The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

Abandoned at birth, searching for strength for survival-this is all about Naruto.

50. Chapter 50

Chapter 50

A monster, in human form and vice versa.

Minato, after talking to Tenzo, took a long time to recover from such news. This news did not leave indifferent and he had to cover the whole archive, the past years.

Minato's thoughts... It's worth talking about it to Kushin for now. After all, if my conclusions are correct, Kushina won't let go of Naruto. Especially since we have a lot of secrets from him ourselves. So I think it's only fair that he continue to keep it from us. Especially like he said, the secret doesn't belong to him, so I guess they'll show themselves. Uh, Takeshi Uzumaki. After all, it was previously said that the Uzumaki clan scattered around the world after the destruction of the vortex 17 years ago. But we didn't find any representatives other than Inami and Karin. They seem to have gathered into one community and huddled somewhere on the edge. And the Senju were practically close relatives of theirs. No wonder Naruto could meet them. Hmm, well, I'll have to go through the archives.

Minato pulled the case of the start of the third shinobi war.

Minato's thoughts... So, it says here that the ninjas of sand, cloud and mist have banded together to destroy this country. Although this is classified information, it still hasn't been left in oblivion. The land of the whirlpool was an ally to the leaf. But we couldn't help them in our time, because at that moment, we ourselves were up to our necks with the land country and small villages. The third used to often berate himself for not being able to help them. The Uzumaki clan possessed the strongest sealing techniques. They were more powerful than Uchiki and Senju combined. It's no wonder they can hide from everyone, as many can infringe on their techniques. Yeah, but why haven't we met a single representative in all this time? Maybe the Uzumaki had them all covered before we did. But why did they choose not to report to the sheet. After all, for what it's worth, Sendou Hashirama himself and his brother are representatives from the Senju and Uzumaki clan? Do they not trust us, or is it something else? Hmmm, questions questions questions, but no answers. Okay, I'm gonna have to forget about this case for now. After all, if even Naruto doesn't tell Kushina about it, even though they're from the same clan. it's best to put the investigation on hold for now. Eh, theories, heehee I used to like to speculate a lot as a kid. It seems that this hobby has been passed on to my son as well. But maybe I could be as wrong as he is about his parents. Okay, it's getting late, time to wrap this up.

Minato closed the office door and went home. It was just as he had promised himself not to burden himself with such thoughts for now.

Naruto, on the other hand, after that conversation with Itachi, didn't learn anything else. It was obvious that the village hidden in the snow had already moved into action and Itachi wasn't about to reveal his cards just yet. Oh, and Naruto didn't push the Uchiha much, as he realized that this case would require unthinkable effort and finesse. But he was concerned about the man who, though very gaunt, had mastered the techniques of wood. At his desk, he set down a book on the structure and properties of chakra that he had asked Sakura for after the festival.

Naruto's thoughts... Okay, I need a spontaneous transformation. Hmm, and right here. There are five major natural transformations. Water, fire, air, lightning and earth. Each element is formed differently based on perceptions. For example, when I use water, I visualize the property of water and its flow, as well as my chakra flowing through my body and exhale through my lips. When I use air, I imagine my chakras rubbing against each other. Sasuke said that when he uses fire, he imagines his chakra heating up and igniting. When he uses lightning, he imagines his chakra sparking and gaining power. And the earth, hmm, Kakashi sensei said he imagines his chakra solidifying and releasing earth from various limbs. My main element is air, but mastered water early on. Sasuke and Kakashi sensei, they both have this lightning as their main element. But Sasuke had mastered fire before, just as Sensei had mastered earth. But it says that having the element is hereditary. Maybe one of my parents owned water. Okay, that's all right, but what about kekei kenkai? Kakashi Sensei has an enhanced genome, in the form of a mud style, which he uses to combine water and earth. And Haku combined the elements of air and water to pray ice. Heehee, I could master it too. But it says here that it requires a purely hereditary trait, it's unlikely my parents were from the Yuki clan. But in the land of ice, ninjas used mechanisms that combined the elements of water and air and then generated them into ice. It came out an order of magnitude slower and weaker than Haku's. But that Yamato didn't have mechanisms and used them using the method of Uzumaki and Senju I met in the snow village. But he was a lot weaker. I need to find a better explanation to excuse myself to the hokage. That asshole Yamato could have told him about the mess we made. Xoo, I need to find techniques that utilize life force. So, kind of like the thick-headed guy used Lotus, which is based on life force. But after using it, he almost hoofed dattebayo himself! Huh, where's where? Oh, found it, medical techs. It says here that the mystic hand is also based on life energy. But it repairs tissue by speeding up cell division, right, that's it! After all, it's almost like regeneration, and the Senju clan like mine was known for its stamina. But that's why the Uzumaki clan can use wood element techniques just like Senju. But here, Senju can't use highly skilled printing techniques, and neither can my clan. Is it a feature of the genes? Hmm, I'm getting away from the main topic. Okay, I can use this data as an excuse for where I learned about the properties of the wood element. Eh, too bad sis Matami wasn't here, she was good at controlling the element of wood and knew about the intricacies of using it. Hmda, okay, back to another problem of mine. Water element, xooo, but why can't I use higher level techniques. For example, techniques that don't exhale through the mouth. Oh, I found it says here that the water techniques that come out through the lips. Are the simplest and do not require more chakra control. But those, the water techniques that interact with the rest of the environment, are much more complex. For example, I'll need to infuse a nearby river with chakra and aim it at a target, which will be difficult. But so, their power becomes much higher and forming into different silhouettes, for example water dragon require a colossal control of chakra. Huh, I'll have to settle for the good old-fashioned method of exhaling through my lips for now. With my chakra control, that would be difficult for now, and my chakra isn't as trained for this element. Wait, but my Kaseri interacts with the air around it. Seems from the fact that it is my main element, only it helps me to study higher level air element. So, what was that about the scroll the hokage herself gave me?

Naruto pulled a scroll from the shelf and unfolded it.

Naruto's thoughts... Hmm, there's a couple air elemental techniques written here, a slashing wind that can be used at medium range similar to a spear. But it holds up much less than my Caseri, as the concentration is weaker. Oh, there's also the technique Hayame san used with his sword. Hmm, it says to concentrate the wind element more in the weapon and at a tedious moment, release streams of slashing wind. So, what's next. This is where the Erosanin techniques, toad kumite, come in. It says you have to move like a toad. Uh, okay, we'll skip that for now. Oh that's already interesting, it says you can use your element and the element of the summoned animal at the same time. But you have to be a toad to do that? Is Erosanin mocking me? Uh, yeah, what, is it midnight already? Xoo, we gotta wrap it up!

Naruto placed the books and swipes back into the bookcase. Putting on his pajamas, he put out the lamp, and then putting on his hat, he fell asleep. The next day, Team 4 and 7 stood near Minato's desk.

Minato... Good morning, guys, Kakashi. I've gathered you here today to tell you an important piece of news.

Team 7 and the jonin mentors were aware of the news he wanted to break.

Minato... From this day forward, until the end of the month, I have decided to switch your mentors. The red-haired girls were surprised at this turn of events.

Miroku... Are you serious?

Minato... More than that!

Inami... Why?

Minato... That report of young talent that Ka... gathered. Uh-huh, Sukea san.

Kakashi's thoughts... Damn near got me, I'm gonna need that image of Sukea!

Minato... I decided to rotate so that teams could work with other mentors as well. As they may have experience in other aspects so you can broaden your horizons. Also team 7 is designed as stormtroopers and saboteurs. While Team 4 are calculated as a med team and do well on defense. I've chosen mentors to match your skills. But now, Team 7 can learn more defense tactics from Kushina. And Team 4 will learn offensive tactics. Think of it as sharing experiences. But, I assumed that not everyone might be willing to rotate and asked Sukea san to collect interviews about you and get your opinion about your mentors.

The students lowered their heads afraid to make eye contact with their teachers.

Miroku... Dad, but I didn't think you'd go to the extreme. We thought you were just going to start giving us more frequent high ranking missions.

Minato... Miroku, it was for your own good, maybe under Kakashi's guidance you can become more responsible.

At that moment, all three guys from team 7, jumped with laughter.

Kakashi's thoughts... Haha, why did I even come here, especially so early.

Minato too realized that Kakashi and responsibility were two different things, but he assumed it was his lack of responsibility. Can help develop girls' responsibility. Minato turned his head to Team 7.

Minato... And you guys can learn from Kushina, um.

Kakashi... Manners.

Minato... Oh, that's right, manners. You know yourself that she's lame.

Naruto... Yeah, well, our sensei's a real stickler for manners.

The ash-haired man almost choked on that sentence.

Kakashi... I know about manners, unlike you.

Sasuke... Speaking of dogs, I haven't seen Paccun in a while.

Kakashi... What are you implying?

Sakura... We should warn Kiba to keep Akamaru away from you.

Kakashi... Hahaha, how funny, you should be in the theater with your jokes.

Kushina's thoughts... What a team, even picking up each other's jokes on the beat.

Minato's thoughts... A farewell altercation?

Kakashi... Sensei, why don't we stop?

Minato... Yes!

Minato gave a sign and Kushina and Kakashi switched places.

Minato... For starters, I think you should take a D rank mission for today so you can work together. And tomorrow I'll have the day off and help you all out with workout plans.

Everyone nodded in agreement and took the missions, but it was obvious that Team 4 were not happy.

Minato's thoughts... We'll see how the first day goes.

Kakashi took his genin to a construction district where he could paint houses. And here was Kushina's team standing near a huge body of water.

Kushina... So this is where all the trash piles up, you have to clear the pond.

Naruto... Bingo!

Sakura... Heehee, it's been a long time since we've done a mission of this rank.

Sasuke... Yeah, you could say we missed you.

Kushina... Wow, you're only trusted with C-ranked missions?

Naruto... Can't say they do. It's just that Kakashi sensei is trying to talk the hokage herself into making sure we're rarely in the village and not bothering him.

Kushina's thoughts... Kakashi, how can you do that?

Kushina... Ooh, there you go.

Naruto... All right, guys, let's do it! Kage bunshin no jutsu!

Sasuke... Kage bunshin no jutsu!

10 Naruto clones, 2 Sasuke clones, with the originals came down to the water and started collecting trash in buckets. Kushina looking at them couldn't help but be surprised.

Kushina... Sakura, what are they using techniques for such an easy task?

Sakura... Yeah, well, what's the big deal?

Kushina's thoughts... Hmm, that's no good, I'll talk to Minato later.

Kushina... Nothing.

Sakura seemed to be curing the fish that got stuck in the crest of the garbage. Half an hour later, the piles of trash were in an open clearing and Sasuke burned them with the fire technique.

Naruto... Kushina san, we're already done!

Kushina... Wow, that fast?

Sasuke... What's the big deal, it's only a C rank.

Kushina... Okay, I'll go ask the Hokage for more missions, and you can be free for now.

The guys stayed in the clearing and decided not to waste any time to practice. Kushina walked into the office and gave her mission accomplished report.

Minato. Wow, that fast?

Kushina... Of course so fast, since they used clones to finish this mission.

Minato... Oh, right, I forgot they often resort to a technician on any of their assignments.

Kushina... Speaking of which, didn't Kakashi teach them to value their techniques and not use them for nothing?

Minato... Uh, what's the big deal?

Kushina... You're saying what's the big deal? They're wasting their chakra!

Minato squirmed as he squeezed out those words.

Minato... Well, it's up to them how they spend their chakra!

Kushina... Okay, I'll go talk to them, by the way, give us another mission!

Minato pulled out one report with a D mark and carefully gave it to his wife. Kushina grabbed the form and left the office with a nervous stomp.

Minato's thoughts... Uh, I don't think she'll be used to working with a team like this.

Kushina walked over to her team and noticed that those were doing gymnastics.

Kushina... Okay, guys, here's a new mission for you. Follow me!

She took them to the springs and gave them an assignment.

Kushina... So, your task is to clean all the floors and walls of the hot spring to a shine.

Team 7... Bingo!

Kushina... But first, I want to warn you about something.

Naruto... Should I warn you?

Kushina... I know you guys are very capable ninjas. But to use ninjutsu techniques, for domestic problems. It's like, uh.

Naruto... Kushina san, I understand that we're learning techniques for self-defense. But still we are born with a chakra. You don't have to use it all the time in combat or in life-saving situations.

Kushina... But you're wasting chakra!

Sasuke... Kushina san, I used to think that too. But we use our techniques to improve our skills in different situations.

Sakura... I've read that each time we use the techniques, then the ninja chakra can better adapt to them.

Naruto... Yeah, it's like training for us. Look at this! Suiton, water wave!

The water wave wet the floor and walls.

Sasuke... I am now, kage bunshin no jutsu!

Sasuke and his two clones put brushes on their feet and started rolling around on the floor, blowing foam. And Sakura started cleaning the walls with chakra.

Naruto... You see, this is how we improve our skills even in cases like this. Kage bunshin no jutsu!

Now Naruto's clones took over and began to steam clean the entire sauna with the team.

Kushina's thoughts... Hehehe, maybe they're right, eh we didn't even realize we could use techniques like that when we were young.

Kushina just waved her hand as she was not used to working with such a team and just watched them work and marveled at their ingenuity. The team didn't stop there and continued to take mission, after mission. Toward evening, Team 7 and 4 took their pay and went home. At Namikaze's house, there was a family dinner and Minato decided to ask his daughter.

Minato... Miroku, how was your first day under different leadership?

Miroku strangely enough replied with glee.

Miroku... All right, Kakashi sensei, we've been entrusted to finish a couple missions on our own.

Minato's thoughts... Or he's just too lazy to follow you any further.

Minato... Uh, I'm glad you two are working together, but how are you doing with your employees, dear?

Kushina... Uh, okay...

Kushina decided not to talk about her newfound team so that there would be no unnecessary disappointment for her daughter.

When the couple was alone, Minato decided to ask for more details.

Minato... Kushina, what do you think of the guys, anyway?

She faltered at this question and stepped back from washing dishes.

Kushina... You know, I'd say very good. They know their business and what they use techniques even in house painting. It's very effective. Hehehe, maybe because we've been drummed into our heads that techniques should be used as a last resort. Maybe that's why I was so hard on them.

Minato... Yeah, I remember my sensei was always telling me off for using techniques to plant rice paddies. Although he himself used cloaking techniques to peek in the hot springs. Hmm, progress doesn't stand still.

Kushina... Okay, will you come to practice tomorrow? Because the guys were so prepared after the mission.

Minato... Ha, I guess tomorrow won't be boring! By the way, do you happen to know what they're cooking up against me?

Kushina shimmied her eyes and snickered.

Kushina... Uh, no, you'll find out tomorrow, especially since they didn't say much to me. Afraid I'll tell you everything.

Minato... Haha, I think it'll be interesting, but first, I'll come to Kakashi's team and then to yours.

Kushina... We're waiting!

The next morning, Team 7 gathered at their range and decided to have a talk.

Naruto... Guys, today we're going to confront the yellow leaf lightning itself. So we need to act very coherently. Sakura, did you bring what I asked for?

The aforementioned showed a bag of vials.

Sakura... Yeah, that should disorient him at least a little bit.

Naruto... Isn't that great, Sasuke?

Sasuke, on the other hand, pulled out a bag of small and needle-thin senbon.

Sasuke... They're too small, so we'll have to be more careful ourselves. Even with a sharingan, it would be hard to dodge them.

Naruto... We'll have to take our chances, because the Hokage himself is very fast and it's unlikely we'll be able to hurt him in any way.

Naruto pulled out three seal kunai and gave two of his comrades and kept one for himself.

Naruto.. We'll need to get it in the right place. But we can't keep him there for long, so Sakura, don't waste the moment.

Sakura... All right. (chuckles)

Sakura sheathed the vials with a weak explosive seal.

Sakura... All right. (chuckles)

Naruto... Huh, the hokage sama has many times more chakra than the three of us combined. So it's just not going to be realistic to wear him down, so we're going to have to work as cohesively as we can all afford. In the meantime, let's get the range ready!

An hour later, Kushina approached the range and saw the guys setting up traps.

Kushina... Wow, I see the preparations are well underway, huh?

Naruto... As usual, we often prepare for Kakashi Sensei's test in this fashion.

Kushina... Oh, that's how it is.

Naruto... Well guys, I have no idea what to expect from hokage sama. But we must cope, as we may face opponents stronger than Kakashi Sensei!

Sasuke... Yeah, it's all about not screwing up.

Sasuke... Kushina san, will the hokage herself come up soon?

Kushina pointed behind their backs caustically.

Kushina... And he's already here.

The ringing of bells and the aforementioned did indeed get behind them.

Minato... Hey, guys.

Everyone was shocked by such speed and could not even think that such speed was even real.

Naruto... Good afternoon Hokage-sama!

Minato looked around the clearing and concluded that the boys were ready.

Minato... Do you want to start right away, or do you want to go through the motions?

Naruto... Let's do it right away!

The teens realized it was going to be hot and they better watch out. Minato had long wanted to test their teamwork after seeing a shabby Kakashi often. Kushina sat down at a safe distance and the team waited for the command.

Minato... Here we go!

Everyone, as if on cue, disappeared from the scene.

Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, you've realized what's in store for us, let's fight at full strength. Sakura, you'd better be with us, because the Hokage will catch up with us in a few seconds and we won't have time to help.

Sakura... All right!

Minato stood in the middle of the clearing and assessed the situation.

Minato's thoughts... Hmm, I can sense them not far from here. I think they're going to start attacking. Oh, there they are!

From behind trees and bushes, three young shinobi began to attack from three sides. Naruto and Sasuke drew their swords and started a kenjutsu fight. And Sakura had to be at a distance and set traps. Minato fought off the hail of attacks playfully and even managed to joke.

Minato... Oh, come on, come on, you guys!

Sasuke was beginning to panic that none of the attacks were reaching their target, but.

Naruto... Relax Sasuke, it's demoralization.

Sasuke held back a shudder and continued his attack.

Minato's thoughts... Hmm, still they're not so easy, the guys' attacks are more coherent, and Sakura lets traps down.

Minato didn't even move from his seat and just jumped from their attacks.

Naruto... It's time!

N and S... Collaborative technique, fire geyser!

The pillar of fire was directed at the hokage and he had to move to the left, but there was a huge log waiting for him and he had to move forward, but there was a pit of stakes waiting for him and while he was falling, rocks fell on him from above.

Minato... It's getting dangerous.

Minato managed to throw his kunai upward and moved behind her. But once he was outside, there was a hell of a lot of traps waiting for him.

N and S... Electric wave!

Minato managed to get away from the attack but was bumping into all sorts of traps that Sakura was setting in circles. A veritable carnage began, seal explosion and shurikens doubled by the cloning technique were from everywhere.

Sasuke... Naruto, stage two!

Sasuke threw down a stack of kunai and Naruto powered up his legs with the element of wind and rushed forward. And on the move grabbed the thrown kunai and tried to hurt Minato. And Sasuke fought off the thunder god's kunai so he wouldn't get away. Naruto decided to use Shisui's technique, but twisted in his own way.

Naruto... Shunshin, kage bunshin no jutsu!

Minato... Wow, you want to compete in a speed contest?

Minato had to fight off clones that appeared and disappeared from different directions like fireworks.

Minato's thoughts... This is getting serious.

Minato did something but got out of the constant attack zone.

Minato... Fuuton, the palm of the storm!

The clones like the original flew back and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Minato... Well, I'm gonna have to go on the attack, too.

He started throwing kunai in all directions and the guys had to fight back with shurikens so Minato didn't have free rein.

Naruto's thoughts... Xooo, I can't fight yet, the combination of moving and clones is really tiring me out. That's the maximum of my speed.

Minato... Wow, good tactic to override my actions.

Naruto gave the retreat command and everyone scattered to the corners.

Minato... Uh, tactical retreat?

Minato decided to catch up with them, but Sasuke's fireball got in the way and he threw the kunai forward and then got behind them and put the kunai to the geninami's neck.

Minato... Sasuke, Sakura, I think you've had enough, wait, where's Naruto?

Poof and the two genin disappeared into the smoke while half a hundred Naruto clones with kunayas in their hands fell on top of him.

Minato's thoughts... Okay, so Sasuke created two clones and reincarnated one as Sakura.

Minato decided to fight them off playfully, but behind the haze from the clones, he spotted Chidori and Kaseri splashing about.

Minato walked away from Chidori and stamped on Naruto's vest. And the boulder thrown by Sakura was smashed by Rasengan. Everyone spread out and Naruto prepared to fire Rasengan. Minato looked around at everyone and gave out.

Minato... Teamwork is great, but.

Minato moved behind his son's back and put a kunai to his throat.

Minato... What will you do without your commanding officer?

Naruto... Fight to the end!

Poof and the younger blond man's vest fell to the ground.

Minato... What the...

Minato fell into a stupor and didn't even notice the seal kunai lying around him, thrown from three directions.

Team 7... Paralyzing barrier!

Snake symbols stretched from the kunai and Minato was caught in a circle.

Minato... And you are full of surprises!

Naruto... You bet, Sakura's your cue!

Sakura... Katz!

Poisonous pores erupted beneath Minato's feet.

Minato's thoughts... What's that smoke? Xoo, I'm seeing double! Xoo, we need to disperse the chakra as quickly as possible to get the poison out! For the thunder god technique, the mind must be clear!

Naruto... Sasuke, it's our turn!

Naruto and Sasuke pulled out the needles and threw them from both sides, then walked away from the scene to avoid being hit by the needles. Minato had to fight off the small needles, but still some hit him as the poison acted like intoxication. Sasuke grabbed the fishing lines and let the current flow. Minato somehow began to vibrate in place from the weak currents. The lightning had prevented him from dispersing his chakra and he was still intoxicated.

Naruto... Come on, we don't have much time, the poison will wear off soon!

The boys ran at the hokage and attacked from three sides. They swirled around him to make him dizzy. Just as suddenly, Sakura grabbed the boys' hands and threw them forward and ran after them herself. Minato intercepted them and the guys had to brace their arms on both sides and put their legs under Minato's thighs. Sakura caught the moment and snatched up the bells.

Team 7... Bingo!

But after that, all three of them fell down with chakra depletion. Minato was very excited for this fight, as it had been a long time since he had felt the adrenaline of the battlefield. And these kids gave it to him to the fullest. Kushina stood behind her husband with her mouth open.

Kushina... Minato, they left no stone unturned here! And they've dried themselves up.

Minato... Hmmm, now I see why Kakashi only did such a test 4 times a month.

Kushina... By the way, your clothes should be thrown away.

Minato examined himself and realized that he'd have to buy new clothes, as there were a lot of cuts and scorches.

Minato... Even though I was defending at a third of my strength, but still for their rank, it's a very big achievement.

Kushina... Ha, with their preparations, I wonder how Kakashi stayed alive after the test. They didn't pity you, and they wouldn't pity Kakashi.

Kushina tucked the children in comfortably and decided to have a word with her husband until they woke up or were awakened.

Minato... That's right, by the way, do you know what the haze was inside the barrier they trapped me in? She gave off a sake vibe that gave me an instant kick.

Kushina... Oh, you mean this, the development of Tsunade-sama.

There was no need for further elaboration and they sat down on the log watching the children sniffling sweetly with exhaustion.

Minato... What do you think of their teamwork?

Kushina... What's the point of saying anything, they understand each other from half a word and act as one. By the way, you tested my girls on my test, didn't you?

Minato... They were being tested by Kakashi. Yes, on defense they are as good as expected. But here in the attack, let's just say that Kakashi took the book back.

Kushina became sad at this point and looked at the seventh team.

Kushina... And I understand it's the other way around.

Minato... Exactly, on defense I'd say they're trailing Team 4 by exactly one point. Although as the saying goes, the best defense is the offense.

Kushina... All right, we'll work with that.

Naruto was the first to wake up and squeezed his eyes shut.

Naruto... Duttebayo, my head's pounding, wait, where's my vest?

Naruto ran to where they had caught Minato and found his vest on the ground. He walked back over to the others and began rubbing the seal of the thunder god.

Naruto... Hokage-sama, could you please remove the seal?

Minato smirked at his son's exertions and pulled the seal from his vest.

Minato... You did well today.

Naruto... Thank you.

At this point the rest of the team began to wake up and slowly stood up rubbing their muscles.

Sasuke... Xoo, looks like he tore a few muscles again.

Sakura... And my head hurts so bad that the ringing in my ears won't go away.

Minato... Although you achieved the task, you still overdid it.

Naruto rubbed his neck and stretched.

Naruto... I'm actually surprised we got any datebayo!

Minato... Hehehe, you should rest tomorrow, and after tomorrow, you'll go on a mission.

Team 7... Bingo!

Minato... So, you can be free.

Sasuke and Sakura left at once, but not the blond.

Minato... Anything else?

Naruto... Uh, yeah, I wanted to ask you about a technique.

Minato... Uh, okay, honey, you go ahead, I'll catch up with you.

Kushina looked at her husband suspiciously and went home. Minato smirked at his wife rubbing the back of his head and looked at his son.

Minato... So, what kind of technique are you interested in?

Naruto pulled out a scroll and pointed to the right technique.

Minato... Okay, cooperative techniques with toads. Ugh, Jiraiya sensei is in his repertoire.

Naruto... There you go, he sure likes puzzles. And his handwriting's weird, he once asked me to correct the spelling in his writing. He spent two hours telling me that 9 was his Ta. Until he himself realized it was July 9th dattebayo.

Minato... Haha, he has a habit of writing the syllable "Ta" as a nine. But that's a little over the top. I can't believe I'm a toad.

Naruto... What could that mean?

Minato... Let me show you.

Minato stood in the middle of the clearing and bit off a finger.

Minato... Drafting technique!

An orange toad with fiery blue lines and a puffball on either side of its neck appeared in the clearing. And his size was just below Minato's height.

Gamaten... Yo, you called for a fourth?

Minato... Hey, Gamaten, can you delete a minute.

Gamaten... Oh sure, who's that next to you? Your fanatic, he looks just like you.

Naruto... Uh, no, I have a deep respect for the Hokage myself. But still, I was born this way.

Minato's thoughts... Oh, he's gonna say something like that.

Minato... Yes, Gamaten, let's get right to the point. Get ready to apply the joint technique.

Gamaten... All right!

Minato concentrated his chakra and wshuh, the closer standing tree splintered with a net. Naruto wasn't surprised by this technique, as he was well acquainted with the working principle.

Naruto... Ah, that's how it is...

Minato... Well, I think you know how to use it. You applied a couple times today. That's just it. You've synchronized with your clone and you're moving on the same wavelength. Gamaten, on the other hand, has a different character and you either have to adjust to him or he will adjust to you. Ideally, you'd both be just as likely to be on the same page as the clone.

Naruto frowned at the task ahead of him.

Naruto... It's going to be a bit tricky, combining two elements in the embryo stage is very difficult. Even with the clone, I had to agonize for as much as a month dattebayo! Since the structure of the two elements is very different and can be said to be almost like the style of mud, ice or mokut...

Naruto goggled at the last word and Minato knew what his son wanted to say.

Minato... Naruto, Yamato told me everything.

Naruto's thoughts... I'm not surprised.

Naruto... He told you everything?

Minato gave a wave for Gaiaten to return home and walked over to his son's drained looking face.

Minato... He said you were well aware of his abilities.

Naruto... Uh, Hokage herself, I can explain everything.

Minato noticed that his son was starting to catch his breath from excitement and decided to calm him down.

Minato... You don't have to, just tell me.

Naruto... А?

Minato... I realize it's a secret and according to you it doesn't belong to you. But still, tell me, does this information not bring danger to our village?

Naruto... No!

Minato put a hand on his son's shoulder and smiled.

Minato... Then it's okay, everyone has secrets.

Naruto... Thank you for understanding me, hokage-sama!

Minato... Now, go home and sleep it off, you have a tough mission ahead of you.

Naruto looked up and cheered.

Naruto... Good Hokage herself!

Minato looked after his son.

Minato's thoughts... As long as you don't get hurt by the information.

A day later, early in the morning, Team 7 and Kushina stood near Minato's desk.

Minato... All right team, here's your primary mission.

Minato pointed to the map and the marker on the southwest side of the water country.

Minato... This country of the sea, as you notice, this country is made up of islands. You need to go to Hakajima Island. Locals complain about a mythical creature called Kaima. I will give you the characteristics of this creature. You need to capture this creature and bring it to the village. But your main task is to escort Captain Kidoe's armada of ships. Any questions?

Kushina... This country is closer to the land of water. Why did they order the mission from us and not the fog village?

Minato... Unfortunately Water Country didn't depart from the civil war and they can't send ninjas to neighboring countries. Of course there were attempts to help on their part. But several squads of Mist ninjas were drowned according to eyewitnesses precisely because of Kaima.

This news did not come to the guys' liking.

Sakura... Hokage herself, if this mission is so dangerous, why only rank B?

Minato... Those ninjas who were sent on the mission had only recently graduated from the academy. They had no experience in naval battles. Don't worry, this mission is just right for you. Kushina can seal this creature if it goes too tight.

The boys looked surprised at their commander.

Kushina... Well, let's get started.

The team exited the residence and went home to pack a camping backpack. An hour later, they stood at the south gate and touched down. Along the way, they decided to familiarize themselves with what they would be dealing with.

Sasuke... So, Kaima, a humanoid sea creature that looks like a fish. Very dangerous in the water, but no further information is available. Shh, more mythical monsters.

Sakura... Could this be the ravings of saltwater sailors again? Remember last week, we were ordered to get rid of the werewolf wolf?

Naruto... You mean the one who dressed up in a dog costume and howled at night? Yeah, there was a case.

Sasuke... If this is another masquerade, wouldn't it be better to put him in a mental institution?

Naruto... That'd be nice, 'cause it's not the first time we've caught that costumer.

Kushina's thoughts... Wow, they've been given missions.

Kushina... Guys, why guess? Let's go to our seats and figure it out!

Naruto... That's right!

They were heading south toward the harbor but halfway through they had to stop for the night.

Kushina... All right, let's take a break, we're sailing tomorrow afternoon.

The boys dropped their backpacks off to Sakura.

Naruto... I'm behind the food and the barrier.

Sasuke... I'm getting traps and brushwood.

Sakura.. Well, I'll set up the tents, Kushina san, give me your backpack.

Kushina looked at them with dazed eyes.

Kushina's thoughts... Wow, that's quite a setup they got here. Xoo, I don't have a tent.

Kushina... Uh, no need, I got it, especially since I don't have a tent.

Naruto... It's okay, one of us is going on guard duty anyway, so you can lie down in one of our tents.

Kushina... Thank you, but let me help you, we're a team!

Now the guys were looking at Kushina with surprise.

Sasuke... Are you serious?

Kushina... Yeah, well, what's the big deal?

Naruto... It's just that Kakashi sensei said that jonin mentors aren't involved with setting up the datebayo camp.

Sakura... Yeah, he also said it's like a D-rank mission for us.

Kushina was just shocked at Kakashi's cunning.

Kushina's thoughts... Kakashi damn it, no wonder they're ready to drive you to your grave.

Kushins... Uh, what does he do while you're busy setting up camp?

Naruto... He'll sit in a tree and read his book.

Kushina looked at the children incredulously.

Kushina.. It's almost evening now, he can hardly see anything in his book in this darkness.

Sasuke... The Sharingan helps him see things as if they were daylight.

Kushina was already almost falling over from such details.

Kushina... That sneaky ass, Minato didn't give him enough whipping when he was a kid.

The children grinned at such an exclamation.

Naruto... Haha, I'd like to see that...

Sasuke... Yeah, that would be quite a sight.

Kushina... Now seriously, since I'm your commanding officer, we'll do everything together. Sakura, you and I will take care of the tents while the boys go about their tasks.

Team 7... I have the captain!

When Kushina was alone with Sakura she decided to ask for some details.

Kushina... Do you often camp like this?

Sakura... Always, it's just that Naruto used to carry tents before and we decided to get some for comfort too. Especially with the mosquitoes flying around. How's your team doing?

Kushina... Uh, well, you know, we have regular beds. It's just that my girls don't want to bother setting up the tent.

Sakura... Are you lying right in the open sky?

Kushina... Yeah, well, we're used to it.

Sakura... The horror!

Kushina's thoughts... This team is more disciplined.

Kushina... Well, I think we're done here.

Sakura... By the way, I was thinking maybe you could make a tent.

Kushina... Make one?

Sakura... Yeah, I'll be right back.

A few minutes later, she returned with tree bark and a few branches.

Sakura... Naruto had used to make a makeshift tent for himself when his own tent was torn or in disrepair. I don't know if I can do the same.

Kushina... Let me help you.

Ten minutes later there was a tent with two branches on either side held together by a weasel. And on top of it was a spread of bark, which Sakura had notched the lines so she could curl.

Sakura... Well, I think it'll do, I turned the bark face inward so it wouldn't get damp from the tree sap.

Kushina was ready to kiss the girl and couldn't help herself.

Kushina... Sakura chan, you're so kind and sweet. Thank you so much.

Sakura waved away such a boon

Sakura... Hehehe, it's nothing, especially since you taught me medical techniques. So if you need anything.

At this point the boys began to approach the camp with brushwood and booty.

Naruto... Look, we got lucky, I was able to catch some crucian carp and one salmon.

Sasuke... And I have shitaki mushrooms and a handful of berries.

Kushina... Wow, this is gonna be quite a dinner. Bring them over here, we'll have them ready in no time.

An hour later, everyone was sitting around the fire and stuffing their stomachs with munchies. Kushina couldn't believe she'd gotten such an organized and moderately responsible team.

Sakura... Kushina san, it was delicious.

Naruto... Yes, you are as good a cook as ever.

Sasuke... I won't tell you as my mom will get offended and stop feeding me.

Kushina was delighted with the compliments and was already pouring a second serving for everyone.

Kushina... Oh, thanks, have a good one, guys.

Naruto... I wonder how Kakashi sensei is doing!?

Sasuke... What could happen to him? He's reading a book and laughing his ass off.

Sakura... Oh, he must be so happy to be rid of us.

Kushina... Don't worry, my girls won't leave him in the lurch.

But on the other side of the continent, Kakashi sat with a frown on his face and a stiff back. The girls sat next to him and crunched fresh vegetables. Kakashi looking at the vegetarian dinner, inwardly just yelled in frustration.

Kakashi's thoughts... Vegetables are fine, but how can you call these herbs and leaves food?

Miroku... Eat Kakashi sensei, it's very healthy, and we could all use a diet. Your belly's all bloated.

Kakashi examined his food item once more and popped a cucumber into his mouth and mewled in discomfort.

Kakashi's thoughts... I want normal food, I want meat, I want fish, not all this diet crap! Agrrrr, we should find something to eat in the woods tomorrow. I wonder if they can cook. I want my team back! How boring to be with them, they're always babbling about women's shoes and cosmetics. Right now, Naruto would be poisoning some story or anecdote. Okay Kakashi, it'll only take a month!

Now back to team number seven. Even though it was dark, no one wanted to go to bed just yet. Naruto decided to talk about some of the aikes and legends he had heard as a child from other countries. Kushina looked at the team with admiration. There was no rivalry here as far as their team was concerned. After all, the temperament of Uzumaki girls can be too unpredictable and here they can start a battle between them at one moment and then calm down a couple minutes later. And here she saw the idyll of the relationship between them. But then Naruto asked a question.

Naruto... By the way Sasuke, remember that ninja we caught running a scam two weeks ago dattebayo!

Sasuke... So?

Naruto... Do you think it was a girl or a guy?

Sasuke... The hell they are, it's probably a girl.

Naruto... I think it was a guy.

Sasuke... Don't talk nonsense, she was a girl, I'm telling you.

Naruto... How do you know, have you checked?

Sasuke... It's like you were checking it out.

Naruto... No, I'm just trusting my intuition!

There was an argument brewing, and Kushina decided to lash out at them, but Sakura grabbed her by the arms.

Sakura... Kushina san, you shouldn't, they often argue over nothing.

The woman was surprised by this fact and decided to trust the girl's experience.

Kushina... I hope it doesn't come to a fight.

Sakura... Huh, fights? They already beat each other up at practice, except they never really get mad at each other.

Kushina... That's quite a relationship they have.

But the argument continued.

Sasuke... Hey, if she was a girl, she'd have-

Sasuke looked at Sakura and stumbled back blushing thickly. Sakura looked at him with an angry look and wiped the pebble into dust.

Sasuke... We're all done with the topic, time to hit the sidelines!

Naruto... Hehehe, okay, time for us to clean up after ourselves and go to bed.

Kushina's thoughts... And they really can be a good mood booster.

The team burned the food on the fire and after putting out the fire, were going to lie down in the wards. Naruto walked over to Kushina and gave her a blanket.

Naruto... Take Kushina san, or you'll catch a cold in the morning.

Kushina... What about you?

Naruto... Don't worry about me, it's a sapas quilt anyway.

Kushina grimaced at her son's concern and ruffled her hair.

Kushina... thank you.

The guard schedule was made by the guys out of male solidarity. Sakura went first so she could get some sleep and not have her sleep interrupted, with Sasuke and Naruto in the middle, and Kushina closing the circle of the schedule. Naruto sat in a tree and gazed up at the stars. Just as suddenly he felt it approaching, it was Kushina.

Naruto... Kushina san, did you get any sleep yet?

The aforementioned pulled her shoulders and sat down next to her son.

Kushina... Yes, you can go to bed!

Naruto... I don't think I'm gonna sleep.

Kushina... А? Why would I do that?

Naruto... I don't know, insomnia is plaguing dantebayo.

Kushina... Not like you, you're usually hard to wake up sometimes.

Naruto... Look at the stars.

Kushina lifted her head up and saw the beautiful outline of the sky.

Kushina... It's beautiful.

Naruto... You bet, I used to love to look at the dantebayo stars as a kid.

Kushina's thoughts... Strangely, I couldn't find any such hobbies in his notebook. Apparently not all of his thoughts, he confided to the diary.

Kushina... Tell me, what was your childhood like?

Naruto... My childhood?

Kushina... Uh-huh.

Naruto... Uh, well, you know, it wasn't exactly rosy. Still, there were some fun moments.

Kushina... What are they?

Naruto... You know I wasn't very well-liked as a child. So, when I learned the transformation technique. I decided to watch little kids play with their parents. I was four years old at the time. At one point, I noticed the baby start to cry. Then I was under henge and approached the child, I didn't understand why he was crying. I calmed him down and asked him what was wrong. And he said he stepped in dog poop and smeared his knees. I didn't think much of it at the time, I just stepped on it, what's the big deal. But he told me that his mom is now swearing and kicking ass. I asked him how old he was. Turns out he was a year younger than me. That's when I couldn't help but laugh about it. I mean, it's nothing, why punish a child for something like that. I helped him wash up by the river and started looking for his house. I found it quickly northwest of the village center. But there were no people inside and I decided to wait with him so nothing would happen. Turns out his parents were looking for him themselves. Toward evening they came up to us and the mother of this child began to reprimand her child. But you know what?

Kushina... А?

Naruto... There was no severity or anger in her words, there was concern and regret in her words. This child apologized to his parents and they hugged him to calm the child down. It was so cute and I started imagining myself in that child's shoes myself. The next day I saw them at the playground, the mother of this child was swinging him on a swing and telling various tales. It must be nice to have someone who cares about you and always wishes you well.

Kushina's thoughts... Sorry Naruto, you could have had it all. If only we had come to our senses the same day you were born.

Naruto noticed Kushina's faded look and speculated as to what it could be from.

Naruto... Are you worried about Miroku?

Kushina woke up from her thoughts and heard the question.

Kushina... Uh-huh!

He winked at her and stuck his thumb up.

Naruto... Don't worry, even though Kakashi sensei is being kind of silly. Still, he won't let your students, and your daughter in particular, get away with it. If it wasn't, I wouldn't trust him with Inami chan and I'd give up on the rotation.

Kushina nodded gratefully and ruffled her blonde hair.

Kushina... Thank you. By the way, you told me last time that you would have given up our custody anyway when I was looking for you at the shelter. And now he said you wish you were in that boy's shoes.

Naruto lowered his head in regret.

Naruto... People and before the disclosure of the jinchuriki. He looked at me strangely.

Kushina... А?

Naruto pointed to his tendrils across his cheeks.

Naruto... I don't know why, but people kept squinting at my mustache. What I did to get rid of them. But it didn't work, many people at the shelter called me a brute and shunned me. I tried to find common ground with them. But no matter what I did, they shunned me. One time, the new guy sat next to me at the same table. So they started baiting him the next day and calling him a minion of the beast. They often tried to beat me up or mess with my lunch. I had to put my own food on and fend off attacks from the kids. At first I wanted to be adopted to make my life a little easier. But every time they came to look at the kids, I was bypassed. Still, one family agreed to take me in and even made arrangements with the caretakers. I was glad this nightmare would be over and I wouldn't have to sleep in the attic so the kids wouldn't disturb my sleep at night. But when the day came for them to pick me up, they just didn't show up. I waited a week, two weeks and resigned myself to the fact that it was never coming again. But they did come and when I approached them they were leading the bail of another child. Of course I was offended that I was bypassed again. I decided to inquire as to why they did so. They said to ask the shelter director. I went to deal with Madame Chiharu and she said people don't want defective babies and pointed to my dantebayo mustache! From that point on, I just decided not to get my hopes up with thoughts of family.

Kushina experienced a storm of emotions and made a promise to herself to punch one madam in the face. It cost her a lot not to cry here.

Kushina... You had a rough childhood!

Naruto smiled at the continuation of the story.

Naruto... But I wasn't discouraged and when the third came with Inami chan. They helped get rid of that resentment. The three of us had fun and we visited his library often. But the kids at the orphanage can be cruel and they started picking on Inami for her red hair. And the fact that I was with her a lot made it even worse. They often tried to bully her and brood over her. I wasn't that good at fighting back then, but I was getting stronger for her. And when I fought off a bunch of kids, they stopped harassing her. Still, they wouldn't stop calling her names. When I saw you in the park in winter. I was surprised that Inami wasn't the only one with such red hair. I thought at least you could take Inami. She said you were taking her out of the shelter and finding her a family. When Inami told me you were looking for me too. I didn't want to feel the resentment again that I had felt the first couple who were going to pick me up. Maybe it was my selfishness, but I had enough problems as it was, to take on this grudge as well. So, I apologize if I offended you with my reticence back then.

Kushina once again felt a prick in her heart and didn't hold back and slapped it.

Kushina... Don't ever, ever apologize for that, you understand me?

Naruto wrung his hand and with fear in his eyes.

Naruto... I'm sorry oh well, Kushina san no more dantebayo!

Kushina... Go to bed!

Naruto decided not to anger the woman any further and laid down on the tent. Kushina, on the other hand, moved far beyond the barrier and brought down the cliff with an arm strike with all her might.

Kushina's thoughts... So that's why he doesn't want a family. He doesn't want to be disappointed in people again. Huh, gotta calm down and come to my senses.

She returned to camp and sat down to meditate to dispel unnecessary thoughts. The next morning, having rolled up camp, they approached the harbor and sailed directly to Hakajima Island. Kushina still decided to think about everything after the mission, but for now tediously focused on the task at hand. They sailed for a long time, for it was a long way from the fire country to the island. On the second day, at noon, they saw an island populated with branching trees. Sasuke asked the usual question everyone asked.

Sasuke... Dobe, have you been here?

Naruto pointed north and showed the distant island.

Naruto... No, I've only been to Akajima and we didn't swim all the way to Sbla.

Sakura... Then it will be more difficult.

Kushina's thoughts... Wow, that son of a bitch, I wonder where else he's been?

They swam to the harbor and landed on the shore. On the island was a small village without any defenses. The people on the streets were unremarkable and not exactly known for their friendliness.

Kushina... We should start with a little fortification.

Sasuke... There's got to be a store around here somewhere.

They looked around and noticed a seafood store. As they approached the bench they noticed a vendor and a girl with purple hair, wearing a blue tourniquet and with bandanas around her neck, ankle, hip and knees. The vendor was holding a plate with two red flounder on it.

Seller... That'll be 80 re!

The girl was startled by this price and began to count the money. Sakura approached indignantly.

Sakura... What the hell do you think you're doing? Flounder is half the price, are you trying to scam her?

The salesman was alarmed at such accusations and began to smirk guiltily.

Seller... No, it's just that because of Kaima, we have a small catch and we have to inflate the prices!

Naruto felt the stares from the townspeople and thought they were directed at him, but looking closer, he noticed that everyone was looking at the stranger with hatred. Bandaged finally got upset and left the bench. Kushina noticed the directed glances as well and decided to inquire.

Kushina... Why is everyone looking at her like that?

The salesman stammered at such a question and whispered.

Seller... Her name is Isaribi, four years ago, she was kidnapped to the island of Kikoijima. Anyone who went in there never came back. She was the only one who came back, and people took her in stride.

Sakura... But why?

Seller... She changed and people began to be wary of her. They say she's been experimented on.

Kushina... Experiments?

Seller... Yeah, she's had a change and she's hiding something behind those bandages and... Wait, where's the fish?

Everyone looked surprised at the hands of the salesman who was clutching the coins in his hand.

Sasuke... Where's Naruto?

Sakura... Look, he's running down that girl's trail!

Kushina... Uh, well, you guys look for a hotel, and I'll go get him.

Sasuke... All right!

The Genins left to find an inn, and the salesman decided to warn Kushina.

Seller... If you don't want any trouble, you shouldn't mess with that girl. A lot of people here think she's a monster!

Kushina glared angrily at the salesman and then pulled back her hand and followed in her son's footsteps.

Kushina's thoughts... In this village, that girl was made the scapegoat. Looks like Naruto found a kindred spirit in her.

She didn't find her son, but she did find the same girl who had helped the young child bandage his shattered knees.

Kushina's thoughts... How can they think she's a monster?

But suddenly two big men started to approach this girl from two sides. Isaribi squirmed and looked for ways to retreat. Both looked at her with anticipation and one in front slapped her stomach.

Kushina... Hey, what are you doing?

But Naruto showed up when the man behind him was about to kick him. He fended off the attack and hit one in the jaw with a knee and drove the other in the carotid artery. Naruto lifted the girl off his lap and gave her a plate of fish with an ousestruck smile.

Naruto... Sorry, I wanted to give the fish away, I'm not hungry anyway.

Isaribi glanced at the blond man incredulously and set aside her plate of fish, then walked off in an unknown direction. Naruto sighed sadly and put the fish back on his plate.

Kushina's thoughts... What's going on with that girl?

Kushina walked over to her son and in a sad voice.

Kushina... Naruto, don't be mad at her, maybe she's having a bad day...

Naruto... Apparently, she has a bad day every day.

Kushina... All right, let's go to the hotel.

On the way, everyone was thinking about their own things, and they gave themselves unkind thoughts.

Naruto... Kushina san, why is there so much anger in people?

Kushina... Oh, I wish I knew, I wish I knew.

Kushina's thoughts... Looks like that girl is broken, hooh, what to do?

And here was Sasuke looking through the window while Sakura sat on the hotel bed, they couldn't miss such a feature of this village either.

Sakura... How can people be so heartless? After all, that girl didn't look hostile.

Sasuke... Sakura, we can't say otherwise until we know more. If she's hated, there's a reason.

Sakura.. Uh, okay.

Naruto and Kushina came in through the main entrance and the whole team began to prepare for dinner. There was a sepulchral silence at the table and it was necessary to defuse the situation.

Sasuke... Kushina san, so when can we start our mission?

Kushina woke up from her thoughts and looked at the brunet.

Kushina... Tomorrow morning we'll have to go to Kidoi san, we'll see.

Sakura... What about Kaima?

Kushina... We don't have complete information yet, so we'll have to gather information from others. Sasuke, Naruto, you take care of this while Sakura and I go to Kidoi-san.

Sasuke and Sakura... All right!

Kushina turned her head to her son and noticed that he hadn't even touched his food.

Kushina... Naruto?

Naruto, on the other hand, was thinking about what could have happened that the residents didn't hate and why she herself hadn't accepted help from him. He was so deep in his thoughts that he listened to the whole conversation.

Naruto... А?

Kushina... Tomorrow, you and Sasuke will go with Sasuke to gather information on Kaima.

Naruto... Okay, Kushina san!

The voice sounded uncertain and the woman worried for him. After dinner everyone retired to their rooms, but Naruto couldn't sleep. He had vague doubts about this mission.

Naruto's thoughts... Is it possible she'll turn out to be like me?

He got up carefully from the futon and putting on his clothes, he went out the window. He began exploring the entire island deep into the night and wandered to the coral reefs off the island. All was calm and he climbed into the boat and started sailing towards Hikajima Island.

Naruto's thoughts... According to that salesman, Isaribi is the only one who came back from Kikoigima Island. There doesn't seem to be any danger, maybe it was just a story?

He sailed leisurely and when it was only a short distance to the island, the water began to churn and the boat began to be pulled by the current. Each time the current got stronger and Naruto paddled back.

Naruto... What the hell is going on here?

The current changed and formed a whirlpool. Naruto jumped off the boat and stood on the water leaning on his feet.

Naruto... The maelstrom seems to have ruined all the ships, and the salahs were left in splinters.

Suddenly some kind of slurry appeared under his feet and pulled the blond man under the water.

Naruto... What was that just now? Why won't she let me go, xooo, Fuuton palm of the storm!

Such an attack only stirred up the slurry and from the resistance he was dragged even deeper into the depths. Naruto tried everything to free himself from the viscous slurry. But with each resistance, the slurry covered his body more and more. He floundered underwater for about 15 minutes and from the last he folded the seals and.

Naruto... Fuuuuuton, air pulse!

He put almost all of his chakra into this technique and a wind wave went from the blond man's body as if it were a sphere. He got out of the slurry, but not out of the water and from exhaustion he began to fall through the water again. On the shore of Isaribi Island, she was walking at a leisurely pace when she suddenly noticed waves on the water, uncharacteristic for these waters. She dived down on the water interestedly and saw an orange outline in the depths. As she swam closer and closer to the one she was looking for, she recognized the blond man who had saved her from being bullied today. She felt for a pulse and noticing he was still breathing, she gave him CPR and carried him upstairs.

Early in the morning Naruto woke up with a pain in his head and squinted his eyes and noticed the very girl he had saved yesterday.

Isaribi... You awake?

Naruto opened his eyes some more and with a heavy voice.

Naruto... What happened to me?

The girl wet a rag and put it to the blond man's forehead.

Isaribi... You don't remember?

His head was still rumbling and squinting his eyes, he.

Naruto... Wait, I was grabbed by some slime yesterday and swept underwater. I had to use all my chakra to free myself from her. But then, no, so you're the one who saved me?

The girl was still looking at him with a defeatist face.

Isaribi... You shouldn't have gone in there!

Naruto... Uh, I had to check on something. My name is Naruto, by the way.

Isaribi... Isaribi!

She sat him down on his feet and gave him a bowl of seafood soup.

Isaribi... Eat, you need your strength.

Naruto... Thank you.

As he sipped his food, the girl kept her eyes on him. She noticed some oddities on her face and felt with her hands.

Isaribi's thoughts... These marks, they're not a simple cut. Is he, like me, the result of an experiment?

Naruto... А?

Isaribi... These tendrils, are they your scars or what?

The blond man took her hand away and in a low voice.

Naruto... No, it's just a mole.

Isaribi... Were you born with this?

Naruto... No.

Isaribi... Then where did you get them from?

The blond decided to change the subject so as not to scare the girl.

Naruto... So you live here?

Isaribi's thoughts... There's something he's not telling me.

Isaribi... Yeah, I live here.

Naruto looked around me and saw old tattered, tattered things in places. There was no floor at all; instead of planks, there were blankets on the ground.

Naruto's thoughts... It brings back memories of my old shack. It's all so forgotten and weathered.

Naruto... I see, by the way, how did you end up there on Kikoijima if that island is considered forbidden?

The girl didn't like such a question and eyed him suspiciously.

Isaribi... Why do you ask?

There was an awkwardness and out of habit he started rubbing the back of his head and grinning stupidly.

Naruto... Uh, no, it's just that we've been given a mission to disarm Kaima. And rumor has it that's where he is.

The girl did not accept the news and stood up abruptly, in an orderly voice.

Isaribi... As soon as you're done with breakfast, get out of here, Uzumaki Naruto!

Now that was a surprise and a blond man with an equally serious voice.

Naruto... Tell me, are you related to Kaima in any way?

The girl answered nothing and started cleaning around the house. Naruto sighed sadly as he continued his breakfast.

Kushina had woken up from the sunlight an hour before and with a wrinkle she got out of bed and sprinted to the shower. After performing her morning motions, she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. And an hour later, Sasuke and Sakura started to come over and sit down at the table.

Sasuke... Kushina san, how long ago did Naruto leave?

Kushina... А? Isn't he in your room?

Sasuke... No, his bed is made, and his gear is missing. I thought he decided to leave early.

Sakura... Strange, he would have warned us if he'd left.

This news stirred them and they were displeased with the blond man's action.

Kushina... Xoo, where the hell is he? Okay, change of plans, Sasuke Sakura, you're going on a data mining mission. I'm gonna go find Naruto and we'll have a drink of Kidoi sanu.

Sasuke... Well, I hope he didn't go to that island.

Sakura... An island?

Sasuke... Yeah, he didn't listen to the salesman yesterday and asked me about that strange island and that girl everyone's afraid of.

Kushina... And you told her?

Sasuke... What was I supposed to do, he's like my commanding officer.

The woman angrily slapped herself on the forehead and put on her vest one last time.

Kushina... Your task remains the same!

The Genins remained concerned.

Sakura... I don't like this mission.

Sasuke... Yeah, but regardless of everything, we have to trust Naruto. The Isaribi incident must have hit him hard and he decided to find out all about her. If he needed help, he wouldn't have gone in there alone.

Sakura... I hope you're right, Sasuke-kun.

Sasuke... Okay, we gotta go too!

Kushina walked through the village and asked passersby where Isaribi lived. Many favored her and suggested she quit.

Kushina's thoughts... What the hell is going on with people here?

But still, one aberrant woman came along and showed me the way.

... Isaribi lives on the outskirts of the village, on the north side. People don't take kindly to her and put her out of the village.

Kushina felt goosebumps at hearing about the outskirts. After all, they too had once relocated Naruto to the outskirts and in their son's diary entries. She read mostly unflattering stories.

Kushina... Xoo, we have to hurry!

At this time, in a shack on the outskirts of the village, Naruto was breaking down his food and heard voices outside. A lot of people were drunk and yammering about something. Isaribi stirred upon hearing these sounds and looked at the blond man.

Isaribi... I'll take care of this myself, you stay here!

Kushina arrived at the shack in a daze and noticed the crowd near the old and ovetted shack. But it wasn't that that surprised her, it was the writings on the broken walls and windows. "monster" "beast" "freak" "freak" and many more offensive names.

Kushina's thoughts... My God, what is this horror?

The crowd stood with pitchforks and shovel and spade in hand, and the intentions were not at all unfriendly.

... Come out monster, you will answer for your evil deeds.

After these words, the tall man threw a pebble in the direction of the house.

Kushina's thoughts... Bastards, what the hell do they think they're doing. What, why did Isaribi come out?

Isaribi stood impassive and promptly received a stone on her arm and shoulder. And the men began to bring their pitchforks in for a strike.

Kushina... Stop it! Xoo, I gotta make it!

But as she reached, people started flying back one by one and out of fear the others moved away from the house. Kushina looked at that spot in the epicenter and saw her son kick the big man in the stomach and he crashed into the crowd. Isaribi sat on her knees and cradled her sore arm and shoulders. Kushina stood next to her son and gave one of the bullies a swift kick. People were not happy with this outcome and decided to speak out.

1... It's a ninja!

2... Why are you helping the monster?

Naruto was just pissed off and it cost him a lot not to blast the insolent man with a rasengan.

Naruto... We're not protecting monsters, we're saving Isaribi from them.

The townspeople were surprised at such an outcry.

3... What are you talking about, kid?

4... Look, he's got whiskers on his cheeks like an animal. Obviously, he's gonna save that girl.

2... Get out of here!

1... And look at this woman's hair, red as a demon's!

Kushina noticed that everyone was drunk, but she didn't bitch at the insult and let a terrifying ki fly at them. Her hair was branched into nine braids and swept upward. All the townspeople sobered up in a moment and ran away from the scene of action headlong.

Kushina... What a bunch of assholes!

Naruto turned his head and seeing the writing on the walls, from fear and deja vu, he fell to the ground.

Kushina realized why her son had such a reaction to this shack.

Naruto pulled himself together and then walked over to the girl and began checking her condition with a chakro pulse.

Naruto... Isaribi, don't be afraid, they've already left!

Kushina noticed the bruises on her arm and as soon as she touched it she yanked her arm away and with a hysterical voice.

Isaribi... What do you want from me, why are you helping me?

Kushina... I'm sorry we, uh.

Isaribi... Leave me alone, get out of here!

Naruto stepped away from her and pulled Kushina behind him. They walked through the village with downcast spirits. Kushina noticed that people were starting to squint and whisper strangely at them.

Naruto... Kushina san, don't look at them, you're only giving them an excuse to keep discussing you!

Kushina... But why are they looking at us like that, we just wanted to help her!

Naruto... People are afraid of what they don't understand. And is it clear to you now, what is the danger of helping someone who is called an outcast datebayo?

Kushina now fully felt what her son was feeling. But the whispers were mostly directed at her specifically.

1... Look, that's the woman who had the scary aura.

2... Xoo, I hope she doesn't kill us!

3... I wish she'd get out of here, we'd miss another monster!

Kushina was about ready to punch anyone who said that, but Naruto grabbed her arms.

Naruto... Don't, you'll only give me a reason to hate you more.

Kushina... Weird people around here.

Naruto... It's your own fault they hate you.

Kushina... What do you mean?

Naruto... I did beat up those who tried to attack Isaribi. But still I protected her and shielded myself from them. And you succumbed to the provocation and attacked back by channeling the dreaded Ki. If provoked, the beast attacks back.

Kushina realized the moral of the whole fable and simply walked in the direction of the captain's house. She marveled at her son's stamina and the familiar gait with which he walked beside her.

Kushina's thoughts... I'm not a jinchuriki anymore, but people still hate me. How had Naruto handled that kind of pressure before. If I grew up with the same conditions, I would have released a kyubi on day one! No, I'll put up with all these looks for my son!

They walked up to the mansion and past the guards sat down in the living room. A few minutes later, a man about 45 years old in a white kimono with a samurai style haircut and a smooth mustache approached them.

Kidoey... Good morning, my name is Kidoi, I am the captain of the Hakojima Island Armada.

Kushina... Good morning, Kidoi san, my name is Kushina Namikaze and I am the captain on this mission. And this is my subordinate, Naruto Uzumaki!

Kidoe looked at the blond man and then shifted his gaze back to the jonin and with a cocky voice.

Kidoey... Kushina san, word of your temperament wasn't just a legend after all. You just arrived yesterday, and already the whole village knows you!

Kushina didn't appreciate the humor and looked reproachfully at her employer and he immediately gave up in a lump.

Kidoey... Oh, I'm sorry, I just thought I'd lighten the mood.

Kushina... It's okay. And why is everyone here so crazy and looking at that girl like she's a serial killer.

The man stumbled at this question and with a sigh decided to tell them a story.

Kidoey... Over 10 years ago, our people started disappearing from the island and even to this day it continues. Kikoijima Island is considered a cursed place. Anyone who swam close to that side of the island never came back alive. But not Isaribi, she disappeared for almost a year and when she returned back to our island. All the people started whispering I amongst themselves and started blaming their troubles. Many still believe that she is the perpetrator of all the kidnappings.

Naruto... But why is she still alive then, if she was ready to be torn apart before?

Kidoey... It's simple, I'm the one who told you not to go near her.

Kushina... What?

Kidoey... That's right, there are people in this village who don't blame her for the kidnappings. I include myself among them, but it's hard to change the opinion of the rest of you.

Naruto... But not impossible! But still, if you took her into care, why didn't you tell people to keep their mouths shut? That's why rumors started spreading and everyone hates her!

At that moment, the man grew serious and in a stern voice.

Kidoey... Young man, you do realize that the rest of us are caught up in the grief of losing loved ones.

Naruto... But that's no reason to make her a scapegoat! If you took it upon yourself to help, why did you give minimal protection and a scarecrow role in the village. You just got her hopes up and now she doesn't trust anyone. Yes, you can't change people's opinions, this I know very well as I have been called too...

Kushina heard her son's exclamation with her head down and was even afraid to squeak as she received some accusations against herself as well. Naruto realized that he was no longer in control of his words and he stood up from his seat.

Naruto... Kushina san, I'll be waiting for you outside!

Kidoi watched the blond's antics with his mouth hanging open.

Kidoey... Kushina san, isn't that the Uzumaki Naruto who defeated the two strongest genin of sand and cloud?

Kushina... Yes, Kidoi san.

Kidoey... I didn't think I'd ever see him again. Hmm, I heard that he was also poisoned in his village and he himself, with his own hands, shut everyone's mouths.

Kushina... He's good at changing people's minds.

Kidoey... And now it's clear how. Yeah, I could probably get everyone to go easy on me, but that way I'd just end up being an even bigger villain and they could beat up Isaribi even more, but in retaliation for me. Naruto kuna, there is wisdom in his words. Still, he has a lot to learn. All right, let's cut to the chase. You need to disarm Kaima so our armada can cross the strait leading through the island of Kikoijima.

Kushina... Okay, as soon as the deed is done, I'll send you a raven.

Kidoey... All right!

Kushina walked out the door and saw her son on the bench.

Kushina... Come on, Naruto, we gotta move.

Just then they noticed a fireball exploding in the sky and Naruto jumped to his feet and ran that way.

Naruto... That's Sasuke's signal light, looks like he found something!

They came running to the shoreline between the cliffs and and spotted their sokomancers, behind them lay a bound creature that looked like half man, half fish. Kushina and Naruto took a closer look at the dress and the shape of her hair, and recognized her for what she was.

Naruto... Isaribi?

Sasuke... So I wasn't wrong, she refused to talk.

Sakura... But how is that possible?

Kushina... Isaribi, are you really Kaima?

The werewolf, on the other hand, sat in shock at being so easily recognized. But still stood her ground and refused to answer questions.

Naruto... Isaribi, no, I don't believe it. How could this happen, dantebayo?

Isaribi... I don't have to explain anything to you!

Suddenly a wave came up behind her and swept at them.

Sasuke... Let's go!

They moved farther away, but as soon as Naruto wanted to grab onto Isaribi she immediately pushed him away with her foot and crawled towards Tsunami. When the shockwave subsided, the leaf ninjas were back to square one and spotted Isaribi floating at full speed.

Kushina... After her!

All the ninjas ran through the water and Isaribi had to increase his speed. Along the way, they decided to bring each other into the picture.

Sasuke... We learned that Kaima often sabotages and sinks ships.

Naruto.. But why would she do that?

Sasuke... You'd better ask her!

They were about to catch up with her, but suddenly Isaribi sucked Do into the vortex.

Kushina... What the hell is this?

On the other side of the cliff, water flashes appeared, and then human outlines. Behind Isaribi stood a tall, pumped-up man with glasses, long black hair, and dressed in a white vest and black pants. He blurted out in a snail's pace and put his arm around Isaribi's shoulders.

Yeroi... Oh, look, Konoha ninja, it's been a while.

The blond man recognized him immediately.

Naruto... You, you were with Kabuto for the chunin exam, right?

Yeroi... Oh, so you remember me.

Kushina... Hey, let her go!

Yeroi... No, unfortunately I can't let go. She's a successful experiment, so be...

Eroi and Isaribi left in a water vortex, leaving a dazed crew.

Kushina... It's more serious than I thought. Kabuto works for Orochimaru, so he must be too!

Sasuke... Shh, now I know where it comes from.

They sat down on a rock and decided to discuss the situation.

Kushina... So, things are taking a new turn, if Orochimaru is involved in these matters, things could be much worse.

The blond was surprised at this concept of conversation.

Naruto... Orochimaru? But Grandpa was the third one to go kill that snake, or am I missing something?

Kushina's thoughts... He doesn't know? Xoo, what do we do? If he knows Orochimaru is alive, there's no telling what he might do. Although I wasn't!

Kushina... Naruto, Orochimaru is alive.

All the kids were shocked at this news.

Sasuke... No way, the third one couldn't have lost to him.

Naruto... Are you saying that the sacrifice of the third was for nothing?

Kushina slammed the ground thereby signaling that she wasn't done.

Kushina... Guys, even though the third one died, Orochimaru got his payoff too. Let's just say that Orochimaru is unlikely to consider himself a ninja now.

Naruto... But still he is alive, and alive he is of no use at all to this world of datebayo!

Kushina... Naruto, tell me, do you want revenge?

Naruto... No, but he's still dangerous...

Kushina... I realize that, but I told you to be sure. The sacrifice of the third was not in vain.

Naruto... Xoo, all right.

Kushina... Okay, now back to the point, as you realized, Isaribi is the result of Orochimaru's experiments.

Naruto... What a bastard, he's willing to ruin any life for his experiments.

Sasuke... Speaking of experiments, if he was able to turn Isaribi into that fish, is there any chance he has more?

Kushina... We don't know that yet. So, first, I think we should all think of a plan of infiltration. I think we should split up, the three of you come in from under the cave and I'll try to get through the mountain tops. Naruto, since you're a sensor, we should be able to find each other. So we'll go to each other's meetings.

Kushina's thoughts... If I can find Orochimaru early, I can disarm him so he won't make an attempt on Naruto.

Team 7... Bingo!

After checking their gear, they moved on as planned. The boys entered the cave and moved to meet Kushina, who came in through the entrance at the top of the mountain. The boys were walking through the corridors and sensed the enemy.

Naruto... Scatter!

A large beam fell on their floor and their path was blocked by their longtime acquaintance.

Yeroi... That's enough, you can't go any further.

Naruto... Ha, really.

Sasuke... Go ahead, I'll deal with him!

Sakura... Sasuke-kun?

Sasuke... It's okay, I'll deal with him quickly and catch up with you.

Yeroi... Ha, you're cocky.

Naruto... All right, don't stay too long.

Sasuke and Eroi stood face to face and started a taijutsu fight, meanwhile Naruto and Sakura went forward.

Sakura... Why are we divided?

Naruto... There's no time, you heard yourself that if Isaribi is working for Orochimaru, they're preparing something terrible that will ruin our mission. Don't worry, Sasuke can handle him.

Sakura decided to trust the blond's gut and just ran after him. But on the way they met another enemy. He was wearing a black hoodie with a white collar, and his pants were the same color. But the head was wearing a half-face mask and black glasses. He caught the moment and grabbed the blond in a tight rope, extending his arms.

Sakura... Naruto!

Tsurugi... Don't fight it, it'll only hurt more.

The blond didn't even squeak and narrowed his eyes.

Naruto... Let go, or you'll lose your hand.

Tsurugi... What?

He unsealed the kunai from his armband and let the wind chakra flow and chopped his opponent's arms.

Tsurugi... Aah, my hands!

Naruto didn't bother with him for long and simply slashed through his opponent's chest with his kunai.

Naruto... Let's go!

After running through several offshoots they stopped at one room, seeing large glass containers around the edges. Naruto walked over to one of the containers and wiped the fogged glass and almost jumped back in fear.

Naruto... What kind of creatures are these?

Sakura was horrified as well, but pulling herself together, she wiped down the rest of the containers as well.

Sakura... They are gray-haired birds, frogs, dogs.

Naruto... Looks like they've been experimented on, too. I don't feel any chakra in them, they all seem to be dead dantebayo.

Sakura... So the experiment failed.

Naruto... So that's what they were kidnapping people for? Xoo, how could Isaribi go for this?

Sakura... Naruto, we have to hurry, you said so yourself!

Naruto... Right, we need to figure out what's going on.

Meanwhile, Kushina was walking up the dark corridors to meet her son when she suddenly felt Isaribi's chakra. She opened the door and saw two silhouettes in the shadows. Isaribi in human form was the first to come into the light, followed by a skinny man in a white robe, with ashy hair with a quiff on his forehead and a small ponytail on the back of his head.

Amashi... Wow, it's the bloody habanero leaf herself. What a surprise to find you here.

Kushina squinted her eyes and began to remember where she had seen this man.

Kushina... Uh, aren't you Amashi, by any chance?

Amashi... Oh, do you remember me, it's been so many years.

Kushina... Ha, how to forget you. You've been Orochimaru's errand boy a lot. Strange, I thought you died somewhere or Orochimaru had you experimented on.

Amashi... Hahaha, what an insight, yes, Orochimaru let me in for experiments, not as a test subject but as an experimenter. Look at Isaribi, how do you like my work?

Kushina was shocked that a lab rat like him could turn a little girl into Kaima.

Bam and the door swung open and Naruto and Sakura walked in through it.

Sakura... Kushina san, aren't we too late?

Kushina... No, you're just in time!

Naruto... Isaribi, uh, who's that dick in the robe?

Amashi... What a rude man...

Kushina... This is Amashi, he used to work for the leaf before he was banished after Orochimaru for experimenting on humans.

Naruto... What, so those creatures we saw three levels below are your handiwork?

Amashi... Well, they passed away, but I was lucky. Isaribi turned out to be a successful experiment.

Amashi appeared to be a little or even too loopy by nature to speak so openly on such topics. Naruto, on the other hand, just wanted to crush him.

Naruto... You bastard, how dare you mock human nature?

He was already drawing his sword to strike, but Isaribi stood in his way and blocked his path with her arms spread out.

Amashi... Oh, good for Isaribi!

Naruto... Isaribi, go away!

Isaribi... No!

Naruto... How can you serve this scumbag when he's the one who ruined your life?

Isaribi... It doesn't matter, he promised to turn me back into a normal person. And for that, I would do anything!

Naruto was pissed that the asshole was twisting her like he wanted. And she didn't even fight back.

Naruto... Wake up, he's got you killing people, maiming the lives of many. He's just taking advantage of you, is that what a man does?

Isaribi became furious at such an onslaught and started to get hysterical.

Isaribi... Shut up, you're the one who doesn't understand me, look!

She threw off the bandages on her forehead and bared her cheek to reveal her scales. It looked simply creepy and Kushina and Sakura almost squeaked in fear.

Isaribi... People don't accept defective people like me. I wish every day that I could be normal again, just like you, just like your friend.

Naruto had nothing to reply to that and simply lowered his sword. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Eroya's fights were coming to an end. Sasuke realized that Eroi was using a chakra absorption technique and simply tried to stay out of his opponent's hands. And so he kicked it upwards at native speed and appearing behind him he continued the combination and then punctuated it with a lionized attack. But he didn't have time to finish it off, as Eroi was off in a water displacement.

Sasuke... Shh, what a coward, okay, time to catch up.

The rest of the team, on the other hand, were still reeling from the shock Isaribi had dumped on them.

Naruto... Isaribi, are you really willing to do anything?

Isaribi... Yes!

After saying that, she transformed back into an amphibian and fired her water cannon so that he flew back to his own.

Amashi... What, goodbye!

He pressed the button and descended through the secret passage with Isaribi. The lab, on the other hand, was beginning to deteriorate.

Kushina... Xoo, we gotta get outta here!

There was Sasuke standing outside the door with a concerned look on his face.

Sasuke... Follow me, there are more exits, we have to hurry.

They started dragging out of the shelter in the fourth. Shudders began to shake down the hallway and the walls cracked.

Naruto... Looks like we're not gonna make it to the exits.

Sasuke... And you can't break through anything with our techniques, as everything could collapse!

Kushina... Stand next to me!

The boys obeyed the order and standing next to her Kushina activated the barrier and with that she teleported outside.

Naruto... Wow, you also possess the technique of the flying thunder god Kushin san?

Kushina... No, it's a simple teleportation technique, it's not meant for combat and it takes longer to prepare.

Naruto... Oh, so that's it, what's the barrier for?

Kushina... The barrier is to keep us from being torn apart when we move. Okay, to the point, we need to hurry, since it's morning, we need to hurry to shore.

Everyone ran to their destination and saw an armada of ships that began smashing I each other and sailors throwing themselves overboard. Leaf's team arrived on the scene and saw Isaribi begin to intimidate and scatter right and left the army of Kidoi san.

Naruto's thoughts... Would she really go to such lengths to achieve her goals?

Kushina... Sakura, take charge of evacuating the ships. Sasuke, you've got the one with the glasses. Naruto, you're wearing Isaribi. And I'll take on their leader. Everyone scattered to their seats and the action began. Kushina shrank away from Amashi. Sasuke was dealing with Eroi. Isaribi, on the other hand, took Naruto underwater with her. Kushina gave Amashi a taijutsu and smacked him in the jaw with relish so that he flew back against the mast.

Kushina... You're a good fighter, but you're a terrible puncher!

Sasuke had already beaten Eroi for the second time, but he often avoided the attacks by turning into water or trying to touch his hand. Somewhat surprisingly, Eroi was even able to swallow Chidori. Sasuke wasn't discouraged and continued to try to fight in a way that didn't touch his hands. Naruto, on the other hand, underwater, decided to set the record straight. He infused his legs with wind chakra and pushing off the rock he grabbed hold of Isaribi and flew out of the water and landed with her on the rock.

Naruto... What the hell are you doing?

Slap and he prescribed her a slap and grabbed her by the collar.

Naruto... Look what you've done, do you still want to be human after this?

The girl looked around and saw people start to drown and roar.

Naruto... Is that what a person does? I didn't call those people outside your house monsters for nothing. It doesn't matter what you look like. One must remain a human being at heart.

No matter how much she said, Isaribi stood her ground.

Isaribi... Of course, it's easy for you to say, you're normal! You've never felt like an outcast! You've never been poked for your looks!

Naruto didn't understand how he could get through to her, after all he wanted to help her with all his heart. He just let her go and stepped back to a nearby boulder.

Naruto... You think I don't understand? You think I don't know what it's like to be an outcast to everyone else? You asked me how I got these whiskers on my cheeks, so here it is.

He wasn't allowed to finish his sentence as Amashi threw a pralize gas jump at Kushina. She did not react in time and fell asleep on the spot. And Amashi stood on the edge of the ship's deck.

Amashi... Isaribi, aren't you done yet?

Naruto... Get out of here, stop poisoning Isaribi's life!

Amashi... Hahaha, are you really willing to stand up for that monster, huh kid?

Naruto... It's not your looks that make you a monster. It's your actions that make you a monster. And you are a monster in human form!

Amashi broke out into a smile.

Amashi... Hahaha, a monster in human form? You made me laugh.

He folded the seals and began to change before his eyes. His skin began to cover me with scales and his eyes began to turn red. He eventually became Kaima. He stretched his arms and shoulders and sighed voluptuously.

Amashi... How do you like my monster distinction, kid?

Naruto didn't even bat an eyebrow, in his memory this mulila was one of the first people to piss him off like that.

Naruto... What does it matter what form you have taken, for your soul remains your stale Datebayo!

Amashi... What's the difference? Well, I'll show you the difference!

Amashi brought his hands up for a punch and swept at the blond man at high speed. But the latter was able to dodge with ease and immediately spelled a leg kick to the back of the head. Naruto didn't stop and powered up his muscles with chakra and started hitting that fishbone on all of his limbs. Of course and the opponent in this form turned out to be very fast. But he was a scientist by profession, and his skills lagged behind the blond. Naruto struck cold-bloodedly and clearly. In an instant, Naruto powered up his fingers with his Kashcheri blades and began slicing through his opponent's muscles. After each cut, Amashi began gritting his teeth in pain. Naruto spun around him and ripped every tendon. But because of the mutation, his cells regenerated back.

Amashi... What a ninja, his speed is unbelievable and his movements are honed to perfection.

Amashi decided to switch to ninjutsu but as he was about to exhale a stream of foda, he was hit with an air bullet in the throat and choked on his own technique.

Amashi... Xoo, this is just unbelievable. Summoning technique, come, Umibozu!

Naruto aimed his fist at him at the wrong time as tentacles of slime began to grow out of the water. Grabbing the blond man, she began to engulf and increase in size. Eventually, this slurry rose to the extent of 15 meters high.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, that's the same thing that caught me posing last night. What am I supposed to do? The density and pressure is much more powerful than last time. I don't think I can get out of here!

Meanwhile, Amashi approached Isaribi and grabbed her by the neck.

Amashi... Isaribi, how could you let him beat me like that? You wanted to be human, didn't you? You know, when I created you, I just wanted to dissect you and study you. But, I gave you a chance, and you paid me back with your inaction?

He threw her on the rocks and Naruto saw it and started to get angry. Amashi looked at the trembling blond and began to squirm.

Amashi... That's it, because you're giving me a hardened soul, a monster's shell. You're just stupid and naive, you'll die just like your friends! And I'll have you all experimented on and tortured. Yes, I'm a monster, and I love it!

Naruto listening to every word just couldn't believe his ears and folding his seals he.

Naruto... Fuuuuuton, air pulse!

Boom, a halo of chakra began to pour around the blond man and form into the element of wind. You could see there wasn't enough power at all in that slurry. The blue wave of wind began to swell little by little and inflate the slurry like a ball.

Amashi... It's no use, you'll waste chakra like that.

Naruto... It doesn't matter, I still won't let you do that to your friends bastard. Come on, I need more power! Come on!

Little by little the blue wind flurry, began to change to red. Yes, this was the chakra that had been sleeping in him for so long.

Naruto's thoughts... What, nine-tailed chakra, has my seal begun to break?

Kushina woke up to the very feeling she had long forgotten. Cracking her eyes open, she saw a huge slurry on the water. And on top of that slime's head, was her son, embraced by red chakra.

Kushina.. What, this chakra, did the seal fail?

Boom and a wild and unstoppable wave of wind blew through the neighborhood. On the other hand, there was a blond man standing on the water, with a halo of red chakra. But here was a gaze blazing with hatred and directed at Amashi.

Amashi... This chakra, what are you?

Naruto... I, Uzumaki Naruto!

Naruto folded the yin seal and with his chakra tried to suppress the nine-tailed man's chakra. Bit by bit, the nine-tailed man's chakra began to diminish and tighten back into a seal. Naruto took a breath and channeled his chakra into the course sti and creating several clones.

Boom and at full speed he spears Amashi in the stomach. It didn't stop there and now it was like a ball bouncing the enemy from clone to clone.

Naruto... I'm not going to use that chakra to beat you up!

Kushina was shocked that Naruto was able to suppress the nine-tailed man's chakra with his willpower.

Kushina... He's still-

Isaribi... Naruto, why did his chakra change to sinister a few moments ago?

Kushina glared angrily at the girl.

Isaribi... Naruto is the hero of our village that holds back the power of the nine-tailed fox demon. You think he just said those words to you for no reason? He grew up an outcast just like you. Everyone hated him for being a sucker for the fox. But he was desperately reaching out to people and a couple months ago, he proved to the entire village that even with this fate, he was still human.

Isaribi... How could he do that? People's opinions can never be changed!

Kushina... Exactly, he had to do the impossible to get it. And you, dust yourself off and stop making a tragedy out of your situation!

Isaribi lowered her head in regret and crouched down on a rock. Naruto was already beating Amashi, and at the last moment, he kicked him in the back of the neck so hard that he was flailing around in the water. Kushina wasted no time in grabbing Amashi with her chakra chains and harnessing her to the mast. But suddenly her son appeared in front of her and realizing that the danger was over, he sat down on the ground from exhaustion and his eyes turned blue again. Kushina had long ago given herself her word that no matter what happened to him, she would never let her son doubt her.

Kushina... Naruto, are you okay?

Naruto... I think it's good.

Kushina had many more things she wanted to ask, but decided to wait until the mission was over for now. Isaribi hesitated to approach as she felt remorse for everything she had said to the blond man. But Sasuke had already finished the fight by spearing his enemy with chidori, he landed next to the blond man.

Sasuke... Naruto, are you done?

Naruto... Here he sits tied up.

Amashi... How shallow you are...

Boom and not far from them that same slurry popped out of the water again.

Naruto... Xoo, I'm so sick of her.

Sasuke... How can it be destroyed?

Amashi... No way, it's my perfect weapon, a technique of water molded by living organisms. He simply won't take anything!

Naruto... Challenge accepted, Sasuke, let's go!

Naruto landed a little further away from the ship and Naruto summoned the very toad he had been trained to synchronize with.

Naruto... Gamaten san, I apologize wildly for calling you out on the salt water. But it's urgent and I need your oil!

Gamaten did indeed start scratching and gnashing his gums.

Gamaten... Okay, Naruto, what's this watery stuff?

Naruto... That's the one we have to destroy, Sasuke, prepare fire!

All folded the seals and exhaled at the same time.

... Joint technique, firestorm!

Gamaten exhaled toad oil, Sasuke exhaled fire. And Naruto intensified the fire with the wind. Umibozu was simply destroyed. The fire that covered the creature burned in such a way that daylight was eclipsed.

Amashi... How's that? It's my absolute being!

Kushina... Just sit tight.

The chakra chains tightened tighter and Amashi gritted his teeth. But the rest of us are back to square one. Isaribi was still just as shy about approaching them after what had happened.

Naruto... Isaribi, you may approach.

All lowered their eyes, lest that one should feel awkward, but when her gaze was fixed on the captive.

Amashi... Oh, Isaribi, you want to be human again, so come on, help me out.

Everyone was shocked at such insolence and Naruto was tempted to punch him, but.

Naruto... Amashi, be honest, you weren't even going to make her human again, were you?

Kushina... Answer me!

Kushina pulled the chakra chains tighter, but instead of screaming, he let out a snort of laughter.

Amashi... Hahaha, what an insight, to tell you the truth, I don't even know how to give her back her human form!

It was a severe blow to the girl, for all this time she had been doing unthinkable things just to be like everyone else again. The others, on the other hand, stood in unthinking anger. Naruto instinctively formed a kaseri on his hand and was already pointing it at the enemy, but stopped.

Amashi... Ha, you have that kind of power, but you can't kill me?

Naruto... Death is too light a punishment for you. You will be made to answer for your crimes. I hope they put you in a mental institution forever and without roommates.

And this had a very significant effect on the scientist, because he was enterprising by nature and sitting in a death shirt was a hell of a torment for him.

Amashi... Naruto Uzumaki, ha, I remember, because Orochimaru has been intent on getting you for a long time. Hmm, you'd be good for experiments. What about the monster, you're just like Isaribi, right? The monster sees the monster from afar, I take it?

Kushina decided not to take the conversation further and simply applied the seal of sedation. Isaribi, on the other hand, had completely collapsed and was shedding silent tears. And then she took her kunai and was about to rip open her belly. But Sasuke pulled his hand back in time and snatched up the kunai.

Sasuke... What the hell are you doing?

Isaribi... What am I supposed to do? I'll never be the same again!

Naruto... But that's not the answer!

Isaribi... Then what's the solution? I've been doing terrible things all this time and for what? Only to be cheated at the end?

Kushina... I'm sorry, but we're not gonna let you die! We'll take you to Konoha so we can deal with your problem. Sasuke, tie her up!

Sasuke tied a rope around the girl, and Kushina put a seal of chakra control suppression on her so she couldn't turn into Kaima.

Kushina... Okay, mission over, time for us to go home!

A few hours later, everyone packed into a ship and sailed to the land of fire. Amashi decided to hand over to Anbu so that there would be no problem. Isaribi, on the other hand, was taken with them and placed in the cabin. They sailed for a long time and towards evening Kushina gathered her crew by the deck. Along the way, everyone was thinking about something different. Naruto thought about how to help Isaribi. Sasuke, on the other hand, just wanted to go home after such a grueling mission. Sakura, on the other hand, tried to keep an eye on Isaribi's condition. And Kushina sent word to the Hokage.

Kushina... Sakura, Isaribi still hasn't eaten anything?

Sakura... No, she refuses to eat and says she wants to starve to death.

Kushina... I see, I sent a letter to Tsunade, hopefully she'll help her get her back to her old self. In the meantime, you should get your own refreshments and I'll talk to her.

Sasuke... All right!

Naruto... Kushina san, can I come with you?

Kushina's thoughts... Uh, I hope you can talk her into it.

Kushina and her son, went down to the cabin where they had left Isaribi. She really wanted to help her as she saw a similar fate with her son. And so they saw her broken and lost. She sat on the bed tied up so she couldn't kill herself.

Kushina... Isaribi, why don't you want to eat?

Isaribi... And there's a point to me, I've already told you I don't want to live. I don't want to live with this body!

Kushina... We told you we'd help you regain your human form!

Isaribi... What if you don't make it? What if you're deceiving me like Amashi?

Kushina's thoughts... My God, she's already become completely disillusioned with people. Xoo, what if she's just like Naruto and doesn't want a family anymore?

Naruto took a seat next to her and sighed.

Naruto...Isaribi I understand your situation, after all I'm just like you too. Experienced the same pain, the same despair. But death is not the answer.

Isaribi... So, what, then, is the solution? Yes, I know about you, Kushina san said you were able to deal with the hate in your village. But I'm not as strong as you.

Naruto... You're wrong!

Isaribi... What?

Naruto... When I was a kid, a lot of people said I was special. But I'd give a lot to be like everyone else. When I was a kid, I dreamed of opening a store with Maya Chan and being close to her. But life had other plans for me. You think I didn't want to die, too? Ever since people found out I was a jinchuriki. After each time I was harassed by the people of my village. I wanted to just jump off a cliff and crash to my death!

Kushina shuddered at such details.

Kushina's thoughts... He didn't write about it in his notebook. Apparently he didn't trust all his thoughts to notes.

Naruto... But I realized that death was not the answer. After all, if I died, that power from me could come out and destroy everyone else. And that's the act of a true monster. Life is hard, there's a lot of philosophy in it and even more contradictions. But if you want to remain human. You have to act like a human being. You have a good heart, I believe you can do the right thing. After all, you could have let me die on Kikaigima Island, but you saved me.

Isaribi snickered at the blond man's words and then looked at him again.

Isaribi... Do the right thing? I've killed a lot of people, ruined a lot of lives.

Naruto... I've killed people too, maybe even more than you. But sometimes life doesn't give you a choice and you have to do what you have to do. You may have gotten confused by your actions and trusted in the tiny chance that you could get your old self back.

Isaribi... Look at me!

Naruto... А?

She raised her head and showed her neck covered in scales.

Isaribi... Do you think people will accept me like this? What if it doesn't work out and I stay like this forever?

Naruto didn't know how to answer her like that, there was no hundred percent chance she could be normal. After thinking for a while, he decided to go wabank.

Naruto... What's the big deal, scales are scales. There have been worse cases than Dantebayo!

Isaribi... Are you kidding me?

Even Kushina was at a loss as to why her son had decided to turn the conversation in such a manner.

Naruto... No, I saw a woman with a beard on her face.

Kushina... Uh, are you kidding me?

Naruto... No, in a very distant country, my brother Shisui and I went to the circus. There many artists had defects all over their bodies, for example, dwarfism, extra arms, huge moles all over their bodies. But the most popular among them was the singer. She had a thick beard on her face. But people still adored her performance. She showed off her flaw in a flamboyant way and even made a shtick out of it. Everyone was in awe of her courage. I wondered how she dealt with her handicap. She said she had a hormonal glitch and at age 15 she started growing a beard. Everyone mocked her and called her a man, which was insulting to the girl, but still she was not discouraged and accepted herself as she was. She paid more attention to her voice and started performing on stage. Many liked her voice and even stopped paying attention to her beard.

The blond man pointed to his cheeks with two index fingers.

Now look at my tendrils. Many looked at them strangely and even called them pet names. I used to shy away from them and cover them up. Kushina san can even confirm it. But when I saw that woman with the beard. I've stopped hiding my neck tendrils and even some people like them. Isaribi, your imperfections on your body, it's not that big of a deal. At first I thought it was like a stamp or a tattoo. I'd say it looks cool and classy. And your ability to turn into a fish is a great way to swim underwater. At the orphanage, we often heard tales of an amphibian man who saved seafarers. A lot of kids wanted to have that super ability to breathe and live underwater. Isaribi, I'll tell you again, it's not looks that make a person a monster, it's their actions. You have a good soul and I believe you'll do the right thing.

Isaribi and Kushina listened to this story with mesmerized eyes.

Isaribi... Thank you, Naruto-kun!

Kushina's thoughts... Well done, son, you got through to her.

Isaribi... But!

Naruto... А?

Isaribi... I'm not ready to live among humans yet. I'm sorry, it's going to be really hard for me to adjust on my own.

Naruto... I understand if you want to change others. We need to start with ourselves.

Naruto handed her a bowl of porridge and began to feed her. Kushina looked at her son with rapt attention and couldn't even tear her eyes away. The tense atmosphere was fading away little by little.

Kushina's thoughts... Son, you're a miracle, Isaribi was broken. But you were able to give her the meaning of life again.

By the time they left the cabin, Naruto could already relax.

Naruto... Kushina san, do you think there's a chance that Grandma Tsunade might be able to get her appearance back?

Kushina decided to answer honestly.

Kushina... I'm sorry, but she didn't do genetics.

This made the blond frown and in a squeezed voice.

Naruto... So we're taking her to the country for nothing?

The bewilderment began again.

Kushina... But you told her yourself that it's okay to live with a defect, didn't you?

Naruto... Yes, you can, but Isaribi's case is quite different. She has long pursued the goal of becoming normal again, but if she fails this time too. Then we'll be as much of an asshole to her as Amashi Dantebayo.

Kushina... No, we can't give up.

Naruto... Okay, you're the captain on this mission, so you know best.

Naruto retreated to his quarters, leaving the woman to ponder.

Kushina's thoughts... What am I going to do, if I let her go now, I'll do the same thing I did to Naruto back when he was at the orphanage. But she doesn't trust people and we just make her go where she will get more disappointment after failing. Xoo, damn it all!

She stopped by Isaribi again and decided to speak directly.

Kushina... Isaribi, I'm sorry, but you should know that the chance of you getting back to normal is very slim. Are you sure you won't break down after a setback?

Isaribi, on the other hand, couldn't answer such a question and Kushina simply cut the rope.

Kushina... Follow me!

They walked to the edge of the deck and Kushina removed the chakra suppression seal and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Kushina... Maybe I'm doing it wrong. But it's your life, so it's up to you how you want to use it.

Isaribi stood in prostration and couldn't believe her ears that she was letting her go. Kushina, on the other hand, had hoped to the last that Isaribi would stumble and stay on deck. But.

Isaribi... Thank you Kushina san, you and Naruto are the only ones. Who have been honest with me.

She jumped overboard and plopped onto the water turning into Kaima. Kushina watched her float away with a sad look on her face.

Naruto... I'm glad you made the right choice, Kushina san.

The woman was even startled to see her son on her right and slapped him on the back.

Kushina... Just so I can listen to you again, you little rascal.

Naruto... It hurts, but still, you're kind!

Kushina didn't hold back as she clutched her son in her arms.

Kushina... Oh, you forgot, by the way.

Naruto... What?

Kushina... Show me the seal!

Naruto looked around, perplexed.

Naruto... Uh, right here?

Kushina.. No, of course not. We'll go to your quarters.

A few minutes later, Naruto was lying on the bed and Kushina was running her hand over the seal.

Naruto... What have I got?

Kushina... It was starting to crumble after all. How did you even manage to break it?

Naruto... Uh, my wind pulse technique is centered on the chakra focus. I may have misjudged my strength, but-

Kushina... I see...

She continued to check the seal until she came across the oddities.

Kushina's thoughts... What, how is that possible? This seal has been altered, but who could have altered it? After all, only me and Minato knew about the eight element seal thoroughly. Even a third skill wouldn't have the skill to modify the seal so subtly and competently that even I couldn't notice?

Kushina... Naruto, has anyone else, like, stamped the seal?

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, she must not know that Itama herself had once changed the seal property.

Naruto... Uh, only Erosanin and the hokage herself when they took the seal of the eight elements off me.

Kushina's thoughts... That's right, it looks like Minato did something to the seal and now it functions differently. Hmm, well, I'll deal with him somehow, you blond-haired bastard, Dattebane!