(AN: Here's the newest chapter! A little bit of more people being introduced, and some new mechanics for Naruto to learn. Thanks for all the reviews, I didn't see any questions to answer, so here we go! On with the story!)
[Update complete. Would you like to see the notes?]
"Yes." Naruto chose through a yawn. He had finally been dismissed from the Hospital, and was now walking home late into the evening after celebrating with Iruka-sensei. It was… nice. The Ichiraku's had even given him a free bowl of their healthy Ramen. He'd had to stop by the grocer tomorrow morning. No, it would have to be in the evening since he had the Academy. He'd just worry about it tomorrow.
[Chakra Error has been resolved. Due to ? your chakra is now, 1000(5000)/1000(5000).]
"Whoa." That was a lot. Iruka's was only near 200 or something. And why were there two? And what was the ? about? Should he ask the Old Man? Or maybe Iruka? Nah, he didn't want them getting suspicious.
"I'll figure it out… eventually." He moved on to the next section of the update.
[Due to outside interference, your Luck has been converted into a Perk. Please review below.]
Luck of the Draw: Since the day you were born, your luck has been either abysmal or out of this world, there is no in between. Acting as both a blessing and a curse.
Randomized Luck
And that was it. Nothing else, what a letdown. He didn't know what randomized luck meant, but it probably sucked.
Finally arriving at home, Naruto stopped at his door to see two scrolls hanging from the doorknob. One was from that Kakashi guy, while the other was from Iruka.
Pulling them down, he tossed Iruka's under his arm, and looked at Kakashi's first, only to smile at its contents.
Naruto,
Learning Elemental Nature Transformations at a young age and with Poor Control is dangerous. Please do not attempt such a thing until after you've mastered the enclosed technique, which shouldn't be attempted until you've mastered the leaf exercise. Do not tell anyone about this, I could get in trouble. This note will self destruct in ten seconds.
Throwing the note from the scroll, Naruto leaped back… only for nothing to happen.
"Huh, bastard got me—" The note exploded violently, sending flames high into the air. "What the hell, you bastard!" Who the hell put a real paper bomb in a scroll for a kid!? Still, at least the man gave him something useful. "Oh, can't I spend a point to unlock this already?"
If so, he'd just make his clones work on it overnight—.
[Urgent Quest Unlocked!]
[Sub Mission: From the Leaf to the Tree!]
[Description: Master the Leaf Exercise followed by the Tree Climbing exercise without purchasing the skill through the System. (Note: Sucker.)]
[Rewards: +10 Relationship with Kakashi Hatake, +1 Sense of Self-Accomplishment, +1 Skill Point.]
"Bastard game!" He couldn't give up a skill point. Though with the amount of points he had… meh, I'll take the quest.
He pulled out Iruka's scroll and read the note.
Good day, Naruto
I am delivering this scroll after Sasuke asked me to. He said you apparently beat him in a competition? This is definitely something I'll be asking about when you're out of the Hospital, but I'll wait till after class one day. I hope you feel better.
"At least he didn't ask me about it during dinner," Naruto muttered.
Dobe,
This is a D Rank Fire Jutsu, it's a simple one, so you'd better learn it fast.
"Tch, teme." Naruto growled. He'd show that bastard tomorrow.
Fire Style: Fire Flies D+ Rank: Spews dozens of small fires from the mouth that float in the air. A distraction jutsu for children to train them in more dangerous fire jutsu.
15-45 fireballs in an extremely wide range.
1 Damage per fire ball.
2% chance to catch someone on fire.
Hand Seals: Rat-Bird-Tiger
Costs 10-30 Chakra per use. (Note: This Jutsu has a varied cost due to a changeable attribute. )
Would the User like to spend one skill point to instantly learn and get to Lvl 2 with this skill?
"Uh, sure, why not." He'd show Sasuke what was what. Grinning widely, he finally stepped into his apartment, and instantly created four clones. "Alright. You three, get started on the leaf exercise, and you get started on the Beginner's Wind Nature Training. I want results and I want them when I wake up in the morning. Got it!"
"Aye, aye, captain!"
"Yes, sir!"
"I don't know, man. I'm kinda not feeling it today."
"You got it, boss!"
Naruto slugged the third one, and a new clone was instantly made, who saluted as the others starred at him in fear. "That's right, you all belong to me. Now get to work! And whoever gets the best results, gets ramen for breakfast!" He'd rule these lazy bastards with fear if he had to. Fear!
"Sir, yes sir!" Finally, Naruto stepped into his own bedroom, ready to drift off for the night.
He had originally planned to get all four of the clones training on the Wind Nature skill, but with this new quest, he wanted it done as soon as possible. Then it would pay for spending that skill point on the fire jutsu. He'd show it off to the teme tomorrow after practicing it before class.
"Yeah, that would show him."
Still, they did good work; he looked at his Beginner's Water Nature Training (Lvl 3 12%), and couldn't help but grin. Sure, two levels may have seen bad, but at Level 3, his Water Nature Transformation was already at 62%. Getting from Lvl 1 training to Lvl 2 had only given him 20%, but 2 to 3 had given him another 42%. "Slow and steady wins the race."
"—And today we will be—" Iruka was saying as Naruto finally entered the classroom. He had spent too much time practicing his new Fire Jutsu this morning, when he had accidentally set his wooden planters on fire, burning his precious plants on the roof. He had panicked and didn't use his one water jutsu until it was already burned to hell and back. So now he was late.
But instead of his usual shouting for being late, Iruka simply smiled at him, and gestured for him to come up front.
"Ah, Naruto, I was worried you wouldn't be up for coming in today." Truth be told, the old man had given him the rest of the week off, but it was already Wednesday, so Naruto had decided to come in anyway. He needed that sweet, sweet EXP. Besides, his clones were at home working on his Beginner's Wind Nature Training (Lvl 2 16%). They worked fast when ramen was on the line.
"Nope! I'm here, sensei, sorry for being late."
"No need. After all, I wanted to use you as an example for today's lesson."
Oh no. That always meant he was in big trouble.
"As I was just telling the class, today we will be going over some of the biggest sacrifices during the Third Shinobi War. We will be talking about many heroes, both from Konoha and our allies. And today's class, we have our own little hero, here with us today. You see—"
Naruto groaned as the man went on to describe the fire, and Naruto's part in the rescue efforts. It was embarrassing for him, but what really sucked. Were the whispers. And once Iruka finished, he could hear them all.
"Psh. As if the village idiot could ever be a hero." Someone in class muttered. He saw Iruka's face turn white, before suddenly burning red, but just before he could say anything, Naruto spun around, opening his own mouth before the man could.
"Hah! Yeah, I just helped a couple people out was all! Anyone could have done the same!" He smiled brightly, and many people laughed. But still the whispers filled the room.
"I knew it was all a lie."
"As if he could—"
"Like that boy could ever—"
"As if—"
And so on, and so on. But he still ignored them and walked to his seat, plopping down beside his rival.
"Good job… dobe."
"Thanks, teme." It was nice… somehow.
[For listening intently to Iruka's lectures, your INT and WIS have increased.]
[INT 13 - 15]
[WIS 12 - 13]
The Fourth Hokage had always been someone Naruto had looked up to, so when Iruka promised to go over the heroes of the Third War, he knew he had to pay attention. Which seemed like a good choice.
"Now then, before you all leave today, I have an important announcement. As you all know, the Early Graduation is next month. If you'd like to submit an application for it, please let me know by the end of the week. Do not submit one unless you're absolutely sure of yourself. And for those who have done so in the past, remember, you are only allowed three graduation attempts. Another year of classes will not hurt you."
With his new clones, Naruto could easily pass it. If he could sneak it past Iruka. That would be the hard part. But… did he want to? It would be great. "Should I check out the graduating class?"
"What, do you want to see the competition?" Sasuke said, startling Naruto.
He jerked his head back and saw the boy standing behind him, backpack in hand, looking ready to leave.
"Eh, maybe, but they're not really competition. They're our allies."
"Tch, whatever you say, dobe."
"Teme."
The brunette rolled his eyes and tried to leave once more.
"Oh, Sasuke. Are you going to try it this time?"
A scowl formed on the boy's face, and his hands tightened. "It would just be denied again. Something about a Clan Preservation act." For a third time, the boy tried to leave, but once more—.
"Oh, I got that jutsu last night. It was pretty easy to learn."
The Uchiha blinked, startled, "You… you learned it already?"
"Yeah! I got home at like six last night and learned it! Polished it off this morning."
"Cut the crap, dobe."
"Wanna bet, teme!" He got in the boy's face.
"Naruto-baka, stop harassing Sasuke-kun!" Oh, right, Sakura… how had Naruto forgotten about his one true love?
"Yeah, idiot. Leave him alone!"
Sasuke was getting impatient as the fan girls began to circle them like a pack of wild dogs.
"How about we head out to the training area, and I show you!"
"Fine, dobe. Let's go."
"If I dump my points now, would I be able to beat Sasuke? Observe."
Name: Sasuke Uchiha*
Title: Avenger
Job: Academy Student
Level: 16
STR: 22
CON: 17
DEX: 21
INT: 18
WIS: 17
LUK: 23
Skills: [User must be Trusted to view target's skills.]
Relationship: Friendly Rivalry (32/200)
"How is he gaining levels so fast?" Did it have something to do with his Avenger title? Could he see that title? Could he get that title?
[Note: Title's, Jobs, Flaws, and Perks can all be viewed with observe at varying levels. Level up the skill to unlock more features.]
Still. If he put five points into STR, and evenly distributed his other points into INT and WIS, he'd probably be able to beat the boy. Or just dump all ten in STR. That could work. But what was Iruka's? How did he measure up to his sensei?
Name: Iruka Umino
Title: Konoha's Number One Teacher
Job: Academy Teacher
Level: 27
Health: 234/234
Chakra: 186/186
STR: 20
CON: 18
DEX: 28
INT: 35
WIS: 35
LUK: 12
Skills: [User must be Trusted to view target's skills.]
Wow. "I could trounce sensei." He doubted INT and WIS really did much in a battle, so could he take the man on? Maybe he could convince the man to give him a spar later in the week, or on the weekend. An 18 level difference meant nothing! Then again, that Kakashi guy's attributes shot up with a single jutsu. Hitting over 150 or something. Could Iruka do that?
Naruto made his way out into the training area with Sasuke and his fangirls following close behind. But as they entered, they noticed a large group was outside still by the Taijutsu area. He couldn't help but throw an observe at one kid with a bowl cut and green spandex, just like the Gai, guy.
Name: Rock Lee
Title: Student of the Strong Fist
Job: Academy Student
Level: 12
Health: 152/230
Chakra: 5/5
STR: 23
CON: 57
DEX: 24
INT: 13
WIS: 21
LUK: ?
Skills: [User must be Trusted to view target's skills.]
For a weird-looking guy, that kid definitely had some strength behind him, but it wasn't as big of a gap as he thought it would be. And he was wearing the same clothes as that other guy, plus the orange leg warmers. Oh! "I forgot about those!"
"Hn. The older kids must still be finishing up their lessons."
"Let's just go over to the Ninjutsu area." Naruto muttered. He definitely didn't want to get involved with another class with the crowd they had. Still, the boy got comfortable as he imagined the look on the teme's face when he used this jutsu.
"Well, don't keep me waiting all day, dobe."
Fire Style: Fire Flies D+ Rank (Lvl 2 87%): Spews dozens of small fires from the mouth that float in the air. A distraction jutsu for children to train them in more dangerous fire jutsu.
15-50 fireballs in an extremely wide range.
1 Damage per fire ball.
2% chance to catch someone on fire.
Hand Seals: Rat-Bird-Tiger
Costs 10-31 Chakra per use. (Note: This Jutsu has a varied cost due to a changeable attribute. )
With his reserve, Naruto could spam the heck out of this jutsu easily. He moved through the three hand signs and spewed out the 50 fireballs, watching as they gently floated in the air.
"Fifty already?" Sasuke muttered to himself, just loud enough for Naruto to catch.
"Here, let me try again." Naruto said, starring at the 94% to the next level.
Fifty-five flew out this time, and Naruto smirked as the balls joined the others.
"I bet once I really master this thing, it's going to be amazing." He wondered if he'd get a good evolved jutsu, if he got one. That would be dope.
[Fire Style: Fire Flies Leveled up! 2 - 3]
Oh, and there was a 3% chance to burn someone now. The damage was still 1, though, and the range was still wider than the sky. But it was still—
"Yosh! That was amazing!" Bowl cut had arrive.
"It was alright." Sasuke muttered.
"Hell yeah it was!" Naruto gave the boy a thumbs up. "Just learned it last night!"
"The power of youth is strong in you, my friend!"
Oh, he must be Gai's son. That had to be it.
"Thanks, bushy brow!"
"Bushy brow?"
"That was a nice little firework," a girl stepped forward with buns in her hair, "Though I have to say, I don't think it would do much in a fight."
"It's a distraction jutsu." The Naruto and Sasuke said at the same time, causing the brunette to scowl at him.
[Sasuke's Relationship has increased by +1]
Weird kid.
"Yosh. Would you care for a spar!?" The boy got into their faces now. "Either of you."
"Lee, calm down. You just got trounced by Neji. You need to recover."
He got beat by someone? With those stats? "Who's Neji?"
"Oh, he's the Rookie of the Year in our class." The girl said. "And I'm the Kunoichi of the Year, Tenten. Lee here is out Dead Last."
"So this is Naruto's future, then." Sasuke threw a jab at the blond, who deflated.
"Please, no."
"Still, I'll accept your spar."
The two moved back to the Taijutsu area, as Naruto and the rest of the group followed after. But as they did, Tenten shouted a goodbye to another weird looking kid. "See ya tomorrow, Neji!"
"Hn." The boy was obviously tired. But judging from the way so many were down on the surrounding ground, it was obvious they had a Taijutsu tournament that day. This kid must have won.
Name: Neji Hyuga
Title: Prodigy of the Hyuga
Job: Academy Student
Level: 19
Health: 57/134
Chakra: 27/180
STR: 37
CON: 31
DEX: 43
INT: 36
WIS: 19
LUK: 2
Skills: [User must be Trusted to view target's skills.]
"Holy hell!" Naruto couldn't help but bulge his eyes out at the boy. His stats were way higher that Iruka's, except for his Wis, but who cared about that? Was the game messed up or something? But wait? His stats were dropping. Slowly but surely, his STR, CON, and DEX were lowering. What was going on?
[Note: When using Observe, the user is only able to gain the target's current strength at the user's current level. If the target has been suppressing their abilities, or amplifying them, then the user will only see those stats. This can also be affected by the target's relationship with the Player. I.e. Kakashi Hatake's DEX stat.]
Was that Lee kid suppressing his—
STR: 54
DEX: 61
"Oi, Sasuke!" This was going to be bad. But why were Sasuke's stats still the same? Matter of fact, none of the times they had fought were different besides a couple of points? Plus, this guy's Chakra was abysmal. What could he possibly be suppressing?
"What, dobe!"
He eyed the leg warms and used an observe.
Gravity Seal Leg Warmers: A great way to level your STR and DEX passively. Warning, prolonged use can cause stunted growth. Be sure to leave them off when sleeping or bathing.
"He's wearing some serious weights that he just deactivated! He's way stronger than he looks!"
"Ah, yes, you have a good eye, Naruto-san! Yes, I am indeed wearing weights! They are set to 2.1 times normal gravity, but I have lowered them to 1.5 times for the moment. That is the lowest my sensei will allow me to go!"
"A set of gravity weights." Sasuke had a dark gleam in his eye now. And Naruto inwardly groaned. Of course, the boy had a new plan now. He had better break his own out before the boy was shooting far ahead of him.
"I'm sorry, Uchiha-san. I should have been more up front with my weights. Would you still care to spar?"
The boy looked like he was going to say yes still, but Naruto stepped in. "Hey, why don't we schedule a match for later in the month? It's only the first after all, and you just got finished with a taijutsu match, right? So you're not at the top of your game."
[Sasuke's Relationship has decreased by -5]
"I don't need—"
"Yosh! What a youthful idea, Naruto-san. Gai-sensei was right about your flames of youth! Perhaps later this month, Uchiha-san, then we shall discover who is better."
"Tch, whatever." As the green boy walked away, Sasuke turned a glare toward Naruto, and spat out, "I don't need your help for something like this, dobe."
"Oh, come on, teme. You would have been creamed by that guy. I met his dad or sensei or whatever, and the guy's an absolute monster."
"Someone like that? As if." Sakura said.
"Yeah, Sasuke-kun could beat anyone!"
The last Uchiha grit his teeth as his two biggest fans shrilled nearby, causing Naruto to grin at the boy's distress.
"You would have lost. Heck, you almost lost to me the other day. I even beat you in a foot race!"
"There you go, always lying, Naruto!"
[Relationship with Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanake has decreased, -5]
Name: Sakura Haruno
Relationship: Menace (1/100)
Name: Ino Yamanaka
Relationship: Menace (78/100)
He was about to lose a level with Sakura! How! Why! He had to do something quick.
"Aw come on, Sakura-chan! Don't be like that!"
"Naruto-baka, as if you could ever measure up to Sasuke-kun!"
"Forehead is right, as if you could ever beat—hey where'd Sasuke-kun go?"
"Bastard ditched me with his ravenous fans." Naruto thought, but quickly zeroed in on Ino's comment. "Hey! Don't talk like that about Sakura-chan! Her forehead is perfect the way it is!"
[Relationship with Sakura Haruno has increased, +1]
"Victory!"
"There he is!" Ino shouted just as Sakura began to speak. Her mouth snapped shut, and Naruto wilted as the girl chased after his rival.
"Tough luck, Naruto." The blond jumped as Iruka came out of nowhere.
"Jeez!" he flipped around, shooting a glare at the man. "You scared me, sensei! And what do you mean, tough luck! I'll win her heart, eventually. Believe it!"
A sad smile was his only reward from the man.
[Relationship with Iruka Umino has increased, +1, +1 Pity Points.]
"Can I use pity points for anything?"
[No]
"This system sucks."
"Sometimes the system does suck, Naruto. But we must rise above it as men."
"Thanks, Iruka-sensei, but that's not what I wanted to hear." But hey, this was a good opportunity. "Hey, sensei, do you have a few minutes of free time?"
He quickly doubled check the man's stats and nodded at the results as the man blinked in surprise at the question. "I… might? What do you need?"
"I wanted to spar with you, just really quickly. Five minutes at most."
"Are you sure, Naruto? We have a test coming up later in the week if you'd like to wait for Friday." Oh right, they were sparring with the teachers. But then again, he'd probably get Mizuki-sensei and Naruto didn't have a good read on his stats like Iruka's.
"I just need to check something." It would also be good to see how far he had come.
"I could give you five minutes. But after that, I have a lot of paperwork to go over, what with early graduation coming soon." Right, the teacher's schedules always got reworked this time of year. They wanted to cram as much information as possible into the graduating class, so the assistants took over the other classes while the main ones taught the soon to be graduates. Iruka probably wouldn't be as available over the next couple months. He needed to get this with soon.
"That's fine. I just want to see how far I've come since our last spar."
"Taijutsu only though, alright, Naruto? I don't want to have to deal with your super cool advanced water jutsu."
Naruto blushed as the man ruffled his hair. He had claimed the jutsu was super awesome and powerful during dinner the other night.
"Don't worry, I won't use my secret weapons on you, sensei!"
"It's not much of a secret if you tell everyone." The man grinned.
Naruto dumped his points into STR (21) and DEX (29), making each one one level higher than Iruka's as the two made their way to the sparring area. He could absolutely beat Sasuke now, he was sure of it, but could he beat his sensei?
"Are you ready, Naruto? If so, begin at any time."
[Urgent Quest Unlocked!]
[Sub Mission: Down with the mighty!]
[Quest Description: Spar with Iruka Umino!]
[Sub Mission Two: Spar with Iruka Umino for one minute.]
[Sub Mission Three: Spar for Two and a half minutes.]
[Sub Mission Four: Spar for the full five minutes.]
Naruto blitzed the man, leaping into the air with a kid, sending the man sliding out of the circle as he brought both arms up to block. "Oh ho, you have been practicing. I think that's the strongest kick I've felt from you, Naruto."
"Thanks, sensei!"
"I guess I'll have to try a little harder," the man smiled warmly.
[Relationship with Iruka Umino has increased, +5]
The man fell back into his stance, and Naruto copied it. Silence reigned, and Iruka finally made the first move. Throwing a fast jab at a surprise Naruto, who quickly blocked.
Partial Block! 7 Blunt Damage
Health: 35/42
Naruto blanched at the damage. He blocked and still took that much? He looked at the man's stats quickly, and the system was finally proven correct.
STR: 23
DEX: 28
Still, the man hadn't increased his speed, only his strength. Naruto dodged the next blow and kicked at the man's leg, barely missing.
"A height advantage can be crucial, Naruto." The man instructed as they fought.
Thinking quickly, Naruto rolled to the side, and tried to sweep the man's feet out from under him. Only for Iruka to jump and fall with his leg high. Naruto barely dodged the foot as it hit the ground. He leaped to his feet and tried a hook kick, succeeding in catching the man in the chest.
Hit! 2 Damage.
That was it?
He didn't have time to think as the man's stats slowly changed once more in the corner of his eye.
STR: 25
DEX: 29
Was there a technique that the man was using? Or was he merely saturating his body with chakra? He knew that skill was taught to the graduates of the academy. That could be the reason. He had also read that some old lady could use an even more advanced technique that could crumble mountains.
Iruka flashed a palm, and Naruto danced to the left, anticipating an attack, only for the man's other hand to catch him in the cheek.
Stunned! (1 Second)
"Are you alright, Naruto?" thankfully the man paused in his onslaught as Naruto spit out a bit of blood.
"I'm good to go, sensei! Don't stop!"
To prove it, Naruto jumped in the air, and sent a flying kick at the man, using him as a springboard as the man blocked. He pushed off with as much for as he could muster, barely moving the man this time.
STR: 28
DEX: 31
Naruto couldn't let the man gain an advantage at this rate. If he did, it would be over in a heartbeat.
He landed with a flip, and charge forward, aiming for the man's gut, only to be slapped away. An elbow was blocked, and his stomp was out maneuvered.
But just as Naruto was about to try a new tactic, Iruka lashed out with a powerful kick.
Hit! 19 Damage.
Naruto flew back, sliding across the ground even though he blocked it.
STR: 36
His arms were killing him, but he dropped them and made to charge—
[Congratulations! Urgent Quest Completed!]
[Hidden Mission Completed!]
"I think that's enough for today, Naruto." Iruka held his hands up in surrender. "I have to say, I'm quite proud of you. That was the best you've ever done, by a mile. Whatever training you've done has certainly been a great boon to you. Heck, I'd put you almost at Sasuke's level."
"Really!" Of course his stats were higher than—
"At least in strength and speed. But your form is still sloppy. I'd suggest working on your conditioning and taijutsu style."
"Awww." That was a low blow.
"Now, I had planned on giving you this after Friday's match, but I think now would be a better time. Consider it a reward for impressing me so much. I even had to go up to low genin skills." From a pouch on his back, Iruka pulled forth a scroll. "In this are a few tips on cleaning up your form. Once you get those down, you can start with the second part of the scroll, a guide to the intermediate version of the Academy Style."
Naruto eagerly grabbed the scroll from the man, quickly opening it. The technical jargon was a bit much, but he'd definitely check it out that evening.
"Thanks, Iruka-sensei!"
"No problem, Naruto." The man once more ruffled Naruto's hair, and the two parted, with the boy waving enthusiastically after his sensei.
For now, he had a date with those ugly orange leg warms at home. He needed to get those on asap. "If bushy brow could wear them, so could he.
[Quest Rewards Claimed!]
[Rewards: 50 EXP, +1 Attribute Point, +5 Relationship with Iruka Umino, +100 Ryo, +1 Intermediate Taijutsu Scroll.]
[Ding! Beginner's Academy Style Leveled Up! Lvl 4 - 5 (14%)]
[Ding! Beginner's Taijutsu Conditioning Leveled Up! Lvl 9 - 10 (21%)]
(AN: Yo guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, would have been out faster, but had to work a few doubles Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, so I didn't have much time to write. Anyway, don't forget to leave a review in order to fuel me. Have a good one!)
Name: Naruto Uzumaki
Title: Spring's Breeze
Job: Academy Student
EXP: 396/550
Level: 8
Health: 42/42
Chakra: 1000(5000)/1000(5000)
STR: 21
CON: 25
DEX: 29
INT: 15
WIS: 13
LUK: ?
Attribute Points: +1
Skill Points: +4
Perk Points: +2