Chapter 4- Meeting
##Konoha 2 years later##
Two years had passed since Naruto's encounter with the vengeful spirit and as he promised the hokage he had been working more on understanding chakra and chakra control, and much to his frustration molding/controlling it was a pain compared to cursed energy with him only making progress in taijutsu and fuinjutsu as he was intermediate level in the art. What was also infuriating to him was the fact that this was affecting his performance in class as others believed him to be deadlast loser as he could not display his cursed energy to shut them up. News of this made rounds within the village and almost everyone was happy with the fact the demon was "weak".
"Come on Naruto this is a simple clone justu you don't have much longer to get this down before you prepare for your final year and graduation" said Iruka in front of the class as Naruto once again failed to make a simple clone.
"I don't even know why Iruka sensei even bothers with him, he is obviously a lost cause" one of the students in the back of the class said to the others as they mocked Naruto. Little did they know a shy little princess was staring daggers at them for making rude comments about her friend.
"You wouldn't be saying that if he showed you what he is really capable of" Hinata thought as she listened to the others speak negatively about Naruto. Hinata had come to develop an obsession over Naruto as the boy was quite literally her savior, and she also happened to be the boy's only true friend supporting him as he tried to learn to harness chakra effectively.
##Flashback one and a half years ago##
Hinata had caught herself stalking the boy who saved her from that strange monster, but this only lasted so long as the boy had a field of vision similar to that of the byakugan and he had also gotten familiar with the girls cursed energy signature as he soon realized her energy output was higher than the average persons. Not as much as the vengeful spirits as if he still had his memories as Gojo he would rank that spirit somewhere between semi-first grade and second grade in strength.
Naruto, finally annoyed with the girl following him used cursed energy to flash behind her and said "why do you keep following me?"
Hinata jumped at the suddenness of Naruto being behind her "I-I didn't mean to I just really wanted to thank you again for saving me and I noticed you often are by yourself and that you should have someone to talk to…" Hinata rambled trying to explain herself as to why she was following him all of it nonsense however.
"Okayyyy stop I get it you're grateful If you want to talk to me you just have to approach me ya know" he said in a deadpan tone. "Now really why are you following me as most people who do that to me typically don't have the best intentions."
"...I-I-Im sorry really but I do really want to thank you for what you did and ask if you need anything" she said nervously.
"And what could you even give me" he asked.
"R-Realy not much outside of someone to talk to I don't know why people treat you the way they do but it's not right and it's the least I could do." she said.
"And your clan would allow that? I specifically remember your bodyguard or whatever saying you couldn't be seen with someone like me" he responded.
"I d-d-dont care what they say, you're a good person and deserve to be treated with kindness, and if me and you being around each other will cause problems we can always talk in secret" she emphasized.
"Well thanks… I guess" he thanked a little baffled at someone wanting to be his friend so adamantly.
She smiled with a slight blush as he accepted her friendship proposal, but then a thought came to her " I noticed you were having issue with chakra control, us Hyuga are trained to have perfect chakra control to properly use our taijutsu and to go along with our byakugan. Maybe I can help you with learning how to properly mold chakra. "
"Hmm I guess me and her clan really do have a lot in common. Maybe if I translate their techniques to mine with cursed energy I can find new applications in utilizing cursed energy." He mentally noted but soon.
"N-N-Naruto" saying his name aloud in confusion as to why he spaced out.
"Oh yeah sorry Hinata I was just thinking, but yeah that would actually help a lot Hinata. I'm a natural at using my other power which you saw but for some reason chakra just doesn't want to work with me it's like something inside me keeps fighting me for control over it. He explained to her genuinely grateful to the offer.
"Don't worry Naruto we will learn what's going on together and how to overcome this" she said warmly.
With that Naruto gave a reluctant smile and said "thanks Hinata".
##back to present##
"Damnittttttt!" Naruto said punching on a tree shattering it with cursed energy in frustration at the training ground he and Hinata often visited to train together. "Why is my Chakra so hard to control! I'm supposed to be the best I'm supposed to prove them all wrong that I'm no monster and that I can do anything!" he shouted.
"You made me promise to work on my confidence and ability to stand up for myself so you keep your promise by keeping that ego in check." came a voice which belonged to that of Naruto's truly only friend Hinata.
After he listened he calmed himself and said "Sorry Hinata it's just frustrating you know that. Cursed energy control is a piece of cake and even discovering new ways to wield it goes as far as my imagination allows, but chakra it's just hard and nothing is hard for me so it's not easy to come to terms with".
"I know Naruto and I'll be honest I think something else is going on as after all we done you making no progress whatsoever doesn't make sense. Because outside the fact you have massive chakra reserves which make doing small scale jutsu almost impossible you should be able to still perform at least a multi-clone jutsu. She said just as confused as Naruto. "I think maybe you should go to hokage as well for advice. Maybe he knows more about why you could be having these problems.
"Maybe you're right, thanks again for the help Hinata" he said.
"Always Naruto, I'm here whenever you need," she said.
"Anyways how has your interactions with your clan and others been?" he asked.
"Better they started to notice that I can now speak to them without stuttering like I used to but I don't know I still find myself not being able to go full force in sparring and speaking with full confidence". She explained.
"Don't worry about it, you're getting better. I've noticed massive improvements from when we first met so be proud of yourself Hinata I know I am". He said with pride.
She blushed at the complement as her heart skipped a beat. "T-Thank you Naruto" as she said this she realized the time and said "Sorry I have to get going Naruto my father and Ko will start looking for me soon I'll catch you later." she said as she ran off back home.
"No worries Hinata see ya later!" and with that Naruto prepared to make his way to hokage tower to speak with Hiruzen.
##Hokage's office##
Hiruzen was in the middle of a gruesome battle with bane of every kage… paperwork. He was tempted to say screw and use a fireball jutsu on all of it when a knock could be heard at the door.
"Enter" he said in an exhausted Tone. However he soon perked up when he recognized who it was that entered the room. "Naruto my boy, what can I do for you?"
"Hey old man, and glad you asked because I have an issue you might have an answer to" he responded.
"Of course Naruto you can ask me anything" Hiruzen welcomed.
"Well old man you know how I struggle with manipulating my chakra no matter how much I try." he explained in frustration.
"Yes, This is indeed odd as your abilities with cursed energy completely contradict your aptitude for chakra control. I know you and young Hinata have been working together to get this resolved have either of you come up with anything that could help me lead you in the right direction as I assume you came asking as to what the cause might be?" he followed just as puzzled.
"Actually we have, and at first we guessed it might be my high chakra reserves causing the issue but she said the most that it would do is make simple jutsus harder but not impossible. No she theorized that something else is going on and that got me thinking and I want your thoughts." Naruto explained as the Hokage nodded for him to continue. From a real young age I have always felt a malevolent chakra that I now know is the Kyuubi, and i'm thinking could the Kyuubi be distributing my chakra flow?"
"That could very much be possible Naruto, as the seal the 4th used was made so its chakra could meld with yours, but as a consequence I theorize it gives the Kyuubi a means to disturb your chakra." Hiruzen hypothesized
"Thats just great… so that fur ball is screwing with just cause it can" he said in anger.
"It might be Naruto and when your godfather returns I will have him inspect your seal as he is the village's one true seal master left alive." he said.
"I'm not waiting that long old man your the one who told me to limit my cursed energy usage around others to not cause issues so how am I supposed to prove myself to those idiots if the one thing I can use to prove myself is unusable to me". Naruto angrily asked.
"Slow down Naruto I didn't say any of that, I just said I will have him inspect your seal. As for now I have two solutions and the first is to focus on fuinjutsu due to the fact as long as you write your formula and kanji correctly and don't overload the seal expert chakra control isn't necessary as you can use cursed energy to make up mobility and enhancing physical strength without others realizing." Hiruzen explained.
"And the second option?" Naruto asked.
"Still practice fuinjutsu as it is a skill I know you will master as it is in your blood on top of you already showing great potential in the field, but the real suggestion which I do not advise due to its risk is to…. Make contact with the Kyuubi." Hiruzen said with a gulp in worry.
A long silence entered the room as both of them just stared at each other, but before anything else could happen Naruto spoke up and said "I'll do it, I need to set something straight with that fur ball anyways".
"WOAAHH wait Naruto slow down do you have any idea what your saying this is the kyuubi we are talking about the same being that nearly destroyed this village! Do you truly believe you are ready for this?" Hiruzen questioned concern evident.
"Old man one thing I've realized is yes just using my chakra the kyuubi would obliterate me
But using cursed energy I know I could take it if push came to shove." he said confidently.
"Don't get ahead of yourself Naruto you are strong I will give you that but dont let that ego of your get you killed as there's more to strength than how hard you can hit and we don't even know if your abilities will work in your mind against the kyuubi. However if you feel you are ready to make contact and just contact the kyuubi I will support you as you should learn to get a handle of its power." Hiruzen said giving in to the boy.
"Thanks old man, do you know how I would go about making contact with it" he asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine, but it is inside of you so try meditating and see what that does" Hiruzen suggested.
"Gotcha old man ill do that and let you know what happens" Naruto said as he ran out of the room to head home and prepare for his first meeting with the kyuubi.
"Please do Naruto" Hiruzen said to himself as concern was very evident.
##Naruto's apartment##
Naruto had lit incense and candles in a circle in preparation to enter his mindscape to meet the kyuubi. This was a milestone for him as whether they liked it or not they were partners and Naruto needed to make it clear that if it was going to live inside of him it needed to cooperate. Soon Naruto had entered the circle sitting in a lotus position, and at first it was hard for him to focus but soon his determination allowed him to drift off and he then entered his mindscape.
##Naruto's mindscape##
Naruto was now in his mindscape and what he saw put him in a state of wonder as the area around him was void that seemed to expand endlessly as he was left floating. He continued to drift through this space until soon he came across a large gate that seemed to be the apparent end to this void. As he got closer to the large gate to inspect it a massive hand struck its claws through inches away from his face. However Naruto stood there impassive and unflinching.
"Soooo… my jailer has finally come to visit" the kyuubi said with a malevolent grin on its face.
"Yes… I have now let's cut the crap of you trying to intimidate me and get to business because If you could do anything you would have already and even if you could I won't make it easy for you. Naruto said as the kyuubi just stared at him waiting for him to are you disrupting my chakra? If you want me to leave you alone that is fine as I have no need for your chakra as it would help but as I'm sure you know I have another power which is completely my own which will get me by just fine." Naruto asked seriously.
"HAHAHA, In all my time I have only met one as arrogant and bold as you, and even then this other person was a shinobe who had carved his name into history as a legend and someone I will forever hate. Not some brat who's balls haven't even dropped yet". The Kyuubi said in amusement. "And to answer your question at first it was out of spite, but as you continued to pique my interest I only did so that you would eventually come to meet with me."
This actually shocked Naruto and he followed with " Well I'm here, what do you want?" he asked.
"That energy of yours… it is unique even to a being such as myself. It is different yet its nature feels similar to my own as it is hatred or negative emotions that power you. In a way you can say I feel an odd kinship to you." The kyuubi explained.
Naruto chuckled at this "Oh wow the great and mighty kyuubi feels a connection to little old me I'm touched." he said sarcastically.
"Don't push me boy." The kyuubi growled.
"Okay, okay my bad dude if that's it i'll leave you be, you stay out of my way i'll stay out of yours" he said with finality.
"Now I didn't say that boy like I said you intrigue me too much for that, and do you know how long it took for my mind to manage all that information you're constantly bringing in here with those eyes of yours so you owe me. Now how about this loosen the seal not releasing it but just loosening it enough to where I share your senses and we can communicate openly and as compensation I will stop hindering you, and don't worry you can shut me out if you want privacy. The kyuubi negotiated.
Naruto thought about the proposition and then he said "Hmmm, as long as you cooperate I don't see the issue, but If I feel you are trying to get over on me I'll show you what i'm capable of with cursed energy".
Before he could continue an aura of killing intent and chakra washed over and this actually made Naruto sweat as he had never felt such an oppressive force aside from his own before. "This is the last time child don't push your luck, and just know I have no need or desire to deceive you mortals. Take my word or just accept that I will make your ability to mold chakra nigh impossible." The Kyuubi stated with authority.
"Same could be said to you" Naruto responded, releasing his cursed energy which encompassed his entire mindscape as even though he did not know it yet this was his domain and in here he was absolute, and this impressed the kyuubi giving him a massive grin.
"Ha I like you kid, maybe I'll tell you my name at some point as you almost have my respect by having this kinda strength at your age." the kyuubi said in excitement.
"Thanks… furball you're not too bad yourself so if you're so reasonable you better have a good explanation for terrorizing the Village and being the reason my life was hell. He emphasized.
"I will tell you if you gain more of my respect," the Kyuubi responded.
Hmmm fair enough I guess, well kyuubi Let's not kill each other and work together the best we can." Naruto finished as he and the kyuubi grinned at one another cementing their new partnership.
#Land of grass##
Cursed spirit Hanami was currently wandering the lands in hopes to better understand it. It soon realized the world it was in prior to its death by the hands of Satoru Gojo was not the same world it was in now. It had also realized it felt different as it still cared for this new planet as it did its old one and was a being of nature and natural disaster, however it felt as if something new was added to it. A power derived from a fear humans of this world had but it could not not be identified by the curse. The spirit had just recently finished killing and consuming the inhabitants of a remote village as it noticed the humans of this world did not harm nature the same as the humans from the old world, hut Hanami believed that it was only a matter of time until the humans in this world would harm this planet just as they had the old one.
Hanami continued to make its way through these lands but soon it encountered what it learned to be a shinobi, and this shinobi said "What do we have here, man your one ugly son of a bitch. Whatever, I'm sure some bounty office or mad scientist would pay good money to dig into you, especially after all the damage you have caused recently." This was said by a very tall man with tan skin, long dark brown hair, and green eyes with red sclera. This man was the only S rank ninja Takigakure was able to produce, Kakuzu the immortal.
"So you can see me human?" Hanami said surprised as no human till now had been able to see the spirit.
"Why would I not, and I'm more surprised that an abomination like you can even speak" He said impassively.
"... Doesn't matter. All you humans are the same, and thus all of you should be eradicated. With that a battle erupted between the two which devastated the surrounding battlefield. Every time Hanami inflicted what should have been a fatal blow the man would get back up as if nothing happened. And vice versa whenever Kakuzu would perform a jutsu that seemingly made contact with the creature it would shrug it off as if no damage had been inflicted to it. The battle was truly back in fourth with no party able to do any serious damage to the other.
However Hanami was starting to get excited from experiencing the thrill of battle with a strong opponent, and from this excitement it had discovered something about itself and that was the new power that was given to the spirit when it was brought to this world and it was a fear that even this man had and thus the spirit said "Chakra inspired cursed technique Great forest". And tendrils of wood were released from the spirits arm that the man dodged, but while the attack did no physical damage to the man it caused insurmountable mental damage.
"NO impossible it can't be! Screw the money I have to get out of here if this thing is even half of that man's strength I'm done for." With that Kakuzu Body flickered away in absolute horror not wanting to battle the legendary kekkei genkai that ruined his life so long ago.
"Humans no matter the world have always been the cowardly type" thought the cursed spirit as the man ran away with his tail between his legs. Little did the spirit know that it no longer was just a spirit born from human fear of natural disaster, no it was now also a spirit born from the fear of the abilities of a man who's destructive capability could be considered a natural disaster. And the man and ability those fears belonged to was Hashirama Senju and his only once seen kekkei genkai the Mokuton or wood style. Thus the spirit left the battlefield attempting to find more means of attaining strength so it could stop the one man capable of preventing its goals. "I don't know how you are here but I can feel you Satoru Gojo and soon I will attain enough strength to challenge you and rid this world of the human plague.
Author's Note
That's another Chapter Folks, again hope you all enjoyed. Now that Naruto has met Kyuubi, so stay tuned to see how he progresses in chakra control. And yes Hanami now possess a cursed energy variation of wood style so keep an eye out to see how this will cause problems for our protagonist. Again feel free to review and make suggestions and critique me, and lastly the story has been doing numbers so I mean this with every ounce of my being thank you all for viewing my story and I only hope to get better in writing and to produce a fanfic that you all can look back on and say you enjoyed it. As usual see y'all in the next chapter :)
