(Chapter 20: A 'Gentle' Matchup)

It was a bit after their 'assessment' test in Takigakure as Team 7 were still in high-spirits after having done a stellar job, and as such had gone about their days in either doing training against Kazushi, doing their excursions into the Forest of Death, and intense amounts of physical training. All of which while challenging in their own rights were still more than enough to have them enjoy their time as part of being a genin squad, but the main thing on Naruto's mind was his impending match against Hanabi which had his stomach in knots; given what was at stake.


(June 20th, 997 S.E, Konoha, 12:32 Pm)

It was a bit after half past noon as our trio were taking it easy after doing a group sparring session against Kazushi; who as promised put them through their paces.

"I'll tell you this much, you three definitely are something…Granted I'm one of the village's strongest menaces to ever do it, but damn are you guys pretty strong." Kazushi said as she saw her genin bruised and slightly battered as Naruto used Heal Pulse to help them recover

"Considering…that you are an S-Ranked threat. That our surviving…training against you, is nothing short of staggering." Sasuke spoke still feeling his bones and muscles ache

"Well, of course, I'm gonna be putting you through some meat-grinder training. Since unlike amateur hour Kakashi, I'm not here to give you speeches about teamwork and sappy shit like that…Nah, I'm here to turn you guys into living killing machines, plain and simple." Kazushi told her genin

"So get used to being worked like pack-mules for the next year and some change you three. Because I'm not stopping until all of you are the strongest genin to ever come out of the village!...Which is why we have a lot of work to do, and I can't wait to get all of you into fighting shape for the Chunin Exams." Kazushi further spoke whilst Naruto continued to heal his companions

The daughter of Tsunade refused to let her genin become anything less than absolute monsters when it came to turning them into an all-out assault squad, and as such decided that she would be putting them through as much intensive training as possible to make that a reality. Especially given the fact that Naruto's most recent healing technique at his disposal; that it made their ability to bounce back far more rapid than normal, and such could put them through as much as she could potentially think of.

"Hey, I'm all for it. Since I'm trying to be one of the greatest hitwomen/assassin's to ever do it. So all of this is right up my alley." Sakura replied more than happy with the relentless training they were being given

"Same here, if anything this perfect training for all of my powers and stuff. Since with this, I'm getting better control over it than I ever would've." Naruto added in seeing the training as more than worthwhile

"Glad you guys see it that way. Because, if all things go accordingly in the next couple of months. Then I'll start having you guys fight against my Predaplants." Kazushi replied with a malicious grin

"What the hell are Predaplants?" Sakura questioned

"Alright, well here's the thing you guys. Since Kazushi here could never find a summoning contract like Granny Tsunade or Pervy-Sage. She decided to basically create her own summons with her Wood Release, and that's basically what her Predaplants are…Bonafide plant monsters that can kill you in more ways than you can count, and look like nightmare fuel to top it off." Naruto explained on what exactly said Predaplants were

"Don't forget that I can make them fuse together into bigger and stronger shit!" Kazushi added as her expression only grew more cheerfully predatory

"So we're going to be fighting deadly plants soon?...Honestly, it is not the worst thing that I imagined we would be fighting as genin." Sasuke said not really seeing it as the worst nor strangest thing that he'd encounter once he made genin and above

"Trust me, Sasuke you're gonna be singing a different tune once you fight 'em...Believe me when I say they aren't anything to mess with." Naruto replied knowing full well of the horror stories about her Predaplants

"Are they that bad, Naruto?" Sakura inquired on the subject of their sensei's summons

"Trust me, they are that bad and probably worse. Because there's a reason why she's a contender to be Pervy-Sage's equal, when she doesn't have Sage powers yet…Well, part of the reason." Naruto answered back knowing his cousins' summons played a part in that

"So word of advice when she does bring 'em out. Stay on guard, and watch your backs. Because they are some vicious suckers from the stories Kazushi tells me." Naruto added

"Oh no, they're every bit true as I tell you, Naruto. That's why if I were you two, I'd take his advice and gear up for whatever I throw at you…Because spoiler alert…it ain't gonna be pretty." Kazushi told her genin as the feeling of malicious intent only intensified

"Especially, since I've been working on some of them to do a few new things...Like camoflauge, hide underground, spew napalm nectar...the works!...The best part about it all is that you guys get to be test subjects for it all, ain't that wonderful?" Kazushi added with her grin turning even more predatory

"Hell no/Absolutely not!" Were Naruto and Sasuke's responses

" Oh come on you guys, quit being pussies. If we can come out on top against those bastards we fought last week. Then we can make it against these Predaplants." Sakura said with complete faith in her teammates abilities

"I like that spirit of yours, Sakura. Since your gonna need it with what I've planned for you guys." Kazushi replied

"I guess your half right, Sakura, but I still don't like that we're gonna be test subjects for her new Predaplants...Even his is us we're talking about. But hey, if Sasuke can hang with Lyoto; then I'm pretty sure we can handle whatever you've got." Naruto said with a combination of weariness and optimism in his voice

"What Lyoto-sensei and Kazushi-sensei teach and put before me, are two vastly different things from one another." Sasuke replied

"Oh yeah, I did wanna ask you how your training with him has gone?" Naruto asked the Uchiha

"It has gone rather well. Thanks to him I'm growing stronger than I've thought possible, my speed and skill with my swords have only continued to increase. Then on top of all of that, I'm so much closer to making my 3 Swords Style applicable in combat." Sasuke answered back with a proud smile

"How much closer are we talking about?" Naruto questioned

"Within a few months give or take…It still needs quite a bit of polishing before it is ready to be used in open combat." Sasuke told the superhuman blonde as said Uchiha estimated around September or October would be the time-table for it

"That's awesome, man!" Naruto cheered

"Thank you, it has been an incredible amount of hard work to begin perfecting it. However, I will say that it will all be worth it soon enough." Sasuke said proud that soon enough his swordsmanship would progress even further

"Your definitely going to need it for what I have planned. Because we aren't just gonna be doing D-Ranks forever…Since I've got some friends who can hook us up with some high-tier missions. So you three can keep getting your feet wet, and seeing what the real world is all about." Kazushi spoke more than ready to call in Danzo to set her genin up with actual missions instead of the chores that were D-Ranks

"Whatever it takes to get us back out there, I'm all for it, and then some!." Naruto said ready to get back in action

"As am I, I will admit that fighting against those rogues was one of the most exhilarating challenges I've ever had…I feel that even Sakura can more than agree with my sentiments." Sasuke added as Sakura nodded in agreement in now craving much more excitement

"I'm glad you three feel that way, as it'll take some time to get another mission like that underway. But I promise you three; that you will not be left wanting for action under me…As your sensei it is my job to prepare you for the dangers of the world, and make you as strong as possible." Kazushi replied

"That beings said, however, you three have another half-hour of rest before we start training again. I wanna see you guys hack it in the Forest of Death some more…This time against one of the big-boy golems there." Kazushi told them

"Hey, I'm ready for it! At least I'll get a chance to see how good my Water Kata stuff is against those suckers." Sakura spoke eager to face off against said wooden creatures

"Wait, you've mastered that Water Kata stuff already?" Naruto asked his 'sister'

"Not exactly, but it is going a lot better than trying to get the whole Redirection part of it down…When Ohma-sensei said it was gonna be difficult he wasn't lying." Sakura answered back in having long since realized that mastering the Redirection Kata was going to be an uphill battle

"Hey, like we told you awhile back. Anything we can do to help with all that Niko stuff, let us know." Naruto offered to the pink-haired assassin

"Thanks, and I actually have some ideas on how to go about it, if you wanna hear them." Sakura said

"By all means explain." Sasuke chimed in keen to hear what Sakura had come up with

'I'll say this much about my dumbass kids, they're definitely gonna be something else when the Chunin Exams hit.' Kazushi remarked to herself as she watched her students converse amongst themselves


(The following day, June 21st, 997 S.E, 4:26 Pm, Training Ground 3)

It was the next day later as a somewhat wearisome Naruto ran up to meet with Hanabi for their sparring match with one another, the Hyuga in question saw patiently waiting for the blonde in question.

"Sorry for running late, I just got done with my shift at the Akimichi's…Time just got away from me, and…" Naruto said as he started to apologize before Hanabi put a hand up

"Your quite fine, Naruto. There is no need to apologize, if anything I understand that your quite busy. Given your responsibilities, and adjusting to life as a genin." Hanabi replied

"Thanks for understanding, Hanabi. I really do appreciate it." Naruto thanked the Hyuga in question

"Not at all…That being said however, I would like to begin our spar." Hanabi said as she activated her Byakugan and got into her version of the Gentle Fist stance

"Alright, sure, let's do it. I'm ready when you are." Naruto said back before Hanabi dashed at him like a cheetah on bath salts

'Holy shit, she's fast.' Naruto noted as he barely sidestepped out of the way

However, Hanabi was quick to turn on her heel and strike out with a roundhouse kick to Naruto's side that was followed through by a jumping axe kick that Naruto narrowly evaded by a hairsbreadth, before having to block a short flurry of Gentle Fist Strikes that came as quick as vipers. On the other hand, Naruto tried to counter by throwing his own barrage of Mach Punches, yet Hanabi was able to parry and throw her own shots out at Naruto nearly just as if not equally as fast as he fired off his attacks against her.

The exchange was nothing if not an intense one given that Naruto was amazed if anything by the sheer speed and volume of her Gentle Fist strikes that if they could be called that, given that when one of them did land; it felt like a tiger was biting into his flesh that violently rippled from the strikes that whistled like arrows fired from a crossbow on meth. However, despite this Naruto after trading shots with Hanabi who felt the blistering sting of a good handful of his Mach Punches, was able to use his super-speed to shift out of range from a Gentle Fist strike to his throat, and angle off of it to fire off a Sky Uppercut toward her liver.

Yet Hanabi was able to partially evade the attack from connecting cleanly; although it still made contact and sent her back a good 15 feet away from Naruto who was able to use this as a chance to re-adjust himself as Hanabi merely shook it off, got back into her stance and dashed at him once more with nothing but lethal intentions, as her Byakugan locked onto him ready to strike at anything lethal. The elder of the Hyuga sisters this time attacked with greater speed and precision, each Gentle Fist strike or kick when it wasn't being blocked or guarded against; landed like arrows to the heart from an experienced archer.

That being said however, Naruto was able to use his super speed to deflect and constantly maneuver against the high-volume barrages of strikes to his body; so that he could fire off long-range Mach Punches, with the superhuman in question using the rapid-fire punches as cover to unleash a brutal Sucker Punch against Hanabi. The thudding right hook to her jaw staggered her as she felt herself stumbling and nearly staggering back from the surprise attack, as Naruto then used this as a chance to grab her and spin her by the waist and use a Vital Throw to send her flying into and through a nearby tree and shattering the trunks of 2 more in the process.

But much to his surprise Hanabi was quick to rise from the wreckage as though she were an indomitable spirit of ruin, the young woman despite tatters to her clothing from the impact of the Vital Throw alongside bruises from the harshness of the attack; looked unmoved. All the while Naruto upon seeing this only grew more interested as without warning she came at him once more; this time faster than previous, the ground cracking beneath her as he met her in a collision of powers near unbound.

'How is it that out of Lord 4th's children that this one is the more capable than our jinchuurik?i...Now this is going to be worth more sparring matches, if he is this capable.' Hanabi wondered as the two clashed and as such a great and mighty wind burst out from the collision point

'Man, she really is something. I knew she was gonna be something, but this is just whole other level of strong.' Naruto remarked to himself in regard to Hanabi's prowess thus far whilst attempting to land a Brick Break to the ribs that was quickly parried and met with a Gentle Fist strike to the throat that he barely ducked under

From there the two continued their engagement as though it had never stopped, with Naruto despite having suffered more than enough Gentle Fist strikes to put down a lesser man soldiered on against Hanabi who didn't stop for even a millisecond as she unleashed a hard front kick to Naruto's stomach that while it was caught by the superhuman. It was all to her advantage as she delivered a powerful enough hook kick to the side of his temple that it caused his head to ring, as he staggered back for one of the few rare times since gaining his powers before Hanabi decided to put Naruto's combat skills to the test.

All the while Naruto upon hearing the cry of 8 Triagrams: 64 Palms had decided to go into action to counter it via his use of his Close Combat attack, as both met in a vicious exchange of attacks so fearsome that the ground began to crack and distort beneath them. The opposing Gentle Fist strikes that lanced forth and struck like swarms of locust, met against the swift yet vicious punches, elbows and kicks from Naruto's Close Combat attack that thudded against each other to the point that gusts of wind began to erupt forth from the points of impact that began to shred the ground beneath them.

Hence why by the time their clash had finished that the area around them looked like a giant had tumbled drunkenly about from the multiple cracks in the earth, and the bark from nearby trees had been cracked apart and nearly broken by the sheer concussive force from the fearsome exchange. Which had ended with Naruto having landed an uppercut to her ribs and Hanabi's left hand having speared itself in Naruto's kidneys from a Gentle Fist strike, with both staring each other down in refusal to give in to the other as fierce winds burst forth from each strike landed against each other.

Yet Hanabi in seeing an opportune moment quickly used a lightning-quick side kick to briefly stun Naruto away from her long enough; for her to quickly spin on her heels and use her version of the Rotation, except this one, was packed with wind chakra; turning it into a dome of whirling vacuumized winds that crushed and broke apart any stone or debris in its path. The superhuman in question tried to pierce through the Rotation technique in question, however the localized gale was so intense that the moment he tried to punch through it he was blasted back nearly 40 feet by the howling winds, as he was sent spiraling into the air, his body vibrating painfully from what felt like he was gut-punched by a 20-foot tall gorilla.

All the while he was soaring into the air, Hanabi used the gathered winds from her technique to then springboard herself into the air after Naruto where she went forth to unleash a flurry of blows at blinding speeds aimed at Naruto's ribs. However, it was easier said than done given that Naruto used his super-speed to help block and deflect as many of Hanabi's attacks as possible, which was harder than anticipated, seeing as how despite him being able to match Hanabi in speed that on a technical level she was able to outwork him by a wide margin.

This is why by the time they touched down to the ground, Naruto felt his chest stinging from the pain of her strikes landing in such rapid succession to the point that it felt like crooked knives had jabbed themselves into his ribs and flesh. All the while Hanabi had a small smile across her own face as she would give credit to where it was due given that Naruto's prowess wasn't only enough to keep up with her during this bout, but that he also displayed a level of raw strength, power, and agility that was well beyond what a genin should be.

So without further delay in the midst of their sparring match, the two continued to attack one another, as kicks and Gentle Fist strikes clashed against punches, elbows and kicks from Naruto at a relentless pace that blurred into the other, as either side tried to parry, block or deflect the other. However, in their vicious exchange against each other as they traded shots and counters at a cadence that turned them into colorful blurs that dashed and rushed about the Training Grounds at great speeds before managing to nail the other with a Mach Punch to the jaw from Naruto, and a lightning release enhanced Gentle Fist strike to the kidneys from Hanabi.

However, Naruto used a swift burst of super speed to feint with a Mach Punch before driving a Brick Break into Hanabi's liver making her wheeze and nearly double over before socking her in the jaw with a Sky Uppercut that sent her spiraling away. Yet this wasn't without her leaving a small flurry of Gentle Fist strikes to the ribs that felt as though they may have cracked his ribs from the sheer speed and force behind him…although if Naurto had to hazard a guess he could sense far more than just mere lightning chakra behind that last round of attacks; given how they blasted half-dollar sized holes in his work shirt.

"I don't know what it was you just hit me with earlier, but man was that something else!" Naruto spoke as he felt his very insides vibrate as though put in an electrified blender

"You're going to have to be more specific, Naruto? I have no idea what you are going on about?" Hanabi said back with a coy yet excited smile

"I know what lightning chakra looks and feels like, and what you just hit me with…Didn't feel like anything lightning related all. So I gotta ask, what the hell did you hit me with?" Naruto questioned knowing from experience frim training and sparring with Sasuke what lightning chakra felt like

"Seeing as how you've shown yourself to be exceptional, in terms of taijutsu. I will tell you." Hanabi spoke as her body arced and crackled with bursts of teal-colored static

"What I hit you with is a fraction of what I've inherited from my mother…For the Byakugan wasn't the only thing I've inherited from my parents." Hanabi told Naruto
"I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing...Hopefully good in my case." Naruto said still in his fighting stance

"I only use that for those that have either impressed me with their power, or have angered me to use it. Luckily you are of the former, as you have very much impressed me throughout our short bout." Hanabi told Naruto

"So does that mean you will go out with me?" Naruto asked with a nervous gulp

"Yes, yes it does…I have seen everything I've needed to to make my decision on the matter." Hanabi answered back while deactivating her Byakugan

"Really?!...Oh my god that's….that's just awesome!" Naruto said after swallowing the growing lump in his throat

"I don't see why you were so nervous. From what I hear, you are a very sweet young man. So my chances of going on a date with you, would've remained high regardless. It is only now that I know you are strong in your own right, that you've guaranteed it." Hanabi replied in not seeing a reason why Naruto would've been nervous about asking her out

"When you have Toshiro and Mizore as your little brother and sister. Your confidence when it comes to asking girls out, is at an all time low." Naruto said back as Hanabi frowned and strode over toward Naruto

"Since it is a hassle to have to smile and keep my energy up all the time…Those two have pretty much made sure of that…Its only been in the last year that I can actually start being happy for real." Naruto added in only now since moving in with Sakura he wasn't depressed to hell

"Then I will have to help make it not so much of a hassle for you. No one should have to constantly foce themselves to be at an all time high." Hanabi said to the superhuman blonde while putting a comforting hand on his broad shoulders

"Thanks, I appreciate the efforts." Naruto replied returning her smile with a sheepish one of his own

"Not at all, Naruto." Hanabi spoke

"That being said however, I must get going. I do have to go and speak with my father about Hinata, now that she has made Genin." Hanabi further spoke her smile slightly diminishing at the mention of her sister

"Well, good luck with that…No offense to your clan or anything, but Hinata is one of the most ain't shit people I've ever met." Naruto said as the nicest way he could say anything about her

"No its quite fine. If anything in concerns to my sister being near worthless. I can't speak very positively about her myself, and I'm her sister." Hanabi replied

"...Again, good luck to you and all that. And hopefully I won't screw up our future date." Naruto said back

"I have no doubt in my mind that you won't…So for now goodbye, Naruto." Hanabi said as she kissed him on the cheek

"Huh, today was actually a pretty good day after all...I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing; that everything's been going my way lately. But man does it feel great." Naruto said to himself as Hanabi departed


(2 and a half hours later, 7:05 Pm, Hyuga Compound)

It was a few hours later into the evening as Hanabi after having a rather tense dinner with her father and sister, eventually met with her father alone to discuss the matter of her sister and her future as clan heir.

"Father, you know that I do not mean any disrespect. However, the fact that you continue to follow through with the notion of Hinata becoming our clans' future; is nothing short of asinine." Hanabi spoke

"Please, I am asking you to reconsider this. She is nowhere near ready for the responsibilities of leading the clan…She barely and I mean BARELY passed hadn't it been for our clans' bloodline. She is much too soft, much too meek, and moreover lacks the instincts or rather the will to do what has to be done. The fact that she acts somewhere between a spineless wretch, and a princess thanks to the Namikaze boy will doom us all." Hanabi further elaborated on her feelings toward her sister

"I know of your feelings on the subject, Hanabi. More than anyone else given how vocal you are during clan meetings. However, I will still not budge on the issue…Your sister will remain as our clan heir until further notice." Hiashi replied unmoving in his decision toward his youngest daughter

"For what reason do you have to continue letting her be clan heir, much less a shinobi?...She is at best a walking body shield for others, and at worst breeding stock and nothing more than that." Hanabi questioned with a critical glare

"Watch your tone about Hinata. I know that you hold a dislike of her, but still she is now a shinobi and still your sister...So you will do well to show her some modicum of decency and respect." Hiashi said back in defense of his youngest

"I will do no such thing, father. Not when all I see before me, is a borderline spineless wretch who will do nothing but bring us to ruin. If anything even mother would see her as an absolute disappointment to the clan." Hanabi retorted as her fathers' expression hardened

"You know not of what your mother would want, or think of Hinata!" Hiashi said back

"Your mother was a good woman who loved you both!… Granted Hinata does not show yours nor your cousins' skill with the Gentle Fist, even moreso when you've elevated to a higher state than even I have. However, she is still as the future leader of the clan deserving of yours and the others respect, and you WILL give her that." Hiashi all but ordered of his eldest daughter

"Yet what has she done beyond being coddled? All she has done is proven to be a constant disappointment in her training sessions. If anything it speaks volumes that Neji, who is in the Branch family shows much more prowess than her, when he has far less to work with or complain about." Hanabi questioned her pale eyes seeing no reason as to why her father should defend her sister's position

"She may not be as accomplished as you, Hanabi. However, she is still in the process of working her way to a position where she can be. Therefore, you will give her the time to do so, and continue training her." Hiashi spoke

"That is if she can survive any future missions she undertakes, much less the Chunin Exams…Which is going to be the true test of her capabilities." Hanabi said back

"After all, you and I both know that once the exams come. That the competition she will face will no doubt break her, if not eviscerate her outright. Between Kazushi's students, Lord Hokage's twin children, and even the Akimichi boy; that she stands not a single chance against hardly either of her peers…That's not even counting the other foreign teams that should choose to partake in the exams as well. None of which will spare her any mercy whatsoever." Hanabi further spoke knowing full well that said Exams were where you truly tested

Hence why she knew that her sister would be hard-pressed to make it to the finals; if she survived that long given that no matter where you sliced it that she was done for against the vast majority of her peers alone…All of which including the Namikaze boy that for some odd reason chose her as his woman would no doubt slaughter her all the same in pitched combat, as her soft-hearted nature and lack of ferocity and drive to win and kill was something that Hanabi knew would do her sister in.

"I know full well of the competition she will soon face within next years' time. Which is why I am having her trained by her sister. Someone who is one of our most talented when it comes to the Gentle Fist itself." Hiashi spoke with hints of pride at his eldest bleeding through his perpetually stern and stone-cold tone of voice

"While I can appreciate the 'compliment' concerning my martial skills. That still does not excuse her weakness or her poor performance during training. Something that will only worsen under Kurenai, who will continue to coddle her as though she is made of glass….Why Lord 4th allowed someone like her a genin team I will never know." Hanabi responded tersely

'Better yet, Anko herself would make a far greater sensei than that good-for-nothing drunk. At least then, she wouldn't either smell of booze or be mollycoddled by someone so incompetent.' Hanabi internally remarked to herself over the red-eyed illusionist

"While I am not a fan of Kurenai either, given how she utterly botched things with Yakumo Kurama…It is the best that we have to work with given jonin sensei available." Hiashi spoke as his eldest remained unmoved

"All that I know is that Hinata will fail severely as a Genin, much moreso as a future leader of our clan. The mere fact that she has become one is a death wish all on it's own….People like her either go one of 3 ways that we are both all too familiar with, father." Hanabi replied as she held up one of her hands

"Either in the morgue, becoming breeding stock because she could not cut it, or crippled beyond belief and in either a wheelchair or breathing through a tube down her throat. All of which are death sentences to someone like her, who will perish inevitably sooner rather than later." Hanabi added as she listed off the 3 most certain outcomes for her younger sister

"That is why for her sake unless you wish to see her be put out of being a clan heir for good. Then I advise you to let me take what is my birthright…For your pride and your attempts to honor the wishes of a dead woman, should not have a virtual death sentence placed upon her. That is why if you truly care for her wellbeing, then you will give me what is mine, and better yet have her soon withdraw from being a shinobi." Hanabi said in knowing that her sister was extraordinarily ill-equipped to be a shinobi in any regard

"Your sister can and WILL remain as clan heir Hanabi. While I am understanding of your criticisms against your sister being a shinobi, and her position. As acting head of the Hyuga Clan, it is still MY decision to make in regards to who will succeed me…Am I made perfectly clear, Hanabi?!" Hiashi responded back with all the authority, steel, and presence that was demanded of a clan leader

"...You are. However, I still say that letting her do this is a grave mistake. All you are doing is guaranteeing that she will either die, or become a cripple." Hanabi spoke while cursing once more that her father wouldn't see reason

"If you train her to the point of which she is capable enough to defend herself. Then all of your criticisms will cease to be an issue." Hisahi said back as Hanabi kept her composure despite wanting to give him a 'are you serious' look

"That would be the equivalent of teaching a horse to fly, or a tiger to no longer be a fearsome predator… Absolutely impossible." Hanabi retorted in what was essentially a near-hopeless case

"Then all the more reason that you find a way to make the impossible, possible…Unless something comes to the forefront to prevent her from taking up her position as my successor. Then you will do what has been ordered of you from your clan leader." Hiashi replied with a manner of voice that was for more as a clan leader than that of her father

"So unless you have any positive progress on the matter. Then this discussion is over with." Hiashi said before turning on heel and going off to attend to other matters

'It is times like these where I truly question my fathers' leadership…Perhaps, the time to challenge him for my birthright may come quicker than anticipated.' Hanabi said to herself as arcs of familiar static-like energy arced across her hands in irritation of her fathers' pig-headedness


(2 days later, Akimichi BBQ, June 23rd, 2017, 3:09 Pm)

The following Friday had come as Naruto had just finished his shift and was currently chatting it up with Choji and Sakura; concerning how things were going so far with their genin squads overall.

"I definitely don't envy what you guys have to go through…Sounds like torture if you ask me." Choji said while munching out of a back of pork-rinds

"It's not all that bad when you get to it. If anything I'm all for the hardcore training she's started us on." Naruto replied knowing that this wasn't the worst of what Kazushi had in store for them

"Plus, this isn't that much different than what I had to go through with my cousins…If anything all it is is just a step or two more difficult to get through." Sakura spoke in not much phased by Kazushi's training thus far

"But overall, that's mainly from having to do a 3 on 1 sparring match against her…Which is a whole heck of a lot tougher than you think. The woman really doesn't hold all that much back." Sakura further spoke in regards to her sensei's thus far extreme training methods

"At least things sound like they're going great for you guys...A lot better than things are for me a Shikamaru." Choji said glad that things were going well for the duo

"I'm gonna take a wild guess that things aren't going as stellar in your neck of the woods?" Naruto questioned the behemoth

"Is it really that obvious?" Choji asked back

"Let's see, normally you would be halfway through that bag by now. But you've hardly gotten a quarter of the way through it. So something must've put you in a crappy mood." Naruto surmised

"So what's eating' at you?...No pun intended." Naruto further asked the behemoth

"Don't get me wrong, I'm ok with my team so far…Asuma-sensei seems like a pretty cool guy to have as my teacher, and Shikamaru is as solid a guy as ever. It's just Ino that's the problem." Choji answered back in regards to the more troublesome blonde in his life

"I don't see how Ino-pig has any rights to give you or anyone else hard time. She's one of the most sorry people we graduated with." Sakura said in disdain for the Yamanaka in question

"You'd think that she would realize that instead of yelling at us all day, that it wouldn't hurt for her to train a bit…But even that feels like I'm asking for too much." Choji replied as he ate another fistful

"Is their anyone at least trying to check her?...I feel like at least one person on your team would stop her from acting like she runs shit." Sakura questioned

"All I can say is that I'm lucky that Asuma-sensei is there. If he wasn't on top of things then Ino would have tried to take over everything. Plus he's a lot nicer than her too." Choji answered back

Choji was honestly grateful for having Asuma as his sensei, and granted he wasn't as much of a taskmaster from what he heard Kazushi was, but was from the times he not only saw him around the restaurant when he came to visit with his dad, and the small times he had him so far as his sensei. That he was a rather chill guy to be around, and yet it was enough to occasionally motivate Shikamaru to train with his shadows, but low and behold that he and Ino butted heads the most due to her trying to essentially bully the male members of the team into her 'ideal' version of what she'd wanted from them…which Asuma was proactive enough to stop mostly.

"I swear having her yell at me to lose weight all the time, or Shikamaru to stop being a 'lazy-ass' ; while all she does is worry about makeup and looking pretty for every other boy in the village…I'm telling you guys it's the absolute worst." Choji lamented at how he managed to get stuck with one of the singularly worst girls in their classs

"Jeez! Here I thought Mizore sucked…At least she can pull her own weight when it comes to doing…well anything. Ino's just fucking useless." Naruto said in sympathies for his giant of a friend

"Plus, it's not like Shikamaru and I are being lazy at all. Half the time we're either playing Shogi, or he's coming up with stuff for combo moves." Choji told the duo before him as he ate out of his bag some more

"Wait you guys come up with combo moves together?" Sakura asked while Naruto got passed the back of pork rinds to munch on

"Mmmhmm. Yeah, as Shikamaru and I have come up with a few of 'em that are pretty good." Choji said with a smile at some of what they managed to come up with in their spare time

"I know he may be a bit lazy most of the time. But when he really wants to he can come up with some really great stuff. He definitely takes after Mr. Shikaku for sure…If anything I'd bet a month's worth of chips that if he makes it to Chunin, that he's gonna be an awesome leader one of these days." Choji further spoke which surprised Sakura and to a lesser extent Naruto to hear said Nara be spoken of in high regards

'Well, shit if he's that good at tactics. Then I may have to readjust my thoughts about the bum.' Sakura noted to herself in regards to future encounters with Shikamaru

"Is there any super cool stuff you guys have come with?! There's gotta be at least one awesome combo technique you guys have come up with?" Naruto questioned semi-excitedly at what sort of combination moves he and Shikamaru have made

"Sorry, Naruto, but I can't really tell you. I want to keep that stuff as much of a surprise as possible…There's just some stuff that we've been working on that's staying a secret." Choji answered back with a proud smile of what he'd been working on

"Hey, if whatever you and Shikamaru got cooking up is that good. Then I'll leave it alone for now." Naruto said before they saw an irritated Hanabi stride in

"Speaking of people who wanna be left alone, what's up with Hanabi?" Sakura wondered as she saw the Hyuga in question

"If I had to take a whack at it, its probably that she still has to train Hinata…Honestly, I can't say I blame her for being in a mood. I know I would be if I had to train her." Naruto spoke in not blaming her for being in a sour mood

"Ditto on that one...Can't say I blame her, if she's drinking that much to start with." Sakura said as they saw her order a large glass of tequila

"But, other than Hanabi looking like she wants to punch someone's head off. I'm just hoping that everything goes peachy for us with our teams…Especially you Choji, since it sounds like you could use some good luck." Naruto said in wishing the best for both his friends

"Thanks, Naruto…Because, I'm definitely gonna need it if she keeps acting like this." Choji replied in almost dreading having to meet with his team again

"You know Naruto and I can just jump her if you really want? Just say the word and we'll pay her a beating." Sakura told Choji in being more than happy to have a 'talk' with Ino about her treatment of Choji

"She's not wrong you know. Because if she's messing with you, and not being ain't shit the whole time. Then I'm more than happy to jump her with Sakura." Naruto spoke in full agreement with the pink-haired assassin's idea of paying Ino a beating

"Look, you guys, I appreciate the offer. I really do, but I don't want to do her harm…Even if she's a giant pain in my butt." Choji replied

"Alright suit yourself, man." Naruto said back with a shrug of his shoulders

"The offer is on the table if you ever want us to kick the shit out of her." Sakura told the behemoth once more

"Again, I think I'm going to pass on that one, Sakura…I get that you guys want to help…but beating my teammate within an inch of her life won't really solve anything." Choji replied

'It wouldn't be an inch of her life. Just enough that she'd need some plastic surgery all…I have some restraint.' Sakura said to herself

"Well, as much as we wanna hound him about all that. I think we just let him be…besides I don't know about you two. But I'm ready to call it quits." Naruto said having had a short but intense day at the Akimichi's

"I really don't blame you for heading out. Since with summer in full swing we've been super busy lately." Choji spoke knowing that this was one of their busiest times of the year

"Exactly! Between this, training with Sasuke and Sakura and now having Kazushi as my sensei…Its getting to be something else." Naruto said in feeling himself grow mentally tired even if he was physically as sharp as whip

"Anyways, I'll catch you later, Choji...Good luck with the dinner rush tonight." Naruto added as he hopped up from his seat

"See you Naruto…Good luck with your killer sensei!" Choji said as he and Sakura headed off

"So what do you wanna do now, Naruto?" Sakura asked

"I dunno, probably take a power nap and then do some sparring if you want?" Naruto suggested

"Sounds fine by me. Besides, I could use the help on my Lethwei, if your up for it" Sakura replied

"Yeah, I'm down for it, just let me..." Naruto said before quicker than anyone could see he fired off an Ember into the distance

"...What the heck was that for, Naruto?...You good?" Sakura asked after seeing him all of the sudden unleash a fire-type move

"Yeah…I don't know what it is, but lately, it feels like there's been something or somebody watching me…And its honestly been getting on my last nerve." Naruto answered back in having grown gradually irritated at the feeling of something watching him

"Well, I get being pissed about that. But at least give me a heads-up before you start doing stuff like that." Sakura said as Naruto gave a small yawn

"Fair…" Was Naruto's only reply as they continued to head home

However, unbeknownst to them a now smoking Gamakicihi was quickly rolling about and patting out the small flames on his jacket; having been glad that he dodged out of the way when he did…otherwise he would've been deep-fried toad by now.

"I swear that's the 4th time this week that's happened…At this point, I'm really reconsidering doing this for Mr. Jiraiya." Gamakichi said before teleporting away to Mt. Myoboku to heal from the burns of Naruto's Ember attack

So with Naruto having shown Hanabi some of his martial prowess in their sparring match, and Hanabi herself showing her distaste in her sister being put as her clans' future leader…What further awaits Naruto as he earns himself a date with the elder Hyuga sister down the line? Well, stay tuned and find out in the all new chapters of, Naruto: The PokeSage!


Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.

Kourtney Uzu Yato: Hey, you don't have to apologize Kourtney I full get it with the late review. Furthermore, good luck with your medical biochem stuff. Since if anyone can knock it out of the park then its you, so godspeed on all that stuff good buddy! Furthermore, yeah Jiraiya should be glad that Kazushi didn't nut-shot him as hard as she could've otherwise the man would've been the equivalent of a Ken doll down there afterwards. Plus, Naruto's telling him to piss off made super sense to me; given that to him he sounded shady as fuck and to him; why would he go with the guy that's single-handedly screwed up almost every aspect of his family life and a good deal of his personal life because of some janky ass prophecy that is pretty much null and void. And the thing is that they won't exactly know just yet, considering that it was an off-the-books type deal with Danzo, and as such isn't something that they can exactly go broadcasting; otherwise its gonna cause a bigger deal than expected and not in a necessarily good way.

God of Wind 200: Oh yeah as the thing is that Naruto's Teleport technique really opens up the doors for alternative means of doing stuff if he ever wants to take a break from being a shinobi...Potential delivery boy option for Akimichi BBQ down the line perhaps? And yes he does get all of the Legendary Pokemon's abilities once he gains/absorbs the Legendary Plate; so once that happens he's gonna be an absolute menace on that front!

Guest: Yeah, I never got that per say. Since it would make sense to get a guy who can get that part of things done and will last longer, than a woman whose made into breeding stock facing significantly more wear and tear in the process, and that's without counting misscarriages and the multiple amounts of stressors that can cause birth defects and other such things that would leave them having to heal post-pregnancy.

Skull Flame: Yeah, as Team 7 don't fuck around plus with how capable and strong they are, it made sense to me that they'd take him out in devastating fashion...Also, I did not realize that in regards to his cohorts; so I will be certain to go back and fix that at a latter date. Also, yeah in this iteration of things Fu is actually seen as something of a superhero within Taki and as such is very well-liked all things considered. And glad you liked how I handled Jiraiya as the whole thing wrote itself out with Naruto seeing how shady he was being about suddenly wanting to talk/be involved with him.

Reedz22: Oh trust me, there's gonna be a large amount of fall out given that its a thing of the longer Jiraiya holds onto the information; the worse things are gonna get. So the whole reconnection thing, is gonna be made even more difficult given how severe the damage is done, on top of how the new prophecy will begin to effect things down the line once Jiraiya reveals everything.


Alright, you guys that takes care of that as I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter in it giving Hanabi some shine as well as setting up some stuff for her down the line in concerns between her and Hiashi.

Furthermore, I hope you guys are liking how things are going so far in Part 2 of the story, because we still have a lot more to get into for what's to come. Also, I hope you guys will continue to support the story, now that we're getting into the main part of things…because once again things are gonna start shifting from here on out.

That being said this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Since the next chapter to come up is Team 7 and Team Kakashi having a 'friendly' sparring match between teams, and Orochimaru testing out their new body against the Zombie Duo…So have fun with all that!

Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint

Random End Song: Headup by Deftones