AN: Hey everyone so what do you think of my story?
I'm honestly just wanting to be a better writer. I'm having fun. if you have any suggestions please let me know.
Thinking beautiful thoughts characters thinking
"Fire style: Roaring wave" jutsu call outs
Start
The fragrant aroma of ramen enveloped Naruto, Hana, and Sai as they regrouped at Ichiraku after the Chunin Exams preliminaries. The bustling atmosphere of the ramen stand resonated with the sounds of patrons and the rhythmic clatter of utensils.
Naruto, contemplating his next moves, took a thoughtful sip of ramen. "Alright, team. We've got 30 days to gear up. Sai, considering your upcoming match, any specific plans?"
Sai, meticulously arranging his utensils, responded, "I'll delve deeper into refining my ink techniques. Enhance versatility, perhaps introduce some new shapes and applications.""I know you lost Hana but what will you be working on?"
Hana, enjoying a cup of green tea, added, "I've been considering learning Earth release."
Naruto, nodding in agreement, grinned. "Well, I'm thinking of paying a visit to the Hokage. Planning to ask for a sealing book to elevate my fuuinjutsu. It's time to take it to the next level."
Hana raised an eyebrow, "More Fuuinjutsu, Naruto? That's an interesting choice. You've been using it quite a bit, are you looking to specialize in fuuinjutsu?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah I am, I've got the basics down, but there's always room to grow. Fuuinjutsu has so much untapped potential. And I want to keep surprising people with what I can do."
Teuchi, the ramen chef, approached with a friendly smile. "More ramen, Naruto?"
Naruto laughed. "You bet, Teuchi! Keep 'em coming."
Naruto, finishing another bowl of ramen, leaned back and spoke, "Aside from fuuinjutsu, I'm also looking to improve my Odachi skills. I've got some ideas for new techniques. And elemental jutsu—definitely want to expand my repertoire. Maybe fire or lightning style."
Sai, intrigued, commented, "Fire and lightning could add versatility to your attacks. Good choices, Naruto."
After the trio disbanded at Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto made his way to the Third Hokage's office. Upon entering, he found Hiruzen Sarutobi engrossed in his duties.
"Jiji-sama, I was thinking of focusing on fuuinjutsu for my growth. I believe it could be a game-changer in the upcoming Chunin Exams," Naruto explained, eager to share his chosen path.
The Hokage, with a knowing smile, nodded. "Fuuinjutsu, an excellent choice. Your unorthodox chakra might find unique applications in sealing techniques. But, Naruto, there's someone at the bathhouse who could guide you better. Considering your peculiar chakra, they might have insights to offer."
"I'll head there right now." Bowing to his leader, Naruto followed the Hokage's instructions and headed towards the bathhouse. The prospect of learning from someone with a deeper understanding of his chakra intrigued him, and he set off, ready to explore this new avenue of growth.
Naruto, after an unsuccessful search for a potential trainer in the bathhouse, decided to unwind. Heading to the changing room, he set aside his odachi, changed into the proper onsen attire, and re-entered the male side. As he scrubbed himself clean, he let out a deep sigh, attempting to find solace in the warm water.
However, his relaxation was disrupted by persistent giggling. Annoyed, Naruto tried to ignore it, but the laughter persisted. Opening his eyes, he spotted a big, tall guy with shaggy white hair and geta sandals peeking through a hole into the women's side of the bathhouse.
Frowning, Naruto spoke up, "Hey, what's your deal? Knock it off!"
The man, seemingly unfazed, continued to peek without acknowledging Naruto's presence. It was Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin, lost in his mischievous activities.
Rolling his eyes, Naruto muttered, "Figures," and chose to focus on his relaxation, deciding to disregard Jiraiya's antics. Little did Naruto know, his encounter with Jiraiya would lead to unexpected training and insights into his unique chakra.
"Oohhh baby, that gorgeous blue hair, she's stacked." Jiraiya spoke outloud giggling insanely. Naruto's eyes snapped open at that admission. All he could think of was his beautiful teammate Hana being perved at by this old timer!
He jumped out of the water on to the edge. Jiraiya still has his back to him peeping shamelessly.
Nows my chance!
Naruto formed the ram handsign molding his chakra until a potent green shroud formed around his body. Jiraiya sensing nature chakra, perked up turning around to see a yellow spiky haired kid.
Jiraiya, raised an intrigued eyebrow. "That much nature chakra radiating from a novice huh."
Naruto charged at Jiraiya, forming handseals as the vibrant green chakra concentrated into his palm. However, before he could unleash it, Jiraiya swiftly swiveled around, slamming his palm on the ground.
In an instant, a 7-foot toad materialized, launching its tongue at Naruto. The agile appendage smacked him back into the water, simultaneously dispelling the green chakra gathered in his hand.
Naruto surfaced, bewildered and dripping wet. "How did you...?" he trailed off, utterly confused about how his green chakra had been dispersed by a giant amphibian creature.
Jiraiya, grinning mischievously, explained, "Meet Gamatanen. He's one of my summonings. Toads like him can absorb and disperse nature chakra. Thought it'd be a good way to cool off any hot-headed ninja trying to attack me. Not bad for a first encounter, huh?"
Jiraiya, chuckled, "Well, well, looks like you've got some interesting chakra there, kid."
Naruto, still baffled by the toad's unexpected appearance, shook his head to clear his thoughts. "What just happened? And who are you?"
Jiraiya laughed heartily. "The name's Jiraiya, the Toad Sage. You, my friend, have just met one of my summons. Impressive chakra you got there, by the way. Nature chakra, if I'm not mistaken."
Naruto, feeling a mixture of confusion and curiosity, replied, "Nature chakra? I'm not sure what you mean."
Jiraiya explained, "It's a special kind of chakra that blends with the natural energy around us. You've got a knack for it, but it seems like you've got a lot to learn. I might just be the guy to help you out."
Naruto, intrigued by the prospect of learning more about his mysterious chakra, eyed Jiraiya cautiously. "What's the catch?"
Jiraiya smirked, "Well, kid, it wouldn't hurt to lend me a hand with some 'research' in return. What do you say?"
Naruto, despite the odd circumstances, nodded. "Fine, but no more peeping or weird stuff."
Jiraiya laughed, "Deal! Get ready, Naruto, you're about to embark on a journey of mastering nature chakra with the Toad Sage!"
As Naruto followed Jiraiya to a distant training ground, he couldn't divert his gaze from the legendary Sannin's back. The entire journey became a contemplative process for Naruto, pondering the reality of Jiraiya's legend and what valuable lessons he might glean from such an experienced ninja.
Upon arriving at the training ground, Jiraiya swiveled around to face Naruto, a serious expression on his face. "We're here. First, I want to assess your current level. Come at me with everything in your arsenal," he said, dropping into a loose stance.
Naruto's face took on a pensive look, but he complied. "Alright, perv," Naruto replied, settling his odachi against a nearby tree. The air buzzed with anticipation as the student prepared to engage with the legendary master.
Jiraiya, with a sly grin, smoothly countered Naruto's initial assault, evading punches and kicks with practiced ease. Naruto, undeterred, closed the distance once more, surprising Jiraiya with a lock on his arm and a swiftly placed seal on his hand. The legendary Sannin narrowed his eyes in recognition, acknowledging Naruto's strategic move.
Taking a step back, Naruto initiated handseals, "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" A massive scorching ball of flame hurtled toward Jiraiya, who responded with a series of handseals of his own until Naruto made the ram handseal, activating the seal placed on Jiraiya.
The legendary ninja's weight tripled abruptly, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. Demonstrating his expertise, Jiraiya effortlessly broke the destabilizing seal on his wrist. Swiftly recovering, he performed more handseals, summoning an Earth Style: Mud Wall that effectively blocked Naruto's scorching Fireball Jutsu.
That was a strong fireball for a genin. He's adapted well to his nature chakra.
Jiraiya, still grinning confidently, complimented Naruto's Fireball Jutsu, only to be taken aback when the technique not only destroyed his Earth Wall but also scattered debris in its wake.
"OH ho ho, I think I've found a very surprising egg," Jiraiya continued, deftly evading Naruto's shuriken and effortlessly plucking kunai out of the air, tossing them aside. Employing a shunshin, Jiraiya vanished, leaving Naruto to land where he previously stood. Unfazed, Naruto closed his eyes forming the ram handsign, his sensory ninjutsu flared pinpointing Jiraiya's location in the trees.
"I see you, perv," Naruto remarked, weaving through a series of handseals.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" Naruto shouted, conjuring a water dragon from a nearby lake. The formidable water creature charged towards Jiraiya, forcing him to dodge as it swept through the trees, obliterating them.
Capitalizing on the chaos, Naruto dove back into close combat. His green chakra blazed, unconsciously enhancing his muscles and speed. Performing a front flip, he closed in on Jiraiya, unleashing a series of attacks—punches aimed at the kidney, a blocked low kick to spread Jiraiya's footing— a display of taijutsu prowess. The clash between mentor and student intensified, revealing the unexpected strength within Naruto.
Jiraiya skillfully sidestepped Naruto's barrage of punches, delivering a final, impactful blow to Naruto's gut that left him swaying and ultimately collapsing onto the ground.
"How was that?" Naruto called out, panting and dizzy from the exchange.
"You did well, kid," Jiraiya complimented, recognizing Naruto's efforts. However, the mood quickly shifted as Jiraiya decided to unveil a long-concealed truth.
"Before our training begins, there's something you need to know—a secret that's been hidden from you all this time," Jiraiya revealed, his tone carrying a weight of significance.
"On your navel, there's a seal. Channel your chakra and take a look," Jiraiya instructed. Naruto, still catching his breath, scrambled to sit upright, channeling chakra through his coils to reveal the intricate 8 trigrams seal on his belly.
"What the hell!?" Naruto exclaimed in confusion, "Containment? Conversion?what is this? Is this why the village hates me?" he questioned rapidly, struggling to decipher the complexity of the seal.
"This seal is more advanced than anything I've seen," Jiraiya added, his words carrying a mixture of awe and concern. As Naruto grappled with the revelation, the weight of the moment hung in the air, prompting introspection and raising new questions about Naruto's identity and significance to the leaf Village.
"That seal contains the Nine-Tailed Fox," Jiraiya continued.
"So it is why the village hated me," Naruto said.
Hana... did you know the truth?
"Everyone knew this whole time except me!" Naruto screamed, tears streaming down his face.
Jiraiya walked over, kneeling down, and pulled Naruto into a comforting hug. "The Fourth Hokage trusted you to contain the beast. You are a hero. You saved the village."
Naruto looked up at Jiraiya through their embrace. "But why did he choose me?" Jiraiya looked momentarily stricken, carefully considering how to answer.
"It's because you're an Uzumaki. Only an Uzumaki, with their special chakra, can hold the Nine-Tails."
"What does it mean to be an Uzumaki?" Naruto asked, his attention fully focused on Jiraiya's words. Jiraiya smiled.
"The Uzumaki were masters of sealing, water ninjutsu, bukijutsu, and seafaring. They lived on Uzu, an island that was destroyed by three nations, sparking the Second Shinobi World War. They were isolationist, preferring to stay away from the affairs of the outside world."
Jiraiya continued, delving into the secrets of the Uzumaki. "The Uzumaki had extremely large chakra reserves with different affinities. Some could summon chains to create barriers or seal chakra." The last part captured Naruto's attention.
"My green chakra, my stone limbs?" Naruto questioned aloud, Jiraiya overheard and was astonished that Naruto survived and eliminated the stone transformation that was fatal for practitioners of nature chakra without a tool to dispel the natural energy.
Jiraiya continued, "I have trained as a Sage for many years. I can utilize nature chakra to enhance my abilities. From what I can sense from you, you're naturally pulling it into your body at an insane rate, which has caused your chakra to turn green. I suspect your stone limbs were because you were young and untrained. The nature chakra overpowered your regular chakra, creating an imbalance that turned your limbs into stone." Jiraiya finished, his face pensive.
Naruto clenched his fist, remembering how terrified he was.
"Is there any Uzumaki left? Or clan notes I can use to better harness my affinity?"
"Sadly, after the fall of Uzu the remaining Uzumaki scattered, hunted for the unique chakra they possed."
"As an Uzumaki I have to master nature chakra, I can't let it consume me again," Naruto affirmed, staring at Jiraiya, ready for training.
Jiraiya nodded to Naruto. "I'm going to work you from the ground up; you'll find new pain with my training."
Back at training ground 33, a roaring waterfall pounded against a lake, the 3 dummies sitting in the center of the training ground stood erect waiting to be used.
Jiraiya unfurled a massive scroll before Naruto, its intricate markings of toad shapes held the secrets of summoning. The anticipation built on Naruto's face as Jiraiya began explaining the significance of the scroll.
"This is the contract scroll for summoning toads. They're unique and versatile allies, masters of nature chakra, capable of handling various situations," Jiraiya explained, inviting Naruto to examine the scroll.
Naruto's eyes scanned the ancient names inscribed on the parchment: "Ashura Outsuki, Oberon Uzumaki, Light Yagura, Jiraiya Ganon, Minato Namikaze." Each name carried the weight of legendary toad summoners, stirring Naruto's thoughts about the immense legacy.
"Do you aspire to be a toad summoner, Naruto?" Jiraiya asked unexpectedly.
No one had ever asked Naruto what he wanted before. He felt stunned yet a fondness for this strange sennin started to cultivate inside him. Naruto looked Jira dead in the eyes. "Thank you for considering me Jiraiya-sensei, I do want to become a toad summoner," Naruto affirmed, the resonance of his words echoing through the training ground.
Jiraiya nodded with approval. "Sign your name in blood in the next available space. Once finished, I'll show you the handsigns for the summoning jutsu."
"I know the handsigns; it's how I'm able to summon my odachi," Naruto confidently stated, surprising Jiraiya.
"You can summon immaterial items?" Jiraiya asked, rubbing his chin in thought.
"Once you finish signing, show me your crafted seal and summon your odachi," Jiraiya ordered, intrigued by the prospect of Naruto's summoning abilities extending to immaterial objects.
Naruto pulled out a kunai, pricked his thumb, dabbed each finger on his right hand with blood, and placed his bloody prints on the summoning scroll. After completing this ritual, he showed Jiraiya his right palm, which had a contract seal mirroring the one on his Odachi. Naruto explained that sending chakra to it when running through the summoning jutsu allowed him to summon his Odachi.
Impressed, Naruto demonstrated the hand seals for the summoning jutsu. "Summoning jutsu: Odachi," he declared, slamming his hand with the contract seal on the ground his orange-tinged Odachi appeared, leaving Jiraiya impressed.
"Very impressive, your fuuinjutsu has come far. Now, go through the hand seals again without focusing your chakra on the contract seal. You are going to practice summoning toads," Jiraiya instructed.
Naruto closed his eyes feeling the way his chakra molded as he formed the handsignsfor the summo jutsu. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he grappled with the unruly flow of his immense chakra. Jiraiya observed, leaning against a tree with a critical eye.
"Focus, Naruto! Channel your chakra smoothly. Don't let it overwhelm you," Jiraiya advised, his voice a mix of encouragement and instruction.
Naruto gritted his teeth, his hands forming the seals again. A surge of chakra erupted, he slammed his hand down, the summoning seal appeared and to his dismay, a cluster of tadpoles materialized instead of the majestic toad he envisioned.
"Come on, you knucklehead! Tadpoles won't save you in a battle!" Jiraiya chided, a smirk playing on his lips.
Naruto sighed in frustration, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I'm trying, pervy sage! It's like my chakra has a mind of its own."
Jiraiya walked over, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Mastering this will take time. Your chakra is unique, you have to guide it not controlit."
"We're going to pause training here to work on your chakra flow. Sit down and mirror my pose."
Naruto sat cross-legged, mirroring Jiraiya's posture, a canvas of determination. Jiraiya's voice guided him into the depths of his own being.
"Close your eyes. Now look deep inside of you and find your chakra flow," Jiraiya instructed, his voice a steady current. Naruto obeyed, delving into the internal currents of his energy.
"Find the nature chakra entering your system. Let it seep into your chakra flow like a river flowing into an ocean," Jiraiya continued, and Naruto envisioned the meeting point of his chakra and the natural essence, the dance of energies.
"Let the nature chakra seep into the ocean, slowly becoming the sand, the creatures of the ocean, representing harmony," Jiraiya's words resonated, Naruto struggled at first, the nature energy was elusive seeking to be without control. He slowly let go of his need for control and followed the imagery, the nature energy cane alive to hus sensing, merging with his chakra, creating a delicate harmony unfolding within.
Naruto, eyes now golden like a toad's, felt the harmonized nature chakra pulsating within him. He sensed the intricate web of chakras around him, connecting with the essence of Jiraiya and the heartbeat of Konoha.
"So it's been nature chakra this whole time," he muttered, a realization dawning as he recalled his sensory ninjutsu experiences.
Standing up, Naruto felt a newfound resonance with his own chakra. "Pervy sage, I'm ready to try summoning again," he declared with determination.
Jiraiya opened his eyes, observing the transformation in Naruto. "So only the eyes, eh. He has a real talent for this," he mused internally. "Go ahead, Naruto. Show me what you can do," Jiraiya stated,
Naruto, with his synchronized chakra, skillfully performed the handseals for the summoning jutsu. "Summoning jutsu!" he declared, slamming his hand down. The summoning seal appeared, accompanied by a massive poof of smoke, revealing Gamabunta, the Toad boss.
"Why did you summon me, Jiraiya!" the Toad boss roared, one hand casually smoking a pipe. The unexpected summoning left the mighty toad puzzled, he loomed over Jiraiya looking around the area to identify where he had been summoned.
Jiraiya chuckled, "Not me, Bunta. It's this kid here," he pointed at Naruto.
Naruto, still amazed by the successful summoning, grinned. "Hey, Gamabunta! Sorry for bothering you. I'm Naruto Uzumaki."
Gamabunta eyed Naruto with a gruff expression. "Uzumaki, huh? What's a brat like you summoning me for?"
Jiraiya stepped in, "He's under my training. We're working on refining his skills. Don't give him a hard time, Bunta."
The toad boss grunted, taking another puff of his pipe. "Fine, fine. But make it quick. I got toad things to do."
Naruto nodded eagerly, ready to make the most of this unexpected encounter.
"This is your show kid, let the boss know what you want." Jiraiya said nudging him forward.
"Gamabunta! I want to be able to summon toads!." Naruto roared. Gamabunta continued smoking his pipe without a care in the world.
. ...is he ignoring me?
Naruto deadpanned. "Fine, I'll make you pay attention you stupid toad."
"Fire style: exploding fire bomb!" Naruto finished a long string of handseals, opening his mouth he spat out three large fireballs at the toadboss. His yellow toad eyes reverted back to blue shortly after.
The jutsu hit Gamabunta right on the head exploding in ball of crimson leaving a few scuff marks. Gamabunta's eyes swiveled to focus on Naruto who was huffing and puffing.
"I recognize your potential young Uzumaki." Gamabunta began "but if you want to become my summoner you must pass my test."
"If you can land a scratch on me, I'll let you be my underling and our new summoner," Gamabunta said to Naruto. "Give it your all."
"You bet, toad boss!" Naruto declared. He jumped backward, creating some space, and formed the ram handsign, charging his chakra. An immense green aura surrounded him, surprising the boss toad. "Nature chakra, huh," Gamabunta muttered.
"This is the most destructive technique in my arsenal." Forming handsigns, Naruto slammed his hand on the ground.
"Summon jutsu: Odachi." Naruto grabbed his odachi, surrounded by all the green chakra he had dredged up earlier. With two hands on his blade, he leaped into the air.
"Raaaarrrrrr!" He roared, adding all the chakra he could muster into his blade, which glowed a greenish gold. "Nature's rupture!" Naruto declared as his blade descended on the Toad boss, who could feel the immense nature chakra.
"Well, well, Naruto Uzumaki, huh? You've truly impressed me." The Toad boss drew his sheathed blade, using it to block Naruto's attack. His sword received a crack running the entire length in response.
Gamabunta went to draw his entire sword when it shattered, surprising him further.
"This is a sage-forged blade. It should be unbreakable."
"Naruto Uzumaki!" The Toad boss shouted.
"Yes, sir, uh, toad sir." Naruto replied.
"You have passed my test, Naruto. You will now be able to summon any toad to aid you in your endeavors."
"Yatta! Yatt-!" Naruto started jumping around, celebrating, when exhaustion hit him tenfold. He fainted, passing out on the ground, causing Jiraiya to facepalm.
"You do have a very interesting student, Jiraiya. He will go far. I expect to see him complete his sage training when he is old enough." Gamabunta looked sternly at Jiraiya, who could only sweat nervously.
"Hahah. No problem Bunta." Jiraiya replied, picking up Naruto and heading back into the village to lay him down as Gamabunta vanished in a large poof of smoke.
The next day, Naruto returned to the training ground to find Jiraiya there waiting for him.
"What are we working on today, pervy sage?" Naruto asked Jiraiya, who had a twitching eyebrow from the nickname.
"I want you to learn a B-rank jutsu called the shadow clone jutsu. This jutsu is unique because it allows the user to experience everything the clone experienced; it's a reconnaissance tool. This is the handsign." Jiraiya explained, forming a cross seal as a clone appeared next to him in a poof of smoke.
"Does that mean I can use it to learn?" Naruto asked, his eyes sparking as he thought about all the jutsu he could potentially master.
"Yes, but if you overdo it, you will die. First, I want you to work on summoning a clone."
Naruto focused his chakra, forming a cross hand seal for the shadow clone jutsu. In an instant, a perfect clone of Naruto appeared beside him, sharing his enthusiasm.
"Whoa, that was awesome!" Naruto exclaimed, examining his clone with excitement.
"Now, remember, the key is to balance your chakra evenly between yourself and the clone. If you put too much, you'll exhaust yourself quickly. Start by creating one or two clones, and we'll see how you handle it," Jiraiya advised.
Naruto nodded, determined to master this technique. He went through the hand seals again, creating two more clones this time. The training ground was soon filled with multiple Narutos, each ready to learn and experience.
"Clone army!" A few clones yelled with excitement, running around the training ground. Jiraiya eyed the real Naruto oddly.
Naruto the real one laughed nervously quickly dispersing the defective clones.
Naruto focused on refining the shadow clone jutsu, carefully controlling the number and placement of his clones. With each attempt, he adjusted the distribution of chakra, ensuring that the clones appeared where he intended.
"Precision is key, Naruto. You need to have a clear image in your mind of where you want the clones to appear," Jiraiya instructed, observing Naruto's progress.
Sweat dripped down Naruto's face as he concentrated, creating and dispersing clones in strategic places across the training ground. The precision and control improved with each iteration, showcasing Naruto's determination to master the technique.
Naruto persisted in his training, the air crackling with the intensity of chakra as he summoned and dispersed clones hour after hour. Jiraiya watched as Naruto honed his control, creating a battlefield of clones that mirrored his every move.
"You're getting the hang of it, Naruto. But precision is just the beginning. Now, let's see how well you can fight alongside your clones," Jiraiya suggested, his voice cutting through the training ground.
Naruto nodded, the gleam of determination in his eyes undiminished. "Alright, pervy sage! Watch this!"
The training ground transformed into a clone war and Naruto, jumped in a whirlwind of fists, kicks, and dodges. The sound of collisions and dispersing clones echoed as Naruto pushed himself to the limit.
Jiraiya observed completely baffled. "I said fight with your clones, not fight against your clones." Slapping hand to his face he watched on.
As Naruto continued to spar with his clones, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground. The relentless training continued, Naruto's shouts and the dispersing clones becoming a rhythmic symphony under the twilight sky.
During the clone battle Naruto and a clone started two different chains of handseals. Nodding to each they,
"Water style: water spout!"
"Lightning Style: current!" They released their jutsu at the same time attempting to merge them only for it to collide instead dispersing both attacks.
"Damn."
"Damn it."
"Again!."
"On it boss!"
"Water style: water spout!"
"Lightning Style: current!
BOOM*
"Again!"
Under the moonlit sky, Naruto's clones continued their synchronized efforts, the air crackling with chakra as water and lightning merged into a dazzling display. Jiraiya, who had returned to observe, marveled at Naruto's ingenuity.
"You've got quite the knack for this, Naruto. Being creative is how shinobi become great." Jiraiya complimented, a hint of pride in his voice.
Naruto grinned, the moonlight reflecting off his determined eyes. "Just getting started, pervy sage! Watch this!"
The clones repeated the process, refining their coordination with each attempt. The training ground transformed into a spectacle of elemental fusion, showcasing Naruto's growing mastery of the shadow clone jutsu.
As the night wore on, Naruto's determination didn't waver. "Once more! Let's make it even bigger and better!"
The clones synchronized once more, combining their elemental forces in a grand explosion of water and lightning that painted the night sky with vibrant hues. Jiraiya nodded approvingly at Naruto's progress, recognizing the potential for greatness in the young ninja's evolving skills.
2 weeks of training had passed. Jiraiya and Naruto had just finished an all out spar. Naruto was collapsed in front of Jiraiya listening to his lecture about shape manipulation.
"One of the core shinobi principles is shape manipulation, its using your chakra to give form and shape to a construct. Most shinobi do this unconsciously when casting jutsu. The water dragon jutsu is a good example. You used shape manipulation to convert the mass of water into a dragon shape reinforced by your chakra." Jiraiya lectured with Naruto nodding along.
"What I want you to do is use your balanced chakra to do something similar without handsigns. For now we'll work on something simple. Write the Kanji for the ram handsign in chakra so it's given form and shape, Hold its shape by constantly feeding it chakra."
Naruto looked incredibly shocked and confused.
"But how do I even start?"
"I won't be able to hold your hand through your training Naruto, somethings you will have to figure out things for yourself. I have given you your task. Good luck." With that last statement Jiraiya poofed away leaving Naruto alone in the training ground.
Left alone in the training ground, Naruto pondered Jiraiya's words. He sat cross-legged, focusing on the task at hand. Channeling his chakra, he envisioned the Kanji for the ram handsign in his mind.
"Shape manipulation without handsigns... I can do this," Naruto muttered to himself, determined.
Closing his eyes, he delved into his well of chakra. Concentrating on the image of the ram handsign, he began molding and shaping his chakra, attempting to give it form and substance.
Minutes turned into hours and hours turned into days. as Naruto persisted in his attempts. Frustration and exhaustion threatened to take over, but he pushed through, remembering Jiraiya's teachings about self-discovery.
After a week of attempts, chakra exhaustion and lack of sleep, a subtle change occurred. In front of Naruto, a faint, ethereal image of the Kanji for ram materialized, hovering in the air held together by his chakra.
"Whoa... I did it!" Naruto exclaimed, a mix of surprise and excitement in his voice. Sweat fell down his face as he descended chakra to keep the technique alive. He mustered one final smile for passing out.
Jiraiya, observing from the shadows, couldn't help but smirk at Naruto's progress. The journey towards mastering shape manipulation had just begun, and Naruto embraced the challenge with newfound determination.
Chunin exam finals
The Chunin Exam finals promised intense matchups, and the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the participants gathered in the stadium. Naruto, Sai, and Hana exchanged jokes and final words of encouragement before Hana headed up to the stands, watching naruto and Sai take their places with the other competitors.
next time I'll be out there too.taking their respective places.Genma, the jounin announcer, stepped forward to declare the first match."First match: Neji vs. Naruto!"
Sai gave Naruto a nod and wave before heading up to the waiting area on a balcony with the other participants.
Naruto and Neji took their places on the arena floor giving each some space.
Genma stepped up chewing on his senbon as he regarded both fighters.
"Make it a good match you two, there are a lot of VIPs here to see a good strong showing of konoha shinobi."
Naruto and Neji not taking their eyes of each other gave Genma a nod.
"Are you both ready?" Genma asked raising his hand.
"Ready."
"Ready."
"With both fighters ready the first match of the chunin exams can begin!" Genma shouted projecting his voice.
Genma jumped back giving both fights space. They took their stance, Neji smirked.
"Something funny?" Naruto asked
"The fact that a loser like you made it this far let alone think you can win is hilarious. A nobody will always be a nobody. It is fate." Neji insulted Naruto a morning smirk on his lips.
"Fate can eat shit and die princess. My destiny is what I choose to will it to be." Naruto fired back.
Neji dripped into his gentle fist stance.
"Let me show you the difference between our abilities ."
Neji rushed Naruto who backpeddled backwards making a cross handsign.
"Shadow clone jutsu." 4 clones appeared that rushed to intercept Neji .
As the clones materialized and darted towards Neji, Naruto maintained a focused gaze on his opponent. Neji, dashed forward, analyzed the situation with a calm demeanor.
"Shadow clones won't change your fate," Neji declared, effortlessly evading the first clone's strike and countering with a precise Gentle Fist palm strike that dispelled it.
Naruto smirked. "You talk a lot about fate. Let's see if your fancy eyes can keep up with this!"
The remaining clones closed in, attacking Neji from different angles. Neji skillfully deflected their blows, weaving between strikes with an smirk on his face.
"You may see destiny, but I create my own path," Naruto proclaimed, his voice carrying over the arena.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the intense exchange continued. Hana, watching from the balcony, clenched her fists in anticipation, rooting for Naruto.
Neji, unfazed, focused his gaze on Naruto, attempting to discern the real one among the clones. Naruto, however, was not about to reveal his strategy.
"Come on, princess! Try to keep up!" Naruto taunted, channeling his chakra as the remaining clones prepared for another coordinated assault.
Neji's stoic expression remained unwavering even as Naruto intensified his assault. The crowd watched in amazement as the swift exchange unfolded between the unpredictable shadow clones and Neji's calculated defense.
"Your taijutsu is impressive, but it won't change the inevitable," Neji remarked, narrowly evading a flurry of shuriken and kunai.
Naruto, now wielding his Odachi with precision, closed the distance between them in a flash. Neji, more tocused on his large sword, attempted to predict Naruto's movements, but the unpredictable nature of Naruto's attacks kept him on the defensive.
Neji swiftly pulled out a kunai clashing his blade with Naruto's odachi blocking a slash as his shoulder. Naruto relentlessly pressed forward, aiming for Neji's vulnerable points. Neji, adapting to the rhythm of Naruto's strikes, defended with swift kunai blocks and precise evasions.
In a daring maneuver, Naruto blurred towards Neji, delivering a series of rapid slashes. Neji, pushed to his limits, utilized his superior agility to narrowly avoid the deadly strikes. The crowd gasped at the close calls, fully immersed in the intensity of the battle.
A Naruto clone popped from the ground grabbing Nejis foot, a kunai from Neji was thrown into the clones temple popping it.
Naruto capitalizing on Neji's mistep, he seized the opportunity to land a calculated slash on Neji's chest. The cut, though shallow, marked the first visible sign that Neji was not invulnerable.
Neji stumbled back patting his chest. He angrily clenched his fist. "Savor that blow fool, it's the only one you'll get." Neji focused, activating his Byakugan.
"You're flowing chakra through your sword. Unfortunately for you, these eyes allow me to perceive the world in ways you could never understand," Neji remarked.
Naruto frowned. "You talk too much."
Suddenly, two clones burst from the ground below Neji on both sides, wielding kunai aimed to disable Neji's arms.
"8 Trigrams Displacing Palm," Neji whispered, moving with incredible speed as his body contorted, slipping past both clones. He placed the palms of his hands on them for a second, destabilizing them.
POOF* *POOF*
The clones popped into smoke, creating a smokescreen around him.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" A large roaring ball of flame from Naruto hit the epicenter of the smokescreen.
"8 Trigrams Palm Rotation!"
A barrier appeared around Neji, dispersing the smoke and fireball into the ground around him. The arena buzzed with anticipation as the intense battle between Neji and Naruto continued to unfold.
"Can't you see that it's futile? Just surrender," Neji stated.
Naruto smirked. "I know how to win."
He made a cross-shaped handseal once again.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu." Two clones appeared at his side, spreading out to Neji's flanks.
"That useless jutsu again; when will you ever learn?" Neji's speed tripled as he closed in on Naruto. Naruto backpedaled, heaving his odachi at Neji. It spun like a buzzsaw, and Neji jumped over it, but it halted his momentum just enough.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
Twin cries of Fire Style jutsu went off from the clones on the flanks toward Neji in an instant.
"8 Trigrams Palm Rotation!" Neji spun his body, creating his barrier as the clones continued to breathe fire into the fireballs, forcing him to continue spinning. Just before he could run out of energy, both clones popped, ending the fiery assault.
Neji's smirk started to return as his rotation slowed to a stop. Right as soon as the barrier dropped, the real Naruto appeared, placing a hand on Neji's back.
"What?" Alarmed and confused at the increase in speed, Neji attempted to rotate again.
"Activate," Naruto uttered, sending Neji into the ground, unable to move with no access to his chakra.
Naruto grabbed a kunai, placing it on the back of Neji's neck.
"Proctor, I believe I've won this battle." The arena fell silent, awaiting the official announcement of the outcome.
Genma, chewing on his senbon, approached the scene. "Impressive performance from both of you. After careful consideration, the winner of the first match is Naruto Uzumaki!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, the excitement echoing throughout the stadium. Naruto raised his fist in victory, acknowledging the support from the spectators. The adrenaline of the battle lingered as he basked in the cheers, ready for the next challenge in the Chunin Exam finals.
"Next match: Sasuke Uchiha vs. Sabaku Gaara!" Genma announced, but as the designated time for the match approached, Sasuke was nowhere to be found. The crowd began to murmur, and Genma, with a senbon between his teeth, raised an eyebrow.
After waiting for five tense minutes, Genma sighed. "Looks like Sasuke Uchiha is a no-show. We'll have to consider disqualifying him."
Just as Genma was about to make the announcement, a messenger arrived with urgent news. Genma listened attentively and then turned to the crowd. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the match between Sasuke Uchiha and Sabaku Gaara is postponed. We'll provide more information as it becomes available. The next match will commence shortly." The crowd buzzed with speculation as the unexpected turn of events added a layer of intrigue to the Chunin Exams.
As the match between Gaara and Sasuke was postponed, Naruto swiftly made his way back to the balcony where Hana and Sai were waiting. Hana, with a proud smile, immediately approached him, giving him a tight hug.
"Wow, Naruto! That was incredible! I knew you could do it!" Hana exclaimed, genuine excitement in her voice.
Sai, not one to show too much emotion, offered a nod of approval. "Impressive display of tactics, Naruto. You handled yourself well."
Naruto grinned, appreciating their support. "Thanks, Hana, Sai. It means a lot. But we should keep an eye out for the next matches. Things are getting interesting."
The trio returned their attention to the ongoing Chunin Exams, eager to witness the unfolding events in the tournament.
Genma stepped forward, senbon in his mouth, ready to announce the next match.
"Next match: Kankuro vs. Shino!"
Shino confidently stepped onto the field, clad in his distinct insect-themed attire. However, Kankuro seemed unusually shifty, glancing around nervously.
After a brief moment, Kankuro decided to forfeit without engaging in a fight. Genma, slightly surprised, quickly moved on to the following match.
"Next match: Temari vs. Shikamaru!"
As Shikamaru faced the skilled Temari, he pondered the idea of giving up, contemplating the effort required to strategize against her. "what a drag, my mom would kill me if I gave up."
he decided to face the challenge head-on.
Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Chunin Exam arena, Shikamaru Nara and Temari faced off, their contrasting abilities promising an intriguing clash. Dust billowed as Temari, wielding her imposing fan, created a whirlwind that veiled the battlefield in a curtain of sand.
Shikamaru, hands casually tucked into his pockets, analyzed the situation. "Troublesome," he muttered, eyeing Temari's fan warily.
Temari, with a confident smirk, remarked, "Hope you're ready, slacker. This is gonna be more than troublesome for you."
Undeterred, Shikamaru extended his shadow towards Temari, attempting to ensnare her in his Shadow Possession Jutsu. Temari, displaying her agility, leaped and twirled with grace, avoiding the encroaching darkness.
"Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that," Temari teased, her fan poised for action.
In response, Shikamaru grinned. "Guess I'll have to up my game."
Temari, with a flourish of her fan, unleashed a slicing Wind Scythe. "Eat this, Shikamaru!"
Shikamaru evaded with calculated precision, his movements clunky an unacrobatic, dodging the wind by a hair. "Close, but not close enough." He smiled
The battleground became a strategic dance as Shikamaru subtly manipulated the terrain. Temari, ever watchful, adjusted her footing to navigate the changed landscape. "You're trying to trap me. It won't work," she warned.
Shikamaru chuckled. "Wouldn't be fun if it were that easy."
A gust of wind signaled Temari's next move. "Wind Scythe!" she called out, sending a slicing torrent toward Shikamaru.
Sidestepping the attack, Shikamaru quipped, "You're gonna have to do better than that."
The audience watched in awe as the tactical exchange unfolded. Shikamaru, ever the strategist, led Temari toward a subtly softened patch of ground. As she stepped into the manipulated terrain, he observed, "Gotcha."
But Temari, demonstrating her adaptability, countered with a defensive gust of wind, pushing her self away from his shadow, dispersing the dust and maintaining her composure. "Nice try, its about time for you to sleep."
Shikamaru closed in throwing an explosive note that Temari dodged, before she coukd react it exoloded much sooner than she thought throwing her forward into his shadow range. Shikamaru executed his Shadow Stitching Jutsu, the tendrils stabbed into hwr clothes momentarily restricting Temari's movements. The crowd erupted in cheers, recognizing the strategic brilliance.
"Think that'll stop me?" Temari smirked, channeling chakra to break free.
Shikamaru made a handseal as Temari struggled to free herself, fallingn into a specific position. "Shadow Possession!" he declared, ensnaring her once again.
The arena buzzed with anticipation as Shikamaru emerged victorious. "Looks like checkmate, Temari," he said with a smirk, solidifying his status as a Chunin.
"I surrender." Shikamaru said to the surprise of the entire crowd.
"I'm about out of chakra. Ugh it's time for a nap." The crowd booed throwing trash and other objects into the arena as Shikamaru walked back to the competitors booth.
Later
The crowd's anticipation hung thick in the air as the stadium waited with bated breath for the impending battle between Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara. However, as the minutes ticked away, Sasuke was conspicuously absent, casting doubt on the much-anticipated showdown.
Gaara, standing confidently on the field, displayed an air of impatience. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, and Genma contemplated disqualifying Sasuke. Just as the tension reached its peak, a sudden burst of wind signaled the arrival of both Sasuke and Kakashi.
Genma's voice projected through the arena as he addressed the situation. "Sasuke, you're pushing the limits of punctuality. Make it count."
Kakashi's calm voice shared some last-minute advice with Sasuke. "Remember, Sasuke, observe your opponent, and stay focused. Gaara is not to be underestimated."
Sasuke nodded solemnly, acknowledging Kakashi's words. As Kakashi left the field, the atmosphere crackled with the intensity of the impending clash. The eyes of the crowd were fixed on the two warriors who now faced each other, each harboring their own motives and determination.
Genma raised his hand, signaling the beginning of the match. Gaara, with his sand swirling ominously around him, and Sasuke, sharing an unspoken determination, launched into action.
As the battle unfolded, the emotions of the spectators swirled—a mix of excitement, tension, and curiosity. The outcome of this clash between the Uchiha prodigy and the sand-wielding powerhouse held the promise of reshaping the landscape of the Chunin Exams.
The stadium trembled with anticipation as Gaara faced off against Sasuke in a battle that promised to be nothing short of intense. Gaara, his usual stoic demeanor replaced by a crazed look, was a formidable force, the sand swirling around him ominously.
Gaara's eyes gleamed with a madness that sent shivers down the spines of those watching. "Sasuke Uchiha, you will feel the wrath of my sand. Prepare yourself!"
Sasuke, his Sharingan activated, couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Gaara's insane. I have to be vigilant.
The referee, Genma, raised his hand. "Are you both ready?"
"Ready," Sasuke responded, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
Gaara, on the other hand, didn't bother with words. His sand lashed out at Sasuke with ferocity, each movement fueled by Gaara's newfound madness.
Sasuke dodged with agility weaving throwing sand molded like a fist, he side flipped a mass of sand into another back-flip dodging a sand spear, his Sharingan spun furiously his two tomoe inneach eye analyzing Gaara's movements. His attacks are relentless, but I can't let myself get overwhelmed.
Gaara's laughter echoed through the arena, a haunting sound that fueled the intensity of the battle. "You can't escape the inevitable, Sasuke. The sand will consume you!"
Sasuke gritted his teeth. I can't let him get inside my head. I need a way though his defense.
Gaara's sand formed a massive wave, crashing toward Sasuke. With a burst of speed, Sasuke evaded, but the sand pursued relentlessly. Gaara, fueled by his madness, manipulated the sand to corner Sasuke.
"This is it, Uchiha! Embrace the despair!" Gaara's voice echoed with manic glee.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. I've faced worse than this.
As Gaara closed in, Sasuke weaved through the sand onslaught evading the precise sand attacks. The intensity of the battle reached its peak, both fighters pushing themselves to their limits.
In the midst of the chaos, Sasuke's mind raced. I need to find an opening. Gaara's aggressive, but there has to be a vulnerability.
Gaara, lost in his madness, continued his relentless assault. "Submit, Sasuke! Surrender to the inevitable fate I bring!"
But Sasuke, determined and focused, was ready to prove that he wouldn't succumb to the chaos around him. The battle raged on
"Fire style: Fireball jutsu!"
A wave a sand formed in front of Gaara blocking the land, Sasuke appeared behind Gaara in the same instant,
"Fire style: Phoenix flower jutsu!" Multiple fireballs headed towards Gaara who barely flinched as he speedy sand responded once again blocking the attack.
Sasuke appeared in front of his face punching Gaara sending him reeling back.
Damn! That punch hurt like hell. Is that some kind of armor? Sasuke looked to his chips of some kind of sand falling from the area Sasuke punched him.
Sasuke, with lightning speed and precision, narrowly dodged the encroaching sand by scaling the arena wall. He stopped on the top most edged making handseals, an electric current started to grow in the area spiking his hair up.
"Chidori!"
His Chidori crackled with electricity, a lethal force ready to pierce through any obstacle.
As Sasuke descended towards Gaara, his speed trippled nearing Gaara, the lightning-infused Chidori acted as a disruptive force, diffusing the sand that attempted to assail him. The arena crackled with the intensity of the clash.
Sasuke's eyes, determined and focused, locked onto Gaara. With a forceful thrust, he aimed the Chidori directly at Gaara's sand defense. The lightning penetrated the barrier, piercing Gaara's shoulder. A chilling scream echoed through the stadium as Gaara writhed in pain.
Gaara's chakra surged in response to the injury, his sand cocooning him, sand spikes jutted out toward Sasuke, who backlpeddled ducking under sand spikes to retreat to a safe distance. His sharingan eyes narrowed at the intense chakra coming from his opponent.
BOOM*
Amidst Sasuke's attack, the Sand and Sound Villages seized the opportunity to launch an assault on the Leaf Village. Gaara's jounin sensei, Baki, along with Temari and Kankuro, swiftly sprang to Gaara's defense. The sand dispersed around Gaara as he clutched his wounded shoulder, and Baki wasted no time in issuing orders.
"Take him and head into the forest; his part in the plan must be carried out," Baki commanded, his voice unwavering. Temari and Kankuro nodded in affirmation, understanding the urgency of the situation.
As they moved to escape, Genma, recognizing the threat, hurled a dozen chakra-coated senbon at them, hoping to impede their retreat. Baki stepped in front of Gaara and his siblings, wielding his Windblade technique to bat the senbon away. The chakra-infused needles clattered to the ground, thwarted by Baki's swift and precise defense.
The trio, under Baki's protection, swiftly disappeared into the cover of the dense forest, their escape marking the beginning of a larger conflict that would test the strength and resilience of the Leaf Village.
Genma, recognizing the imminent danger, turned to Sasuke with a grave expression. "Sasuke, you've proven yourself. Go stop Gaara"
Sasuke, though inwardly conflicted, nodded with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes."
As Gaara's menacing presence loomed over the Leaf Village, Sasuke felt the weight of responsibility settling on him. This is my chance to prove myself, he thought, gritting his teeth.
With Genma's urgent instructions echoing in his mind, Sasuke set out to confront Gaara and face the impending threat head-on.
Surveying the chaos, Naruto turned to Sai, only to find him absent. Concern etched his face. "Hana Where's Sai? We need to stick together."
Before she could answer, a storm of kunai and shuriken rained down on them. Reacting swiftly, Hana shouted, "Water style: water wall!" Forming a protective barrier that repelled the deadly projectiles.
As she dropped the water barrier, two Sound shinobi appeared on her flanks, kunai heading for both sides of her throat, Naruto sprang into action. "Flaming toad bullet!" he spat, incinerating the assailant on the left. Simultaneously, he drew his odachi, swiftly cutting the other in half.
Naruto placed a reassuring hand on Hana's shoulder. "Hang on. Shushin!" In an instant, they teleported to the top of the stadium, away from the immediate threat.
A small dog named Pakkun appeared before Naruto and Hana, followed by Sakura and Shikamaru. Pakkun waved his front paw in greeting. "Yo. We need your assistance. Sasuke went after Gaara. Gaara will kill him once he recovers. I'm sure you know why."
Naruto's expression turned pensive. "Yeah, I could sense his chakra. I know what he is," he stated, prompting confused looks from Hana, Sakura, and Shikamaru.
"What are you guys talking about? We have to hurry and save Sasuke-kun!" Sakura exclaimed, her worry evident in her clenched fist.
Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome. You both are more experienced than us, right?" He gestured toward Naruto and Hana, who nodded.
"We'll follow your lead. You've seen my jutsu; I'm only good for stalling right now."
"Don't worry, my young kohai. We'll protect you," Hana reassured, a beautiful smile gracing her face. Naruto averted his eyes, familiar with her by now.
"Dog, I assume you're a tracker," Naruto addressed Pakkun.
"Correct."
"You'll lead. Hana will be behind you. I'll form up behind her. Pink hair, you're behind me, and Shikamaru is in the back in case they attack our back."
Sakura frowned. "The name is Sakura. He's Pakkun." She pointed at the small pug.
"Sure, sure."
"We don't have a lot of time. I can feel Gaara's chakra increasing. Let's go."
As they formed up and headed out, Naruto focused on utilizing his sensory ninjutsu. The group reached the forest, tree-hopping towards the location where Naruto could feel Sasuke and Gaara's chakra. While formulating a plan, Naruto sensed nine Sound shinobi following them. Hana suggested ambushing them, but Shikamaru proposed staying behind, a notion both Naruto and Hana found unwise. With time pressing, they decided not to waste time and opted to attack the pursuing shinobi.
Sakura would provide support from the trees, Hana, using her water ninjutsu, would focus on pushing the enemies together to make it easier for Shikamaru to capture them all. Naruto would then come in to finish the job.
"We need to be swift and efficient. Any objections?" Naruto asked, glancing at each member of the group.
Shikamaru sighed, "Troublesome, but I'll do my part."
Sakura nodded determinedly, "Let's save Sasuke-kun!"
Hana grinned, "Time to make a splash, quite literally."
Naruto smirked, "Alright, let's do this. Remember, stay focused and watch each other's backs."
As the team treehopped above the enemy, Naruto raised his fist, signaling the others to halt. With a swift motion, he formed a cross-shaped hand sign, giving life to five shadow clones that dispersed into strategic positions. The clones, silent and prepared, awaited the signal for their coordinated assault.
Naruto's mind buzzed with anticipation, "This should catch them off guard. We need to act swiftly."
Hana whispered to Sakura, "Stay alert and follow my lead. We need to work together on this."
Shikamaru, assessing the situation, "Troublesome, if we're going to make a move, it has to be now."
Hana and Sakura swiftly went through different hand seals.
"Hidden mist jutsu."
"Genjutsu: False sounds jutsu."
Whispering simultaneously, they cast their jutsu, enveloping the enemy sound shinobi in a thick mist, inducing panic among them.
"Shit, todachi, the enemies found us."
"Who knows wind release?"
"Who's moving next to me!?"
"Damnit, that's my ribs asshole!"
Without further planning, Naruto's clones leaped into the mist from different sides, each going through hand seals.
I'm still a novice with lightning style. These clones will have to do.
"Lightning style: current."
Simultaneously, the clones unleashed a electric current jutsu that traveled into the mist, resulting in a series of *poof* sounds as they dispersed into smoke. The lightning currents traveled around the mist, stunning and shocking the sound shinobi.
"Shikamaru, now!" Naruto called out as a shadow extended from Shikamaru, trapping all eight sound shinobi.
"Shit, they got us."
"What kind of jutsu is this?"
"Damnit todachi, why didn't you do anything again!?"
"Damnit, I said those are my ribs!"
"Someone signal todachi!"
Voicing their frustration, the sound shinobi struggled, putting a significant strain on Shikamaru.
"Troublesome! They're fighting hard. Now's the time!" Shikamaru yelled, visibly sweating.
"So, you're the one with the shadow jutsu trapping my comrades." A sound shinobi behind Shikamaru stated. Shikamaru struggled to turn his head as the shinobi approached him at high speed. Unable to let go of the jutsu, Shikamaru's mind raced through scenarios, desperately seeking a way out as the sound shinobi drew a kunai and neared him. With a sardonic smile, Shikamaru raised his head staring at the cloudy sky accepting his fate as he tensed his muscles keeping the shinobi from moving.
Troublesome, looks like this will be the last cloud I see.
"Die, leaf trash!" He shouted.
In an instant, Naruto appeared in front of him, stabbing the shinobi straight through the chest with his odachi. Flicking the sword to the right, Naruto threw the body to the ground, Naruto nodded at Shikamaru, who nodded back shaking slightly. Making another cross hand seal, he created seven more clones that positioned themselves behind the eight sound shinobi captured in the shadow. At Naruto's nod, Shikamaru released them, and Naruto swiftly ended all of them before they could retreat.
As the mist dispersed, Naruto formed the ram hand sign, stretching his sensory ninjutsu to the maximum. He focused on locating Sasuke, whose chakra was severely depleted, and sensed Gaara, whose tailed beast chakra leaked three times as fast as before.
Narrowing his focus, Naruto felt Hana, Sakura, and Shikamaru forming up on him.
He opened his eyes staring forward in the direction they had to go.
"We have to move. Gaara is getting stronger as we speak," Naruto said, the team acknowledged as they headed off at maximum speed.
