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Everything is free! All the fanfics will be published and completed here. But by supporting me, you can read the drafts and the upcoming chapters before they are released. Currently, there are three chapters available: Chapter 6 of Legacy of Uzushiogakure: Important Mission! Towards the Land of Waves! Chapter 7: Kakashi vs Zabuza and Chapter 8: Preparation. And for the House Lucifer, the draft of Chapter 9: Training is already available.
Thanks to Robert and Michael for their support!
Silence flooded the training field following Kakashi's words. Sakura wore a confused expression. Naruto raised an eyebrow and Sasuke pursed his lips.
"Stop being ninjas? What do you mean?" Naruto asked, his eyebrows furrowing deeply. "I got the bells," he added, raising the hand that held them to prove his point.
"It's because the three of you are just kids who don't even deserve to be ninjas," Kakashi replied calmly.
Sasuke growled and lunged at the Jonin.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura spoke, worried.
"Idiot," Naruto murmured, closing his eyes, knowing the outcome without needing to see it.
Kakashi easily neutralized Sasuke, using his vast combat experience. In a swift and precise move, he put Sasuke in a lock that left him completely immobilized. Kakashi sat on top of Sasuke, securing his position. He placed a firm foot on the Uchiha's head and forced one of Sasuke's hands to cross over his back, immobilizing him completely and ensuring he couldn't move.
"See? You're just kids," the Jonin said.
"Don't crush Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted; her face furious.
"Do you really think being a ninja is easy?" Kakashi questioned with a serious look at the Genin. The three of them gasped slightly, not knowing quite how to respond. "Why do you think we're training in groups?"
"What do you mean?" Sakura questioned, confused.
"In other words, none of you understand the purpose of this test."
"The purpose is to make us work as a team, right?" Naruto commented, narrowing his eyes. He managed to decipher it by piecing together Kurenai's words from the previous day and Kakashi's.
"Good, I see at least someone isn't so idiotic. Although it's already too late," Kakashi spoke with a mocking tone.
"But how can I manage when my teammate is more interested in sleeping with my other teammate who sees me as a hindrance?" Naruto asked with genuine curiosity.
"Why don't we start by revealing your abilities to your teammates during the Academy?" Kakashi argued calmly. "Those abilities aren't acquired overnight. You've been at this since you matched, no, since you surpassed Sasuke. Why keep them hidden?"
"I have my reasons for keeping my abilities a secret. I'm sure you know why. I doubt the old man hasn't told you," Naruto replied coldly. "Besides, many clans do the same and train their members apart from the Academy. Is it wrong for me to do the same?"
"No. But you only hid your abilities to boost your ego. So that when you revealed your level was higher than Sasuke's, you'd get more gratification from seeing your classmates' faces, am I wrong?"
Naruto didn't respond immediately. His jaw tightened, and a dark shadow crossed his violet eyes. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His gaze fixed on Kakashi reflected a contained fury, his lips curling into a bitter grimace.
"Why do we have to work as a team when there are only two bells?" Sakura pointed out, puzzled. "If three people work hard to get them, one will have to be left out. This creates group conflict instead of teamwork."
"Of course. This test tries to pit the three of you against each other," Kakashi declared, narrowing his visible eye. "In this situation, we select those who can prioritize teamwork over themselves. That was the purpose, but you three have been pathetic," he continued, then focused his gaze on the girl. "Sakura! You were more concerned about Sasuke than Naruto to the point that Naruto was in front of you and you didn't know where Sasuke was."
Haruno lowered her head in embarrassment.
"And you assumed those two would only get in your way, so you did everything alone," Hatake said, pressing his foot on the Uchiha's head. "But you were the worst, Naruto!" Kakashi added with a disappointed look. "You made a clone of yourself pretend to be the real one and act like a lousy ninja. Meanwhile, you observed all your teammates' fights, using them as cannon fodder to detect the weak points in my defense. You're very good at observing, I'll give you that. You even managed to come up with a good plan to catch me off guard. You have the intelligence and observation skills to be the leader of this team, but you prioritized your glory over helping others," Kakashi pointed out seriously.
Naruto said nothing, merely snorting and looking away in a bad mood.
"It's true that ninjas need well-developed individual skills, but teamwork is much more important. An individual action that disrupts teamwork will result in danger or even death for comrades. For example..." Kakashi reached a hand to his back, towards his tool bag, and pulled out a kunai, which he then placed against Sasuke's neck. "Sakura! Kill Naruto, or Sasuke will die!"
The girl let out a scream, surprised, with a pale face, a forehead beaded with cold sweat, and eyes full of panic. She looked at Sasuke; her precious Sasuke was in danger. She had to help him. But a single look at Naruto, whose terrifying and firm gaze was enough to let her know that one false move and it would be her who would die.
Was her love strong enough to sacrifice her own life? Haruno had no answer. A lump formed in her throat while her heart beat erratically in her chest.
"This is what would happen." Kakashi moved the kunai away from Sakura's neck, who felt she could breathe easily again.
"Oh, you surprised me," Sakura said, sighing with relief.
"After someone is captured as a hostage, you'll face a difficult decision, and someone will die," Kakashi revealed, spinning the kunai on his index finger. He stopped it and put it back in his bag. "In any mission, you put your life in danger." The Jonin stood up and walked across the training field towards a stone that was not far from where they were. "Look at this... The numerous names engraved on this stone. All these names are praised as the heroes of this village."
Kakashi remained silent, waiting for one of his students to say something. But all of them stayed silent. Seeing that none of them fell into the trap, he continued.
"But they aren't ordinary heroes."
"What kind of heroes are they?" Naruto asked with interest.
Kakashi didn't respond immediately.
"They were all heroes who died in combat."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. Before anyone could say anything, he ran towards the stone.
"Naruto?" Sakura asked, confused by her teammate's outburst.
"A bit lower than the name Obito Uchiha," Kakashi commented, recognizing Naruto's intention.
Uzumaki eagerly read the names on the stone. Finding the name Kakashi had indicated, his heart pounded in his chest. His eyes filled with tears, a mix of emotion and fear. But there it was: Uzumaki Kushina.
He knew his mother had died. It was something he had seen coming for many years, but still, the reality hit him like a punch in the stomach. He bit his lower lip to the point of drawing blood. At least she died as a hero of this village.
"This is a cenotaph. The names of my friends are engraved here as well," Kakashi said, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I'll give you another chance," he continued softly. "However, the struggle for the bell will be much tougher after lunch. Eat lunch only if you are up to the challenge. But! One of you must not eat."
"All right." Naruto agreed with everyone, directing a determined look at Kakashi.
Hatake smiled beneath his mask. He liked that look.
Naruto turned to his teammates and, with a firm gaze and an authoritative tone, said:
"Kakashi-sensei says I was the worst of all. I think he's right. I'm sorry, I let my pride guide my judgment. That's why, and as punishment, I'll be the one who doesn't eat."
"But Naruto..." Sakura tried to protest. She felt she was the most useless of all. She couldn't even put up a fight against the teacher, falling under a Genjutsu instead. It would be more beneficial for Naruto to eat in her place.
"No." Naruto spoke with a voice that left no room for discussion. "I, unlike you, can fight on an empty stomach. Believe me, I've experienced and endured it several times."
"Naruto," Sakura said with an empathetic look.
Uzumaki said nothing more and simply sat in a lotus position with his katana on his lap. Kakashi, without saying anything else, left the area. Sasuke and Sakura looked at each other, then took their lunches and began to eat, sitting beside Naruto.
"Incredible... He's never passed a student?" Iruka asked the Third with a stupefied voice.
"Iruka, even I don't know if those three should become ninjas immediately," Hiruzen declared seriously, his hands clasped at mouth level. "But Kakashi's decisions were correct."
Iruka gasped slightly, then looked away to the notebook where all the students Kakashi had failed were recorded.
After finishing his meal, Iruka got up to leave.
"Sorry."
"Listen, Iruka," the Third called, confusing the Chūnin. "No matter the result, don't hate Kakashi." It was not an order, but a sincere request from the Hokage.
"Yes, sir." Iruka nodded and bowed.
"Hey, Naruto... What are you doing?" Sakura asked cautiously.
"Analyzing Kakashi-sensei's attack patterns. Looking for weaknesses in his fighting style and patterns we can learn to exploit," Uzumaki revealed without opening his eyes.
"And how do you test it?"
"Through combat simulations I run in my head against a more powerful version than the one I've fought against."
"Can he be more powerful than he already is?!" Sakura spoke, impressed.
"I have information that his other eye is a sort of ace up his sleeve. A Kekkei Genkai, most likely, but I've never heard anything about the Hatake clan. As much as I investigated, I only discovered that he is the son of a legend greater than the Sannin, and apparently, he is the strongest Jonin of his generation."
"Really?!"
"Yes, I had the same reaction."
"Hey, failure, when did you learn to use the sword?" Sasuke questioned with curiosity.
"Three years ago," Naruto replied calmly. "A member of my clan taught me. Besides, I think calling me a 'failure' is no longer valid. I think we just heard Kakashi-sensei say that I'm superior to you."
"That was only because you studied his attack patterns and the weaknesses of his defense. If you had fought him on equal terms, you would have done worse than me."
"As you say." Naruto wasn't in the mood to fight Sasuke. The last thing he wanted right now was to start a fight when they had to work as a team. Besides, although he didn't show it, the hunger was starting to bother him.
"Are you from a clan, Naruto?" Sakura asked, surprised.
"The Uzumaki from Uzushiogakure. We were a feared and respected clan. We were also related to the Senju. An aunt of mine married the first Hokage."
"Really?" Sakura gave her teammate a doubtful look. She knew, like the other kids, how prone Naruto was to lying to get attention.
"Why would I lie about something like that?" Naruto replied brusquely. "Do you see the symbol Kakashi has on the back of his vest?"
"Yes. The same one you have on your back. Do you do it to imitate the Jonin?"
"They imitate me," Uzumaki said bitterly. "That is the symbol of my clan that Konohagakure uses as recognition of my family's village."
"I see..." Sakura said with a grimace after hearing the bitterness in Naruto's tone. "So, your parents are from Uzushioza...?"
"Uzushiogakure," Naruto corrected. "And no, just my mother. Her name is inscribed on that stone," Naruto confessed with a slightly sad tone.
"Ah, but you must have more relatives, right?" Sakura added quickly. "Your teacher, for example..."
"I don't know. Our village was destroyed by an alliance of several rival villages. They feared us because of our power." Naruto clenched his fists and his face turned somber. "And Kaida-sensei is also dead."
"Naruto," Sakura spoke softly, somewhat sorry for bringing up such a painful topic. "I'm sorry, I didn't..."
"You didn't mean it. I know. It's okay."
"Naruto!" Sasuke suddenly spoke. "What was that Shunkō technique you used against Kakashi-sensei?"
Naruto opened one of his eyes and looked at Sasuke out of the corner of his eye. The Uchiha looked away, almost as if he was embarrassed. Did he speak just to bring up an important topic and change the subject? If that was true, then Naruto appreciated it.
"It's a special enhancement technique based on the Eight Inner Gates."
"Can you use it again?"
"No. The technique puts a great strain on the body by condensing a large amount of chakra to enhance physical abilities. Using it again could cause severe damage to my body."
The Shunkō was taught to Naruto by Haruto because, as it is, it was a technique for Taijutsu, but Naruto learned to combine it with his Kenjutsu to make it more lethal. The problem was that it was taught to him with the condition that he only use it in moments of need because Naruto, even though he is an Uzumaki, still hasn't started taking the pills.
However, he already knew the ingredients and how to make them thanks to Kaito. Starting to take the pills was his next step.
Naruto's stomach growled to his great embarrassment, causing him to blush. Sasuke looked at him and then extended his lunch to him.
"Take it."
"Hey, Sasuke, sensei said..."
"Don't worry, I don't feel it's close. After we eat, let's work together to get the bells. Without eating, it will only get in our way, and that will get us into trouble," the Uchiha pointed out.
"He's behind the trees," Naruto murmured.
"Then I suppose I can't give it to you," Sasuke declared resignedly but brought a bite of food closer to Naruto.
Uzumaki opened his eyes slightly surprised but then smiled.
"Yes, I suppose it's a shame," Naruto said, then took the bite.
"It's a shame you're hungry, Naruto, but you decided not to eat." Sakura also extended a bite of food to him.
A puff of smoke suddenly appeared in front of them, to their surprise.
"You three!" Kakashi appeared from the smoke with a furious look.
Sakura let out a shriek. Sasuke adopted a fighting stance, and Naruto frowned.
"You three have broken the rules. Are you ready for the punishment?" Kakashi made some hand signs, and the clouds turned black with lightning rumbling within them. The ground began to shake. "Your last words?"
"They were just helping me. If someone has to be punished, it's me," Naruto replied seriously, standing up and facing Kakashi.
"We are a team," Sasuke declared firmly, standing next to Naruto.
"Yes! The three of us are one!" Sakura said, also standing up and positioning herself beside her teammates.
Naruto looked at them for a moment, impressed. They were risking their future as ninjas. It wasn't necessary. Naruto had ways to pass less honorably, like negotiating with the Hokage to give them some knowledge from Uzushiogakure. Though doing so would be a harsh blow to his pride.
Despite that, Naruto sighed, and a soft smile appeared on his face.
"Yes! That's right!" In the worst case, he only had to give up a couple of techniques to get Sakura and Sasuke accepted.
"You three are one, huh?" Kakashi repeated, taking a step forward. He leaned in to look at them sternly. "Passed!" he continued with a smiling eye.
"Huh?"
"Passed," Kakashi repeated.
"Passed? Why?" Sakura questioned.
"You three are the first," Kakashi replied. "The people I examined before were blockheads who only listened to what I said. 'Ninjas must think beyond the norm,'" the Jonin continued. "A ninja must see through deception. Those who break the rules and ninja codes are called scum. But you should know this: those who abandon their friends are even worse than scum," the sensei finished, gazing at the sky. "Your training ends here. All passed! Team Seven will start doing missions from tomorrow!" Kakashi concluded, giving them a thumbs up.
"Yes, sir!" Sakura beamed a radiant smile.
'I did it. Father, Mother, Kaito-sensei, Haruto-sensei, Kaida-sensei. I've become a ninja,' Naruto thought with a slight victorious smile, looking at his hand.
"Let's go home," Kakashi ordered, leaving the training field.
They entered as Academy kids. But they left the training field as a Genin team. Team Seven of Konohagakure.
"Thank you for your purchase."
Naruto left the shop with a frown. His wallet completely empty. Buying the ingredients for the first pill had left him without savings. The rebirth pills were an ancient creation of Uzushiogakure, but their preparation and use remained closely guarded secrets.
Naruto stopped at the entrance of Konohagakure, just as Kurenai had asked him the day before. The amethyst sky shimmered faintly in the darkness of the night with small silver dots enlivening the sky. The moon was hidden among a pair of dark clouds.
"I hope she doesn't take too long," Naruto leaned against one of the lampposts and crossed his arms with his eyes closed.
While he waited, he recalled what he knew about the pills. The Uzumaki, known for their large reserves of chakra and vitality, developed these pills seeking to permanently enhance their abilities. The research began with simple medicinal herbs, but the process had advanced significantly since then. Two great geniuses perfected the pills, allowing their users to be reborn into improved bodies.
These pills were extremely dangerous at first, but over time, the risk of death had decreased, at least in the initial doses. Eight pills in total, and only the Royal Family of Uzushiogakure could survive all of them. The protective families, like the Shadow Uzumaki clan, could take up to seven.
Naruto looked into the distance, lost in his thoughts. These pills were a revolutionary invention, keeping their existence secret and never writing it down on any scroll to protect it from thieves. Only the Divine Doctor and his disciples knew how to make them.
However, that information leaked. One of Uzushiogakure's allied clans betrayed the village and revealed the existence of the pills. Fearing and coveting this invention, the villages united and attacked Uzushiogakure, but they obtained nothing. Despite attempts to negotiate with the Senju—after all, Naruto's grandmother was a Senju—the information was never openly shared, and the Uzumaki were exterminated. Only a few crystals held the hidden knowledge, and one of them was in Naruto's possession.
"Hello, Naruto."
Uzumaki turned his gaze toward the source of the voice. There stood Kurenai, dressed in a simple casual dress. Naruto had been so lost in his thoughts that he neither felt nor heard her approach.
"Did you wait long?"
"No." The redhead shook his head.
"I'm glad." Kurenai showed a beautiful smile that made Naruto's heart race. "What are you carrying there?" she asked, noticing the bags in Naruto's hand.
"Something I need." Naruto didn't want to be rude, but he also didn't want to reveal that he had what he needed for the first pill.
"I see. I thought you brought some ingredients for cooking."
"Was I supposed to bring something?" Naruto scratched his neck, a bit uncomfortable; he hadn't thought of that possibility. "Sorry, I didn't know."
"Oh no, I'm just teasing you," Kurenai said with a giggle. "Come, I'll take you to my apartment so you can have dinner."
"Lead the way."
Naruto followed Kurenai through the streets of Konoha. The slightly populated streets garnered some discreet and curious glances, some tinged with a touch of venom, but Uzumaki ignored them. As they walked, Kurenai asked how his day had been and if he had eaten, but she never pried too much or questioned him about Kakashi's test.
'She's so beautiful that the world seems to shine brighter around her,' Naruto thought, looking at Kurenai.
Her long, lush hair waved in the wind, cascading in wavy, raven-black tresses. The scarlet eyes shone intensely, and her young, smooth skin radiated vitality. Even in a simple dress, she stood out among all the women.
'It's normal she attracts so many looks. Every step she takes seems to make the world shine brighter and the shadows retreat,' Naruto reflected, truly enchanted.
They continued in silence until they reached an apartment complex. They climbed a few floors and walked to the apartment at the end. Kurenai opened the door.
"Come in," she said with a gentle smile.
"Excuse me," Naruto said politely and entered, leaving his sandals at the entrance.
Kurenai entered behind him and closed the door. Both moved from the entrance to the living room. It wasn't very spacious, enough for two or three people, with a small balcony where Kurenai had some flowers planted in pots.
"Red roses?" Naruto questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"They were a gift from a former lover," Kurenai replied with a nostalgic smile. "You can sit down. I'll finish preparing everything so we can eat."
"Sure…"
Naruto sat on a simple piece of furniture and placed the bags aside. His gaze traveled around Kurenai's apartment. It wasn't particularly luxurious, but not simple either. Cozy would be the best word to describe it. He noticed a couple of photos on a table next to the sofa, but before he could see them, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"N-Naruto-kun!"
That voice!
Naruto turned his gaze toward the origin of the sound. A pretty girl his age with dark blue hair and the peculiar white, pupil-less eyes of the Hyūga clan. A shy expression that Naruto knew was common in the young woman.
"Hinata," Uzumaki murmured, surprised. He hadn't expected to see her here.
"I-I… I…" Hinata spoke without being able to finish a sentence. Her cheeks flushed, and her hands trembled. She stumbled back, almost scared. The tray in her hand wobbled and threatened to spill on the floor.
In an instant, Naruto was beside Hinata, stabilizing the girl and the tray. One hand wrapped around Hinata's waist, and the other was under the tray like a pillar.
"Are you okay?" Naruto asked, concerned.
"Y-Y-Yes." Hinata nodded, her cheeks as red as Uzumaki's hair.
Gently, Naruto took the tray of food from Hinata's hands and placed it on the dining table.
"What are you doing here, Hinata?" Naruto questioned curiously.
"She lives with me," Kurenai revealed, appearing from the kitchen with another tray of food.
"Really?" Naruto tilted his head, confused. "What happened to the Hyūga clan? Aren't you supposed to be the heiress?"
"That's...," Kurenai began with a complicated expression.
"My father disowned me," Hinata explained, looking at the floor. "He believes my sister is a better heiress than me."
"I see." Uzumaki nodded with an empathetic expression. "I'm sorry, I've never had a father, but imagining him saying that would only lead me to the conclusion that he's an idiot."
"Thank you, but I think my father was right."
"Idiot. Don't let others determine what you are. Only we ourselves determine our worth," Naruto flashed a kind smile. "If others determined what I am, then why do you see a human and not a demon monster?"
"You're right." Hinata nodded with a slight smile.
'She has a lovely smile. If she showed more confidence and smiled often, she might be one of the most beautiful kunoichi of my generation,' Naruto reflected silently.
"Are you hungry?" Kurenai spoke, placing the trays on the table.
"A little," Naruto confessed. The little he had eaten was the lunch Sasuke and Sakura had shared with him.
"Well, let's not wait any longer and sit down to eat."
The meal was a delicious teriyaki chicken with white rice. The succulent golden chicken pieces with an exquisite teriyaki sauce, a mix of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger, whose aromas caressed the air like an intoxicating perfume, served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
While they ate, Kurenai opened the conversation.
"How did your test go, Naruto?"
"It was quite tough. Kakashi is as strong as you said."
There was silence for a moment until Hinata continued. Naruto swore he saw something move under the table.
"Did you manage to pass?"
"Yes. Although I'm a bit upset. I managed to get the bells from him, but I almost failed." Naruto pursed his lips.
"Really?" Kurenai's eyes widened, impressed. "I've never heard of a Genin who could surpass Kakashi."
"It was only because he didn't know anything about my strength or skills and techniques." Naruto made a dismissive gesture with his hand. Even going serious, he couldn't make Kakashi go all out. The Jonin continued to hold back until the end, not only hiding his other eye but also keeping his attacks contained to avoid severe damage.
"How did you manage to pass the test?" Hinata questioned, then elegantly took a bite of her food. It was no surprise she was part of the village's most important clan. "The princess of the Hyūga," Naruto had heard her being called when she was a child.
"It was by luck. Sasuke, Sakura, and I united as a team and broke one of the rules to help each other. That's what Kakashi-sensei wanted," Naruto replied calmly. "How was your test, Hinata?"
"Huh?" The girl started as if she hadn't expected the question. She looked towards Kurenai for help, but the Jonin nodded to encourage her. It took her a few seconds to respond, with her gaze lowered to her food. "Kurenai-sensei put us under some Genjutsu that we had to overcome."
"How did you overcome them?"
"W-We had to accept and help each other as a team. I-It was Shino-kun who realized it first; without him, we would have failed."
"But you have the Byakugan, right? I understand it's very effective against Genjutsu. I'm sure you were helpful."
"Naruto is right; you were a great help to your teammates in overcoming my test," Kurenai added, stroking the Hyūga's back.
Hinata nodded but said nothing, at least not audibly. However, Naruto saw her lips move and murmur a word.
"Can Kurenai-sensei do Genjutsu?" Uzumaki asked, interested.
"Yes." Kurenai nodded with a proud smile. "They are my specialty."
"I see," Naruto whispered, lost in his thoughts.
During the battle with Kakashi that same morning, Naruto realized he needed a way to cover the clones and receive the information from the training sessions the other clones were doing in the crystals. The nosebleed he had during the confrontation with Kakashi was due to the information overload he got from the clones. He obtained information equivalent to weeks of training within the crystals, due to the time dilation inside them, which caused that overload. He needed a way to create time, at least until he could recover and absorb all the information.
"Hinata, can you pass me the soy sauce?"
"S-Sure." Hinata picked up the soy sauce container and extended it to Uzumaki. Naruto reached for it, his fingers brushing against Hinata's. The Hyūga girl shuddered, and the container slipped from her hand. The soy sauce spilled on Naruto's clothes and then onto the table. "I'm sorry!"
"It's okay." Naruto flashed a reassuring smile. He grabbed some napkins and used them to clean the soy sauce off the table.
"Your sleeve..."
The right sleeve of his clothing had a dull dark brown stain.
"Don't worry, I have others." It was a lie; it was the only change of clothes he had, at least of this new clothing. But seeing Hinata's frightened expression, Naruto felt sorry for her. Sometimes, lies are necessary, aren't they?
The dinner continued without many problems. Kurenai tried to start a conversation, Naruto continued it, but when it came to Hinata's turn, she seemed uncomfortable and couldn't follow along. So, it was mostly Naruto and Kurenai who talked, although both tried to include Hinata, but the girl seemed to close herself off.
When they finished eating, they chatted a bit more until Kurenai took the dishes and stood up to wash them. Naruto offered to help, but the woman declined, saying he was her guest.
Naruto and Hinata were left alone in the dining room, but for some reason, the atmosphere was uncomfortable. Hinata never looked him in the eyes and constantly looked away, and when he tried to talk to her, she stumbled over her words.
'Is it because of the soy sauce?' Naruto wondered internally, though he didn't want to ask to avoid making her feel worse.
Seeing that he wouldn't get any conversation from Hinata, Naruto's wandering gaze ventured again around Kurenai's apartment towards the photos he hadn't managed to see. There were two frames, one showing a young Kurenai with an older man who had the same eyes, and the other frame showed two unknown people.
"Do you know who they are?" Naruto questioned Hinata.
"T-They are Kurenai-sensei's parents," Hinata answered without looking at Naruto. "H-Her mother died when she was born, and her father… passed away during the Kyūbi attack."
Naruto's expression darkened for a moment. A flash of pain crossed his eyes like a solitary lightning bolt. Uzumaki stood up from his seat.
"I'll be right back," he declared before heading into the kitchen.
"Naruto," Kurenai was wearing an apron over her dress and some gloves. "I told you I could handle this myself."
Without saying a word, Naruto moved forward, took a towel, and started drying the dishes beside Kurenai. She opened her mouth to say something but slowly closed it when she saw Naruto's eyes and understood that no matter what she said, he wasn't going to leave.
For a few minutes, the only sound in the house was the constant and rhythmic murmur of running and bubbling water. Meanwhile, there were soft taps of the towel against the ceramic, the swish of glass being polished, and the occasional squeak when the dishes slid slightly on the sink's surface. Occasionally, there was a subtle clink when the plates and glasses were carefully stacked.
"I'm sorry," Naruto apologized.
"For what?" Kurenai tilted her head, not understanding Uzumaki's apology. "You haven't done anything that I need to forgive."
"For your father."
Kurenai paused for a moment and then sighed, continuing to wash.
"You have nothing to apologize for; that was the nine-tailed fox."
"But..."
"You are its jailer. No, you are our savior. Without you, the village would have been destroyed."
"Savior? No one had ever called me that."
"Should I call you my savior then?" Kurenai said with a husky voice.
"Stop. I'd prefer you call me Naruto," Uzumaki spoke, blushing with embarrassment.
"Then you shouldn't be apologizing for something you didn't do." Kurenai smiled. "Thank you for lying to Hinata about having other clothes."
"You noticed?" Naruto's eyes widened, impressed. He thought no one would catch that white lie.
"I'm a master in Genjutsu based on making lies and illusions real. Plus, I have a friend who is an expert in interrogation."
"But I'm not the only one who lied," Naruto declared, fixing his gaze on the woman. "Your dinner invitation was a lie. Your real goal was to bring me to talk to Hinata, right?"
Now it was the Jonin's turn to be surprised.
"How did you figure it out?"
"To begin with, I was surprised you invited me to dinner right after we met. What did you gain from it? I thought nothing. However, when I arrived and saw Hinata, I started to understand. Seeing you encouraging her to talk and bringing up conversation topics, everything became clear to me. Then, when Hinata and I were left alone, it became evident that you supported her because she couldn't even look at me or string two sentences together."
Kurenai sighed deeply.
"I'm sorry, Naruto. I didn't want to deceive you." Her voice was a whisper, almost drowned by guilt. Her eyes reflected a mix of regret and concern as she looked at Naruto. "But I wanted to help her; I need to help her. I see myself in her. She's only twelve and has lost her home and her father."
"I can't understand what it's like to have a father, let alone lose one," Naruto said, his expression shadowed by his hair. "But I can understand what it's like to be alone in the world. I'll help you with Hinata."
"Really?"
"Yes. I can come for dinner and even train Taijutsu with her. I understand it's her specialty like all the Hyūga."
Kurenai nodded.
"Good, but I want something in return."
"Anything."
"I need you to teach me Genjutsu."
With this we finish the Introductory Arc and in the next chapter we will start the Arc of Zabuza!
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Before I go I want to thank Robert and Michael for his support. Thank you very much.