Vision of Truth I: Cat and Fox (Naruto)

Training Partners

"When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please
To tame your wild, wild heart
I know you feel like
The walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief
And people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door
And you feel like you can't take anymore"

- "Crash and Burn" by Savage Garden

Chapter 21: Training Partners

I sighed impatiently while Naruto argued with Kakashi over training with Ebisu. Finally, he gave in an reluctantly faced our new teacher. "Well, come on," Ebisu said. "Let's get started."

"Okay, but I don't buy it," Naruto said. "This whole thing is totally nuts! Even if I do need to work on my fundamentals, how the heck are they supposed to get better when I've got a teacher who's weaker at this stuff than I am?"

I snorted while Ebisu's eyes flashed with anger. "I beg your pardon, but who do you think you're calling weak?" he said.

"You heard him," I said with a smirk. He was defeated by Naruto's sexy jutsu, after all.

"If this is all because of that ridiculous and inappropriate jutsu of yours, it took me by surprise, that's all. I wouldn't be too hasty to judge my abilities based on one incident a long time ago."

"Just cause you ended up flat on your back and out cold," Naruto said. I stifled a laugh.

Ebisu narrowed his eyes at him. "All right then, let's put it to a test, shall we? Naruto, try and run away."

"Huh?"

"I mean it. I want you to try running as fast as you can. If you can get away from me, I'll resign as your trainer."

"Is that a promise?"

"Certainly, and what's more, since I know how much you prefer Kakashi, I think I can arrange to take over enough of his other duties so that he can be your trainer."

Naruto looked at him excitedly. "Yeah, really?"

"Of course. An elite jonin never goes back on his word. But it's all contingent on you being able to outrun me."

"Hey, what about me?" I said.

Ebisu glanced at me. "You're a sensory ninja, right? Track us down."

And with that deal in place, the three of us exited the hospital. Naruto immediately took off with Ebisu on his tail. I figured it would take awhile for them to stop, giving me no reason to track them now, so I took some time to return home to grab some food and update my family on the situation.

I did not know how I felt about Ebisu myself. Honestly, I thought I could train fine without a teacher. I only needed someone to practice with. Until Naruto calmed down, though, I could not do anything with him. Finally feeling rested after the brutal past few days, I wandered through the village, searching for Naruto's chakra signature. At the edge of the village, I felt familiar chakra heading towards the forest, but it was not Naruto's.

I decided to change my quest and started into the forest. After about a minute, Gaara's back came into view. Not long after that, he turned around and glared at me. "Why are you following me?" he said harshly.

"What are you doing here?" I countered.

"That's none of your business."

"Well, since this is my village, I think it is my business to know why an outsider is wandering around alone - even if you are an ally."

"You should worry more if I am not alone."

Ah, so that was it. He must still not feel stable after the preliminary matches and did not want to hurt anyone. "I get it, but it's fine if you're alone with me." I quickly moved towards him, and he immediately threw his and at me. My hand shot up, creating a shield to protect myself. I smiled at my success. "See? You can help me train."