-I think you have bad luck Chouji -Shikamaru says, settling down -I wouldn't want to have to face the remnant of the sound, nor Rock Lee, he must be very strong if he manages to beat Sasuke, and... -Shikamaru's gaze is fixed on Gaara -much less against that boy from Sunagakure -then he narrows his eyes -I don't even like being in the same room as that guy-
-I understand that there must be many reasons, I don't like it either, but -Chouji looks at Shikamaru as if he knew that Shikamaru is usually distrustful of people whose ability he doesn't know, but... this time it's different Shikamaru is on the defensive protecting someone, maybe Chouji himself... he doesn't know that -it doesn't matter-
-Nah hey kid - Naruto hears the footsteps next to him and turns around only to frown at the sight of the guy who was hurting Konohamaru before the exams -what are you doing all alone here - Naruto had moved away a bit from his team and the others, he needed to calm down and... think about the stupid thing he had just done, yell at Neji like that? That she was going to defeat him? That wasn't possible! He could barely hold out against Kiba and now with everything he knew about the Hyuga clan and especially his now new rival whom he doesn't want, who was also another prodigy like Sasuke.
-That really... doesn't interest you ttebayo - Naruto pouted and looked ahead completely avoiding the older boy who had a bragging smile when he saw how Naruto preferred to ignore him.
-What do you know about Neji Hyuga, I have a feeling that wasn't all the power he had, do you know his story? - Kankuro didn't back down, but Naruto inhaled sharply looking like a cute little angry bull, rubbing his fingers together as he said.
-My new rival... -then he deflates - I guess? -he whispers so low that Kankuro can't hear.
-mah well, I guess I didn't ask the right person -then he sees how Naruto continued looking like a bull about to attack under his gaze to see those duck underwear until finally his foot stomping hard and quickly on the ground -"this boy is not at his level" nee, you're a nice little boy, I like you -in that Naruto turns a little and gives Kankuro a sour look.
-Not you, boo! - She sticks her tongue out and can see a vein popping out on the older boy's neck, ignoring him she looks from afar at her team and Team Guy.
-Don't worry my dear student, I'm sure it will be your turn soon - Lee just crosses his arm.
-No -that surprises Sakura who is at his side- I want to be the last fight, so he can do his best-
- "Is he throwing a tantrum?" - Sakura wonders internally, raising an eyebrow.
So the next fight was chosen and it made Naruto's stomach turn as he felt sand flying towards the battle site until a few grains of sand landed in his eyes - ah! - She rubs her eyes quickly so she can see and when she does her body shakes.
She knows she's scared, but... at the same time it was as if her body wanted to transform that feeling into something wilder , it wanted to fill her with anger... she wanted to attack Gaara and kick him out of his home like an animal protecting its territory.
Pan! Kankuro is surprised when he hears a knock next to him and when he sees what happens, the little blond boy angrily had his hands on his cheeks, before lowering them and holding onto the railing – "you can Lee" –
- Very well! - Lee exclaims surprising Naruto, he didn't want to be the last one? That was what he had said - the trick worked, I knew that if he asked to be the last one, I would be next, I just applied the principle that sometimes the best way to get something is to stop wanting it - he kicks in the air warming up.
- I see! That's great - Naruto exclaims before remembering who Lee was fighting against, making him think that he wasn't that lucky -
He throws a few punches – it's something like, reverse psychology – he rocked? Naruto didn't know what reverse psychology was, but he promises to learn what it is later.
-As I expected from my student -Guy raises a finger -Listens carefully to my advice Lee-
- Hey! –
- Do you see the gourd that Gaara is carrying hanging on his back? - Their faces were so dramatic that Kakashi could only sigh at the drama they were creating - Be careful, there is something very strange about her -
-I see- then they both step back and Lee takes out a notebook and starts writing.
-Don't write it down. Read it, you won't have time to read it later –
-That's another great tip -and he writes it down.
- "Lee carries a notebook, like I carry a sketchbook, it looks old and wrinkled, with lots of loose pages, he must… put a lot of advice in there ttebayo" –
-Very well -Guy raises a finger towards the sunset -Lee, go! -
As Lee fell to the ground in front of everyone, Naruto just hoped that he was okay, that this fight wouldn't create a rival 3.0
Lee was very fast, but he could only match the speed of Gaara's sand, he did a backflip when the sand reached him and he had to retreat, changing direction Lee seemed more like he was fleeing than fighting at this point until a moment where he fell and the sand imprisoned him made Naruto feel a great weight until he saw that Lee was in the air.
Guy gave him permission to do something that at the time had left the whiskered blonde very confused until she finally saw what happened when Lee took off those weights on his legs and dropped them on the floor making a huge noise when he broke it.
He surpassed the speed of Gaara's sand, he was so fast that Naruto could barely see him – "it looks like a Bludger, crashing, crashing and crashing" –
Then he managed to land a hit… then another and Sakura and Naruto felt more confident that maybe Lee could win this fight.
Everything fell apart when Naruto felt chills when Gaara had that smile on his face… he looked crazy… broken.
- What are you doing? - Naruto asks into the air without remembering that Kankuro was at his side.
-He's creating a sand armor- that surprised Naruto who saw again how the sand seemed to enter Gaara's body basically.
Then something changed Lee ran forward after untying the bandages on his arms a little and ran in circles like a whirlwind before appearing in the center and kicking Gaara into the air, kick after kick, lifting them higher and higher off the ground, before Lee wrapped Gaara in his bandages and held him firmly.
Like in a whirlwind that reminded Naruto of Kiba's, they both ended up on the ground, inside a crater.
Lee came into view as the dust cleared, smiling victoriously.
Naruto felt a strange tightness in his chest, even though everything was supposed to be over, it wasn't just his ribs complaining, it was something else...
- LEE BE CAREFUL! - she shouts loudly looking right behind Lee, by that point Lee had realized the situation when little by little Gaara who was on the ground looked like an empty shell.
-That boy... is there no way he can be defeated? - Shikamaru comments while his mind works on ways that he himself could face him... it was impossible, Shikamaru was not a hand-to-hand fighter, he had a basic taijutsu and that was all, for the rest he used his wits and strategy combining it with his clan Jutsu, Gaara's sand was too fast, he could never stay still to even try to catch that boy.
Then Gaara began to play with Lee as if he were a simple toy, the sand sent the boy flying and crashed without giving him a chance.
- "Lee is someone who certainly worked hard to be here" -Naruto thinks as he wrinkles his nose at the sight in front of him –"unlike me, I got this far because I had Sasuke and Sakura, I would never have made it alone… if Kiba had really come to me to kill me…" -Naruto squeezes the railing and shakes his head before returning to the fight
The macabre gaze was on Lee again who seemed to ask his sensei for permission for something.
- "The eight gates?" -Naruto thinks curiously as he watches his sensei talk to Lee's sensei –"open five? What are they supposed to be?" –
-The Eight Gates are specific points in a person's Chakra circulatory system which limit their overall Chakra flow. Although the gates make the ninja weaker in battle, they limit the body's functions preventing it from expiring prematurely. By opening said gates the user has the ability to surpass their own physical limits at the cost of extreme damage to their physical body - Guy explains to Sakura and Naruto can only pout not properly understanding what he said.
Kakashi had raised his hita ate and was looking seriously at Guy -I don't know what that boy means to you, but you shouldn't put our feelings at stake- Kakashi himself would never do that, if it were Naruto who was in front fighting against... this person, Kakashi would stop the battle when things started to go wrong before it was too late... he had already been late for too many things for one of the few precious people he had left to end up cold and lifeless -I can't believe you did this Guy - Guy's gaze hardens
-You don't know anything, you don't know him, you don't know him at all! -Kakashi just didn't want his friend to end up hurt if something were to happen to this kid, but to a certain extent Guy had his point -this kid is determined to prove it, even if it costs him his life- he paused for a second, the memories invading his mind by the way his eyes sparkled -and I'm determined to help him achieve that goal. Not for his own good, but because it's a wish worth having-
When the pressure in the tower increases Naruto disperses some of his Chakra to feel it and almost feels like his legs are weakening before Lee's power, it was like a pot that was quickly filling with steam or like a train that was about to start.
Then the roles were exchanged, Lee attacked with everything, punch after punch, kick after kick, most of them hit and little by little Gaara was breaking down, it was as if he were playing human ping pong, but with the little that Naruto could see, he saw Lee's body slowly wearing down, this battle had to end now, or else there was no way Lee could defend himself afterwards.
And what he thought happened, Gaara's body fell to the ground only to be greeted by his sand.
- This is it! -Shikamaru didn't want to finish his line of thought when Lee fell to the ground this time totally exhausted.
- Lee san! -Sakura exclaims her hands shake when Gaara grabs Lee's leg with his sand.
- This fight must end Kakashi sensei! - Naruto exclaims when he sees that he also takes his arm, agitated she runs towards her teacher and Lee's - It won't last, it won't stop! - Then Lee's heartbreaking scream tormented everyone's ears, she turned quickly, in her heart she knew, Gaara was going to kill him, he was thirsty for blood, his foot came off the ground onto the railing, but someone got there before her cutting Gaara's sand.
-Get down now- Kakashi orders and Naruto shivers before stepping back and standing next to his master, his fists clenched still preparing for something that luckily didn't happen.
The atmosphere was slowly freezing as I watched the outcome of this battle.
Lee had gotten up, but... he definitely couldn't keep fighting anymore, Naruto trembles as he watches Gaara leave, injured but well enough to walk, before he couldn't take it anymore and jumped towards where Lee was, he looked at Gaara for a few seconds, in those same seconds their gazes collided before she finally broke and Naruto approached Guy, the man doesn't look at her, but feels how he gently leans towards where she is.
Naruto doesn't know how or why... but Guy knows her, maybe Kakashi has talked about her, maybe he's seen her walking around, although... the only thing he knows for sure is that he looks at her the way Kakashi does, as if he were looking into the past, realizing things that she herself doesn't know.
-You are this boy's sensei - the doctor suddenly steps away to talk to Guy, his gaze is so distressing that Naruto herself listens to him attentively from where she is -There are bone fractures and muscle tears, he will face a long and terrible rehabilitation, but I'm afraid that's not the worst... - the doctor stops preparing his words -Both his left arm and leg suffered, especially massive damage - Naruto remembers Lee's heartbreaking scream and feels such a heartbreaking feeling fill her -I'm sorry, I know this is very important to you, but he will not fight again, his days as a shinobi are over -
Guy was devastated as he moved, Naruto just shook his head over and over again -that can't be true- comes out in a whisper, when he thinks about Lee - "no, no, they are wrong, there is no way that is" - his fists released a strong smell of blood, not only because of Hinata, it was his own blood, he tried to balance all that pain that was accumulating in his chest with physical pain, his breathing was becoming regulated - "you are so strong, you yourself said that you were one of the best and today ... you showed it to me" - taking a deep breath - "I am a loser but ... I want to win , not for myself, for Hinata chan, for you Lee, I will win by my own effort and hard work , to show you that I can do it too" -
He jumps when he feels a hand on his shoulder and looks at his sensei who is staring at Guy -I... I'm sorry for saying what I said before, I was an idiot... I guess I really couldn't have stopped him- then Kakashi ruffles Naruto's hair and sighs before letting go of his poor palms.
The last battle took place with Chouji Akimichi vs Dosu Kinuta
And it ended as quickly as it began, Chouji used his clan's signature technique and chased Dosu until he was trapped in a wall and finally Dosu used his technique and knocked out Chouji in a matter of seconds, declaring him the winner of the fight.
-and with this meeting, the preliminaries of the third chunnin exam are finalized -….
When everyone left settled down on the battle arena in front of the jounin and the hokage Hayate continued -I want to congratulate you for having come this far... -
The third hokage is a bit over the results of these preliminaries…
Because there is something that these genin don't know and perhaps no one should know... much less someone who considers themselves an adopted granddaughter.
And this specific stage when it happens is rigged by statistics to fit and impress those who will come to see the final.
Everything is done so that the best reach the final and that no inferior competitor with a bad image gets there.
For example, it was Kiba against Naruto, in statistics, Kiba won and would impress the public during the finals, no matter who wins or loses there, but Naruto destroyed the statistics and moved on to the next stage, now Hiruzen is not sure how he will fix it if Naruto ends up losing in one hit, since now it was a matter of luck of who they were fighting against.
The third hokage aligns his hat -next, I will explain the final rounds-….
Orochimaru leans back against the wall as he continues his conversation with Kabuto – although there is still something that worries me a little –
-Naruto Uzumaki -Kabuto mentions having already seen the boy's power as well as having told Orochimaru about that strange creature.
-The seal I put on Sasuke kun is something special, it's not like Anko's -Kabuto looks at Orochimaru with interest since, it was strange that he would now precisely change his seal for another one -I have received certain reports that Sasuke kun is quite influenced by Naruto Uzumaki and... I was able to verify it myself, Sasuke kun has appreciation for him and reaches his heart, he would manage to get over a seal like Anko's that only deepens hatred but this one doesn't only do that, it is slowly filling Sasuke kun with jealousy and resentment so that he ends up hating Naruto Uzumaki -
-In the final round, everyone will put their battle skills to the test, demonstrating the power and control they have gained in their respective disciplines. Therefore, the battles will take place in two months. -Naruto blinks at the Hokage in confusion. Why was he giving them so much time? He thought he would give them about two weeks to a month at most. -"I have to... give my student time to investigate Orochimaru's presence in the exams. Plus, I'm sure... after he hasn't seen her for eleven years or so, I'm sure he'll want to train her." In addition to being more prepared, each village leader can take their time, preparing and distributing the summons for the final selection. -Clearing his throat, Hiruzen continues. -Before concluding, there is something important that we must do. -Anko steps forward with a yellow box. Everyone calmly takes a paper from the ones Anko has in the box.
-Nobody move, I'll come closer - Anko walks up to Dosu and is the first to take out a paper and then Naruto before he moved on to the others.
Naruto expected the name of who he was going to fight to be on the paper, being surprised when he only saw a number, one to be exact.
-Okay, everyone from left to right, tell me what number is written on the paper you chose - Ibiki asks with the tablet in hand
When they said their numbers Ibiki wrote each one down on the tablet until he got to the last one - meaning that number four is Sasuke's.
-Okay now I'll tell you how you'll face each other in the finals, Ibiki show them the table - Ibiki turns it over and shows the paper and Naruto swallows deeply when he sees his name on the paper.
- "I will have to fight an extra fight… well at least I could avenge Chouji from the one who defeated him -Shikamaru thinks with his hands in his pockets
Sakura was dying of worry as the names appeared in front of her and Sasuke was fighting the one who defeated Lee, who defeated Sasuke before in their unofficial match, if Lee couldn't and was stronger than Sasuke…what would happen to Sasuke.
-"…. Okay" -Naruto thinks raising his head, he doesn't think he'll go back on what he said to Neji, even if he had regretted saying it before, now he thinks he'll fight, Lee taught him that he wasn't that strong before, he trained hard to do it –"I… will do it too… but how could I even get close to Neji, if my taijutsu is just the basic one from the academy?" -It wasn't the time to think about that
- May I ask a question? -Shikamaru raises his hand to be greeted by a nod -If this is a tournament it means that there will be a winner, right? That is, only one will become chunnin -He shows a finger to emphasize
-No, actually, it's the opposite - the hokage explains - there will be several judges in the final round, including me, the shinobi leaders and the Kazekage, and the lords of several nations who will finally assign you your missions, with the fights the judges can evaluate your skills and then decide who of you has or does not have what it takes to be a chunnin. So even if you lose in the first round you could still become a chunnin -
-Does that mean that since we've made it to the final round, we can all become chunin? –Temari asks with her arms crossed.
-correct, although it is also possible that none of them become chunnin, the advantage of fighting more rounds is to better show off their skills in front of the judges, I hope this has resolved your doubt Shikamaru kun -Shikamaru sighs.
- "What a humiliating thing" -Shikamaru thinks to himself.
-I appreciate your patience, the exam is postponed until two months later…
" You are the one I most want to fight " Naruto suddenly remembered Sasuke's words, if she were to pass to the next stage… of course if Neji doesn't dismember her in seconds, she would have to fight against Sasuke or Gaara, if she were given the opportunity to choose, she wants to fight Sasuke without a doubt, now he is her friend, but before they were rivals which is why they fought a lot and Naruto knows Sasuke, he wouldn't try to kill her…
And she really didn't want to have to face Gaara, more than being squashed like a fly, the boy had an uncanny resemblance to her that made her shudder, she felt as if the two of them shared something, a secret that she couldn't reveal...
So it all finally ended.
- Itaiii! - Naruto complains when one of his doctors passes his Chakra in a certain area where his ribs were actually broken.
-You couldn't have stayed still, right? I'm not saying that you left and gave up your battle, but that you could have rested when it was over and come to see me -
Naruto puffs out his cheeks and crosses his arms, his veins were lying on the side of the stretcher as his doctor… Eiji as Naruto called him finished – I wanted to see the fights ttebayo!, besides I'm not that bad –
- Naruto! - Naruto jumps at the normally calm medic's shout - your ribs could have almost turned to dust besides… - Eiji points at Naruto's abdomen, which in addition to having bruises, a new seal had been placed over the other - What would have happened if that seal was something that killed you? Look, the kyubi can't even heal you properly now! - Naruto sighs and nods as Eiji finally finishes and lets Naruto gently put his bandages back around his chest, he had a patch on his cheek and another on his arm but otherwise he was decent enough - well leaving that aside - Naruto looked questioningly at Eiji when he had put on his shirt and was looking for his buso tunic - you made it to the finals, I'm… very happy for you - Eiji smiles causing the blonde herself not to hesitate to smile back - What are you going to do now? -
Naruto began to think about it and his smile evaporated, he needed to train a lot if he even wanted to be a rival for Neji, but... this time she would fight with her own strength.
Naruto took the cherry lollipop that Eiji offered him before leaving, he needed a guide with which to start and be able to work at Hogwarts and for that...
-Oh... Ebisu -Naruto frowns... he had asked his sensei for help, but he had told him that since he had the sharingan he had to train Sasuke but that he had found him another teacher, he hadn't expected it to be the same one who was trying to take her away from Konohamaru, the same one who looked at her with such contempt.
-Uzumaki -Ebisu answers making Naruto bristle.
Naruto turns his head and looks at Kakashi -sensei, you can't... -
Kakashi gives the girl a smirk - the decision has already been made, he will train you and you both will get along -
Naruto mutters under his breath as he walks to the Anbu base to see Turtle, tomorrow he would start training and in five days he would return to Hogwarts and he hoped his friends were okay.
- Kneazle! - Naruto lets out a screech as the creature jumps towards her, keeping the creature close to her she avoids raising her head because she knows that the turtle is without its mask -… I'm glad you're okay -
-we'd have to define "good" for you- Naruto snorts and jumps to his feet excitedly.
- You know, you know! I'm in the finals! Ttebayo - Naruto was waiting for an answer that... took a while to come.
-I already knew it- that surprised Naruto who almost tried to look Turtle in the face -I knew you would do it- the blonde was surprised by that fact, Turtle was never that positive, but now he sounded... happier and brighter.
-W-well - Naruto approaches and sits at the foot of the bed putting the kneazle on his legs, he purred peacefully, then he breathed deeply, he didn't want to take away his friend's strange joy right now, but - I want... I want to ask you something -
- What thing? -
- Do you know how the Hyuga clan works... with the main and secondary branches? - Turtle moved a little, Naruto thought it was because of discomfort and he was going to retract his question.
-The main branch is all those born first and the secondary branch is all those born second, whether they are cousins, uncles, etc. –
-And why are they separated like that, aren't they one big family ttebayo? - Naruto narrows his eyes as he remembers Neji and Hinata's battle.
-The main branch is supposed to be in charge of keeping the secrets of the Hyuga clan and the secondary branch is supposed to protect them.
-I see... very well - Naruto stands up, slapping his cheeks with the palms of his hands and carrying the kneazle in his arms - thanks turtle... I'm going to train very hard for the exams - she walks quickly through the anbu base watching the masked people pass by before leaving...
If the kneazle had eyebrows, he would raise one without hesitation when he saw the sensei with dark glasses... or his mistress's new toy, he looks at them from afar watching how they interact.
-Don't think I asked to do this, Kakashi Hatake asked me and I couldn't refuse - Ebisu crosses his arms and Naruto just puffs out his cheeks a little.
-The feeling is mutual, I wouldn't be with you but with Kakashi sensei if he could train me... -Naruto narrows his eyes at her -we don't like each other-
-Mah, the only thing I don't like about you is that you're trash in our village, you can't be as strong as a person who was born destined for greatness would be - Naruto squints his eyes and sees that the kneazle from a building took out a claw in a silent message of "do we kill him?" Naruto has a drop of sweat at the message, it seems that the magical creature had perhaps become too accustomed to the ninja world, Naruto quickly shakes his head.
Taking a deep breath Naruto looks at Ebisu more calmly -I've seen how you train Koh, you're not a bad teacher for him... your elite, you're a terrible teacher for me, plus you're a closet pervert- the man freezes. How had Naruto found out about that? -Oh come on ttebayo, when I was little I used to do my sexy Jutsu all the time, I'd notice that a certain sensei was watching from afar. This doesn't matter! -Naruto quickly clears his mind and shakes his arms as if he wanted to fly away- I have five days for you to guide me before I leave-
-Oh right… actually, how about we start in a different way? –
- different? -
-What I remember most is that your escapes were infallible, from one moment to the next you were no longer there when I was supposed to watch over the honorable grandson and… you –
Naruto puffs out his chest a little with pride, that was the best thing he had, he was great at escaping -I am ttebayo-
-Then let's start with that, if I don't catch you I'll invite you to eat whatever you want -
- Really?! - Naruto lets out a high pitched, excited squeal, jumping to his feet - Okay! But just so you know, I'm great at this - Naruto launches himself forward using a wall lever and climbs up a building before jumping off one at a time.
She ran across the rooftops watching the villagers stroll through the shopping area and even passed by Ichiraku ramen, before realizing that something was following her at high speed, scared that it was Ebisu, but she just smiled when she saw the four-legged creature trying to keep up with her, in a second Naruto took the kneazle in his arms and quickened his pace to the academy, there were twelve of them on the roof breathing somewhat heavily.
-That's all, how disappointing - Naruto lets out a shriek and the kneazle jumps a little growling - What happened to you being a sensor? - She steps back.
-I can't since the exams - she says before turning on her heels and taking out a flask and a sphere from her half-moon bag, she throws the flask at Ebisu and the sphere to the ground below her making a cloud of smoke...
-Oh wow, so this is the stuff from his infamous prank from a few weeks ago… impressive… but not impressive enough -Ebisu looks at his feet that are stuck to the ground by a big fluffy slime that seemed to grow bigger…
The kneazle growled as if saying "come on, come on" -Hey I'm going too fast ttebayo, you just don't realize it- Naruto tries to put some Chakra into his body, but was brutally rejected when he felt it being absorbed, he tripped over his feet and almost fell to the ground before recovering, then he reaches the main gates of Konoha and hides in the guardhouse breathing very heavily now - What will I do? -
-You know that the Hokage has forbidden you to be near the doors, she jumps when she sees Ebisu on a post, she comes out of her hiding place and prepares to run.
- "let's see… a place… where the" ah! -she smiles and drops the kneazle who just spins around on his body and lands on his feet -kage bunshin -making the corresponding signs she creates nine of them and feels that twist again, staggering a little she mixes with her scandal of clones and they all shoot off in different directions.
-Again, pretty impressive, but… you're not the only one -Ebisu lets out a laugh and goes looking for the "Naruto" everywhere, creating three clones himself-
- Should I think I'm going crazy or did you also see Ebisu san playing tag with Naruto? - Kotetsu asks pointing to where Ebisu is not now.
-collective madness -Izumo answers and they return to their work.
One by one they were eliminated, Ebisu didn't think Naruto would be able to make him run that far and maybe he should give him some credit for that.
When the last clone finished he expected to find the real one only to end up searching on the bridge where there was no one, he returned to the academy again and then to the doors, but he had not jumped over it either and he searched everywhere, but he could not find the blonde…
Naruto laughs mockingly watching from above hidden among the clouds as Ebisu mocks, he was using his old broom from the first year that they had given him for his flying classes, he had left his at Hogwarts on loan to Harry so he didn't have many options but to use this one.
First when she camouflaged herself among her clones she ran to her house and grabbed her broom before jumping out the window, lying on her side with the kneazle at her side.
Afterwards, all that was left to do was to have fun watching Ebisu search for him like crazy after having exploded all of his clones.
- He'll never find me! - She says, her hands rising in joy as she changes direction when she sees Ebisu stop, curious she turns her head slightly in sync with the kneazle who does the same when seeing the human standing still in his place -... Why not anymore...? - She looks at the kneazle before feeling a strange glow reflect from below, she quickly lowers her head only for Ebisu to walk again.
-"…. Since when does Uzumaki fly?" - Ebisu had raised his head for a second when he thought he had seen orange in the normally blue sky except for the late afternoon, only to see a little point of blonde, orange and blue on something of brown tones that almost, if his eyes did not deceive him, was a… broom?
Naruto felt a slight tremor in his broom as a somewhat strong wind hit it, having to put both hands on the broom, then gusts of wind whipped it hard, Naruto knew he could handle it but... his broom couldn't, he placed the broom between his legs and felt claws grab onto his buso tunic as he tried to prevent the wind from taking it away, he tried to get leverage by stretching his legs as if he were trying to stop it on a non-existent ground -No, you won't take me! - She leans completely forward pressing all her weight on the broom just to remember something
- What are they talking about? -confused Naruto turns his head -I think they are quite fast-
-Of course they are here, you are surrounded by magic here or at Hogwarts –
-But if you fly over other parts you will have to use your own power –
-maybe that's not a problem at first, of course-
-But take into account the factors of strong winds and having to fly over the clouds to avoid the muggles and voila! You are guaranteed to be very tired –
The strong winds were ravaging Naruto's magic core, pulling and tearing more and more until he simply began to notice how the old broom from last year began to break -oh... oops - she says nervously when it finally breaks and she begins to fall...
Ebisu was looking for a way to get Naruto down from up there only to hear a loud screech causing him to spin on his feet and see the blonde falling at high speed with that creature as a cape that let out a high-pitched growl accompanying its owner in the fall.
The man jumped on instinct and pulled the top back of the weird orange sweatshirt the blonde was wearing and luckily for Naruto it didn't break, so Ebisu fell back to the ground.
When Naruto blinked several times and turned to look at Ebisu, she could only feel embarrassed, she had just been saved from her own plan -ah me-
- "…this time I must admit that…that was impressive Uzumaki" the duel ended Uzumaki san -Naruto steps back from Ebisu's grip, the kneazle jumps to the ground and growls at the man who smiles.
Then Naruto deflates, she was supposed to be good at chasing, dodging chunnin for years! But now… she knows her skills are actually disappointing.
Naruto looked at the bowl of ramen in front of her, tapping her chopsticks softly – "what if… I don't manage to defeat Neji?... well it wouldn't be anything new" she wrinkles her nose and rubs her fingers together, lost in thought.
-I'm inviting you and you're not going to eat? - Ebisu asks seeing how Naruto was just stirring his noodles.
-Nothing -She takes a deep breath and shakes her head before going back to her plate of food and picking up some noodles and bringing them to her mouth.
Little by little his bad mood fades away -well from what Kakashi told me and from what I've seen, your Chakra control is something we need to work on first and -… Naruto knows his control is bad, at least he's not directly saying it is, just that it "needs work" but then again Naruto feels like he needs to work on his taijutsu if he can even get close to Neji in battle without him knocking her out in one hit -we can compare you to your teammates with a simple Jutsu like bunshin and so on-
Naruto stops eating immediately -no -she quickly denies and looks with narrowed eyes at her new temporary sensei -I know the difference between us, Sakura has perfect control of her Chakra ttebayo, Kakashi sensei has said it before, while Sasuke having more Chakra is more complicated for him, but -she wrinkles her nose- he can handle it -
- "You hit where it hurts, Ebisu san" -Teuchi thinks as he sees how Naruto now avoids Ebisu's gaze.
- "I didn't expect you to do it… although I shouldn't have, I haven't expected it, you are always judged… I have always judged you" right… you have an inhuman strength and energy, which we can also work with and -then Ebisu again did not use the right words, because of Naruto's look full of sadness, he did not have a sad expression, he tied his emotions deep inside and only let his eyes show the pain and the cold atmosphere that she spread -in any case, you are strong! But not trained, with my training I can help you to be truly strong –
-mmh I see - Naruto closed his eyes and pushed his thoughts away from the fox trapped inside her and smiled - okay! She turned on the stool and gave Ebisu a toothy smile.
-Well, if you're done now - Naruto then rushes over and picks up his bowl of ramen, taking all the noodles before standing up - can we start... -
-… sensei I think we're full of your perverted fetishes… right? - Naruto felt the heat that the bath houses produced more and more as they were getting closer. Ebisu twitched an eyebrow at the comment, the whiskered blonde skipped in her little steps following Ebisu.
-We didn't come for a dip - Naruto turns his head and sees the water around the onsen that was going out...
Because of people like Ebisu (closet perverts *cough*) is one of the reasons why mixed onsen are not very popular, to be honest, that's why Naruto looked with his eyes narrowed when they passed under one of the cloths that had mixed written on it -don't look at me like that, I'm not a pervert- then Naruto can't help but roll his eyes and put his arms behind his head.
-Whatever you say, sensei , is fine –
The man clears his throat - this is all part of your training, you see today I'm teaching you - he adjusts his glasses and smiles, letting out a laugh - like walking on water - Ebisu was expecting surprise and excited jumps, not an unimpressed face.
Not that Naruto doesn't think it's cool to learn that, but she's able to levitate things, change their shape and size, and she's sure that Ebisu has never seen unicorn blood in his life and Naruto has.
-l-likewise, from what Kakashi has told me, you have been training to climb trees with Chakra, this is a variation of that - Naruto lets out a shrill "I see" and thinks back to when he learned to climb trees with Chakra alone - tree climbing training is a good start for Chakra control since you need to accumulate an exact and constant amount at the point where you are going to support yourself, this is the most complicated version -
- More complicated? - Naruto turns his head confused looking at the hot water.
-You see, when you climb a tree, the wood is solid you can keep your Chakra at an equally solid and calm level, however in the water - Ebisu tried to be as simple as possible so that Naruto would understand, he had seen the girl with the honorable grandson to learn that she was not the sharpest kunai in the bag - it is a changing and less resistant surface that will need more of your strength and Chakra to keep you standing on it - he raises a finger - but that is what Chakra control training is about, you will have to "try" to level and control your "untameable" Chakra - he speaks and thinks.
-Oh I think I get it ttebayo -she jumps a little proudly smiling looking at the water -water is not solid nor with… -she tries to find the word.
-consistent - Ebisu clarifies so that Naruto can continue since he sees her on the right track.
- That's it! -she says happily before continuing - consistent, it requires me to put and remove Chakra from my feet, maintaining or not a certain pressure… that's it -she whispers at the end - did I understand it well? -
Ebisu was surprised, of course he had explained it so that even the honorable grandson would do it, but the blonde had done it very well... -that's very good Uzumaki san -then Naruto feels his heart warm a little at the congratulations and looks at his sensei...
Little Naruto didn't like Konohamaru's new sensei.
He was nine and hoped to be there when Konohamaru started the academy… which never started and instead Ebisu arrived and the little boy began to be trained separately.
-I don't want to go with Ebisu -Konohamaru exclaims his shrill voice along with an angry baby pout.
Naruto turns his head silently asking, but curious why.
- Ebisu sensei won't let me train, it's all books and explanations! I want, I want to go to the academy like you Naruto nee chan! - He gets a little closer to the blonde who was looking out the window, both children were in the hokage tower in Konohamaru's designated nanny room, there were some toys that were starting to be replaced by large textbooks that Konohamaru was supposed to read in his free time but in reality they were just gathering dust every day.
-Same -Naruto says smiling at the annoyed Konohamaru -Academy is the same -he explains stammering a little, but laughs at Konohamaru's incredulous face.
-It can't be, is he just as horrible as Ebisu sensei?... I would have known - he deflates - I am the honorable grandson after all -
At that time Naruto didn't hold any thorns towards Ebisu so he just widened his smile and showed his teeth -Koh is Koh for me-
Naruto hummed as he walked to his grandfather's office after Konohamaru was taken somewhere else, when his hand reached for the door handle he heard -I can't keep allowing this hokage sama- he turned his head slightly and felt like he recognized that voice until he actually did.
- "Ebisu!" - she thinks to herself and simply moves the handle a little.
-The honorable grandson can't be with... a person like that - Naruto didn't know many people Konohamaru spent time with besides her, which is why he froze on the spot - Uzumaki... is clearly a danger, not only because... You know, but also because she's a terrible girl, I've read her academy reports and everything else, she won't teach the honorable grandson anything good... or she'll end up sinking him with her who's already sunk, she would hurt him -...
Naruto felt her heart break a little more now, Ebisu's words had pierced her like a kunai through her small heart, already too bruised and hurt, she let go of the handle regardless of how much noise it would make and... ran as far away as she could, arriving back at "Konohamaru's daycare" closing the door behind her, she let herself fall against the nearest wall and pressed her legs to her chest.
Koh was the most delicate little thing when he was born, the hokage himself told Naruto to be "gentle" with him, since he was "baby Konohamaru" Naruto still saw him that way! He was baby Konohamaru and she is gentle with him. She would never try to hurt him, she cares a lot for that spoiled little boy… spoiled by her too.
- Nee san? - Naruto jumped and raised his head to see little Konohamaru looking at him confused before simply shaking his head - I'm done with lunch! Let's play ball together! - The boy runs to his toy room and takes out a small orange ball - This time you won't hit me, I'm much older now -
-one year- Naruto snorts and makes Konohamaru's cheeks turn red in embarrassment.
- Yes! A year older - puffing out his cheeks he throws the ball towards Naruto who stretches his legs and takes him in his arms.
Ebisu could say it, but she would never hurt him, she would never take him down with her, Naruto is going to protect Konohamaru…
-I'll show you how to do it, first! -He makes a sign with his hands -You accumulate Chakra in your feet -Naruto sees Ebisu's feet which are surrounded by blue.
-okay... accumulate Chakra -Naruto makes the same sign and tries to arrange his Chakra as best he can towards his feet.
-remember to accumulate and control it properly and now -taking a step, the man was really walking on the water
-wow- she expresses before her new sensei turns around and looks at her.
-Now that you've seen it, it's your turn-
Bouncing a little on her feet, she takes a step into the water and everything... went out of control , she immediately fell into the water in a *splash!* - "itaiii" - Naruto complains when the boiling water soaks her and she shakes until she comes out - it burns! - her sensitive skin made her jump out of the water and she looked at Ebisu with a pout.
-this will keep you focused on not wanting to be in the water, unless you want to end up cooking yourself-
-I understand ttebayo - she shook herself and felt the weight of her wet clothes, above all her buso-tunic weighed more.
It was one attempt after another, falling into the water… Ebisu can't help but smile when Naruto begins to understand the amount of Chakra he needs –"this is going faster than I thought… Uzumaki san" –
Ebisu could no longer think of this blonde as someone who would only bring bad things to his elite student, the honorable grandson of the third hokage…
Konohamaru was always focused on his training, but today his dedication to physical training was so great that Ebisu himself was surprised -Wow, you should be thinking about challenging Hokage sama, right, honorable grandson? -The boy shakes his head and looks at his sensei.
-Naruto nee chan -Ebisu wanted to roll his eyes hearing that name again, Konohamaru went on and on about his awesome older sister Naruto and how her name was named after a bridge -she told me something a while ago… she said that I can't do everything alone and think I'm the strongest because of it… there are different ways to be strong and brave - the words surprise Ebisu as Konohamaru stands up -I don't need to fight grandpa to prove that I'm strong or brave, there are many other ways to do it and… I want to do it, it's not that easy to become hokage -he finishes and goes back to training…
- "She always follows you and… I think she's been a great teacher… Naruto san, maybe even better than me, I've been so wrong about you, I thought the shadow of the kyubi was twice as big as yours and until now I realize that you're the one ahead" - Naruto staggers, his feet submerged, but he hadn't fallen on his ankles yet, it seemed like he was juggling a lot to stay on the surface.
- Ah! - she exclaims before pointing to the side... And of course falling into the water.
Ebisu looks at whatever Naruto had seen to make him lose concentration, the mixed onsen had been empty until now, surprised to see a person now sitting in front of the fence that separated the women's bath, Ebisu lunged forward -What do you think you're doing?!, spying like that and -then the big man gets up and bites his finger and puts it on the ground and a big frog appears and with its equally big tongue grabs Ebisu -"who.." -then ends up on the ground knocked out.
When Naruto comes to the surface he only sees his new sensei knocked out and sees a large man, maybe smaller than Hagrid, but certainly bigger than all the jounin he has seen and met, his hair was completely white, long and messy, his brown eyes had red marks underneath like tattoos and he was wearing strange clothes and on his forehead he did not have the hita ate and instead it was written "oil".
Naruto emerged from the water and the man's brown eyes collided with Naruto's blue, for a second he could recognize that look.
The same one that Kakashi, the Hokage or Guy gave her, as if she were a glimpse into the past .
She slowly walked up to Ebisu and now the man was really huge, she squirmed a little - Who... are you? -
Then a big smile appeared on the man's face, it was proud but behind it, the smile could almost be said to contain... affection .
- It's good that you asked! I am the hermit toad, the wise and immortal spirit! That's me, the great sage of the mountain! - All these words were accompanied by poses on top of the frog until ending with an outstretched hand.
-… -Naruto blinked several times.
- "It was silly, wasn't it? Fun," the man thinks with amusement. "Go on, say it, Naru ."
-You are a… wise toad -she can only feel her mind working to find the answers -well, I don't judge your presentation, but… that is… "I told Koh not to do it and now this person" fool ttebayo –
Then Naruto stepped back a bit as the big man got off the frog stumbling over Ebisu's unconscious body - ah! That's right, you put the person who was going to train me for the exams to sleep! - she puffed out her cheeks and inhaled deeply - "huh?" - she was surprised by the smell emanating from the white-haired man, it was just sweet herbs and ink, but... she recognized him, she didn't know how or where she had seen him before... no, she only remembers the smell, she didn't remember having seen such a peculiar man before and if she had seen him before she would recognize him. Quickly shaking her head Naruto decides to continue scolding the man - you left him worse than a bath mat, what will I do now ?! - his wet clothes dripped every time he moved as well as his hair that settled in waves that reached the nape of his neck.
- By training, do you mean walking on water? –
- Yes! -He nods his head quickly and fiercely- Do you know that?... Then teach me dattebayo, you knocked out the person who was supposed to "help me get stronger to face Neji... no, my promise" who would train me -Naruto clenches his fists.
-No, no - the big man waves a hand as he walks past the blonde with a swaggering grin - I don't have time for that stuff -
- Come on, you were just spying a few minutes ago! - Naruto blurts out and the big man turns almost dramatically towards the little blonde.
- Ha! I wasn't spying, I was researching things for my book and... - she then stops watching as Naruto's golden eyelashes flutter over her incredulous and angry eyes in an adorable way - Mah, you haven't even read my books... they're too much for a little button like your girl - now it was Naruto who was panting with indignation, complete and adorable indignation, puffing out his cheeks, separating them on tiptoe and shaking his arms like a fighting cock.
- I'm not small! – the man puts two fingers on his chin and pretends to look at Naruto carefully.
- What are you, eight? - Naruto knew that this wise man who was twelve was strange but his gaze told him that he knew that.
Still, Naruto turned cherry red in shrill, childish anger as he crossed his arms - twelve… I'm twelve years old -
-Yes, whatever you say button - Naruto still feels the anger flooding through her for the nickname before noticing that the man was leaving or at least he was pretending to leave.
- Hey! You can't just leave after knocking out this sensei, you have to train me - the big man simply crosses his arms and shakes his head.
-I don't have time, I've already told you, girl, and I don't like children - that makes Naruto wrinkle his nose in disgust and watch as the man jumps and makes a sign with his hands, before flying through the air, the gusts of wind were impressive, he knew she could do them with her accidental magic, but seeing them like that...
- Great! - She runs to the walls of the onsen and puts her foot on one before jumping onto the roof and chasing after the toad hermit.
For a grown man and perhaps an experienced ninja, Naruto found him with ease, even without his Chakra detection, he saw him enter a place that made Naruto turn his head and then narrow his eyes at the sound of loud slaps -oh- a beautiful and clearly furious woman left that place followed by the white-haired man.
-Oh come on you can't use your beautiful soft hands like that - the big man said, but the woman continued on her way without stopping or looking back, sighing the hermit stops and sighs -soft, but… hard-…
-… puff - Naruto lets out a laugh and the older man looks at her with a frown - What did you expect ttebayo? - and then they turned into a bunch of laughs - you're just an ero sennin! - that makes the man burn with anger and Naruto backs away a little but still having a smile on his face - but I guess you're strong, so why don't you train me ttebayo?; go on, do it, do it, okay? - she jumps, her hands fly to her sides shaking them with excitement.
- I already told you that I'm very busy button! - that makes Naruto puff out his cheeks and just cross his arms.
-ero sennin -that brings out a nervous tic in the man.
-moh, someone as cool as me doesn't have time for unruly little girls- Naruto blinks as the man disappears in front of her before she felt a tug under her armpits and her feet no longer touched the ground.
- What?! Wah! - the man lifted her over his head with enormous ease - put me down, put me down! - What was the obsession of the perverted sensei carrying her? Before being thrown into the air towards infinity and beyond….
-Oh, I see you're back - the man couldn't help but laugh when he saw the girl's condition, full of leaves and twigs in her hair, now dry, but sighing heavily like an annoyed bull.
- You're bad! - he shouts and points with a finger, but his anger was as fake as his shout, Naruto knew who a truly bad person was and he knew that "ero sennin" was not one, and he also seemed familiar.
-I already told you button, I won't train you - that makes Naruto puff out his cheeks.
- What do you want in return? –
- Huh? –
-I asked you, what do you want in exchange for training me? -Naruto looks at his pocket -I don't have much money, but it's something-
- No, no! I don't want your money - that makes Naruto sigh and think.
- So what would you like? - She turns her head waiting for the answer.
- "How do you want me to tell you if you look at me with those huge eyes full of innocence?... you know that…" - the man stood up and looked at Naruto - I think you already know what I want, something pretty and curvy -
- Pretty and curvy? - Naruto thought of something he would want, but a pretty and curvy sennin…
While the old man was waiting, he didn't really expect Naruto to bring him anything, he himself had already found a couple of cute girls to follow on his own…
As she spoke she heard loud footsteps and saw Naruto carrying a large bag… the man could have turned pale, the pretty girls seeing the paleness of the man and seeing the sack that looked like… just screamed and ran away - you, YOU! you? - Naruto stops with a big smile and leaves the bag on the table.
-Well, I didn't know exactly what you meant by pretty and curvy, so I brought a lot of pretty and curvy things! -She puts her hand in the bag and the man sighs, the daughter of his beloved student had not kidnapped a girl -First of all, I can't give it to you, but I'll lend it to you! -A small stuffed lion came out, adorable and with whiskers...
-That's it, what's so curvy and pretty about it? -Naruto looks super offended.
-his tail makes a curve and it's really pretty ttebayo -Naruto lifts him over his head.
-I don't want it - the blonde deflates a little but then simply keeps the stuffed animal sitting on the table and smiles taking out a pillow -… Why? -
-You're not very young ttebayo, I thought you'd want a pillow, besides, it can have curves if you hug it - Naruto sets an example and hugs the pillow.
The hermit man had to endure the exotic amount of objects that Naruto defined as pretty and curvy until they ended up eating a strange watermelon together…
-look here too –
-Stop... I think you didn't understand, I want a pretty girl - then Naruto blinks and looks at his bag.
- You should have said it before! -She stands up and steps back, making the no longer so characteristic signs of her unique Jutsu -sexy no Jutsu- she disappears in a cloud of smoke and then appears as a small and thin woman, with large breasts, her eyes were now a purple hue and her black hair hung in pigtails, plus her marks on her cheeks had disappeared and... of course she was totally naked.
The man gasped, his perverted side coming out, she didn't look anything like his innocent little goddaughter, the woman smiled softly at him, a stream of blood coming from her nose - Where did you learn such a Jutsu? -
-Oh, I did it myself - Naruto had been trying to catch the third hokage for years and when she found out he was a pervert, she did her own "investigations"
Then enough blood reached the toad sage's brain and now he looked with a somewhat frown at the now not-blonde - a girl like you shouldn't use a Jutsu like that!... I'm not complaining... but no! -no Naruto pouts and his sexy Jutsu vanishes.
-Okay, okay, but now… - Naruto was disappointed to say the least
-First of all you need to show me what you were practicing before- that makes Naruto's eyes light up and he jumps to his feet.
- oh really?! -
The wise toad sighs falsely – seriously, let's go to the river –…
Naruto made a clone to return all the things to his apartment, surprising the hermit a little, but then he remembered the blood that ran through Naruto's veins as well as his... tenant.
-Okay… do it - the hermit says pushing his hand forward and Naruto takes a deep breath and nods.
-okay…- accumulating Chakra in his feet Naruto takes a step in the water… then another and another, he felt as if he couldn't control it and he absorbed it -d-don't fall, d-don't fall, don't… wah! -finally Naruto ended up soaked in water, he mutters under his breath as he gets out of the water and hears the man's laughter -it's not funny!
- "Actually… it's amazing that you can even take a couple of steps… with that much disarray." -
-His clothes are soaked again and he feels like a cat… speaking of which, where was the kneazle? Naruto looked around, but didn't see him, he thought maybe he had gone home -I'm taking this off- Naruto pulls his sweatshirt with difficulty until it is on the dry ground, his shirt being dragged with it before taking off his pants -much better-
-interesting choice of…. Long underwear" how thin… too much" -Naruto stops dead when the man speaks and just looks at the teddy bear patterns they have.
-They're pretty -she says, pouting cutely.
-Well now... -Naruto was surprised when the man stood up and stood in front of her, getting on one of his knees to be at Naruto's level -...accumulate Chakra in your abdomen -Naruto's surprised face was priceless, nervously he nods and puts his hands together and lets the Chakra wander until it reaches his abdomen.
- "So this is the seal you used… to protect the village… to protect her especially. It's really impressive" -he thinks with a smile before frowning when another seal that he recognizes appears around the one that was already there –"So Orochimaru really was here and" -the hermit clenches his fists –"you had the nerve to attack my goddaughter" -then he runs a finger over the seal noticing that it elicited small laughs from Naruto.
-T-that tickles- the man nods, although Naruto couldn't see it since he had his eyes closed and fills six fingers with Chakra with a seal technique similar to the one Orochimaru had already put.
-This might hurt a little- Naruto raises an eyebrow and when he was about to open his eyes.
- What? Off! - she lets out when she is pushed by the force with which the man sends her flying, feeling fingers on her abdomen before ending up against the ground - hear that for... What? - Naruto suddenly feels it, it was his Chakra again spreading around him! And she could feel the toad hermit in front of her, his Chakra was bubbly and kind, maybe a little gruff but sincere - you fixed it... you fixed me! - Naruto jumps with joy and flutters when he feels that his Chakra is no longer being absorbed or out of control.
The hermit could clearly feel the gentle waves of a born sensor reaching him and could only nod - just release some tension points, that's all, try walking on water now -
Naruto freed accumulates Chakra and his bare feet are perfectly capable of walking on water - ooh! - she jumps happily - thank you, thank you, thank you! - she says turning to see the big man with a toothy smile.
-Well now that you have managed to master walking on water, how about we start working with the kyubi? I'll show you a super incredible technique -that makes the air flutter in a bright and spicy way.
- YES! - he exclaims loudly as he returns to the shore….
Although the hermit had said that, he did not intend to start today, the idea was to train from tomorrow until the exams in two months.
-And tell me - Naruto looks curiously at the hermit, both were sitting in front of each other, Naruto kept his legs stretched out in front of her - What did you feel when I released those annoying stitches? -
That makes the blonde smile - it was like boom and Bing, I could feel people's Chakra again -
-mmh I see - the hermit closes his eyes with a smile.
- Wah! I've never been to an onsen before - Naruto exclaims as she is submerged up to her neck, the towel tightly rolled over her chest and almost reaching her knees, she has a small smile on her face, when the man places a wet cloth on her head - When I came it was with Ebisu sensei and you saw it yourself, it was just to train - She raises her arms while pouting - If it weren't for him making me take the step and you now, I would never have tried a bath like that -
-You're the first girl I've seen dare to use a mixed bathroom, you know that - Naruto just shrugs.
-You are a pervert, but not one of those farts like that person… that Sasuke wanted ttebayo, besides I don't really care about the truth, I may be a girl biologically but I don't care how they refer to me or what side they put me on, I just feel comfortable that way ttebayo –
-I see…- The older person smiles and turns his small sake cup before drinking from it.
"I'm going to try very hard these five days I have left," that made the old hermit raise an eyebrow.
- Five days? The exams are in two months, remember? - Naruto nods.
-I know… but I need to go to… a place where they teach me to control… another power that I have… that's why I will try hard these days with the guidance that you give me and I will continue practicing there! -
-… did the hokage give you permission for those trips? - Naruto nods quickly before letting out a giggle when a large frog comes out from under the water spitting a large jet, Naruto just nods and looks sleepy - "it's better to leave this conversation for today" well I think it's better we go before we get into trouble because of a giant toad - that makes the giggles turn into laughter that the hermit couldn't help but return with some of his own…
-ooh, kneazle! -Naruto looks for the magical creature as soon as he got home, today had been a great day, he searched in his bed, but it was not there -kneazle! -she searched only to not find the creature -hey... Where are you? -Naruto continues searching, he did it in the bathroom and where she kept the food and three times under the bed, before she yawned loudly, she did not want to and should not go to sleep without knowing where her... four-legged companion was, but as she checked again that it was not between her blankets, letting herself fall into her bed because of course that was more efficient, her eyes closed and instinctively her arms pulled the little rabbit and she curled up until she fell completely asleep...
- And what are you? - the toad hermit asks holding the poor kneazle by the neck who was growling and pulling out his nails trying to scratch him - Well anyway, I don't think a creature like you has any interest in hurting Naruto in any way, right? - The tone was certainly threateningly calm, the kneazle stops and realizes, this human was much stronger than him so he just looks at him with sharp eyes and the hermit lets go - That's fine -
Then he looks towards the little blonde's window, when had he arrived in the village? The answer was since yesterday... since yesterday he had been keeping watch around his goddaughter's apartment, he looked with a smile at Naruto's curled up form, the girl was drooling over that stuffed rabbit... well he himself knew that that rabbit was once a bear... after all he himself had given it to Naruto even before he was born , he saw the creature come in... he doesn't know how or where he did it but he curled up next to the blonde and looked towards where the hermit was.
Then he heard the footsteps approaching behind him, he turned his head and looked where the footsteps came from only to let Ebisu come closer and lean against the railing of the building where they were -I'm sorry for stealing your student-
-That doesn't matter anymore... you had something like this planned from the beginning, right? -Ebisu adjusts his glasses- but it didn't turn out the way you planned it.
-mmh What do you mean? –
-I think I know the reasons why you came, one of them is to look for Orochimaru and catch him, right? Jiraiya sama you yourself must know how many ninjas have searched for him, Hokage sama will be very pleased to know that you are here –
-… have you told him anything yet? - Ebisu shakes his head - well… leave it like that, don't say anything to him and… no, I'm not chasing Orochimaru unfortunately - Jiraiya crosses his arms.
-And the second reason I think he came was to train Sasuke Uchiha, right? -That really made Jiraiya squirm, him training Uchiha? -He must have found out that I asked to train Uchiha san when the chunnin exams ended and came looking for me in the hot springs when he found me, just to watch me train Naruto san… -
-Are you… saying that Naruto is just a second-hand dish? - Jiraiya frowns a little, but Ebisu doesn't lose his cool.
-Then I guess I'm wrong –
-You're right to be wrong - Jiraiya just gives Ebisu a glance before continuing -I'm really just here for my research, Naruto was a coincidence - a part of Ebisu knew the man was lying, but… he wasn't sure if it was the first or the second, maybe both - I have no interest in getting involved in either of these matters -
-You can't be serious. You know better than anyone that only a sannin is capable of defeating another sannin like you Jiraiya sama - then Ebisu steps back -I ask you to please reconsider - he slowly retreats until leaving Jiraiya alone again with the surveillance.
Naruto left his apartment, the kneazle had strangely decided to be there today, he had refused to leave the apartment let alone leave Naruto's bed.
- "The atmosphere… feels heavy today" -she thinks looking around before seeing a destroyed place and frowning… - "What could…?" -then she decides that before looking for ero sennin she was going to visit tortuga, it was still very early and she still had to tell ero sennin her plan to improve her taijutsu, she quickly turned a corner and disappeared towards the anbu lair…
Naruto could almost say that there was a total scandal, the anbu came and went, some were sharpening their weapons and others were taking medical supplies to the infirmary wing, Naruto stopped in front of another anbu, wolf , and raised his hands and used the anbu sign language - What's going on? - wolf doesn't stop and picks up a bunch of weapons.
Wolf explains as if Naruto was another anbu, moving his hands - they killed a jounin last night - that left Naruto paralyzed who when he came out of his stupor, asked again.
- whom? -
Wolf speaks to say the name -Hayate Gekko-…
Naruto couldn't do much else, he had tried to look for the tiger anbu, since he knew she was Hayate's girlfriend, but he couldn't find her, nor strangely enough the turtle, surely everyone was busy with this altercation, so at that precise moment he decided to go look for that ero sennin.
... it was ironic that she found him spying on some girls who were playing in a nearby stream -hey... - Naruto calls softly the first time but only hears perverted giggles from ero sennin -hey ttebayo! - she calls again but again gets no answer and puffs out her cheeks before deciding that if she was going to ask about something that had confused her yesterday this was the way she could get his attention -ero sennin... you know about the kyubi sealed inside me, right? - that freezes the hermit who drops the leaves and a nervous laugh escapes him.
- "That sounded like your father" - he thought to himself before turning and looking seriously at the younger girl who was looking at him with her arms crossed and shining eyes - yes, it is –
Naruto sighs and stretches his arms -oh I see, so he did something weird with the seal, it wasn't anything bad since I felt like you helped me ttebayo -she smiled at him -so today you brought me here to teach me how to… control it? -she hesitates a little but just waits for an answer
-That's also correct, look, surely throughout your life you have been taught to control a small portion of your Chakra, but what they ask of you is really inhuman for you -he explains making an "x" with his arms- they have never asked you to use all your Chakra and control it through that since surely they either didn't want or couldn't teach you something more powerful, so I want you to spend all your Chakra and start using the Kyubi's Chakra, I am completely sure that this will help you in the final exams-
-No -Naruto responds quickly, shaking his head.
- W-what? - Jiraiya was completely paralyzed, he didn't expect such a negative answer - Why not? -
Naruto takes a deep breath and his eyes shine -I... it's not that I don't want to learn how to handle it, if that's why I want to do it ttebayo, I have accepted that the kyubi is a part of me since I was born, but it is a completely separate being from me and I during the exams, if... I manage to face Neji, be it with my own power please -
Jiraiya can only watch the little blonde clench her fists tightly and look at him intensely -you know that... I don't want to be the one to tell you this but -then Jiraiya speaks seriously- there is no way you will win even if you train for two months with all your strength -Jiraiya tried to demotivate her, he had seen that doubt when talking about "if... I managed to confront him" there was no way she would achieve her goal if she only sought to confront her enemy with her weak and small body and Chakra control.
Naruto's eyes widened as his heart shattered -oh... I understand- he said looking at the ground, his hands clenched into fists.
-… is that all you're going to tell me? –Jiraiya expected a little more fight, courage in his eyes now sad and disappointed – you'll just believe that you can't because I told you so , my words are true, you're not strong or fast, your opponent's taijutsu is superior and his ego is just as high –
-t-that… that… can you explain to me what you were going to teach me? -Jiraiya sighs, he had a lot to prepare in these four remaining days if he wanted the blonde to have something to follow.
-Well first I need you to get rid of all your Chakra, that could be the best way to get the Chakra out of the kyubi - Naruto nods and thinks about starting to pump Chakra throughout his body as if it were an open faucet, but even so that wouldn't be fun, then he remembered his kage bunshin, having a small smile again he walks away and makes the corresponding signs.
- Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! - Then five exact copies of Naruto appeared, then another ten more.
-Oh wow, I didn't know you could do so many - Jiraiya almost whistles at that, Naruto just smiles a little more and takes a few steps before looking at his clones.
-We're going to have a competition, the best Naruto will take the title of the best yo dattebayo! -The Naruto girls nod, getting ready and jumping excitedly.
That's how the fight between Naruto and Naruto began, blows here, kunai there, that lasted until almost night when Naruto, exhausted, fell to the ground, being the last one -that was delayed- Jiraiya mentions getting up and taking the scroll he had on his back.
-W-what is it? -Naruto asks.
- Do you know what a summoning is? - That makes Naruto forget his tiredness, standing up suddenly and looking at the scroll with a nod.
- Of course! A summon is when you bring a living animal from another place, they can fight with you in battle... this is a frog one, like the ones you have, right? - Jiraiya nods and hands him the scroll.
-This scroll was passed down from generation to generation among certain ninjas, you have to write your name and at the end place your fingers to seal the contract - Naruto opens it and sees the names, there were few and there was only one that he recognized... realizing that he really didn't know the name of ero sennin, surprised she read it again to see if she was wrong, but no, there was the name of...
Minato Namikaze
That made Naruto let out an excited squeal -t-the fourth hokage signed with the frogs! - he exclaims and points - look, look! -
-Yes, yes... I know, believe me - then Naruto bites his thumb making a gesture of pain and some disgust at the taste of blood and begins to write his last name and first name and then he dips his fingers in the red liquid and puts them, noticing the science of size between the fourth ones and hers, among all the fingers his were the smallest.
- and now? -
-It's time to test it, to do it you have to do these symbols and-the old hermit says doing it-and then Kuchiyose no Jutsu -he dropped his hand hard against the ground and in a large cloud of smoke, an equally large frog appeared, leaving Jiraiya on his head.
-t-that's... that's so cool! It's my turn, it's my turn, let's see!, she makes the sign and -Naruto crushes his hand against a rock - Kuchiyose no Jutsu -she blinks confused when she sees the little tadpole that appeared.
-One button can only bring another smaller button -that makes Naruto pout- I think this will take time… even more than we have -…
-Kuchiyose no Jutsu –Naruto repeated over and over again at home, without any rest until dawn and once again presented his advances to the perverted sage.
-Those... are few advances -Naruto's small smile crumbles and he looks at his now tadpole with legs -she wanted to curse, she had three days left and this only showed that she... really couldn't do it, she couldn't defeat Neji -I think you should stop seeing me for now -that makes Naruto feel a deep heaviness.
- Stupid Naruto, you can't let her go - Naruto whispers, but Jiraiya can hear and frowns even more when Naruto raises his head and looks at him - Please no, I'll try... seriously I will -
-Enough… I never said I wouldn't train you, but… I know when this isn't working, I don't want to forcefully extract the Kyubi's Chakra because first, as you said, you have to fix things… Naruto, do you know what's the most important thing to win a battle? –
-… be stronger than your opponent? –
-it could be something that could change the outcome of the battle, that's true but not the most important thing - Naruto was surprised when she saw that ero sennin raised a fist and went straight towards the blonde's face, she closed her eyes tightly waiting for the impact -you didn't think you could stop him that's why you gave up, I think you're the type of person who says he never gives up even though you do it all the time, you think it's not going to work and that it's not worth it since maybe someone will say that your plan is stupid but... I think the most important thing to win a battle is to trust in yourself and your abilities, I'm not saying that you should settle, but that you should grow where you think you are not enough... that's why I can't continue training you for now but... let's do something, when you come back you will show me that new Naruto, one that is not giving up, one full of courage and guts -…
Naruto thought about the ero sennin's words as he walked back to his apartment at dusk – "really... Then I'm a fake, Hinata followed a fake" Lee I don't think I can... - she takes a deep breath and enters the apartment and lets herself fall on her old squeaky mattress staring at the ceiling.
The kneazle was sitting at the foot of the bed, turning his head in confusion.
He closed his eyes and his mind wandered
The clean palm strikes echoed in his mind… in his heart, as the images of Hinata and Neji's fight played over and over again, until when Neji sent Hinata flying and he asked her "why don't you give up?"
Hinata had stood up and had a big look on her face "Because I will never break my word, that's my Nindo" she had looked into Naruto's eyes, she was shining with courage as she lunged forward…
Then there was Lee and Gaara's fight, Lee had said that he didn't care if it was her who faced Neji and... that he wanted to do it too.
His eyes closed tightly at the memory of Lee being crushed by Gaara's sand…
But still he never gave up, he kept going, enduring all the pain even when he was unconscious, he never gave up even in the face of pain.
Then Naruto felt himself shaking… it wasn't fear, nor anger, somehow remembering Hinata and Lee's courage had filled his heart with emotion -I don't think so either… no, I'm not going to give up-…
-turtle- Naruto appeared at the anbu base and this time he was lucky enough to find turtle already recovered… more or less.
-Oh good morning Naruto what brings you here? -
-I want to… ask for your help - that makes the anbu raise an eyebrow in confusion, Naruto was not one to ask for favors - you could fight me in… The Hyuga style -
-You want me to… Naruto, I am –
-I know you're four times higher in rank than Neji and I, but would you just please let me face you? - Naruto stood up straight and looked directly into those black holes where a pair of pearl eyes were supposed to be.
-… okay, I'll do it - that makes the blonde smile and let herself be guided to the training room at the base.
- "Okay, here I am" -Naruto trembled when he saw the turtle make certain signs and said "Byakugan" –"Here we go ttebayo" –…
Turtle pulled his arm like a strong whip against Naruto, who couldn't even back away before the anbu turned around and with his other hand hit Naruto's shoulder, the blonde was pushed back and falling to the ground in the first two minutes of the battle, she rubbed her shoulder, Turtle hadn't even closed his tenketsu and certainly hadn't used even two percent of his strength yet.
He stood up again -let's continue- turtle said when he saw Naruto standing.
Naruto lunges forward, his fist trying to hit the turtle's stomach, but it was quickly dodged and the clean palm collided with his arm, pushing him and causing Naruto to become unstable and in that the turtle spun on its axis and his palm hit Naruto's stomach, falling to the ground again - "t-this, is so bad" - Naruto feels his nose wrinkle as he gets back up.
He ran towards the anbu and his foot launched out in a kick but in that same instant turtle crouched too quickly and stretched his leg and pushed Naruto's only support as he gave his kick quickly he placed his hands on the ground but almost in slow motion he could see turtle's palm go to his face, his eyes close by instinct but... he doesn't feel pain and that makes him open only one to check and see that the palm is in front of her without actually touching her -this... did it help you? -turtle asks and Naruto clench his fists but quickly shakes his head.
- Yes! Thanks turtle - she stands up and smiles… not really so much that it reaches her eyes…
When he reaches the bridge he leans against the red, wooden railing as he stares out at the water without any particular thought –"what if I?"- then Naruto's eyes widen and he growls before throwing his hands against his cheeks, the smack echoing everywhere, he shakes his head forcefully and leaves the bridge.
She had spent the last two days thinking about Neji and his way of fighting, she had to be clever if she wanted to… if she was going to win .
She began to pack her things, while the kneazle watched her walk from one side to the other, before stopping looking at the little lion next to the stuffed rabbit, she gently took the rabbit before looking at lion, she no longer felt good separating them but she decided that it was not a good idea to start a collection of stuffed animals there, besides Dean was taking the bad habit of taking his poor rabbit as ironically a guinea pig to practice magic, Naruto has been lucky that Dean has a little conscience to decide not to use him for aggressive spells, although once he had caught him levitating his rabbit in the air, that day Naruto Uzumaki could have had a heart attack at that moment.
She didn't want the lion to become a new guinea pig, it was something important to her now... and without a rabbit she couldn't sleep, so she would put the rabbit away tomorrow, finishing packing she looked at the kneazle -you're not something I can pack, but I can find you a basket ttebayo - the kneazle in rejection jumped towards Naruto and hung on like a scarf - hey! You didn't need to show me how you wanted to be carried, take off those weights! - Naruto pouts as he decides to throw himself on the bed and closed his eyes...
-Oh, you're leaving now, Naruto - the blonde turns her head like a confused kitten when she sees that the hokage was going to send a letter on an owl - I thought you wouldn't leave since you have to train for the exams -
Naruto thinks about the situation of Hogwarts and his friends, he shook his head and gave a small smile to his grandfather -no, I will go. I will train very hard from there-
-Well I thought you might need… a guide - Naruto was already leaving, he had the card between his fingers when he barely looked at the hokage.
- I got it - Naruto's eyes lit up as she was absorbed out of Konoha.