Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
(Four days later)
It was early morning and Naruto was engaged in his daily exercise routine. Anko had gone on a mission today, so she wasn't here with him as she had been the last few days. Not that he was going to complain; the woman's training method is effective, although if you asked Naruto, it was more torture than training, but he really had no desire to go home looking like a walking bruise today.
It wasn't to say his training hadn't progressed well; even Anko had been impressed by how quickly he was learning, although her way of saying it was, "Wow! Keep it up and maybe you won't still be so bad!". Yeah, it wasn't exactly the nicest thing someone could say when giving compliments. Still, he wouldn't complain about her or her training methods. Every day they trained or he was forced to flee from her in the Forest of Death, he lasted a little longer, which meant he was a little stronger than when he started. And, seriously, wasn't that the point of training?
Naruto's chakra control was improving; he could now float five leaves on one hand (one on each finger) and rotate them. His clones were starting to work on the other hand now. He hoped to master this soon and then start tree climbing, as the idea of being able to walk on a solid vertical surface was the coolest thing he could think of. Even though he had promised not to pull pranks, he could imagine all the potential that ability would have had for his pranking career.
His taijutsu was better, but not enough to beat a jonin like Anko, or even one of the top chunin, but it was good enough that Anko was impressed with how little time it took him to learn it. Normally, during their training, Anko literally tore his taijutsu apart, shredding the entire style to pieces. Often, when she found a weak point in his guard or an attack that overextended him, she would take full advantage and beat him to the ground before telling him what he had done wrong. After all, there was nothing like getting your ass kicked to make sure you really didn't want to get your ass kicked again.
His physical strength had also increased a bit. His arm weights were now fifteen kilos, while his leg weights were twenty kilos. The ability he had to increase his weights faster than normal was due to his healing factor. Naruto had discovered that when his muscles tore or his bones broke, the Kyubi's chakra would leak from the seal and heal his body, making it twice as strong upon healing. It was probably the only good thing that had come with the Kyubi so far.
Bojutsu was a bit slower than the other things he was trying to learn, especially since learning to use a weapon was a completely new experience unlike taijutsu. He kept improving day by day, but learning to use a staff was harder than everything else he was working on.
Surprisingly, his fuinjutsu studies were what took the biggest leap. He had been told that this art was one of the most difficult to learn, yet Naruto seemed to take to it like a fish to water. He had already read the basic book and was reading the first-level intermediate book. His seal-making ability was a bit slow, as he was forced to handwrite perfectly so as not to make accidental mistakes in the seals and have them blow up in his face. Still, he understood the subject well and hoped that eventually he could create some seals without it killing him.
As for jutsus, Anko ordered him to master the three basic academy ones. Which ended with Naruto complaining that he didn't have enough chakra control for the bunshin (basic clone), to which Anko asked him to start by perfecting the kage bunshin (shadow clone) by stopping the use of hand seals and then without them creating unnecessary puffs of smoke upon creation. When he asked what the problem was with the smoke puffs, the explanation was that during combat they are useful, but in everything else, they are a waste of chakra. Then eventually he would gain enough control to make standard clones.
The next topic was the kawarimi (substitution jutsu), a jutsu prepared beforehand to replace yourself with an object previously bathed in chakra. Normally, five hand seals are used, and in the academy, they tell you to have a storage seal with a minimum of five logs to replace yourself with. Anko's order was to completely eliminate the use of hand seals in this jutsu. And to practice imposing one's own chakra over the chakra of another living being to use it for the kawarimi. Although she warned him that this is particularly difficult.
And finally the Henge (Transformation Jutsu)... Well, this deserves its own flashback in the opinion of narrator Naruto.
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― Hmm. Perform the technique. I want to see where you're at so I know what you're missing.
Forming the seals, the blond boy transformed into a copy of Iruka in a puff of smoke.
― Hmm. ― Anko noticed a second seal when the technique only required one, but considering the boy's chakra amount, she considered it just an aid for controlling his chakra. Concentrating, she examined the disguise for a moment, then stepped back. ― Not bad. Far from useless, actually. You still rely too much on stance and concentration; we'll have to train that out so you can do it on the move. Your puff of smoke is too obvious. We must reduce it. Ideally, you should eliminate that completely, and you'll want to be able to perform the technique in no time. Still, despite its clumsy execution, the results are almost flawless. I'm having trouble finding any of the usual tells or signs that this is an illusion.
― What are you talking about? ― Naruto/Iruka asked, confused.
― All illusion techniques are vulnerable. ― Anko mentioned. ― They have weak points and are limited by the imagination and power of those who create them, besides being limited by skill. Therefore, details will be wrong, edges might blur, and interaction with the environment will be flawed. But in your case... well, look at your feet as an example. Excellent work. I'm honestly surprised.
Naruto/Iruka lifted both feet, one at a time, to look at them, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. ― What am I looking for?
The special jonin crossed her arms and snorted. ― Gaki, don't treat me like a fool. You're not Iruka. You're smaller than him, for one. My first impulse would be to scold you for choosing a form too different from your own to hide in, but I won't, since you execute it flawlessly.
― Huh? ― Naruto was shaking his head, confused.
Anko sighed. ― Gaki, you can't ignore this. They probably never corrected you on it in the academy—stupid difficulty reduction. Anyway, the technique doesn't create a solid form. All the Transformation does, all it can do, is wrap you in an illusion. It has never been a real change. The only exception would be shadow or elemental clones which, being made of chakra, have no problem changing shape.
The special jonin counted on her hand as she listed the points. ― Firstly, your feet are smaller than Iruka's. Being a simple illusion, the grass you're standing on should pass through the image where your feet aren't, but his are; however, you've already accounted for that and covered it up, enhancing your illusion so it looks like the grass bends under the full impression of the foot. It's not blurry or incomplete either. It's, frankly, one of the best images I've seen, easily jonin level. I didn't know you were trying to become a specialist in stealth and infiltration. But you must be, to have worked so hard on this technique. It must have taken you months to get the Iruka disguise so perfect. Tell me, have you practiced any others?
Momentarily shocked speechless, Naruto formed the set of seals again and, in a cloud of smoke, was replaced by the image of the Third Hokage.
― Very impressive. ― Anko walked around him thoughtfully as she judged the image. ― I could almost believe it was him.
Then Naruto/Hokage reached out and pinched her nose.
― Woah! ― The special jonin jumped back several feet, limbs splayed in surprise, before recomposing herself. ― I have to give you credit, gaki. Accurately matching your illusion's movements to yourself, particularly when it's of a taller form with a longer reach than you... that's a skill that will serve you well in infiltration. I didn't expect that from a gaki like you. That's a very advanced technique.
Naruto/Hokage grinned from ear to ear. ― I'm not an illusion.
― What...?! ― The special jonin's jaw dropped in shock. Then she was on Naruto, patting his head, his shoulders, testing that his arms were real and solid, then patting him down all over. ― Forgive me, Hokage-sama. ― The special jonin bowed. ― But... Where did the gaki go?
With a puff of smoke, the technique was released, and Naruto stood there. ― I'm still here.
Once again, Anko had to pat him all over before she could believe it was really him. Then, composure completely lost, she stammered. ― You mean... you... what I... but...
― When I change, I really change, although small things are impossible. ― the boy confirmed.
Instantly, Anko was standing beside him, hand over his mouth, eyes alert for witnesses capable of hearing this conversation. When she found none, she whispered in Naruto's ear. ― You must never tell anyone about this, gaki. From this moment on, you must consider your Transformation Jutsu an S-rank technique! It's capable of thwarting the security of practically any ninja village! We cannot allow this to fall into enemy hands. Have you explained your version of the technique to anyone else while using it?
― No, and nobody would pay attention to me anyway. ― the boy complained.
Anko winced at the blond's last comment. ― Good, and considering your dream is to become Hokage, I suggest you don't tell anyone the specifics of your jutsu. ― she told him as she let him go.
― Why? And besides, why is it so important?
― Because no one was ever crazy enough to try creating a solid transformation jutsu due to the threat of failing and ending up turned into an aberration; the fact that you're still whole is a miracle in itself. ― Anko's explanation sent shivers down Naruto's spine. ― Also, if they find out about your jutsu, first, they'll ask you to hand over the knowledge of how to learn it, and since you don't have a shinobi clan backing you, they won't give you any benefits for it. ― Anko explained before pausing to see if the boy understood what she said; seeing the boy didn't seem to have questions, she continued. ― Secondly, and only if they allow you to refuse to hand over the knowledge, they'll probably pigeonhole you as an infiltration ninja, which will take ridiculous amounts of useful time away from getting stronger. My advice to you is to keep this secret until sometime in the future where you feel confident that revealing this won't cause you problems. Understand?
― Sure. ― the blond assured. ― If they make me an infiltration ninja, I won't have time to train and I'd be too weak to take the old man Hokage's hat. ― he assured with a serious look, which clashed with the childish phrase at the end.
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After that, Anko asked him some things about how he created the variant of the jutsu so she could use it secretly too, and also suggested he transform his clones into different animals so they could memorize how they worked, something useful both for his use of clones or any time he might be forced to transform himself into an animal. He had also learned some new jutsu that Anko had decided to teach him. The first was the Kunai Kage Bushin No Jutsu (Kunai Shadow Clone Jutsu) and its Shuriken variant; it was a simple C-rank jutsu that multiplied the number of kunai thrown and was used to mass-bombard an enemy's position. The jutsu required little control, just like the normal variant, and for someone like Naruto, who had learned the Kage Bushin in an hour, this jutsu was simple.
Apart from that, he had also learned the Bushin Daibakuha (Great Clone Explosion), which, in all honesty, had become his favorite jutsu. Basically, it involved a shadow clone that simply overloaded itself with chakra to make it explode. The key to doing this was to create a clone with a large dose of chakra that the clone keeps separate and compressed inside, and upon being hit, the clone's dissipation causes a moderate explosion, something similar but different to creating a reinforced clone, where one simply creates a clone with more chakra reserve.
Aside from that, his kunai and shuriken aim had improved; he could now hit a moving target with some degree of accuracy. He had also found the limit to his seemingly limitless energy, although that had come from spending several hours playing death tag with Anko in the Forest of Death.
Looking up at the sun as he finished his daily routine, Naruto realized it was time to head home. Today was his last day to exercise before he was assigned his jonin sensei. Tomorrow was Sunday and he had decided to rest a bit; after all, the body, even his body, needed rest to avoid burnout.
Naruto ordered his clones to disperse into groups before returning to his apartment.
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(The next day)
The next morning, Naruto got up and started getting ready for the day. After showering and getting dressed, Naruto headed to the kitchen, where one of his Kage Bushin was preparing—trying to prepare—breakfast. Naruto had decided to change his diet to healthier food than just ramen, after having read that he needed to have more balanced and nutritious meals if he wanted to grow taller, something he was desperate to do, desperate enough even to stop eating only ramen to achieve it.
His clones had started learning to cook recently, so nothing they made tasted too great. But at least they hadn't burned the house down yet, so Naruto was grateful.
After eating his meal, Naruto left the house, locking the door before leaving.
Jumping onto the roof of his building, the blond headed towards the Hokage tower, where he would get his ninja registration and his photo ID.
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Naruto smiled as he headed towards the academy (Note: Text says academy, context suggests Hokage Tower) so he could present his photo and registration to the Hokage. Entering through the door where the old man was, Naruto greeted him in the way only Naruto could.
He slammed the door open and shouted. ― Hey, Old Man! I got my registration!
Sarutobi smiled as he looked up. ― Ah, Naruto... how... ― Sarutobi fell silent as he looked at Naruto. He blinked as he observed the change in clothes the blond was wearing. The orange jumpsuit the blond had was gone, but what he saw was infinitely better than that orange jumpsuit he used to wear. The boy actually looked like a real shinobi in that outfit. It was actually surprising.
He hadn't seen Naruto again since the incident; in fact, nobody seemed to have seen him since then. This had caused a bit of commotion among the villagers, who feared some kind of big prank from the "Prankster King". Sarutobi himself had worried that the boy might have had some trouble dealing with the new knowledge that he possessed the Kyubi. However, it seemed as though he had worried for nothing.
Sarutobi shook off his thoughts and offered a smile to the boy he considered his grandson. ― Well, this is certainly a surprise, Naruto-kun, although I'm glad you took my advice. I like your new look, you look like a real shinobi.
Naruto blushed a little, embarrassed. ― You think so? Well, I figured if I was going to be a real ninja, I should change into something that was a bit more... practical. I've got a bunch of hidden pockets and the shop owner mentioned all his clothes were made of ninja fabric.
Sarutobi chuckled a bit. ― That's quite good; most future genin don't look for specialized clothing until they become familiar with the style they'll use most commonly, but if you feel your clothes suit you, who am I to judge you for investing in your own future? Now, I assume you're here to give me your registration.
Naruto nodded and smiled at the old man. ― Yeah! ― He walked over and handed Sarutobi his ninja ID and registration. Naruto moved to one of the seats and waited for Sarutobi to approve it.
After a few moments of studying the information and the picture, Sarutobi nodded. ― The picture looks good. I can see you've matured a lot. ― Naruto beamed at the old Hokage's praise. ― To be honest, I was expecting you to do something like paint your face or some other childish act.
― Hey! ― Naruto shouted indignantly, standing up and pointing at Sarutobi. ― I've grown up since then! I'm not a brat who would do something like that anymore! I'm an adult now, Dattebayo!
Sarutobi gave the boy an amused expression. ― Yes, that's true, it seems you've grown exponentially this week. I was just talking about what you would have done before.
Naruto calmed down a bit at that and adopted an embarrassed expression; he probably would have done something like that before. ― Well... I guess you have a point.
Sarutobi smiled before remembering something. ― I forgot to mention something important the night of the 'incident', Naruto. ― Sarutobi began, catching the blond genin's attention. ― Due to the fact that you were able to eradicate a traitor to Konoha and keep the forbidden scroll safe, I've listed it as your first B-rank mission. ― Naruto's eyes widened in surprise at the new knowledge. ― So I want you to come to my office later today so you can receive your pay for the mission.
― Seriously? ― Naruto asked, and when Sarutobi nodded, he pumped his fist in the air. ― That's awesome! My first B-rank mission and I just started as a genin! With this record, I'll be Hokage in no time!
Sarutobi chuckled at the blond's enthusiasm. ― I'm sure you will, Naruto.
― Speaking of Hokage, you could just give me that hat right now, Old Man. Since I beat you that night. ― Naruto said with a grin.
Sarutobi blushed slightly, remembering how he had been "beaten". ― I'm afraid that didn't constitute a fight, Naruto-kun. ― the old Hokage replied cleverly. ― Therefore, I cannot give you my hat.
― Oh yeah? ― Naruto asked with a mischievous grin on his face. ― So, if I beat you now, you would? Maybe you need a little reminder of how badly you lost.
Sarutobi paled seeing the blond making a familiar hand sign. ― Naruto, wait, don't-
Oiroke no Jutsu! (Sexy Jutsu!)
A cloud of smoke covered Naruto, and when it dissipated enough to see, it was no longer Naruto whom Sarutobi was looking at.
He was now looking at a young blonde woman who appeared to be about 18 years old. She had long blonde hair tied into two pigtails that reached her backside. Her face was heart-shaped and lightly tanned, and she had a pair of sky-blue eyes that held a seductive quality. She had a small nose, and on each side of her nose were three symmetrical "whisker" marks that seemed to add an "exotic" quality to her. Her lips were a light, moist pink that contrasted slightly with her skin and gave her a pouting, seductive expression. Her body was what one could only describe as perfection. Delectable-looking C-cup breasts bordering on D-cup, which, while not as large as his former student Tsunade's, were surprisingly round and perfect. A narrow waist with a flat, toned stomach led to flared hips with a perfectly round and firm backside. Further down, there was a pair of mile-long legs that seemed endless.
She was also completely naked, with only small particles of smoke covering certain "key" areas. However, that only seemed to enhance her appeal, leaving just enough covered to make you want more.
It took the Sandaime Hokage four seconds to notice these key features of the woman; when he did, it was only a matter of time before he gave the inevitable perverted reaction.
BOOM!
Just like last time, the old Hokage was thrown backward as a geyser of blood erupted from his nose.
― HAHAHAHAHAHA! Looks like I beat you good, Old Man! ― Naruto shouted as he turned back into himself with a puff of smoke, clutching his stomach as he tried not to fall to the floor.
A few seconds later, Sarutobi managed to get up and sit back in his chair, dabbing his nose with a handkerchief. ― That jutsu again, I must admit it's very clever, but very dangerous. I'm going to have to classify it as Kinjutsu (Forbidden Technique).
Naruto blinked as he looked at the old man. ― So you're going to make it a forbidden technique?
Sarutobi nodded. ― It seems too dangerous to leave in the wrong hands.
The grin that spread across Naruto's face threatened to split it in half. ― That's AWESOME! Ha! I just graduated and I already made a Kinjutsu! I'll be Hokage in no time if I keep this up! Who kicks ass! That's right, Naruto kicks ass!
Sarutobi looked at Naruto with an expression between amused and exasperated as the blond did a victory dance. ― Naruto. ― he observed as the blond completely ignored him and continued dancing. ― Naruto! ― His voice was a little louder, hoping to catch the blond's attention. When it didn't work, he shouted. ― NARUTO!
― What's up, Old Man? ― Naruto asked as he stopped his victory dance.
― You need to calm down, you're a shinobi, remember? ― Sarutobi reminded him.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck as a sheepish grin appeared on his face. ― Okay, sorry.
Sarutobi sighed. ― Sometimes I swear...
The old Hokage was interrupted when the door opened and a small boy ran in with a wooden shuriken in his hand.
― Now I've got you, old man! ― the boy shouted. ― After I defeat you, I'll become Hokage!
Naruto blinked as he watched the boy run. He wore a cap and a blue scarf that was several feet too long for him. If he kept running like that, he was going to trip.
As if on cue, the young boy's feet got caught in his scarf and he tripped, falling flat on his face.
― Ouch, ouch! ― the boy cried out as he put his hands to his face and rolled back and forth on the floor.
― Oh, boy. ― Sarutobi thought as he sighed—if it's not one thing, it's another. The old Hokage pulled his Hokage hat down over his face in embarrassment. Naruto just stared at the kid, wondering how on earth he could be dumb enough to wear such a big scarf. At the same time, a man wearing the jonin outfit, minus the flak jacket, along with sunglasses, appeared in the doorway, panting slightly.
― Ah! Jeez! Someone set a trap for me to make me trip! ― the boy shouted as he sat up, holding his head.
― Honorable Grandson, are you alright? ― asked the man wearing sunglasses. ― And forgive my observations, but there are no traps here, the surface is completely flat. ― the man said as he regained his composure, pushing his sunglasses up his nose in what Naruto thought was a haughty gesture.
Naruto kept watching the scene, an eye twitching. ― God, I don't think even I'm that clumsy!
The boy got up from the floor and looked around, noticing Naruto watching him. At the same time, the man with the sunglasses also saw Naruto.
― It's him! The Kyubi brat! He's the worst troublemaker in the world! ― the man thought as he sneered at Naruto.
However, Naruto didn't notice the man's disgusted sneer as the boy walked up to him and pointed. ― It was you, wasn't it?! You're the one who tripped me! ― he accused angrily, pointing a finger at him.
Naruto's first reaction was to hit the kid, but he took a calming breath; it wasn't right for a ninja to hit a civilian. Slowly and deliberately, Naruto reached out and grabbed the boy's scarf, tossing it back and forth in front of the boy's face.
― This. ― Naruto said quietly, as if speaking to someone mentally challenged. ― Is what you tripped on. Seriously, if you're going to wear something like this, buy one a smaller size so your clumsy feet can't trip over it.
― No, no, no, NO! ― the boy shouted, stomping his foot on the ground. ― You did it! I know you did! Admit it, coward!
That was enough for Naruto—nobody called him a coward! Naruto stood up straight and lifted the boy off the ground, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck.
― Now listen here, you damn brat! ― Naruto yelled through gritted teeth. ― I'm not a liar or a coward! You should be more careful when talking to a shinobi or someone might end up putting you in your place!
― Uzumaki! Take your hands off him right now! ― shouted the man with sunglasses. ― He is the honorable grandson of our leader, Sandaime Hokage-sama!
Naruto paused as he turned towards the man with sunglasses, thinking about what he said before turning back to the boy in his hands.
― Wow, so this brat is related to Hokage-Oji-san. ― Naruto thought, figuring the sunglasses man had no reason to lie to him.
― That's right. ― the boy thought with a smug smirk. ― He's just like the rest, stops doing something as soon as he finds out who I am. ― Feeling confident nothing would happen to him now, the young boy took this opportunity to gloat. ― What's wrong, tough guy? Thought you were gonna teach me a lesson! Scared because the Sandaime Hokage is my oji-san? ― Despite being held in the air, the boy puffed out his chest.
Naruto's eyes twitched several times. ― I DON'T CARE IF HE'S YOUR GRANDMA! ― Naruto shouted as he dropped the boy to the floor and punched him on the head.
Konohamaru, who had tried to get up after being dropped, hit the ground again when Naruto punched him on the head.
― This guy... he's different... ― Konohamaru thought as he fell to the floor again.
The man wearing sunglasses looked scandalized; he just assaulted the honorable grandson.
Sarutobi simply sighed and shook his head. ― What a mess. ― he muttered.
― Damn brat. ― Naruto grumbled. He looked at Sarutobi. ― I'm leaving, Old Man, I need to clear my head. ― Naruto walked out of the room, grumbling about "stupid brats" needing to learn their place.
The man with sunglasses turned to his leader. ― Hokage-sama, how could you let that... ― He stopped as soon as he noticed his leader's stern gaze. ― That delinquent did something like that to your grandson! He must be punished!
― Punished? ― Sarutobi questioned, raising an eyebrow. ― For what exactly? It's not like he caused him any permanent harm, Ebisu. And Konohamaru deserved it for questioning and insulting Naruto-kun the way he did. ― The old Hokage sighed. ― Now, if you could take care of this... ― he gestured towards Konohamaru, who was sitting up again with a groan.
― Honorable Grandson, are you alright? ― Ebisu asked, helping the boy to his feet.
― Hey, where did that guy go? ― Konohamaru asked, looking around. He had to find him. That guy was different from the others; he didn't treat him special just because of his grandfather.
Ebisu looked at Konohamaru with a frown as he adjusted his glasses.
― Now you must listen to me, Honorable Grandson. You must not associate with juvenile delinquents like that, nor should you try to drag him into a conflict, even if he deserves it. ― Ebisu reprimanded him. ― He is far beneath you, so you must not stoop to his level. As your distinguished jonin-sensei, I am never wrong about these things, which means I am always right. ― Ebisu smirked to himself as he turned to look out at the village through the open balcony on the left side of the room. ― I am above the more mundane trainers, so you must pay attention to my every word. Your goal is to become the next Hokage, and I can teach you the best way to do it. In fact, stick with me, and you'll get the shortcut to becoming Godaime Hokage. You understand, don't you, Honorable Grandson? ― Ebisu asked as he turned around, only to find himself talking to thin air. ― AH! Where did he go now?! ― Ebisu lamented.
― I believe he followed Naruto, but I have no idea where they were headed. ― Sarutobi said in a calm, casual tone as he lit his pipe.
― WHAT?! ― Ebisu shouted in shock and dismay. ― This is a disaster! ― Ebisu ran out of the room and down the hall.
― How did Konohamaru-kun turn out like this? ― The old Hokage had to wonder, sighing slightly as he took a puff from his pipe. ― He's quite determined. That was his tenth sneak attack today alone. ― he thought to himself as he blew out some smoke rings. ― Although if he stays close to Naruto, he might learn a thing or two. ― He paused in his thoughts and grimaced. ― At least as long as Naruto doesn't teach him anything... complicated. ― The image of a naked blonde woman quickly came to mind before he banished it.
Sighing, Sarutobi looked down at the documents he had received from Naruto and began to read them.
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Naruto sighed to himself as he walked down the street; the confrontation with the kid was already in the back of his mind. As he wandered through the village, the blond tried to figure out what he should do. Today was supposed to be his day off, so he wasn't going to do any training. However, because he had told himself he wouldn't pull any more pranks, he didn't really have anything else to do.
― Maybe I can go visit Tenten. ― Naruto thought. He hadn't really talked much with her, but she had treated him like a normal person, unlike most people in this village. Although she might be out of the village or with her team. ― I could go check out some gear since I need to buy more kunai and explosive tags. ― Naruto silently cursed Anko for making him waste so much equipment on those damn monsters in the Forest of Death.
Naruto's thoughts faded when he noticed a cloth near the fence that was designed to blend in with it, except it was dirtier than the rest of the fence. And it was held sideways. And there were a pair of hands holding it on each side, and a pair of feet sticking out from the bottom, and a small tuft of hair sticking out from the top.
― He can't seriously think that's going to work on me, can he? ― Naruto thought with a sweatdrop. Sighing, he approached the 'camouflaged' kid, grabbed the cloth, and pulled it down.
― I guess you want something, since you're following me. ― Naruto asked in a bored tone; he really didn't feel like dealing with this brat right now.
― I'm impressed you saw through my disguise; your reputation is well-earned. ― Konohamaru said with a big grin as he pointed at Naruto. ― So that settles it! I'll be your apprentice and you'll be my trainer!
Naruto blinked. ― What? ― he asked slowly, as if he didn't understand.
― Yeah! You have to teach me that Oiroke No Jutsu (Sexy Jutsu) you used to beat Old Man! ― Konohamaru shouted as he bounced on the balls of his feet.
― Hey! Hold on! Who said anything about me teaching you? ― Naruto asked. What the hell was wrong with this brat? Did he think he would just up and teach someone he didn't even know?
― Come on! Please! Please, please, please, say yes, boss! ― Konohamaru begged.
― What? Boss? ― Naruto asked, tilting his head with a mocking expression.
― Yeah! That's right! You're the boss! Boss, boss, boss! ― Konohamaru shouted as he jumped up and down.
Naruto looked up at the sky as he scratched his chin. Well, he was getting bored and had been trying to find something to do.
― Well, I guess I can give you some pointers, but it'll only be for today. ― Naruto said, staring at the hyperactive kid.
― What?! ― Konohamaru shouted, looking ready to complain. ― Why only today?
― Because tomorrow I have genin orientation, so I won't have free time after that. ― Naruto said with a grin as he pointed to his headband. ― Or did you not notice the headband?
Konohamaru looked at the headband and his eyes widened. ― Awesome! That's SO COOL!
― Erm. I guess it is. ― Naruto stepped back from the boy's enthusiasm. ― Anyway, let's go to one of the parks. ― Naruto grinned as he jumped onto the roof of one of the buildings. It was one of his most recent achievements, being able to jump that high using his chakra; eventually, he hoped to be able to do it with just his muscle strength, but it did a good job of getting Konohamaru excited. ― Hope you can keep up! ― Naruto shouted and started jumping to another building.
Konohamaru, lacking the chakra control for that, had to travel on the ground. Naruto always made sure to stay within the boy's sight as he leaped across rooftops, ensuring the kid had to make a concerted effort to follow him. He made sure to circle the parks once or twice before heading there. By the time they reached the park, Konohamaru was stumbling and falling as he gasped for air. He collapsed onto the ground, looking up at Naruto, who was sitting on a tree branch a few feet above him.
― What... what was that? ― Konohamaru asked as he tried to catch his breath.
Naruto frowned seeing how tired the kid was. ― Are you in the academy? ― he asked.
Konohamaru looked indignant, or at least as indignant as an exhausted eight-year-old could look. He pushed himself up only to fall back down. ― Of course I am...
― What are you doing sitting on the ground like that? ― Naruto interrupted. ― Get up.
Konohamaru glared at him. ― I'm tired from you making me run all over the place!
Naruto shrugged. ― That wouldn't even be enough for my morning runs, if something as mildly strenuous as that tired you out, then you're obviously not training your body enough.
― Man, this is weird. ― the blond thought. ― I wonder if this is what Iruka-sensei felt like when he lectured me. ― He had to admit that while it felt strange, it was also satisfying to be able to teach someone else. Maybe there really was a point to all those boring lectures Iruka-sensei gave.
― Anyway. ― Naruto shook his head clear of thoughts about Iruka. ― Since you're so exhausted, it's obvious your chakra reserves are too small to do much more than the basic jutsu. So I think we'll start with...
― Hey! ― Konohamaru shouted with an angry expression. ― I'm not small!
Naruto facepalmed as he listened to the kid. ― Please, God, tell me that's not how I sounded to Iruka-sensei and the Old Man! If so, I swear I'll never be a brat again!
― I said your chakra! CHA-KRA! ― Naruto pronounced the word chakra very slowly. ― I didn't make any comment about your height. I'm just saying your chakra reserves are a bit small. This means you'll have to work on increasing them to the max. I'll write down some exercises I found in a book and give them to you to practice on your own. ― Naruto paused for a moment. ― Although if your reserves are smaller, then you should have better control. Tell me, how good is your chakra control?
― Um... well, I don't really know much about that... ― Konohamaru admitted. ― Four-Eyes Sensei hasn't gone beyond what the academy already taught me.
Naruto sighed and ran a hand over his face. ― Which means you've had absolutely no practice in chakra control. ― He paused; now that he thought about it, he hadn't been taught chakra control exercises either. However, he had assumed it had been one of the days he'd been sent out of class, or that he'd skipped class. He frowned to himself before shaking his head. ― Have you at least been working on the Henge? Please tell me you have.
Konohamaru puffed out his cheeks, indignant. ― Of course I have!
― Okay, okay, no need to get defensive. ― Naruto held up his hands in a defensive gesture as he jumped down from the tree branch. ― So show me what you can do. I need to see how far along you are before we can start doing anything.
― Uh... What should I transform into? ― Konohamaru asked, scratching the back of his neck.
Naruto shrugged. ― Anyone, it doesn't matter as long as I can see where you're at. After that I'll show you some material I have for creating your own version of the Oiroke No Jutsu. The thing about the Oiroke no Jutsu is that it requires an innate understanding of the female body. ―Or at least it does now. ― Naruto thought with a snort and a slight blush. He had read a book or two on anatomy, and one of them was on female anatomy, as well as a book on the reproductive system. Plus, all that time spent with Anko last week had pretty much guaranteed he'd know what certain female parts looked like.
Naruto shook his head to clear his thoughts. ― Alright, let's see what you can do!
― Roger that, boss! ― Konohamaru shouted as he made the hand seal for the jutsu.
Henge no Jutsu! (Transformation Jutsu!)
----------
Ebisu frowned as he surveyed the village from the rooftop he was standing on. He had been searching all over the village for almost an hour and it was getting on his nerves.
― Where is that disgusting... delinquent? What could he be doing to the Honorable Grandson? It could only be something truly evil! ― Ebisu thought viciously as he clenched his hands into fists while scanning the streets. ― I am an Elite Jonin! As one of a long line of sensei who have trained and guided potential candidates for the illustrious position of Hokage, I cannot allow such a disaster to occur under my watch! I will crush any insect that clings to my student... even if it is a Jinchuriki!
Without a second thought, he began leaping across the rooftops, searching for any sign of the blond brat or his wayward student.
----------
Naruto sighed as he dropped some change into a vending machine to buy himself a soda. ― If only vending machines would end up replacing stores, then I wouldn't go broke because of stupid prejudices... ― He shook his head to clear that thought, knowing thinking something so negative wouldn't do him any good. He turned around and looked at his... temporary student. The kid had done remarkably well for his first time, although Naruto could see signs of exhaustion. However, Naruto attributed his success to the fact that he had less chakra, therefore more control to use jutsu, which made learning something like this easier.
(I want to take this moment to mention the fact that the technological level of Naruto's world is a mix between the industrial revolution with touches of the modern era, since they have short-range trains, electricity, refrigerators, and color televisions, but they lack long-distance communication networks and their computers are rudimentary, with the most advanced being intended for use in laboratories like Orochimaru's. This is understandable when we consider the capabilities of ninjas and the ease with which they could destroy unprotected train tracks or long-distance communication lines.)
He walked over to Konohamaru and sat down, popping open the soda can and taking a long drink. ― So, tell me, what was going on between you and the Old Man? It didn't seem like this was an isolated event.
― Old Man named me Konohamaru, after the village; he said it would bring me luck. ― Konohamaru muttered. Naruto nodded to himself as he listened. ― You'd think it'd be easy to remember. But nobody, not a single adult in the whole village, calls me by my name. It's because when they look at me, they don't see me, they see the Honorable Grandson of the Sandaime Hokage. ― Naruto raised an eyebrow as Konohamaru kicked at a pebble. ― They don't see who I am, just who I'm related to. It's like I'm invisible, hidden behind Old Man's shadow, and I'm so sick of it... That's why I'm gonna become Hokage now! So people will know who I really am!
― This kid has the opposite problem as me. ― Naruto thought incredulously.
The kid reminded him a lot of himself, how he was before the Mizuki incident. Not that something like that made Naruto feel sympathy for the kid. If anything, Konohamaru needed a beating.
Naruto snorted. ― You think it's so easy. ― Konohamaru looked up at Naruto. ― If you could become Hokage that easily, then everyone would try to be Hokage. The Hokage isn't just the strongest ninja in the entire village, they're also the smartest and the one who has dedicated their life to serving the village as its protector. You have to think of every villager as if they were a member of your family and be willing to risk your life to keep them safe. That's what being Hokage is about. And it'll take hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears to get there. Not just anyone can be Hokage. ― Naruto suddenly grinned. ― Besides, if you're going to be Hokage, you'll have to beat me first!
Naruto paused as he watched Konohamaru, who was staring at him slack-jawed, waiting for the kid to say something, when he heard a rustling of leaves.
― Found you! ― a voice called out from above them.
Naruto and Konohamaru turned to see Ebisu standing on a tree branch.
― That Uzumaki brat... the Kyubi. ― Ebisu glared down at Naruto, who couldn't suppress a shiver at those icy eyes.
Those eyes... he recognized them as the same ones some of the more hateful members of the village had directed at him. The kind of people he was sure would kill him if they had the chance. The kind of people who would try to beat him up if they caught him when they were drunk and had lost any inhibitions they might have once had.
Jumping down from the tree, Ebisu landed on the ground and walked towards the two.
― Honorable Grandson, it is time for you to return home. ― Ebisu said in the same overly confident tone as before, adjusting his sunglasses.
Konohamaru jumped to his feet. ― No way! I'm learning how to beat Old Man and become Hokage! Don't interfere!
Naruto couldn't hold back his smirk. ― Seems he thinks I'm a better teacher than you.
Ebisu sneered at Naruto. ― Silence, Uzumaki! I will not stand by while you corrupt my student with your trash!
― Shut up! ― Konohamaru shouted. ― He's a better teacher than you! At least I can understand what he's saying! ― Both Ebisu and Naruto were startled by the boy's outburst.
― No, Honorable Grandson, you must not listen to him. He cannot teach you the things you need to know. To be Hokage one must understand virtue, justice, ceremony, wisdom, loyalty, prudence, and be skilled in a thousand jutsu! You don't even know one jutsu! ― Ebisu continued. However, it seemed Konohamaru had heard enough.
― I'll show you a jutsu! Eat this! Oiroke No Jutsu! ― Where a small, brown-haired boy had been, there was now a tall, older, and absolutely gorgeous woman with dark brown hair. And she was naked. ― How about this jutsu? ― she asked in a seductive voice as she struck a pose.
Ebisu froze, his jaw nearly hitting the floor. Naruto watched as the man trembled. Yet, he was still standing.
― Huh, well, whaddaya know? ― Naruto thought to himself. ― He hides it pretty well.
Konohamaru popped back into existence, frowning. ― Why didn't it work? ― he asked, scratching the back of his neck.
― W-W-WHAT KIND OF SHAMEFUL JUTSU IS THAT! ― Ebisu shouted indignantly, though Naruto could see the red tint to his cheeks. ― Such things are unfit for a gentleman's eyes! I would never fall for such a vulgar and scandalous jutsu! I am far above such things! ― Naruto's eyes started twitching at the bold-faced and obviously false statement. Ebisu grabbed Konohamaru's scarf and tried to start dragging him back with him. ― Honorable Grandson, you must stop this immediately! That Uzumaki brat is turning you into a delinquent! Do you want people to see you as a fool? Only with my teachings will you get the shortcut to becoming Hokage! ― Ebisu continued pulling on the scarf, trying to drag Konohamaru away.
― No, no, no! Leave me alone! I don't want to learn from you, I'm learning from the boss! ― Konohamaru yelled as he pulled back.
― What kind of foolishness is this! ― Ebisu shouted. The pair continued their little tug-of-war until Naruto decided to intervene.
Kage Bushin no Jutsu! (Shadow Clone Jutsu!)
The pair stopped as around fifty clones popped into existence. Konohamaru stared at all the copies with wide eyes.
― Come on! Why don't you pick on someone your own size! ― one of the clones yelled.
― Oh wait! I guess you already are doing that! ― another clone said.
― Well, maybe you can pick on someone bigger than you! ― said another.
Ebisu sneered at the clones as he let go of Konohamaru and walked towards the group of Narutos.
― I'm not impressed! I am a Jonin, a ninja with combat experience! Not some educator ninja like Mizuki! ― Ebisu pushed up his glasses and smirked arrogantly. ― Yes, I heard about your encounter with Mizuki! And for someone who was rejected by his own sensei, you have no right to lecture me, beginner! Now watch closely, Honorable Grandson, and you will see how a true ninja fights!
Konohamaru looked back and forth between Ebisu and the group of Narutos, unsure what to do, but praying Naruto could win.
Sarutobi, or at least a clone, hidden behind the transparent escape jutsu that rendered him semi-transparent, found himself sitting on a tree branch above the commotion. Iruka had visited him a while ago and they had just finished a discussion about Naruto, and he decided to send a clone to keep an eye on Naruto and his grandson.
― Naruto might have gotten lucky against Mizuki, but this is likely out of his league. ― Clone Sarutobi frowned. ― Ebisu had better be smart enough not to hurt him too badly, especially in front of Konohamaru-kun. And I think I'll need to have a talk with him about his attitude problem.
Ebisu stood in the middle of Naruto's formation with an arrogant smirk. The boy honestly believed a technique like this would be enough to beat him.
― Well? ― he asked with a sneer and a haughty tone.
All the Narutos grinned before raising their hands and making a seal, surrounding the area in smoke.
Oiroke no Jutsu!
When the smoke cleared, Ebisu was assaulted by fifty very hot, very naked blonde girls, all of whom started grabbing at him. They began pressing and rubbing against the now shocked still jonin while whispering seductively in his ear, but all their words were lost as the sensation of their breasts and legs and... other parts pressing against the jonin became too much. Ebisu shuddered, before being blasted out of the group of girls by the geyser that was his nose, shooting blood as he flew through the air.
Naruto smirked seeing the jonin, now completely unresponsive, twitching on the ground a few meters away. A puff of smoke later, and all the clones dispelled.
Naruto turned to his smaller companion and grinned. 'And that's what I like to call Harem No Jutsu.'
― SO COOL! ― Konohamaru yelled, pumping his fist in the air.
Clone Sarutobi watched the events unfold with a look of astonishment.
― Naruto seems to have acquired quite a dangerous skill. ― Clone Sarutobi thought. ― Combining his Oiroke No Jutsu with the Kage Bushin is a dangerous combination that would distract or knock out any red-blooded male; nothing short of a seasoned gambler or an asexual would be able to ignore something like that... I don't know if even I could survive that. ― He reached up and grabbed a handkerchief, dabbing at his now bloody nose.
Naruto looked over at Ebisu, who was still twitching, and satisfied he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon, the blond walked back over to Konohamaru.
― Oh man! I couldn't even make Four-Eyes sensei fall for the jutsu! I want to be Hokage desperately, but I keep making mistakes! Why can't I do it? ― Konohamaru grabbed his hair in indignation.
― Because becoming Hokage isn't easy. ― Naruto said. ― You want to be at the top right now, be Hokage as soon as possible so people will see you for who you are. I know how you feel; until... recent circumstances I was the same way. But the fact is, being Hokage is a long, hard road. You can't become Hokage just because you want to. It takes dedication, skill, hard work. You have to be willing to bleed, cry, and sweat to be the strongest shinobi you can. You have to train both mind and body. But most importantly, you have to be willing to risk your life for the sake of this village and its people. And also... ― Naruto looked at Konohamaru with a serious expression, making the younger boy gulp. ― You have to remember the most important truth about becoming Hokage.
― Yeah! ― Konohamaru shouted as he puffed out his chest. ― What truth is that?!
― There are no shortcuts to becoming Hokage. ― Naruto said, a fierce, determined look in his eyes. ― By trying to take the easy way, you limit yourself, you weaken yourself, because you weren't willing to take the harder path. You weren't willing to train until you dropped, or work until you felt all your muscles straining against each other. No ninja in this village would respect a Hokage who took the easy way for everything; sometimes Hokages have to make tough decisions and deal with the consequences of those decisions. It takes a kind of commitment very few people have, and those who don't have it need to get out of the way of those who do... Besides, if you're going to be Hokage, you'll have to beat me first!
Naruto looked at Konohamaru; the boy's face was a bit red and it looked like his eyes were about to turn into swirls. He was trying to process all the information he had just received and was feeling completely overwhelmed. However, one of the things Naruto had said echoed in his mind.
Besides, if you're going to be Hokage, you'll have to beat me first!
Konohamaru stepped away from Naruto and stuck his nose in the air.
― Who do you think you are?! Lecturing me like that! ― Naruto smirked slightly at Konohamaru's reaction. ― That's it! I'm not gonna be your apprentice anymore! From now on we're rivals! Got it!
Naruto just gave the kid a grin. ― Well, that's cool. This was a one-time deal anyway, 'cause I'm getting assigned my Jonin sensei tomorrow. However... ― Naruto's grin widened, stretching his whisker marks and making him look fox-like. ― I accept your challenge to be my rival. But keep this in mind, you're going to have a lot of catching up to do if you want to be on my level. You're going to have to train hard if you even want to think about competing against me for the title of Hokage. ― Naruto looked up at the sun and sighed; he'd just wasted a whole day helping some kid.
― Well, it was fun and I was resting today anyway. ― Naruto thought with a chuckle. It was nice to be able to act like nothing more than an overly arrogant kid and show off to someone else, something he knew he probably wouldn't get to do again.
― Well, I'm heading off. But don't think for a second you can slack off! You never know when we might meet again, and if I find out you've been slacking... ― Naruto trailed off with the implied threat making Konohamaru gulp. ― Alright, I'll see ya later... Konohamaru. ― Konohamaru felt his eyes widen as Naruto turned and waved over his shoulder.
Clone Sarutobi smiled as he watched Konohamaru wave back at the departing Naruto.
― Thank you, Naruto-kun, for helping Konohamaru-kun onto the true path of the ninja... ― He sighed. ― I just wish he hadn't taught Konohamaru-kun the Oiroke no Jutsu...
A small wisp of transparent vapor was all that remained as the clone dispelled.
----------
Sarutobi was in his office when the memories from his clone flooded him.
― It seems everything turned out alright. ― he mentioned to himself with a small smile. But before he could delve further into his thoughts, his office door was opened.
The one who entered his office was a brown-haired ANBU with a sword on his back, a mask resembling a cat's face covered in green and red markings, and the ANBU tattoo on his left shoulder; additionally, he carried a bundle of papers.
― Ah, Tenzo. Did you finish the report on Naruto's training week? ― Sarutobi asked the Wood Release using ANBU.
― That is correct, Lord Hokage, and if I may, I would suggest you immediately read page four of the report. ― The ANBU's voice sounded professional, but the experienced old man noticed a certain caution in his voice.
Flipping through the newly delivered report to page four, the old man's eyes began scanning the information laid out there. By the time he reached the middle of the sheet, his eyes began to widen.
― Who else knows about this? ― Sarutobi demanded an answer from Tenzo.
― Only Anko, Lord Hokage.
― Good, no one else must know. I want you to double the ANBU rounds on Naruto. A minimum of one ANBU must have eyes on him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, even when he leaves the village. ― Sarutobi's order was given with all the intent and firmness of a military leader.
Without another word, Tenzo left, but not before giving a bow to the Hokage.