Chapter Text
The previously known Team 7 was now called Team Kakashi and they had just returned from a mission. A failed one at that and it wasn't the first time that it had happened since Naruto returned from his training trip with Jiraiya.
The mission was supposed to be easy but according to the team, it was all Naruto's fault that they had failed. It wasn't a complete failure per se. They had capable ninjas on the team, from Kakashi to Sai to Sakura to Naruto but in this big wide world if it was enough for one to shoulder the whole existence that was the universe wouldn't life be much fulfilling as it is? There would be no bonds, no relationship, no joy, no sorrow, no life, and no death. Perhaps grass could be alone but would it be called greenery? Perhaps one day the sky could hold only one cloud but then would it ever be called cloudy? Perhaps you could shoulder it all on your lone self but would you ever be happy?
Loneliness is just that isn't it? It's not just about numbers because in a mass one feels more isolated than in an empty apartment filled with filth and no more company other than plants. That's what it was with the team, their coordination did not match in some way or the other. They were much more, packed together destined to be much larger but here they were surrounded by petty things like quibbles. They held the world in their palms like a weapon bestowed by gods yet they wield it to only injure themselves.
The whole ordeal of the team and the Hokage warping back and forth was tense and tedious. It wasn't as if words were shot like arrows laced in venom like Naruto was used to but he wasn't that dense to not pick up the backhanded jabs. Uncharacteristically, he stayed quiet. A sea of emotion whirled in vast blue yet no one could peer, since they hid behind shiny gold somehow instead of illuminating, casting a dark shadow. The people in the room found it a bit odd that no words came through that one corner but no one was willing to voice it, let it be. Maybe they pitied him or maybe they think he's a lost cause. Maybe they're thankful he doesn't open his useless mouth. Maybe they don't even want him here. Maybe they too think he is a monster.
His heart pounded loudly in his chest, since when did he fear that his team would think of him as a monster? Where did that come from? Why was he even doubting them? Did he not trust them or was it that he had slowly started believing that yes, he was a monster? Is that why he is alone even when he is not? Is that why they look at him in exasperation? Is that why he feels as if today is the day he loses something important?
Everything around him was static noise and somewhere along the way, he forgot how to feel. A creak and muffled thud. And feeling rushed to his body, his skin prickled as if he stood alone somewhere in the middle of winter. His eyes warily could see brown, the floor? There was a little scratch there, a dent almost. Maybe a shuriken was embedded there at some point. Maybe baa-chan had broken a bottle and a glass shard had landed there? A blink. Baa-chan. Information that was just there but lost within the recesses of his mind called at him, he reached for it. His team was gone and he was standing alone in baa-chan's office. Why did they abandon him? No no. They didn't abandon him, Naruto was spacing out. His breathing was uneven, and he suddenly noticed. He suppressed the shiver that was rattling his bones to let free and inhaled. His throat felt tight. What's wrong?
Awareness prickled in his body all at once and suddenly he could feel how baa-chan was frowning while looking at him up and down. He stubbornly stuck to the ground almost sure it would slide away from him. Everything looked too bright, his breath was too loud, everything was too much and he just wanted to crouch and close his eyes. He blinked harshly. He almost forgot where he was and his hand twitched. He wanted to cover his mouth at the same time expand his lungs to gulp a mouthful of air. He decided to grab at his pants instead. Baa-chan, yes, she was here. He was not alone. He was not abandoned. Not yet. He has her. She's here. He's here. Why is he here? Right right. The mission. His fault. Yes. He's here because the team got tired of him and maybe they don't know how to tell him to get lost. They were nice like that. But they don't know that Naruto is used to harsh. Is used to harsher. He can take it. Maybe. No, who is he kidding? He wouldn't be able to bear it if they left him.
--------
Tsunade looked at him up and down with a frown, she waited for him to say something. An odd sensation of something was gnawing her heart, he isn't this quiet nor was he one to take a shit without fighting. Then why was he silent? Naruto. Say something.
Tsunade did not want to believe the Team, at least not the first few times but this situation has repeatedly happened with them not considering it gravelly anymore. Tsunade didn't dismiss things easily even when one might argue that is exactly what she does but, in this case, she could incline her head that yes, she was easy to put air to it. She wants to stay stubborn and resist what she sees, something she doesn't know what is. She knows, however, that she is biased towards Naruto and maybe if again today Naruto annoys (ask) her like always (which he doesn't ever do but Tsunade treats it as such anyway) then she would air it out again.
She stifled her groan, two fingers rested on her forehead as she rubbed her temple, an incoming headache this early in the morning was not what she was looking for today. What she was looking for was the new stock of alcohol she had managed to hide from Shizune, she grimaced looking at the kid again, can she start drinking already? She did not want to deal with whatever was coming without a cup of sake to nurse her health. And yeah, the headache, it was one of foreboding, so something was definitely coming.
After waiting for a long time, Naruto had still not said a word, Tsunade exhaled a sigh. When she opened her mouth, the words were sterner than she had ought them to be. An edge to her voice that left no space for an argument, "Naruto. What is wrong with you? Is this what Jiraiya and Kakashi have taught you?"
She waited to hear the hitch in his breath, which almost sounded like a gasp, and for a soft moment, she considered not saying the words that were next to come. Internally she shook her head and barrelled on, "Stop being a child, and start acting like a Shinobi would you?"
Naruto's eyes were still downcast like how he has been since he entered with his team. His hair shadowed his beautiful blue eyes, not allowing Tsunade the liberty to see what emotions played in the deep sea. A long moment passed and only then did he slowly raise his head, azure met hazel and they both locked into a staring battle.
Tsunade's shoulders stiffened, wrong. Something was wrong. The hardened eyes were not that of the playful child she is used to seeing. These eyes, the look in those eyes is reserved for battles, she has seen them but why was there this look in his eyes right now? What's wrong? Say something.
Tsunade finally heard him speak but she did not expect in the slightest to hear the words he said now, "You know what, for once if I had a teacher who actually taught me something then I wouldn't have been like this, but you're right Tsunade-sama it's time I become a proper Shinobi."
His voice was trembling and Tsunade's heart clenched at the way the child was trying his best to suppress his emotions. His voice, Tsunade assumed he was trying to sound firm but it came out so painful that it even hurt her. Is this really what you think? Is this really what you want to say?
Tsunade's fist clenched around the pen, splattering the ink. She numbly followed Naruto's eyes and saw the mess of black on the table. In a daze, she saw none of these documents was that important to have brought major damage. When she looked away from her desk to look back at Naruto, his words echoed in her head and her body froze. If this is what really Naruto thinks then what should she say? Tell him how wrong he is? Tell him that he's being an ungrateful brat? Tell him to stop acting spoiled? Can she say that? Her voice wouldn't reach her tongue and somehow she is thankful. Because this is Naruto. The kid has every right to throw a tantrum, to act spoiled, to be a brat and she couldn't deny him any of that. He, along with that Uchiha brat, deserves that. Should she tell him that he thinks wrong? But what does she know about his life anyway?
She should've known though, it's never that simple and never that easy. It seems the party had just started and Naruto had brought all the curveballs he could manage to fit in his kunai pouch.
Naruto stepped forward offering her a helping hand to clean the desk and they quietly worked together. Naruto didn't utter a word and Tsunade felt him gathering himself as he did so. Apart from the stain, which no doubt would take a lot of hard work for Shizune to clean if Tsunade doesn't end up breaking the table before that, the table stayed empty of anything now.
She heard as Naruto took a deep breath, surprisingly (or not really), he didn't lose that battle look in his eyes, his voice was firm this time. Maybe a little stiff but he too barrelled on because who were they if not strong and always facing their demons? However nothing would have prepared her for the next onslaught, really Naruto was the most unpredictable ninja, "As of now - ninja registration number 012607, Uzumaki Naruto under team official leader Hatake Kakashi and unofficial leader Yamato with team members Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura and Sai resign from Team 7."
Her hazel eyes hardened to coffee brown, and the last thing she expected today was for Naruto to leave the team he is still quite literally fighting for his life to complete.
"State your reason, Uzumaki Naruto. Do keep in mind, I have every right to deny this request so speak carefully." Tsunade was not surprised to find herself in business mode. She knew when the situation called for seriousness and if Naruto was going to opt out he better give a good damn reason for her to allow that.
In response, Naruto stood even straighter and nodded once sharply, "Official Reason-: Incompatible with the team."
"That is not enough. Many teams tend to not be compatible but we have worked with each other for a long time, surely with you getting along for such a long time, you can still manage. Let's not forget the fact that you are a mere genin. If you leave a team how else do you think you can further up in ranks? Without a team and team leader, you are easily squashed." Tsunade did not relent. She was harsh, she knew but this was her way of giving him time to take back his words. Perhaps rethink his decision. There was truth to her words, yes, but there were also solutions to them. If Naruto persists then she will help him in the future but for now, he must know what he is doing. What he is leaving behind.
"I. I did not really pay much attention in the academy but I know there are solutions to them Tsunade baa- Tsunade sama. I will learn properly and I will.." A frustrated look appeared on his face and Tsunade dropped her shoulders, yeah she can see what was coming next.
"I am just tired baa chan. I don't want to stay like this any longer, I am done being a punching bag and someone to just brush off. If no one is going to… if no one is going to pay attention to me and teach me something then I... I think I wanna try helping myself. I won't give up. That's my nindo. I am not giving up on them or myself but I think. I think I need some time to figure things out. Please. Dattebayo."
Tsunade sighed, her fingers lacing under her chin. She stared at him until he started fidgeting. Almost desperately she tried reaching away from the oncoming decision, but she knew running away always had consequences. She did not have any solid reason to deny his request. Her throat burned with the need for alcohol. Her throat also burned with the need to ask if this was a prank after all. The kid was a prankster, was he not? Naruto did not lose his nervous but hopeful expression, it did not change to that one of mischief and that's when her decision knocked at her brain. She delayed speaking though, almost savoring the nervous energy Naruto radiated. She knew that the kid was thinking something else and saying something else. He always wore his heart on his sleeve so it wasn't difficult to see that this pained him just as much as it her. She didn't push him though, the team may not have his time but she had plenty. She will get answers someday when he is ready. For now, she nodded.
"Request granted, Uzumaki Naruto. From now on, Uzumaki Naruto of Team 7 under Hatake Kakashi is not affiliated with any team and would go further as a solo." She did not accept his resignation but instead cut off his affiliation temporarily. Maybe he would notice but Konoha does not let its ninja work solo. They always worked in teams or pairs. Naruto was capable but she did not want him to go down that path.
He slumped like a puppet cut from strings but Tsunade did not dwell on it for now.
"Come back tomorrow and we can discuss further. Go home for now." Her voice lost the edge of strictness but she knew her words were tight. They both needed time to process this.
Being a Hokage was not an easy job, it wasn't just her having to stay sober for most of the day, not that she was particularly strict about that, it also came with the responsibility of holding a village intact despite not having control but that was for another day to ponder on, being a Hokage also meant she received different types of news every other day. In her short time of becoming a Kage she had been on the receiving end of major shockers, and today was one of them. However, amusing despite the situation, Naruto talking to her formally was the highlight. She wanted to laugh and she wanted to sigh. The kid was growing up. It wouldn't be long before he talked to her like a responsible shinobi would and if that saddened her a bit she didn't want to think about it right now. It was not like a responsible shinobi as is but given his status and burdens, he just has to be more.
He surprised her yet again with a bow, his voice had a lightness in it as if some weight had lifted off his entire being, "Hope you have a good day, Hokage sama."
Tsunade chuckled, what else was she supposed to do? Turns out it wasn't only her who was amused by this little development.
Watching his retreating figure she thought dimly, Was it her words? Had she made him leave the team that has so much potential? Had she taken away his lucky ticket with her words that maybe she was never supposed to speak?
Yet a thought did not leave her being the entire day, "What will this turn of events lead to?"
She didn't know it wasn't her words but today the boy had had enough. It was not that she had taken some lucky ticket away from him but her affirmation had instead given him one.
Naruto jumped with confidence but an icy feeling in his heart twisted his facial expression in the gloom, he had never expected someday like today to come. He never thought he would be the one to abandon that team, he had always thought they were going to be together forever.
He wouldn't lie, somewhere in his heart, he was scared of being left behind all the time. He had thought if one were to withdraw, it would be the team, not himself. Yet here he was. Heading towards his apartment without the care he would be scolded by Sakura for being late tomorrow, he sighed.
Still, he was Naruto, being optimistic even in the worst-case scenario was one of his specialties. He cheered himself up, first fixing his face to his grin, and thought, 'It wouldn't be that bad. I could find ways to help myself. Now I won't have anyone to stop me and say I'm overexerting, dattebayo!' His grin fell, now he wouldn't have anyone to stop him and tell him he was overexerting himself. At least Kakashi sensei did that but now...
He physically shook his head, he will not think about it anymore! Only good things. Only good thoughts dattebayo!
Thinking about various things also stirred him to the topic of Kyuubi. He was wary of the being. He was connected to his being. Knew when he felt angry, was familiar with his emotions, and was attached to his feelings. Naruto never knew how to react to that. A small part of him was also curious about the bijuu but he never stayed patient enough to delve into the thought deeper.
So lost in thought he didn't realize he was already home. He entered still in deep thought only to topple with a bang, slamming down harshly. He flipped up in surprise, and did a 360 but did not find an intruder. Then how did he fall?
He looked down and stared, stunned. He fearfully lifted his eyes slowly and swept them around his whole apartment. His whole body froze in terror.
Turns out a bundle of mixed dirty laundry and takeaway leftovers had made his face meet the floor. It was as if he was realizing for the first time he was not a neat person.
He squatted down and buried his face in his palms, where to even start? His whole apartment looked as if it had withheld three tornados, all with different intensities.
Mustering up courage he made a hand sign and called out, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" while still squatting.
His 25 copies appeared with a cloud of smoke, some squatting, some standing, and even some toppling over each other. There was not much space as they had to stay away from the rot.
Naruto sighed and jumped up, enthusiastic once again. His clones followed suit, falling into files without command. He nodded at them approvingly, they weren't fighting today. Looks like they already knew it was a serious business.
"Alright dattebayo! Let's get cleaned up!"
A clone piped, "Why don't we change some furniture while we're at it?"
Another nodded, "We do have money to spare."
Naruto balanced himself on his heels, giving his apartment a once over. He finally nodded. "Sounds good!"
The clones chorused, "Dattebayo!!"
Naruto grinned widely. He waved his arms to get his clones' attention. "I'm gonna divide ya so all gets done quickly ttebayo!"
"Yes!" A couple of his clones droned while the rest just looked at him.
He smiled wobbly, still not fully grasping what he had done today. Maybe he did already comprehend but he didn't want to let his feelings out. It wasn't that he was scared of it, rather he knew he'd be overwhelmed.
Naruto sighed and his clones quieted down, all of them knowing what exactly he was thinking about.
"Let's start with cleaning the apartment. Please divide among yourself and make sure not to crowd too much."
A chorus of "Hai Taichou!" elevated his spiraling mood and he grinned.
Watching some of them begin to work already, he thought about what else he needed to do. He recalled his time spent at Iruka sensei's house and frowned at his walls.
"Let's paint the wall." He mumbled to himself. And before he could turn around and repeat it to his clones, they already got down to it. And by that he means, they went out to buy materials needed for it, not before swiping some coins from him.
Naruto stared unseeingly at how some of his clones grimaced while cleaning. His eyes focused back when he heard one of the clones near the kitchen sharply saying "We- we need food. Food that is not ramen." He said as if it physically hurt him to say that, his eyes squeezed shut and mouth tight.
Another clone next to him scowled, "Why would we?! Ramen is the best! Ramen is life!!"
"Yeah! I know that dumbass! But Iruka sensei says to eat other things and Kakashi sensei always says to eat more nutritious food. He won't come anymore, bringing his stupid basket with his stupid smile. We have to do that ourselves now!"
Naruto froze, feeling the sinking in his stomach intensify, making him feel as if his whole body was weighing down. Kakashi sensei wouldn't stop by anymore? Will he forget him? Will he never care for him again? Will he hate him? Does he already hate him? He won't smile at him again?
A clone that was near the closet hissed, "Shut up!"
Only then did Naruto realize he wasn't the only frozen one. Each clone of his was in the same situation.
Naruto sighed, his whole body giving an ounce of energy away in that. "He is right. Let's get food other than Ramen. Ero-sennin taught me basic cooking. I'll make use of it."
The arguing clones pursed their lips and turned away from each other while the clones who were yet to get their chores stepped up. Naruto gave them money, not bothering to see how much. By the looks he got from them, he must've given much more than needed. He shrugged, they shrugged back and before they could disperse, he called them.
He hummed, face scrunching up in thought, "I want more of you out for this. Our… previous interactions have not been the best. So uh what I'm tryna say is… you guys should try transforming and then head out haha."
The clones met each other's eyes but nobody outright looked at Naruto and called out his awkward bullshit. They mumbled between them and Naruto saw fumes of smoke before unfamiliar faces stood in place of his own.
Naruto wondered why they didn't look sad or confused or angry or anything other than resigned and understanding. Is it because he doesn't quite feel so himself? Is it that he's used to it now, that he expects it now? Is it that he isn't really bitter about it as he thought he was? Can he just say that he was tired? Was he allowed? Would someone listen?
He looked at the remaining ones, trying to think what else needs to be done. One of the clones suggested, "Boss, why don't we take care of dirty laundry?"
Naruto nodded and watched the two of them start working.
Naruto stared at his clones and mentally listed a few things he wanted to get done today. While coming from Hokage tower he had thought of the brilliant idea to pursue a few tasks. He added cleaning the house as a priority as soon as he entered the apartment. Another was to get food, he was hungry. And another was to go to Iruka sensei for some academic help.
"Aha!" Naruto burst, jolting the clones near him from their daydream. Two of them were even playing thumb wars, he narrowed his eyes at them. One of them paying attention to him lost while the other cheered for his win. Naruto cleared his throat. The clones, now fighting, ignored him. He cleared his throat louder and a clone standing near those brawling ones kicked them. The clones immediately broke, not before giving a stink eye to the one that kicked them, who stuck his tongue at them.
"Now that I have all your attention. Here's what I'm going to task you with, get some lightweight furniture and stationery. And also a few books of whatever you think is necessary or interesting, while you are at it."
"Hai!" they nodded and left. He watched their retreating backs turn to strangers and nodded in approval.
Naruto balanced himself on heels yet again and pondered, he didn't think there was anything left. He looked at the last few clones and was ready to dismiss them. Completely on a whim he stopped and said, "Clothes. I want new clothes. Shinobi attire and regular attire, both dattebayo."
He heard one of them boldly announce, "I'm gonna bring orange less y'know."
Save a couple, all the clones whipped their heads in his direction. He saw his clone fluff up his chest in obvious pride and he also noticed the nervous trail of sweat beading down from his temple.
"Say what now?" One clone, not unlike any gangster, crowded the 'less orange' clone's space.
Before another argument could break out Naruto decided to step in. "Oi!"
"You guys are part of me, somewhere that part which is you want something that the clone says. Get whatever you want. I don't have any specifics. At the end of the day, you all are me, right?"
The clones grumbled but the way no one refuted was an answer enough.
Despite the argument that was to break, when Naruto would return he would find his wardrobe with all colors, and thankfully there was still enough orange.
"I changed my mind. I'll get the shinobi gear and weapons. You are in charge of training clothes and regular clothes."
Naruto stretched his arms upwards, groaning at the satisfying pops from his back.
"Dispel yourselves after you're done. I'll go to Iruka sensei now and then have dinner before coming here."
"Yes!"
He waved "Bye-bye!"
Naruto laughed as the clones either dismissed him or answered "Tata!" back.
-----
Locating Iruka sensei wasn't hard. The man, as expected, was in the academy going through a pile of papers. Naruto's expression softened seeing him, he's such a hard worker. He knew Iruka must've sensed him already but he still knocked.
Naruto noted that, and upon pondering he would remember Ero Sennin talking about his excessive chakra and how to mask it, masking his chakra is one of the things he gotta do. He's constantly masking his chakra but it still leaks. His reserves were much bigger than the average Shinobi so it's obvious but he wouldn't use that as an excuse anymore. Today with what had conspired, it was heartbreaking, as it was eye-opening. Much to learn, and much to achieve.
As expected, without looking up he was already addressing Naruto in an apologetic tone, "Hey Naruto. I'm sorry I'm busy at the moment, can we get Ramen later?"
Naruto blinked from his thoughts, a smile spreading on his face, "Sure! But I actually came to you for something else tteba, I won't take long."
Iruka looked up from the mark sheets in surprise, he smiled sheepishly, "Oh sorry! Come in, come in. What do you need?"
Naruto shifted his weight from one foot to another, a little embarrassed, "I was wondering if uhm y'know, you could lend me some books from the curriculum."
Iruka's reaction was expected. He raised an eyebrow sceptically, but the man didn't question. He hummed while staring at him, "Graduating class?"
With an embarrassed blush dusting his neck Naruto blurted, "From the basics to graduation actually."
Without a change in expression, Iruka wondered out loud, "Why?"
Naruto stuttered, looking anywhere but his sensei's eyes, "I uh I need to refresh my memory."
"You mean you want to actually read it for the first time." Iruka deadpanned. What refresh? The kid never paid attention in class in the first place.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and grinned, his shame replaced with petulance, "Oh come on! I wasn't that bad, dattebayo!"
Iruka rolled his eyes, who was he trying to fool? "Wait here I will bring them."
He returned with a bunch of books carefully to avoid any toppling. "These are the books you wanted and also the ones that were lying around. Tsunade sama has made a rule to have a couple of batches of books of everything in the academy, for if a student cannot afford it or wants another copy if lost. Many students borrow them." Iruka was nothing but proud of this rule, something along the line was originally suggested by a student and then Iruka had a goal. He presented the opinion to Hokage sama and she passed the bill.
Naruto looked at the bundle in interest, his eyes sparkling a little. Iruka was seeing this rare vision of Naruto that was excited about books for the first time in his life and he was halfway through wanting to pinch himself just to check if this was real. "Oh! Do you think they'll come to my help?"
Iruka looked at him as if he was an idiot, he slowly said one word at a time as if speaking to a person that did not understand the basics, "Yes, Naruto. If these don't help you then it's between you and God."
Naruto stuck his tongue out at him and snatched the books, muttering about dolphins and underestimating the great Uzumaki.
A vein throbbed on his forehead as he tried his best to not shout. He expertly continued, as if the kid hadn't spoken in the first place. "The new curriculum has added a bit more than what was thought in your grade. Chakra control, first aid, more taijutsu."
"Awesome, Iruka sensei! I knew you were a reliable man, dattebayo!"
Iruka squinted at the intensity of bright the smile. He sighed, "Thank you for putting your faith in me, Naruto. I'm honored."
"Yosh! Sensei, is it okay if I stay here and read for a while? My apartment is a little busy right now."
Iruka frowned, "Is everything alright? How is your apartment busy? Did something happen? Did you-"
Whatever his concerns were, Naruto easily deflected them with a bright grin. "I'm refer- refurbishing. Is that the right word?"
Iruka stared, "Yes it is."
"Yeah! So I'm refurbishing dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed, very proud of himself, if his smile, pose, and body language was anything to go by.
Iruka sighed again, "You could've asked for my help, Naruto. Do you still need something I can do for you?"
"No. Wait. Yes, actually. You can tell me when I'm supposed to return these." Naruto asked, pouting at the pile of books in his arms.
Iruka stared at him for a long moment before he ruffled his hair and went to his desk. "You can keep them."
"Really?" Naruto asked a bit shyly now and Iruka nodded.
"Yosh! Iruka sensei is the best!" Naruto cheered and Iruka gave him a tired smile.
Naruto settled on a nearby desk. Iruka looked at the paper in his hand, checking the spelling.
"You can tell me if something's wrong, Naruto. You know I'm here for you."
Without looking up, he knew the kid had frozen. Iruka didn't look up yet, giving him space.
"Thanks for the offer, sensei. Something did happen today but I wanna… I'll tell you later about it."
Naruto's voice was somber and Iruka so wanted to know what had conspired to have brought that voice from him but he settled for looking at him and giving him an encouraging smile.
"Alright, Naruto. Whenever you need me, you know where to find me."
"Yes, sensei. Thank you."
Iruka snorted, breaking the tense atmosphere, "No need to thank me. No one else is going to be happier than me if you really start studying."
Naruto laughed as he opened one of the books.
-----
Naruto was fully immersed in his books, he asked a couple of questions to Iruka when he did not understand something. Iruka was more than happy to help. When Naruto was not looking Iruka looked at him and smiled tenderly, Naruto was growing up.
Three hours later he had noted several things in a notebook he had acquired from Iruka.
Criteria and basic knowledge.
Aspects and focus.
Necessities and principles.
He made small notes here and there and by the time he was done he had noted the basic jutsu categories;
Ninjutsu,
Genjutsu,
Taijutsu,
Senjutsu,
Fuinjutsu,
Kenjutsu,
Shurikenjutsu
and Iryou ninjutsu.
There are many more categories but Naruto decided all these were already too many and did not add more.
He noted his current status and level.
He noted while his Ninjutsu arsenal did not have anything other than Rasengan variations he was sure he had the capability in this category. Iruka offered him that, saying his chakra was big and he could do much more if he ever wished to do.
He decided this area needed expansion. Minor jutsus were very much needed. Major ones would soon follow suit.
He did not think twice before circling a big fat cross on Genjutsu. He sucked at Genjutsu, Jiraiya had told him that if he could not make illusions he had to be able to break almost any and every illusion if he were to get trapped. He had decided to not work on making but breaking when Jiraiya had taught him. Begrudging but he admitted he was still slow. He needs more training in this area.
Naruto's Taijutsu was just fine, neither average nor high level. Just make-do. He had his touch to it, he had never followed a whole kata ever. He liked to be tricky and he was clumsy. Jiraiya liked that he was adaptive and surprising so had never paid attention to it much.
A frown settled on his face, Sakura would make fun of him sometimes. Calling him clumsy and such. He never said anything about it because 1, it was Sakura-chan, and 2, he too thought his taijutsu was clumsy.
Alright then, it's settled. He'll work on Taijutsu as well. Someday when he is Hokage, he will pass his techniques on too.
Hehe (≧▽≦)!!
"Naruto. You're daydreaming again."
"Ehehehe sorry Iruka sensei."
Anyways, back to the point,
Senjutsu. Scratching his head he searched about it more but there was not much other than it involves natural energy. So, should he learn to meditate in that case? Again, thank you Iruka sensei for suggesting that. Well, is no harm in trying right? If it wouldn't help in this area it would in general, that's what Iruka said.
Fuinjutsu, Naruto racked his brain and remembered that Jiraiya had indeed taught him some basics when they had been traveling. The old pervert had complimented him, saying he was a natural and could surely adopt sealing as one of his fortes.
Despite saying that Jiraiya had looked pained. The next time Naruto talked about it, the old pervert looked as if he wanted to run away.
He recalled the flow of emotions in Jiraiya's dark eyes, regret, sadness, relief, happiness. He could never understand that reaction, he had seen that for the second time - first when he had successfully grasped Rasengan and the second was when he had first presented his self-made talisman. His reaction to it was quite abnormal, it had looked as if it hurt him physically to see it but also as if he had anticipated he would be able to present him one of those in his first few tries.
That night Jiraiya had drunk more than usual, and unlike his cheery mood that often came with excessive drinking, it was mournful.
Naruto was not that selfish to hurt someone he cared for and never talked about it again. Whatever bits of sealing he learned, it was when Ero sennin would impromptu info-dump on him.
Seals basically revolve around his life, it is simply foolish to not learn anything about it, that's what he had thought then and he still harbors the same feelings.
Naruto was grateful for Ero sennin, but sealing interested him very very much and excited him to the core. If not Jiraiya, then he just had to find another source right?
Well, easier said than done. But, it's not as if he's running out of time. Though, looking at the darkening sky he could not help but be mesmerized and think, time may be unlimited but it was moving nonetheless, too fast in his case maybe and if he wanted to learn much more, then he might as well think he's running out of time already.
He had a lot of ground to cover if he wanted to be a respectable Shinobi like he had promised Baa-chan this morning.
Well, whatever his plans, he was a bit scared that the more complex things, he would get impatient. There was no denying, he had the attention span of a housefly, and he wasn't able to sit still in a place and concentrate. First, he might wanna start with that bit.
On to the next category, Weapons.
Kenjutsu has always been an admiration for him. Swords were always cool. He remembers the first time he had seen a Samurai wield one and he had been in awe. He had thanked Jiraiya with a spontaneous hug when he had introduced them. The samurai was apparently an acquaintance of Ero sennin and the Samurai, while stiff, was very cool! Yeah! He wanted to be cool too. So it's settled, he will learn Kenjutsu, believe it!
Shadowing his excitement, a memory of melancholy colored him, once an ANBU had saved him in his childhood. A rather sharp object was thrown toward him and if not for the guard with that super awesome sword, he would've been pierced in the eye at the age of 6.
He shook his head roughly and peeked at Iruka sensei. This was no place to be solemn, he should focus on his work.
Alright, now that that's settled. What's next?
Shurikenjutsu. Hmm. He may not be perfect but he was no slacker. He was confident in his aim and perception. He hardly ever missed. But. Well, his goal was to improve for the better, wasn't it? So yeah whatever, note this one too. Humph.
And well, finally, Iryou ninjutsu. Naruto scratched his head, silently letting out a big sigh.
Okay, no need to be so discouraged, he reminded himself internally.
Alright alright. Focus!
Bandaging and cleaning and stuff, he knew. For the better part of his childhood, he had learned it and did it for himself. It's not like he needed it much with what his healing ability and all but doing all that made him feel normal and he liked feeling normal. At least, back then. Growing up, it has become a habit, to take care of his wounds himself. He had never given a thought to healing someone other than himself before this. And he still wasn't sure of it right now. He supposes, he'll decide along the way.
He was going to work on chakra control. Baa chan, he would ask her later. He'll rework on the exercises he already knew and try variations of them if he could think of any.
"Iruka sensei, do you think I would be able to perform basic medical jutsu if I try?"
Iruka gazed at him, tapping his pen on the desk. "It sounds very difficult, Naruto, the chakra control it takes needs a lot more patience and concentration than one would think. Refining the chakra which can heal or destroy according to how it's wielded is not an easy feat at all."
"Like how Baa chan and Sakura-chan can do?"
"Exactly."
"Hmm. I'll talk about this with Baa chan and see what she says, dattebayo."
He scribbled for a while on his paper and cleaned up the desk he was occupying and stretched standing up from his seat. He rubbed his palms on his numb ass and frowned, see! He really didn't like sitting in a place for too long. Naruto skipped towards Iruka with a jolly expression, "Oi Iruka-sensei, I am done. Do you want some help?"
Iruka chuckled at his childish antics and shook his head, "No I'm fine. I'll be done in an hour by myself."
Naruto hummed and clicked his tongue, he was hungry maybe Iruka was too? "Do you want me to bring you ramen, ttebayo?"
Iruka gave a thoughtful hum but shook his head again, he could see sitting in a place for long had taken a toll on the blonde, and didn't want to hold him here any longer, "No Naruto, thank you."
Naruto nodded and gave a bright grin, very eager to see how his apartment must've turned out, "Okay then I'm gonna go. Bye sensei dattebayo!"
Iruka waved at his retreating back, he smiled seeing the boy carefully balancing the pile of books, "Take care."
Naruto cheerfully made his way out but suddenly skidded to stop. He pouted, very immersed in his thought, and nodded to himself. He summoned a clone and entrusted the books to him instructing him to go and get them set. The clone obliged his order while Naruto took a different route from his apartment. He looked up and estimated the time to be around mid-afternoon, he was hungry but he didn't want to delay any longer. He could control his hunger for a bit. Naruto rushed at a simple pace towards the general library, like a criminal he sneaked into the library and passed around various sections, and collected various books.
Not used to reading so much his eyes and head hurt not to mention his ass was numb yet again. Naruto looked towards the sky from the window where he was seated on the floor with piles of books scattered around and blinked in surprise. Seems like around three hours had passed already.
He looked down on his lap where the book he was currently crossing over was and frowned in self-reflection. No wonder everyone hated him. He was completely not how a ninja should be. In his obsession to receive some attention, he didn't know when he had already immersed himself in this character that he didn't remember who he actually was. Or maybe this was him but now that he had a bit of knowledge he was hating the self who was ignorant? He would never know but maybe now it was time to let go of this obsession, he did not need it. He is so adamant about seeking attention that he ignored the fact that people around him weren't accepting him but were tolerating him. Begrudgingly.
He does not need that. He told himself. A sigh full of sadness passed his lips and he closed his eyes. Would someone even accept him, ever?
Naruto shook his head like a dog drying himself and started cleaning up. It took him around an hour to settle the books where they first had been and he slowly made his way towards his apartment. His thoughts were so wayward he had completely forgotten about the condition of his apartment.
A delicious scent reached his nose and he absentmindedly made his way toward it. When a big bowl of his favorite ramen settled in front of him did he realize that he had somehow ended up in Ichiraku. he shrugged and ordered more before slurping the noodles delightfully. He sighed feeling full, suddenly feeling tired. It seemed as if today had been tiring, he wasn't sure what made him feel so tired, maybe reading or maybe-
Almost near his apartment, his light headache intensified, and his eyebrows scrunched in discomfort. His eyes closed and he stopped in his tracks, Images from numerous places flashed in front of him. He shook his head trying to ease himself up. It didn't help, it continued and he saw a lot.
The market route, tea shop, chatting ladies - he could even tell what the ladies chatted about, someplace that looked a lot like his own apartment.
Naruto squatted down in the middle of the road, uncaring about anything. People eyed him weirdly and whispered but he could care about that the least, he had to understand what these images were and how was he seeing them or better why was he seeing them. By now the headache had passed leaving behind a lingering ache in between his brows.
Naruto pursed his lips, what the fuck? That was not someplace that looked like his apartment, it was his apartment. The gossip of ladies he had heard, it was as if he was chatting with them. He was so sure he had not bargained the price of cucumbers and argued with a clothing retailer and he was definitely sure he had never talked to some Miko-san about her marital life and lack of sexual actions between her and her husband. Ever.
So how? Wha-
Something struck him and Naruto's entire body iced. A moment later as if he had been electrocuted he jolted up and started running in a mad dash toward his apartment without bothering about the startled looks of people around him.
It's official, I'm dumb as fuck.
His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he looked around the whole apartment with large unblinking eyes. Everything was...
He quickly channeled chakra in a hand seal, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu" and a clone appeared before him.
He swallowed, excited, nervous, bewildered, and confused. "Go and do something. Somewhere where I can't see you." The original ordered.
"What?" The clone asked looking confused. Of course, he knew why his boss was ordering him like this. But what was he to do?
Naruto was really impatient now, he growled before he said, "Just do whatever. Go, quick!"
The clone grumbled something about cruel slave drivers but obediently went away and did what he was asked to.
A moment later the blonde blinked and his cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Of course, if he asked to do something, like a clone with a lot of dignity to spare it would strip and imitate that perverted dance from the movie he had recently watched with Kiba. What was its name again? Magic something...
He shook his head, that was not important. What was important was, his eyes brightened with excitement, "I remember everything my clone did" Even muscle memory is intact as if he, the original, had done that dance and not the clone.
He heavily flumped on the sofa that now looked somewhat presentable. A shit-eating grin spread on his face and he laughed. Dammit! How could he not notice this earlier? Doesn't matter if he didn't know what matters is that he knows now.
He could do so many things, training, reading, and behold. Information gathering. Ero sennin always said on the road, a ninja without information was an infant going to the lion's den.
Naruto threw his head back and laughed loudly. He wasn't sure why he was laughing so much but he couldn't control his laugh. He felt so giddy he wanted to jump and scream, scream his discovery.
He will start practicing in Konoha. What, he didn't know yet but from there he will begin. Civilians were easy so they were first and then ninjas. Learning about the village and her residents - civilians and ninjas alike was his duty. He should be informative and not ignorant anymore.
He would have to think about ways to make things work and he believed in his intelligent mind to supply him with curious ways so he patted his own shoulder with a proud grin. "Genius Naruto! I know you will find solutions soon, my overly intelligent mind!" He said to himself snickering like a little kid.
Thinking about the new beginning of the next chapter that was to begin, Naruto couldn't contain the shine in his eyes and the excited grin on his face. So what if he wasn't a part of any team, he would see for himself that he finds every help he can get. Even if that meant asking his old team, he wasn't ashamed and it was their choice whether they decided to help or not. With that thought, he drifted into a dreamless slumber.