Naruto:This Time, I, Kotetsu Hagane, Will No Longer Be Lazy

As the evening wore on and the last remnants of dinner were cleared away, the group stood up, stretching as they prepared to part ways. The fire that had kept them warm now flickered with its last embers, casting a soft glow across the clearing. Ayane, as usual, was the first to collect her things, her usual stoic expression returning to her face. She nodded curtly to the others.

"I'll need to get going," she said, adjusting her weapon pouch. "I have work tomorrow cleaning the Hyuga Head's manor and waking up the heiress."

Kotetsu raised an eyebrow, a half-smirk appearing. "Sounds like a fun day. Maybe you'll get to see the clan head's personal collection of scrolls again. He's always so secretive about them."

Ayane shot him a pointed look. "Don't talk about things you don't understand."

Izumo chuckled lightly, stretching his arms overhead. "Guess we've all got our duties. I'll be on gate guard duty with Kotetsu at six in the morning."

Kotetsu nodded, giving a lazy stretch. "Fun times ahead."

With a few more exchanged words, the group broke up to head their separate ways, the quiet of the evening settling around them. But Kotetsu stayed behind, his eyes lingering on the old man, Kosuke Maruboshi, who had been quietly watching the departure.

Kosuke looked up when Kotetsu approached, raising an eyebrow at him. "You still here, young man?"

Kotetsu hesitated, then spoke up, his tone more serious. "I was wondering... if you'd consider training me."

Kosuke stared at him for a moment, clearly confused. "Training? Why would you want me to train you? You're already a shinobi. You don't need an old man like me."

Kotetsu's eyes glinted with a knowing spark. He understood the old man's reluctance, the self-deprecating way Kosuke viewed himself. "I've heard the stories. You've got more knowledge than most jonin, even though you've chosen to stay in the rank of genin. And from what I know, you trained under the Second Hokage himself."

Kosuke's expression flickered, a mix of surprise and a touch of discomfort. "Stories, huh? Well, those stories are right, in part. I've lived a long time, seen a lot of things, but that doesn't mean I'm some kind of hero."

Kotetsu took a step closer, his voice firm but respectful. "I don't need a hero. I need someone who can teach me more than just how to fight. Someone who understands the value of knowledge, strategy, and the real cost of the battles we face. Someone who doesn't place a false value on their life just because of their strength."

Kosuke studied him carefully, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Kotetsu thought he might be rejected outright. But then Kosuke let out a long sigh, his gaze softening.

"You really want me to train you, huh?"

Kotetsu nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I've got the time. Even with my guard duties, I can make it work."

Kosuke scratched his chin, thinking for a moment. "I'm no teacher, you know. I don't exactly teach for the sake of teaching. But... I suppose I could help you out. I'll set up a schedule for you. But don't expect miracles. You've got to put in the work if you want to learn."

Kotetsu's heart gave a small leap of excitement, though he kept his expression neutral. "I'm ready. I'll follow the schedule, whatever it takes."

Kosuke's gaze softened as he agreed, "Alright, we'll make it work. Monday to Thursday, after your gate guard shift—if you're still standing, that is—and weekends. We'll start with some basic fundamentals and move from there. I won't make it easy, Kotetsu. But you've got to be prepared for anything."

Kotetsu nodded earnestly. "I'll be there. Thank you, Kosuke-sensei."

The old man gave a slight chuckle at the title, though it was warm. "Sensei, huh? I suppose I could live with that. But don't expect me to coddle you."

With the training arrangement settled, Kotetsu stood for a moment, the firelight flickering across his face. There was a strange sense of peace now that he had secured this agreement. The future was still uncertain, full of its challenges and dangers, but having someone like Kosuke—someone with so much history and wisdom—guiding him would make the road ahead just a little clearer.

Kosuke, noticing Kotetsu's thoughtful silence, waved a hand. "Go on, get some sleep. You've got a long day tomorrow."

Kotetsu snapped out of his thoughts and gave the old man a small smile. "Right. Good night, Kosuke-sensei."

"Night, kid," Kosuke replied, settling back into the shadows, his eyes already turning toward the peaceful night ahead.

Next Day

The sun had barely started peeking over the horizon as Kotetsu Hagane pulled himself from his bed. The chill of the early morning seeped into his bones, but it wasn't enough to slow him down. With a grunt, he pushed himself to his feet, the grogginess of sleep wearing off as the usual duty of gate guard loomed ahead.

"Another day of this," Kotetsu muttered under his breath, stretching his arms above his head. He dragged himself into the kitchen, where he quickly made a breakfast of eggs and rice. The smell of sizzling eggs filled the modest apartment, mixing with the scent of freshly steamed rice. It wasn't gourmet, but it was enough to get him going. After he finished, he grabbed his gear, slipped on his sandals, and headed out.

The streets of Konoha were quiet, save for the occasional early riser heading to work or the soft rustling of leaves in the morning breeze. Kotetsu made his way to the gate, where his partner, Izumo, was already standing, eyes scanning the area. Izumo, always the early bird, gave him a nod as Kotetsu approached.

"Morning," Kotetsu grunted, taking his post beside him.

"Morning, Kotetsu. Ready for another day of watching trees?" Izumo's voice held the usual hint of sarcasm, but there was a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Just another day of watching for trouble," Kotetsu replied, settling into his stance and crossing his arms over his chest. The routine of the gate guard was, in many ways, a test of patience. Hours would pass with nothing but the rustling of leaves or the distant sound of someone shouting out a greeting. But there was also a sort of peace to it. No complicated political schemes, no battles to fight. Just the quiet.

Izumo, ever the talkative one, kept the conversation flowing, though the topics rarely strayed far from the mundane. Their job didn't require much talking, just observation and a lot of waiting. Kotetsu didn't mind—he wasn't much for idle chatter anyway. They had each other's backs, and that was all that mattered. The occasional traveler would approach the gate, and they'd greet them with a professional nod before allowing them through or stopping them to check their papers. 

Around noon, a break was in order, and Kotetsu was glad for it. He sat down on a nearby crate, pulling out his packed lunch. Izumo joined him with his own, the two of them eating in silence for a while, the food in their stomachs helping to ease the tension that always settled into their muscles after hours of standing.

Just as Kotetsu finished the last bite of his rice, he noticed a figure approaching from the distance. A familiar face that stood out against the green backdrop of the village—Kosuke Maruboshi, the old man who'd agreed to train him. 

"Well, this is unexpected," Kotetsu muttered, standing up to greet him. 

Kosuke, ever the stoic, gave him a curt nod. "Kotetsu. Izumo." His eyes flickered over to Kotetsu, his gaze sharp despite his age. "I trust the gate's been secure?"

"Nothing unusual," Kotetsu replied. "Same as always."

Kosuke's gaze narrowed, and Kotetsu could almost hear the old man's thoughts. "You're not satisfied with this, are you?"

Kotetsu's lips twitched into a slight smile. "It's not the worst thing. But there are more... interesting things to be done. I don't mind it here, but it's not exactly the battlefield."

Kosuke nodded in agreement. "True enough. You've been here long enough. It's time to start your training."

Izumo raised an eyebrow. "Training?" 

Kosuke reached into his cloak and pulled out a scroll, handing it to Kotetsu. "This is your schedule. You're to meet me at Training Ground 3 tonight, from 8 PM to 11 PM. We'll work on a few things." His voice was low and serious, the tone that Kotetsu recognized as the one that came before a particularly grueling lesson. 

He glanced down at the scroll, already seeing the brutal time commitment ahead of him. "8 PM to 11 PM... and weekends?" But what it also had was a diet plan for healthy food he needed to eat to boost chakra capacities. With the price for the food being rather high compared to the junk food he likes to eat. He glanced up at Kosuke.

Kosuke gave a small smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yes. 6 AM to 12 AM on weekends. No slacking off. If you want to rise above this, you need to put in the hours. You won't get anywhere standing still."

Kotetsu felt the familiar mix of determination and dread settle in his chest. It would be intense, that was for sure. But it was what he wanted. He knew that much.

"I'll be there," Kotetsu said, nodding firmly. 

Kosuke nodded back, his gaze briefly flicking to Izumo before turning away. "Good. I expect you to be on time. Do not waste my time, Kotetsu. Or I'll make sure your life here becomes even more boring than this." His voice had a sharp edge, but there was an underlying respect there, something Kotetsu didn't take lightly.

Izumo stared at Kotetsu as they took a short break, the last bite of his rice still hanging in his mouth. He wiped his hands on his pants and took a long look at his partner, eyes narrowing in disbelief.

"You're training for what?" Izumo asked, his voice almost strangled. "Kosuke Maruboshi? Seriously?"

Kotetsu, who'd been munching on his rice with a satisfied grunt, paused mid-chew, glancing over at his friend. "Oh so you know who that old guy is?"

Izumo looked at his best friend as if he gained another head. "Of course, I know who that old guy is. They didn't talk about him in the academy but ninja talk, he's one of the more dependable we've every had."

In the datebooks Jiraiya has the all time record for most completed mission for the leaf with 1,839, that's more than the second place entry by 400. With second being Orochimaru. But I also think they left some people out with Kosuke Maruboshi being one of them. As apparently they want me to believe that Yamato in 10 years of being a ninja is in the top 5, beating people like Hiruzen and Danzo for example. No that's too crazy to believe. What's more like to happen is this stat didn't get counted until the second shinobi war. Being when people like Hiruzen, Danzo, Torifu, and Kosuke were out of their prime.

With this man easily having the skills of a Jonin and being a student of the second Hokage, a man who specialized in water release. He's the best trainer I could get. As someone like Might Guy who's in my class specializes in taijutsu and weight training. With me personally not wanting to be a ninja bodybuilder. Jiraiya would never train me, not to mention I wouldn't be able to convince him. Kakashi is too depressed and I have no connection to him. Hiruzen is suspicious about me and doesn't take any new students because he's worried they'd turn evil. So he's the best option.

Izumo shook his head as if trying to clear some fog. "I—what? Kotetsu, you've been guarding gates for what, a year now? And now you're suddenly deciding you're gonna train, with that guy?" He pointed to the distance where Kosuke had disappeared.

Kotetsu leaned back against the crate, crossing his arms. "Yeah. What about it?"

Izumo blinked rapidly, still trying to process. "What... what happened to the guy who used to complain about never wanting to do more than the bare minimum? The one who said, 'I'm just doing my job'? Are you... are you seriously training to become a Jonin or something now? Are you mad that Genma beat us to Tokubetsu Jonin?'"

"Honestly I can't lie, that's partly the reason." Kotetsu lies while scratching the back of his head to make it look more convincing. 

For the life of me I can't understand how Genma Shiranui is not a Full Jonin but Kurenai is. I don't mean to throw shade at her but she had by the end of the show 697 missions completed right. Which is cool and I think qualifies you for Jonin. But Genma has 935 and is in the top 10 all time for most missions in Konoha's history.

And he's not Jonin?

Is it cause he's not fucking the Hokages son? Its like giving a promotion to the woman who's just going to marry into the clan in a couple of years. 

Make it make sense is all I'm saying.

On that note Ibiki is also in the top 10 and is not an official Jonin. In fact in the list for the top 10 people with the most missions for konoha only those 2 are not full Jonin's. I don't want to drag this point but it needs to be made one more time. 

Kotetsu smirked, though it was a little thin. "Not really. But I'm done staying stagnant. Gate guard is fine for now, but I don't want to be stuck here forever, you know? This... it's not enough for me anymore."

Izumo's mouth dropped open in shock. "Wait, hold on a second. You're telling me that all this time, you've been sitting on this training secret while you've been complaining about how much this sucks?" He gestured to the village behind them, where the sun hung lazily in the sky. "And now you want to suddenly move up the ranks? "

Kotetsu shrugged. "Yeah. I'm sure. It's just... there's more to being a shinobi than standing here all day."

Izumo sat down next to him, his head still reeling. "You know, if you told me this a week ago, I would've said you were joking. But now you're serious about it. Kotetsu shot him a sideways glance.

"Well, maybe it's time I stop being the guy who stands around." Izumo says while rubbing his chin.

Izumo ran a hand through his hair, still in disbelief. "Man, you've always had a knack for being the guy who keeps everything under wraps. But... what's the real reason? What's making you jump into all this? Is their a beautiful kunoichi that's caught your eye that your trying to impress."

"No, its not like that." Kotetsu said not even flinching at the remark.

"Is it Ayane? You guys were flirting so much yesterday it was hard to watch." Izumo says making a gagging face. 

Kotetsu leaned forward, his voice soft but serious. "I've been here too long, Izumo. I'm tired of being stuck in one place. And I'm tired of not being recognized for anything. You think I'm just going to let things go on like this? I can't keep sitting around, watching other people rise while I stay at the bottom. I want to be someone who's useful. Who can do something for this village. Maybe I'm not aiming to be Jonin right away, but... I'll get there. I'm going to train hard and prove I'm worth something more than a gate guard."

Izumo's shock melted into something more resembling understanding. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I get it. I mean, you've always been the quiet one, never really complaining about things. Guess I didn't realize how much you were bottling up."

Kotetsu looked at him. "It's been a while coming, but it's time for a change. I'm not just going to wait around for things to happen. I'm gonna make them happen."

Izumo blinked a few times before chuckling. "Well, damn, man. Looks like I'm gonna need to start training too, just to keep up with you. You're making me look lazy."

Kotetsu grinned, his usual smirk returning. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Izumo laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Just don't go getting all intense on me, okay? We've still got gate duty to handle, after all."

Kotetsu's smirk faded a little, but his eyes stayed determined. "Gate duty's not forever. I'll handle it for now. But I've got bigger things ahead."

Izumo nodded slowly. "I see. Well, good luck, Kotetsu. I guess it's time I stop underestimating you."

Kotetsu's gaze softened, just a little. "Thanks, Izumo."

Training Ground 3

Kotetsu stood at attention, his back still carrying the weight of the turtle shell, muscles sore from his previous laps. He was still catching his breath, sweat dripping down his face, but Kosuke wasn't the type to show mercy. Kosuke had him wear a turtle shell, master roshi style, with it it weighing 200Lbs. Which only made me respect Might Guy and his son Rock Lee as they wore anything from 700-1050 Lbs per leg, being 1200-2100Lbs in total. And I'm struggling with this.

"Get moving," Kosuke's voice rang out, stern and commanding.

Kotetsu had barely moved a step when the old man's hand flicked in his direction, a swift motion that sent a torrent of water shooting from his fingers. It wasn't just any water—this was Water Release: Water Whip, a focused, rapid stream of water designed to strike quickly and precisely.

Before Kotetsu could even react, the water lashed across the air with a sharp crack, slamming into the turtle shell with a force that rattled his bones. The blast of water sent him flying into a tree, with Kotetsu hitting his head on the bark. He staggered to get back up, barely keeping his footing under the weight and sudden strike. His heart raced as he scrambled to regain his balance.

Kosuke's eyes narrowed. "What are you waiting for? That shell won't carry itself."

Kotetsu's breath quickened, not from the impact, but from the sheer intensity of Kosuke's training. He could already feel the weight of the turtle shell growing unbearable, and now with the added pressure of Kosuke's attack, his focus sharpened.

"Move, Kotetsu!" Kosuke snapped, sending another lash of water toward him.

This time, Kotetsu was ready. He twisted his body to the side, narrowly avoiding the water whip that lashed out with deadly precision, and started running again, putting all of his energy into dodging the next strike. But he got shot with a wave of electirity through his legs as the landing was rough. Just moving off the ground at the size of a paper weight felt like his body would break.

The water crashed into the ground beside him with a hiss as it splashed.

Kosuke's voice was low but firm, filled with a quiet fury. "You're not fast enough. You're holding back. Move faster!"

'What the fuck does this old bastard mean I'm holding back, this shit is heavy, I'm not some athlete.' Kotetsu whined in his head.

Kotetsu's legs burned under the strain of the turtle shell, but he wasn't about to show weakness. He pushed himself harder, charging forward. The next whip of water lashed out toward his back, and he barely managed to dive to the side in time, feeling the spray of water on his skin as it whipped past.

With every step, Kotetsu could feel his chakra moving with him, guiding his movements. But the weight of the shell was a constant reminder—every shift in his body was a challenge, every movement felt heavier, slower. Kosuke's relentless assault only pushed him harder.

Kosuke was relentless. Another snap of his fingers, and the water whips came in rapid succession, each more precise, each more aggressive. The old man wasn't just testing Kotetsu's endurance, he was testing his reflexes, his control, his ability to keep up with the pressure of a battle that never stopped.

Every so often he'd shout is own version of encouraging words.

 "Move, Kotetsu! You must move as smooth as water" Kosuke snapped, sending another lash of water toward him.

"Kotetsu! Control your breathing!" Kosuke, sending another lash of water toward him.

" Kotetsu! Dig deep theirs another gear of strength you need to let out!" Kosuke , sending another lash of water toward him.

Kotetsu's muscles burned, but he pushed on. Every time a water whip came close, he had to adjust, weaving between them with the turtle shell on his back. It was like moving through a storm—painful, overwhelming—but each strike he dodged, each step he took, he could feel his body getting stronger.

Kosuke's eyes never left him. "Is this all you've got, Kotetsu? Show me what you're really made of!"

Kotetsu's pulse quickened, and he pushed his chakra deeper into his legs, increasing his speed, his agility, despite the weight on his back. With a final leap, he twisted just enough to avoid a particularly vicious strike, landing heavily on his feet, sweat pouring down his face. His body felt like it was going to collapse under the strain, but he refused to stop.

Kosuke didn't smile, but the glint in his eyes softened just a fraction. "Not bad... Keep this up, and maybe we'll move to the next phase."

Kotetsu stood there, breathing hard, his body shaking with exhaustion. But in the back of his mind, something was growing—a quiet determination, a fire he hadn't known he had.

Kosuke, without a hint of sympathy, walked up to him. "You still have more."

Kotetsu looked up, his vision blurry. "More? Are you serious?"

Kosuke didn't answer directly. Instead, he walked over to a water tank nearby. With two quick hand gesture, he sent a stream of water into the air, manipulating it with ease. "Water Release: Water Whip."

The water shot out with such force that it created a crackling sound as it whipped through the air, barely missing Kotetsu by an inch. Kotetsu instinctively flinched, his body jerking backward in shock.

"That's your next test," Kosuke continued, his voice even. "You'll carry the shell while avoiding these water strikes. Focus your chakra into your movements. Keep your balance. And most importantly, don't get hit."

Kotetsu grimaced, but the challenge lit a fire within him. He couldn't afford to fail. Slowly, he rose to his feet, the turtle shell still firmly on his back. He focused on his chakra, this time pulling it into his entire body to enhance his agility. Kosuke didn't wait; he snapped his fingers, and another stream of water lashed out toward Kotetsu.

The first strike came too fast. Kotetsu barely managed to duck, feeling the rush of water pass inches from his head. His body tensed in preparation for the next one. Kosuke's movements were quick, unpredictable. He aimed the streams from various angles, testing Kotetsu's reflexes and concentration.

Each time, Kotetsu had to quickly adjust his body, the weight of the shell making each movement feel like it took twice as much effort. The water strikes came faster now, and Kotetsu's focus began to waver. He felt his chakra draining, but he refused to stop. He couldn't.

With a sharp pivot, Kotetsu narrowly avoided the next whip of water, his chakra flaring as he enhanced his legs to leap to the side. The strain on his body was unbearable, but he pressed on, sweat pouring down his face. His movements weren't perfect, but they were improving. The weight on his back seemed to become a part of him, and he was starting to feel the rhythm of the exercise, his chakra responding more fluidly to his commands.

Kosuke paused, watching for a moment as Kotetsu danced around the water strikes, sweat and dirt streaking his face.

"You're improving," Kosuke said, his voice almost approving. "But you're still holding back. Push harder. There's more in you."

Kotetsu gritted his teeth and nodded, focusing his chakra deeper into his legs, his mind clearing with determination. He wasn't just carrying a shell now—he was proving to himself that he could face anything that came his way.

Hours passed, and Kosuke didn't stop until the moon had reached its peak. Kotetsu's legs felt like jelly, and his chakra reserves were dangerously low. But he never stopped moving, never stopped dodging, even as his body screamed for rest.

Finally, Kosuke gestured for him to stop. "Enough for tonight," he said, his voice less harsh than before. "You've learned the basics. Tomorrow, we'll focus on refining your technique."

Kotetsu stood there, still catching his breath, his body aching in every conceivable way. He wanted nothing more than to collapse, but he straightened up and nodded. "I'm ready for tomorrow."

Kosuke studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I can see you have the potential, Kotetsu. But this is just the beginning. Don't get comfortable."

Kotetsu, sweat dripping and muscles screaming, felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. This was only the beginning, but he was ready for whatever came next.