Naruto: Journal of Hope
After the second half of the Chunin Exams Naruto is passed over by Kakashi to train Sasuke. Angry, he storms out and runs far away to an almost forgotten place. There he stumbles across a journal, written by his mother and holding the secrets of his lineage. Inspired by his parents' love, hope and dreams, he decides to become the Ninja his parents believed he could be.
Chapter XV: Aftermath
It had been two days since the Invasion between the Sand, Sound and Leaf. The battle had damaged Konoha's infrastructure and many Shinobi had lost their lives defending their home. But the Shinobi of the Leaf Village had proven themselves, fought against the invaders and showed their Will of Fire was still burning just as strongly as the day the First Hokage took office. As for Sunagakure, it was only after the Sand had retreated did they realize that they had been deceived by Orochimaru. The body of the Fourth Kazekage was discovered just outside the Sand Village. They had estimated he had been killed before the Chunin Exams had begun.
The Sand, realizing their error, surrendered completely to the Land of Fire with the Leaf Village accepting their surrender. There were many details and compensations the Land of Wind would have to give to the Land of Fire in return. But for now, it was a time to rebuild and mourn the losses of those that gave their lives.
The sky was dark with storm clouds as the Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, those not on active duty stood at attention on top of the Hokage Manor as a memorial service was given to the Shinobi that were killed in the invasion. Sarutobi was chief amongst them, as he was now bound to a wheelchair after his fight with Orochimaru.
The Shinobi gathered behind him were in silent mourning, as flowers were laid for their fallen allies. Naruto stood beside Hinata, Sakura, Sasuke and the rest of the Konoha 12 and their Sensei. A sad look was on his face, as he looked upon the gathering of flowers for the fallen Shinobi. His injuries were not serious, and he was expected to return to active duty soon. However, he felt sadness and guilt as wondered if he could've done more to stop this.
'...so many people…I could've done more…' Naruto thought as he felt like he had failed.
"There was nothing more you could've done, Naruto," he suddenly heard as he looked behind him to Kakashi, as if he had read his mind. "By leading Gaara away from the stadium, and coming up with that plan to save the Third Hokage, you've done more for the Village than anyone could've expected of a Genin. These Shinobi gave their lives for the village, mourn them, but never doubt their commitment to protecting their home," Kakashi said as Naruto stared at him.
"He's right Naruto," Iruka said as he looked at Iruka and Konohamaru, who held onto his pants legs. "Every Shinobi knows that one day they will have to put their lives on the line for their home. They died, protecting their home and their loved ones. You are a Shinobi worthy of the Hidden Leaf, and I am proud of you…" he said as Konohamru wrapped his arms around his waist.
"Thank you, big bro," Konohamaru said as Naruto stared at the small child before he suddenly felt Hinata's hand embrace his own as he looked at her, as she nodded. It was a rare moment of courage for her, but all that mattered to her was making Naruto feel better. That small gesture was enough to ease his troubled mind, as he nodded to Hinata and turned back to the funeral service.
"...Kakashi Sensei…" he said as the masked shinobi looked at him. "After the funeral…can we talk?" he asked as Kakashi stared at the boy before nodding.
"...Sure, Naruto…" he said before turning back to the funeral.
Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitocado wheeled their former teammate as they stood before the assembled masses.
"...Today…we mourn the losses of those that gave their lives for Konoha. Our enemies attacked us, intent on striking a crippling blow upon our home…" Sarutobi began as he looked out to the mourning face. "We lost many comrades…friends…parents…lovers…family…" he said as he gripped his armrest. "But even in our darkest hour, the Will of Fire burned brightly within every one of you. And together, the Village of the Hidden Leaf endured and survived," Sarutobi said as they looked up at him. "So hold your heads high, for even though the leaves of our comrades have fallen, their devotion fuels the Will of Fire, and it shall continue to burn so long as we keep it alight!" he said as the Shinobi nodded and almost symbolically the clouds parted and the sun began to shine through.
The service came to an end as everyone began to depart. Naruto bid Hinata farewell, as they nodded silently and departed with their teams. Iruka looked at Naruto as he smiled at the young man, who had grown since his days of pranks at the academy.
'The Will of Fire…will surely go on,' he thought while Sarutobi looked out to his fellow as he smiled before he thought back to after the battle.
One Day Ago - Konoha Hospital - Private Suite
Sarutobi sat on the bed as the doctors poked and prodded at the old man's feet, hoping to get a reaction. Around him were his former teammates, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitocado as well as his former student Jiraiya, as they watched the procedure. However, he felt nothing as his legs were completely numb.
"I'm…I'm sorry Lord Third, it would appear that the Jutsu you used has severed all connection to your legs…I'm afraid there's nothing we can do," the Doctor said as Sarutobi sighed with a nod.
"I'm aware of that…thank you, doctor," he said as the Doctor hung his head and left the room. He looked to his fellow elders and he shook his head. "Don't give me those looks, this was the price I had to pay using that Jutsu. It's a small price, but one I'm willing to pay. However, with this I can no longer continue my duties as the Third Hokage," Sarutobi said while Homura looked sceptical.
"How did you survive the Jutsu, Sarutobi?" Homura asked as he adjusted his glasses. "From what I recall the Dead Demon Consuming Seal had a guaranteed fatality after use. How did you manage to avoid that?" he asked as Sarutobi shared a subtle glance with Jiraiya before turning back to his fellow elder.
"I've been studying the seal ever since Minato used it a long time ago. I managed to come up with this countermeasure," he said as he showed the seal above his heart, that wrapped around his chest and the Seal where Orochimaru's arms were sealed. "It temporarily staves off the Seals' final effects, but in exchange, my legs were offered up as 'compensation' to the Shinigami, but it will not last forever. My soul is bound for the Shinigami's stomach, it's only a matter of time. How much time I don't fully know. It could be days, months or years…but one day this seal will fail and I will die…" he said as Koharu and Homura looked on sadly at their friend.
"Sarutobi…" Koharu said as the old man shook his head.
"It's fine, I was…am…the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. I'm willing to put my life on the line to protect the village. Being paralyzed is a small price in my opinion, and death comes for us all eventually…I just have the benefit of knowing beforehand…" he said as the two elders nodded.
"Regardless, with you no longer capable of continuing your duties as Hokage, it's high time a new successor was chosen," Homura said as Sarutobi sighed.
"I couldn't agree more," a new voice said as they turned to see a bandaged man, with spiky black hair, wrinkles and an x shape scar on his chin.
"Danzo…figures you'd show up now, especially when it comes to the position of Hokage," Jiraiya said as he crossed his arms. "Not even retired yet, and already you want a shot at the position,"
"Jiraiya, always so impudent. How is it that you still have no respect for your elders after all these years?" Danzo asked as Jiraiya shrugged.
"Oh I have respect…just none for you…" he said as Danzo glared.
"Enough…regardless…they are right Jiraiya, it's time a new successor was chosen. And given my condition and our current circumstances, I was hoping you would take the position of Godaime Hokage?" Sarutobi asked as the elders raised a brow at this.
"You can't be serious?" Danzo asked as he pointed to Jiraiya with his cane. "You'd give the position of Fifth Hokage to him? He's barely in the village and does not have the character necessary to lead," he said as Jiraiya glared.
"Actually, from a logical view, it makes sense…" Homura said as he scratched his beard. "Jiraiya is one of the strongest we have in the village currently. He also trained the Fourth Hokage and mastered many Jutsu, including the Rasengan. Like Orochimaru, he was trained my Saurtobi, so he carries the Will of Fire just as Fourth once did. He's a viable candidate for the position," he said as Koharu nodded.
"I agree, right now we need a strong leader, the peace talks with the Sand will begin shortly, but we don't know if the other villages will take bold action and attack us in our weakened state. If we had a strong leader, one of the Legendary Sannin as Hokage, they may think twice about attacking," Koharu said before Jiraiya shook his head.
"Sorry, no can do," Jiraiya said as they looked at him. "No offence, but I never really cared about becoming Hokage. Plus, I have a spy network I need to maintain,"
"A spy network that failed to notice Orochimaru's plot to strike at Konoha," Danzo commented as Jiraiya grinned.
"Oh I noticed, why do you think I came back? And what about your spy network? Surely yours would've picked up on his plot as well?" he said as Danzo shut his mouth. "Besides, the invasion was long in the works, it was only recently when they allied with the Sand that caused me to return home. If I wasn't here, things could've turned out a lot different," he said as Sarutobi nodded.
"Jiraiya is right, however, a new Hokage needs to be chosen, and you are one of the few that fit the qualification," Sarutobi said as Jiraiya smirked.
"What if I can bring back someone that's just as strong as I am? They can fill in the position of Hokage better than I ever could," he said as Sarutobi's eyes widened a little.
"You can't possibly mean…" he said as Jiraiya nodded.
"Yep, I'm going to find Tsunade. She'll become the next Hokage," he said as Danzo scoffed.
"Impossible, Tsunade Senju left the village years ago, and we've had no contact with her since then," Danzo said as he crossed his arms. "How can we trust her to become Hokage when she ran out on her duty to the village?"
"Tsunade lost both her brother Nawaki and her lover, Dan, during the Second Great War. Loses like that can have a serious impact on anyone, but I believe I can bring her back. Besides, she is one of the best Medical Ninjutsu specialists in the world. Having her back in the village would be a boon. She can heal our more critically injured Shinobi…although I doubt anything can bring Sensei's legs back," Jiraiya said as Sarutobi shook his head.
"My legs are irrelevant. Regardless, if you can bring Tsunade back to the village, then it will help strengthen the village," Sarutobi said as Homura and Koharu nodded, while Danzo grumbled but ultimately relented. His time would come to be Hokage one day. He just had to be patient.
"Very well, we will inform the Feudal Lord. We shall also send three members of the Anbu to accompany you on the Search Team," Homaru said as Jiraiya shook his head.
"That won't be necessary, I won't be running away and I plan on coming back. Besides, I have someone in mind to come with me. Uzumaki Naruto," he said as Homura, Koharu and Danzo narrowed their gazes.
"No, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki needs to remain in the village. His presence is needed here, to dissuade the other villages from attacking. He's not to leave the village," Danzo argued as Jiraiya narrowed his gaze.
"You mean you don't want him to be captured by other villages?" Jiraiya said as Danzo glared at the Toad Sage.
"He is an asset of the village, a weapon that has shown new potential since the finals. It's once again my recommendation he is given to me for further training," Danzo suggested as Jiraiya glared and gripped his fist.
"You mean so you can turn him into one of your Root agents? Fat chance," Jiraiya said as he stood his ground before the aging elder. "Last I recall you were supposed to have disbanded Root, and I'm the boy's legal guardian, and I won't ever let you touch him." Jiraiya threatened as Danzo held his ground.
"Enough! This is no time for arguing!" Sarutobi shouted as he leaked what chakra he had in him, as he stopped the two. He may not have his legs anymore, but that didn't make him completely useless. "Danzo, we'll discuss your Root operations later. And as for the mission I approve, Jiraiya takes Naruto with him. He has a unique ability to change people's minds, he did inspire a country to ally with us and they named a bridge after him. Which is where some of the supplies being used to repair the village have come from. I think he may have the best chance of bringing Tsunade back," Sarutobi said as Jiraiya nodded.
"Besides, he won't even be leaving the border. My intel says that Tsunade has been coasting around the Land of Fire recently, so he'll be fine. Besides, the kid's proved himself hasn't he? During the invasion, he held off the out-of-control One-Tailed Jinchuriki, and it was his out-of-the-box thinking that saved the old man's life. He should be eligible to be promoted to Chunin?" he asked as Homaru and Kohaur shared a glance.
"The Chunin Exam Promotions are currently…suspended, and under review, until the next Hokage has been chosen. The committee is also looking over all factors before we can begin approving promotions. And while Uzumaki Naruto has certainly improved in only a month, I doubt he's ready for the rank of Chunin," Koaru said as Homaru nodded.
"You mean you don't want to promote him because of his Jinchuriki status?" Jiraiya asked as the elders glared at him.
"That is up for discussion, for now, we focus on repairing, burying our lost and locating Tsunade," Sarutobi said as looked at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, as the still active Hokage, I permit you to take Naruto with you. Once essential repairs are done, and he's fully healed, go out and find Tsunade," he ordered as Jiraiya nodded.
"Understood," he said as Sarutobi turned back to the elders.
"If there's nothing else to discuss, this meeting is adjourned…for now…I need rest…" he said as the three elders nodded and left the room. Sarutobi sighed as he leaned back onto his pillow. "That went better than expected…although I fear Danzo will be more of a problem later down the line."
"He's always had his agenda. He's been gunning for your seat ever since you gave it to Minato. But I agree, he'll be a source of trouble in the future. He was supposed to have shut down the Root Organization years ago, yet I still had reports of shady activity," Jiraiya said as Sarutobi sighed.
"Danzo may have his agendas and less compassionate methods to achieve them, but he genuinely does care for the Village, in his way. I just hope that I can curb his enthusiasm with what little time I have left," Sarutobi said as Jiraiya narrowed his gaze.
"Be honest with me old man… how long do you have?" he asked as Sarutobi held up two fingers.
"...Two years…"
Present
Sarutobi looked down at his legs as he gripped them. Two Years, that was how long the Shinigami had given him to set affairs in order. After that time, the Shinigami would claim his soul and he would be trapped inside its stomach forever. However, he did not feel fear as most would, but rather a sense of peace knowing when he was going to die. He looked out to the Uzumaki as he smiled, and his grandson came running up to him.
'I have made mistakes in my life…I hesitated when I should've been more decisive…but I will not hold myself to them any longer. I will keep my promises and one day…I hope to see the man I know he will become…' Sarutobi thought as he embraced his grandson and was wheeled away by Asuma. Naruto waved goodbye to Sakura and Sasuke as they started heading home. Now it was only Kakashi and himself, as they stood in silence before Kakashi turned to Naruto.
"Okay Naruto, what did you want to talk about?" Kakshi asked before Naruto looked around.
"Kakashi Sensei, can we take this conversation somewhere else?" Naruto asked as Kakashi raised a brow before nodding.
"Very well," he said as Naruto and Kakashi sped off, while Hinata watched from a distance, before following her team.
Third Training Ground
Naruto and Kakashi made it to the training ground, as Naruto looked over to the stone monument of the fallen Shinobi before he settled his gaze back onto Kakashi.
"Okay Naruto, now that we're here, what did you want to talk to me about?" he asked as Naruto took a deep breath, steeling his nerves.
"Kakashi Sensei…" he said as Kakashi looked at the boy. "...I know the truth about my parents…that my father was Minato Namikaze…the Yondaime…and my mother was Kushina Uzumaki…" he said as Kakashi's single eye widened before he schooled his features. "And don't say you don't know…I found my mother's Journal and the old man confirmed it…" he said as he pulled out the Journal. "It told me everything…my mother's name…my fathers…the fact my mother was the Nine-tails Jinchuriki before me…things about you I shouldn't know…everything…" he said as Kakashi stared at the journal and sighed.
"I see…" Kakashi said as he looked at the boy. "Where did you find that?" he asked as Naruto placed the Journal back in his pouch.
"First day of the training month…when I got angry at you for training Sasuke over me, I ran out into the forest and fell into one of Dad's hidden bunkers…that's when I found the Journal and learned the truth about my parents…Were you ever going to tell me?" he asked as Kakashi stared in silence before nodding.
"...at some point…but I was given strict orders not to, not until you were deemed mature enough to handle the information. I never counted on you finding out so soon…" he said as Naruto sighed
"Neither did the old man…How come you never talked to me, during my youth? I was your sensei's son…how come I never met you until I was placed on your team?" he asked the question he'd been wanting to ask since he found out the truth, and had to grip his fist to stop his emotions from bursting out.
"...part of it was my duty to the village…but if I'm honest…guilt…" he said as he looked down. "I know it's not a good excuse, and nothing I say can ever change that…but it's the truth. I've carried a lot of guilt throughout both my life and my Shinobi career. If you've read her journal, then you know what happened to Rin and Obito, right?" he asked as Naruto nodded. "After they died..and then your parents during the Nine-Tails attack…I found myself unable to connect with people…I even had trouble looking at you without being reminded of them,"
"Did you…hate me?" Naruto had to ask as Kakashi shook his head.
"No, Naruto I never felt that way about you…but I guess I did have hatred for myself…I was your father's student, and he was my mentor and a father to me after mine…Passed away…I should've been there the night they died…and for years I kept thinking about how I could've changed things if I had been there. But I had been given orders to stay out of the battle…and your father…he wouldn't have allowed that…'' he said as Naruto nodded.
"Yeah…He was the Hokage after all…he'd have never let anyone put their life on the line except his own…at least that's what Pervy-Sage said and what mum's Journal said…" he said as he held back the tears.
"Yes…your parents were the greatest people I ever knew. You remind me of them a lot, so much so that it hurts from time to time…I know I can never make up for the years I should've spent looking after you…and I'm sorry and I hope you can understand at least and find it in your heart to forgive me one day…" Kakashi asked as Naruto stared at his sensei before turning to the monument with all the Shinobi that had died for the Leaf Village.
"...You know…a month ago, I probably would've screamed my head off at you, maybe even punched you in the gut like I did Pervy-Sage…" he said as Naruto shook his head. "But during my training, I matured a bit and I began to understand…you, the old man, my parents and pervy-sage have a duty and responsibility to the village. The Village and its people are more important than one child. 'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few', I get it. And, while I was mad at you for training Sasuke, I understand why you needed to train him. So I'm not going to hold it against you, I'm not the kind of guy that holds grudges. I'm also not going to act like a little kid and whine about it. I'm going to become the Shinobi my parents knew I could be and I will honour them one day. Since my Mom was the 'Blood Red-Habanero' and my father was the 'Yellow Flash', I'll become the 'Orange Hokage'..." he said as he smiled, even though there were tears in his eyes.
Kakashi looked upon the son of his mentor as he felt both a sense of pride in his newfound maturity and guilt for not being there for him. He was surprised by the newfound maturity he showed, both now and during the invasion, and he hoped that he could make it up to him someday. But for now, he needed to know how proud he was of him, as he patted Naruto on the shoulder as smiled with his eye.
"I'm sure your parents are proud of you, just as I am…" he said as Naruto smiled. "If you ever want to talk about your parents, don't hesitate to ask, I wouldn't mind sharing some stories Master Jiraiya doesn't know," he said as Naruto nodded.
"I'd like that…" he said as they both turned to the monument. As they stared at the names of those who had fallen, they just let the moment settle between them. There were a lot of issues the two would have to sort out between themselves. But every journey requires a single step, and they just made the first one.
"...Hey Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto asked as he looked at Naruto. "During my battle with Gaara, he let the One-Tailed Shukaku take over, but during the battle, when Gamabunta and I used the transformation Jutsu to turn into the Nine-Tails," Kakashi had to blanch at that.
"If you did that at the stadium, you'd have given the audience a heart attack," he said as Naruto chuckled a little.
"Yeah, glad I took it elsewhere…anyway, Shuakaku said something weird…he yelled something that didn't make sense. I think it was 'Kurama', any idea what that is?" he asked as Kakashi raised a brow. "I mean it wasn't an attack, So what do you think it means?" he asked, as Kakashi hummed to himself.
"I have no idea, it's not a word I've ever heard before. But I don't think you should take it too seriously, demons are rather tricky creatures. Best not to dwell on it too much," Kakashi advised as Naruto nodded, but internally he was still racking his brain around it.
'Kurama…wonder what it means?' he thought, while inside the Nine-Tails stirred as he cursed at the annoying Tanuki.
"Stupid Tankui…always running his big mouth…" he said as he hated the fact the creature spoke his name, a name given to him by his 'father'. He drifted off to sleep as memories of the Sage of Six Paths played in his head and he reminisced on better days.
Next Day - Konoha Business District
Naruto had been finally cleared for active duty, as he and the Konoha 12 were tasked with some of the repairs to the city. Most of it was just clearing out debris and helping with minor repairs. Some work however needed more manual labour, and what person was better suited for the job than a guy that could make nearly a thousand clones of himself?
"Okay, a little more!" Naruto shouted to his clones, as he wore his new clothes minus the armour platings and had his hoodie unzipped. "A little more to the left!'' The clones moved the heavy wood supplies to the construction workers. "A little more! And…drop it!" Naruto said as he and the clones placed down the supplies and they wiped the sweat off their brow. "Okay, that should be it! This spot okay, sir!?" he said as the construction worker gave him a thumbs up.
"Yeah, that's perfect! Thanks, kid! You're a lifesaver!" he said as Naruto grinned.
"Aw, it was nothing!" he said as he scratched the back of his head. "I'm just awesome!"
"Hey! What about us!? We did all the heavy lifting!?"
"Yeah!" his clones shouted as Naruto turned to them.
"You guys are me! Why do we have to keep having this conversation!?" he shouted to his clones, while Sakura sighed as she helped move some of the debris out.
"I swear, Naruto may look different, but he still acts like an idiot," she said as Ino shrugged.
"He is Naruto after all, but you have to admit, those clones of his have been a huge help in the repairs. Otherwise, we'd be at this till the sun goes down," she said as she helped repair her family's flower shop. "Plus, he's not the same as before. I mean he took down that Gaara guy and he was as big as the Hokage Monument!" she said as Sakura nodded.
"Yeah, that still surprises me too…" Sakura said as she looked over to Naruto as he was instructing his clones on what to do next. "He used to be the dead last back at the Academy, and now…now he's so strong…makes me kind of jealous actually," she said as Ino nodded.
"I know how you feel, makes me feel like I've slacked off since the Academy," Ino sighed as she shook her head. "We didn't even make it past the preliminaries," she groaned before she snapped her attention to the roof. "And you! Stop lazing off and help damn it!" she shouted to Shikamaru, as the boy was lazing about on the rooftops.
"Man, it's too much of a drag. I'd rather be cloud watching than doing repairs," he complained as Ino grew annoyed.
"You are cloud-watching! Now get off your butt and help!" Ino shouted as Choji only sighed and used his Partial Expansion Jutsu to move some of the rubble away.
"Give it a break Ino, you know once Shikamaru gets comfortable it's near impossible to get him to do anything," Choji said as he grabbed the rubble with his enlarged hand and dumped it into the large construction bins.
"I can't believe this guy made it to the finals, why did I have to be on this team?" Ino moaned as she shook her head. "I'd rather be on a team with Sasuke-kun~," she said with heart shapes in her eyes.
"Fat chance Ino-Pig! Sasuke likes being on a team with me!"
"Oh yeah! We'll see about that! Billboard brow!" Ino yelled as they both got up into their faces.
"...Do they ever stop talking about Sasuke?" Kiba asked as he and the other stared at her.
"Try being on a team with them," Naruto, Shikamaru and Choji said as they deadpanned, while Sasuke merely ignored them and got to work on the repairs. It was then Naruto noticed Hinata struggling with one of the debris, as he walked over to her.
"Hey Hinata, need a hand?" Naruto asked as she jumped slightly but nodded.
"O-Oh, yes, please. Thank you Naruto-Kun," Hinata said as Naruto nodded and helped her.
"It's okay, you're still recovering, aren't you? So you should take it easy," he said as she shook her head.
"I'm fine, after the exams I had a check-up, and they managed to finish up any lingering injuries. But you should be the one taking it easy, you were injured during the invasion," Hinata said with concern as Naruto shrugged.
"Eh, I'm fine. My injuries only looked bad, if anything I was just drained of my Chakra and needed some rest. Now I'm fully healed up and ready to go!" he said with a grin, as Hinata chuckled at him. Meanwhile, Ino blinked as she watched the two.
"...Uh…Sakura…when did Naruto and Hinata get so…chummy?" Ino asked as Sakura narrowed her gaze as well.
"Yeah, I noticed it too. Last I recall she could barely form two sentences around him without blushing or stuttering, when the heck did this happen?" Sakura asked as she didn't know how to feel about this.
"Is it that big of a deal?" Choji asked as Ino snapped at him.
"It is a big deal!" Ino hissed in a low voice, as she pointed to them. "You know how big of a crush she has on him! Before, he barely knew she existed, and now they have casual conversations! That my friend is the sign of a blossoming romance! Just like those romance novels I read! This kind of gossip is prime real estate for me! I mean, I don't get what she sees in him compared to Sasuke, but a maiden's heart is being answered!" she said as she clasped her hands together. "A man like you will never understand the struggle that is attracting the heart of the one you admire~," she said as Sakura nodded, while Shikamaru sighed.
'So glad I didn't say anything. If she finds out I know about their visits in the hospital, she'll grill me for a month. No thank you,' he thought as he closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Meanwhile, Sasuke was going over the battle in his head as he spared a glance to Naruto, and he glared slightly at the Uzumaki.
'...Naruto…he's getting stronger and stronger…I didn't get to do anything, yet somehow…I feel like I had no chance against Gaara, not when he took on that…form…' Sasuke recalled the giant form of Shukaku. 'Yet Naruto was able to beat him. How did he get so strong in only a month, was it because he was trained by one of the Sannin?' Sasuke thought as he turned to Naruto.
"Oi, Naruto," Sasuke said, drawing his attention.
"Hmm? What do you want, Sasuke?" Naruto asked, as Sasuke glared.
"How did you get One of the Sannin to train you?" He asked as the others stopped to look at him.
"Hey yeah, that's been bugging me too. Why the heck would someone of the Legendary Sannin train a loser like you?" Kiba asked as Naruto sent a small glare to Kiba.
"I'm the loser? Remind me again, who lost their fight?" Naruto remarked as Kiba growled.
"Only cause you farted in my face! I bet I can beat you this time!" Kiba shouted as he got up in Naruto's face.
"Bring it on!" Naruto responded as the two butted heads together.
"Knock it off, you idiots!" Sakura shouted as he bashed the pair on their heads. "Naruto, answer the damn question, how did you end up learning from one of the Sannin?" she asked as Naruto rubbed the bump on his head.
"Geez, you don't have to be so harsh Sakura-Chan," Naruto said, while his mind recalled what Jiraiya told him to say if anyone asked about why Jiraiya took him on as an apprentice. "Honestly, he said I reminded him of himself when he was young, and found me funny. So he helped me with my training and that's it," Naruto said with a shrug as he got back to work.
"That's it? One of the Three Strongest Ninjas in the Villages History just decided to take you on because you reminded him of himself?" Shikamaru asked with a raised brow as Naruto shrugged.
"What can I say, maybe he saw some potential in me?" Naruto said with a grin, while Kiba smirked.
"Or maybe he felt sorry for you," Kiba remarked as Naruto glared at him.
"Wanna repeat that Dog boy?!"
"You heard me! Porcupine head!"
"Gah!" they both yelled as Sakura bopped them on the head. Sasuke on the other hand wasn't as amused, as he crossed his arm.
"Still doesn't explain how you got stronger within a month, last time you could barely control your Chakra. Now suddenly you can do several Jutsu and change your Chakra's Nature, how did you pull it off?" Sasuke asked as Naruto smirked.
"That is because I have a training method only I can use, " he said as Sasuke raised a brow.
"And what is that?" he asked as Naruto turned around and placed his hands behind his head.
"Like I'd tell you, fight me in a fair match and maybe I will - Gah!" he shouted as Sakura bashed him on the head again, as Hinata worried about him. "Sakura-Chan! What the heck was that for!?" Naruto yelled as Sakura got angry.
"Stop being an idiot and just tell us already!" Sakura yelled as he held up her fist.
"Fine, fine, it's not like many people can use it anyway," Naruto said as he rubbed his bump. "Okay, so you guys know about my Shadow Clones, right?" he said as they nodded. "Well, I found out that the Shadow Clones can transfer information once they've been dispelled. Originally it is used as a recon clone, to scout out enemy positions and then transfer the clone's memory once they dispel the original. So, during my training, I got the idea that if I trained with multiple shadow clones, I could gain twice the amount of experience I would've gotten by myself. And you've seen how many clones I can make," he said as everyone stared with wide eyes.
"Whoa…that's…insane…" Choji said as he and everyone else remembered a thousand clones Naruto summoned.
"Hacks! I call fucking hacks!" Kiba shouted, "That is completely unfair! You mean to tell me you can get months' worth of training in only a short time! Hack! Fucking hack man!" Kiba shouted.
"I do have to admit, that is a rather interesting training method. You could become one of the strongest in our grade in a short amount of time, maybe even reach Jonin level early," Shino said as Naruto shook his head.
"Well, it's not as cut and dry as you think," Naruto said as he held up his fingers. "First: the training method only increases my mental knowledge and experience, not my physical body. So anything like martial arts and kata I need to still build up my physical strength by myself. Clones can help me memorize moves, but I don't gain any physical experience from them. Second: there's a huge strain on my brain and stamina if I overuse my clones. I can train till the cows come home, but my Chakra is split evenly among the clones. So in a sense, my clones are working with a limited amount of Chakra. Third: I still need to go on missions to build up combat and life experience, so even though I'm mentally stronger now and can learn more jutsu faster, I still need to gain experience and I need someone to teach me. Although it did help me catch up with all the basic knowledge I…didn't bother to pay attention to, back at the Academy…" Naruto admitted while scratching his cheek.
"Well, I bet if I knew the Shadow Clone Jutsu, I'd get twice as strong as you!" Kiba said with a cocky grin.
"Unfortunately I don't think that method will work on any of you, Kiba," Kurenai said as he and the others turned to see their sensei walking towards them.
"Kurenai-Sensei," Hinata said, "What are you doing here?" she asked as Asuma smirked.
"Well, we finished our patrols and wanted to check in on you kids. We overheard your conversation, and now it makes sense how Naruto managed to improve in just a month," Asuma said as Naruto grinned at this.
"Kakashi-Sensei, why can't this training method work with us?" Sasuke asked as Kakashi looked at the young Uchiha.
"Because Sasuke, the Shadow Clone is an A-Ranked Jutsu thats not designed for ordinary genin to master. As Naruto said it splits the user's chakra evenly amongst the clones; it's an advanced Jutsu that not everyone can utilize to its full effect. I myself can only make two-to-three clones at a time. Not to mention it takes a large amount of Stamina to keep the clones active for long periods. Naruto is the only person in the village that has extremely high Stamina and Chakra levels capable of pulling off this training method," Kakashi said as he looked at his student. "I do have to know, I'm curious as to how you figured this out?" he asked as Naruto pointed to Sakura.
"Oh, well I guess you can thank Sakura-Chan for that." He said as Sakura blinked.
"Eh? How was I responsible for this?" she asked as Naruto held up a finger.
"Well, a while back I sent one of my clones in to get some ramen, it ran into Sakura and then she got angry at me for not visiting Hinata in the hospital and punched my clone in the face. When I got the memories for that, I asked Iruka-Sensei and figured if I trained with more clones I could get my Chakra Control up to scratch. Then came the Nature Transformation, the Jutsu, the Summoning and after that, I was pretty much ready for my fight with Neji," he said as Kakashi nodded.
"I see…well, I'm glad that you found a way to utilise your training month so effectively. I'm only sorry I didn't do more to help you prepare for Gaara," Kakashi said as Naruto shrugged.
"It's fine, like I told you yesterday, I understand why you had to train Sasuke. It's all good, Kakashi-Sensei. I'm not the kind of guy to hold grudges," Naruto told him as Kakashi nodded.
"Whoa…when did Naruto get so…Mature?" Ino asked as Sakura nodded.
"I know, usually by now he'd have shouted his head off, I guess that training month paid off," she said before Kakashi raised his hand.
"In any case, you all have done well for today and repairs are coming along well. Tomorrow will be more repair assignments, and you need your rest. So, go home and rest up," Kakashi said as the gathered Genin nodded.
"Hey, Kakashi-Sensei, what's going to happen with the Chunin Exams? I mean is anyone going to get promoted?" Choji asked as the Jonin looked amongst themselves.
"Seeing as the Exams were interrupted, the Shinobi Council, the Elders and Lord Third have decided to put the evaluations on hold until the repairs are done. Not to mention, with Lord Third retiring, it's unlikely anyone will be promoted until a New Hokage is chosen, after that the examinees will be reviewed on their performance and a decision will be made when the Godaime is sworn into office," Kakashi explained.
"But what about Sasuke? He didn't get a chance to show his skills during the finals? Will he not be considered for a promotion?" Ino asked as Asuma shook his head.
"Sasuke had already been disqualified for turning up late, no offence Sasuke, but a Shinobi must be punctual for any mission, arriving neither late nor early to a battle," he said as Sakura looked to Sasuke.
"Sasuke-Kun…I'm so sorry," Sakura said as Sasuke stared before shrugging.
"It's fine, I didn't care about being promoted anyway. All I want is to get stronger…that's all that matters…" he said as he shoved his hands into his pocket and turned to walk away.
"...Man…that guy is always so edgy," Kiba muttered as Shikamaru and Choji nodded, while Sakura stared at her teammate with concern, before starting to leave as well.
"So, does anyone want to go get some Ramen? Guys, Sakura-Chan, want to go with me?" Naruto asked as Sakura shook her head.
"No Naruto, I'm not going on a date with you, even if it's Ramen. I've got more pressing things to deal with, I'll see you all tomorrow," she said as she walked away Naruto shook his head.
"I wasn't asking for a date, how about you guys?" he asked as the others shook their heads.
"Sorry, but Asuma Sensei's taking us to Yakiniku Q. Now that Choji is all better, he wants to eat there as soon as possible," Shikamaru said as Choji's mouth watered.
"Beef Teriyaki…" Choju said as Asuma sighed.
"There goes my paycheck for this month…" he sighed as Kurenai patted his shoulder.
"My dad needs help at the flower shop, so I can't come. If Sasuke-Kun were there it'd be different, but sorry, can't," Ino said as she walked away.
"We'd come too, but mum wants me to help fix up the Dog Pens back at the compound, later guys," Kiba said as Akamaru barked in agreement as they walked away.
"And I need to help repopulate some of the Kikaichū that were lost during the invasion, I will see you all tomorrow. Apologies," Shino said as Naruto sighed.
"That's fair, so how about you Hinata? Want to go get some Ramen? Or do you have to help out at the Hyuuga Compound?" he asked as Hinata blushed at the thought of going to have Ramen with Naruto, alone, as she looked back to Kurenai who held a thumbs up before turning back and nodded.
"N-No, the Hyuga Compound wasn't as badly damaged during the invasion and I doubt my father will have need of me while I'm still on inactive duty. I-I would love to go get some Ramen with you," she said as Naruto smiled brightly.
"That's awesome! I like hanging out with you Hinata, you're awesome!" he said with his best smile as Hinata felt herself become faint.
'Don't you dare! This is happening! Suck it up!' her inner Hinata shouted as Hinata powered through her body's desire to faint. She then nodded and followed Naruto, while Asuma and Kakashi started.
"...Huh…since when were Naruto and Hinata so…well acquainted?" Asuma asked as Kurenai smiled.
"He visited her during her hospital stay, and they ended up getting close. I think it's sweet, the boy has had such a positive effect on her that I'm not opposed to her hanging around him. Plus, it's kind of cute and something they need to forget about all that's happened," she said as Asuma nodded.
"I guess you're right, what do you think, Kakashi?" he asked as Kakashi stared and briefly saw Minato and Kushina, along with Obito and Rin as he smiled softly under his mask.
"I think…they deserve this moment…" he said as he and the other senseis continued their patrol.
Meanwhile - Otogakure - Land of Sound
Orochimaru writhed in pain as he was placed in his chair by Kabuto. His arms were now completely bandaged, having started to rot away due to the effects of the Dead Demon Consuming Jutsu. The pain that came with it was almost unbearable as his flesh slowly rotted from the inside. If that wasn't the worst of it, it also denied him access to his Jutsu, the one thing he had valued and coveted his entire life. He cursed and grunted as he glared at his arms.
"Curse you…Sarutobi…" Orochimaru grunted. "How dare he take away my Jutsu…"
"I'm sorry Lord Orochimaru, but taking on the Third Hokage wasn't going to be an easy feat. He was once considered the 'Strongest Kage' in the Five Nations. However, it seems that your battle has left him crippled for life, and with the Kazekage gone, that's two of the five Kage-"
"Stop…giving me words of sympathy…or I'll kill you," Orochimaru glared as he grunted in pain.
"...Of course, forgive me, Lord Orochimaru. However, even though the village was not destroyed, some good has come from it. Sasuke Uchiha, your leash is on him now. He will inevitably be drawn to you. Given the fact that his teammate, Naruto Uzumaki, was able to improve greatly within a month under Jiraiya, it would stand to reason Sasuke will seek out a similar mentor," Kabuto said as Orochimaru nodded.
"The Uzumaki…his growth was…unexpected, and his meddling allowed that fool Jiraiya to interfere in my bid to kill the old man…he may become a potential threat one day…" Orochimaru surmised as he held in the pain of his arms. "But you are correct, and Sasuke may end up seeking me out as well…if only I hadn't lost the use of my arms and all the Jutsu I spent years cultivating…" he cursed. "If only we had gotten our hands on his older brother…Itachi…then none of this would be a problem…however…" he recalled the red Sharingan eyes of the Uchiha Murderer as he grimaced.
"He's far stronger than I…more so now that I am limited by my arms…it's part of the reason…I left that organization…" Orochimaru said as he looked over to what remained of his 'previous' arm, and the ring on its finger. "...In addition, I will need to do some extensive research into the sealing method that the old man used on me…if I want to have any chance of restoring my arms, I need to find out more about the Seal he used…" he said as he narrowed his gaze. "Whatever is sealed can be unsealed…" he said as Kabuto nodded.
"Yes…Lord Orochimaru…" Kabuto bowed as he left Orochimaru to stoop in his own anger.
Meanwhile - Ichiraku Ramen - Late Afternoon
Naruto and Hinata were at the Ramen stand as they were enjoying a light meal after working all day on the repairs. They shared stories about their team's missions and their days' at the academy. To which the both of them recanted and laughed at the many pranks Naruto had pulled over the years.
"So then I placed the itching powder in the substitute seats, and he shot off the seat like he had a squirrel in his pants! He chased me while trying to scratch his butt!" Naruto recanted as Hinata chuckled.
"I remember that. If I recall you had to clean out the boy's toilet for a month after Iruka-Sensei caught you," she said as Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, Iruka-Sensei was not happy, but honestly the other teacher deserved it. The guy was a huge jerk," Naruto said as he returned to his meal. "You know, I forget that you were in the same class as me. Must make me seem like a real jerk, huh?" he asked as she shook her head.
"I-It's fine Naruto-Kun, I wasn't exactly the most lively person. And honestly, I don't like to draw attention to myself. It's a miracle I'm able to talk as much as I am now," she said as Naruto smiled.
"Well, I think you're awesome. I just wish I knew that before, maybe we could've hung out more?" he asked her as she blushed and stirred her noodles absentmindedly.
"I-I would've liked that," she said as Naruto smiled at her, while Teuchi and Ayame grinned at the sight.
"Easy there Naruto, you're going to make the poor girl pass out," Ayame said as Naruto raised a brow.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked as Teuchi waved his hand dismissively.
"It's nothing, just enjoy your meal. It's on the house," Teuchi said as Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"Really!? Wow! Thanks, old man!" he said as he happily slurped up his noodles. "Ah~ that's good Ramen…" Naruto said as he turned to Hinata. "How is yours, Hinata?" he asked as she nodded.
"Mhm, it's very delicious, thank you for the meal," she thanked Teuchi and Ayame as they nodded.
"It's fine, we're just glad Naruto's finally bringing more friends here. Other than Iruka and his teammates, Naruto doesn't have a lot of people. We're just glad he made some more," Ayame said as Naruto smiled softly at them. "The fact he brought a cute girl with him is just a bonus, is she going to be your girlfriend someday?" Ayame teased as both of them blushed.
"What the heck, Ayame!?" Naruto shouted as he stood up while Hinata was blushing deep red. "It's not like that, she's just a friend!" Naruto said while Ayame and Teuchi raised a brow.
'Friend…right…' they both thought knowingly as they looked at the girl who was blushing red.
"Okay, okay she's just a friend," Ayame said as Naruto sat back down. 'For now at least,' she thought as she could instantly tell the girl had a crush on him. Also, she had spotted her from a distance every time Naruto came to eat.
"In any case, do you think you'll get promoted? I heard you performed rather well in the final part of the exam?" Teuchi asked as Naruto shrugged.
"I'm not sure, with the Old Man about to retire, and the village as it is, the results for the Chunin Exams have been pushed back. I don't know if I will get promoted, mostly because I didn't do so well on the first part of the exam. But even if I don't, it's okay. I'll just keep trying until I get promoted, after all, I plan to become Hokage one day!" Naruto said with a grin while Hinata smiled and nodded.
"Whatever the results are, I believe in you, Naruto-Kun," she said as Naruto stared at her again, as he felt that strange twinge in his heart whenever she said she believed in him. It made him smile, with a faint blush on his cheeks.
"Thanks, Hinata. I'm glad I've got a friend like you," he said as she smiled as well while the two ramen owners smiled knowingly at them.
"So, this is where you hang out, should've figured you'd be here," they suddenly heard as Naruto and Hinata turned to see Jiraiya as he entered the small Ramen Stand.
"Hey, pervy-sage!" Naruto said as Jiraiya sighed.
"Damn it, brat. One of these days, I'll get you to stop calling me that," he said as Hinata raised a brow.
"Pervy-Sage?" she asked as Jiraiya turned to her.
"Oh, you must be the Hinata girl he was talking about, nice to meet you. I'm Jiraiya, this boneheads teacher," he greeted as Hinata's eyes widened.
"J-Jiraiya-Sama! As in the same Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin!?" she said as Jiraiya grinned.
"That's right, the one and only, nice to know I have a fan," he boasted while Naruto shook his head.
"Yeah, well I just call him Pervy-Sage," he said as Hinata looked cross.
"N-Naruto-Kun! You can't call someone like Jiraiya-Sama Pervy-Sage, it's highly disrespectful! Especially when he took the time to train you for a month! I-Its very rude!" She lectures the boy with a surprising amount of backbone as Naruto blinked in surprise and leaned back.
'Hehe, girls got some spitfire in her,' Jiraiya thought, as he smirked at the surprised look on Naruto's face.
"Whoa! Uh, sorry…I-I don't mean to be disrespectful. But the thing is this guy is a massive pervert. He goes peeking into the women's bath house every chance he gets, hits on any lady he sees and writes those perverted books my Sensei reads all the time," he explained as she blinked and looked at the man.
"R-Really? Kurenai-Sensei told me to stay away from those books. If he wrote them…" she said as she leaned back from the old man.
"Hey now, I'm not that bad! Dang it kid, you're going to ruin my rep!" Jiraya complained as Naruto scoffed.
"You're doing that on your own, being a pervert and all," Naruto said as Jiraiya's eyes twitched.
"Little punk…" he said before sighing. "Forget it, anyway, pack your bags, we're going on a mission," he said as Naruto blinked.
"A mission? What are you talking about Pervy-Sage?" Naruto asked.
"It's an important mission and I need you with me, we're going to find someone that will be of great value to the village," Jiraiya explained as Naruto raised a brow.
"But I'm needed here in the village, there are still areas of the village that need repair and I need to help my friends. Besides, why do you need me? If you're going to find someone, shouldn't you have Anbu with you or something?" he asked as Jiraiya shook his head.
"Nah, they'd just cramp my style, besides the mission we're on is vital to the village and you're one of the only few I can trust. Plus, I got a new technique I want to teach you," he said as Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"A new technique!? Awesome! But wait, how long will I be gone for?" he asked, as Jiraiya pondered.
"Not sure, the person we're after hasn't been in the village since after the Third Great War. But my recent intel says she's somewhere in the Land of Fire. So at most, a few weeks?" Jiraiya guessed as Naruto nodded.
"I see…" Naruto said as he turned to Hinata. "Well, looks like I'm off for a few weeks. Sorry Hinata," he said as she shook her head.
"It's okay, it sounds like an important mission. Just be careful out there, with how things are after the invasion, there's no telling what could happen," she said as Naruto nodded and smiled.
"I will," Naruto said as the two smiled at each other, while those that looked on smirked knowingly at the pair. "What?" he asked as they turned away.
"Oh nothing," they said as Naruto glared at them.
"In any case, pack your things and meet me by the gate. We need to head out as soon as possible," Jiraiya said as Naruto nodded. He soon bid farewell to Hinata as he went off to prepare for what could be a long journey…
Meanwhile, hours later on the outskirts of the village, amongst the mist of the early morning drifted through the forest. The Chunin on guard yawned as he stood at attention at the checkpoint. With the current forces of the Shinobi, he was the only one left to guard this checkpoint.
Suddenly he heard a faint bell as he saw two figures approaching. They wore black cloaks with red clouds on them, straw hats and a white cloth around the rims of the hats. One of the pair had a large sword on his back that was wrapped with white bandages, as he towered over the other.
"Halt, state your business," the Chunin said as they stopped and the shorter figure turned to him. Suddenly he started to feel tired before he passed out. However, the last thing he saw before he passed out...
Was a Sharingan Eye
And Scene. Well, here is the fifteenth Chapter of the Journal of Hope. Now, this chapter is not as action-packed as the last ones, but after what had happened in the last two, Naruto needs a breather. They have to heal, take a breath and recover.
Kind of like me writing this.
Now, someone asked why Kushina was never told about the Scroll. Well, she was young when she was brought to Konoha, and the scroll was transported with her just on another Uzumaki. And as most people are aware, parents or other clan members don't tell their children everything until they are old enough. And by the time of the Third War, most of her clan members were wiped out, leaving her with no one to tell her about the Scroll.
But now we're moving on from the Chunin Arc to the Tsunade Search Arc. Learning the Rasengan, and being targeted by the Akatsuki. Wanted to also develop Naruto and Hinata's growing friendship, they aren't going to be outright dating. That's way too soon. But Naruto will start noticing Hinata more and developing feelings for her. Even if he's not fully aware of it. And before people ask, yes Naruto will be promoted. Just not yet. He's earned it in this timeline. So stay tuned for the next chapter in…
Chapter XVI: Eyes of Hate