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Rasengan Basic Mastery 1%

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In the early morning, as the sun begins to rise, a silent and calm room begins to fill with a gentle warmth. The rays of sunshine break through gaps in the window's blinds, casting a soft light across the room. The air is filled with a stillness that can only be found in the quiet hours before dawn.

As Naruto stirs in his slumber, a slight movement breaks the silence. He opens his eyes, allowing the first rays of sunlight to caress his face. He stretches, his body adjusting to wakefulness. A yawn escapes his lips, breaking the tranquility of the room. As he opens his eyes, his gaze lands upon a water balloon resting by the nightstand. Memories flood his mind, intertwining feelings of trepidation and excitement.

Yesterday, Naruto and his master Jiraiya had booked a room at a hotel before they started their training session. They dropped off their bags at the hotel and went back out to go train for the day. Naruto's master had spotted a booth that sold all kinds of balloons, rubber, and water balloons included. After filling one up, Jiraiya handed Naruto a water balloon. He explained that the balloon represented the first step of Naruto's training.

The rules and instructions were explained including a demonstration that left Naruto in awe yet feeling a mix of confusion and exasperation as well.

"Okay, I got this! Watch this sensei!" Naruto grabbed the water balloon in his hand and sent his chakra down his arm to the palm of his hand. The water balloon began to move which spiked Naruto's excitement. He sent more chakra and the water balloon took on an oval shape. The boy frowned and stopped sending chakra to the balloon. "Why didn't it pop?" He looked up at his sensei, who raised his hands in the air in a placating manner.

"Woah, don't look at me. I want you to figure this out by yourself."

"What? Why?"

Jiraiya looked at Naruto with a serious expression. "Naruto, I won't spoon-feed you. You need to figure this out on your own. I want you to earn the right to use this jutsu."

Naruto tightened his hold on the water balloon. "Oh yeah? Well, watch me totally earn the right to use this jutsu! I'll totally complete this by myself!"

"Naruto."

The boy turned his head and saw that Jiraiya was now up and packing his things. "Hurry up, we're leaving."

"Already?"

"Yes. Don't forget that we're not just here to train you, but we're also on a time-sensitive mission to find the next Hokage." He said as he finished packing. "Now hurry up, I'll go down and let the clerk know we're already leaving."

Naruto nodded his head and quickly began to pack.

The blonde frowned after another failed attempt to pop the water balloon. He looked up from the balloon and opted to look at his surroundings. "Where are we going again? You never told me."

"We're heading over to the Hidden Rain Village. I need to ask the head of my spy network a couple of questions. Like for example, where Tsunade is and also why he didn't warn me about the invasion that Orochimaru was planning."

The Uzumaki's eyebrows briefly shot up. "Your spy network could tell something as big as that?"

"Pfft, it's the whole reason I have it to begin with!"

"Why doesn't Konoha have one then?"

"They do, it's just that everyone is so incompetent that it can't function itself unless there are multiple people to help sustain it." Jiraiya let out a sigh. "But it seems like mine isn't as good as I wished it was. But that's why we're heading there."

"Oh alright." Naruto accepted before he went back attempting to pop the water balloon.

While Naruto was preoccupied with training, Jiraiya's head was no longer distracted and instead, it chose to think about the Hokage's position. More specifically, he was actually considering taking the Hokage's position.

'What am I thinking? There's no way I could take the position. First off, I have my research to do. Being Hokage will only interfere with my research.'

'But Konoha does need someone willing to whip her shinobi back into shape.'

Jiraiya let out a sigh. All this thinking about the Hokage's position will make his white hair even more white. He looked at Naruto out of the corner of his eye. His eyes briefly widened as he got an idea. Jiraiya began talking about the state of Konoha's shinobi and defense plans, criticizing them harshly. "It's no wonder why Orochimaru was able to launch a successful attack on the village. The shinobi are too complacent and the defense plans are too weak. It's only a matter of time before another attack happens," he said.

Naruto, who had been listening to Jiraiya, then asked, "If it's that bad, why don't you become Hokage and fix it?"

Jiraiya looked surprised and then laughed. "Me? Become Hokage? No, no, no, I'd much rather be researching than dealing with all that paperwork," he said.

Naruto could see the distress on Jiraiya's face. He thought for a moment then spoke up. "You should totally become the Hokage."

Jiraiya frowned at Naruto not listening to his reasons, but he decided to hear out Naruto's reasoning. "Why do you think I should become the Hokage?"

"You're strong, wise, and you know all sorts of jutsu! Plus, you already know how to fix up the village. You were just complaining about it earlier. So, who better to do that than you?"

"Being the Hokage is a big responsibility. It requires more than just strength and jutsu. Being the Hokage means making tough decisions, dealing with politics, and leading the entire village. It's not something to be taken lightly."

"I get it, I get it! But come on, Jiraiya, think about it! You'll be able to protect everyone and make sure nobody messes with our village! And you'll have all the power and respect!"

Jiraiya laughed boisterously. "Power and respect, huh? Well, Naruto, it's not about power or respect for me. It's about making a difference and ensuring the safety and well-being of the village.

"Yeah, yeah, I know! But you'll also get to wear that fancy hat and sit on that huge chair in the Hokage Tower!"

The Sannin was smiling now. His worries and self-doubt about taking up the Hokage position were now quiet. "Naruto, you never fail to remind me of the perks, do you? Well, I'll give it some serious thought. But remember, if I become the Hokage, you'll have to work extra hard to become a great ninja too."

Naruto cheekily laughed. "No problem, Pervy Sage! I'll become the best ninja ever and make you proud!"

Jiraiya chuckled but quickly stopped laughing as he heard the faint sound of rain in the distance. "Naruto, we're here." They stepped out of the forest and saw a wall of rain. "Stay right next to me Naruto."

"Okay."

They both stepped in the rain and… just waited.

"Pervy Sage, why are we just waiting here? We're just getting soaked."

"Shh. Someone's on their way."

"Huh?"

A couple of seconds later, a swarm of paper appeared before they put themselves together. They soon revealed a beautiful woman with pale blue hair that fell in straight locks down to her waist. Her hair is parted in the middle, framing her face on either side. She has fair skin and sharp, piercing lavender eyes that seem to hold a sense of wisdom and determination, and had two large wings made out of slips of paper protruding from her back. The woman's attire consisted of a dark blue cloak with a high collar. The cloak is adorned with a large, red cloud design on the back, which is the symbol of the Akatsuki.

"Konan, we need to see Nagato." He requested.

The now-named Konan stared down at the Sannin. "We haven't met for over two years and yet you make demands?"

Jiraiya furrowed his brows before his face became more stern. "I'm not here on my own time Konan, I'm here on a mission from Konoha."

This caught the woman off guard. "I thought you were no longer accepting missions from Konoha sensei."

"Things changed." He replied. "Now can you point me in Nagato's direction?"

The woman nodded and had a single slip of paper break away from her robe. "Follow this paper."

"Thanks. I'll come see you when this mission is over." Konan smiled before she began to break away into many paper slips that all flew away. 'Paper clone huh?' Jiraiya thought with a grin. He looked up and began following the slip of paper. "Come on Naruto, we're burning daylight."

Naruto broke out of the trance he had been in and excitably jumped around. "Woah! Jiraiya-sensei who was that? Was that some kind of paper human-? Err, paper woman?"

Jiraiya chuckled at the boy's naive nature. "No Naruto. That was one of my old students named Konan. She's a regular human woman who just uses paper jutsus. She can do all sorts of things with it now."

"Really? Woah! That's so cool! Do you think she could teach it to me?" He asked with stars in his eyes.

"Nope. That's her own jutsu style. I don't think she'd be eager to share it with someone outside her village." He spoke with a smirk.

Naruto's mood was deflated but had to admit it wouldn't make sense to teach a personal style to someone not from their village. 'I'd never teach someone outside of Konoha my Sexy Jutsu. I guess it's the same way for her.' He shook off the disappointment he felt and instead focused back on his water balloon. 'How did sensei pop the balloon?' He thought back to the memory of Jiraiya's demonstration. How the water seemed to spike out in all sorts of directions before it burst open. How'd he get it to spike out like that though?

Naruto thought back to when Jiraiya first showed him the rasengan. He remembered how it looked, how it sounded, and how strong it was. The memory alone was enough to give him the chills. He was excited to know that if he mastered this, this powerful jutsu would be in his arsenal. Determination filled him and he tried to replicate Jiraiya's demonstration-.

"Naruto, we're here." All the chakra he had gathered dissipated with Jiraiya's interruption. He sent Jiraiya the stink eye and the elder sent one back. The towering doors to the Akatsuki base loomed ahead, casting menacing shadows on the ground. Jiraiya's footsteps echoed through the quiet street, while Naruto's youthful energy was palpable, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

The door creaked open as they approached, revealing a dimly lit corridor. The air was heavy with an air of mystery, the silence broken only by the distant whispers of forbidden secrets. Stepping into the Akatsuki base, Jiraiya and Naruto found themselves enveloped by the darkness. The passage was narrow, with stone walls that stretched upward into the night sky, seemingly defying gravity. The darkness seemed to absorb any light that dared to enter, creating a surreal atmosphere, however, there was a light at the end of the passage.

Jiraiya strode ahead with no hesitation and an apprehensive Naruto followed close behind. This was all new to him but if his master wasn't afraid then neither would he… at least as much as he wanted to be. When they finally reached the end of the passage, they were greeted by a well-lit hub. The second Jiraiya's eyes landed on the redhead in the center of a gathered crowd, he beelined it toward the man. Naruto was left alone standing close to the corridor wondering what he should do next.

'Guess I'll just work on my rasengan. Man, this is a lot more boring than I thought it would be though…' A lightbulb went off in Naruto's head as he realized he didn't have Jiraiya's looming presence over his shoulder. He double-checked and saw Jiraiya was distracted by the red-haired. 'It's now or never. I'll try making the Rasengan now!'

He clamped his hand down on the water balloon and mimicked the "rasengan" he made when he fought Hamaru. 'Rasengan!'

POP!

'Woah!' Naruto's chakra raged violently, wild and uncontrolled. Unbeknownst to him, there was a shell that was required in the third step that had to contain the swirling power. And his carelessness proved to be his undoing. With a flick of his wrist, Naruto's chakra slashed through the balloon, causing it to burst with a resounding pop. The sudden noise startled him, knocking him off balance and sending him hurtling backward.

In horror, he realized his failed attempt to create a Rasengan was about to have disastrous consequences. The unleashed energy would lash out and strike the unsuspecting bystander behind him. Naruto's eyes widened in pure terror as he realized the damage his carelessness had caused.

But fate intervened, sparing him from the guilt and consequences of his actions. In a split second, purple chains shot forth, wrapping around Naruto, and absorbing his chakra. The chains absorbed the chakra that fueled the failed Rasengan.

Naruto followed these chains back to their origin, his eyes widening in surprise as he recognized the creator of the chains. It was the red-haired guy that Jiraiya had been talking to earlier. The redhead retracted his chains, releasing Naruto from his grasp. Naruto quickly bowed and apologized to the startled bystander.

With a shaken expression, Naruto made his way over to Jiraiya and the redhead. He bowed deeply once again, expressing his sincerest apologies. Jiraiya and the redhead merely exchanged a glance, their faces filled with understanding. His sensei glared at him for his reckless actions while the redhead merely watched in interest.

"I'm sorry sensei. I got impatient. It won't happen again."

Jiraiya's threatening glare softened into a playful grin as he gently ruffled the boy's hair. "Alright, squirt. As long as you know you messed up, but don't feel the need to apologize to me. You didn't actually injure one of my men."

Naruto nodded, acknowledging his mistake. Turning to face the redhead, He bowed before asking, "What is your name, mister?"

With a mischievous chuckle, the man replied, "Hmph, it's alright. And my name is Nagato Uzumaki."

"I'm sorry Nagato Uzu-"

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Clan/Bloodline: Uzumaki Clan

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Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the name. "Uzumaki Clan? You're another Uzumaki?"

Nagato nodded, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "There's a clan?"

Both turned to look at Jiraiya, "Hey, there's not really much of a clan anymore. More like stragglers here and there. Besides, Nagato you were dedicated to the Rain Village, and Naruto you were dedicated to the Leaf Village."

Nagato accepted Jiraiya's rationality, acknowledging that their dedication to their respective villages was of utmost importance and that the remnants of their clan could be found scattered in various places. And Naruto just nodded his head, not wanting to understand but accepting that Jiraiya was right. Nagato turned to face Naruto, "I've never met another clansman before."

"Same here! I thought I was the only one! Tell me about yourself! How did you grow up? Did you have parents growing up? How were they? Were they both Uzumaki too? Woah, why are your eyes like that?" Naruto yelled as he realized his eyes were purple and rippled.

"Oh, this is called the Rinnegan," Nagato explained. "I gained it when I turned 18."

"Woah! What can it do?"

Nagato smirked before he pulled out a kunai and threw it to his right. Just before it buried itself into the wall, Nagato stuck his palm out and uttered, "Almighty Pull." The kunai froze in its tracks before it suddenly flew backward and straight into his open hand.

"Woah! That's so cool! I wish I had a jutsu as cool as that!"

"Well, unfortunately, you can't learn this jutsu as it's only possible with a rinnegan. But the chakra chains I could make before I got the rinnegan. Maybe you could learn it too."

"Really!?"

"That's something Kushina Uzumaki, Naruto's mother, was capable of making also. It is an Uzumaki clan jutsu."

"Really?! How do I do the chains jutsu?" Naruto asked, bouncing with excitement.

"They're called Adamantine Sealing Chains." Jiraiya supplied. "Naruto, your mother was a master at wielding those since she mainly used them to suppress the Nine-Tails."

"Really? How do I do it then? Tell me, tell me!" he exclaimed.

"You just have to concentrate on making chains out of your own chakra. Start with a single link, and then you'll move up from there. There's really no trick or shortcut to creating these." Nagato supplied.

"Really? So it's kinda like the Rasengan?"

"Kind of," Jiraiya answered. "With Rasengan, there are multiple different ways you could go about to get the same outcome. Your father was the-"

"My father?" Naruto asked in a quiet voice, all excitement about learning a new jutsu gone. "You knew my father too?"

Jiraiya ruffled the boy's hair. "Yup, and I'll tell you all about them on our way to find the Fifth Hokage."

"Really?" Jiraiya nodded. "Thanks Jiraiya-sensei."

"No problem squirt." He ruffled the boy's hair with a fond smile, earning a cheeky chuckle from the blonde boy. "Anyways, before you so rudely cut me off. You're father was the one who invented the jutsu and it took him almost three years! He showed me the way you're learning as a way to speed up the process."

"Really? It took my dad three years to create the Rasengan!?"

"No, it took that son of a bitch a week." He admitted with a laugh. "You're father was such a genius that he made me look like an idiot in comparison."

"Well Jiraiya-sensei, I have terrible news for you." Nagato joked, causing Jiraiya to lightly punch the man's shoulder.

"Alright Naruto, I still have some business to talk about with Nagato so why don't you pause on the Rasengan and Adamantine Chains training and just go look around the base? Hey Nagato, why not have Yahiko or Konan show him around?"

"Those two? Oh, they went out on a date already. I asked her if she could bring you here right before they left to go on their date. Man, you should've seen the face Yahiko gave me."

"Well, can you have someone else show him around? I don't want him accidentally getting into more trouble while we're here."

"Oh, Naruto can just look around by himself. There's no harm in that."

"Alright, be careful not to break anything!" Jiraiya yelled as he spotted Naruto already walking away. He saw Naruto wave his hand before the boy turned the corner. "Cheeky brat," Jiraiya mumbled to himself.

"You really have a soft spot for him, don't you sensei?" Nagato teased.

"Well, he is Minato's son after all. I practically saw Minato as a nephew or something so it's hard not to see him the same way." Jiraiya uttered with a soft smile painted on his face. He shook his head and shifted his mind back into mission mode. "Back to tracking Tsunade."

Nagato raised his hand to stop Jiraiya. "I already sent out my Animal Path to go and track her location."

A figure with red hair tied back in a long ponytail with a fringe hanging down from the right side of its head flew in the skies above atop a large bird with black chakra rods pierced into it. It flew with great speed as it scoured the landscape below, looking for one individual.

Nagato briefly closed his eyes before he nodded his head. "It just crossed into Fire Country. She should be found soon."

"Good," Jiraiya replied before clearing his throat and throwing an arm over Nagato's shoulder. "Now, let's discuss exactly how you managed to miss an entire planned invasion."

The blood drained from the already pale face of Nagato Uzumaki. "Oh no." He knew the talk would be long and agonizing for him.

Naruto waved his hand as he turned the corner. He walked past room after room. Wanted to see what was inside them, but did not want to cross a line as he did earlier with his failed rasengan. He walked down more and turned down a dead end. He was about to turn and walk back the way he came, that was until he heard a sound come from a room with its door opened. It sounded like something heavy fell.

Naruto cautiously approached the room, his heart pounding with a mix of curiosity and concern. The darkness within seemed to swallow him whole, casting eerie shadows upon the walls. As he stepped closer, a faint noise caught his attention. It was a choked sob, barely audible under the tense silence that filled the room and hallway.

Naruto's eyes widened, and he drew in a sharp breath. Without hesitation, he called out, his voice a gentle whisper so as not to frighten whoever was inside. "Hello? Are you okay?"

Silence hung in the air, broken only by the gentle creaking of the floorboards beneath his feet. Naruto hesitated, his hand hovering over the door handle. He could feel the tension radiating from his body, his heart pounding in his chest.

Taking a deep breath, the blonde mustered his courage and pushed the door, opening it wider. A ray of light from the hallway flooded into the dark room, casting an eerie glow on the figure sitting atop their bed. They sat huddled in a fetal position, their face hidden by shadows. Naruto took a step forward, his voice filled with compassion and concern. "Hello," he said softly. "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

The figure shook its head, the motion barely noticeable.

Naruto hesitated, unsure of what to do. He wanted to give the person space, but he also wanted to make sure they were okay. "Do you want me to leave?" he asked hesitantly.

Once again, the figure shook his head.

Naruto hesitated again, this time for longer. "Do you want me to come inside?" he asked, his voice softer than before.

The figure remained silent, their body still and tense.

Naruto's heart raced, and he could feel the tension building with each passing moment. "I don't have to if you don't want me to," he offered his voice barely above a whisper.

Finally, the figure spoke, their voice soft and filled with vulnerability. "Yes," they whispered, their voice barely audible. Naruto's eyes widened, a mix of relief and confusion washing over him. He stepped closer, entering the room cautiously. The figure on the bed remained still, their eyes fixed on some distant point on the wall. The atmosphere in the room was thick with a mix of emotions, a mix of fear and vulnerability.

Naruto stood there, unsure of what to say or do. His presence felt awkward and intrusive, but at the same time, he wanted to offer comfort and reassurance.

Naruto cautiously stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of life. Silence hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the unknown. Taking a deep breath, Naruto mustered the courage to step further into the room.

As he stood before the open doorway, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He wasn't sure where he should stand, or even whether he should sit. The room felt unfamiliar, and his instincts were telling him to keep a safe distance from the person occupying the space.

Then, a voice broke the stillness. It was soft and hesitant, the tone carrying a hint of desperation. "You can sit on my bed if you'd like."

Naruto hesitated for a moment, his eyes trained on the figure sitting atop the bed. He knew that this tone was not offering an invitation, but rather a plea. With a hesitant nod, he slowly walked over to the bed and sat down.

The figure on the bed shifted, their eyes meeting Naruto's. With eyes filled with a mix of remorse and determination, he spoke softly. "My name is Itachi."

Naruto hesitated before responding. "Itachi? That name sounds nice." He extended his hand, offering a friendly greeting. "Well Itachi, my name is Naruto Uzumaki. Nice to meet ya."

Itachi, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, took Naruto's hand in his own. "It's nice to meet you too, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto smiled back, trying to conceal the unease that was still lingering inside him. "So Itachi, what are you doing here? Are you just visiting like me and sensei? Or are you part of Nagato's group?"

Itachi's expression grew somber as he softly replied. "I'm part of the Akatsuki."

"Cool!" He said in a softer tone, mindful not to startle Itachi with his usual loudness, sensing the turmoil Itachi was experiencing. "How did you join the... what was it called again?"

Itachi chuckled at the boy's forgetfulness, finding solace in his presence. "The Akatsuki. Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko accepted me into the group after I found my way to this village."

"So you weren't originally from here?"

"No..." Itachi hesitated before letting out a sigh. "I was actually born in the Leaf Village."

"Really? What brought you here then?"

"It's... a long story."

"Well, I've got time." Naruto turned to face Itachi and settled himself, crossing his legs.

Itachi looked at the young boy before reluctantly nodding. "Okay."

He told Naruto that he was once a beacon of hope within the Uchiha Clan, revealing to Naruto the devastating impact the conflict surrounding his family and village had on his mental well-being. The prodigious shinobi, renowned for his extraordinary talent and intellect, had always been regarded as the pride of the clan. However, the relentless power struggles and internal strife within the village took a toll on him, leading to a state of profound disillusionment with the world around him.

Itachi's life spiraled into darkness as he witnessed firsthand the suffering caused by the never-ending cycle of violence. The weight of the entire situation bore down on him, leaving him consumed by severe depression. With every passing day, his spirit eroded, leaving him a shadow of the person he once was.

Haunted by the knowledge of the impending massacre, Itachi felt trapped in a web of conflicting loyalties. The village leadership, led by Danzo, saw the Uchiha clan as a potential threat and sought to eliminate them preemptively. Itachi, however, loved his family and sought a peaceful resolution. But the growing darkness within him was becoming impossible to ignore.

Then came the day Itachi dreaded. The day he reached his breaking point. Consumed by a mix of grief, guilt, and rage, he made a drastic decision that would forever change the course of his life and the fate of the Uchiha clan. He snapped.

In a moment of madness, Itachi confronted Danzo, the architect of the Uchiha massacre. The anger that had been building up inside him exploded into a terrifying display of power. His anger had awakened his Susanoo. With a single stroke of his avatar's blade, he extinguished Danzo's life, leaving the village in shock and disbelief.

The weight of his action hung heavily in the air, as Itachi's eyes betrayed the turmoil he had endured. But the cold and logical side of Itachi knew he couldn't just stop there. The darkness within him had finally reached its boiling point, consuming him completely. He realized Danzo may have been the one instigating the Uchiha, but by this point, they were too far gone to be saved.

The massacre that followed was a chilling bloodbath. Amid the chaos and devastation, Itachi, consumed by a twisted duty and desperate desire, carried out his sinister plan. With unwavering determination, he systematically slaughtered each Uchiha member, sparing only his younger brother, Sasuke.

The once vibrant Uchiha district was transformed into a desolate wasteland. Its once bustling streets now lay in ruins, its once proud inhabitants silenced forever. The echoes of their cries still lingered in the air, etching a tragic tale into the annals of history.

Itachi's actions were not without consequence. The weight of what he had done weighed heavily on his conscience, suffocating his soul. The burden of his guilt became a relentless torment, tearing at his sanity.

Driven to the brink of madness, Itachi abandoned all hope. He bid farewell to the remnants of his shattered life, leaving behind the ruins of what was once his home. With a heart shattered beyond repair, he embarked on a journey of solitude.

The burden of his guilt weighed heavily on Itachi, threatening to consume him entirely. Feeling consumed by the weight of his actions, he made the difficult decision to leave the village behind. Without a destination in mind, he wandered aimlessly, lost in his own despair.

As he trudged through the countryside, he found himself in the Rain Village. The villagers took notice, noticing his pale and lifeless appearance. Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan sensing something was amiss, decided to intervene. They captured him, brought him back to their base, and questioned him relentlessly.

However, Itachi remained tight-lipped, refusing to speak. Why would he when all he wanted was to die? Deep down, he was tormented by the guilt that had consumed him, unable to escape its grip.

Desperate to uncover the truth, Nagato decided to use his interrogation ability - a part of his Naraka Path ability. By tapping into the boy's mind, he hoped to finally understand what he was going through.

To his surprise, Nagato realized the truth behind Itachi's silence. Underneath the stoic exterior, he saw the torment and despair that consumed him. Nagato's heart ached for the young man who had endured so much pain.

Knowing that Itachi's well-being was at risk, Nagato acted swiftly. He used his Naraka Path restoration ability to heal Itachi completely, bringing him back to his perfect condition. By doing so, Nagato not only saved the boy's life but also offered him a second chance at life.

Itachi, despite his inner turmoil, accepted his new life within the Akatsuki. Although he continued to display a stoic demeanor in public, Nagato saw beyond the surface. He knew that within Itachi's heart, there lay a tormented soul seeking redemption.

Itachi's newfound sense of purpose became protecting and aiding the Akatsuki. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the organization, using his skills and talents for the greater good.

After Itachi finished his story, Naruto felt a chill run down his spine. He looked at Itachi, who now had a somber expression on his face.

"So... you're Sasuke's older brother, the one who massacred most of the Uchiha clan," Naruto said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Itachi nodded solemnly. "Yes. That's the truth."

Naruto was silent for a moment, processing what he had just learned. According to what he had witnessed and what he had gathered from Sasuke's conversations, Itachi was portrayed as a ruthless and insane psychopath.

But now, sitting across from him, Naruto realized that this was far from the truth. This broken person before him, with the weight of guilt etched on his face, was suffering just as much, if not more, than Naruto himself.

"Is... is everything you said true?" Naruto asked hesitantly.

Itachi nodded again. "Yes."

Naruto pondered for a moment. "Then I think I can get Sasuke to come here to see you."

Itachi's eyes widened slightly, and he flinched at the sound of Sasuke's name. He slowly looked up, meeting Naruto's gaze.

"I don't think he'd come," Itachi said, his voice weak. "Even if he did, he wouldn't listen to anyone. Not after what I did to him."

Naruto's curiosity was piqued. "What did you do to him?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Itachi hesitated for a moment as if debating whether to share the truth or not. Finally, he sighed and admitted, "I hurt him."

"How-?" Naruto's words were interrupted by Itachi's eye contact with the boy and the activation of his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Naruto felt a brief flash of vertigo, and the world around him suddenly faded into a grey-scale nightmare. The familiar moon and sky were painted red, casting an eerie glow upon the desolate landscape. As Naruto's senses returned, he looked around in confusion and asked, "Where am I?"

Suddenly, a figure materialized out of thin air. It was Itachi, standing just fifteen feet away from him. The Uchiha's eyes glowed an eerie crimson, piercing through the darkness. Naruto's eyes widened in horror as he realized where he was.

"This," Itachi said, his voice filled with remorse. "Is one of my Mangekyo Sharingan's abilities. It is called Tsukuyomi. It is a genjutsu world that I can craft at will." The world around soon began to shake.

Naruto's eyes widened further as he looked around. The scene before him was an exact replica of the Uchiha compound, down to the very details. The familiar architecture, the cherry blossom trees, even the sound of the birds chirping in the distance. It was like stepping into a living nightmare.

Itachi's words filled Naruto with a growing sense of dread. "And, this is what I did to my brother," he continued. "This is what I did to Sasuke."

Naruto's heart raced as he watched in horrified fascination. Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan glowed brightly, casting a sinister light upon his face. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a barrage of attacks, each more devastating than the last. He used his partial Susanoo, a terrifying manifestation of his chakra, to massacre every Uchiha in sight. The towering figure sliced through men, women, and children alike with devastating ease.

But Naruto's horror deepened as he realized that not all of the victims succumbed to Itachi's wrath. Sasuke had been spared.

As the massacre unfolded, Sasuke had been in his room, completely oblivious to the carnage taking place outside. Naruto felt a surge of guilt as he imagined the horror Sasuke must have endured upon discovering the aftermath.

Itachi's attacks grew more relentless, his Mangekyō's crimson flames engulfing the compound. Naruto watched in horror as bodies fell lifelessly to the ground, their blood painting the ground crimson. The Uchiha's Susanoo, a demonic avatar of destruction, cut down anyone who dared to defy him.

Sasuke heard a loud crash coming from his parent's room. Being the curious child that he was, he went to investigate. When he opened the door, he saw the moonlight illuminating the room, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

As he entered the dimly lit room, he heard a crunching sound beneath his feet. He looked down and saw his mother's body lying motionless on the ground, a pool of blood forming beneath her head. Sasuke's eyes widened in horror as he rushed to her side.

"Mom!" he cried, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and disbelief. "Mom-!"

Before he could reach her, he heard another loud thud behind him. He quickly turned around, his heart pounding in his chest. In the corner of the room, he saw a figure standing in the shadows, his father's corpse barely illuminated on the ground right in front of him.

"Fath-!" Sasuke tried to scream, but his voice was drowned out by the figure's menacing presence. Panic consumed him as he realized he was not dealing with an ordinary assailant.

The figure lunged forward, swiftly pinning him to the ground with its immense strength. Its eyes, red with rage, bore into him, revealing three swirling curves painted black around the pupil. Sasuke whimpered in terror as the moonlight shifted, casting an eerie glow on his face.

"Big brother?" he stammered, recognizing the face of the perpetrator.

Itachi's eyes widened in horror as he processed the owner of the voice. Dropping the sword that he had been about to use to impale his little brother, Itachi backed away, uttering a horrified, "No. no no."

Panic consumed him, and for a moment, his mind was devoid of any coherent thoughts. He had finally regained his senses after being consumed by a blind rage, and now, the reality of what he had done hit him with devastating force.

Turning around to face Sasuke, Itachi was met with a pair of innocent eyes filled with fear and confusion. They stared back at him, reflecting the horror that Itachi felt deep within himself.

"Big brother, what did you do?" Sasuke asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Sasuke. I… I…" Itachi's mind raced as he tried to gather his thoughts. He was scared. Scared of what he had done, of what he was about to confess. He wanted Sasuke to know that he never intended any harm, that he had never wanted to hurt either of them.

But he had been forced to act. He needed to make Sasuke understand. He had to tell him the truth, no matter how painful it was.

With this being his deepest desire, and still barely grasping his mangekyo, Itachi inadvertently cast his Tsukuyomi on little Sasuke, showing him everything he did that night. It got about halfway through before Sasuke let out a horrified scream, making Itachi's blood run cold and unintentionally canceling the Tsukoyomi.

Itachi rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "Sasuke, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

Sasuke's eyes were filled with tears as he looked up at his older brother. "Why?" he choked out, his voice trembling.

"Why what?" Itachi asked, his voice uncertain.

"Why would you show me that?" Sasuke asked, his voice laced with a mix of anger and hurt.

Itachi's eyes widened in horror as he realized what he had done. "Show you what Sasuke-?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Show me how you murdered our clan!" Sasuke cried, his voice filled with rage. The tears streamed down his face as he looked at Itachi, his eyes filled with betrayal and hatred.

Itachi took a step backward, his eyes filled with guilt and shame. Then another, and another, until he had fled from the house, leaving behind his sword and his entire life. He ran away from the mess he had created, from the consequences that he knew would befall him.

As he ran away, his heart ached for the pain he had caused. The tears streamed down his face as the weight of his actions weighed heavily on him. He had betrayed the trust of his own brother, the one person he had sworn to protect. The guilt and regret consumed him, trapping him in a prison of his own making.

The illusion shattered as Jiraiya landed a powerful punch on Itachi, breaking it. Jiraiya swiftly pulled Naruto away, while Nagato positioned himself in between Jiraiya and Itachi, trying to defuse the situation.

"What are you thinking, Nagato? I told you he's nothing but trouble! Why would you even accept him into the Akatsuki?" Jiraiya growled, his voice filled with anger.

Naruto, confused, looked around, trying to understand what was happening. One moment he was trapped in a genjutsu, and the next, he suddenly found himself out of it. In a fraction of a second, everyone was yelling at one another.

"What's going on?" Naruto asked, his voice filled with confusion. "I was just in a genjutsu, and then everyone was suddenly yelling. What's going on?"

"Itachi placed you in a genjutsu!" Jiraiya urgently shouted, his voice filled with concern. "Stay away from him! Who knows what he's planning!"

"Jiraiya-sensei!" Naruto interjected, his voice filled with concern. "I asked him to, right, Itachi?"

Itachi, stuttering, tried to explain himself. "I-I was just-"

"You were just what? Luring Naruto into danger before you killed him?" Jiraiya snapped, his voice rising in anger.

"No. I-I, I-" Itachi stammered, his voice filled with a mix of fear and guilt.

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, his anger boiling over. "Pervy Sage! Itachi was just showing him what happened." Naruto shouted, trying to calm his sensei.

Jiraiya's anger exploded. "You showed a little kid what you did? You son of a bitch!" he growled, his voice filled with barely contained rage.

"I asked him to!" he repeated, his voice growing louder with each passing syllable. Naruto stood firm, his voice filled with conviction as he faced each and every one of them, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Itachi.

Itachi, on the other hand, was struggling to pull his knees to his chest, his movements rigid and hesitant, as if trying to shield himself from the prying eyes of the crowd. He could feel the weight of their gazes, could feel the anger radiating off their bodies.

Jiraiya, his face contorted in a mixture of shock and disbelief, stepped forward, his voice booming through the silence. "What?! Did you brainwash him?" he roared, his voice full of indignation.

Nagato, his eyes filled with concern, interjected, his voice firm but calm. "Jiraiya-sensei shut up and let them talk." Jiraiya glared at Nagato, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and frustration. However, reluctantly, he lowered his voice and acquiesced to his former student's request.

Itachi, his eyes trained intently on Naruto, eased out of his defensive position and sat on the edge of his bed. He saw the raw sincerity in Naruto's eyes and could feel the unwavering belief in his words. Itachi felt a weight lift off his shoulders, knowing that Naruto understood and accepted him, even in his darkest hour.

Clearing his throat, Naruto talked to Itachi. "I'll try and convince Sasuke that he should come here to see you. Maybe you guys can talk it out then."

Itachi's stoic and sullen face lit up with gratitude, his eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you, Naruto Uzumaki," Itachi said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Nagato, Jiraiya, and Naruto all left Itachi's room, with Naruto waving as he left, and they walked toward the base's training grounds. "Alright Naruto, Jiraiya agreed that you guys should stay the night here so you can try to learn the Adamantine Sealing Chains."

"Really? Thanks Jiraiya-sensei!"

Jiraiya gave him a thumbs-up as he walked toward the exit. "Nagato sent out someone to look for Tsunade. We should have a lead on her soon so you two just train."

Naruto smiled cheekily, excited at the chance to be training in another jutsu. An Uzumaki jutsu at that! "Okay!" Naruto started. "How do I make the chain again?"

"Just envision your chakra taking the shape of a chain. Make sure that you put a lot of chakra in the jutsu otherwise, it'll just keep collapsing."

"Okay, a lot of chakra, mold it into a chain. Got it."

The Sage of Six Paths pondered to himself as he witnessed Naruto's remarkable display of abilities. With deliberation, the Sage channeled a portion of his own chakra into his staff before tapping the floor of Naruto's mindscape. The surroundings wavered, and Hagoromo found himself observing a close-up of the young man's genetic material.

The Sage's demeanor became even more contemplative as he observed the intricate interaction between Naruto's chakra and the genetic material within him. With a single flick of his hand, Hagoromo materialized a chain link in the palm of his hand, intently analyzing how the chakra was shaped and what specific genetic material was necessary to perform the jutsu.

As Hagoromo continued to examine this intricate process, he observed a crucial discrepancy. Naruto's genetic material was lacking an essential component. Specifically, the Sage noticed that Naruto's genetic code lacked the specific sequence ACG, which was required for the jutsu. Hagoromo's eyes widened in realization, and his thoughts raced.

Pausing for a moment to consider his options, Hagoromo weighed the implications of Naruto's unique genetic makeup. If the young man was indeed destined to become his successor, it was inevitable that his own genetic material would eventually merge with that of Naruto. However, was it truly necessary to tamper with Naruto's genetic code at this crucial juncture?

After careful consideration, Hagoromo concluded that the potential harm in subtly adjusting Naruto's genetic material now would be far outweighed by the long-term benefits. If Naruto were to one day embody the strength and prowess of the Sage of Six Paths, then perhaps a slight tweak to his genetic makeup could expedite the process.

With this decision made, Hagoromo extended his hand, channeling a surge of chakra into it. With a gentle touch, he gently maneuvered Naruto's genetic material, ever so slightly adjusting it to conform to the desired ACG sequence.

As the Sage's touch lingered, a surge of energy coursed through Naruto's body, imperceptible to the human eye. The Sage observed the altered genetic material, satisfied that he had successfully aligned Naruto's genetic code with the specifications required for the jutsu.

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New Jutsu learned!

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Uzumaki Clan: Adamantine Sealing Chains

Basic Mastery 0%

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'Sweet!' Naruto internally cheered. 'I got it added to my jutsu list! That means I'm on the right track!'

Nagato frowned just as Naruto's facial expression changed into one of excitement. 'That's weird. It was brief, but I felt another chakra signature come out of Naruto for a split second… Maybe I just imagined it.'

"Alright, more chakra this time!" Naruto yelled as he pumped as much chakra as he could, trying to shape it into a single chain link right above his palm.

Chk!

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Uzumaki Clan: Adamantine Sealing Chains

Basic Mastery 10%

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Naruto and Nagato both stared at the single chain link sitting atop Naruto's hand. The older Uzumaki walked over and grabbed the chain link before he had to quickly let go of it. "Wow, yours drains chakra a lot faster than mine does!"

Naruto's eyes widened with excitement. "Is that good?"

Nagato laughed as he patted Naruto's back. "Yes, it's supposed to do that. However, your chain link is... a lot thicker than mine." Nagato held out his palm and created a single chain link that was roughly 20% smaller. "You can adjust the size at will," Nagato shrank and grew the chain link as a demonstration. "For heavy stuff, the thicker chain is better, but for everyday stuff, a smaller chain is recommended."

Naruto whistled in amazement as Nagato demonstrated the ability to adjust the chain link's size. "That's cool but you're just showing off," Naruto whined jokingly.

"Sorry," Nagato smirked. "I just couldn't help myself."

With Naruto's new breakthrough, he thought he'd take a tiny break and finally ask a question that's been nibbling the back of his mind since he laid eyes on the older Uzumaki. "So… how'd you get your eyes again?"

"Hm? Oh you mean my rinnegan?" Nagato pointed to his peepers and earned an eager nod from Naruto. "I got it by-"

"Hold on Nagato! Wait wait! Let him read my book! Let him read my book!" A man in his twenties yelled as he rushed over, waving around a book all the while.

Nagato took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Who's this?" Naruto asked.

"This is one of my newest members. He's kind of-"

"I'm his biggest fan!" The man yelled. He crouched down, forcibly grabbed Naruto's hand, and shook it before he forced the book into the boy's hand. "My name is Shinpei Sakamoto! I'm the author of this book!"

Naruto glanced down at the book. 'The Prodigy Within: Nagato Uzumaki's Unique Journey.' He glanced at Nagato who mouthed an apology.

"You should read it! It's one of my best works so far!"

He glanced back at Nagato and saw him clasp his hands together. "Fine, I guess I'll give it a try."

Introduction:

In the hidden village of Amegakure, tales of prodigies are not uncommon. However, there is one extraordinary individual whose story stands out among them all - Nagato Uzumaki. From a young age, Nagato displayed exceptional talent and abilities that set him apart from his peers. This unique story delves into the mesmerizing journey of Nagato Uzumaki, a true prodigy destined for greatness.

Chapter 1: The Awakening

Nagato's prodigious journey begins with the awakening of his innate skills. As a child, he quickly grasps complex ninja techniques and demonstrates a remarkable understanding of chakra control. His natural affinity for all five nature transformations astounds his mentors and peers alike. With each passing day, Nagato's abilities grow exponentially, leaving everyone in awe of his potential.

Chapter 2: The Rise to Prominence

As Nagato matures, his reputation as a prodigy spreads throughout the ninja world. His exceptional talent caught the attention of influential figures, including the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya. Recognizing Nagato's extraordinary abilities, Jiraiya takes him under his wing, becoming his mentor and guide. Together, they embark on a journey to hone Nagato's skills and unlock his true potential.

Chapter 3: The Trials and Tribulations

Nagato's path to greatness is not without its challenges. In this chapter, he faces numerous trials and tribulations that test his physical, mental, and emotional strength. From intense battles against formidable foes to confronting his own inner demons, Nagato's determination and resilience are put to the ultimate test. Through it all, he learns valuable life lessons and gains a deeper understanding of his prodigious abilities.

Chapter 4: Unleashing the Prodigy Within

In this climactic chapter, Nagato reaches the pinnacle of his prodigious journey. He masterfully combines his exceptional skills in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, creating awe-inspiring techniques that surpass the boundaries of imagination. Nagato's unique approach to combat leaves his adversaries bewildered, as he effortlessly outmaneuvers and overpowers them. The world watches in awe as Nagato Uzumaki unveils his full potential, as he unlocks his rinnegan.

Chapter 5: The Legacy of a Prodigy

As the story draws to a close, Nagato's legacy as a prodigy is cemented in history. His unparalleled abilities and unwavering determination inspire future generations of ninjas. Nagato's name becomes synonymous with excellence and serves as a beacon of hope for those who seek to follow in his footsteps.

Conclusion:

This unique story captures the essence of Nagato Uzumaki's journey as a prodigy. Through his extraordinary abilities and unyielding spirit, Nagato rises above the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the ninja world. The story of Nagato Uzumaki serves as a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness.

He flipped to the next page and saw that it was blank. He quickly checked the remaining pages and saw that they too were blank. "That's it? That was only two pages!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Well, it's a work in progress," Shinpei admitted. "But how was it? It was good right!"

"It was sh-"

"It was shockingly outstanding!" Nagato interrupted. "Thank you so much for writing that. It truly means a lot to me."

"You mean it?" Shinpei asked with stars in his eyes.

"Absolutely. Why don't you go and work on it some more while I train with Naruto?"

"Alright! See you later Nagato-senpai!"

The two Uzumakis watched the man run off. When he turned the corner, Naruto turned to face Nagato. "What's his issue? Why were-"

"He's the younger brother of one of our stronger members. He asked if we could be nice and kind to him as he doesn't have that many friends." Nagato let out a sigh before he snapped his fingers, infusing a little bit of chakra into it to fully get Naruto's attention. "Alright, let's just get back to training. Now, to get a longer link…"

Hagoromo carefully observed Naruto's mindscape. He had been in here for a while now, but he had never fully explored the surroundings. With utmost caution, Hagoromo discreetly navigated through the realm, eager to find the location where Kurama, or the Nine-tails as Naruto liked to call him, was being held. Intent on avoiding any potential conflict between Kurama and Naruto, Hagoromo employed the power of Ninshu to render himself invisible.

As he approached the entrance that guarded Kurama's confinement, Hagoromo noticed a piece of paper attached to the gate. On it, he found a seal etched meticulously. Intrigued, the Sage used senjutsu to sense Kurama's current condition and discovered him peacefully sleeping. Satisfied that there was no immediate need for his invisibility, Hagoromo discarded it and turned his attention to the seal.

Examining the seal closer, Hagoromo pondered its significance. 'Hmm, what's this? Why are there two chakra signatures sealed right...' he asked, his finger hovering over the location where the storage compartment was depicted. 'Here?' he murmured, deep in thought.

Hagoromo Otsutsuki's eyes widened as he watched in disbelief as Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze's chakra essence abruptly emerged from the confines of the seal. All three individuals now stood silently, their eyes locked onto Hagoromo. The silence was finally broken by Hagoromo clearing his throat, his voice filled with a hint of awkwardness.

"Hello," he said, his voice steady yet with a hint of uncertainty.

Kushina, her fiery personality on full display, responded bluntly. "Who are you?"

Minato, taken aback by Kushina's sudden interruption, attempted to intercede. "Kushina, wait!"

Ignoring Minato's plea, he continued, "No, it's okay. My name is Hagoromo Otsutsuki."

Hagoromo's explanation was met with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion from Kushina. "Okay, what are you doing here?"

"Kushina-! Wait..." Minato turned to face the now-named Hagoromo. "I'm actually curious about that too."

Hagoromo, sensing an opportunity to gain the upper hand, interjected again. "Might I ask something first?"

Kushina, seemingly resigned to the situation, shrugged her shoulders and agreed. "Sure."

"Who are you two?" Hagoromo asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

Kushina, her temper flaring, answered with a hint of ire. "Why are you asking? We're Naruto's parents, which explains why we're here. What's your excuse?"

Hagoromo, clearly taken aback by Kushina's sharp response, remained stoic and silent. Without uttering a word, he swiftly resealed the two individuals back into the seal, clearly dismissing their questioning. As he did so, he mumbled to himself, "I'll deal with that at a later date... actually, maybe I can make Naruto open it up so they'll warm up before I talk to them. Yes, I'll have to assign him an emergency quest when the time is right."

Hagoromo turned back around and stared within the cage. He felt a strong desire to help free the tailed beast and ease the tension that seemed to exist between Kurama and his host. However, he knew that he had to tread carefully. This wasn't his life, but their lives. He would not intervene unless he was given the green light or circumstances forced him to do so.

Hagoromo, being the wise and introspective individual he was, understood the significance of allowing Naruto and Kurama to resolve their issues on their own. He knew that forcing his hand could potentially do more harm than good. There was still a chance that the two of them could find common ground and work out their differences in a peaceful manner.

However, it was undeniably difficult for Hagoromo to just sit back and watch as the two grappled with their emotions and fought their own battles. He wished there was something he could do to alleviate their suffering, but he remained bound by his own sense of duty and respect for their freedom.

On one hand, Hagoromo longed to free Kurama from the confines of the cage and allow them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. On the other hand, he recognized that Naruto's life was already filled with enough complications and uncertainties. Adding another element to the mix could potentially disrupt the delicate balance they were trying to achieve.

And so, Hagoromo found himself caught between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to free Kurama and bridge the gap between them, but he also knew that his actions could potentially disrupt the delicate threads that held Naruto's life together.

For now, Hagoromo would have to wait and watch. He would remain silent and unobtrusive, trusting that Naruto and Kurama would find their way towards a resolution. If necessary, he would step in and intervene, but only as a last resort. Until then, he would continue to sit in the backseat, witnessing the evolving relationship between the two and hoping that one day, they would be able to overcome their struggles and forge a future together.

Tsunade, Shizune, and Tonton strolled leisurely through the lively streets of Hiromachi, the sun casting a warm glow over the bustling town. The familiar sounds of merchants hawking their wares and children playing filled the air as they made their way through the colorful marketplace. Despite the picturesque scene, Tsunade's keen eyes caught sight of a loving family—a husband, a wife, and two children—sharing a tender moment by a quaint stall.

As Tsunade observed the heartwarming display, a barely audible scoff escaped her lips, betraying her inner thoughts. Shizune, attuned to her mentor's subtle reactions, shot her a reproachful glance. "Tsunade-sama, it's not polite to judge," she chided in a hushed tone, her concern evident in her warm, brown eyes.

Tsunade's response was a nonchalant shrug, her expression remaining unchanged. "I wasn't judging, Shizune. Merely an observation," she retorted, her voice carrying a hint of defiance.

As they ambled through the lively streets of Hiromachi, the trio came across a dimly lit bar, its doors invitingly open. Without a word, Tsunade strode inside, her purposeful gait leaving Shizune and Tonton with no choice but to follow.

Inside the bar, Tsunade settled herself at the counter, ordering a drink without hesitation. The clinking of glasses and hushed conversations enveloped the room as she took a long, deliberate sip, lost in her own thoughts.

With each swallow, Tsunade found herself transported back to a time when she had everything: Dan and Nawaki, her beloved grandfather and granduncle. The memories weighed heavily on her heart, and she mentally cursed the fates that had robbed her of all she held dear.

Shizune, her gaze filled with empathy, watched on as her mentor once again sought solace in alcohol. As Tsunade's demeanor softened under the influence, Shizune knew it was time to intervene. With gentle insistence, she guided Tsunade out of the bar and back to their hotel room.

During the walk back, Shizune couldn't help but broach the subject that weighed heavily on her mind. "Tsunade, you can't keep drinking away your sorrows every chance you get. It's not the answer," she implored gently.

Tsunade's expression hardened, her voice laced with bitterness as she retorted, "You know exactly why I've been drinking!" A heavy silence lingered between them, each lost in their own thoughts.

Just as the tension seemed to thicken, Tsunade, in her inebriated state, began, "This was the week I lost Nawaki all those years ago... I just-" Before she could finish, Shizune, understanding her mentor all too well, softly finished her sentence, "You'd rather not remember that fact. I know, Lady Tsunade."

Another silence enveloped them, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air. Unbeknownst to them, a giant bird soared in the sky just out of sight. As it appeared, the bird turned around and swiftly disappeared, its presence unnoticed by both Tsunade and Shizune, lost in their own emotions and memories.

Carefully laying her master on the bed, Shizune ensured Tsunade was comfortable before retreating to her own room across the hall. As she opened the faucet, the sound of running water filled the room, signaling the beginning of a soothing bath. Slipping into the warm embrace of the bath, Shizune allowed herself a moment of reflection, her mind wandering back to her days in Konoha, reminiscing about the cherished bonds she once shared with friends and classmates. In the quiet solitude of the bath, she found solace in the memories that gently washed over her, offering a sense of warmth and comfort amidst the uncertainty of their current journey.

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Uzumaki Clan: Adamantine Sealing Chains

Basic Mastery 40%

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"Dammit!" Naruto yelled as he failed to create another chain link. His recent failure infuriated him so much that he plopped himself on the floor to A, catch his breath, and B, let his tired body briefly rest. His total chains had been raised to twenty, but only when he completely focused on making the chains and nothing else.

"You're improving Naruto, be glad and focus on that instead of how you're not improving as fast as you'd like." Nagato lectured the young preteen.

The boy, drenched in sweat from the concentrating and chakra usage, looked over at his new red-haired sensei. "Really Nagato-sensei? Thanks." Naruto exhaled as he wiped the sweat off of his brow. "Do you think I'm ready to use it in a spar or fight?"

"No." He quickly shot down Naruto's hopes. "I don't want you using this in battle until you can master the jutsu enough to not shred through your clothes or through others… unless you have to."

Naruto nodded his head in understanding. "I understand sensei." The boy threw himself off of the ground, suddenly getting his second wind and determined to master this jutsu as quick as his talent allowed him to. "Alright, sensei! I'm ready for" Nagato's head suddenly whipped to his right and he gained a far-off gaze. "Uh, sensei?"

"Lady Tsunade has just been located," Nagato stated. He looked over to the boy and gave him a sincere smile. "Sorry Naruto but you and Jiraiya are about to head out. Our training ends here."

"Noooo," The genin whined, "Really?"

Nagato laughed and nodded. "Yeah, sorry. I'll go tell Jiraiya while you go pack your stuff okay? Oh and don't be afraid to say bye to Itachi if you want, I'm sure he'd appreciate it."

"M'kayyy." The boy gloomy responded. "Bye Nagato-sensei."

"Bye Naruto!" Nagato couldn't help but smile as he watched Naruto sullenly walk away toward Itachi's room. The red-haired man closed his eyes and focused on sensing where his old sensei was. 'Upper left quadron… what's Jiraiya doing in the laundry room?' He shook the question off and quickly made his way over there. He sped down the halls and had to skirt to a stop when he finally reached his destination. He opened the laundry room door and was greeted by the sight of Jiraiya sitting atop the washing machine with a book in his hand while the dryer was running next to it.

"Jiraiya… what are you doing in here?"

"What does it look like? I'm drying my laundry."

Nagato brushed off the confusion he felt and instead focused on the reason he was there. "My Animal Path spotted Tsunade in Hiromachi. It's in the Northern part of Fire Country."

"Hiromachi?" Nagato nodded as Jiraiya raised a hand to his chin. "I think I've been there… it's next to Hoshikaze Town right?"

"Yes."

Jiraiya snapped his fingers as he nodded his head. "I knew it. Alright, we'll be heading out now." He hopped off of the washer and pulled his clothes out of the dryer. "Sweet! They're not the damp!" He pulled out a sealing tag and placed the clothes atop it before he sealed them away. "Alright, thanks for your help Nagato. I'll be sure to come by again after this mission is over."

He held his hand out and Nagato shook it with a smile on his face. "I'll see you around then, sensei."

The two walked back to the hub of the base where they saw Naruto waiting for his master. "About time! I was about to go talk some more with Itachi!"

"Yeah yeah, come on brat." Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively as he walked past Naruto, earning the boy's ire."On our way there I'll tell you more about your parents."

Naruto sped past him before calling back to his sensei, "Come on sensei! We're wasting time being slow! Pick up the pace!"

"Alright alright! Nagato, tell Konan and Yahiko bye for me."

"Okay, sensei." Nagato waved off master and student as they walked out of their base.

After walking out of the Rain Village, Naruto was bursting with excitement at finally being able to hear about his parents. "So?"

"So? What?"

"Tell me about my mom and dad!" Naruto pleaded.

Jiraiya couldn't keep up the charade any longer, he laughed as he nodded his head. "Okay, Okay." He put a hand to his chin in mock thought. "Hmm, where do I start?"

"How did Mom and Dad meet?" The youngin blurted out.

"Good starting point! Man, you might be smarter than I thought you were!"

"Hey!"

"I'm just kidding." The man grinned but soon gained a far-off look as he recalled how the boy's parents met. "They were both in the academy at the time. Your mother, man was she temperamental. Haha! She had this long, red hair that all the boys used to make fun of. All except your father of course. Your father, even back then as a kid, was raised like a gentleman. He never made fun of Kushina or even laughed at her. It didn't take long for Kushina to notice this too since she had already beaten up Every. Single. Boy. that made fun of her… and your father saw every single beating."

"He did?" Jiraiya nodded with a smile on his face. "Why didn't he stop the boys then?"

"Because he knew your mother could take care of herself. That's why he fell in love with her." Jiraiya got closer to Naruto and whispered into his ear. "He always said he fell in love with her beauty, but I know the truth! He always blushed like a school girl when he saw her riled up."

Naruto gasped as he pulled away. "Seriously?!"

"Hehe!" Jiraiya cheekily giggled. "Yup!~ He used to chase after me every time I teased him about it."

Naruto cheekily giggled as well. He couldn't be happier. He was finally learning about his family. His family. Tears born of overwhelming joy began to run down Naruto's face. "Go on! Tell me more sensei!"

Jiraiya smiled warmly as he saw the boy show his raw emotions, his raw happiness. "Sure thing brat. Now, where did we leave off."

"Dad blushing when he saw Mom fighting!"

"Oh right! So one day…" Jiraiya continued telling Naruto about his parents. Their first date, their second, and when he told him about their third date, he showed Naruto a few pictures he snagged of them before they found out he was spying on them. "It was for wholesome reasons, I swear!" He laughed as he remembered trying to plead his case to the couple.

"Did they believe you?" Naruto asked.

"God no. Minato watched as Kushina beat me black and blue! Then he took her off somewhere and I swear I saw his cheeks blushing!" Master and student laughed at the memory. "Anyways, before they started dating, both of them became genin and Minato was put into my squad…" Jiraiya continued to tell Naruto about the missions he took his team on. Minato was dangerous even as a genin if you were on his bad side. Then one day for training, Minato never showed up. Jiraiya went to his flat his parents left him after they died, but it was empty. So were Minato's usual spots he'd be at. Just as the day turned to night and after not seeing hide or hair of the kid, Jiraiya went to his sensei, Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage, and was going to ask if he had any idea where the kid could be… only to find Minato carrying Kushina bridal style.

Jiraiya was dying of laughter at this point as he remembered what came next. "And then…and then I- I said, Damn kid. You didn't want to wait a day longer did you?" Naruto joined in with his laughing sensei as he could already imagine how his parents would've reacted.

After the laughter once again died down, Jiraiya continued. He told Naruto how Minato actually created the Rasengan after witnessing not one but two bijuu bombs being made up close and only need a week or two to recreate it. He told Naruto how bad Minato was at naming jutsus. How Minato and Kushina grew up. How they fell in love. How they married while on a mission because those to love birds actually couldn't wait. How they became second parents to Minato's team. How devastated Minato and Kushina were when they found out about Obito and Rin. How they loved Naruto with all their heart before he was even born.

How the night they died was an accident.

How Minato was stretched too thin.

How Minato was the only one who could hold the Nine-tails back during Kushina's birth.

How Minato failed.

"I'm sorry Naruto." Jiraiya quietly apologized, a voice full of sincerity.

Naruto, who had been quiet after hearing about the night he was born, turned to face Jiraiya. "What for?"

"I should've been there that night. Minato asked me to… he wanted me to witness you being born… but I declined and instead spent the night at a brothel several towns over." Silence fell over the two of them for a few moments before Jiraiya continued. "I should've been the one to sacrifice myself to seal away the Nine-tails. To save the village. To save your parents…" He turned to Naruto, his eyes finally showing all the regret and sadness that he actually held behind them. "To save you from having to live all alone."

Naruto broke eye contact and looked down at the ground. Jiraiya, hurt by the rejection, let his eyes drift to the ground too. "But then I would've never met you." Jiraiya picked his gaze back up and looked over to Naruto. The boy was holding his bag's straps tightly enough that his knuckles turned white. Jiraiya smiled as he wrapped Naruto up in a one-arm hug.

"Thanks, Naruto."

The boy hesitantly wrapped his arm around Jiraiya's back. "No problem… Jiraiya-sensei."

With that burden now off his shoulders, Jiraiya looked up and saw their destination in sight. "Hey Naruto, look alive." The boy cleaned his face off with his jacket's sleeve and straight ahead too. "That's Hiromachi. We're here." After a few minutes of walking later, they entered the town. "You hungry kid?" Naruto shook his head. "Alright, let's go get a room then." He looked around their current position and spotted a hotel further down. "Come on Naruto, this way."

Jiraiya booked a room with two queen beds and left Naruto there to sleep while he went out to grab a quick bite to eat. As he exited the hotel, the first rays of sunshine briefly blinded him, evoking a yawn out of the man. 'Man, if I wasn't so hungry I'd be napping right alongside Naruto.' He looked around him and saw a little ramen shop right across the hotel and a bar and grill restaurant way further down. 'Well… I'm probably going to be eating from the ramen stand from now on after Naruto wakes up… Bar and Grill it is!'

Jiraiya enters the bar and grill and is greeted by the delicious smells of sizzling meat and spices. He finds a cozy booth and orders a hearty meal to replenish his energy, opting for a large steak with all the fixings and a side of garlic mashed potatoes. Along with his meal, Jiraiya orders three bottles of Sake, intending to enjoy the morning, or night to him, to the fullest. The rich aroma of the Sake fills the air as he takes a moment to savor the first sip.

After savoring every last bite and enjoying the company of other patrons, Jiraiya stumbles out of the bar and grill, feeling content and satisfied. The morning air with the warm beams of sunlight on his face is refreshing as he begins his leisurely walk back to the hotel, the warmth of the Sake coursing through his veins.

Unbeknownst to Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shizune enter the bar and grill just as he leaves, narrowly missing each other. Inside, they settle into a quiet corner booth, ready to unwind after a long day.