Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, I do not own Naruto and anything related to it. All the credit goes to the author of the Naruto series Masashi Kishimoto. The only thing I own are my OCs.
Satoru's POV
It's been a year since I had that talk with Grandma. Ever since, she has been teaching me a lot about the shinobi world. From it's history, to it's geography and even about the various cultures.
As someone who watched Naruto and was never introduced to these details in the anime, I was instantly hooked. I've always wondered how the other villages were made and what made them so different Konohagakure.
Geographical terrains are what differentiate them the most. The Land of Fire is in the center of the continent and is blessed with fertile land for agriculture and animal husbandry.
Just the fact that Land of Fire and by default Konoha can produce so much food and are the major exporters of grains and meat is what makes us rich and an independent nation. This is why other villages covet our land.
I also read a lot about chakra and it's fundamentals. Grandma also started me on calligraphy so she could eventually teach me fuinjutsu. Other than that, the past year was mostly uneventful.
But now that I'm four, Grandma has deemed me old enough to start my journey as shinobi. I wonder what she'll teach me, maybe ninjutsu or fuinjutsu. I don't care, anything would be fine for someone like me.
My introspection was cut short by a knock on the door. 'Hmm, it must be Grandma Mito'. I stood up and walked towards the door and opened it and as I thought, it was Grandma on the other side.
I looked up at Mito and smiled "Good morning Grandma, come in!" She smiled and stepped inside the room.
Now my room wasn't the most decorated. It had a minimalist touch and, like Mito's room, had a table at the centre where we both sat. There was a single bed on the side with a small desk to its right which had a nightlamp and a few books.
"So what brings you here Grandma?" I asked. I hope it is about my shinobi training.
"Can't a Grandmother check up on her grandson? I am hurt!" answered Mito cheekily.
"Surely you can but isn't it me that comes to you, and not the other way around?" I inquired.
"Yes but-" Mito's expression changed to a more serious tone "you're now 4 years old and I believe you're ready to start your shinobi training"
Hearing this my eyes widened "Really?! When are we going to start? Will you teach me? What am I going to learn?" I questioned way too quickly.
And why wouldn't I be excited? It is the one thing that I have been looking forward to ever since I came to this world.
Mito laughed at the barrage of questions thrown her way "Calm down dear, I'm not going anywhere" she assured which worked in calming me down.
"We can start training today itself and I will be training you. Though what you learn is not yet decided which is why I am here to talk to you. You have read up on different books about shinobi as I instructed you to, right?" She took a moment to breathe.
"So tell me what kind of shinobi do you want to be or more specifically what shinobi art do you want to specialize in?" inquired Mito with a calm smile.
"Think carefully Satoru, this will decide what kind of path you pave for yourself in the future. You don't want to regret it later down the road." she warned.
What kind of shinobi do I want to be? Hmm…a ninjutsu specialist would be cool, I'll be able to spew fireballs and throw lightning around.
Or maybe a genjutsu specialist though it's viability in the long run is questionable. But it is a useful art to throw your opponent off.
Taijutsu is also a solid option. There's not much to explain, just look at Guy and Tsunade.
Fuinjutsu… I don't know much about it since the series never expanded on it. But if it's anything like those fanfics make it out to be then it could be a solid contender.
There's also bukijutsu, weapons basically. Is there any reason to justify this? Swinging a sword or naginata around is every weeb's dream.
Now this is a conundrum, I like all of these, well Genjutsu to a lesser extent but they are all useful in their own ways.
What do I choose…hmmm…
Maybe… this might work.
What if…I don't have to choose any of these. Why can't I just learn all of them? Yes it might sound like a dumb move, but the sheer versatility of knowing so many different skills could give me an upper hand against almost any shinobi.
I'd be able to adapt to any battle and I wouldn't have a hard counter.
I mean Hashirama, Tobirama, Hiruzen and the Sannin, they all were versatile shinobi. They all had a whole bag of tricks. Especially Hiruzen, the dude was a master of all elements, knew every jutsu in Konoha, a genjutsu master and was an absolute beast with Admantine Staff. I've always had mad respect for him.
Same could be said about the Sannin, especially Orochimaru and Jiraiya. If they can do it, then surely I can too.
It's decided…this sounds like a terrible decision but it's mine to make and I'll be damned if I just give up on possibly becoming a badass shinobi.
"I-I want to be a master in every shinobi art!" There, I said it, no turning back.
Mito's POV
Satoru has always been a strange child, not in a bad way mind you. Despite being a child, he barely acts like one. There is a mature side to him which is not common for a child his age, especially one that is so sheltered. Though maybe it is because he lost his parents so early on, but so did Nawaki and Tsunade.
Kawarama….Yumiko, oh how this world took you away from your only son. I hope you watch over him.
I promise I will do everything to make him a man that you can be proud of.
He is an odd mixture of Hashi-chan and Tobi-chan, maybe this could make him a legend just like his Grandfather. Unfortunately Nawaki doesn't seem to possess the same qualities as his cousin but I believe he will bloom into fine man as well.
Even for a Senju-Uzumaki hybrid, Satoru possesses a dense chakra and it seems to have immense vitality.
Though it's definitely not the mokuton chakra, something different but equally as potent, how interesting.
He will become a strong shinobi in the future and he'll need any help he can to reach that point. Atleast for now Saru is doing a good job maintaining the peace between nations, though it is only a matter of time before another war comes knocking on our door. I can only hope Satoru and Nawaki are old enough by then.
I looked at him intently 'I wonder what your answer will be Satoru'
3rd Person POV
"I-I want to be a master in every shinobi art!" Satoru said after a while.
"Are you sure? It is not as easy as you think it is. It is certainly not impossible, Hashirama, Tobirama and Hiruzen have proved so but not everyone is like them" explained Mito in a strict tone.
"That may be so, but as you said it is not impossible. If I work hard enough then I will be able to achieve the same as them, maybe even better!" said Satoru in a tone that left no room for discussion.
Then Mito stood up and gestured Satoru to follow her. Then they both left the room and started walking towards what seemed to be the training ground in a sedated pace.
"Let me tell you about the Senju clan" Mito started, to which Satoru perked and paid complete attention to her following words.
"The Senju are blessed with strong body and potent chakra. But that itself is nothing special, there many other clans that have similar traits like the Yotsuki clan from Kumogakure. There is a reason why the Senju were rivals to the Uchiha clan. It came down to versatility." Mito then took a pause so Satoru could take it all in.
Then she continued "Senju clan during the Era of Warring States was also called 'The clan with a thousand skills'. This is what set the Senju clan apart from the rest of them. The sheer number of jutsu and shinobi arts made it so a Senju could fight in almost any battle condition, no matter the number, terrain or weather. Combined with their potent and immense chakra, they could outlast many of their opponents."
She smiled and looked at Satoru "What you said to me back in your room was the most Senju-like answer. The blood of your forefathers run strong in you."
Finally they reached the training grounds and came to a stop. Then Mito turned to him "You won't be learning ninjutsu anytime soon-" Satoru tried to interrupt but Mito sent him a look that shut him up for good.
"The foundation of any shinobi is a healthy mind and a strong body. Chakra is essential for a shinobi but many fights begin and end with, in my opinion, the most important branch of shinobi arts — Taijutsu."
Satoru took it all in and then nodded in agreement. Seeing this Mito continued "Now I'm going to test your body's limits with a set of exercises. The test will end the moment your body starts slowing down. Got it? Now run around this training ground until I say to stop. Go!" she barked the order and Satoru took it as the cue to start running.
Satoru went through different kinds of exercises while Mito watched him with a hawk's gaze. At times she corrected his forms and pointed out any mistakes he made. She was stricter than any drill sergeant.
Just like that about an hour and a half passed and finally Satoru started to slow down. Mito then called off the test and called Satoru to her side.
"Impressive, you lasted an hour and a half on this test. Especially for someone as young as you." Mito complimented.
Satoru beamed at the compliment "So what are we doing next?" he asked.
"For now your physical condition is excellent so we won't focus much on it. Your body is already ready for the taijutsu training." replied Mito as she walked up to a wooden post.
"Grandma, can't I just use some weights? It will help me improve my body even further right?" inquired Satoru.
Mito turned to face him and smirked. "Weights can do that but there's no need for it. There's two reasons for that, one because you're too young for that and two you really don't need it anyway."
Now that threw Satoru for a loop. But before he could ask anything, Mito continued.
This is because Senju and Uzumaki produce prominently Yang chakra in their body, which is why our life force is so strong. This also comes with the benefit that the yang chakra strengthens our body." answered Mito.
Satoru was shocked 'What the fuck?! Senjus are overpowered! Wait-'
"Is that why the clan records state that we naturally possess strength beyond normal?" asked Satoru.
"You're right, which is why I told you to focus on Taijutsu first. As we age our body grows stronger and not using such a strong body is the absolute height of stupidity."
She then turned back to the wooden post "I won't teach you any Taijutsu kata since it would be too rigid and you need to be flexible. So the only taijutsu training you're getting is how to punch and kick, the right way. Now watch carefully"
Thus the duo of Grandmother and Grandson trained till sunset, which is when they finally stopped. "Remember Satoru, being unpredictable and quick but also hard hitting is how you win a taijutsu bout." explained Mito in a sage-like tone.
"Yes Ma'am!" replied Satoru with a salute.
*growl~*
"Looks like someone is hungry." Mito chuckled.
"Well after all this training I'm famished" said Satoru while rubbing the back of his head. Then both of them shared a laugh and started heading back inside to have dinner.
At the dinner table
Satoru's POV
All of us gathered at the dinner table and asked each other about their day. Nawaki was outside the entire day, visiting the Hokage monument and playing at the park.
Tsunade apparently had a day off so she just lazed around at home. I told them about my day and they looked surprised, then Tsunade just shrugged and then started talking to Grandma Mito but Nawaki started pestering me to let him join my training. I agreed if only to get him out of my hair.
Once the dishes were set, we all said a small prayer and dug in. I looked at Grandma Mito, Tsunade and Nawaki, they all seemed happy and content judging by the smiles on their face and the sound of laughter echoing. It warmed my heart to see us all together enjoying each other's company.
I will protect this happiness, I promise.
—X—X—X—
After the dinner, I made my way to Grandma Mito so we could come up with my training schedule. Once we were comfortably seated, Grandma Mito first gave me a few books on chakra theory and a book on chakra control exercises.
"Chakra is an essential part of being a shinobi. This is what sets us apart from the regular civilians. Controlling such an energy that is capable of so much power is of utmost importance. It will not only make your jutsu stronger, you will also waste less chakra making it more efficient. Also excellent chakra control will help you learn more difficult jutsu and control intensive medical ninjutsu" said Mito.
That makes sense, chakra control is very important. It's good that I have a proper book that can instruct me on chakra control. Otherwise I would've been forced to experiment which could've been bad if something went wrong.
"You've also been improving your calligraphy and I believe you are ready to take the next step." Great I can finally delve into fuinjutsu and see if it is anything like those fanfics.
"Now here's the schedule, for the next few months you will follow this routine. We'll then adjust the schedule depending on how much you have grown.
Monday and Tuesday
Morning: Fuinjutsu training
Noon: Taijutsu training
Wednesday
Morning: Etiquette class
Noon: Chakra control training
Thursday and Friday
Morning: Fuinjutsu training
Noon: Taijutsu training
Saturday
Morning: Etiquette Class
Noon: Chakra control training
Sundays will be rest day"
Etiqutte class? "Wait, why do I need etiquette classes? Seems pointless to me" I asked.
"Etiquettes are important Satoru, especially for someone like you who will eventually become the face of the clan." Wait what?
"You're older than Nawaki by a few months, which makes you the clan heir. Thus wherever you go, you will be representing the Senju clan and people will judge everything you do from eating to speaking to walking. You have to make yourself presentable to them. You understand what I am saying?"
Well yeah, but seriously? Do I have to go around acting like a pompous guy?
"Ugh, do I have to do it Grandma? I don't want to act all stiff and haughty like an arrogant noble y'know." Wait what did I just say?
"Not anything that extreme, just some basic table manners, different ways to greet people and to learn to be eloquent. It's not as bad once you get used to it. " She said with assurance.
"If you say so Grandma- *yawn* is there anything else? I feel really tired" I asked in a sheepish but tired tone.
"It's alright dear, you did train hard today. You can go back, also make sure you follow this schedule seriously"
"Of course, I'll head back to my room now. Good night Grandma" I said making my way back.
"Good night dear" she wished back.
It was a long day but I'm excited to finally start my shinobi training.
A few weeks later
Just like that a couple of weeks passed. I diligently attended my training and there were already signs of growth. By now I should've gotten bored would be expected reaction but honestly, I've been having fun with my training. The satisfaction of knowing that you're improving everyday is enough fuel to keep going.
The chakra control exercises were also very fruitful, now I can easily walk on trees without a second thought. But walking on water is still elusive. I just can't seem to walk and change the chakra on the sole of my feet simultaneously. How the shinobi actually do it like second nature is beyond me. Though I'll continue at it until maybe I brute force my way through.
Grandma Mito told me that I have a big chakra reserve for someone my age. She estimated it to chunin level which is ridiculous! But this also scared me. Many fanfics used give Naruto horrible chakra control and justified it by saying that he has huge chakra reserves. But apparently that's not the case, most people after a few chakra exercises get a good grasp of control over their chakra. Which was also the case for me but I still haven't gotten any near mastering water walking.
Nawaki occasionally joined me but would quickly get bored and then sprint off to God knows where. He is a free spirit, I've tried to get him to train a little more but like Naruto he also seems to be a slacker. I just hope that unlike Naruto he doesn't start saying Dattebayo everywhere.
Taijutsu is coming up great. The training itself is a little painful especially when Grandma Mito trains you. I have to punch and kick tree trunks thousands of times to burn the memory into my muscles. It also leaves bruises, sometimes even scrapes the upper layer of my knuckles, which makes them bleed!
It hurts like hell. But despite the pain I can already feel the increase in strength no matter how little and that makes me continue everyday. (I'm not masochistic, I swear!)
After the etiquette class I decided to skip chakra control training to find Tsunade. After looking around I finally found Tsunade and she seemed to be getting ready for team training.
"Tsunade!" I called out causing Tsunade to look at my direction "you're heading for team training right?" She looked confused at the question but still answered "Yeah I am, did you want something?"
"Well I've wanted to meet your team for a long time but you never introduced them to me so I wanted to tag along with you. How about it?" I requested.
"Absolutely not, I'm heading out for team training not some picnic and I can't be bothered to babysit you." she said in an exasperated tone.
Unbothered by the rejection, I continued to pester her "C'mon Tsunade I won't cause any trouble, I'll sit by the sidelines and watch you guys train. You don't have to babysit me. Isn't that fine?"
"I said no, you damned brat! I'm already running late and I really don't want to get scolded by Sensei" she said and was about to set off when Mito called out from behind.
"Now now Tsuna-chan why don't you take Satoru-chan with you. He didn't say anything wrong did he? You've never introduced your team to us. He will atleast get to meet new people and maybe make some friends" said requested (read: demanded) in a tone of finality.
Tsunade looked at her for few seconds then,
*sigh*
"Alright fine, but just because you asked me to! Come on brat try to keep up!" She said as she took off at high speed.
I was caught off guard by her sudden acceptance and almost didn't see her leave. I quickly followed her to training ground 7.
Training Ground 7
"Sorry guys I'm late!" announced Tsunade as we entered the training ground.
"Finally decided to show your face Princess Tsunade" said someone in a snarky tone, as is expected of that asswipe.
"That's enough Orochimaru!-" reprimanded someone that was most likely Hiruzen in a strict tone "-atleast she is here. So Tsunade who is that little guy with you?" He asked
"Hey! What is a brat like you doing here? This is a training ground for grown up badass shinobi, not some snot-nosed kid still in his undies!" said an obnoxious porcupine (guess who).
There they are... future Sannin in the making.
They look kinda meh…..
A/n: That's the end of chapter 2. A small training chapter. Our protagonist is now deemed old enough to start training. And now he met the Sannin…. or atleast future Sannin.
Leave a review and let me know what you think about this chapter. It was a long chapter (it would've been even longer but when I read it, it seemed too boring) but is the chapter length ok? Should I make longer or shorter let me know.
Thanks a lot for reading this chapter. I'll see you guys in the next one, till then stay safe!