The day was still young when Naoki set out for Kushina's house. A gentle breeze danced past him, lifting strands of his hair and carrying away the peaceful calm of a quiet morning. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, marking the beginning of a new spring. His heart thrummed with excitement as he walked briskly through the village, the idea of the upcoming lessons with Kushina making his steps feel lighter.
Houses, shops, and training grounds passed by in a blur as he continued his journey. He savoured the tranquillity of the morning, where the village was just starting to stir. He was on a break from missions, and his schedule now permitted him to have more frequent lessons with Kushina, a fact that filled him with anticipation.
Kushina's house was nestled in the heart of the Uzumaki compound, which was very close to the Senju compound. As he approached it, he took in the familiar sight of the elegant building, its exterior adorned with delicate Uzumaki engravings. He knocked lightly on the door, his heart pounding in sync with the rhythm.
Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Minato, the glow of the early sun framing his silhouette. His characteristic spiky blond hair looked radiant in the morning light, and his eyes sparkled with warmth.
"Oh, Naoki-kun," Minato greeted him in his signature calm and friendly tone. "Are you here for Kushina's Fuinjutsu lesson?"
"Indeed, Minato-niichan," Naoki responded, excitement evident in his eyes. "I'm looking forward to it."
Minato's grin widened. "Kushina's in the kitchen. I have to head to the Hokage Office now. Enjoy your lesson!" With that, Minato stepped aside, allowing Naoki to enter the house.
The familiar scent of Kushina's home welcomed him. The house resonated with warmth and life, reflecting the personalities of its inhabitants. As Naoki made his way through the corridor towards the kitchen, the aroma of Kushina's cooking wafted towards him, filling his senses.
Upon entering the room, Naoki saw Kushina standing at the stove, an apron wrapped around her waist. She turned around upon sensing his presence. Her fiery red hair contrasted her violet eyes, which sparkled with joy as she saw him. "I'm guessing you're here for the Fuinjutsu lesson?" she enquired, her eyes sparkling with the promise of an enriching session.
Naoki gave an eager nod. She cast a glance at him, her motherly instincts kicking in as she asked, "Have you had breakfast yet?"
He shuffled his feet, cheeks colouring a bit. "No, I kinda just rushed here," he confessed.
Chuckling at his eager honesty, Kushina instructed him, "Well, have a seat, can't have a lesson without energy."
Taking a seat at the dining table, Naoki waited as Kushina prepared a plate of food for him. As soon as it was set before him, he eagerly devoured the delicious meal, his taste buds revelling in the culinary delight. Once he had his fill, he looked up at Kushina, eyes shining with gratitude. "Your cooking is the best I've had, Kushina-neechan."
At his earnest compliment, Kushina's grin widened. She leaned over the table, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she said, "Perhaps, once you get yourself a wife I can teach her how to cook."
Naoki's cheeks flamed, turning as red as the hair he inherited from his mother. "I'm only 5…" he mumbled, causing Kushina to chuckle.
"Well, you're turning 6 in a few months," Kushina countered playfully. Seeing his embarrassment, she decided to change the topic. "And besides, I heard you have many many goals before reaching that stage. What are they?"
With the blush slowly receding, Naoki gathered his thoughts and shared his lofty ambitions. "Well, besides getting stronger, I want to re-establish the Senju and the Uzumaki clan."
Kushina's eyes widened, her mouth falling slightly open in surprise. Moments later, her face softened into a warm, proud smile. "I see, that's a good goal. I can't wait till my little Naoki leads the new Senju and Uzumaki Clan," she said, her voice echoing with a mixture of shock, encouragement, and warmth. Her eyes twinkled with the prospect of that day, as she revelled in his ambitions, seeing a glimpse of the future leader he aspired to become.
Against a tableau of the morning sky, the lush front yard of Kushina's home was bathed in a mix of gentle sunlight and floating specks of shadow. It was in this serene setting that Kushina Uzumaki, with her fiery red hair symbolising her passionate spirit, stood awaiting her young student, Naoki. The atmosphere was imbued with an almost palpable energy of anticipation, a sense of significance filling the air, and every rustling leaf seemed to whisper of the monumental task lying ahead.
The dynamic Uzumaki woman, with her voice full of the hearty and exuberant nature she was so known for, initiated the day's instruction. "Alright, Naoki-kun," she began, her tone assertive yet gentle, the warmth in her words reflecting the respect she held for the task at hand. "Today and the next few lessons will be about the Adamantine Sealing Chains. But before I start explaining what they are, I want you to share what you know about them."
Naoki, engulfed in an ocean of thought, broke his silence after a moment of contemplation. "I know that it's a special ability belonging to the Uzumaki Clan and that it's powerful," he stated, the earnestness in his young eyes reflecting his dedication.
Pleased with his answer, Kushina nodded her approval, her brilliant eyes glowing with satisfaction. "Yes," she added with a sense of pride, "you're right. It's a unique ability, exclusive to the Uzumaki Clan, and undoubtedly powerful. As you've rightly pointed out, the chains are formed from adamantine, the hardest and most enduring material in the world."
She let a few seconds pass, ensuring Naoki absorbed her words before proceeding. "The Adamantine Sealing Chains, in essence, are a manifestation of an Uzumaki's chakra," she explained, weaving her words carefully, the significance of the task imbuing her tone.
"They possess a myriad of abilities, but their principal function lies in sealing, as their name suggests. A user, with these chains, can construct potent barriers that are almost impervious to breaches. Beyond that, they can be manipulated for attacks, acting as an extension of one's limbs.
Infused with Fuinjutsu, they turn into an indomitable force that is not to be trifled with. Moreover, the Adamantine Sealing Chains can suppress chakra and a tailed beast's chakra, a feat paralleled by Shodaime Hokage, Hashirama Senju's wood style. However, unlike the wood style, the effectiveness of the Adamantine Sealing Chains is contingent on the user's strength.
If wielded by me, I could suppress a tailed beast for a considerable length of time. But, if you were to wield them once you gain a considerable amount of control, at your current strength level, you would likely be able to suppress it for a few seconds at most."
Naoki's young heart pulsates with excitement as he internalises the sheer potential of the Adamantine Sealing Chains. The thought of building impregnable barriers resonated with him, sparking a newfound curiosity and determination in his young heart. He listened with rapt attention as Kushina commanded him with a balance of sternness and encouragement, "Alright, I will now guide you on how to manifest them. Sit cross-legged in front of me."
With an obedient nod, Naoki assumed his position, his back straight, his gaze resolute. Kushina, in her nurturing yet firm voice, guided, "Alright, to manifest them is similar to how Dojutsu users manifest their Dojutsu. Concentrate your chakra onto your back, remember to visualise, since it's a very important aspect in not only this but in all shinobi arts. It might take you a while, but don't be impatient."
A rare and eager light gleamed in Naoki's eyes as he nodded and closed them, turning his attention inward. His breaths lengthened, deepened, and the world around him faded into a background hum. The only thing that mattered was the steady beat of his heart, the rush of chakra flowing through his veins, and the image of Adamantine Sealing Chains emerging from his back. He was a reservoir of focused energy, a conduit of chakra. He willed it, summoned it, and directed it towards his back, his mind painting vivid pictures of the mighty chains springing forth.
The veil of time became irrelevant as he drowned in the ocean of concentration. Seconds bloomed into minutes, and minutes swelled into hours. The sun made its arduous trek across the sky, casting a ballet of shadows that danced around the yard. Naoki, lost in his own world, was an unmoving figure in this shifting painting, a testament to his unyielding resolve.
His sheer tenacity was a flame that didn't flicker but roared, growing with every passing moment. Each second of failure wasn't a setback, but fuel that drove him forward, strengthening his resolve. This was his trial by fire, his test of determination, and he was prepared to withstand the heat until his goal was achieved.
As he held onto his determination, a seismic shift echoed through his chakra flow, almost as if something had clicked into place. The sensation was foreign yet familiar, like a forgotten memory. An overwhelming feeling of rightness surged through him, a powerful current that connected his core to his back. It was as if a hidden path within him had suddenly been revealed.
And then, it happened. Unseen to the eyes but unmistakable to the senses, his chakra surged like a sun-flare, the radiating heat pricking the air with static energy. And from the epicentre of this grand spectacle, from Naoki's back, erupted three magnificent golden chains. They were splendid and terrifying, gleaming with an uncanny brilliance, radiating a domineering presence.
Each link was sculpted to perfection, constructed from pure chakra, yet they bore an uncanny resemblance to adamantine, the hardest known material. Their emergence painted a picture of immense power, but there was an underlying elegance to them, a mesmerising ballet of strength.
The chains were tangible proof of Naoki's tireless will, his persistent spirit, and his unwavering commitment to mastering his craft. They were a physical testament to his dedication, a golden, ethereal echo of his ceaseless determination. As they hung in the air, shimmering under the afternoon sun, Naoki finally opened his eyes, his own sense of awe reflecting in the sight before him. The path to mastery was long, but he had taken the first step.
The astonished gleam in Kushina's eyes was like a beacon of approval. "Well done, Naoki-kun," she marvelled, her tone rich with admiration. "I was expecting you to manifest perhaps one or two chains, but you managed to do three. It's not rare, but it is proof of your substantial chakra reserves and the level of your chakra control."
Naoki couldn't help the proud smile that curved his lips. It felt like he had just climbed a mountain. But as it is with all great pursuits, he was only at the first peak.
"Now that you've managed to summon them," Kushina continued, her voice now taking on a more serious undertone, "your task for the next few days is to control them as naturally as you would your limbs."
His eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he echoed, "Control them?" The chains hung around him, shimmering softly, their presence still a wonder to him.
"Yes," Kushina affirmed with a nod. "Control them. You have to try and be able to move them around."
Naoki's confidence buoyed as he replied, "That shouldn't be too hard." But as he directed his intent towards the chains, expecting them to move, they remained stubbornly immobile, hovering gently around him. He focused his chakra, exerted his will, but they still refused to budge.
A soft smirk curved on Kushina's lips, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "See? Isn't as easy as you thought, eh?" she teased, her laughter a gentle breeze around them. Naoki, caught between his embarrassment and her jest, couldn't help but smile sheepishly.
That was the cue for a gruelling yet exhilarating journey. For the next two days, Naoki found himself living and breathing the Adamantine Chains. Each moment he had was dedicated to understanding them, to taming them, to wielding them. As the sun followed its ceaseless path, marking the passage of time, Naoki was immersed in a world of chakra and chains.
The hours rolled by like waves on a shore, bringing with them a gradual yet noticeable change. Every failed attempt, every stubborn refusal of the chains to move, was another lesson, another stepping stone. And with every hour, he inched closer to his goal. His control over the chains grew stronger, more fluid, more natural.
A symphony of success was played out in the Uzumaki compound as Naoki found himself able to control the chains as if they were extensions of his body, just like his limbs. Two days of relentless practice had turned an unfathomable task into a plausible reality. He could now command the golden chains to move at his will, to dance to his rhythm. They were still untamed in their ways, without any Fuinjutsu infused into them, but their sheer presence and his ability to control them made Naoki a formidable opponent to any Genin or a newly promoted Chunin.
The journey was far from over, but Naoki was ready. He was ready to climb higher, to conquer more peaks, to embrace the challenges that lay ahead. He stood there, the golden chains hovering around him, Kushina's approving smile, prompting them to start their next lesson.
"All right, Naoki-kun." Kushina's voice broke the comfortable silence that had enveloped them, her tone now carrying the undertones of a teacher. "Since you can freely control them now, I'll introduce you to a basic barrier jutsu, which can be used with the chains."
A spark ignited in Naoki's eyes. His heart thudded with eager anticipation, his spirit electrified by the prospect of a new challenge. The sight of his broad, excited smile provoked a chuckle from Kushina. She continued, her words now laced with instruction, "The jutsu I'm about to demonstrate is a simple Fuinjutsu barrier using the Adamantine Sealing Chains. Despite its simplicity, earning it a C-rank classification, it's surprisingly versatile. This barrier can easily withstand C-rank jutsu and even some mid B-rank jutsu. What's more, its strength is proportionate to the user's ability and the number of chains used."
Naoki, now practically vibrating with eagerness, questioned almost impatiently, "How do I do the Jutsu?"
Kushina, amused at the boy's irrepressible excitement, flashed him an understanding smile. "I'll show you the jutsu now, and guide you through the hand seals required," she promised.
As if to mirror her words, her Adamantine Chains sprang forth from her back, their golden glow radiant against the natural backdrop. Gracefully, with a finesse born of long years of practice, she plunged the chains into the ground. They encircled her, creating a tangible boundary that hummed with hidden power. The chains stood, shimmering like an ethereal force field against the earthy green of the training ground.
Hands moving with the rhythmic cadence of an expert, Kushina proceeded with a series of hand seals. As she molded her chakra, complex kanji and lines resembling ancient runes began to dance across the chains, infusing them with the essence of the Fuinjutsu.
Her hands met in a final seal, a seemingly simple clap that held an echoing finality. The world seemed to hold its breath, time pausing for the briefest of moments before the jutsu activated. An ethereal, reddish barrier sprung forth from the chains, encapsulating Kushina within a translucent dome of chakra.
Naoki could only stare, his eyes wide with awe at the spectacle before him. The tantalising beauty of the barrier, the mysterious allure of the Fuinjutsu, and the sheer power of the chains left him spellbound. His heart hammered with a fervour, fueling his excitement and making him even more eager to commence his practice.
As the last slivers of daylight painted the sky in hues of crimson and gold, Kushina and Naoki stood in the quiet serenity of the training grounds. The chapter of the day was drawing to a close, but their story, one of unyielding determination and steadfast learning, was just beginning.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. The story is now truly starting.
Also, the Kyuubi attack is now approaching. Be on the lookout for that.
Also, if you have any critiques or suggestions for the story like a certain mission or arc you wish me to write, please comment. I'm only a single entity and cannot come with a lot of ideas by myself, which is why I tend to change the story as it goes on, since I think of better ideas. The plot itself is kinda concrete, however, the journey there is not. So do give some ideas. Also do comment information about events that occurred during this time, such as missions.
So do comment and send powerstones as it feels like people are truly engaging with the story and it's a massive motivation factor for me.
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Hope you enjoyed, see you next chapter~