DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (IF I START TO RUN OUT OF THINGS TO SAY HERE, EXPECT TO SEE THE SCRIPT OF RAID SHADOW LEGENDS AD)

Ch.41 - A Deadly Concoction

- In The Yamanaka Clan Compound -

On a slow-moving Friday nestled within the heart of Konoha (Hidden Leaf), the sky stretched overhead like an unblemished blue canvas, cradling the village in its serene embrace. A soft zephyr wandered leisurely through the air, coaxing a delicate dance from the leaves, while the cheerful melodies of distant birds painted the atmosphere with a soothing rhythm. The day seemed destined for a peaceful passage, devoid of any remarkable events.

Inside the snug haven of the Yamanaka Clan's compound, a tranquil scene unfolded. Noriko, a picture of elegance, reclined gracefully in the living room. Her hands held a dainty teacup, her gaze skipping across the pages of a book. Morning tasks had been diligently completed, affording her the luxury of losing herself in leisure. With each sip of tea, contentment fluttered from her lips, her senses immersed in the twin pleasures of literature and warm tea.

Just as Noriko poised herself to unveil the secrets concealed within the next page, an abrupt disturbance shattered the calm like a stone breaking the surface of a placid pond. The echoing crash reverberated through the house, rudely jerking her from her contemplation. Startled, a small splatter of tea adorned her lap, bearing witness to the unexpected intrusion. Placing her teacup and book aside, curiosity mingled with caution as she embarked on a quest to uncover the source of this commotion.

Led by the enigmatic sound, she ascended the staircase, a blend of trepidation and resolve urging her forward. Her keen ears guided her to the attic, a realm of memories cocooned within cardboard boxes and forgotten relics. The attic's stairs beckoned, its wooden maw already ajar, a silent call to decipher the enigma. With measured steps, Noriko entered the attic, where beams of dusty sunlight filtered through gaps, casting an almost sacred glow upon the space.

Amidst a sea of cardboard cartons and artifacts heavy with history, her daughter, Ino, stood. With quiet determination, Ino worked to restore order, gently placing various items back into their original containers.

"Ino?" Noriko's voice broke the silence.

Ino turned, a smile illuminating her youthful face. "Oh, hey Mom!" she greeted.

"That loud noise earlier... was that you?" Noriko inquired.

"Oh... Sorry about that. But don't worry, Mom, I'm already cleaning up," Ino reassured.

"It's perfectly fine, dear. But may I ask why you're up here in the attic? Shouldn't you be training today?..." Noriko asked.

"Nope! Asuma-sensei told us yesterday that he won't be able to oversee our training today. He said that he needed to handle something, though I feel like it's just an excuse for him to meet Kurenai-sensei since she's been away for quite a while, so yeah..." Ino explained.

"I see... But you still haven't told me why you're up here," Noriko gently prodded.

"Well, you see... I'm trying to find Dad's lab kit, but it's I can't seem to find it anywhere," Ino replied with a hint of frustration.

"That's because it's in his home office, not the attic, dear," Noriko informed her, a blend of understanding and amusement in her voice.

"Oh..." Ino's response held a mixture of relief and exasperation. Relief that she finally knew where to find what she was searching for, but also exasperation for having spent time rummaging through attic boxes needlessly.

"I'll go ahead and fetch it. Make sure to tidy up the mess you've made before coming downstairs," Noriko instructed as she descended the pull-down attic stairs.

"I will!" Ino's reply echoed through the attic space as her mother vanished from sight.

- In Inoichi's Home Office -

Noriko carefully retrieved an old, dust-covered box from its resting place. With a soft exhale, she blew away the gathered grime, inadvertently sending a cloud of particles into the air, which caused Ino to cough involuntarily. Noriko's eyes widened with concern, and she quickly apologized as she gently set the box down on her husband's desk, its surface showing signs of wear and history.

Ino's hand reached out toward the box containing her father's treasured lab kit. Her fingers were poised to grasp it, but they hesitated as her mother's hand landed softly atop the box. Noriko's expression turned serious as she looked at her daughter, her eyes silently posing a question.

"Before I hand over your father's lab kit, did you ask for his permission, young lady?" Noriko's voice held a mixture of warmth and gentle reprimand.

Ino's response wavered between uncertainty and honesty. "Uhhh... Technically, yes?..."

Noriko's eyes narrowed, a subtle prompt for Ino to continue.

"Okay, okay... I didn't exactly ask him directly. I just sort of asked if he had a lab kit, he said yes and that's pretty much it..." Ino's admission hung in the air.

"I see," Noriko's voice remained steady, "I'm fine with letting you use your father's lab kit, but may I ask why you need it? Not that I'm unaware of the purpose, I just want to know what you're going to use it for..."

Ino's gaze shifted, gathering her thoughts before meeting her mother's eyes again. "Well... Hmmm... How do I put this... Before I tell you my answer, I have a story to share with you. Though... It's quite long..."

A reassuring smile from Noriko encouraged Ino to continue.

"Do you remember when Naruto visited?" Ino asked.

"I do. What about it?" Noriko's interest was piqued.

"At that time, I was pretty bummed out due to the fact that I wasn't of much help back at Mori no Kuni. But then Naruto told me otherwise; he told me that I helped the team a lot back then. Hearing him say that was able to make me feel better." Ino's voice held a mix of nostalgia and gratitude.

"Seems like he's quite the smooth talker," Noriko remarked with a hint of amusement,

"MOM!" Ino blurted out, her face turning a deep shade of red. Noriko immediately apologized for teasing her and encouraged her to continue.

"We talked more, and then I decided to take him to my secret hideout."

"Is that so?..." Noriko's curiosity was evident, understanding the significance of Ino sharing this with her due the fact that not many knew about that place.

"Yeah, so there we were, and I asked him to help me tidy it up a bit. It had been a while since I last visited that place, you know. I asked him to fetch me some water by filling up the watering cans I have there. And guess what?! Naruto seemed like he had gotten the hang of gardening and botany in general too!" Ino's voice carried a touch of pride.

"Good for Naruto," Noriko acknowledged, a fond smile gracing her lips.

"I must be a pretty good teacher," Ino mused, followed by a chuckle from Noriko, who encouraged her to continue.

"So, I also asked him to pick some flowers along the way. And you won't believe what he said!" Ino's excitement was palpable.

"What did he say?" Noriko's curiosity matched her daughter's enthusiasm.

"He asked me if I would prefer that the flowers he would pick were purple in color! Can you believe that?! I honestly didn't really expect Naruto to be the thoughtful and observant type." Ino's words painted a picture, and her mother's chuckle painted it in vibrant colors.

"Purple flowers, huh?" Noriko mused. "Did he manage to find any?"

"He did! Hydrangeas, lilies, purple hibiscus, verbenas, even wolfsbane," Ino's last word hung in the air.

"Wolfsbane?" Noriko's concern was palpable. "Did Naruto get hurt?..."

"No, thankfully. I told him to avoid them, just to be safe. And he agreed. But then, he made this offhand comment about how pretty they were, despite being poisonous. He also said that it reminded him of the phrase 'if looks could kill'. Then it got me thinking—what if I used my knowledge in botany to enhance my arsenal? And that's the reason why I need Dad's lab kit."

Noriko understood, "Tell me, dear... Do you know how to use a lab kit?..." Noriko asked but was met with silence.

"I thought as much. If you believe this is the path for you, then you have my permission to use his lab kit. I'll inform your father, under one condition!" Noriko said.

Ino's curiosity was piqued, "Uh-huh?..." she uttered.

"You'll need to learn the basics of using a lab kit. Our lessons start first thing tomorrow. Agreed?" Noriko's tone was firm but gentle.

"Deal!" Ino's smile was bright.

"Once I'm confident in your understanding, you'll have your freedom with the kit. Until then, you'll be working under my watchful eye."

"Fine by me! Thanks, Mom. You're the best!" Ino's gratitude was sealed with a heartfelt hug. As they embraced, Noriko noticed the dusty smudges on her daughter's clothes, a result of her attic exploration.

"You're welcome, dear. While you clean up, I'll take care of the lab kit. Go on, run along," Noriko said with a tender smile. Ino hurried off to her room, leaving Noriko with a heart full of pride for her daughter's growth.

- At The 37th Training Grounds -

(10:30AM)

Naruto strode towards the 37th Training Grounds, obediently tracing Asuma's directions for their rendezvous point. Amid his journey, curiosity surged within him. Why had Asuma selected this specific spot? It diverged from their usual training ground—a detail that didn't elude Naruto. Yet rather than letting these musings dominate his mind, he set them aside and focused on reaching his destination. Soon, his gaze settled upon the figures waiting for him, prompting his brow to furrow in surprise. He had expected only Asuma, yet there stood two figures—his sensei and the Hokage.

This unforeseen sight only stoked Naruto's curiosity further, urging him to quicken his pace. He held a resolute determination to uncover the enigma behind this distinct gathering, to discern why the village's paramount figure stood beside his mentor. A cascade of thoughts raced through his mind, each one more imaginative than the last. Had he committed an error? Perhaps this meeting was an opportunity for him to receive special training under the direct tutelage of the Hokage. Then again, his thoughts dared to venture even further—could it be that the Hokage intended to pass the mantle of leadership to him? A realm of possibilities stretched before him, with only one path to reveal the truth, once and for all.

As Asuma and Hiruzen engaged in conversation, they caught sight of Naruto approaching. "Ahhh... Naruto, just in time. I know you're wond—" Asuma's words were cut short as Naruto interjected with his own inquiry.

"What's going on here, Asuma-sensei?! Am I in trouble?! Is the Hokage going to train me?! Oh! Oh! Oh! Is—" Naruto's barrage of questions was halted by his sensei.

"Relax... The reason the Hokage is joining us today is for a test," Asuma explained.

"EHHHHHHHH?! But I didn't study! You never mentioned anything about a test, Asuma-sensei! Now I'm going to fail because of you!" Naruto's outcry rang out, leading Asuma to sigh and rub his temples in exasperation. Meanwhile, Hiruzen found amusement in the situation, recognizing that Asuma often had to contend with Naruto's animated reactions. Placing his hand on Asuma's shoulder, Hiruzen conveyed his intention to handle the situation.

"I'll take it from here, Asuma, don't worry. Naruto, listen to me. It's not the kind of test you're imagining. You'll be alright," Hiruzen reassured.

"Wait... It's not?..." Naruto's uncertainty was palpable, to which Hiruzen shook his head. Naruto let out a sigh of relief.

"So, what kind of test is it, Hokage-jiji?..." Naruto probed.

"It's quite straightforward. All you need is this," Hiruzen said, revealing a sheet of chakra paper to Naruto, who recognized it instantly.

"Chakra paper?... Again?... Didn't we already do this, Asuma-sensei?..." Naruto inquired.

"We did, but the Hokage and I want to double-check something," Asuma clarified.

"I see..." Naruto responded.

"So, Naruto... What chakra nature do you have an affinity for?" Hiruzen asked.

"I have an affinity for wind, Hokage-jiji. What about it?..." Naruto questioned.

"Alright then. Take two sheets of chakra paper, one for each hand," Hiruzen instructed. Naruto complied.

"Good. Now, relax your mind and let go of all thoughts. Understood?" Hiruzen's guidance followed, and Naruto, despite his initial inclination to question, chose to go along with it. He held a sheet of chakra paper in each hand, his gaze fixed on the Hokage, awaiting the next instruction.

"What's next, Hokage-jiji?..." Naruto queried.

"This," Hiruzen said, suddenly placing his index finger on Naruto's forehead and swiftly casting a genjutsu on him. "Saimin no Jutsu (Hypnosis Technique)," Hiruzen declared, leading Naruto into a trance. Curious to ascertain Naruto's level of trance, Hiruzen signaled Asuma to communicate something to him.

"Naruto, I'll treat you to as much ramen as you want!" Asuma exclaimed, receiving no response.

"Naruto, the Hokage has chosen you as the Fifth Hokage. What do you think about that?!" Asuma continued, still met with silence.

"Naruto, your Kurenai-sensei and I are dati-" Asuma's sentence trailed off as Naruto emitted a slight groan, surprising Asuma. He swiftly covered his mouth, and Hiruzen assured him that everything was fine—Naruto was indeed in a trance.

"Now that we've ensured that Naruto-kun is truly in a trance, let's see if he indeed possesses two chakra affinities," Hiruzen remarked, once again placing his index finger on Naruto's forehead. He channeled a pulse of chakra into Naruto's body, subtly influencing his chakra flow. Stepping back, Hiruzen observed while Asuma focused on the chakra paper held in Naruto's hands.

After a brief span of time, the paper on the right split into two, while the other erupted into flames. "Fascinating... Your observation was correct, Asuma," Hiruzen commented.

"See?... Do you think could this have some connection to his tenant?" Asuma queried.

"As I mentioned, it's a possibility. Though, to definitively establish a link between this phenomenon and the Kyuubi (Nine-Tails) residing within him, we'll have to conduct further testing. Thankfully, my student responded to the letter I sent him a few months ago," Hiruzen explained.

"What'd he say?" Asuma inquired.

"Nothing," Hiruzen replied.

"Nothing?..." Asuma's confusion was palpable.

"Indeed," Hiruzen affirmed.

"Seriously?..." Asuma's disbelief was evident.

"Yes. Although he did send an excerpt from a book he's apparently working on, titled 'Icha Icha Paradise Returns! (Make-out Paradise Returns!)'" Hiruzen stated.

Asuma knew well what that book was about, having seen Kakashi engrossed in the pages of "Icha Icha Paradise (Make-out Paradise)". He also was privy to his father's clandestine appreciation for those books, and he had even asked Hiruzen about it once, only to receive a dismissive response.

"Oh! So, you mean those smutty books that you read in secret? What do you think about the excerpt he sent, surely he would appreciate some feedback on it, right?" Asuma teased.

"I do not know what you're talking about, I do not have time to read such literature," Hiruzen denied.

"Yeah, right..." Asuma snorted, well aware of the truth. "I know your favorite is titled, 'Icha Icha Innocence (Make-out Innocence),'" Asuma revealed, prompting a slight flush of embarrassment to color Hiruzen's cheeks as the realization dawned that his secret indulgence was no longer quite so secret.

"With Naruto's dual chakra affinities confirmed, perhaps it's time to release him from the genjutsu," Hiruzen suggested in attempt to change the subject.

Asuma's response was mischievous. "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah... We've got loads of time! So, tell me... Dad... What's your favorite part?" Asuma said whilst grinning.

Hiruzen's imagination conjured up the scenes depicted in the excerpt, resulting in a nosebleed he attempted to conceal. Yet, Asuma discerned the situation and burst into laughter, thoroughly amused by his father's predicament.

(A/N: I noticed there was a question regarding the prevous chapter and here is my answer: It depends on how you view it; it may serve no relevance or it does have some relevance to the story. I essentially got three responses regarding the mega chapter, one said it was alright, one was neutral, and third is what I'm going to talk about. I appreciate your feedback and understand where you're coming from. My main objective behind the arcs for different teams is to give them some time to shine and develop them and whatnot, I was able to keep Team 7's arc relatively short but I failed to keep Team 8's arc the same length due to biting off more than I could chew. I'll probably implement a legend system where there's a symbol on the table of contents where you'll know if its Naruto/Team 10 centric or not. Do note that this fic is prone to some changes here and there if I want to improve something like what I did to the entire fic, I literally rewritten the entire fic in a way that the words are less messy?... Like I 'improved' (this is my opinion) it by using better words or like better descriptions, idk... HAHAHA. All I'm saying is that I've rewritten it so that I think it's much better compared to the previous version. Also! I think Anoyak111's suggestion is great; joint missions would be a good solution so that the other teams get time as well and move the plot along. Another thing is that I like writing stories that don't necessarily move the plot forward that much, if you know what I mean, like a breath of fresh air per se. kind of like filler, but hopefully the filler I write does have some interesting stuff in it. I remember reading Better Left Unsaid, Naruto: Altered History, Naruto: Shinobi Wars, etc. and thinking to myself, "What about the other characters? What about this and that and these and those?". I'm not saying the stories are bad; they're great. I just want to write my take on a different Naruto story, I suppose, where I explore all the ideas I've had, which is why I have the TLASC, and btw, I'm already whipping up a new one. And making new jutsus, theory-crafting, and shit. I've been a member of the NarutoFanfiction subreddit and Discord server, and it's really helpful. All in all, I still hope y'all enjoy this fic. I'm really enjoying writing it at my own pace, and yeah... That's it! Thanks, and cheers! )