Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 42: Academy Days I - Uzumaki

ACADEMY DAYS I - UZUMAKI

Uzumaki clan compound

The Uzumaki district has been coming along well since the clan settled in. It's still not quite home, and the adjustment period is taking some time, but they're all getting there.

The older Uzumaki, who actually remember the Hidden Whirlpool, have taken to slightly re-decorating by adding familiar elements from the destroyed village. Naruto left Awaji to handle that as he knows better than most how and what to do in that regard.

Meanwhile, Naruto is overseeing another addition to the district. Toward the edge of the compound is an area that's been designated as a park of sorts; a bit of greenery to add some freshness to the place. One particular part of it had a small pond built at the request of clan leader Naruto Uzumaki.

It's a tranquil place that washes over you with a peaceful aura and makes your worries seemingly go away. In truth, that's because the pond is connected to Mount Myoboku and so has some natural energy seeping through it. Statues of toads from Mt. Myoboku are arranged around the pond to truly cement the feeling.

Karin looks over the scene, not looking as peaceful as some others. "Not gonna lie, the frog statues kind of freak me out."

"Well, first of all, they're toads." Naruto corrects her.

"I don't actually care." She interjects.

"Second of all, they're needed to properly channel the natural energy so it doesn't overflow. Least that's what Pa said. Besides, I think they look nice! You just have to ignore they're toads who failed their training so were turned to stone." He shrugs and takes a step closer to the pond.

Karin stares for a few brief moments before whipping her head. "WHAT?!"

At this point, another large statue is carried through, going right past Karin. The new information causes her to jump back in surprise. These things suddenly freak her out even more.

The man carrying this new statue peeks his head from the side to look at her. This thing is easily twice his size but Jugo manages to hold it like it's nothing, although only the top of his ginger hair can be seen when he tries to look around the petrified toad.

"It's nothing to get freaked out about, Karin." Jugo states in his usual calm voice.

"Easy for you to say, you've always been weird!" Karin protests in her usual over-the-top demeanor.

Another voice rings from Jugo's general direction. "What a rude, child. Are you truly certain about this one, Naruto?" Fukasaku hops from where he was on Jugo's shoulder onto the head of the statue.

Naruto chuckles. "Yeah, I'm sure."

The large man goes to gently place the final statue around the pond, completing the decor. All three of them take a step back to admire the layout, proud of their work.

Karin, however, looks disgusted. "Those... are all..."

Fukasaku sighs. "Yes, we went over this. Keep up, girlie. This is how we honour those who've tried to walk the path of the sage."

Naruto rubs the back of his head. "I almost turned into a statue a few times."

Jugo nods. "Same."

Karin looks between all of them with a contorted expression. "You're all weird."

Fukasaku pats Jugo on the calf, that being the highest he can reach. "As long as you keep meditating here, you'll be good to go."

Jugo turns to him and bows deeply. "Thank you, Elder. If it weren't for your guidance, I don't know where I'd currently be."