At least Toltiir hoped so. He'd begun suspecting Genmark was around somewhere just from the way some of these outcomes played out.
Sage technique. Due to a change in akashic patterns, he actually metabolized nature chakra. It infused his being without harm. A little bit at first, as he grew that would increase.
From there, a link to not only the nature energy of their world - but to the base energy of the universe itself.
In particular, the constellation of Pegasus.
Now, all he had to do was set things up.
"You have finished examining Naruto?" asked the Hokage, leaning back in his chair. "Your findings?"
Doctor Mizuno went first, the pediatrics specialist familiar enough with the ninja way of things that she was able to couch things in terms they readily understood. "Naruto Uzumaki. Age nine years. Signs of malnutrition. Recommending supplemental vitamins be given, plus recommendations on changes to his diet. Was thrown out of the orphanage and allowed to have his own apartment at age six. Naruto is very empathic - he is sensitive to the emotional states around him and reflects that in his own emotional state. Very intuitive, very little logic in his normal thinking process. He shows signs of exceptional physical strength and stamina as expected of an Uzumaki."
Jiraiya spoke up next. "Part of that's the Uzumaki bloodline. Part of it is he keeps flipping into Sage Mode. Yeah, you were right. When he got run over by that merchant's cart and got angry, he started pulling in Sage Chakra and boosted his strength and speed. There were enough signs for me to tell even after the time that's passed. He's got some trick where he's managing to do that while moving and while emotionally charged. Hell if I know how though. His emotions literally strengthen him that way."
"Is it the Kyubi?" asked the Hokage, leaving the inferred question as to whether Naruto was in danger of becoming the beast within.
"No," said Jiraiya. "Completely different chakra system. I have conferred with Doctor Mizuno and Hezekai and we have come to the conclusion that we're looking at the emergence of a new bloodline."
The Hokage nodded, having suspected something like that from the report of the emergence. "What does it do then?"
"His normal strength and stamina were high for his age and build already, they have increased significantly since then," said Hezekai, the old man leaning heavily on his cane. "Without tapping into his 'cosmo' - what we're calling his odd version of Sage Mode, he's already rated mid-genin in strength and low chunin in stamina. His speed is high-chunin, while his coordination is low genin. If he DOES enter that mode, his strength and stamina go straight into jonin levels. Movement speed increases, unable to measure accurately while trying for any containment. High jonin perhaps, to my eyes he's doing a sustained shunshin. Including ramming into walls, ceilings, other stationary objects..."
"Recommendations?" asked the Hokage.
"Training trip," said Jiraiya. "I can't leave my other work for an extended time, but he's going to need some severe training to deal with this. I also know a few taijutsu experts, getting him to where he can fully utilize those abilities and teaching him an advanced style would help. I also want to swing by Toad Mountain with him and see if they know anything about this."
"I see, I will take this into consideration," said the Hokage.
The Hokage appeared at the edge of Training Ground 44 without a sound or rustle of leaves to betray him. Which made the fact that both student and teacher were turned towards his landing spot a little more impressive.
"Jiraiya. It's been two years, what results have you produced?"
"I'm just awesome, dattebayo!"
"Strength and speed have increased, chakra control increased, and he's gotten a pretty good grounding in taijutsu." Jiraiya shrugged slightly. "He's tapping into his odd Sage Mode, codenamed 'Cosmos' which enhances his strength and speed considerably. Why I wanted to meet you here though is something he worked out with the sensei I got for him."
"Who is this 'sensei'?" asked the Hokage.
"Washi, one of the taijutsu experts of the Star Pillar temple atop Mount Jakunen."
"Not familiar with it," admitted the Hokage.
"Monastic order, constantly training to hone their bodies, astronomers, astrologers, and they wear masks because they've cast their identities prior to joining the temple aside," said Jiraiya.
"Oh? And you knew this 'Washi' was safe to leave Naruto with?" asked the Hokage, noting Naruto's scowl at the question.
"Washi, also known as 'Eagle'," said Jiraiya. "A relative of Naruto's a few times removed. Previously known as Marin Uzumaki of Uzushiogakure."
"WHAT?!" asked Naruto.
"It's probably why she agreed to train the gaki," said Jiraiya. "Pity she's there though. I left her an offer to come here and get evaluated, she'd make one hell of an ANBU or chunin instructor if she ever has cause to leave the temple."
"That good?" asked the Hokage.
"That good," agreed Jiraiya. "Fully half of the taijutsu experts or priests are above genin-level fighters. Internal politicking though is a bitch there."
"Well, nothing likely to come of it at least," mused the Hokage. "So what else has Naruto learned?"
"Naruto, that target," said Jiraiya, pointing at a large bag hanging from a tree branch.
"PEGASUS METEOR PUNCH!"
"Kukukukukachoo."
"Gesundheit."
Orochimaru frowned at his subordinate. Developing a sense of humor was not allowed except within certain bounds.
"So, this temple has strong guardians?" asked Hitsuke. "We going after them for experimental subjects? To eliminate a potential future threat? Or maybe we're just gonna use them to test new troops?"
Orochimaru stopped and considered. He'd had two of those in mind, but hadn't thought of them as threats. At present, they weren't. Though the little pyromaniac had a point in that they might eventually become a threat. "Ah. All of that, and a few other reasons as well. We'll see, won't we?"
"Okay, Sasuke Uchiha. You'll be fighting Uzumaki. Bow. And... BEGIN!"
Sasuke swept forward, hand lashing out to strike his opponent and lay them out.
Except that Naruto moved easily out of the way. "Aw c'mon. You don't have to go easy on me."
Pull back then kick. Chamber. Punch.
Dodge, shift, avoid.
"Seriously? Are you asleep or something?" asked Naruto.
Anger blossomed. Sasuke charged as the boy slid back.
"Oh. Whatever," said Naruto, stopping the punch casually. "If you're not going to fight me for real, I'll just have to-"
Sasuke staggered backwards, trying to draw breath.
"Iruka-sensei? Is Sasuke-kun having an asthma attack or something?"
"No, Sakura. Naruto just hit him in the solar plexus."
"But - Naruto didn't even move!"
"Okay, Naruto. You get a pass on taijutsu. Sasuke, take a time out and try to breathe. Next up, Choji and Ino."
Orochimaru wasn't sure WHERE the idea had come from. Just that it had and his genius was up to figuring out the fiddly little details.
An offshoot of his work with the Curse Mark, the Sigils were designed to take an individual's elemental affinity to the next stage. Of course, there were some downsides such as basically halving the lifespan of the recipient.
Hitsuke's affinity for fire techniques had been increased to where he couldn't use non-fire techniques but was really quite powerful with anything that was Fire Release. It would be interesting to see if the nin spontaneously combusted at some point.
"Now, Hitsuke. Take the others. Destroy the Mount Jakunen monastery."
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(Posted Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:14)
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