Convergence of Souls

Casting the Unbreakable

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!

Welcome back to the story, last time we saw the remainder of the prelims finish up. This chapter will be about the 1 month training the finalists get. As always enjoy the read!

Arc 1: Chunin Exams
Chapter 5: Casting the Unbreakable
The arena hung in a suffocating silence as Guy carried the limp form of Rock Lee out of the sand's deadly grasp. Gaara's eyes burned with unbridled rage, his sand still swirling around him like a storm about to strike again, but his target had changed. He wasn't focused on Lee anymore. His cold, bloodlust-filled gaze was fixed squarely on Sasuto.
Sasuto's heart pounded in his chest as Gaara's eyes bore into him. He could feel the murderous intent rolling off Gaara in waves, the tension between them palpable. There was something about Gaara, something dark, that sent a chill down Sasuto's spine. This guy... what is he? Sasuto thought, his fists clenched as he instinctively prepared for whatever might come next.
"Gaara..." Temari whispered from the stands, her eyes wide with alarm. She had never seen her brother like this—not this bloodthirsty, not this far gone. Even Kankuro, who knew all too well what Gaara was capable of, couldn't hide the worry etched across his face.
"Someone stop him!" Kankuro hissed under his breath. "If he keeps going, he'll..."
But before Gaara could take another step, the commanding voice of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, echoed through the arena.
"Enough."
Gaara's sand immediately stilled. His eyes shifted briefly toward the Hokage, but his rage simmered just beneath the surface. Hiruzen's presence alone seemed to quell the storm, though only for the moment.
Medical personnel rushed into the arena, their movements swift and efficient as they lifted Lee onto a stretcher. His body was battered, his muscles strained beyond their limits. Guy stood beside his student, his eyes filled with a rare mixture of pride and concern.
"You did well, Lee," Guy whispered, his voice barely audible over the quiet murmurs in the crowd. "You've shown them the power of hard work. Now rest."
As Lee was carried out of the arena, Hiruzen Sarutobi descended from his podium, making his way to the center of the preliminary stage. His face was calm, but his eyes held the wisdom of years spent guiding the village through countless challenges. He cleared his throat, and the entire room turned its attention to him.
"Today, we have witnessed the strength, determination, and will of each one of you," Hiruzen began, his voice carrying through the arena with ease. "You have all proven yourselves to be worthy Genin, and I commend each of you for making it this far. But the real test lies ahead."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
"As you all know, the final stage of the Chunin Exams will take place exactly thirty days from today. This will not be a simple test of skill but a display of strength before the leaders of many nations. It is a chance for you to show not only your village but the entire shinobi world what you are capable of."
The monitor behind him flickered to life, and the names of the Genin who had advanced to the finals began to appear in pairs.
"The matches have been decided," Hiruzen continued. "The first match will be Choji Akimichi vs. Gaara vs. Dosu Kinuta."
Choji, standing beside Shikamaru and Ino, blinked in shock. "Wait... what? Me against Gaara?" His voice quivered slightly, and Sasuto couldn't blame him. Even though he had fought valiantly in the preliminaries, facing Gaara was a different level of danger entirely.
Temari shot a concerned glance at Gaara, but her brother remained eerily calm. His focus hadn't shifted from Sasuto for even a second.
"The second match will be Temari vs. Shikamaru Nara," Hiruzen announced.
Shikamaru sighed, his usual laziness returning as he muttered, "Great... I guess I've gotta put in some effort after all."
Temari, though confident, gave Shikamaru a once-over. "You'd better be ready," she said, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Hiruzen continued, "The third match will be Shino Aburame vs. Kankuro."
Kankuro crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. Shino, as calm as ever, merely adjusted his glasses, his gaze never leaving the screen.
"And finally, the fourth match," Hiruzen said, his voice growing a touch more serious, "Neji Hyuga vs. Sasuto Uchimaki."
The room seemed to collectively hold its breath. Neji's gaze shifted immediately toward Sasuto, his white Byakugan eyes cold and calculating. Sasuto could feel the intensity in Neji's stare—this match wasn't just about skill for Neji; it was about proving his ideology of fate and destiny.
Neji's lips curled into a small, condescending smile. "So, the one who wasn't destined to exist will be my opponent. Fitting."
Sasuto's eyes narrowed. The fusion of Naruto's sense of justice and Sasuke's pride burned within him. Destiny doesn't decide everything, Neji, he thought, his fists tightening at his sides. I'll prove that to you.
Hiruzen glanced at the group of Genin before giving them a final nod. "You now have thirty days to prepare yourselves. Train hard. The final stage will push each of you beyond your limits. Also the winners for the first and fourth match will face in the second round as well as the winners of the second and third matches will face each other. Good luck to you all."
With that, the Hokage dismissed the group, and the room slowly began to empty as the Genin headed back to their respective teams.
As the crowd dispersed, Kakashi placed a hand on Sasuto's shoulder. "Come on. Let's go," he said, his tone casual, though Sasuto knew better. Something serious was coming.
They left the arena, the tension of the matches lingering in the air behind them. As they made their way through the village, Kakashi led Sasuto to the hot springs. The warmth of the steam filled the air, and the scent of fresh minerals mixed with the soft sounds of flowing water. It was a peaceful contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded in the preliminaries.
"Take some time to relax," Kakashi said, his visible eye smiling. "You've earned it."
Sasuto raised an eyebrow but nodded, slipping into the hot springs and allowing the warmth to soak into his muscles. His mind, however, was far from relaxed. The matches ahead, the weight of the training to come—it was all circling in his mind. But for now, he let the hot water soothe the tension from his body.
As Sasuto soaked, Kakashi stood under a nearby tree, leaning casually against the trunk. His expression, usually so unreadable, was thoughtful as he glanced toward the shadows in the trees.
"You can come down now," Kakashi said quietly, his tone shifting to one of mild amusement.
From the tree above, a familiar figure dropped down, landing silently beside him. Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin, stood with his arms crossed, a wide grin plastered across his face.
"Didn't think you'd notice me so quickly," Jiraiya said with a chuckle, though there was a seriousness in his eyes. "But I guess I shouldn't expect anything less from you, Kakashi."
"I always know when a legendary pervert is lurking around," Kakashi teased, his voice low.
Jiraiya's grin widened for a moment before his expression turned serious. His eyes flicked toward Sasuto, who was still soaking in the springs, unaware of the conversation happening nearby. "So, this is the brat who fused to become that, huh?" Jiraiya muttered, his tone more thoughtful now.
Kakashi nodded, his gaze following Jiraiya's. "Yeah. Sasuke and Naruto combined into something more powerful than either of them alone. But he's going to need your help if he's going to make it through the finals."
Jiraiya scratched his chin, thinking. "You're right. That seal of Orochimaru's is still lingering on him. It'll take some work to undo it completely."
Kakashi crossed his arms. "And the Kyubi?"
Jiraiya's expression darkened slightly. "He's already strong. But if he can harness the power of the Kyubi properly... he'll be something else entirely. I'll train him in the old techniques. The summoning jutsu, and some of my personal favorite defensive jutsu. I want to teach him the Rasengan, but we don't have enough time for that. But we'll see what else he can handle."
Kakashi nodded, satisfied. "I'll take care of the rest. The Chidori, the basics of taijutsu, and the inner gates."
Jiraiya gave a nod of approval. "Then we'll meet here every day at dawn. Let's see how far this kid can go."
Kakashi glanced back at Sasuto, who was obliviously enjoying the hot springs. "He doesn't even know what's coming for him," Kakashi said with a smirk.
Jiraiya grinned again. "Well, then we'd better get him ready."
The hot springs bubbled peacefully as Sasuto reclined against a smooth stone, letting the warmth seep into his muscles. The steam rose into the cool evening air, creating a tranquil atmosphere that stood in sharp contrast to the chaos of the preliminary rounds. His mind, however, was far from relaxed. The battles he had just witnessed, the looming final stage, and the dangerous mysteries surrounding Gaara played over and over in his thoughts.
I'll have to fight Neji... Sasuto thought, his fingers gripping the edge of the stone. The mixture of Naruto's determination and Sasuke's cold strategy warred within him. I think I could take him now, but I want to be 100% sure, so I'll have to get stronger.
Just as Sasuto's thoughts began to settle, the peace of the hot springs was interrupted by the sound of soft footsteps approaching. He opened his eyes slightly, only to see two figures standing over him. Kakashi was there, as expected, but beside him was an older man, one Sasuto didn't recognize.
The older man had wild white hair, and his face bore deep lines of age and wisdom, though his expression was one of mischief. He had a wide grin on his face, and his eyes gleamed with something that made Sasuto uneasy.
"Hey, kid!" the older man called out, stepping forward and inspecting Sasuto with far too much familiarity for his liking. "Relaxing, are we?"
Sasuto blinked, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "Who the hell are you?"
The older man chuckled, his hands on his hips. "The name's Jiraiya, but you can call me the legendary toad sage!"
Sasuto raised an eyebrow and glanced at Kakashi. "Is this old buffoon for real?"
Jiraiya's grin widened as he ignored the insult and crouched down beside Sasuto. "Well, well... let's take a look at that curse mark, shall we?"
Sasuto tensed as Jiraiya reached toward the back of his neck, where Orochimaru's curse mark lay. He felt the older man's fingers press lightly against it, his chakra probing the seal. For a brief moment, Sasuto felt a strange warmth, like a gentle pulse, but it was quickly replaced by a warning spark of pain. His eyes narrowed in irritation.
Jiraiya stood back up, his face more serious now. "You've got quite the mark there, kid. Orochimaru really did a number on you. Let me give you a piece of advice, don't draw on that power. The more you use it, the more it will consume you."
Sasuto rolled his eyes, his annoyance growing. "Yeah, yeah. Heard it all before."
He glanced at Kakashi, looking for some kind of explanation as to why he was now stuck with this eccentric old man.
Kakashi simply smiled beneath his mask, his eye curving in amusement. "Jiraiya's a lot more than he looks, Sasuto. You'd do well to listen to him."
Sasuto raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to believe that?"
Before Kakashi could respond, Jiraiya puffed out his chest, taking a deep breath. "Who am I, you ask?" He suddenly began to perform a series of exaggerated poses, leaping from rock to rock, spinning dramatically in the air. "I am the legendary Sannin! The gallant Jiraiya, toad sage of Mount Myoboku! I have trained the Fourth Hokage, I am a master of ninjutsu, and I—!"
Before Jiraiya could finish his speech, both Sasuto and Kakashi sweatdropped. The older man's ridiculous poses and over-the-top introduction were too much for either of them to take seriously.
"Is he always like this?" Sasuto asked, looking at Kakashi with a deadpan expression.
Kakashi chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Unfortunately, yes."
Jiraiya finally landed in front of them with a flourish, his arms crossed confidently as though he had just performed some grand display of strength. "You're in good hands, kid. Trust me."
Sasuto just stared at him, unimpressed.
Kakashi sighed and stepped forward, deciding to bring the conversation back on track. "Alright, Sasuto, listen up. The finals are in thirty days, and we don't have time to waste. For the next month, both Jiraiya and I will be training you in a variety of jutsu. We'll push you harder than you've ever been pushed before."
Sasuto perked up at the mention of training, his annoyance at Jiraiya momentarily forgotten. "You're saying I'll be able to learn new techniques?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. I'll be teaching you some more advanced jutsu, like my Chidori, as well as refining your taijutsu. Jiraiya, on the other hand, will help you control the Kyubi's chakra and teach you summoning techniques."
At the mention of the Kyubi's chakra, Sasuto stiffened slightly, his mind racing. Naruto's side of me... the Kyubi's power could be the key to defeating Gaara, maybe even Itachi.
Jiraiya, noticing the shift in Sasuto's expression, placed a hand on his shoulder. "It won't be easy. The Kyubi's chakra is dangerous, and you'll need discipline to master it. But if you do, you'll be stronger than you've ever imagined."
Sasuto's eyes flickered with determination. "I'm ready."
Kakashi's eye crinkled again as he smiled. "Good. But first, enjoy your rest tonight. Be back here at the hot springs tomorrow morning at 8 AM sharp. Your training starts then."
Sasuto nodded, already feeling the excitement building within him. He might have found Jiraiya annoying, but the promise of new power was enough to push that aside.
As Kakashi and Jiraiya turned to leave, Jiraiya threw a final glance over his shoulder, his usual grin back on his face. "And hey, kid! Don't forget to enjoy the hot springs while you still can. Tomorrow's going to be rough."
Sasuto scoffed, leaning back into the water, letting his muscles relax once more. His eyes drifted to the starry sky above, and despite the peacefulness of the moment, his mind was already racing with thoughts of the training to come, the finals, and the battles that lay ahead.
Neji... Gaara... Everyone. I'll show them the power of Sasuto Uchimaki.
The next morning came swiftly, and the sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the training ground. Sasuto stood barefoot at the edge of a large lake, the surface of the water glistening like glass. In front of him stood Jiraiya, arms crossed with a knowing smirk on his face, while Kakashi observed from a nearby tree, lazily leaning against the trunk with his arms folded.
Sasuto frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing at the still water before him. Water walking was supposed to be the next phase of his training, but something felt off. He could sense the chakra in his body, feel the swirling energy within him, yet the moment he tried to focus it, something went wrong. His control slipped, and the chakra scattered.
"Okay, kid," Jiraiya called out, snapping him from his thoughts. "The first thing we're doing is water walking. It's simple, really—just mold your chakra into the soles of your feet and balance it like you're standing on solid ground."
Sasuto nodded, focusing on his chakra as he took a cautious step onto the water's surface. He felt the chakra surge to his feet, but as soon as his foot made contact with the water, he plunged straight in, his body submerged up to his waist.
Jiraiya let out a booming laugh, his hands on his hips. "Not bad, kid! But you've got a long way to go."
Sasuto gritted his teeth, dragging himself out of the water, his wet clothes clinging to his body. "Again," he muttered, his determination unshaken. He was Sasuto Uchimaki—he wasn't about to be defeated by something as simple as water walking.
He stepped onto the water once more, this time focusing harder, trying to balance his chakra just right. For a moment, it seemed like it was working—his foot stayed on the surface, and he took a second step. But just as quickly, the chakra faltered, and he plunged back into the water.
Jiraiya's laughter echoed across the training ground. "You're overthinking it! Relax and let the chakra flow naturally!"
For hours, Sasuto repeated the exercise, each failure more frustrating than the last. The sun climbed higher into the sky, and Sasuto's frustration grew. He was no stranger to intense training, but this felt different. The control over his chakra wasn't slipping because of a lack of skill—it felt like something was blocking him, something deeper.
After yet another failed attempt, Jiraiya's expression shifted from amusement to curiosity. "Hmm..." He walked closer to Sasuto, his eyes narrowing as he observed the boy's attempts more closely. "This isn't just a problem with chakra control. Something else is going on."
Kakashi, still watching from a distance, seemed to catch on as well. "What do you think, Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya stepped forward, placing a hand on Sasuto's shoulder. "Kid, let me take a closer look at that seal on your stomach."
Sasuto blinked, confused, but nodded. He pulled up his shirt, revealing the intricate seal that held the Kyubi's chakra in check. Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly as he inspected it more closely.
"There's a secondary seal here," Jiraiya muttered, his voice low. His fingers brushed over the markings, and his expression darkened. "It's a Five Elemental Seal... and not just any seal—this was placed by Orochimaru, wasn't it?"
Sasuto's eyes narrowed at the mention of Orochimaru, the memory of the Forest of Death still fresh in his mind. "Yeah. He did it during the Chunin Exams, right before I got this cursed mark."
Jiraiya's frown deepened. "That explains why you've been struggling. This seal is interfering with the Eight Trigrams Seal that holds the Kyubi's chakra in check. No wonder you can't control your chakra properly."
Sasuto felt a surge of anger flare within him. Damn that Orochimaru... even now, he's messing with me.
Without wasting another moment, Jiraiya formed a series of hand signs, his chakra flaring as he reached forward. "Hold still. I'm going to undo this."
Sasuto stood perfectly still as Jiraiya's hand pressed against his stomach, sending a pulse of chakra into the seal. For a moment, Sasuto felt a strange pressure in his chest, like something heavy was being lifted away. Then, with a faint click, the secondary seal dissolved.
"There," Jiraiya said, stepping back with a grin. "Now try again."
Sasuto felt the difference immediately. The moment Jiraiya removed Orochimaru's interference, the chakra in his body flowed freely, unimpeded by the constraints of the seal. With renewed determination, he stepped onto the water's surface once more. This time, his foot stayed on top of the water, perfectly balanced.
A grin spread across his face as he took a second step, then a third. Before long, he was walking across the water with ease, the chakra in his body flowing naturally.
"Well, well," Jiraiya said, his voice filled with pride. "Looks like you've got the hang of it."
Kakashi watched from the shore, his visible eye creasing in amusement. "It's about time."
Sasuto glanced back at them, his grin still in place. "What's next?"
Jiraiya's smile widened as he reached into his robe and pulled out a large scroll, unrolling it before Sasuto. "Now that you've got your chakra flowing properly, it's time for something a bit more advanced. I'm going to teach you how to summon toads."
Sasuto's curiosity piqued as he looked down at the massive scroll. "Toads?"
Jiraiya nodded, unrolling the scroll to reveal a long list of names written in ink. "This is the Toad Summoning Contract. By signing your name and offering a drop of your blood, you'll be able to summon toads from Mount Myoboku to fight alongside you."
Sasuto's eyes gleamed with excitement as he pricked his finger and signed his name on the scroll. "Alright, let's do this."
Jiraiya grinned, rolling the scroll back up and handing it to Sasuto. "Now, focus your chakra and use this hand sign," he said, demonstrating the hand sign for the summoning jutsu. "It takes a lot of chakra, so don't hold back."
Sasuto nodded, forming the hand sign and focusing his chakra. With a burst of energy, he slammed his hand onto the water's surface. A massive cloud of smoke erupted, and for a moment, everything was obscured.
When the smoke cleared, Sasuto's eyes widened in shock. Standing before him was not a small toad, but a massive one—the legendary chief toad, Gamabunta.
Jiraiya's jaw dropped in disbelief, and even Kakashi's usually calm demeanor faltered as he straightened up, his visible eye widening.
"No way..." Jiraiya muttered, staring up at the towering figure of Gamabunta. "He summoned... him on the first try?"
Kakashi's expression remained unreadable, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Looks like you've got your hands full, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya looked at Kakashi with worry written all over his face, "Kakashi, we got to hide immediately!" the legendary perv whispered to the cyclops. Kakashi didn't asked any questions and the two hid.
Before Sasuto could even process what was happening, Gamabunta's booming voice echoed across the lake. "Oi, where's the idiot that summoned me?"
Sasuto blinked, taking a step back as the massive toad turned its gaze toward him. "Uh... that would be me," Sasuto said, trying to keep his voice steady.
Gamabunta's massive eyes narrowed. "You? Don't joke with me, kid. There's no way you summoned me."
Sasuto felt a spark of indignation flare within him. Naruto's side hated being underestimated, while Sasuke's side refused to be disrespected. "I'm serious!" Sasuto shouted. "I summoned you, not Jiraiya!"
Gamabunta let out a deep, rumbling laugh that shook the water. "You, huh? You've got guts, I'll give you that. But if you're going to summon me, you'd better be ready to prove yourself."
Sasuto clenched his fists, his confidence surging. "Fine! What do I have to do?"
The massive toad's eyes gleamed with amusement. "It's simple, kid. If you can stay on my back for the entire day without falling off, I'll accept that you summoned me."
Sasuto's eyes widened slightly, but he felt his competitive spirit ignite. "You're on."
With a single leap, Sasuto landed on Gamabunta's back, his feet steady on the toad's rough, textured skin.
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kakashi. "Well, this should be interesting."
Kakashi chuckled. "He's certainly got the determination."
As soon as Sasuto settled on Gamabunta's back, the giant toad took off across the water, leaping from one end of the lake to the other with incredible speed and agility. Sasuto clung to the toad's skin, his chakra focusing on keeping his balance, but the sheer force of Gamabunta's movements threatened to throw him off at every turn.
Hours passed, and Sasuto's muscles screamed in protest. His grip weakened, his chakra reserves drained, but he refused to give up. Sweat poured down his face as the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the water. Gamabunta continued his relentless pace, testing Sasuto's endurance and resolve.
By the end of the day, Sasuto's body was trembling from exhaustion, his vision blurring as he struggled to stay upright. Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, his strength gave out, and he slipped from Gamabunta's back.
Jiraiya and Kakashi, who had been watching from a distance, immediately sprang into action, racing toward the falling boy. But before they could reach him, a massive hand caught Sasuto in midair.
Gamabunta, with a small grin on his face, gently placed the unconscious Sasuto on the ground. "Not bad, kid," the toad muttered. "Not bad at all."
Jiraiya and Kakashi exchanged a glance, both surprised and impressed. Kakashi knelt beside Sasuto, checking his pulse before looking up at Jiraiya. "He pushed himself to the limit."
Jiraiya grinned. "That's what I like to see."
The air had grown cooler as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the training ground. The only sound that filled the silence now was the quiet rustling of leaves in the breeze and the soft bubbling of the hot springs in the distance. Jiraiya and Kakashi stood side by side, watching over Sasuto, who lay unconscious on the ground after his grueling trial with Gamabunta.
The massive toad chief crouched nearby, his large amber eyes narrowed with curiosity as he observed the unconscious boy. His gaze shifted toward Jiraiya, and with a deep, rumbling voice, Gamabunta broke the silence. "Oi, Jiraiya... what's the deal with this kid? He smells of snakes."
Jiraiya frowned slightly at the question, already anticipating that Gamabunta would notice the remnants of Orochimaru's influence on Sasuto. He crossed his arms, glancing over at the sleeping boy. "That's because of the curse mark," Jiraiya explained. "Orochimaru placed a cursed seal on him during the Chunin Exams. It's been a constant struggle to keep it from consuming him."
Gamabunta's eyes narrowed further. "A cursed mark from Orochimaru, you say? That slimy snake's up to his old tricks again, huh?"
Jiraiya nodded solemnly. "Yeah, and it's worse this time. He's not just after Sasuto. Orochimaru's got plans for the village... something big."
Gamabunta let out a low rumble, his large hands drumming against his side. "Hmm... but that's not the only thing. There's something more going on with this kid. I can sense multiple chakra signatures inside him, and not just the usual kind. Explain that, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya exchanged a glance with Kakashi, who had been quietly listening to the conversation. He knew that this was a lot to explain, but Kakashi had been there since the beginning, guiding Sasuto and watching his development firsthand. Jiraiya gave Kakashi a small nod, signaling him to take over the explanation.
Kakashi took a breath, stepping forward slightly to face Gamabunta. "It's complicated," he began. "Sasuto isn't like any other shinobi you've encountered before. He's not just one person—he's a fusion."
Gamabunta blinked, his large eyes focusing entirely on Kakashi now. "A fusion? What do you mean by that?"
Kakashi glanced down at Sasuto, his mind recalling the day Naruto and Sasuke had fused together. "During a mission to the Land of Whirlpools, Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki came into contact with an artifact—earrings, I pressume some ancient seal is what made them do what they do. So, when Naruto and Sasuke each wore one, they fused into a single being. That's Sasuto Uchimaki."
Gamabunta stared down at the boy, his massive form still as he processed the information. "So... this kid isn't just one person?"
Kakashi shook his head. "No. He's both Naruto and Sasuke—two of the strongest Genin in the village, combined into one being. Their personalities, their abilities, their chakra... it's all fused together. That's why you can sense multiple chakra signatures within him."
Gamabunta's eyes shifted back to Sasuto, his gaze scrutinizing the boy in a new light. "That explains the strange chakra, but there's more to it, isn't there? I can feel the presence of something powerful... something dangerous."
Kakashi's expression grew more serious. "You're right. Sasuto—well, the Naruto half of him—has the Kyubi sealed inside him. He's a Jinchuriki."
At that revelation, Gamabunta let out a low growl, his large eyes narrowing once more. "The Nine-Tails, huh? So that's the power I'm sensing... but that still doesn't explain everything. Why does this kid feel so... familiar?"
Jiraiya stepped forward now, his expression grim yet proud as he delivered the final piece of the puzzle. "That's because Sasuto—well, Naruto—is the son of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage."
The massive toad's eyes widened, and for a moment, his usual gruff demeanor faltered. "Minato's... son?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Naruto is Minato's child, though he doesn't know of his heritage. The fusion with Sasuke hasn't changed that fact. Sasuto carries the bloodline of the Fourth Hokage."
Gamabunta stared at Sasuto in silence, his massive form towering over them all as he considered everything he had just learned. The boy lying before him wasn't just some Genin. He was the combined power of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, the Kyubi's Jinchuriki, and the legacy of the Fourth Hokage and the final Uchiha, all wrapped into one.
After a long pause, Gamabunta let out a low chuckle. "Well, I'll be damned. You've got quite the kid here, Jiraiya. No wonder you've been keeping an eye on him."
Jiraiya smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah. He's something special, all right. But that also means there's a lot of pressure on him. He's carrying a lot of burdens—more than most kids his age should ever have to."
Gamabunta's eyes softened slightly as he looked down at Sasuto. "I see. Well, if he's Minato's son and he's managed to summon me, I suppose I'll give him a chance. But he's going to have to prove himself if he wants to earn my full respect."
Kakashi and Jiraiya exchanged a look of understanding. They both knew that Sasuto's journey was only just beginning, and there were still many challenges ahead. But with the training he was about to undergo, and with his determination and the legacy of those who came before him, there was no doubt that Sasuto would rise to meet those challenges.
The night had deepened, and the stars blinked in the clear sky as Kakashi and Jiraiya stood over Sasuto's sleeping form. The boy had given everything he had, pushing his limits during the day's trial with Gamabunta. As impressive as his progress had been, both Jiraiya and Kakashi knew that the real training had only just begun.
"We should get him back to Sasuke's place," Kakashi said quietly, crouching down to lift Sasuto onto his back. The boy was still out cold, his body limp from the exhaustion of the day.
Jiraiya nodded, his eyes softening as he watched Sasuto. "He's going to be something else, that's for sure. But this kind of training is going to push him further than anything he's done before."
Kakashi gave a small smile beneath his mask. "He'll manage. He always does."
With that, Kakashi carried Sasuto back to Sasuke's apartment, the boy's usual home since his fusion. The streets of Konoha were quiet at this late hour, the lamps casting soft pools of light along the way. When they reached the apartment, Kakashi carefully placed Sasuto on the bed, pulling a blanket over him before leaving quietly.
The night passed without incident, and as the first rays of morning light filtered through the window, Sasuto stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked groggily at the ceiling. For a moment, he felt a wave of confusion. The last thing he remembered was clinging to Gamabunta's back with all his might. Then, he'd blacked out.
"I... fell off?" Sasuto mumbled, sitting up in bed. His body felt sore but surprisingly rested. He glanced at the clock on the wall, his eyes widening when he saw the time—7:30 AM.
"Oh crap!" Sasuto scrambled out of bed, rushing to the bathroom to shower. He had only thirty minutes before he was supposed to meet Jiraiya and Kakashi at the hot springs again.
After a quick rinse, Sasuto dressed hastily, pulling on his usual high-collared dark blue jumpsuit with white accents, and dashed out the door. He ran through the quiet streets of Konoha, his thoughts racing. I can't be late. Not today!
When he arrived at the hot springs, panting slightly, both Jiraiya and Kakashi were already waiting for him. They stood near the entrance, Jiraiya leaning casually against a tree while Kakashi, as usual, looked perfectly composed.
Sasuto wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and greeted them with a grin. "I made it!"
Jiraiya pushed off from the tree, his wide grin meeting Sasuto's. "Well, well, look who's back from the dead. I half expected you to be out cold for another day."
Kakashi eyed Sasuto with a hint of amusement. "It's impressive that you recovered so quickly after yesterday. Most wouldn't be able to move after what you went through."
Sasuto scratched the back of his head, his grin still in place. "Guess I'm tougher than I thought."
Jiraiya nodded approvingly. "You certainly are. And you passed Gamabunta's challenge, too."
Sasuto's grin faltered for a moment, confusion crossing his face. "Wait... what? I passed? But I fell off."
Jiraiya chuckled. "Yeah, but you lasted the whole day before that happened. That's more than enough for the old toad to accept you."
Sasuto blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that. "Huh... guess I'm better than I thought."
Kakashi stepped forward now, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "Alright, Sasuto. Now that you've proven yourself with the summoning technique, it's time to move on to the next part of your training."
Sasuto's curiosity piqued as he glanced at Kakashi. "What's next?"
Kakashi gave a small nod and asked, "Do you remember the mission to the Land of Waves?"
Sasuto's eyes flickered with recognition. "Yeah. It was right after the teams were assigned. We fought Zabuza, and Naruto learned to use the Shadow Clone Jutsu... but," he paused, rubbing his temples, "I've got two sets of memories of it. One from Naruto's perspective and one from Sasuke's."
Kakashi watched him carefully, processing the fusion's unique situation. "That makes sense. You're carrying both their experiences now."
Kakashi then stepped back slightly, forming a series of hand signs with swift precision. Sasuto's eyes widened as he recognized the technique Kakashi was about to perform. With a burst of chakra, Kakashi's right hand crackled with intense lightning. The sound was deafening, like the chirping of a thousand birds.
"This," Kakashi said, holding up his lightning-covered hand, "is the Chidori."
Sasuto stared at the technique, captivated by the raw power it exuded. He could feel the energy radiating from Kakashi's hand, and the way the chakra was molded with such precision and force was incredible.
"The Chidori is a powerful assassination technique," Kakashi continued. "But it comes with a risk. Without a Sharingan, the speed at which you move while using this technique would leave you blind to counterattacks. That's why it's only useful to someone who can keep up with the pace—someone with a Sharingan."
Sasuto's eyes gleamed with excitement. "So, I'll be learning this technique?"
Kakashi nodded, deactivating the Chidori and folding his arms. "Yes. You have Sasuke's Sharingan, so you'll be able to use the Chidori effectively. But it requires a lot of chakra control and speed. You'll need to master those aspects first."
Sasuto grinned widely, his excitement barely contained. "Alright! Let's get started!"
Jiraiya crossed his arms, watching the interaction with amusement. "Well, I'll leave the lightning tricks to you, Kakashi. But don't think this lets you off easy, kid. We're going to be working on a lot more than just this in the coming days."
Sasuto's grin didn't falter, the fire of determination burning brightly in his eyes. "Bring it on!"
The warm rays of the morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the training ground. Sasuto stood before Kakashi, his heart racing with anticipation as he prepared to begin his training with the Chidori. Jiraiya leaned casually against a nearby tree, watching the proceedings with interest.
Kakashi gave a nod of approval, his visible eye fixed on Sasuto. "Alright, Sasuto, before you can master the Chidori, you'll need to get a firm grasp on Lightning Release. The Chidori is a highly concentrated form of that chakra nature. Let's see how well you handle it."
Sasuto, eager to get started, focused his chakra. He had already learned how to manipulate both Fire and Wind chakra from his fusion of Sasuke and Naruto, but this was something entirely new. The energy in his body buzzed, and he could feel the electric potential just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
"Lightning Release, huh?" Sasuto muttered, more to himself than anyone else. His mind flickered between memories of Sasuke's natural affinity for Lightning Release and Naruto's strong chakra control, pulling from both.
With a deep breath, he extended his hand and molded the chakra as Kakashi had demonstrated. He visualized the energy taking shape, crackling like electricity. And then, in a burst of light, faint sparks of lightning began to form around his fingers, swirling with surprising ease.
Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly. "Huh. Kid's a natural."
Kakashi's visible eye crinkled with amusement. "Looks like the fusion gave him a bit of an advantage here."
Sasuto smirked, the sparks dancing in his hand as he marveled at the sensation. "Well, that wasn't so hard."
But before he could revel in his success, Kakashi's voice cut through. "Don't get ahead of yourself just yet. You've got the basics down, but controlling that power is another story."
Sasuto nodded, his expression growing more serious. He understood that mastering something like the Chidori wasn't going to happen overnight. Still, the feeling of Lightning Release coursing through him was exhilarating, like raw power flowing directly from his chakra network into his hands.
Kakashi took a step back, giving Sasuto room. "Now, let's move on to the next step. You're going to try forming a Chidori."
Sasuto's heart pounded in his chest as he focused his chakra again, this time pushing more energy into the technique. He formed the familiar hand signs, his Sharingan activating as his chakra surged, gathering into his hand. The familiar sound of chirping birds began to fill the air, and a bright blue light crackled around his palm.
For a brief moment, Sasuto felt the Chidori taking shape. He could feel the power, the speed, the intensity of the technique just on the cusp of being complete.
But then, just as quickly as it had formed, the Chidori fizzled out, disappearing in a puff of smoke. Sasuto stood there, his hand still extended, blinking in confusion.
"What the—?"
Jiraiya chuckled from his spot by the tree. "Looks like you ran out of steam there, kid."
Kakashi approached, his expression calm and unsurprised. "That's normal. The Chidori requires precise chakra control, especially when paired with the speed and reflexes needed to make it effective. It's not something you'll master in a day."
Sasuto sighed, lowering his hand. "I see..."
Kakashi gave him a reassuring smile. "But you've made good progress. You've got the Lightning Release down faster than I expected, so that's something. The key now is refining your control."
Sasuto's determination flared again. He wasn't about to give up. "So, what's next?"
Kakashi reached into his pouch and pulled out a small, round object—a rubber ball. Sasuto stared at it, confused.
"Is this some kind of joke?" he asked, eyeing the ball suspiciously.
Kakashi tossed the ball to Sasuto, who caught it in one hand. "Not at all. If you want to improve your chakra control, you'll need to practice balancing your energy. For the rest of the afternoon, I want you to balance this rubber ball on your nose."
Sasuto's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?!"
Jiraiya laughed heartily, clearly enjoying Sasuto's reaction. "It's all about control, kid. If you can manage something as simple as this, it'll help you when you're trying to focus your chakra into more advanced techniques."
Sasuto grumbled under his breath, but he could see the logic behind the exercise. "Fine," he muttered, rolling the rubber ball between his hands. "But this better not be some kind of prank."
Kakashi chuckled and waved his hand. "It's not. Now, get to work."
Reluctantly, Sasuto placed the rubber ball on his nose, focusing his chakra into keeping it balanced. The task seemed easy enough at first, but after a few minutes, he realized just how difficult it was to maintain his chakra flow without letting the ball drop.
"Concentrate," Kakashi said from where he stood nearby, his arms crossed. "This will help you stabilize your chakra when using the Chidori. It's all about precision."
Jiraiya watched with mild amusement as Sasuto struggled to keep the ball balanced, the boy's face scrunched up in concentration. "It's not so easy, is it?"
Sasuto grunted, adjusting his chakra flow again as the ball wobbled precariously. "Shut up, old man."
The rest of the afternoon passed in relative silence, save for the occasional thud of the rubber ball hitting the ground as Sasuto lost his balance. Each time it fell, he picked it up and tried again, determined to master this seemingly ridiculous task.
By the time the sun had dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the training ground, Sasuto's face was flushed, and his body ached from the repeated failures. But his determination never wavered. If mastering this exercise meant getting closer to learning the Chidori, he would endure whatever it took.
Sasuto stood there with the small rubber ball perched precariously on his nose, every muscle in his body tensed as he concentrated on balancing it with his chakra. What had started as a simple task quickly turned into a frustrating challenge. The ball wobbled, then rolled off, hitting the ground with a soft thud.
"Dammit," Sasuto muttered under his breath, bending down to retrieve the ball. His hands clenched around it as he placed it back on his nose, determined not to let it fall again.
Kakashi and Jiraiya stood nearby, both watching with mild amusement. Jiraiya leaned back against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest, a grin tugging at his lips. "He's getting better at catching it," Jiraiya said with a chuckle.
Kakashi, as usual, remained composed, though there was a glint of amusement in his visible eye. "It's all about patience. Mastering something like the Chidori requires control. If he can get this down, he'll be one step closer."
Sasuto gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he balanced the ball once again. It stayed still for a few moments, but just as he thought he had it, it slipped off again, bouncing lightly on the ground. He let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration growing.
"Relax, kid," Jiraiya called out from the side. "You're too tense. Just let the chakra flow naturally."
"Easy for you to say," Sasuto muttered as he picked the ball up once more. He pressed it against his nose again, closing his eyes to focus entirely on the chakra flow. His mind was split between Naruto's determination and Sasuke's meticulous attention to detail, both sides pushing him to perfect this seemingly simple task.
The ball balanced for a few seconds longer this time, but then it wobbled once again, rolling down the bridge of his nose before falling to the ground with another soft *thud*. Sasuto clenched his fists, glaring at the small object as if it were personally mocking him.
"This is ridiculous," he grumbled.
"Not at all," Kakashi replied, his voice calm. "Every technique has its basics. This exercise is teaching you how to maintain consistent control. Without that, the Chidori will never form properly."
Sasuto wanted to argue, but he knew Kakashi was right. The Chidori required more than just raw power—it needed balance, precision, and control. Grumbling under his breath, he bent down to grab the ball again, determined to get it right this time.
He placed the ball back on his nose and focused all his attention on the task at hand. His chakra flowed steadily, and for a moment, it seemed like the ball would stay balanced. But, as had happened countless times already, the ball wobbled and rolled off once more.
Thud.
Sasuto growled in frustration, picking the ball up and preparing to try again.
Jiraiya, watching Sasuto's growing frustration, exchanged a glance with Kakashi. "He's going to drive himself crazy at this rate."
Kakashi sighed, stepping forward. "Sasuto, take a break."
Sasuto blinked, surprised by Kakashi's sudden order. "A break? I'm not done yet."
Kakashi shook his head, his expression gentle but firm. "You've been at this for hours. You're not going to make progress if you're too frustrated to focus. Take a break, go get some food, and clear your head. Be back here in three hours."
Sasuto stared at him for a moment, then glanced down at the rubber ball in his hand. He knew Kakashi was right, but the frustration gnawed at him. He wanted to keep going, to prove that he could master this exercise.
But at the same time, his stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since breakfast.
"Fine," Sasuto muttered, stuffing the rubber ball into his pocket. "Three hours, right?"
Kakashi nodded. "Three hours. We'll pick up where we left off after lunch."
Jiraiya chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Go on, kid. Get something to eat. You'll be in better shape after a break."
Sasuto gave a small nod, turning on his heel and heading back toward the village, his mind already racing with thoughts of what he'd do differently when he returned. As he disappeared from sight, Jiraiya let out a long sigh, crossing his arms over his chest.
"That kid's got the drive, I'll give him that," Jiraiya remarked, his eyes following Sasuto as he left. "But he needs to learn when to relax."
Kakashi's eye crinkled slightly in amusement. "He's a lot like Naruto and Sasuke. Neither of them knows how to quit."
Jiraiya chuckled. "Yeah, well, that'll be both his greatest strength and his greatest challenge. Let's just hope he can master it before the finals."
Sasuto wandered through the streets of Konoha, his stomach growling loudly as the midday sun beamed down. He was more exhausted than he had realized, and Kakashi's suggestion to take a break seemed wiser by the second. After all, if he wanted to be in top form for his next round of training, he'd need some fuel.
He made his way to Ichiraku Ramen, his mind already focused on what kind of ramen he would order. As the familiar scent of broth and noodles filled his nose, Sasuto couldn't help but let a smile cross his face. No matter how much of Sasuke's stoic nature had merged with Naruto's carefree spirit, there was no denying the comfort that ramen brought.
When he finally arrived at the stand, the curtain swayed gently in the breeze as he stepped inside. To his surprise, he found two familiar faces already seated at the counter—Sakura and Ino.
Sakura glanced up first, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. "Sasuto! Hey!"
Ino looked over her shoulder, smiling as well. "Well, look who decided to show up. Training going well?"
Sasuto grinned, walking up to the counter. "As well as it can, I guess. Thought I'd take Kakashi-sensei's advice and grab a bite."
Ino stretched and stood up from her seat. "I was just leaving anyway. You two catch up." She gave Sakura a teasing smirk before waving at Sasuto and heading out of the ramen stand, the wooden curtain swishing shut behind her.
Sasuto took the now vacant seat next to Sakura and ordered a bowl of miso ramen. As they waited for the food, the atmosphere was comfortable—though Sasuto noticed that Sakura seemed deep in thought.
"So," Sasuto began, turning to her with a small smile. "How are you feeling after the preliminaries?"
Sakura sighed softly, resting her chin in her hands. "I could've done better, honestly. I wasn't as strong as I wanted to be."
Sasuto frowned slightly. "You were amazing out there. I saw how hard you fought. You've come a long way since the academy."
Sakura shook her head. "Maybe. But I still feel like I'm so far behind. I want to be able to keep up with you... with Sasuke and Naruto."
Sasuto blinked at her words, momentarily taken aback. He could feel both Naruto and Sasuke's emotions stir within him—Naruto's admiration for her determination, and Sasuke's lingering guilt for leaving her behind in terms of growth.
"Well, you're wrong about one thing," Sasuto said, his voice softer. "You're not as far behind as you think. The fact that you held your own in the preliminaries shows just how far you've come. You've got strength in you, Sakura."
Sakura smiled slightly, though doubt still lingered in her eyes. "Thanks, Sasuto."
Their conversation was briefly interrupted as Teuchi placed a steaming bowl of ramen in front of Sasuto. The scent wafted up, and Sasuto's stomach growled even louder, making Sakura laugh.
Sasuto dove into the ramen, slurping down noodles with a satisfied grin. "Man, I forgot how much I missed this," he said between bites.
Sakura giggled. "Still the same Naruto side of you, huh?"
Sasuto smiled at her, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and determination. "I guess some things don't change."
After a few moments of peaceful eating, Sakura placed her chopsticks down and turned to Sasuto again, her expression more serious now. "So, how did the rest of the preliminaries go? I heard some things, but I didn't get to see the final matches."
Sasuto paused mid-bite, setting his bowl down as he recounted the events. "Well, Shikamaru won his match, as expected. Choji took down Kiba, though it was a close one. And then there was Gaara..."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Gaara. "What happened?"
Sasuto sighed, his expression growing more somber. "Gaara fought Rock Lee... and he didn't hold back. He nearly killed him. Lee gave it everything he had, opened the Eight Gates and all, but Gaara's sand... it's ruthless. After the fight, Lee was in pretty bad shape. They had to carry him to the hospital."
Sakura's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes filled with concern. "Lee... I saw him briefly in the hospital, but I didn't realize it was that bad."
Sasuto nodded. "Yeah. Gaara's no joke. He's dangerous, and he doesn't care about anyone or anything. The sand does most of the work for him, and it's hard to break through it."
Sakura looked at Sasuto, worry evident in her gaze. "Do you think you can beat him? I know you're strong, but... Gaara is..."
Sasuto leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms as he thought about it. "I think I've got more skill than Gaara. I can fight him head-on, but his sand gives him an advantage in terms of defense and area control. It's going to be tough breaking through that. He's unpredictable."
Sakura nodded, biting her lip. "He sounds terrifying."
Sasuto's eyes darkened for a moment as he thought back to Gaara's final gaze at the end of the preliminary rounds. "He is. But I'll find a way."
Sakura smiled at his determination. "Well, I believe in you, Sasuto. You've got what it takes."
Sasuto smiled back, a small glimmer of Naruto's optimism shining through. "Thanks, Sakura. I'll do my best."
As they finished their meal, Sakura glanced at the clock and sighed. "I've got to get going. I'm supposed to meet up with Kurenai-sensei later. Good luck with your training, okay?"
Sasuto nodded as he stood from his seat. "Thanks. I'll need it."
Sakura gave him one last encouraging smile before turning and heading out of the ramen stand, leaving Sasuto standing there for a moment, reflecting on their conversation. He felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for her support, and a renewed sense of determination.
Gaara... I'll have to be ready for him.
With that thought lingering in his mind, Sasuto paid for his meal and left Ichiraku Ramen. His next destination was clear—he had to visit Lee in the hospital.