A/N:- So, Initially I wanted to write this story as a One-Shot. But, I got a bit creative due to which, the first draft got expanded and it's a full length story now. I hope that it'll be completed by the end of 4-5 Chapters.
This story is going to take place in the Blank Period (i.e after the events of Naruto Shippuden). Everyone in Konoha 11 is a Jonin and some have their own genin team. Naruto is well versed in various jutsus of other Elemental affinities, also in usage of various weapons like Chakra Blades and Katanas.
It is a more action-adventure oriented story, so, don't expect Lemon or anything like that (I mean, every second Naruto Fanfiction has Lemon scenes, let this story be strict to the emotions and actions). There is Romantic fluff scenes tho.
Also, I'll make a certain change from the original Anime series. Mirai Sarutobi will be older as compared to the original story (i.e. her birth will take place before Asuma-sensei's death). For example, if Naruto's age is 24, Mirai's will be 13 (In comparison to the original series, where Mirai's age is 9 when Naruto's age is 24). This is make the plot easier as none of the Konoha 11 are married yet and they have no childrens.
Lastly, I don't own Naruto or its characters. The plot is original and there are certain OC characters in this Fanfiction.
Enjoy Reading!
-Akio Sempai
CHAPTER 1: MASTER, APPRENTICE AND MISSION
TRAINING GROUND 7, KONOHAGAKURE
The sun shined brightly in the afternoon sky, as its reflection fell on the motionless water body located just next to the Training ground. Cool breeze blew across the place as it caused the leaves of the trees and the grass to move slowly. The soft sound of the rustling of leaves created a calm and peaceful environment. Light chirping of the bird along with the sound made by the movement of the bushes due to the squirrels could be heard.
On the ground stood Uzumaki Naruto, 24. Also known as the 'Hero of Shinobi World' or 'The Number One Unpredictable Ninja', he stood at a height of 181.2 cm. Being a jonin, he wore the standard shinobi uniform, which consists of a grey sweatshirt, black trousers, a black jonin flak jacket, black shinobi sandals and the Konoha headband. Also, he was the candidate to be the seventh hokage, after his sensei, Kakashi Hatake.
In front of him was his apprentice Mirai Sarutobi, 13. Daughter of Late Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi, Naruto took her under his wing after she graduated from the Academy. She was wearing black shinobi sandals, trousers, black jacket with orange strips (something which reminded of her Master's older uniforms, minus the huge amount of orange). Her headband was tied to her arms.
"So, Naruto-Sensei, what are you going to teach me today?" Mirai asked him as Naruto took out a scroll from his pouch and handed it to her. She opened the scroll slowly as Naruto said,
"Katon: Goka Messhitsu. An improved version of the Katon: Gokakyuu no Jutsu. Let me show you how it's done." He said as both of them walked to the bank of the Training ground lake. Naruto started to form a series of handsigns as Mirai looked at him attentively.
"Rat, Ox, Dog, Horse, Monkey, Boar, Tiger." Naruto said as he did the handsigns. Then, he inhaled some air through his mouth, subsequently mixing the Katon style with his chakra, converting into fire as he led out a massive stream of intense flames through his mouth, over the lake. The flames covered a huge area as Mirai stared at the flames in awe. The temperature rose to such an extent that the water in the lake started to evaporate. After a few seconds, the flames slowed down as Naruto inhaled a small amount of air and turned towards Mirai.
"Sensei, that was cool!"
"I know, Mirai."
"Will I be able to do it?" Mirai asked him as he put his hand on her head.
"This technique is hard and takes time to master, but I believe that you'll be able to do it perfectly. Even, it took me a week to do that, although I used 10 bunshins alongside, which shortened the time period."
"I see, Naruto-sensei. Can I also use a kage bunshin?"
"Yeah, but just one. Ok?"
"Ok sensei!" She beamed as she did the bunshin seal, creating a perfect shadow clone of her in the process.
Naruto looked up at the sky as he saw an eagle flying over his head.
'Guess I've been summoned by Kakashi-sensei….' He thought as he turned to Mirai.
"I've been summoned by Kakashi-sensei. I am leaving a kage bunshin with you, he'll help you with the jutsu." Naruto created a kage bunshin as he continued, "Work with the handseals, ok?"
"Sure, sensei." She said as she and her clone sat on the ground, practicing the seals as Naruto's clone stood behind them. Naruto huffed as he shunshined to the Hokage Towers.
HOKAGE TOWERS, KONOHAGAKURE
Kakashi was going through the paperwork provided by Shizune as he heard a small knock from the main door of the room.
"Come in." He instructed in a bored tone as the door opened and Naruto entered the room.
"You summoned me, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked him as Kakashi replied, "Yes, Naruto. I have a mission for you."
He took out a scroll from one of the drawers in the desk as he handed it to Naruto. Naruto opened the scroll as he started the go through the written contents.
"There have been reports of sightings of an inhuman creature around the towns and villages close to Yugakure. Reports of many people say that the creature apparently had three heads."
"Three heads?" Naruto questioned as he kept reading the scroll.
"Yes. Another report says that the creature even attacked a few people and one of them died during the incident."
"I see…" Naruto said as he closed the scroll and seals it.
"This is an A Rank Mission. You will go to Yugakure and nearby areas to investigate and find out about the creature. Since it's an investigation mission, there is no specific duration."
"I accept the mission." Naruto said as he put the scroll in his pouch. "Besides that, I have another request."
Kakashi raises his eyebrows, "What is it, Naruto?"
"I want my student, Sarutobi Mirai to accompany me during the mission. And she'll receive the paycheck for an A rank mission after the mission."
Kakashi though for a while as he replied, "Request accepted."
"Then, I'll take my leave." Naruto turned towards the door as Kakashi called him out, "Naruto, let me ask you something."
"Yeah?" He turned back as Kakashi asked, "Why don't you take a genin team. You have the potential to become a Jonin instructor. Yet, you are only teaching a single genin."
"Teaching a genin squad isn't my thing. Plus, I Kinda owe a lot to Asuma sensei, for teaching me various wind style jutsus, usage of chakra blades, even Shogi. So, trying to fulfill my debt by teaching Mirai. Also, she's serious about being a shinobi and has the will of fire, just like jiji and Asuma-sensei." Naruto replied as she walked out of the room as Kakashi huffed.
'My cute little students are all grown up now…..'
Naruto headed towards his home to pack his things. He created a shadow clone and sent it to the Training ground to inform Mirai about the mission. After a few minutes, he arrived at his family compound, which was handed to him by the council after he was promoted to a chunin, a few weeks after the war. He entered his house as he went straight for his room. He started packing the necessary things in a scroll. It took him around 20 minutes to complete his packing as he walked to the main door.
There was a flower pot on the entrance. It had a Carnation flower, a flower which represents love. It was gifted to him by his girlfriend Hinata, during their previous date.
'While I am away, I need someone to water this flower, or else, the petals will dry up…..Even Hinata is out for a long term mission…' Naruto thought as he took the pot in his hands. Then, the image of a certain blonde girl appeared on his mind.
'I think I know the perfect person…..'
YAMANAKA FLOWERS, KONOHA MARKET STREET
Ino Yamanaka had just completed watering the strawberry plants as she wiped a bit of sweat from her forehead. Suddenly, she heard the sound of footsteps from the shop entrance as she got up and walked to the place.
"Hell- It's you! Naruto!" Ino said as she smiled and greeted him.
"Afternoon, Ino." Naruto smiled as he entered the shop and stood in front of her.
"So, what's up?" Ino asked him as she looked at the packet Naruto was holding.
"Well…" he said as he placed the packet on the counter and took out the Carnation flower pot.
"Isn't that the flower Hinata gave you?" Ino asked as Naruto nodded.
"Yes, I'll be away from Konoha for a week or so. If you don't mind, can you take care of this flower for me?"
"I'd love to…" Ino beamed but her face fell slowly, "….but the fact is that, I won't be managing the shop for a few days and will be away."
"Where, Ino?"
"Well, it's a solo vacation. Y'know, after you left the part time work here, managing the shop has become quite hard for me. So, mom told me to take a few days off. I'll be going for a leisure trip to some Hot Springs Resort!" Ino replied.
"That's great, Ino. And I am sorry, I just want to focus on my student and Hinata. If I get the time, I'll join your shop again."
"I know, Naruto. Well, about the flower, I can ask my mother to take care of it, will it do?"
"Yeah Ino. It'll do. Thank you so much!" Naruto exclaimed as he held her hands slowly as she started to blush a little.
"I gotta go, Mirai's probably waiting for me at the gates. See ya!" Naruto said as she started to walk outside the shop.
"Take care, Naruto. And best of luck for your mission!"
"You too, Ino. Enjoy your vacation!" Naruto said as he left the shop and shunshined to the Village gates.
'Man, Hinata's lucky to have him….' Ino thought as she blushed at the thought of Naruto holding her hands a few moments ago.
'Well, I should complete the work since I need to do the packing.'
VILLAGE GATES, KONOHAGAKURE
Mirai stood at the entrance of the huge gates, waiting for Naruto. She was carrying a backpack on her back, although, she stored most of her belongings in her scrolls.
"Are you ready?" Mirai heard the voice of her sensei as she turned back to see Naruto walking towards her. In addition to the regular shinobi uniform which he was wearing during the morning training session, he wore a red colored cloak which had black flames in it. Along with that, he was carrying a huge scroll on his back.
"Is that the, sage cloak, Naruto-sensei." Mirai asked him as he replied, "Yes Mirai, it is." He smiled at her as he looked towards the road.
"It will take us a full day to reach Yugakure. It is 1pm now. We'll probably reach by 8 pm."
"Ok sensei."
"Let's start walking." He said as both of them started to walk outside Konoha, headed towards the path through the dense forests.
"Sensei, Yugakure is known for it's hot-springs right?"
"Yes Mirai. Not only Yugakure, the entire Yo no Kuni in known for its hot springs. Their economy is depended on tourism and the hot water."
"Hot water?" Mirai asked Naruto as he replied, "Hot water of Yo no Kuni has medicinal properties. I once went there after a fight with Tsunade-baa chan. She broke my bones in such a way that even, Kurama was having a hard time to heal them." He made a painful expression as he continued, "As I took a bath in the water, my bones started to heal quickly."
"That sound cool, sensei!" Mirai exclaimed as she did a quick jump of excitement while Naruto let out a small laugh.
"Ne, sensei. What kind of shinobis do they have?"
"Well, they do have shinobi but since Yugakure is a peace loving place, their shinobis are nearly non-functional. One of the main reasons why Konoha receives a lot of missions from Yugakure, although they have their own shinobis." Naruto explained as Mirai nodded.
Like that, Naruto and Mirai continued their journey as they discussed about various topics related to Yugakure.
9PM, GATES OF YUGAKURE, YO NO KUNI
Naruto and Mirai completed the paperwork at the gates as they entered the village. The place was bustling with activity, even it was night-time. There were lots of Hot spring resorts, various kinds of shops and eateries. The place was crowed more by tourists than the locals.
"Wow, this place seems to be bustling with tourists." Mirai said Naruto added, "Yeah. We'll be meeting the Daimyo now."
"Ok sensei." Mirai nodded as they walked through the village, enjoying the sights. After a few minutes, they reached the entrance of the Daimyo's palace. The secretary of the Daimyo received them at the main gate of the palace as she guided them to Daimyo's office.
"So, Konoha sent us 'The Hero of the Shinobi World' to assist us with the problems? I am grateful to the Hokage." The Daimyo said as Naruto smiled a bit.
"And who is this lady with you? Your daughter?" He asked as Mirai looked at Naruto in an embarrassed manner.
"No, Daimyo-sama. She's my apprentice. Mirai Sarutobi, grand-daughter of the third hokage." Naruto said.
"So, Konohagakure did sent us their bests to assist us." The Daimyo smiled as he called for his secretary.
"For the time of your stay in Yugakure, I have made arrangements for you two in our best onsen (Hot spring resort). My secretary will take you there."
"Thank you very much, Daimyo-sama." Naruto bowed at him as Mirai did the same.
"Tomorrow, two of our shinobis will be taking you to the sites where the creature was spotted." The Daimyo said as Naruto replied, "Okay, Daimyo-sama. We'll be taking our leave then." The Daimyo nodded as Naruto and Mirai left the office along with the secretary. She guided them through the bustling streets of Yugakure to the Onsen. It was a traditional Japanese style building with the Hot springs in the back.
"This seems so beautiful." Mirai said to herself as they entered the building. The owner of the onsen, along with a few staffs greeted Naruto and Mirai at the entrance as they guided them to their rooms.
"Only one room?" Naruto asked the owner as he replied, "Daimyo-sama told us to prepare the Kage room for you, Uzumaki-sama."
"Kage room?" Mirai asked as he replied, "Kage room is basically reserved for any visiting Kage."
"I see…" Naruto replied as he grinned a bit.
They entered the room as the owner showed them around the place, "There are three bedrooms, a meeting space, a dining space, washrooms and a garden. Also, there are private onsens for Kages."
"Well, I am not a kage yet. So, I'll prefer the Public onsen." Naruto smiled a bit.
"We have a personal assistant for you." The owner said as a girl stood forward. "She's Matsuri, and will look after your needs."
"Okay then." He said as all of them left the room slowly. Mirai looked around as all of a sudden, her stomach started making weird noises, implying that she's hungry.
"So, let us complete the dinner first?" Naruto asked her as she nodded, blushing in embarrassment.
"Matsuri, can you prepare a table for us at the restaurant?"
"Sure, Uzumaki-sama." She said as she left the room. Mirai went into one of the bedrooms to change her clothes as Naruto went to the other bedroom. A few minutes later, both of them came out from their rooms, wearing a pink and blue kimono respectively.
"Let us go to the restaurant."
"Hai, Naruto-sensei."
The restaurant of the hot spring resort was full of activities. Visitors were savoring the delicious cooked meals. Nearly all the tables were filled. Naruto entered the restaurant hall, followed by Mirai. He took a look around and saw Matsuri standing alongside an empty table, which seemed like it could accommodate four people.
Naruto and Mirai were walking to the table as he bumped into a woman. She was wearing a pink kimono, and had blonde hair which was let loose.
"I-I am sorry." Naruto said as the woman turned towards him.
"It's o- Wait, Naruto! Is that you?"
Naruto looked at her face as he instantly recognized her face.
"Ino?"
"It's Miss Ino!" Mirai exclaimed as she looked towards both of them.
"Naruto, aren't you supposed to be in a mission?" Ino asked him as he replied, "My mission is in Yugakure and during my time here, I'll be staying here. Wait, Ino. You are spending your vacation here, too?"
"That's correct." Ino said as she smiled. Mirai had already taken her seat in the table.
"Ino, why don't you have the dinner with us?" Naruto asked as she smiled, "Sure, Naruto!"
Both of them took the seat as Ino talked to Mirai while Naruto took a sip of water from his glass.
While Ino was talking to Naruto, Mirai noticed a certain someone who entered the restaurant hall. She had dark blonde hai, which were tied in two ponytails. On her back, she carried a huge battling fan.
"Naruto-sensei!" Mirai called him as Naruto and Ino looked towards her. She pointed her fingers at the woman as they took a quick glance.
"Is that….."
"…Temari?" Naruto finished the sentence. Coincidentally, Temari was looking around for some empty space as she saw Naruto, Mirai and Ino looking at her. She smiled as she walked towards them.
"Long time no see, Naruto." Naruto got up as they did a fist bump. "Ino, Mirai, how are you two doing?" She asked them as they replied with 'fine' and 'so so'.
"Temari, why don't you sit with us?" Naruto asked as Temari placed her battle fan on the ground, "I'd love to."
Four of them sat down to have dinner together. The waiter brought Sushi, Pork Barbecue, Lobsters and lots more exotic dishes for them. They ate the food as they gossiped about life.
"Temari-san, why weren't you escorted by anyone? You are the Kazekage's sister." Mirai asked as Temari replied, "Well, I am not on an official visit or any kind of mission. I am here for a vacation."
"You too?" Ino asked her as Temari nodded.
"Naruto, you are here to investigate about that creature? I heard Gaara talk about it." Temari asked Naruto as he replied with a nod.
"What do you think, this creature is." Ino asked as Naruto thought for a while.
"I honestly don't know. All the data I have is from just eye witnesses, which doesn't really give much info."
"Why don't you ask Kurama?" Mirai asked him as he smiled, "He's kinda tired so, he's sleeping now. I'll ask him about this later."
All of them chuckled as they continued eating the food.
After their dinner was over, all of them walked to the onsens.
"You must be tired after today's journey. Get a good soak, ok?" Naruto asked her as she nodded, "Yes, sensei!"
Mirai was accompanied by Ino and Temari to the female's onsen while Naruto went inside the male one. He took of his Kimono at the changing room and draped a towel around his waist as he entered the hot springs area. The main hot springs was divided in two parts by a tall wall made of wood, separating the male and females baths.
Naruto took of his towel as he entered the hot springs and took a seat, supporting his body against the boulders on the boundary of the spring.
It was a peaceful experience, he closed his eyes as he felt all the cells in his body rejuvenating slowly. But, the peace didn't last long as he heard a loud explosion sound. As he opened his eyes, he saw that there was smoke and dust everywhere, people were running here and there, and the wall between the male and female baths were destroyed.
'What the-' was the only thing that Naruto could think at that time.
-CHAPTER 1 END-
Will continue in Chapter 2: Secret Ability and Investigations
Justu Arsenal
Katon: Goka Messhitsu (Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction)
Katon: Gokakyuu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball technique)
Kage Bunshin: Shadow Clone