Chapter 9: The duel


Four years later

It was only a few days until graduation now and much has changed in these four years. For one, word of Naruto being able to use chakra like any other kunoichi spread through the village like wildfire. Everyone wanted to know how this was possible including the Daimyo. Minato had to explain to the masses and her country's leader that due to unforeseen circumstances, Naruto now houses a part of the Kyuubi no Kitsune within him. You would think the response to be negative and hostile, and you would be right for the most part. Most of the civilian council wanted to have Naruto executed for the foxes' crimes and some of the civilian population wanted to know just how large of a part did the boy house. Minato kept the explanation vague but assured everyone that herself as well as her master, Jiraiya, have everything under control. Speaking of.

Once Jiraiya made it back to Konoha upon her former students request, she was beyond shocked at what she saw on her godson. The ears were one thing, the whisker marks another, but the tail was something else entirely. For one, it was so soft and fluffy that she actually had an idea on how to make money off of selling pillows of the same softness. Kushina wasn't the biggest fan of this as she spent the next five minutes flinging the white-haired perverted woman around their backyard. Once she recovered, Jiraiya examined the seal on Naruto and was perplexed. While the seal that was originally on Kushina and now on the girls were similar in design as they were Jinchuuriki before and now respectively, Naruto's seal was completely different. For one, it wasn't the standard seal for a Jinchuuriki as it didn't seal away the Biju in question like all the others. Instead, it was seal that was acting almost like a transmitter of some kind, one that was subtly sending out a signal to another seal. In this instance, towards the two who also had a part of Kyuubi sealed within them. It explained why Aoki and Natsumi were a little clingy towards their brother in a way as his seal was calling out to them in a strange way.

When asked if the Kyuubi was trying to steal her powers back from Natsumi and Aoki, Naruto said that she said something about potential mates and saw just how quickly his parents and godparent reacted. Minato and Kushina went pale as a ghost at hearing that while Jiraiya had stars in her eyes as she quickly grabbed her notebook and started writing notes for what she called 'an incestuous masterpiece.' Naruto and Aoki had no idea what she meant and left it at that while Natsumi checked on their parents, asking them what mates were. They quickly said it was something they weren't old enough to know about.

Things started to change in those four years. After checking the seal and seeing that the Kyuubi wasn't trying to escape even though it was perfectly capable of doing so, Jiraiya decided to test a theory out. She left the village again and decided to check other Jinchuuriki to see if anything had changed with them or if they were also experiencing something similar to Natsumi and Aoki. Safe to say that she was shocked to discover the one-tails was sane now and sleeping despite various reports stating otherwise, the four, five and seven-tails have either died or fled, the third and sixth tails seem just fine as do the second and eighth. Gaining said information took her a few years to find regarding the fourth, fifth and seventh.

Back in the village, Aika was doing well in her role as Anbu once her probation was up. She would regularly visit Naruto and would instinctually want to teach him everything she knew. At first, Minato and Kushina wanted her to have no part in their son's life, but after some convincing from Naruto that he would learn even more about being a ninja and more about defending himself, they relented. Aika taught him some basic chakra control and a minor fighting style that would help with his strikes and even takedowns. It was simple and not too hard for the boy to learn and even Aoki and Natsumi got involved as they got along with Aika fairly well, especially her training.

Speaking of training, Naruto learned many things in these four years. He learned from Aika and Kushina on chakra control. Kasumi had taught him a few basic techniques to deceive enemy ninja like henge and substitution. Most of the girls in his class and even the teacher on occasions would teach him the basic academy fighting styles. Tsunade had known how much he wanted to learn medical techniques and treatments, so she made him a deal. She would teach him the basics now and chakra-based techniques when he graduates from the academy, then make him her pseudo-apprentice when he reached Chuunin. Naruto agreed and began learning the basics of medicine and the human body. Minato, when she wasn't swamped with her duties, taught all three of her children even more advance chakra control by having them learn the tree-walking technique. To say that they were amazed was an understatement.

While Naruto was enjoying his time in the academy and all the new things he was learning, there was also the things that Kurama taught him. How to sharpen his senses using chakra and focus on other aspects of nature. The sounds, smells and even tastes of everything around him. He would learn by meditating and could tell when others were around now based off of their unique chakra or their smell. It was strange though the first time he tried this and wondered what a certain smell was coming off of some of his teachers. Mainly Kasumi, Aika and the girls in his class. Kurama said it was arousal and that he would learn more when he was older and acquired mates. He shrugged at that and continued to meditate.

It was now the day before the graduation exams and Naruto stood opposite of Satsuki Uchiha. The two stood at the ready in the ring out back for Taijutsu events and simply stared each other down. These past four years had been fruitful for everyone in the class as most got to know Naruto and Aoki well enough and train with them as well. The only one who kept her distance from the two was actually Satsuki as she wanted the fight between them to be even.

She had trained rigorously with her older sister Izumi to learn as much of their families' techniques as possible. She was ready to face off against the only male ninja in their class and in the entire village as she stood there in tight black leggings and a loose blue shirt with the Uchiha logo on the back. She had white armbands on and blue sandals.

Naruto had changed in those four years as well. He had gained a healthy amount of muscle for a twelve-year-old. He was taller than most of the girls in his class by a few inches, his golden blond hair was much smoother now and kept from his eyes with a black headband. He wore black cargo pants and black sandals and had on only a tight red shirt with the Uzumaki seal on the back in white. He wore black, fingerless gloves and looked ready for this long-awaited duel.

Iruka and Miyame were off to the side watching while their students also waited in anticipation. These two hadn't changed much though they were interested in seeing just how well Naruto would do against someone like Satsuki. They also knew that there were many others who would be watching this fight from afar.

The clan heirs watched with bated breath as the two simply stood there for a while.

Aoki was nervous for her brother despite knowing just how strong he had gotten in these four years. She stood an inch shorter than her twin; her red hair was now at shoulder length and slightly spiked at the ends. She wore tight gray shorts and had on a black and red jacket that was too big for her. It was Naruto's as he didn't want his birthday gift to get destroyed in this duel. She wore a white shirt underneath with the Uzumaki swirl in black on the front. She had grown in the past four years as she had started to develop in all the right areas, though she wasn't as big as her older sister yet.

Standing next to her was Hinata Hyuuga as she wore a baggy jacket that covered her developing figure and had the eye of the Hyuuga sewn on the front. Under it was a dark blue, skintight suit that provided flexibility and fluidity. She was nervous as she knew just how serious Satsuki could be when she was serious about proving her strength. She still remembered the one time they sparred years ago, and the thought of it still brought her phantom pains sometimes.

"Do you think Naruto-kun will be alright Aoki-san?" Hinata asked in a worried tone.

"I wouldn't worry too much Hinata-chan." Kisa started as she placed her elbow on the Hyuuga's shoulder. She wore her usual gray jacket and had Akamaru inside like usual. Under the jacket, she wore a white shirt that had her clans' fang symbols sewn into the sides and black pants with a red trim on the sides. Her sandals were black. "Naruto-kun's got this. Hell, he's way stronger than some of us, so it should be his match."

"I would not underestimate the Uchiha, especially Satsuki Uchiha, Kisa." Shina spoke up from behind the Inuzuka. She wore her regular outfit of her high collared jacket and tan pants, but the only thing different was that the green shirt she wore underneath had a symbol of a beetle sewn on the back in black.

"Whatchu mean Shina?" Kisa asked her in an irritated tone.

"Satsuki has been looking forward to this day for years now, and she's been training non-stop all for this dual." Shina explained. "She will not force herself to yield or be defeated. It is her way, unfortunately, to prove that she is the strongest among our generation."

"I just hope they don't go overboard with this fight." Sakura voiced her concern as the two dropped into stance. She had changed since meeting Naruto and Aoki and started taking her training seriously after Naruto taught her a few medical tricks he learned from Tsunade. She began to actually train more and gained some muscle and strength as well as development in her body. Right now, she wore her red shirt that hugged her body well with a sakura tree stitched on the back and a pair of black shorts underneath that stopped at her mid-thigh.

"If they do then the teachers will put a stop to it." Shika spoke up as she was also focused on this dual. She didn't change too much aside from training with her friends a bit more than sleeping. She wore a gray, short jacket over a mesh top that was covered by a white crop top with a cloud stitched in black on the side, and standard dark gray pants.

"Hopefully that won't need to happen." Chouko said after taking some chips from her bag. She wore her usual outfit of a green jacket over a white shirt. The jacket had the Akamichi kanji sewn on the back in red, and she also had a white scarf with the same stitching on both ends. She wore gray shorts.

"It shouldn't." Ino answered as she looked on as the two waited for the other to make a move. After seeing her best friend taking training seriously and hearing why, Ino had also started to train harder, gaining muscle and developing well in the process. She wore a purple top kanji for the Yamanaka clan sewn on the front, and a purple skirt over tight, white shorts.

Naruto, seeing that neither were going to move first, decided to make the first move. He rushed over towards Satsuki with speeds closer to a Chuunin and threw a straight left. Satsuki dodged and went for a jab herself. Naruto blocked it and went for a counter right only for her to parry the move with her free hand and send a kick his way with her right leg. Naruto raised his left knee to block the kick but didn't have enough time to block the incoming left cross. Using his size advantage, he grabbed her by the shirt, planted his right leg down firmly, placed his still raised left leg to her hip to throw off her balance, and leaned back. Satsuki was taken aback as she was being forced forward after losing balance. Naruto rolled back and launched her back in a Judo takedown, something she clearly did not plan for. Satsuki gritted her teeth as she landed back first on the ground but wasn't done yet. She kipped up and leapt away before Naruto to deliver a sweep kick to her. She landed not too far off at the edge of the ring.

"I'm impressed Naruto." She said with a slight smirk on her face. "Didn't think you would be this good at all really."

"If you're trying to get under my skin with taunts, won't work." Naruto replied as he saw her chuckle a bit under her breath.

"Good to know." She got back in stance as she seemed to bring her hands together. "Then let's see how good you really are."

Faster than most in the crowd could keep up with, Satsuki went through several hand signs before stopping and taking a deep breath. Naruto saw exactly what she did and performed a few hand signs himself.

"Katon: Fireball jutsu!"

"Futo: Great Breakthrough jutsu!"

She launched a large fireball at Naruto while he launched a small tornado of wind at her attack. Everyone was panicking as wind was never the counter for fire, but instead an enhancement for it. Satsuki was confused by such a move and wondered just what he was thinking. The teachers were getting ready to step in to stop the attacks from clashing as were a few in the far trees, but that was when the torrent of wind did something unexpected.

It changed shape and color.

The small tornado turned into a funnel and the color went from a clear white to pitch black. The moment the fireball hit it, the funnel pointed out towards the tree line farthest away from them and went into the air. Everyone was so shocked by this that they didn't even see Naruto move quickly towards Satsuki. Even she was distracted by the spectacle as the fire safely dispersed in the air that by the time she turned back towards Naruto, all she saw was a fist in front of her. Naruto smirked as he gently pushed the still shocked girl by the forehead out of the ring and onto her butt.

"I guess that makes me the winner Satsuki-chan." Naruto said with a smirk as he offered her his hand.

She looked at him for a moment before taking the hand and being helped up. "What did you do back there?"

She wasn't the only one as the rest of the class rushed over for an explanation as well. Naruto could do nothing but laugh sheepishly and scratch the back of his head. "Well, I knew that you would eventually use a Katon technique, and I haven't learned any Suiton one's yet, so I figured if I can't extinguish the flame, then I could redirect it for a distraction. It was just luck for me that you were so close to the edge of the ring." The girls were impressed with that as they kept on bombarding him with questions all the while Aoki was scolding him for doing something so dangerous. She did hand him his jacket back though.

Both Iruka and Miyame sighed in relief that nothing to dangerous or over the top happened as did the ones hiding away. After regaining their composure, the two broke everything up and informed their students of the test tomorrow and to be back to the academy bright and early. Everyone agreed and left the school, though Naruto was still bombarded with questions by his friends as they left to get something to eat.


Hokage's office

Hirumi Sarutobi had been impressed with Naruto's intelligence towards the situation as she had brought her crystal ball so they could watch the dual. Right now, Minato and Kushina were watching and were proud of their son for his display. Also in the room were Kasumi Hatake, Anko Mitarashi, Might Gaia, Danza Shimura, Tsunade and Jiraiya.

"Very impressive that boy is." Danza spoke from her spot on the couch. "Though I've never seen that black chakra used like that before."

"Same here," Kasumi started as she watched the boy walk away from the school with his friends. "Do you think it has anything to do with the Kyuubi sensei?"

All eyes were on Minato as she placed her hand on her chin in a thinking pose of sorts. "I don't know, but so far Naruto has been truthful with us regarding his interactions with the Kyuubi. Let's just keep an eye on him for now."

"You don't think that he'll lose control like other Jinchuuriki have do you?" Jiraiya asked her.

"No telling so far." Minato answered. "Natsumi and Aoki haven't had any problems learning to control the ying and yang halves of Kyuubi's chakra and Naruto has had no issues with the soul, but this black chakra still worries me."

"Lady Kushina," Anko started respectfully, "you used to house the fox before. Has this ever happened to you? This black chakra?"

Kushina shook her head. "No. Red, yes. That was the Kyuubi's chakra, but it was never black before. Same with Mito."

"Maybe it's because he only houses the soul instead of the chakra?" Hirumi started as she sat next to her oldest friend.

"I doubt it. If that were the case, then why would neither Kushina nor my grandmother ever had that issue when their chakra had to be cut off to give birth." Tsunade explained. "That's when the seal is at its weakest and the only time for the fox to escape, yet if it had that black chakra, it could have used it to do so, seal or no seal."

"What do you think we should do Lady Hokage?" Gaia asked her superior as she could tell that this black chakra was most unyouthful indeed.

"For now, we wait and see just what else Naruto is capable of." Minato looked to Tsunade. "We all know he is graduating with the clan heirs, so you take care of your own deal with him Tsunade." The busty blond nodded with a smirk. Minato looked towards Kasumi and her expression turned slightly serious. "I need you to train him and Aoki as well, Kasumi."

Kasumi nodded. "Would it be alright if I also had Satsuki and Sakura on my team sensei?"

"Your reason?"

"For one, I believe that the two of them, Naruto and Satsuki, have developed a rivalry of some sort and will use that to push each other further and further." She explained. "As for Sakura, I believe that that she needs proper direction, and she sees learning medical jutsu as a way to do so."

" So, she learns it from Naruto as he learns it from Tsunade." Minato finished Kasumi's thought.

"Yes, sensei." Kasumi answers.

"Alright then." Minato nods. "Approved. Now that the show is over, you are all dismissed."

Everyone aside from Kushina nodded and began to leave as Hirumi took her crystal ball back, no doubt to peep on some of the youth much to Danza's dismay.

"So," Kushina started as she sat on her wife's lap and saw the look in her blue eyes. "What are really thinking right now?"

"I'm worried for our son." Minato started as she leaned her head onto Kushina's chest. "He'll be going out into the world that we never wanted him to be in. It'll be dangerous for him you know."

"I know." Kushina started as she lifted Minato's head and planted a searing kiss to her lips. When she departed, she looked right into her eyes. "Have faith in him and all of our children Minato. They're smart enough to know when they're in over their heads and strong enough to take care of themselves."

Minato smiled a bit. "How do you always know what to say to calm my nerves?"

"Simple." Kushina kissed her again then smirked. "I'm your wife."

Minato grinned. "Anbu, vacate my office for the next hour." Kushina shook her head. "Scratch that, make those two hours." Minato went and kissed Kushina passionately.

The Anbu quickly left and saw the silencing seal placed over the now locked door. While three of the Anbu were blushing under their mask, Fox was simply shaking her head.

"Not again." She sighed out.


That's the end for this chapter. The next will be a look to the other Jinchuuriki out there in their own dedicated chapter.

Hope ya'll liked some of my redesigns of the girls and of Naruto himself. Never understood the whole orange thing and it's not like he couldn't be stealthy enough with bright blond hair like that. Oh well.

Stay awesome and as always...

PEACE!