Chapter 2: Bargain with the Serpent
Orochimaru, or rather, Black Ant, layed before Naruto, his body weakened and his breath coming in shallow gasps. Yet, even in his diminished state, a faint chuckle escaped his lips. "So, that's your power, huh?"
Naruto stood over him, twirling the brush between his fingers, a triumphant smile playing at his lips. "So you figured it out."
"Your powers," Black Ant began, his voice rasping but still sharp with curiosity, "are tied to names. Those who speak your name... lose their voice. And that brush of yours... it can strip, steal, half and change the names of others." His yellow eyes glinted, even in his vulnerable state. "A terrifying power for anyone who understands what names truly are."
Naruto clapped his hands slowly, the sound echoing through the silent forest. "Not bad, Orochi... well, Black Ant. You've got a sharp mind. Most people wouldn't piece it together so quickly."
Black Ant grinned weakly, his muscles twitching as he tried to move. "Flattery doesn't suit you, Naruto-kun. But I'm sure the spectacle we made tonight has already attracted attention. The Leaf ninjas will be here soon."
Naruto's smile didn't falter. In fact, it grew even more confident as he crossed his arms. "You worry too much. I put up a barrier before we fought."
Black Ant's eyes widened in shock. His mind raced as he thought back to the moments leading up to their battle, searching for any sign of the barrier Naruto claimed to have erected. "Nothing". He hadn't sensed a single fluctuation in chakra, no shift in the air, no hint of a jutsu at all.
"You... You're a monster," Black Ant whispered, his voice full of awe and a hint of genuine fear.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, amused. "A monster, huh? Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment."
Black Ant's entire body ached from the battle, but the real sting was to his pride. To be reduced to "this"... him, one of the legendary Sannin, laid low by a child. No... not a child. A monster.
Naruto squatted down to meet Black Ant's eye level, his expression shifting from amusement to something colder, more authoritative. "Now, about our little wager."
Black Ant's muscles tensed, but he kept his face passive, waiting for Naruto to continue.
"You're my underling now," Naruto said, his voice calm, but there was an unmistakable weight behind his words. "But I know you, Orochimaru. You're a snake. You slither, and you bite when someone's not looking. You'll try to betray me the first chance you get."
Black Ant's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.
Naruto's gaze sharpened, his tone becoming dangerous. "I wouldn't recommend trying anything. Because I have another ability. One I haven't used on you yet."
"And what technique is that, Naruto-kun?" Black Ant
Naruto leaned in slightly, his eyes glinting with malice as he whispered, "It's a technique that will erase your existence completely. Not just your body, but your soul. No reincarnation, no revival, nothing. You will be wiped from existence, and not even a god will be able to bring you back."
For the first time in many years, Black Ant felt a cold bead of sweat drip down the side of his face. His mouth was suddenly dry, and he swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. The thought of complete and utter erasure, of no chance to return or even exist in any form, chilled him to the core.
"You win," Black Ant said reluctantly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be your underling."
Naruto stood up, satisfied with the answer. His brush hovered over Orochimaru's chest, where the kanji for Black Ant still glowed faintly, binding his power. With a precise stroke, Naruto erased the kanji and, with a quick flourish, wrote a single character in its place "Maru".
Orochimaru felt some of his strength returning, though it was still a fraction of what he once had. He flexed his fingers, testing the flow of his chakra, and found it still weak.
Naruto grinned as he straightened up, the brush resting casually on his shoulder. "There. I've restored part of your name. You're Maru now."
"Maru..." Orochimaru whispered the name, his lips curling into a sneer at the indignity.
Naruto glanced down at him, his expression almost playful now. "Be a good boy, Maru, and maybe I'll restore the rest of your name."
Orochimaru, now Maru looked up at Naruto, a mixture of hatred and respect simmering in his golden eyes. He knew that for now, he had no choice but to obey. His time would come, but until then, he would play along.
Maru stayed on the ground for a moment longer, watching the boy's retreating form. Monster didn't even begin to describe what Naruto was.
And so, the serpent slithered away from the predator, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and survival, all while plotting his return to power.
Chapter 3: The Monk Who Calls the Real Name
Naruto landed silently in the Hokage's office, dragging a dazed Mizuki, now "Nothing" alongside him. The ink smeared across Mizuki's body left him a husk of his former self.
Hiruzen, startled by their sudden appearance, blinked in shock. "Naruto? What is the meaning of this? And why is Mizuki covered in... ink?"
Naruto, standing tall with an air of confidence, looked Hiruzen in the eye. "He tried to make me steal the forbidden scroll, and then he tried to kill me."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he studied Mizuki, realizing the truth behind Naruto's words. He gestured to the ANBU guards standing by. "Take him away."
The ANBU swiftly moved in, grabbing Mizuki and escorted him out of the room. The ink on his body shimmered faintly in the low light.
Hiruzen let out a slow breath. "Naruto, how exactly did you manage to take down Mizuki? And that ink... what is it?"
Naruto, cryptic, simply replied, "I am the master of all black, and I know the true names of every living thing."
Hiruzen's brows furrowed as he let out a deep sigh. It was clear Naruto wasn't going to give him more than that. The boy was... different now. More than just the child he had once known. "I see," Hiruzen muttered. "In that case, I'll officially promote you to genin for your efforts. You've done well."
Naruto simply nodded, as if the promotion was expected.
Two Days Later - At the Academy
Iruka stood before the assembled students, a smile on his face as he congratulated them on becoming genin. "This is just the beginning," he said warmly. "Work hard, and you'll achieve even more."
The classroom was filled with excited chatter, but Iruka quickly moved on to the next topic: team placements. "Before we get to the teams, I want to remind you that the teams are not permanent. You'll rotate both your teammates and sensei as time goes on."
Excitement buzzed in the room as Iruka began to announce the teams.
"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Shikamaru Nara, and Hinata Hyuga. Your sensei will be Asuma Sarutobi."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the classroom. Eyes turned toward Naruto's empty seat in disbelief.
Kiba, ever the loudmouth, voiced what many were thinking. "How did Naruto pass?"
Iruka's face fell, remembering the difficult news Hiruzen had shared with him about Mizuki's betrayal. The boy deserved his place, but explaining that wasn't simple. "Naruto took a make-up exam," Iruka said quickly, forcing a smile.
Kiba grumbled, but Iruka moved on. "Team 8: Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yamanaka, and Kiba Inuzuka. Sensei Kurenai Yuhi."
"Team 10: Sakura Haruno, Shino Aburame, and Choji Akimichi. Sensei Kakashi Hatake."
After announced the placements, Iruka offered a final word of encouragement before leaving the classroom. The students were left to chat amongst themselves while waiting for their new senseis to arrive.
In one corner of the room, Hinata sat quietly, a small, shy smile on her face. She was glad Naruto had passed. Even though he wasn't here right now, she had always admired his determination. She wondered what kind of ninja he would become.
Meanwhile, Sakura and Ino were arguing over who should sit next to Sasuke, as the boy in question simply tuned them out. Across the room, Shino sat alone, his quiet demeanor keeping others at a distance.
It wasn't long before Asuma walked in, his presence immediately noticed by Shikamaru.
"Where's Naruto?" Asuma asked with a raised brow.
Shikamaru yawned, resting his head on his hand. "Probably sleeping in. Honestly, I wish I did the same."
Ino, still in earshot, shot Shikamaru a glare. "You're so lazy, Shikamaru! You'll never get anywhere like that."
Shikamaru merely shrugged, unaffected by her scolding. "Maybe. But it's too much of a drag to care."
Asuma sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I suppose we should go fetch him. Come on."
Before they could move, the door slid open, and Naruto appeared in the doorway, standing confidently. "No need," he said, his voice filled with energy. "I'm right here."
Asuma smiled slightly. "Good timing. Let's go. "
---
At the barbecue shop
The scent of sizzling meat filled the air as Team 7 sat around a table, Asuma introducing himself properly. "Asuma Sarutobi. My hobbies are playing shogi, especially with Shikamaru," he glanced at the boy, "My dream is to see what the next generation will accomplish "
Shikamaru, barely paying attention, muttered, "And one day to go out with Kurenai."
Asuma's face flushed red, and he quickly cleared his throat. "That's... uh... not part of the introduction, Shikamaru."
Naruto smirked at the exchange, while Hinata tried to suppress a small giggle.
"Alright, Shikamaru, you're next," Asuma said.
Shikamaru sighed. "Why bother? You already know everything about me. I like sleeping, I'm lazy, and life's too much of a drag."
Naruto chuckled. "Lazy bum loves to sleep, that's for sure."
Shikamaru gave him a lazy nod of acknowledgment. "Yeah, pretty much."
Asuma let out a long sigh. "Hinata, your turn."
Hinata sat up straight, her cheeks tinged pink as she nervously introduced herself. "Um, I'm Hinata Hyuga... My hobby is pressing flowers. I love cinnamon rolls... and my goal is to become a strong, reliable ninja and... to abolish the Hyuga clan's cursed seal."
Asuma smiled warmly at her. "That's a wonderful goal, Hinata. I look forward to seeing you become a splendid ninja."
Blushing even more, Hinata nodded shyly. "Th-thank you, Asuma-sensei."
Finally, Naruto's turn came, and true to form, he made his entrance as loudly as possible. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the Monk who calls the real name!"
Shikamaru and Asuma blinked in surprise. A monk? The beads around Naruto's neck and his shaved head certainly fit, but the Monk who calls the real name? What did that mean?
Curiosity burned in Asuma's eyes as he exchanged a look with Shikamaru, who seemed equally intrigued.
"What do you mean by that?" Asuma asked, unable to hold back his question.
Naruto, sensing their interest, smirked. "I have the ability to identify the true names of all living things."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, his laziness momentarily giving way to genuine curiosity. "True names, huh? That's... interesting. So what, you know everyone's real identity or something?"
Asuma leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "That's a pretty unique ability, Naruto."
Naruto crossed his arms, feeling the weight of their gazes. "It's something like that. You'll see in time."
Satisfied with the mystery he'd left hanging, Naruto continued his introduction. "My hobbies? Painting and drawing calligraphy." He paused, looking thoughtful for a moment. "As for my goal? I don't really have one."
Asuma frowned slightly, but he didn't push. Instead, he smiled and leaned back. "Well, goals change. Maybe you'll find one along the way."
Naruto shrugged, but inwardly, he knew that his path was already set. The world just didn't know it yet.
Chapter 4: The test begins
After they finished eating, Asuma pushed back his chair and gave his students a lazy smile. "Alright, that's enough for today. Get your gear ready for tomorrow. We'll be heading out for a mission." Without another word, he left the restaurant, leaving them to process the information.
Shikamaru groaned, already sensing what was coming. "A mission, huh? Already..." He sighed, leaning back in his seat, eyes half-lidded. "Troublesome."
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle.
Hinata was too shy to say anything but was clearly anxious. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her jacket as she stole a glance at Naruto. "A mission already?" She wasn't sure if she was ready for this, but she didn't want to look weak in front of her teammates.
---
The Next Day
Asuma met them at the gate early the next morning, his usual cigarette hanging from his lips. "Alright, today's mission is to deliver this scroll to the Land of Waves."
Shikamaru immediately raised an eyebrow. A mission this important for a team that's barely formed? His mind raced through the implications, but in typical fashion, he didn't bother saying anything. Complaining about it would only make it more of a hassle.
Hinata's nerves were on edge, but she was determined to prove herself useful. She stayed close to the group, trying to suppress her anxiety.
Naruto saw through Asuma's lies, but simply chuckled.
Shikamaru and Hinata didn't feel their chakra get disrupted. Naruto felt this, but didn't comment on this. His suspicions were confirmed as he felt that Asuma was the only one whose chakra wasn't disrupted.
____
As they walked through the forest, Naruto could sense subtle movements in the trees around them. Two chakra signatures trailed behind them, faint but detectable. There they are, he thought, keeping his face impassive. Let's see what happens next.
---
Suddenly, lightning erupted from the sky, striking Asuma with brutal force. The blast sent him flying into a nearby tree, smoke rising from his charred clothing. His team wasn't close enough to get caught in the attack, but the sight of their sensei's lifeless body was enough to shock them.
Hinata froze, her heart pounding. Her eyes widened in horror. "A-Asuma-sensei..." she whispered, her voice trembling. Her mind raced, overwhelmed by fear and confusion. "How could this happen?" She could feel her legs start to shake, but she forced herself to remain upright.
Shikamaru's jaw clenched as he tried to make sense of what was happening. He wasn't emotional like Hinata, but the sight of Asuma lying lifeless on the ground left him uneasy. His mind spun with possibilities, but no matter how much he hated it, there was only one conclusion: their sensei was dead. "Tch...what a drag..."
Naruto, however, remained calm, his expression unreadable. He knew better. "It's all part of the test." He glanced at the two assailants who emerged from the trees, walking casually toward Asuma's body. They rifled through his clothing, but their expressions turned to frustration when they found nothing.
One of them turned to the team, his eyes narrowing. "Where's the scroll?"
Naruto held up the scroll in his hand with a smug grin. "Looking for this? Come and get it if you want it." He turned to his teammates and whispered under his breath. "Relax. Figure it out."
Then, in a blur of motion, he vanished into the forest, with one of the assailants chasing after him.
---
Shikamaru's mind raced. "Figure it out?" What's there to figure out? Asuma's dead... He wanted to groan, feeling the weight of the situation press down on him.
Hinata tried activating her Byakugan, but something felt off. Her vision blurred, the familiar clarity of her dōjutsu distorted as if looking through a fog. "W-What's happening?" she whispered, her voice laced with panic.
The remaining assailant stepped forward with a cruel grin. "You two are going to die here." He rushed at them, moving with speed far beyond what they were prepared for.
Hinata instinctively dropped into her Gentle Fist stance. Without her Byakugan, she would be going in blind, but she had no other choice. The assailant lunged at her, and she stepped to the side, thrusting her palm toward his chest. But her attack missed entirely, hitting nothing but air.
Shikamaru joined in. His attempts to ensnare their opponent with his shadow proved futile.
___
Shikamaru stood frozen, trying to piece together what was happening. Naruto said to figure it out... What are we missing? He watched as Hinata's attacks failed to land, each one swiping through the air as if the enemy wasn't even there.
Suddenly, it hit him. "This isn't real..."
"Hinata!" Shikamaru shouted, moving toward her. "It's a genjutsu!"
Hinata turned to him, confused.1 "G-Genjutsu?"
Shikamaru nodded, his eyes narrowing. "None of this is real. Asuma's not dead. The assailants aren't real either. We've been caught in a powerful illusion."
Hinata's breath hitched, but she nodded. She bit her lip, trying to focus her chakra. Her palms pressed together as she focused on disrupting the flow within her body. Shikamaru did the same, and with a burst of willpower, they both broke free of the genjutsu's hold.
The world around them shimmered and then snapped back into focus. The two of them blinked as reality returned. Asuma was standing off to the side, very much alive, watching them with a calm smile. The assailant that had attacked them was gone, and standing in their place was Kurenai Yuhi, arms folded, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
"Well, well," Kurenai said, her voice smooth. "Looks like you two figured it out."
Shikamaru let out a long sigh, slumping his shoulders. "Troublesome..."
Hinata let out a relieved breath, her heart still pounding from the shock of it all. She felt the weight of the moment lift as she realized that none of it had been real, and Asuma-sensei was safe.
Asuma chuckled. "Not bad, both of you. You handled yourselves pretty well, considering."
Shikamaru shook his head. "So this was a test from the beginning..."
Naruto returned then, the scroll still in hand, grinning widely. "Took you long enough." He tossed the scroll to Asuma, who caught it effortlessly.
Tbc