Naruto stood in front of his godfather, smirking as his army of five hundred Shadow Clones seemed to impress the man.
"Yeah, just as I thought. That Uzumaki gene is really strong with you."
Naruto raised his eyebrows.
"Huh? What's that mean?"
Jiraiya shrugged.
"Your chakra reserves. A lot of it comes from your mother's side. That's one of the things the Uzumaki Clan was known for. That and the incredible life force their chakra gives them."
"Really? I thought they were because of my... uh, seal."
Jiraiya shrugged again.
"Well, your seal was designed to let the chakra of the Nine-Tails merge with your own to increase your reserves. If you were just a child born from an average ninja, maybe you'd have more chakra than most jonin in the village. But you have more chakra than most of the current Kage, kid. Your Shadow Clones prove that."
Naruto looked back at his Shadow Clones as Jiraiya pointed at them.
"The Hokage himself could only make three hundred or so back in his prime and he'd still be winded afterward. Then again, I don't remember his chakra reserves being something he was known for."
Naruto's eyes widened as he came to realize just how much chakra he really contained. He hadn't given it much thought before, but now it seemed obvious.
"So that's why I can't make regular clones? Or use genjutsu?"
Jiraiya nodded. Naruto let out a sigh of relief.
"At least I managed to learn tree walkin' and water walkin'."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? And how long did it take you to learn those exercises?"
Naruto shrugged.
"About three days for tree walkin'. Four for water walkin'."
Jiraiya nodded as he looked back at the clones.
"Yeah, I can see that. Having Shadow Clones is a real help with those exercises."
Naruto shook his head.
"I didn't use Shadow Clones."
Jiraiya nodded. After a few seconds of processing, his eyes widened and his head snapped towards the original Naruto.
"What?! But, then, how were you able to control your chakra enough to do that?!"
Naruto shrugged.
"I have a... a friend who's a Hyuga. She helped me a lot."
Jiraiya smiled cheekily.
"Oh, a 'she', huh?"
Naruto nodded and looked down at the ground, not picking up on the man's implications.
"Yeah, but... she's in the hospital right now recoverin' after a fight... In the preliminaries, she went up against her cousin named Neji and she... she almost died..."
Jiraiya dropped his smile as he listened.
"I wanted to stay by her side until she got better, so I was really frustrated when I had to leave the hospital to go see what the old man wanted."
Jiraiya nodded in understanding.
"I wanna kick that Neji guy's ass for what he did to Hinata. Not just for almost killin' her, but tryin' to crush her spirit."
Jiraiya nodded once again as Naruto looked to him with a fiery determination clear in his eyes.
"So, can you train me to do that?"
Jiraiya looked at Naruto before turning back to the army of clones still present and mumbling to themselves. He smiled widely as he nodded.
"Trust me, kid, you'll be able to do that and so much more."
X
Adrik sat meditating as Guy had instructed. Apparently, it was a good way to ease the tension in his body and mind. Honestly, he could feel it working.
"It is important to take time for yourself and for others. Even Lee and I take breaks as often as we can. Training means nothing without rest."
Adrik nodded.
"A healthy mind makes way for a healthy body."
Guy and Adrik sat still with their eyes closed, enjoying the silence. But even with his mind being cleared, Adrik couldn't help but think.
"Guy Sensei?"
Guy grunted.
"How should I take breaks from training?"
Guy let out a breath.
"It depends. What exactly do you want to do during your breaks?"
Adrik hummed as he thought.
"There are people who... They tell me I don't see them often enough. I've been so obsessed with this mission the Hokage gave me that I lost track of time... and then..."
Guy hummed in understanding.
"I see. Indeed, people are important. Even more important than training. But they are also the reason we train. And training without that reason is hollow."
Adrik nodded along as he understood what Guy meant. He thought back to the previous month and agreed that his training felt lacking. And training more wasn't the answer for him. Guy grunted as he stopped meditating and stood up. Adrik noticed and opened his eyes. Guy gave him a thumbs up and a wide smile.
"Then how about we make time for them?"
Adrik let out a small grin as he stood up and nodded along.
"We haven't decided on a schedule yet, have we?"
Adrik shook his head and Guy continued.
"Then, from three in the morning to eleven o'clock, it will be our regular physical training, sparring, and studying of your Element. You are usually up before three anyways, so what's the harm in starting early on your own? From eleven to one in the afternoon, you will take a break to get lunch and spend quality time with your youthful companions. From one to five we will spend trying to access the Eight Inner Gates. The rest of the day after that is yours to make use of."
Adrik smiled and nodded.
"Perhaps we should even start that schedule today. It is almost eleven. How about you go ahead and start that break and we'll meet back here at one, my youthful student?"
Adrik nodded as he ran off. Guy watched the teen leave with a wide smile.
X
Adrik waved to Haku as he approached the girl.
"Hey, Adrik! You're late. What happened?"
Adrik panted slightly as he was still feeling the effects of his weights being increased and having to run laps around the village with them on.
"Sorry, I... I didn't realize what time it was."
Haku raised an eyebrow disbelievingly. Adrik noticed and tried to defend himself.
"Hey, I was meditating with Guy. It's important."
Haku huffed as she rolled her eyes.
"Right. Well, where do you want to eat?"
Adrik shrugged.
"I'm fine with whatever you want."
Haku nodded and began walking off, Adrik following behind her.
"So, how is training with Sakura going?"
Haku sighed.
"Well, she is having to learn more from scrolls now when it comes to medical ninjutsu since she and I are on the same level. Her Earth affinity is coming along great. She managed to crumble a boulder into dust with just her elemental chakra."
Adrik nodded along in surprise.
"Can't say I've ever disintegrated a boulder before. What about that enhanced strength thing she was working on?"
Haku shrugged.
"She says it isn't great since it's not like what was described in the scrolls she's read. But, I feel like it's going incredibly well. Our spars are becoming more even, now. At least, when I'm actually letting them get to that point."
Adrik nodded with a small grin.
"That's good. So, do you think she'll be ready for the finals?"
Haku nodded quickly.
"I think so. It is hard to say, though. I have no idea what any of the other genin are doing to prepare."
Adrik nodded.
"How about you? You still haven't told me why you're only training with Might Guy."
Adrik shrugged as he tried to come up with a response.
"Well, he's actually a lot more well rounded than I thought when I first started training with him. He's great at kenjutsu and can be surprisingly stealthy."
Haku nodded.
"He's a good motivator. Not to mention, I feel a lot like him and Lee."
Haku raised her eyebrows.
"How so?"
"They both had difficulties learning most things chakra related, I don't have chakra. The training just kind of... works. And he's making sure I'm still progressing in other arts as well."
Haku nodded in understanding.
"But, how are you doing? You aren't pushing yourself too hard with Sakura, are you?"
Haku seemed surprised at the question.
"Oh, no, I'm fine. It's enjoyable getting the chance to train someone. She's taught me a few things as well."
Adrik raised an eyebrow.
"Like what?"
Haku smirked slightly.
"Like how to take breaks, unlike someone..."
"Hey! For your information, Guy just started teaching me that lesson!"
Haku giggled.
"You need lessons for that?"
Adrik opened his mouth to say something but sighed when he had no retort, making Haku laugh as they entered the small restaurant for their lunch break.
X
Naruto closed the door to the hospital room Hinata was in. She had yet to wake up, which was understandable as she had been injured pretty badly. Even so, he couldn't help but worry.
Naruto quickly put a smile on as Shikamaru approached him, walking down the hall with a basket of flowers.
"Hey, Naruto."
Naruto waved at Shikamaru.
"Hey, Shikamaru. Here to see someone?"
Shikamaru nodded.
"Yeah. I know we weren't really that close, but I thought I'd stop by Hinata's room. Is she awake?"
Naruto shook his head, his smile fading somewhat.
"Not yet. The doctors say it could be another day or two."
Shikamaru nodded and held up the basket in his right hand.
"Well, I'm just gonna put these in her room for her for when she wakes up."
Naruto nodded.
"Hey, do you think you can save some for Lee and Tenten?"
Shikamaru looked back at Naruto and gave a small nod.
"Adrik's friends, right?"
Naruto nodded and scratched the back of his head.
"I was here when I heard about Lee. That Gaara guy messed him up, huh?"
Shikamaru nodded as he entered the room, Naruto holding the door open for him as he placed the flowers down at Hinata's bedside table.
"Yeah, if there's anyone I don't wanna fight in the finals, it's gotta be Gaara."
Naruto raised his eyebrows as he and Shikamaru left the room, heading down the hall to Lee's room.
"Is he really that strong?"
Shikamaru nodded with a stern expression.
"He would've killed Lee if Might Guy didn't step in."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise.
"Well, I didn't hear about that part."
Shikamaru nodded as they continued down the hall.
"Gaara is strong. And Sasuke is gonna be the first to fight him."
Naruto nodded with his expression becoming serious.
"I'm sure Kakashi Sensei has a plan for Sasuke. If not, then-"
Both Naruto and Shikamaru snapped their heads forward as they felt something coming from down the hall. The only way they could describe it was malicious.
X
Naruto slammed the door to Lee's room open. He and Shikamaru looked to see Gaara surrounded by sand with his hand pointed at a sleeping Lee. The Sand Genin stopped and looked back at the two teens behind him.
"What do you want?"
Naruto scowled as he looked at the genin.
"The hell do you think you're doing to Lee?!"
Gaara's expression didn't even change as he spoke.
"I am going to kill him."
Shikamaru's and Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. Not at the words that were said, but the deadpan tone that they were said in. It was like Gaara wasn't even aware of what he was about to do.
"What the hell for?!"
Gaara glanced back at Lee.
"He is the first person to ever hurt me. My pain must be repaid by his blood. Mother demands it."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.
"Mother?"
Gaara nodded as he looked back at the two genin.
"Mother has been with me for as long as I can recall. Her word is what guides me. And as long as her demands are met, she is happy, and so am I. And her demands are for me to kill my prey. To spill their blood for the sand."
Naruto and Shikamaru glanced between each other, unsure of how to respond. Naruto looked at Gaara.
"Okay... But, why?"
Gaara stared at Naruto for a second before holding his head in pain and looking down.
"Mother..."
Gaara looked back up at Naruto.
"Mother says you are... familiar. What is your name?"
Naruto pointed at himself in confusion and Gaara nodded.
"Naruto Uzumaki."
Gaara looked down as he held his head in pain once again.
"Mother says... You are more valuable prey than the injured one..."
Shikamaru and Naruto got into fighting stances as Gaara looked up at them menacingly, his sand swirling at his feet. Before anyone could make a move, two figures appeared between Gaara and the two Leaf Genin.
"Would you care to explain what you intend to do with my student there, Gaara of the Sand?"
Gaara looked up at the jonin who stood before him, completely unbothered.
"I was planning to kill him. But he is no longer my target."
The jonin, Guy, looked around the room to see Naruto and Shikamaru at the door. The figure next to Guy, Adrik, kept his eyes on Gaara.
"Well, it can wait. The finals aren't that far away."
Gaara raised an eyebrow as Guy looked back over at him.
"If you wait patiently, you will get more than enough competition, I am sure."
Gaara stared at Guy for a few more seconds before his head erupted in pain once again. After taking a few seconds to quell the pain, Gaara nodded.
"Very well. I shall look forward to making you bleed when the time comes, Uzumaki."
Gaara gave Naruto a murderous look before he disappeared in a swirl of sand. Adrik sensed around for a few more seconds before nodding to himself and checking on Lee. Guy moved to address the two genin at the door.
"I must thank you for buying time for us to arrive. If you hadn't, I fear Gaara may have actually ended Lee's life."
Shikamaru and Naruto looked at Guy in surprise before nodding.
"Now, you two should be on your way. Myself and Adrik here may need to have a talk with the Hokage about that genin."
They nodded again as Guy put a hand on Adrik's shoulder, the two of them vanishing in a burst of speed. The two genin stared at the empty space for a few more seconds before Shikamaru walked over and put a few flowers on the table next to Lee's hospital bed.
"Let's go see Tenten, I guess."
Naruto nodded, the two of them deciding not to address what had just happened. At least, not for the time being.
X
"Hey, what's up?"
Naruto and Jiraiya stared at the small, orange toad with blank expressions.
"... Well, it's better than my first attempt at least."
Naruto looked over at Jiraiya.
"Really?"
Jiraiya nodded.
"All I could do on my first few attempts was summon a tadpole."
The small, orange toad clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Hey, it's rude to talk about someone who's standing right in front of you, y'know!"
The two ninjas nodded in embarrassment before Naruto stuck his hand out.
"Sorry, sorry. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the new Toad Summoner."
The toad smiled and put a webbed hand on Naruto's to shake.
"Gamakichi. Nice to meet you. Got any candy?"
Naruto blinked before checking his pants pocket. To his surprise, he actually did. He gave it to the small toad, Gamakichi.
"Thanks, Naruto. I'll be heading back now. I wanna tell pops about our new summoner."
Naruto nodded and waved at Gamakichi. The small toad waved back as he vanished in a puff of white smoke.
"Gamakichi, huh? I could've sworn I'd heard that name before..."
Naruto payed no attention to his teacher as he bit his thumb again to draw blood and went through the hand signs for the Summoning Jutsu.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Naruto slammed his hand on the ground. Jiraiya, startled by his student's eagerness to continue, had to jump back when a gigantic puff of white smoke appeared before him. He called out to the teen as he didn't see him.
"Hey, kid?! How much chakra did you put into that?!"
Jiraiya was somewhat surprised when he actually got an answer.
"Uhh, about ten times as much as the first!"
Jiraiya looked up in the direction that the voice came from. His eyes widened drastically when the smoke cleared, revealing Naruto standing on top of a giant, wine red toad with a scar over its left eye. It had on a loose fitting jacket with a giant tanto strapped to its back and was smoking a pipe.
"Alright, Jiraiya, you've got some explainin' to do! I was enjoyin' my lovely day when my son came up to me lookin' all happy and now I have to listen to your crap! What's the problem this time?!"
Jiraiya scratched his cheek.
"Uh, Boss... I wasn't actually the one who summoned you..."
"Huh?"
The giant toad looked around before it felt someone on its head. It looked up and grew confused.
"Wait, what? Minato? You're..."
The toad trailed off as it stared at Naruto who walked to the tip of its nose so he was easier to see.
"Uh, hey. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the new summoner. You said somethin' about Minato?"
The toad shook his head slightly, being careful not to shake Naruto off.
"Nothin', nothin'. Just... reminiscin'. So, ya' wanna be our new summoner, kid?"
Naruto nodded with a large s.ile.
"Yep! The Pervy Sage told me I need to get the boss's approval. I met this one other toad named Gamakichi, but I don't think he's the boss."
The giant toad nodded.
"So, ya' met my son? That must'a been why he looked all excited. All right, I'll tell ya' what. Stay on me for the rest of the day, I'll consider making ya' our summoner. Touch the ground, yer automatically banned from summoning us ever again. The name's Gamabunta, and ya'll remember it!"
Naruto's eyes widened. Before he got a chance to retort, he had to use chakra to keep himself from flying off of the roads head as he began hopping around. Naruto cursed to himself as he was only ever told he needed to summon the Toad Boss. Having a trial after that was just kind of ridiculous. This is what he gets for finally getting something right so easily.