Shizune would admit it, she was no natural sensor. However, as a medic she was trained to be able to test chakra through tough or meditation. It was a vital skill for a countless many procedures, from basic surgeries to the Mystic Palm and more. With all that being said being close to Naruto, she could sense a serious shift in his chakra just a week into his training. Enough that she could admit she was wrong.
"Lady Tsunade I am almost certain he can already make a shadow clone."
The Powerful kage coughed. "Already? I thought we estimated a month?"
"I think we forgot to add in the understanding of loving relationships, self value and more. Those are just as vital to spiritual growth as knowledge."
Tsunade rubbed her chin, considering her words. "That would make sense, actually... Naruto suffered a rare level of abuse and neglect, this would be a serious deviation for him. Hmm... good work, Shizune, seriously good work."
She bowed to her master. "I have something to report. Normally I'd beg you to keep your temper under control... but even for me, I want you to pummel Jiriaya into oblivion for his crimes." Her shiver of sheer rage must have startled Tsunade into silence. "Naruto was thrown down a cliff by Jiraiya, without any proof of survival, just so he could tap into Kyuubi's chakra."
The killer intent Tsunade unleashed would have left even Orochimaru shivering. "Remind me to kill my old teammate when I see him next... what else?"
They would end up talking for hours, but when they were done, they both knew Jiriaya's life would be at an end very, very soon.
""""
Naruto focused hard, relishing in his stronger body. It was the strangest thing, but he felt so much more powerful even a week post death than he did before. It was like a burden, likely Kyuubi's chakra, was no longer sapping his will and strength. He felt himself, raw and pure. Nothing had ever mattered more to him than that feeling. It turned meditation, reaching out with his chakra, into a fun experience.
So, he noticed when someone was watching him.
"Who are you? Why are you watching me?"
There was a meep, before Hinata Hyuuga of all people popped her head out from behind a tree. "I, ugh... I am sorry Naruto..."
He shrugged. "Why are you watching me? Do you want to hang out, or spar or something?"
She froze, eyes wide. "I, ugh, I..."
"Come on, let's go get some dumplings. I am trying to eat better, and Shizune sensei says I can't always eat ramen." She followed behind him meekly, shaking in her boots... well, sandals. Soon, they were at the Dumpling spot that Shizune had taken him too once just days before, ordering some food. "So, why are you watching me? I mean, it's kind of creepy."
She blushed, turning away. "I... I always admired you. You were always so strong, and after we heard that you died...I realized that I can't let my fears get the best of me anymore. I want to be your friend, if that's okay."
Naruto's smile split his face. "I would love to be your friend, Hinata... you are a freaking badass, we could be awesome friends!"
Hinata beamed herself. "I could help you spar, I heard you needed to get your strength back after dying... I had to do the same after Neji hurt my heart."
"Awesome, I can't wait."
"I am actually on a sabattical, so I can learn more Gentle Fist arts, I have three months to learn more. It is a right of passage, we can spar together, making the other better and more prepared."
"I'd love that."
Neither noticed the warm eyes of Shizune watching them from the entrance, hopeful that Naruto's future would in fact be better than ever.
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.