Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Naruto spent the day ensuring Ai could experience the brighter side of life in Konoha. His real body stayed with her, playing games and exploring the village's various attractions. They visited the bustling market, where he introduced Ai to the delicious local street food, from freshly grilled dango to spicy ramen. They stopped by the Yamanaka flower shop, where Ai marveled at the vibrant blooms, and Naruto picked out a small bouquet for her, claiming it suited her gentle yet resilient nature.
They even visited the Academy grounds, where the children's laughter seemed to ease her worries. Naruto's cheerful presence and unwavering warmth allowed Ai to momentarily forget the darkness that loomed over her. She smiled faintly as he carried her on his back, showing her the village from new heights, pointing out landmarks, and telling her stories about his adventures. For a brief moment, it felt like they had managed to escape the shadow of Lord Loss.
Meanwhile, Naruto's shadow clone stood before Tsunade, the Hokage, discussing the grim truth behind the creature that haunted Ai. After Naruto explained the situation, Tsunade pieced together what she knew from old legends.
"This entity is referred to as Lord Loss, or the Master of Hell," Tsunade began, her expression grim. "According to myth, it's an immortal being that feeds on sinful souls. He doesn't kill indiscriminately—his power lies in contracts. He chooses a mortal to act as his contractor, a Hell Girl, who fulfills requests from those desperate enough to summon him. They offer their own soul, as well as the soul of their victim, in exchange for vengeance. However, this was always considered a myth… until now."
Naruto listened attentively, though his mind was racing with worry for Ai. "What does he look like?"
Tsunade's face darkened as she described the creature. "Lord Loss is a terrifying sight. He has pale red, lumpy skin that looks as though it's been torn and mended countless times. His eight mangled arms move unnaturally, and where his heart should be, there's a gaping hole filled with venomous snakes. His eyes are deep red, darker than blood, with a gaze that can chill your soul. Instead of legs, strips of bloody flesh hang from stumps, and he levitates to move. His very skin cracks and bleeds with every motion. And yet, despite his horrific appearance, he is said to speak in a sad, haunting voice, as though he mourns the very existence he embodies."
Naruto clenched his fists at the description, anger and disgust bubbling within him. He could still feel the lingering weight of the dark presence he had encountered, and now he understood the full scope of the threat Ai was entangled with.
"Is there a way to stop him?" Naruto asked, his tone sharp but filled with determination.
Tsunade shook her head. "The myths give no clear answers, but there are a few things we can infer. Lord Loss follows a set of rules—he can't act freely in our world for long. He requires a contractor to carry out his will. That's why Ai has become the Hell Girl. When her contract ends, he'll move on to someone else, and she'll be free. However, until then, she may be forced to act on his behalf whenever someone summons her."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "So, to free Ai, I either have to defeat him directly or somehow make him choose someone else?"
Tsunade nodded. "Exactly. But I advise caution, Naruto. Lord Loss doesn't seem capable of killing directly in our world, but he still holds immense power. He tried to drag you into his realm, which likely came at a cost to him—it wasn't part of his normal routine. This means he follows rules, but we don't know all of them yet. Rushing in blindly could make things worse."
Naruto exhaled deeply, frustration and helplessness coursing through him. "What about Ai? If someone summons her, wouldn't she be forced to act as his agent?"
Tsunade frowned, clearly struggling with the lack of answers. "That's the hardest part. Until we find a way to sever the contract or defeat him, Ai may have no choice but to obey when summoned. The best thing you can do is help her hold onto her humanity. If she succumbs to despair or loses her emotions, the creature will consume her completely."
Naruto's jaw tightened as he processed Tsunade's words. He hated feeling powerless, especially when it came to protecting those he cared about. Memories of losing Sasuke to Orochimaru flashed through his mind, fueling his determination.
"This time, I won't let it happen," Naruto said firmly. "I'll protect Ai, no matter what it takes. And I'll find a way to destroy Lord Loss."
Tsunade sighed, recognizing the fire in his eyes. "Just don't act recklessly. If you're serious about this, start mastering the Six Paths Senjutsu. You'll need every advantage against a being like him."
Naruto stood in front of Tsunade, his expression resolute, a fire burning in his eyes that hadn't dimmed since his encounter with Ai's nightmare. He was ready to push himself further than ever before, but this time, he knew he needed a plan—a comprehensive one.
"Who is the most knowledgeable person on chakra, Senjutsu, and Jutsu?" Naruto asked, his voice steady but urgent. He needed guidance, and he needed it fast.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, considering his question. "There are many experts in these areas, but each specializes in different aspects. However, if we're talking about someone with the most comprehensive knowledge on all three subjects… Orochimaru would be the one. He's spent decades studying and experimenting with chakra, mastering Senjutsu, and crafting countless jutsu."
Naruto frowned slightly at the mention of Orochimaru but nodded. "If he's the best source of knowledge, I'll take it into consideration. For now, I'll be starting my studies immediately. Please arrange a schedule for everything I need to learn." He took a seat, his determination unshakable.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, momentarily stunned. Naruto had always been passionate, but this level of seriousness was new, even for him. "Visit me in two hours," she said after a moment. "I'll have a plan ready for you by then."
She gestured for Shizune to enter the room and began issuing orders to summon key individuals: Sakura for her expertise in healing and chakra control, Kakashi for his vast knowledge of jutsu, Gai for Taijutsu mastery, Shikamaru for strategy, Tsume for tracking and animal coordination, Hiashi, Ino and Choji.
"Thank you," Naruto said simply, his voice carrying a rare weight of gratitude. He knew what he was asking wasn't easy—it required coordination, time, and the expertise of multiple people—but he had no one else to turn to. With a familiar pop, his shadow clone disappeared, leaving Tsunade alone to craft a plan worthy of Naruto's lofty goals.
The challenge wasn't just in making a training regimen—it was in designing one for someone as uniquely talented and uniquely difficult as Naruto. He was a warrior through and through, but his academic foundation was sorely lacking. He struggled with theoretical concepts, often growing bored or distracted. Yet, when it came to practical application, he excelled, throwing himself into the work with a passion that few could match.
Tsunade leaned over her desk, scribbling notes and dividing the plan into essential categories:
Basic Knowledge– Covering chakra theory, elemental affinity, and general jutsu mechanics.Taijutsu– Advanced hand-to-hand combat training with Gai to perfect both offensive and defensive techniques.Ninjutsu– Expanding Naruto's repertoire of jutsu with Kakashi, including refining his Rasengan and exploring elemental variations.Genjutsu– Strengthening his resistance to illusions and understanding their mechanics with guidance from Kurenai.Weapon Mastery– Learning to effectively use a variety of tools, including kunai, shuriken, and specialized weapons.Politics and Negotiations– Training with Shikamaru and Hiashi to develop diplomatic and leadership skills.Espionage and Communication– Ino would help Naruto learn stealth tactics, mind infiltration techniques, and effective communication.War Strategies– Shikamaru would help hone Naruto's tactical thinking, focusing on battlefield dynamics and long-term planning.Fuinjutsu– Exploring the intricate art of sealing techniques, with a focus on their application in combat and containment.Healing and Body Mastery– Tsunade and Sakura would help Naruto understand basic medical ninjutsu and optimize his physical condition for battle.Business and Village Management– Tsunade herself would teach Naruto the finer points of managing Konoha's economy, dealing with feudal lords, and balancing the needs of the people.
This wasn't just a plan to create a stronger ninja—it was a plan to mold Naruto into the ultimate Hokage. Every aspect of the training was tailored to his weaknesses and strengths, designed to push him to his limits without overwhelming him entirely.
But there was one major obstacle: Naruto's lack of focus when it came to academics. Tsunade knew he would thrive in practical scenarios, but the theoretical groundwork was just as important. She jotted down ideas to make the lessons engaging, incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications to keep Naruto's attention.
As she worked, Shizune entered the room with Sakura, Kakashi, and Gai following behind. "What's the situation?" Kakashi asked, his tone casual but curious.
Tsunade smirked. "Naruto's decided to take things to the next level, and we're going to help him do it. I hope you're ready to work, because this is going to be one hell of a plan."
Over the next two hours, the group brainstormed, refining the training schedule until it was a masterpiece—a regimen designed to transform Naruto from a passionate but reckless shinobi into a true leader and protector.
As Naruto strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha, the familiar voices of children broke through his thoughts.
"Boss, we finally found you!"
Naruto turned to see Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon, his three students, standing before him. Konohamaru was striking an exaggerated dramatic pose, his energy as boundless as ever.
Naruto blinked, momentarily surprised. He realized it had been far too long since he'd seen the trio—since before the war had consumed his life. A pang of guilt struck him as he rubbed the back of his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Oh, sorry, my mistake. I've been really busy. How about we play today? I've got someone new for you to meet!"
With that, he gently nudged Ai forward. She hesitated for a moment, clutching his hand tightly as she stepped into the spotlight. The three kids stared at her curiously, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and excitement.
"Who's the pretty girl, Boss?" Konohamaru blurted out with his usual lack of filter.
Naruto laughed, patting Ai's head reassuringly. "This is Ai. She's my new student. Ai, meet my original students—Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon. You can talk to them like friends."
Ai looked up at Naruto, finding courage in his warm smile. Turning to the trio, she gave a polite bow. "Hello, my name is Ai Enma. I hope we can be good friends."
Moegi was the first to step forward, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "I'm Moegi Kazamatsuri, but you can just call me Moegi! Ai, your hair is so beautiful!" She reached out gently, clearly impressed by Ai's long, silky black hair.
Udon adjusted his glasses, his calm demeanor contrasting with Moegi's energy. "Udon Ise. It's nice to meet you, Ai," he said in a neutral tone, the faintest smile on his face.
"And I'm Konohamaru Sarutobi!" the boy declared loudly, puffing out his chest with pride. "Remember the name, because I'm going to be the Seventh Hokage!"
He struck another pose, his friends immediately flanking him in dramatic unison.
Naruto clapped, grinning from ear to ear. "You guys nailed it! Great poses and entrance. You're keeping Jiraiya-sensei's legacy alive. He always said a proper entrance and pose were vital for every hero!"
Ai tilted her head, glancing between Naruto and the trio. She didn't react to Konohamaru's Hokage declaration—she had no concept of what a Hokage or Konoha was. Instead, she simply stood quietly, observing them.
Noticing her silence, Naruto decided to liven things up. "Okay, how about we show Ai some ninja battles?"
"Yes!" Konohamaru shouted enthusiastically.
"As you command," Udon said with a small nod.
"Yes, Boss!" Moegi added, already hopping with excitement.
Together, Naruto led the group toward the training grounds, a makeshift squad of young ninja with their leader at the helm. Ai stayed close to Naruto, her hand still loosely holding his, as the group made their way toward the Uchiha compound.
Since the war, Naruto had claimed the Uchiha district as his new home. It was his way of preserving the Uchiha legacy, a tribute to his bond with Sasuke. The once-abandoned area was coming back to life under his care, blending the Uzumaki and Uchiha traditions. Naruto had been gathering jutsu scrolls, weapons, and sealing techniques to fill the place with knowledge and history.
Sasuke was the last of his clan, but it might be possible through genetic manipulation to revive the Uchiha clan. However, he wasn't decided on the issue.
Naruto observed his students' growth with a deep sense of pride as they faced him in the training grounds. Despite having been away for a month, it was clear that Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon had honed their skills considerably. Their teamwork, creativity, and bravery shone through as they fearlessly challenged him, even though they were aware of the chasm of power that separated them.
However, Naruto couldn't afford to lose focus, even in a sparring match. With the overwhelming strength he had attained, any misstep could turn disastrous. A simple flick of his wrist could level a mountain if he wasn't careful. This reality weighed on him like a constant reminder of the responsibility he bore, but Naruto chose to embrace it. Instead of lamenting his immense power, he channeled it with precision and care.
The battle began with Konohamaru leading the charge. "Here we come, Boss!" he shouted, using a Wind Bullet Jutsu. The invisible projectile sped toward Naruto, who leaped back with ease, only to find himself sinking into the mud created by Moegi's Earth Swamp Technique.
Udon followed up with a volley of Water Bullets, which would have devastated an ordinary opponent. Yet, Naruto evaded them all with a fluid motion, moving as if he were dancing through the attacks. His students' coordinated assault impressed him; their combo flowed like a well-rehearsed routine.
Naruto countered with a single wind-laced clone, which caught the trio off guard. The clone launched a mild Wind Bullet, sending the kids flying back to the edge of the training ground. Of course, Naruto had carefully measured his strength to ensure no real harm came to them.
Konohamaru was the first to recover. Tossing a smoke bomb to obscure Naruto's vision, he followed up with kunai enhanced with wind chakra. Moegi added to the attack, summoning Earth Hands to immobilize Naruto, while Udon launched an Oil Bullet, making the battlefield slick and dangerous.
Naruto deflected the kunai with precision, using a single chakra-infused finger for each strike. He gracefully dodged the earth hands, countering with a swift series of movements. But the trio's teamwork wasn't done yet. Konohamaru ignited the oil with Dragon Fire Jutsu, turning the area into a raging inferno. Moegi sealed the flames in with an earth barrier, while Udon added more oil to intensify the blaze.
For a brief moment, Naruto admired their determination and ingenuity. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a Rasenshuriken. The spiraling energy obliterated the flames in an instant, its sheer force sending shockwaves rippling through the training grounds. Naruto angled the attack skyward at the last moment, ensuring it caused no harm. Still, the aftermath left the trio unconscious, save for Konohamaru, who stood firm, albeit shakily.
Konohamaru had summoned Monkey Enma in his adamantine staff form, a feat that surprised Naruto. "Did you finally decide to follow in the footsteps of Grandpa Third?" Naruto asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and pride.
Konohamaru grinned, his usual cocky demeanor shining through despite his exhaustion. "Yeah, Boss. You're the best, but I think monkeys are cooler than toads. You've already mastered Sage Mode from the toads, so I want something just as amazing. I'm going to master Sage Mode from Master Enma and become the first Monkey Sage!"
Naruto's smile widened. He saw in Konohamaru a reflection of his younger self—ambitious, determined, and eager to carve his own path. "I look forward to seeing that," Naruto said warmly.
Closing the gap between them, Naruto struck Konohamaru with a light Rasengan, combined with a subtle Gentle Fist technique to paralyze him without causing harm. The young ninja staggered, a look of shock crossing his face before he succumbed to unconsciousness.
Naruto stood over his students, proud but aware of the responsibility he held as their mentor. He turned to Ai, who had been watching the battle in silence. Her crimson eyes glimmered with a mixture of awe and longing. Seeing Naruto's bond with his students stirred something in her—a fear of being left behind and a deep desire to be part of that connection.
Gathering her courage, Ai ran toward him. "Naruto-sensei!" she called out, her voice trembling slightly. "Teach me too! I want to learn. I want to fight like them!"
Naruto crouched down to meet her gaze, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Of course, Ai. I'll teach you everything you need to know. But remember, this isn't just about fighting. It's about teamwork, trust, and protecting the people you care about. Are you ready for that?"
Ai nodded firmly, her fear melting away as determination took its place. "I'm ready!" she declared.