Chapter | XXV |

Noticing Naruto's distress, Rumi — Sitting beside him — tilted her head in confusion. Then, a soft giggle left her lips, Naruto glanced at her surprised. He had thought the girl was some edgy and detached person like Sasuke, but turns out she had emotions like everyone else.

For once, Naruto was really curious why she chose to wear that horrific Oni mask that made one look at her like an emotionless person. She lifted her stick and gestured Naruto to take it with a nod.

Naruto smiled awkwardly.

"Thanks"

He muttered before taking the stick with roasted fish, he ate his share in silence like the others. After he was done with his meal and was about to get up, Asashi's words rang in the serene atmosphere.

"Why... Why did you kill him?"

The black-haired teen said, his gaze on the ground, reluctant to meet the fierce stare of Kakashi. Everyone stood motionless, Rumi ignored his question and went on with her business.

Naruto went to his tent, he had better things to do than consult a lost guy. Teammate or not, if he couldn't overcome his trauma by himself, it was pointless. That was what Naruto believed. Finding a comfortable spot, he sat and opened a book, and started to read its content.

"Chakra Nature"

The book was very short, explaining the types of elements, their uses, weakness, advantage, and more. After closing the book, he took a piece of paper and held it in between his finger. It was a paper used to check one's affinity toward an element, commonly used in the Ninja world.

As he channeled chakra into the paper, one side caught on fire and the other wrinkled. Naruto's eyes slightly broadened. Two elements! He hurried to Kakashi like a child who just hit the jackpot, and he did.

"Kakashi Sensei, Kakashi Sensei!"

He whispered into his tent, the zip slowly opened to reveal a drowsy Kakashi. The Jōnin rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"What is it Naruto?"

"Look at this!"

He held another similar-looking piece of paper and molded Chakra into it. Like before, one side wrinkled and the other burned to ashes. Kakashi's expression turned serious but shortly went back to his usual form.

"Lightning and Fire... Well, that's a surprise. You got one rare affinity and a pretty common one"

Then, he looked into Naruto's eyes to see his expectant gaze. However, Kakashi didn't hesitate to crush that hopeful stare.

"Don't even think about it. I won't teach you single Jutsu..."

Naruto's eyes turned dim, the light flickering away, but it quickly blazed into existence upon hearing his Sensei's next words.

"Until you create one yourself... It should be of at least B Rank"

Naruto's golden eyes sparkled with intense determination before he flickered away. Kakashi's brows rose at that. "He learned the Body-Flicker?".

His evaluation of Naruto increased, and his expectation of Naruto's success raised in his heart. Kakashi knew full well how difficult it was to create a Jutsu, but he gambled that much on Naruto's talent. He was dead sure that his disciple would make it work, one way or another.

'He is an Uzumaki after all, they are known to adapt at an inhumane rate'

His eyes darted toward Rumi's tent.

'I wonder how you'll control that power of yours... Rumi"

***

Before sunrise, all of them packed their belongings and were ready to head out. Kakashi memorized the map once more just in case and departed, the trio followed suit. They met two or three groups of bandits along the way, Naruto — Using body flicker and ruthless attacks to vital areas — and Rumi using her archery made short work of them. They were mundane humans with no special attributes, making the task much easier.

Asashi remained a spectator during the whole thing, his morals held him back from being a part of the murderous acts. Kakashi gave tips and some short lessons after every 'training' session they went through, making them better after each battle.

The silver-haired Jōnin disregarded Asashi's existence completely and focused on the progressing two students. He had tried his best to convince and nail some sense into the young boy, but it was futile like mixing oil with water.

Although he was just a healer, Kakashi wanted him to learn atleast a basic level of self-defense. His plans did not go well. His medical ability almost became irrelevant as none of them received any wounds, but that wouldn't be the case every time.

Maybe it was the fact that he was a person who healed rather than hurt someone that held him back, after all, medics never participated in the front lines.

Kakashi and the others made camp and again at nightfall, like that, they spent 3 more days and nights before they reached their destination.

The short, green grass danced in the distance. A hint of golden sparkled as the sunlight fell on the greenery. There was nothing but hills and more hills, and several dirt paths dividing the landscape.

"This Northern Plains"

Kakashi muttered.