DISCLAIMER:
I do not own Naruto or Jujutsu Kaisen in any way unless it is an OC or a concept that isn't present in the author's original work. Otherwise, Naruto will experience many differences (e.g., he will notice Hinata far sooner than initially, or more Uzumaki will be alive).
Also, I will use the English version of techniques and put down below any Japanese translation when I can or the opposite (It will depend on me.)
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey, everyone! It's me again with a new story that I wanted to make – don't worry about my first one; I haven't abandoned it.
I just wanted to take a little break from it while not letting myself rust on the writing front. Thus, I have decided to write this new one about Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen (=JJK).
Any mention of the later verse will be at the beginning and may contain spoilers on current events in the series. The story will happen inside Naruto's verse.
I will ensure you can search for the words END OF PROLOGUE to find where to begin the story without spoiling yourself.
For the spoilers, it is only hypothetical, and my hypothesis is what may happen at the end of JJK. So, it is not a holy word to take the letter.
This fiction will only be pure Naru/Hina ship, so if you hate/dislike it highly, please do not read it or spill your hate in the comments, as I will not consider it at all. As well, please remain civil in the comment section.
Additionally, if you are not happy with this, that, and thus, Why aren't you writing it yourself to "show" how it should be done correctly?
"Normal speech" / 'thought'
"Biju/Summons/Curse Spirit/Deity speech"
'Biju/Summons/ Curse Spirit/Deity thought'
(Cursed Technique Name)
Prologue:
It was hell; Sukuna had been able to recreate somewhat its body he had during the Heian Period with some obscure sorcery alchemy of sorts.
But it contains an unforeseen weakness – Megumi's soul was not fully assimilated or destroyed to its fullest. Thus, it enabled Yuji's gang to use it to press the King of Curses into its last leg.
"Damn Megumi! The whole thing was perfect this far!" Snarled Sukuna.
"It sucks, nay? It's too bad you transferred yourself up to him the wrong way. Since it was not consented to, there will always be resistance since you act as a parasite more than anything else," said Yuji while boxing Sukuna and unleashing some Black Flash from time to time
"With your imminent death, the Zenin's clan shame of having the King of Curses soiling it and the bedrock of the shitty traditions of our clan will shatter and let place to a better place for the sorcerers and mankind!" exclaimed Maki while pressing the king of Curses as well while verifying that everyone had a cursed-enhanced weapon to their disposal.
"As if I would let myself go down ever," retorted a maddened Sukuna when he sped up.
This led the gang to match it up, but they began to fall one at a time on the ground, exhausted, only to have Yuji remaining.
"Well, you are last, Yuji. It seems it will be between us for the finale; this whole story began with us and shall be finished between us." Remarqued Sukuna, preparing its last attack to finish us up before being interrupted by a well-known red orb, which surprised him and destabilized the attack.
"Go on, Yuji! Use the special technique taught at that time!" was saying a barely reattached and alive Gojo.
"Cursed Technique: Dismantlement of the Primordial Essence!" yelled Yuji. At the same time, he gutted Sukuna with an open palm with the fingers in front (A mixt between an open palm position and a clawing hand position if it makes sense), the whole thing coated in a unique black and white cursed energy.
"No … !" yelled Sukuna, who received the full blow in the stomach, knowing it was terrible, if not the end.
Inside of Sukuna's Mind.
"I'm not happy to return there," said Yuji, knowing he had 10 minutes to find the targeted area and perform the exorcism.
After 1m30 of searching, Yuji found where, surprisingly, the remnant of Megumi's soul was, too.
"It seems you have succeeded in placing the technique, and you have to deliver the final blow, isn't it right?" said the weak remnant of Megumi.
"Indeed, partner. I wished there was another way like you did back when Sukuna took my heart. But I know there is none to take. I will miss you, my … my friend." Said a teary Yuji, knowing the implications of Sukuna's demise.
"Indeed, Yuji. I regret nothing of my choices for you in the beginning. If I were to retake these decisions, I would do it repeatedly, knowing it would bring an end to Sukuna once and for all." Said a weakening Megumi.
"The position should have been switched up with me in your place. If I ever adopt or have one, I will name it after you in your memory." Said Yuji solemnly while directing himself to the dark glowing orb representing Sukuna's Soul.
"Creepy, but thanks for the gesture, man. I will finally be able to see my mom and possibly makeup with my old man in the afterlife." Said Megumi while Yuji exorcized Sukuna for good.
"Fair well, my friend, and may you find peace in the afterlife," said Yuji while everything went white.
In the real World.
A pillar of light emanated from the spot where Yuji and Sukuna stood and lasted for 5 minutes before dying down with only Yuji standing up. Sukuna's body turned into ashes, and his black soul disintegrated, and a tiny spark of white remained.
"Thus, Sukuna met his end at the hand of its first host in the current era – but at a heavy cost. There is so much destruction and so many dead. Among them is the remaining of Fushiguro-Zenin Megumi.
May its soul rest in peace," said Gojo, with everyone's head down, some with tears, while the remainder of Megumi's soul disappeared.
This is the end of the Jujutsu Kaisen story, with everyone continuing to improve, while some will make sure their clan/family reformed themselves.
All were supervised by a carefree smile and the benevolent smile of Gojo Satoru, who had to sacrifice his Cursed Technique before Yuji exorcized Sukuna to ensure that Yuji's technique would succeed.
Somewhere in the afterlife, after the reunion of Megumi and his family.
"Hello, mortal; I am sorry to interrupt your family reunion. But I need your attention and assistance for a task of mine," said the voice of a magnificent woman.
"And who may you be, lady? We are reuniting after so long, so we want to enjoy ourselves," said Toji (Megumi's Father.) irritatedly.
"I know I am impeding a private moment, but your help, Megumi, will be highly appreciated. Also, thanking the one who enabled your son's soul to regain its full form is not the way to do it, is it?" said the lady, and the trio, widening their eyes, asked themselves why.
"So why did you regenerate my soul while having the last part of it split up into two exact copies?" said a narrowed-eyes Megumi.
"Well, for the former, it is a congratulatory gift for the inconvenience received by you, and the latter is because the deity in charge of your world and I concluded an accord in which I would give something to help your world while I would receive the same – which was the miraculous resurrection of Satoru Gojo at the cost of his Cursed Technique "The Limitless," and thus I would receive one thing in return which is this split up part of the soul containing [The Ten Shadows] technique and knowledge of Curse Energy." Said the woman.
"But who are you in the first place to make such a bargain? Why are you interested in this technique and our energy." Asked Megumi's Mother.
"I did not present myself– I am Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess of my World: Elementia. As for your question? It is because a bargain made between a mortal and my brethren, the Shinigami (= God of Death), has been breached, thus enabling my brethren to intervene.
But the other Gods and I weren't too keen on it. Thus, we made a deal that all of us would come together to find common ground for intervention when your deity came to us for help. Therefore, the bargain," answered Amaterasu.
[…]
After some back-and-forth speaking and arguments, the Fushiguro/Zenin family accepted the deal with some additional compensation.
"Well, thank you for your acceptance and help. Your compensation is now awaiting you. Farewell," Amaterasu said before disappearing, and the family went their way.
…
END OF PROLOGUE.
In Naruto's World – 9 years after the Kyûbi's Attack.
"Report Inu," said an old man in the village leader's garment, hidden in the leaves of Konohagakure no Sato, otherwise known as Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"A mob of 90 people, 76 civilians and 14 Shinobis – 4 Jonins, 4 Chunins, and 6 Genins were part of the mob which hunted Naruto and beaten him up within an inch of his life, Hokage Sama." Said the Anbu Agent, using the codename Inu and a dog mask.
"Have the Jonins executed; the Chunins will be retrograded to Genin with a quarter of their pay for each of their missions; the Genins will be sent back to the Academy while receiving extra curriculum done by my Anbu of my choosing," Said Hiruzen.
"Understood," said Inu while departing in a swirl of leaves.
"I'm so ashamed … Hashirama-Sensei … Tobirama-Sensei … Minato-kun and Kushina-Shan … you would be rolling up in your graves for what has become of the village you died for …" said Hiruzen tearily when he left the room in which one little Uzumaki Naruto was – not before taking a last look to Naruto and going to his office.
"Time needs change. Thus, young one, you will be the vessel of such a thing," said Amaterasu as she thrust a glowing orb of Black Light into young Naruto.
Inside Naruto's Mindscape.
Sobs were to be heard in a part of the untouched Mindscape.
"Why does everyone hate it? I have done nothing bad to anyone that warranted such a thing." Said Naruto, sobbing.
"Do no fret, young one. You are indeed innocent of anything wrong." Said a melodious voice from behind him.
"… Who are you, lady?" asked a frightened Naruto.
"*chuckle* While you have reason to be frightened to see a stranger, I am in such a dreary place. But I am no enemy of yours, as I am Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun and light – and I am here for you, young one," said the Deity. Naruto's eyes widened at the sight of such a necessary being.
"Why … why are you down there for such a lowly important individual that I am, my goddess?" said a bowing and stuttering Naruto.
"Do not bow to me, young Naruto; there is no need. And as to why I am here for you, let me tell you." Amaterasu approached and took Naruto's hand to transport him to an idyllic and luscious meadow.
"Whoa, that's so beautiful! Where are we?" said Naruto with his jaw on the ground.
"We are on a part of my grounds in heaven, and no, you are not dead—I just transported your spirit here. Once everything is told and explained and the training is done, I will return your spirit to your body," the deity said, and Naruto nodded.
"Well, let me explain to you why I came to you and brought you here …" said Amaterasu, beginning to explain why he was an orphan, who his parents were, why he was hated, about his clan, and lastly, about the training he would receive and the power he would soon have.
"That … that's a lot to take in, my lady. But it feels good to know what I needed to know finally. Would I be able to see my parents at least once?" said a shy Naruto.
"Indeed, they let a chakra imprint of themselves in you when you will be in need against the 9-tails." Said the goddess while two persons appeared. To you why I went to you and brought you here …" said Amaterasu and began to explain why he was an orphan, who his parents were, why he was hated, about his clan, and lastly, about the training he would be receiving and the power he would soon have
"Where … where are Minato-kun?" said a red-haired woman.
"I don't know Kushina-Shan, but this place is wonderful." Said the now-named Minato.
"I know where we are and why you are here for dear Yondaime and Hakai Chishio no Habanero," said Amaterasu from behind them.
…
The shock was the only proper expression to explain the expression of the two adults and the sight they had when they turned around.
The Sun Goddess herself was in front of them, accompanied by an unmistakable yellow-blond kid with spiky hair and cerulean blue eyes, nine years old.
"Na … Naru-chan? Is that … you?" said a tearing and sobbing Kushina.
"Kaa-chan? Is this you?" asked a teary and sobbing Naruto.
"Yes, my baby boy, it's me, your mommy!" said Kushina before the two hugged each other tightly and sobbed.
Minato saw this with a tear in their right eye before joining the familial hug.
After 30 minutes of hugging and an explanation of Naruto's early life, Minato and Kushina get angrier and angrier with each passing moment.
Kushina exclaimed: "How dare they do such things to my baby boy! Let me be alive so I could bip, bip, bip to them," with some biping sound covering each insanity.
"I am so disappointed in the village I have sacrificed my life for. If I had known the actual color of their bigotry and the one of my so-called sensei, I would not have done it that way," said an honestly disappointed Minato.
"Wake up to reality! Nothing ever truly goes as planned in this accursed world.
The longer you live, the more you realize that the only things that truly exist in this reality are pain, suffering, and futility.
Listen... wherever you look, wherever there is light, shadows will always be present.
The vanquished will also exist if there is a concept of victors.
The selfish intent to preserve peace initiates wars, and hatred is born to protect love. There are nexuses and causal relationships that cannot be separated." I said while appearing out of nowhere.
"Who … who are you?" asked Minato. Kushina took Naruto behind her while Amaterasu smiled at my coming.
"My name is Uzumaki Kuran (A/N: the main character of my first story), and I am a time traveler from an alternative timeline. I suppose you understand the concepts of timeline and alternativity? Good.
As for why I am here … let's say my timeline is stabilized now, and I took the liberty of traveling in time.
It could have been worse for this village of yours, but I won't tell it; there is no point in it other than more self-loathing on your part.
And frankly, I am not surprised it happened, but the future has yet to happen. Thus, you most likely have the opportunity to help my alternative self since I am the Naruto of my timeline…" I said this with the family trio gasping in the first and last parts and Naruto interrupting me.
"Wait! You are my alternative self or whatever you said? How? We do not have the same name or appearance!" said Naruto.
"Indeed, but I have decided to take a new name after my first century of life, and things change with time, my young alternative self.
And take this. It will be with you in the form of a sealing tattoo. When he returns to his body, you will teach Fuinjutsu to reach the scroll's content.
Lady Amaterasu gave you a golden opportunity that is generally never given to mortals, so take it up and learn as much as you can.
Finally, a special summoning scroll contains a being related to the orb of Black Light she trusted into your body. Please only use it once you have trained in the art paired with the orb. What does it contain? A spirit that usefulness is good when you bypass a thing or two about it.
Now, farewell, mortals, and I wish you good luck on your travel to enlightenment, Naruto." I said while bowing to Amaterasu, and at the end of the speech, I Hiraishined away.
"Whoa, you saw what he just did!" said an amazed Naruto, and the rest chuckled at his antics.
"Indeed, son, but man! I never thought such a thing could occur." Said Minato.
"Indeed, honey! But did you see what our alternative son became? I do have high hopes for our son here, Datt'Bane !" Kushina raised her fist, and Minato and Naruto sweat dropped at that.
"It is always surprising to have such a thing happening, and I am sorry for your concern. Yes, I knew he would come, and for the "mortal" part of his speech, let us say he ascended to a godhood stage." Amaterasu said, choking the family deeply.
"Really? Woah! I have high expectations upon me, do I?" said a gawked Naruto with another round of chuckling.
"Now, let us go on to the things that will happen next." Said the goddess before beginning to explain the things that Naruto will learn.
First Training Schedule of Naruto of 6 months:
6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.: breakfast + washing.
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Physical conditioning.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Taijutsu training with Minato and Kushina
12:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: etiquette learning with Amaterasu.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: learning civilian matters like Maths, language, etc., not covered with Kushina
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Learning of the Ninja Academy curriculum is not covered with Minato.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Learning Ninjutsu with Minato.
6:30 pm. – 7:50 p.m.: Learning Fuinjutsu with Kushina.
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Dinner with family.
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Washing and free time
10:00 p.m.: bedtime
Second Training Schedule of Naruto of 6 months:
Same as the first training schedule.
Third Training Schedule of Naruto of 12 months:
6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.: breakfast + washing.
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Physical conditioning.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Taijutsu training with Minato and Kushina
12:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Learning Ninjutsu + Rasengan with Minato
4:00 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.: Learning Fuinjutsu with Kushina.
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Dinner with family.
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Washing and free time
10:00 p.m.: bedtime
Fourth Training Schedule of Naruto of 48 months:
6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.: breakfast + washing.
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Physical conditioning.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Taijutsu training with Minato and Kushina
12:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Training in Jujutsu + Ten Shadows with Amaterasu.
5:00 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.: Learning Fuinjutsu + learning basics of Hiraishin + spy networking using Shadow Clones with Kushina & Minato
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Dinner with family.
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Washing and free time
10:00 p.m.: bedtime
*Giga Gulps* was heard by everyone in heaven.
"Just a question, do you want me to die or something?" asked a frightened Naruto at the sight of the schedule for the next two years.
"Well, Naruto-kun, we want you to be at least ready to confront the world as a Shinobi and a Jujutsu Shi or Curse Sorcerer since it will be unavoidable to have a cursed spirit appear.
Thus, your ninja training must be advanced to deal with curse spirits when the time comes without hindering your ninja career." Said Amaterasu, with the family nodding to it.
"But where will the training take place? If here, what will happen to my body since it will take six years and my generation will graduate in 3 years?" asked Naruto.
"It will be there since time is modulable at wish. And for your body, I will dispatch a mimicry spirit to take care of it. He will ensure your body won't suffer any more mistreatment without attracting big attention," Amaterasu replied.
"Well, son. It seems we have a training on our hands, nay?" Minato said while Naruto gulped again.
- Timeskip of 6 years inside Amaterasu Domain while three years in the mortal realm at night -
"*sigh* Damn these civilians and their attempts to usurp more of my authority and their pampering of the Uchiha brat!
And damn Danzo for going behind my back on the Uchiha; if only Itachi did not have slaughtered his clan, everything could have been good, and Itachi would be Hokage in my steed." Said Hiruzen while slamming his fist on his office.
'And there is the matter of Naruto being on his last leg with his previous attempt at the Academy. All to let him be in their grasp and HIS Grasp. But at least no more beating was successful, only breaking attempts on his apartment.
And there is this Konoha Labor Force Union (KLFU) that tempers with the civilian council and this Whirlwind Postal Agency (WPA) that removed the scroll delivery but granted us more escort missions.
However, any attempts by anyone in the leaf to learn about the two did not yield any results on suspicious activities from these two entities.
Finally, I'm relieved that none of Minato and Kushina's property, including their bank accounts, was stripped away. ' Even though it is suspicious how it is done,' Hiruzen thought when light laughter was heard in his office.
"Who's there!" asked a standing-up Hiruzen who was flaring his chakra but felt his Anbu agents knocked down, an unknown agent he presumed to be Danzo's minion and some seemingly spy-seals he did not remember to have placed.
"Calm down, Jii-chan. Stressing yourself up like that will only make you older," said his surrogate Grandson's unmistakable but older voice.
"Na … Naruto-kun! Is that you?" said a gobsmacked Hiruzen, who had a heart attack when he turned around to see his Honorary Grandson, who looked like Minato as a teenager.
"*sigh* It's going to be a long night …," said Naruto.
Ten minutes later, Hiruzen stirred up.
"Minato-kun! I'm so happy to see you, and to tell you, I have mistaken your son with you for a second …," said Hiruzen, who took the cup of tea which was just put on the little plate alongside Hiruzen when he took the visage of the individual on the Hokage Chair and paled.
"You're not the first person to confuse me with my father, old man. Seriously, these councilors have guts, nay?" Naruto said
"Na … Naruto … it is you?" said Hiruzen when Naruto interrupted him.
"Thanks for confirming who my father was, at least some honesty. After what? Twelve years of not telling me? A fault confessed is half-redressed, they say?
I forgive you since you did your best. By the way, I already live in my parents' estates, and I know about fluffy-Chan, a.k.a. the 9-tails being sealed inside of me, and that mom is Uzumaki Kushina.
Who was the previous host of fluffy-Chan, like Mito Oba-Sama?" Naruto said nonchalantly, skimming through more papers at a pace that shocked Hiruzen even more than he already was.
"I … I … I do not have the words to express how deeply sorry I am for not telling you the truth about your condition and your parents. It may only be a senile attempt to defend myself, but I did it with the thought of protecting at heart. And it seems you inherited their capability of giving other people some headache without trying, have you?" Sighed Hiruzen.
"What can I say? I'm their son. It is to be expected. Oh, just to let you know, I have ordered some changes to the Anbu Equipment. See the changes," he answered, giving him the paper.
"It seems you already know the ins and outs of the Hokage job, don't you? These changes should have already been in place, but they never were. I always suspected something was amiss, but I never caught up.
But you seemed to have done the homework of it, damn Danzo. I suppose you have something to do with the KLFU and WPA that went on since one and a half years and one year ago, respectively?" asked Hiruzen.
"Indeed, but it was a Mimicry Spirit that took care of my body since my spirit was in heaven with Lady Amaterasu and my parents to train for six years," said Naruto, with Hiruzen's eyes bulging out while spilling tea.
"Your spirit was with the Sun Goddess and your parents! And you trained for six years with them? How? Since when?" asked a shocked Hiruzen.
"In order, yes, I trained with them; after that, it was Lady Amaterasu's doing, and she didn't ask me how she did since she is a goddess. Finally, it began three years ago, and since she can manipulate the flow of time for spirit, you can guess how six years of training were completed in only three years," he answered.
"*sigh* Well, I suppose you have the seals and material necessary within this seal at the bottom of the order. While you are at it, can you please make a run of what you have taught?"
Thirty minutes later, after we discussed what I had learned and some other changes that should be made for the following teams, Naruto went home for tomorrow's graduation.
- At the Academy the following day -
Discussions, whispers, and chatter were happening in the classroom of shinobi hopefuls. With the Konoha 8 going as usual, with Kiba bragging about him going to be the alpha and being the best ninja, Akamaru barking positively, Shino being … Shino, Hinata being seated at the last row in the corner while taking some glance everywhere else to locate her … Naruto-kun.
Sasgay, being the ever-brooding Emo-King, is brooding in his usual spot in the middle row by the window; Choji was eating near a sleeping Shikamaru.
Ino and Sakura came into the room bickering like fangirls. Sakura "was able" to sit near "her Sasuke-kun" while Ino took one of the two accessible seats near Hinata since another person was already sitting there.
It was on this that Iruka and Mizuko came up.
"Silence and sit down, everyone!" roared Iruka, using his Big Head Technique, when he tried to capture the class's attention thrice.
"As you know, today is the most crucial day in your life since it will define your future career. Now, I will make the call for everyone." Said Iruka while making the call.
" … Uchiha Sasuke … – "present"
Uzumaki Naruto … Naruto ?" repeated Iruka.
"Don't mind him, Iruka-Sensei! The Dobe is not there; I bet he is oversleeping," said Kiba, smirking since he would be with Hinata and show her he was the true one in love with her – and everyone laughed at that, except Hinata, who was glaring at Kiba up.
"It seems you are not such a hotshot of a tracker, are you, Kiba? I was here since the Academy opened up at 7:00 a.m.," said Naruto, who surprisingly was seemingly at the back of the classroom, more precisely just behind Hinata.
Everyone just turned up in Hinata's direction, with Naruto appearing out of nowhere, just behind Hinata, as if he were in the same seat as Hinata, with said girl heating up quickly.
"Huh? What are you doing on my lap, Hinata-san? … Wait a second. Did you sit there knowing I was there?
Ara, I did not know you were a … naughty girl Hinata-sa … ya … Hinata-Chan! If you want, we can go to… my home … to get to know each other better! Heck, maybe we can be in a relationship with one another! What do you think of it?" said Naruto with a husky tone at the end, his mouth near Hinata's ear.
*Thump*
Hinata fainted while being atomic red and having the most massive nosebleed ever, with her head on Naruto's shoulder. Ino was beaten red from the proximity of the sheer view she had of the scene.
"Well, it seems we need to wait a little more for Hinata, don't you think, Sensei?" asked Naruto.
"It … it seems to be the case. How come no one saw you or spotted you, Naruto?" replied Iruka.
"Hmm … seals." Was the short answer of Naruto.
"Keep your disgusting hands and body from Hinata-Chan! She is my girlfriend!" yelled Kiba.
"Nope, you're not her boyfriend. Since it was never announced publicly, and she never accepted your advances, it just shows you are a lustful, stinky mutt who is aiming far higher than he can reach. So go sit on the ground like a good dog you are," Naruto retorted, with people laughing at his jab toward Kiba.
"You dared insult me and deny the thing that is already convened …" was Kiba trying when Hinata woke up.
"Hey, welcome back to reality, Hinata-chan!" said Naruto.
"I had a magnificent dream where I was sitting on Naruto's lap and wanted to be my boyfriend and to do… things together after graduation. I fainted before I could say yes …" Hinata said before realizing she was still on Naruto's lap and spoke to him.
"Well, I'm sorry I didn't notice that you had such feelings for me earlier. I want to become your friend and likely become a couple together." Naruto genuinely said with a smile on his lips.
By just saying it, a dam inside of Hinata broke. No one else had honestly wished to be her friend or treated with such a genuine intention as Naruto had since the death of her mother, Hitomi Hyuga, wife of Hiashi Hyuga.
"I … I would love to be friends with you and possibly more," Answered Hinata, surprisingly without any stutter or shyness.
Shock … utter shock … none has ever expected, not only Hinata not stuttering nor being confident but also for the dead-last to ever notice Hinata's feeling for him, nor that Naruto would be that bold to propose such a thing to such an esteemed girl as Hinata – for she is the clan heiress of the Hyuga Clan.
Naruto's rebuke to Kiba was not something they expected, as his appearance was out of nowhere.
"Well, I do not want to break such a lovely moment between two lovebirds, but we have a graduation exam on the road, so please go to your place, Kiba! Naruto, please sit next to Hinata." Said Iruka.
- Inside the council Chamber -
"My, My, it seems that Naruto is full of surprises, even more today, isn't it right?" said Hiruzen with a chuckle at the sight.
"Indeed, Hokage-Sama. But there seems to be some Henge (transformation technique) on his clothes – and the aura emanating from him tells us that he is restraining himself," Said Shikaku Nara, who was surprisingly awake.
"It does, Shikaku, so it logical to think that he wore a mask before." Said Shibi neutrally.
"The Demo …" was about to tell a civilian counselor before being taken away by an Anbu agent.
"Well, Hokage-Sama. In the name of my fellow counselors, I can say that we are not reassured about such a change in the … boy," said a shaky civilian merchant after seeing his fellow civilian counselor assuredly being taken to the T&I department.
"Understandable counselor, but as far we can see and understand the current situation about the boy. It does not warrant any action against him so far. But it warrants questions about when such a mask was put on or how strong he is." Said Homura, bringing some eyebrows up from the Hokage and Clan Heads.
"Indeed, Homura, but you seem to be … quite neutral about him," said Hiruzen.
"Let us say the shinobi's life is not to be taken lightly, Hiruzen-Sama," Homura answered.
"While there are questions, it doesn't take away the suggestion that Kiba made, nor the closeness the boy had with my daughter." Said the ever-stoic Hiashi Hyuga.
"Indeed, and I wish to excuse myself for my son's behavior. Ever since he went to his granduncle, his view changed dramatically. I will take measures against it, Hiashi, Hokage-Sama." Said Tsume Inuzuka.
"Apologies accepted, Tsume. We all know how … unfriendly he is toward women in general," said Hiashi with every other Clan Head and the two elders present.
"Now that everything is said, let us soak into what the next generation has to offer, shall we?" said Hiruzen, with everyone looking at the crystal ball.
- Back at the Academy -
With what Iruka said, the exams continued, and Naruto and Konoha 9 passed the writing exam with flying colors. Sakura is second to Naruto; Sasuke is third; Shino and Hinata are fourth and fifth, respectively; Ino is sixth; and Choji and Kiba are seventh and last.
"Well, it seems Naruto is in first place, followed by Sakura and Sasuke in second and third place.
Congratulations, Naruto. It is the first time you scored first, with bonus points for the quality of your answers being … Kage level … it cannot be right Ideoshi-dono. There seems to be an error on" trailed Iruka at it.
"Nope, Iruka-Dono. I am as shocked as everyone except Naruto. I have been graced to see the knowledge and wisdom of the Third and Fourth Hokages at some point, so I can assure you that I can recognize a Kage level of detail when I see it." Answered Ideoshi.
Everyone was gobsmacked since Ideoshi was one of these shinobis who had worked closely with two Hokages. The Third is nicknamed "The Professor" and "The God of Shinobi" for a reason; thus, he is praised for recognizing such a high level of knowledge.
"H … How is it even possible, Ideoshi-Sensei! Naruto never showed such level of intellect … he … he must have cheated …" was saying Sakura before Ideoshi interrupted.
"What is the code number 4 of the Shinobi code?" he asked.
"It would be to hide yourself wherever you have to strike true at the right time, sensei," she answered.
"So, what do you get from Naruto's performance and Shinobi's code?" he asked again.
"That Naruto-san hid himself to show his competency at the right time, sensei." Answered Shino.
"True, Shino. Remember everyone. It doesn't matter how many things you know. It is only a matter of what and when," Said Ideoshi.
The throwing exam went by, with Naruto being first again. And Sasgay is quite jealous of it.
Unexpectedly, some professors went to Ideoshi to discuss strange manifestations, like many things that happened last year.
"Well, with Ideoshi-dono gone, only Mizuki and I will score your battling prowess," said Iruka, and everyone nodded.
As expected, the civilian wannabe performed mediumly, with some good and some bad performances, but was on the lower side of the spectrum. Meanwhile, the clan heirs and the students from shinobi families performed well.
Sasuke could stand up for the three mandatory minutes and three of the five additional ones.
"Beat that, Dobe," they said arrogantly, with the fangirls spewing some "fangirl stuff."
"We'll see." I shot back with Mizuki calling me.
"Well, Naruto. It will be like the other: three mandatory minutes, five bonus minutes for additional points, and any non-reviewed Taijutsu moves.
When Iruka said to start, Naruto blitzed Mizuki by punching him straight in the face, sending him out of the ring unconscious. Thus, he received a full grade and bonus points.
"Well, that's disappointing." Said Naruto in boredom.
- After the end of the Exam -
After the boring Academy Three, Naruto hides a Kage Bushin as a simple Bushin. We found Naruto in some of the least recommendable parts of Konoha, hunting haunting spirits that lingered from the Kyûbi's attack, which could not let their hatred for the furball out.
"Well, with one, it is 93% complete exorcizing of the red-light district and overhauls 85% of Konoha exorcised with the Uchiha clan remaining and Danzo's underground base.
Then, Naruto felt the negative energy from the forest behind the Konoha's Monument, where he used to hide at some point within a little wooden shackle.
- To the Old Shackle in the Forest -
Naruto found a wounded Iruka and a bruised Hinata with sparks of blood here and there – with a maniacally laughing Mizuki.
Author's Style: Flashback to 6h00 minutes, just after graduation.
"Hey, Hinata! Can I speak to you for a moment? It is about Naruto." Said Mizuki, with Hinata intrigued by it.
After that, Mizuki "told her" that a piece of information on why Naruto was hated could be found inside a scroll in the Hokage Office. Which she unfortunately took at face value.
Author's Style: Flashback to 3h00 at the Hokage's Office.
"Where is it … where is it? Ah, there you are, scroll; it is quite big … hmm … maybe there are other secrets – most likely onto Naruto-Kun! Maybe things to help him discover who his parents are and their techniques …" said a hopeful Hinata before leaving the place, not noticing a frowning Hiruzen who came out of the shadows.
'Something fishy; I will have to look into Mizuki since he was seen speaking to her earlier.' Thought Hiruzen.
Author's Style: Flashback to 15 minutes before Naruto's Arrival.
'Dang it! Not only is it the Forbidden Scroll, but I could not find anything related to Naruto-kun's situation.' Hinata mentally scowled before hearing someone coming.
"Hinata! Why the hell are you doing here, and why did you steal the Forbidden Scroll?" yelled Iruka
"But … but Mizuki-sensei told me there was a scroll in which was stored the intel on why he was hated and possibly of his parents …" said a teary Hinata, knowing she was doomed.
'What? Mizuki! … That's why he went for her!' thought Iruka before diving to her to duck a Fuma Shuriken from behind – but the Shuriken embedded itself into Iruka's back.
"Well, it seems you caught up, Iruka. Frankly, I wished you had not found out. It would have been easier for me to deprive the Demon-brat Naruto of love but also steal the Forbidden Scroll and sell Hinata to Kumo." Said Mizuki with an eerie, insane, and negative glow to him.
"But, why! Why would you betray us like this, Mizuki!" yelled Iruka, who was irked since he couldn't take away the Fuma Shuriken without risking dying, thus letting his student alone against him.
"Simple Iruka! Power and aversion to weakness. The leaf became weak and complacent, while I wanted to be strong and thus recognized for it by all. Hinata stealing would stain the Hyuga Clan forever. At the same time, I could make good money with either Kumo or giving her out to Orochimaru and his experimentation for more power." Said a maddening Mizuki.
"You lured me because of my feelings for Naruto-kun …" trailed off Hinata.
"Exactly, Hinata! You are so naïve that you gobbed such a lie since it would be intel only the higher-ups would know and transmit orally or in some book as highly secretly kept as the Forbidden Scroll. But since I am magnanimous, I will tell you why "your Naruto-kun" is hated." Said Mizuki.
"Do not! That forbidden by law by death!" roared Iruka.
"Oh, really, Iruka? Who is going to stop me? Her, never with her, wants to know! You, you are wounded up! So, onto the main subject, Hinata.
Why the demon spawn you love so much is hated? I do positively assume you know about the 9-tails attack? But did you know that such a beast was purely made from Chakra?
No, since your shock tells it, because of it, it is impossible to vanquish such a beast since it will forcibly reform itself with time.
Thus, the only solution is to imprison it in the flesh. But it requires a younger and younger vessel to do so, with the 9-tails requiring a newborn baby. Hinata's creeping suspicion was upping. Do you know who was born that night? 'Oh no! It cannot be the thought of Hinata—you seemed to realize it.
Because it is your precious love interest! Uzumaki Naruto is the 9-tails reincarnated!" yelled a completely mad Mizuki with a negative flow around him.
After this, a pseudo-fight ensued between Iruka, who was seemingly able to take out the Fuma Shuriken, and Mizuki, who was releasing Negative Energy.
Author's Style: Flashback release.
"Well, it seems you gave in to your darkness and let you possess by the cursed spirit. Thus, making yourself an enemy of mine." Flatly said Naruto from the branch.
"Oh! The demon-made flesh came out to his doom! This is my positive Karma for all the hardship I endured in this hellpit of Konoha!" yelled Mizuki.
"Barely on both accounts of me being the 9-tails made flesh and me coming to my doom." Answered Naruto, who looked at a frightened and bruised Hinata and a blooded and ragged Iruka.
"As if your bravado could deter me, you were transformed from your mighty chakra form to flesh 12 years ago. Thus, you forcibly weakened," Said Mizuki, who dashed toward Naruto.
"Tentochito norowareta-sha no shōnin ni yotte. Dō ka fūin sa reta mono no kusari ga toka reru no o mokugeki shite kudasai. Tokihanatsu! (= By the witness of Heaven, Earth, and the Cursed. I beg of thee to witness the unchainment of Sealed one. Unleash!)" said Naruto, with some chains around Naruto disappearing, and at this instant, a flow of pure, unadulterated cursed energy flowed from Naruto.
At that moment, everyone in Konoha felt a wave of negativity and power reminiscent of the Kyûbi attack. But it lacked the bloodlust and will to destroy everything.
"Gyokuken! (Divine Dogs)" said Naruto with his hands going together to shape the head of a canine animal.
To it, a pair of shadows raised themselves from Naruto's Shadow to form a pair of wolves with Gold and silver-colored fur.
"Well, you see, Mizuki – for the last three years, I have been trained in an occult form of technique known as Jujutsu (cursed technique), which is based on negative emotions.
As a Jinchuriki, a host for Tailed-Beasts through Fuinjutsu and Ink, I am bound to receive and have negativity inside of me. Thus, making me the perfect apprentice for such arts.
And for your intel, I just said to release my biding vow, which is how to restrict myself down to 30%. So, when I unrestricted myself, my cursed energy output was back at 100% and increased to 160% of its maximum output." Smirked Naruto.
The "three" onlookers were shocked at that revelation, more so Hinata who was utterly lost.
It was then that the wolves dashed toward the mid-air Mizuki and slashed him quite profoundly, with said man howling at the wound dished out before he went to the ground.
Only to continuously get harassed by the Wolf duo via cursed-empowered claws and fangs.
"Damn it, they are solid!" yelped Mizuki.
"It is no use. They are Shikigami, beings close to Cursed Spirits but conjured to serve us. Each person inheriting the technique receives the Divine Dogs as a "welcome gift" to conjure," Said Naruto, explaining that this empowered the wolves even more at the moment.
Which began to go for immobilizing Mizuki since Naruto ordered them to, as his Kagura Shingan (Mind Eye of Kagura) warned him of the approaching shinobis.
Naruto smeared blood from the cut to his thumb he made himself, thus making a sort of caterpillar with a human head that rolled around Naruto's waist up to behind his head (A/N: see Toji Fushiguro tamed cursed spirit in Jujutsu Kaisen).
Naruto put his hand in front of the thing's mouth, and the thing regurgitated an odd cube. Naruto began to use it while incanting in a strange language and putting his Adamantine Sealing Chains (Kongo Fūsa) in a barrier around himself and Mizuki.
Shinobis, ranging from Jonins to Anbus, with Hiruzen and the Clan Heads, arrived to see a barrier between themselves and Naruto and Mizuki. Naruto incanted something with a cube that was reverberating with Curse Energy.
"Look! The demon is torturing Mizu …" was a Jonin trying to say something before being impaled in the heart by a chain.
A Shadow Clone appeared and said: "The Third's law is still active; anyone who will say anything about my condition in front of the younger generation, including me and Hinata, shall be put to the blade and have all his stuff transferred to me and Hinata."
It was at the mention of Hinata's name that everyone took the sight of the Hyuga heiress here.
"Point taken for him, Hokage-Sama. And I was informed earlier that Hinata was assigned a mission to find out a potential traitor; it seems to be Mizuki." Said Hiashi, who was informed by Naruto, who hanged himself into an Anbu.
'Thanks Naruto! You saved us all from a big shot there,' thought Hiruzen when he said, "I indeed had suspicions about Mizuki, which is why I asked Hinata to be there."
"But what is the boy doing? What is that thing on his back, and what are these "wolves"? My insects are afraid of the three." Said Shibi.
"These wolves are abnormal, esoteric even since I work with canine animals." Added Tsume.
"They are Shikigami, the caterpillar? A tamed Cursed Spirit I found about 2½ years ago, which was tamed at that time by defeating it." Answered the clone.
"A Cursed Spirit? Oh, by kami …" trailed Inoichi, with Shikaku nodding, seconding him.
"What is it Shikaku, Inoichi? You know something about it?" asked Homura.
"Indeed, I have heard of it. Inside our clan, the Yamanaka, a stele, speaks of an era long forgotten that predates the Sage of the Six Paths. Negative emotion would conglomerate into somewhat sentient beings known as Cursed Spirit, and Negative Energy was used as energy back then before Chakra was even a thing." He answered, and people gasped at it since they had heard of such a thing, which they considered a myth.
"And this "Shikigami" is known as a part of the allegedly "Ten Shadows Technique" – a technique that conjures Cursed-Spirit-like beings that you have to defeat to tame it with the two "wolves" here being the base Shikigami you have, but it unclear on that part and the number of theses Shikigami, what they are and their abilities," I added Shikaku with another round of gasps.
Then, some increase in pressure and Cursed Energy output was felt, with Naruto beginning the Spirit Extraction of Mizuki.
"Aaarrgh!" was Mizuki's answer before something left him.
It was during the process that they could see an eldritch being leaving him – a deformed mass of seeming flesh.
"Damn you, Sorcerer! Damn yo …" was roaring the Cursed-Spirit when a chain from the cube anchored itself into the things' chest and began exorcising it.
It lasted a minute before the thing was no more, and Mizuki fell dead.
"Exorcizing complete! It seems Mizuki is dead, as expected from someone who let himself be a host of such a thing without any preparation." Naruto said.
He then took a scroll from his pouch, making an orb appear from the cube. He put the orb in the scroll before putting the cube back in the mouth of the Cursed Spirit, which "swallowed" it.
* Thump*
It was Hinata who collapsed after the sight of it.
"*sigh* To be expected, but she did well," said Hiashi with a faint smile on the corner of his lips, which surprised everyone.
"Indeed, if it was not for her, the cursed spirit that Mizuki let himself possess would have become a menace greater than Orochimaru," Said Naruto, who let the protection dome from his chains go down.
"You are still full of surprises, aren't you, Naruto?" said Hiruzen.
"I would not be myself it was not the case. Also, Mizuki's soul is bound to go to hell for letting himself be corrupted by letting a Cursed Spirit do what happened to him." He replied.
"It is expected that no one's soul can survive such a process intact or at all. Such things are malevolent and akin to demons to an extent. Since they require the person's full consent to do them, the longer it lasts, the more "lost" said person becomes," Added Inoichi.
This made everyone realize that Mizuki had been lost a long time ago, but it did not change everyone's feelings about Naruto.
"Before you began to think of anything bad about me for having Shikigami and a "Tamed" Cursed Spirit. Let us state that the Yondaime sealed the furball inside me using the Shiki Fûjin (Reaper Death Seal) – which summons the God of Death to seal up things." Said Naruto while trailing at the end.
This made everyone look wide at the technique's implications and, thus, what they had been doing to him for no reason other than pitiful reasons.
'Damn it! I should have stated it back then; it would have avoided everything! I could have imprisoned the counselors that would have spat the news and told about the Shinigami's involvement.' Thought Hiruzen, saddened by it.
Since, even the 9-tails does not have such power, that it can defy such a timeless and divine being.
"Well, now that everything seems to be settled down, how about we all go back to proper places, nay?" said Naruto with some chuckles.
'You will go to places Naruto-kun, and you will take them by storm!' thought Hiruzen.
To be continued …