Chapter 25
Brothers.
Three days later, Itachi decided to take Sasuke to where Shisui and Naruto were training, as promised. Sasuke had had time to think about a lot of things in that time, with Naruto he was already talking calmly. Didn't show much displeasure on assignments or in training. The tree walking training Sasuke had already mastered and now all that was left was water. Itachi and Sasuke were already approaching range number 14, where Shisui and Naruto were snapping at throwing shurikens at the same target. The rules were, Shisui takes the shuriken with the black line and Naruto takes the orange line. Both contestants must hit the same shuriken target and in doing so can prevent the opponent from hitting the target with his shuriken. Whoever has more shurikens on the target with the corresponding color line wins. The competition was in full swing with a pile of shurikens near the tree with the target, but the contestants were throwing shurikens fiercely.
Shisui... Naru, give up, you can see I have more shurikens on the target.
Naruto... No way, bro!
Sasuke at this time huffed at this kind of competition.
Sasuke's thoughts... Wow, such speed and precision.
Itachi's thoughts... Wow, what are they doing? I should have a competition like this with Shisui.
All this went on until the alarm bell rang. Shisui stretched his arms and turned to the blond man.
Shisui... 21 and 6 in my favor, but still not bad, good workout you came up with and interesting and raises the skill.
Naruto.. Dattebayoo, only 6!
Shisui... Six is better than none Naru!
Shisui ruffled his blond hair and they both turned to look at the comers.
Shisui... Itachi, I see you didn't come alone today.
Itachi... Yeah, I brought my brother to our practice.
Naruto... Hey, Itachi, Sasuke!
Itachi... Hi Naru..
Sasuke's thoughts... And Itachi knows Naruto well enough to call him that.
Sasuke just nodded and turned to his brother.
Sasuke.. Brother, what are we going to do?
Itachi... Like what, practice!
The brothers walked over to the others and stood face to face.
Shisui... Oh, Itachi, you saw our competition, didn't you?
Itachi... Yeah, it was good.
Shisui... Why don't we have an argument?
Itachi realized immediately what his friend was getting at.
Itachi... On the dango?
Shisui... Exactly! Naruto and Sasuke will find something to do anyway.
Shisui and Itachi began to gather their abmunition and prepare for the competition. Naruto, on the other hand, wasn't going to stand idly by and spoke to Sasuke.
Naruto... Sasuke, you haven't learned to walk on water yet, have you?
Sasuke... In progress!
Naruto... Let's go to the river, I need to increase my control too.
The Genin approached the river and Sasuke began to concentrate chakra in his feet and then walk slowly through the water. Naruto meanwhile started climbing up the waterfall. Sasuke, seeing this, began to boil.
Sasuke's thoughts... He's doing it on purpose, you goddamn braggart.
Naruto felt Sasuke's anger with his chakra pulse.
Naruto... Sasuke!
Sasuke... What?
Naruto... We're in the middle of training, so concentrate on your task and I'll concentrate on mine. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me.
Sasuke.. Shh, walking on water is harder than walking on wood.
Naruto jumped down from the waterfall to the water and approached Sasuke and began to test the brunet's chakra current with his chakro pulse.
Naruto... I see...
Sasuke was taken aback by the blond man's actions.
Sasuke... What's clear?
Naruto.. I checked your chakra movement and it's very unstable.
Sasuke's thoughts... Is it also a sensor?
Sasuke... What can be done about it?
Naruto... You know that chakra movement depends on the state of mind of the user.
Sasuke... So?
Naruto... Let's go ashore!
The Genins returned to the shore and sat down on a thick log where a beautiful view of nature came into view. Naruto realized that such news could not be taken on a calm head and especially not with Sasuke's temper.
Naruto.. Sasuke, tell me, what's bothering you?
Sasuke was really worried about a lot of things, but he wasn't going to take it out on a built man, even though he was a teammate.
Sasuke... Shh, Never mind...
Naruto looked at Sasuke reproachfully so that the brunet shivered inwardly.
Naruto... Sasuke, I'm not your child, so just say it like it is!
Sasuke sighed in frustration, because he should have spoken up.
Sasuke.. Anyway, you were right, I really am a spoiled and selfish person who values only his clan and does not consider the others. I can't do anything about it.
Naruto raised his voice a little.
Naruto... Sasuke, I'm not asking what you're like, I'm asking what's bothering you at the moment?
Sasuke... Shh, so I'm worried about you!
Naruto... I get that, but can you be more specific?
Sasuke... Why does everyone bother with you and help you with everything and indulge you in everything? Shisui, Itachi, even the Hokage herself helped you with your training last practice.
Naruto turned his head upward and looked around at the oboak
Naruto.. They don't help you?
Sasuke... As you can see...
Naruto... Yeah, Sasuke, I thought a little more of you.
Sasuke... What do you mean?
Naruto... Tell me, do you have parents?
Sasuke's thoughts... Hell, he's an orphan himself, hell why did I even start this conversation?
Sasuke... Yes, I do!
Naruto... They don't support you?
Sasuke... Yes!
Naruto... You know, when I was at the orphanage, a lot of the orphans there dreamed of having a family of their own. Their fate in this village can be harsh. Every day they prayed to be taken into a family. I mean, you have everything, loving parents, a kind older brother, and a powerful clan in the village behind you. So why are you saying no one supports you?
Sasuke lowered his eyes and began to shiver in embarrassment.
Naruto... Why are you and your brother in the same position, but you're fundamentally different from him?
Sasuke... Itachi is a genius, he became a genin at 7 and was already walking chunin at 11, and I can't catch up with him...
Naruto... Why would you want to catch up with him?
Sasuke... To be like him, strong.
Naruto... You're Sasuke, and he's Itachi. You don't need to be like him completely. You have your life, he has his...
Sasuke... Shh, but I'm weak, very weak. You and I are the same age, but you could easily defeat a chunin or even a jonin. Kakashi sensei told me that on the day of the bell test, when you went to the outskirts, that's where your battle was. At our battle with you, you used high ranked techniques, hell I want to possess that kind of power too...
Sasuke was already starting to boil with jealousy, but Naruto put his hand on the brunet's shoulder.
Naruto... Sasuke, do you want to have power or be strong?
Sasuke's thoughts... Damn it, why does he always talk in riddles?
Sasuke... What's the difference between the two?
Naruto... A very large... To be strong is to be willing to possess a certain strength. For example, you said you wanted to awaken the sharingan. Are you sure you're ready for those eyes?
Sasuke wasn't sure after saying that and just remained silent.
Naruto... Shisui told me exactly what it takes to awaken such eyes. Are you able to not break down upon their awakening?
Sasuke's thoughts... Damn, he's right, for to awaken my eyes, one must experience a strong emotional strain...
Naruto... Would you like me to tell you a very interesting story about a genin who outlasted the best lineup of great swordsmen of the mist?
Sasuke was interested in such a story and just nodded.
Naruto... Many years ago in Konoha there was a ninja who had no chakra at all but was the best in taijutsu, he was about 38 years old but he remained a genin all his life only because he couldn't control chakra. He was a laughing stock to the shinobi world, but he didn't look up to others and just practiced his taijutsu. He was very stubborn and one might even say overly stubborn. One time this man created a very strong technique while practicing his taijutsu. This technique was called the eight gate technique. Each opening of a gate from one to eight gave a power greater than even that of the Hokage, but the price for that power was appropriate. And with each opening of such a gate, the user's muscles whimpered and muscle fibers collapsed. And the exhaustion and pain was unbearable. An ordinary man could not endure such pain, but not him. He practiced every day to prepare his body for this technique. At the time, the Great Shinobi War was underway and the genin team was caught in a skirmish with the legendary Mist Swordsmen. His son was on the genii team and to protect those genii. This man has opened the final eighth gate of death! After opening this gate, he began to smash the seven swordsmen to smithereens. Of the seven swordsmen, only three survived and that with serious wounds. But the man himself knew he was going to his death and was not worried about his fate. You think he was killed by a swordsman's strike? No, he died because of his technique, but he did it willingly and with a smile on his face. He showed us all about the fruits of hard work and what the possession of such powers lead to.
Sasuke was very moved by this story and began to get into the essence of the story little by little.
Naruto... Sasuke, don't worry about not being ready to use your sharingan, just train what you can afford at the moment. After all, if you take a swing at a force you're not ready for, believe me your fate will be very dire.
Sasuke's thoughts... He's right, I shouldn't be making a big deal out of it, but practicing what I can do and what I can afford.
Sasuke... Okay, I hear you.
Naruto... Wonderful!
Naruto had already started to leave, but Sasuke had one question.
Sasuke... Wait, Naruto, what was the name of the man who had the greatest taijutsu technique?
Naruto... Maito Dai!
Sasuke... How do you know about everything? I mean, it's not like we went through all this stuff at the academy...
Naruto... Why do I have to get all my knowledge only at the academy? We have a library in Konoha, even though they wouldn't let me in, I still went there and stole books.
Sasuke was surprised at the zeal for knowledge on the part of someone who was considered a loser.
Sasuke... No shit, they let us in the library so we could do our homework.
Naruto grinned echidically and winked.
Naruto... At four years old, they won't let you into the library...
Sasuke's thoughts... At four years old? Did he know how to read when he was four years old? We weren't taught this until we were 5 or 6 years old.
Sasuke... Strange hobbies you have... All the kids are playing outside these years, and you're in libraries.
Naruto... So my whole life is really weird. That's it, now we have to get back to practice.
Naruto created clones and went to the waterfall while Sasuke continued to practice walking on water. It helped Sasuke a lot to have such a heart-to-heart conversation and his chakra moved more evenly than before the conversation. Itachi and Shisui were so caught up in the competition that they forgot about the genin. Sasuke had already used up a fair amount of chakra, as had Naruto. Both were already sitting on the same log and betraying the onigiri that Naruto had brought from home.
Sasuke's thoughts... Shit, I'm already falling off my feet, but this one does not give a damn, I wonder how much chakra he has, since with 10 clowns walked on the waterfall ...
Naruto... Sasuke, what's your arsenal of fire techniques?
Sasuke... Hmm, it seems like only the fireball and its flame dragon technique...
Naruto... Cool... Can you show me?
Sasuke... Why do you want it?
Naruto... View...
Sasuke's thoughts... What's he up to? If this is another prank, I'm gonna point that fire at him.
Sasuke... Okay...
When they finished eating, Sasuke stood up from the log and formed a series of seals, then blew a three-meter fire over the water. Naruto seeing such a technique began to shake his head skeptically.
Naruto... 10 seals... Have you tried reducing the number of seals?
Sasuke... How?
Naruto... Experiment, try cutting from one to nine and then you can go to eight. I'll show you.
Naruto formed a series of five seals and exhaled.
Naruto... Suiton, water balloon.
The ball turned out to be about 3 meters high.
Naruto... It was a series of five seals. Now look at this result.
Naruto folded the now larger seal and blew out water three times the size of the previous one.
Naruto... This was a series of 10 seals, now do you see the result?
Sasuke was stunned by the result, but he didn't show his surprise.
Sasuke... Not bad, I think we can try...
Naruto pulled out his notebook and gave it to the brunet to read.
Naruto... These were my experiments in print reduction and their results.
Sasuke's thoughts... It's amazing, now I know exactly what Itachi meant. Naruto had kept this diary since he was a kid, wait, two years? Did he learn the water technique at two years old? Even Itachi couldn't pull that off... He has so many theories and notes on different techniques in his notebook. Hell, the only thing I don't know is what he's doing in the genii with these results. I need to rewrite the notes...
Sasuke began to babble the words frantically as pride was still in his features.
Sasuke... Hey, uh, could you, uh, loan me your notebook so I can jot down some notes?
Naruto sighed in frustration and shook his head.
Naruto... Sasuke, I've given you a framework, so you have to figure out your own training methods. Ninjas don't give away their secrets, much less have a clan library?
Sasuke's thoughts... Hell, Itachi had talked about the clan library, but it was mostly forbidden or tedious entries there.
Sasuke... There is, but it's nothing special.
Naruto... So what? There should still be methodologies or records of different fire techniques out there. I, too, started with the basics and gradually improved what I know.
Sasuke... Okay... Naruto, why are you practicing control if you're already good at it?
Naruto simply pulled a shuriken from his armband and infused it with wind chakra. The result was a shuriken cut in two.
Naruto... I need to make the shuriken become infused with wind chakra so that it stays intact.
Sasuke looked at the co-commander with a skeptical look.
Sasuke... Wouldn't it be better to just buy a chakro metal shuriken?
Naruto looked at Sasuke like he was an idiot.
Naruto... Such weapons are very expensive, and it is not easy to make them.
Sasuke... How do you know?
Naruto... Used to work at the forge...
Sasuke's thoughts... Worked? Damn, every time I learn about Naruto it gets so unbelievable. Though what to expect from the most unpredictable ninja of the sheet.
It was almost evening and it was time to leave.
Naruto... Okay, I think that's enough for today.
Sasuke... I'll stay, I still have to improve my control.
Naruto looked at Sasuke with one eyebrow raised.
Naruto... Why? You've already gotten your workload for the day. You are currently undergoing changes in the chakra circulation, if you continue to exhaust yourself, you will only hinder the changes or even get traumatized and have to start all over again.
Sasuke lowered his head, berating himself for being stupid.
Sasuke... All right, let's go!
Genin approached the seniors, who had no thought of stopping their competition.
Naruto... Xooo, it's been dantebayo for a long time... Brother, are you going home?
Shisui and Itachi without taking a break from their occupation began to answer.
Shisui... You guys go ahead, we're in the middle of the championship...
Itachi... Sasuke, tell your parents I'll be late..
The Genins shrugged and walked out of the range and into the village and then dispersed to their homes. This day brought some changes in Sasuke's life. In the days that followed, they continued with training and minor tasks. Sasuke himself stopped treating everyone with arrogance, began to rely on himself more often than on his brother's hints. Kakashi rarely trained the genin because of his laziness, but he still wrote down the basics of lightning training for Sasuke. Sakura had already gone to the hospital often to train in the discipline of the irienin. Sasuke and Naruto were already training together with Itachi and Shisui full time. Itachi was happier than ever, for his brother was already growing up little by little. For team number 7, they were given a week off after completing numerous tasks. Shisui and Itachi decided to take advantage of this and take him on a mission. Itachi wanted Sasuke to get used to this cruel world and even lent him his old anbu uniform, but Shisui took Naruto because they hadn't been on a mission together for a long time. Sasuke himself, on the other hand, was overjoyed at this opportunity to prove himself. Naruto took his sword from the treasury, put on his anbu uniform and came to the west gate.
Shisui... So, our mission is to capture a particularly dangerous gang of smugglers, which includes several renegades of C rank and a lot of brigands. Destination Whirlpool Country, move quickly, although the way to Whirlpool Country is not long, but still hurry up.
Naruto perked up and perked up his ears, for this concerned him personally. Naruto walked over to Shisui and began whispering with him
Naruto... Shisui, is it serious? After all, the country of the maelstrom has been plundered by everyone and it is unlikely that these smugglers will get anything.
Shisui... This assignment is not only from the sheet, but from Kavaram sama personally.
Naruto... Good, no one will dare to infringe on the legacy of the Uzumaki clan.
The team moved quickly and casually to leave strength in case of battle. Naruto was excited since he had never been to his ancestral homeland. A day later they reached the harbor, and there they sailed on a Ryatsk ship. A few hours later they had a view of a large ruined village. The team saw this horror and experienced a kind of fear.
Shisui's thoughts... It's incredible, yes this village was bigger than Konoha.
Itachi's thoughts... Matami told me that the whirlpool village was surrounded by the sea, now I see why other countries couldn't break through the defenses.
Sasuke's thoughts... I wonder how Naruto feels seeing these ruins. I read in a book that the Uzumaki clan were seal masters and their power far surpassed the rest of the country.
Naruto's thoughts... How many people died to defend this village. It looks like the ruins of Kazahana Castle. Wait, Itama herself said the village destroyed itself. Looks like someone had the same technique as Takeshi-sensei.
The team landed on the beach and began moving stealthily around the island. Shisui opened the map and started looking for the most suitable places for shelters.
Shisui... Guys, there aren't many places to hide on the island, rather the smugglers hid in the ruins of the village itself.
Itachi... What are you suggesting?
Shisui... I suggest we set up camp for now and send out Naruto's ravens and clones to find them. If we find their lair, we can raid it. Preferably we should try to make our presence unknown.
Naruto... I hear you, bro. I'll do my best.
Shisui... Oh, that's great. Then let's get started.
The team set up at the edge of the forest and began to set up camp. For Sasuke, the camping trip was an invaluable experience and he learned the wisdom of camping while helping Naruto build tents. Itachi went back to the water to catch fish, but Shisui stretched a barrier seal around the perimeter so that no one could get into their camp unnoticed. When Itachi returned with the fish, he immediately gave them to Naruto. Though Sasuke had little interest in cooking, he decided to write down the recipe and method for freshening fish for the future. The team was not afraid to build a fire, as the barrier was similarly designed to conceal them. When they were seated around the fire, they began to eat fried fish and rice. When everyone had had enough, they decided to take turns on duty, for they could not rely on the barrier alone. The first to volunteer was Naruto and then Shisui, followed by Sasuke replacing him and then the last was Itachi. The shift interval will be every three hours. Deep in the night, Shisui woke Sasuke up.
Shisui... Sasuke, it's time for you to go on duty.
Sasuke some how uncrossed his eyes and just as he was about to leave for his post, he saw a hilarious picture. Shisui covered Naruto with a blanket to keep him warm. Sasuke retired to his post and began to think over everything that had happened to him since he had graduated from the academy.
Sasuke's thoughts... What happened to me? I've been messing around with Shisui and Naruto for days now and I think Itachi was right. Eh, and I was blind, thinking only of myself and my clan all the time. I even envy Naruto's relationship with Shisui.
Sasuke was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice his older brother Itachi sitting next to him for a few seconds.
Itachi... Ototo, don't sleep, you're on duty.
Sasuke lowered his gaze, burning with shame.
Itachi... Okay, Sasuke, everyone can make mistakes.
Sasuke... Sorry bro, I was just thinking hard.
Just then they heard a synchronized snort from the rest of the team and looked over and almost jumped with laughter.
Sasuke... Are they always like this?
Itachi... Yes!
Itachi noticed the envious look Sasuke directed at the two brothers, taking a deep breath.
Itachi... I envy them too.
Sasuke... What?
Itachi... I've known them for a long time, I've gone on missions with them many times. They are both orphans and understand each other like no other. They always support each other and worry for each other when Shisui goes on long missions. When I see them, I think of one thing. Whether you and I can be as close as they are.
Sasuke couldn't believe his ears that Itachi was telling him these things, and yet he too agreed with some of the facts.
Sasuke... Itachi!
Itachi... Hmm?
Sasuke.. We went on missions too when I wasn't in the academy yet. You sent me out to find the paw prints of the most dangerous cat species.
Itachi remembered those fun times and smiled warmly.
Itachi... Yeah, I remember.
Sasuke... Then why did you stop taking me with you? I could go on missions with you on vacation like Naruto went on missions with Shisui.
Itachi sighed guiltily and lowered his eyes.
Itachi... You think I didn't try to take you? My dad told me not to even think about it. Mom and Dad, you had custody of you and they couldn't let what they did to me happen.
Sasuke almost fell out of the tree at that news...
Sasuke... What exactly did they do to you?
Itachi... Hmpf, when I was 4 years old, there was a war going on and my father wanted me to see that cruel world in all its glory. He took me with him to the battlefield and there I killed a man for the first time. After that incident, I withdrew into myself and didn't talk to anyone. My father realized what he had done and tried everything he could to get me back to normal. But when I met Shisui, he helped me get rid of my reticence. My father told me that I was free to choose my path in life and no longer interfered in my life. When you were born, they decided that they would keep you safe until you were ready for the hardships that life would bring you.
Sasuke listening to these stories became more and more surprised and began to tremble.
Sasuke.. Brother, I didn't know your parents could do this to you.
Itachi... It was a difficult time and no one knew when the war would end. I think he wanted me to be ready to go to the front with the rest of the kids. No one told you about it, you were too young for that.
Itachi gave those words a hard time, but still shared this story from his life. The silence was enforced and Sasuke decided to ask about the important thing.
Sasuke... Brother, I've heard that you don't like war, but you graduated from the academy before anyone else, and with the highest grades.
Itachi... It's all because of Shisui!
Sasuke... What?
Itachi... Shisui was a true genius of the clan and graduated from the academy at the age of 8, and I used to want to surpass him. I practiced tirelessly and tried to surpass him. But when I graduated from the academy at 7, I didn't feel much excitement as it moved on and got stronger. At one point, we stopped seeing him. He was often missing on the mission and even when he was in the village, he was always missing somewhere. He was on missions with Naruto. When I first met Naruto, he immediately noticed that I wanted to surpass Shisui. He said the same words to me that I repeat to you day in and day out. People are born with their own personality and their own potential. You don't have to be like someone else, or surpass the accomplishments of others. After all, from such actions, a person loses his identity and ceases to be who he is. He was only 7 years old at the time, and he was already talking about such things. I reviewed my life and realized he was right, I stopped being who I am from trying to be like Shisui. When I heard you say that you wanted to become as strong as me, I realized that I would lose you as a brother and tried to push that thought out of your head. But, as you realized, it turned out even worse. You know, Naruto chose his own path, even though he learned a lot from Shisui, he still tried to follow his chosen path.
Sasuke's thoughts... So that's what Naruto meant then. By the way, I hope Itachi knows a secret about Naruto.
Sasuke... Bro, when I went out with my team, Naruto would often run off to do his own thing or just rarely come with us. I know the whole village hates him, but when I wanted to ask him about it, he keeps changing the subject or just saying it's none of my business. You know almost everything about Naruto, can you tell me what he's hiding?
Itachi... Hmpf, Sasuke, it's his secret, only he has the right to reveal it. If you push him, believe me I won't even stop him. It won't kill you, but it'll do a lot of damage to your brain. He'll tell you when he can trust you.
Sasuke's thoughts... He's right, Naruto is very good in that regard.
Sasuke... Okay bro, I won't let you doubt my friendship with him.
Itachi's thoughts... Eh, I wish you had realized these things before...
Itachi... All right, go to bed, I'll be at my post.
Early in the morning, Shisui gathered everyone in a circle and put the map where everyone could see it.
Shisui... Guys, I've found the hideout of those smugglers, tonight at night when they return from digging, we'll start our actions. Itachi and I will go into their lair, and you two will stand guard and disarm those on guard if possible. I counted about 10 shinobi and 20 brigands. Sasuke, stay close to Naruto and assist him in eliminating the patrols.
Shisui scribbled the plan on his notebook and drew out directions on the map.
Sasuke's thoughts... So that's where Naruto got the habit of detailing everything...
Shisui... For now, get your gear ready and get your strength up.
Naruto and Sasuke were polishing their weapons, while the elders were adjusting their plan so that there wouldn't be any unforeseen situations. Toward evening, everyone got ready and entered the ruined village. Itachi and Shisui went forward to the lair underground where the inhabitants used to hide from attacks. Naruto and Sasuke stayed on the lookout.
Naruto... Sasuke!
Sasuke... Hmm?
Naruto... You've never killed a man before, have you?
Sasuke... No!
Naruto... You understand why Itachi took you on this mission, don't you?
Sasuke... Yes!
Naruto put his hand on Sasuke's shoulder and gave him a stern look.
Naruto... If you're not ready, I understand. I can handle myself.
Sasuke's thoughts... I'm a shinobi, I have to kill people sooner or later.
Sasuke... Don't worry, I can handle it.
Naruto... Remember, these people wouldn't bat an eye if they cut you down, so it's either you or them.
Sasuke... All right!
Naruto... Someone's coming, two, you take one and I'll disarm the other.
Two brigands were walking between the ruined dump and talking about something. Naruto gave a sign to start and jumped on his opponent from the top and thrust his sword into his left collarbone so that it reached his heart. Sasuke, seeing how easily his teammate was killed, began to tremble. Naruto at this time had no time to draw his sword and simply held his opponent's sword with his kunai.
Sasuke's thoughts... Hell, come on, you can do it!
Sasuke jumped at his enemy from behind and stuck his kunai straight into his neck. Naruto rolled away from his enemy and began to draw his sword. Sasuke stood looking at his hands at this time, he didn't respond to Naruto's response. Naruto just scalded the water elemental right in his face. Sasuke came to his senses and looked at Naruto.
Naruto... I know it's not easy killing people, but please think about it when we finish the mission, and right now we have things to do.
Sasuke's thoughts... Hell, that I stood up like that, it's not over yet.
Naruto took off in the direction of the enemies and Sasuke followed on his heels. Naruto killed enemies along the way, while Sasuke tried to suppress his feelings and just slashed enemies. But then Naruto stopped and took Sasuke's hand and jumped the other way. And where they were standing there was an explosion and filled with fire. A guy about 18 years old in a River Country chunin uniform stepped into the place.
Naruto... It's a shinobi, looks like he's leading a patrol.
Sasuke... What do we do?
Naruto... I'll go for a frontal attack, and you try to catch the moment between our attacks and throw shuriken and fire techniques at him.
Sasuke... Got it.
Naruto... I'm coming.
Naruto jumped over the fence and charged at the enemy with a wind palm, but the enemy recoiled from the attack and pulled out his kunai and dashed at the blond. Naruto began to study the opponent and realized that this opponent is not so simple and created two clones and began to press the opponent. Sasuke, seeing that Naruto was having a hard time, decided to support him and threw shuriken as soon as the enemy opened his defense. Chunin fights it well but still misses punches too. Naruto separated the swords and gave one to Sasuke, who ran to attack. Sasuke, though he had experience with a sword, but his strikes weren't particularly fast like Naruto's.
Naruto... Sasuke, fire!
Sasuke put down his fire technique and blew on his opponent. But the enemy put down the fire technique and directed fire back, it was obvious that Sasuke's firepower was weaker than the enemy's. Naruto folded the seals and directed the palm of the storm at Sasuke's fire, thus increasing its power. The enemy covered himself with chakra to keep from burning, but still fell to the ground from the damage and scorching. Naruto didn't hesitate long and plunged his sword right into his enemy's heart. When Naruto wiped the blood off his sword, he approached Sasuke.
Naruto... There's no one nearby, I think Itachi and Shisui will end up there soon.
Naruto didn't take his eyes off of Sasuke's eyes and sighed in relief, showing his eyes in the reflection of the kunai, Sasuke surprised the sharingan with one tomoji for each eye.
Sasuke... Sharingan?
Naruto... Are you glad you awakened the sharingan?
Sasuke... I didn't think I'd have to go to such lengths to get that kind of power.
Naruto... Shisui told me that the sharingan is a double-edged sword, proving that such power comes at a price. That's why I don't like those techniques that require the sacrifice of human life.
Naruto gave Sasuke time to come to his senses and then walked in the direction of the corpses. Sasuke followed him and helped unload the corpses into one pile and burned them with his fire. Sasuke, seeing human flesh burning, began to tremble.
Sasuke... Is our world really that cruel?
Naruto... No!
Sasuke... Hmm?
Naruto... Our world is not divided into bad and good. All people in this world choose their side and their path. These people have chosen the path of scavengers. This is the homeland of my ancestors and they encroached on their heritage, I as an Uzumaki, could not let it go unpunished. Everyone has human vices and conflicts arise out of greed and hatred of each other. In time, you'll realize...
Sasuke... All right! Naruto?
Naruto... Hmm?
Sasuke... How do you feel when you kill people?
Naruto began to ponder the question and blithely sighed.
Naruto.. You know, I don't like killing people, but I read these people's files. They raped, murdered innocent children. Sold people from occupied settlements into slavery. They've been doing this for a long time, I couldn't let them continue these rampages. Of course I could have kept them alive and taken them to the local authorities. But we're on a deserted island, and we can't take them as prisoners of war. Sasuke, if there's a way not to kill someone, I'll take it. And so, if the choice is between letting the man live and continue his rampage or just killing him. I think the choice is obvious. It is a complex philosophy, and there are many contradictions in these views. The only thing I can advise is that if you have the option of not killing the enemy, then take it.
Sasuke listened to the blond man's tirade, growing more and more surprised at his experience in such matters. At that moment, the elders came up to them and saw the charred bodies of the enemies.
Shisui... That's it, our mission is over, there will be a boat waiting for us in the morning, let's go back home.
Naruto jumped to the top and watched the destruction of the village, Shisui jumped after the blond.
Naruto... Hasn't anyone come here in all this time?
Shisui... This place holds the pain and suffering of the entire nation. A lot of people are just afraid of this place.
Naruto.. Sadly dantebayo!
Shisui... Tell me about it...
Itachi was sitting with Sasuke on one of the wrecks at this time.
Itachi... How'd it go, Sasuke?
Sasuke didn't say anything but just showed his sharingan.
Itachi... Hmm, hopefully you can use this power to protect your friends?
Sasuke.. Yes!
Itachi just patted his shoulder and walked off back towards the camp. That night everyone slept, as there was no one else on the island but them. Shisui gave a potion for Sasuke so he could sleep, since it doesn't matter if you're a child or a man. The first kill is never easy. Early in the morning everyone boarded a boat and sailed toward the fire country. When the entire team returned to Konoha, things were running their course. Sasuke had gotten used to the fact that he had to kill sometimes. Time passed, the team trained and went on missions.
Uchiha Quarter
Kushina would occasionally drop by the Uchiha's house on weekends to gossip with her friend Mikoto. And so once again over a cup of tea they discussed their pressing matters.
Kushina... So how you doing, girlfriend? Your Sasuke has grown up to be a real handsome guy, so I guess there's no shortage of girls.
The woman laughed and replied.
Mikoto... You know, Sasuke's changed lately. He used to run after his brother a lot to make time for him. Once he became a genin, he was starting to get used to being on his own.
Kushina... Wow, I'm happy for him, he's not a little kid anymore. And he's got a very good team. Sakura is very efficient, and also very good at medical techniques, so I took her on as an apprentice at Naruto's request. Naruto, on the other hand, grew up to be a very wonderful man.
At the last moment, Kushina had gotten a little downcast, and Mikoto noticed it as well. She knew her friend's marital problems and is even surprised that her friend brings up these topics easily. I used to try not to broach the subject of my son.
Mikoto... Naruto comes into our neighborhood a lot, believe me he was a tomboy when he was a kid.
Mikoto bit her tongue from saying something unnecessary. Kushina herself, on the other hand, was interested in such news.
Kushina... Did he come around the block a lot? But why?
Mikoto... Uh, well, six years ago, I caught him once trying to break into Shisui's house.
Kushina's thoughts... Aa remembered, because Naruto is very attached to Shisui kun.
Kushina... And then what?
Mikoto... I didn't recognize him right away, but you know, he was so sly, and he hasn't changed much. He said he was sleepwalking and accidentally wandered into this house. I said that the Uchiha district is a private area and you can't enter without permission.
Kushina... What did he say?
Mikoto... Nothing, he just ran away, I wanted to go after him. But he runs so fast, he's gone, and he left a note apologizing.
The women laughed at this point.
Kushina... Eh, I wish I knew a little more about him...
Mikoto... So you can ask him yourself.
Kushina... It doesn't work, he's always busy. He's either on a mission or in training. I tried to get him to come to my house, but he often excused himself with training. One time I asked my husband for a week's vacation, so he disappeared from the village.
Mikoto remembered that her children had been sent away on some sort of trip as well.
Mikoto... For a week? It's weird, Sasuke and Itachi took time off from me, saying they were going to the land of hidden springs to rest. I think they took Naruto with them, too.
Kushina lowered her eyes and began to let tears fall. But then the doorbell rang and Mikoto went to open it.
Mikoto... Oh, Naruto-kun, you came to see Sasuke?
Naruto... Yes, Mikoto san, hello Kushina san!
Kushina was already excited and went to meet him.
Kushina... Hey, how you doing?
Naruto... All right! I was thinking of going for a walk with Sasuke in the village.
Mikoto... Oh, that's good, why don't we take a walk together? It's your day off anyway, and it's more fun together.
Naruto rubbed his temple pondering this suggestion.
Naruto... I don't mind!
Mikoto... Kushina, are you with us?
Kushina's thoughts... Good for your friend!
Kushina... Yeah, of course I'm in.
When Sasuke came out, he didn't have to be persuaded, Mikoto just gently hinted that she would slap him if he refused. And so in the fourth they walked the streets. Mikoto and Kushina walked behind them, admiring how their sons were babbling to each other about various topics without stopping gesticulating. Kushina was glad, at least to spend time with her son like this. But then Shisui and Itachi approached them.
Itachi... Oh, Mom, you decided to take a walk? Hello Kushina san.
Shisui... Kushina san, Mikoto san!
Mikoto... Yeah, son, you gotta get out of the house once in a while.
Kushina... Hi, Itachi-kun, Shisui-kun.
Naruto ran up to Shisui and began gesturing enthusiastically.
Naruto... Brother Shisui, you're free tomorrow night, I wanted to show you a cool thing.
Shisui rubbed the blond's head and smiled beatifically.
Shisui... Sure Naru, tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the same range.
Kushina seeing them almost glowed with envy, it didn't escape Mikoto and she decided to put a hand on her shoulder and then slowly shook her head, and whispered in her ear.
Mikoto... Kushina, don't, Naruto will notice.
Kushina's thoughts... Xo, what am I doing...
The whole foursome continued their walk there was still plenty of time. People seeing such a company tried to stay away. It was already six in the evening, the weekend was almost coming to an end and Mikoto decided to take the floor.
Mikoto... All Sasuke's gone home!
Sasuke... Mom, it's still early, we can go out, there's nothing to do at home anyway.
Mikoto looked at her son with her sharingan and he stood up in a stupor and just couldn't object, Naruto seeing such a whispered moment hid behind Kushina.
Mikoto... Okay, Kushina, Naruto-kun we're off.
Mikoto even winked at Kushina and she understood. Kushina looked at Naruto without thinking for a moment. But Naruto himself, seeing Mikoto taking his son away by the scruff of his neck, almost let tears fall.
Naruto... They're a happy family, it reminds me of Maya Chan.
Kushina had heard the name before and understood how he felt about this late girl.
Kushina... Naruto, you're not in a hurry, are you?
Naruto... No, why?
Kushina... Let's go for another walk, it's just with missions and tons of things to do around the house it's very time consuming. I rarely get to go out like this, and it wouldn't be boring alone, you wouldn't say no to a lady, would you?
Naruto scratched the back of his head and exclaimed.
Naruto... I just wanted to visit the cemetery, because I haven't been there in a long time.
Kushina... Uh, why don't we swing by there together, I need to visit someone, too.
They walked around the village and only now did Kushina notice how Naruto was being looked at by the other villagers.
Kushina's thoughts... Oh my god, did Naruto really put up with those stares the whole time. I wonder if when I was a kid, if everyone knew I was a jinchuriki, they'd look at me like that too.
Naruto noticed Kushina's concerned face and glanced around.
Naruto... Kushina san, I don't want you to worry about it, let me stop by the flower store while you go to the cemetery.
Kushina's thoughts... What, he doesn't want me to go with him just because of those looks?
Kushina... All right!
Kushina stood by her aunt's grave and pondered many things in her life.
Kushina's thoughts... Aunt Kaname, I don't know what to do, I think about Naruto every day. Today, he asked me not to go with him just because the residents hate him. Instead of hating me, he instead cares for me, which makes it even more painful. I'd give a lot for him to think of me as his mother. It pisses me off when he calls me by my first name and even adds the suffix san. I hate myself, I'm guilty before him and I'll never be able to redeem myself!
Kushina had already started to let tears fall and clench her fists, but then she noticed the creak of the cemetery gate and saw Naruto with flowers. Naruto walked over to the grave, placed the flowers on the monument and began to pray. Kushina's legs carried her there on their own and stood behind Naruto. Naruto himself rose from his seat and spoke.
Naruto... Kushina san, you too miss those who have left this world.
The woman herself didn't even notice she was standing in front of him with tear-stained eyes. Naruto gave her a handkerchief and waited for her to wipe away her tears. Naruto speculated who she might be crying for like that.
Naruto... Kushina san, I heard that you lost your son the night the village was attacked by the nine-tails. I'm sorry for your loss, but we have to move on. You know Kushina san, even though I don't know them, I think they were wonderful people and I wouldn't want to mourn them for the rest of my life. I don't want to disturb their souls by thinking about them all the time. Let us pray for the peace of your son and my parents.
Those words sounded like a sentence to Kushina and she began to tremble petulantly. Naruto simply dragged to the heroes monument, stood with her and began to pray. Kushina followed his example and began to pray as well. Naruto straightened up and pulled his shoulders and pulled out his silver amulet. Kushina took an interest in the thing.
Kushina... Naruto, what's this?
Naruto came to his senses and looked at her, then back at the amulet and smiled complacently.
Naruto... It's a gift from Maya Chan, she's very dear to me. You know, even though we're not related by blood. But I really thought of her as my mother. She taught me how to walk, talk, read and write. She was happy for my accomplishments and I was happy to have her in my life. She was very brave, kind, moderately strict. Even though I occasionally screwed up in front of her, she never got mad at me. When the rebellion began, she volunteered to help at the front. Grandfather Three said that the will of fire in her blazed brightest. She is not dead, she will always live in my heart and this amulet will be proof that I will not forget her.
Kushina's thoughts... Oh no, Minato was talking about this girl and some other mistake, I need to find out what it is!
Naruto told the story with enthusiasm and inspiration, but Koushina sank down and realized what the dead girl meant to Naruto and at the end he perked up.
Naruto... I promised Maya chan that I would never be discouraged, live and enjoy life. She believes that I will change this world for the better and rest assured I will or I am not Uzumaki Naruto.
Kushina looked rapturously at her son and put her hand on his hair and smiled.
Kushina... I believe you can do it, Naruto.
Naruto looked at her and just hugged her.
Naruto... Thank you Kushina san, it means a lot to me!
Kushina couldn't believe her happiness, for her son was embracing her. She wanted this embrace to last forever, but no such luck. Naruto stood up straight in front of her and smiled.
Naruto... Kushina san, I think it's late, and I have to go home. After all, dinner's still on the table.
Kushina's thoughts... Come on, Kushina, this is your chance!
Kushina... Uh, Naruto, why don't you come over to our place?
Naruto lowered his head and began to look at her guiltily.
Naruto... I'm sorry Kushina san, I don't want to inconvenience you!
Kushina frowned and began to boil inside at such a polite refusal, but pulling herself together she decided to inquire.
Kushina... Naruto, this isn't the first time you've refused to come to dinner with us.
Naruto lowered his eyes and completely groaned.
Naruto... It's because of your daughter Dantebayo!
Kushina... What? What's she got to do with this?
Naruto... Well, she hates me, to put it mildly. I don't like awkward situations! And with her, we're sure to have that happen.
Kushina's thoughts... Damn it, Miroku, why are you doing this again? Oh, she's gonna get it from me.
Naruto decided to smooth things over and offered an alternative.
Naruto... Why don't you come to my house? I'll get everything ready quickly and we'll sit down to dinner dantebayo.
Kushina was beyond happy, of course she wanted a family dinner at her house, but that would do.
Kushina... I don't mind!
Naruto almost jumped with happiness.
Naruto... Okay, but we'll go to the fourth one first.
Kushina... А? Minato's?
Naruto... Yeah, I promised to go to Ichiraku with him tonight, but I think he won't mind going to my house for dinner.
Kushina... Oh, does he often invite you over for ramen?
Naruto scratched the back of his head with a silly smirk.
Naruto... It happens all the time.
Kushina's thoughts... What an asshole, that's why you don't eat dinner much, we'll figure it out.
Kushina... All right, let's go to him.
Naruto... Too bad Shisui's brother's gone to some friendly get-togethers tonight, I'd have invited him too, but I guess the three of us won't be bored.
Kushina put that point down and just smiled.
As they walked to the residence, Minato was already walking through the streets by himself. Naruto ran up to him and began to speak enthusiastically.
Naruto... Hokage herself, there's been a slight change of plans, why don't we go to my house?
Minato... Uh, what's the matter? Kushina, you're here, too?
Naruto... I've invited Kushina San to my house for dinner, I promised to go out to eat too, but I think a home-cooked meal would be better and less expensive, don't you agree?
Minato started scratching the back of his head and grinned stupidly
Minato... Uh, you know.
But then he noticed how behind Naruto's back, Kushina began to crush the stone in being one grip.
Minato... Okay, I'll do it.
Naruto jumped for joy and walked forward. The spouses, on the other hand, were walking behind and began to talk.
Kushina... So work's been kind of busy, huh? And you're eating at that fast food place.
Minato just kept quiet and tried not to squeak so as not to make his wife angry, even stepping back two meters so as not to get hit in the head. When the whole group entered Naruto's house. Then the landlord himself started to take his shoes off. Kushina was once again amazed at how Naruto kept his house clean. Naruto stood in front of them.
Naruto... I will ask you my dear guests to sit on the sofa for now, you can take some books to read, I will quickly prepare dinner.
Kushina... Naruto, can I help you?
Naruto... No, because etiquette dictates that the master of the house must respect his guests...
The couple did not refuse, because they knew about their son's stubbornness firsthand. Naruto created clones and started cutting vegetables and frying fish at the same time. And Minato and Kushina were sitting on the couch reading books. When Naruto had set the table, he called his guests over and fed them a hearty dinner. On the table was vegetable salad fried fish and rice, freshly brewed green tea. The couple marveled at their son's culinary prowess.
Naruto... What do you think?
Minato... Thank you, it's delicious!
Kushina... Mm, this is delicious, Naruto, who taught you how to cook like this?
Naruto smiled and gave a thumbs up.
Naruto... I was taught how to cook by Maya Chan, she taught me a lot.
At that moment Minato choked but with a calm face continued her meal. Kushina had noticed her husband's confusion and was now pretty sure she wanted to know about it. When they were done with dinner Naruto said goodbye to them and started cleaning up the kitchen. Minato and Kushina walked along the road holding hands.
Kushina... Honey!
Minato... Hmm?
Kushina... I'm so glad the day ended this way!
Minato... Me too, but I wish Miroku was here, it would've been a full family dinner.
Kushina... She hates Naruto after all, in training she draws dummies with his face on them and bludgeons them to the point of exhaustion.
Minato smirked at such a pun.
Kushina... Expensive?
Minato... Hmm?
Kushina... I need to have a serious talk with you and preferably under a barrier, it's about May.
It didn't take Minato long to move himself and his wife into his office. They sat down on the couch and Minato was the first to start the conversation, having put up a barrier beforehand.
Minato... Honey, what's bothering you?
Kushina... I need to know what you did to May?
Minato sighed at having to tell him about it.
Minato... When Naruto first became a jinchuriki, it was decided that he would only belong to the village and would have no connection to the surrounding area. When he turned two years old, we had to give him to the orphanage. But it turned out a little different, someone reported that Maya was very influential on Naruto, it was unacceptable and the elders suggested eliminating her, I was against that decision and just sent her into exile. The third suggested a fire temple so that Asuma could protect her.
Kushina was shocked at what she heard and almost dropped the glass from her hands.
Minato... Kushina, it was the only way out, someone could have killed her here in the village and this was a chance to save her. But it came out the way it did.
Kushina... What's that got to do with it? Naruto thinks Maya volunteered to go to the front by herself!
Minato was alarmed at such news and began to hand in his thoughts.
Minato... We can't let him find out about this.
Kushina... Who knows about this?
Minato... Just me, the third, and Elders Koharu and Hamura.
Kushina... I hope the elders don't blab.
Minato... No, the third took an oath that if they blabbed, they'd be hanged.
Silence imposed.
Kushina... Honey.
Minato... Hmm?
Kushina... What happened to us that day?
Minato... I don't know, I tried to forget that day.
Kushina... Uh, me, too.
Naruto's older brother Shisui came to Naruto's office and got right down to business.
Shisui... Naru, I have a favor to ask of you!
Naruto... Bro, no hello, no hello, just a request? I think it's a very serious request.
Shisui rubbed his temple and began to grin stupidly.
Shisui... So I need your apartment for three weeks!
Naruto... Shisui, don't you have a place to live?
Shisui... Uh, not me, Akemi!
Naruto realized the point and decided to inquire about the details. Shisui walked into the apartment and sat down at the table.
Naruto... Brother, is she coming to Konoha?
Shisui... Well, it goes like this.
Naruto... Why don't you take me in?
Shisui... Naru, you know the Uchiha quarter is a restricted area, remember how you almost fell into the hands of Mikoto san?
Naruto... How could I forget it, the mark of her slipper on my back still hurts when I see her. Okay, but where am I supposed to live then?
Shisui... Well, you can take a long-term mission with your team.
Naruto was interested in the most important question of all.
Naruto... How are you going to bring her here, if Kushina san finds out about Akemi, she won't let go. Why my apartment, anyway?
Shisui... Actually, she will dye her hair black, and why exactly in your house, it's very simple, no one without your permission does not enter your house, and if you are not in the village, they will avoid it.
Naruto gave out a raspy sigh and agreed.
Naruto... When is she coming?
Shisui... In about a week.
Naruto... All right. (chuckles)
Shisui left back to his house and Naruto was left to ponder what mission to ask for.