Book 1: Dancing With Lightning [Naruto]

Sasuke and Sakura: Friends or Foes?

His mother's assault was relentless; a flash of motion. If anyone had entered the training field, they would see two blurs of motion, steel blades clashing against each other and lightning flashing around the mother and son.

Hoshino backflipped away from Iro's strike and opened his palms, unleashing a cloud of senbon needles. Iro instantly flickered between each one and dodged them effortlessly.

"Shinko Arashi no Justu!" Hoshino called out. His chakra built up around his arms and he slammed his palms into the ground. Almost instantly, bolts of lightning rose up around him and formed a protective border around him as he prepared his next attack.

Hoshino spun in the air gracefully and sent a stream of electricity towards his mother. Iro whipped her staff around, causing the energy to wrap around the pole. She sent the energy back towards him.

Hoshino smirked. He caught the lightning and sent it back. Iro clapped it between her hands, causing it to fade into nothing.

"You've improved with your Kekkei Genkai, Hoshino..." Iro said, dropping onto one knee. "One day, you might surpass me. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if you did."

Hoshino dropped down beside his mom. "Thank you. It's all because of your training." He smiled, staring up at the early sky. They had woken up extra early for a training session before Hoshino got his teammates and met his sensei.

"Remember; never rely on just your lightning. Our clan has many other secrets that will soon be passed down to you." Iro layed down next to Hoshino. "Secrets that the outside world has no idea about."

Hoshino sighed, staring at a cloud. "My parentage being one of them?"

Iro gave him a stern look.

"I'm sorry, mom. It's just... he's still out there, isn't he? What if he finds me and I have no idea who I'm dealing with?"

"He will never touch you as long as I breathe." Iro said firmly. "Your father... he is a cruel man. I still refuse to say his name, but I will tell you that when you unlock your dōjustu, he may come looking for you."

Hoshino looked at his mom.

"Never go near or talk to anyone wearing a black robe with red clouds. That is all I will say."

"You mean the Akatsuki-"

"Hush, Hoshino!" Iro scolded, her stormy gray eyes flashing. "We will not discuss this any further, young man, now go wash up."

Hoshino got up and bowed his head. "Yes, mother." He said, turning away and walking out of the training field. That was the most I've ever gotten out of her...

After he rinsed off, he changed into his ninja outfit, complete with his twin katanas sheathed in the holsters on his hips. He prepared to leave the room, but then he noticed the headband on his dresser. I can't believe I nearly forgot this! He thought in a panic. He picked it up and tied it around his waist before walking downstairs.

Once he got in the kitchen, he saw his mother already preparing food. "Okaa-san, you don't have to do that, you have work you need to do!" He said worriedly.

"Don't worry about that!" Iro put a plate of meat buns in front of Hoshino. "Now, eat up! You have a long day ahead of you. Do you have everything?"

Hoshino nodded.

"Your medical kit?"

Another nod.

Iro exhaled. "I'm sorry, I just found out who your sensei is going to be, so I want you to be prepared."