Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ To Measure My Capacity ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter 12

 

Naruto woke, instantly aware someone was near. Feigning sleep, he soon realized who the intruder was. Opening his eyes and sitting up, Naruto watched Jiraiya cross the training field.

 

“Yo, Naruto!” Jiraiya greeted.

“What are you doing here?” Naruto asked.

 

“You need to meet that Genjutsu specialist later today,” Jiraiya said, handing Naruto a note with a place and time written on it. “You're lucky, there's nothing like having a hot date on a hot day!” Jiraiya said, grinning.

 

Looking at the sleeping Hyuuga beside Naruto, Jiraiya chuckled. “Though it looks like you already have one, eh Naruto?”

Naruto rolled his eyes. “We were training, Ero-sennin.”

“'Training', eh? So that's what they call it these days, is it?” Jiraiya asked, interested. “It was `sparring' back in my day. Never did any `sparring' with Tsunade, though. She never… liked the idea.” Jiraiya added with a shudder.

 

“What is the specialist's name, anyway?” Naruto questioned, ignoring Jiraiya's meaningless comments.

 

“What? Her name?” Jiraiya said thoughtfully. “Since they're usually gone in the morning, I never bother remembering names…” Jiraiya trailed off, eventually shrugging. “I can't remember.”

“You're useless, Ero-sennin.” Naruto stated. “Do you at least know what she looks like?”

 

Naruto instantly regretted asking that question as Jiraiya launched into a detailed physical description of the woman, covering everything from hair color to clothing size, height to shoe size, eye color to cup size, and even mentioned various likes and dislikes of the woman.

 

`I hate that man.'

 

`Same.' Naruto agreed with Kyuubi. How Jiraiya knew all this information Naruto didn't know. Nor did he want to know.

 

`You should let me out sometime, Naruto-kun. I'm sure I can… persuade him to show more respect to females.' Kyuubi said evilly. For some reason Naruto got a mental image of fox licking its jowls.

 

`Let you out?' Naruto exclaimed mentally. `Why would I even consider that? Besides, I don't think the seal on my stomach would allow you to be free, even if I wanted to “let you out”.'

 

`I didn't mean letting my whole being out, just my mind.' Kyuubi explained.

 

`Why didn't I think of that?' Naruto thought sarcastically. `Please explain how I'm going to let your mind out of my stomach, Kyuu-chan. I'm having a hard time picturing a corporal form of your mind. Is it like a ghost?'

 

`You will create a body for my mind to inhabit using that clone technique you're so fond of.' Kyuubi said simply.

 

`Oh, so all I need to do is modify an extremely advanced and forbidden technique so that instead of creating a clone of myself, I create a clone of the demon inhabiting my body? Sounds simply, when do we start?'

 

`As soon as we're alone.' Kyuubi said simply.

 

`Did you somehow miss the subtle sarcasm in my last question?' Naruto asked with his mental eyes narrowed in disbelief. Outwardly, he patiently listened to Jiraiya continue his description of the woman he was to meet later that day. Naruto had learnt over the years that the best thing to do when Jiraiya got in to the state he was currently in was to listen, nod occasionally and wait for it to pass.

 

`No, but you won't need to change the technique at all. If you use my chakra for the technique, I'll be able to do the rest.'

 

`It can't be that simple.'

 

`It will be.'

 

Naruto didn't reply, as Jiraiya had finally run out of material.

“Black hair, red eyes?” Naruto said. “I got it, Ero-sennin.”

 

“Make sure you remember the rest, too.” Jiraiya said. His features became serious as he continued.

 

“Anyway, Naruto, you need to be careful in Konoha, especially around some people.” Jiraiya's eyes came to rest on the still sleeping Hinata as he said this. “If anything were to come out, questions would be asked, which would only lead to more questions. None in the village other than the Third know the truth, but the Council is still looking for any reason at all to have you removed from the village. Their opinion of you is even worse than I suspected, and the Third's power can only extend so far.”

“I know.” Naruto said simply. He was aware of the danger he was in while he was in Konoha, especially from the Hyuuga clan. Their influence over the Council and their obsession over protecting their bloodline secrets put Naruto in a lot of danger, considering what he knew and what he was trying hard to find out.

 

Jiraiya nodded. He knew how good Naruto was at keeping secrets. Jiraiya turned to leave, but stopped, as if remembering something.

“Naruto, I'm leaving you alone for a while.” Jiraiya said abruptly. “Learn what you can from Kakashi, and stay out of trouble. I'll be back in a few months to check up on you.”

Naruto was surprised. He had expected Jiraiya to stay in the village longer than a day, after all he been away for over 10 years.

 

“Research trip, Ero-sennin?” Naruto questioned. “I thought you said there was plenty of excellent `research material' in Konoha, why leave so soon?”

 

Jiraiya sighed. “As much as I'd love to stay, I must put my book on hold for a while longer. The Third has alerted me to a threat that cannot go unchecked.”

Jiraiya turned back to face Naruto, a grim look on his face. “Over the past few years, an organization called Akatsuki has been rising in power, and their activities have become more obvious. While I don't yet know their plans, I do know the group consists entirely of S-class criminals, one being Orochimaru. I cannot let anything involving Orochimaru go unchecked as it has been.”

 

Naruto nodded, knowing of Jiraiya's concerns about Orochimaru. “I understand, Ero-sennin. Have fun on your trip.”

Jiraiya gave Naruto a weak smile, turning to leave once again. Looking back, he called over his shoulder to Naruto. “Don't be late for your date; it's not nice to keep a lady waiting!”

 

“Hai, Ero-sennin.” Naruto said automatically, watching Jiraiya leave with a blank look on his face. `Akatsuki, huh? That was the name of the organization Itachi-sensei went to join. I wonder how he's doing…”

Looking down at the piece of paper in his hand that Jiraiya had given him, he saw that he still had an hour before he had to meet the Genjutsu specialist. Deciding it would be best to head home and wash up before he went on his `date', he bent down to wake the exhausted Hyuuga girl.

“Oi, Hinata!” Naruto said, gently shaking the girl's shoulder. The girl responded by making some sleepy noises and stirring at little, but did not wake. “Come on Hinata, you can't sleep out here in the open!”

Naruto shook the girl lightly again, this time causing the girl to slowly waken.

 

Opening her eyes slowly and blinking rapidly to get the sleep out, Hinata let out a small `eep!' of surprise as Naruto's face slowly came into focus mere inches from her own. Sitting up, startled, Hinata took a moment to gather her thoughts on where she was and how she got there. As the day's events slowly came back to her, she relaxed at little and let out a soft yawn.

 

“H-how long was I asleep for?” Hinata asked Naruto.

 

“About 2 hours,” Naruto replied. A worried look crossed Hinata's face, and she quickly stood.

 

“I-I need to get home.” Hinata mumbled, anxious. “Fa-father will be f-furious I am late.”

 

“Oh, well, that was my fault.” Naruto admitted. “Let me walk you home and I can explain to him what happened.”

Hinata looked surprised at that. No one ever wanted to meet her father. “B-but-“

“It's no trouble at all!” Naruto interrupted, smiling as wide as he could. Hinata merely nodded.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

`You're walking her home,' Kyuubi observed incredulously.

 

`I need to continue to gain her trust,' Naruto said, walking beside Hinata through the streets of Konoha. `Besides, it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction I get from her father. If he sees me simply as you, dear Kyuu-chan, he will do everything in his power to keep me away from Hinata, and that would complicate my plans greatly. In fact, it would probably make them impossible. It would be best to find out what he's like now and plan for any complications.'

 

Walking through the streets, Naruto noticed he was getting some all too familiar looks from some of the villagers. It was clear the word of his return and a description of him had spread through the villagers. Naruto felt a subtle feeling of contempt rise in his being, but controlled it easily. He had to behave to achieve his goals.

 

Naruto continued his train of thought as more villagers sent suspicious and hateful looks at him. `Trying to hide our relationship would appear suspicious; the best thing to do is hide it in plain sight. People won't think twice about two team mates training together once in a while. But the Kyuubi vessel having secret training sessions with the Hyuuga heir? That would arouse unacceptable amounts of suspicion. I can almost hear the accusations of the demon manipulating the innocent young girl who is blissfully ignorant to the demon's true intentions.'

 

`But that's exactly what this is.' Kyuubi muttered.

 

Naruto smirked mentally. `True. But if I don't hide it, it won't be seen that way.'

 

`The lengths you'll go to in order to get stronger' Kyuubi said, shaking her great head in disbelief at Naruto's intentions. `I love you for it.' Naruto hid a smile behind his high collar.

 

Hinata was good at reading faces. It was something that almost seemed innate in Hyuuga members, and while Hinata wasn't as gifted as some, for example her cousin Neji, her reading abilities was above an average person's. She recognized that something was different in the faces of some of the villagers - something she didn't like. She had no idea what it was that was different, however. She noticed some of the villagers had smiles on their faces as they turned to face her, and their smiles quickly faded as their eyes fell on her and Naruto. It was a strange occurrence, something she had not experienced before. She was unsure of what to make of it, and looked at Naruto to see how he was reacting to the looks they were receiving. Although she could not fully see Naruto's face due to his high collar, Hinata could tell he was smiling. Curious as to what he was so happy about, Hinata broke the comfortable silence.

 

“Na-Naruto-kun?” Hinata said, breaking Naruto out of the trance he appeared to be in.

 

“Hmm? What is it, Hinata?” Naruto asked, turning to look at Hinata.

 

“A-ano, I was just wondering why you were smiling.” Hinata questioned hesitantly.

 

Naruto's smile became bigger. “I was just smiling at how fortunate I have been to have had such good company this afternoon.” Naruto replied easily.

 

“O-oh.” Hinata mumbled, looking down. “I didn't th-think I was very good company.”

“You are good company, Hinata.” Naruto encouraged. “I'd love to train with you as much as possible.” Kyuubi's laughter sounded through Naruto's mind as he said that.

 

Hinata smiled softly. She enjoyed Naruto's company, and his encouragement and confident manner inspired her to be more confident herself. As the Hyuuga complex came into view, however, the impending meeting with her father whittled away the confidence Naruto's presence built. She expected her father to be furious with her, and possibly Naruto. She was not expecting the reaction she did get when they finally met.

 

Hiashi, Naruto observed when they met by chance just outside the gates to the Hyuuga complex, was completely indifferent to Hinata's return. He almost seemed annoyed that Hinata had returned, and would probably have passed without acknowledging her arrival had Hinata not spoken to him.

“Tadaima, otou-sama.” Hinata mumbled, bowing to her father. She indicated to Naruto. “This is my team mate, Naruto.”

 

Hiashi seemed to notice them both for the first time as Hinata said this. “Naruto?” Hiashi spoke, his voice deep. He did not seem overly concerned with Naruto, or look at him with any malice. “Uzumaki Naruto?”

 

Naruto nodded, bowing. “I'm sorry for keeping your daughter away for so long, Hyuuga-sama.” Naruto apologized. “After we passed our Genin test, I asked if Hinata would train with me as we worked well as a team.”

Hiashi looked to Hinata, noticing the girl's ragged appearance for the first time. Various cuts, scraps and holes in the girl's clothing stood out to him.

Hiashi, however, ignored Naruto's apology, almost spitting out his next words. “I do not care what this weakling does, as she is no daughter of mine. Worst scores in her class, and she dares to carry the Hyuuga name? She is weaker than Hanabi, 5 years her junior. Hinata is under the tutorage of Hatake Kakashi now, and what she does in her spare time is no concern of mine.” At that, Hiashi walked swiftly passed the two stunned Genin, leaving them standing in silence.

 

`Well, now I know why Hinata has no confidence.' Naruto thought. `But it looks as though her father has given me free reign to do as I please with Hinata.'

“Looks like he doesn't mind us training together, Hinata!” Naruto joked, trying to make light of an uncomfortable situation.

“Ha-hai,” Hinata mumbled, eyes once again looking downward. It was clear her father's words had hit her hard.

 

“Hey,” Naruto said, getting Hinata to look at him. “You're strong, Hinata. It's just that attitude of yours that was holding you back, right?” Naruto waited for Hinata to nod before continuing. “And now that you know that, you'll be able to get even stronger. We can do it together, Hinata. We can show everyone you are worth being heir to the Hyuuga clan.”

“You're right, Naruto-kun.” Hinata replied. Her back was now straight, her head held high, and she had a look of confidence in her eyes. “I'll show them all that I'm worthy of the name Hyuuga Hinata.”

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

`That was really smooth, Naruto-kun.' Kyuubi stated as Naruto walked away from the Hyuuga complex after saying goodbye to Hinata. `How did you get so good with the ladies?'

 

`I was with Ero-sennin for 3 years, Kyuu-chan.' Naruto said simply.

 

`True enough.' Kyuubi conceded. `But that fake persona you use with the Hyuuga girl is flawless.' Kyuubi said. `Do you practice it in the mirror when I'm sleeping?' she asked suspiciously.

 

`No,' Naruto said. `It is similar to the personality I had before I met Itachi-sensei. It was a mask I used to fool those around me, and myself, into thinking I was happy. It prevented me from falling into depression. It obviously works a similar way with her.'

 

Naruto was now on his way to meet with the Genjutsu specialist at Training Field 13. He had had to walk half way across Konoha to the Hyuuga complex, half way again to his own home to wash up, and now back to the training fields to walk Hinata home and make it for his `date', but it had been worth the effort in Naruto's mind. He had ensured his training with Hinata would go mostly unchallenged, and furthered the bond between himself and the young girl with the promise they would both become stronger together.

Naruto arrived at the training ground at same time the specialist did. She was an attractive woman, appearing to be in her late twenties. She sported a strange garb looking almost as though she was wrapped in bandages. Only remembering from Jiraiya's extensive physical description of the woman that she had black hair and red eyes, Naruto concluded that this woman was the Genjutsu specialist. Naruto seemed to recall her being one of the Jounin that took a Genin team at the Academy.

 

“You must be Naruto,” she said as they came to a halt in front of each other. “I'm Yuuhi Kurenai. I understand from Jiraiya-sama that you are interested in Genjutsu?”

“I am.” Naruto said. “More to the point, I need to know how to counter it.” Naruto added seriously.

Kurenai chuckled. “Jiraiya-sama told me you wouldn't beat around when it came to training. I see now what he meant. We may as well get started then.”

Kurenai began by telling Naruto about the basics of Genjutsu, going over things Naruto mostly knew but there were things new to Naruto that were worth taking note of. “Basic Genjutsu is designed to cripple the senses by using the target's own chakra to make them see things, or feel things that are not real, causing the user to gain the upper hand while the target is paralyzed with fear, phantom pains or fighting off illusions.”

Naruto nodded, and Kurenai continued. “These scare tactics and illusions will not work against skilled opponents. As soon as they're caught in Genjutsu, they will realize it and quickly do what it takes to escape. This is, no doubt, what you are hear to learn and become able to do.”

 

Naruto once again nodded and Kurenai continued her explanation. “A skilled Genjutsu user, however, will be invisible, as you will not know you're caught. They will manipulate you; make you feel as though you have control when in reality they are leading you into a trap which there is absolutely no escape. They will not make a move until it is certain their victory is inevitable. This is the type of Genjutsu user I inspire to be, but I am a long way from that dream.

 

“True Genjutsu masters are extremely rare. They require impossible amounts of patience, inhuman chakra control and incredible intelligence. They are rarely heard of and almost thought to be a myth, but this is only because when you meet them you are already under their spell and are not aware of what is going on. Those that fight Genjutsu masters do not live to tell the tale or their mental mind will be in no way capable of coherent thought.”

This interested Naruto, but he did not delude himself with dreams of becoming a Genjutsu master. In fact, he did not plan on learning any Genjutsu from Kurenai, only ways to counter it.

 

Kurenai sighed. “I will never be a master, only a specialist; but always remember, Naruto, that you can never be sure that you actions are free, there is always a possibility you are being manipulated, and you have know way of knowing.”

 

It was a thought provoking statement for Naruto. How could he know he wasn't being manipulated? He couldn't. Maybe the fox…

 

`You know I'm not, Naruto-kun.' Kyuubi said sounding almost hurt. `And besides, I know you better than anyone. People might be able to manipulate you, but they will never be able to manipulate me. I will tell you if you're ever trapped in Genjutsu and don't realize it.'

Naruto was thankful for Kyuubi's reassurance. `Still, I'd like to know how to counter recognize and counter Genjutsu for myself.' Naruto thought back. `You never know, one day I might rid myself of your presence and need the skills Kurenai can teach me.'

 

`You can't get rid of me, Naruto-kun. And I know you don't want to. Admit it,' Kyuubi cooed, `you love me.'

 

Naruto wasn't even going to entertain the thought, and Kurenai was still explaining things to him. “There are a few ways to counter Genjutsu once you know you're under its effects. You can disrupt your own chakra flow, which causes the user's control over your chakra to break. Some Genjutsu are too strong for this, and then usually intense pain is the only way to break out of it. I will show you the standard ways of breaking Genjutsu and defending against it, if you're ready Naruto.”

Naruto nodded, liking the attitude of the woman. She got to the action quickly, which was what Naruto wanted. Naruto spent the next hour learning and practicing the recognition and dispelling of Genjutsu. Confident with his ability, Naruto asked Kurenai to put him under various weak Genjutsu to see if he could recognize and dispel the techniques. Naruto found it quite easy to dispel the most basic forms of Genjutsu and asked Kurenai to continue on to more advanced techniques.

'This is quite simple.' Naruto thought as he quickly muttered “Kai!” dispelling himself from yet another of Kurenai's Genjutsu.

 

`It's because my chakra is in your chakra system.' Kyuubi revealed. `She cannot manipulate it with this level of technique, so something always seems wrong to you. You recognize it as Genjutsu, and dispel it.'

 

`I see. So she needs to use something more advanced?'

 

Deciding, Naruto asked Kurenai to use one of her more powerful techniques.

 

Kurenai initially objected. “You're doing surprisingly well, I'll admit Naruto, but I don't think you're quite ready for the more advanced stuff yet.”

 

“I should know how powerful and hard these techniques can be.” Naruto objected. “It's better to encounter them now and recognize them than later on the battle field when it's life or death.”

 

Kurenai thought for a moment. It would be better to know the extent of a Genjutsu's power in a training situation. “Very well, Naruto. Let's see how you do with this.” Quickly making several hand seals, Kurenai shouted “Magen: Jubaku Satsu” (Demonic Illusion: Tree Bind Death).

 

Instantly, Kurenai faded from view in front of Naruto, and a tree grew rapidly from behind him, its branches reaching out and immobilizing his arms and legs, preventing him from moving or creating hand seals to dispel the Genjutsu.

`Well, this is interesting.' Naruto thought as the branches tightened, another appearing and snaking its way around his neck, restricting his breathing. Naruto forced himself to bite his tongue, trying to create enough pain to dispel the illusion. It proved futile, only managing to bring tears to his eyes which he forcefully repressed. As the branch around his neck continued to tighten its death grip, Naruto found it increasingly hard to breathe. `This sucks.' He concluded, thinking hard, trying to find a way to break free of the Genjutsu.

 

`Just activate your Akaigan' Kyuubi said, amused at the prediciment Naruto had got himself in. `Even this level of technique should be dispelled by the amount of my chakra concentrated to the eyes when you activate your Akaigan.'

 

Naruto did so, and the trees and branches suddenly became ethereal to look at, the illusionary nature becoming extremely evident. While the visual illusion was mostly dispelled, Naruto could still feel the branch constricting his air ways. He could now see Kurenai calmly watching him struggle to breathe, watching him fight to break the illusion she had put him under.

 

`Well, try activating the second level of your Akaigan. This Genjutsu seems to be stronger than I thought.' Kyuubi said. `Though maybe you're just weaker than I thought… I could just dispel it for you.'

 

`Damn fox.' Naruto spat back. `How do I activate the second level?'

 

`Same way you activate the first level, just use more chakra.' Kyuubi said, as if it was obvious. `The strain in your eyes will be greater, of course, since there's even more of my chakra concentrated there.'

 

Naruto did as he was told. He willed the fox's chakra to his eyes as he did to active it the first time, but this time drew upon more of it. As he did so, he heard someone screaming. Whoever it was must have been in an incredible amount of pain, for the screams were loud, piercing even Naruto's cold demure. He had heard a lot of people scream in pain before, but never like this. It sent a shiver up his spine. It took but a moment more to realize that he was the one that was screaming. Blinding light assaulted his vision, the world's colors magnified and enhanced by demonic chakra. Naruto found he was unable to close his eyes despite the searing, indescribable pain it caused him to simple look at the world. He threw his head back, the Genjutsu dispelled by the incredible pain he had experienced. Clutching his head, he let out another scream to the sky, unable to manage the pain despite all his training.

 

Clouds drifted lazily overhead, unconcerned with the screams of the young boy far below. Naruto's vision, naturally drawn to the clouds' movements, made the mistake of focusing on the clouds. Naruto's vision slam-zoomed forward, his vision field suddenly taking in the minute details of the water droplets that the clouds were made of, as if looking through binoculars or a microscope. The droplets reminded him of tears. He hadn't cried in years, not since he found out that a great demon had been sealed inside him. But now he could feel hot tears roll down his cheeks. He willed the pain to stop, but was unable to form any other coherent thought, unable to think of a way to make it stop.

As abruptly as the pain came, it ended. Naruto collapsed to his hands and knees, panting. He tried to calm his breathing, taking time gather his thoughts. He tried to wipe his tears away, only to have his hands come away covered in blood.

 

Naruto laughed, relieved. He hadn't been crying, his eyes were merely bleeding. He sighed, his breathing now calm. Standing, his vision fell on the shocked looking Kurenai.

 

`Well that is going to be hard to explain.' Naruto thought. The entire ordeal hard taken mere seconds, but the display was certainly enough to shock the unprepared Jounin. One moment the boy was fighting her Jutsu, almost breaking her hold, the next he was screaming at the sky, blood pouring from his eyes.

 

“Are you okay?” Kurenai asked after a moment, recovering from the shock slightly.

 

Naruto shrugged. “I should be.”

 

“Are you sure?” Kurenai pressed, she didn't know what to make of the display.

 

“Yeah,” Naruto said, forcing a smile.

 

Naruto could see Kurenai didn't believe him. She would want some explanation for his outburst, to be sure. Naruto thought quickly, trying to think of a believable explanation, one that wouldn't create further questions.

 

“It's a developing bloodline limit,” Naruto finally said, answering Kurenai's unasked question. “As you can see, I haven't quite mastered it yet.” He added his voice thick with irony.

 

“So I see.” Kurenai replied, seemingly accepting his explanation. “I guess that does it for our training. There's really nothing more I can teach you unless you want to learn offensive Genjutsu and not just ways to defend against it. The best thing for you to do would be to practice and advance the defenses you know.”

 

Naruto nodded. Kurenai continued. “You were close to breaking free from that last technique... before you activated your bloodline. It is quite impressive how easily you find defending against Genjutsu. I wouldn't want to fight against you.”

 

Naruto thanked Kurenai for the compliment and training, continuing the trivial conversations with Kurenai while internally conversing with his demonic friend.

 

`WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!' Naruto screamed mentally.

 

`I warned you that your eyes might explode if you channeled too much chakra to them.' Kyuubi defended.

 

`But you still suggested I activate a higher level!' Naruto fumed.

 

`Well I stopped the pain and repaired the damage afterwards, didn't I?' Kyuubi argued. `Maybe you should stop accepting my powers so casually!'

 

`Maybe if you just stayed in your cage all the time this wouldn't happen!' Naruto spat back.

 

Naruto instantly regretted saying this as Kyuubi's presence vanished from his mind. That was about the most hateful thing Naruto could say to her. `Kyuu-chan?' Naruto thought, knowing he would get no response. `Damnit!'

 

After asking one more time if Naruto was okay, Kurenai left Naruto to his thoughts. Deciding he had best go home and wash up, as blood was still on his face and hands Naruto slowly walked out of the training field. Trying to think of ways to tell Kyuubi he was sorry, Naruto could only think of one thing.

 

`Maybe I should `let her out' for a bit. If it's really as easy as she says it is, what harm could it do?'