As soon as Naruto and Naruko entered the training ground for their first day of training under the wise old Shiokage they could tell almost at once that it was a fairly sizeable place and would easily be able to accommodate their needs. Their mother stood on the edge of the field underneath one of the many trees that surrounded the training ground. She was near enough to see everything going on. But still far enough away as to not get in the way of the training once it got started. A slow-moving river snaked its way through the training ground on the left side that flowed into a fairly deep lake on the northern side of the field. This would no doubt be where they would train in the art of water walking. A skill that they knew of thanks to Kakashi telling them about it but one they had yet to try. As soon as the two were done sightseeing they started to do their warm-ups with a few basic chakra control exercises. Starting with one leaf on their foreheads and adding more onto their arms, hands, stomachs, and legs until they couldn't hold them all in place.
"Five leaves. A new record Naruto-kun. I'm so proud of you". Kushina said happily after watching them both for about ten minutes before she turned her eyes to her youngest who was just adding her sixth leaf onto her right hand. By the time Hisao had entered just a few minutes later Naruko had already added another two leaves making her total eight. Naruto, on the other hand, added only one more making his total six.
-
Meanwhile, Danzo was slowly making his way to a seemingly insignificant cave on the outskirts of a relatively poor village in the Land Of Fire. Danzo had made his escape upon realizing the two Uzumaks had seen the seal. If Danzo was anything it would have to be that he was careful and knew even if they should fail his rule as Hokage was now and truly over. If he was going to have his revenge on them he would need help. It was why he was now inside this very cave.
"Were you followed"? A voice in the darkness of the cave asked. The cave walls made it hard to pin the direction it came from down.
"No". Danzo replied. He was more than ready in case this snake of a man tried anything funny. This wasn't the first time he and the snake-looking man had worked together but now he was the weaker of the two. Here he was the one asking and not the one ordering a thing to be done. It was a feeling Danzo hated feeling and so he would do whatever he had to do in order to ensure he needn't ever feel this way again.
"I assume you came for what we talked about"? The voice asked now sounding much closer than the last time he had spoken. Again Danzo failed to pin it down. The cave walls echoed the man's voice making it nearly impossible but Danzo had worked out when the man was. The snake was good but he wasn't as good as he himself was.
"Yes". Danzo said just as the man finally stepped into the light. His skin was nearly ghost white as if he had never once known the sun. His eyes were a brownish/gold color and held the look of snake eyes. In his hand lay a small vial containing a greenish liquid.
"This is a one-way trip Danzo you understand? It'll also be very painful for you. But something tells me that doesn't much matter to you so enjoy". Orochimaru said before giving the former Hokage the concoction. In seconds Danzo had downed it all. At first, nothing happened and for a time Danzo was sure he had been played for a fool. Just as he was about to force himself to empty his stomach contents he was hit with the force of an S-rank jutsu that forced him to the cold hard ground. Orochimaru for his part only eyed the man with clear indifference. He could've easily subdued the pain Danzo was now feeling but he was enjoying the sight before him far too much to do so. No, he would deal with it until his concoction did its work. A process that would take many long hours and be unimaginably painful.
-
Meanwhile, Naruko and Naruto were busy climbing trees. Naruto was about halfway up his and Naruko was nearing the top of hers. Both trees were more or less the same size showing a very clear distinction between the two. Naruko was more a medic type while Naruto was more suited to being a frontline fighter.
"Send word to Konohagakure. We'll need Tsunade. It looks like we may have a medic ninja in the making. See to it that she knows that I'll pay for all of her outstanding debts." Hisao ordered one of his aids who promptly bowed before running off to complete his task.
"That's good you two. Now we start with the real training". Hisao said before unsealing two small wristbands.
"Put them on". Hisao ordered. The two eyed each other unsure as to why but nevertheless did as they were told. "Good now pour some chakra into them until you hear a click. One-click's worth only. Anything more and it'll be far too much for you two right now. Again both did as they were told. As soon as they both heard the sound of a click both their arms felt heavy.
"Good now try firing off a few kunai. Five shots. To pass you must have no fewer than 70 points. Until you can do this. You will be doing this and nothing else am I clear"? Hisao asked. "
Yes, Hisao-sensei". The two answered at once. They were determined to not fail this first test.
-
Naruto was first. Picking up his set of kunai he fired. The first didn't even hit the target instead flying past and into a tree ten feet behind. His second wasn't much better hitting the very edge of the target and bouncing off winning him no points. The next three were better in so much as they were hitting something worthwhile but by the end, he only had around 30 points in total. Naruko was next and like her brother, she failed to gain the needed points ending her try at 28 points. Hisao only nodded. He had been expecting that. Even so, the two had done better than most.
"Don't give me any upset faces. You both did very well given the added weight set upon you both. Most don't even hit the target the first time around and you both did. A few times each. You both should be very proud. Even if you did fail to gain the needed points to pass". Hisao said making the two look even more determined to not fail the next time around. Hisao was happy to see that. They would need that very mindset moving forward. He wasn't lying when he said he would push them to the utmost in his office a few days before. He would push them, break them and then reform them into highly skilled ninjas. Once he was done with them he knew they would go far in life. Their names would be known throughout the world. What he didn't know was how true that would end up being.
-
Meanwhile back in Konohagakure, Ino and the others in Naruko and Naruto's fan clubs were busy talking about the past few days. The last two weeks in particular. The oldest and longest-reigning Hokage was killed by his own teammate. Naruto and Naruko were kidnapped by that very same man and to top all that an Invasion had happened. An invasion that had ended with both Naruko and Naruto leaving the village for an unknowable amount of time. Sakura held Ino as she cried. They all knew how she felt. The very day she was going to ask him out he was kidnapped and then a week later she was forced to hide in the many bunkers and by the time she was allowed outside her sizeable clan compound he was already gone. Sasuke wasn't much better. As soon as the news hit that his Naruko-chan was no longer in the village he didn't do much more than cry all day. Itachi was forced to leave his baby brother food outside his room. Food that the boy hardly ate and so most of it was left for the cats and dogs of the village. His father didn't at all approve of this and so set up a training regime. If his son had his eyes on the fourth Hokage's only daughter he was going to be able to protect her. He had his clans pride to consider.
-
A full week had passed and both Naruto and Naruko were busy practicing their kunai throwing in their backyard. Kushina could be seen watching not far away. A big smile could be seen on her face. She could tell that her Naruto-kun and Naruko-chan were finally getting used to the added weight from their chakra-enhanced wristbands. She was sure that tomorrow would be the day they would finally pass Hisao's test and move on to his actual training. She would allow them both another ten minutes or so of practice before calling them both in for the night. Until then, however, she was content to just watch them both train.
-
The next day Naruto and Naruko were once again back inside the training ground. Naruto already had his handful of kunai in hand. His cerulean eyes locked onto the target with a look of pure concentration etched onto his face. With but a light flick of his wrist he let them all loose. The mere sight of four of his five kunai hitting true made the boy jump for joy. He had passed and would now be able to move on to the next part of his training under Hisao-sensei.
Now, however, it was time for Naruko to try her luck. Naruko picked up her set of kunai and slowly walked over to the target and just as her brother had only seconds before she too let loose her handful of kunai. She too also hit the center of the target with four of the five. Hisao gave them both an approving nod before getting up from his seat and congratulating them.
"Not bad. Now the true training can begin". Hisao said in a menacing tone that put the two kids on edge. What he was about to do to them would be painful but he was sure the two were ready for whatever he had planned for them.
-
Danzo's eyes opened slowly. At first, all he could make out were various shades of greys and blacks. The next of his five senses to return to him was his hearing. He could make out the sound of water dripping slowly onto a stone floor not far away. Just then the door to the room opened and in walked Orochimaru with a tray of food and a small hand-held mirror.
"Oh, you're awake". The pale man said as he placed the tray of food next to Danzo's bed softly. Looking at the pale man Danzo could just about make out his form in the dim lighting of the room.
"I can't see". Danzo said still trying to make out anything other than the grey or black splotches but in the end, failing to do so.
"That's quite normal". Orochimaru said before elaborating. "Your brain is making new connections. I have more or less given you back your youth. It'll all come back in due time and likely even better than it ever was before". Orochimaru said before turning around and exiting the room.
"Given me back my youth". Danzo said to himself blown away at the implications of that one statement. If he could do this what else could he do? The mere thought made him almost giddy with excitement. He quickly made plans to contact his associates back inside Konohagakure as soon as possible.
-
Meanwhile back inside Konohagakure, the new Hokage was busy dealing with yet another meeting. He understood the need for such meetings really he did but the frequency of them was in his own words. :Quite troublesome:. Like really who needs to meet three days in a row to talk about the exact same thing. The worst part was it was for a water fountain of all things.
"I'm sorry but all this talk over where to place a bloody water fountain is really stupid. We should be far more worried about where Danzo has escaped to and if he has any allies still left inside the walls of the village". Shikaku Nara said to all assembled. Making everybody in the council chambers look at each other utterly confused at the words of their newly inducted Rokudaime Hokage.
"Um...sir we are now talking about tax cuts and education reform. That meeting was over an hour ago. You know the one you had been asleep for, sir". A fairly sizeable councilman said while pushing his glasses back up his fat nose only for it to once again fall right back down where it had been before.
"Oh...sorry". Shikaku said feeling quite embarrassed. He now had alot more respect for the late Hiruzen Sarutobi. This job was going to make him lose his mind one day he just knew it.
-
As Shikaku was busy with yet another meeting Sasuke was busy training. So focused on his own training that he had failed to notice the person walking up from behind him until he was quite literally tackled to the ground.
"Karin do get off me". Sasuke said before feeling the smaller girl do just that. Her basic sharingan on full display.
"Oh, you unlocked yours". Sasuke said amazed. He had been trying to unlock his for years and yet somehow she had still beaten him to it despite the fact that she was two years younger than he was.
"You're not mad, are you? That a girl beat you at something"? Karin asked worried that he would be upset with her. Upset he, the youngest son of their clan head and one of the most gifted of the next generation of academy students had yet to unlock their clan bloodline. Upset that a girl from one of the smaller cadet branches had done so before himself.
"No, I'm happy for you, really I am. I just wish I could unlock mine soon. I can feel it but I always lose it at the last second". Sasuke said before kicking a nearby rock and turning his back to her. Karin unsure what to do simply hugged his back.
"You can do it Sasuke-kun. I know you can. You're like one of the best in our age group". Karin said as she hugged his back as if it was a lifeline. She could feel the boy relax in her arms but still, she kept holding him in her arms.
"Thanks for that". Sasuke said before an idea came to him. "Do you...I mean...would you like to train with me"? Sasuke asked red-faced. Why was he red-faced didn't he like Naruko-chan.
"I'll love to Sasuke-kun, but I can't today, father wants me home before dark. Tomorrow I could, is that ok with you"? Karin asked as she pressed her fingers together.
"That's fine I'll see you then". Sasuke said before breaking the hug and walking home. The setting sun at his back. Karin for her part squealed in excitement. She had always had a crush on him and now she had her chance to be with him. Sure it was only training but her mother had found love by training with her father back when they were still just wet behind the ears Genin. So maybe the same thing would happen to her. At least she hoped that it would.
-
Hisao looked at the two kids before him. He felt both proud, as well as a little sympathetic for what he was about to subject them both too. He, however, had little doubt in his mind that they could both handle this next phase of training. Seeing as they both had just passed his first test using what felt like Chunin-level kunai due to the added weight due to the wristbands on their arms but he would keep that bit of information to himself. But still, he always worried about being too hard too soon on kids their age.
"You should both feel proud at your most recent accomplishment. Most people twice your age would need weeks to do what you both did in a little over a week's time". Hisao said before he became serious. Upon seeing this both kids got ready for whatever he was about to say or do. Seeing this Hisao unsealed yet another set of weighted clothing. This time in the form of what looked to be leg warmers but with small ceramic plates with the kanji for weight.
"Put those on". Hisao said almost as soon as the task was done. Upon picking them up they felt extremely light.
"Go on kids put them on your legs". Hisao said seeing the confusion on the faces of the children. Once that had been done he then ordered them to pour their chakra into them as they had about a week before.
"Holy log. I can't move my legs at all." Naruto said as he attempted to lift his left leg only to fail to so much as move it an inch. His sister was no better. Hisao could only shake his head in amusement at what the two had done.
"You put too much in. Ease up your chakra a bit". Hisao said as he watched as the two lowered it to a much more sensible setting.
"Now what Hisao-sensei"? Naruto asked. Happy he could once again move his leg. Upon hearing this Hisao's eyes grew dark.
"Oh, that's easy Naruto-kun I want you to run". Hisao said before gesturing towards an old temple off in the distance. The temple sat atop what looked to be the biggest hill on the island.
"You want us to run to some old temple"? Naruto asked not at all understanding. Naruko was equally as confused however she, unlike her brother, lack the self-confidence to voice it. Her brother was the talker. The one who would voice his opinion for all to hear. She, on the other hand, enjoyed a nice cup of tea with her mother and making sandcastles. She didn't know why she loved the feel of sand under her feet. She just did. It could have been due to the times their mother would take them to the Land Of Sun each and every summer.
"Naruko...Naruko-chan". So deep into her own mind that she didn't sense that in-coming pebble. Thus, upon impact with her head, she promptly fell to the ground with a thud.
"Ow! Naruto that really hurt". Naruko said rubbing her forehead with tears forming in her eyes. Naruto was about to apologize but stopped when he saw the look Hisao-sensei was giving him.
"What"? Naruto asked upon seeing the man's face.
"Up the setting now boy". Hisao said with absolute authority in his voice.
"But...sensei". Naruto said begging the man to not make him do it.
"Do it Naruto or I'll have you up it by two". Hisao said as he gave Naruko the go-ahead and off she ran. For once not caring at all that her brother wasn't with her. For now anyway.
"My legs feel heavy". Naruto complained. He was now just able to lift his legs and run after his sister but at a painfully slow pace. He knew he had messed up but not even their mother was this hard on him. Sure she would yell his ear off whenever he stepped out of line but this was something new to Naruto. This was the first time he ever felt afraid of the person disciplining him
" Violence is never the answer, especially with family. You said you wanted to be Hokage one day or am I mistaken"? Hisao asked the boy already knowing the answer but asking anyway.
"I do, Hisao-sensei". Naruto replied.
"Do you think he or she would hit their people just because they were not being heard"? Hisao asked the boy. He was still young. This was to be expected after all. But Naruto wasn't just any boy he was a Hokage in training. He would be trained to be a ninja like his sister but he would also be trained in the art of diplomacy, history, governments, and bureaucracy.
"No. I'm sorry Hisao-sensei. I'll do better in the future". Naruto said bowing to the older man for a few seconds before shooting off into the woods and towards the distant temple that was to be their new goal.
It wasn't long before he met back up with his sister. Her long hair blew in the wind like nine tails. She said nothing nor looked his way. He could see the slowly forming bruise on her forehead. He knew he had allowed his emotions to override his judgment. He would never again allow that to happen. Never again he said in his mind.
"I'm sorry about that Naruko. I just wanted to get going and you were. Naruto began before being cut off.
"I was what"? Naruko shot back. Her hair doing that nine tails thing their mother's hair did whenever she was upset at them for whatever reason. Was that some odd jutsu they both knew or was it something genetic to all Uzumaki women?
"It doesn't matter. I'm sorry, Naruko-chan. I'll never do that again it's a promise of a lifetime". Naruto said with a look of pure seriousness.
Naruko said nothing as she jumped from tree to tree. The pain was mostly gone anyway and besides, she knew that Naruto was sorry. She also knew that he had really pushed himself to meet back up with her. The deep implants on the now damaged tree branches were proof of that fact as was his red face and his heavy breathing.
"I forgive you, brother". Naruko said before hugging her brother tightly.
"I love you, Naruko-chan". Naruto said as he held her in his arms.
"I love you too, Naruto-kun". Naruko replied back. It wasn't long before both once again resumed their run to the temple unsure why they were going to it or its significance in the coming days and weeks. But both knew that whatever it was they would do it together.
-
By the time the two had exited the woods and reached the base of the hill, both Naruto and Naruko could already see Hisao at the doors of the temple waiting patiently for them both.
"How did he beat us to this place"? Naruto asked his sister amazed at the man's apparent speed.
"I don't know". Naruko replied equally as confused as her brother. But for now, however, they needed to get to the top of the hill. A task easier said than done with the added weight on both of their legs and the steep gradient of the hill itself. The light rain the other day had also made the grass wet and slippery. It was made that much worse when Hisao started yelling out words of encouragement from up above.
"Grr, he's making fun of us". Naruto said with an annoyed look on his face. He would show Hisao-sensei never to underestimate Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze.
"Good job. Only took you two about 22 minutes to make the mile-long trip to this place but not bad. Now, this is the dragon temple. You're to be on your utmost best behavior in this place, am I clear?". Hisao asked. Giving the two a hard look.
"Yes, Hisao-sensei". Both said in unison somewhat excited to see what was inside this place. Upon entering the temple both could feel the sudden shift in temperature thanks in no small part to the many fires all over the temple grounds. On both sides of the room, they could see statues of what looked to be winged lizards. But what really got the kid's attention was the massive ring-like gate on the far end of the room.
"How is that showing us this"? Naruto asked seeing a volcano on the other side of the gate.
"That's the Land Of Dragons. That's what we call it anyway. Its real name would just sound like gibberish to you two and take a full minute to properly say. Hisao said before turning to face them. His face was once again serious.
"You two are about to meet the king of all dragons. Say nothing unless spoken to and bow upon seeing him. Do you understand?" Hisao asked the two.
"Y..yes Hisao-sensei we understand". Naruto said taking Naruko's hand and slowly walking inside the gate.
-
Sasuke was many things. He was a perfectionist, a hard worker, and a massive cat lover. Which was why he was busy looking after a small litter of kittens.
"What are you doing"? A voice asked from behind him but he was far too busy feeding a kitten to notice.
"Sasuke-kun I ask what you're doing"? Karin asked again this time a little bit less cheerful. But again he was too busy with the kittens to pay her any mind. Seeing no other option Karin hit the boy right up-side his head.
"Ow. Who di...oh hi Karin. Do you need something"? Sasuke asked still rubbing the back of his head. The small kitten in his arms gave out a small cry at being unable to feed on the milk.
"Is that a cat? I didn't know you're a cat person Sasuke-kun. That's so cute"! Karin said before asking him why he was doing this and not meeting her in the training field.
"Um...well it wasn't my plan to be doing this but". Sasuke said before finding the girl's face right up next to his own.
"But what Sasuke-kun"? Karin asked now mere inches from his face.
"But their mother is away for a while yet so I was asked to look after them". Sasuke said before placing the small defenseless kitten back inside the cardboard box alongside its brothers and sisters.
"Can I help Sasuke-kun"? Karin asked.
"Sure, Kiko needs feeding. Be careful Kiko is the smallest". Sasuke said before showing Karin all the kittens and who was who.
-
Naruto and Naruko couldn't help but be amazed at the sheer size of the creatures flying over their heads. Some were as big as whole houses others as small as a gecko.
"Hisao-sensei why do you have this gate to this place"? Naruto asked still holding onto Naruko's hand. Hisao said nothing for a time but just as the boy was about to repeat his question he replied.
"Long ago many thousands of years we lived simple solitary lives. We fished the sea, We worked the land for farming and we raised livestock such as pigs, cows, and sheep. You name it we likely had it on the island. We lived that way until one day this old monk runs right into the middle of town saying something about a trapped dragon at the base of this very hill. At first, we did nothing until the clan head of the time voiced his support. Many a day and night passed as we worked on freeing the dragon. The very same dragon you two are about to meet". Hisao said before seeing the towers of earth and rock that was the home of the king of dragons.
"Look up kids. That's the nests of the dragons. The mothers keep the eggs warm as the fathers hunt for food to feed them. Dragons are social creatures. One day you both will be given a dragon egg to take care of. That dragon will be yours and yours alone. It'll be as much a part of your family as your brother or sister is to you". Hisao said emphasizing the word family to Naruto. Who upon realizing this looked down in embarrassment. Hisao hated making the boy feel bad, really he did but he was to be Hokage one day. He needed to understand this most important lesson. That his actions had consequences and that one needed to be mindful of what they did or said.
It wasn't long before the three had reached their destination.
"You two stand back". Hisao said before taking a few steps forward before speaking.
"Gobbtor, utom, hismor, gitmo, birz, kit, ohki, bon". Soon after the earth began to shake to and fro as the massive form of the king of dragons slowly unrolled himself and faced the three tiny humans. Two of whom he knew only by the smell of their persons. His yellow eyes looked them all over. But his eyes were drawn to Naruto's form in particular. He could feel immense power coming from the boy and that alone made him wonder why that was.
"You boy please step forward". The king of the dragons ordered. His powerful voice making Naruto take a step back in fear. Naruto looked over at Hisao who was just as confused as he was. But in the end, gave him a nod. He would be safe. He was an Uzumaki after all. The massive claw soon made contact with the boy and upon doing so his minds eye was flooded with images of a battle yet to come.
"By the sage. This boy can't be human. No human could blow up the moon. Hell, he was more or less a god in his own right but not even he could do that. He had also seen the robes of the Hokage. The red and white really made it stand out amongst the sea of the green-vested ninja.
After the myriad of images had passed he was sure of one fact. This boy would go far in his life of that he was sure. Next, his eyes moved over to the girl. Again he asked her to step forward and again his claw made contact.
This time he saw tents. Row after row of tents. Filled with ninja from all corners of the globe. Leaf next to stone ninja and so on. He saw a woman with blood-red hair busy healing a wounded soldier. Her hands were covered in the greenish chakra of healing jutsus.
Again the king of dragons was happy. Both seemed to have a fate far greater than any other he had seen in his long life. But he had also seen another. A man whose eyes held no love in them. A man who seemed to have only one goal. To kill them both. This seemed to be of a battle many years down the road. Many paths lay unwalked and it wasn't a sure thing that what he had seen would ever come to pass. Only that it was a possible fate. Once he was done with his thoughts the king of dragons sent them off. Both children couldn't be more willing to flee to the safety of the village.
-
In the years that followed their meeting with the king of the dragons, both Naruto and Naruko had been pushed to the utmost of both their physical and mental abilities. For Naruko gone was the shy little girl who always hid behind her brother. She was now far more outgoing and talkative. She had also begun working under the tutelage of Tsunade. She was just learning the basics but Tsunade could already tell she had an unusually high level of mastery in the field of medical jutsu's. It would still be many years before she was on the same level as her but, for once in Tsunade's life she was sure she had a worthy successor in the sole daughter of the fourth Hokage.
For Naruto gone was the boy who allowed his emotions to get the better of him. He was now a much calmer person overall and able to form backup plans in mere seconds. He had been tasked with many survival exercises over the past few years and with each, he would be given less and less to work with. Nevertheless, Naruto had always found a way to succeed. A fact that made Hisao quite proud of the boy.
But like all good things the time had finally come for them to once again return to the village of their birth. Their dragons who were still quite small sat peacefully atop their shoulders. For now, all they could do was blow small and mostly harmless clouds of smoke. But in time they would be a force few would ever wish to face in any battle.
"Naruto you're nearing your 13th birthday. As such it's high time you had your very own sword". Hisao said in a grandfatherly tone. But it was clear to the two Uzumaki siblings that his old age was finally catching up to him. It had been many long weeks since their last spar with the man and he was slowing more and more as time passed. Naruto was sure it was nothing too serious. Naruko, on the other hand, wasn't so sure. But seeing as Tsunade hadn't said anything about it she dismissed it. For now anyway.
"Come on you two the Land Of Iron is nearly a week's journey". Tsunade said as she lightly pushed the two on their backs making them move up the hill. It wasn't long before the three were hidden by the many hills that dotted the nearby landscape.
"Kushina I have something I must tell you. It is of the highest importance". Hisao said turning to face the woman.
"What is it, lord Hisao"? Kushina asked unsure what this could be about.
"I didn't want to say anything before. Hisao began before eyeing the very same hill the two had entered and now had exited the village by. Memories flooding back to him of their training. He would miss them both very much. But this had to be done and he knew it. So with that in mind, he slowly removed the greenish/blue hat from his head before lightly placing it in Kushina's hands.
"I'm dying, Tsunade has done all she can but odds are high that I'll be gone this time next year. It is my hope that you'll become the Yondaime Shiokage of Uzushiogakure".
Kushina for her part could say nothing. The revelation that she was to be a kage. To her ancestral home village at that made her unable to say anything for several long seconds. It was only when she felt the hands of Hisao that her mind returned to the here and now.
"You will do great things for this village I just know it. Hisao said before pulling the woman in for a long hug.
"But what about Naruto and Naruko"? Kushina asked as she buried her face into the older man's neck.
"They will be fine. I have already sent a few of our people over to keep an eye on them for you. If anything too bad happens the dragons could have them back in less than a day's time. Besides that, you know as well as I do that the king of dragons likes them. He'll make sure the two are safe. It's why your son was given his son".
"Naruto has the son of Diaghinth"? Kushina asked eyes wide at the very implication of that one statement.
"Yes. That boy is filled with surprises. You should be proud you have trained them both well". Hisao said before ending the hug and walking slowly back inside the village.
"Wait when will this become official"? Kushina asked holding the hat of the kage in her hands. The feeling was both odd but at the same time, it gave her an overwhelming sense of joy. She would soon be fulfilling one of her dreams. Becoming the kage of her village. But in the end, she would be the kage not of Konohagakure but of its sister village Uzushiogakure.
"It already is my dear. But your kage duties will officially begin first thing tomorrow at 0600". Hisao
-
Tsunade, Naruto, and Naruko had stopped for the night in a small village called Yusin that existed on the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Mushrooms. It took the trio around an hour to find an inn to spend the night and the cost was unusually high due to recent bandit attacks that caused most to flee into the deeper parts of The Land Of Fire. The small fire inside their room had helped in warming themselves up from the cold wind that blew across the land this time of year. The room itself was small housing three beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom but Tsunade knew that was one bed too many. Naruko always slept alongside her brother and she couldn't be sure if that was due to what the two had gone through or something else. The two were already fast asleep. Naruto's arms pulled Naruko's form in closer to his as if by sheer brotherly instinct.
Their dragons could be seen sleeping peacefully near the fireplace in a ball. As Tsunade mindlessly picked at the fire with the fire poker her mind was going over the past few years. She still had a family. Sure it wasn't her clan par say but the Uzumaki clan was related to her's going as far back as the time of the sage of the six paths. She guessed in the end that was good enough. She did hate what the leaf village had taken from her over the years but at the same time, she couldn't help but want to train this girl. She had such promise in the medical arts. So much so that the very idea of letting it all go to waste was simply unacceptable to the skilled medic. No, she would train this girl, and then she would be gone. At least that was her plan.
-
By the time the trio made it to the edge of the Land Of Iron's capital city around four days later the sun had already started its slow ascent into the blue cloudless sky. The foot-high snow slowed them but they were no mere civilians. They were ninja. They would find an inn to rest for the night and then they would press for the office of general Mifune first thing tomorrow.
-
Naruto and Naruko both eyed the capital city of the Land of Iron as they walked ever deeper into the snow-covered capital city. It wasn't nearly as big as Konohagakure or Uzushiogakure but still, it was quite a sight to behold. The samurai all eyed the three ninja at first with suspicion only to soon realize who they in fact were. Upon this realization, the many samurai all gave a deep bow. They were honored guests after all and so only the very best would do.
-
It wasn't long before the three were taken to meet with general Mifune. The undisputed leader of the Land Of Iron.
"Hello my name is Mifune. I helped in saving you from whatever that Danzo fellow was planning for you two about six years ago". Mifune said as he extended his hand to the pair. Tsunade, for her part simply nodded at him. He would have normally been upset with such a disrespectful action but upsetting this woman was a poor decision on the very best of days and her face said today was not such a day. Still, he would make note of that should she have a need to see him again. However, knowing just how unlikely such a thing was he moved on to the two younger visitors. Naruto and Naruko however gave the man a deep bow to which he returned with a smile. It wasn't long afterwards that the meeting with Mifune was over and the trio was once more out in the cold walking towards Ashina's small blacksmith shop.
-
Ashina was many things. A loving father to his daughter Yuna, A skilled swordsman, and a sucker for a good game of cards. However, his mind wasn't on the bit of metal that now lay atop his table nor the icy wind that would always find its way into his shop ever so often. But of whom now stood not ten feet away from him. The prince and princess of the Uzumaki clan. One of whom was to have a sword made by him this very day. His dragon was quick to inform him who now ruled his home village. Their mother. The demon of the leaf. The red phantom alongside many others he knew full well had all been earned over her many years as an ANBU captain.
"I'm honored to have you two in my shop Naruto-kun and Naruko-chan". Ashina said happily before approaching the boy and looking him over. Hisao had done his utmost to make the boy the very best he could be and by log he had. He could find no baby fat on the boy whatsoever. Only lean muscle and the confidence to make full use of it.
"Do you have an idea for your blade, Naruto-kun"? Ashina asked before being handed a scroll. Upon opening it he saw a complex-looking schematic.
"By the sage, you sure do aim high don't you Naruto-kun. This sword may as will be sentient given what you want to be done to it". Ashina said after memorizing the specifications.
"Can you make it"? Naruto asked unsure if he could, in fact, do what he wanted to be done and for that, he was given a hard look.
I'm Ashina Uzumaki the best blacksmith in the world. If I can't make it nobody can". Ashina proclaimed quite proudly.
-
Meanwhile back inside Konohagakure, another blacksmith with considerable skill in the art of blacksmithing sneezed waking up his daughter from her nap.
"Father are you ok that was a big one"? The girl asked handing the man a box of tissues from under the counter.
Yes, dear, I'm fine just that time of year I guess". The man said before once more returning to the task at hand. For a time the girl said nothing before she nodded her head and went back to sleep. The Genin Exams were in less than a week and she needed to be ready.
-
Hours passed as Ashina hammered upon the metal. Sparks flew through the air but at long last the sword was ready.
"Wait, before you finish can you please add this"? Naruto asked as he pulled out a small container of blue blood.
"You want to add dragons blood to this"? Ashina asked.
"Yes. My dragon gave me the idea. You don't mind...do you"? Naruto asked worried the older man would say no.
"Your...dragon"? Ashina said out loud unsure if he had heard that right.
"Yes why"? Naruto asked. Ashina said nothing before just taking it and adding the blood to the sword. If the boy's dragon was fine with it who was he to say no. So with but the smallest effort, he placed the vial of dragon blood into the blade and gave it a once over making sure it had no flaws or imperfections. When he found none he handed the blade to its new owner.
The blade itself was nearly a foot long and decorated with complex designs. It was truly a masterpiece fit for even the highest of lords. A lethal masterpiece but still a masterpiece all the same. Giving it a few test swings he found it felt almost weightless.
"Can I try brother"? Naruko asked before being given the sword. At once the sword hit the floor with a loud thud.
"It's... too... heavy". Naruko cried out as she tried and failed to pick the sword up from the floor. Naruto eyed his dragon who almost looked to be rolling on the floor laughing.
"Miko, stop it now"! Naruto said and at once the sword was once more weightless again.
"I don't understand this at all". Ashina said. He had never seen such a thing in his life.
"Miko can feel who has the sword due to his blood being a part of the blade. If he deems the holder unworthy he makes it weigh a ton. That's what he says anyway". Naruto replied nonchalantly. It made about as much sense as anything else he guessed though he found the idea of pranking to be childish especially when the person you were pranking happened to be his sister.
"So why did the sword fall when Naruko-chan was holding it"? Ashina asked completely confused.
"He says he likes to prank people though I find that hard to believe seeing as this would be the first time he did it". Naruto answered with a deadpan expression.
"I...see will now that's done with my time in this cold land is now at its end. I'm coming with you two. Good news my dragon is bigger and far faster than walking. We'll reenter Konohagakure with style". Ashina said before striking a pose.
"You're kind of a loser uncle". Naruko said making the man deflate.
"Why so mean Naruko-chan". Ashina said with his head low but nobody paid him any mind.
-
As both Naruto and Naruko rode upon Ashina's dragon one thought, in particular, was at the forefront of their minds. How much had the village changed over the past few years? After all, they had been both gone for the better part of six years. Would any of their classmates even remember them? Would they even care that they were back? So many questions without any clear answers.
"Kids we're just about a mile out. The village gates should be coming up in just a few more seconds"! Ashina yelled back as the wind made it hard to hear what he was saying. True to his word the two massive wooden gates soon came into view. The Uzumaki clan symbol clearly displayed on each.
"Nekki let's give them a show". Ashina said telepathically. Nekki simply nodded before adding a bit more speed forcing the two kids to add even more chakra unless they wanted an unplanned trip to the ground below.
-
At that very moment, Ino was walking down the main road of the village when the sound of something made her turn her head to the sky. What she saw blew her away.
"That's a dragon. Why would a dragon be over...could it be that he is back"? Ino asked herself before turning around and running after it as best as she could.
"This is my stop guys". Naruto said before jumping off the dragon scaring the ever-loving shit out of Ashina who was only able to see the boy fall to the ground nearly 1,000 feet below them. Naruko, for her part, could only roll her eyes at this.
"Show off much". Was her thought before enjoying poor old Ashina losing his mind over nothing.
"500, 400, 300, 200, 100". Naruto counted down before firing a kunai into the ground at just 75 feet above the uncaring forest floor below him. Soon after he was safely on the ground if a little disorientated from the stunt he had just pulled only a few seconds before. Just as he regained his bearings Ino ran right into him.
"I'm so sor...NARUTO-KUN". Ino yelled out in pure joy before giving him the biggest hug possible.
"Ino-chan...can't...breathe...your...killing...me". Naruto said as his face turned blue. Upon seeing this she let the poor boy go. Once he had regained some color on his face he looked at Ino and what he saw blew him away. Ino had always been cute. Even his six-year-old self knew that much but now she was beautiful. Her hair, her eyes, her everything really.
"Naruto-kun now that you're back maybe you may want to go on a date...with me". Ino asked fearing that he would say no and break her heart.
"A...date like a date date or a social date"? Naruto asked unclear what she was asking. At this Ino's face turned red in embarrassment.
"A date date". Ino replied.
"Oh um...I can't today I have to meet the Hokage and deal with paperwork. I'm technically not a citizen of the village yet so can't buy anything". Naruto said rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh... I see that's fine another time". Ino said before falling in line with the boy as the two walked to the Hokage tower talking all the while.
"Oh, will Sasuke is dating a girl named Karin. Haven't met her yet but she is said to be really good. Sakura is doing fine. She is the top student now at the academy. You not being around allowed others to gain that". Ino said elbowing the boy in his side lightly. At this Naruto rubbed the back of his head.
"It wasn't all that hard Ino-chan. You did well in my time at the academy I'm sure you can take her place if you train". Naruto replied as he looked at the village. It was mostly the same. A few new shops and the sights and sounds of construction told him the village was growing.
"By the way, I left before the Hokage was named who is it"? Naruto asked looking at Ino.
"Shikaku, he is Shikamaru's dad. He was the guy who talked about having backup plans and the importance of strategy and tactics in battle". Ino replied just as the tower came into view. Once the two got to the doors Ino said her good-byes and turned to leave but before she could take even two steps Naruto took hold of her hand.
"Ino...about that date. I'm free in two days. Today I'll be busy with paperwork and the day after uncle Ashina is training me in the use of this". Naruto unsealed his sword.
"My god Naruto that thing must have cost a fortune". Ino said blown away at the level of craftsmanship such a blade would entail.
"It cost me nothing really only 1.5 million yen (12,990$)". Naruto replied as if such a thing was an everyday occurrence and not the jaw-dropping total that it actually was.
"How much money do you have"? Ino asked eyes wide at such a large sum of money being used on a sword.
"Will my mother is in the royal family of the Uzumaki clan and dad was Hokage so once I hit sixteen and can become clan head about 100 million yen (866,000$). Naruko being next in line would have around 80 million yen(692,800$)". Naruto said answering her question.
"How? My whole clan only has around 10 million yen (86,600$) and we own most of the farmland.
"Ino half my family owns a village and the other half were assassins. It's why he could move so fast. That was the bloodline. Lightning-fast speed and an overall higher IQ level. I and Naruko are the only ones left of dad's clan". Naruto said as tears formed. Ino pulled the boy into a hug as she allowed him to let it all out. Once he was done Naruto entered the tower and signed the paperwork. As for Ino, she had a date in two days time and she planned to make it a good one.