Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ To Measure My Capacity ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3

It had been three years since Naruto had left Konoha. The effects of the three years training in a forest were evident to the observer from the obvious changes to Naruto's body. Well, as obvious as changes can be to a relatively small 9 year old boy's body. Naruto would never be one to be called bulky, but his muscles were toned as well as they could be considering the boy's physiology. He no longer wore his orange and blue jumpsuit, of course, favoring a dress style similar to Itachi's - black with black. Naruto's normal outfit consisted of a black T, black pants and sandals, and black gloves with metal protectors. However, Naruto had recently acquired a solid white overcoat that, when buttoned up, covered his entire body leaving only the upper part of his face visible, due to the high neck, effectively covering up the strange birth marks on his face. He also sported a haircut similar to that of Itachi's; his hair was tied back in a messy ponytail while his forehead and eyes were partially obscured by the uncontrollable hair that existed there. Naruto silently swore to himself to get a bandana type thing to hold his hair back next time he was in a town.

The most obvious thing about Naruto's training, however, was his attitude. Disciplined, collected, controlled, almost cold. His no-nonsense attitude when focused on a task would inspire jealously in many, even those older than hims- “Ne, Itachi-sensei! I've done this stupid task you gave me, now teach me something useful!” cough

Itachi looked up from the scroll he was reading to see Naruto enter the clearing, his clothes covered with dirt and mud, his fingernails bleeding. The look on Naruto's face was priceless. It was a cross between angry, proud and confused. “The task I assigned you was useful, Naruto-kun.”

”Useful!” Naruto yelled. “How is digging a tunnel from one side of this clearing to the other `useful'! And with my hands! Couldn't you just teach me a jutsu to do it?”

Itachi looked evenly at Naruto, not affected by his outburst in the slightest. “You never know when you might need to dig a tunnel to escape a battle or ambush someone.” He said seriously. “Better to get some practice.”

Naruto almost fell over. “That's the most stupid thing I've ever heard! Now teach me something useful!”

Itachi shook his head. “No, Naruto-kun, I have finished teaching you. It is time we went our separate ways.”

Naruto's attitude completely reversed at that. “What do you mean `we should go our separate ways?” Naruto's face fell, his expression becoming one of sadness and confusion. “Weren't you going to train me to become strong?”

”You have strength, Naruto-kun, enough to defend yourself against possible attacks. I have taught you as much as I intended.”

”But why? Can't you stay and teach me more?” Naruto didn't want Itachi to leave him. Itachi was the only person he knew that respected him, aside from the Hokage, but Naruto hadn't seen him for over 3 years.

“I've decided to join an organization called the Akatsuki. They have many powerful members and enemies for me to test myself against.”

”But surely there's more you can teach me.” Naruto pouted. “You can join that Aka- thingy later!”

“No. It must be now. You must be allowed to evolve on your own from now on, with no influence from me. There are two ways to defeat an opponent, Naruto-kun. Using your strengths or using their weaknesses.” Itachi paused to make sure Naruto understood this before continuing.

“If two enemies encounter each other too often they begin to learn each others strengths and weaknesses, and each fight thereafter becomes a stalemate. I will not allow this to happen with us. I know all your current strengths and weaknesses, and you know some of mine. This would create problems later.”

Naruto was not willing to accept this. “I don't know anything about you except that you're strong!”

Itachi sighed at his determination. “You know more about me than you think. Tell me, during our discipline training did you feel that the time you spent world of Tsukuyomi lessened as the training went on?”

Naruto became thoughtful at this, thinking back to the time that seemed so long ago now. “I guess. Maybe I became used to the pain or something.”

Itachi shook his head. “No, each time I tied you to that cross you were fighting me and my hold over you, if only subconsciously.” Itachi looked to the sky, a look of remembrance crossing his face. “As time went on you started to throw off the effects of my greatest strength quite easily. Tsukuyomi not meant to be used multiple times on the same target. It is intended to end fights quickly, or destroy a person psychologically. I made a mistake using it on you as a means to physically torture.”

Naruto looked to the ground, a frown crossing his face. “I-I don't want you to leave me, Itachi-sensei.”

”It is required. You should either return to Konoha or find another sensei. There are many powerful shinobi wandering the lands, if you search them out. Never stop becoming stronger, and one day we will meet again.”

Itachi turned away from Naruto and began walking to the tree edge. Once he reached it he spoke once more, casting one last glace at Naruto's downcast form. “Naruto-kun, if you ever meet my brother Sasuke, do what you can to train him, and learn off each other. I need both of you to be as strong as possible. Also, do not mention my name to anyone, especially Sasuke. These are my only requests for my teachings.”

Itachi turned back and disappeared into the shadows of the tree, leaving Naruto alone in the clearing. Fighting tears, Naruto heard one last thing from Itachi, “Do not disappoint me, Naruto-kun.”

At that, Naruto broke down, the tears flowing freely, falling to the ground below.

Itachi observed Naruto for a few minutes from the trees, a slight frown playing across his normally neutral face. `I would have thought I had taught him to control his emotions better than this.' The frown disappeared. `It is of no consequence. He controls his emotions in battle and that is all I require of him.'

Itachi finally turned and started making his way away from the place he had called home for 3 years, intent on making up lost training time. `Do not disappoint me, Naruto-kun. Prove to me you can have strength and live at the same time.'

Jumping from tree to tree Itachi increased his speed, now surprisingly eager to meet the Akatsuki representative he had spoken to and received a scroll from earlier. It outlined Akatsuki's goals for the future, which included something to do with the Kyuubi. `I forgot to tell Naruto-kun about the Kyuubi.' Itachi mentally shrugged. `It is of no concern, it may even work in my favor. I know little about the Kyuubi other than that most know.'

Itachi actually became happy, well as happy as Itachi can be, at the fact he forgot. `The stronger Naruto-kun gets without knowledge of the Kyuubi, the stronger he will become when he finds out. And once he does, if he finds someone to train him in its use… yes, I am glad of my investment in Naruto-kun'.

With that final thought, a small smirk appeared on Itachi's otherwise blank features. A slight upturning of the right lip was all that indicated thoughts about his accomplishments as he sped on through the forest.

After a time Naruto got a hold of his emotions. `I suppose he's right, we do need to spend some time away from each other. I just wish he didn't leave me so suddenly.'

Looking around the clearing he had called home for the past 3 years Naruto decided there was no point staying. `I guess I'd better head to Konoha. Not like there's anything for me here now.'

Gathering his belongings, which didn't consist of much - a kunai pouch, a shuriken pouch, his white coat and the remains of their mission rewards, which surprisingly wasn't much - Naruto exclaimed out loud “Alright! It's time to go back to Konoha!” He sweat dropped, and muttered “Only I have no idea where Konoha is…” Shaking his head, Naruto decided he'd better just go to the closet town and head out from there.

Exiting the clearing Naruto looked back and cast one last longing glance at the place he had learnt so much at. `I'll come back here - some day.' Emotions threatening to overpower him, Naruto turned and left behind the place he had called home as fast as possible.

It took a surprisingly short amount of time for Naruto to reach the first town. He actually had no idea where he was, he assumed he was somewhere in Fire Country. Naruto decided he may as well look for an inn or hotel to stay at for the night and then start his return to Konoha tomorrow. Taking a side street Naruto was greeted with a strange sight.

A rather large man with white hair was seemingly looking through a hole in a fence, whilst writing on a piece of paper. `What the…' Naruto then heard some splashing noises, followed by squealing and giggling. `What is that guy doing?'

“Oi,” Naruto called out, “what're you doing?”

The man turned around, seeing a boy wearing a large white trench coat looking curiously at him. “Shh, you're interrupting my research.”

”Research?” Naruto responded. “It looks like you're spying on people.”

”Look kid, I'll teach you something cool if you go away.”

Naruto wasn't convinced. “Why would I want to learn how to make holes in fences?”

The man twitched at that. “You obviously have no idea who I am! I am Myouboku Mountain's Monk of the Frog Spirits!” Naruto had a blank expression. “I'm also known as the Frog Hermit, Jiraiya!”

'Jiraiya?' Naruto thought `That name seems familiar for some reason'.

“I think you're a pervert.” Naruto stated.

“You fool! I'm no ordinary pervert! I get inspiration to write better novels!”

“Right,” Naruto said, “sure you do.”

”Bah!” Jiraiya spat, “What would a weak little boy like you know!”

”Pfft,” Naruto muttered, “I should kill him for calling me weak.”

Jiraiya burst out laughing. “Like someone like you could ever kill! And to say you'll kill me, Jiraiya of the Sannin? You've got to be joking!”

`I remember now!' Naruto realized. `Jiraiya was one of the Old Man's students!'

“I've done it before,” Naruto stated, “who're you to say I can't?”

Jiraiya stopped laughing at that, slightly shocked. `He's killed people before? Someone that young shouldn't have blood on their hands.'

Jiraiya gave his full attention to Naruto for the first time. “I find that hard to believe.”

Naruto's eyes were downcast now, as the memories of his victims' deaths resurfaced.

”It's true, though.” Naruto said. “The first time was hard, but it got easier.” Jiraiya could see he was telling the truth.

”No, kid,” Jiraiya looked solemn, “killing never gets easier, you just learn to handle it better.”

Naruto nodded slowly, and, still lost in thought, spoke automatically. “I guess that's true. Last time, I was almost proud I killed the guy.” Jiraiya looked shocked at this, but Naruto continued. “I was happy I managed to pull off a new technique at the last second, it sort of numbed the pain I should have felt. Looking back, I don't feel so good about it.”

Jiraiya nodded in understanding. “Humans are sociable creatures; killing each other is against our nature. When you stop feeling remorse for your victims you stop being human.”

Naruto was still lost in his memories, nodding automatically before speaking. “My sensei said something like that. When I made my first kill, he praised me, telling me it is important not to hesitate, as each time you do the enemy has another chance to kill you, or their reinforcements come that much closer.”

Naruto's bottom lip quivered slightly as bad memories flooded his conscious being.

FLASHBACK

“Naruto-kun, we have an assassination mission to do. You will kill him.”

Naruto stiffened. It was a while before he answered. “Hai, Itachi-san.”

Naruto and Itachi were both silent, not speaking until they reached their target. Itachi broke the silence. “Naruto-kun, do not hesitate. Every time you hesitate your enemy gets another chance to kill you, and their reinforcements get that much closer to you. Do not think, just act. Mourn later if necessary.”

Naruto stared blankly. “Hai.”

A lone man walked down the street towards them. He was their target. Naruto waited until the man passed before following. He came up behind his target and tapped him on the shoulder. The man turned. “Yes?”

Naruto stabbed him. He watched the emotions flash through the man's eyes. Surprise, shock and pain all registered on his face before the life faded from his eyes.

Naruto turned back to Itachi. “Good, Naruto-kun. Let us go.”

Naruto managed to make it back to the clearing before breaking down, the weight of what he had done finally catching up to him. He did not think the tears would ever stop.

END FLASHBACK

Jiraiya stared Naruto silently, watching the emotions on his face change. `Who is this kid? To have been through so much at such a young age…' “Hey, kid, what's your name?”

Naruto looked up, surprised; having seemly forgotten Jiraiya was there. “Uzumaki Naruto” he responded automatically. `Ugh, I probably shouldn't have said that.'

'What! What is the Kyuubi vessel doing at the edges of Fire Country?'

”Where's your sensei, kid?” Jiraiya asked, wondering who'd get their student to kill someone as a lesson.

”We split up.” Naruto stated. “He had wanted me to go back to Konoha and get stronger or find someone who could train me. We were out here training after he saved me from death in Konoha 3 years ago.”

`Interesting' Thought Jiraiya. `I guess it was the Third's idea to send him away to become stronger. About time the old man came to his senses. I guess I should Naruto help out, he might not be ready to go back yet. I told the Third leaving the Kyuubi vessel in the village wouldn't work, but did he listen? Of course not. Just wanted to follow Arashi's wishes.'

“Oi, Naruto, you said you'd invented a new technique on the spot to kill someone, what was it?” Jiraiya questioned. He was eager to know what this kid could do.

”Oh, it was the start of a new Taijutsu style sensei and I made up based off the Jyuken style of the Hyuuga.” Jiraiya frowned at this.

”How is it based off Jyuken?” Jiraiya asked. “The Hyuuga are too secretive for people outside the clan to learn their style.”

”Uhh,” Naruto thought quickly, “sensei knew the stances, not sure how, but he taught them to me. You release chakra when you strike and it does random damage to the target, unlike Jyuken.”

Jiraiya nodded, obviously thinking. “Listen Naruto, you should stop using that style.” Naruto looked shocked and disappointed at this, which prompted Jiraiya to continue. “The Hyuuga are very powerful, and very secretive. If they knew this new variant existed they would have it destroyed, which means they would have you killed. They have the power and influence to see this done.” Jiraiya warned.

”But what am I going to do against Taijutsu users if I can't match them?” Naruto asked, pouting.

Jiraiya was silent for a moment, stroking his chin in thought. “Tell you what, I'll teach you a jutsu that is effective against Taijutsu users that you can use until you find a new style, how does that sound?”

Naruto thought for a time before deciding. “Okay, I guess that will have to do.”

Jiraiya smiled. “Alright! The technique I'm going to be teaching you is mostly defensive, but could also be considered offensive. It lengthens and hardens your hair, yes, that's right, your hair,” Naruto had thrown Jiraiya an incredulous look, “and causes it to wrap around you in a defensive cloak. Your hair becomes razor sharp due to the chakra pulsating through it. The longer your hair, the more effective this technique will be.”

Naruto still didn't look convinced. “I don't think hair can be that useful.”

Jiraiya just grinned. “You'll see, kid, you'll see.”