Chapter 42: Chapter 34
10 reviews = bonus chapter
50 comments = bonus chapter
200 gems = bonus chapter
Full story at:
patreon.com/FanFictionPremium
***
A spacious, bright office, with huge windows on the right side. Wooden desks, chairs, blackboards. A teacher with a book in his hands pointing at the blackboard and trying to explain something. A huge number of children frolicking in the classroom and whispering amongst themselves. Shinobi Academy, Children's Class 1-A.
- Hey, kids! Stop the mayhem, stop talking to each other and listen carefully! - A desperate Chunin, about sixteen years old by the looks of it, tried his best to get the attention of the students, but he spoke without any hope of a response from his charges.
- Krasuya-Sensei, but the history of Shinobi is not an interesting subject. - There was a long sigh from one of the blondes, who was stretched out ridiculously on his desk.
- Why isn't it interesting? It's very interesting! You all want to become great shinobi in the future! But how can you become one without knowing what Shinobi were like in the past? Like our first Hokage, Hashirama Senju! The head of the Senju Clan, one of the most powerful Clans in the world and considered a Shinobi God, who mastered the forbidden Wood Element that could subdue even Biju! Don't you want to know how he became so powerful?
- Yes, yes, yes, yes. Sensei, we've heard all these stories before, and to me, that's the only interesting thing about this subject. The rest of it is all very boring and it's insanely stressful to listen to. - came a voice from the back of the desk right behind the blue-eyed blond.
- Ha-ah. - Sensei fixed his glasses and turned to his student. - Shikamaru-kun, you've already learnt a lot of academic knowledge as the heir to the Nara Clan, but it never hurts to repeat the material and learn it for life. Besides, not all the students here have the same level of intelligence as you and simply did not study it before the Academy, especially those who are not members of such an influential Clan, so please behave well in class and do not bring up this topic from now on. And actually, other topics are just as interesting too!
- They're boring anyway! - The blond was defending his opinion and he wasn't going to give up.
- Naruto-kun, this also applies to you. Even though you are a member of one of the oldest Clans, the Uzumaki Clan, you have not even thought about studying its history, but it is very interesting and no less amazing than the history of the Senju Clan.
- No, it isn't! My brother says that much of my Clan's knowledge has been lost and no longer exists!
- Of course your brother is right, but that's not all. There are many interesting facts about your Clan and there are scrolls proving the good relationship between the Senju and Uzumaki Clans. The wife of the first Hokage was the Uzumaki Clan's Hime, Mito Uzumaki. And also thanks to her, your Clan's history has not been lost forever.
- Hmph! You sound just like your brother... - Naruto hummed loudly and muttered the last phrase under his breath.
- Naruto-kun, stop bothering Master! *Clap* - there was the sound of a light palm slap.
- Ugh, Ino-chan, that hurts! - Blondie said, rubbing his left shoulder.
- It's my own fault! Hmph! - Ino-chan crossed her arms over her chest and turned to face Nara, who was sitting behind her, and shouted again. - You too, Shikamaru-kun!
- What about me, I'm fine. - The brunet turned away and scratched his cheek.
- But Sasuke doesn't listen either, why aren't you hitting him? - Uzumaki asked his desk mate indignantly.
- Unlike you, Sasuke-kun knows the whole story and he doesn't need to listen to the Teacher! That's right, Sasuke-kun~~
- Then how is he different from me? - Nara, who was surprised by his friend's behaviour, asked a question of interest.
- Don't you dare compare Sasuke-kun to yourself! *Clap! * - and this was already heard a big blow from the pink-haired girl in the shoulder of innocent Shikamaru.
- Why am I being punished like this? - He sighed doomedly and looked at Uzumaki with puppy dog eyes. - Naruto, why don't you switch with me?
- Shikamaru, don't make him leave just because of his fate of sitting with 'that one'. - The young Uchiha spoke even a little squeamishly and leaned back, keeping his arms crossed with his eyes closed.
- Yes, yes, I know what would happen in such a case...'' - the Tactical Genius rolled his eyes tiredly.
- Hey! Are you even listening to me?! - shouted the teacher waving his book, but the students just covered their ears with their fingers, ignoring Krasuya Sensei persistently. Suddenly, the door to the classroom opened and out of it appeared the calm face of a young man wearing a Chunin Vest.
- All right kids, everyone go to the back range. We're going to do some practical training. - With a clap of his hands and a smile, the Teacher who had come in spoke and immediately received a response from the students.
- Yes!!! - everyone shouted and ran towards the exit of the classroom, trying to be the first to get to the back range.
- Ha-ahhh, what's wrong with me, Shindu? - Chunin sighed doomfully, putting the book back on the desk.
- Well, well, well, it's not your fault Krasuya. It's just that the kids haven't yet realised how important and useful your subject is to them. - patted his colleague on the shoulder with another Chunin.
- They're more interested in sparring and throwing Shuriken, aren't they? Well, at their age we were like that too, though times were a bit different....
***
- *** *** There was the sound of Shuriken hitting the target. - Okay kids, now you, one at a time. - Shindu said with a smile. - Break into pairs for the competition and try to hit the targets. - The students excitedly started discussing amongst themselves about who they wanted to be with. Some were pairing up with their friends and some with their rivals. Without much thought, Naruto and Sasuke without a word just stood side by side, showing that they were pairing up. When everyone was done, Sensei called out to the students again. - Well done, now take turns standing at your targets with three Shuriken each and make an attempt. Hmm... - Shindou took a closer look at the students and stopped at one pair. - So, Inuzuka Kiba and Hyuga Hinata, I take it you've paired up?
- I didn't want to compete with the girl! It's just that everyone else was taken apart, and I thought I could pair up with Akamaru. - The young dogman spoke up and walked over to the teacher.
- I-I'll try! - Embarrassed, the girl took the three Shuriken and bowed to the teacher, making the teacher stunned.
- А? Ah, yes. I believe in you, good luck. - Shindu said warmly and smiled at the girl. - Okay, here we go!
- *knock, knock, knock* - the sound of a hit was heard.
- Well done, Hinata-san, well done.
- Huh?! How did she hit two at once and mine flew off behind the trees?! - Kiba shouted in surprise and indignation at the same time.
- You lost to a girl! Ha-ha-ha! - There was laughter from the children.
- No! The shurikens must have been broken or wrong!!!
- Alright, alright, Kiba-kun. Next up, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino. - The two girls with fiery eyes ran out of the crowd and picked up the Shurikens that the teacher was just about to give them and stood at their targets.
- Wait for me, Shaggy! Now I'll show you my Kunoichi skills!
- Shut up, Ino-pig! I'll beat you easily in this and Sasuke will quickly move to my side, leaving you with your nose in the air!
- No way, Sasuke won't sit with a weakling like you!
- All right, all right, stop it already. Here we go!
- ... - Without even flying, the shurikens fell in front of the targets and some of them even stabbed into the ground.
- Good, not bad. - Both girls slumped down and stared at the ground. - Come on, come on! You can do it if you try and practice.
- Yes! Ino-chan, Sakura-chan, don't give up! I believe you can do it! - There was a loud cheer from the crowd.
- N-naruto-kun? - Ino was the only one who reacted to the blond's encouragement, while Sakura looked at the Brunet who wasn't paying any attention to her with the same dejection.
- Okay, since it was just a failed attempt, you can try again.
- Really!!! - The girls lit up and quickly ran towards the targets, picking up the under-flying Shurikens before returning to their seats.
- Okay, here we go. - Each of them took turns throwing their throwing Shurikens and stared at the targets hopefully.
- The sound of Shuriken being thrown into wooden targets.
- Yeah!!! - the girls shouted synchronously. - I did it!!!
- Well done, one/one. Tie. - After hearing the Judge's answer, the girls looked at each other with evil grins and a competitive spirit that even the eternal Reincarnated Brothers could get through!
- Okay, next up are Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji. - A bored-looking boy with his spiky hair tied back in a ponytail and a chubby kid with a big bag of chips in his hands came out of the crowd and slowly walked towards the teacher. Taking the Shurikens they got into their positions and threw them, but none hit the target. - Alright, since both of you couldn't hit the target once, you can give it another try.....
- I'm lazy. - Shikamaru said and went back to his seat. Chouji just followed his friend's lead, greedily devouring the rest of the chips.
- Oh, okay. Now, Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto.
- Yes! It's finally my turn, Duttebayo!!! Sasuke, don't hold back!!! - Naruto quickly jumped up to Shindou and picked up his Shurikens.
- And he wasn't about to. - Sasuke also quickly moved next to his Master and picked up his Shurikens.
- Okay. Here we go! - The two looked at each other predatorily and turned to the targets.
- HAAA!!! - shouted Naruto throwing Shuriken.
- *Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock!
- Wow, guys, well done! Everyone hit the target!
- Except I hit the centre and you only hit the edges, Naruto.
- Haaaa!!!? I disagree, let's do it again!
- No way, you've already lost.
- But I want more!
- All right, all right, kids. You can still practice when everyone's done.
- Wow, they all hit it.
- They both hit all three Shuriken in the targets.
- No one's ever done that before, only two at most, but three.
- And they both act like they're not happy with the results.
- That's just Naruto not wanting to give in to Sasuke.
- Yeah, Sasuke hit everything exactly in the centre, and Naruto only hit the edges and that's probably due to pure luck. - from the crowd of kids shouting and discussing the situation.
- All right, kids. Next...
After that, everyone else took turns trying to hit the target, and when these mini competitions were over, the class was already just practising on their own, making targets out of the trees around them. The class quickly ended and everyone started to scatter to their homes. (Shino: HOW ABOUT ME!!!?)
- Naruto, are you going to the playground? - Shikamaru asked suddenly, walking out of the Academy building with his friends.
- No, I can't. Today, my brother said that we would train all day and that he would train me personally, not with the help of the Clones!
- Can't you say no for today? - Chouji asked while eating a new packet of crisps.
- Of course not! My brother will be training me in person today, and that's rare. Usually he's always on missions or training at other ranges.
- I see.
- Doesn't your family train too much? Brother Menma, according to my father, was always thinking about training and nothing else. I once saw him training our Shadow technique at our house, and I didn't just see him. There were about a hundred Clones trying to catch each other with Shadow while trying not to get caught. How much do you have to love training to create that many Clones?! *Sasuke and Naruto, who were suddenly walking next to each other, shuddered and swallowed.
- What's wrong with you? - Chouji asked, puzzled.
- The other day, Brother Menma was creating t-three thousand Clones and training Fire and Wind Techniques.
- T-three thousand?! Isn't that a lot?! Is your family really obsessed with training?! - Even the thought of that much training gave Shikamaru a chill.
- Well, that's why Brother is so strong! And I'm going to become one in the future too!
- You admire your brother a lot, but what about you, Sasuke?
- Well, I admire my brother too. Even though he says he's inferior to his brother Menma, I think he's just as good as him, and he's the Genius of our Clan, and he's always praised by my father and my other clansmen. I also want to become as strong as my brother and even surpass him!
- Erm, no. I was actually talking about something else. - Nara waved his hand from side to side. - Are you free today? You only come to play in the evenings, and by then everyone's gone, only your sister Karin comes and you don't.
- Well, since Brother Menma is coaching in person today, I can't miss it either. Brother Itachi said I could learn a lot from him and he wasn't lying.
- Looking at you, I feel like the last lazy person in the world. - Nara sighed.
- Me too. - Chouji shook his head.
- Why don't you join us? - Naruto said thoughtfully.
- Hmm, Brother Menma forbade bringing strangers into the Quarter, but I guess if you ask him and tell him everything, he won't mind, right? - The Uchiha shared his thoughts.
- Yeah, yeah, I'm sure Brother wouldn't mind!
- Erm, that's... - Shikamaru felt uncomfortable and was about to refuse, as....
- Yes, I don't mind going. - came the voice of a calm Akimichi.
- Then it's a deal! Brother will be here and we'll all go to our Quarter! - The blond was glowing with happiness, and Nara didn't know what to say or how to get out of it.
- Hmm, isn't this... - Akimichi pointed his finger at the entrance to the Academy where the students were leaving.
- If I'm not mistaken, that's Hinata Hyuga. - Sasuke said calmly.
- Hey, Hinata-chan!
- Naruto, stop! - Not listening to the young Nara, Uzumaki ran towards the girl, waving vigorously at her.
- N-naruto-kun? - The confused Hyuga didn't know what to do or where to go.
- Hinata-chan, that was awesome! You're the only one besides Sasuke and I who could hit the targets more than once on the first try.
- Oh, yeah. That's right.
- Do you want to come practice with us? We were just about to go to the Quarter together. Brother will be here to see us off!
- M-menma-kun? - The girl's eyes became interested, but she was still embarrassed that Uzumaki was too close.
- Yes! He's coming right now! Sasuke, Choji and Shikamaru have already agreed! Don't you want to come with us?
- I-I... - The girl covered her face, trying not to look directly at Blondie.
- Sasuke-kun agreed to go somewhere? WITH YOU?! - From Uzumaki's left came Sakura's angry voice, with Ino next to her as well.
- I'm going too. You don't mind, do you, Sasuke-kuuun? - came the cheerful voice of Yamanaka, who had already gotten close to the Uchiha and was looking at him with puppy eyes.
- Objection. - He answered rudely and tried to move away from her.
- Yes, Ino is absolutely not worth joining us! I, on the other hand, am definitely going with Sasuke-kun! - Haruno repeated her friend's gesture.
- And I don't mind about you either. - But the Uchiha was just as cold.
- What?! - Both students roared.
- Come on, Sasuke! The more people the better!!! Let's all go! - The blond said cheerfully, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
- That's right, Naruto-kun is right! - Ino involuntarily stood next to Naruto and supported him.
- I don't think Naruto should be there at all. Right, Sasuke-kun? How about just the two of us? - Shikamaru, looking on from the sidelines, had to make a facepalm, which he did after only a second.
- This is all so tense.
- Naruto! I'm sorry I'm late, I've just been digesting all the information from all the dispersed Clones. - A red-haired guy with blue eyes and the same stripes on his cheeks as Blondin appeared right in front of Naruto. He was breathing a little heavy, holding his little brother by the shoulder and smiling broadly at him.
- Brother! You've come just in time! Can we go to the Quarter and practice together? - Four people were stunned by such a statement. The first two were the uncomprehending brunette fans who had not expected such a development. The third was a young woman with eyes as white as snow, who was almost completely flushed because of Menma's sudden appearance just one metre away from her. The fourth was Uzumaki himself, who upon realising his brother's words looked around the crowd of kids nervously. After a couple of seconds of silence as everyone tried to make sense of the situation, while one blond boy just smiled stupidly waiting for his brother's answer, Menma spoke up.
- Erm, if you're all free and have asked your parents for time off, then in principle I don't mind of course.
- Yeah!!! - came a lonely, but insanely loud and joyful exclamation from the blue-eyed blond.
- Keep it down, Naruto. - The older of the Uzumaki brothers rubbed the younger one's hair and quieted him with a light chuckle. - So, I still haven't heard from you. Did you ask your parents for time off?
- Well, we were going to play on the playground after the Academy until tonight anyway, so I guess my parents won't worry. - Chouji said and put another pile of crisps in his mouth.
- Pfft. - The Uchiha replied to Akimichi's statement. Menma smiled and put his other hand on Sasuke's head and did the same thing to it as he did to Naruto's head.
- That's right, just like Sasuke said it won't work that way. You're going to go to another Clan's Quarter after all, especially for the first time, so you should fully explain the situation to your parents and get their permission. Especially you, young Kunoichi. - He looked round at all the girls present and smiled at them. In the minds of all but Naruto, Sasuke and Menma himself, the only question rattling around was, "How in that short 'pfft', did he recognise so much?!" - Well, Sasuke has been going to our Quarter for a while now and he got his father's permission, so we'll go for now, but you, if you still want to, you can come after you get your parents' permission for the main Clan Gate. Just knock on the invisible film and wait. We will definitely come and let you in whenever you want. - Menma winked at everyone present.
- Aha! Hurry up and join us!!! Brother can teach you how to throw Kunai and Shuriken just like Sasuke and a lot more!
- Pfft. - Brunet commented briefly on Blondin's statement.
- Sasuke, I'm sure they'll learn to throw it just like you too, don't underestimate them. Alright guys, bye.***
Yamanaka Quarter.
- Dad!!! You just MUST let me!!! - With a loud bang came the sound of a door being kicked in and the bellowing of a little girl. - Huh? No daddy? MAMA...
***
Haruno's house.
- Hmph, there's no use asking them something like that, they won't allow it anyway. I have to go to Sasuke-kun's house! If I don't do well during practice, he'll come and help me like a real Hero, and then we'll spend the whole evening together, he'll walk me home, and he'll declare his love to me! - staring at the door to her house, the pink-haired girl dreamed. - And most importantly, I mustn't let Ino be alone with Sasuke-kun....
***
Hyuga Quarter.
In a huge traditional house, two people were sitting opposite each other.
- So you're going to visit the Uzumaki Quarter and train at their clan's training ground? - Hiashi asked in a serious tone without showing any signs of either anger or joy.
- Yes, father. - Hinata tried to answer him in the same serious tone, but the Clan Head noticed the fear and doom, but he didn't pay any attention to it. The girl had no confidence that her father would actually allow her, but she couldn't help but try. Hiashi pondered for a moment and as if sensing something spoke up.
- Neji. I know you're at the door, come in. - The boy standing outside the door to the room flinched and immediately turned to enter the room, then bowed to his uncle.
- Yes, Hiashi-sama?
- You just got back from the Academy?
- Yes, Hiashi-sama.
- B-brother Neji? - The girl was surprised to see Neji suddenly join her.
- I guess you heard everything?
- Yes, I heard everything.
- Well, that's not a bad idea. We need a trusting relationship with the Uzumaki Clan now more than ever. And since the young heir has invited you, I see no reason to refuse.
- Father?! - A smile involuntarily broke out on the girl's face and she widened her eyes as she looked happily at her father, her cheeks beginning to take on a slight colour. Hinata hadn't learnt how to hide her emotions yet, which became very noticeable.
- However, I can't let you go alone. Neji?
- Yes, Hiashi-sama?
- Accompany her and keep an eye on her. Remember, you must protect her as a brother and as a member of the side branch.
- I'm sure I can do it!
- Brother Neji!
***
Nara Quarter
- Father, just say no, okay? - Sitting next to his father on the back terrace of the house, Shikamaru said seriously.
- Why not, not only will Inoichi and Chouza's children be there, but Menma and his younger brother will be there as well. I think it's the perfect opportunity for you to get a taste of my apprentice's hard work and talent, and he knows a lot about the Clan's Techniques and will no doubt help you master them. So I give you the right to visit the Uzumaki Quarter whenever you want and for as long as you want. - Shikaku grinned at him, lying on his side and looking at the garden in his backyard.
- Ha-ah-ah, but it's a hell of a lot of work. - The Clan heir grumbled unhappily, turning his head in the same direction his father was looking.
- Well, if you don't want to accept my decision, you can go to Yoshino and ask her opinion about it. - A hint of sneer slipped into the Nara Clan Head's voice and he looked at his son expectantly.
- *Gulp* - Shikamaru shuddered as he imagined this situation and somehow even spoke regretfully. - Still, it's a pain in the arse....
***
So, what kind of situation do we have here? Standing next to Naruto and looking at a group of canonical children's versions of the characters, I thought to myself. Well, to be honest, I didn't expect this. On the one hand, I was glad that Naruto had made so many friends so quickly and was even inviting them into the house for the first time, but on the other hand...training? Hmm, well I have a rough idea of how to train some of them, but they are a tiny minority. I can train Shikamaru in his Clan's techniques, which I've been meaning to do for a while now, I train Sasuke, I could train Hinata to use her eyes, but that's a bit of a faux pas, so that's out of the question, but the rest of them are almost impossible. Yamanaka's techniques are completely unknown to me, and even in the anime I wasn't really interested in them, so I can't even give any useful advice. Same with Akimichi, although I was already interested in them and I wouldn't mind learning a few of the techniques in their arsenal. Sakura...there's not much to talk about. I could train her in basic Shinobi skills like Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Shurikenjutsu, and the like, but I'm too lazy to train her.
Her attitude towards Naruto hasn't changed much, and I can even compare her to Ino, who I've noticed has improved quite a bit. Sakura seemed to really hate him because of his closeness to Sasuke and is ready to kill him, only the affection of Uchiha stops her. Naruto doesn't really want to get close to her, at least not as much as he does in the anime, so he doesn't get much of a smack from her and I have no reason to be angry with her. After a bit of thinking, I remembered that they are still children and they don't need specific training with Ninjutsu, so I thought I could teach them the base and give them some missing academic knowledge, and it's a request of my cute, stupid, little brother, how can I refuse?
But they have to tell their parents about it, because if it turns out that I'm inviting them to the Quarter without their knowledge and teaching them something they don't understand, then there could be some problems, especially since some of them are not only members of the famous Clans of Konoha, but also Heirs, so there's nothing I can do about it. I felt a little sorry for Hinata, though. I mean, her father's a strict person, and I think that's something he's not allowed to do. To train in another clan and miss Clan Style training in her own Quarter, and judging by the anime, she's been training almost all the time since the Academy. Well hopefully she'll be allowed to walk around a bit, there's still hope and considering I've tweaked Hiashi's character a bit and even got quite a bit of positive rep with him, it's not small. So we leave the invitation to the kids, making sure that Kiba and Akamaru standing a little further away, and Shino, who seemed to be trying his best to fit in, but no one noticed him, also took it personally, and we passively and pathetically leave with my brother and Uchiha.Back in the Quarter, I entered the mansion and was surprised to find that Mariko and Karin were not in the house. Hmm, unexpected. Well, Ryoshi would sense if something happened to them, so they're probably just walking around the Village shopping or something, as long as they're safe. And I'll have to do the cooking myself, like old times, though I kind of miss it. After lunch we went to our training ground and started the standard training. I was surprised to find that the kids had grown quite a bit in the last six months or so. They may not be growing at the same pace as Itachi and I, but their talent is great too. Naruto is still behind his younger brother Itachi, but compared to his peers, even the Clan ones, he can be considered a Genius, albeit a bit stupid. After a while of training, I felt a slight tremor in the Barrier. So we're here? Sasuke, Naruto, and I walked towards the main entrance to the Quarter and found a large group of kids there. Everyone's here, at least all of this year's major characters. Hmm? What's Neji doing here? Oh, and Hinata surprisingly came, out of the blue. I easily removed part of the Six Layer Powerful Barrier and let the kids in. Neji came in right behind Hinata, but unlike the others, he greeted me with a bow and asked me to join the training. I was a little surprised, but readily agreed, then nodded approvingly at Shino and Kiba's requests as well. Naruto was pleased that more people had come than expected, and Sasuke just grinned in disapproval. Why is my notification icon blinking? Did something fall out again?
Passive Skill: Linguist Level 1.
Linguist Level 1: Learning unknown languages is accelerated by 10%. As the level of the Skill increases, the acceleration percentage will increase in parallel.
The description is not very good, but it is a very useful Skill! Although not useful in battle, although who knows, but for convenience is a very cool way! But how did I get it? Even when I learnt the local language, having in my arsenal Russian and unrivalled mother tongue, I still did not get any such Skill. Hmm, I can't believe I got that from understanding the Uchiha language! Seriously?! What's so special about it that it's given me a skill?! Oh well, we'll figure it out later. I closed the Barrier again and escorted the kids to the training ground. Well, now it's time to think about training the younger Gg. In principle, I already know what to teach them and for some reason, I want to pump them to the max before the main events of the canon. I didn't like their power level at all, considering how special their genes are and how many opportunities they have to pump themselves up, and how ordinary they became in the second season of the anime! It's just creepy how much they've fucked themselves up, BUT we'll fix it!
- Shadow Cloning Technique! - I shouted as we finally reached the training ground. - So, you've probably heard of this technique and know what it can do? - I asked the kids while the rest of the Clones smiled the Bisyonen Smile to get the kids to relax a little, because the grinding of their mechanical movements could only be heard by Naruto!
- I know!!! - Judging by the silences of everyone else except Naruto, except for Sasuke's snort of pride, they hadn't heard the details of this Technique yet.
- Erm, I see. I guess you haven't heard of it yet. But that's okay, it's more than normal for your age. - Erm, they're looking at my smiling brother strangely, but okay. - For now, you don't need to dwell on it and try to learn any Techniques until you start controlling your chakra. Right now, some of you will be given one of my copies to begin training you. We can go over the basic academic knowledge first, and then we can go from there. Is that clear?
- Yes! I feel like a Sensei at the Academy. Should I just go to work there? No, I only teach them because they're the main characters and I'm interested in it, but I don't want to teach any of the newcomers. With a joyful chorus, the Clones stood next to Naruto, Sasuke, Ino, Sakura, Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba and Shino, and without separating the kids, because it would be worse for them, they obviously wanted to spend time together and train together, they went to the target range and Kunayami. As I said, they would learn basic physical training and Shuriken throwing, and Naruto and Sasuke would help them get used to it. I turned to see the two Hyugas standing close together, causing Hinata to blush again and hide behind Neji. Her shyness is a problem, but hopefully she'll get used to it...I hope so.
- Well, we're going to practice Taijutsu. As far as I remember, you're not interested in Shurikenjutsu and Kunaininjutsu "and it'll be easier for them to learn such things once they've learnt how to use their Byakugan", so we'll try sparring and then I'll start training you after I've assessed your abilities. - Separating them from the group wasn't exactly a bad decision. Hinata is very shy around the others, and it's better if she starts joining them gradually. Neji is probably uncomfortable and lonely around kids a year younger than him, and they didn't know him at all before that day, so that's not a problem either. But they are already more comfortable with each other, and training together, what could be better? And I (Original) take up their training, because I will not be divorced from a light stroke of their palm, and what to hide that I am interested.
After their brief agreement and Neji's slightly scrutinising gaze, we began a light sparring session, during which the Hyugi actively tried to hit at least one of my Tenketsu, but I fought off their palms without even using Byakugan. Well, that's a pretty good level for their age, especially Neji's. Even visually, I could tell how much he was training, and when I saw his efforts in sparring I respected the little doomsayer. Hinata, on the other hand, showed a lower level and quickly ran out of steam, but tried to keep going. Oh, and I hadn't noticed I'd been playing with them for over ten minutes. I'd been studying them and thinking about the canon characters the whole time I was sparring, so I hadn't noticed that Neji was starting to run out of steam. Oh, that's not good. *Clap! * I knew it. I sped up a little and grabbed Hyuga's wrist, which he swung, almost hitting Hinata, who hadn't been expecting it. She lost her balance and started to fall backwards.
- Careful. - I grabbed Hinata's waist with my other hand and for a moment, the confused image of a dark-haired girl appeared before my eyes, trying her best not to cross my gaze with her glossy black eyes. - "Saki?" - The thought passed through my mind for a moment, but I quickly shook myself off. No, what nonsense, how could she be here? Turning my attention back to the girl, I can already see Hinata's embarrassed face trying to hide her face, but without her hands flailing wildly in the air she's not doing a very good job of it.
- Hinata-sama! - Neji tried to remove his hand and approach the stunned girl, but because I was so distracted, I forgot to unclench my fingers, which had a dead grip on the boy's hand. Hyuga was surprised by this, but when I turned my attention back to him and finally relaxed my grip and removed my hand, he didn't hesitate to rush over to his sister. - I'm sorry, Hinata-sama! I'm so sorry! - He began to bow before the girl, who was already on her feet, genuinely sorry for what he had done.
- N-nothing, Brother Neji! It's alright! I didn't get hurt thanks to...M-m-menme-kun. - Once again, the little girl's embarrassed look reminded me of someone.
- "Really, what's wrong with me?! Y-so, I need to get my mind off it!" - I tried to do so, but the image wouldn't leave my mind no matter how hard I tried to clear my mind. Trying to think about it as little as possible, I tried to continue training....
POV Ryoshi Uzumaki
Some time after that incident, during which I was dealing with Root's affairs and slowly repairing the slightly damaged chakro system, I was also watching Sarikawa Uchiha. Of course, sending an ANBU observer to her would NOT be the best solution, but I wasn't in a hurry to trust them just yet and was still tweaking some of the functions of the Submission Seal. Also monitored all of Danzo's actions and explained myself to Hiruzen about the recent events. There was something about his voice that I didn't like, but it didn't really matter. At this point, I had already gained some power. Even though Danzo wasn't considered the biggest shot and even more, most of the Clan Chiefs and Elders didn't like him, which gave me almost no influence over them, but not really. The situation was reversed, thanks to his co-operation with Shimura, voluntary and mutually beneficial, and our current relationship of trust, his reputation was enhanced in the eyes of others and he tried to live up to his image as a not-so-bad guy. And this can be considered as a good bonus, besides, after all that happened, more people started to approach me with agreements, contracts and offers of co-operation. I can guess what this has to do with, but I'm not one hundred per cent sure. Overall, I'd say the plan succeeded, but I didn't feel like I got what I wanted.
Root's ties to Orochimaru weren't as good as I had assumed. From the information I gathered, I realised that Danzo had no information on the whereabouts of this snake-sanin and furthermore only knew the location of his abandoned bases, which gave me nothing at all. Snake Sanin usually approached him himself, or sent his men to Danzo. Of course, since he knows exactly where Root is located, it's not that hard to find out. Shimura's thoughts that he might be in his alleged Village of Sound were dismissed by me, as I'd been trying to find him for a long time and had checked Otogakure no Sato first, but he wasn't there. He most likely lives in one of his secret bases and is constantly moving around. Anyway, I have no information about Orochimaru's whereabouts yet. The message sent by Root, which was supposed to reach the ears of his subordinates and consequently his own, has not yielded any results yet, and I didn't expect anything. If I proceed in this direction, I'm not going to get anything good. To make a contract with this type is costly and may lead to some unpleasant consequences, undesirable at the moment. So, thinking about it and looking for some way to find out his whereabouts before he found out about me and my interest in him, I spent a few days thinking and rarely following the Uchiha. Mariko and Karin stayed in the Root base for a couple of days and then returned to the Quarter safely, so I wasn't worried about them, but Sarikawa had become interested in my behaviour at some point.
After another day of work in Konoha's ANBU, she suddenly walked not in the direction of the Uchiha Quarter, but towards the Hokage Mountain. It was rather strange for her, because I hadn't remembered her going back to that clearing in years, and that's exactly what she did, not lingering on the mountain at all and walking through the forest behind it. I was following her because I thought she might suspect something from that incident, for Sarikawa had been an unfortunate witness to the events that had happened. Not all of them, of course, but some. Even though I had left orders for her to remove the barrier and woke her up early, I didn't expect her to come at such an inopportune moment. Yes, my timing was a bit off, I guess I've been out of my old habits since I came back to the village. But more on that later, for now I increased the range of my vision and watched the Uchiha walk across the clearing. Hmm, nostalgic? Unexpected, though it could very well be that she's just checking the area for the unexpected, paranoia being what it is. After a few minutes of looking around, she stood in the middle and activated her Sharingan, which already had three Tomoe shining through it. Her next actions surprised me to say the least.
As she stood in a fighting stance, she suddenly drew back a little and brought her arm up, bringing it down sharply. In the next second, she raised her other hand as if defending herself from something, and then she brought her first hand forward in the manner of a grip and clenched it back into a fist. She began to swing her arms in other directions and at one moment, leaning on one arm, she started to turn back with her legs. When she regained her position, she suddenly lowered her head, but brought her hand forward also in the manner of a grip and brought it straight down into the ground, tearing the grass on it. Rising again, she laced her fingers together and made a dash towards the rock, leapt and...fell with her heel on the ground. She wasn't wearing a mask, so I could clearly see her grimace in pain, and rising from her seat, I realised she thought for a moment and created Clones. Exactly twenty-four, all of them used Henge and changed their height and some part of their body. Standing in the centre she repeated her moves again, but this time the Clones started to attack her. One brought his tanto up to strike, but she stepped back, dodging it and waited until the Clone's carcass was in front of her and in one motion struck it in the neck. The Clone disappeared and she had already stopped the other Clone's fist and grabbed it by the neck and tried to squeeze it, but she didn't have enough strength and just grabbed the Kunai and dispelled the Clone like that. Next she started to fight off the other Clones attacking her in a certain order, it could be seen. But she dodged a punch from one of the Clones with an unusually large arm by sliding her torso downwards, then with her hand sliding over her opponent's arm, she grabbed his face and in one step made him lose his balance, then brought the Clone's head down with force. He fluttered away. Then making a dash towards one of the larger Clones, she leapt and was over his head while standing on his shoulders. She was in her ANBU uniform and trousers, so there was no chance of a racy moment with the Clone, but it was a perfect angle! Clenching her hand into a fist, she hit the Clone's head and flattened it, but without losing her balance she landed in the same place... After a while she made dummies of sorts and having arranged them in places, and using a couple of Clones to throw them to her, she repeated all the movements and practised like that. Hmm, interesting. I leisurely walked towards her and unexpectedly for her coming out of the bushes immediately raised my hands so that she would not react so sharply.
- Are you practising? - I asked as I slowly approached the girl.
- U-uzumaki-san? Etto... - she hesitated on the half-word and for some reason flicked her hand towards her mask.
- Don't worry, I won't report this theft incident to the police. - I said jokingly as I watched her quickly put on her mask. - Panther-san, right?
- Yes, that's right. - she replied with her Panther mask on, just like in Marvel.
- Let me ask you a question. - I stopped five metres away from her, still entering a person's personal space so quickly doesn't put you in a good position. - Why were you repeating my movements?
- How long ago did you start watching me? - She suddenly answered with a question.
- About the time you started exterminating your Clones. - There is some truth to that. - Why? Does it bother you?
- Not that...I don't hold a grudge against you for it, because I understand why you decided to do it.
- Simple as that, but I could be wrong, so could you explain what conclusion you came to about my actions?
- Like you said I was copying your actions and now I was repeating them, so it's not surprising that you, noticing this, decided to observe. But even though I'm not offended by it, it still made me uncomfortable to realise that you were watching me. - Hmm, that's odd, I didn't think she'd talk to me like that. Maybe it was the way I spoke that gave me away. Although that's impossible, it's very different from Menma's conversation pattern, especially from five years ago.
- Well, in that case, I must apologise for that. Perhaps I should have come right out to you after I noticed it.
- Why did you start talking so informally?
- Does it bother you?
- N- well, no. But it's unusual and strange for you, Uzumaki-sama.
- Well, in that case, I'll be happy to change your poor judgement of me.
- N-no, I didn't say I had a bad opinion of you.
- Then what kind of person do you think I am? - she stopped talking. Hmm, maybe I'm too pushy. Maybe I need to approach this conversation from a different angle. - Okay, I'm just kidding. Though I won't lie, I'm interested in the answer to that question.
- Uzumaki-san, why are you here? If you're unhappy with what I'm doing...
- Oh, no. You've completely misunderstood me.
- What? What do you mean?
- Actually, I was even curious to see how you would turn out and I'm honoured that someone liked my fighting style and that person wanted to learn it.
- Y-yes, I found it to be quite effective. Especially for me, as an ANBU these skills would help a lot.
- Hmm, isn't there one thing that confuses you?
- What's that?
- This fighting style is focused on instant killing. - Actually, it was really weird that she decided to learn it. After all, as I recall, she's pretty unconventional about killing, especially this kind of ruthless killing. At least if you consider shinobi standards, she is. Sure serving in the ANBU might have changed her, but not that much.
- And isn't that what makes him more handsome? - Sharingan! Mangekyo Sharingan! No, I don't think she's lying. Sarikawa really means it. - I told you, these skills are very useful to me as an ANBU. - What? For a moment, I even showed a bit of a stupor, but I quickly hid it. Hmm, but what on earth is this? Sarikawa has changed so much that she's so comfortable with killing? And is even trying to improve her skills in killing the opponent. What's also strange is her attitude towards me. I didn't think about it before, but she doesn't seem to be hostile towards me now. Wary, yes, but not hostile and without any negativity, as if that time I was not ruthlessly killing quite young Shinobi of the Root, but was finishing off the wounded who were agonising in agony and would not live. What was that all about?
- Hmm, indeed. I feel the same way, but others may not feel the same way.
- Yeah? Well, I think that instant killing skills are useful to all Shinobi, so only civilians can be bad about it. - I'm a perfectly normal Shinobi with experience. And I'm also completely clueless.
- Heh, I like you. You know, there was something missing from your moves.
- Oh, you noticed. Actually, even with Sharingan I couldn't follow you completely, you were too fast for me.
- So you just missed some moves? So you adjusted yours instead?
- Yeah, that's right.
- Well, if you want, I can do it again so you can copy it.
- What? That's--but why would you do that?
- Hmm, why would I want that? Maybe I'm just curious to see what happens?
- That doesn't sound right.
- Ha ha ha. You're very careful, aren't you?
- ...I just don't think you'd do it without a reason.
- Reason means, huh. - I raised my hands in defeat. - You got me, I actually really liked your skills and would like to invite you to the Root.
- The Root?! - Even though she was wearing a mask, and I didn't want to cheat and use Byakugan, but even so I could see that she was dumbfounded by my words.
- You remember my pact with Root, don't you? The Root's ANBU's are also under my command, and I have some privileges, so I can accept you into their ranks and will be happy to train you in my style.
- Uzumaki-san, thank you for the offer, but I have to withdraw....
- Don't think of my offer as a condition for me to reapply my Taijutsu. I lied and just offered it to you, and I only wanted to show you my moves to keep the conversation going, but I don't mind demonstrating them just like that.
- Even so, I can't just accept it, I apologise.
- Well, I understand. Then I'll give you a final piece of advice: To use all the moves I've used, you lack Chidori. Good luck, Sarikawa-san. I look forward to your success. - and even for her, an ANBU operative, I disappeared into Shunshin combined with Body Flicker. A gust of wind after my disappearance, lightly touched Sarikawa's surprised face and slightly lifted the long, silky hair on her shoulders...
***
- Uzumaki-sama! - ANBU NOT appeared in front of me and knelt on one knee.
- What's wrong? - I asked monotonously, looking down at him.
- The hermit from Miyoboku Mountain, one of the Three Great Sanin, Jiraiya. We found him!
- What? - Finally! It didn't take a week.
- Three operatives are following him, as you ordered, at maximum distance, so he won't see them. What are your next instructions?
- Prepare my gear immediately and notify Danzo that I'm leaving. I intend to go to him immediately.
- Yes! Well, wait for me, Godfather.