Chapter 3 : Yondaime's Legacy
A loud ringing sound resounded through the run down apartment of one Uzumaki Naruto as he groaned whilst sitting up. He looked through his bedside window to the streets of Konoha as the light of the sun slowly began to seep through the horizon. He had decided to get up at dawn to commence his rigorous training. He shifted out of his bed whilst only wearing boxers and made his way to the bathroom. He cleaned himself up and whilst brushing his teeth a messenger pigeon with a small scroll tied to its legs flew through his open window and rushed straight towards the open bathroom door before colliding headfirst into it with a reverberating sound as it slowly slid to the ground.
Naruto finished up brushing his teeth and knelt down to the dazed bird prior to undoing the scroll attached to it. He repressed a laugh at the declining quality of the methods used by the Hokage to send messages to shinobi. He let the recovered pigeon fly through his window whilst he opened the scroll making his way towards the petite kitchen of his abode. It was a simple summoning from the Hokage which required for him to be present at her office later in the evening. The scroll was burnt as the standard procedure required before he started eating breakfast and donned his usual black and orange attire.
The young shinobi had already thought of the techniques he planned to refine and decided to gain better control of his elemental affinity of wind. The sun had finally risen showering the streets of Konoha with light as Naruto made his way to his chosen training spot. The villagers were not expected to be awake at such an early time however shinobi's were accustomed to rising with the sun as it helped improve their awareness of the time and stopped them from developing a habit of laziness. However this didn't help his masked sensei with his tradition of always being late.
Naruto had finally arrived at the same training ground he was in a few weeks ago whilst training with Kakashi. The trees were flowing with the gentle breeze and the weather was perfect for training. He stared at magnificent waterfall created by Yamato by one of his demonstrations of elemental control. The flourishing green vegetation that had been created on the sides of the waterfall was still as lush as when he first saw it. He had decided to use this training ground as it was out of the way and isolated therefore there was a small chance of him being interrupted whilst training. It also had what was necessary for his training especially the waterfall as it would help him further elevate his chakra control to what he hoped would be Kage level.
It had been a day since he had hardened his resolve and he decided to train as soon as possible considering that he didn't have much time. He was going to use the same method of training Kakashi had taught him since it would help him gain large amounts of experience in a short amount of time. He would use the Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu to create a large amount of clones and give them each separate tasks to perform. In the end when he would release the jutsu he would gain all the knowledge and experience of the clones. However he needed to be careful when performing this training as excessive mental fatigue could damage his mind. Hence he was going to slowly increase the time he would spend using this particular form of training slowly over time.
He performed the hand seals necessary before a mass of clones popped up as the large cloud of smoke dispersed. The clones standing in front of him observed him eagerly awaiting his instructions as they all were prepared to try their hardest. The miniature army of one thousand looked at Naruto when he addressed them, "All right, I want all of you to break into ten even groups," No sooner had he said that, the clones quickly began to shuffle when several minutes later a ten groups of Narutos stood in front of him. "All right now I'm going to hand out each group different tasks to perform. You may have to understand how to use a jutsu better or you may have to improve your chakra control. The tasks will vary and some may be harder than others but their all equally important."
The groups were named from one to ten before Naruto proceeded to handing them their objectives. The small army of Naruto's immediately began training once they knew what they were supposed to be doing.
Group 1 had to try and walk up the waterfall using their feet in order to improve their chakra control and understanding. At first they completely failed and none of them could understand how to even walk up one foot of the waterfall however they soon started working together and now most of the clones were capable of making it 5 feet up the waterfall before they lost control.
Group 2 were struggling with their task as they had to practice meditation in order to be able to communicate with the Kyuubi without losing awareness of their surroundings. This was extremely hard as whenever they attempted to converse with the demon fox they ended up in the sewer like abode he was caged in.
Group 3's task involved developing their kenjutsu skills by using the Kaze No Yaiba Jutsu. This would give Naruto a weapon and he also needed them to find out how long they were able to maintain the technique before the chakra drain became significant. Most of the clones were doing well and managed to retain the blade of wind's shape and practiced their control with it however there were some clones that couldn't control the amount of chakra they pushed into the blade resulting in one clone accidentally extending the sword and striking down a fellow clone.
Group 4 was figuring out attack formations that Naruto could use in battle whenever he used the Kage Bunshin technique. They were finding it hard having only come out with one formation that would be of any use so far.
Group 5 had to try and develop their understanding of the element of wind so that Naruto would be able to use it as efficiently as possible without wasting chakra. The hundred clones were sitting whilst contemplating some of their discoveries and some were talking together about it.
Group 6 were currently attempting to perform the techniques they already knew with one hand. This task was extremely hard and the whole group attempted easier techniques such as the Bunshin No Jutsu and Kawarimi No Jutsu.
Group 7 had the task of finding out how they could make themselves explode. The idea originally came to Naruto when he saw Uchiha Itachi using the technique in his battle against Sasuke and Kakashi. The group had split into two parties. The first party which had seventy five clones would give the remaining twenty five clones ideas on how to explode before they would attempt them seeing if they were successful.
Group 8's task was to jump the final hurdle in mastering the Rasengan. This group was having the most success so far as they already understood all the basic principle's of the technique.
Group 9 had the task of building their genjutsu defense since it was Naruto's weakest attribute. He decided that even if he didn't have any attacking genjutsu he would still need an unyielding resistance against them.
The final group of Naruto clones had the assignment of gaining more control of the newest technique that Naruto had added to his arsenal. This was an original technique which he had created whilst training with Kakashi and it was extremely destructive in power resulting in it being named a S-class technique. He had named it Yasha Kachuu. He released a large amount of chakra when utilising this technique and it was also the strongest technique he knew.
Naruto continued training ruthlessly for two hours straight before he finally released the Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu. The knowledge gained from the clones experiences bombarded Naruto's mind as he felt himself drifting into unconsciousness however he never hit the ground as a hand gripped the collar of his jacket stopping him momentarily before.
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In the dark confines of a cave 5 figures stood together in a meeting due to the recent developments. The members of Akatsuki all had serious demeanours.
"So, all three of them were killed," The leader of the organisation stated as he was covered by the shadows of the cave refusing to reveal his appearance.
The man with the Venus fly trap like structure around his body and went by the name of Zetsu spoke, "I have retrieved all four rings like you asked for." He then threw the rings to the leader who quickly caught them before replying.
"As long as we have the rings their death is no great loss."
The man with the orange mask quickly spoke energetically, "I thought Kisame was quite cool. It's a shame he had to die but that's part of the job, eh?" this quickly earned him a smack from his blonde hair partner.
"You idiot pay attention to what's important, yeah." Deidara glared daggers at Tobi whilst he said this.
Zetsu looked at the two with conflicting opinions before the leader of the organisation continued. "What about the Kyuubi container? Has he shown any development?"
"His skills have increased largely especially his ninjutsu capabilities and from his battle with the summoned Yondaime I learnt that he is now able withstand six tails of the Kyuubi's power however he can't control himself whilst in the transformed state."
The leader contemplated the new information, "Well, we shall delay capturing him for now. There are three months remaining until the chosen day. That is the time we have remaining to capture the other Bijuu's. Deidara and Tobi, you are to capture the Rokubi. Zetsu your task is still the same, retrieve the container of the Schichibi." The leader then looked towards the only other member of Akatsuki who had yet to speak. She stood with her arms folded across her chest and her face hidden in the shadows. "Have you located the container of the Hachibi yet?"
The mysterious woman simply shook her head before she spoke, "He has escaped me once again. I will be sure to capture him within the designated time."
The leader nodded his head before Tobi asked him a question, "So now that Itachi and Kisame are dead, who's going to capture the Kyuubi vessel?"
"After you have accomplished your designated task you are to travel to the fire country to capture him. With the upcoming chuunin exams that are to be held in Konoha, it will be easy to infiltrate the village."
Deidara and Tobi nodded in understanding before the mysterious figure finished, "And just in case, I will accompany you. After all…it has been a long time since I've seen my native land."
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Naruto slowly opened his eyes as the blurred details of the landscape slowly began to focus. He found himself lying under the shade of a tree.
"So you're finally awake? I was beginning to wonder how long it would take."
Naruto jumped a bit at the voice as he was not expecting anyone else to be here. He looked to his side finding the infamous super pervert Jiraiya sitting cross legged on the grass. "Ero-Sennin? What are you doing here and how long was I out cold?"
"You've been out for two hours. So this is the training method Kakashi thought up for you I presume."
"Yeah." His response was simple and short.
"Quite ingenious, it is something to expect from someone of his intelligence." Jiraiya paused for a moment, "So…why are you training so hard?"
"I need to become stronger."
"You are already quite strong. From what Kakashi has told me and from what I have seen you are already at jounin level and your ninjutsu surpasses even Kakashi's."
"I'm still not strong enough to be able to defeat them."
Jiraiya face had a perplexed expression before he realised who he was talking about, "I see, the promise you made yesterday. You are planning on defeating Akatsuki." The frog hermit ignored the surprised Naruto and continued, "In that case you have a long way to go."
Naruto quickly spoke, "You saw me while I was at the old man's grave." His face turned solemn, "Why are you spying on me?"
Jiraiya placed a hand on his shoulder, "Hey, I'm just worried." He tightened his grip, "I want to help you."
The legendary Sannin removed his hand to his side before leaning back against the bark of the tree, "You know Naruto. Maybe you should let the old hag examine you; she might be able to do something."
"No." Naruto looked down as he was reminded of is impending death; "No operation or medicine can fix the damage that has been done. The Kyuubi is constantly using his chakra to stop me from falling apart inside. It'll only be so long before it happens."
The remaining threads of hope in Jiraiya were broken as he heard this, "You haven't told her?"
"She's already suffered because she felt helpless about her brother and Dan. I don't want her to feel pain again."
"Naruto, she'll be hurt deeply by your death. She has a right to know beforehand."
The blonde genin looked towards his mentor, "Promise me you won't tell her."
Jiraiya looked taken aback at the statement of his student before he steeled his resolve, "Fine, I promise. But I trust in you to do the right thing."
A few minutes of silence passed between the two as the wind blew past them. Jiraiya moved his hand to his pouch which promptly earned the attention of his protégé. He pulled his hand out from his pouch revealing a long yellow scroll with an elegant red ribbon tied around its centre.
"What's with the scroll?" Naruto asked curiously.
Jiraiya sighed before handing the scroll over to Naruto, "You are finally ready."
"I don't understand." The blonde eyed the scroll in his hands.
"Before the chuunin exams 3 years ago, the old man gave me that scroll. I was informed to give it to you when I believed you were ready to learn what is inside. I'm guessing the old man knew that he didn't have long left."
Naruto felt a great happiness fill within him as he thought about the old man, "That was given to the old man by the Yondaime himself." The blonde turned his head towards his mentor as soon as he said that.
"His dying wish was for you to receive that scroll when you would be responsible enough to learn the technique inside."
The jinchuuriki asked his sensei a simple question, "Why me?"
"The Yondaime didn't have any family. He had no known relatives. He had nothing to leave behind except for the technique which led to him being recognised as the Yellow Flash. When he chose you to be the container he knew that he was placing a great burden upon you but in his heart he truly felt that you would be accepted by the people. This scroll was left behind to help you protect this village. He was the only one who knew this technique and left a detailed scroll on how he created it and how to use it. That is what you are holding in your hands right now."
Naruto looked at the graceful scroll in his possession in awe. "The Yondaime was a great man who gave his life to protect this village. What helped him become one of the best will now help you achieve your final ambition."
Naruto felt himself overjoyed that the legendary shinobi had chosen him to be the receiver of his famous technique. The technique which had helped Konoha acquire the advantage in the Third Great Ninja War.
Jiraiya stood up slowly before brushing the dirt off his pants. He looked at Naruto with pride, "Every generation a special shinobi is born. Naruto, you are the true inheritor of the will of fire and his legacy."
Bunshin No Jutsu - Clone Body Skill
Kage Bunshin No Jutsu - Shadow Replication
Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu - Mass Shadow Replication
Kawarimi No Jutsu - Body Substitute
Kaze No Yaiba - Wind Blade
Yasha Kachuu - Demonic Maelstrom (Original)