The end of the second week came rather quickly for Naruto. He was happy about all the training he was receiving. The calisthenics were doing wonders for him, chasing down the stylish pig forced his speed and agility to grow, as was the dodge training he was subjected to by Tsunade. He could see it in the mirror at the end of each week, his physique had improved from being just lean to lean with definition, especially since she had dramatically increased the amount of reps she had him do each day for his calisthenics. Heck he could even clasp his hands behind his back by reaching from the top and the bottom of his back which greatly excited him. His chakra control had gone up insanely well thanks to the first week as well as his clones continuing to work on it through the second week.
He could do the dumb Bunshin no Jutsu now. When he asked about it after training and the lessons from Shizune-sensei. Shizune explained that the jutsu use very little chakra as it is used to be diversionary jutsu as well as one taught to learning shinobi so they would have some means of escape if they had ever come across a senior shinobi. This was especially true during the Clan Wars era that preceded the Hidden Villages, where very young children could be ambushed and killed almost how he and his team were by Zabuza. That amazed Naruto. Originally, he figured that the jutsu was useless as it was just an illusion, but if it could save lives then he could definitely see it as useful in such a situation.
When it came to his super strength, he was making a lot of progress. Though he didn't like using so little chakra when he started. When he received the memories of a clone about to lose its arm as it got a little ambitious in using more chakra than Tsunade told him to use he had chills running down his spine from that one for the whole day. He greatly listened to Tsunade when she told him what to do when practicing the super strength jutsu. When he was noting his progress, he was able to easily chip away at the cliff face, putting spiderweb cracks in it as well as chipping away pieces every time he struck. In fact, she said he was ready to add more chakra to each strike. "Alright Naruto, I think you are ready to add more chakra to your strikes. You have been able to add and control your chakra in every strike along the cliff face. Now I want you to shatter each boulder I make for you" Tsunade explained while Naruto stood eagerly in front of her while he had a set of clones doing the katas for Tsunade as she had a kage bunshin overseeing his that were practicing while water walking.
He still had a set with Shizune, studying the more advanced basics of medical ninjutsu, focused on muscles and bones. She and Tsunade hoped it would help him pick his strikes better when fighting an opponent like a Hyuga who leave their torso vulnerable when they strike. He also had a final set that was meditating to better get accustomed to his sensory ability while also doing the powder separation training for "multitasking" as Tsunade put it. Tsunade told him that by the final week she was going to start having him use it while dodging to start learning how to use it in combat.
"Create sixty kage bunshins and we shall get started" she ordered. Eager to get started, Naruto created the number she wanted as she did a few seals before slamming a palm on the ground and shouting "Doton: Daichidōkaku!" she shouted as an entire field of boulders raised out of the ground. Naruto and his clones took up spots in front of the risen boulders, waiting for her signal to begin. As Tsunade crossed her arms under her impressive bust, she gave a nod to begin, though Naruto was blushing when he noticed it. He quickly shook his head before getting started.
When the group finished lunch, Shizune had taken a set of bunshins to resume his medical studies, with two sets of fifty went to meditate and water walk with leaves encasing both of his arms, while Tsunade took the real Naruto. "Alright Naruto, it's time for dodge training. Are you ready?" Tsunade asked. Naruto nodded his head in affirmative. Tsunade smiled, "Okay. I'm going to be throwing any projectiles faster as well as any strikes will also be coming faster. There will be times I will use my enhanced strength, you will need to use your sensory ability to determine which strike is enhanced so you learn to use the ability in combat." Naruto nodded eagerly with a smile on his face in anticipation for Tsunade's training.
The dodge training had been going on for almost four hours now and Naruto was getting a little slower as Tsunade kept ramping up the intensity. Sweat was pouring down his brow as he took in gulps of air between each reprieve at this point. He dodged a quick side kick by jumping back, creating distance between himself and Tsunade. Much to his terror Tsunade used her incredible strength to rip a boulder out of the ground, which she hurled at him with insane speed. Naruto went wide eyed at the incoming projectile. From the speed it was traveling, he was quickly learning he couldn't dodge it. Firming his resolve, Naruto concentrated his chakra to his fist as he prepares to destroy the incoming projectile. Thanks to his inexcusably heavy chakra control training under Tsunade, gathering his chakra and releasing it was something he could do nearly on the fly. Naruto quickly channeled chakra to his fist in the time it took for the boulder to reach him. Naruto threw his fist forward to smash the boulder, only he was not expecting what accompanied his fist.
From his chest, following the path of his fist, were several spiked, golden glowing chains that had spear tips as the leading link on every chain. The chains assisted in utterly destroying the incoming projectile. This act stunned everyone. Tsunade went wide-eyed at what she saw the chains, while Shizune and his bunshins turned to the sound of the chains clinking as they extended. Naruto stared in awe at the chains that came from his chest. "Wow! This is so cool! Hey Tsunade Oba-san! What is this? Is it a kekkei genkai?" he asked in rapid fire. Tsunade stood frozen. Seeing a blonde with the chains she had known her niece, Kushina, to have. That along with his other features confirmed his parents to Tsunade.
While Naruto was enjoying his new power, Tsunade walked slowly toward the energetic blonde, eyes wide with robotic steps. Just as she reached him, his golden chains receded into his body. Naruto looked up, seeing Tsunade's expression he asked "Oba-chan? Are you okay?" Tsunade knelt down to his level, before pulling him into a powerful hug shocking Naruto. "Oba-san?" Tears ran down her cheeks, "We are not alone Naruto" she said through her tears. This shocked Naruto. "What do you mean Oba-chan?" Tsunade continued to hold Naruto close as she said the words that Naruto would never let go of, "I know who your parents are, in fact I am your biological Oba-san" Tsunade told him.
Naruto was shocked. He had family, the one thing he wanted above anything. Naruto slowly raised his arms, returning the hug Tsunade was giving him as his own tears began to flow. "C…can you tell me who my parents were?" he asked softly. Tsunade nods as she pulls away. "Your Kaa-san's name was Kushina Uzumaki" she started. "She was a tom boy, especially when pushed…" she started to tell him, effectively calling practice to a close for the two. As she talked, Naruto had somehow ended up in her lap with his back to her. She had to hold him tightly as he broke down when he was told that his Tou-san was the Yondaime.
Naruto was crying as he sat in Tsunade's lap. "Why?" he whispered. "Why did he seal the Kyuubi into me?" Tsunade held Naruto tightly, unsure of what to say that could alleviate the boy she held in her arms. Deciding to talk about how she knew him, Tsunade spoke. "They loved and trusted you above anyone else that could bare this burden. He and your Kaa-san loved you greatly. And while I believe Kushina would have never wanted you to carry the same burden she did, your Tou-san would have trusted you to be strong enough to handle it and from what I see he was right" she said as she kissed the top of his head. Naruto looked up at Tsunade with wide eyes as tears trickled down his cheeks. He latched onto the arms that were wrapped around his waist, holding them close. Tsunade leaned into his back while holding him tightly, showing as much comfort as she could to her oi.
After Naruto had calmed down, Tsunade continued to tell Naruto about his parents. "One skill your parents were highly proficient in was fuinjutsu. For your Kaa-san it was expected. After all, those of Uzumaki decent find themselves predisposed to learning the art, claiming that it comes naturally to them. Your Tou-san, who was not an Uzumaki, was just as proficient. So, who knows maybe you are too. Would you like to find out?" Naruto thought about it. If he was to study then he would be closer to his parents in some way. That was enough of an excuse for him to give him his answer. "YES!" he all but shouted with a vigorous nod. Tsunade began to pet his head, "Then we shall get started tomorrow" she tells him with a brilliant smile.
Despite Naruto learning about his parents, the day quickly came to a close. He was greatly worn out, falling asleep in Tsunade's arms. If he was awake, he would feel embarrassed from resting his head on Tsunade's bust. In spite of his position, Tsunade carried the sleeping blonde back to the hotel to lay him down to rest. As she carefully placed Naruto in the bed they shared, Tsunade went out of the hotel in a henge to gather the supplies for Naruto to begin learning fuinjutsu. If he has his parent's skill in the field, he could definitely learn a skill like applying seals with chakra in no time.
As she returned to the hotel, she noticed Naruto still asleep in bed, and based on what she could see he had presumably woken up to get ready for bed, while Shizune was coming out of the shower. "Ah Tsunade-sama" she said in a whisper, "the shower is free and ready for you." Tsunade gave a nod of appreciation and acknowledgment to her apprentice's statement before setting down her recent purchase and heading into the shower. When she came out, Tsunade noticed Shizune and Tonton had taken to their own bed and were breathing softly. She, herself climbed into bed, though this time she didn't bother to sleep a sheet above Naruto. Stroking his cheek lightly, she was surprised when he rubbed against her hand as a small smile seemed to form as he slept. Smiling lightly, Tsunade wrapped an arm around the boy, pulling him into herself, causing him to snuggle into her. Normally she would beat any man that would try what the sleeping blonde had done, however for him she merely kissed the top of his head before she too fell asleep. As she held him that night, the sensation that Tsunade has been feeling since she has met this boy was becoming stronger. Instead of reminding her of Dan it was stronger, making her more possessive of the young blonde.
The light of the morning sun had shown brightly through the now open window of the hotel room that Tsunade and Shizune were using. The light seemed to be able to find just the right spot to hit Tsunade in her eyes. Tsunade let out a low groan. In a low tone, "Shizune, close the curtain" she said as she attempted to shift away from the light only to feel something sniggling into her as she moved. With one eye cracked open she looked down to a mop of spikey, sun-kissed blonde hair. Recognizing who had this shade of blonde hair, Tsunade brought her head down as if to rub her nose in his soft hair as she maintained her hold on the young blonde, nearly falling back to sleep in the process.
Naruto had some light bleeding into the corner of his eyes. Trying to avoid the light and remain asleep, Naruto nestles into his warm pillows, one of which seems to be on top of his head though he wasn't going to complain if it blocked the light. Whatever he was snuggling in to made him feel warm and safe. This is one of the best sleeps he has had in a while, even more so than when he first snuggled into Tsunade. That thought nearly snapped him awake. This feeling, it's like when he snuggled into Tsunade's bosom the first time. If his intuition was correct… His heart began to race at the implications causing his face to heat up. Apparently, this was not a good thing as whatever he was up against pulled him closer, presumably for more warmth. With the comforting grip that was around him, Naruto resigned himself to the punishment he was set to receive.
It would be around another hour before Shizune would wake both her sensei and their shared pupil. Shizune approached the sleeping blonds. After seeing the two cuddling for two weeks now, the sight no longer was surprising to her as the first time she saw it. "Tsunade-sama, Naruto-kun it's time to wake up. The buffet is closing soon" she told the sleeping blondes. "Ugh… five more minutes Shizune" said Tsunade, sounding like she was nursing a hangover. "Uh huh" was Naruto's input. Shizune giggled behind her sleeve before she picked up Tonton and used her to nudge the two sleeping blondes. Tonton, getting the hint, used her nose to nudge the two blondes awake. Tsunade was the first to wake, and with her jostling Naruto was woken up. The groggy blondes met eye to eye causing the two to blush though neither were quick to separate. Giving the younger of the two blondes a head rub, Tsunade sat up with Naruto before encouraging him to get dressed so they could start the day.
The three, plus piglet, arrived at their usual training area, though admittedly later than usual. This was due to two blondes wanting to sleep in, though Shizune couldn't help but feel a little jealous at the budding couple. "Alright Naruto, since we are late for our usual training, we are going to be doing things a little differently today. We will be focusing on the manipulation of your chains. From what I remember of your Kaa-san and my Baa-chan using them, it was equal parts chakra control, which we have been doing and probably allowed you to spawn them, and concentration to control them. Both Kushina and Mito Baa-chan could alter their movement so that if an opponent dodged their chains, they could have the chain move to follow them, or even stop them to make sure an ally wouldn't be harmed."
Naruto was in awe of his Kaa-chan's skill and his … grandaunts? No matter. To hear their prowess with their chains, made him giddy to get started to surpass his family members. "Now to start your training, we will have you use one to two chains at a time, having them move in synch before we have you try to move them independently. The next step will be to have you walk while they are acting, since keeping you stationary will make you a sitting duck." Naruto barely managed to keep his excitement contained. If not for his prior training with Tsunade, he would be shouting and bouncing around until she clobbered him. Now however he was giddy to get started without doing something that would make a scene.
It was a few hours of training before lunch was called. As per the new norm, Naruto was sitting in Tsunade's lap as the four partook of their lunch. "You're doing great with your training Naru" commented Tsunade. Naruto let out a sigh, "I guess but so far, I can only get two chains to go in one direction. I can't get them to do separate actions" complained Naruto. Tsunade rubbed Naruto's head to comfort him. "Don't worry about that for now. I mean, you were able to use your chains to lift a log and move it to the other side of the river with barely any damage. Not any easy feat for someone who has just unlocked their kekkei genkai" praised Tsunade. Naruto's smile came back with her praise. "Well the day's not over. You'll see by the end of the day! I'll be able to have them move separately! Dattebayo!" cheered Naruto. Tsunade's smile grew from his declaration. "I have no doubt" she told him.
The middle of the week was closing fast. Naruto had kept his word to Tsunade, being able to create two chains that were capable of operating independently of each other. This success was met with high praise from both Tsunade and Shizune while Tonton was clapping for his success. This led to an event that surprised both older women. "Ne, Tsuande-chan! Can we go on a date tomorrow?" This question shocked both older women, though Tsunade was the most shocked. She hadn't been on a date since her fiancé had passed. Of all things to happen, she certainly hadn't expected Naruto to ask her on one. The feeling she had since she had been near the younger blonde made its presence known once again with this question. She tried her best to deny the feeling, not wanting to be hurt once again. "I'm sorry Naruto" she says weakly, closing her eyes to not see his down cast expression. "But I think we should focus on your training, after all you only have a week and a half until the finals."
Shizune, knowing how much this could help her master, especially with all the progress she has been making in improving her emotional health thanks to the young blonde decided to help. "Oh come now Tsunade-sama, surely one day of relaxation will do no harm. After all a day off can do wonders for recovery." Tsunade, now being pressed by her apprentice was not sure how to handle the situation. While she could continue to deny the request, it would only make her feel more conflicted. Within her were two sides, her fears saying that if she put herself out there again that she would be hurt once more and her heart pushing her to accept someone once more into her life and show her that she can have happiness.
As the two sides argued within, she could feel herself closing her senses off, not wanting to bare the pain once more. That is until she felt her hand gripping something warm. Looking to her hand, she saw that she had placed her hand once again on Naruto's spiky blonde hair. Despite the argument still raging within, it seemed her unconscious mind made the decision for her, find comfort in the blonde's presence. Tsunade took a deep breath through her nose, preparing herself to give an answer. She thought she would never say "yes" to anything like this since Dan passed. "Alright Naruto, we can go on a date tomorrow."
Naruto was awe struck. This was going to be his first date ever. He had asked out Sakura-chan several times only to be met with denial every time. Now here was this beautiful woman, the most beautiful he had ever seen, agreeing to go on a date with him. For this he did the only thing he could do. He let out a cheer of happiness. "YATA!" he shouted out with a fist raised in success. His cheer got him a smile from Shizune who was also happy that her master agreed to the date. She knows that Tsunade has been making stride with her emotional pain since being around Naruto, but if this goes well then maybe her heart can finally be healed.
Tsunade on the other hand had different feelings on the matter. 'I hope that I do not regret this, I don't think I can take another loss on this scale' thought a worried Tsunade. As the day came to a close and the promise of a date to come in the morning Tsunade had one major thing to iron out with Naruto. "Hey, Naruto" called Tsunade, getting the younger blonde's attention. "When we go out tomorrow, I will be doing so under a partial henge." This complete stunned the boy. He couldn't figure why she would do that. Unless she didn't want to be seen with him. Before these thoughts could take hold, Tsunade explained herself. "As you know, I am a celebrity across the village and if people see me, then we will have no privacy to ourselves which will spoil the mood as people interrupt us to talk to me. If we are going on a date, then I want it to be just us and no one spoiling the mood by trying to get in the middle of us."
Hearing her explanation sort of lifted his spirit. At least she wasn't embarrassed to be seen with him in public. "That being said," she continued "I will be only changing my hair color and hiding the mark on my forehead. I realize how bad it would be for your date to hide all of her appearance. After all you asked me not someone else" she stated with a smile. "Mhm" agreed Naruto. "Yeah I asked the prettiest woman in the world on a date after all" replied a cheerful Naruto. Tsunade once again found her cheeks dusted a little pink by the compliment. With a slight cough into her hand, the trio and piglet made their way back to the hotel.
"By the way" stated Tsunade "after your shower this evening I want to check your progress on the seal I told you to start making on your forehead. Your chakra control and super strength training don't appeared to be hampered by the multiple areas you are channeling chakra to, but I want to see how far along you are with it." Naruto gave an affirmative nod. "Hehehe well that's because I have the best sensei's as well as the prettiest" replied a cheerful Naruto.
Once his chakra control was at a desired level, as well as learning he was family, Tsunade had begun Naruto's instruction in one of her other original jutsu that used the Byakugo no In of the Uzumaki Clan, Sozo Saisei. The seal was created by having a user store vast amounts of their chakra in a single location, to which Tsunade advises as the forehead due to ease of channeling chakra there, where they form a seal to store the chakra to be used in the Sozo Saisei technique as well as its more advanced version, Ninpo Sozo Saisei – Byakugo no Jutsu. While using either would shorten the life span of the user, with the Kyuubi's chakra providing assistance Tsunade theorized that Naruto will not be affected by the adverse effects of using the jutsus, though Naruto was still a ways away from using the Ninpo Sozo Saisei – Byakugo no Jutsu. Also with his incredible reserves, despite only channeling chakra for a few days, he should have a fully formed seal by the end of the week.
The morning came all too soon for the sleeping blondes though unlike usual, Naruto was eager to start the day and enjoy it with Tsunade. Tsunade herself on the other hand … was trying to stay in bed with her blonde cuddle buddy. "Come on Tsunade-chan!" whispered an excited Naruto from between her valley, "We have a date today!" Tsunade in response merely rolled the two over so the sun was not peeking into her eyes "Mm just go back to sleep Naru" whispered a sleeping Tsunade. Really wanting to get their date started, Naruto had no idea what to do and was hoping Shizune would help him. Sadly, that did not happen and he fell back to sleep in Tsunade's arms for another hour or two until the older blonde woke up.
"Hey, Naruto" whispered a waking Tsunade as she shook his shoulder. "I thought you asked me on a date today" she whispered into his ear. This jolted the younger of the two awake, causing him to blink his eyes wearily as he stretched and said "Good morning Tsunade-chan."
"Good morning Naruto-kun. Don't stay in bed too long, I thought we had a date today" she reminded the droopy eyed blonde. The words registering in his head, Naruto hopped up like he was struck with caffeine. "That's right! I need to get dressed so I can take you out!" proclaimed an excited Naruto as he moved with the speed she had come to expect from the boy she was running ragged for over half a month.
When the two were ready for the day, and gama-chan was tucked into his pocket, Naruto and Tsunade set out for their date. For the henge Tsunade chose to use, she gave herself bright red hair while letting it flow down rather than tying it like she usually would. She also hid her Byakugo no In as that was the other distinguishing marker she had. Naruto himself thought that she more beautiful with her hair down like she had it. As they reached the streets of Konoha, it was nearing lunch time so Naruto decided to take Tsunade to his favorite place to eat.
As the two made their way to Ichiraku Ramen, some of the citizens they passed were questioning who the red-headed woman was. Naruto in meantime had the largest smile on his face while his hands were folded behind his head. He was happy that he was having his first date and with someone who showed that they cared about him. Tsunade was a nervous wreck on the inside. She was worried that if she enjoyed her time with Naruto that she would lose another she cares about. When the two reached the small stand Naruto called out. "Hey Ojisan! I hope you kept the ramen warm because I'm looking forward to the Food of Kami!"
Teuchi, the owner of the stand, turned to the person who called out to him. When he saw the young blonde he had fed since he was small, he called back to him. "Hey Naruto! Where have you been? I was beginning to think you didn't like our ramen anymore!" Naruto scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Hehehe, sorry Teuchi-ojisan. I've been training with Tsu-chan here!" he exclaimed while pointing at a henged Tsunade. Looking to the person he was pointing to Teuchi saw a beautiful woman standing next to his best customer. Putting his hand forward for a handshake, "Ah, well it is great to meet you Tsu-san. Hope this little guy hasn't been too bad for you. I know he can be a bit of a handful" laughed Teuchi. Naruto grumbled in response with his arms crossed and looking down. "Not really, in fact he has been a fantastic student" praised Tsunade getting both male's attention. "He gives his all in everything I teach him. Even when he doesn't understand, he has been willing to ask questions so he can better himself. In fact, he has even taken to learning fuinjutsu and iryo-ninjutsu very well for someone who had just began learning the arts" praised Tsunade as she rubbed Naruto's head affectionately.
Naruto smiled up at Tsunade's praise while a light dusting of pink appeared on his cheeks. Hearing the name of the young blonde, Teuchi's daughter, Ayame, came from the back to meet her otouto. "Hey Naruto!" she called cheerfully, "It's great to see you! Have you gotten taller?" Naruto grinned at his onee-chan. "Hehehe yep! It's all thanks to Tsu-chan. She got me eating more healthy to help me as a shinobi!" Tsunade nodded at his words, proud that he remembered what she taught him. "Yep. What was it I told you?" Naruto grinned as he replied, "That a good shinobi eats a balanced diet to be strong!"
"Well it's great to have you back" cheered Ayame. "So is this a 'free day' as one on a diet would put it?" Naruto cheerfully responded with the biggest smile any of them had ever seen, "Yep! It's a date!" cheered Naruto.
Teuchi and Ayame looked at the pair in shock. Based on the age difference between the two, their appeared to be at least a twelve-year age gap between them. "Umm Naruto … are you sure this is a date" asked Ayame. "Yep!" replied an enthusiastic Naruto. "But Naruto isn't she a little … for you?"
"I don't care about that onee-chan!" This earned a smile from Tsunade and a confused look from the father, daughter duo. "She is the most beautiful woman ever! She's strong, kind, and amazing in every way possible! I mean she is so strong she can make a canyon with a single punch!" replied a very excited Naruto.
The pair seemed skeptical about this. Ayame wanted to protest some more, but hearing how strong this woman was decided not to push the issue. If she is as strong as Naruto claimed while being as attached as he is … well she didn't want to consider the consequences of facing the woman. Teuchi was also skeptical. If she was a kunoichi, and based on Naruto's description she is, then Naruto could be at risk of being taken or killed by an enemy of the village. However, if she has been training him, then she couldn't be that bad. I mean what kidnapper trains their victim to better fight them off? If she did care for Naruto then she couldn't be that bad, especially with the way most of the villagers have treated the boy. "Okay Naruto, though I do appreciate it that you thought of bringing your date here" said Teuchi with a smile. "So, what will you and your date be having?" Naruto beamed as he and Tsunade took their seats on the stools. Tsunade would have wanted Naruto in his now usual position when they eat. Sadly however, the counter and seats would not allow for it. "I'll have one pork ramen with extra cutlets to start!"
"I'll have a miso ramen with extra Naruto" said Tsunade with a grin. "Hehehe alright I'll get those right out" responded Teuchi.
The pair spent their time in the ramen stand regaling each other with some of their mission stories. The few stories that Tsunade regaled him with were the ones that the history texts that Shizune and herself had gone over with him didn't mention. She talked about how his team was similar to hers though she never had feelings for team's rookie of the year. She was very careful to not use names to keep her identity a secret, for now. She told him about the time when she and her team were pinned down by some Iwa shinobi. One wanted to leave the injured teammate behind so they could escape, but she argued with him the entire time she was healing her injured teammate. She even went out of her way to threaten to kill him since he was talking like an enemy. Naruto was in awe of Tsunade's resolve. Raving about how amazing she was to save her teammate while standing up to the other which made Tsunade happy and have butterflies flood her stomach from the praise.
Naruto told her about how he befriended Konohamaru which got him a punch to the head for making his perverted jutsu, even if she had to admit that it did work. He also told Tsunade of his mission to wave. Tsunade held her breath each time when he mentioned when he nearly died on the mission. Their was the time that he was nearly killed by the Demon Brothers, the time he was punted by Zabuza, and held in Haku's mirrors. Though she did get angry when he told her that it took an "A" ranked mission for his team to learn Tree Walking. She was so mad that she radiated a threatening aura that seemed to scare everyone within fifteen meters of her but Naruto. He told her about Inari's rant about how he didn't know about suffering. What really got under his skin was that he spent his time crying rather than pushing forward. Tsunade internally winced at that. She was much the same way before she met Naruto. Drowning her sorrows in alcohol and gambling before she met him. He then told her about how he heroically saved Inari and Tsunami from two brutes that tried to kidnap them. Then he told her about the fight on the bridge and how he thought he lost Sasuke. He even told her about how he made his nindo based on Haku's devotion to his precious person. By the time they finished their stories, Naruto paid the bill and the couple left the restaurant.
After their date at Ichiraku the pair made their way to a spot Tsunade used to visit when she lived in the village. The couple were stopped however when a shout was directed toward them. "Hey boss!" Behind them, Konohamaru had called out to Naruto as he and his friends ran up to the two. "Hey boss who's that?" asked Konohamaru. "This" said Naruto pointing to Tsunade "is…" He was cut off by Tsunade. "Hello, I am Mito, it's a pleasure to meet you" she said as she looked down to the three children. "So you are this Konohamaru I have heard about from Naruto-kun." The two shinobi looked behind Konohamaru, "Hey Kono, who are your friends?" Coming back to his senses from looking at Tsunade with a shake of his head, he gave a signal for his friends to introduce themselves. "I'M MOEGI! THE PRETTIEST GIRL IN PRESCHOOL! CHECK ME OUT!" The other boy went next "I LOVE MATH! I'M UDON" Despite being known by the two shinobi, Konohamaru continued, "THE MOST BRILLIANT SHINOBI IN THE VILLAGE! KONOHAMARU!" In unison they concluded their introduction. "TOGETHER THE THREE OF US ARE … THE KONOHAMARU CORP!" they shouted as they took up Super Sentai poses.
An awkward moment of silence passed before Moegi broke it when she fully took in the henged Tsunade's appearance. "Wow you're really pretty!" This got the girl a smile from Tsunade. "Yeah, she is quite big" giggled Konohamaru as his gaze was a little lower than Moegi. Naruto, taking great offense to Konohamaru leering at Tsunade proceeded to smack him in the back of his head before Tsunade got the chance to beat the growing pervert out of him. "Hey! What was that for boss!?"
"You were acting like a pervert towards Mito-chan! Don't do that!" he shouted defensively. "Why? Is she your girlfriend or something?" Tsunade had her eyes closed and a look of annoyance on her face though there was the slightest hint of pink dusting her cheeks that three academy students weren't going to notice while Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Well, we are on a date" he said with a large smile. The three gaped in shock. Naruto tried to snap them out of it but the three seemed stunned to the core no matter what he did. With no way of waking the three stunned children, he and Tsunade continued on their date.
The pair made their way to a spot Tsunade used to visit when she lived in the village. To Naruto's surprise they were in a lush garden of flowers that rolled over several hill, making the place seem like something of a dream. "Come on Naru-kun, there is a perfect spot I used to lay and watch the clouds to enjoy the calm" she said as she dragged him along. The two stayed there, laying near ear to ear as they watched the clouds. As the warm sun beat down on the budding couple, the serenity of the moment caused them to fall asleep in the field.
It would be a few hours before the couple would awake. As they stretched Naruto positioned himself to lean against Tsunade's back. Feeling him pressing into her, she placed her hand over his giving it a light squeeze. They both smiled at the contact. "Hey, Naruto."
"Hmm?"
"I want to give you a new technique. This is one that me and my teammates are known for" she said as she stood to her feet, bringing Naruto with her. They turned to face each other, "Are you talking about summoning?!" asked an excited Naruto. Tsunade nodded her head before going through some hand signs and biting her thumb. Once she slammed her hand on the ground, a complicated seal array formed from the point of contact followed by a puff of smoke. When the smoke cleared, Naruto was greeted to the sight of a horse sized slug. The slug was a soft magenta with butterscotch orange stripes that ran along its length. Naruto was in awe. He had never seen a summon before so he was practically on cloud nine. Slowly the slug began to cough something up. It seemed to be the end of a large scroll. When the scroll left its mouth, Tsunade unfurled it in front of Naruto. She placed the large scroll on the ground, allowing Naruto to see some of the signatures of the contract signers like Tsunade and Shizune. Naruto looked back up at Tsunade, a silent question in his eyes. "Yes Naruto. I would like you to sign the slug contract. I believe that with your current chakra levels and control you should be able to summon one twentieth of Katsuyu" stated a confident Tsunade.
Naruto began to tear up slightly. This is the second gift he has received with the first being his green goggles he used to wear that he received from Teuchi and Ayame. From his lessons with Shizune, he learned how closely guarded summon contracts were, so to receive one was a great honor and seen as a gift from the one who is the current holder. Tsunade brought Naruto into a hug, which he returned, and rested her forehead in his hair as he let lose a small amount of tears. When Naruto calmed down, he proceeded to sign the contract with Tsunade's instructions. "Sign your name in the column next to Shizune in blood. When that is done, seal it by placing the bloody fingerprints of the hand you wish to use to cast the jutsu with. Be sure to place them all at once." With the contract signed, the two waited until it dried before it was rolled back up. "Now Naruto, I want you to try and summon Katsuyu. Channel your chakra to your hand and once it makes contact with the surface you slam your hand on release it all at once, like how you preform the enhanced strike, understand?" Naruto gave a nod of affirmation before taking a few steps away from Tsunade.
When he was a few paces away, Naruto went through the hand signs Tsunade had shown him, biting his thumb and slamming his hand on the ground with a cry of "KUCHIYOSE NO JUTSU!" A seal array formed followed by a puff of smoke. When it cleared Naruto was standing atop a Katsuyu that was one twentieth her full size. Naruto looked down to see his success. He let out a loud cheer while Tsunade looked up with a smile, happy that Naruto succeeded. She touched the gem around her neck. 'Maybe…just maybe' she thought. Katsuyu looked to the top of her head, seeing the short blonde dancing on her head. "You must be the new summoner" she said causing Naruto to stop his dancing and address Katsuyu. "Yeah I am! It's great to meet you Katsuyu!"
"I am happy to see Tsunade-sama is opening to others and taking another apprentice."
"Yeah she's great!" praised Naruto with a blush. Tsunade herself couldn't hear Naruto's response but if she guessed his answer to Katsuyu's question, it made her blush.
"Well I look forward to working with you. Call me when you have need of me Naruto-san. When you have a free moment, you may also call me so I may go over the abilities I possess with you, or you can ask Tsunade-sama if you wish." Naruto gave it a thought before Tsunade spoke up. "Sorry Katsuyu, but that lesson will have to wait for tomorrow. He needs his rest so that he may give his all in his training for the Chunin exam finals that are set a week and a half away" spoke Tsunade. Katsuyu looked down towards Tsunade. "Of course Tsunade-sama. I apologize if I am taking up your time" apologized Katsuyu. "Do not worry about it Katsuyu. You have nothing to apologize for. We called you and I am happy that Naruto-kun was able to summon you at the same size I can." Katsuyu noticed Tsunade's smile. 'I am happy to see you smile again Tsunade-sama' thought Katsuyu. "Very well Tsunade-sama. Please call for me when you have need of me" said Katsuyu as she bowed, letting Naruto off before she went back to Shikkotsu Forest. Naruto looked up at Tsunade, a big smile on his face. Tsunade returned the smile with one of her own before pulling him into a hug which he returned. "You did great Naruto-kun! You pulled off a feat that not many can emulate" she praised. After receiving a bigger smile from Naruto, "Of course, you're the greatest sensei ever!" the two held hands as they returned to the hotel to close out the day, with Tsunade cuddling with Naruto as they slept.
It was coming down to the wire. The time left before the final round of Chunin Exams was but a few days. To say Tsunade and Shizune were impressed by Naruto's progress would be an understatement. Within the time span of a month Naruto had managed to make up most of what he missed in his time in the academy and become competent with his medical training to be classified as a Nurse's Assistant, and create storage seals perfectly. As the sun approaches noon, Shizune was seated at the side of the river watching Naruto spar with Tsunade once again on the river as she held Tonton in her arms.
"Naruto-kun has come a long way, huh?" Shizune asked. "Oink!" was the response she got from the pig. Naruto threw a hard, flying punch towards Tsunade's face, which she deftly dodged. As Naruto's fist flew past her face, Tsunade delivered a heavy elbow strike to Naruto's face. With his improved chakra control, Naruto was able to perform a seal less kawarimi with a cluster of river rocks. Despite striking a cluster of rocks, the enhanced strike carried with it a massive amount of explosive force turning the rocks into a cluster of projectiles. As the stones landed with a crash, Naruto set forth a flurry of chains to ensnare Tsunade. Feeling the chains coming from her blind spot, Tsunade weaved through the attack. As she expanded the distance between the two of them, she grabbed a stone from the river. As she spun around one of the chains, she threw the smooth stone with such force and precision that when it struck Naruto in the forehead it knocked off his hitai-ate. Being stunned from the strike, Naruto's chains wavered in their assault which Tsunade took full advantage of. She rushed forward at breath taking speeds that even a Jonin like Shizune was hard pressed to follow. When she came to a stop, her fist was less than a centimeter from Naruto's face as a rush of wind blew past them, throwing up a decent sized wave and wake in the river. As he saw the fist coming, Naruto closed his eyes in anticipation for the hit that would no doubt send him flying. However instead of a fist, he felt a light touch on his forehead before he was lightly pushed back.
Opening his eyes as he stepped back, Naruto saw Tsunade smirking at him with her right index finger pointed toward him. Placing her hand on her hip, Tsunade began to critique his performance. "You did good though why did you use so many chains?" she asked with a quirked eyebrow. Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly "Well I was hoping to overwhelm you before you could retaliate." Letting out a sigh, Tsunade continued, "While good in concept, making so many is impractical. You made so many you became a stationary target. As a medic or being a shinobi in general, staying stationary is not a good position to be in. As I showed you just now, a stationary target is a dead target" she reprimanded. Naruto looked down to the river in shame. Before his negative thoughts could rear their ugly head Tsunade elaborated further. "If you were setting up a barrier or even tying something like a biju down then it would not have been as bad a decision. However, if you are going to implore such a tactic you need someone to distract your target for you. If you had used your kage bunshins as well then you may have more success" she advised.
Taking the suggestion to heart, Naruto kept the strategy in his mind of later use. To continue her critique, she had him take a seat on top of the river. "Now for a confrontation with a foe who is faster than you, keep to your six chains. When you use them keep at least two near you to act as deterrents to opponents or even as shields in the event someone gets to close, similar to that Gaara kid. Your chains are both strong and fast with the bonus of being able to shut down an opponent's chakra. Don't be afraid to take advantage of this to land a devastating blow on an opponent they catch." Naruto gave a nod at each point she made.
He was curious about something though. "Ne, Tsunade-chan. How come that rock felt more solid. I mean it didn't like, explode into dust when it hit me?" Tsunade gave a smile at that. His eagerness to learn has become more manageable since they have been able to calm the storm that is his chakra. "That was elemental manipulation, specifically Doton. I am sure you remember your lecture on nature transformations from Shizune?" Naruto gave a nod. "Yeah, there are five primary and many kekkei genkai versions that combine elements for different transformations like Hyoton from Haku" replied Naruto.
"Very good. Now what I did was a basic elemental transformation where I imbued an object with the chakra of an element, in this case Doton, where the object took on the properties of that element. Like making the rock sturdier." Naruto was in awe at this point. He was really hyped to start this kind of training. "Ne! Tsunade-chan can I start my elemental manipulation training?! Can I?!" Naruto asked as he was bouncing on the top of the river, causing small waves as he got more excited. Tsunade put a hand on his head to keep him from bouncing. "Not today Naru-kun" she told him. Naruto looked nearly crest fallen.
"The finals are less than two days away. I told you that today were are going to be sparring and reviewing the skills you have learned this month while tomorrow is a day of rest and clearing your mind. However, after the exams we can begin your elemental manipulation training, okay?" While sad that he can't start his elemental training today, he was more than excited to learn that he can start it after the exams.
Thinking about the finals and Tsunade's aversion to being seen, Naruto asked a question. "Tsunade-chan? Are you, Shizune-sensei and Tonton going to be there?" Tsunade thought about the question. On one hand she didn't want to stay in Konoha. The scars she has of losing her clan and lover to the wars Konoha was a part of weighed on her. On the other hand, her time with Naruto had taken away a lot of this pain. She slept better, did not feel the need to bury herself in her vices, and according to Shizune was smiling more. She knew she couldn't bring Naruto with her if she left. He was also the only biological family she had left. Could she leave that?
Shizune herself was curious about the answer to the question. If they stayed, it would mean that they would have a permanent home once again. It could also mean that Tsunade could fully heal the scars that plagued her mind and heart of Konoha. Tsunade came to a conclusion, one marked by a near imperceptible twitch of her lips that Shizune almost missed. "That will be something you will have to see" replied Tsunade. Shizune could tell what her answer was from what she saw but chose not to say anything. Naruto though looked a little sad. He was hoping to beat Neji not just to avenge Hinata but to show his Oba-chan that her time training him was time well spent. "Naruto, let's get back to it. We still have a lot of time to practice before we call the day to a close" she reminded. Not wanting to end the day on a sour note, Naruto stood once again, ready to bring his A game when he fights Tsunade. "Yeah! Let's go!" he shouted as he leapt to his feet.
Naruto was nearly dead on his feet. He had been sparring with Tsunade nearly all day and she wasn't taking it easy on him. Every time he made a move, she made sure to point out the holes in his guard while leveling devastating strikes at him that shook the ground with each blow. He wasn't entirely helpless, however. He took her suggestion about using his chains with his kaga bunshins into account, employing that strategy whenever he used more than six chains. At one point she did a henge when the area was covered in smoke. Not knowing who to strike allowed Tsunade to dispel the bunshins all at once by washing the clones away with a Suiton jutsu.
When they talked after the jutsu subsided she told him, "When you find yourself in a situation where you cannot locate your enemy, don't be afraid to utilize your sensory ability. We trained it well, so use it if you need to." Naruto had complained for a while after that one. Berating himself for not using a skill that they found that could literally allow him to see individuals by their chakra, showing him a person's shape based on what their chakra showed him. He could even feel the overall personality of a person when using it as well as where they are molding their chakra. Once he was done smacking his forehead they had gotten back to it.
With the last of his strength, Naruto charged Tsunade, channeling the last of his chakra to his feet for a strong push to fly at her. Tsunade was not surprised by this move. She had seen him do it a few times before so she prepared herself. Instead of launching a punch, Naruto threw an upward kick. Though surprised, Tsunade reacted quickly by blocking low before forcing his foot down to the water. She followed up with a quick finger strike to his forehead knocking his hitai-ate off once again. As tired as he was, he could only brace himself for the incoming strike. Instead of being struck, he felt something being placed around his neck. Opening his eyes, he saw Tsunade bent down in front of him, bringing the two face to face. She gave him a heartfelt smile before placing a hand over his chest. It was then he felt something hard being pressed on his chest. Before he could look down Tsunade spoke to him. "Remember this Naruto, I am trusting you with this. I believe in you" she told him. Naruto looked at her with wide eyes but she wasn't done talking. "You are a fine man. I'm sure you will be a great Hokage too!" With that she grabbed his chin with her index and thumb, pulling his face up a bit. The next thing to happen left him, Tonton, and Shizune gob smacked. She pulled him into a kiss.