Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 84: Chūnin Exams II - In Preparation of Growth

Notes:

RETCON

Previously, the OC named Tōrō Goshiki was introduced as a member of the Hidden Mist's Team Saizo. He was created back when the idea for the fic first came to mind, in 2012. As I've since decided to use characters from 'Boruto: Naruto the Next Generation' anime as his teammates, it dawned on me that he doesn't really need to exist, either. I could use established characters from the franchise instead of making an OC. So now all members in Team Saizo are ones that appeared in School Trip Arc (Boruto episodes 25 to 32). I do intend on going back and re-writing the parts where Tōrō appeared since he wasn't that big of a presence just yet.

Chapter Text

CHŪNIN EXAMS II - IN PREPARATION OF GROWTH

Hidden Leaf Village - Third Training Ground

The place where it all started, over 10 years ago. He currently has his back to the three wooden pillars that played such a vital role on his first day as a Genin, in particular the middle one that he spent a few times tied to. Instead, he's sitting cross-legged in front of a monument only a few metres away. The polished dark kunai-shaped Memorial Stone, dedicated to the ones who lost their lives during the Third Great Ninja War. Probably the first reality check he received as a ninja- when Kakashi tried to hammer in them what it really means to go out and fight.

He focuses on two names in particular inscribed here- Rin Nohara and Obito Uchiha. His dad's student and his sensei's teammates. One name having been erroneously engraved after his presumed death in the Third War. Once everything calmed down in the aftermath of the Fourth War, there were many debates as to whether Obito's name should remain here and continue to stay besides the honourable shinobi who protected the village with their lives.

As the newly appointed Jōnin Commander, Kakashi made arguments for his old friend and he was backed up by enough people that Obito remained. Naruto himself continues to have conflicting emotions, but the words he spoke to Kaguya and Zetsu remain true in his mind. The Obito who wanted to be Hokage, who gave his own life to save Kakashi, and the Obito who killed his parents, who plotted to bring the world to its knees are two different people. Driven to extremes by extreme circumstances. That's what he has to and wants to believe, to prevent darkness from entering his heart. To lift the cycle of hatred, as he promised Jiraiya and Nagato.

"You sure are early."

A voice snaps Naruto away from the Memorial Stone. He turns around to see none other than his sensei making his way to him.

"Kakashi-sensei?"

"Yo." Kakashi gives a mock salute. "What brings you here so early?" He walks over to stand by Naruto's side to look at the Memorial Stone.

"I'm just... thinking." Naruto continues to look at the names in the Stone.

"Hm." Kakashi rubs his chin. "You do look like you're thinking about more than you should. Anything in particular got you worried?"

"It's just... Obito got dealt a lotta bad cards, didn't he?"

Kakashi tilts his head in curiosity but continues listening.

"Losing someone close to him, being manipulated by Madara. But in the end, he came back to his senses and helped us against Kaguya. Seeing the kind of person he was and the kind of person he became... Makes me wonder about who's behind everything happening now, you know?"

"You're thinking they might be like Obito, someone who has no other choice?" Kakashi asks.

"I guess. Nagato, Obito, even Sasuke. They all wanted to do what they thought was right. The ones behind all of this, the Uzumaki clan... they probably think that, too. I just don't know if I'm enough of an Uzumaki to stop them."