The Changed Tales Of A Gutsy Ninja (On Hiatus)

Chapter 23

Naruto exhaled a stuttering breath. Trying to focus more intensely he sharply leaned back just in time and dodged the kick that was aimed perfectly at his larynx. He immediately spun and raised a clean kick flexibly bending his upper body down the ground. As expected his kick was dodged, he counted it a small accomplishment when his next punch landed on the solid stomach of the person attacking him.

The man slid further away due to the force, Naruto tensed and heard the little sound of strained breath and lunged aiming a blow of a punch. The punch was not missed but it already continued to a series exchanging punchs and kicks.

Naruto let a frown grace his face as he heard the whistling of air cutting pointedly steadily in his direction, he successfully blocked it on time with his own kunai. Next he opted his body weight forward and engaged in a fight with the man clashing and clanking sparks of kunai.

The man was skilled and not at all an easy opponent. He easily dodged and counter attacked almost all the attacks. Naruto did not get the chance to stay defensive and had to continue being the offender only occasionally making space. Controlling his labored breath Naruto calmed his racing heart.

Thinking upon a strategy Naruto bent his body down almost in a deep squat only for an irritating ring to echo in the arena.

Naruto huffed loudly and the man opposite to him let out a breath Naruto couldn't decide if it was either a huff or a sigh.

"You can take off the blindfold, Naruto." The man said.

Naruto hummed and immediately swished his black Hitai-ate away from his eyes which had been doing the job of blindfold. However Naruto did not immediately opened his eyes instead he let his closed eyes get used to the warmth and red of light. He had already faced the consequences of haste when he had started practicing in the beginning.

Haste only brought hurt.

When he finally felt his eyes gotten used to the fresh light, his eyelashes trembled as he feathered his eyes open.

Naruto opened his eyes fully and smiled at the man. Another man joined the field and bellowed, "Ho ho! You did even better today. My training sure has helped."

Naruto grinned unabashed, "As if Ero-sennin did anything. It was all me dattebayo!"

"Ho? Not even me Naruto? I'm hurt." The first man who had been his opponent sounded sad but nobody was falling for that act.

"Ne ne Kaka-sensei I'm taking the credit today. It's my last day!" Naruto directed the grin at Kakashi before winking.

Kakashi walked up to him and ruffled his hair, "Hai hai. You did well."

This time a little pink warmed on his cheeks and he rubbed his neck. He was a little embarrassed his teachers were praising him. That didn't happen too often.

Jiraiya, not too far away walked closer to them and slapped Naruto's back grinning broadly. "You did! I'm pretty sure Kakashi has some nasty bruises today too."

Kakashi complained, "Mou~ You're right Jiraiya-sama. That's not nice Naruto. Go easy on me sometimes."

Naruto's whole face turned red in embarrassment. He jumped away from them, "You you.. You stop i-it both of you."

Seriously what was up with them. While Naruto ducked his head trying and failing to control his expression, Kakashi and Jiraiya shared a glance and they both grinned. In a blink they were beside Naruto.

"W-wha-" Naruto could hardly stutter a word coherently.

"You've done so well these past few months." Kakashi said, his hand settling on the blonde locks again.