12 and a half years later
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"Sorry Menma. I can't be much help to you this month. I need to concentrate solely on Sasuke."
"But Sensei-"
"No, Menma. You shouldn't worry about anything other than mastering the basics. Work from there. Your chakra control still needs work, and your taijutsu, while unique, still has no substance. Until you improve in those areas, I think it's better that I focus all of my energy to Sasuke."
A scowl immediately came onto the face of 12-year-old Menma Uzumaki. Rightfully so, in the redhead boy's book.
He was getting nowhere with convincing his teacher, Kakashi Hatake, to help him get stronger over the Chūnin Exams. He knew his odds, and despise how silly he acted sometimes, he knew Neji's abilities were higher than his own. His taijutsu was impressive, he was agile and light-footed, and he fought smart - even if he was brutal at the same time. He hated to admit that such a bastard Neji had skills, skills that potentially could beat his, but it was true.
Menma, instead of screaming - because it would only make Kakashi ignore him further - took a deep breath and calmed down before he thought of a good rebuttal for Kakashi. "Sensei, I'll admit it. I need help. With a lot of stuff. Yeah, my chakra control is lacking and my taijutsu isn't the greatest thing in the world, but I'm asking for your help. I'm not asking for you to completely indulge your time into me. I get it, Sasuke needs help, especially against his opponent, but did you stop to think about me too?" Menma put a hand on his chest, adding effect to his words. "I only have the Kage Bunshin. I don't have any other ninjutsu, other than the Academy techniques. That's it. I need help, dammit! I'm admitting my faults, so why can't you help me?!"
"Menma, I'm sorry, I can't help you. I'm going to be blunt with you. Your skills are subpar, and right now, you're at a point where you're grossly underpowered." Kakashi said.
"Argh! Forget it, I'm done asking you anything. You're not going to help, so I guess I'll figure it out on myself."
After Menma left, we can see sad eyesmile on Kakashi's face as he mutters "this is for your good Menma-chan. And Jiraiya sama would be much greater help then me anyway."
Dissapointed and angry Menma left the hospital . He was contemplating the idea of going to hokage for help but dismissed it as he figured out old man would be busy.
Lost in thoughts as he was passing by a hot spring, he witnessed some old man peeping into women's bath and giggling while furiously scribbling something.
Menma was disgusted by this and went to confront the old man.
"Hey there pervert !!! , what the hell do you think you are doing"
The old man turned to orange clad red head . He gasped when he saw who the child was but immediately schooled his features. Then he ignored him and went back to peeping.
Finally Memma had enough. He pushed the old man and shouted "Stop peeping you damn pervert . who do you think you are?"
Suddenly Menma was held upside down by a sticky tounge that belonged to a toad. The old man was standing on the toad in a Kabuki pose and said " I am someone feared by men , loved by women , a warrior , a sage , and toad summoner. I am not a pervert . I am a SUPER PERVERT!!! I am mighty Jiraiya Sama "
Menma was awestruck at ridiculness of situation and creeped out by the presence of amphibian.
When after few minutes the toad didn't let him go , he deadpanned " Eh Ero-sennin would you let me go please "
Noticing the solemn tone of rumoured hyperactive redhead Jiraiya questioned "why are you sulking brat?"
Menma was irritated and shouted " It has nothing to do with you old pervert now let me go."
This confirmed Jiraiya's suspicion and he dispelled the toad.
When Menma started leaving Jiraiya placed his hand on his shoulder . " Don't keep it inside you . Sharing will help you know "
Menma gave Jiraiya a sad smile and said " Don't worry I never had someone to share everything in my life and I am doing well."
A pang of sadness and guilt was felt by Jiraiya. He replied " it's fine try sharing with me today. It will be better. We can even get a bowl of ramen while I listen to you ."
Menma's mood brightened at the mention of Ramen . Jiraiya grinned and shunshined him to ichiraku's .Menma ordered miso ramen with pork and Jiraiya ordered beef ramen with naruto topping.
" So tell me why are you down?" Jiraiya asked.
Menma took a deep breath and explained to Jiraiya how his Sensei had ditched him in order to train Sasuke just because Sasuke has better chances to win .
" I even accepted my weakness that is chakra control , crude taijutsu form and lack of ninjutsu other than henge kawirami and kage bunshin . I asked him to spare only few hours just to help me but he said until and unless I don't fix my weakness he won't train me."
Jiraiya fumed at those words and wondered what was wrong with Kakashi.
Menma continued " I always asked his help after missions but he never listened to me. I mean it's not my fault I have very large amount of chakra that makes my control harder . It's not my fault that Mizuki-teme always taught me wrong form , Whatever Taijutsu I know I learned by watching ninjas sparing and practising. And I don't have any family or inheritance that would provide me ninjutsu. So how will I improve "
Hearing it was too much for Jiraiya , he started to feel guilty for leaving him behind , so he offered " Menma kun, how about I train you for the chunnin exams?"
Menma was gaping like a fish on hearing that but then he became guarded and murmured " why are you doing this for me ? Do you want something ? If yes then I can't help you because I don't have anything."
Jiraiya grinned and said " I don't want anything from you. You just remind me of someone dear to me . "
Menma beamed " Arigatou Jiraiya sensei , I won't dissaapoint."
"I know you won't " Smiled Jiraiya " Meet me at riverside tomorrow 6 o' clock in the morning. "
"Hai sensei" and Menma was off .
Jiraiya chuckled at redhead's antics . Then suddenly a bill was placed in front of Jiraiya . He now understood he had to pay the bill.
" Damn brat" grumbled Jiraiya .
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/Next day/
"Alright Menma , I am gonna let you sign the legendary summoning contract from toads of Mount Myoboku" Jiraiya grinned.
"Er Jiraiya sensei , I really don't want to" mumbled Menma.
W-what?" Jiraiya asked
"I really don't get along with ambhibions" said Menma.
"But why?" Jiraiya said, as he wanted to know answer. "Toads are the best!"
Because they don't suit me," Menma told the Toad-Sage.
He didn't understand why Menma didn't want to sign the Toad Contact. "Menma, toads are the most powerful summons in the Elements Nation. Even fourth hokage summoned them for battle."
"I understand Jiraiya sensei but please don't force me into it. I really don't want to summon toads.Birds suit me better." Said Menma
"Oh! OK I can understand." sighed Jiraiya.
Menma looked sad for making his master sad and was afraid he would not teach him.
Jiraiya caught onto that and smiled "Menma even if you don't sign toad summoning contract I will still teach you."
Menma relaxed and beamed " Thank you Jiraiya sensei !!"
"Let's start the training Menma. You said you have problems with chakra control , taijutsu and you don't have many ninjutsu . Let's improve that " said Jiraiya.
"Hai Jiraiya sensei." Shouted a determined Menma.
"Now we have only one month , so for the first week we will work on chakra control. You will also master SHUNSHIN-NO-JUTSU in the first week." Stated Jiraiya.
"Hai sensei, but how will I do both things in one week sensei. You said I have to train chakra control for first whole week then how will I learn SHUNSHIN in same week ?" asked Menma.
Jiraiya grinned " Ah we are going to train with special method . We are going to use KAGE BUNSHINS to help your training." Looking at shocked face of his student the toad sage explained "Menma the KAGE BUNSHIN is meant for espionage and scouting so when the clones dispels you got the memory of the clones. "
Menma was shellshocked that he never found out this secret . Then he started doing Victory dance . " Take that teme , now I will become stronger than you and then Sakura chan will see how great I am."
Hearing this Jiraiya remembered his own genin days with Tsunade . He thought of talking Menma out of pursuing Sakura but let it go as it would be hypocrisy seeing he didn't let go of feelings for Tsunade.
"OK brat enough fantasies for future let's get back to training."
"Hai Ero-Sannin"
"Stop calling me that brat ."
Menma stuck his tounge out childishly. Jiraiya laughed at his antics.
" So make 10 clones for chakra control . Have 5 do tree walking and rest 5 do water walking ." said Jiraiya.
Menma did as told but asked " Sensei , if clones help why can't I make more . "
Jiraiya smiled and replied " Shadow clones chakra is evenly distributed , so if there are more clones then they will have less Chakra and controlling less chakra is easy so there wouldn't be much improvement. "
"Now have them practice chakra control and you learn the SHUNSHIN "
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/ After 1 week /
Menma mastered the SHUNSIN and his chakra control also increased .
" Very good Menma , you have improved. Now for this week we will work on taijutsu ." praised Jiraiya.
"Hai Jiraiya sensei." Said a determined Menma.
"You said you don't have form correct . I will be training you in Hummingbird form of taijutsu. It was technique made by Fourth Hokage and further developed by Namikaze Naruto. The fourth's taijutsu uses speed to attack . Later the fourth hokage mixed it with his Hiraishin making it deadly. Namikaze Naruto at age of 13 after completing his training with Tsunade, added her chakra powered punches with his own Jutsu 'RAIJIN NO YOROI'(THUNDERGOD'S ARMOUR) which is more powerfull version on Raikage's 'RAITON NO YOROI'(Lightning style - LIGHTNING ARMOUR) making the style invisible."
Menma was shell shocked that he will be learning such a powerful style.
"So that's why you made me learn the SHUNSIN ?" asked Menma.
"Yes brat , now let's begin. Make 100 clones . 4 clones will practice each part of humming bird style. There are 25 parts." said Jiraiya.
Menma did as told and sent the clones with 5 of Jiraiya's clones to learn the form.
"What will I do Ero-sannin ?" asked Menma.
"We will be working on your physical conditioning brat." grumbled Jiraiya not liking to be called Ero-sannin.
"Hai sensei." said Menma not liking the dangerous glint in pervert's eyes.
Jiraiya jabbed his all five fingers at Menma's chest and shouted " JURYOKU NO FUIN ( Gravity seal).
Menma fell flat on the ground suddenly feeling 4 times of his weight placed onto him. He looked at the toad sage who was laughing maniacally "LETS START THE TORTURE.... er.... Training."
Menma sighed it was going to be a hard week.
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/ 3rd week /
Menma was breathing heavily but still standing. He just had a spar with Jiraiya in the influence of 'JURYOKU NO FUIN'.
"I have to admit you are a damn persistent student . I am enjoying teaching you brat."
"Heh Ero-sannin this is nothing , I can keep up ."
"Let's go grab a bite at Ichiraku's." proposed Jiraiya.
"YEAH RAMEN!!!" shouted Menma.
/At ichiraku's/
"What are we going to do this week Jiraiya sensei ?" asked a curious Menma who was inhaling Ramen like a certain redhead woman used to do.
Jiraiya looked at Menma fondly and said " Last two weeks I am going to train you in ninjutsu. "
Menma beamed " Yes finally I can impress everyone like shooting a fireball even bigger than Sasuke-teme. "
Jiraiya laughed " Hold your horses brat. I am not going to teach you elemental ninjutsu."
Menma was shocked but didn't shout as he knew old pervert didn't say anything without reason. He looked at the sage and asked " Then what ninjutsu you will be teaching me Jiraiya sensei ?"
Jiraiya paid the bill and SHUNSHINED Menma to their training ground .
He then held out his palm and a blue chakra sphere started forming " BEHOLD !! The jutsu invented by the fourth hokage himself , which took him 3 years . A ranked due to difficulty and chakra consumption this is the 'RASENGAN'."
Jiraiya slammed the spiraling sphere onto nearby tree. The bark was blasted into splinters.
Menma's eyes had stars in them and he started rambling "Teach me teach me teach me ."
Jiraiya chuckled at the enthusiasm and threw a water balloon at Menma. He then took his own water balloon and said " you have to burst the balloon using chakra " the balloon in his hand started expanding in all direction and then popped.
Menma looked at the balloon thinking how to pop it.
Jiraiya said " don't worry it will take time it took me 3 months to learn and took Namikaze Naruto 2 weeks to learn and he was a genius... "
Suddenly there was a pop sound . Jiraiya was gaping like a fish . He shouted " How the hell did you do this so soon ?".
"Eh... When you formed the Rasengan I saw chakra rotation in every direction. I did the same thing here." Menma explained.
"Heh looks like you will learn it in shortest amount of time brat !!" grinned the sage.
"Heh mark my word Ero-sannin , Namikaze Naruto may be my hero but I will beat him in learning the Rasengan believe it !!"
Jiraiya was thinking along the same line 'and he will be damn proud of you brat.'
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/ 3 days left for chunnin exam's finals/
"ODAMA RASENGAN " shouted Menma as he slammed a big spiraling sphere made of chakra onto a tree. The tree's upper portion dissapeared as soon as it made contact with big Rasengan.
Menma was heavily breathing "huff.... huff..... I did it pervy sage. I beat Namikaze Naruto by 4 days "
"How in hell did you learn ODAMA RASENGAN brat !!" Shouted Jiraiya.
"EH.. huff... huff... well I mastered Rasengan yesterday and then I started thinking to increase its power in case I get to fight Gaara. So I started pumping more chakra into Rasengan but it blew up on my face. Then after 3 hours of experimenting I made a clone to help me maintain the shape as I pump more chakra into it. Now I can sustain it only for 7 seconds by myself then it blows after that ."
"Heh you are really something brat " grinned Jiraiya still shocked and thinking 'how the hell he was dead last.'
"So Ero-sannin what are we going to do for rest of three days ? "
"Nothing, you will make clones and let them redo everything you have learned. While you will be resting and we will be talking about strategy for fighting everyone." Said Jiraiya.
"Ehh.... OK Jiraiya sensei."said Menma.
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CHUNNIN EXAM FINALS
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The stadium was filled with tons of the civilians and jonins that came from Suna. Some wanted to see the Uchiha heir against the Kazekage son and some wanted to see Neji Hyuga the prodigy genius destroy and humiliate the demon brat. But most of the crowd wanted to see a good fight.
Every Finalist was at the arena. Even Sasuke was at time. Kakashi was forced to come on time if he didn't want his Icha-Icha burn .
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the chunin exam finals my name is Genma I'll Be the referee of the tournament, now all of you are here to prove yourself and to show your village if you are worthy of being a chunin, but also to show the other nations your strength, now the tournament will begin" Genma announced.
Genma just looked at the redhead and brunette "the match between Neji Hyuga and Menma Uzumaki will start. Everyone else go to stands." Genma announced. The crowd started to cheering.
In the crowd•
"I can't wait to see that brat lose against Neji, this match is a joke." Said a civilian.
"Yeah i know, really a dead last against last years rookie of the year, it must be a joke. Another civilian said.
'that's what I thought but Menma proved me wrong and he beat me' thinking Kiba.
/back in the arena•/
Neji and Menma looked locked eye to eye not even blinking or moving.
"Why do you bother keeping a promise to someone weak like Hinata-sama. Fate had already declared me the winner as i was destined to face Hinata-sama, why can't you accept your fate, there's no point of running away, just accept it and forfeit." Neji said with a grin trying to get the red head ninja loose focus and let his anger cloud his thoughts.
"Huh .... You say something Neji ?"
In the stand everyone face faulted and looked at Kakashi who had nose buried into his orange book.
"Gahh.... Your student have inherited your unyouthfull hipness Kakashi" shouted Gai throwing accusatory finger at Kakashi.
"Huh.... You say something Gai ?"
Everyone in stands face faulted at that.
/ Back in arena. /
Genma shouted "HAJIME" and leapt back .
The match has started.
/ Meanwhile in visitors area/
A man with a white kimono with long brown hair with white pupiless eyes. Sitting next to him was a little girl who also had the same as eyes like the man. these two were Hanabi and Hiashi Hyuga, Hinata's little sister and father.
Ever since losing his brother to Kumo he became cold towards Hinata and even to his wife, it had sicken him, before Hitomi's death Hiashi realize his mistake but it was too late. Since then Hiashi had been more cold toward his children and put them against each other in spars he never liked it when both were hurt bad especially from your own sisters but he wanted Both of his daughters to grow strong, he didn't want to lose them like how he lost their mother.
"Tou-sama, does the boy stance a chance against Neji?" Hanabi asked her father.
"No daughter, Neji is the strongest of Hyuga of this generation . And all we have heard about that boy is he is a dead last. So unless he have something big under his sleeves he can't win."
'Let's see what your second son is capable of Minato' thought Hiashi and other clan heads.
"Say forhead can Menma win" asked Ino.
"I don't think so Ino. I heard Kakashi had dumped Menma and only trained Sasuke kun for the month." Said Sakura with a frown.
/In arena/
Neji took his jyuken stance and said " fate has already declared me the winner dead last. "
Menma took his hands out of his Jumpsuit's pocket and leaned forward.
/In stands/
"Your student has no chance of winning Kakashi." Said Gai.
"You don't know Gai. He probably trained hard for whole month as I was training Sasuke."said Kakashi.
Kurenai and Asuma frowned at that.
"He have no chance of winning" said Temari and Kankuro agreed.
Gaara just stared at arena with bloodlust.
"Don't count Menma out yet." Said Shikamaru lazily. Shino nodded in agreement.
"Proove them wrong and win the fight dobe..." Wishpered Sasuke
/In arena/
Neji activated his byakugan and said "Ready to loose deadlast failure."
Menma didn't reply . Suddenly he disappeared from his position and reappeared at Neji's back.
Neji was shocked by the the speed. He had no choice but to show his trump card. He started rotating and expelling chakra from every tenketsu. He yelled "JYUKKEN : KAITEN" A dome of chakra started forming on all side of Neji.
/In the stands/
Tenten smirked.
/In the arena/
Menma lifted his hand in air and pushed forward at the chakra dome and shouted "ODAMA RASENGAN".
Dirt and debris filled the arena . Wind started picking up as battle between KAITEN and RASENGAN picked up.
3 seconds later dust cleared.
Everyone gasped.
Neji was flat on the ground with chakra burns visible on the skin , his clothes tattered. Menma was standing above Neji and didn't even had one scratch .
/In Visitor's area/
All Hyuga gasped with wide eyes as they saw hyuga's ultimate defense shattered like nothing in mere seconds.
/In the stands/
"wow...." Wishpered Ino.
Sakura agreed .
Hinata was awed at the scene.
Tenten gasped "Neji lost ."
Kakashi's single eyes widened.
Gai was no different than Kakashi.
Asuma and Kurenai were wondering how the hell a gennin knew S ranked technique (ODAMA RASENGAN is S ranked and Rasengan is A ranked).
Sasuke smirked , happy at his rival's win but also felt a bit jealous as he wasn't sure if his Chiddori would able to do that much damage.
/In crowd/
Everyone was silent.
The demon brat who was a dead last has decimated the Hyuga prodigy in 7 seconds.
/In Arena/
Gemma snapped out of his stupor and shouted " SHOUSA UZUMAKI MEMMA."
Menma looked at Neji and said " I know about the caged bird seal and the Hyuga incident. But Hinata-chan is not at fault . She was 3 years old when it took place and injustice done to your father was done by Hyuga elders not children. I don't know About anyone else but Hinata-chan is nothing but an angel . She is too kind to use that seal on anyone. You say that we are fated to either succeed or fail but its not like that . Hinata-chan worked hard to overcome her shyness and fought you bravely . I overcame my fate of bring a faliure and defeated the Hyuga prodigy. Think about it Neji , you can also overcome your fate and become much more than servant to the main branch. "
Menma started walking to the stands.
Suddenly there was loud applause from audience.
Hinata was blushing bright red after hearing kind words of Menma. Kiba smirked at that.
When Menma reached the stands everyone started congratulating him and he grinned at them.
"Let's meet at the final teme" Menma said looking at Sasuke.
Sasuke smirked "Hn you can be a worthy opponent now dobe."
"Troublesome"said Shikamaru.
Shino nodded at Menma.
When Kakashi came to congratulate , Menma just ignored him.
Kakashi sighed and went back to his orange book sometimes glancing at the redhead .
/ In arena/
"Will Sabaku-no Temari and Nara Shikamaru come to the arena." Announced Genma.
Temari glided to arena on her fan with a smirk on her face.
Shikamaru groaned "Troublesome , should I quit?"
"Nara Shikamaru, you lazy ass , if you think about quitting I will castrate you." Shouted Ino.
Menma was told about invasion by Jiraiya .
He went over to Shikamaru and said "Shika this is important . Sand is planning something . when you fight her make sure to injure her and destroy her war fan."He then discreetly handed him a explosion seal tag.
Shikamaru sobered up and looked at Menma. He nodded and went to arena.
Everyone was schoked at seeing Lazy Nara heir serious.
Genma shouted "HAJIME".
/In the stands/
" I have never seen Shikamaru so serious , not even on missions" said Asuma.
"Shikamaru have no close range techniques and fighting Temari at long range is type of suicide" said a worried Kurenai.
"Don't worry about him Kurenai . Yes hi academy marks were only better than Menma but that was because it was too troublesome for him to get more than passing marks. When I got Shikamaru an Iq test in disguise of a game, he scored over 200. He is a genius in strategy and had more potential than his father had at this age." bragged a proud Asuma.
/In arena/
"Forfeit Sabakuno Temari " said Shikamaru in a serious voice.
Temari laughed at him" Why are you too scared to fight?"
"No you have already lost"Said shikamaru with a smirk.
Temari lost her temper and brought out her fan to decimate Shikamaru.
Much to her surprise she heard a sizzling sound from her fan. She saw some Kanji on her fan. Her eyes widened and she threw her fan away from her .
There was a huge blast in the arena and her fan was blasted into pieces. One part of her broken fan embedded into her right arm and blood started oozing from the wound.
Everyone was shell shocked at the brutal display.
Temari looked at Shikamaru and asked painfully "How did you do that?"
"I am not obliged to answer." Shikamaru said and turned to proctor.
"Sabakuno Temari is unable to fight , Winner Nara Shikamaru." announced Genma.
The crowd started cheering loudly .
/back in stands/
Asuma , Kurenai , Gai and Kakashi watched as Nara heir helped Temari to medics with an appologetic expression on face , pressing the wound tightly so it doesn't bleed more.
As Shikamaru returned , Menma and Shino nodded at him .
/In the arena/
"Will Sabaku no Kankuro and Aburame Shino come to the arena."
"I FORFEIT" shouted Kankuro.
"Winner by forfiet , Aburame Shino."announced Genma.
/at the stands/
Shino raised his eyebrow disappointed that he didn't get chance to show his skills.
Menma went to Shino and said " Shino as I Said Shikamaru sand is planning something, we can't let them be in shape if we are to stop whatever they are plotting , So send your bugs to kankuro puppets and destroy the wood. Don't let them eat Chakra or he will be alerted. "
Shino contemplated his words then nodded and sent his bugs to destroy Kankuro's puppets.
The crowd started booing as they didn't get their entertainment.
/In the arena/
"Will Sabaku no Gaara and Uchiha Sasuke come to the arena" announced Genma.
Gaara appeared in a swirl of sand.
Menma went to Sasuke and try giving him bijju chakra control seals which Sasuke arrogantly declined saying he would win on his own power.
Menma sighed at this and wished him best of luck.
Sasuke back flipped from stands to the arena.
Crowd started cheering for their favourite match between kazekage's
son and the last Uchiha.
Genma shouted "HAJIME".
The match began as Menma thought it would. With the speed training help Sasuke got from Kakashi , Sasuke was able to get past Gaara's Sand Defense with relative easy as Lee did. Two swift body-blow kicks and one punch to the face was all it took to put Gaara on the defensive. Gaara immediately retracted all his sand and formed a protective cocoon around himself.
The defense proved too strong even for Sasuke's most powerful Katon Jutsu. So, he was left with just one option-
"CHIDDORI" he yelled as lightning nature Chakra started sparkling at sasuke's left wrist.
He ran towards Gaara, avoiding Sand spikes with his Sharingan and plunged his hand into his defence.
The Chiddori cut through sand like hot knife to butter. Gaara screamed "BLOOD..... MY BLOOD..... ARGHHH".
Sand constricted around Sasuke's wrist and threw him toward the arena wall. He impacted with a loud thud but he avoided injuries by coating his body with Chakra.
Suddenly white feathers started falling onto whole stadium and everyone started feeling sleepy . Then there was a large explosion at Hokage's booth.
The Invasion has began....
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