Welcome back guys it's Rice Man here with another installment of When Wind Meets Earth. This is one chapter I've been looking forward to doing for a while now and I hope you're all excited to see Team Eleven take on Kenji who happens to be another war veteran alongside Mako and the other Jonin. For those who might be curious about his skills as a shinobi his bio and stats are on my profile or you can just PM and I'll send it to you. Enjoy.
Chapter 33: Team 11's Final Skill Assessment
It's been several days since we've seen the return of Mako's best friend and arch-rival Kenji Kasugano and on this particular day was the day he was going to test the members of Team Eleven. The purpose of this was for Kenji to see if Naruto, Kurotsuchi, and Genma were ready to fight in the upcoming war against the extremist group the Shinsengumi who has been terrorizing the five great nations.
The scene shows Naruto and Kurotsuchi's apartment in the late morning and we see the young couple enjoying an early lunch at their table in the kitchen and were discussing what they can do for their last day of their break before Mako would call them again for a mission.
''I wonder if the friend senpai mentioned has arrived yet? I mean, if Yugao, Kurenai, Rin, or Anko won't be leading us I wonder who?'' Kurotsuchi said as she eats her ramen.
''I bet it's Asuma-senpai or even that medic Kimihito Kurusu. I understand that being Hokage keeps senpai away from us and we'll have another elite shinobi lead us but it just isn't the same without her at all.'' Naruto said devouring his ramen.
Kurotsuchi, feeling more eager than she ever had decided to cut their lunch short and noticing that he was so into his ramen she decided to reach for a piece of noodle and proceeded to put it in her mouth and just as she hoped Naruto used his chopstick to pick up some ramen and the piece she had in her mouth was one of those and Naruto went to slurp it all in but unknown to him he was pulling Kurotsuchi closer and closer to him and then..
They locked lips and the feeling of Kurotsuchi's lips against his nade him open his eyes to see pink ones staring right back at him. Then before he could say anything Kurotsuchi then straddled him on the lap.
''You know Naruto-kun, since this is our last day off maybe we can take the free time to get a little frisky and go further.'' She purred seductively into his ear.
This caused Naruto to blush. ''W-w-what do you mean frisky?''
''Admit it Naruto, you think of me in certain ways sometimes don't you? I know I do.'' She cooed into his ear giving it a light nibble. She reached down and began to tinker with his belt trying to loosen it.
''K-Kurotsuchi?!'' Naruto almost screeched in shock at what she was doing and he knew where she was going with this.
The Iwa girl shushed him. ''Don't be so shy Naruto, I'm ready for this so just relax okay?''
Naruto nodded, he understood there was no reason to be shy around his girlfriend so he decided to play along and getting up with her still on his lap he carried her into the bedroom and landed on the bed with him on top of her. Kurotsuchi giggled at how he was displaying dominance as he began to kiss her on the neck before locking his lips furiously with hers and they both moaned loudly at the connection of their lips. Naruto interlocked the fingers of both their hands together in a way that she was pinned to the bed as Kurotsuchi wrapped her legs around his waist.
Then their intimate moment would be interrupted they heard a knock on the door and Kurotsuchi growled in annoyance.
''Now who the hell could that be?!'' She growled as Naruto got off of her and she went to the door.
''Hello?'' She asked as she opens the door but to her surprise no one was in sight.
Peeking her head out she looked left and right and saw that the balcony was completely empty so she tilts her head in confusion and as she goes to close the door she spotted a note taped to the door. Reaching for it she takes it and heads back into their apartment.
''Who was that Kuro-chan?'' Her boyfriend asked.
''It was nobody but this was taped to the door.'' The girl replied handing him the note.
Naruto took the note from his girlfriend who stands right next to him and the two read it.
''Alright you two, get your asses to the Third Training Field at one this afternoon sharp. We're gonna have some fun today and be prepared because this will be unlike anything you've ever done.''
''This isn't senpai's handwriting so I wonder who it's from.'' Said Kurotsuchi.
Naruto noticed there was more writing on the other side of the note and turning it around he saw something written in Mako's handwriting.
''Hey Naruto, Kurotsuchi. If you're reading this side of the note then my friend must have already delivered it to you. I'll keep this short and sweet, get to the Third Training Field and wait for me there. Also, bring all your ninja gear. It's time.
-Senpai''
''So, I'm going to go out on a foot here that this letter is from the friend senpai mentioned will test us and looks like we'll be doing just that.'' Naruto said with a grin.
''Hm, I wonder what we'll exactly be doing with her friend. Can't wait to see.'' Kurotsuchi said and the two young adults decided to rest up for the next hour and a half to prepare for whatever was waiting for them at the training field.
-Third Training Field-
Genma Shiraui, the third member of Team Eleven was seen waiting by a tree at the edge of the field and just like his two teammates he received the same exact letter that Naruto and Kurotsuchi had gotten.
''Hey guys, wonderful afternoon huh?'' The brown-haired man said to his friends as he watches them approach.
''So I take it that you received a letter to come here too Genma?'' Naruto asked.
''Yep, I have no idea who wrote on the front part though but we'll be seeing soon.'' Said Genma as he twiddles with his senbon.
''Whoever it is, I'm sure it's someone who's just as good as senpai.'' Kurotsuchi inquired.
The three teammates converse for another half hour before a figure landed in front of them being their Hokage Mako Uchiha and a second later she was joined by a person the three younger Jonin had never seen before.
''Hey guys.'' Mako greeted with a wave.
''How ya doing?'' Kenji greeted, arms crossed and he had a big grin on his face.
The three younger Jonin smiled at their sensei before turning their sights to Kenji.
''Who's this senpai?'' Asked Naruto.
''So guys, this is the friend of mine who will be taking my place now that I'm Hokage. Naruto, Kurotsuchi, Genma. Meet my best friend and arch-rival Kenji Kasugano.''
''Nice to meet you all.'' Kenji said with a wave.
The three teammates bow their head in respect and they each returned his greeting.
''Nice to meet you Kenji-senpai.'' Naruto said.
''So you're the one who will lead our team in place of Mako-senpai?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
Kenji nodded at Kurotsuchi's question and putting his hands on his hips he was going to explain what he wanted Team Eleven here for but Mako decided to speak for him.
''Let me explain Kenji.'' Mako said stepping in front of her rival.
''Be my guest.'' Kenji said motioning for her to take the spotlight.
''So you three. Like I've said I'll still drop in to see how you three are doing but when things that call for me to do Hokage business comes along Kenji will be the one to fill in for me. With the Kage summit soon and the upcoming war if I'm not around Kenji here will be the one to lead you on missions. He called for the three of you here today because I asked him to come back to Konoha and test you guys to see if you're all ready to fight in a real war.'' Explained the Hokage.
''That's right you guys. From here on out whenever Mako isn't with you guys I'll be the team leader of Eleven. Pleasure to be here.'' Said the black-haired man.
The three younger Jonin nodded in acknowledgement.
''You said you're going to test us? What do you mean what kind of test?'' Naruto asked.
''The kind of test I'll have Kenji do is to have a spar with you and he is one of the top Jonin from my class aside from me. Think of it as a mission and an S-ranked one. If Kenji passes you in this spar you will be out on the front lines but if you fail this mission I'm afraid I can't let you fight on the front lines you guys. Kenji is someone who should not be taken lightly. Plus, he's a war veteran too just like me and my other friends so if you can't pass against him that's that.'' Mako explained.
''So, you're having us spar with another war veteran to see if we have what it takes to fight in a real war?'' Genma asked.
Kenji nodded. ''That's right Genma, however it is my choice if you pass this or not even if you win you can fail it's up to me.''
The three teammates then huddled.
''So...even if we beat him he can still fail us? Man that's crappy.'' Naruto said in a whisper.
''Well, if that's the case then we'll have to fight him with everything we got and make sure we can perform well enough to make sure he will pass us.'' Kurotsuchi said.
''Yeah, this is another war veteran just like senpai so I'm gonna go on a foot here and say he's probably a very formidable and skilled ninja so let's not hold anything back against him.'' Genma suggested.
The three separated their huddle and turned to face Mako and Kenji.
''So what do you guys think? Are you ready to take on Kenji?'' Mako asked.
''Oh yeah. We aren't afraid to take on any kind of opponent and being the best team from our class it shouldn't be too difficult for us. We can beat you Kenji-senpai.'' Naruto declared with his trademark grin.
''Yeah, the three of us together against another war veteran should make this interesting but in the end I think we'll win.'' Kurotsuchi said with a grin herself.
''Get ready because we're kicking your ass.'' Genma said cracking his knuckles.
Kenji only smirked at their confidence.
''You three are pretty confident aren't you? Fine, if you're ready to begin let's get this started and the only thing I want to say before we start is that since we're having a spar I want you three to come at me ready to kill me and I'm serious too. Come at me with the intent to take my life and I will do just the same for you. You're free to use any method of winning whether it's a jutsu or your weapons. This spar will end when the following conditions have been met. Either you all beat me or vice-versa or when I call it off.'' Explained the black-haired man.
The three younger Jonin drew their weapons and got into a fighting position while Mako leaps onto a nearby tree to have a front row seat.
''This will be interesting. Kenji will definitely prove to be a very serious opponent for them. Since he's been gone for nine years it'll be fun to see him fight again.'' Thought the Hokage.
Kenji looked on as the three teammates assume fighting positions and he nods. ''Are you three ready?''
''Yeah, all fired up and ready to go!" Declared Naruto.
''Alright you guys. Begin!" Mako shouted.
As soon as the signal was given Kurotsuchi and Genma lunged forward with the Iwa girl drawing her mother's katana while Genma use a wind claw jutsu ready to slice the older Jonin to ribbons.
Kenji stood there and waited until the two of them came within striking distance and as Kurotsuchi and Genma swung their respective weapons the older Jonin reared back as the Iwa girl's katana and Genma's wind claws were swung at him and he quickly reached up and grabbed both their wrists. He then performs a maneuver that causes both Kurotsuchi and Genma to flip forward but the two younger Jonin manage to land on their feet and Kenji smirks as he wanted them to crash onto the ground and be disarmed.
Naruto sees this and quickly tosses one of his sai at Kenji as the older Jonin turned around to face him. The blonde then uses the Flying Thunder God to try and land a surprise rasengan on Kenji and when he teleports in front of him he slams the rasengan into his face only for the man to turn into a huge splash of water.
''What? A water clone!?'' Naruto thought in disbelief.
Before he could do anything Kenji shunshins behind him and proceeds to punch him in the back so hard it sends him flying several feet before he landed on the ground with a huge thud.
''Naruto!" Kurotsuchi and Genma cried out.
Kenji lets out a laugh.
''C'mon Naruto, is that all you got?''
Naruto got up and despite the pain he received from the powerful blow he wasn't done yet.
''Damn, that was some punch you have there Kenji-senpai.''
Kenji then smelled something that was reminiscent of smoke and looked onto his forearm and saw several paper bombs wrapped around the sleeve of his trench coat. It seemed too late when the older Jonin was seemingly obliterated in a powerful explosion that rocks the entire training field.
''Nice job Naruto! Using your dad's jutsu to get in close and use paper bombs!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed.
''That was something new I thought he wanted to use the rasengan. That blonde guy is just so full of surprises.'' Genma thought.
Naruto dusted himself off and he now had a confident smirk on his face.
''Well Kenji-senpai that was fun but it looks like we won this fight!" Yelled the blonde thinking he and his teammates had won.
Mako on the other hand had a grin on her face. ''I wouldn't be to sure about that Naruto. Kenji is someone who has just as much tricks up his sleeve like you.''
Just then it started to sprinkle and the members of Team Eleven look up and saw that there were no rain clouds but then it seemed to be raining a little bit.
''Huh? Why is it raining it's suppose to be sunny for the rest of the week.'' A very confused Kurotsuchi questioned.
The drizzle then stopped and slowly they began to form into a Japanese dragon.
''Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!''
The water jutsu came flying at the three members of Team Eleven and they effortlessly dodge the attack.
Then a figure appeared to Kurotsuchi's right and turning around to face the presence the Iwa girl saw Kenji lunging at her with his two ninjatos drawn and she wasn't able to react in time when Kenji swings his two ninjatos right at her neck and just as the swords were about to come into contact with the girl's head Naruto used the Flying Thunder God to teleport to where Kurotsuchi was and blocked the older Jonin's attack with his two sai.
''You okay Kurotsuchi?'' Asked the blonde.
''Yeah, thanks Naruto.'' She said with a tender smile.
At the same time Genma took the opportunity to use his senbon as a missile and spits it at the older man. The senbon was aimed at the collar of his trench coat and the amount of power Genma had put into the shot sent Kenji flying all the way into the base of a tree and he gets pinned courtesy of the senbon.
Kurotsuchi then followed up with a quicklime spat at his hands acting like makeshift handcuffs and the older Jonin was essentially left defenseless.
''Oh damn, didn't see that one coming but I was expecting it at some point.'' Kenji thought as he watches the three Jonin approach him.
''How's that senpai? I bet you didn't expect an attack like that.'' Genma said with a smug grin.
''So Kenji-senpai, you have two choices. Pass us or we will finish you off. Which is it?'' Kurotsuchi asked with her katana in hand.
Kenji grinned and to the surprise of the younger Jonin he slowly turned into water and the liquid splashes on the ground.
''What the hell? Another water clone!?'' Kurotsuchi exclaimed.
''Oh man, so that short drizzle that happened a few minutes ago must have been a water clone too. So the real one was never here all along.'' Naruto said.
''Dammit, you have water? Shit then that means I can't use my fire release.'' Genma groaned.
The real Kenji then landed in front of the teammates with a grin on his face as he now knew how the younger shinobi operated and after seeing their signature jutsus he knew efforts to beat him using them would be futile.
''Now don't worry you guys this is the real me. I must say I'm taken by surprise at you using lava release Kurotsuchi. Same for you Genma that's the first time I've seen a wind claw jutsu.'' He said before turning to face Naruto. ''So you really do know the Flying Thunder God and rasengan do you Naruto? However, don't think that will work on me because I've seen Minato-sensei use it lots of times that I can prepare for it with water and shadow clones. Alright, now that I know what I'm dealing with I'm done playing around with you three. Time to get serious.''
The three members of Team Eleven stood their ground as they watched the experienced Jonin crack his knuckles and neck. He then unstraps the ninjato on his back and the one strapped to his right hip and holds them both in front of him. He was holding the ninjato on his left hand in a normal grip while the one on his right was held underhand. He held out his left arm and his right one close to his body in a stance that looked like it was both offense and defense with out his left blade was pointing towards them while his right blade was pointing towards the ground due to the underhand grip.
''So now that using jutsus on me would be pretty much worthless let's see how you guys fare locking blades with me.'' Kenji said while wiggling his left index finger in an inviting manner hoping to prompt any of the three to attack him where he stood. ''Come on let's see what you got.''
Mako looked on from her seat with an amused grin on her face. She knew Kenji's fighting stance all too well.
''I recognize that fighting stance of his. That's his taijutsu stance and he's always been quite a fast attacker.''
The three teammates charged at Kenji and the older Jonin intercepted all of their respective attacks with such speed that the three of them didn't even blink an eye. When Kurotsuchi swung her katana at his head he used his teeth to catch the blade in between them and with Genma the senbon-spitting Jonin tried to stab Kenji in the gut with his wind claw while Naruto swung low at his feet.
Kenji had shoved his right ninjato down and caught it in between Genma's claws and his left was twisted around Naruto's sword and was pointed at his neck stopping him in his tracks.
The older Jonin then performed a move that sent the other three away and he first attacked Genma with a powerful kick in the gut that sends him flying away while he grabbed Kurotsuchi by the collar of her red outfit and hurled her several feet away before uppercutting Naruto with so much power he practically flew through the air.
''Come on guys, let's keep this going because I'm having a hell of a time!" Kenji exclaimed as he watched the three of them recover from his attacks.
The Genma then fired his senbon at Kenji and older man stood there and watched as the projectile came flying towards him.
Kenji caught the senbon in his mouth much to Genma's surprise and he spat it back at the brown-haired man but Genma effortlessly dodges it.
They realized attacking him with just one person using projectiles against seemed pointless so the three of them then decided to leap into the air and Kurotsuchi, Naruto, and Genma took a hand full of shuriken and hurled it at the older man in a literal storm of the throwing stars.
''A hailstorm of shuriken? Psh, this is nothing to me.'' Kenji thought.
The three of them eyed the shuriken as they descended upon Kenji and what happened next took them by surprise. With one fast, high speed spin Kenji uses his two ninjatos to swat the shuriken away with a 'clang' sending the projectiles to fly away from him helplessly.
''Alright, you've already told us it's pointless to use any of our jutsu on you since you can easily counter it, we tried using shuriken to gain a distant advantage on you and overwhelm you, we tried to use taijutsu as one to overpower you. Kenji-senpai what can't you counter?!'' Exclaimed a shocked Naruto.
''Man, all we have left to do is a kenjutsu fight but I doubt we'd win. He looks like he's very experienced handling blades.'' Kurotsuchi quipped.
''Yeah, I'd definitely lose that because I don't use swords like you two. All I got is my wind claw jutsu.'' Genma said.
Kenji let out a small laugh. ''You guys sure seemed very confident that you'll beat me. You're pretty much out of options now so let's finish this off with a sword fight. Yes, that means you included Genma.'' He then takes his trench coat off and tosses it aside while holding his two ninjatos in hand. ''Like I said, this spar is going to be treated like a real death battle so I'm gonna start treating it that way and coming at you all to kill.''
Kenji then takes a single kunai from his holster and places it in his mouth much to the confusion of the younger Jonin. It wasn't hard for the other three to realize where he was going with this since he now had three points of danger to watch out for. If they got rid of his swords he can still swing that kunai around even if his arms were out of the equation.
Naruto's only response was a grin of amusement. It's been a while since he and his team had a fight with someone unique and experienced.
Kurotsuchi otherwise was having different thoughts. ''We're gonna have to be careful guys because he is clearly used to handling bladed weapons.''
''No kidding if he can use a kunai with his mouth then he's no pushover at all.'' Genma quipped.
Kenji and the members of Team Eleven stared each other down for several minutes in silence eyeing each other wearily. Mako was smiling at the tense scene before her.
''Kenji take it easy on them.'' She thought with a smile.
Each member of Team Eleven held their weapons in hand defensively in front of them. Naruto and Kurotsuchi holding their swords and Genma had his claws ready to strike. Then a strong wind blew through the training field and before he lunges at them Kenji twirls his swords around in a cool way before he goes rushing toward them.
''Shit, here he comes!" Naruto yelled and as fast as he leaped into the air Kenji flew straight towards them while swinging his blades so that he could hit the three teammates at the same time but thankfully they were saved by their quick reactions as they blocked Kenji's ninjatos and the kunai with their own weapons.
The power of Kenji's swings were enough to send the three younger Jonin's feet digging into the ground. Kenji then decided to deal with them one at a time and first he added more power into his swing sending Kurotsuchi and Naruto away effectively singling out Genma. Naruto and Kurotsuchi were about to jump in to help Genma but a mass of water began to surround the both of them and a second later they were enveloped in a water prison jutsu courtesy of two water clones of Kenji.
''Goddammit!'' Naruto and Kurotsuchi shouted in anger.
''Crap!" Genma cried out as he back-flipped to avoid losing his head.
The brown-haired Jonin dodged swing after swing but the incredible speed at which Kenji was attacking was making it too difficult to track his movements. He lands on the ground as Kenji continued his assault and the older Jonin landed on his left hand and used it to spin himself around hoping to hit Genma.
Genma decided that being on the defense against Kenji's barrage of swings would be a trap since he basically would be playing his game so the brown-haired man jumped upwards with his wind claws ready to strike back and he descends upon Kenji the older Jonin quickly did half a back flip so that he was in a hand stand and Genma didn't expect the next move.
Since Kenji's then shoots his right leg forward striking Genma straight in the gut making him gag and the power of his kick sent the brown-haired man into the air defenseless.
Kenji takes the chance to use his hands to push himself into the air while spinning at the same time. Genma managed to recover from the hit and used his wind claw jutsu again and he was successful in blocking a good amount of the spinning swings Kenji was unleashing before the older Jonin used his left leg to hook it around one of his arms and holds it in place preventing Genma from striking back.
''Well damn.'' Genma thought as he tried to use his other arm but Kenji maneuvered his left arm in a way that allowed him to pin Genma's arm against his side leaving him completely defenseless.
Kenji ended his brawl with Genma by headbutting the younger Jonin square in the face using the steel plate on his headband and it was enough to knock him out almost unconscious and he was left falling towards the ground beaten.
''Genma!" Naruto and Kurotsuchi both cried out as they watched their teammate go down.
As she was sitting on the nearby tree watching her students duke it out with her rival Mako couldn't help but smile at the sight.
''Wow, Kenji has really gotten so much faster and better the time he was gone. His dexterity has always been amazing.''
Kenji would land on the ground a few seconds later and smiles at the beaten up Genma. ''You put up a valiant effort Genma. Next!" He dispels the clone and the water prison jutsu holding Kurotsuchi dispels.
''Ugh fuck that hurt.'' Genma groaned.
''Kurotuschi please be careful.'' Naruto said.
Kurotsuchi drew her katana and turning to face her boyfriend she smiles and nods. ''Don't worry Naruto, I'll try my best and we'll win.'' She said before turning to face Kenji but the older Jonin was already upon her and she quickly brought her katana up to block a swing from the ninjato Kenji held with his right leg.
She saw him go for another swing with the ninjato he held in his mouth and she quickly used a quicklime jutsu to snare his swinging hand before shoving the man back.
''Oh I see, you're using quicklime to help in your struggle against me? No matter.'' Kenji said with a mouth full but Kurotsuchi had fired off another vat of quicklime getting both his hands stuck together but that didn't deter Kenji at all. ''C'mon Kurotsuchi you're gonna have to do better than that.'' Kenji gloated as he pulls his hands apart effectively ripping them free of the quicklime.
''Tch, looks like I have to rely solely on kenjutsu.'' Kurotsuchi said as she lunges forward at the same time as Kenji and the two Jonin meet in the middle of the field and exchange blow for blow.
Similar to Genma Kurotsuchi was having difficulty keeping up with Kenji's wild barrage of swings but she still managed to evade most of them thanks to her slender and light frame.
Kurotsuchi goes in for a stab but Kenji does a back flip leaving his sword in the air and takes out several kunai and left them spinning in mid-air. Kurotsuchi quickly moves her eyes around eyeing each bladed weapon to see which one Kenji was going to use to attack her but she didn't expect the next move when he moved his body forward so the heel of his foot was used to kick one of the kunai downward.
''Shit!" Kurotsuchi shouted as Kenji used his heel to take one of his spinning swords kicks it downward and managed to slice into Kurotsuchi's Jonin vest.
Kenji then goes to toss several of his kunai at the pink-eyed woman but she managed to dodge it all allowing the weapons to get stuck into the ground. Kenji then rushes over to scoop them up.
Kurotsuchi felt the force of the slash but was thankful he didn't cut into her skin but the next thing she knew the older Jonin swung his ninjatos down striking her katana which sends her arms flying downward from the force of the swing before Kenji performed a leg sweep that makes her spin in place while in the air and the experienced Jonin finishes her off by taking both his sword and the kunai and tosses it at her.
''You move elegantly, but you can't avoid me!" Kenji exclaimed as he hurls his blades at her effectively pinning her to the ground taking her out of the fight.
''Goddammit!'' Kurotsuchi whined.
Kenji stood tall over Kurotsuchi and gave her a thumbs up. ''Well Kurotsuchi, that was fun but looks like I win this one. Now.'' He turns to face Naruto and dispels both the clone and the water prison holding him. ''Let's see what you're made of Naruto.''
Naruto only grunted in annoyance at seeing his friend and girlfriend get beaten. If they had to beat Kenji to pass this fight then he was going to give it everything he had.
''Alright, don't expect me to be some pushover senpai. I am the son of the Yellow Flash after all.'' Said the blonde as he performs a shadow clone jutsu producing at least four clones.
Kenji only shook his head. ''Naruto, Naruto, Naruto. It's not like I haven't seen the shadow clone jutsu before little man.''
Naruto ordered the clones to attack Kenji and they ran towards the older Jonin with their sai and ninjatos drawn but Kenji effortlessly dispatched them all with high speed kicks and punches making them disappear with a puff of smoke.
''Got to do better Naruto.'' Kenji said wiggling his finger for Naruto to come and attack.
Naruto knew he was trying to bait him into attacking so he used the shadow clone jutsu and summoned almost a hundred clones hoping by the time Kenji had dispatched them all he would have a plan to counter attack.
''Get him guys!" Naruto ordered his clones and they all charged at the war veteran.
Kenji only shook his head in disapproval.
''Same move again but this time over a hundred Naruto's coming at me? Well, I won't waste my time beating them all to a pulp.'' Thought the man as he performs a series of hand seals and then takes a piece of flint and puts it in his mouth and Naruto saw him take in a deep breath.
The clones didn't expect the next move and they blindly charged Kenji and then he spewed a mass of what appeared to be a smokescreen from his mouth that completely surrounded the clones.
''Ugh, what the heck is this? A smokescreen?'' A clone asked.
''Fire Release: Burning Ash!''
Kenji then bit down on the piece of flint in his mouth and the next thing that happened was a powerful fiery explosion that engulfed all the clones. The brightness of the flames made Naruto place his arm on his forehead to get a better view of the jutsu.
''What the hell jutsu is that?''
When the explosion subsided Naruto was unable to react as Kenji emerged from the smoke and delivered a powerful kick to his chin and follows up with a downward elbow strike hitting him right on top of the head sending him to the ground.
''Naruto no!" Kurotsuchi and Genma screamed.
Kenji then took the chance to draw his one of his ninjato and leaps into the air and thrusts it downwards ready to finish the fight. However, a katana and a hand with wind claws on it intercepted the sword saving Naruto from the attack. Kurotsuchi and Genma summoned the energy to save their teammate in time.
''So you guys haven't given up yet?'' Kenji said with a grin as Kurotsuchi quickly lets go of her katana to deliver a roundhouse kick to Kenji but the older Jonin takes his sword and jumps back to create some distance between him and the members of Team Eleven.
Genma stood in front of Naruto protectively while Kurotsuchi helped him up.
''Naruto are you okay?'' She asked.
''Yeah, just hit me pretty hard is all I'm good to go.'' Naruto reassured and he noticed the state his girlfriend and Genma were in. ''You guys won't be able to fight anymore. Who knows what Kenji-senpai will do to completely take you out of the fight.''
Kurotsuchi knew she was right. She had taken quite a beating from her confrontation with Kenji and so did Genma.
''Nah Naruto, we're gonna help you and we'll pass this spar.'' Genma said but he clutched his gut in pain.
''Genma, you and Kurotsuchi are gonna let me finish this my stamina is unlimited so I can keep going.'' Naruto said.
Genma winced at that but he decided to back off.
Naruto gets up and rubs his sore head. ''I'll finish this off.''
Kurotsuchi gave her boyfriend a look of worry. ''Be careful, this is easily one of the hardest fight we've ever done this guy is no pushover.''
She and Genma then backed off.
''Alright, I am going to use a jutsu I developed with the pervy sage. I'll totally kick your butt with this!'' he declared loudly.
Naruto then forms a rasengan but soon it turns into a bigger version of itself much to Kurotsuchi and Genma's surprise.
''Big Ball Rasengan!''
As usual, Kenji smiles at the team's determination but he was most impressed by Naruto's sheer fighting spirit.
''So you've learned your father's other jutsu the rasengan as well? I'm not surprised your dad would be proud of you Naruto. However, you aren't the only one who has mastered it.''
Kenji holds his right hand upside down while his left was positioned over it and he forms a rasengan as well and at first it looked like a normal one but Naruto began to notice that it began to turn into a spinning ball of flames and said flames were spinning elegantly in Kenji's hand in a way that it was almost beautiful to look at. It grew slightly larger as it begins to spin faster. ''Fire Release: Flaming Rasengan.''
''So, Kenji made his own fire variant of the rasengan? That's something new.'' Mako thought with a smile before turning her attention to Naruto. ''So you developed the big ball rasengan huh? Naruto, your mother and father would be so proud of you.''
''Big ball rasengan eh? Your father talked about possibly developing a big version of that jutsu. But even so, this fight is mine to win so let's finish this!" Exclaimed Kenji as he dashes towards Naruto.
''Bring it on!"
Naruto dashes straight for Kenji as well and the spectators looked on as they draw closer to each other and when Naruto and Kenji come within arm's reach they shoved their respective techniques at each other but the two attacks collided in a magnificent explosion that rocks the entire area.
''Ugh, damn that's some explosion.'' Both Kurotsuchi and Genma thought covering their eyes.
The explosion would last for a few minutes before finally receding and as the smoke clears Kurotsuchi, Genma, and Mako saw that Naruto and Kenji were on their knees eyeing each other. The thing they noticed that Naruto and Kenji had dirt over their clothes but between the two of them Naruto seemed to be more tired.
''Is it over?'' Genma asked.
Naruto and Kenji then stood up at the same time and gave each other a small laugh.
''Damn senpai, that was crazy.'' Naruto said.
''Definitely was.'' Kenji said.
Then, Naruto fell forward onto one knee.
''Naruto!'' Kurotsuchi shouted.
Kenji then turned around. ''This spar is over Team Eleven. Looks like I win this.''
''Dammit.'' Genma whispered.
Mako then leaped over beside Kenji and helped Naruto up. ''Aw, tough break you guys but you three put up a valiant effort.'' She then turned to face Kenji. ''So Kenji, how did they perform? Did they pass?''
Kenji placed a finger on his chin. ''Hm, they demonstrated superb teamwork before I singled them out and they each have their own individual skills and they are all experts in hand-to-hand combat and lasted longer against me than I expected. You know what? You guys pass.''
''Huh?''
''You guys pass. I was going to pass you guys whether you won or loss this fight regardless.'' Kenji admitted.
''Uh.'' Kurotsuchi was about to speak when Naruto began to leap in joy.
''Whoo! We passed guys we're gonna go to the front lines!" He yelled hugging both Kurotsuchi and Genma.
''Ah! Ow Naruto I'm still sore!" Kurotsuchi yelped.
''Dang it Naruto ease up a little.'' Genma quipped.
Mako and Kenji laughed at the antics of the younger Jonin.
''So you guys, what do you say to ramen at Ichiraku's? My treat.'' Kenji suggested.
-Ichiraku Ramen, one hour later-
''So Kenji-senpai how do you know Mako-senpai?'' Kurotsuchi asked out of curiosity. Since all five of them were having lunch together Kurotsuchi thought it would be a good chance to get to know Kenji better.
Kenji took a slurp out of his outlandishly large ramen bowl before he answered the pink-eyed girl. ''Ah, well Kurotsuchi, me and Mako met on our very first day at the academy twenty-two years ago when we were five. We're best friends.''
''He walked up to me with his chest puffed out and declared and I quote; You! Uchiha girl, I am Kenji Kasugano and from here on out we are rivals for all eternity! I giggled at that.'' Mako said laughing.
''You guys are rivals and best friends? So who's the bigger winner between the two of you?'' Genma asked.
Kenji was about to speak but Mako covered his mouth shut.
''We've done over one-thousand challenges Genma and I have a record of one-thousand to zero.'' Mako said.
''Hey!"
The trio then burst out laughing.
''Woah seriously?! That's hilarious!" Naruto got out between laughs.
''Anyway, what are your affinities? Is it just fire and water?'' Genma chuckled.
''Fire and water only because my father was a Konoha Jonin and my mother was a Kiri Kunoichi who trained under a Swordsman of the Hidden Mist which is the reason I practice kenjutsu. They met during the Second Shinobi World War, fell in love and my mom left Kiri to be with here with my dad.'' Answered the man.
The blonde then remembered something he wanted to ask Kenji. ''Say, Kenji-senpai?''
''Yeah? What's up Naruto?''
''How were you involved with my dad if I may ask?''
Kenji smiled warmly.
''I was in his Genin team with Rin Nohara and Kakashi Hatake. He was my role model Naruto and he helped me from being the worst ninja in my class to someone good and eventually I became the ninja I am now because he told me to never quit and keep training.''
Kurotsuchi's curiosity was getting the best of her as well and had a question of her own. ''H-how was he as a person?''
Mako raised her eyebrow when she heard her student ask that question.
Kenji knew the reason the Iwa girl wanted to know so he decided to answer it.
''Your lying grandfather made him seem like a guy who enjoyed killing Iwa ninja huh? To be honest Kurotsuchi Minato-sensei is nothing like your grandfather make him out to be. Minato-sensei was the kindest, most strong-willed, and determined man I've ever met. He hated killing and when he came back from that ambush set by your gramps he was traumatized by the sheer amount of blood he spilled that day. Minato-sensei, is a hero and the very definition of it Kurotsuchi. He killed in only extreme situations like war. He's me and Mako's hero. On a last note, like Rin and Kakashi I fought against Iwa during the last war and while I killed many Iwa shinobi and watched many Konoha shinobi die I don't harbor hatred towards your home village and I never will. It was war.''
Kurotsuchi only nodded in response. That right there made her want to say something to her gramps when the Kage summit happens in two days. ''I believe that, thanks Kenji-senpai.''
Naruto hugged Kurotsuchi offering some comfort and the Iwa girl gladly accepted it while Genma placed a hand on her shoulder. The older Jonin watched the tender moment between the trio and smiled.
''It's all in the past Kurotsuchi, Minato-sensei would definitely ask for your forgiveness if he met you.'' Kenji said reassuringly. Then it hit him. ''Say Naruto?''
''Yeah?''
''Do you happen to remember me or Mako from before? Think about it for a sec.'' Kenji said.
Naruto did what he was told and then he looked both Mako and Kenji up and down taking in their appearance. ''Hold on a second..wait...Kenji-senpai were you that guy I met here when I was six?!''
''Yeah, I was the guy who offered to buy the super ultra mega large bowl of miso ramen little man.'' Kenji said with a thumbs up.
''No way!'' Naruto then looked at Mako.
''What about me Naruto?'' She asked.
''Y-you were the girl I met in the woods by my campfire with the fish cooking?!''
''Yeah that's right. Remember when I pinched your cheeks? Mako said before grabbing one of his cheeks.
''Agh, stop it!"
Kurotsuchi and Genma laughed at their teammate's demise and for the rest of the afternoon the five of them enjoyed their lunch before Kenji paid for the whole meal. They spent time together until about eight at night before Mako decided to return to the Hokage's office.
''Well guys, the Kage summit is in two days so rest up until then okay?'' Mako said.
''Alright, we'll see you guys.'' Naruto said.
''Don't slack on the paperwork senpai.'' Kurotsuchi said teasingly.
''Smell ya later.'' Genma said and the three of them went off home.
Mako and Kenji looked on as the three of them turn the corner in the direction where their homes were and they both stood there in silence before walking off together.
''You know, I've been thinking that there isn't any other person who'd make the perfect Hokage in times of war. That being you Mako.'' Kenji said.
''No no, there's you too and the others but when this is all over we might see Naruto as Hokage.'' Mako said.
Kenji let out a small laugh.
''You know, who else would make a great Hokage? My brother from another mother and your boyfriend Shisui and of course, Naruto as well. Those two chasing the same dream. Honestly Naruto may have surpassed his father but he still has a long way to go before becoming Hokage. The same can be said for Kurotsuchi too for Tsuchikage as well as Genma as an elite Hokage bodyguard.''
''Hey Kenji I know you truly believe in them especially Naruto because of how hard you pushed him in your fight. I mean you beat him with Minato-sensei's own jutsu.'' Mako giggled.
''I'm just putting it down to nostalgia. His determination reminds me of when I was trained by Minato-sensei before Kushina-sensei became pregnant.''
Mako smiled tenderly and was almost teary-eyed. ''Minato Namikaze, Naruto is so much like him.''
Kenji closed his eyes and smiled as well.
''Minato-sensei was a once in a generation genius. That man was had the highest entrance and graduation exam scores in all the villages' history. There will never be anyone like him, ever. He was kind, gentle, he was fierce, and full of confidence and became the fourth Hokage as fast as the Hiraishin. I never taught Genin or had kids before so I don't know much about these kinds of things. However if you were a student or daughter of mine I'd be proud of you Mako.''
Mako let out a laugh.
''Actually you know what? Now that you mentioned it Naruto isn't that much like his father after all. He's not the kind of child you boast about but more like a child whose mischief you'd try to cover up. No, Naruto is more like his mother was.''
Kenji smiled tenderly himself. ''Kushina Uzumaki, from Uzushio.''
''That's right, his personality is just like Kushina-sensei's.'' Mako said.
''Yeah, Kushina-sensei was a true beauty, a tomboy, and was the kindest woman ever unless she unleashed the Red Hot Habanero upon you.''
''She was definitely a hothead but she will always be revered as the most beautiful woman in Konoha's history but Naruto looks more like his father.''
''Naruto is his own person from Minato-sensei although to me, it feels like I am looking at Minato-sensei himself when he was younger.''
''The Will of Fire, passed on from Kushina-sensei and Minato-sensei, to me and you, and then to Naruto. From past, to present, and then future.''
They then arrived at the Hokage's tower.
''Well Mako, I'll be heading home now. Until then I'll be seeing you around.'' Kenji bid his arch-rival farewell and left her alone. ''Oh, by the way. Judging by the way Naruto and Kurotsuchi look at each other and speak to each other I would be right to guess that they are together right?''
''You guessed right Kenji. To me, they're a match made in heaven just like Kushina and Minato-sensei.'' Replied the Hokage.
''And like you and Shisui and what others have said before I left, me and Rin.'' Kenji said laughing.
''We all thought you and Rin would make the perfect couple. I kind of like you and Anko or Yugao together as well.'' She said.
Kenji only shrugged before he walks away.
Mako watched her best friend walk away before entering the tower and climbed up the stairs before reaching the floor where the office was. Removing the ''Out on break'' sign she enters the room and found someone was waiting for her.
She noticed who it was. It was a toad wearing a brown cloak, had a white mohawk, white eye-brows, and a white goatee.
''Fukasaku-san? What are you doing here?'' Asked the Hokage.
The small toad looked at the Hokage and had a look of pure despair in his eyes. ''Mako girl I presume? Sixth Hokage Mako Uchiha?''
''Yes, aren't you one of Master Jiraiya's toads?''
''Indeed I am Mako girl, come sit. I have...very bad news.''
Mako did what she was told and sat at her seat and we see Fukasaku explain something to her but the audio was cut off. Then, Mako's eyes went wide, almost shocked by what she was just told.
''No...''