A New Yet Similar Path

Naruto's Offer Part 5

"NARUTO! YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH BURN AS BRIGHTLY AS EVER!"

Naruto could have sworn that he felt his eardrum burst as he listened to the spandex clad Jonin go on his 'youth' rant.

Naruto had just completed his usual morning training with the two shinobi who were considered the best Taijutsu users in fire country.

"Yeah, thanks Gai-sensei..." Naruto sighed as he rubbed the throbbing ear.

'Thank god for my healing' thought Naruto as the pain subsided quickly.

Gai turned around suddenly, flashing his sparkling smile with his nice guy pose.

"GOOD MORNING TO YOU TWO!" yelled the Jonin.

Naruto looked around Gai to see that Neji and Tenten had just arrived.

"Hey there Tenten-chan!" exclaimed Naruto.

Tenten smiled and waved at the handsome blonde.

"So how's the blade training going Naruto-kun?" she asked.

Naruto grinned. "Fantastic! I've mastered two of them and the third is well on its way."

Tenten smiled at her friend.

"Great! I expect to see them all when you've mastered them!"

"It's been nearly two months of training with three; I'll be finished in about another two. I hope..."

Naruto's attention shifted to the Hyuga.

"So, Neji."

"Naruto..."

"You going to take me up on that offer?"

"Fate has already decided that I would win."

Naruto scowled. "Fate is a huge load of crap!"

Neji activated his Byakugan in slight anger.

"Says the man that is friends with most of the high ranking officials of the village."

"Friends? Please Neji, I've told you before that many of them still despise me for what I used to be!"

"Which is?"

Naruto didn't answer. Tenten and Gai knew the reason. Gai of course was old enough to know, and Naruto had told Tenten because Naruto trusted her enough and knew that she was a good natured person. Neither held a grudge but both knew that Neji probably wouldn't agree with the two.

"If I told you, I would make one more enemy for something out of my control. Let's just say that your little caged bird seal doesn't even compare to a seal I've had my entire life."

"What could be worse than a seal to control me?!"

"Beat me in a spar and I shall allow those two to tell you."

Neji saw Tenten visibly flinch at this.

"Tenten." Said Kunoichi snapped to attention. "Yes Neji?"

"What he says, is it true?"

From what Neji could see from Tenten's posture when she said the next sentence intrigued him.

"He definitely has a seal much more damaging than yours."

'Hm. From her posture when she said this to Gai's increased heart rate, he truly does have a similar condition. Or worse.'

"Fine. I accept" announced the Hyuga as he got into his Jyuken stance.

Naruto grinned as he got into a Goken stance.

"Great. Now I shall show you a technique that will render your Jyuken style utterly useless" he said as he drew a kunai.