Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 6: Hidden Cloud Training I

CLOUD TRAINING I

Travelling from Kusatsu to the Hidden Cloud would've normally taken about 3 days if going at a leisurely pace and they wouldn't have been in a hurry, anyway. That time estimate is increased significantly when you have an untrained kid with you.

Sure, Kotori was carried for most of it but she still needed breaks more often than a child from the Academy would and she wasn't used to the speeds of shinobi.

She's clutching onto Naruto's back for dear life. She was fascinated at first at just how fast they can go but she'd never experienced it before and doubted if she even could.

"You okay back there?" Naruto calls out.

Kotori manages to get through a muffled noise that sounds like an agreement. She'd tried speaking earlier and got a fly in her throat; not making that mistake again. However, even if she said she's fine, she's still clearly shaken up and holding onto Naruto even harder than before.

He lands on the ground and Hinata and Omoi follow.

"Let's rest, okay?"

Hinata agrees right away, but Omoi first looks to the direction the Hidden Cloud's at. It's fairly close, just a few more hours. Ideally they'd still travel but given the circumstances... He agrees to the break, as well, and begins setting up a temporary camp.

Kotori's clutches onto Naruto's clothes even more. "We can keep going. I'm fine." She hides her face in his back. "I'm fine."

She knew they've stopped much more often than they'd need to. They were constantly checking up on her and if there was even the slightest hint of hesitation, they'd stop. She tried putting on a brave face when she was tired but they always saw through her. And she did get tired even if she wasn't the one actually running. Travelling at such speeds put a strain on her mind and she'd get headaches occasionally, as well as get motion sickness.

Hinata places a hand on her head. "You are, and we'll make sure you continue to be fine. We'll take as many breaks as needed."

Kotori doesn't seem convinced. A part of her is worrying that she's already being a burden, that her new mom and dad, young as they are, are already regretting their decision.

Omoi speaks up from his crouched position, going through his pack. "Besides, a Cell is meant to look after each other. If one member is feeling off, we help them get back on their feet and continue when we're all at 100%." He stands up and walks over to Kotori, handing her a water container. "Think of that as your first ninja lesson. You take care of your team."

That seems to do it for Kotori as she nods and climbs off Naruto's back and takes the water.

Kotori's excited to look at her surroundings. They went through the Land of Hot Waters and stopped to rest at an onsen there, through the Land of Frost with its much colder climate but beautiful scenery. They even have slopes you can slide on! And now they're in the Land of Lightning which is filled with mountains that reach the skies, even higher than the ones in the Land of Frost. Omoi was right when he said breathing in his home is more difficult.

Once Kotori is a bit further away and exploring, Hinata approaches Omoi.

"I apologize for the breaks. I know you originally didn't agree to taking so long, but..."

"You really don't need to worry. Besides, it basically confirmed everything I thought about Naruto. I got to see what kind of guy he is. And he's affected you a lot, looks like."

Hinata blushes and looks away. "Wha-, no, I-" She regains her composure and smiles. "No, I was greatly influenced by him."

"As were a lot of people. Even Cloud shinobi."