Isao's Gift

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Chapter 12: Isao's Gift.

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Root Training Ground

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With the Chunin Exams now only a few days away Isao had made sure to push Naruto to his absolute breaking point. Naruto having to fight the almost overpowering need for sleep as he pushed himself forward at his current task. Isao watched as the boy was busily climbing the sizeable rockface. His hands digging inside the many small cracks that ran up and down its face. He could tell right away that the boy had grown immensely under his tutelage and he had no doubt at all that the boy would soon be wearing the green-colored vest of a Chunin. However just as he was about to reach the top and ring the bell signifying his success his hand slipped and he fell to the uncaring ground below. It was only due to his quick thinking that he was able to use a wind-based jutsu that he was able to slow down his descent enough to right himself before landing.

"Not bad, Naruto but you got overly confident...again. You only succeed when you succeed". Isao said before the two took a five-minute break. The cool sensation of the water feeling like a gift from the sage himself. Naruto had nearly downed his water bottle when Isao spoke again. This time his voice was serious, lacking any of the joy that he had come to know was possible from the man. As such he paid close attention to what the man had to say seeing as it was unlikely he would have time to hear it again.

"Naruto I want to give you something. It was a gift from one of my students. One that I failed to notice was turning away from me. He was very much like you Naruto. He was confident and sure he could overcome any who faced him. But he was overcome and now lays in the ninja cemetery. I don't want to have to deal with yet another loss, Naruto so be mindful of your pride lest it gets you killed one day". Isao said as he handed him a small necklace fastened with a bluish crystal.

"What is this"? Naruto asked as he eyed the beautiful piece of jewelry.

"It's called the moonstone. It's from the Crescent Kingdom. He said it cost him nearly 2,000 yen. I think the fool sold it too low but what's it matter now...it's yours now, Naruto-kun". Isao said as he stood up before pointing at the rockface again.

"Go on, Naruto you should be able to do it now". He said as Naruto nodded his head. He knew he had gotten overly confident and that would be his undoing one day if he wasn't careful. Isao may have been a true taskmaster but he cared in an odd sort of way. Even so, he wouldn't trade his time with the man for anything. Isao was almost like an uncle to him. One that could beat him senseless every day before the two enjoyed a nice long rest and talked about nonsense.

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Training Ground Seven

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Kakashi rolled under yet another failed kick from Sasuke and soon thereafter he deflected the wave of kunai being sent his way by Sakura. Both had grown strong in the past three weeks and it showed in many ways. At times he felt like he had to give them the bare minimum of his attention. A fact that both upset him and made him proud to be their sensei. The two upon seeing their attacks had failed in spectacular fashion readied themselves for another round of attacks.

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon". Sasuke called out as a dragon made of orangish flame erupted from the boy's mouth. Kakashi watched as the dragon flew high into the evening sky before shooting at him at high speed.

"Earth Style: Earthen Dome". Kakashi yelled out as he was soon entombed in a domn of harded earth. The fire dragon, however, struck the dome at top speed. The walls buckling under the onslaught. Sakura added to the attack by firing explosive tagged kunai. The resulting explosion reverberated around the area.

"Did we beat him"? Sakura asked before Kakashi appeared before her no worse for wear.

"No". He said before quickly but silently dispatching her. Sasuke upon seeing this dig inside his ninja pouch for another set of kunai. Pulling three out he began to spin them on his fingers. He had no intentions of losing to this man yet again. He was going to win this fight one way or another. He had trained way too hard and way too long to lose to the masked man now. Kakashi readied himself for his student's next attack. He didn't have to wait long before Sasuke unleashed the three kunai in rapid fashion. Deflecting the three deadly projectiles easily enough he failed to notice that Sasuke had disappeared from view. Eyeing the nearby area for even the slightest the movements he failed to notice the boy making his way to the man. It was only when he was a few mere feet away did Kakashi spin around and block the boy's punch. A few seconds later the damn bell sounded and with that yet another loss.

"You did very well Sasuke-kun. You made me try a bit today". Kakashi said rubbing the boy's hair messing it up all the more. The boy at once set to work fixing his hair to the slight amusement of the masked ninja.

"Oh before you go you should get Sakura. She is in the bushes over there". Kakashi said as he gestured to a set of bushes on the far end of the training field. Nodded his head he slowly made his way over to the downed girl. Her chest rising and falling slowly. Her hair falling to the side showing off her somewhat larger than normal forehead. He wasn't sure why he did it but before he knew it he was on one knee kissing her forehead. The kiss seemingly waking her from her sleep like one of them cheesy romance novels sold in the many book stores around the village.

"Sasuke-kun w..what happened? When is Kakashi-sensei"? She asked looking all over the training field but finding no hide nor hair of the man.

"He left already". Sasuke answered before pulling the girl back to her feet.

"Come on I'll walk you home". Sasuke said making the girl blush in embarrassment but nevertheless walking side-by-side with the boy. The walk was quiet and peaceful. The setting sun signifying the end of the day and the start of the night. Both knew that in two days time they would once again stand inside the ring facing off against powerful foes from around the world, or at least in the Land Of Wind. But for them, one thought ruled over all the others. How strong was their teammate, Naruto, and would they have to face off against him?


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