9 Chapter 9: Bonding time
Ryuu and Haku were walking together heading to the ramen stand.
"It seems mother has finally decided to take you as an apprentice. I'm happy for you" Ryuu spoke breaking the silence.
"Yes, i'm really happy. Tsunade-sama taking me as an apprentice is a huge opportunity for me." Haku said with smile.
"So what's your plan since we will be staying here" Ryuu asked.
"First and foremost i'm planning work in the hospital while studying under Tsunade-sama. That way i think i will develop faster. Then after finishing my apprenticeship i'll work full time at hospital " Haku said
"How about becoming a shinobi?" Ryuu asked curiously.
"I won't become a shinobi. It'll take too much time from my study and peaceful life. Shinobi life isn't for me i guess. Of course that doesn't mean i will abandon my ninja arts. You can always count on me" Haku said then asked from Ryuu "How about you? When are you going to register as a ninja?"
"I won't become a shinobi" Ryuu said seriously.
"What do you mean" Haku asked in confusion.
"If i become a shinobi of Konoha, my movement will be restricted. Even if my mother is Hokage, i can't do much as i please. If i remain civilian no one can restrict me" Ryuu said.
"I think there's a truth in your words. Becoming or not becoming shinobi of Konoha has it's both cons and pros" Haku said partially agreeing with Ryuu.
While walking and talking Ryuu and Haku reached the ramen stand.
When they entered the ramen stand Naruto's head was deep down in his ramen and didn't notice them.
Teuchi was cooking some ramen behind the stall, Ayame was cleaning the dishes.
When Ayame saw them she said with bright smile "Welcome"
"Ahh, New costumers. Welcome" Teuchi also added when he saw them too.
Ayame asked "So what would you like"
Ryuu said "Same as Naruto's please.
When Ayame looked at Haku he said "Me too"
Hearing his own name mentioned Naruto turned to his right then spoke "Ohh. Aniki, Haku what are you guys doing here. Is the meeting over?"
"Nahhh. It isn't over. Mummy guy didn't want to disclose vital information within our presence. So we decided to come and find you" Ryuu said.
Ayame then spoke to Naruto while giving Ryuu suspicious eyes "Why don't you introduce your friends. Why did you call him aniki"
"This red haired one is Ryuu Uzumaki, my older brother. And this black haired feminine dude is Haku. " Naruto said without giving much thought to it.
"Whaaaaaat? You are male?" Ayame almost shouted pointing at Haku making him sigh in dejection.
Ryuu laughed "You really should change your style. At least gain some muscle"
"Ayame don't point at people. It's rude" Teuchi scolded Ayame then he turned to Ryuu then said with frown.
"Naruto is an orphan. Why are you deceiving him"
Naruto immediately said "He is telling the truth old man. He's my cousin. I met him while i was on a mission with ero-sennin"
"So you did a mission with Jiraiya-sama" Teuchi said proudly. "I believe in Jiraiya-sama's judgement"
"Yeah, you really shouldn't worry. We went to retrieve our new Hokage. His mother is going to become our new Hokage." Naruto said.
"What? Who is his mother?" Teuchi asked.
"My mother is Tsunade Senju." Ryuu said to Teuchi making his jaw drop then turned to Naruto "Never disclose mission details to civilians or any other shinobi. Only you and your higher ups must know about the details. By telling to him you have put him and yourself in danger. "
"I'm sorry aniki, old man don't say anything about it to anyone please." Naruto pleaded
"I believe you can keep your mouth shut Mr..." Ryuu said to Teuchi
"It's Teuchi" Teuchi said nervously.
Ryuu repeated himself "Remember this well Naruto. Never disclose mission details. If it was more sensitive information Mr. Teuchi and his daughter would have lost their lives. Shinobi world is cruel" Ryuu then ruffled Naruto's head to put his mind at ease.
"I understand." Naruto sulked
Then Ayame served their meals which they ate in silence.
After finished eating Ryuu said "It was really delicious Teuchi-san. I think i will be regular here"
"Naruto do you have any place in mind. Since we are new here why don't you become our guide" Ryuu said.
"There's so many places i could show you but why don't we train little bit" Naruto asked.
Haku said "Sure, why not. little bit training won't hurt after a meal"
Then they left ramen stand leaving still worried Teuchi and his daughter.
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Naruto led Ryuu and Haku to the nearest training ground to the ramen stand.
"So aniki how about taijutsu spar" Naruto said to Ryuu.
Suddenly Haku threw kunai to the tree that was about 20 meters away, startling Naruto.
"Come out!" Haku said.
From behind the tree girl with short hair and white eyes came out. She was wearing a cream-colored hooded-jacket with a fire symbol on the upper sleeves and fur around the cuffs and hem. She also wore a blue pants.
When Naruto saw who she was he asked "Hey Hinata-chan. What are you doing here?"
"Ummm Naruto-kun. I was umm i..." Hinata stuttered.
Ryuu put his hand on Haku's shoulder stopping whatever he was going to say then said with warm smile.
"Hello there Hinata-san. My name is Ryuu Uzumaki, he is Haku"
"Nice to meet you. My name is Hinata Hyuuga" Hinata said softly with blush.
"Since you are here why don't you train with us" Ryuu said to Hinata making her blush even more.
"Ummm i was just passing by. Maybe later" Hinata said while poking hear fingers. Then left them with fast pace too embarrassed.
When Hinata left Haku said "What a strange girl"
"Well she is little bit shy. But she is really kind" Naruto defended her
"Hoooh. Perhaps you have a crush on her?" Ryuu teased Naruto.
"No way! I have my Sakura-chan dattebayo" Naruto shouted.
Ryuu shook his head then said "Ok ok. No more playing around. Let's spar"
After Haku and Ryuu sparred with Naruto they came to the conclusion that Naruto really sucked at fighting.
Ryuu said to Naruto "Enough spar for now Naruto. We have few mistakes to address you are keep repeating"
"I thought i did quite well aniki" Naruto said.
"You did fight well for a brawler Naruto-kun. If we were enemies we would have killed you countless times in a short span of few minutes" Haku said making Naruto froze.
"Yes, You are really lucky you made it this far without dying with skills like this" Ryuu said plainly.
"What the hell. Don't underestimate me dattebayo" Naruto shouted heatedly.
"Relax Naruto-kun. We are here to fix these. After all isn't the purpose of spar is to improve yourself" Haku stated calmly.
Ryuu was more direct. He said " You have no style at all. There is too much opening between your attacks. You are severely lacking chakra control, you are putting too much chakra into your muscles straining it trying to enhance your muscles."
"But i have too much chakra. It's really hard to control" Naruto pouted.
Ryuu hit on his head with his knuckles earning loud "Owwwww"
"Don't make excuses. I have perfect chakra control even though it is similar to your size, We are Uzumakis. We bound to have large chakra reserves. You will train your taijutsu with me every morning. Your clone will improve your chakra control with Haku everyday too."
"You don't mind right" Ryuu asked from Haku.
"Of course. I'll be happy to help" Haku said.
"Now we have addressed your problems let's back to the training" Ryuu said.
Naruto shouted enthusiastically "Yes. Let's train more dattebayo" earning chuckle by his antics from Haku.
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They trained till sun set. Now they were heading to Naruto's place.
Naruto was really happy. Not even occasional glares from civilians dropped his mood. Now he has an elder brother who is willing to make time for him and train him. Also elder brother figure named Haku who is equally ruthless like Ryuu when training but was really kind at core.
He only felt this kind of warm feelings when he was young and on rare occasions of hanging out with his late grandfather figure.
As for Ryuu and Haku it was different. They took notice of civilians and their looks.
"These herd minded fools" Ryuu muttered earning nod from Haku. Who was little bit disgusted with their reactions.
Naruto was quite oblivious to their thoughts "Did you say something aniki"
"No, it's nothing Naruto" Ryuu said then he said by changing the subject " Why don't we eat some ramen first"
This made Naruto's eyes sparkle. "Yatta, Let's go"
