Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the Konoha Ninja arriving back in Konoha and giving their report to the Hokage, along with seeing them begin some new training. So, without further ado.
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It took the Konoha Ninja two days to return to Konoha, with them all heading straight towards the Hokage's Tower to give their report of what happened to the Sandaime.
With Orochimaru's involvement concerning Hiruzen, especially with how powerful these experiments were, despite being considered failures. Which only worried the Hokage more, as if someone as powerful as this Ryujin had been was seen as a failure, who's to say his former student didn't have even more powerful experiments and followers under his control. Something that increased his guilt and self-loathing at being unable to kill Orochimaru when he had the chance.
"Well I am pleased that you all were successful in completing the mission and eliminating Ryujin before he could become an even greater threat." Sarutobi said, with the Ninja nodding in response before he pulled out a Storage Scroll.
"And Genin Kabuto Yakushi, you showed great skill and understanding in the information you gathered from the deceased experiments, as well as being able to remain calm under pressure during the attack. I believe you've more than qualified to advance to the rank of Chūnin." Said Sarutobi, handing the scroll to Kabuto, who took it with a smile and gave a bow before unsealing it to show a flak jacket.
"I'm merely pleased that I was able to do my part Hokage-sama, and I'll do my best to prove myself deserving of my new rank." Kabuto replied, knowing his new rank will provide him several new advantages and ways to gather information.
"I'm sure you will. Now all of you are dismissed for the time being to rest and get settled back into the village." Hiruzen said, making the Ninja bow before exiting the office, pleased at being back in the village.
With Yūgao and Ibiki immediately taking off after they left the tower, while Kakashi and Yamato turned to their students.
"I'd say after that mission, you've earned a break from training. You're welcome to take the next couple of days off to either relax or train on your own." Kakashi said, with Yamato nodding in agreement.
"Agreed, we'll inform you once we're back to our usual training and taking missions. Hopefully ones that will involve less danger and life-threatening situations." Said Yamato, only for the rest of Team Seven to look at him blankly.
"…If you just jinxed us by saying that, you'll be the human shield." Naruto stated, with the female Genin and even Kakashi nodding in agreement without hesitation, making the Mokuton user a little nervous that they were serious.
"R-right. My…bad." Yamato said hesitantly before he and Kakashi left as well, leaving just the Genin and the new Chūnin.
"Well, since you three have some time off now, if you're still open for the chance to learn Medical Ninjutsu, I can take you to the hospital now so you can get started." Offered Kabuto, with Satsuki and Hinata turning to him.
"Yeah, that'd be really great." Hinata replied with a smile, eager for the chance to learn Medical Ninjutsu, with Satsuki feeling the same.
"Great. And what about you Naruto? Have you thought about joining?" Kabuto asked while looking at the Uzumaki, who thought over it for a few moments.
"I did and I don't think I'll be able to learn Medical Ninjutsu in the near future. But I will take the chance to learn about medicines and poisons, whenever you're available to teach me about them." Said Naruto, figuring with Satsuki and Hinata learning Medical Ninjutsu, it'd be good to learn about medicines and poisons to make and identify them.
"Of course, when you're ready, just stop by the hospital to get started or I'll come find you. And if you two are ready, we can go to the hospital now." Said Kabuto before turning back to the Uchiha and Hyūga, who nodded in agreement.
"We're ready. See you later Naruto." Satsuki said, waving to the whiskered ravenette, with Hinata doing the same as they followed Kabuto to the hospital.
Returning the wave, Naruto watched them leave until they were out of sight, before taking his leave as well to get some training done.
*Later-With Satsuki and Hinata*
After arriving at the hospital, Satsuki and Hinata had been put through orientation on the duties of Medic-Nin, along with getting started on the basics of Medical Ninjutsu. With Hinata having an easier time, thanks to her Chakra Control and her Byakugan helping to better identify problems and injuries. Though the Uchiha was told she needed to work more on her Chakra Control first, before she could get started on Medical Ninjutsu.
"That was a pretty good first day, hopefully we'll be able to start using what we learn on missions soon enough." Hinata said as they left the hospital after finishing their orientation.
"You'll be able to start learning Medical Ninjutsu and using it on missions soon enough, while I still need to work on my Chakra Control." Said Satsuki, a little annoyed that she needed to work on her Chakra Control first, while the bluenette was able to get started right way.
"I'm sure you'll start learning it soon as well. After all, your Chakra Control is already pretty good, so it shouldn't take too long for you to get to a good enough level." Assured Hinata, making Satsuki nod since her Chakra Control has gotten better since they started training together.
Though not long after they left the hospital, Hinata stopped when she saw Kurenai walking ahead of them, making the Hyūga smile at seeing her caretaker and big sister-figure.
"Kurenai!" Hinata called out, getting the Jōnin's attention, turning to see who it was before smiling when she saw Hinata.
"Hinata, I heard that you were out on a mission, but I'm glad to see you back and that you're safe." Said Kurenai, walking up to the two Genin before turning to Satsuki.
"And you're Satsuki, it's nice to officially meet you." Kurenai said, holding out her hand, which Satsuki shook and nodded at the woman.
"You too, you're also the Jōnin Sensei for Team Eight with Shino, Sakura, and Kiba." Stated Satsuki, remembering when Kurenai came to the Academy to collect her students.
"That's right. They've been very well so far, we've even completed our own C-Rank mission a few days ago. Though right now, Shino and Kiba are training with their clans and Sakura's training with some Genjutsu I've been teaching her." Said Kurenai, pleased at how her students have been progressing, with Sakura having shown she really did have a talent for Genjutsu.
And with her Chakra Control the Jōnin has been thinking of having her work at the hospital to learn Medical Ninjutsu as well, knowing it'd be good to have a medic on the team.
"You know Genjutsu?" Satsuki asked, intrigued by this, while knowing there weren't many Genjutsu experts in Konoha, given how they required precise Chakra Control and not being very popular for Ninja to use.
Given most Ninja preferred Ninjutsu that caused actual, physical damage rather than mental damage or Taijutsu to fight up close and personal.
"Yep, I'm actually considered a prodigy at it." Kurenai replied, a little prideful at her skill in Genjutsu and considered Konoha's number one user at it.
"That's pretty cool. Do you know anyone else in Konoha that uses Genjutsu?" Asked Satsuki, since it'd help her learn more Genjutsu by having someone to train with and she didn't want to take Kurenai away from her own students to train her.
Though the ravenette frowned when the Genjutsu Mistress flinched at her question, and quickly shook her head.
"N-no, I don't know anyone else in the village that focuses on Genjutsu." Said Kurenai, unable to help but think of her first student, who had unrivalled skill and talent in illusions.
"Kurenai, do you think we'd be able to spend some time together? Since it's been a while since we've seen each other." Hinata said, wanting to take the chance to catch up with Kurenai, with the woman nodding and smiling at the bluenette.
"I'd love to Hinata, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about." Kurenai replied, happy at the chance to spend with Hinata, making the bluenette smile happily before turning to Satsuki.
"I'll see you later Satsuki, alright." Said Hinata, the Uchiha nodding in response.
"Yeah, see you Hinata and take as much time as you need." Satsuki said, waving at her teammate before turning to leave, wanting to get some of her own training done.
'I should also really visit the Uchiha Clan Library and try to unlock my Sharingan.' Thought Satsuki, wanting to visit her Clan Library and see what Jutsu she can find.
Along with seeing if she can unlock her Sharingan, given this mission had shown her the kind of enemies they'll be facing and how dangerous it can be. Not to mention, how quickly things could change from a simple mission to something incredibly dangerous and life-threatening. And Satsuki wanted to make sure she's at her best the next time they're outside the village, or end up encountering dangers inside.
"So, tell me about this mission you all went on?" Kurenai asked as she and Hinata began walking through the village, with the bluenette beginning to tell her about her team's mission.
*Later*
Hinata and Kurenai eventually arrived at a bakery, one they'd gone to before during the formers time under the woman's care, due to them having cinnamon rolls she liked. With Hinata getting a large plate of cinnamon rolls, much to Kurenai's amusement at seeing her devour them all.
Though the Jōnin was also shocked and worried as Hinata told her about her teams mission and the danger they encountered. Even more so at learning they went against failed experiments created by Orochimaru, with their leader being on a completely different level. What really shocked Kurenai though was learning Naruto was the one who killed him. Having seen his Academy Record and was under the impression he was the deadlast.
"That's…certainly a lot to take in, but I'm glad you all made it back safely and that you even made a new friend." Said Kurenai, the two now sitting in the park, with Hinata nodding in response.
"It really wasn't what I expected for our first mission, outside of the village to be like. Though I'm also thankful for it, not just because we got to meet Fū, but it also showed us the kind of threats we'd have to deal with. That we'll need to be prepared to face them, since there's always the chance of encountering stronger and more dangerous enemies." Hinata replied, making Kurenai nod in agreement.
"Indeed, it's something all Ninja have to learn eventually, and while I would have liked if you learned it later on. I'm also glad that you now know how dangerous this life can be and to be prepared for it." Kurenai stated before smiling at Hinata.
"And I'm happy to see how much you've improved, not only in growing stronger but more confident and brave. I heard how you left the Hyūga Clan and I'm proud of for you standing up for yourself." Added Kurenai, having heard what happened and happy Hinata was able to finally walk away from such a toxic household.
'I guess I should also thank Hiashi, even if he was willing to throw away his own daughter. Since he gave Hinata an out from the Hyūga Clan with no strings attached, even if it was accidentally.' Kurenai thought, having wanted to punch Hiashi when she learned he kicked Hinata out of the clan.
But after learning Hinata left willingly, the Genjutsu Mistress was happy she was free of such a burden and could now make her own choices without worrying about what the rest of the Hyūga Clan will think.
"Thank you. It…it did hurt at first, that he'd go that far just to force me to be on a different team. But now…now I'm happy to be away and Satsuki doesn't mind letting me stay with her for as long as I need." Said Hinata, having felt more relaxed, confident, and at ease with herself since leaving the Hyūga Clan.
"It must feel good. Though what about your desire to get rid of the Caged Bird Seal? Don't you still want to do that?" Kurenai asked in concern, knowing how much the bluenette hated the Caged Bird Seal and hoped to abolish it.
With Hinata frowning at this, since it had been her dream to abolish the Caged Bird Seal after becoming the Hyūga Clan Head. But after being defeated by Hanabi and losing her status as the heiress of the Hyūga Clan, though still hoped to achieve her dream with Hanabi's help. Now, however, it'd be impossible to do that as she's no longer part of the Hyūga Clan.
"You know, the week before Team Assignments, I spent it with Naruto-kun, Satsuki and occasionally Konoka, the Sandaime's granddaughter, whenever she was free." Revealed Hinata, surprising the Jōnin as this was news to her.
"Really?" Kurenai asked, having just assumed Hinata spent the week preparing and training herself for Team Assignments.
But now hearing she spent it with Naruto and Satsuki, making Kurenai realize just why the Hokage believed they'd make a good team if he'd been watching them and hearing about them from his granddaughter.
"Yes. It started out with us just training together, before we began spending time together outside of training, hanging out, talking and just…being together. It was the happiest I had been in years, without having any pressure put on me, pushed to do better, or being looked down upon for not being cold and ruthless like the rest of the clan. Naruto-kun and Satsuki even encouraged my kind nature and believed I could be strong, as well as helping me with my training. Naruto-kun even let me use his Shadow Clones as targets to help me get used to fighting people. They also helped me get started on learning Elemental Ninjutsu, which I'm working on combining with my Jūken." Hinata replied, much to Kurenai's amazement and pride at learning everything she's been doing.
"But not just that, during that time, it helped me see just how…unhealthy my relationship with the Hyūga Clan actually was. Even the Branch Family didn't like me for being part of the Main Family and my supposed "weakness". And while I may feel guilty about it, if I had to choose between my friends or the clan that mentally and emotionally abused me for not meeting the standard they wanted from me, I would choose Naruto-kun and Satsuki every time. Even if I didn't like Naruto-kun as more than a friend, I would still choose them, as they've believed in me and encouraged me. Since if it was before I spent time with them, I would have given in to Hiashi's demands, regardless of Naruto-kun being a factor." Hinata said, with the Genjutsu Mistress wrapping an arm around her.
"Well I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself and happy that you've found such amazing friends. And while it may look selfish, choosing them over family, sometime it's good being a little selfish and choosing what you want rather than what others want." Said Kurenai, making Hinata smile and nod.
With Kurenai also thinking over what Hinata just told her, particularly about everything she said about Naruto, both what he did on the mission and what he did for her during their time together. Still finding it hard to believe the deadlast of the Academy could defeat someone as powerful as this Ryujin was described. And that he was able to help Hinata get to where she is now, improving her strength and confidence in just a week, to the point she could stand up to Hiashi.
Having just passed him off given his Academy Record, personality and attire, thinking he was just a child pretending to be a Ninja. Now hearing how much he's changed and grown in such a short amount of time, it honest astonished Kurenai.
'I guess there's a lot more to him than I originally believed.' Kurenai thought, intrigued to find out more about the Uzumaki.
Before she also felt a familiar guilt building up inside her, thinking about another child she may've misjudged and passed off. Now wondering if she should have tried harder or done more to help her, instead of taking away her dream and sealing her power away.
'I suppose that's two kids I didn't give enough credit to.' Thought Kurenai sighing, while getting Hinata's attention.
"Is something wrong, Kurenai?" Hinata asked, noticing her downcast expression, making the woman quickly shake her head and smile.
"No, just thinking it'd be interesting to meet Naruto, myself. Given everything he's done, it'd be nice getting the chance to thank him." Kurenai replied, being honest in wanting to thank Naruto for helping Hinata, along with wondering if she still had a chance to fix a past mistake.
*With Satsuki*
Meanwhile, Satsuki was within the Uchiha Clan Library, gathering scrolls on Ninjutsu, both Elemental and Non-Elemental ones. As well as having found two scrolls for Kenjutsu styles called Ittōryū and Nitōryū.
'I'm sure Naruto would like to learn this Ittōryū once he gets a new sword. With it and the Nitōryū also being perfect with my own blades, as well.' Satsuki thought, intending share the Ittōryū Scroll with Naruto, while keeping the Nitōryū Scrolls for herself, wanting to have a style to use for her twin swords.
The Uchiha having avoided using them during the mission, given she didn't really have a style for them and wanted to avoid making a mistake that'd cost. Along with not combining them together as a bow given with the enemies they were facing, it'd be unlikely she'd have been able to hit one of the experiments, not unless she had her Sharingan to track their movements.
Now though, she'll be able to learn Nitōryū for a style in using her twin blades and Ittōryū for when she only uses one of them. With Satsuki also grabbed some Kyūjutsu Scrolls as well to better train in using her blades' bow form.
Once she had all the scrolls she wanted, Satsuki went to leave to get started on her training, only to stop when she spotted some scrolls that had been put away from all the others.
Curious of what the scrolls were, Satsuki went over to them, her eyes widening when saw what some of the scrolls were.
'Afterimage Clone, Uchiha Style: Dance of the Sun Halo, Fire Style: Burning Circle, Crow Clone, Clone Great Explosion, Ephemeral?' Satsuki thought in surprise, recognizing all the Jutsu as ones that Itachi and Shisui had used and created.
Not expecting to find these here, but also couldn't complain as she grabbed them as well. Though Satsuki was reluctant to take Itachi's, not wanting to learn the same Jutsu he uses. But she also couldn't deny that he's a powerful combatant and has likely learned more powerful Jutsu since the massacre. At least this way, she'd have her own surprises in store for him and have a good idea of what to expect as well.
*With Naruto*
Naruto stood in an empty training ground, grunting as he channeled Chakra into his hands before swinging them, only for nothing to happen. The Uzumaki repeating this a few times, getting more annoyed when now Chakra Blades appeared.
'Okay, maybe try the Chakra Wolves.' Thought Naruto before flaring his Chakra around him, trying to mold it into the shape of wolves.
With the whiskered ravenette having been working on recreating the techniques he saw Lycan use, as a means to honor the wolf-like experiment. Only to fail each time he's tried, being unable to create a Sonic Howl, Chakra Blades, and felt he wouldn't be able to create Chakra Wolves either.
'Maybe if I transformed into Zen-Aku.' Thought Naruto, currently under the impression that he may need to be transformed to use these jutsu, before closing his eyes and began concentrating.
Thinking of when he transformed before, what he'd been feeling then, Naruto flared his Chakra again and began visualizing his transformation. Seeing himself turn into Zen-Aku again, gritting his teeth as he could feel it inside himself. Before opening his eyes and panted lightly, seeing he hadn't transformed or even changed a little.
'Guess I can't transform into Zen-Aku at will, just yet.' Naruto thought before sighing as he went to sit down and take a break, only to stop when he saw Yūgao appear in a swirl of leaves.
"Naruto, I'm glad I caught you." Yūgao said while smiling at her student, which Naruto returned, but was confused as to why she was here.
"Did you need something, Yūgao-sensei?" Naruto asked, the purplette shaking her head as she went up to him.
"No, I just wanted to let you know I spoke with the Hokage and he's given me permission to take you to Takumi Village to get you a new, customized sword." Yūgao revealed, surprising the Jinchūriki at hearing this.
"Takumi Village?" Questioned Naruto, having never heard of that place before.
"Yep, it's a village located in the Land of Rivers and is known for its skill in making weaponry that's really unique and possess powerful abilities. The craftsmen have been selling weapons to all the Ninja Villages, though as time passed their clientele began getting better at making weapons, causing their own weaponry to become obsolete. As for why we're going all the way to Takumi Village, well…given how most of the village sees you…some of the shops here may…" Yūgao said uneasily, trying to think of the most polite way to word it.
"Either refuse to make me a sword or potentially sabotage it, out of spite." Naruto stated bluntly, making Yūgao wince but couldn't deny it.
"Yeah, they may do that. While the craftsmen in Takumi Village would have too much pride to willingly sabotage anything they create, but they also don't really take kindly to those from Hidden Villages, especially the Five Great Nations. Given the reduced clientele and each time there's a war, they've been attacked by at least one of the Hidden Villages, out of fear of them selling weapons to an enemy nations or villages. And while they're now neutral, it'd be best to stay on guard while we're there, just in case." Said Yūgao, knowing the craftsmen of Takumi Village had grown resentful over the past times they've been attacked and then no longer having anyone buying their weapons.
"I understand, and I'll be ready when we head there." Replied Naruto, making the woman nod before taking her leave.
With the whiskered ravenette only being able to hope nothing bad will happen on this trip.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the Ninja giving their report, with Kabuto also being promoted to Chūnin, before going their separate ways while Hinata and Satsuki begin their Medical Ninjutsu training at the hospital. Then we see them running into Kurenai, leading to her and Hinata spending some time together and catching up, with Kurenai being surprised at hearing everything Naruto, the supposed deadlast, has done along with how much he's helped Hinata, which also leads her to thinking of another child she may have misjudged. Before we go to Satsuki going through her clans Jutsu Library, finding several Ninjutsu Scrolls and Kenjutsu styles she and Naruto can learn, as well as several Jutsu Itachi and Shisui knew. Finally we see Naruto working on recreating Lycan's techniques and working to transform into Zen-Aku, before Yūgao shows up and tells him they'll be taking a trip to Takumi Village to get him a new, customized sword. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out