章節 21: Chapter 21: Into the Heart of the Mist
Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm
Chapter 21: Into the Heart of the Mist
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Chapter 26: The Bond of Loyalty IS OUT !
Chapter 27: The Turning Tide is out!
Chapter 28: Clash of Loyalties is out!
Chapter 29: Return to the Leaf is OUT! (Mist Arc is completed!)
Chapter 30: Political Crossroads is OUT!
Chapter 31: A Fitting Punishment IS OUT!
Author's Note:
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. We hope you have enjoyed the story so far and found the twists and turns as thrilling as we intended. Please comment how the journey of reading the story have been, and we're excited to share more with you. Storm Release will rear its infantile head in the coming two chapters, bringing new challenges and revelations.
I hope you enjoy this chapter and, as always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.
"The art of espionage is the art of knowing when to blend in and when to stand out." – Unknown
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As the higher-ups had commanded, Shisui escorted Naruto to the academy. The Mist Village, known for its militaristic nature, was a stark contrast to Konoha. The academy loomed large and imposing, its dark walls a testament to the village's harsh environment.
At the entrance, a chunin instructor eyed Naruto skeptically. "Isn't he a bit old for the academy? Why wasn't he admitted earlier?" the chunin asked, his tone dripping with suspicion.
Shisui, ever the actor, replied smoothly, "We just arrived in the village. We were living on Lian Island, infested with the rotting Kaguya who raided us constantly."
The chunin, a bigot who clearly harbored no sympathies for the Kaguya, smiled approvingly. "Good to hear you weren't sympathizers. Welcome to the academy, boy."
Shisui nodded politely. "Thank you, sir. We appreciate it."
The chunin motioned for them to follow him. "Come with me. I'll get you registered."
As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the academy, the chunin explained the procedure. "First, you'll need to fill out these forms," he said, handing a stack of papers to Shisui. "Basic information, previous training, any known affiliations like clans, that sort of thing."
Naruto took the papers and began filling them out. "Name, age, place of birth," he muttered as he wrote. "Ray... ten years old... Lian Island..."
The chunin watched him for a moment before continuing. "Once that's done, you'll undergo a basic aptitude test. Just a formality, really. After that, you'll be assigned to a class."
Shisui glanced at Naruto, who nodded in understanding. "We're ready," Shisui said.
They followed the chunin to a small room where a few other students were taking their aptitude tests. "Wait here," the chunin instructed. "You'll be called in shortly."
Naruto and Shisui sat down, waiting patiently. After a few minutes, a stern-looking instructor called Naruto's name. "Ray, you're up."
Naruto stood, taking a deep breath. "Here goes nothing," he whispered to Shisui before following the instructor.
The test was straightforward: a series of basic ninjutsu, taijutsu, and written questions. Naruto performed each task with ease, though he consciously held back to avoid raising suspicion. After all, he was a special jonin, but here he needed to blend in as just another student. The instructor watched him closely, nodding in approval at his slightly above-average performance.
"Not bad," the instructor said as Naruto finished. "You show promise, especially for someone who's been out of formal training. You'll start in the intermediate class, but be prepared to move up quickly if you continue to excel."
Naruto bowed respectfully, hiding his relief. "Thank you, sir."
After the test, they returned to the chunin, who finalized Naruto's registration. "You're all set," the chunin said, handing Naruto a schedule. "Classes start tomorrow. Be on time, and don't cause any trouble."
Shisui and Naruto thanked the chunin and left the academy. As they walked back to their apartment, Shisui placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You did great today. Continue to perform well, Ray."
Naruto nodded, determination in his eyes. "I understand. I'll do my best to fit in."
Shisui smiled. "I know you will, Ray. Let's head back and prepare for your first day."
With their mission clear and their roles defined, they returned to their small apartment.
From the next day, Naruto began attending the academy. The orders were simple: excel in three classes, do enough to stay above average, and maintain cover. Initially, Naruto's performance was exceptional, catching the attention of his instructors. Given his age of 10 in a class full of 7-year-olds, they assumed he had been promoted a year.
When questioned, Naruto explained, "The merchant caravan my brother and I work with is run by an old retired chunin who taught me."
Within two months, Naruto was bumped up three more years, suddenly finding himself in the final year. He was supposed to be a year below per the orders. When he inquired about the rapid advancement, he learned that the scarcity of shinobi due to the civil war and the sudden removal of bloodline shinobis had created a vacuum in the system.
(FLASHBACK)
As weeks turned into months, Naruto's progress was undeniable. His instructors couldn't ignore his exceptional skills. One day, the head instructor called him into his office.
"Naruto, your performance has been remarkable. Given the current shortage of shinobi, we're moving you up three years. You'll start in the final year tomorrow."
Naruto hid his surprise. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."
Naruto adapted quickly, making friends with some of the influential chunin and jonin's children. He created a group that hung out together, subtly making it seem like being invited to their group was a status symbol. He couldn't do this alone; he elevated certain students who were amiable to his manipulation. He even did some children's homework for money and friendship.
With this group, Naruto started learning about Mizu. He absorbed their culture, understood their way of thinking, and of course, the academy taught him how to fish and survive in that harsh terrain. He was amazed by their academy. Compared to Konoha's academy, which focused on three basic ninjutsu and basic taijutsu, the Mist academy was far more rigorous.
"Do you know how to perform the Water Bullet Jutsu?" one of his new friends, Amiyo, asked during a break.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, learned it from the old chunin. What about you?"
Amiyo grinned. "It's compulsory here. Along with five D-rank and two C-rank water jutsus. The survival training is intense too. Students sometimes die."
Naruto was taken aback. "Die? Seriously?"
Yuki's expression turned serious. "Yeah. Ever since Zabuza Momochi, one of the Seven Swordsmen, graduated by killing his entire graduating class, the practice of killing for graduation was stopped, but it's still brutal."
Naruto remembered Zabuza and how he was thoroughly defeated by the Third Hokage. "That's intense."
The library was another revelation for Naruto. Unlike Konoha's academy library, which was more focused on history and tactics with fewer jutsus for the academy, the Mist academy's library was filled with water jutsus, manipulation techniques, and theoretical knowledge up to chunin skill. This was not even the main library. There were also extensive works on lightning and wind.
"Look at this," Naruto said, pulling out a scroll on advanced water manipulation. "This place is amazing. They have so much information available."
Another student, Su-en, nodded. "Water is the most common affinity here, followed by lightning then wind. The library reflects that. In Konoha, you have to prove your loyalty to access the archives that is promotions. Here, knowledge is more freely available to extent B rank and above graded jealously, it shows how the bureaucratic system is fractured."
Naruto listened intently as Su-en continued, "Most of the higher positions in Mist were held by bloodline users. Their sudden conflict with the Mizukage, followed by their deaths or escape, created a huge hole in the village's functioning."
Naruto's curiosity was piqued. "So, the current system is mainly non-bloodline users?"
Su-en nodded. "Yes, but the non-bloodline, non-clan shinobi in ruling positions make up less than 5% before the purge started. Now, the entirety is controlled by non-bloodline users."
Naruto thought to himself, So that's why there are so many holes in the system. You can exploit them if you know where to look.
Naruto's time at the academy was both enlightening and perilous. He saw firsthand the ruthlessness of the people and the harshness of their training. The bonds he formed with his classmates were genuine, but he always remained vigilant, aware of the fact that he was undercover.
One day, during a particularly grueling survival exercise, Naruto and his group were tasked with navigating a dense, swampy forest. The instructor, a stern-faced jonin, gave them their instructions. "Survive the night here. Find food, avoid traps, and don't get caught by the hunting teams."
The dense, swampy forest was filled with hidden dangers. The air was thick with humidity, and the ground was treacherous, with murky water and thick vines making every step a challenge. Naruto and his friends, Amiyo, Suen, and Kenji, moved cautiously through the forest. Amiyo, who had grown up in the area, took the lead.
"Stay close. This place is filled with traps," Amiyo whispered, her eyes scanning the ground for any signs of danger.
As they made their way deeper into the forest, they suddenly heard a scream. "Someone's caught," Suen whispered, her eyes wide with fear.
Naruto's instincts kicked in. "We need to keep moving. If we stop, we'll be next."
They continued their trek through the swamp, each step calculated to avoid the myriad of traps and pitfalls hidden beneath the surface. The sounds of the forest, the rustling leaves, and distant animal calls created an eerie atmosphere.
As night began to fall, they found a small clearing and set up a makeshift camp. Naruto used his knowledge of seals to create a protective barrier around their camp. "This should keep us safe for the night," he said, drawing intricate patterns on the ground with a piece of chalk.
Amiyo nodded, impressed. "Where did you learn to do that?"
Naruto smiled. "From the old chunin. He taught me a lot."
The group gathered around a small fire, trying to keep warm in the damp, chilly night. They huddled together, sharing stories and keeping watch in shifts. The forest was alive with the sounds of predators and the occasional scream of a caught student, a stark reminder of the brutal reality of the Mist academy.
Naruto sat on watch, his eyes scanning the darkened forest. Kenji, who had just woken up for his shift, joined him. "This place is terrifying," Kenji whispered, glancing nervously into the shadows.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, but we need to stay strong. Our village is all about survival. We can't afford to show any weakness."
As they talked, they heard rustling in the bushes nearby. Naruto tensed, ready to react. A moment later, a large boar burst into the clearing, its eyes wild with fear. Naruto quickly grabbed a kunai and threw it, hitting the boar and stopping it in its tracks.
"Nice shot," Kenji said, clearly impressed.
"Thanks. Let's use this for food," Naruto replied, already thinking about how they could cook the meat.
The group worked together to prepare the boar, cooking it over their small fire. The smell of roasting meat lifted their spirits, giving them a much-needed morale boost.
Suen nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're learning how to survive in the worst conditions. It's tough, but it's what we signed up for."
Naruto felt a sense of camaraderie with his classmates. Despite the harsh environment and the constant threat of danger, they were growing closer, forming bonds that would help them survive.
By morning, they had survived the night. They packed up their camp and made their way back to the edge of the forest. The instructor met them there, a hint of approval in his eyes.
"Well done. You showed resourcefulness and teamwork. Remember, in the Mist Village, only the strong survive."
Naruto and his friends stood tall, proud of their accomplishment. They had faced the dangers of the forest and emerged stronger for it. The experience had taught them valuable lessons about survival, trust, and the harsh realities of life in the Mist Village.
As they walked back to the academy, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had managed to maintain his cover while excelling.
Meanwhile, Shisui was doing odd jobs, sometimes scouting and compiling the information Naruto brought in. Under the guise of training, Naruto and Shisui often went to the surrounding forests. Naruto made sure no one was around before they began. Shisui's training was intense and multifaceted.
Naruto had begun training in lightning release, having completed the first step. He had learned many D-rank and a few C-rank jutsu from the academy library and a few more from Shisui. Now, he was working on the second phase of lightning release. Additionally, he was learning to sense using the moisture in the air, inspired by rumors that the Second Hokage could sense body liquids.
Shisui was training him in genjutsu and various other fields. They sparred constantly, with Shisui exploiting Naruto's weaknesses to help him correct himself. One of the more advanced techniques Shisui was teaching Naruto was the use of multiple body flickers (Shunshin no Jutsu).
Initially, Naruto struggled with the tunnel vision caused by the fast movement, which prevented most people from performing multiple body flickers effectively. The Sharingan negated this issue for the Uchiha, but there was more to Shisui's technique than just vision.
"We solve this issue by relying more on your sensory ability than your vision," Shisui explained during one of their training sessions. "Even though you can only see the end of the tunnel, you can feel your surroundings. This will help you change perception in an instant."
Naruto nodded, concentrating. He knew he was still a novice in this art, but he was determined to master it.
Six months into the mission, they received new orders from the higher-ups. Shisui gathered Naruto to discuss them. "Naruto, the higher-ups have instructed you to join the shinobi corps of the Mist by graduating in the upcoming exam. It will be held in two weeks."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Graduate? But that means..."
"Yes, it means becoming part of the system. We need a spy within their ranks," Shisui said, his voice tinged with a note of uncertainty that did not escape Naruto's keen observation.
Shisui placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I know you will do great. We'll continue training hard until then. Remember, you have the skills. Now, we just need to refine them and ensure you can perform under pressure."
Their training intensified to a new level. Shisui pushed Naruto to his limits and beyond, even to the point of threatening to expose their cover, ensuring Naruto was ready for anything. The rigorous sessions were held in a new secret training location deep within the forest, an area they selected carefully for its seclusion and natural obstacles. This hidden spot was a rugged terrain with dense foliage, rocky outcrops, and a small, fast-flowing stream that provided both challenges and opportunities for Naruto's training. The remoteness of the area minimized the risk of being discovered, but Naruto knew he could take no chances. He meticulously laid out an intricate network of seals around the perimeter, designed to alert them to any approaching presence and obscure their activities from prying eyes.
The seals were a mix of sensory and camouflage techniques. Naruto used his proficiency in fuinjutsu to create barriers that would blend seamlessly with the environment, making it nearly impossible for anyone to detect their presence. He also set up traps that would deter any unwanted visitors, ensuring their training could proceed uninterrupted. Shisui, ever vigilant, tested these seals himself, pushing Naruto to ensure there were no weak points. Despite Naruto's assurances that the seals were foolproof, Shisui's relentless insistence on perfection drove Naruto to constantly improve and refine his work. The training ground became a fortress of secrecy, a testament to Naruto's growing skills and Shisui's unwavering demand for excellence.
In this secluded spot, Shisui's training regimen was relentless. He pushed Naruto through grueling exercises that tested his physical endurance, mental acuity, and chakra control. They focused heavily on blending Naruto's water release with his sensory abilities. Shisui devised complex drills where Naruto had to detect and react to multiple moving targets while simultaneously performing high-speed maneuvers. "You need to be able to sense threats without relying solely on your vision," Shisui instructed during one session. "Feel the chakra in the air, the moisture, and the electric charges. Let your instincts guide you." Naruto, drenched in sweat and exhaustion, never wavered. He knew that every drop of sweat, every moment of strain, was necessary. Shisui was unrelenting, even when Naruto protested that such intense training might break their cover. "If our cover is blown, you'll need to be ready to face any threat," Shisui reminded him sternly. "We can't afford any weaknesses."
Despite the extreme pressure, Naruto's abilities continued to grow. He was learning to blend his lightning release seamlessly with his sensory skills along with water manipulation, becoming adept at detecting and responding to threats with lightning speed.
One day, during a particularly grueling training session, Shisui paused and looked at Naruto. "You've come a long way, Ray. You're not the same boy who walked into the Mist Village six months ago. You're stronger, smarter, and more resilient."
Naruto nodded, feeling the weight of Shisui's words. "Thanks, Shin. I couldn't have done it without you."
Shisui chuckled. "Don't thank me yet. We still have a lot of work to do. But I have no doubt that you'll succeed. Now, let's get back to training. The exam is only two weeks away, and soon you'll be busy with day-to-day work."
Naruto noticed the worry in Shisui's eyes, understanding that the intense training was to ensure their cover remained intact. He would be working with chunin and jonin, who wouldn't be easily fooled. Any slip-up or display of skills beyond an average genin could expose them.
As the days passed, Naruto's confidence grew. He knew the exam would be easy for him, but the challenge was fooling the seasoned shinobi he would be working under. The bond between him and Shisui grew stronger, and Naruto felt a deep sense of gratitude for having Shisui as his mentor and friend.
One evening, after an intense training session, Shisui looked at Naruto with a serious expression. "Ray, there's something I need to teach you before the exam. It's a technique that could be crucial for your success."
Naruto's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What is it, Shin?"
Shisui took a deep breath. "It's a technique called the 'Mirage Step.' It's an advanced version of the body flicker that I created. It creates afterimages, making it harder for your opponent to track your movements."
Naruto's excitement was palpable. "That sounds amazing! How do I learn it?"
Shisui smiled. "It's not easy, but I know you can do it. The key is to move at such high speeds that your afterimages, aided by clever illusions, linger in your opponent's vision. It requires precise control over your chakra and perfect timing."
They spent the next few days practicing the Mirage Step. Shisui demonstrated the technique, moving so quickly that it appeared as though multiple copies of him were attacking from different angles. Naruto watched in awe, determined to master the technique.
"Focus, Naruto," Shisui instructed during one training session. "Feel the flow of your chakra and let it guide your movements. Don't rely solely on your eyes. Trust your instincts."
Naruto nodded, concentrating hard. He channeled his chakra, feeling it surge through his body. He took a deep breath and executed the technique, moving at blinding speeds. For a moment, he felt like he was moving in slow motion, every detail around him crystal clear.
"That's it, Naruto!" Shisui shouted, his voice filled with pride. "You're getting it!"
Naruto grinned, pushing himself even harder. He could see the afterimages forming, confusing his imaginary opponents. He knew he was still far from perfect, but he was improving with each attempt.
As the two weeks passed, Naruto's skills continued to grow. He felt more prepared than ever for the upcoming exam. On the eve of the test, Shisui gave him one last piece of advice.
"Remember, Naruto," Shisui said, his tone serious. "Trust in your abilities, stay calm under pressure, and hold back. Remember, you are posing as a genin."
Naruto nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I will, Shisui. I'll make you proud."
The next day, Naruto stood at the entrance of the Mist academy, ready to face the exam. He knew the challenges ahead would be daunting, but with Shisui's training and the bonds he had formed, he felt ready to take on anything.
Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of "Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm"!
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Chapter 23: In the Lion's Den is Out!
Chapter 24: The Last Harbinger Rears Its Head Storm release is out!
Chapter 25: Remnants of a Great Village is out!
Chapter 26: The Bond of Loyalty IS OUT !
Chapter 27: The Turning Tide is out!
Chapter 28: Clash of Loyalties is out!
Chapter 29: Return to the Leaf is OUT! (Mist Arc is completed!)
Chapter 30: Political Crossroads is OUT!
Chapter 31: A Fitting Punishment IS OUT!
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