregarding the fact that Hinata was only four years old.
"Success," Anko thought as she was able to trip Hinata with the combination of having her run at full speed dodging the giant snake, and the volley of blunted shurikens. Just as the snake was about to swallow Hinata completely, wood erupted from the ground to form a dome around Hinata.
"Now, now Anko-chan if I didn't know any better, than I would have thought you was trying to kill Hinata-hime." Naruto said while walking into the training ground. Still dressed in the extra-long sleeved blue shirt but had swapped out the grey anbu flak jacket for a white one so he wouldn't be mistaken for a Anbu, and on his back he had the katana Itachi gave him slung over one shoulder. (Those who don't know what I mean by extra-long sleeves just think Jonin Shizune.)
"Oh" Anko said as she dispelled the giant snake after she flipped off its head. "That wouldn't be a bad thing now would it? Then we could be together…. Alone." She finished as she landed in front of
Naruto and ran her hand along his whiskered cheeks especially the red one. Which sent a shiver down Naruto's spine, just than a crash is heard nearby as Hinata exploded out of the wooden dome and right into Naruto's chest while pushing Anko back. With a content smile she says as she wraps her arms around Naruto's waist, "Naruto-kun your back!"
Returning her hug while stroking her back softly Naruto said happy tone, "Yes I am Hinata, it felt kind of weird not sleeping next to somebody for the first few nights." Looking down at Hinata's new attire he was intrigued because he had sworn he had the same exact sweater as her, though he brushed it aside thinking he probably had one similar to it. Little did he know he actually did have one that looked exactly alike, passed down from his father and now hanging amongst his clothes in Mount Myoboku.
Removing her face from attempting to merge with Naruto's chest, Hinata looked up into Naruto's eyes and said, "I know, it was horrible I lost so much sleep on the first night" and she would have lost more if she hadn't used Naruto's pillow as a very sub-par snuggling substitute.
"Hmph, all you care about is the princess I see how it is." Anko said with a pout and a face of feigned hurt. Though inside Anko was slightly jealous, that she didn't get somebody to cuddle up with on those cold lonely nights of sorrow she sometimes had.
Hinata reluctantly let Naruto go than said, "You can have your turn Anko-chan. I just got a bit excited there."
Anko hmphed at Hinata again than walked over and nuzzled into Naruto's shoulder, running her hand down Naruto's chest she said in a seductively voice, "Naruto-kun I need somebody cuddle up with, why don't you come over tonight."
Before Hinata could say anything, she heard a voice behind her.
"I see you're quite popular with the ladies Naruto, I hope this doesn't distract you from our training."
Turning around the three of them saw standing on one of the branches of a tree was a young man in his late teens in standard jonin attire, with brown hair and a metal forehead protector that framed his face.
"Haha Yamato-sensei don't worry, I know to separate my work life with my personal life."
Yamato gave him a smile than jumped down and said, "Ladies if you please step aside, me and Naruto here have some testing to do."
Anko and Hinata both retreated to the side and immediately Yamato began running through hand signs.
Mokuton: Great forest Technique, from one of Yamato's arms a barrage of tree branches erupted all flying at Naruto.
"WHAT," Hashirama said inside Naruto's head. "Another Mokuton user how is that possible."
"I don't know," Naruto replied mentally. "But I think I know why he was assigned to teach me now."
As Yamato's branches approached Naruto, they suddenly stopped in mid-air. A couple of meters from him, Yamato said, "What is this." As he attempted to focus more chakra into the wood so it would continue its offensive. However this proved to be for naught because Naruto raised his hands and thrust it towards Yamato which caused the wood to turn on him.
Being of pure Senju blood allowed Naruto a deeper connection with Mokuton than Yamato had, Adding to the fact that his chakra was saturating the air around him the moment Yamato's wood was exposed to Naruto's chakra it instantaneously bent to Naruto's will.
Seeing his attack being used against him, Yamato quickly detached the wooden limb and jumped back a couple of feet in an attempt to dodge the counter attack. Which was easier said than done for the wood came back at him at faster speed and longer reach.
"Amazing," Yamato said to himself out-loud. "Just like Kakashi-senpai said the boy's control over Moktuon is second only to the legendary Shodaime's. If I want to stand a chance against him I have to resort to fighting without Mokuton, which will definitely put me in a handicap."
He was cut off from his thoughts, when one of the wooden branches drilled into the ground a little too close for his comfort.
Seeing how Naruto was barely even moving and just thrusting his arms in front of him occasionally, Yamato knew he would lose in this war of attrition. He knew he had to create some distance between him and Naruto while also staying away from the forest which could very possibly provide more ammunition for the young boy.
Doton: Earth-style Rampart, slamming his hand on the ground. A good portion of the earth around Yamato rose upwards toward the sky. The size and height of the rampart was quite commendable. It was easily higher than the Hokage tower, and was at least wide enough to fit two of them side to side.
Naruto's eyebrows furrowed in frustration as he noticed, his wood was actually having a hard time burrowing through Yamato's earthen rampart. He had infused his rampart with his chakra to reinforce the earth from easily being penetrated through by Naruto's branches. So it would force Naruto to either come up and fight him on even ground or expend his chakra bringing the trees up and over the rampart instead of through it, Hoping to exploit this opening Yamato took to the offensive again.
Doton: Mud bullets, he said as helaunched a salvo of mud at him which upon hitting kicked up a large quantity of dust and dirt.
Once it settled it revealed a completely unharmed though a bit dusty Naruto protected by wooden branches that emerged around him. Calling out to Yamato Naruto says, "Yamato-sensei are you mocking me with an attack like that?"
Letting out a small chuckle Yamato responds, "Not at all Naruto, I just wanted to test the extent of your abilities. Which surprisingly are quite powerful for somebody your age, though now we seem to have come to a stalemate? I can't harm you with my long range attacks and I doubt you will want to expend your chakra to bring your trees up here to fight me."
"Okay now I'm sure he's mocking you kid." Kurama said trying to egg Naruto on.
"Hmm, yes I agree with Kurama Naruto, clearly he is underestimating your skill and your chakra reserves. Go and show him the power of someone of true senju blood." Hashirama said also urging him on.
"And here I thought I wasn't supposed to let these little things phase me, but now you are both urging me to attack him." Naruto said to the two beings inside his mind.
"Did he not say he was here to test your power Naruto, would it not be extremely disrespectful of you to hide your capabilities from him? How is he supposed to teach you properly when he thinks your skills are as one would put it….. Sub-par at best." Hashirama said convincingly
''And it wouldn't hurt to show off a bit in front of those two pretty cheerleaders you have on the side," Kurama said with a wink, Naruto swore he heard a snigger that sounded like the Shodaime but he cast it side.
Back in the outside world Naruto sent Yamato a friendly smile than said, "Please Yamato-sensei…. Do not underestimate me!"
Slamming his hands together he yelled out, Mokuton: Nativity of a world of trees.
Erupting out of the ground all around Yamato's rampart was giant trees reaching up and rising above the rampart to form a wall, most likely to prevent anybody from leaving. Yamato for one was shocked that Naruto while only a mere 4 years old. Had already mastery the first's signature jutsu, it was truly a sight to behold.
Not only had the boy countered his plan, but now he had turned it against him. Outside the wall of trees Naruto had one of his wooden pillars grab him and launch him over the wall, where he was caught by one of the branches inside the wall. Setting himself down lightly, Naruto said. "I no longer think this is a stalemate Yamato-sensei."
Smiling Yamato said, "Though your abilities are quite impressive, I don't think throwing yourself in here was the brightest of ideas. As strong as you are Naruto, I doubt you can beat me in a straight up taijutsu fight."
"You are right Yamato-sensei, but I can try." Naruto responded as he took his katana from his shoulder.
Yamato thought to himself, "No way can he properly use that Katana, it is clearly way to long for him to properly wield it even if he takes the sheath off." But Naruto was once again going to prove him wrong when he kept the katana within the sheath and settled into a stance that greatly resembled. "THE SANDAIME'S BO STAFF KATA, HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE." Yamato asked in a surprised state.
With a smirk on his face Naruto said, "Let's just say Hokage-sama owed me a favor."
FLASH BACK
EARLIER THAT MORNING
Naruto was currently inside the Hokage's office with only the Hokage and his protective Anbu, Jiraiya had run off the moment he stepped inside Konoha. Screaming something about some sources he had to look into. So here Naruto was all by himself giving his first ever report to the Hokage.
Though his return to Mount Myoboku wasn't actually a mission, the Hokage thought it would be good practice for his career later.
Sarutobi mused as he listened to Naruto's report for it was quite detailed, especially during parts where he was training. But also much to the room's displeasure was the part about his diet in Mount Myoboku, hearing such an accurate description of the staple of toad cuisine caused some of the Anbu in the room to turn green.
After Naruto finished his report the old Hokage asked, "I see you had quite an educating trip with Jiraiya, though I have a question about that katana you have slung over your shoulder. Where did you get it and are you using it?"
Naruto replied, "The katana was a gift from one of the Anbu you assigned me Uchiha Itachi, though I have contemplated on using it at the moment I find it quite difficult to wield it properly."
"Hmm," the Hokage said as he stroked his beard. "Yes it would be quite difficult for you to use at the moment, especially this katana specially." Naruto raised an eyebrow at this, seeing his confusion the Hokage continued. "Well from what I see this katana is actually longer than an average katana even for somebody like Itachi-kun's standards." It was actually absurdly long compared to Naruto possibly only a foot difference between his height and the katana's
"Correct Hokage-sama, my grandpa told me the same thing when I attempted to train with it. Though I put much thought into it, I figured out a solution that could benefit me in the long run." Naruto replied.
"Oh and do pray tell what is this solution Naruto-kun? A captivated Hokage asked.
"Correct me if I'm wrong Hokage-sama but did you not promise me a favor before I left your office last week." Naruto asked.
The Hokage nodded at his question
"Then I want to ask you for training in the art of the bo staff, from either you Hokage-sama or Enma-sama." Naruto requested while bowing slightly.
"Quite a demand you have asked of me Naruto-kun, I have not taken an apprentice since the three Sannin. And I might be rusty from sitting in this chair for some many years." The Hokage pondered out-loud as he puffed on his pipe. "However it might give me the opportunity to get out of this office occasionally." Smiling inwardly at the opportunity to get some extra fresh air, The Hokage turned to Naruto and stated. "Naruto-kun I will give you the chance to learn from me in the arts of the bo-staff, but first a test." Reaching inside his desk he rummaged through it and took out a scroll throwing it to Naruto.
"Written on this scroll are the basics of the bo-staff which I have personally written. You have one week to learn it than I will test you on the proper stances, if you do well enough to impress me than I will consider taking you as an apprentice."
Naruto bowed again and said, "Thank you Hokage-sama, I will try my hardest to make you proud."
"That is all any of us can ask of you Naruto, now you have a couple of hours before your new sensei gets back from his mission. Why don't you go out and enjoy the sun," Sarutobi said. Mumbling to himself while inwardly crying a waterfall, "like I so wish to do."