Naruto Namikaze:- The Wielder of Six Eyes!

Chapter 12

After Naruto evaded the lethal slash of Anisu, he took a stance with a katana. Anisu spun around, whistling his blade, and Naruto raised his sword. He barely deflected the attack; even so, the force pushed him back, and he grunted with exertion. Anisu charged in to kill him, but he parried each blow with great precision. Sparks flew from their katanas as they continued their deadly dance, finally reaching a stalemate.

"All right, that's enough for now," Rayleigh praised them. "I've seen a great improvement in both of you, especially you, Naruto. Mastering the katana in just a few months is very impressive." Rinji nodded in agreement.

"Anisu, your speed and precision are getting much better. I'd place the ranking between you, Anisu, at a low jonin level, while Naruto is a high chunin," she declared proudly.

Still trying to catch their breath, Naruto and Anisu turned to face their approaching sensei. Rayleigh explained to them that they were searching for some Master Zhuge Liang. With confusion etched on their faces, they asked who he was.

"He's recognised as the most accomplished strategist of his era," Rinji responded. "His reputation as an intellectual scholar became important even during his reclusion. Where I heard, he has mastery over thousands of jutsu combined for even greater power, a master at genjutsu and sealing techniques that would rival my prowess—not to forget, a stroke of strategic genius unsurpassed. He refused many Shinobi villages and rulers who have tried recruiting him, only aiding those he deems worthy."

"He avoids affiliation with any specific nation or village," she went on, "only helping those he deems worthy before returning to his mountain retreat."

"Why the "Sleeping Dragon" title?" asked Anisu.

There was silence for a little while before Rayleigh spoke up. "Well, you know the saying: never poke a sleeping dragon. If awakened, it will utterly destroy you."

Both Anisu and Naruto showed a face full of surprise. Naruto thought sourly, "Maybe this master can help me get what Konoha owes me. Those council members will find ways to block me using politics." He asked, "Where does this Sleeping Dragon live?"

Rinji told them about his location near the border of the Earth Country. Her voice turned severe, warning, "He doesn't take students."

Rayleigh finally ordered everyone to pack up and depart. The journey had to start, as it was getting late.

Naruto felt mixed emotions as the group began to get ready. He had heard about the legendary status of Master Zhuge Liang and therefore desired to learn from him, but again, he had also learned that the master was highly selective regarding the students he took in. Naruto did not know if he would be worthy of such a master.

Though full of doubt, he was willing to do his best and at least gain the approval of that master.

After walking four hours on the dusty road, Naruto, Anisu, Rayleigh, and Rinji arrived at a small village. Tired, Rinji had ordered a two-room hotel for them to rest overnight. Naruto was trying to go to sleep by rolling up in his blanket, though happenings of the day swirled in his mind.

A soft voice cut into the stillness. "So, what was Konoha like?" Anisu asked. Naruto hesitated before he began to pour out his story. He spoke of mistreatment, of a father who cursed him, of crushing betrayal by those he thought could be trusted. Anisu listened silently, a pillar of support, while Naruto's emotions poured out.

Naruto cried as he told what his sensei and teammates had done to him. Then, two warm arms wrapped tightly around him. It was Anisu.

"Don't you worry, Naruto," levelled Anisu, trying to comfort him. "Our sensei and I will never betray you. You are family now."