The Shadow Hokage [DISCONTINUED]

CHAPTER 12: UNANSWERED MYSTERIES (EDITED)

Naruto couldn't contain his excitement. The grueling mission was finally coming to an end, and the Chunin Exams were just around the corner. It had been three months since their last mission, during which they had taken on some C-Rank missions as requested by Naruto to prepare for the upcoming exams.

Additionally, Kakashi had taken the opportunity to teach them the art of tree-walking and decided to test their elemental affinities.

"Today, we won't be going on any missions," Kakashi began, which was met with protests from Sakura and a groan from Sasuke.

"Instead, we will be testing your elemental affinities," he continued, causing Sakura to cheer.

The silver-haired ninja produced three pieces of paper and handed them out to his students.

"Sensei, how will this help us determine our affinities?" Sakura asked, her eyes fixed on the yellowish paper.

"Most people possess chakra that aligns with one of the Five Elemental Nature Transformations. By using these specially made papers, we can detect the subtle hint of chakra and determine your affinity. Fire will cause the paper to catch fire and turn to ash, wind will split the paper in half, lightning will wrinkle it, earth will turn it to dirt and crumble it away, and water will make it damp," Kakashi explained.

"Okay," Sakura exclaimed before channeling her chakra into the paper, which crumbled away. "Earth," Kakashi said plainly.

Sasuke went next, and the paper wrinkled into a ball before bursting into flames. "Impressive, having two affinities at such a young age," Naruto scoffed. "Lightning and fire, though it seems that lightning is stronger than fire. Unusual for an Uchiha, but okay," Kakashi nodded. "Now, Naruto, it's your turn."

Naruto nodded and applied chakra to the paper. To everyone's surprise, the paper split into nine parts. One section burned to ashes, indicating a strong affinity for fire. Another section wrinkled into a tiny ball, signifying a strong affinity for lightning. One crumbled to dust, representing a strong affinity for earth. Another became damp, indicating a strong affinity for water. Then, one turned red, representing Yin chakra, another turned blue for Yang chakra, one turned purple for Yin-Yang chakra, and one turned black. The final section transformed into wood.

Everyone's eyes widened in astonishment. Naruto possessed ten affinities, half of which were unknown.

Naruto looked up at his teammates. "I know you're confused. I have the five basic affinities and I'm strong with each one. Red represents Yin chakra, blue represents Yang chakra, purple represents Yin-Yang chakra, wood is a secret, and as for the black..." he trailed off. "I don't know what it means yet. I guess I'll have to find out," Naruto shrugged, as if he were casually discussing the weather.

"What is Yin-Yang chakra?" Sakura asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

Kakashi shrugged. "I don't have many details, but there are rumors that the Sage of Six Paths used it to create the Biju."

"Hey, Naruto!" Sakura yelled. "You should give that black affinity to Sasuke-kun! He deserves it more than you!"

Naruto deadpanned, "Are you out of your mind? How am I supposed to give someone an affinity?"

Meanwhile, Sasuke was in awe. While he and Sakura had discovered one or two affinities each, Naruto had ten. Questions about Naruto's true identity began to multiply in his mind. Who was he really?

Or rather, what was he?

~

"Heh, you finally found out about it. You've had it ever since you unlocked the fourth stage of those accursed eyes. I couldn't find any other way to reveal your true specialty," a voice chuckled as it observed the unfolding scene.

"But he's my favorite!! You could have chosen someone else!" another voice whined.

"It couldn't be helped. He possesses incredible untapped potential, and I want to add more," the voice shrugged.

"The raven, too, huh?"

"I've already given him a gift, or perhaps he sees it as a curse. The fishcake has it as well, just because."

"You sure do spoil him," the voice remarked.

The voice scoffed. "And so do you. His control over nature should rival that of the survivor."

"So, how do you plan to teach him the ways of the Death Goddess?"

"One day, he will unleash its full power and summon me. Then, I will impart my knowledge to him."

"By the way, how is your pet?"

"Oh, you mean Zeref Dragneel? He's as hot as ever!"

"And what about Natsu?"

"He's as fired up as ever too!"