Chapter 14: Sand Siblings
Team 7 and Kakashi returned to Konoha after finishing the mission, which was intended to be a C-rank mission but later turned to be a higher rank mission.
Though that didn't stop Team 7 from completing the mission in style.
After returning Kakashi went to the Hokage for reporting him about the mission and it's whereabout.
Kakashi told about how the mission turned to a B-rank or higher rank mission.
Naruto directly came to his apartment after visiting Ichiraku ramen.....
It was already afternoon so Naruto ordered some Ramen to be delivered to his apartment like everytime he do and gave a spare key of his apartment to Ayame.
In The Apartment....
Naruto sat at a chair from the table and took out the scroll for the flying raijin technique, he tried once but the first time he failed.
But he was determined this time for completing the technique this time , as he opened the scroll it came with many instruction and written theories but not many specifically telling how to perform the technique.
[Flying Thunder God Jutsu].
The Flying Raijin is a space-time ninjutsu technique created by Tobirama Senju and mastered by Minato Namikaze in the Naruto franchise. It allows the user to teleport instantly to any object or person they've marked by using a "technique formula".
To use the Flying Raijin, the caster must first place a mark on the target location. The mark is essentially a summoning circle that can be put on anything with the slightest touch. The user can put down an unlimited number of seals, and they don't consume chakra to put them down.
Drawing on the theories he had already assimilated, Naruto embarked on a mental exploration of potentialities. "Test 1", he thought, visualizing himself entering the Generic Fuinjutsu but becoming ensnared within, unable to escape unless aided by another. The first experiment was a failure.
In "Test 2", Naruto envisioned creating a personal seal with the kanji symbols for [Honored] [One] [Sword] on a kunai. This would be named "The Honored One's Sword". He applied an alarm seal to the kunai, incorporating the principles of the [Eight-Trigram Seal] to prevent others from using it against his will, along with the concept of [General Fuinjutsu]. However, when he tried to teleport, he was unsuccessful. Another failure.
"Test 3... Failure."
"Test 7... Failure."
"Test 10... Failure."
"Test 13... Failure."
"Test 18... Failure."
"Test 21... Failure."
"Test 35... Failure."
"Test 45... Failure."
But finally, "Test 76... Success."
Naruto slowly opened his eyes, finding that the day had turned into night. A smile spread across his face. He had mastered the [Flying Thunder God Jutsu].
As he was thinking suddenly the doorbell rang , Naruto stood up and ran to the door.
It was Aayame who was standing front of the door with Ramen in hand .
"You're late Aayame-neechan." Naruto said complaining voice.
"Well, we're running a bit late , sorry for being late." Aayame gave the Ramen package to Naruto "well I've more deliveries to do bye." Aayame walked out and Naruto waved at her "Good-bye."
After that Naruto came inside his apartment and took out the ramen in a bowl and started eating .
After he was done , he went to sleep as it was already too late after taking bath.
The next morning , Naruto and Team 7 continued with their daily mission , the D-rank Missions.
After the mission was completed.
"Well , I'll be going , I need to report Hokage-sama about our missions." Kakashi said his team.
"Hey Kakashi-sensei can you help me with something ?" Naruto said.
"What is it Naruto ? " Kakashi asked.
"Can you give this scroll back to Jii-chan. " Naruto said as he gave the flying raijin technique scroll to Kakashi. "Tell him my work is done with it." Naruto added.
"well , I'll do that, but what this scroll about ?" Kakashi asked.
"You ask Jii-chan, He can explain you better." Naruto said.
"Well, If you say so." Kakashi said as he took of.
"He's learning new techniques everyday and I'm falling behind him in every way, It can't happen , I've to Stronger than him in any cost. " Sasuke thought "I'd be going." Sasuke said as he left .
Sakura wanted say something but as Sasuke left she could only look at the sight and wave at him.
Sakura looked at Naruto "Well, What technique did you learn from that scroll ?" Sakura asked to Naruto.
"That's a secret another time , or should I say surprise for another time." Naruto answered. "Well Sakura , You're trailing behind in terms of strength In our team , do you wanna continue learning Fuinjutsu from me ?" Naruto asked.
Sakura felt a little bad at first after hearing the first words from Naruto that she was trailing behind them but than she couldn't disagree that Naruto was saying the obvious and facts.
Sakura nodded and Naruto continued teaching and explaining her about the Fuinjutsu and everything. Naruto didn't have the scroll but Naruto memorized them perfectly after learning them , so it was easy for him to explain to her in his own way.
"In the Office of the Hokage...
'Ah, Kakashi, it's you. How did the mission go?' Hiruzen inquired, his weary eyes suggesting he'd been buried in paperwork for what seemed like an eternity.
Kakashi began to relay his report, 'The mission escalated to [A-Rank]. However, we managed to see it through to the end.'
Hiruzen simply nodded, not surprised, 'And how did it become [A-Rank]?'
'We came across a missing-nin who was after our client and...' Kakashi then proceeded to detail every aspect of the mission, conveniently.
'Hmm, I understand. As such, the reward for this mission will be increased to 700,000 ryo,' Hiruzen announced.
Kakashi bowed in gratitude, 'Thank you, Hokage-sama...'"
"Here Something Naruto said me to deliver to you." Kakashi said and gave the scroll to Hiruzen.
Hiruzen looked momentarily at the scroll in his hand and looked at Kakashi "Did he already completed learning this ?" Hiruzen asked with astonishment clearly visible on his face.
"Well, He said he completed it , but he didn't show me nor he told me what's this scroll was about. " Kakashi said in a melancholic tone.
"That's Impossible completing this technique in less than a week ..... " Hiruzen thought in his mind and looked at Kakashi again and proceeds to explain about the technique.
"Naruto learned that technique as well ?" Kakashi asked as his face showed how much shocked he was.
"That Naruto he is a genius like his father....." Hiruzen said with smile.
Kakashi nodded in agreement and after bowing again Kakashi left the Hokage Office.
In the training field....
Naruto continued training Sakura the Fuinjutsu technique as they were walking out from the training field.
Sakura's eyes sparkled at Naruto's tactical acumen and she diligently noted down his insights. Naruto further encouraged her to devise a battle strategy that best suits her, rather than mirroring his or Sasuke's style. If close combat wasn't her forte, long-range combat could be an effective alternative. Even if she eventually mastered close combat, a long-range approach could still serve as a useful distraction during retreats.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Naruto's exclamation, "As I was saying..." He halted, his gaze fixed on a peculiarly large rock ahead, riddled with holes. With a sigh, he nudged Sakura forward, "Let's go... just ignore it." Sakura nodded in agreement.
Unexpectedly, the rock parted to reveal three young children. One of them recognized Naruto, "That's the man I see as my rival! It's obvious he would notice something like this.
It was Konohamaru, along with a couple of his friends. Naruto, a bit exasperated, inquired, "What do you want, Konohamaru?"
Konohamaru, brimming with excitement, pleaded, "Naruto-nichan! Play ninja with us!" Naruto, however, was less than enthusiastic, "Eh... I don't wanna..."
Konohamaru was visibly disappointed and turned his attention to Sakura, who was standing beside Naruto. He teasingly tugged on Naruto's clothes, hinting at a possible romance between the two.
Naruto, however, was quick to dispel any such notions, "You're really the third hokage's grandson, now that you're showing a lewd smile, you look like him."
Konohamaru, quite vexed, retorted, "What are you talking about, Niichan?? I don't look like that old man!"
Deciding to drop the issue, he bid them farewell, "Sorry to interrupt your date, Nichan." Naruto was quick to correct him, "It's not a date."
"Eh? Then why are you walking together with this girl?" Konohamaru asked.
"I'm teaching her fuinjutsu," Naruto responded.
"Fuinjutsu?"
"Yeah."
Konohamaru wasn't about to be left out, "No fair! Teach me too! Naruto-niichan!"
Naruto sighed, fixing Konohamaru with a stern gaze, "Do you even know what fuinjutsu is?"
Konohamaru scratched his head in embarrassment, "This... I don't know but it sounds like an amazing thing so teach me too!"
Naruto shook his head and suggested, "For someone like you, fuinjutsu could be quite dull. If you're truly keen on learning, ask Jiichan to give you calligraphy lessons. Once he feels you've practiced enough, you can come to me to learn."
Konohamaru's eyes sparkled at the prospect, though he didn't quite grasp what calligraphy was, "Alright! Don't go back on your words, Naruto-niichan!"
Naruto nodded as he, Sakura, Konohamaru, and his friends decided to grab something to eat. As they walked, Naruto continued to answer Sakura's queries about fuinjutsu.
Suddenly, Konohamaru, who had engaged in a lively game of tag with his friends, accidentally collided with a stranger. "Ouch! That hurts," the stranger, a man with a face adorned with tattoos, grumbled.
Beside him stood a blonde girl. The tattooed man, clearly annoyed, roughly grabbed Konohamaru by the collar, "That hurt! You little brat!"
Naruto, pausing his conversation with Sakura, addressed the tattooed man with a polite smile, "I hope you can be understanding. The kid was just playing around. I apologize for him bumping into you."
The man assessed Naruto, recognizing him as a Konoha genin. The blonde girl urged her companion, "That guy is right. Let it go, or we'll get scolded later."
Ignoring his companion, the tattooed man smirked at Naruto, "Yeah? And what are you gonna do about it?"
Naruto chuckled at the man's audacity. The man seemed puzzled, "Hm? What are you laughing for?" Naruto, his smile turning cold, retorted, "You should mind your manners, sand ninja. You're currently in Konoha. This isn't a place for your arrogance."
The man responded with hostility, "You leaf genins are weak. All you do is boast like your hokage." He was left astonished as he couldn't see Naruto anymore at his original place.
A chilling voice from behind him said, "Oh really?" As Naruto put one hand on shoulder of the Tattooed man. On the other hand Naruto created a Wind style Rasengan.
*Slash* Just as the blade was about to make contact with the man adorned in facial tattoos, a barrier of sand materialized, blocking Naruto's path.
Using the sandy blockade as a stepping stone, Naruto leaped over to rescue Konohamaru from the clutches of the foreign shinobi.
Upon landing next to Sakura and Konohamaru's companions, Naruto asked, "Are you alright?"
Konohamaru's eyes sparkled with admiration as he exclaimed, "You're incredibly powerful, Niichan!" Naruto merely chuckled in response, stating, "Well, I'm certainly stronger than that guy over there."
Unfazed by the recent events, the tattooed man retrieved a weapon hidden within a bandaged bundle on his back, cursing under his breath.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from a nearby tree, "Enough, Kankuro. You've lost. Had I not intervened, you would've been defeated. You're a disgrace to our village."
Kankuro visibly flinched at the sight of the upside-down figure perched on the tree - Gaara. "Losing control during a battle... did you forget the purpose of our visit to the Leaf Village?" Gaara chastised.
Caught mid-conversation, Naruto appeared behind Gaara, asking, "What brings you here?" Gaara visibly tensed at Naruto's sudden appearance.
He glanced back at Naruto's previous location, only to find him gone, and instinctively launched a sand attack.
Naruto easily blocked the assault with limitless and repeated his question.
Gaara, maintaining a chilling calm, laughed maniacally and declared, "You're strong... I will kill you..." Naruto frowned at Gaara's ominous declaration.
Noticing Gaara's turbulent chakra that seemed on the verge of eruption, Naruto asked, "What's wrong with his chakra.. it's different somehow..."
In an attempt to control his volatile emotions, Gaara hugged himself and muttered, "Not now... It's not the time yet..."
He then instructed his companions, "Kankuro, Temari. We should leave." Relieved to see Gaara regain his composure, Kankuro and Temari nodded in agreement.
Naruto watched them depart and returned to Sakura and the others.
"What are foreign ninjas doing here?" Sakura asked, concern lacing her tone.
Naruto shrugged, "I'm not sure, but they must be here on official business if they were allowed entry through the village gates. Judging from the tattooed man's comments, they know we're Leaf genins, so they might be here for the Chuunin exams if they're being held here this year."
"That's a relief. I was worried they'd broken in or something."
"They're here for official reasons, but I sense they have hidden agendas."
"Hidden agendas? How?"
"I can't say for sure yet, we'll find out soon enough."
Sakura simply nodded in response.
Naruto bid them farewell, "I should be going. Take care, Sakura-chan."
"You too, Naruto!"
Naruto motioned for Konohamaru and his friends, "Let's go, I'll walk you home." The group excitedly followed Naruto, badgering him to teach them some jutsu, but Naruto tactfully declined.
Jounin instructors convened at Hiruzen's residence.
"I assume you all understand why I've called this meeting," Hiruzen stated, his arms resting on the table.
Kakashi exhaled a sigh, "Is it that time of the year already?"
A jounin instructor remarked with a smile, "Word has already reached other villages. I've seen them around town."
Puffing his pipe, Hiruzen confirmed, "In a week."
"So soon?"
Hiruzen nodded in agreement, "Let me formally announce it. Seven days from now, on the first day of the seventh moon, the Chuunin selection exam will commence." He took a long drag from his pipe before continuing, "Now, let's hear from those overseeing the new genins - Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma."
They stepped forward, and Hiruzen asked, "Any genins you think are ready for the selection exam? As you know, a genin must complete at least eight missions before they can be nominated by their jounin instructor."
Standing at the back, Iruka watched the proceedings unfold, thinking, 'Completing more missions is standard. There's no need to ask, they're not ready.'
Hiruzen continued, "Let's start with Kakashi."
Kakashi, forming a half-seal with one hand, reported, "Team 7 - Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, led by me, Hatake Kakashi, I nominate them for the Chuunin selection exam."
"What?" Iruka gasped, taken aback by the unexpected news.
Kurenai followed suit, "Leading Team 8, Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino, I, Yuhi Kurenai, will also nominate them for the exam."
Lastly, Asuma reported, "Leading Team 10, Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Chouji, I, Sarutobi Asuma, nominate them as well."
"Hmm... all of them? That's unusual."
"Wait a minute!" Iruka interjected.
"Yes, Iruka?" Hiruzen enquired.
"Hokage-sama, may I speak?"
"Proceed."
"Most of these nine were my students at the academy. They're all talented, but they lack experience. I can't fathom the reasoning of the jounin instructors."
Kakashi responded nonchalantly, "I was a Chuunin at an age six years younger than Naruto."
"Naruto is different from you! Are you trying to break these kids?" Iruka retorted, visibly agitated.
Kakashi simply chuckled at Iruka's reaction.
"What's so humorous, Kakashi-san?!"
"In the academy, there are restrictions, so you haven't fully witnessed Naruto's abilities. In the field, I've seen his capabilities first hand. Naruto is qualified."
"But-"
"No buts. Let me enlighten you with a startling fact," Kakashi interrupted, causing Iruka to sweat with anticipation.
"Naruto could easily overpower me in a non-lethal fight. If it were a battle to the death, one of us wouldn't walk away unless a miracle occurred."
"What?!" Iruka screamed in shock. He knew Naruto was talented, but not to that extent.
Asuma, Kurenai, and all the jounin instructors present were equally shocked.
"That kid? He can overpower Kakashi-senpai? If it weren't coming from Kakashi-senpai himself, I wouldn't believe it!"
"Even hearing it directly from Kakashi, I find it hard to accept."
Hiruzen puffed his pipe, a knowing smile on his face as he watched their reactions. He too would have been shocked, if he wasn't already aware of Naruto's capabilities.
The room fell into a stunned silence as they all processed Kakashi's revelation. Iruka was the first to regain his composure, "Kakashi, you must be joking. Naruto is talented, I won't deny that, but to say he could overpower a jounin like you..."
Kakashi's nonchalant expression remained unchanged, "I'm not exaggerating, Iruka. Naruto has come a long way since the academy. He's not the same kid anymore."
Seeing the disbelief etched on Iruka's face, Hiruzen intervened, "Kakashi is telling the truth, Iruka. Naruto has grown significantly, both as a shinobi and as a person. I wouldn't have allowed his nomination if I didn't believe he was ready."
Iruka looked from Hiruzen to Kakashi, his mind struggling to accept this new reality. He finally sighed, "If you both say so, then I trust your judgment. But, promise me you'll keep an eye on him. Naruto... he has a tendency to push himself too hard."
Kakashi nodded, "I promise, Iruka."
With that settled, Hiruzen turned his attention back to the meeting, "Now that we've discussed the nominations, let's move on to the exam's structure..."
As the meeting continued, each of the jounin instructors couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This year's Chuunin exams were shaping up to be one of the most interesting yet.
[And Right There I plan to end this chapter, what do you think ?
Is there improvement in writing ? I hope you liked this chapter...
Power stone is always welcome ... And vote as well.
Lastly , if you have any interesting idea for the story comment them down below and if you find any mistakes correct me too in the comment section.]
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