Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Present Time:
Naruto nodded, his face serious yet determined. "Great idea, I will do it. But, let us focus on the Gentle Fist now." His words carried a weight of conviction, an understanding that while the larger goals were important, he needed to tackle the present challenges first.
Hiashi smiled, a sense of pride swelling within him. "I am honored that you deem my words important enough to follow," he said with respect. "I shall make preparations later, but first, please follow me to the dojo. I will personally guide you." His tone was calm but firm, the mark of a leader who knew what was needed at this moment.
As they walked toward the dojo, Hiashi couldn't help but reflect on how everything seemed to be falling into place. This young man, Naruto, had proven himself not only to be a force of nature but also someone who understood the importance of strategy and tradition. It was a relief to Hiashi that he had taken the time to gather proper information about Naruto's personality before making any hasty decisions. He had been cautious, not letting his own ambitions cloud his judgment, and it had paid off.
With this, the Hyuga clan's future is guaranteed, Hiashi thought to himself, a small, satisfied smile forming on his face. He knew that by training Naruto, the clan would gain a powerful ally, someone who could help strengthen not just their fighting abilities but also their reputation in the village. It was rare to find someone with Naruto's potential, and the fact that he was so open to working together made him even more valuable.
As the training progressed, it became abundantly clear to those present that Naruto's eyes were not just a decorative feature. The Rinne-Sharingan, a gift from his heritage, allowed him to mimic every movement with perfect clarity, a skill that amazed everyone around him. He absorbed the basics of the Gentle Fist with remarkable speed, reflecting the depth of his innate ability. His body could replicate Hiashi's precise movements, each strike and form echoing the master's technique.
Yet, despite his ability to replicate, Naruto knew he was still lacking the core of the Gentle Fist. He could execute the moves, but there was no true understanding behind them. It was as if he were a student copying another student's paper—he could pass the test, but without understanding the material, the knowledge was hollow. He understood the practical aspect, the mechanics of it all, but the true essence—the philosophy, the intent, the deep focus required—was still elusive.
Naruto never allowed himself to believe that mimicking was enough. He realized the importance of foundation, of truly understanding the art in order to make it his own. He couldn't just rely on his eyes to copy; he needed to build the skill from the ground up, just like any other student. Without that, the Gentle Fist would never truly become his.
"I can copy the moves, but there's something more to it," Naruto confessed one evening after a particularly intense training session. "I can't just imitate Hiashi's technique and think I'm an expert. I need to feel it, understand why each move is made."
Hiashi, who had been observing carefully, nodded approvingly. "That's the first step towards mastering it. You understand that technique alone doesn't make a master. The art lies in the intent behind it. You need to embody the Gentle Fist in your own way, not just replicate it."
Naruto was determined to keep pushing forward, and he followed Hiashi's advice. Instead of rushing to perfect each move, he immersed himself in the teachings of the Hyuga clan, training regularly, seeking deeper insights into the philosophy of the Gentle Fist.
For Hinata, watching Naruto train and struggle with understanding the art was a moment of realization. Despite his incredible abilities, there were still areas where he could not excel simply by copying. This was a critical understanding for her—it wasn't about being the best at everything. Naruto had his own strengths, and his ability to adapt was extraordinary. But some things, like the Gentle Fist, required years of dedication and mastery that couldn't be rushed.
Hinata's support for him grew even stronger during this time. She knew that combat arts, especially the Gentle Fist, were her strength, not Naruto's. But instead of feeling discouraged or jealous, she felt an even deeper sense of connection to him. He didn't need to be the best at everything. She could stand by his side, offering her own expertise where it was needed, and help him grow in ways that suited them both.
Through this, Hinata learned a valuable lesson in partnership. Naruto didn't need to excel at everything—he had his own path, his own battles to fight. And Hinata would continue to be there, supporting him with everything she had, just as he had always supported her. Together, they would build something stronger than individual accomplishments—true partnership.
After wrapping up his lesson with the Hyuga clan, Naruto felt a deep sense of purpose. He had trained, learned, and built stronger bonds, but now there was a different task at hand—one that involved his powerful friends, the Tailed Beasts. These massive and powerful beings had chosen to live near him, nestled in a large hole created by the devastating fight with Pain, a place they had transformed into their own domains to avoid trouble with humanity. Though they had their own space, their bond with Naruto was special—one that transcended the physical realm. He didn't need to be in their presence to communicate with them. Their connection was spiritual, and so, Naruto could summon them into the spirit world at any time.
As he flew toward the mountain range near Konoha, Naruto couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. The Tailed Beasts, once feared and hunted, had found solace with him. They had been through so much in their long lives, and now, they were at peace, resting in their domains. Watching them sleep, Naruto couldn't help but wonder when they had last enjoyed such a peaceful moment. They had all been used, exploited, and abused. The guilt weighed heavily on him. It's cruel, he thought. But life doesn't care about cruelty. Sometimes you have to do what you must to protect those you care about.
As if sensing his mood, the gigantic Sand raccoon, Shukaku, suddenly appeared from behind him, swirling like dust in the wind. His wild energy was a stark contrast to the serene atmosphere of the others. "Hey, what got you so glum? Is it a fight? Is it a fight?" Shukaku grinned, his voice booming with excitement. The thought of battle, destruction, and chaos brought joy to him, as it often did.
The other Tailed Beasts began to stir, their eyes focusing on Naruto. Chomei, the seven-tailed beast with the shape of a rhinoceros beetle, appeared almost instantaneously beside him. She had a quick, electric presence, and her wings fluttered in a dazzling display of colorful scales. "Don't get sad, Naruto. Let my luck rub on you, and you'll be happy!" she cheered, her wings releasing a shimmering powder into the air. Though dangerous in most contexts, Chomei's powder wasn't a threat now. Instead, it sparkled with a playful energy, making the air feel lighter.
Naruto chuckled and rubbed her horn affectionately. "Thanks, Chomei. I feel better now." His words were sincere, and the joy that spread through Chomei's form was unmistakable. She buzzed around him happily, delighted by his appreciation.
Matatabi, the two-tailed fire tiger, approached next, her massive, fiery form almost glowing in the dim light. Her deep voice was calm and respectful, a voice that seemed to carry the weight of centuries. "Mister Uzumaki, we understand your position and we are ready to support you," she said, her tone grave, as if acknowledging the seriousness of their bond.
Naruto nodded solemnly. "The Sage has warned me that there are threats worse than Kaguya out there. We need to prepare for an all-out war—one where our survival is not guaranteed." His words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. He could see the reaction in the eyes of the Tailed Beasts—the shock, the disbelief.
"No, no, why can't we just live in peace? I don't want to fight. I hate this... this is unfair," Isobu, the three-tailed turtle with crab-like features, spoke up, his voice timid and shaken. Isobu had always been the most reluctant of the Tailed Beasts, preferring solitude in the depths of the water, far from conflict. The idea of war, of having to fight once again, clearly distressed him.
Son Goku, the four-tailed beast, bellowed angrily, slamming his enormous fist onto Isobu's shell. "Shut up! You're making us look weak!" His rough tone carried a sharp edge of frustration. He wasn't known for his patience, and Isobu's vulnerability only seemed to trigger his temper.
Kokuo, the five-tailed horse, stepped in with a calm but firm voice. "My fellows, please, take a deep breath. This is not what our father has taught us. We are the children of Hagoromo Otsutsuki. We cannot allow ourselves to become like this. We must remember his honor."
The others paused, taking in Kokuo's words, but the tension was still palpable. Saiken, the six-tailed slug, slid closer to Naruto, her gaze cautious. "You must have something in mind, Uzumaki Naruto. I hope you didn't come here without a plan. I will definitely dislike that very much."
Naruto, now fully aware of their attention and concern, nodded. He could feel the weight of their gazes and the heaviness of their voices, all questioning the future that lay ahead. "I was thinking... what if we join hands with humanity properly this time?" Naruto began. "If we do, we can access powerful warriors, ones who could help us in ways that we can't alone. A perfect Jinchuriki is stronger than the sum of its parts. And to go even further, I'll teach your human partners Sage Mode, so they can fight alongside us."
The idea hung in the air for a moment. The Tailed Beasts exchanged looks, considering Naruto's words. This wasn't just a proposal for peace—it was a bold step toward cooperation, to form a stronger bond with humanity, and possibly a way to avoid the catastrophic war that loomed on the horizon.
Naruto wasn't sure how they would respond, but he was prepared for anything. He had learned over the years that his role wasn't just to fight for peace, but to build it—through trust, understanding, and unity. Whether the Tailed Beasts joined him or not, he would continue to fight for a future where both humanity and his powerful friends could coexist in peace.
His proposal to teach Sage Mode to the partners of the Beasts was one step toward creating a powerful alliance between them and their human counterparts. The potential for this alliance was enormous. The Tailed Beasts were immensely powerful, each one capable of wreaking havoc on a city or even entire mountain ranges, and with the right human partner, that power could be amplified. Adding Sage Mode into the mix would make the Jinchuuriki even more formidable, raising their power to country-level or higher. The possibilities were endless.
However, not all of the Beasts were immediately onboard with the idea of joining forces with humans. Son Goku, the fiery and proud four-tailed gorilla, was adamant. "I am not joining with a human, forget about it," he growled. "Just teach me Sage Mode, I can do it on my own." His disdain for humans was well known, and he wasn't willing to compromise on that.
Isobu, the three-tailed turtle, remained more cautious, speaking from his shell. "Who will choose our partners?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Naruto, already expecting some reluctance, answered calmly. "You will choose, but I'll present some candidates for you to meet."
Chomei, the energetic seven-tailed rhinoceros beetle, was eager for adventure, though. "I don't have a problem with it, but I want to roam free for now," she said, fluttering around excitedly. The idea of picking a partner seemed secondary to her desire for freedom.
Shukaku, the one-tailed sand raccoon, wasn't as patient. "I want the redhead kid," he said bluntly, referring to Gaara. "I'll talk with Gaara and see," Naruto replied, but Shukaku wasn't done. "I want him, or I won't join anyone else." With that declaration, he hurried off toward the Hidden Sand Village, clearly determined to find Gaara.
"I agree with your proposal, Naruto," Matatabi, the two-tailed fire tiger, said in a respectful tone. "Please find appropriate partners for us." The other Beasts nodded in agreement. Only two had declined—Son Goku and Isobu—but that was better than expected.
Naruto felt a wave of relief wash over him. The support of the Tailed Beasts was invaluable. "Thank you for accepting this request. I'll make sure you're not troubled again," he promised. Kokuo, the five-tailed horse, spoke next, offering words of encouragement. "We trust you, Naruto. As our Father trusts you and Kurama trusts you." The weight of those words struck Naruto deeply. He wasn't carrying this burden alone; he had their trust, and that made all the difference.
Feeling bolstered by their faith in him, Naruto smiled. "I've got some candidates in mind. Kakashi Hatake, Sakura Haruno, Hinata Hyuga, Tsunade Senju, Sai, Shikamaru Nara, Kiba Inuzuka, Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, Yamato, Shino Aburame, Tenten, Rock Lee, Might Guy, Temari, and Kankuro. These are the people I know who are trustworthy, friendly, and have good potential. Want to meet any of them?"
He used his chakra to create clones of the selected individuals, each one acting as if they were the real person, displaying some of their abilities that Naruto had memorized. The Tailed Beasts looked over the clones with interest.
"I want to meet the Shino guy," Chomei said, her interest piqued by Shino Aburame. "He looks like someone who loves bugs. He'd probably love me. Though, he does seem too serious. But I want to meet him at least once. Maybe we'll hit it off."
Kokuo, the dignified five-tailed horse, spoke thoughtfully. "I like these two, but one is old and the other still young. Bring the boy called Rock Lee for me, I wish to converse with him." She seemed to favor those who specialized in physical combat, as that would complement her own strengths.
Saiken, the six-tailed slug, nodded in agreement. "My reasons are the same. Let me meet the girl called Sakura," she said, pointing at the Sakura clone. It was clear that Saiken appreciated the potential strength in Sakura's demeanor and abilities.
Matatabi, the fiery two-tailed tiger, pointed at Hinata, Temari, and Tenten. "It's difficult to make a choice like this, but I'd like to meet these girls," she said thoughtfully. It seemed she was drawn to those who exuded strength and determination, qualities that these three women embodied.
Isobu, ever the cautious one, chose two older figures. "Can you bring these two? I want to talk to them," he said, pointing at Kakashi Hatake and Tsunade Senju. He seemed to value reliability and wisdom, characteristics that these two possessed in abundance.
With the choices made, Naruto spent the next few hours arranging for the Tailed Beasts to meet with their potential partners. He created a meeting space where he could bring the selected candidates together and allow the Beasts to interact with them. The atmosphere was one of tentative excitement—each of the Beasts had their own preferences and concerns, but they were willing to give Naruto's proposal a chance.
After the meeting, Naruto left the Tailed Beasts to their thoughts, promising to return the next day with the candidates. The sense of hope and purpose filled him as he thought about the future—one where humans and Tailed Beasts could work together for the greater good. With their strength and his determination, he truly believed they could face whatever threats lay ahead.