Chapter 15
Fool or Genius.
The sun was shining, birds singing in the sky, the air was peaceful, Konoha was living its hectic life. From afar, two travelers appeared on the horizon, one was a short boy with a mop of hair, named Naruto Uzumaki, the other was older and taller with raven wing colored hair, and his name was Shisui Uchiha. They were already not far from the gate, but they stopped a couple dozen meters away from the gate.
Ш... All right, Naru, you ready?
Н... Always ready!
Cheerfully the blond rambled away, applying henge, passing through the gate they were given a view of the village bustle. Wasting no time they dispersed to their homes to lay out their belongings at home and wash up from the road. Naruto was walking through the streets and decided to check his reputation had changed during his absence, he discreetly took off his henge as he walked down an alleyway and on his way out he stood in front of the people in his appearance. All he saw was ignoring, angry looks, arrogance, and sounds coming from these citizens.
... What the hell, did he come out of his hole?
... Demon, how dare he come here?
... Look - it's that boy, don't talk to him!
... Monster, I wish he'd get out of here.
Behind those words, he even noticed the vibration in the air from the tomato thrown in his direction. Naruto grabbed that tomato in mid-air and eyed the rotten vegetable. The blond man took a deep breath, throwing the tomato back, nothing had changed. He hoped that if he disappeared from the village for a while the villagers would start to forget him, but no miracle happened. Walking a little further he saw his apartment, jumping over the balcony into the apartment he was frowning at having to clean up. Not to be discouraged, he created a few clones and left it to them to clean up while he went to the shower to wash off all the dust he'd picked up on the way. After a shower, he went to a clean apartment and started unpacking, the rest of the clothes he threw in the washing machine, because cleanliness is everything! Leaving the apartment, he went to his forge to finally meet Yoshi san and show him his new development. When he arrived at the smithy he went down to the basement to greet the laborer who was working on his new design, and the sword his sensei had given him.
Н... Yo Grandpa Yoshi, I'm back!
Yoshi looked at his employee and was glad that his loneliness was over.
Й... Ooh, Naruto-kun, you've grown up! When did you get here?
Н... Just now!
Й... I see, well, what's your pleasure?
Н... Here!
Naruto handed the old man his wristbands and waited for the old man to appreciate his labor. But the old man himself began to consider this miracle accessory.
Й... Naruto kun, I noticed a ribbon weapon scroll here, but what does it do?
Н... Simply put one wristband on your hand and feed chakra by folding the yin seal with one hand.
The old man did as Naruto suggested and a shuriken appeared on his hand.
Й... Amazing, did you make them yourself?
Н... Yes! But I can't do it again, because this tape is not sold anywhere, and where it is sold is very far away and I can hardly go back there.
Й... Well, that's too bad, but I can see that the wristband itself is not simple either!
Н... Yes, it's a weighted wristband, we sell them, but they're just a size bigger and uncomfortable.
Yoshi threw back the wristbands and began to look around, indeed there was a change, but noticing the sword behind his holster.
Й... Naruto-kun, what's that behind your back?
Н... Oh, that's Tanto, a souvenir from the land of snow, given to us by a very nice man!
Naruto handed the old man a sword and he began to examine the weapon.
Й... Oh-ho-ho, it's a chakrometal! The sword itself is very well made too! Balance, sharpness, all done to perfection!
Naruto himself didn't know what it was.
Н... Chakrometal? What's this?
Й... Oh, yeah, that's right, we've been over this. Chakrometal is mined under the tree with the highest chakra concentration. You know that not only creatures have chakra, but also plants and trees. The tree infuses the rock with chakra through the roots, and after a few years, if there's iron there, it's mined and made into chakrometal weapons, well, or other accessories. Anyway, take this sword and infuse it with chakra.
Naruto took that sword back and fed chakra into the sword, the metal began to glow from the chakra. Naruto was even more thrilled with such a gift.
Н... Uh-oh, but what does it do?
Й... If the puppeteers come out against you, you can use this sword to cut the chakra threads through which they control.
Н... Cool! What am I doing here? You haven't fired me yet?
Й... No, of course, Hiruzen told me all about your seal problem. I've been taking vacations to stretch my old bones myself!
Naruto smiled at this turn of events.
Н... Thank you, Grandpa Yoshi. Well, there's still time till tonight, so what can I do for you?
Й... Pour the lime into the clay, now we'll start making shurikens.
Naruto stayed with the old man to pass the time, as well as help forge weapons.
Shisui, after arranging to meet the third night, went to his clan. He himself admitted that he missed this village, although he liked the snow in the village, but as they say in a guest is good, but at home is better. He walked into the clan grounds and spotted his old best friend named Itachi at the entrance. Itachi looked older than twelve year olds, his hair was the same color as Shisui's hair color, but the hair from the sides of his face reached up to his neck and there was a braid at the back of his head. Itachi himself was dressed in a blue collar t-shirt, white pants tied with batting over blue sandals. Itachi graduated from the academies at the age of seven, and became a chunin at the age of eleven, and at this point he is currently on the same missions as the rest of the chunin. Itachi hadn't seen his friend in a long time, or if he had, it was only in passing. He of course realized that Shisui had to leave the village for a long period of time to join the third and help quell the rebellion. But when he came back, almost nothing had changed, even though they saw each other and practiced, he was still going off somewhere on his own. But the biggest oddity is that Shisui left the village saying he was going on a mission, he thought he was alienating not only him but the clan as well. And now that Shisui was back, Itachi decided to take him out.
И... Shisui, you're back.
Ш... Itachi!
И... How's the mission?
Ш... Successful!
Itachi spotted a long sword from his friend's back.
И... Talk to you in an hour at our clearing?
Ш... All right!
They went off in different directions, Itachi going straight to the clearing to prepare questions, and prepare for any answers. Shisui, upon arriving at his house, decided to start by wiping off all the dust and berated himself for not laying out oilcloths everywhere. After scrubbing it to a shine, I went to my room to take a shower, and afterward, I laid out all my stuff and threw my clothes in the washer. After getting dressed he went to the clearing to talk to Itachi. Because of Naruto, he couldn't give all the details since Itachi was the son of the clan head, who was best friends with the fourth Hokage. When he came to the clearing, he stood next to Itachi and began to gaze at the beauty of the local fauna.
И... Shisui, this is going to be a serious conversation, so please don't run away from the questions!
Shisui, took a deep breath in frustration, he knew roughly what the questions would be.
Ш... All right!
И... What's going on? Why do you keep disappearing? I realize that the third one has patronized you in your time, but still, you're an Uchiha and the fact that you're drifting away from us bothers me.
Ш... Itachi, I can't tell you what's going on yet.
Itachi dreaded that answer, but decided to stand his ground.
И... Is this the kind of secret you can't share with your best friend?
Ш... Itachi, I promise I'll tell you soon.
И... You got a problem?
Ш... No!
И... Then why did you disappear for seven months?
Shisui decided to go from defense to attack, yes it's mean, but now is not the time to think about it.
Ш... Now you understand how Sasuke feels when you disappear for weeks on end.
This was a low blow for Itachi, pressuring him with Sasuke's help was the height of meanness.
И... Shisui you're out of line, Sasuke is my little brother and to use him for a rebuke...
Shisui couldn't bear such a rebuke.
Ш... Itachi, I know what Sasuke means to you, because I have a younger brother too...
Shisui bit his tongue from having said too much.
И... Little brother?
Shisui started to get nervous from this situation and began to mumble.
Ш... Yeah, you're younger than me and you're my best friend, so I consider you a little brother too.
И... Also?
Shisui was aghast at his verbalizations, in the time he had spent with the Uzumaki clan he had become more open-minded.
Ш... Well, I thought you thought I was your brother, too.
И... I'm counting!
Shisui sighed quietly at the fact that the ruse had worked, but he should still be more careful from now on.
И... By the way, what was that sword you had on your back, I thought you only wore a tanto.
Ш.. Oh, you mean that sword? So it's a souvenir from the mission.
И.. What's with the cuffs? It's pretty complicated.
Ш... It's also a souvenir.
Shisui berated himself internally for forgetting to take them off.
И... Uh, okay.
Shisui still had plenty of time before the evening, so he decided to pass the time in such a pastime.
Ш... Itachi, how about we practice?
И... I don't mind.
Itachi, of course, didn't believe such childish babble, and for himself decided to find out what was really going on. In the meantime, we need to make the most of our time.
In the evening, Shisui and Naruto came to the Sarutobi clan to report for the trip. Entering Hiruzen's house, they bowed and sat down beside the old man.
Х... So, kids, how was your trip?
Ш... Pretty fruitful!
Н... Great trip, look what we brought back for you Gramps!
Shisui pulled a box from the bag and handed it to the old man. And when Hiruzen opened the box, he took out a smoking pipe with tobacco from there.
Ш... Itama herself said you'd like it.
Н... Yeah, grandpa turns out he likes to smoke, too!
Х... Well, let's give it a try!
Hiruzen lit the tobacco with the fire element, took a deep breath, and exhaled.
Х... What can I say this year their harvest was very good.
Н... Grandpa, how can you like the smell of that smoke.
Х... Naru, you're too young to understand these things. By the way, you have to go to the academy in a month, in case you forgot.
Н... Oh-oh right, I gotta get ready!
Ш... What's there to prepare, you go buy yourself some notebooks and pens and that's it!
Naruto pouted his lips at his thoughts.
Н... It's kind of funny, I've done B and C rank assignments with you, and yet I have to learn all over again.
Shisui ruffled the child's hair.
Н... It's okay Naru, think of it as endurance training.
Х... Naru, when it's the weekend, you can go on missions with Shisui.
Н... Something to be happy about! By the way, is Konohomaru here? I haven't seen him in a long time.
Х.. Yeah, he's playing in his room.
Naruto went to Konohamaru's room, but Hiruzen and Shisui stayed behind to discuss business.
Ш... Third, you're the one who suggested further cooperation, right?
Х... No more like mutual, I need to keep in touch with him since we rarely send our ninjas to the land of snow. Due to the complexity of the conspiracy, sometimes some emails don't get through. But I hope you don't mind seeing Itama's daughter again?
Shisui blushed at this confusion, but the third one was sneering as best he could.
Ш... How do you know?
Х... Because Itama consulted with me about how you'd have your head off if you dared to offend her, though the girl herself had never been timid.
Shisui waved in protest.
Ш... Third, I never...
Х... Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho, eh young people... Okay, every once in a while I'll send you to snow country.
Ш... Uh, okay. By the way, I was wondering what group Naruto was assigned to?
Х... Grade A.
Shisui made an incredulous face.
Ш... Strange, I thought he'd be assigned to the clanless with his reputation.
Х.. That was decided a long time ago. Everyone on the council wants Naruto to be friends with the clansmen, but at least know who to protect.
Shisui began to boil from the inside out.
Ш... What kind of village is this, deciding for the kids what's best for them?
Х... That's the village we're in.
They were left to reminisce some more about what had happened on the trip. Naruto, on the other hand, was sitting with a little black haired boy named Konohomaru and playing toys with him so he wouldn't get bored.
К... Brother Naruto, why didn't you come for so long?
Н... I'm sorry, Konohomaru, I've been very busy preparing for the academy.
К... To the academy? Why would you want to go there.
Н... To become a ninja!
К... Ninjas?
Н... Yeah, you can be a ninja when you grow up, too.
The brunet's eyes lit up at the possibility.
К... Yes, Brother Naruto, I will become a ninja!
Н... I believe you! Now, do you want me to tell you a story?
К... Of course I do.
Naruto decided to talk about his travels, but with names changed.
The attack on the academy was approaching, Naruto had been practicing during this time and was already able to use chakewave, little by little, in combat. After purchasing all of his academic supplies, the next morning wearing his green t-shirt, orange vest, black breeches, and blue sandals, he stood behind everyone on the playground with the rest of the parents and kids. During the time of his arrival, the parents began composting the children's brains so that they wouldn't be friends with the jinchuriki. He was even a little late, as he didn't want to stand so long among the parents of these children.
When everyone started to enter, he followed his classmates. When he got to the auditorium in 301 he saw a crowd of kids who turned their heads in his direction, started looking around strangely and bantering amongst themselves. Sitting down at the last desk he began to reason to himself.
Н... So what do I have? Well-lit classroom, low desks. A bunch of kids who are afraid to even look at me, well, at least I'll have to change the way I see myself. I'm gonna play dumb so at least they don't jump away from me. Let them think I'm a dumb vegetable, better that than a demon. Let's see who I'll be studying with, it's weird, a lot of people here are from the clan. Oh, it's Hinata, why is she looking at me so weird, I guess she's been brainwashed about how bad I am too. Come on, what's next? Oh my goodness my underpants, what a terrible thing happened to her hair. I'm not the judge though, the pink stripes hmm looks like she dyes them or not, the mark on her back is some unknown, looks like she's clanless or just a very powerful family. Okay, let's move on, there's a cute kid with black hair and an Uchiha clan insignia on his back, whoa, everyone's looking at him so much it's creepy. Brrrrr, I remember how those girls at the snow village academy used to look at me. Okay, let's move on, some boy, ew, his chakra smells like dog, dattebayo! Looks like that brunette with the beastly grin is from the Inuzuka clan, we should take note to avoid their clan a mile away. Oh, it's a native of the Aburame clan. Let's see what kind of chakra you have.
At which point he almost threw up his breakfast.
Н... That's rough! It would have been better to keep the insects in a container, but why keep them in his body, and they're eating his chakra, it seems they're so silent because they're constantly sick. So onward, a large-sized baby on the back is a sign of the Akimichi clan, I though I like to eat, but not to the extent of this fatty. So onward, blonde Yamanaka, hopefully out of my head. Wait, that guy with the pineapple head has been sitting at my desk for a long time, or rather sleeping, although if you feel- Duttebayo, yeah this pineapple guy is not asleep, he's just examining me and this activity in my brain. He seems to be chakraing his brain, and apparently he's not doing it consciously, okay I'll make contact!
Naruto started braking the guy, he started mumbling lazily.
Ш... Oh, what's wrong with you?
Н... What are you doing? He came in, sat down and immediately started examining me while pretending to be asleep. You know, it's not polite, uh.
Ш... How stressful, okay, my name is Shikamaru Nara.
Н... Naruto Uzumaki, so why were you examining me?
Ш... I just wanted to check out the rumors about you.
Н... Did you check?
Ш... Yeah, the image of a maniac and a serial killer kind of fits with you.
Naruto recognized the things people told their children about him, but still who exactly told him that.
Н... And from whom did you hear this rumor?
Ш... The whole village is talking about it, my father told me to believe only the facts.
This was bad, if Shikamaru's father and himself found out that Naruto wasn't such a slacker then everything would go down the drain.
Н... Well you know I heard from people yesterday that Rikudo-senin came over a week ago and gave everyone pantaloons.
Shikamaru snorted at such heresy.
Ш... What the hell did you just say to me?
Н... Bullshit is bullshit, but rumors do spread. Well, we're going to wait for the teacher anyway, so let's go to sleep.
Both fell asleep at once so as not to waste any time. At one moment all the children fell silent, the curator of this group entered the classroom and stood in the middle and signaled for everyone to sit down.
И... Now, children, my name is Iruka Umino, and I am the supervisor of your group until you all become genin. About myself, love ramen, hot springs, don't like pranksters and naughty people, by sign of fish, aim to protect the village. Since today is the first day, today is the day for all of us to get to know each other.
At this point he began to call the students one by one and they told about themselves. From this narration Naruto realized that Hinata was the daughter of the head of the Hyuga, taijutsu was well mastered, but her shyness left much to be desired. He is the second son of the head of the Uchiha clan, he is well trained in the clan and even knows fire techniques, but his arrogance and indifference to the others overrides all his achievements, it was clear from his look that everyone here is trash to him, Naruto decided to stay away from him. Next comes that pink haired girl named Sakura, Naruto was right that she is a clanless, characteristically insecure and complex girl. Dogman Kiba of the Inuzuka clan is also the son of the head, and is bully and stubborn by nature. Shino the son of the head of the Aburame clan proves to be more cold-blooded, but his manner of speaking twists his image of a normal person. Fatty Chouji turned out to have a more cheerful and kind character, but voraciousness is more of a plus than a minus. Ino Yamanaka is the princess of her clan, her character has a touch of arrogance, stubbornness, but the fact that she is friends with the clanless Sakura, gave Naruto the idea that she is not so bad. The penultimate one was his roommate, Nara Shikamaru, who was in his own repertoire, the only thing everyone heard was that he was lazy. What was remarkable was that all the heirs of their clansmen were here. Now it was time for Naruto to come on stage, Iruka even wrinkled his nose at his name, Naruto noticed this and decided to teach his teacher a lesson by not living up to his opinion of himself.
Н... My name is Naruto Uzumaki six years old, soon to be seven, I love ramen, I don't like having to wait for ramen to brew, the goal is to try all kinds of ramen in the world, the dream is to get a two-story portion of ramen.
Everyone laughed after this rant, and Naruto even felt like bowing because of his statement, but Iruka's gesture of silence let everyone know to shut up. As he walked past the desks he heard comments to himself about what an idiot he was. Iruka on the contrary was surprised by the blonde's character, but catching flashbacks of the nine-tailed man immediately pulled himself together. Today was introductions day, so everyone went home after familiarizing themselves with the learning process. Naruto went to his blacksmith's shop to get some exercise before the day's work, but when he got to the forge, Shisui was already practicing throwing shurikens. Naruto, standing next to him as well, began practicing throwing the ironclad.
Ш... How was your first day?
Н... You know, it's not bad, but it doesn't change the situation, my peers think I'm an idiot and a mediocrity, and my teacher silently hates me.
At the last word, he threw the kunai with such force that it stuck to the hilt. Shisui understood what his younger brother was going through and decided to be supportive.
Ш... Don't be timid Naru, you've defeated so many enemies, are you really going to be broken by your own peers.
Naruto sighed in frustration.
Н... If it were only that... I'm going to have to learn it all over again, I feel like, indeed, an idiot from such a gig that will last until I graduate.
Ш... I understand, but you don't give them a reason to be weak...
Н... Uh, what else? I'll show them how stubborn I am.
Ш... That's the Naruto I know, well I should get going, if you need the notes, I can give them to you, I haven't thrown them out since the genin days.
Н... You shouldn't, because a ninja is supposed to be stealthy, which means he shouldn't show off his skills.
Ш... Whatever you say.
Shisui was glad that Naruto understood his situation, but still such a gig was too absurd even for him. After practicing, they split up. Naruto made an arrangement with Yoshi to come over after the academy and work. Naruto started going to the academy and periodically started falling asleep there out of boredom. The first month for them was like repetition of reading and spelling knowledge, and some even got help with their studies, but Naruto tended to be ignored. Naruto was even glad he was considered inept for the reason that no one would question him, which meant no one would yank him when he was sleeping. His daily routine was as follows: in the morning he would go to the academy and in the afternoon he would go to work in the forge, and there he would train with the help of clones.
It had been more than three months in that time he had managed to celebrate both his birthday and Shisui's birthday. Naruto didn't want to get beaten up, but he didn't want to ruin his image as the village idiot, so he had to refuse sparring right away. Shisui had already managed to run off to the land of snow for another mission in the meantime.
On one of the missions with Shisui, where they had already defeated the bandits and started to tie them up, Naruto whined that he wasn't allowed to go to the front of the line, but was just being kept behind to watch his back. He wanted to beat the hell out of his opponents himself.
Н... Brother Shisui, please let me go with you to beat up bandits next time! I'm sick of standing on the sidelines and doing nothing but throwing shuriken and spitting fire, did I learn taijutsu for nothing?
Ш... Naru, it's dangerous!
Н... But I've been on so many missions with you, I can't feel my hands anymore, soon these irons will be attached to my hands.
Shisui was very nervous about letting Naruto go forward, but still decided to give a little incentive.
Ш... Naru, I agree!
Н... Yay thanks brother Shisui.
Shisui raised his index finger upwards.
Ш... But, after my exam!
Н... What, what exam?
Ш... This is a very interesting exam, but I'll tell you right away, you're going to have to beat me!
Н... What-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o, Shisui can do without an exam? Can we make a deal?
Ш... No, sneaky little brother. I don't want to risk you, and for that I need to see if you can fight alongside me in the vanguard.
Н... Okay, when do we do it?
Ш.. In two weeks!
Н... What's taking so long?
Shisui rubbed the blond's head.
Ш... So you can prepare yourself, because you'll have to use everything you know against me, and also don't hold back in any way. Remember how our sensei Takeshi gave me my exam?
Naruto looked at him skeptically.
Н... And how do you forget something like that... After all, he was the one who beat you so badly that Akemi San had to drag you back from the dead.
Shisui wrinkled his nose at the memory of the mauling, for Takeshi had indeed given Shisui such an exam when it came to showing desperation and willingness to go all the way. Takeshi didn't hold back then, Shisui then had to use Susanoo who was shattering from powerful lightning techniques. Shisui was hospitalized then, but he still showed his character. Takeshi then had to carry bags of oranges to the hospital. But remembering the way Akemi had cared for him, immediately came to love those memories.
Ш... Don't be afraid Naru, I'm not a fiend like Takeshi sensei.
There was an idea going through Naruto's mind.
Н... Okay brother, but from now on we must not see each other, I want to prepare a battle plan.
Ш... Okay Naru, I'll see you in two weeks.
They separated and went about their business. Naruto decided to prepare thoroughly, because Shisui couldn't just be defeated, even if you were a three times genin and a three times genius. Especially since he was trained by some of the strongest men in the world like Hiruzen, Takeshi. Naruto decided to send his clone to the academy from now on, he was just messing around anyway. He went to his kitchen to prepare a battle plan. Naruto knew Shisui very well, but even knowing his weaknesses wouldn't help him win. He was depressed that the chances of winning were exactly zero, but he still decided to give it a try. In these two weeks, he had decided to finally wear himself out. Thinking up different strategies, coming up with new techniques, generally doing everything he hadn't done before. The clones helped him a lot with that, by the way. He has a fight tomorrow after the academy and he's more or less ready, in his opinion.
Shisui has been running from Itachi's questioning for the past two weeks, but today he was out of luck as Itachi caught up with him and forced him to take the fight, if defeated Shisui will tell the truth. But it didn't happen and Itachi crouched down on one knee from losing a lot of chakra. Shisui, on the other hand, stood cheerfully and shook his head.
Ш... Itachi, you're not going to settle down, are you?
Itachi stood up through the force, his legs barely standing.
И... No, I'm worried about you.
Shisui sighed in frustration.
Ш... All right, come back tomorrow at two o'clock at range number 14, but I'll tell you right away, everything you see there will stay between us, okay?
И... All right!
Just then, Sasuke ran up to them with a cheerful attitude.
С... Brother, what were you discussing in there, please tell me please tell me.
И... Ototo, why aren't you at the academy?
С... It's the end of class.
Ш... Oh, Sake, you've grown up, how are things going at the academy?
С... All right, I'm the best there is!
Ш.. Oh, really? Congratulations... How were the lessons?
С... Lessons went well, but that inept Naruto refused to fight me again! I have to show that the Uchiha clan is the best. I've already beaten everyone there, but that coward Naruto's running away from me.
Shisui wondered if Naruto needed some activity, or if this continued, there would be no rest from such a spoiled Sasuke. Sasuke himself stood just as giddy looking around and noticed that there was a hell of a massacre going on.
С... Say, you fought Itachi, didn't you win?
Itachi didn't dare to answer that, as he didn't want to fall in his little brother's eyes. Shisui joined in his place.
Ш... Tell Sasuke who's stronger than me or Itachi?
С... Shisui, you may be strong, but you're no match for Itachi. He was already a genin when he was seven and a year ago he was already a chunin.
Ш... Sasuke, but I'm a jonin!
С... So what? Still, my big brother is the best!
Shisui looked at Itachi with a downcast look, while Itachi himself stood with a snide smile. But Shisui is not upset as he has someone to support on the palm issue. Afterward, the whole company went home.
Itachi, after sending Sasuke to bed, decided to take an evening stroll around Konoha. But here a tired Naruto was walking by not far away after training and work. Itachi noticed him and curiosity surged within him and decided to follow him. He wondered about what the jinchuriki was doing late at night. Naruto rounded the corner while Itachi waited on the other side of the exit. But from around the corner came another guy with black hair and a little taller. Itachi was confused, after all, he hadn't been here before, so... He checked this boy with his sharingan and was shocked to see that it was Naruto walking under the henge. After all, henge won't be taught until the third year of study. And especially Sasuke saying that Naruto is a mediocrity and can't even write well, and here he's skipping under a henge. But then Naruto jumped into his apartment through the balcony and took off his henge. Itachi looked over to where Naruto was, the window of this apartment was very hard to trace. But as he climbed the tree, he began to observe what he had left behind in this apartment. After all, the jinchuriki is rumored to live outside the city. He turned on the sharingan to get a better look at Naruto. He was already changing his clothes when suddenly Naruto opened the window and threw an apple at Itachi and started yelling.
Н... Get out of here, you pervert!
This was a disaster, Itachi was exposed and to prevent Naruto from telling anyone, he had to erase his memory, but the genjutsu didn't work and Itachi started to panic, but another apple flew in from a different trajectory.
Н... I said get out of here, you pervert, or I'll call the police!
Itachi decided not to take any chances, because if his father found out that he had been following the jinchuriki and that the police would nail him as a pervert, there would be trouble. Itachi had many questions, why did the academy freshman know henge, why did he notice it, how did he throw the apple so that it hit him from the side, and finally why didn't the sharingan work on him! Eating the apple he had grabbed from Naruto, he decided for himself to go to the academy tomorrow and follow the jinchuriki, preferably unnoticed. Naruto himself was thinking about the fact that he might be exposed, and to do that he needed to talk to Shisui to deal with his fellow clanmate. The next morning, Naruto sent the clone off to the academy, and decided to get a good night's sleep to be awake for the fight.
Itachi got up early to get to the academy in time to take Sasuke there. Upon arriving at the academy, he spotted Naruto, and Naruto himself glanced unkindly at Itachi.
С... Dobe, will you fight me tonight or will you run away like a coward again?
Н... Teme, I'm sorry, but no, you're too strong for me to beat you in life!
Itachi stood and listened out of the altercation without saying a word, he didn't know yet that Naruto could recognize him by his chakra.
С... I'm a member of the strongest clan in Konoha, and I have to prove that I'm the best in my class.
Naruto decided to change the subject so he could get away from such a pointless but competitive game.
Н... Sasuke, did you sleep well last night?
С... What are you talking about?
Н... There's a perverted maniac in Konoha, I sent one away yesterday, I think he went to your place yesterday!
С... What the hell are you talking about? There is no maniac in Konoha, and if there is, my brother will deal with him.
Itachi was trying to fall through the ground at this time, for Naruto recognized him.
Н... I sure hope so!
The kids went to their class and Itachi decided to watch Naruto from the rooftop next door. Naruto lay on the desk and made no movement. Itachi would have fallen asleep himself if he hadn't gotten a note from the blond man.
Н... Stop following me, you pervert.
Itachi thought he had lost his concentration and Naruto had noticed him now, so he decided to be wary.
When shuriken throwing practice began, Sasuke hit all four out of five. When Naruto started to come out, Itachi decided to move shunshin to a tree he watched Naruto ineptly grab for shurikens and then said to the teacher.
Н... Iruka sensei, this is my first time throwing shuriken, so please don't be so strict!
И... Naruto, everyone starts at the first time, so quit.
Iruka also hated Naruto, but in order not to seem like a moral freak to the kids, he decided to play the role of a good teacher for Naruto for a bit.
Naruto himself took the shurikens between the fingers of each hand and then squeezed his eyes shut and threw them behind his back from both sides. Everyone thought that Naruto didn't know how to throw shuriken, because those shuriken didn't even fly towards the target. Itachi was not laughing as these two shurikens flew from both sides in an arc towards him and in the air the shurikens ricocheted off and flew straight at Itachi's head, who caught one of the shurikens but didn't notice the second one and it scratched his temple. Itachi realized that these irons were addressed to him. Naruto stood grinning stupidly, but Iruka stood shaking his head.
И... Naruto shurikens don't seem to be your thing.
Н... Sorry, I told you this is the first time I've thrown them, I'll get them together.
Naruto began collecting shurikens, after collecting the third he discreetly washed off the blood and looked up at the tree, signaling for Itachi to give him the shuriken. Itachi himself was shocked by this throw and even forgot that the shuriken he had caught was in his hand. Quickly throwing the iron back to Naruto, he waited to see what would happen next.
Н... There's a squirrel in the tree. You guys want to see it?
Itachi was ready to kill the jinchuriki for all his failed actions and without thinking for a long time, shunshinom moved into the bushes, promising himself that after school he would take Naruto to a secluded place and question him, and at the same time put these thoughts out of his head, as he really looked like a maniac.
The sparring began, everyone gathered around and started taking turns fighting each other. It was Sasuke's turn and he immediately approached the blond man.
С... Come on, it's just us!
Н... No, I'm sorry, can't make it tonight?
С... And why is that?
Н... Today Venus is in Cancer, which means it's an unfavorable day for Libra to fight.
Itachi even snorted at that excuse and remembered that Shisui was also a scale and thought about challenging him to a fight again to make up for yesterday's defeat.
С... I don't care about your horoscope. I'm a lion, I can do anything.
Н... I don't recommend it, I read that for lions you should not look for quarrels, as because of this they can have problems in the family and especially with siblings.
Sasuke grabbed the blond man's collar
С... Just hang in there with me.
Н... Iruka Sensei, Sasuke has rabies, help me out.
Iruka walked over to them and pulled them apart.
И... What's going on here?
Н... Iruka sensei I told Sasuke that my horoscope says I can't fight, and he won't accept my situation.
С... He's just trying to get out of it.
Iruka scowled inwardly.
И... Everybody go home!
Itachi was already chuckling inwardly at such an original altercation, but he hadn't forgotten his goal. Naruto sat on the bench and waited for everyone to leave so that he could get away. Itachi had already started to walk out, but no such fate, Sasuke walked up to the blond man.
С... Come on, let's get up and fight. No one can stop us now.
Н... Teme, how about we never fight sometime?
Sasuke began to beast inside.
С... Look, either you fight me now or I beat you up.
Н... Can a friend call or hall help?
С... I'll kill you!
Sasuke sprinted over to Naruto who was quickly climbing up a tree.
С... Come down here and treat me like a man!
Н... Look, it's not like I'm asking you to fight me in a tree here, so cool it with your far from tempting offer!
С... Oh, you-you-you-you-you!
Sasuke began to climb the tree.
Н... Oh shit, look, there's a big snake and it's gonna eat a man.
С... Where?
Sasuke turned to look and Naruto fluttered away.
С... You asshole, I'll find you and I'll kill you!
He wasn't the only one angry at this time, Itachi was behind a bush berating himself for being stupid for following the clone for all six hours. Itachi looked at the time and was shocked that he had forgotten about his meeting with Shisui. Quickly jumping through the trees he tried to catch up on the time he had wasted. When he got to the clearing he went into the bushes again, for Shisui had warned him that the meeting would be secret. Looking around the clearing he noticed the blond man standing still, and then he pulled out a stack of kunai with fishing line threaded between the holes. Grabbing both ends of the fishing line, he began to twist the kunai and as the kunai straightened in the air, he abruptly pulled the fishing line away and while the kunai were in the air he began to hit them by the ends of the handle to make them fly forward and while they were flying in the air, Naruto himself jumped up in the air upside down and began to shoot the kunai from his wristbands, changing the trajectories of each other and when Naruto landed, all the kunai were in the targets. Itachi himself practiced this technique with kunaiami all the time, but to think that a seven year old boy not only repeated his trick, but even improved upon it. From the other end of the range a man began to approach clapping his hands and as he approached Naruto, Itachi recognized him as his best friend.
Ш... Bravo, bravo, Naru, you must be really prepared to throw kunai like that.
Н... You bet!
Ш... Which pervert were you talking about, by the way? Is he from my clan?
Н... Yeah, and he looks a lot like Sasuke's asshole, he's been following my clone I sent to the academy all day today.
Ш... Hahaha, I wish I could see that pervert's face!
Н... No problem, he's sitting in a bush ten meters away from us.
Itachi had nothing to do since he had already been exposed more than once. He walked up the gray clearing toward the boys.
И... So that's who you wanted to tell me about.
Ш... Yes!
Н... What, you two know each other?
И... Yes we do, and my name is Itachi, not pervert!
Н... You shouldn't have followed me! Brother Shisui, so you meant him when you said there'll be one spectator today.
Itachi was knocked out by the fact that Shisui had known the jinchuriki for a long time and now he realized where he had been disappearing to all these years.
Ш... Yes, that's him! And actually Naru, you need to apologize to him, you've called him a pervert so many times.
He looked reproachfully at the blond...
Н... All right!
Naruto turned to face Itachi and began to bow.
Н... Itachi san, I apologize for calling you a pervert yesterday and throwing two apples at you that you probably ate on the way out. I apologize for burning you in a tree today and throwing a shuriken that scratched your temple.
Shisui tried to restrain himself from laughing, but Itachi was redder than a cloud.
И... Okay, I'm sorry I followed you.
They both extended a sign of forgiveness to each other and Shisui separated them.
Ш... Okay, Naru, are you ready to do battle with me today?
Н... Of course I'm ready!
И... Naruto kun, weren't you the one who said today that it's not an auspicious day for scales to fight? After all, Shisui is also a Libra.
Н... Ah, well it's like math, minus on minus gives you a plus, so it's okay for us scales!
Ш... Yes, Itachi, we're allowed.
Н... Shisui, when do we start and why do you need that bell?
Shisui twirled the bell on his finger.
Ш... It's an old leaf tradition, usually tested by the geninamen, but today is a different case. Your job is to take those bells away, any way you can! You have to make it before the alarm clock rings.
Н... And then I won?
Ш... Yes!
Н... All right, I'm ready.
Ш... Itachi, please wait for us at those pillars behind you, Naru has been preparing for this fight for two weeks.
Itachi himself wondered what the most useless student in the academy was capable of. Shisui and Naruto stood in front of each other.
Ш... Go ahead.
Naruto made one clone and with it ran zigzagging at his opponent. When there was only one meter left of Shisui, the original and the clone made a slip in front of each other and attacked Shisui from different sides. The original and the clone combined their attacks and diverted each other collectively from the brunet's attack as well. But at one point Naruto touched the bell with his finger, but did not succeed as he received a knee strike to the stomach at that moment. Naruto beckoned to the clones that were in the tree above and began throwing kunai at his opponent. Shisui playfully evaded the attack and just as easily destroyed them all by throwing shurikens from his wristbands. Naruto stood unmoving and stared into Shisui's eyes.
Ш... The plan was good, but is that really all there is to it?
Naruto ran again, pulling out a kunai, but when there was only a meter left he disappeared and a clone and the original appeared on both sides and crossed kunai with Shisui who had just managed to pull out from his wristbands. Naruto and the clone smirked and began their attack circling around their opponent crossing kunai attacks, blowing sparks on impact. Naruto tried to move quickly but at one point the clone slowed and Shisui kicked at his arm and the kunai flew upwards out of his hand and without wasting time he grabbed the clone by the collar with his left hand tried to hit it with his right but the original at this time disabled his arm in an armbar hold. Shisui looked at the original, but the clone at the same time pushed off his knees and kicked a flying downward kunai that scratched his neck. Shisui looked at the clone this time, while the original was catching the kunai that scratched his cheek in mid-air and trying to unhook the bells with that kunai. Shisui got tired of this dancing and threw the clone and the original in different directions. The clone immediately dispelled, but the original landed on his feet, but noticed the shurikens flying at him and repelled them with his shurikens. The opponents smiled at each other and began throwing shuriken throwing them in the air, none of the shuriken had hit the target yet, but were just kicking or punching away. In an instant, Naruto threw two by two pairs of shuriken in an arc and they flew past Shisui upwards, and Naruto shouted out at the same time.
Shuriken shadow cloning!
Shisui thought "what the hell?" After all Naruto used the shuriken technique but not throwing them, but at one point he noticed a fishing line in the air and Naruto pulled that fishing line towards him. Shisui looked back and was shocked at such a tricky trick, there was a cloud of shurikens flying at him in the sky. Shisui didn't wise up and just ran to the side, but the shurikens on the fishing line were still chasing the brunet and he jumped up. As he landed he folded the seal.
Ш... Cato fireball!
Naruto folded his seal in response as well.
Н... Suiton water balloon!
The two techniques met together and began to measure power, but a vapor formed and from that vapor two clones emerged and began to attack Shisui. The original simply walked past him, on the way throwing pepper smoke at Shisui's feet, which began to spread. Shisui with the help of his sharingan, it was easy to fight in the smoke from the techniques, but he didn't notice the pepper smoke. Shisui screamed with pain in his eyes.
Ш... What the hell is that stuff?
Н... It's from the joke store.
Naruto pulled a stack of kunai with fishing line from his armband and did the same trick before the fight, all the kunai were nailed and the clones were recalled and two by two pairs of shurikens flew at Shisui in an arc. Shisui jumped back from them, but the shurikens ricocheted off and one flew straight for his head, while the other cut the rope that held the shuriken. Shisui saw the bell on the ground and decided to immediately grab it with his hand, but that hand got caught in the fishing line and Naruto started to lift other fishing lines to completely envelop and immobilize Shisui's body. This was Naruto's chance Naruto ran straight for the bell and was about to grab it, but was stopped by a grab for both hands. Turns out Shisui had managed to free his hands from the grip, but the rest of his body was immobilized. Naruto tried to reach the bell, pushing as hard as he could, but those three centimeters to the bells were out of reach. It had been over three minutes, risking both, but at that moment the alarm clock rang and Naruto collapsed from helplessness it was obvious that Shisui was holding back his strength as best he could, but he needed to test Naruto's character. Shisui freed himself from the fishing line, picked up Naruto and dragged him towards the pillars. Laying Naruto down near the pillars, Shisui began searching for water and washing the pepper gas residue from his eyes.
Itachi was shocked to see such a tough battle.
Ш... Damn pepper gas, almost lost my eyes. I gotta go to that joke store today and throw out the pepper spray.
И... Yeah, that's a problem...
The pepper was indeed unbearable to the eyes, but now Itachi had questions about something else as well.
И... Did you teach him all that?
Ш... Some by me, some taught together...
И... I see... From the looks of you, today really is a no-fight day for Libra.
Ш... Ha-ha-ha. Tell me you believe in those horoscopes... I've done it myself before, and Naruto's picked up on it.
И... Id.
At that moment Naruto woke up and looked at the result of his actions, his clothes were torn but the cut on Shisui's cheek was pleasing to the eye.
Н... I lost.
Ш... Don't tell me, what you did today, you really prepared well... The pepper smoke was unnecessary, though.
Shisui gave the blond man a light shove.
Ш.. All in all, not bad. I'm even willing to settle for you catching the troop that was going to take the message yourself.
Naruto glowed with happiness.
Н... Oh, really?
Ш... Really, just be sure to set the traps.
Н... I already put it in yesterday.
Ш... You eat the bento while I deal with my friend.
Shisui turned to his friend.
Ш... So Itachi, do you want a repeat of yesterday's beating?
And tachi didn't need to be offered twice, but the result of the battle was the same as yesterday. Itachi and Shisui sat down on either side of Naruto and began eating onigiri.
Ш... By the way, Naruto, who do you think is stronger than me or Itachi?
Н... Well, it's clear from the battle that you're stronger, bro.
Shisui smirked victoriously but Itachi turned away from them, but still all laughed.
Ш... Naru, that weird kunai with the note you found yesterday, will they come for it tomorrow?
Н... Yes, I left the kunai in the same place, though I tweaked it a bit.
Ш... I'm afraid to even imagine what it says...
Itachi and Shisui laughed with imagination.
Н... It doesn't say anything.
Ш... Okay, Itachi, are you coming with us tomorrow?
И... Yes!
Н... Bro, I thought I was gonna catch those ninjas myself, didn't I?
Ш... Don't be afraid Naru, we'll just be observers.
Н... By the way, Itachi san...
И... It's just Itachi.
Н... Itachi, how many days will it take for Sasuke to recover from his anger?
И... Well, until he finishes you off, he's gonna be cranky.
Н.. Xo-oh, why won't he get off my back. Duttebayo.
On that note, they sat through the evening, regaling each other with stories.