Chapter 12: Rigorous training all around!

It was the day after the preliminaries and all those who advanced to the final round were working their butts off. Some who didn't make it were training really hard for the hopes to be selected to face Sakura in the final round. The standings were set up in a tournament style, in which #1 would play #8.

"So what are you going to teach me Pervy Sage?" Naruto asked and Jiraiya got a tick mark.

"Would you stop calling me that?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto shook his head.

"Not until you stop being a pervert." Naruto responded and Jiraiya sighed in defeat.

"I've already talked to your father so I know you're already familiar with the nine tails." Jiraiya said.

"I'm going to teach you to how to use its power to your advantage. However you must use up all of one chakra before you can use the other." Jiraiya explained.

"Ooohhh are you gonna teach me some super powerful tailed beast technique?" Naruto asked excitedly and Jiraiya took the giant scroll off his back.

"Not quite but it is a powerful technique that will be exclusive to us." Jiraiya responded as he opened up the large scroll.

"Here sign your name in blood right there in that empty space." Jiraiya said and Naruto complied.

"This is a summoning contract for toads, I will be teaching you how to summon toads for battle." Jiraiya explained as he performed the handsigns needed.

"Summoning Jutsu!" Jiraiya said as he slammed his hand on the ground and a large poof of smoke appeared and aa large toad appeared. Naruto was amazed by the toad.

"You use these hand signs; Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram. You draw blood from yourself by biting your thumb or wherever you can get blood easily, the amount chakra you use depends on the size of the toad you summon. Go on try it for yourself." Jiraiya explained. Naruto did exactly what he told him and Naruto summoned a tiny toad.

"It's tiny." Jiraiya said and Naruto got a tick mark.

"Don't mock me I guarantee you I'll get it next time!" Naruto declared as he went through the process again. A big poof of smoke appeared and when it cleared smaller toad then before appeared.

"Wow, I don't think I've ever seen someone get progressively worse during training." Jiraiya said with fake interest and Naruto was shaking with frustration. Naruto went through the jutsu over and over again but the largest toad he was able to summon was the toad Jiraiya summoned at first. Jiraiya sighed and told Naruto to follow him. They went towards a huge canyon that had many spikes protruding from the walls of the canyon.

"Why'd you bring me here Pervy Sage?" Naruto asked and Jiraiya gave a toothy smile.

"To train of course. You'd better summon a toad or else you'll die." Jiraiya warned as he didn't give Naruto time to react as he just kicked Naruto into the canyon.

"WHAAAAAaaaaaa" Naruto screamed then he focused and went through the summoning jutsu hand signs.

"Come on you stupid fox, loan me some chakra as rent" Naruto thought and the nine tails actually complied. Naruto summoned a giant toad with a blue colored vest that has the kanji for oil on the back of it.

"Huh? Who summoned me in this situation? the giant toad asked angrily.

"Uhh i-it was m-me sir I summoned you." Naruto responded nervously.

"You little blonde brat, you summoned me? You must be Minato's child." the giant toad said.

"Hold on tight boy, if you can't hold on I'll never make you my henchman." the toad continued.

...

"Hmm it seems like he actually died, Minato and Kushina sure aren't going to be happy." Jiraiya said then the giant toad came up from the canyon causing a giant breeze to blow. Jiraiya looked up and smiled proudly at Naruto's accomplishment.

"Oi Bunta what're you up to?" Jiraiya asked and Bunta turned towards Jiraiya.

"So Jiraiya, you're the one who gave this boy the summoning contract? Is he Minato's kid?" Bunta asked and Jiraiya nodded.

"That's right, and quite the prodigy he is, he's already mastered the Hiraishin." Jiraiya said proudly about his god son.

"That may be so, but if you can't stay on my back until the sun goes down, you can't be my henchman." Bunta said and Naruto nodded, then Bunta began hopping around wildly as Naruto tried desperately to hold on.

...

Somewhere in the outskirts of Konoha, Sasuke was training with Kakashi using the chidori. Sasuke had just done the chidori for the second time that day and he was breathing pretty heavily. Kakashi had his face buried inside an Icha Icha book.

"Alright Sasuke that's enough for today." Kakashi said and Sasuke scowled.

"No I have to try it one more time." Sasuke said as he began weaving the handsigns for his Chidori and Kakashi grabbed his arm.

"There won't be a next time. You're clearly at your limit, if you attempt it again it won't work and you know what happense when your chakra reaches zero don't you?" Kakashi asked and Sasuke made a 'Tsk' noise.

"Not only will the jutsu not work, but in the worse case scenarion when your chakra hits zero, you'll die." Kakashi explained.

"But it seems you've got plenty of energy left. Come at me with taijutsu." Kakashi said still reading his book as Sasuke jumped away from Kakashi and entered a battle position.

...

Sakura was wandering around the village pondering something.

"I really need to train to prepare for the final round, but I don't even know who my opponent is going to be. Well I guess I should work on taijutsu, it probably is the best counter for everything. But it's difficult when you're training by yourself." Sakura thought as she hung her head low. She bumped into another woman who was wearing a green haori with the kanji for 'gamble' on the back in a red circle with blonde hair tied in two loose ponytails. The woman turned around and it revealed to be Tsunade who looked down at Sakura.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Tsunade asked and Sakura looked as if she was about to ask something but decided against it.

"I'm sorry I was just passing by." Sakura responded as she was about to continue walking until Tsunade stopped her.

"Wait, aren't you going to the finals in the Chunin exams? Why aren't you training like everyone else?" Tsunade asked and Sakura stared at the ground.

"Well, Kurenai-sensei went on a mission so there's no one to help me." Sakura replied sadly and Tsunade laughed.

"I"ll just have to take it upon myself and help you." Tsunade said and Sakura looked up with a gleam in her eyes before she was face to face with Tsunade's chest

"HUGE!" Sakura thought.

"Do you really mean it Lady Tsunade?" Sakura asked and she nodded. Sakura hugged Tsunade tightly with joy and Tsunade pushed her off.

"But I warn you, this training is not something to take lightly." Tsunade said with a scary looking face that made Sakura swallow a lump in her throat. They then went off in a secluded training ground, similar to the one team seven trains at.

"I'll be teaching you chakra control." Tsunade said and Sakura pouted.

"But I'm already good at chakra control." Sakura whined and Tsunade held up her index finger.

"Is that so? But can you do this?" Tsunade asked before putting her finger on the ground and forcing the ground to start shattering. Saying Sakura was surprised was an understatement.

"Whoa you can do that with just chakra control?!" Sakura asked excitedly and Tsunade nodded.

"However I won't be teaching you that just yet. I will teach you medical ninjutsu." Tsunade said and Sakura pouted again.

"Awww I wanted to learn how to destroy the ground like that." Sakura complained.

"Listen Sakura, jutsu used to save a person's life will always be far more valuable than a jutsu that can destroy. Always remember that." Tsunade lectured and her pink haired student just nodded

...

The other Chunin Exam finalists were all training with their respective teams and clan members. Everyone wanted to be victorious in the Chunin Exams in order to achieve that next rank. Meanwhile, Orochimaru was somewhere scheming, plotting the destruction of the Hidden Leaf with Kabuto, the traitor. Everyone was working hard in their own right, even those working towards evil. Minato was in his office using shadow clones to do his paperwork while he just sat back on the couch relaxing.

"Minato." the nine tails called from within him.

"Yes Kyuubi?" Minato answered and the nine tails growled.

"I give you my name and you still refer to me by my tails?" Kurama asked and Minato rubbed the back of his head with an awkward smile.

"Sorry, Kurama. But what do you want to speak to me about?" Minato asked.

"I can feel it, there's a storm coming, a massive one." Kurama warned and Minato looked confused.

"If it's about the invasion, we're already prepared for that." Miinato replied and Kurama shook his head.

"No, it's something worse. Far worse, one that you thought you'd never see in your life." Kurama warned.

"You're not making any sense Kurama, what's coming?" Minato asked.

"I'm not sure, but I can feel it. The pressure is strong." Kurama responded and then there was a knock on Minato's door.

"Come in." Minato said and the door opened revealing to be his adopted daughter holding what seemed to be like a lunch box.

"You forgot your lunch... again." Aika said and Minato chuckled awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.

"Tell your mother I said thank you. And thank you for delivering it." Minato said taking the lunch box from her and she turned around getting ready to leave the room.

"You don't want to have lunch with your old man?" Minato asked with a smile and she stopped.

"I'm going to lunch with Itachi before he leaves to go on that mission." Aika responded as she left out the door. Minato watched her leave and then he suddenly felt his heart banging in his chest. He clutched his chest and retreated back into his mindscape.

"Kurama, that storm you were just talking about. I think I feel it too." Minato said.

"Could it have to do with your oldest one?" Kurama asked and Minato nodded.

"I think so, if that feeling I felt just now came from when I saw her leaving, it must be her." Minato responded.

"What does this mean though?" Minato asked himself.

...

In the Uchiha clan, Shisui and Itachi were discussing the matters of Orochimaru's invasion plan.

"Have you ever met Orochimaru?" Itachi asked and Shisui shook his head.

"I've seen him a few times but I've never officially met him. But from what I hear about him he's a force to be reckoned with." Shisui responded.

"People say he's the strongest of the Legendery Sannin. Kakashi told me he fought him once, he says Orochimaru is the most intimidating person he's ever fought." Itachi said and Shisui smiled.

"I'd love to see how I fair against him. Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin vs. Shisui of Teleportation. Match of the century!" Shisui announced as he did a heroic pose causing Itachi to laugh.

"Even though you're the clan leader you're still the same old Shisui." Itachi said as he continued to pack his things preparing for his mission.

"Where are you going on your mission again?" Shisui asked.

"Lord Hokage gave me the task of investigation the Sound Village to see if we can find any information about the invasion. I leave the village in an hour." Itachi responded as he got up and was just about ready to leave.

"Oooh but you're going to go see your little girlfriend first aren't you?" Shisui teased and Itachi didn't express any emotion as he just blankly stared at Shisui.

"Yes I am." Itachi responded coolly.

"Well before you go take this with you." Shisui said as he dug through his pocket and pulled out a blue plastic square with a small circle within it. Then in a flash it was quickly cut in half by Itachi while it was still in Shisuis hand who started laughing hysterically.

"It's not that kind of situation Shisui." Itachi said with his cheeks sporting a dark red color.

"Relax Itachi I'm only messing with you." Shisui said with a slight chuckle.

"But remember, as your on that mission-" Shisui started

"Come back alive. Of course." Itachi interrupted and they both smiled as Itachi went out on his way.

"And don't use your Mangekyo Sharingan too much!" Shisui called out.

...

Aika and Itachi were sitting in one of the Hidden Leafs Dango shops eating some of the said food and drinking some tea.

"I was surprised that you're not going to help Sasuke train for the Chunin exams." Aika said as she ate the pink colored dumpling first.

"I was but I got this mission. Besides I'm sure Kakashi-san can help him just fine." Itachi responded and then took a sip of his tea.

"And what about you? I thought you would be helping Naruto." Itachi continued as he placed the cup on the table.

"Jiraiya is training him, besides he's getting pretty strong pretty fast." Aika said proudly about her younger brother.

"Sure but he's still not going to be strong enough to beat Sasuke." Itachi said jokingly and Aika chuckled.

"How has Sasuke been since that time." she asked.

"He's been training almost any chance he gets. Kakashi-san said that he wants to restore the Uchiha name by killing a certain man." Itachi said.

"An avenger huh? I hope he doesn't get consumed by hatred." Aika said and Itachi made a small smile.

"He won't be consumed by hatred. He is my younger brother after all." Itachi declared. They finished up their meal and walked towards Hidden Leaf gates.

"Itachi do you really think Naruto will always need me? Or anyone for that matter?" Aika said with a sad expression as she stared down at the ground.

"No matter what path we take we will always need you. Some people do like to be alone once in a while and be independent. However, there is no one alive who can bear solitude." Itachi said as he held her hands and she looked up at him.

"Even if you were to succumb to darkness and become evil. Remember this." Itachi started as he kissed Aika with so much love, so much passion, she blushed madly and accepted it. Itachi broke the kiss and held her close. He held her head towards his chest and said.

"We will always love you."

"I'll always love you too." Aika said with a shaky voice, tears running down her face. Itachi patted her head and began walking out of the Hidden Leaf Gates.

Aika thought back to all the fun and Happy times she had with Itachi, Naruto and the rest of her family. She would never forget what Minato had told her the day Naruto came home from being bullied by kids calling him a demon.

(Flashback)

"Daddy, how come they treat Naruto the way they do? Don't they know you're his father and the Hokage?"

"A position of power isn't enough to stop people from being evil. It takes a village to raise a child, when everyone is not on the same page some families become dysfunctional." Minato answered.

"I'm an outsider, you guys aren't my actual parents. So how are we a family?" Aika asked and Minato placed his hand on her head.

"Just like a flower can't choose where it blooms, children can't choose their parents. But family is not something that is decided by blood relation. It comes from feeling, the bond you share with someone. Besides, you just called me Daddy didn't you?"

(End Flashback)

Aika's face changed into a determined look as if she has a personal vengeance. She balled up her fist and thought to herself.

"Ever since I was taken in, people looked at me as an outsider, that I have no real family. How could I ever resent my loved ones Minato, Kushina, Naruto, Itachi and more? I would be ungrateful, that's why I've decided. Orochimaru if you ever attack my village, I'll have your head. She ran off to one of the training grounds to begin her own training.

...

Later in the evening, Naruto was all worn out from desperately trying to stay on the toad the entire day. Bunta leaped for one final time and landed on in front of a perch that Jiraya was sitting on, spying on women at the hot spring. He turned around after being startled by the loud noise and shockwave.

"Yo Bunta, Naruto you guys finished already?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto jumped off the toad on to the grass.

"Yeah Pervy Sage it was a piece of-" Naruto said until he fell on to the ground unconscious, clearly exhausted from the amount of energy he had to spend just to stay on top of Bunta.

"I've got to give him credit Jiraiya, he's got some grit." Bunta said and Jiraiya gave him a toothy grin as he jumped down from his perch and slung Naruto over his shoulders.

"Well, he's the son of The Fourth Hokage after all, probably my best student." Jiraiya said proudly.

"Say Bunta, do you think he might be the one?" Jiraiya asked and Bunta cackled loudly.

"No way! This runt? Come on Jiraiya you can't be serious." Bunta said.

"Maybe, but I guarantee you he'll be something special some day."