(Chapter 14: Springtime and Changes)
It would soon pass on into the month of March as things had progressed rather well all things considered for the Ultimatrix wielder; given that he had unlocked a new alien in the form of what he dubbed Prometheus which he found great use as a potential heavy-hitter. On top of that alongside his training with Sasuke and Ami was the fact that more of his gadgets and armaments were being produced far faster than what he expected from his factories; much to his delight as he gained new 'toys' to play around with.
However, the only thing he despised during these 3 months was the fact that he still couldn't shake the feeling that he was being constantly watched at all times; which had him ever on edge as of late.
(March 10th, 997 S.E, Grass Country, Naruto's Home, 3:55 Pm)
It was a partly sunny Thursday as Naruto was currently with his new roommate in Pakura who was currently doing pull-ups in the living room.
"Hey, Pakura. You sure look like your back in full effect." Naruto remarked as he saw the Scorch Release user continuing to do pull-ups
"Oh hello, Naruto. Also, yes I am doing wonderful." Pakura told the Ultimatrix wielder as she was on her 74th rep
"Thanks to the physical therapy from Shizune, I am at full health again…In fact, the medical staff at Root said that by the end of the month, I should be cleared for first mission." Pakura added as she did another without missing a beat
"That's wonderful news, Pakura. I'm happy for you. By the way, I brought you food in case you were hungry." Naruto told the Scorch Release user as he took multiple boxes out of his satchel
"Thank you, Naruto. That was very kind of you." Pakura thanked the blonde
"Hey, it's like I told you when I first met you. You're one of my people now, and because of that, I make it my job to help 'em out. So getting you a late lunch is the least I can do for you." Naruto told her before she finished her 100th rep
"Still, the thought is very much appreciated, Naruto...Even moreso for letting me stay in your home these past few months." Pakura said as she dropped down from the pull-up bar
"...By the way, do you have anything planned once you get some stuff set up? I mean don't get me wrong, I'm fine with you staying here and all. I was just wondering if you've got anything planned once you get more situated in the village?" Naruto questioned
"So far my plans consist of integrating myself more into the village, and getting to know everyone better...Otherwise, I have nothing further planned at the moment." Pakura told him as she headed into the kitchen to get her food
"As I apologize for not making better progress in doing so. However, given how injured I was, and still having to deal with the betrayal dealt by my own people. Everything so far is still a major adjustment to adapt to." Pakura added while Naruto grabbed her some silverware for her food
Since the Scorch Release wielder had in her almost 6 months of here taking residence within Konoha alongside Naruto, felt almost alien to be in a place near opposite to her former home, especially given not only the physical warmth and nights without sandstorms that would kick about every now and again. It was also the fact that it would mark her spending such an extended period of time without both her faithful student in Maki, and Rasa's youngest child whom she'd come to see as one of her own; despite the struggles she had with Shukaku.
"Is there anything I can do to help you settle in better? 'Cuz all you gotta do is say the word, and I'll see what I can drum up." Naruto asked wanting to know if there was anything more he could do for his houseguest
"No, I am alright. I just need more time is all…It is still a large shift to make from being the hero of your village, to having sought asylum in anothers' home. Besides, taking me into your home is more than enough given my circumstances." Pakura answered back
"Hey, its all good. I get it, but it you'd like I can introduce you to some people from the Uchiha clan? I'm pretty sure they'd love to know you and all." Naruto suggested to Pakura
"That sounds rather nice. Perhaps next week if you have the time?" Pakura replied
"Sure! Sounds like a done deal. And trust me, they're really great people." Naruto said to her
"With how highly you talk about them, I will take your word for it, I just hope that they will be patient with me. As other than yourself, Shizune, Lord Danzo, his granddaughter, and Torune; I've not had much social interaction." Pakura spoke
"Oh don't worry, I'm sure you'll be just fine." Naruto said as he took a revolver out of his satchel and started loading it
"...Why do you have that weapon out? Is everything ok?" Pakura asked in concern as Naruto continued loading his weapon
"Oh, everything's just peachy. I'm just gonna be a few moments is all…Apparently, I've been having a bad crow problem lately, and it has really been getting on my last nerve. Stupid things messing up my plants, and bothering at all hours of the night." Naruto told her as he loaded another bullet into the chamber while glaring daggers at the red-eyed crow
"I have been noticing crows flying here as well. Is it anything to be concerned about, or is this normal?" Pakura asked not really knowing if this was a regular occurrence or not
"It really isn't that big of a concern, so much as it is a nuisance. Especially, with spring coming around and I'm trying to get a garden started up." Naruto answered back
"But don't worry, I'll be riiight back in a couple moments...Also, you may wanna cover your ears." Naruto said as he headed out into the backyard with his pistol in one hand and a handful of rounds in the other
'...I forgot how loud those new weapons of his are. I swear it sounds like miniature explosive tags are going off.' Pakura remarked to herself over the loud gunshots that echoed in the March afternoon
"There we go, that should be the end of that. Or at the very least until I can get some turrets set up to kill those fucking bastards." Naruto said as he soon re-entered with the gun barrel smoking from being shot in rapid-succession
"I should hope so. Also, if it wouldn't be too much trouble for you. Could you perhaps work towards making those weapons of yours less loud? It is rather…startling." Pakura requested; shaken by the loud bangs of the revolver
"Oh, my bad! I didn't realize they were that loud…Also, that is a great idea for the next model I make of these." Naruto thanked Pakura for the suggestion
"You're welcome, I guess?..." Pakura said in confusion
"Now all I gotta do is figure out a way to keep the power up to snuff, while making less noisy…On top of expanding the chamber from 6 to 8 rounds." Naruto noted to himself
"...But other than my being a giant nerd over my weapons and stuff. How about we get to eating? I got you fried pork, shrimp and rice. And some medium well steak to top it off." Naruto said to the Scorch Release wielder
"How did you know this is my favorite?" Pakura questioned as she took the silverware from him
"I didn't, I just figured you could use some good food." Naruto answered back
"Well, I very much appreciate it. Thank you." Pakura thanked the Ultimatrix wielder
"No problem at all. That being said, let's get started, I'm starving'!" Naruto said as he opened up his box full of food to eat
Yet while Naruto and Pakura were eating their lunch; Itachi was currently clutching his now bleeding nose and the monstrous headache he was now suffering; thanks to Naruto having obliterated the crow summons he was connected to, in order to spy on Naruto…Something that didn't go unnoticed by Shisui who saw Itachi dealing with a real bad bloody nose.
'You know, I would go to help him out. But considering he still hasn't cleaned up his act with Izumi and Mammoru; i'm not bending over backwards to help him for shit.' Shisui said to himself while Itachi was still reeling from the feedback from his destroyed summons
"Which reminds me, I should definitely get started on getting something for Sasuke's graduation...I still can't believe he's going to be a genin in a few months." Shisui said to himself in having almost forgotten to do such a thing
(2 days later, March 12th, 997 S.E, Uchiha Compound, 2:45 Pm)
It was the following Sunday as Sasuke and Shisui were helping Izumi out with Mammoru; who proved to be a rather energetic bundle of joy for her.
"Thanks again for helping me babysit, Mamoru. It feels nice to have help every now and again." Izumi thanked the two
"Not a problem at all. Besides, I wouldn't miss spending time with my nephew for anything in the world." Sasuke replied whilst he was busy with said toddler tugging on his hair
"Although, I'll give him credit. He's certainly a fast little man." Sasuke remarked with a small chuckle
"You don't have to tell me twice, Sasuke. I swear once he learns how to walk, I'm going to have my hands full more than ever." Izumi said knowing full well that her son was going to grow up to be one hell of a speedster
"That's my godson alright…You think when he's older I can teach him how to do the Shunshin?" Shisui asked with a mischievous grin
"No. I rather like not having to worry about having my son grow up to be a speed-demon. Especially, with the likes of you and Obito." Was Izumi's immediate response to the idea
"Oh come on, Izumi. We're not that bad." Shisui responded back
"Really? Is this coming from the same person who helped Obito tie Lord Jiraiya buck-naked to the Hokage Tower last month?" Izumi questioned
"Ok, I see your point. But in my defense, he started it when he was being a perv and peeping on Juri…So if anything I say that was a win for everybody." Shisui answered back with a satisfied grin
"I would have to agree with Shisui on this one. After all, Lord Jiraiya is nothing short of a perverted menace. How Lord 4th puts up with him is beyond me." Sasuke said in agreement with the older Uchiha
"Thank you, Sasuke…See even he thinks I'm in the right!" Shisui said with a triumphant look
"Be that as it may. My point still stands, Shisui. It's hard enough being a borderline single mom, the last thing I need is my child being able to almost teleport at will." Izumi said back in not wanting to deal with such things down the line
"That actually brings up something I wanted to ask you about. Are you and Itachi still a thing? Because, I don't know what it is, but the guy is still being an ass about you and Mamoru." Shisui asked
"At this point, I've just stopped caring about our marriage at this point. If he isn't going to do his due diligence and be around for his own son, or myself. Then I don't see any reason why I should continue to be his wife any longer." Izumi said to Shisui
"Besides, I'm pretty sure that the two of yo can tell that from my lack of a wedding ring; on my finger...If anything I feel 10 pounds lighter without it on." Izumi added showing her ringless left middle finger where her wedding ring once lie
Since as far as Izumi was concerned, if Itachi would rather be married to his job as an ANBU captain and Konoha shinobi; than spend time with his almost 6-month-old son and his wife, then she saw no reason as to why she should continue to put forth what felt like 85% if not 90% of the effort into their relationship. Hence why at this point she was very much considering getting a divorce lawyer to help annul their marriage in part to how simply…DONE she was with it all.
"Can't say I blame you. My brother may be a talented patriot of the village, but at the same time, he is a prodigious idiot as well…I swear I don't see how he can continue to blow off his own family. Especially, when he's got this little guy right here." Sasuke said with a small smile as his small nephew gave him a garbled chortle at being tickled by his uncle
"It is his decision to make, Sasuke. Since the ultimatum that Obito and Fugaku failed to do anything. Then, it is fully on him when he realizes that I've not only given up on him. But that it is thanks to him; that he's basically killed out own marriage." Izumi replied with a despondent shrug of her shoulders
"You know I would deck him one for being such a giant idiot. But at this point, I'm just too fed up with him to do it…You wanna do it, Sasuke?" Shisui questioned the younger Uchiha
"Considering how much he's screwed up with the clan, my nephew and my sister-in-law. I would be delighted to make him pay for his actions." Sasuke replied all too eager to visit upon his brother with wrathful intentions
"Perhaps you can do what your dad and Obito failed to do. Because as much as I still want to love him…I just can't do it anymore. Not when I'm the only one putting in effort into our marriage to make it work." Izumi spoke with a tone of voice that spoke volumes of her weariness over the whole situation
"Believe me, Izumi. I'm going to do everything I possibly can to make him regret his decisions." Sasuke replied as for a brief moment the bloodshine red of his Sharingan burst to life
"Please do. Because I know it won't be for my sake given how things have already turned out…However, please do it for Mamoru's sake. I still want him to have the chance to spend time with, and know his father. I don't want to deprive him of that if I can help it." Izumi requested of Sasuke
"Don't worry, I'll do what I can for you, but I can't promise anything. After all, this is Itachi we are talking about." Sasuke said back, knowing this would be an uphill battle
"Trust me, Sasuke. I'm hoping so too, otherwise the rumors going around just might stop being rumors." Shisui said, getting the attention of both Sasuke and Izumi
"What rumors?" Sasuke asked before handing off his nephew to Izumi
"Since Itachi has pretty much been ghosting the clan, on top of how he's been screwing up with your folks, Izumi and his son. The clan has become so fed up with it; that they're gonna pretty much kick him out of the compound and if Fugaku and Obito get their way about it. The clan itself." Shisui informed the two Uchiha
"Wait really?! They're gonna do that?" Sasuke said taken aback by this information
"Yup, and to be honest with you two. I can't say I blame anyone for it, but Itachi. He's let trying to be the golden boy of the village, and kissing up to become the 5th Hokage mess him up so much that…At this point everyone's just done with him." Shisui told them in regards to how far Itachi has fallen from the clan
"To be real with you, Izumi. Given how he's pretty much fucked off from the picture. Can you really blame anyone if this happens? Shisui then asked the lone female Uchiha in the room
"Not really? Itachi's made his bed, and now he has to lie in it…I just never thought that he'd choose the village; to the point that this happened." Izumi answered back as she looked at her son
"Sometimes, I wonder if this is even the same man that I married, or if this what he is really like and I have been too blind to see it." Izumi added almost cursing herself for not seeing Itachi's zealousness too the village being to this degree
"At this point, you just have to accept the fact that Itachi loves Konoha more than his own family." Izumi said with the somber tiredness that only came from a absentee husband
Because as much as Izumi wanted to scream and say anything in defense of her husband, say ANYTHING to say that he didn't deserve what the rumors Shisui informed him of were to pass…she couldn't lie to herself or anyone in good conscience…..Not when the evidence of the man she 'loved' was all too real, and all too prominent everytime she woke up without the man she said her wedding vows to.
"If its any consolation, Izumi. We've all tried to get him to get his head out of his ass. But, with how much of an ass he's been…this was inevitable from the jump." Shisui spoke in disappointment of his friends' decisions up till now
"I suppose you are right, Shisui. Still, it feels almost wrong to me the man I cared for turn out like this…I'm…I'm almost a loss for words on what to say about him." Izumi said back still reeling from the fact that her marriage had fallen apart to such a degree
"On the more positive side of things. You still have us, my nephew and the entire clan. That is something that will never change; despite my brother being a moron in your marriage." Sasuke said, causing a smile to spread across her tired face
"And I am grateful for that and more, Sasuke. Without all of your support, I don't know what I'd do." Izumi replied
'Probably have gone stark raving mad; with how Itachi's left me high and dry.' Izumi said to herself, embittered by her husbands' inaction
"Still,...I hope that once I see him again; that I can break things off cleanly between us." Izumi further spoke on the subject
"Do you want us to grab him so you can do this, and get it over with?" Sasuke questioned more than fine with dragging Itachi here to face the music himself
"No, its fine…Besides, I'd rather do this on my terms... I think I am owed that much." Izumi replied
"Fair enough. But in the meantime is their anything you want us to do for you?" Sasuke asked once again
"If one of you could go get lunch for me; that would be great." Izumi requested
"Already on it.' Was Shisui's swift reply before using a Shunshin to vanish from sight
"Anything you need me to do for you?" Sasuke asked
"Just for you to keep myself and my son company is all. If you wouldn't mind doing so?" Izumi told Sasuke as to her only request as she scooched over to make space for him
"That, I am more than happy to do for you, Izumi." Sasuke said as he took a seat beside her
'Damn it, Itachi. If you put even a quarter of the effort that you do into your shinobi duties. Then you'd be an outstanding father and husband. Instead, we have to deal with this mess you've made for us all.' Sasuke lamented to himself as he spent the afternoon with his nephew and sister-in-law
(The next day, March 13th, 997 S.E, Konoha, 3:45 Pm)
It would be the following Monday for the Ultimatrix wielder who was currently at Ichiraku's with Masako; enjoying a day out with his cousin.
"Thanks again for hanging out with me, Masako. It means a lot with all the stuff you've got going on." Naruto said to the amazon beside him
"Hey, it's no sweat off my back. Besides, with my little cousin being so close to graduating in a couple months. I wanna spend all the time I can with you." Masako said back as she continued eating her shrimp and pork ramen
"...I still can't believe that your gonna be a genin soon. My little shit cousins' growing up on me!" Masako added with a broad yet proud grin on her face
"Hey, I'm not gonna be a little shit forever; you know. Just you wait, as one of these days I'm gonna get strong enough to beat you up!" Naruto swore to the Wood Release user, who barked out in racous laughter in response
"Y-You might be good, but you ain't that good, Naruto." Masako said while continuing to eat her ramen
"I bet you I can take you on when I get my headband. 'Cuz you aren't the only one whose got tricks up there sleeve." Naruto shot back with a confident grin of his own
"Trust me, when I say this. But your gonna have to wait till your a Chunin, or better yet Jonin before you can take me on. Since I'm not one of your little friends." Masako replied with an all too familiar predatory expression that began to take shape
"I know, and I still say I could take you on…I might not win, if I try to scrap with you. But I'd definitely give you hell and then some." Naruto said whilst his ever-confident grin never waivered for even a moment
'Especially with Quadsmack and Monsterroid as my heavy-duty shit, there's no way I can't lose.' Naruto said to himself in regards to his most powerful aliens to date
"If you think whatever little tricks you have up your sleeve can cut it. Then think again, because not only do I got my super-strength on me. I've got my Wood Release powers, my Predaplants, and eventually Sage Mode. That's not even talking about the Byakugou seal, moms' taught me." Masako said back as she listed off all of what she had at her disposal
"Wait a sec, Granny talk you that?!..Since when?" Naruto asked in surprise
"Yup, she taught it to me last year, you goof! And what, you didn't think she'd teach her own daughter how to do that?" Masako asked with a savage grin growing across her features
"I figured she would. But I just never thought that you'd wanna learn it." Naruto replied
"I mean no offense or anything, but you just didn't seem like the type to invest in stuff like that. Since you're whole go-to is overwhelming force, and shizz." Naruto added
"Yeah, and that's why it makes perfect sense for me to learn it. Anything that goes towards making me even more of a fucking menace, I'll take it!" Masako said back
Granted the daughter of Tsunade more than enjoyed being an absolute juggernaut with all the skills she had at her disposal, and yet she invested in the more vicious and offensive side of her mothers' toolkit in what she had to offer. For even she knew that it would be an incredibly stupid decision not to learn things such as the Byakugou Seal, the Chakra Scalpels, and et-cetera to make her even more of a lethal threat.
"Can't say I blame you for wanting to learn from Grandma. Say what you want about her, but she's definitely something' else when she wants to be." Naruto said, knowing full well that despite her being a medical ninja that she was a force to be reckoned with
"Hey, you won't see me disagreeing with you there. I already know that my mom is a powerhouse and then some. Next to your folks, they're the strongest power couple in the village." Masako remarked at the greatness of her parents
"That's the most accurate statement I've heard all week. Anyways, how do you feel about finally graduating soon?" Masako asked as Naruto continued to dig in to his miso pork ramen
"I'm absolutely fucking ecstatic about it! Finally, in just a couple more months; I'll be a full-blown shinobi with my best friend. What's not to get excited about." Naruto said with an ecstatic grin on his ramen-covered face
"I know the feeling, little cousin. I still remember the day when I got my headband…Good times, good times." Masako spoke in fond memory of her own graduation day
'Granted, I was hard carrying everybody on our team. But still, that was one of the best times of my life.' Masako said to herself as memories of her times as a genin flashed through her mind
"And I'm sure I'll have my fair share of…Masako, what the fuck are you doing?" Naruto was about to say before Masako conjured forth a thorny gnarled vine
"Apparently, we have an eavesdropping toad around...I knew something was up when I smelled cheap collogne, and dried-up jizz." Masako said before she flung the vine in question and reeled in a formerly invisible Jiraiya towards them
"...You better have a good reason for spying on me and my cousin, while we're out eating." Masako growled out at the Toad Sage in question who felt the vines constrict around him
"I just wanted to talk to Naruto was all. It's about something important." Jiraiya said to an unamused Masako who was glaring at him
"Ok first of all, if you wanted too talk to me so bad. You could've just asked me after I was done eating with Masako; instead of standing around like a creep. Second of all, I don't even fucking like you." Naruto said leveling his own glare towards the Toad Sage
"Look, I just came by to make amends and talk to you about something I could do for you." Jiraiya replied whilst under the fierce gaze of both blondes
"Give me one good reason why I would want to spend time with the guy who and I quote. And Masako can jump in on this too; had said I was 'so much of a good for nothing hindrance that my mom should've swallowed you'...I don't know about you, but that doesn't make me feel any type of way towards wanting to talk to you." Naruto said back as he continued staring down Jiraiya
"Masako, would you wanna talk to someone who says fuck-shit like that?" Naruto asked the taller blonde who glared at the restrained Sannin
"Nope, if anything I say he deserves to get stomped in the nuts as hard as possible." Masako answered back
"Look, I know I've said a lot of awful things towards you. But I wanna put it behind me, and start over. Since there's a lot of things happening, and I want to help you…" Jiraiya said before Masako had more gnarled vines wrap around Jiraiya like a boa-constrictor
"Tch, you know what Pervy-Sage. I have a better idea, how about you go to some girls locker room to do you're research, and forever fuck off away from me. Because I don't want ANYTHING to do with what you gotta say." Naruto said back
"But you have too…"Jiraiya said before he was silenced by the gnarled and thorny vines further digging into his flesh
"I think my cousin has made his point pretty clear…Soooo, with all that being said, and the fact that I fucking hate you too. How about I send you on your merry way." Masako said back as she hopped off her seat and grabbed the now cocooned from the shoulders down Jiraiya
From there the Wood Release user lifted the perverse Sage over her head like he was a bag of potatoes, and proceeded to chuck him into the air as though he were a softball; all before returning to her seat to eat her ramen as though nothing had happened; while Jiraiya continued hurtling into the skies above.
"Thanks, Mas. I owe you one." Naruto said
"No problem. Also, is this the first time he's tried talking to you about whatever? Because I got the feeling this wasn't the first time." Masako questioned
"Nope. Ever since the new year, he's been pestering me about some random-ass shit; I could give a hot fuck about…I don't what he wants to talk about, or what makes him think he can stroll up and talk to me like nothings' happened. But I don't buy it; the whole 'I'm sorry for treating you like crap' schtick, just seems fake as fuck to me." Naruto replied sourly over the Toad Sage's many attempts at trying to be all 'buddy buddy' or start a clean slate with him
"Its a good thing you did what you did, otherwise I would've had to shock him in the nuts again." Naruto added in fond memory of using one of his inventions to electrocute Jiraiya in the nads
"Well, if he ever bothers you again. Then just say something to me, and your awesome cousin Masako will get it taken care of." Masako told Naruto
"That's a real big help to me. Since I want absolutely nothing to do with him." Naruto said back in ire of said Sannin
"How about we not talk about him, and keep enjoying our day out together?" Masako questioned
"Sounds great to me. The less I have to think about him the better." Naruto replied as the two went back to eating ramen as though nothing happened
(3 days later, 5:26 Pm, ROOT HQ, March 16th, 997 S.E)
Soon enough after Naruto's 'encounter with Jiraiya did he have his check-up with Shizune who was his physician within ROOT, and whilst everything was going well physically; it was when Shizune had brought in a Hyuga operative with their Byakugan to confirm something did she show a mix of concern and intrigue.
"Is everything ok? You look worried there?" Naruto questioned the medic before him
"I'm perfectly fine, Naruto. However, I want to ask you that; given how things have been since you've had that gauntlet on." Shizune said to the Ultimatrix wielder
"I feel fine as I've ever been. Heck, if anything I feel better than what I ever have." Naruto replied
"Really? Anything different at all?" Shizune queried with a quizzical look about herself
"Well, I've been feeling a heck of a lot stronger than what I have normally…I guess the best way I can put it without sounding weird is that all my base stats have shot up like hell." Naruto answered back in having felt better than ever
"Why? Is there something wrong with me?" Naruto questioned
"Yes and no…You see, when I had that Hyuga come in to do the standard scan of your chakra network. As per standard to make sure nothing is wrong, they found something interesting." Shizune told Naruto
"What did they find?" Naruto questioned once again
"Its what they didn't find that's had me concerned, or rather curious since this is a medical anomaly...Especially, since there hasn't been a case of this in...well ever." Shizune said before continuing
"It seems as though you no longer have a chakra network anymore." Shizune said causing Naruto to do a double if not a triple take at this news
"I'm sorry, can you repeat that? It sounds like you just said that I don't have a chakra network anymore." Naruto said in confusion
"You heard correctly, Naruto. From what they've just informed me of their scans. You no longer have a chakra network anymore, as I took X-rays just to be certain that I wasn't seeing things. But as it stands, you are currently without one." Shizune informed Naruto
"If that's the case then how am I still alive? Don't I need chakra to function, or I'll keel over?" Naruto wondered how he was still standing if that was the case
"The best way I can explain it is that it has something to do with that gauntlet of yours." Shizune said as she looked over towards the Ultimatrix
"The Ultimatrix did this? But how, I know it lets me turn into cool transformations, but I don't get how it could do something like this." Naruto said to himself
"Indeed. My guess is that its not only allowing you the ability to shift into different forms. But it was also changing you on a biological level as well. Since the best hypothesis I can come up with to explain this, and the physical augmentations you've been experiencing the past 3 months; is because it has begun to mutate you." Shizune explained to Naruto
"As I imagine that it saw your chakra network, as a vestigial organ given your inability to mold chakra. Therefore, it has likely been gradually changing your body to absorb it into itself and change what it had taken into augmenting your overall physicality. This would explain why you are able to handle taijutsu spars with both your siblings in your spars at the academy, as well as keep up with Ami and some of more experienced operatives…In short, this thing on your arm cannibalized your chakra network and used that as a means to greatly augment you into something greater." Shizune further explained her reasoning on what had happened to Naruto
"So what, I'm a super version of myself, now?" Naruto questioned with measured excitement
"To put it simply yes. This does make the most logical sense, given that if this thing is attached to you on a deep enough level to change your biology into those aliens of yours. Then it stands to reason that it would be able to make additional changes to make you a better wielder…or rather host to increase your overall survivability." Shizune answered back
"...I'm not gonna lie; this all sounds pretty freaking' epic!" Naruto said as his bewildered expression turned towards one of excitement
"Really?...Hmph, you're taking this a lot better than what most would." Shizune replied having almost expected Naruto to freak-out over the information
"Well, when you think about it. This is just another plus for me. Instead of having to manage a good-for-nothing chakra system that I can't even use. I get it turned into something actually useful…So really, this is just a net positive in my book." Naruto said back to the medic with a great amount of relief in his voice
For the Ultimatrix wielder could only see the positives that would come from the recent revelation; given that instead of having to live with the hindrance of being unable to mold chakra, and all that came along with it…Now…Now he actually felt a personal sense of freedom in being able to further sever another connection to his 'family', and now felt something that allowed him to further become a version of himself he could be proud of.
"Huh, to be honest I was expecting more waterworks and dramatics given the severity of this…But if your alright with it, I'm not gonna rain on your parade." Shizune said in having expected a more…'dramatic' outcome
"Not really, as I'm not one for waterworks as you put it. Besides, there's no time for stuff like that when I still have to do." Naruto replied with a grin
"While I applaud your work ethic, Naruto. I will need to do more check-ups on you in the next few weeks. Seeing as how you are quite literally the first person to not have chakra in centuries…So you should know what comes next?" Shizune said back
"More medical tests?" Naruto asked as Shizune nodded
"But don't worry, as your physician; I'll make sure to make them as non-invasive as possible…Sorry if I'm at a loss for words, but this…this is a lot to take in." Shizune said in disbelief that she was dealing with a medical anomaly such as this
"Hey, I get it. You can't be too careful." Naruto said as he buttoned up his shirt
"Plus, I look at it this way. The Ultimatrix is turning me into a superhuman, so everything coming up my way!" Naruto added with a boisterous smile
'If there's one thing that is unbreakable about him, it's his spirit.' Shizune remarked at her cousins' indomitable spirit
"Alright, auntie, is there any more checkups you need to do for the day, or am I all good?" Naruto asked
"You should be fine for now. However, I do want to do weekly checkups with you to be safe. We don't what other changes have been done to you biology, so its better safe than sorry." Shizune told the blonde shapeshifter who started scrolling through aliens
"Gotcha. Anyways, I'm gonna get out of here, see you later." Naruto said before turning into DashRaptor and speeding off and away
'When I say that kid is gonna be something else, I never thought it would be literally.' Shizune said to herself as she bundled up more of her reports and headed to her office
So with the changing months into Spring having yielded changes for all to come, the question as graduation closes in remains is what else is there to come for the Ultimatrix wielder in question? Well, you'll just have to stay tuned and find out in the new chapters of, The Alien Soldier!
Alright, you guys that takes care of that as I hoped you enjoyed this chapter and everything that went on in our brief timeskip; considering that this is gonna open up a good deal of things to come in the future. Also, sorry about the hold up for the chapter but I came up with a case of writers' block on how to plan things for the story post-Chunin Exams; given that a lot of things are gonna change after that happens, but that being said I am back in action for the moment.
But now that that's out of the way, I hope you guys will continue to enjoy the rest of what's to come in the story, also any favorites, follows, reviews or suggestions are welcome. As per usual flames are ignored since if ya don't like then go on and read/support someone else's story that's more your speed.
So without further adieu, this is Nomadic Chaos using the power of said chaos to give y'all good stuff to read. For the next chapter coming up is gonna be Naruto and Pakura going on a mission to destroy one of Orochimaru's bases, so stay tuned for that good stuff.
Prelude Theme Song: Regulate by Warren G and Nate Dogg
Random End Song: HUMBLE by Kendrick Lamar
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Sorry for the long stay away but I'm back in action, but on the plus side I am working on a future DBZ and Justice League where Future Gohan and Future Goku get sent to the DC universe thanks to Zeno's timeline erasure getting them slingshot there and shenanigans from there ensue. Also, Naruto ain't gonna take that lying down regarding Hayase, and concerning Itachi as you can see his personal life is taking one helluva nose-dive, and good luck with your stories as I can't wait to see what the next chapter of The She-Devil is gonna be like.
Volcasarion: Don't worry, the times for Naruto will come in the future; its just a matter of setup for when I can start taking them down a few...dozen pegs or so. As for Mizuki, that's the thing about it is that I want to make it so that either way he goes that its gonna be a fun ride regardless for where I have him wind up in the story. Also I'm glad you like what I'm doing with Ino, given how she's raising one of the biggest problems with Shikamaru in that with his being too lazy in a world where things like that will have very, very deadly consequences, then its gonna be a matter of when and not if that shit gets someone injured and incredibly so. Seeing as how there's only so much his mind can do to carry him and everyone else, since trust me his laziness is gonna bite Team Asuma in the butt and hard one of these chapters...Furthermore, Kurenai is gonna get a reality check for her actions with her team from the most unlikely of places given that with Ben 10 shenanigans in play and Kurenai being as how I've set up...yeah its...its gonna be unpleasant as an understatement.
starravenwolf: I'm glad you can see where I'm coming from in regards to Yakumo given how the risk of trying to save her outweighed the action of doing so, given how with the state of her powers and how they develop there wasn't a surefire way that any amount of fuinjutsu was going to help make things go back to normal; given how even with a Yamanaka that it was a very low chance that it wouldn't have her turn into a vegetable or worse from further meddling. Also, I do have plans for when the 1st legit Ben 10 Alien comes along to the planet Earth, but as for it being Xylene...that'll be tough to do unless there's a good reason anyone can come up with for that happening.
God of Wind 200: That is true as its not Naruto's fault that he has an affinity for crafting superweapons and death machines, that he constantly wants to upgrade. Also, for the Crystalfist idea I do like it a lot and will definitely keep it in mind for later, as for the Land of Snow idea I will definitely keep that for later given how with alien tech being involved it will definitely amp up the difficulty for how things will go down in that arc.