2,430Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, One Piece or any other media, anime, music, games, manga, books etc. that may appear in this fanfiction, this is purely fantasy work. I will, however, claim the OC character's that appear in this fanfic.
Author Note: Hi everyone thanks for your reviews. I appreciate all the constructive criticism I've been getting. Going through and slowly editing old chapters. I've gotten a little better over the years, and later Chapters are of better quality so please keep this in mind. All I can say is, I wish I could punch my younger.
Edited: 13/01/2019.
Chapter 2: The Will of Fire Burns
A month had come to pass since that fateful day when Naruto clashed with the Blue Whale Pirates and rescued the children that had been sold to them as slaves. The children rescued had been suspicious of Naruto at first, especially when he offered them the chance to live on Uzu no Kuni with him. The suspicion they felt was understandable, considering what they had gone through. Overtime Naruto was able to overcome this bridge, connecting to them through the use of Ninshou, sharing his thoughts and feelings through chakra.
Thanks to the assistance of the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu the reconstruction of Uzushiogakure had begun. Through the usage of Doton Ninjutsu, the surrounding rubble and ruins had been cleared away. All of the graves belonging to the Uzumaki kinsmen had been relocated to a large clearing behind the Uzumaki Clan Compound, that had been transformed into a field of beautiful flowers with the use of Mokuton Ninjutsu. Through the use of Mokuton and Doton Ninjutsu he had started clearing the Uzumaki Compound out and the area surrounding it creating new living arrangements for those now under his wing.
The first building after the accommodations to be restored was the Shinobi Academy. The construction had begun within the first week, and by the following week, those who wished to become Shinobi were sorted into appropriate classes to be instructed by his clones. It would be some time before he had proper instructors. The process of restarting the Shinobi program would take years with training and increasing not only the villages manpower but population. On top of that Naruto had to place focus on the necessary resources to create stability.
Mokuton Ninjutsu could help to elevate the worry of crops and lumber, while Doton Ninjutsu could be used to create concrete and the Banbutsu Sozo (Creation Of All Things) allowed him to make metal. However, there was the issue of other food sources the new citizens of Uzushiogakure couldn't live off the fruits and vegetables he grew or the marine life from the sea they would need to expand their diet. That was why he had split his soul in half reforming his unique Kage Bunshin and sent it out into the world. The clone had more than enough chakra to run across the water to find new lands, discovering unique breeds to bring back to Uzu no Kuni where they would be bred as a suitable food source.
With the month gone by Naruto had strangely found himself with his own personal a student, one not instructed by a clone. The student he had taken was none other than the young girl he had found on the slave ship, Suzuka, the girl who tried to protect those younger than she. Suzuka had approached him and begged him to train her.
Flashback
Naruto looked out to sea; three weeks had gone by since the rescued children had been brought to Uzu no Kuni. His clones were slowly rebuilding his ancestral home of Uzushiogakure, restoring it to its former glory. Said clones were supervising the children tending to their daily needs. A part of him wondered if he was capable of looking after them, in the past, Naruto had never had people that needed to rely on him like now, the only time someone had ever relied on him was to watch their back in battle. With a long sigh, he rubbed his temples contemplating what to do; he didn't know how to raise children, especially with three-year-olds running around.
Sensing a presence, Naruto spun around forming a half ram seal out a reflex before coming to a stop. Standing a few metres from him was the young girl who had stood bravely to protect the children on the ship, Suzuka if his memory served him right. The girl was notably startled by his reaction. Naruto noted she was healthier than last he laid eyes on her, having gained a little weight.
"Gomensai I didn't mean to sneak up on you." Her voice was soft, yet timid as she approached him shyly, fingers poking together. He could not help but be reminded of Hinata, the girl who had professed her love while risking her life to protect him from Nagato.
"Can I help you?" Enquired the sage as he eyed the young girl curiously.
Suzuka inhaled before she shut her eyes and bowed holding her arms to the side.
"PLEASE TRAIN ME!" Suzuka all but shouted at him; there was a clear determination in her voice as if to say she wouldn't leave unless he accepted.
Naruto raised an eyebrow at the girl's actions, somewhat surprised. Of the children rescued she had been the first to approach him of their own accord, and this was what she was asking?
The girl took a step back and looked up with fire in her eyes, "I know you offered to train us all but…I want to become stronger! As th,e oldest I should have been able to protect them but I was weak, but I was nothing but a failure. That's why I ask, no beg of you to teach me, please make me stronger to protect them, all of them! You won't always be there to protect us so I want to be able to when you can't. So please teach me!" Suzuka begged as she looked at him, a clear determination with those chocolate brown hue, there was no sign of giving up reflected inside.
Naruto sighed giving the back of his head and awkward rub while thing over the proposal. Those who wanted to be trained he would train in basic arts then allow them to pick a Shinobi or Kunoichi from his past to model themselves after, but this girl wanted to be personally trained by him, could he take on a student?
Thoughts of Konohamaru came to the forefront, only to be pushed down. Naruto couldn't help but groan while giving his hair a tug, what to do? A deep breath was taken to calm unsettled thoughts before the powerful gaze of the Rinne-Sharingan was placed on the girl. She certainly had passion was Naruto's first thought. Naruto couldn't help but be reminded of his past self. The way she wanted to be strong to protect others, however, reminded him of someone, bringing up the memory of Haku's words as they echoed in his inner thoughts. "When a person, has something important they want to protect, that's when they can become truly strong."
Suzuka had barely known those children, but she had wanted nothing more than to protect them, he could respect that. Naruto looked down at the girl, eyes widening as a vision of all his past comrades and loved ones appeared standing behind the blossoming young woman. The first was none other than the man who had been like a grandfather to him, Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Sandaime Hokage stood behind Suzuka, a hand being placed on her right shoulder. Standing behind the third were his teachers over the years, Iruka, Kakashi and Jiraiya, each looked on with beaming smiles. Surrounding her were all his past comrades Sasuke, Sakura, Sai, Gaara, Killer Bee, Ino, Kiba, Shikamaru, Choji, Hinata, Neji, Rock Lee, Tenten and Shino. He could even see Konohamaru, Inari and many others who he met with appearing before his very eyes. Naruto shut his eyes; it seemed his old comrades were telling him to pass on the Will of Fire. Even from the grave, they were always guiding him.
"Alright, I'll train you! I will make you strong! But I warn you; it won't be easy! There will be blood, sweat, tears and pain but you will become a Kunoichi worthy of being called my pupil!" Naruto declared showing a fox-like grin. The girl, Suzuka beamed at him nodding her head rapidly, and with that, it had begun.
End Flashback
Taking Suzuka under his wing had first required the jump-starting of her chakra circulatory system. Like all the other children her Tenketsu were solid, and she only had enough chakra to live, but being young he could reactivate her chakra network. The problem with attempting to jump start Suzuka's chakra system as she was fifteen years old and the coils in her body had become rigid due to her approaching adulthood. Attempting to activated her chakra system and expand her Tenketsu was going to be a painful process which it had been.
Naruto used his chakra to forcibly open Suzuka's Tenketsu, mixing his chakra with hers. During the entire procedure, Naruto had to drown out Suzuka's blood-curdling screams as she withered around in pain, nails tearing away at flesh drawing blood. It reached the point; Naruto had to hold her down, using the mokuton to produce a number of roots to coil around Suzuka's body and pin her in place. If he hadn't, there was a chance she would have struggled so much that her neck would have snapped from the force of her movements.
The process of expanding Suzuka's chakra coils had taken fifteen long gruelling hours of torture and pain, but finally, he had done it. After fifteen hours of pain, her chakra coils had widened as the flow of chakra coursing through Suzuka's body increases. By the end, the size of the young woman's reserves had expanded growing to the size of a mid-Genin. The strain on her body had left her exhausted, pale, weak and bedridden. Someone whose body had never naturally grown with chakra would find themselves having a hard time, as their body needed time to recover and grow accustomed to the sudden change. It would take seven days worth of bed rest for, Suzuka to fully recover and be functional once more.
Once Naruto's student had been fully recovered, the Sage was only comprising a training plan. The idea was too start with the basics and get her use to the flow of the new energy coursing through her veins. It would be best to start off with basic chakra exercises, learning how to feel the flow of chakra and channel it through her body, before starting on chakra control exercises. At the same time, start on simple physical exercises to develop and strengthen the body. Afterwards, instruction into the basic fields of the Shinobi could begin, primarily Bukijutsu, Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Genjutsu.
Naruto walked through the halls of his compound smiling as children ran past; it was nice to see that after a month some of them had relaxed enough and had begun to enjoy their time on the island. The island was going to get livelier with them around. Seeing the Dojo coming into sight, Naruto slid the door open and was greeted to the sight of Suzuka sitting seiza in the middle of the room. Naruto approached his student bowing politely to her.
"Good Morning Suzuka-chan." Greeted the sage taking a seat on the dojo floor with his legs crossed.
"Good Morning Sensei." Suzuka would return the greeting by performing a polite bow, as was customary between teacher and student. If one took notice, one would spot a noticeable blush forming on Suzuka's snowy cheeks. Naruto gave her a heart-warming smile in response; even he couldn't help but take note, that the young woman was exceptionally beautiful for her age, with a heart-shaped face, supple lips and snow white skin.
"To begin your studies, let me ask you this do you know what chakra is?" Naruto was answered by receiving a confused expression, one that had been expected, having only asked to satisfy his curiosity. Shutting his eyes, the Immortal Sage peered into the deepest pits of his inner world scouring the memories that once belonged to Former Academy Instructor Iruka. A sadness rose up inside of Naruto, reflecting on the loss of his brother figure, but pushed it down to focus on the task at hand.
"In every living thing, humans, animals, plants there exists a force known as chakra; it is what allows us to live. Chakra is created when two forms of energy, Physical Energy and Mental Energy are combined thus creating chakra. Physical Energy represents the size of one's chakra reserves while Spiritual Energy dictates one's control over their reserves. Through training and physical stimulus, one can increase their physical energy. Whereas through study, experience, mediation and training one can boost their spiritual energy. With time chakra will increase naturally with age."
"Through the use of hand seals, one can learn to manipulate their chakra to perform feat's thought unimaginable, feat's that believed could only be used through the use of a Devil Fruit. Abilities such as my manipulating of the elements or cloning. In the body you possess 361 Tenketsu or Chakra Points it's thanks to these points located on the chakra pathway system, much like the blood system, I can use my chakra to perform an assortment of techniques, and you will be able to as well."
"Last week I mixed my chakra into your chakra system to force open your Tenketsu and chakra pathways. You see a normal human by the age of adulthood typically around sixteen to eighteen their Tenketsu completely close and become rigid meaning they will never be able to use their chakra, which is why one must start at a young age typically between five and ten as one's chakra system is still flexible. Of course, you can still learn from the age of eleven till around the age of sixteen as your chakra pathways are still flexible enough, however, the older you are, the more painful it is the force open your pathways to enable to you access your chakra. This experience you know all too well."
"As you come to utilise your chakra you will learn about Shape Transformation and Nature Transformation. Shape Transformation is an advanced form of chakra control that involves changing the form and movement of chakra, determining the size, range, and purpose of a technique. Shape transformation is one of two necessary components for creating or modifying a technique, the second component being nature transformation. While shape transformation changes the form and movement of chakra, nature transformation changes the actual nature of the chakra, altering its properties and characteristics."
"Nature Transformation is the second part in forming techniques. Nature Transformation is an advanced form of chakra control that entails the moulding and defining of one's chakra into an innate kind of chakra nature, altering its properties and characteristics for use in techniques. Every person who possesses chakra is attuned to what my people use to call Godai Seishitsu Henka or The Five Elements Nature Transformation. There exists five basic elements for chakra Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth and Water each stronger than one element but weaker than another. Everyone is attuned to at least one of these elements, and it is possible to learn how to control another through rigorous training, however just because you are attuned to one element does not mean you cannot learn techniques of another, it will just require the use of more chakra to perform." Explained Naruto taking breathes in between his lecture, before removing a piece of paper and holding it up for Suzuka to examine.
"This is chakra paper by channelling chakra into this paper it will reveal your element affinity. If the paper burns then you have a fire element. If the paper is cut, the wind is your element. If the paper wrinkles that means lightning. If the paper turns to dirt or mud that reveals an earth nature, lastly, if the paper becomes wet or damp, it shows a water element. The stronger the reaction, the stronger your affinity."
Naruto held the paper in his hand and channelled his chakra into it. The paper suddenly shredded itself into one hundred equal pieces. Twenty-five of these pieces burst into flames; the next twenty-five became incredibly damp, twenty-five turned into mud and faded away while the last twenty-five wrinkled up into tight little balls.
"As you can see I am a rare case possessing all five element transformations." Said Naruto showing a smile, Suzuka seemed to be wrapped by his abilities. Naruto cleared his throat, drawing Suzukas attention to the new piece of paper he had pulled out and offered to her.
"Let's see if we can get you to access your chakra, now I don't expect you to get it right away or to be able to channel your chakra into that paper, but we can try. Now please sit like me" Naruto crossed his legs over and sat in a lotus position where Suzuka soon followed with a little bit of difficulty.
"What I want you to do is shut your eyes, then take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds then release it, continue this as you look deep inside of yourself. I want you to ignore everything, shut yourself off to the world and find your chakra. Your chakra should feel light, full of warmth, dancing like a flame, search for this and once you've found it grab hold of it tightly. Once you have a hold of it, I want you to bring it to the surface. " Naruto closed his eyes and took in a long deep breath.
Suzuka closed her eyes doing as Naruto instructed, taking a breath through her nose and counted to three before releasing it slowly, exhaling from the mouth. The young woman repeated by inhaling through her nose and exhaling out from the mouth, with every breath she felt her body relaxing. As her body relaxed, Suzuka began to focusing on her breathing and attempting to locate her chakra, letting time simply pass by without a worry. She tried to 'look' deep inside what was the core of her body as structured; though she wasn't entirely sure what Naruto meant but held trust in his words.
Suzuka felt her chest rise and fall drawing out all noise in the process, forgetting about everything all to place focus on the task at hand. A warm feeling arose in her stomach, as strange sensation emerged and washed over her very being. Eyes clenched down hard as the young woman reached towards the warm feeling that was emitting from her core. Her world became surrounded in darkness, but there was a light slowly illuminating the void, as a wild flame burning a bright sapphire. Suzuka reached towards the flame using own her thoughts to grab hold of it. The fire felt warm and that warmth soon flooded through every fibre of her being.
Suzuka's eyes flew open as a gasp escaped her lips, as a sudden rush overcame it, as what felt like fire coursed through her veins. A light blue hum radiated around her body that made the young woman freak, as she jumped to her feet only for the light to slowly dye down before it vanished. Suzuka couldn't help but look over herself, finding that she was unharmed, earning a chuckle from the eternal Sage. Suzuka turned to face Naruto who was chuckling lightly at her; the black haired beauty glared weakly at him.
"Congratulations you found your chakra in only five hours, faster than I had expected." complimented Naruto getting a look of disbelief from the girl at how long she had been sitting there.
"Let's see if you can grab hold of your chakra again, once you have; I want you to think of it as a river and direct it into the palms of your hands and down into the paper,"
"H…Hai Sensei" responded Suzuka, taking a seat on the ground once more in the lotus position. Giving scrutiny to the paper in her palm, Suzika closed both eyes, starting the breathing exercises once more. Breathing became focused, as a warmth began to spread through her like last time as she sought it out. Suzuka latched onto the flame once more and let it spread through her body. Eyes slowly opened as a soft blue glow illuminated them. Focus hardened as the young woman tried to direct the flow as instructed, thinking of it as a river. Suzuka could feel it travelling through her body, up to her arm and down into the piece of paper.
The chakra paper did something that completely shocked Naruto. The paper in Suzuka's hands was cut in half before the left piece became damp while the right section crumbled away into dirt signalling the young girl had three elemental affinities. Naruto could only look on in shock he had never seen this before none of the memories he had absorbed had. Sure it was heard of for people born with two natural affinities but that was rare, the only other way for someone to have two natural affinities is when they had a Kekkei Genkai. What he had seen was unheard of, not only had his student unlocked her chakra in a matter of hours but she had been able to direct it revealing three element affinities, Naruto could only describe her as naturally gifted.
Naruto came out of his shock before he began to clap in congratulations of his student, "Congratulations Suzuka-chan you have three natural affinities for Wind, Water and Earth." The young woman couldn't help but blush at the praise, face turning as red as a tomato.
"Now then how about some tea?"
The girl nodded her head in the affirmative. With a smile, Naruto jumped to his feet and helped Suzuka up, before they left the Dojo for the main section or the Uzumaki Compound.
11 years 9 Months before Canon
Two Months had passed since Naruto had become Suzuka's teacher, and he was thoroughly astounded by her level of growth over the last couple of months soaking up everything she was taught like a sponge. In just two months they had worked on increasing not only her chakra reserves but also her level of chakra control. Focus had primarily been placed with the leaf sticking and tree climbing exercise, however, Suzuka was already showing an exceptional degree of control. To the point, she was able to master the two exercises relatively quickly, within days of each other. To compensate, Naruto started Suzuka on the Water Walking Exercise
On top chakra control, he had been instructing Suzuka in the basics behind the Hyuga's, Juken (Gentle fist) from the memories he had obtained from Hinata and her clansman. Suzuka would never be able to use the Jūkens full capabilities without the Byakugan, so it was being modified to be adapted to strike the pressure points and vital organs in the human body. Unlike the normal stiff Juken, Naruto had worked to introduce, Hinata's own Jūho or gentle step, a style designed more for a flexible body type. The Juken was more for someone with an earth nature as its movements were stiff and rigid movements, the Juho (Gentle Step) was the polar opposite, with swift, flexible movements suitable for a water user, being that Suzuka possessed both elements, Naruto was looking to combine both fighting forms.
It didn't hurt that Naruto was also focusing on a style he had acquired from a couple of Shinobi that belonged to Sunagakure no Sato. The particular style he had picked up was suitable for those with a wind affinity. The style g was known as the Areken or Gale Fist which on swift, piercing and precise movements. Said style relied heavily on speed instead of strength aiming to deliver combo blows as quickly as possible to vulnerable areas. The Araken was most suitable for assassin's as most strikes were designed to kill with a single strike or render the enemy unconscious while others would disable limbs.
To ensure Suzuka would be able to use the combined Taijutsu styles, Naruto had equipped her with weight seals on both ankles and wrists. Currently, each seal was set to twenty-five kilograms giving her an added weight of one hundred kilograms to carry around, nowhere near what Lee and Gai use to carry around. Naruto himself barely wore weight seals or weights themselves seeing as he was fast enough as it was and could augment his physical abilities thanks to the massive chakra reserves he possessed.
Aside from Taijutsu, Naruto had placed focus on Bukijutsu, first starting with Shurikenjutsu, quickly it became apparent, the young woman had a flare for weapons. After experimentation, the two found Suzuka was more attuned to senbon so using memories he had acquired from Shizune; Naruto was able to instruct Suzuka in the proper use of the long needles. Another discovery he made was when they started on Jutsu that like senbon, Suzuka had an aptitude for Genjutsu more than Ninjutsu, so he had focused on that area. Seeing as he originally never had a talent for Genjutsu and even now it wasn't something he specialised in he dipped into the memories gained from Yuhi Kurenai along with one of Konoha's advisors Utatane, Koharu.
With the memories of Team Eight's Sensei and Koharu, Suzuka had been taught four simple illusions with a bonus of a fifth slightly more advanced technique. The first four taught were a combination of one D rank and three C ranks those being the Magen: Kokohi no Jutsu (Demonic Illusions: False Surroundings Technique), Magen: Narakumi no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique), Magen: Jigoku Gouka no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Hell Fire Technique) and Kori Shinchuu no Jutsu (Sly Mind Affect Technique). The fifth Jutsu was a more advanced form of the Kokohi no Jutsu a B rank technique the Magen: Niju Kokoni Arazu no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Double False Surroundings Technique).
Currently, both student and teacher could be found at one of the training fields; Naruto had fixed up, training field three. Naruto was standing opposite Suzuka, arms crossed over his chest, while Suzuka, had slipped into the familiar stance of the Juken but with a little Juho mixed in.
"Alright come at me let's see if your training has paid off." Instructed Naruto while standing in a relaxed position, arms being kept in their folded position.
Suzuka nodded before charging towards Naruto, attacking from the front. The young woman was moving at mid genin level speeds, a drastic improvement compared to physical movements two months ago. All up Naruto estimated Suzuka was about high Genin, of course, this was without the use of weights, but he had restricted her from taking them off. If the weights were removed, Suzuka's abilities would be elevated to low Chunin.
Suzuka darted in giving a battle cry, delivering a swift strike with her right hand, index and middle fingers extended as they glowered with chakra. Naruto took a step back moving out of attack range. Suzuka stepped forward hands moving as she lunged quickly jabbing with a flurry of Juken strikes going for a frontal assault. Naruto stepped around each blow moving with ease as if he was dancing.
Suzuka kept calm, knowing she had zero chance of hitting her sensei as he was naturally superior in all aspects, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to try. Digging her right heel in, Suzuka followed up with an open palm from her left hand bringing it low aiming for Naruto's solar plexus.
Naruto eyed the incoming attack and took a side step to avoid the blow. Suzuka performed spinning motion the spin hiding her incoming attack as right leg lashed up in a high kick. Naruto ducked down to avoid the inbound leg, eyes narrowing as Suzuka shifted her body weight, foot touching the ground, before lunging attempting a dual Juken strike towards his chest and torso. The Sage went into a side roll to avoid the incoming attacks and jumped up to his feet, deciding to retaliate. Naruto moved at higher speeds than Suzuka could track and appeared in front of her, the action caught her completely off guard. Naruto clenched a fist and delivered a swift right hook top Suzuka's budding chest. The young woman cried out and was sent flying back across the training field, hitting the ground with a thud and rolling across it.
Suzuka came to a halt over fifteen metres away and simply lay there in pain. The young girl bit down on her cheek and struggled to her feet ignoring the pain. Suzuka's body shook with pain from that single blow, but she resisted the urge to whimper. Propping herself up to her knees, the girl looked towards her teacher; she had never expected him to attack.
"I never said I wouldn't strike back. This will help you learn to anticipate your opponent's moves as well as boost your stamina and durability. If you do not have the stamina to last in a long drawn out battle, it will be your downfall. The same can be said if you are unable to withstand your opponents blows." Lectured the Sage as he folded his arms back over his chest, it was almost as if he knew what she had been thinking.
The amalgamation of the memories from the Jounin Instructors and the Academy instructors from Konoha had allowed him to view their various teaching methods. Not only did he have the teaching methods of the instructors from Konoha but from every Shinobi Nation and every single one of them had different methods, so he had mixed them taking pieces here and there before adding his spin.
"Now come let us resume." Beckoned Naruto instructing his student to attack, in response Suzuka kicked off the ground moving towards him. Suzuka closed in, moulding chakra into her left palm and struck upwards towards him, expelling that chakra on impact.
"Shotei (Palm Bottom)!"
Naruto watched the incoming attack and allowed the blow to connect. He felt chakra explode through his body ripping it apart and erupt out of the back. Grunting, the Sage dug his heels into the ground and grabbed Suzuka by the wrist with his right hand. Revealing a smirk, the Sage spun on his heels and threw Suzuka across the training field, launching her a good ten feet up into the air.
Suzuka flipped in mid-air landing on the ground in a crouched position, deciding it was a good idea to change up her strategy. Hands blurred into action forming the dragon, tiger and lastly the hare hand seal. Naruto raised a curious eyebrow as he recognised the technique, one which he hadn't taught her.
"Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Release: Violent Water Wave)!" Suzuka took a deep breath as water nature chakra was moulded into her lungs. Suzuka leaned forward, lips parted as a violent stream of water was exhaled that sped exhaling a forceful stream of water that raced across the terrain heading straight for Naruto. Naruto inhaled not even bothering to form the hand seals while moulding fire chakra directly into his lungs.
"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball)!" Naruto parted his lips expelling a giant fireball that rocketed forward colliding with the incoming water stream. The moment Naruto's fireball made contact, steam engulfed the training field blocking the two from each other. Naruto peered through the mist watching as three Suzuka's charged him head-on, two of the Suzuka's contained one-tenth of his student's chakra, Mizu Bunshins? That was another skill he hadn't taught her.
Naruto dug his heels in as the Suzuka's three charged him head-on, all of them three a handful of senbon in his direction. Naruto moulded wind nature chakra and gave a swung of his right hand in the direction of the needles, releasing a small blast of wind that tossed the senbon aside. As the senbon scatted, he took note that one of the Suzuka's had disappeared, the original as only the clones were left. The two clones moved in, hands glowing as they attempted a Juken strike.
Naruto retaliated fists connecting with the clones before they could close in. Chakra erupted from as bakuhatsu element came into play and obliterated the two clones. Eyes narrowed as Naruto detected a chakra signature coming from behind. Turning his body, Suzuka popped up from the earth, chakra swirling around her left hand in the shape of a lion's head.
"Juho Shiken (Gentle Step Lion's Fist)!" Shouted the original Suzuka, tiny fist making contact with her sensei's back. The fierce chakra dug into Naruto's back tearing away at his clothing and blasted him through the air.
Naruto flew through the air before hitting the ground with a loud thud, the back of his robe had been torn open and flesh severely scarred. The Eternal Sage climbed onto both knees and dusted his robe off, his chakra working to knit the injury back together before chakra flowed into the robe allowing the chakra made clothing to repair itself. He hadn't expected her to know the Doton: Dochū Eigyo no Jutsu (Earth Release: Underground Projection Fish Technique), it seemed his cute little student had been doing some training of her own when he wasn't around.
"Well now that was certainly unexpected not only do you know the Mizurappa and Mizu Bunshin but you added the Dochu Eigyoto to your repertoire, you caught me by surprise and managed to land a blow. I may not have been taking things seriously, but you've surprised me well done." Complimented Naruto, turning to face his student who had fallen onto both knees in exhaust panting hard as sweat dripped from her body, it seemed she had used a little too much chakra. It was to be expected even though her chakra reserves had been expended they were only around that of a High Genin and using three C rank techniques plus the B rank Juho Shiken had exhausted a good portion of her chakra.
Suzuka looked up at her sensei, continuing to pant heavily, not having realised just how much those techniques would take out of her, using Ninjutsu exhausted her a lot more than Genjutsu did that was for sure. Suzuka greedily gulped down air, filling her lungs. "Arigato Sensei. I picked them up from the Uzushiogakure Shinobi Library. "
"Clever girl you did well today, now let's get some ramen my treat." Naruto flashed a foxy smile and extended a hand for her take. Suzuka accepted the other, allowing Naruto to pull her onto both feet before supporting the young girl's frame as they headed into the village to eat.
11 years before Canon
Eleven months had come to pass since Naruto's decision to accept Suzuka as his student. In those eleven months, Uzushiogakure had begun to blossom. The ruins of the village had been completely removed and restored, appearing as if it had never been destroyed. Surrounding the new Uzushiogakure was a large concrete wall that surrounded the growing village on all sides. There was only one entrance a sizeable wooden gate on the south side of the village. At the north of Uzushiogakure was a large mountain created by Naruto himself with Doton Ninjutsu. On the mountain were the faces of the past five Hokage's facing south, the direction of the village. The mountain stretched out to the East and West of the village, connecting to the concrete walls. The terrain of the mountain was rugged ensuring sure that the only point of entry for invaders would be the South, even if they did manage to make it up the mountain Naruto had a little surprise in store for them. The entire village was protected by a barrier that was only visible to Naruto and a few others.
Naruto could currently be found atop his father's head, gaze cast out across the village that had rebuilt, Rinne Sharingan stared off into the distance, allowing him to see tiny figures moving about. A memory of Konoha came up, the memory of when he used to sit on his father's head in his youth, using the time to think. Naruto couldn't help but remember the last time he did so; it was just before the War, he had thought what it would have been like if Obito had survived his ordeal and returned to Konoha. If Obito had returned would his parents have still been alive? Would Nagato not have been manipulated by Obito and the Black Zetsu? Perhaps Kaguya may never have been revived, and he would have died years ago with a loving family.
Naruto shook the thoughts aside, deciding it was best not to reflect on the past, especially the past from thousands of years ago, instead deciding to reflect on the now. In the past few months on the mountain surrounding Uzushiogakure's north side, he had built nine shrines each to represent one of the nine Bijuu. The children had requested that he make the shrines in honour of the beasts, he felt it was rather funny. The first time they had seen the Biju they had been scared, but when he had reassured them the Biju were there to protect them the children had begun calling them 'their Guardian Angels'. It was a funny sight to see Kurama blush at that, so as a show of faith he did as requested and built the shrines. Every Sunday the children would transverse the mountain using the stairwells that had been built and connected to the village to place gifts upon the shrines.
The first time he had seen Matatabi shrunken down to the size of a kitten to play with one of the balls of yarn she was given amused him greatly. What delighted him the most however was seeing the bloodthirsty Shukaku take a shine to the kids. Shukaku had taken to utilising his sand manipulation to build giant sand castles and forts for the children to play in. Then there was Kokuō she had become something of a mother hen tending to the orphans in a much smaller form. Isobu and Gyuki had taken to remain in the ocean keeping a lookout for invaders. Kurama had taken to solitude sleeping deep beneath the village. Son could often be seen lazing about in the surrounding forest. As for Chomei and Saiken, they spent their time sleeping only coming out during the night to watch over the village.
To accommodate the nine Bijuu in their full-size Naruto had used a combination of Mokuton and Doton Ninjutsu to increase the size of Uzu no Kuni making it nearly ten times its original size, reaching such mass that Uzushiogakure was stationed in the middle of the island. To realise the size of the Island, to travel from the shoreline to Uzushiogakure on foot at walking speed, it would take a week; it took three days to travel from Konoha to the land of waves.
The crops Naruto had given birth to were in full bloom supplying much-needed resources to the village. His clone had returned three months ago with various kinds of livestock to be raised on the farm. The livestock took the form of your typical cows, chickens and sheep with a few unique species he had never seen before. Clones could be seen tending to the animals along with the crops, all the while teaching the children who had chosen the civilian path how to manage the creatures brought to the island. The clones were also instructing the children how to farm the land.
Naruto's thoughts soon moved on thinking about what he was doing. Why had he decided to bring back the Age of Chakra? Naruto believed he was bringing it back to establish peace, but with ever thought, he would have clouded visions. Chakra had brought nothing but death, suffering and bloodshed during his time, and now he was bringing it back. He was bringing back the endless cycle of hatred and for what?
Naruto detected an approaching chakra signature and looked over his shoulder to see a miniature Kurama walking towards him; the nine-tailed fox had shrunken down to the size of a large dog. The Biju often shrunk themselves down to walk around the village.
"I know that expression; tell me what is on your mind Gaki?" The strongest of the nine sat down on the right of his old friend. Naruto gave a small smile even after all these years Kurama always knew when something was up.
"I've been thinking about what I'm going to do. Uzushiogakure is on the return but, I doubt my abilities to keep everyone safe. The children look to me to take care of them they trust me, and I don't want to break that trust. Now I have brought them into a world they should never have been a part of, I have begun the process of bringing back the Age of the Shinobi, an era that had a cycle of never-ending hate."The sage looked down at his hands clenching them tightly.
"I am the start to an endless saga of bloodshed, I have done the opposite to what Hagoromo-Oji-san wanted."
Kurama eyed his long-time friend, one of his tails snapping through the air to whack him upside the head getting a surprised look from the white-haired shinobi.
"Don't be a fool. You are better than your predecessors. Even now you prove that by worrying. You are a kind and compassionate always willing to lend a hand for what is right. You have the power that they never possessed; you have the power to make friends with your enemies; you have a unique gift and that gift you will pass onto those children down there. You carry the Will of Fire that has been passed down from generation to generation. You have the chance to guide this new era to teach them, to look over them. My Father passed on his teachings and left allowing the Ningen to do as they pleased corrupting Ninshu, but I know you will guide them properly. Hashirama failed, Tobirama failed, Hiruzen failed and even your father failed to bring peace but you, you have the chance to do that. Bring about a cycle of peace not hatred for the Shinobi. This world needs a new saviour it needs you Naruto!" Barked Kurama as he rose to his feet tails flailing around wildly as he gazed out onto the village, the moon beaming down upon them.
"My siblings and I will stand by you Naruto! We put our faith in you, as did the Elemental Nations! The Gokage, your father, my father, the past kages and your comrades, all of them passed their Will of Fire onto you! You carry the will of your people. You can do them proud by rising to the challenge! Break the cycle of hatred which exists in this new world, become its saviour!" Kurama's voice boomed echoing over the village as he stared at his friend, eyes burning with a fire just like they had during the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Naruto chuckled and climbed onto two feet, Kurama's words had struck a chord deep inside him. Naruto extended his right fist towards Kurama just like old times, revealing a smirk that was matched by the tailed beast. Kurama raised his right fist bumping it against Naruto's as they exchanged chakra.
"Thanks, Kurama I needed that."
"If you mention a word of this conversation to the others I'll kill you." Naruto laughed at that; Kurama had grown into a big old softy over the years, not that he would ever admit to it.
"I thought I was all alone, but I have you and the other Biju to lend me your support/" Kurama shook his head and looked to the village.
"You have them and us. These children I can see it in their eyes they will stand by you. You have their trust and loyalty. Then there is your student I can see it in her eyes she would fight beside you to hell and back!"
Naruto looked to the moon, mind wandering to thoughts of his student. It had been eight months since his little sparring session with Suzuka, and she had only continued to grow in leaps and bounds. The amount of chakra she possessed had grown reaching that of a Mid Chunin. Her skills in Ninjutsu had expanded, by adding a couple more elemental techniques to her arsenal, acquiring two new Doton Ninjutsu the first a B rank, the Doton: Doryuuheki (Earth Release: Earth Style Wall) for defence and the other a D rank Ninjutsu, Doton: Doryuu Taiga (Earth Release: Earth Flow River) a support based technique. Her Suiton Ninjutsu had expanded with two new techniques as well both C rank, Suiton: Teppodama (Water Release: Gunshot) for offensive and a support Suiton: Mizuame Nabara (Water Release: Starch Syrup Capture Field). Lastly for wind Suzuka had learned the C rank Futon Ninjutsu, Fuuton: Daitoppa (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough).
As for Taijutsu, Suzuka was developing nicely in the three styles that had been mixed to create her own. Naruto had gone easy on her in the first spar but was now he was gradually increasing the difficulty every time she landed a hit, of course with every increase in difficulty Naruto would reveal more of his arsenal. After all, he had to keep Suzuka on her toes.
Above all else, Suzuka had developed tremendously in the field of Genjutsu, making leaps and bounds. Sure she had added only a small number to her repertoire, but she had mastered them to the point she didn't need hand seals. The first three were three B rank techniques Hanabira tokashi (Flower Petal Dissolve), Magen Jubaku Satsu (Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death) and the Magen: Niju Kokoni Arazu no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Double False Surroundings Technique). The fourth Genjutsu she had learnt was the A rank Jutsu, Nehan Shouja no Jutsu (Temple of Nirvana Technique). The rate at which she was learning was astounding. Suzuka would indeed become a powerful Kunoichi one day.
"She will indeed make a strong Kunoichi in the coming future." The fox seemed to know what his friends we thinking as the two watched the moon. "As will the other children. The curriculum you have implemented into the academy will see to that."
Naruto looked down to the village his eyes locking onto the Shinobi Academy, Kage Bunshins with memories of his comrades were being used to teach the children who had registered to try and become shinobi. By next year he would have his first Genin teams. Personally, Naruto would have preferred the children stay in the academy for at least five years that way he could ensure that they had the necessary skills, but time was short, so a Wartime program had been implemented. The idea was to cram as much as possible while increasing the number of days and hours they spent a week at the academy. The children were young, so their minds and bodies were still malleable. The memories of the academy curriculum from when Konoha was in times of war was used, all thanks to absorbing the memories of a Zetsu that use to be one of Konoha's advisors Mitokado Homura.
The curriculum was designed to pump out high-level shinobi in two years or less. The children would be taught how to access their chakra within the first week followed by beginning their lessons in chakra control, Taijutsu, Shurikenjutsu, Kunaijutsu, Elemental Natures, Elemental Clones, Henge and Kawarimi. After that lessons on Ninjutsu, Advanced Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Fuuinjutsu and Bukijutsu would begin. Each of the students would be required to pick two specialities with one sub speciality which would be all they focused on for the next year and a bit. At the end of every school week, it would be necessary for Naruto to pump chakra into the chakra network of each child to forcibly expand them while allowing them to get used to the growth over the weekend. The kids would also all be trained in stealth, espionage, sabotage, assassination and reconnaissance. Three months before graduating they would each be given a rabbit to look after and to love. Upon graduation, they would be told to kill their pet, a harsh method but it would prevent them from freezing up on the battlefield when they took their first life.
"I just hope I don't destroy their childhood by forcing them into this life so early." The memories he had from numerous shinobi who had taken part during the previous wars were horrifying; they had seen many horrors which they had not been prepared.
"The truth is Gaki these children lost their childhood the moment they were sold into slavery, what you have done is give them a new life, a purpose. When the time comes, they will help save others just like you saved them. You have clones scouring the world at this very minute hunting down these slave traders sending you their locations so you may remove them. I may despise you Ningen's, but even I do not agree with slavery, I would gladly wipe these pond scum from the face of the planet."
Naruto smirked at his friend it seemed the two shared similar views. He could always count on Kurama to be there for him. The two always knew what the other was thinking. If Naruto was honest, the fox was his best friend.
"Speaking of slave traders one of my clones reported back to me earlier about a pair of sisters,"
"Oh? And what has caused your interest in them?"
"Their parents sold them into slavery last year. The oldest her name is Kuroka aged eight and her sister is Shirone aged three. The two were force-fed something called an Akuma no Mi a strange fruit that gifts people unique abilities, kind of like Kekkei Genkai. The price of a devil fruit user is incredibly high even more so considering these two girls were force-fed rare fruits."
"Rare?"
"Two unique Zoan class fruit Neko Neko no mi: Moderu: Kuro and Shiro Nekomata, polar opposite fruits but quite the same. The older sister Kuroka is apparently quite feisty and has attacked all of her masters to protect her sister killing them each time, but instead of killing her they simply sell her and her sister again. They are currently on their way to a place called Lvneel, the new crowned King wishes to take them as his concubines when they come of age"
"Foolish ningens always taking what does not belong to them." The walking mass of destruction sneered at what had been revealed; he would never understand the mind of these meat bags.
"They will be arriving shortly. I have a clone setting up a Hiraishin marker. From the information my clones have gathered the sisters will be guarded by three vice admirals and one captain. I look forward to seeing how I stand up against these Marines."
Naruto felt a tug on his chakra, the seal was set, "We will speak again for I must take my leave."
"Good luck Gaki, show them the strength of the shinobi!" With that Naruto vanished in a flash of white, a smile had graced its way onto the Ancient Sages lips.