The past week Naruto's mind had been a flurry of thoughts and questions. Ninjutsu of the Uzumaki Peoples was tucked safely under a hidden floorboard safe Naruto had built to encase the few treasured items he possessed. The scroll joined his beloved frog wallet, Gama-chan, and his store of finer weaponry, which included a spool of ninja wire, exactly 15 exploding tags, and 12 pristine, unused kunai.
Naruto had already consumed the entirety of the scroll in the time since the old man had trained him. He'd had no success in learning any of the jutsu contained in the scroll. Yet, he told himself. Primarily, the scroll was composed of water, wind, and a variety of other non-elemental jutsu, some of particular interest to him. Though, he did not know how to even begin unlocking the secrets of the jutsu. He'd practiced every night and practically every moment he wasn't in class. He'd yet to successfully learn any of the jutsu. The words of the old man replayed in his mind. Simply practicing when you aren't shaping your chakra correctly won't work, no matter how many times you practice it.
Given the old man's words, he seemed to be approaching this in entirely the wrong way. The old man had told him he had to understand chakra before he could understand how to learn a jutsu, so following the only advice he'd practically ever received seemed to be his best course of action. The old man was Hokage for a reason, after all.
Chakra: An Introduction was written in an easy to follow manner. Naruto figured it must have been written for children or young ninja as there weren't too many words he did not already know, to his great relief. Unlike Ninjutsu of the Uzumaki Peoples, which was a much more challenging text for him to decipher overall. Naruto had initially skipped ahead to chapters detailing chakra development. He'd found the old man's words were reflected in these chapters. The best way to develop yin chakra was to meditate and study.
Naruto had taken to meditating in the morning before he went to class. The more he meditated the more aware he became of his chakra. Feeling his chakra was a strange experience. To Naruto, it felt like he was carrying a large burlap bag of water. His amorphous chakra spilled everywhere all the time, he noticed.
There were other benefits as well and some of these effects were noticeable already. Focusing on lessons was easier in the days following his new habit of daily meditation. So much had changed for him in that week since his training with the old man. It gave him that much more motivation and determination. He didn't have much going on anyway, so dedicating himself to the ninja arts seemed to be the best way to make something of himself. There were times in his years at the academy that he wondered if he was meant to be a ninja. Particularly, when he failed his exams. This was when he experienced his lowest moments. Now, the tides of his misfortune were shifting. A well of hope had sprung up in his mind. If he could figure out the clone jutsu, he would pass.
He checked his clock as a pang of hunger rumbled through his belly. Lunch time, he noted. He stretched and ambled over to his fridge, shaking out the tingling feeling in his legs as he walked. A cool waft of air hit his face as he opened his fridge, but that was about all that dwelled within the chilly space. An ancient looking onion and a half carton of near expired milk certainly looked as depressing as it would taste, he was sure.
"Ramen, it is," he said, outloud to his apartment. Grabbing Chakra: An Introduction and a plump Gama-chan, he started the well worn route to Ichiraku's. He meandered along the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. It was particularly sunny. His goggles, ever present on his head, provided little in the way of eye protection. Citizens of Konoha bustled along the streets, not paying him much mind if any, as he pushed his way through the busy street. Kids, especially short ones like him, had to be crafty finding avenues through the crowds.
As he neared Ichiraku's, he could already smell the sizzling meats on the griddle and the wafting smells of boiling stock and broth. His mouth began to water as he rapidly made his way to his favorite spot. Sitting in the corner of the bar were Shikamaru and Choji, two of his classmates from the Academy.
Shikamaru was a black haired, slender boy with a listless approach to all matters. Choji was tall and hefty. Like many of his fellow clan members, he was kind and jovial. They made quite the unlikely duo, Naruto observed.
Naruto bounced into the stool next to Shikamaru. "Hey, guys!" he said.
Shikamaru was startled. "Oy, keep your voice down," he said, turning to Naruto, "it's too early to be shouted at."
"It's hardly early, Shika," said Choji between mouthfuls of ramen.
"I didn't say it was early," Shikamaru said, "I said it was too early for that." He gestured to Naruto.
"Whatever," Naruto said, "Sorry." He rolled his eyes. Teuchi prepared Naruto's usual order and brought it to him before returning to the kitchen. He had been here so many times, not a word was needed. The savory scents of ramen always improved his mood.
Choji spied the volume nestled between his arm and side. "Whatcha reading, Naruto?" Choji said.
"Oh," Naruto said, "this is Chakra: An Introduction. I got it to help me with my clone technique." He patted the book as he set it on the table.
"Here, take a look," he said, holding out the book.
Shikamaru practically snatched it from his grasp, in an unusual show of interest. "You? Reading something outside the Academy curriculum?" Shikamaru said, "I never thought I'd see the day." He flipped through the book, his eyes darting through the pages.
"Oy, Shika, be nice," Choji said, "he can read a book if he wants, especially if it helps with his Clone technique."
"Yeah!" Naruto said.
Shikamaru looked up, an unreadable look in his eye, before his facial expression shifted to something softer. "You're right. Sorry, Naruto. I'm being rude," he said, "where did you get this anyway?"
"Oh," Naruto said, eyes cast down, "I found it at the library."
This time Shikamaru laughed before shutting the book and handing it back to him. "You're such a bad liar," he said, "now, where did you really get this?"
"Well, I didn't get it myself. It was a gift," Naruto said.
Shikamaru eyed him with a raised eyebrow before settling back into his bowl of ramen. "Just so you're aware, you're being much more cryptic than usual. I just can't be bothered to sleuth into your business," he said, "don't go around being all secretive around Ino, though. She'll find out things about you that you didn't even know about yourself."
"Right," Naruto chuckled. He tried to hide his embarrassment by inhaling his noodles, but that only garnered him more looks. Even Choji put down his bowl.
"Even I don't eat that fast," Choji said, "is everything all good, Naruto?" Choji's brow was knit together and his lips formed a thin line. Naruto didn't like all this attention all of a sudden.
"Of course," Naruto said, "believe it!" His thumbs up was unconvincing.
"He's probably just worried about the final exam coming up," Shikamaru said, "it's going to be a huge drag."
"Yeah," said Choji, "I've been fretting about exams all month."
Shikamaru and Choji picked at their bowls absently. Something about two clan heirs wallowing in their own insecurity lit a fire under Naruto.
"Stop doubting, you worrywarts," Naruto said, "we're all passing with flying colors, you hear?" He pointed at Choji, who leaned back to avoid Naruto's finger poking his face.
Choji laughed lightly. "If you say so, Naruto," he said.
Shikamaru studied Naruto. His lips curved up into a slight smile before he clapped Naruto on the back. "Atta boy, Naruto, you tell 'em," he said, "and we're going to be the greatest generation of ninja Konoha's ever seen, right?"
This time Naruto laughed. "You better believe it. If you have any doubt, I don't want you anywhere near my team," Naruto said.
"Heard, Captain Naruto," Shikamaru said.
Naruto nodded approvingly. "That's more like it."
Naruto, Choji, and Shikamaru each finished their bowls before paying. "Bye, Teuchi-san!" They said, exiting the Ramen Bar.
"Stay out of trouble, boys!" said Teuchi.
They found themselves in the bustling streets of Konoha. Even at this time of day, citizens were still running errands, working, or completing any number of essential daily tasks. This street in particular wouldn't empty until well after the dinner rush. Above them, Konoha ninja took the rooftops, leaping from building to building on their own thoroughfares away from regular citizens.
"Do you guys want to train with me?" Naruto said.
"I would, Naruto, but my father expects me home soon to work on clan techniques," Shikamaru said, "another time."
"Sorry, Naruto, I'm needed in the Akimichi Public Kitchens today. I'm supposed to be on soup duty until the evening," said Choji.
"Oh," said Naruto, "well, I'll see you guys another time then."
"Good luck with your training, Naruto!" Choji said, as he and Shikamaru took their separate directions.
Naruto was left standing in the middle of the bustling street, alone.
As class wrapped up, Naruto closed his notebook. He'd actually managed to copy all the notes down from Iruka-sensei's lecture. It was not a first, but it wasn't common either. Students started to idly chatter about a variety of topics. Naruto was one of the few in class who remained alone. He gazed at his chatting peers. Those in close proximity to him had their backs turned to him, whether consciously or unconsciously. He decided to pack his things.
Over the din, Iruka-sensei suddenly voiced an announcement to the group. "Class, before I forget, I will be passing back your Unit 3 quizzes. Overall, well done," he said.
Naruto scooted to the edge of his seat. He'd been studying more lately and he hoped that his efforts would begin to pay dividends soon. The topic of trap making had been of particular interest for him, so he'd stayed up late one evening this week reading from their assigned textbook, instead of reading from Chakra: An Introduction.
Iruka-sensei approached him and handed Naruto his quiz face down. "Well done, Naruto," he said, "you've really turned a corner lately. Keep it up."
Iruka-sensei smiled at him before moving onto the next student. Naruto flipped over his quiz, eager to see exactly what "well done" meant. Circled in red at the top of the page was 90%. He whooped loudly, pumping his fist in the air. This garnered him a few rude stares.
"Sorry," he said, "just excited." Naruto chuckled nervously, his cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink.
His outburst drew the attention of Inuzuka Kiba and his nin dog, Akamaru. Kiba was a loud, boisterous boy with a penchant to be a braggart. They'd been friends at one point, before it became hilariously unpopular to be associated with him.
"Oy, what do you have to be so happy about," he said. Akamaru yipped from inside his hooded sweatshirt. His tufts of white fur were barely visible behind the furred outline of Kiba's hood.
"Just this," Naruto said, proudly holding up his quiz for Kiba to see.
Kiba's eyes widened. "No fucking way," he said, "when did you get good grades on anything."
Naruto bristled. Kiba couldn't let him be happy for a second. "I've been studying, maybe you should give it a shot some time," Naruto said, sticking his tongue out at Kiba.
Kiba's lips curved upwards into a smile. "Ha, try again, dumbass." Kiba all but shoved his test in Naruto's face.
"95%, read it and weep," Kiba said, "just because you didn't outright fail, doesn't mean you're not still behind me."
It was a sobering reminder to Naruto. Despite the gains he'd made, he still had a reputation, maybe even a reputation that wasn't unearned. It would be an extensive undertaking to reverse his standing with his peers. They'd known him as a goof and an unserious student for the duration of their Academy experience together.
The bell rang and students started to gather their things. A few of the more eager students were already making their way to the exits. Naruto could feel his chakra roiling underneath his skin.
"I'll kick your ass during sparing time tomorrow," he said, "watch me." His words were filled with resolute confidence.
Kiba's grin stretched from ear to ear. "I'd like to see that," Kiba said, "you better bring it!"
Kiba joined the rush of students to the door and suddenly, Naruto was left alone in the classroom. His chakra was churning swiftly beneath his skin. Iruka-sensei was seated at his desk. As he neatly organized the papers on his desk, he looked up. His eyebrows were knit together in concern, and his lips were pursed in a thin line. There was that look again.
"Naruto, is everything all right?" He said.
Naruto smiled. He could feel his chakra returning to the flowing, spilling mess he had become accustomed to sensing.
"Yep, Iruka-sensei, I'm okay. I'm really happy actually," he said. He held up his quiz and pointed at the score at the top of the page.
"I studied really hard," Naruto said.
"I can definitely tell," Iruka said, "I knew you had it in you."
Iruka's smile was warm and genuine. Naruto felt a warm fondness for Iruka. It was pleasant to have someone believing in you. He wanted more people to feel that way toward him. If working hard as a ninja was a way to get to that, he would do it.
"Say, Iruka-sensei, I have a question for you," Naruto said, "I've been reading more about chakra and controlling it and all. Ya know, to help me with my Clone technique. Can your feelings change the way your chakra acts? Like if you're mad or nervous or really happy."
Iruka steepled his fingers as he considered Naruto's query. "Interesting question," he said, "much has been written about that particular topic, actually. Especially as it relates to the connection between our bodies and minds and where chakra fits into all of that.
"In short, you're right, Naruto, your emotions can make controlling chakra more difficult. When you're scared, your body will have a physical reaction such as shaking. Similarly, when you experience any strong emotion, your chakra will react."
"So, if you can get your enemy really mad, it might help you beat 'em," Naruto said.
Iruka nodded. "Yes, that has been a strategy certain ninjas have employed, though I wouldn't consider this to be very reliable on ninjas you don't know well. If you are just guessing at their triggers you might have a hard time. Be aware that a good ninja will likely be aware of this and be trained in how not to react."
"That's interesting, Iruka-sensei," Naruto said, "I think that'll help me, ya know."
Iruka nodded and smiled at Naruto. "You're very clever so I'm sure you can find a way to use that information to your advantage. However, be careful. If you intend to use information you know will upset a comrade, be aware that you will likely have to work with these ninja in the future," Iruka said. His brow was tight with concern.
"Don't worry, Iruka-sensei," Naruto said, "I won't make anyone madder than I usually do.
"I was thinking more along the lines of how it's been affecting me lately, actually," Naruto said as he changed the subject. He chuckled nervously.
"How so?" Iruka said.
"Well, I think I've been thinking so much about how other people see me and it's been making me nervous, ya know. Like, I know everyone knows I can't do the clone technique, so, I'm wondering if that's been part of why it's not working," Naruto said.
"Yes, it could certainly be a contributing factor," he said, "that's an astute observation. Keep working and keep practicing and I know you will get there."
"Thanks," Naruto said, "I promise I will." The assurance in his sensei's voice gave him confidence that he could.
Naruto raced down the hilly road leading down toward the forested part of the village where the Sarutobi clan grounds resided. The trees in this part of the forest were old growth, both large and ancient. They stretched high into the sky and provided ample shade to the streets that wove between them. He kicked up dust as he blew by groups of citizens milling about. Some turned their heads to watch as he raced past. Naruto was unconcerned with the peeved stares. He had places to be!
Simply, he had many questions to ask the old man. His mind fluttered from topic to topic as he rounded the corner. He could see the vine covered Sarutobi house. He reached the door and stopped. He took a few deep gulps of breath to steady himself before knocking.
He could hear movement from inside and suddenly the door swung open to reveal a dark haired, tan skinned man with a thick beard. He bore a resemblance to the old man, especially around his nose. It had the same flat angle that the old man had too. He had a cigarette that dangled loosely from his lips. The man wore a black tank top and Naruto could see that he was heavily muscled. He must be strong, Naruto thought.
"Oh," Naruto said, "is the old man home?"
The dark haired man, Naruto still didn't know his name, laughed heartily for a reason that he couldn't figure out. The man took his cigarette out of his mouth and turned back toward the interior of the house. As the man walked back inside he shouted upstairs. "Dad, some brat's here to see you."
Naruto walked into the foyer and shut the door behind him. This must be the old man's son. He was noticeably taller than the old man. He must've got that from his mom's side! The old man walked down the stairs, a pipe cradled in his hand.
"My boy, good to see you," Hiruzen said, "I've heard that you've been keeping up with your reading and meditation. That's good."
"Sorry, I have a lot of questions about what we talked about early. But, first, that man is your son?" Naruto said, gesturing in the direction where the dark haired man had disappeared.
"You'll have to excuse him, unfortunately, I never got around to teaching that boy any manners. That's my son, Asuma. He's recently returned to the village after a long, extended employment as one of the Daimyo's honored guards," Hiruzen said. He took a long drag from his pipe and blew the smoke from the side of his mouth.
"I didn't know you had more than one kid," Naruto said, "I guess it makes sense, though, you are pretty old." Obviously, he knew the old man had at least one kid, he had a grandson, after all.
"That's right. My daughter was my first child. She is the mother of our beloved Konohamaru. Asuma is my youngest. He's been away from the village for ten years now and has only just returned. We're fortunate to have him back now," Hiruzen said.
He motioned for Naruto to follow him up the stairs. "Come, boy," he said, "you have questions, no?"
Naruto nodded before following the old man up the stairs. The banister was ornate and hand carved. Wooden leaves and vines adorned the carefully constructed railing. Along the wall of the staircase, Naruto observed the family photos of the Sarutobi clan. Alongside the typical photos of his kids and grandson, he noticed an older picture. It was one of the old man looking quite young alongside another boy with dark, flat hair that fell in strands over his forehead. A scar in the shape of an 'x' decorated his chin. They reached the top of the stairs and entered the library at the end of the hall.
"Make yourself comfortable," Hiruzen said.
The old man emptied his pipe before he started to pack it again. Naruto sat in one of the large, high-backed chairs. Inwardly, he remarked that the chair was more comfortable than it looked. Its red upholstery was soft to the touch and he sank into the cushion just enough to be comfortable.
"So, I read through the whole scroll you gave me on the Uzumaki ninjutsu," Naruto said, "but I didn't understand much of it."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "Not a problem, boy, the Uzumaki ninjutsu is quite advanced. Don't let that discourage you. Did anything stand out to you," Hiruzen said, taking a seat in the other high-backed chair. He puffed on his pipe. Little plumes of smoke escaped from his lips.
"Well, I thought that some of the comments on the jutsu were interesting. I thought it would be just jutsu, but there were pages of examples of how to use the jutsu in different situations," he said, "but just my luck, I didn't understand how to learn the jutsu."
Hiruzen nodded, weighing Naruto's words. "The Uzumaki were a people that took special pride in the many applications of their techniques. Even more than their ninjutsu, they were known for the hundreds of seals, or fuinjutsu, they developed."
"What's that?" Naruto said. He frowned with confusion.
"Fuinjutsu is the art of containment and restriction. Simply, they are jutsu that focus on sealing one thing, like objects or chakra, into another thing. What those 'things' are varies greatly," he said, "the exploding tags that we use today are seals. An explosive is detonated and that energy and chakra is sealed into paper, to be easily released later at a time of your choosing. This was developed in whole by the Uzumaki clan."
Naruto's eyes widened before he playfulled grinned. "No wonder I like explosions so much. My clan literally tamed explosions! How cool is that!" He said.
Hiruzen smiled back at Naruto. "Indeed, boy, it was quite cool. It was also an unfathomably powerful skill, one that made their ancestral lands nigh impenetrable."
The smile on his face faded. A question prickled on Naruto's tongue. The sour taste made him want to rinse his mouth. If they were so powerful, where are all the Uzumaki? Why was he alone?
Instead he said, "Are there any other Uzumaki living in Konoha?"
"No one that carries the Uzumaki name, no. Or, anyone with as much direct ancestry as you. There are some who carry Uzumaki blood in small amounts. Those that had an Uzumaki grandparent, or great-grandparent, but their connections are all but lost to time," Hiruzen said. His face was strained and he absently puffed on his pipe.
Naruto sullenly looked at his feet. "Is there anything you can tell me about them?" He said.
"I do not want to give you false hope, but there are still Uzumaki out there. Among villages around the world exists the Uzumaki diaspora. While their homelands are no longer occupied, the Uzumaki live amongst the people of the world, sometimes assimilated into different cultures and peoples and sometimes as outsiders. They were and are resilient people," Hiruzen said.
Naruto looked up, interest clear in his eyes. "Will I meet them someday? How would that happen?"
"Perhaps," Hiruzen said, "you may meet them in your travels or on missions for Konoha. They may care to meet another Uzumaki and they may not. For now, you have much to focus your mind on and much to learn in order to prepare you for a time when you can break bread with the people of the world."
Naruto nodded along, a new seed of determination sprouting within. "Right!" He said, "First I have to graduate."
"Do not worry, boy, there will be much to bring you into after you graduate," Hiruzen said, "how is your Clone technique progressing?"
"I'm still not able to do it, but I feel like I'm getting closer. My clones don't look like they're going to die anymore. Watch!" He said. Naruto performed the hand seals and channeled his chakra. This time, he could feel his chakra separating into yin and yang. A plume of smoke rose from the ground, shrouding his clone. When the smoke dissipated, an accurate looking Naruto was standing next to him. Its eyes were devoid of life, but it didn't look sickly and it wasn't going to keel over either. Though it was easily discernible from the real thing.
"Not bad," Hiruzen said, "it seems your meditation has been helping?"
Naruto nodded. "I can't believe I wasn't doing this sooner. The clone technique is still harder for me, but I feel a lot closer to actually doing it now. And I've actually been trying really hard to pay attention in class and it's working!" He said.
"That's excellent to hear," Hiruzen said, "that's precisely the improvement I was looking to see from you."
Naruto beamed from the praise. "I won't let you down!"
Hiruzen stroked his goatee in thought. "Tell you what, boy. When you pass, as a graduation
present, I will teach you something directly from the Uzumaki scroll."
Naruto's face lit up with excitement. "Really! You're on, old man! I'm definitely graduating now, no way I'm missing that chance!" He said.
Naruto leapt up and shook the old man's hand, just to make sure.
As it was getting late, Naruto said his goodbyes. The old man walked him to the front door where he waved goodbye to the old man's mopey son. When he left the house, he dashed up the road, barely feeling the exertion of running uphill. His chakra vibrated beneath his skin. He had a clear purpose and drive. No one would stop him from achieving this dream.