When Naruto and Yūgao reached the Hokage's office they were surprised to see a girl who was roughly Naruto's age with shoulder length brown hair and wearing a soft pink kimono with a clan symbol on the left shoulder exit the room. Seeing Naruto she gave him a small nod, "You are Naruto correct?"
"Yeah. I'm Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto said, holding out a hand.
"Yakumo Kurama, Heiress of the Kurama Clan," She replied as she shook his hand, "I will be joining you on your Friday and Saturday training sessions with Might Guy," Seeing his curious looked she continued, "I was born with a weak body so many feared I wouldn't be able to become a shinobi. However recently it was discovered that the woman who was previously chosen to teach me lied to the Hokage. As such I will be training with you to work on strengthening my boy. I might never make it as far as I'd like but if one of Might Guy's students can be a shinobi without being able to use most Nin or Genjutsu then there's no reason I can't do something similar with the right approach."
"Oh you mean Bushy Brow Jr… sorry Rock Lee," Naruto corrected himself seeing Yakumo's confused look, "Yeah he's alright. A bit over enthusiastic at times but alright."
Yakumo tilted her head slightly, "I get the feeling you've got more to say on Lee."
Naruto shrugged, "I was sabotaged by the teachers at the academy. Despite being able to use the Replacement and Transformation Jutsu as well as having the best stealth in the class, I failed while Lee passed. I can't lie and say it doesn't sting that he was able to pass despite being unable to do any of the academy three, but I guess it worked out in the end since I've got an amazing team. Plus it's not like Lee had anything to do with the sabotage."
Yakumo nodded a small sad grin flickering across her lips, "The sting of betrayal… it's hard to ignore, but we'll work for our goals despite it."
"Yeah," Naruto said with a somber nod.
"Well I should be heading back home. I shall see you at training Naruto," Yakumo said with a small nod as she moved past the two.
After entering the office Hiruzen gave the two a smile, "Please take a seat. This… this is not going to be an easy conversation," With a confused look Naruto sat down as Hirusen activated the room's privacy seals, "First… I need to apologize to you Naruto," Hiruzen sighed much to Naruto's shock, "Twelve years ago, on the night you were born, I'd just lost not only my successor but also my wife. You see your mother was the previous Host for the Kyuubi after her Great-Aunt Mito Uzumaki. You see when a female jinchūriki gives birth, their seal weakens tremendously as the jinchūriki's Chakra is channeled to the child to protect it from the Biju's corrosive Chakra. Due to this when Kushina was about to give birth, the Fourth Hokage had a special area prepared with as many protective seals as possible, along with three full squads of Anbu. My wife was the Med-Nin in charge of keeping you and Kushina alive during the birth."
"However, as you can tell, something went wrong. The location was attacked with every person inside the barrier bar the Fourth and Kushina being killed in a single blow, and from what we could find, whoever this assassin was, did so without anyone even knowing they were there," Hirzuen sighed. He'd had the place searched top to bottom and there were no signs of where or even how the assassin had entered the sealed cave while Naruto and Yūgao's eyes went wide, "The Fourth Hokage used his Hiraishin Jutsu to get you to safety before returning to the chamber but even with his speed he was to late and the Kyuubi was released. Even now we have no information on who this assassin was, or how they knew when and where you were being born."
"Once the Kyuubi was sealed within you, I'd hoped things would settle and people could move forward however that isn't the case. Despite the Fourth Hokage's last wish that you'd be seen as a hero for keeping the Biju at bay, somehow the civilians had gotten the idea that you were the Kyuubi reborn or that the Kyuubi had destroyed the infant's mind and replaced it, with their own. Even some Shinobi who knew nothing about Fuinjutsu adopted the idea. As such, once I had reclaimed the hat, I made an S-Ranked Law that anyone who revealed the secret of the Kyuubi would be seen as a traitor to Konoha and be executed. I also attempted to pass an A-Rank Law letting Anbu arrest anyone who attacked you without a warrant, however the Council with Fugaku Uchiha at the head instead made it that the Military Police would handle that," Here Hiruzen gave a sly smile, "That didn't stop me from giving you a small Anbu Guard until you made Genin…" His smile suddenly turned to a scowl, "But many of the Anbu ignored their duties for various reasons, and after having some trusted Shinobi look through Fugaku's old files, we found that the Uchiha and Military Police completely ignored their duty to protect you…. But that's not what I asked you here to talk about."
"I will be blunt Naruto. I failed you. Worse yet in some ways I betrayed you," Hiruzen said sadly looking every part of his near seventy years of age, "I had your parent's Will's sealed due to knowing that my student Jiraiya was your Godfather and trusted that he would look out for you whenever he was in the village as he is often traveling due to his important job for Konoha. Recently I've been made aware that he has completely ignored his duties as your Godfather and I promise you I will find out why. Last time he was in Konoha I brought it up with him but he evaded the questions… but by sealing… or rather attempting to seal Kushina's Will I prevented you from growing up in a home with people they trusted you raise you properly," A couple tears rolled down Hiruzen's old wrinkled face however Naruto didn't seem to react as he was carefully keeping his expression neutral, "At the time I feared what people would do if they gained not only the political power of being the Uzumaki Heir's caretaker but also if they would turn the power of the Kyuubi… turn you against Konoha. I did my best to look out for you and make myself seem like the loving grandfather figure. Something I took seriously as you needed some positivity in your life and I thank the Kami that the Ichiraku's also ignored the civilian's stupidity and treated you like family."
"And by making yourself seem like one of the only people who's trustworthy. You not only had a jinchuriki loyal to you but also the jinchuriki with the most powerful of the Biju," Naruto stated having read up on some of the history of the Biju from his mother's journals.
"Yes," Hiruzen agreed, "Ever since you became Genin I have been reexamining my actions towards you. And I must admit I despise much of what I've done. As much as it pains me to admit, I have been acting a lot like my old teammate Danzo would in my treatment towards you. As such I cannot and will not deny you have every right to be angry with me. I simply ask that you do your best to not let it affect your work as a Genin."
Naruto nodded as he got to his feet, "If that's everything I'm heading home."
"The only thing I have left to say is that a few fools have attempted to break into your home while you were gone and due to the protective seals had to be sent to the hospital. Once they are recovered enough they will be moved to T&I," Hiruzen sighed, "You will face no penalty as they were all attempting to break into your private property," Naruto nodded before leaving the office.
"He might never forgive you," Yūgao said, getting a nod from Hiruzen.
"He has every right not to but… I hope he does," Hiruzen said, turning to look out over the village.
Naruto went straight to the small training ground behind his house, and started going through his family's taijutsu Kata's, "Stupid arrogant old man!" He growled fury bubbling up inside him as his mind drifted back to images of parents waiting for their kids to leave the academy. Of happy families walking down the street or in parks. Naruto's fury spiked at the thought that the man who used to be his surrogate grandfather figure had willingly denied him a happy family. That he hadn't bothered to control the Uchiha and Anbu! With a roar he made some clones and the group of blondes instantly started to brawl. Dodging, parrying and retaliating. For every clone that burst, Naruto made two more.
This went on for about half an hour until only Naruto and a single clone were left. Panting from just how hard he'd fought and the adrenalin wearing off Naruto was surprised when his clone gave a fox like grin and said, "Very well done young Kit."
"What… wait…," Naruto's eyes narrowed as he looked at the clone, noticing the red eyes, "What do you want Kyuubi-no-Kitsune?"
"Well… you're partly correct," The clone chuckled, "The being inside you is a kitsune but I am far from being a giant mass of pure Nature Chakra."
His eyes narrowed even more, "What do you mean? I thought the only kitsune in existence was the Kyuubi?"
"Oh no," The clone replied, "There are several more kitsune all around the Elemental Nations. We just keep a low profile due to the reputation that the Kyuubi has."
"How do I know you're not lying?" Naruto asked.
"Hmm… how can I prove it," The clone said tapping his chin in thought, "I could teach you how to enter your mindscape so you can see me in person."
"And this training would consist of?" Naruto asked with a distrustful look.
"Mostly meditating," The clone shrugged.
"... Fine," Naruto grunted, "If nothing else it might help me sort my thoughts," Moving over to sit next to the training ground's pond Naruto crossed his legs, made the Dragon hand sign and tried to relax and focus his mind. He was slightly surprised when the clone burst and when it did the area surrounding it changed, "Why the FUCKING HELL am I in a giant sewer?!" Naruto yelled in frustration.
"Welcome to your mindscape. As you're untrained in the ways of the mind it shows the environment where you feel the safest. In this case a hidden bunker. No idea why there's so much water though," A voice from behind Naruto said. A female voice. Turning around he saw a large cage, the bars made of red pillars with Fuinjutsu script around the bases. On the central pillar was a large sealing tag completely covered in Fuinjutsu. Inside the cage he saw a large shape but curiously, it wasn't the mountain sized beast he'd expected. Instead the form was maybe twice the size of his home but he couldn't make out more than that. The figure then stepped forward red eyes glowing in the dark ominously though when it drew closer, instead of the orange fur he'd been expecting, the fox was covered in a dark golden fur but still had nine tails that slowly swished through the air.
"Does this prove I'm not Kyuubi?" The Kitsune asked with obvious humor in her voice.
Naruto tilted his head, "I guess so. Never heard any stories of the Biju changing form."
"Well…" The Kitsune said as she sat down, "Some of them are able to change forms. The Ichibi, Nibi, Yonbi, and of course Kyuubi all have the power to change form. They just choose not to most of the time because it's very difficult and taxing for them to change size. So not much point when there's only nine beings in the world that large and that makes taking other forms kinda pointless."
"True," Naruto nodded, "I found turning into a smaller form takes a lot more Chakra than doing my Sexy Jutsu."
"And what a wonderous little creation that is," The Kitsune grinned, "Seductive, distracting, and creative. A marvelous Jutsu and an excellent example of the trickster spirit that all Kitsune share!"
"How so?" Naruto asked.
"Kitsune are often trickster spirits," The golden Kitsune explained, "And often take the forms of beautiful women whether the kitsune in question be male or female. It's so easy to fool humans when they're distracted by hormones. As your Sensei told you."
Naruto gave a small nod, "So if you're not the Kyuubi… who are you?"
Hinata stood at the door to her father's office. Taking a deep breath she said, "Father. I am here as requested."
"Enter," Upon entering the room she quickly moved to her father's desk and sat on the pillow left for that purpose. Hiashi studied his eldest daughter in silence for a few minutes. She was still nervous but it was less the nervousness of a cowardly girl he'd previously known, and more the kind of nervousness of a daughter who'd been called before a strict father, "You are back from your first C-Rank," He stated. Hinata gave a nod, "Good. Tell me how it went," Hinata gulped before she went over the mission. From getting to the inn and staying in the background, to the two fights. Hiashi stayed silent throughout the entire thing, "I see. Overall you handled yourself well for your first mission," Hinata's eyes widened slightly. Did her father really just compliment her? "I wonder though. Why did you use so much Ninjutsu instead of solely using the Juken?"
"I…" Hinata started before trying to steel her nerves, "Yūgao-Sensei tested our Elements a couple weeks ago. I'm… a Water and Lightning Element," Hinata who'd closed her eyes for a moment missed her Father's eyes widen ever so slightly, "Naruto had wondered if a person's Elemental Nature would affect their skills with their Taijutsu Style which is why Yūgao-Sensei gave us the Chakra Paper."
"I see," Her father said, "What of your teammates?"
"Shino has Earth and Wind, and Naruto has Wind and Water," Hinata replied.
"The same as his mother…" Hiashi whispered too quietly for Hinata to hear. Louder he continued, "What do you plan to do now that you know your Elemental Affinities?"
"The Juken does not suit me," Hinata said plainly, "It's far too stationary. Every time I use Taijutsu I have to force my body to stay still instead of dodging. Yūgao-Sensei has asked Might Guy for scrolls on Water and Lightning natured Taijutsu styles to see if any suit me. Until then I will make do with what I have. I used so much Ninjutsu due to not wanting to risk making a mistake due to having to force my body to stick to the standard Juken."
Hiashi gave a small nod, "A reasonable precaution, and the Juken still proved its superiority. Now go. I am sure you'd like a little time to rest," Hinata rose and left the room after giving a small bow to her father. Once she was gone Hiashi sighed and turned to the side where a picture of his wife Hiyori sat between two vases that held stalks of lavender before turning back to his work.
Tenten gave a roar as she brought a weapon her father designed a few years back called a broadsword down on Lee who blocked with his tanfa that Tenten recently reinforced, "Glad those are working for you," Tenten said as she jumped back a few paces, switching to a naginata.
"Indeed. The extra weight was a little difficult at the start," Lee agreed, charging in as Tenten's current weapon wasn't as useful in Taijutsu range, "But that is no longer an issue!"
Midfight Tenten switched to her own pair of tanfa. The sparring match continued for a little longer before the two backed off, panting, "As always your skills with weapons is a marvel Tenten!" Lee said, giving his own 'Nice Guy' pose, "I can almost feel the heat of your Flames of Youth!"
"Uhh… yeah thanks Lee," Tenten replied with a small sweatdrop. No matter how long she trained with Guy and Lee she never understood their Flames of Youth philosophy, "So how's the staff and nunchuck training going?"
Lee gave a small grin as he put the tanfa away in a seal on his belt, "I find I am as skilled with the staff as I am with the tanfa. Guy-Sensei is even considering asking the Hokage if I can have some scrolls so I can learn Monkey Style. As for the Nunchucks… No matter how hard I try. I just can't use them for more than coordination training and I admit I have no desire to use them for anything else."
Tenten shrugged, "No shame in that. Just because you're able to use the Goken with incredible skill, doesn't mean you're an exact clone of Guy-Sensei."
Lee sighed but nodded before lowering his head, "I guess. It's still shocking how much he was holding back. And it stings to see that he became a Jonin using more than just Taijutsu like I thought…" His head suddenly snapped up, "But I will not falter! I WILL become a Jonin using what Shinobi skill that I'm able to use!"
"Well said Lee!" A voice boomed out from the side making the two Genin jump before turning to their Sensei, "Let that passion push you forward! Let it be the fuel for your flames so it may forge your body so you may reach your full potential!"
"Guy-Sensei!" Lee cheered, tears of pride slowly leaking from his eyes, as he started moving towards his Sensei.
"Lee!"
"Guy-Sensei!"
"OH KAMI NOT AGAIN!" Tenten cried as she turned around, the sounds of waves reaching her ears, even as the heat of a setting sun touched her back. Seeing Guy's and Lee's 'Sunset of Youth Jutsu' once is enough for any sane person. How the two were able to perform that Jutsu though only calling each other's names and a hug she'd NEVER understand… nor did she want to!
Sasuke fumed. He hadn't even been given a fraction of the power his Sensei had promised. Yeah he'd learn a couple new Jutsu and could walk on any surface now but his Sharingan had yet to awaken, and his Sensei had already told him he'd have to learn all his skills the 'normal' way so he wouldn't be reliant on his Bloodline. He was an Uchiha! He deserved power! Others should be grateful he'd decided to copy their skills! Not to mention the therapy his Sensei had arranged. Trying to tell him to focus on the present. That the memories of the good times he had with his family were more important than revenge. Didn't they understand that revenge was all he had left? He was an Avenger, and by the Kami he would destroy not only Itachi, but anyone else who got in his way! He just needed more power.
Neji was in a similar state. On the surface he appeared calm and fully in control as he meditated in one of the rock gardens in the Hyuga Compound, but inside he was fuming. How dare his Sensei try to get him to ignore the Hyuga Tradition when it made them one of the strongest clans in the world! The fool didn't know what he was doing. Neji was Fated to rise in the ranks using only the Hyuga's superior style, and Bloodline. Fate would not lead any Hyuga who strayed from Traditional to success. His cousin Hinata for example. Learning Elemental Ninjutsu and attempting to learn a style other than the Juken. He'd used his Byakugan to observe the meeting she had with her father when she returned from her first C-Rank and while she'd hidden it well he knew she was still the scared, weak girl who a Kumo Jonin had kidnapped.
He'd hidden most of his true thoughts in therapy and acted like it was having some small effect even if he still refused to learn the pathetic Jutsu his Sensei had tried to teach him. Fools would only end up dead, while those Fated blessed would go far. Lee was one such fool, as was Naruto from the Academy. Even Might Guy was a fool though even Neji couldn't deny that when Guy was completely serious he was a force to be reckoned with. One day they would all see that Neji was correct. Fate would see to it.
It was Team Eight's day off and Sakura was out jogging. She needed to get stronger, for herself, for her team, and so Sasuke would finally notice her. She quickly glanced around to see if her Sensei would just pop out of nowhere. She still wondered how he knew every time her thoughts wandered to Sasuke. Ensue-Sensei had finally taught her some Jutsu so she could use her elements. Just thinking of her elements made a small chill go down her back at what some of the others at the academy might have said if they learned she had Earth and Water. So far she'd made decent progress on the Wild Water Wave and Mud Flow River Jutsu, along with the Demonic Illusion Hell Viewing Genjutsu. She'd made more progress on the Genjutsu than the two Ninjutsu but that was mostly because it was a D-Rank while the other two were C-Rank.
She'd overheard how quickly Team's Six and Seven were advancing. Even Shikamaru was growing stronger faster than she was! When Choji single handedly defeated both Ino and Sakura in a two vs one sparring match, Ino had doubled down on training, and even started looking up weapons that she could use. Choji's Kanabo, while powerful, was slow and obvious. Ino was looking for weapons that worked with her natural dexterity. Each of her comrades was out passing her. Even Naruto of all people! Some of the rumors he'd heard while shopping said he was the heir of Konoha's Sister village Uzushio but if that was true why didn't the academy say anything about Uzushio and the Uzumaki Clan? She knew that most of the teachers had been replaced, with Shino's dad in charge of rebuilding the curriculum. DId that have anything to do with it? Did their dislike of Naruto have more to do than just his pranks? Her mother had always said that Naruto was a criminal waiting to happen and the Hokage was mad for keeping the monster around. The only monster she knew of was the Kyuubi and Naruto did have the whisker-like markings. Was there a connection? If there was… was there something she could do if Naruto went out of control? Changing direction Sakura jogged towards the one place that might hold the answers. The library.
Kiba was relaxing at home, brushing a napping Akamaru as he considered his training. Working with Asuma was going well, and Akamaru was making steady progress on learning to speak English or 'The Human Tongue' as the Ninken called it. The Bolas were a natural fit to the style and many other Inuzuka were ordering them. A couple retired Inuzuka were even working learning how to make them.
Perhaps he should try learning how to focus his Lightning and Fire Chakra through his claws… or perhaps get flexible clawed gloves made out of Chakra Metal. That would not only let him use his natural weapons but also let them tear through armor and flesh easier. But what about Akamaru? On a whim he asked his mom for some paper to test if Akamaru had an element and the pup had Wind and Water for his elements meaning the two were literally perfect partners. Perhaps Akamaru could learn to channel his Chakra to replicate some Jutsu? He knew Kuromaru could do a couple even if the one eared wolf didn't show it off very often. Could only animals with a relation to the Summoning Contracts use Jutsu or could any animal with active Chakra use Jutsu? He'd have to talk to his mother and sister about the idea.
Author's Notes:
According to , the name Hiyori could mean either Beautiful or 'Clam/Harmony/Peace/Concord/Serenity depending on the kanji used.
So… yeah. Everyone's growing well apart from Sasuke and Neji. I've got a couple ideas what I'll do with them but nothings set in stone yet. I'll probably have some group training soon, just so they can all see how the other's have grown.
