Chapter no.48 The Jonins of Konoha

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Sarutobi Asuma did not consider himself a ladies man.

This, he supposed, was an unfortunate side-effect of his questionably ruggish looks and appearance. He was built strong and hardy, and his finely developed beard was one thing that accentuated his appearance more firmly than anything else. Of course, the fact that his lips were almost often occupied with a familiar white stick, and his breath unfortunately stank of dry, acrid smoke could also be a major detractor.

That was why, on this particular day, he had made sure to get the strongest breath mints he could find before he entered the Jonin's lounge. Recently back from a rather successful mission, wallet filled to the brim with suitable wealth and satisfaction, all that was missing from his life at this moment, was a companion to which he could share all his victories and successes.

Being a former member of the Fire Daimyo's own elite bodyguard squad, the Twelve Guardians, had often put him in many situations where he would find young and beautiful women, and where he would have to either protect or kill these young and beautiful women as the job required.

Bedding them, of course, had happened, once, or twice, but he knew, and they knew, that the act in and of itself had no real meaning, and it was merely two people attempting to release some steam from the rigid routines of their daily life, with the sweet caresses and touch of the opposite sex. A relationship was an impossibility, as he was a shinobi, and they were most certainly not.

Hence, it made sense to him, as to find someone who he could possess a relationship with, someone who would not be squeamish as he regaled her with the grimy and unfortunate details of his job, someone who could understand and relate with said grimy and unfortunate details, and someone, who overall, could stand at his side if need be, facing off enemies in a valiant defense for their home and their loved ones.

And he felt, that he knew exactly just who that person was.

Walking into the lounge, his breath was as fresh as newly plucked and squeezed mint leaves, his gait and back as straight as a kunai thrown by Kami himself, his chest puffed up, shoulders broadened, and the thick, wafting smell of cologne trailing around him like a wispy specter whispering encouraging words into his ears, Asuma was certain that nothing could go wrong.

Until the sound of sweet, melodious laughter entered his ears, the laughter of none other than the very person he felt, could be his destined soulmate.

"...Wow, did she really?"

A small part of him grew irate, as he realized, that there was someone there chatting her up, another Jonin most likely. It was to be expected, as she was a reasonably new Jonin, freshly promoted from her previous rank of Special Jonin as her Genjutsu skills had ultimately gained recognition, and her work in the field had marked her as exceptional above her peers. She was also beautiful, incredibly so - with an appearance that often left him a blithering mess, abandoning all forms of grace and finesse that his occupation had drilled into him, and leaving him able to do nothing but smile at her.

He eventually walked forward, ready to see who could possibly be the one he would deem as his competition, the one who could possibly make her laugh as sweetly as she did -

His eyes were not ready for the orange.

Nor the green.

Nor the spandex.

Nor the bowl cut.

"Ah! Asuma-san! How YOUTH-ful of you to join us!"

Nor was he ready for the yelling. No one was ever ready for the yelling.

His lips crinkled into a grimaced smile. "Gai... nice to see you too."

Barring the exception of his father, the Hokage, and perhaps, the Copy Ninja, Kakashi, Maito Gai was the strongest shinobi presently within the walls of Konoha.

Asuma could not hate the man, because he had accomplished a great deal of feats, and he was a true and trusted ally of the village, who would sooner kill himself than betray it, and he would be just as willing to give his life in defense of it.

Still, his eyes trailed over to her form, the woman who often had him turning in his bed for many a nights, whose chilling red eyes could stun him to stupor, whose laughter could make him melt and float and burn all in one instance -

Yuuhi Kurenai stood, actually happy to be in the man's presence.

There was nothing inherently wrong with Gai of course, he was a good shinobi, a strong shinobi, a loyal friend, an honorable man, a great man even. However, he was flashy, visible, boisterous and extremely, extremely eccentric -

Surely Kurenai had no interest in him right?

Right?

"Kurenai-san,... great to see you as well."

"Likewise Sarutobi-san."

He inwardly grimaced.

"Please. Call me Asuma - anything but Sarutobi-san."

The name Sarutobi was the name of his clan and the name of his father, and it was not his name.

Not his legacy.

He wanted as little to be connected to it as humanly possible.

"Gai-san was just telling me about some of the exploits of the sole female student on his Genin team."

Asuma rose an eyebrow at that.

"Really?"

Idly, the Guardian Shinobi wondered if it was possible for Gai to have gotten even more enthusiastic.

"Of course! Young Tenten is a vibrant and budding flower amongst the large field that is youth!"

Could this man create a sentence that did not have that damned word in it? Still, Asuma could not help his lips twitching into a slight chuckle. There was no mistaking the emotion that was clear in Gai's eyes, the sheer unbridled pride which permeated from his form like the thick musk of scented candles.

"Tenten not only graduated as the Kunoichi of the Year, she was so far ahead of her female peers, that had it not been for Sandaime-sama's law about the graduating age, she would have graduated the Academy much sooner."

Kurenai's eyes were sparkling at this point. "Oh?"

Crap, this was not particularly good. Kurenai was the type of woman who enjoyed hearing about other successful kunoichi, particularly if they were still young and budding. If Gai went on further about his student, Kurenai might be interested in seeing her, and if she got to see Gai's student on a regular basis, it meant that she got to see Gai on a regular basis, and if one thing led to another -

"Oh, Gai-san," Kurenai said, now clad in iconic green latex, smiling and winking "Please show me your... power of youth."

NO! NO! NO!

NO!

NO!

Get a grip man!

What was he thinking?

This was Gai he was thinking about!

This was Kurenai!

Come on!

And even if she did, somehow, end up dating someone else, sure, it would suck, and it may leave a vacuum in his chest, but it wasn't like he owned her, or could make her decisions for her.

So why was he so goddamned paranoid about losing something that didn't even belong to him?

He coughed awkwardly.

"You know, I was thinking of taking on a team as well from the next graduating set."

Kurenai and Gai turned to him at the same time.

"Really?"

No, not really.

He was not exactly the best type of person cut out for teaching, because he enjoyed a simple and sweet lifestyle.

Sure, he had gained a few students here and there and taught them, but that was entirely different from having a Genin team. Hell, he couldn't even imagine himself sitting down a bunch of troublesome brats and constantly being responsible for their lives and ensuring that they didn't go out there to get themselves killed.

Of course, he couldn't say that now could he?

Kurenai was looking straight at him.

"Of course," he said, the words escaping his lips as though it were not the furthest thing from the truth.

"There's something about children... the amount of potential they have in them. They can do great things, greater things than we can imagine, if only we let them, teach them, and help them."

Her eyes softened, and in his mind, a mini-version of himself did a small victory dance.

"YOSH! Your words ring so true Asuma-san! I should have known that a man directly related to the Sandaime would be truly so honorable!"

He mashed his teeth together, forcing it into a smile.

There it was again.

Always, everywhere, every time, every single bloody time -

A man directly related to the Sandaime.

Twenty-seven years.

Twenty-seven full years of living, and it still happened.

Genin at nine.

Chunin at twelve.

Jonin at sixteen.

Black Market bounty of thirty-five million Ryo.

One hundred and fifty A Rank missions completed.

Eighteen S-Rank missions successful.

None of that mattered when your father was the bloody, damned God of Shinobi.

Or worse, all of it was expected.

Damn, he needed a smoke.

The reprimand he would get for smoking the familiar white stick from Kurenai would be far more preferable than the surly repercussions continuing the conversation in his slightly irritable mood.

As expected, Kurenai's nose wrinkled when she saw his slim white companion.

"Those things will kill you, you know."

He laughed even as he whipped out his lighter.

"Kurenai-san, if I'm killed by these... I'm one of the lucky ones."

It would mean that he had lived long enough to for the smoke to do significant damage, and that alone, was of course, a rather grim fact.

She realized it too, and her face immediately went slightly grim.

Smooth Asuma.

Real smooth.

Way to kill a mood.

"Ah, now that the youthful Asuma-san brought up the issue of children -"

He rose an eyebrow as he realized that Gai seemed slightly less solemn, and then he turned his attention to Kurenai.

"I will confess Kurenai-san, the reason I started up a conversation with you today, was not entirely random. It has to do with a rather serious matter."

Asuma choked on his cigarette.

No, no way - Gai was - was Gai about to ask Kurenai out?

The issue of children - did - did he want to have -

It seemed that he was not the only one with that thought in mind, as Kurenai's eyes widened, her eyes flicking over to him slightly.

"O-oh? And w-what exactly is the reason?"

Gai slowly let out a hefty - but still hearty - sigh.

"I am afraid that I do not quite understand the workings of a maiden's mind, let alone her heart, and alas, I wish to make my proposal to you."

No - No - This was not happening! Asuma stared at his cigarette as though it were a completely foreign object, questioning if the nicotine within had been replaced with some foreign substance that was responsible for this unbelievable scene.

However, the one consolation, was that Kurenai looked unusually... distressed.

Could it be -

YES! She didn't like him! And now that Asuma thought about it that was kind of sad for the big guy, but that was so much, much better for him.

"Actually, Gai-san," Kurenai said, cutting him off before he uttered another word and also clearing her throat.

"I just remembered, that Asuma and I have not been entirely honest with you either."

"You haven't?"

"We haven't?"

A heeled foot slammed on his pinky.

"I mean," Asuma said, wincing "Yes - we haven't."

Sarutobi Asuma was not a religious person, but even he could not help but feel that this was the work of some sort of god, pleasantly interfering in his life for once. Kurenai's eyes flickered over to him, and it didn't take long for him to interpret and act.

His arm slid over her shoulder.

"Kurenai and I have been... together... for some time now."

At her smile and nod, Sarutobi Asuma knew without a shadow of a doubt:

There is a god.

"YOSH! That is WONDERFUL!"

Two sets of confused eyes stared in unision.

"Huh?"

"Come again?"

Asuma had not realized that it was possible for Gai to be even more enthusiastic than normal.

"It is absolutely amazing! Asuma-san! Kurenai-san! May your blossoming love flourish into something of legend!"

Wait, wait, wasn't he supposed to be... disappointed?

"You -" Asuma tested the word, "You're not mad?"

Gai blinked in confusion.

"I do not understand. Why would I be?"

"Your proposal -"

"Ah, yes! I was going to request that Kurenai-san aid me in assisting my student Tenten. She has been..." Gai smiled "...taking on a lot of E rank missions alone, and she refuses to explain and is actually completing a lot of E rank missions on her own, like three per day, and I think she has already done around 34 in total. I know I should be happy that Tenten's youthful flames are burning so brightly, but I am worried for her. As she is adopted by her sole father and is lacking a key feminine parental figure in her life, I was hoping that Kurenai-san could step in and shed some light, or perhaps assist her with her issues."

oh.

Oh.

OH!

"So when you mentioned children -" Kurenai began.

"I was referring to my student yes."

"And when you said you did not understand the workings of a maiden's mind or heart -" Asuma continued.

"I was still referring to my student..." he clarified, before his eyes lit up once more "Oh but, this is such great news! Two wonderful friends of mine are together and bound by the most youthful force of all!"

"Ha. Ha-ha. Yeah... we're... together alright..."

Wait, why was Kurenai glaring at him? Wasn't this also partly her idea?!

"Ah, that reminds me, Kurenai-san, about my request -"

"Of course, I'd be absolutely happy to help your student."

Gai beamed.

"WONDERFUL!"

Then, he smiled.

"Ah, I see Kakashi; I am going to engage with him in a series of spars in an attempt to rekindle his flames of youth, I must be off! But Asuma-san, Kurenai-san, I am certain your father and all our friends would be pleased to hear about your relationship!"

Kurenai's eyes widened.

"Wait, Gai-san -"

"YOSH! THE POWER OF YOUTH BURNS STRONG!"

And the man was gone in a soundless, silent, and utterly professional Shunshin.

And it was at that moment, Sarutobi Asuma began sweating bullets.

"... So... we're together now?"

If looks could kill, Asuma was certain that he'd be a dead man.

"Excuse me!"

A voice suddenly called out, causing Asuma and Kurenai to nearly jump out of their skins.

Why didn't I sense anything?!

Turning around, they saw Naruto standing there, holding a box in his hand.

"Oh, Naruto, you scared me," Asuma admitted, scratching his head in embarrassment.

How could an academy student startle him like that?

"What are you doing here?" Asuma inquired, as Kurenai peered over curiously.

"I'm not sure, I got this E rank mission about delivering Vitamin D ana-ana-ana," Naruto stumbled over the words.

"Analogues," Asuma helpfully corrected.

"Yeah, that. Here you go." Naruto said, producing a document and instructing, "Sign here, here, and here."

Asuma complied, still a bit taken aback by the surprise delivery.

"Thanks! Good luck with your girlfriend!" Naruto yelled as he dashed off, leaving a trail of bewilderment behind him.

"Girlfriend, huh?" Kurenai raised an eyebrow, turning to Asuma who suddenly felt very warm under her gaze.

"I need a smoke," Asuma thought desperately, trying to deflect from the unexpected comment on his personal life. He glanced at the medication Naruto had delivered for his psoriasis, a reminder of why the ninja lifestyle wasn't always glamorous.

Wait, why is Naruto doing E rank missions?

.....

Naruto dashed toward the training ground, arriving just in time to see Hinata dodge Tenten's naginata.

As she landed, Hinata lunged forward, the Neko Te on her hands glowing with chakra. Tenten evaded the attack with a substitution jutsu, and Hinata grabbed the log that appeared in Tenten's place, hurling it toward the treeline.

Tenten leaped from behind the trees, slicing down mid-air.

Hinata countered the descending naginata with an upper slash, her claw meeting Tenten's blade in a clash of metal. Quickly pivoting, Hinata dodged to the right, positioning herself to strike at Tenten's neck. But Tenten reacted swiftly, spitting out a senbon with an explosive seal attached. Hinata instinctively jumped back to avoid the blast.

"Okay, I am going to deduct points," Tenten announced.

"Why?"

"You jumped back rather than deflecting the senbon. Those eyes of yours can render most fear tactics useless as long as you keep calm and take charge. But I will say, you have drastically improved from yesterday," Tenten explained.

"What are you talking about? A little more push and Hinata would have beaten you," Naruto interjected, earning a hush from Hinata and an eye roll from Tenten.

"Don't worry, after Hinata beats me, she'll come for you," Tenten retorted.

"So you admit that you are weaker than Hinata?" Naruto teased, as Hinata blushed, trying to defuse the tension between them.

"Since you are here, are you done with today's quota?" Tenten asked, changing the subject.

"Yep, but I had to turn off the transformation since I was delivering to a Jonin," Naruto replied, handing Tenten the documents.

"Good, now get to your chakra control practice. I need to help Hinata with her stances," Tenten directed.

....

[ An Hour Later ]

[ Skill: Chakra Control - Level 10 ]

[ Description: A skill that, when diligently trained, evolves from fundamental to crucial, signifying a shinobi's mastery over chakra. ]

[ Passive Enhancements: ]

- [ Chakra Efficiency: Decreases chakra consumption by 50% for all jutsu. ]

- [ Chakra Recovery Rate: Improves passive chakra regeneration by 25%. ]

- [ Chakra Reservoir Expansion: Increases total chakra capacity by 40%. ]

- [ Elemental Affinity Enhancement: Reduces the chakra cost of elemental jutsu by an additional 20%. ]

- [ Chakra Flow Stability: Greatly reduces the disruption of chakra flow from external influences, enhancing defense against chakra-absorbing techniques by 30%. ]

[ Active Enhancements: ]

- [ Chakra Surge: Temporarily increases chakra flow, boosting the effectiveness of jutsu by 30% for 60 seconds. Activation consumes additional chakra. ]

- [ Focus Boost: For 60 seconds, enhances concentration, increasing the success rate of complex jutsu by 20%. ]

- [ Elemental Burst: Allows the user to momentarily enhance their elemental jutsu, increasing damage output by 35% for the next attack. ]

- [ Precision Control: Grants the ability to finely control chakra distribution, enhancing the efficiency of chakra usage in jutsu by 25% and allowing for simultaneous casting of multiple jutsu. ]

....

[ Quest: Mastery of the Clone Jutsu ]

[ Status: Successfully Completed ]

[ Player Naruto has leveled up the Chakra Control Skill to level 10, achieving the necessary proficiency for the clone jutsu. ]

[ Rewards Granted: ]

- [ Skill: Academy Clone Jutsu. ]

.....

[ Skill: Academy Style Clone Jutsu - Level 1 ]

[ Description: A clone employed for distraction, this clone serves as a fundamental technique in the art of deception and strategy. ]

[ Passive Enhancements: ]

- [ Deceptive Resemblance: Enhances the clone's resemblance to the user by 20%. ]

[ Active Enhancements: ]

- [ Tactical Retreat: Activation of the clone provides a 10% boost to the user's evasion. ]

I felt like I was over the moon—well, technically, I was in my underwear walking on water, but that was beside the point. "Female guys!" I yelled out to Hinata and Tenten, who were each enjoying a sandwich made by Hinata.

"Stop calling us that!" Tenten yelled back.

"No," I replied playfully, forming my hands into the rat seal.

The Clone Jutsu was a simple technique, best explained through the analogy of blowing bubbles. When you blow through a wand, the soap forms a bubble that takes the shape of the wand's circle. Similarly, when using this jutsu, chakra is expelled, leaving a puff of smoke and a chakra "bubble" that takes on the shape of the user, mimicking simple actions like walking or standing.

As my clone materialized, a surge of emotion overcame me. This jutsu represented a significant hurdle I had struggled to overcome. Now, here it was, the result of my hard work, standing naked in orange underwear just like me.

"Oh, great, now there are three of them. At least they can't talk," Tenten joked.

Suddenly I couldn't resist the urge to pull a prank.

I reached for my underwear, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

Tenten looked horrified, while Hinata, for some reason, seemed eager, almost like a pervert, complete with a bloody nose.

With a swift motion, I pulled down my underwear, revealing another layer underneath.

Hinata's nose gushed more blood, and she fainted from the shock.

Tenten's eyes twitched in irritation.

She was definitely mad.

"Hahaha!" I couldn't help but laugh at their expressions.

"Run, Naruto, run! Tenten's coming for you, and she wants revenge for you ruining her meal," Tenten screamed, charging at me with trench knives in her hands.

I sprang into action, using the Clone Jutsu to create distractions as I dove into the water, creating ripples and splashes in my hasty escape.

Worth it.

...

[ Author Note:

How do you guys like my explanation or rather interpretation of the Academy Clone Jutsu?

I could have gone the Genjutsu route, saying it's a Genjutsu, but choosing the Ninjutsu route forced me to be kind of creative with it.

Hence the whole bubble chakra analogy explanation.

Anyway, the Shadow Clone Jutsu has a similar explanation, but think of the bubble being filled with life due to the Yang Jutsu, and Naruto was able to learn it so quickly because he had a lot of Yang chakra since he had the Yang side of Kurama inside of him.

Enjoy! ]