"Grrrh..." The man in mask, standard Konoha gear, forehead protector down over left eye, grunted doing another one-arm pull-up. Second arm tied to back so he couldn't move it. Pulled to top, lightly tossed up, grabbed next rock.
"Heh... Getting old." Flashed in head. Suddenly, held rock cracked.
"Oooh, that's bad..." Unmasked eye widened, knew if no power now, he'd fall off cliff, one hand unlikely stop smash on shallow mountain river bottom, hanging decent height. Squeezed eye as rock chunk cracked, concentrated, peering inward, imagining chakra flowing thin channels to thick and thicker. Chakra threads wrap brain, intersect, directed main pressure to weave points around brain cortex.
"Open!" He said, and as treacherous rock broke, man tossed up so hard flew twenty meters, grabbed sturdier ledge near summit.
One single hand.
Shadow fell from above—someone at peak edge leaned over.
Sunlight blinded from above, figure partially blocked, hard see shadowed face, but outline obvious who loomed.
"You're late!" Boyish voice, maturing manly, scolded. "Thought about bailing..."
"Sorry... Was a bit busy." Hanging man smiled through mask.
"Won't help. Climb and spill why hell you called me here." Teen turned.
"Didn't expect otherwise, Sasuke." Man replied.
Jiraiya instant-transmitted beside Rudra, sitting hilltop by waterfall. Hundred meters off, Agni fighting Naruto missed halberd swing again. Fifth time...
"Sure you don't wanna intervene?" He asked, turning to blue toad. It turned, looked.
"No need yet. Agni hasn't fought long time, on edge. Kid hasn't crossed line needing Agni help." Blue toad calmly said, turned back to fight.
"Think Agni can't handle?"
"At first, I thought the kid was too timid and careless too, but now... Look into his eyes. Agni was counting on scaring him, making him panic and make a mistake. That's why he started with a demonstratively dangerous technique. It seems this kid, Naruto, either understood that—which I doubt—or..."
"What?"
"He's stronger than Agni. And the power that brother demonstrated didn't impress him at all, and now he's testing if Agni can show anything else and preparing his own move. Of course, Agni is pretty pissed right now, but he clearly doesn't want to kill the kid, and is rather studying him too, but in his own way... I think if they were fighting to the death right now, both would act differently, and I doubt that at his level, the kid could withstand our combined combos, so for now I'll leave the initiative to Agni."
"I'm afraid you'll have to help Agni sooner," Jiraiya said. "You're one of the smartest young toads on the mountain, but you still haven't figured out what kind of child this is? Take a closer look..."
"Hm?" Rudra frowned and peered at Naruto. "Hm? Hmm? Aaaaaa?!"
***
"Circular swing!" Agni shouted, slicing through another six clones that tried to attack him mid-leap from different sides. Suddenly, a vertical strike came crashing down from above. I, under the cover of clones, attacked the five-meter toad standing almost at full height from above, quickly drawing my sword right before the strike, but the toad managed to intercept the weapon and put up a block. Sparks flew from the katana clashing against the steel shaft on which the spear with the axe blade was mounted. I struck with both hands, though it wasn't very convenient to hold this katana that way, but the second hand allowed me to put way more chakra and strength into the blow. I fear my one-handed strikes would be like slapping a door for such a massive beast.
Damn, he's lifting the axe blade...
"Shadow Clone Technique!" Phew, every time on the edge... I managed to create a clone behind me, whose sole task was to grab me by the collar and shove me back, substituting himself under the rising axe blade. Concentrating chakra in my feet, I successfully landed on the shore. Sheathing the sword, I formed the cross seal again and created another six clones, with whom we charged at the left flank, betting that this toad wouldn't be able to quickly switch the halberd and change the attack vector, and that I'd manage to reach him now.
He didn't manage it, but he didn't even try...
"Circular swing!" The toad shouted already in the midst of executing the technique. Without changing the attack vector, she simply swung the halberd and her entire bulk over her left shoulder, bisecting my clones mid-leap with a circular swing. After that, apparently waiting for his strength to recover from that first kendo attack, he tried to hit me with regular shore strikes. I realized he couldn't repeat powerful attacks several times in a row and decided to act the moment that window opened.
But either this toad is smart too and trying to bait me, or it coincided that he chose right now to show me he could use kendo attacks, accelerating sharply several times in a row with minimal cooldown or none at all.
As soon as I realized he wasn't changing the attack vector, I immediately created a shadow clone in front of me and kicked off his back with my feet, doing a double backflip. Again, a second before inevitable bisection into two unequal parts.
"Fuck..." It slipped out in Russian as I landed on my feet, already helping myself brake with my hand.
"Not done yet!" The toad shouted. "Circular..." Agni took a step forward, crouching slightly and leaping up. Spinning in the air over his left shoulder and gripping the halberd firmly with both paws, he swung from his right shoulder with full force from above. "Circular Cleaving Fang!" The axe blade plunged into the ground with immense force, leaving a noticeable gash and digging into the soil under the rocks.
I wasn't there anymore. Once again, I teleported my body upward using the instant movement technique combined with the substitution technique onto a small nearby rock.
Looks like my speed increased after the chunin exam. Before, I couldn't use these standard techniques that quickly, especially in such a stressful situation. And today's fight is a nice bonus for me too. Fighting this toad, I honed coordination with clones in the air, substitution with clones, and instant movement to 146%. Even had to quick-draw the sword a couple times.
Alright, if there's no attack window, I need to create one myself.
Time to end this frog frolic by the river!
"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!" In mid-air, I formed the cross seal and, kicking off one of the clones, flew straight at the toad.
"Has life taught you nothing, brat?!" Agni tried to quickly lift the halberd again, but fat chance peeking from under the water lily. My clones, ten bodies strong, dropped to the ground and covered the protruding axe blade. The halberd wasn't that big, really. The shaft about twice my size, but I'd taken that into account... Probably less. Six clones piled on top, a few more held the halberd from the ground, and two landed feet-first on the shaft. I, kicking off yet another clone who specially jumped four meters up for this, greatly accelerated my flight and, winding up, clenched my fist for a strike at the stunned toad face. These clones weren't mass-produced. They could still use plenty of chakra and magnetized their feet to the shore, no problem. Agni couldn't lift the stuck weapon from the ground with a dozen kids sitting on it.
"I told you... I don't have time to play with you. Toad face!" I struck, pouring as much chakra and flying weight into the fist as I could. Seems Agni felt it and even let go of the halberd with his hands, squinting and turning his face aside. Landing on his chest, I kicked and pushed off with all my might for the upcoming uppercut—the very one original Naruto used to take down Neji, but double. I created another clone the moment I kicked.
The double strike made the toad step back, and I pressed the attack, burying him under clones and raining down a hail of punches and kicks. He tried to flail and even swatted some clones with his paws, but without his weapon, he couldn't do much. From that, he fell on his back right into the river, and I wasn't stopping, planning to finish him with foot strikes using clones so his bulk sank to the bottom. Five mes covered his body with blows, two more for the face, but suddenly, as some clones were already flying down...
"Water Release: Water Bullet!" From a hundred meters east, a blue toad attacked me.
Lucky I didn't fly in as the original to finish him.
One bullet knocked my clones out of the air. The second hit those holding the halberd and naturally washed them away in all directions. Doing a back roll and standing on the river using the water walking technique, Agni, realizing which way the wind was blowing, leaped to his weapon and quickly picked it up from the ground, gripping it comfortably on his right side.
Oh, and this is very bad...
A moment after the two bullets, the blue toad in armor grabbed one of the knuckle-dusters and leaped forward straight at me, swinging the cutting one with full force, not forgetting to gather a decent amount of chakra—and not plain, but elemental.
Kicking off a clone, I dodged the main strike, but as I flew backward back-first from this toad, it was like a massive whip lashed my whole body; good thing I covered my face with my bracer arm, or I wouldn't be pretty anymore...
Rudra's swing trail was charged with wind chakra and lashed my torso hard, throwing me back and down, slamming my back into the ground. I took no serious damage only thanks to the armor plate.
Rudra landed on his feet next to his brother.
"Tch... Who asked you to butt in!"
"You were about to lose!"
"Shut up! I haven't even gotten started."
"Don't underestimate the opponent! This kid..."
I wasn't going to let them chat. Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to quickly stand and charged forward as the original, creating four clones on each side of me and forming them into a wedge behind my back, deciding to quickly attack the two toads before they prepared for battle.
"Hm?" They noticed me simultaneously, damn... I'll use explosive kunai and throw them underfoot to distract.
"Back, Rudra." Agni stepped forward, blocking his brother's view. My clones leaped into the air and forward first. Though I threw kunai under the toad's feet, I didn't detonate them... I just need a moment for him to look away: first pair of clones, then second, third, and fourth.
Leaping and kicking off such trampolines in the air left to right and vice versa, I moved in a Z-pattern, and Agni's eyes darted from the suddenly increased speed. Now there's no wide clone front, forcing him to switch to thrusting strikes.
That's exactly what happened; he only aimed the tip at me when a shadow clone appeared above me, from which I kicked sharply downward, straight onto the halberd. Quick-drawing the sword at max speed, I delivered a vertical strike with full mass. Falling with that inertia onto the back of the axe blade, I drove it into the ground, and approaching clones fixed it in place again, while I ran along the steel shaft, balancing, pouring more chakra into my feet, and leaping shouted.
"You should listen to your brother! Take this!" I performed a Leaf Whirlwind approximation and, spinning, delivered a roundhouse kick to the toad's face with my boot. I tried really hard, but it was far from Lee's perfect whirlwind, though it turned out decent. Agni lifted his left leg from the shore from that, his head spun toward the river, and failing to recover, he fell into the river again, while I landed on my feet under Rudra's stunned gaze. Rudra immediately raised his knuckle-duster for a strike, but seeing it, I used chakra threads I hadn't released from the last two kunai with explosive seals to pull them back into my hands. From one hand, throwing the now-hissing ones at the blue toad, I "through hell" used instant movement upward and, kicking off a clone in the air, quick-drew the sword and slashed vertically from above right after the explosion that forced him to squint.
Rudra naturally blocked my strike by crossing knuckle-dusters over his face. He tensed and, staring at me, concentrated elemental chakra for a lunge, preparing to blow me to hell, but...
"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!" I smiled at him and, creating another ten clones who rushed him while his paws were occupied, starting from the armpits they grabbed them three clones per paw, and also kicked throat and torso even through armor. The rest helped trip the hind legs, two per paw. The armored toad fell on his back, and standing on his chest, I held the sword to Rudra's throat.
"Uh... I surrender." He said. Well, this one seems smart...
A red toad face emerged from underwater and spewed a stream of oil that arced straight at us, splashing and covering Rudra's entire body area.
The toad formed some seal underwater with his paws and another one as he surfaced...
Damn, that's tiger! He wants...
As I thought that, my eyes widened, and the toad simply sneezed sparks, igniting the oil, and now a fiery blanket engulfed us.
"Fire Release: Toad Style – Toad Flame Hand! Die!"
I didn't expect that, nor what happened a moment later. Jiraiya intervened and, appearing on the shore by instant movement from who-knows-where, formed several seals and spat a water technique that clashed with the burning oil.
"Water Release: Water Stream Shield!" He added a snake seal, visibly straining, and expanded his technique's area, overpowering the burning oil and washing it to hell from the sky, creating a steam cloud. Through the steam, the toad's shadow was visible, rising to his feet on the river.
"Jiraiya! Why did you interfere?!" Agni yelled. "You said to fight at full strength."
"The fight's over, Agni! You lost. That technique would've only hurt Rudra. Naruto would've dodged easily, but you went blind with rage! You want to ruin your brother?!"
"Huh?! Rudra's not that weak, and he's in armor! He wouldn't die from that!" The toad extended a paw, and taking advantage that the clones holding the halberd were dispersed, pulled it to himself into his paw and, striking the water surface, pointed the tip at the pervert himself.
Oh... Bad move... Really fucking bad.
I jumped off Rudra's body and sheathed the sword.
"Enough, Agni! Fight's over." Rudra croaked.
"I'm not submitting to another milk-sucker you picked for our heads, pervert! Out of the way!"
"Ha! Seems you've forgotten me completely over these years... Well then..."
"Aaaaaa! Your fault!" He really wound up the halberd with both hands at the pervert. The latter just smiled and, left hand behind his back, began forming a rasengan.
Stepping forward, Jiraiya spun dramatically and met the swing with a counter rasengan against the halberd.
"That's... Minato" — Flashed in the toad's mind at the last moment.
The axe blade shattered for the last time... The rasengan explosion even slightly rang my ears, and the shockwave was decent, but Agni had it worse. It threw him clear across the river, and on landing, his bulk toppled a small tree. Barely opening his eye, he just croaked and seemed to pass out.
A few minutes later, he revived the stunned Agni with a bucket of river water. Rudra just bowed low when Jiraiya glared at him. Seeing a real rasengan in action... Mind-blowing. Truly powerful stuff. The halberd is definitely beyond repair now. Pieces of shaft and blade scattered all over the shore. The undirected chakra blast nearly knocked me off my feet. If that hit a person... Real lethal technique, and original Naruto tossed them around left and right like nothing. Double mind-blow.
Crossing the river already with Jiraiya, who said something to the recovered Agni. The toad still gave me the stink-eye for a minute, but eventually both acknowledged me as boss.
"I trust Rudra, but you definitely won't be a problem?" I asked Agni.
"No, kid. I know what a word means and how to keep it. Just..." At that moment Jiraiya glared again, and he, scared, blurted. "Pride flared up in me; I didn't want to believe someone your age could be worthy of our scroll. But now that I felt it on my own hide, I acknowledge you, kid. Call me anytime, any reason."
"What, even just like that?" I grinned.
"You won't surpass Minato and this pervert... Ow, damn..." At that Jiraiya stepped on his hind paw. "Once he summoned us on a date to give that crazy redhead a ride."
"Uh..." This info doesn't fit the Minato image I remember from anime at all. Though, considering whose student he was...
Agni extended a fist to me, and after a couple seconds, Rudra did too. I got it and we three, smiling, bumped fists.
At that moment, we seemed to exchange chakra. At least it felt very similar. In a couple seconds, I understood how to summon exactly these toads and how much chakra it takes. So that's what the pervert meant by "bonds." If it's like this with each toad, no wonder even the Fourth took so long to gather them all.
The toads said goodbye and poofed back to the mountain.
"You're a good kid, Naruto. You exceeded even my boldest expectations. Note that you're definitely chunin level now, or at least you can beat any genin with the power you showed."
"Heh..." I exhaled, feeling fatigue hit.
"I figured you'd use the Nine-Tails' chakra to beat these toads, but handling them on your own power – that's truly amazing at your age."
"What?!" A chill ran through me. Though after a couple seconds I calmed... Nothing surprising he knows. "Old man, so you know about the Nine-Tails?"
"I'm a sage... Of course I know about him."
"That explains jack shit! You talked so much about the Fourth, now casually mention the Nine-Tails, and you seem as strong as Kakashi's teacher, maybe stronger. Are you a Konoha shinobi or what are you?"
"Not everything at once. Come on, let's eat ramen, my treat!"
***
We both ordered a big portion with extras, sweet bun, and apple juice.
After such overloads, I was really hungry. Sakura complained about this... She'd try fighting these toads, damn, and evening stuff ahead too. Though looks like rasengan practice is off. Got business with my toads...
Jiraiya honestly answered questions and told about the three legendary Sannin, that he was the Fourth's teacher, and studied under the Third. Weird they didn't tell about such outstanding shinobi in academy history class.
Mentioned they existed and played key roles in the war. Held an entire front with just three squads. Third's students, three legendary ninja, etc... But I don't remember their names in textbooks, kill me. Maybe because of Orochimaru. And overall, can't call these people happy heroes. Orochimaru – traitor, Tsunade – broken woman drowned in alcohol and gambling. Jiraiya... Millionaire, writer, pervert, boozer, party animal. Seems happy ending, but practice shows truly happy people don't live like that.
We parted after eating; I even asked about the Fourth last, but he said something like "Some other time" and, paying, bailed.
Rest of the day, I rested at home and even crashed for a couple hours till late evening. Taking a cold shower and gathering strength, I snacked on another banana and headed to the third training ground.
Brought a whole backpack of stuff and a bottle of tea. In the backpack: pots, gelatin, alcohol, newspapers. Good-condition bottles from the dump. Bunch of scrolls I bought long ago, chakra paper, old belts. Also wanted to borrow some from the toads, hope as heir I can freely use gear from Mount Myōboku? And energy boosted, maybe even split clones into two groups. Ten to continue mastering rasengan. Got like 50 balls left... Another ten to help prep for the war breathing down our necks. Don't forget tomorrow's Hayate's last day for sword training. Nothing came to mind for a name...
Maybe kendo-savvy toads will suggest something?
"Summoning Technique!" I said just in case, simultaneously slamming palm to ground. Two toads appeared right in front of me. In moonlight, colors weren't distinct, but I recognized them immediately. So I gauged the chakra right first try. Something to be proud of...
"Hm?" They said simultaneously.
"Kid, got business?" Agni asked.
"Yeah, lots of work, but first I wanna ask: you use natural chakra, not the human kind, right?"
"Mmm?" The toads exchanged glances.
"Where'd that come from, kid? Yes, our chakra is basically gathered from natural energy. Similar to yours, but different, allowing Mount Myōboku toads to grow this big." Agni said.
"But we're not the only ones using this energy. Almost all sacred beast tribes can." Rudra added.
"Sacred tribes?"
"Heh... Simply put, animals smart and strong enough not just to survive global upheavals but adapt to new conditions. Found settlements, gained individuality, protected it. Like us toads on our mountain."
"Got it." I nodded. "That's why I want you to use your natural powers to check the area for surveillance. Wouldn't want anyone watching us or what I'm about to do."
"Clear." The toads started scanning around. Agni hopped around the training ground, peering and seemingly sniffing about. Rudra sat in meditation pose and formed concentration seal.
"Clear, kid." Agni said and hopped back.
"Looks like no one, at least within a couple kilometers."
"Error probability?" I frowned. Agni turned head to Rudra.
"Exists. If someone's using very strong concealment or watching from under a barrier, we won't detect."
"Got it, nothing to be done. Gotta risk it. What I tell and ask you—don't tell anyone, not even the pervert, ok? Can I trust you?"
"We acknowledged you boss, kid! Don't insult us with such questions!" Agni yelled. "Your secrets are ours! Same as with Minato."
"Good, then listen and let's get to it... Time's short. Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
***
Heh...
I exhaled loudly, collapsing on my bed when I got home again near one a.m.
Though I stayed late at the training ground, still can't prep everything I wanted in one evening.
Whatever, think later; at least part of prep done. Soon chance to test if my awesome ideas hold up.
This time, alarm wake-up was easier.
I got up calmly and on schedule hit the training ground. Sakura was ten minutes late. Warm-up and exercises done successfully, mine and hers. She barely spoke, looking sad and anxious, like she'd spent the evening with toads on the training ground.
"Hey, what happened?" I couldn't hold back.
"Well... Sasuke vanished from the hospital somewhere. Doesn't seem he ran; he checked out, but he's not home or in the village, I looked."
"Sasuke can take care of himself." I replied. "Better focus on yourself and your training."
"How can you be so sure! You..." She burst indignantly. "You saw who came for him. If he tries again..."
"Sasuke's under ANBU guard now. We told Kakashi everything. Trust him; those guys earn their keep. If anyone can cover Sasuke from ANY enemy, it's them."
"Hope so..." She looked sadly at the ground. Ok, this is starting to annoy me. With that mood, she won't push past limits and'll stagnate even training hard.
"Hey, Sakura." I addressed her and, fingers crossed, summoned two clones. One dashed at her, the second gave extra speed. Twenty meters to Sakura, clone covered in a second; she didn't squeak before getting a sharp strong gut punch.
Let's play villain to shake her up, though unpleasant.
From the sharp blow, she spat two hundred grams of saliva and some esophagus contents. Clone immediately went behind, wrapped arms around neck blocking hers through armpits, and pressed hard.
"You got too relaxed to miss such a simple attack."
"Y-you asshole... Argh..." She winced in pain, barely breathing first seconds. "Kh... Kh-kh..." She coughed.
"I warned you: no whining on training, and I won't pity you. If you come here, give it your all, or... Don't get in my way." I added, looking at her from under my brow.
"What're you on about?! I'm already giving it all here, sweating buckets!"
"Prove it! Come on, break free from my clone. Beat him, I'll believe; otherwise... Stay home." She was already trying to break free, but clone held tight; not easy. Stepping on foot or headbutting failed too. Clone kept arms locked on neck.
"Damn..." She clenched fists, pursed lips, straining for another breakout attempt from awkward position.
"Looks like you haven't gotten stronger at all, pity..."
"Shut up!" She gathered chakra in feet when balanced and leaped up three meters. In air, without footing, clone couldn't hold as tight, and jerking sharply she freed herself, grabbing clone mid-air and flipping him over her, slamming hard into ground on landing. Clone poofed, and I smiled as she caught breath. "Damn you, Naruto!"
Winding up fist, she ran at me to punch, but I did a soccer slide tackle from standing, dropping under her feet. Tricked from Sasuke. Nearly tripping, she again showed reflex miracles and jumped up. And mid-air drew kunai, throwing at lying me. Unexpected. I rolled barrel-style, grinning, quick to hands-and-knees then feet. She landed one knee by kunai, glared angrily pulling it from ground.
"Heh-heh... Guess I underestimated you after all."
"Damn right!" She was really pissed. That second, the kunai flew at me, and at max speed I quick-drew sword, swinging from shoulder to deflect. She was surprised, probably thought I'd sub a clone or duck. Trained quick-draw, but knew this speed wasn't enough.
"Fast..." She muttered.
"You can go home. That's it for today."
"Back to that?! I proved..."
"No." I said. "Not that. You did great, and right now I got nothing to show; I'll think till tomorrow. Prep for full training."
"Ok, had stuff anyway." She replied, heading to backpack. "Don't overdo it."
I rested a bit, snacked two sandwiches with sweet tea. Next couple hours with clones training sword quick-draw. Not sure much faster, but something. Toads didn't help either. They don't name their weapons, but said each has their sword path and eventually I'll get it.
Damn...
Hope I get it soon... One day left.
Remembering toads, recalled their words about date on toad-back. Total cringe, but... Can't pull up to entrance in rented car? And locals' cringe concept blurry anyway.
Worth trying; nothing special to lose...
Where's Temari staying? Yamanaka's?
***
"Pff... Still messing?" Looming over brother sitting on floor tinkering "Crow" with screwdriver, Temari said. "At least go workout. Skip breakfast too?"
"Shut up..." He replied, setting screwdriver aside, opening panel, peering inside. "If you wanna so bad, walk the village."
"Who's watching HIM? You? You're glued to the puppet. I stepped out couple hours for workout and juice at shop. You didn't leave the room!"
"What'll happen to him? Besides... Baki's back from meeting any minute. He'll watch. If you're gonna nag, better bail for real; I'm busy! My weapon needs care assembling internals."
"Heh..." She exhaled and went to fifth-floor balcony. This inn one of village's tallest buildings. Temari enjoyed it here. Forests, greenery... Fresh air, rivers. Way nicer than home village's eternal heat and sands. Though canyons nearby had beauties, not the same. Such nature only on missions outside.
"Summoning Technique!" Came from below, and suddenly Naruto appeared before her, sitting on head of blue-as-sky toad with muscled arms crossed on chest, standing on one bent-knee leg with other atop. Blue toad rode same-size red toad holding... halberd?
"Yo!" Naruto raised hand in greeting. "Wanna go somewhere? My treat..." He smiled eyes half-closed, Temari slightly backing from railing, still stunned.
"What the hell is this?!" Kankuro reacted to balcony noise. "What the fuck?!" He yelled seeing Naruto on toad.
"Uh..." Temari's brow twitched nervously. "Isn't this overkill, Naruto?" She said cautiously.
"Maybe, but fun. So? Coming? Or busy?"
"I'm not exactly..."
"Ahahah!" Kankuro roared. "Most badass date invite I've seen! Ahahaha... You da man, kid! Who'd go after that..."
"Shut up!" Temari spun and slammed balcony doors in Kankuro's face, glass rattling.
Naruto smiled again.
"Naruto, these toads?"
"My summons, but if they bother you, I'll dispel."
"Nah, just never seen..." She admitted smiling.
"So, wanna go? Stroll?"
"This really a date invite?" She slyly smiled, seemingly recovered.
"Well... Think so... If you're ok, let's make it a date." Naruto unflustered.
"Ha! Bold guy for your age. Careful not to fall..." Leaning on railing, head forward.
"Bad to fall for you?" He replied; her face flushed red. Temari backed from railing, stepping back.
"Idiot, I didn't... You serious now?" She asked, eyes down.
"Look like joking? So, going? Jump here on her head. Don't fear; toad holds two."
"Well... I don't... Got stuff here..." She fidgeted, picking words.
"She agrees." Kankuro yelled, flinging doors open. "Baki's here; no more excuses. Go on date with frog prince."
"Fail now, I'll hit you!" She hissed; he mock-scared, bailed, closed doors.
"Fine... I agree, but you sure... About toads?"
"Sure, hop on." Rudra even crouched a bit; Temari, dressed usual sans back fan, foot on railing, jumped landing right on Rudra's head, which shifted slightly. Naruto took sand princess's hands helping balance. "No fear, use a bit chakra."
"HEY! FROG IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET?!" Passersby yelled. "WHAT THE HELL?!"
"Time to go, Rudra."
"Time passes, generations don't change." Agni grumbled displeased.
"Hold on tight," Naruto said, looking Temari in the eyes. "Let's go." Rudra jumped and a screech echoed in the air…
Overall, I was pleased with my decision. Toads weren't a BMW or Mercedes, of course, but in some ways they were even better. She got pretty scared when Rudra was jumping, but there was an upside to that. Temari couldn't quite hold on atop the toad and after the second leap, I had to take her in my arms. She didn't have her fans with her to take off on her own. Holding a girl a bit taller than me wasn't the most comfortable, but damn, it felt good after so many years. The only thing I regretted was that we weren't at least 16 yet and this was just our first date. Though while we were flying on the toad's back, she clung to me so tight you couldn't pry her off, but… It was still too early to think about proper adult dates between a man and a woman. So we just hung out like normal kids. I dismissed the toads after we'd hopped almost past the village, and she was already insistently asking to stop these joyrides. I had no desire to drive her to white-hot rage like Sakura.
I showed her the local nature, and we wandered around the village for a few hours. When we hit the market, I bought some sweets and treated her.
We stopped at a tea café, where I got us each a cup of strong tea.
"Well, the toads were a bit much," she said with a smile, sipping her tea. "Don't do that again, okay?"
"Fine, I won't," I smiled. It was a good sign if a girl said "don't do that again"—it meant this wasn't our last date.
"Those toads look strong," she said. "Planning to use them in the match? To beat that white-eyed guy… What's his name…"
"Neji. No, that'd be too easy. Though if he turns out stronger than I thought and can threaten more than just girls, I'll have to use everything I've got."
"Even that crimson chakra?" she asked cautiously, and I eyed her warily. "Sorry, if you don't want to talk about it, let's change the subject…"
"Nah…" I replied, staring at the ceiling. "I can talk about anything… It's not that. I just don't get it—are you really interested?" I turned to her and took a sip of tea.
"Yeah…" she said. "Your fight against the dog guy—that was something else. I've never felt power like that. It seemed like no one could match you. How'd you pull it off? Did you use the same power as that bushy-browed guy? Lee, I think…"
"Yeah… Lee," I nodded and took another sip, pondering what I could even tell her. "No, our powers are different. I've had two types of chakra since birth."
"Two types of chakra?" She looked surprised.
"Yeah… A gift from my father. He left me this power."
"From your father? Weird. Where is he? I heard you were…"
"A stray? Yeah, that's right. My father died."
"Sorry…" She looked down at the floor and sipped her tea. "Did you know him?" I shook my head, and she clenched her fist. "I don't even know what's worse—not having a father or losing your parents when you knew them. My mother died when I was two; I barely remember what she looked like. Only seen her in photos."
"That's sad. Well, I see my father every damn day anyway."
"How's that?"
I pointed at the stone faces of the Hokage, toward the Fourth's face.
"Uh…" She didn't get it at first. "Huh?" She looked at me, then back at the stone faces along my finger. "AAAAH! You mean your father…" She half-stood in shock.
"Yeah…"
"But… Then?! You're equal to me in status!"
"Yeah…"
"Why does everyone…"
"Good question." I shrugged, and she sat back down.
"Sorry, I'm just surprised… This is all so weird."
"You won't get bored with me, huh?" I grinned. The crimson chakra topic fizzled out on its own.
"True that." We both sipped our tea amiably.
"Well… That was fun…" she said as we reached the inn at sunset.
"I think it's worth repeating, at least…"
"What are you hinting at?" She blushed, smiling.
"My birthday's soon. Wanna spend it together?"
"What about your teammates?"
"They'll be busy prepping for the exam."
"Even that pink-hair? She's not giving up?" Temari asked with a sly smile.
"Underestimate her and you might lose," I said.
"Interesting… Well… I'll think about it."
"You'll think about it?" I pressed. "I'm a prince, and princes don't get turned down!"
"Then close your eyes, prince." She stepped right up to me, tilting her head. I obeyed… "Next time…" She touched two fingers to my lips and smiled. Her face was so close, and she smelled nice. "As for your birthday, I'm not against it. Send an invite. Just not by toad!"
"Got it." I couldn't think of anything better than flashing a thumbs-up Lee-style as she headed inside.
Back home, I hadn't even put the key in the lock when Hayate appeared behind me.
"Come on," was all he said.
I followed obediently, and we ended up at Training Ground Three.
"I can't make it tomorrow, so let's see what you've achieved. Hope your date with the sand princess didn't affect the results?"
"Teacher Hayate…" I started, seeing him pull out a coin and flick it fast. "Peeking's rude!" I drew my katana as quick as I could, but he was faster. As I pulled the blade, he closed in at instant transmission speed, slipped his arm over my shoulder, and smacked the back of the blade with his palm's edge, knocking it from my grip.
"Damn…" I muttered.
"Not enough," he summed up, and the flying katana stabbed into the ground behind me. "What's your sword's name?"
"Sorry… I haven't named it…"
"Well… *cough-cough*… Sorry…" He turned to clear his throat. "Looks like there's no point wasting time on you."
"But I've got one more night."
"Nothing'll change in that time. You're not walking the sword path—you're pulled in too many directions. Until you focus on one, you'll never get results."
"Teacher Hayate…" I clenched my fist and bowed. "Please, give me one more chance. I really tried. I'll train, and tomorrow I'll get it."
"Heh… In one day? *cough*… Sorry… I've got stuff tomorrow. Can't check you. Morning after next. No change, and we're done." He vanished…
"Shit…" I said in Russian.
He's got stuff…
Wait… Isn't tonight when he's tracking Kabuto? Or…
No!
I smacked my forehead…
Idiot!
Hayate wasn't tailing me—he was watching the inn where Temari was staying. His target: the sand team. Baki! Kankuro said Baki got back today, so tonight Hayate's going after him and…
"Summoning Technique!" I said.
"Again? Calling us twice in a day—that's overkill, kid!"
"Shut up and listen. Situation changed. The Wanderer makes his move tonight!"
Looks like I arrived just in time…
I watched as Baki and Hayate faced off on the domed roof of some sweets café. There it was—that moment… He'd use his sword technique and couldn't disarm Baki. Time to show. I left a shadow clone watching the water tower, then leaped forward.
"No one can deflect a wind blade…" Baki said.
With instant transmission, I appeared right next to Hayate, grabbed him by the torso, and used the technique again through him. It was beyond my strength, but I managed a quick forward hop, taking Hayate with me to dodge the strike. The katana stayed gripped bare-handed in Baki's palm, unscathed.
Wind nature technique? He can block direct damage by coating his body? Cool… I could use that. Just gotta pray I have the same nature.
I dropped Hayate's body on the roof and stepped toward Baki, spinning over my left shoulder.
I wore a long raincoat with a high collar like Shino's from anime season two. The collar reached my nose bridge, partially hiding my face. No hood, though, so my bald head gleamed for all to see. I used transformation with plenty of chakra so it wouldn't dispel on impact. Like Naruto turning into a naked girl, but I turned into a bald guy—myself, slightly polished.
"Th-thanks…" I heard from Hayate.
My clothes were real, not part of the transformation. If someone touched or damaged them, it wouldn't give away the chakra illusion.
"No problem…" I tossed at him. "Get outta here."
"What?"
"Scram!" I barked in my old voice.
"You're a Konoha shinobi?" he asked, seeing no insignia.
"Scram if you wanna live! I'll handle him."
"Fine…" He nodded. "I'll trust you and get backup." Hayate vanished, but Baki tried a precise kunai toss anyway, which I deflected with my own.
"Think I said no attacking him… Your opponent's me."
"Who the hell are you?!" Baki snapped, frowning. White cloth draped half his face. His head wrapped Eastern-style—probably bald under it too.
"Carlson who lives on the roof," I replied in Japanese. "And you woke me up."
"Tch…" Baki clicked his tongue.
I attacked… Just charged. About 25 meters. I drew shuriken quick. The wide sleeves and oversized coat let my arms move freely underneath. Happens when you borrow toad clothes… Most toads are bigger than humans. Even tall, broad-shouldered Europeans like me.
I hurled shuriken two-handed, slowing my run a bit, and saw his technique.
Shuriken flew wide; he had to divert, swinging one hand then the other, creating compressed air waves with chakra through his fingers.
The seconds the shuriken bought were enough. I leaped up with instant transmission and gathered chakra in both hands, spinning it without releasing from the imaginary sphere. I finished rasengan stage two—hope it's enough. I flew straight at the sand jonin, the damn sphere I could barely hold, and smashed it like a bowling ball at his head.
Hand swing, and rasengan hit an invisible wall.
Fuck…
Full stage two power wasn't enough; Baki deflected, flinging me back. Somersaulting, I landed behind him. Our techniques matched and canceled.
From his hand swing, I dodged again with instant transmission to the roof edge, but he kept attacking.
"Double Wind Slash!" he yelled, swinging both arms to send a cross-shaped cutting wave at me. Chakra in my legs, I leaped forward and up, landing above his head. He fights close and mid-range. This wind nature's getting annoying. Somersaulting Sasuke-style, I stomped down at him on landing, but he blocked clean and tried grabbing my leg—fat chance…
Up close, I was noticeably outmatched, and I felt it from second one.
Damn jonin…
He easily parried my straight punches and kicks, and I couldn't block his thrusts, knowing they added wind damage. Had to dodge…
Drew a kunai, hoping to tag him in knife range, but on my lunge, he compressed air in his palm and snapped it.
Shit…
Well… Hope that distracted him a bit for my left-side kunai hook…
No dice… Kunai snapped, and with his wind-cutting finger, he sliced my arm, shredding coat and muscle…
"Aaaa…" I couldn't hold back the pain yell. From the second strike, I just leaped aside.
What was I thinking? He didn't get jonin rank for nothing. He's legit strong, and no way I'll beat him like this…
Suddenly, we were surrounded by Konoha shinobi in standard vests, and my clone at the water tower dispersed, relaying the info.
I barely held back screams, focusing on transformation. Turning into Naruto now would spell trouble. Baki whipped his head around, realizing he was in it too…
"Heh-heh… Yyy…" I squeezed my eyes shut again, clamping my bleeding gash with my other hand. Nearly shoulder to wrist, damn…
Arm hung limp. Cut to the bone, nerves and tendons fucked too…
"What's going on here?" one shinobi asked, with a headband and long toothpick in his teeth.
"They… attacked me…" Baki claimed. Bravo… Applause for your smarts.
"Who're you?" the guy asked me.
"I…" I panted, trying to answer. "Just passing by."
"Yeah, and picked a fight with a sand jonin?" he said skeptically.
"Your Kazekage's already dead… Just… doesn't know it yet. Trusting Orochimaru… That's just stupid…" I said, turning to Baki.
"Oroc—" The shinobi gawked. "You know about Orochimaru? You're under arrest!"
"Sorry, gotta go…" With that, I vanished. Right then, the toads reverse-summoned me to the far end of Training Ground Three.
"Whew…" I gasped, dropping to one knee. "What took so long?!"
"Sorry, didn't think it'd get that serious…"
"Ow, you fucking bitch…" I spat in pain, in Russian. "Kurama, help a guy out?" I said inwardly, feeling my arm regenerate. I dispelled transformation right away, nearly drowning in the clothes.
"How'd it go?" Rudra asked.
"Plan worked, reverse summon too. No chance to use the 'cocktail,' sorry."
"No biggie… Wasn't us fighting…" Rudra said.
"You're the boss. You know best," Agni said.
"That's it for today… Heading home. I'm a shitty hero."
The toads chuckled, and the summon ended.
Arm healed, I packed up, rolled the self-summon scroll, and headed home…
No alarm. Bed at 3 a.m., morning workout's a bad idea.
Hope Sakura shows late or not at all.
Knocking at the bedroom window woke me. Sakura?
Rubbing my eyes, I saw a black-cloaked, masked figure. That woke me fast. I threw off the blanket, opened the window. Boar stood on the outer sill.
"Boar?" I asked. "What're you doing here?"
"Get ready… Hokage wants you."
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: patreon.com/Granulan