Chapter 9: Climbing the Ladder

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 9: Climbing the Ladder

Author's Note:

This chapter serves as a bridge in Naruto's journey, offering a deeper glimpse into his growth and the challenges he faces as he climbs ladders within the shinobi world. While it may feel like a filler, it's these moments of introspection and development that shape our protagonist, preparing him for the trials ahead. Your thoughts and reflections on this chapter are invaluable as we continue this storytelling journey together. Thank you for your patience and engagement.

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Six more months had passed, and I was now almost eight years old. If anyone asked, I'd proudly say my birthday was on December 21st, just a month away. Despite my situation, I felt a sense of contentment that I hadn't known before. It had been a year and a half since the boot camp, and my fortune had changed in unprecedented ways—or at least it felt that way to me. That fateful day with Kosuke had indeed opened doors to a brighter future.

My fortunes seemed to improve exponentially since my encounter with Kosuke. High-ranking missions became my daily routine, and even though I was still a genin, I was now trusted with B-rank missions. The pay was substantial, and I had moved from the shabby shinobi bunker, which I reclaimed after living under a bridge, to a studio apartment. It wasn't just a bunk in the dorm anymore; it was a place I could call my own. High-level shinobi started noticing me.

After my philosophical mission with Kosuke, which I now referred to as the mission that changed my perspective, I had the opportunity to work with Gekko Hayate and his team. This team consisted of former Hokage guards: Genma Shiranui, Raidou Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami. I was surprised to learn that Iwashi-sensei was part of this elite platoon. The four of them often teamed up for missions outside of those assigned by Lord Third.

One day, they tried to recruit Kosuke, but he had other commitments. To my surprise, he suggested my name instead. Initially, the team was skeptical and didn't want a young genin on their mission. However, Kosuke's strong endorsement, coupled with Hayate's personal experience with me and Iwashi-sensei's desire to see me in action again, sealed the deal. The mission was simple: bandit extermination.

In our team of five, we had two jonin and two chunin, including Iwashi-sensei and Hayate, who was preparing for his jonin test. After the Kyubi attack, Iwashi-sensei had withdrawn from the more gruesome aspects of shinobi work, finding solace in teaching at the academy as a chunin. The attack had left deep scars, not just on the village but also on the hearts of many shinobi. The trauma of that night was something Iwashi-sensei carried with him, influencing his decision to step away from the front lines. Teaching the next generation provided a sense of purpose and stability amidst the lingering chaos.

However, despite his preference for a quieter life, Iwashi-sensei's reputation as a skilled shinobi and his knowledge of legendary jutsu made him indispensable. These techniques were tailored specifically for the trio by the Fourth Hokage, making them unique and irreplaceable. The upper echelon of the village, aware of his invaluable skills, often pressured him to take on missions that required his expertise. This displeasure was palpable; they viewed his desire to stay away from combat as a waste of his abilities. The village needed all its assets, especially those with the kind of specialized knowledge that Iwashi-sensei possessed.

Even though I was competent for my age, I was acutely aware of my inexperience in battle. The battlefield was an unforgiving place, and senior shinobi rarely gambled with their lives by bringing along untested rookies. They preferred reliability and seasoned skills, qualities I had yet to fully prove. To ensure I wasn't seen as a liability, I made it my mission to become irreplaceable.

I knew that I couldn't match their experience, but I could contribute in other ways. I took on the cooking duties, having become quite proficient thanks to Kosuke's lessons. Using my water clones, I set up camp swiftly and efficiently, utilizing various seals to enhance our safety and efficiency. Proximity seals, heating seals to reduce smoke, identification seals, and more became lifesavers on many missions. These skills not only showcased my utility but also demonstrated my dedication to the team's success.

The upper echelons of the village, while respectful of Iwashi-sensei's wishes, couldn't help but feel frustrated at times. They understood the trauma he had endured but were also keenly aware of the strategic advantage his skills provided. His specialized knowledge in sealing techniques was seen as a critical asset, and there was a constant push and pull between allowing him the peace he sought and utilizing his invaluable abilities for the village's benefit.

Out of great curiosity, I once asked Iwashi-sensei to show me the seal formula of the legendary Flying Thunder God (Hiraishin). To my surprise, he agreed and showed me a kunai with the sealing array etched onto its handle in intricate kanji. I was shocked he showed me the formula so readily; after all, it was one of the most guarded and coveted jutsu in Konoha. When I examined it closely, I realized why: it was as if I was trying to decipher a new language. The complexity was overwhelming.

Iwashi-sensei saw the expression on my face and laughed uproariously. "What is this?" I asked, bewildered. "I can't begin to understand this array."

He smiled. "This is just a glimpse into the depth of understanding and the fraction of knowledge the Fourth Hokage had in sealing techniques. This isn't even his masterpiece. The personal seal he used could transport objects the size of biju, create space-time barriers, and teleport multiple targets in seconds. This kunai holds the most diluted form of the technique."

I was utterly shocked. My world had just been turned upside down. "Do you understand this array?" I asked, now holding a great reverence for Iwashi-sensei. I had always felt that his knowledge in sealing was very localized and specialized. He always seemed to view sealing not as an art but merely as a tool. But if he knew this seal, I had to take back all my reservations.

He shook his head. "Not entirely. I have enough understanding to use it, which is more than most in the world. This branch of sealing is becoming more obscure as time passes. We have fewer and fewer seal masters, let alone grandmasters or arch-grandmasters, which even the Fourth Hokage fell short of."

Hearing this, I realized the true depth and breadth of the sealing arts. It was a humbling experience, one that made me appreciate the legacy of the Fourth Hokage and the intricate, powerful techniques he left behind. It also ignited a desire within me to delve deeper into the study of seals, understanding that what I knew was just the surface of a vast and profound discipline.

On these missions, my role became crucial in ensuring the team's efficiency and safety. I took pride in my responsibilities, knowing that my efforts allowed the more experienced shinobi to focus on the critical aspects of the mission. Cooking delicious meals, setting up secure camps, and using seals to protect our position were tasks that seemed minor but were vital in the grand scheme of our operations. This not only made me feel useful but also helped build trust within the team. When I set up camp, it was my swiftness and efficiency that ingratiated me, utilizing various seals to enhance our safety and effectiveness. Proximity seals, heating seals to reduce smoke, identification seals, and more became lifesavers on many missions.

One of the more challenging aspects was gaining the respect of senior shinobi who were initially skeptical of my abilities. They had seen countless rookies come and go, many not surviving their first real battle. I understood their reservations and worked tirelessly to prove myself. Each successful mission, each well-prepared meal, and each strategic use of seals helped shift their perception. Slowly, I was becoming more than just a young genin; I was becoming a reliable member of the team.

Our first mission together involved clearing out a bandit camp. The bandits consisted of academy dropouts, a few genin, a lot of non-ninja bandits, and three chunin leaders. We worked swiftly and efficiently to take them down. Kosuke had taught me the basics of sensing, revealing that I was a natural. My nascent sensing ability, while still developing, was good enough to find their scouts and patrols. The others could sense as well, but none were naturals like me. I proved my worth, and since then, I became a constant member of their team. The pay was good, and they gradually introduced me to B-rank missions.

My budding kenjutsu skills were honed further with training from Hayate. When I mentioned that Kosuke had taught me the basics, Hayate took it upon himself to refine my techniques. Despite their praise, I knew I was still far from mastering the sword. Hayate's prowess was awe-inspiring, and while Kosuke was also skilled, it was clear that I still had a long way to go. Konoha wasn't known for its swordsmanship like Kirigakure, home to the legendary Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. I often wondered how they could call me talented when I felt so inadequate compared to the likes of Hayate or the swordsmen of Kiri.

Aside from Hayate's team, I also worked with other teams, including Izumo and Kotetsu. Then there was the eccentric yet formidable shinobi named Guy. Maito Guy was as enigmatic as he was powerful, rumored to be as skilled as Kakashi, an A-rank shinobi in the bingo books. Just like with Hayate's team, my inclusion was thanks to Kosuke's endorsement.

On a mission with Guy's team, I quickly learned to adapt to his unique approach. Initially, I thought Guy's eccentric personality made him seem a bit slow and gullible, but I soon realized that it masked a deeply strategic mind. His relentless energy and unconventional methods pushed me to think differently, helping me grow stronger and more versatile. I thought I was fit and good at taijutsu and kenjutsu. I trained relentlessly to my limits since joining the academy, and my efforts had only increased. However, Guy taught me that there was more to physical fitness and endurance. He showed me that what I was doing was like a sloth's effort compared to a honey badger's. I realized I had slacked off a lot in my training. I could never reach his standard or his ethics, but integrating his grueling training routines into our missions really paid off. It was during these missions that I began to understand the importance of mental fortitude and physical resilience.

One mission, in particular, stood out. We were tasked with escorting a high-profile merchant through a dangerous region notorious for bandit attacks. True to form, Guy approached the mission with boundless enthusiasm, turning the escort into a dynamic training session. We encountered numerous threats along the way, and each time, Guy's tactics were both unpredictable and effective. He taught me to think on my feet, to expect the unexpected, and to harness my inner strength.

These experiences with various teams not only broadened my skill set but also helped me build a network of mentors and allies. Each mission, each lesson, added to my growing confidence and competence as a shinobi. I began to see the interconnectedness of the shinobi world, understanding that every experience, no matter how small, contributed to my overall growth.

We had been traveling for several days without incident when the first sign of trouble appeared. Guy, ever vigilant, noticed subtle disturbances along the path—tracks too fresh, the sudden silence of the forest.

"Stay alert, everyone," Guy said, his tone still cheerful but with an edge of seriousness. "I have a feeling we're about to get some unexpected company."

It wasn't long before a group of shinobi emerged from the trees—their headbands conspicuously absent. Guy's eyes narrowed as he recognized a few of them. "Kumo shinobi," he muttered under his breath, signaling for us to be ready.

Despite the peace treaty signed a few years ago, tensions between Konoha and Kumo remained high, especially after the infamous Hyuga incident where Kumo had attempted to steal the Byakugan. If these shinobi were caught, the Land of Lightning would surely deny any involvement.

The Kumo shinobi launched their attack swiftly. Shuriken flew through the air as they charged towards the caravan. Guy was a whirlwind of motion, deflecting the projectiles with his sheer speed and agility. "Naruto, protect the merchant! Kotetsu, Izumo, Ko, form a perimeter!" he barked, his usual jovial tone replaced by the commanding presence of a seasoned warrior.

I positioned myself in front of the merchant, my senses heightened. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I created a few shadow clones to bolster our defenses.

One of the Kumo shinobi, a burly man with a scar across his face, lunged at me. I countered with a flurry of kunai, forcing him to dodge. "You're not getting past me!" I shouted, my voice steady despite the chaos around us.

The Kumo shinobi regrouped and attacked in coordinated waves. I saw Kotetsu and Izumo fending off a group on the left flank, their synchronized movements creating a deadly dance of steel and strategy. Kotetsu used his unique jutsu to manipulate the environment, creating pitfalls and barriers that disrupted the enemy's approach. Izumo, from his vantage point in the trees, rained down a barrage of shuriken and kunai, each one finding its mark with pinpoint accuracy.

Ko, with his Byakugan activated, identified weak points in the enemy formation. His precise strikes incapacitated several attackers, his gentle fist style proving devastating. "Naruto, stay sharp!" he called out as he disabled another opponent with a swift palm strike.

I created more clones, spreading them out to form a defensive line around the merchant. One of my clones engaged a Kumo shinobi wielding dual kunai. Their blades clashed in a rapid series of strikes and parries. The clone feinted to the left, drawing the enemy's guard, then delivered a swift kick to his midsection, sending him sprawling.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Kumo shinobi, a woman with intense eyes and swift movements, directed her team with calculated efficiency. She had a presence that demanded attention and respect. I noticed her targeting Guy, trying to draw him away from the main battle.

Guy, recognizing the ploy, turned to me. "Naruto, keep everyone safe. I'll handle this."

He launched himself towards the leader, their clash creating shockwaves that shook the ground. Despite her skill, Guy's relentless energy and superior tactics began to wear her down. They exchanged a flurry of blows, each strike creating gusts of wind that scattered leaves and dust. Guy's dynamic entry technique shattered her defense, forcing her to retreat momentarily.

"We need to subdue them quickly," he shouted over the noise of battle. "If this continues, it could spark a larger conflict."

Following Guy's lead, we intensified our efforts. I directed my clones to surround and confuse the remaining attackers. We moved as a unit, overwhelming the Kumo shinobi with our coordinated strikes. One of my clones engaged another enemy, using a combination of taijutsu and ninjutsu to outmaneuver him. I delivered a spinning kick that connected solidly, sending the shinobi crashing into a tree.

Ko, using his Byakugan, pinpointed the location of another attacker hiding in the bushes. "There!" he shouted, and Kotetsu quickly responded, using his unique ninjutsu to trap the enemy in a sticky web-like substance. The Kumo shinobi struggled, but the more he fought, the more entangled he became.

The tide of the battle turned in our favor. The Kumo leader, realizing her team was outmatched, signaled for a retreat. "This isn't over," she hissed at Guy before disappearing into the forest with her remaining comrades.

With the immediate threat neutralized, we regrouped around the merchant. He was shaken but unharmed. Guy, though still energetic, had a somber expression. "These encounters are reminders that peace is fragile," he said. "We must always be prepared to defend it."

As we continued our journey, I couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. The clash with the Kumo shinobi had taught me valuable lessons about strategy, teamwork, and the delicate balance of peace and conflict. Despite the hostility that still lingered between Konoha and Kumo, we had managed to protect our charge and maintain the fragile peace.

These experiences with various teams not only broadened my skill set but also helped me build a network of mentors and allies. Each mission, each lesson, added to my growing confidence and competence as a shinobi. I began to see the interconnectedness of the shinobi world, understanding that every experience, no matter how small, contributed to my overall growth.

As my eighth birthday approached, I found myself reflecting on the journey so far. From a struggling genin living under a bridge to a respected member of the shinobi community, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the mentors who had guided me, the friends who had supported me, and the challenges that had shaped me.

Now, looking at the upcoming Chunin promotion exam, I didn't know what to feel. This Chunin exam wasn't like the public one where shinobi from various villages participated. It was specifically for reserve shinobi and some elite members who didn't take the public exam. This was the third way to get promoted, other than through a field promotion or the public Chunin exam.

Thank you for giving "Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm" a chance. Please share your thoughts and comments.

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Chapter 16- Shadows of Valor is out! in my Patren. 

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