Over the next few weeks, Naruto, Kaito, and Jiraiya continued their training. Jiraiya's eccentric ways remained as ever, offering Naruto some much-needed guidance in his progress, though he spent much of his time bouncing between the two brothers, pushing them to refine their strengths. Kaito, however, also found himself spending a lot of time with Uyu, learning and refining his own jutsu and strategies, slowly becoming an even more potent force. Yet, despite the constant hustle of training, Kaito couldn't shake the lingering thoughts in his mind.
One evening, after a particularly long day, Kaito found himself standing in the training grounds with Jiraiya. The setting sun bathed the area in a warm orange glow, but there was a heavy silence between them. Naruto had gone off with Sakura and Sasuke, leaving Kaito alone with the older man. Jiraiya, his usual exuberant self, had a softer look in his eyes, as if something on his mind weighed him down.
"You've done a lot for Naruto, Kaito," Jiraiya spoke finally, breaking the silence. His voice was much less playful, his tone more somber than Kaito was used to. "You've taken care of him in ways I couldn't even imagine. I… I just wanted to thank you."
Kaito's gaze shifted, his arms folding across his chest. He didn't immediately respond, knowing Jiraiya had likely been dealing with guilt over not being there for Naruto earlier in life. Kaito's mind wandered to the subject, his thoughts shifting back to his own origins—the family he had, how Naruto had created them, and how the world around them had unfolded.
Sighing softly, Kaito spoke, his voice carrying a weight of understanding that he hadn't felt until now. "Naruto wouldn't have needed to create himself—or his parents—if you had been there for him, Jiraiya," Kaito said quietly. His words were not meant to blame but to speak a truth he had come to realize during their time together.
Jiraiya's expression faltered slightly at the statement, as if struck by a sharp realization. He stared at Kaito, searching his face for any sign of anger or resentment. But Kaito's expression remained neutral, his thoughts far from the harshness his words might imply. Kaito understood that Jiraiya had been absent, but he also understood that there were reasons for it—reasons that didn't diminish the impact on Naruto's life.
"I never meant for it to go that way…" Jiraiya murmured, his voice low. "I wasn't there when he needed me. I didn't… I couldn't be. But hearing you say that, I realize how much more I could've done for him."
Kaito's gaze softened. "It wasn't just about being there physically," he said. "Naruto needed someone to guide him, someone who cared, someone who would make him feel like he wasn't alone. I don't blame you for being gone. You were doing what you thought was right, but the damage was done when Naruto had to figure it all out on his own."
Jiraiya looked away for a moment, struggling with the guilt that his words had stirred. He had always known that he had failed Naruto in some way—whether it was a failure of presence, guidance, or simply the time lost. Now, it seemed like the truth was staring him in the face.
"I understand, Kaito," Jiraiya said after a long pause. "But it doesn't change the fact that I'm here now. I can still be a part of his life. And that's what matters. I can help him now, even if it's late."
Kaito nodded, understanding that Jiraiya's regret wasn't going to solve anything, but his actions moving forward could still make a difference. He wasn't expecting Jiraiya to fix everything, but it was good to know that the older man was trying.
"Naruto doesn't need perfection," Kaito said softly. "He just needs people who care, and you've got that in you. Just… don't waste any more time."
Jiraiya met Kaito's eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I won't," he promised, the sincerity in his words reflecting a shift in his mindset. "I'll do everything I can to make it right."
Kaito gave a nod and turned away, the evening air growing cooler as the sun finally set. They both stood there for a moment, the weight of the conversation lingering between them. And though the road ahead was uncertain, Kaito felt that, perhaps, Jiraiya had finally understood what he had missed. Maybe now, Naruto could get the family he deserved, not just the one he created.
The final rounds of the Chunin Exams were upon them. The arena was packed with spectators from all over the village, the air buzzing with excitement. The tension was palpable as the final matches were about to begin. Naruto stood in the waiting area with his team, his expression serious, though his mind was sharp as ever. He had trained hard, prepared well, and now it was time to face his next challenge.
His opponent in the first match was Neji Hyuga, one of the most prodigious members of the Hyuga clan and a skilled user of the Byakugan. Neji had always considered himself superior to those who didn't possess the same innate abilities, and Naruto knew this would be a test of both his physical and mental strength. But Naruto wasn't going to back down. He was ready.
The announcer called for the first match to begin. The crowd roared in anticipation as the gates to the arena opened, and Naruto and Neji stepped forward, both preparing for their fight. Neji stood tall, his confident stance belying the intense focus behind his eyes. On the other hand, Naruto seemed calm but alert, his mind already calculating his moves.
"Don't get cocky just because you've made it this far," Neji's voice rang out coldly. "You're just a lucky fool who hasn't faced someone like me."
Naruto smirked. "We'll see about that."
The fight began with Neji taking the first move. He charged forward, using his Byakugan to see Naruto's every movement with precision. He aimed a swift strike to Naruto's chakra points, hoping to disable him quickly. But Naruto was ready. He immediately activated his Chimera-gan, his single eye scanning Neji's movements, reading his attacks with perfect clarity.
As Neji struck, Naruto dodged with ease, his body flowing like water as he evaded each precise blow. Neji was fast, but Naruto had something he didn't: strategy. Naruto had spent months training with his brothers and Uyu, honing his tactical mind and ability to analyze opponents. He wasn't just relying on his physical strength—he was outthinking Neji every step of the way.
Neji's strikes were fast, each one designed to disrupt Naruto's chakra flow, but Naruto wasn't as easy to hit as he appeared. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a swarm of ants, using them to create a smokescreen around himself. Neji's Byakugan let him see through it, but it gave Naruto the chance to move unpredictably.
"Is that the best you can do?" Neji taunted, raising an eyebrow.
Naruto grinned. "I'm just getting started."
With a swift motion, Naruto clapped his hands together and summoned a large, thick layer of armor made from cells, covering his body. He then shaped it into jagged, spike-like protrusions, turning his entire body into a defensive fortress. Neji's eyes narrowed as he realized that his usual methods might not work as well on this armored form.
Neji lunged forward, aiming to strike Naruto's vulnerable points, but each blow was absorbed by the armor. Naruto, in turn, used the spikes to his advantage, closing the distance and forcing Neji to back up. He had trained himself to fight against opponents who specialized in taijutsu, and Neji's own style was no match for Naruto's unpredictability.
Neji, however, wasn't one to give up so easily. With a focused glare, he activated his powerful "Eight Trigrams Palm Rotation," aiming to create a defensive barrier around himself. The air around Neji began to hum with energy as he spun rapidly, creating a cyclone of chakra meant to blow Naruto away.
But Naruto didn't panic. Instead, he smirked, manipulating his cells to form a massive pair of wings. The wings flapped with immense power, cutting through the air to block the full force of Neji's rotation. It didn't stop the technique entirely, but it gave Naruto the space to close the distance again. Neji's face tightened with frustration as he realized this fight wasn't going to be as easy as he had thought.
With Neji now on the defensive, Naruto began to use his Chimera-gan in more creative ways. He summoned a monstrous, serpentine creature made from the cells of various animals he had absorbed in his training. It shot forward, coiling around Neji's body and constricting his movements. Neji struggled against the creature, trying to break free, but the longer he fought, the more distracted he became.
Naruto was thinking three steps ahead, and that's when he decided to end it. He summoned a sharp, jagged sword from the cells he had manipulated, forming it from his own chakra. With a swift, precise strike, he aimed for Neji's chest, stopping just inches away. The crowd gasped as Naruto's blade hovered, knowing that this was the end.
Neji's eyes widened as he realized that Naruto had outsmarted him, and despite his superior techniques, he was now caught. The tension was thick, but Naruto held his ground. With a steady breath, he lowered his sword.
"You were good, Neji. But not good enough," Naruto said, his voice calm but resolute.
The referee called for the match to end, declaring Naruto as the winner. The crowd erupted into applause, shocked by the display of raw talent, strategy, and strength that Naruto had shown. Neji, visibly frustrated but impressed, was helped off the stage.
Naruto's heart raced, but he couldn't help but grin. This was the beginning. He had proven something not just to Neji, but to himself. His Chimera-gan, his strategic mind, and his ability to adapt had carried him through once again.
As Naruto stood in the center of the arena, the audience's cheers ringing in his ears, he felt a surge of determination. The Chunin Exams were far from over, but with his mind sharper than ever and his skills more refined, Naruto was ready for whatever came next.