Chapter 45
10 months later...
Location: Fodlan, Church of Seiros
Edelgard waved out at the thousands gathered below her balcony as her speech finally concluded and the priests next to her presented her with the robes now befitting her new title of many.
Archbishop, Emperor, Demon Slayer, God's Rightful Heir, The Ascended One—every title read by Seteth were ones attributed to her through deeds orchestrated by their plans, yet her title as Emperor was the only one she believed she'd rightfully earned. Despite her misgivings about truth and fabrications, the facts were facts.
She was now the people's champion, a symbol of both hope and fear to those who believed in her and opposed her, and a light to all those lost in the dark. Those Who Slither in the Dark were down to single digits, and the rebellion that had kicked off due to their failed efforts was all but quashed. The Church of Seiros had started implementing change, and those who would seek to hamper their progression have either joined her cause, fled like the rats they were, or fell to the 'Demon'.
It was done.
All their plans bore fruit, and everything was on track for the final phase—a phase that would take years to finally put into place and bring true peace to Fodlan.
With an exaggerated turn, her new arm cape fluttered as she walked into the bedroom formerly belonging to the late Archbishop and out of the people's sights. She heard the balcony window behind her click, leaving her and Seteth in the room along with three others who sat patiently around the room.
In spite of what was deemed cordial when it came to greeting the most important one in the room, her gaze landed on the blonde sitting on her bed first.
As if there were some sort of spell cast, her heart began to pump faster and her smile became brighter. The experience was slightly diminished due to the brunette currently lying across her bed with her head in his lap while rhythmically tossing a ball in the air. She'd feel more if she didn't think either of them understood or even cared for propriety when it came to courtship.
"You looked good out there. Real leader-like," Naruto's voice met her ear, voice casual but warm.
Edelgard felt the faint heat of happiness return to her at even the slightest praise from him, though she was far too disciplined to let it show. "Thank you, though the thanks must go to you all. I wouldn't be here without everyone's efforts."
"Think nothing of it." The former Archbishop spoke from her seat at the coffee table. "Change was far overdue. I'm just happy that my successor is a woman like yourself, Archbishop Edelgard. Or should I call you Emperor? Maybe Demon Slayer Edelgard is more to your liking."
"Edelgard, just Edelgard will do." The Emperor addressed, shutting down the former Archbishop's teasing. "After everything we've been through, formality is a needless barrier, even if you mean it in jest."
"Speaking of which, how does it feel to be dead?" Naruto inquired towards Rhea who hummed.
"In a word, freeing. I can do as I please without fear of judgment or responsibility. It is a feeling I have not felt in centuries."
"And what is it that you will do now?" Edelgard asked, the former Archbishop's future already having been discussed previously following her planned 'death' to the Scourge.
"My place is no longer here. I shall give guidance if needed, but Seteth and Flayn shall continue seeing to our plans."
"Understandable," Edelgard reasonably acknowledged. Her gaze then turned to the brunette still entertaining herself in the blonde's lap. "What about you, Miss Eisner? What will you do until our final operation?"
Catching the ball, the revealed Eisner peered into the ceiling for a while, seemingly thinking on the answer with a face that was not her own. The magic from the world of Shinobi truly was both fascinating and terrifying if one could change their appearance so easily.
"Don't know, really." Was her honest answer, which wasn't entirely unexpected. Those Who Slither in the Dark were no longer a threat and nearly all of their opposition had been dealt with, which meant she had all but served her purpose until their final confrontation to solidify Edelgard's position in this world. She was a wanted fugitive worldwide, which meant she would never know peace in these lands. There was only one logical option, one which Edelgard wouldn't readily advocate.
Unfortunately for her, the one she wished to court volunteered where for once she preferred his silence.
"You could just go with Seiros to live with Fū and Pops. They have the room."
Byleth looked up to the blonde from her current position, their closeness making Edelgard's hand clench into a fist for the briefest of moments—an action only caught by the former Archbishop.
"You sure?" She asked the question towards the blonde before turning to look at the former Archbishop as well.
"We would be honored to have you. This would not be possible without you, after all." Rhea confirmed with a smile that held more than just kindness.
Byleth looked up, seemingly pondering the idea before replying, "Fine by me."
"It is decided then." The former Archbishop stood from her chair, a smile on her face as she looked to Naruto. "Care to send us back?"
"Sure," at his reply, Byleth sat up from her spot and walked over to take the Archbishop's hand. Just before the blonde could send them back, she gazed back at him. "Make sure to stop by before you return to your village."
Naruto gave a nod of confirmation before sending the two women away in a puff of smoke.
"I'll be taking my leave as well. There is much Flayn and I must do following your coronation." Seteth informed, getting a proper acknowledgement from the remaining teens before he headed towards the door. The door shut behind him, leaving the Emperor and the blonde alone for the first time in what felt like ages.
The moment the door closed, Edelgard claimed her rightful seat next to her interest, taking the opportunity given by her fellow co-conspirators.
"How have you been? I apologize for the lack of contact. I've had little time to myself as of late." She started, her gaze focused solely on the blonde as if he were the only one in the world.
"Busy is the word." Naruto joked. "Not as busy as you, though, seeing as you've basically become the centerpiece of a shift in history. Far more important than kicking around Genin."
"I would never deign to belittle your duty. You work just as hard, if not harder." Edelgard countered.
"I'm just stating facts. Yours is more-" he suddenly paused, blinked twice, then continued. "So, the new look suits you."
The Emperor couldn't stop the giggle that left her lips. "I take it Lady Sothis wasn't pleased with our topic?"
"No..." There was a moment of silence "Yes, but that's only because she's nosey. Hasn't trying to influence our relationship since she first met you."
"YOU FILTHY TRAITOR!"
Edelgard could hear the shout of the Goddess despite being inside the blonde's head, which made her amusement return in full. "I suppose it is comforting having a companion present at all times." She said.
Unfortunately, the blonde didn't seem to agree. "It's all cool until she begins to nitpick at every little thing you do. 'Why are you wearing that?' or 'We are not eating Ramen for the 3rd day in a row.' or 'Clean up after yourself, you buffoon.' It gets annoying."
Edelgard smiled, her gaze softening as she leaned slightly closer. "It seems even gods aren't above nagging. However, she does make valid points. Cleaning up after yourself and taking care of your body is a serious concern. She just wants the best for you. You are, after all, important to many of us."
Her comment had the effect of the blonde looking away while scratching the back of his head, a nervous tick she'd come to recognize.
"Whatever..."
His awkwardness was adorable.
"I don't believe you've ever told me about your trainees. What are they like?" She changed the subject, getting her interest to do this funny thinking pose with his arms crossed, head tilted to the side, and his eyes closed. It was fascinating how even the smallest of things he did gave her such a pleasant feeling.
"I guess I'll start with the academy. I thought they were all stupid at first. On the first day, we played a game of tag, but they were kinda slow. Like, really slow. Tripped over each other and everything. Was pretty funny actually. They're all characters too. Shino is weird, and really likes bugs. Ino is pretty, but really loud and obsessed with flowers and her hair. Kiba is a hothead with dog breath. Shikamaru is lazy, but really smart. Chōji is always eating, but gets really mad when you call him fat. Then there's the three I train outside the academy. Hinata is the sweet one, even if she is a dirty thief. Sakura is smart, but a fan girl with an attitude. And Sasuke is the most skilled but is an emo who hates me for some reason. I feel like I'm missing someone..."
He paused again before shaking his head.
"Anyway, they all used to suck, but they don't now. Most of the class either graduated or quit. The three I personally trained are currently on a mission in wave with Kakashi-san, the silver-haired guy we were with back at the cabin. Been at least 2 weeks since I've seen them. Wouldn't be surprised if they were getting into trouble."
Despite of his words, there was no real vitriol in his tone when speaking on their faults. Edelgard would even go as far as saying there was a subtle pride hidden beneath his casual words. It was clear how much he cared for his students, flaws and all, and how deeply invested he was in their growth.
"It sounds to me like you really enjoy your time teaching them." She pointed out.
"It has its ups and downs. It was just a means to an end, but not gonna lie, its kinda fun throwing them around."
Edelgard's smile became slightly less genuine at the last part.
"It is never wise to abuse your subordinates. Such actions can have dire consequences in the future." She warned him.
"Maybe here, but not with shinobi. If you're not being hard on them, then they become cocky in the real work. The only thing worse than a cocky comrade is a dead one. I get to blow off some steam, and they get field experience. Equivalent exchange." He finished in a lecturing tone, nose up and finger pointed to add to the dramatic flair that made her laugh.
"Fine, I will concede to that logic only because you know the intricacies of your world better than I. And speaking of, what of your agreement with your leader? Hokage, was it?" She brought up their most recent conversation regarding his eventual succession and plans for the world at large.
Unlike before, his expression was strained, as if the topic caused him discomfort.
"We've been working on things. He's been showing me the ropes on politics, but I don't understand a lot of it. It'll all loops holes, wordplay, and other deceptive things that are sometimes too confusing to follow. If I'd known changing the world would be so convoluted, I'd probably have followed a different dream."
"And if you'd done that, you'd likely not be the silent, caring, and headstrong man that we all have come to love." The Emperor countered in slight amusement before continuing. "Change is never simple. It requires patience, perseverance, and compromise. The world you envision won't come easily, but it is one worth striving for, is it not?"
"Coming from someone who's basically writing history, I guess I should take that advice."
Edelgard giggled at his response.
"You should. And if there's anything I can do to help, you only need to ask. I'm sure there are a few pointers I can give to an inexperienced heir like yourself." Though her words came off as condescending, her tone showed the playfulness in it. Thankfully, Naruto caught on, and his response was just as goaded.
"Inexperienced, huh? I'll remember that next time you're asking for battle advice."
"On the contrary, I think you will find I have improved significantly since our last bout." She boasted, followed shortly by a challenging glint flashing in her eye. "Care to see?"
Sadly, her interest did not take her up on that challenge.
"As much as I'd love to beat you again, I have to meet with the Hokage. Was really just here to support you." Despite his words, Edelgard's face turned incredulous as she peered at him. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to take you up on that offer when I return. Always willing to increase my win-rate."
Instead of being offended by his show of arrogance, the Emperor allowed a challenging smirk to grace her feature.
"Y'know, there is a saying in the Empire. Those who act overconfident are typically the first to-"
*POOF*
Edelgard paused mid-sentence as the smoke consumed her interest. Slowly, her mouth closed as his concealment dissipated, revealing an empty impression in the mattress where the blonde was previously sitting. The salute he gave her just before disappearing told her he knew denying her the satisfaction of a good retort was a better jab than thinking of a retort.
With a sigh, she laid back in her bed, a smile etched on her features as she enjoyed the lingering warmth his presence left behind.
Truly, she had fallen for a child.
Konoha: Hokage Tower
Naruto appeared in the Hokage office, the old man sitting comfortably at his desk as if he'd been expecting him. Greeting the Kage as was expected of him, he patiently awaited whatever order the old man would have for him today. Somewhat expectedly, Hiruzen's features shifted to confusion as his gaze landed on the space directly next to him.
"I wasn't expecting a second." The Hokage commented, his eyes glued to the straggler the blonde had brought along. The whiskers on her face was a dead giveaway to who she was, but there was no reason to reveal that to ears that may be loitering.
With a dramatic gesture of his hands towards the taller woman, Naruto proclaimed, "Allow me to introduce to you my newest, truest, and fourth-best student, Byleth Eisner." As if in leagues with the boy's exuberance, the girl flexed an arm, a hand on her bicep and looking just as plain as the boy who had introduced her.
An awkward silence passed in the office, Hiruzen swearing he could hear an invisible cricket chirping through the lull.
It was the woman who broke the silence, turning to look down at the blonde with a raised brow. "Fourth?"
Naruto looked back and calmly stated, "Eddy is #1. Fū is an idiot, but she's easily manipulated, so she's second. Sakura is third only because she is more bearable than you. The only reason Hinata and Sasuke aren't over you is because one is a thief, and the other is a jealous emo."
Byleth's brow only raised higher at the ranking. "Since when was Edelgard your apprentice?"
"She's technically not, but I like her more."
"Sounds more like a ranking on favoritism than skill and merit."
Naruto merely shrugged at the accusation. "If you want to get technical about it, sure. Not gonna change anything, though."
Hiruzen clearing his throat got attention back on him, opting to not roll with the blonde's eccentricity.
"I take it she is the key?" He asked, going back to the code they had decided to use for the Jinchuuriki.
"Yep." The blonde confirmed.
"...And she is here now because?"
"...She's bored, so I thought it would be cool to take her on a few missions...with your permission, of course."
Hiruzen's silent evaluation lingered uncomfortably long, his eyes narrowing in a subtle mix of contemplation and curiosity. Meanwhile, the duo began speculating on his thoughts—specifically focusing on the fact that his eyes hadn't exactly traveled away from the bluenette...or above her neckline.
"If this arrangement is to proceed," he began, his voice calm but firm, "you will be fully responsible for her actions. Any complications or breaches in protocol fall squarely on your shoulders, Naruto."
"...Can you try saying that again? While looking at me this time?"
To the Kage's credit, his head did comply with the request. His eyes? Not so much.
"I actually have an urgent mission I need you to respond to directly from Team 7 in the Land of Waves."
That certainly got Naruto's full attention, sharpening his demeanor instantly as he asked, "What happened?"
"There was a development concerning their assigned target, the bridge builder Tazuna. It seems the threat they encountered was far greater than what a C-Rank demanded of a Genin Team. Of the assailants, Momochi Zabuza, Nuke Kirigakure-nin and former member of the 7 Swordsman of the Mist, has been confirmed working for the shipping magnet known as Gato. Team 7 managed to survive the initial encounter, but the situation has escalated. They are requesting immediate reinforcements."
"When do we leave?" Naruto immediately asked after the briefing.
"As soon as possible."
"Then we'll leave right away."
Hiruzen nodded, but it was hard to maintain the seriousness of the situation when even now the Hokage refused to remove his eyes from the Jinchuuriki. It was a problem, but a small one compared to what was coming.
"Your first priority is the safety of the village and the people. Understand?"
The blonde gave a silent nod to acknowledge the warning, ready to be dismissed. Instead, there was no such order given, mainly due to how his head had returned to its original position where his eyes never left. It was a routine that had grown old quick, a feeling Byleth shared.
"Hey kid," Naruto looked to the side of the head of the bluenette who had spoken. "Is it a prerequisite that Shinobi in your village be quirky? Specifically when it comes to perversion?"
"...No," the blonde paused after his answer, thought her words over, and added to his reply, "I'm not a pervert."
Byleth's arms crossed in a clear show of skepticism, unknowingly enhancing her chest and the old Kage's staring.
"Edelgard's chest is smaller than yours. And for that matter, so is Sothis, and her clothes are far more revealing in the chest area than yours." Byleth's response to that was to raise a brow, the Hokage, Sothis, and even the hidden ANBU mimicking the action. "...I feel like I just said something that did not at all help my case... Probably even made it worse."
"In any case," Hiruzen interjected, attempting to reclaim authority despite the awkward atmosphere, "you have your mission. Reinforce Team 7 and ensure their safe passage back to Konoha. This situation requires discretion and efficiency. Do you understand?"
Naruto nodded. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
Byleth, noticing Hiruzen's eyes once again drifting, sighed and patted Naruto on the shoulder. "Let's go before I get the urge to kick an old man."
Instead of leaving the traditional shinobi way, the duo did so through the front door, their voices fading as they walked further and further away.
The moment of silence that passed in the Hokage's office only lasted a moment before Hiruzen opened the drawer to his right and procured the item inside.
In his hand was now an orange book.
Opening it to a page that had recently been creased, his placid features turned more mischievous as he giggled perversely at the picture provided with the literature.
Giggles escaped his lips as his imagination replaced the woman on the page with the growing beauty that had just left.
Naruto didn't know just how lucky he was to be around such beauties at such a young age.
'Youth truly is wasted on the young, heheheheheheh aheheheheheh~.'
24 Hours Later...
Land of Waves
Naruto and Byleth arrived at the edge of the mist-covered village, the salty tang of the sea air mingling with the damp scent of trees. The faint echoes of distant construction could be heard from the bridge in the distance, and there was this strange unease in the air, mostly due to the fog that didn't seem entirely natural.
"Does this place always feel this grim?" Byleth asked, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword.
"Don't know. Never been here." Naruto replied, scanning the area for any sign of Team 7 or potential threats. "Not exactly the happiest spot to build a bridge."
"More than likely, it's for trade. A bridge that big should make commerce more convenient to both the natives and anyone willing to do business in these lands. Even if the locals have little to offer, taxing travelers is another source of income."
"So they're looking to get paid?"
"More than likely. Money makes the world turn, after all. In that, our worlds aren't too different."
Naruto acknowledged the statement with a hum, giving the bridge one last look before heading towards the village they could see in the distance.
They made it into the village without incident, but that in and of itself held many reasons as to why.
The village looked as if it hadn't been properly maintained in ages. Buildings were either in ruins or barely standing, the stench of poverty and despair permeating the air. The streets were eerily quiet, the bustle of daily life absent. Doors were shut tightly, and windows were either boarded up or covered, as if the villagers were hiding from an ever-present threat. What people they did see were in rags, selling wares that no one here looked likely to be able to afford or walking about with a hopelessness in their eyes as they avoided them like the plague.
Naruto frowned, the sight tugging at something deep within him. "This place looks...dead. Like everyone just gave up."
Byleth's sharp eyes scanned their surroundings. "They haven't given up. They're surviving. Barely. Oppression like this doesn't just happen overnight—it's systematic."
Naruto followed her gaze, taking in the sight of the few people wandering the streets.
"How does anyone survive living here? You can't even call this a life. They're just...existing." Sothis spoke as she materialized.
"The reports say it's due to Gato and his company. Since his arrival, they've taken over most of the ports, which the people of Waves likely depend on to make ends meet. The taxes he enforces to get business out drains the locals, and the fact shinobi benefit from his business practices is likely the only reason he still draws breath."
Naruto and Sothis stared dumbly at the bluenette.
"What? I read the report during my watch. I thought you'd do the same."
Two pairs of green stared for a long, pregnant moment.
"So where do you think Team 7 is hiding?" Naruto conveniently changed the subject.
"At Tazuna's house on the edge of the village. You would have known that if you'd read the report." Byleth jabbed, refusing to allow the greenettes to weasel their way out of the topic.
Sothis crossed her arms in a pout, her head turned away in an act of petulance. "My ward did not see a point to reading such a long and detailed report when we were already briefed. We thought all we needed was the basic information-"
"Actually, I just forgot."
Sothis's mouth fell open at the clear admission from her host. She was livid—rightfully so. "I WAS DEFENDING YOU, YOU BLOCK-HEADED DOLT!"
"You don't have to yell at me..." Naruto responded, his strange pout actually drawing a chuckle from Byleth.
They proceeded forward through the rest of the village, taking in the poverty-driven locals and growing more and more frustrated with every man, woman, and child they encountered.
Seeing as they were the only ones with attire not quite as ragged or worn, it wasn't surprising when their presence drew attention. Many a curious eye watched them pass, but none had the courage to speak with them or ask their purpose for being in a village where outsiders were typically unwelcome.
It was inevitable that they would find trouble.
They saw the trouble long before the trouble found them. Currently harassing an old man outside of his shop were three thugs, likely employed by Gato to police the area. From the looks of it, they were extorting the poor guy.
"How despicable." Sothis intoned, scowling in disapproval at the sight. Her displeasure only grew upon witnessing the boot of the tallest in the group crash into the old man's face, followed instantly by laughter.
As expected, her ward immediately reacted by taking a step forward. The only reason he did not immediately crash his boot into the thug's face was due to the hand that landed on his shoulder.
"I know what you're thinking, and though I'm not entirely against the thought, you should rethink the action." Byleth calmly warned, her voice low yet firm.
Naruto turned to glare at the taller woman and pointed as if he were a child. "He's kicking an old man."
"Yes, I saw it too, but doing the same isn't going to solve the problem. Beat them, and they'll be back later. Kill them, and you create bigger problems. What do you think will happen when you hit that guy? What do you think gonna happen if we kill them? Who do you think is gonna take the fall for it?"
Though he knew the answer, the blonde did not respond. "So what, I just stand by and let them do what they want until they get bored? Until he's dead?"
"What I'm saying is, there's a proper way to deal with this situation. One that satisfies us all. The best solution is not always the most immediate."
"And what's the proper solution?"
A whistle left the question hanging. Turning back to the thugs, Naruto saw one of them staring their way, a lecherous smile on his face.
"Well, DAMN." The tallest one exclaimed, standing tall and walking their way with a swagger in his step. Standing in front of them, he eyed Byleth, the grin never leaving his face as he shamelessly eyed her form. "Never seen you before. What's a pretty thing like you doing in a dump like this?"
In a move neither Naruto nor Sothis expected, Byleth smiled up at the bandit, her posture straightening and her chest jutting outwards while a hand was on her hip.
"I could ask you the same. This is hardly the place for strapping young men such as yourselves." Her tone had changed with her posture. It was like honey, but there was an awkwardness to it, as if this was her first time performing the act. It was a weird sight, and not at all appealing in the least if the flat looks the bandits portrayed were anything to go by.
"You tryin' to be cute or somethin'?" The lead thug raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused by the attempt.
"I would never. I just find it strange that such good-looking fellows are wasting time when it could be put to something more...productive, hmmm?" The words emphasize with a slight sway of her hips, an act that would have been more seductive without the black trench coat or if she literally weren't just moving her waist side to side.
Fortunately, it did garner a reaction from the men...that being bursting into raucous laughter.
"Who taught ya those moves, ya stupid brat?!" The tall one barked.
"I've never seen a cow this pathetic!" The second followed.
"All tits and no brains!" The final insulted.
Almost to add insult to injury, Naruto leaned in to whisper to his pupil, "I don't think they're buying it."
As expected, Byleth looked bothered, but not in the way most would expect. Now standing straight, she massaged her chin, her face that of deep constipation. "I don't understand. I did everything right, and it didn't work. What am I missing?" She mumbled.
"I think it's more the performance." Sothis pointed out.
"But I did it exactly how it was done to me. If it worked on me, then it should work on guys too, right?"
"It did? When?"
"A singer I met back in the empire. She was very convincing, all the way to the Inn. Best night of my life to be honest. I thought I could do what she did seeing as we share the same proportions."
"...I won't speak on that, but these are men. Your tastes won't equal theirs."
"Really? From my experience, I don't even have to do anything for men to ogle me. Who doesn't like breasts?"
"Different strokes for different folks. At least, that's what Kakashi-san told me." Naruto added in.
"Alright, babe," the gruff voice cut into their conversation, bring their attention back onto the trio. "Yer a little ditsy for our tastes, but ya got a good rack, so I'll make an exception. How's about I introduce ya to da boss? I'm sure he'll get a kick outta ya!"
Byleth blinked up at the sudden turn of events. Though it was exactly what she wanted, she didn't think her failed attempt at seduction would work in her favor.
Straightening up, she smirked and nodded as if it were all part of her plan.
"Lead the way. If you three are this handsome, I'm sure your boss is a catch." She said confidently, not knowing that the comment both stabbed at their pride and made them want to laugh at knowing Gato was quite literally half the man they were.
"Oh, you'll love 'em all right," the leader said before finally addressing the blonde behind her. "Oi brat, go wait at home like a good little bro, would'cha?"
Despite the clear threat in his voice, Naruto was unfazed. In fact, he was more focused on his companion's decision. "You're actually going with them?" He asked just to make sure.
"Like I said, the best solution is not always the most immediate." She said cryptically before patting him on the shoulder. "I'll be back before sunset. Make sure to tell the others I said hi, OK?"
As if to gain points with the bluenette, the leader reaffirmed her words by ruffling his hair. "Don't worry, kid. We're gonna take good care of ya nee-san."
Then they walked away, leaving Naruto and Sothis to watch their backs as they became dots in the distance.
"...Is it bad that I don't feel sorry for them?" Naruto flatly asked his friend.
"Not really." Sothis shrugged. "If anything, I only pity them for not realizing they've just invited a lioness into their den."
Nodding at his friend's words, the blonde turned to continue his journey to the bridge builder's home.
Only to have his world suddenly go red upon meeting the eyes of the Sharingan.
Omake: Training Sakura
Mentoring someone out of bad habits shouldn't have been a task that made even Naruto want to pull his hair out.
Of the three Genin personally assigned to him, Sakura was clearly the weakest in nearly all categories.
No stamina, poor body conditioning, flinches at the slightest threat, and has a nasty habit of falling into panic when faced with real danger. The only thing she did have over the other two was an eidetic memory and a keen eye, the latter earned after tripping on one too many land mines from the Previous Him.
Unfortunately, her lack of physical prowess and Taijutsu meant a lot of training for both him and her, more than the other two. He wouldn't say he was exactly at his breaking point because that would imply that he was giving up, and Uzumaki Naruto never gave up.
That did not, however, mean that he wasn't another mistake away from turning their training sessions into an assault charge until she unwillingly accepted that dieting doesn't mean shit on the field if your scrawny body can't keep up with people who were twice your size and mass.
"Sakura." He began slowly, his hands balled into fists by his side.
The girl, who had previously been sitting on a rock after her 400th lap around the lake, stood at attention. She'd long since learned not to make him wait when she was called, which was more than she could say about her continued fascination with her future teammate. "Yes, Sensei?"
"Tell me, what do you think is your biggest weakness?" He asked, his voice surprisingly calm.
It was an unexpected question, but Sakura immediately answered. "My Taijutsu is subpar, and...and I'm weak."
Naruto gave a nod of approval before asking another question.
"What would you say are the four things a person needs to survive a battle?"
"Strength, speed, agility, and chakra control." Yet again, her answer was immediate, typical of an honor student.
Nodding at her answer, he pulled a kunai from his pouch and held it high, tip pointing towards the sky. "If I threw this at you right now, no holding back, do you truly believe that you could dodge it?"
Her mouth opened to answer, but closed.
"It's not a trick question, if that's what you're thinking. I simply want an honest answer. Do you, or do you not think that you could dodge this kunai if I threw it at you right now?"
"...No." Her response was honest.
"And why do you think that is?"
"Because, you're stronger than me?" She guessed.
"That's a factor, but not the entire reason." He informed while casually putting his finger through the loop of the kunai and spinning it. "Combat instinct is one of them, which I can only assume the academy either didn't teach you, or you ignored it entirely. But even if you grew up like the other two, you lack the one thing that they both have." Pointing a thumb into his chest, he declared, "Resolve."
Naruto's words hung in the air, weighted with an intensity that made Sakura's heart race, but not for the reason you may think.
"I have resolve!" She angrily shouted in her defense. The slow blink the blonde gave her, as if she and her resolve were stupid, only made her anger grow.
"Becoming a kunoichi just because you like a boy is one of the weakest, dumbest motivations I've ever heard come out of someone's mouth. And for that matter, next time you bring duckhead's name into our conversation, or I even think he's in your head, I'm slapping you."
Sakura's cheeks grew red in a mix of embarrassment and rage.
"You're not the first person to want to be a ninja just because you want to impress a boy, or to become a princess, or a doctor, or any other stupid reason teenagers think up. What you have is not resolve, its infatuation. It may be OK for a civilian, but you're not running a shop or selling flowers. You're being trained to hurt people, and that childish mindset is holding you back."
"It's not childish!" Sakura, against her better judgment, argued back, getting more and more heated at someone talking down on her motivations. "It is not a stupid reason to become a Kunoichi for love! Sasuke-kun is-"
*SMACK*
The slap echoed through the trees, followed shortly by an audible gasp from the recipient.
Naruto's hand returned to his side, his expression unreadable.
Sakura's cheek, on the other hand, was bright red, her hand cupping the stinging appendage and her eyes wide.
"Wh-what was that for?" She asked, her voice quiet and shocked.
Naruto simply raised a brow before retorting with, "I told you I would slap you next time you said his name. Did you think I was lying?"
"But that's not a good reason to hit a girl!"
"A girl? But you're a future Kunoichi, and out there, they don't give a shit whether or not you're a boy or girl."
"Yes, but...but..." Her anger slowly diminished, seeing no flaws in the logic.
"You see, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Despite going through the academy, you still have a civilian mindset. You're thinking of the world through a lens of ethics and morality, and the moment a shinobi thinks of their enemy in the same way, you die. It's a reality Hinata and Sasuke understand, which makes them better than you in every category. Not only that, but they have a worthwhile goal for the future, which makes their resolve stronger. Understand your differences?"
Sakura didn't immediately respond, the words of her mentor settling in.
It wasn't like she didn't have an idea of what it meant to be a Shinobi. She was girl enough to admit she was naive, but she wasn't blind. She'd heard the horror stories, the blood that had to be shed on her duty. The reason she decided to pursue the dream of becoming a kunoichi was because...because of Ino.
Yes, as much as she wanted to deny it, Ino was the main reason she decided to pursue this career.
It had been years since they'd last had a cordial conversation. They were practically strangers, yet her old best friend still inspired her, even if it was in a way the blonde would call childish.
But she had resolve!
Yes, she wasn't as skilled as Ino and Hinata, but she was smarter. She knew that for a fact. It was clear that wasn't enough, but her love, her reasons for becoming a kunoichi of the Leaf, was resolve! If she wasn't, she would have quit the first day of this hellish training! She was doing this to prove herself! To prove that she could be a Kunoichi! To prove her love for Sasu-
*SMACK*
Once again, Sakura felt a sting on her cheek as her head was suddenly thrown to the side.
"W-what was that for?!" She stuttered out, her voice wavering but her anger clear.
"You were thinking about Duckhead again." He stated flatly, causing her anger to diminish and be replaced with embarrassment. "Like I was saying, you lack resolve...or better yet, your reason to become a Shinobi is shit. It's keeping you from realizing your full potential. And out there," he stopped spinning the kunai to point it somewhere in the distance. "Such hollow resolve will get you killed."
"But..." Sakura gulped, shuffling in place while she tried to build the courage to say what was in her. Despite his words, despite his logic, she knew her resolve, and it wasn't meaningless. It just wasn't. "But my love is real. It's what motivates me. Is...is that not resolve?"
Naruto brought a hand to his temple to run away the building headache.
"Ok, let's get to the root of the problem then. Why exactly do you like Duckhead?"
"..."
"...I won't hit you for answering that."
As if a switch was flipped, Sakura's entire demeanor changed, her hands clasping in front of her and her eyes sparkling with the look of a lovestruck schoolgirl.
"Well, it all started when we were children, and I first saw him walking to the academy. He was so handsome and confident. His dark hair, his clothes, his tragic backstory, his strength, his cool attitude as if he were better than everyone and knew it, it all drew me to him, as if he were the only one in my world! I've wanted him to notice me for years, and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I don't waste it. He's just...just...EEEEEEEEEE!"
The last bit was said in a squeal, followed shortly by a jittery dance in place.
Naruto didn't know how to react.
He didn't even think there were people like this outside of books.
The worst part was he had no idea how to deal with it. If beating it out of her didn't work, then what else would? The most he could think to do was pick apart her logic, which, admittedly, had a lot of holes.
"So, the quiet, mysterious, strong, and confident is your type, huh?" He queried, getting a rapid nod from the girl, her eyes sparkling as if he was finally understanding her.
"That's why my diet is important! I heard that Sasuke likes girls who are cute with long hair, and a cute girl can't be chubby and muscular! That's why I need to lose weight and-"
"Stop. Just...stop." Naruto cut her off, his expression dead and still dying. This girl...there was something seriously wrong with her, and he did not have the social skills, mindset, or time to sit down and slowly dismantle her psyche.
There was probably only one thing he could do for her...which he didn't even know was cruelty or a mercy.
...
"It is a pleasure to exercise with you once again, Naruto-sensei!"
"Addressing your former classmate with the respect his promotion deserves! That's just the kinda thing I would expect from a bright young man such as yourself, Lee!"
"I only follow the principles you have so graciously bestowed upon me, Guy Sensei!"
"Such, such a diligent and hard-working young man! *Sniff* It brings a tear to my eye! Truly, your youth is an inspiration to us all!"
"Guy-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Guy-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Guy-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Guy-sensei!"
Sakura stared at the spandex-wearing duo hugging it out in front of a sunset, that could have only been conjured up through Genjutsu, with horror. Mechanically, her head turned towards the blonde beside while pointing at the scene, "S-sensei, no."
The blonde smirked, "Sensei yes."
-Naruto Current Jutsu and Abilities Sheet-
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{New Abilities}
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Six Paths Abilities
[Time Clone]
Takes a version of the user from the past at any point in time. It is as durable as the user at that point in time, and retains all the users abilities. Will remain until the clone runs out of Chakra, or the original user dies.
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[Body Displacement]
Removes one's being from a point in time and places them at a desired location. While displaced, any and all damage sustained to the user's physical form is undone. Consumes Chakra.
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[Save Point]
Save a point in time and space and teleport to that exact location. How far back determines the amount of Chakra spent.
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[Fast-forward]
Encases the user in a protective dome. While the dome is active, the outside world moves at an accelerated rate. Lasts until user runs out of Chakra.
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[Reversal]
Creates a dome that gives the user the ability to reverse the flow of time for organic and non-organic organisms, living or dead. Can be used to return parts, objects, or things to new. Note: cannot be used to revive the dead if the soul has departed.
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[Stasis]
Gives the user the ability to freeze objects in place. Note: currently ineffective against living organisms.
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[Special Summoning Justu]
Gives the one chosen by the Sage of Six Paths the ability to summon Jinchuuriki to his side at the cost of chakra.
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Goddess Abilities
[Crest of Flames]
Gives the bearer the ability to mold Mana and wield the powers gifted by the Goddess Sothis. Also grants the bearer the ability to wield the Sword of the Creator along with any other Divine weapons at their disposal.
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[Eyes of the Goddess]
Allows the user to see the world unobstructed. Illusion have no affect on the bearer.
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[Divine Protection]
Through the Goddess's blessing, gives the bearer protection from all mental attacks.
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[Divine Pulse]
Through the Goddess Sothis, gives Naruto the ability to pause and rewind time. During the pulse, the outside world world is tangible, however, any and everything moved within the pulse real revert to its previous state along with the user upon returning the world to normal.
Current number of uses available per day: 8
Current available power to hold time still: 3 days
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[Instant Transmission]
While in a Pulse, gives the user the ability to reemerge in a location of their choosing. While it may seem as if the user simply vanished with unseen speed, in truth, the user simply relocates to a designated area.
Pros: Can be used freely to escape an otherwise desperate situation.
Cons: uses half a Divine Pulse charge, limited to a mile radius, cannot permanently disrupt surroundings.
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[Divine Perception]
Gives the users a slowed pattern of future events when activated.
Pros: Uses chakra rather than Divine Mana.
Cons: Cannot see further than 2 seconds.
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[Greater Pulse]
Allows the user to rewind time up to a week to see unfiltered events of the past in a designated area.
Pros: get an unobstructed view of the past.
Cons: greatly consumes Divine Mana depending on how far back the user rewinds.
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[Divine Summoning]
Gives the user the ability to summon any and all Nabateans to his side at the small cost of Divine Mana.
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Magic
[Heal]
Gives the user the ability to heal injuries over time. Can be used to apply to allies or enemies alike.
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[Light Arrow]
Allows the user to shoot a quick beam of light through their fingertips. Increased effectiveness against the dead and demonic entities.
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[Thunder]
Summons a lightning bolt from above, or courses through the user's Mana before being released.
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Jutsu
[Shadow-Clone Technique]
A cloning technique that allows the user to create multiple physical copies of themselves. The user's chakra is evenly divided between themselves and their clones: creating one clone will give it half the user's chakra, creating two clones will give each a third of the user's chakra, and so on. Depending on how much chakra the user has and how many clones they make, this rapid depletion of their reserves can be dangerous.
This technique is also capable of transferring memories as well as fatigue back to the user upon dispelling.
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[Eight-Gates Technique]
The Eight Gates exist in order to limit the flow of chakra within an individual's body. Ordinarily, individuals can use no more than 20% of their body's full potential, the brain's way of protecting the individual from harming their body through overexertion. With training, individuals can learn to remove these limiters, referred to as "opening" the gates. With each opened gate, individuals are given access to more and more of their body's chakra, thus increasing their physical strength and speed.
Current number of gates obtained: 7
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Seals
[Null Touch]
Completely nullifies the chakra of the one in contact with the user. This ability can be applied to weapons.
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[Nullifying Prison]
Originally the Four Violet Flames Formation Seal, a barrier created using four people as conduits to sustain its integrity. It was improved to apply a chakra nulling effect on any organism caught inside, including the user. Barrier prevents any and all attacks from all cardinal directions until the sustainers run out of chakra, or one is killed.
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A/N: BACK AT IT AGAIN! Figured it's past time that I had gave an abilities chart. Now you are able to see exactly what our protagonist has been using in the time of Sothis's absence. Should have posted this with the last chapter, but, huh, forgot...
ANYWAY, we are FINALLY in canon, which will fly by a lot faster than people may like. Plan to be at the Konoha Crush arc within 4 chapters, followed closely by the 'consequences' of changing events. All of our favorite characters shall be present in these chapters, especially Byleth and Team 7, so I hope you guys stay interested!
As always, thanks for the follows, favs, reviews, and have a DAMN good day!