Scorching Wind

**Date Completed:**
**Next Role-Play**:
**Users Involved:** User:MorellaVoltaire, User:Felosr231, User:GoldenPieve
**Setting:** Konohagakure
**Characters Involved**: Kozuki Sarutobi
* **Genin**: Shion Chikafuji, Nichirin Sarutobi

## New Chapter

It had been a few days since the genin exams had came and went, the sunlight was beaming down on the hidden leaf village as people went on and about on their days. With his signature long crimson hair, Nichirin Sarutobi was walking down a dirt road deep on thought.

"*I still can't...i lost. Sure I'm a genin and have a team...but gdamn it!*" he clenched his fist as he took a breath and looked forward before suddenly bumping into something.

"Ow! Sorry about that si-" pausing mid sentence as his eyes widened, seeing what or who he ran into. "Sorry Shishi. Didn't see ya there." It was the very same Shinobi, the kunoichi that had defeated him in the exam, Shion Chikafuji.

The expression on Shion's face turned from a calming smile to a scowl from someone bumping into her.

"Hey, watch where yo-" before Shion could finish her sentence her eyes widen she noticed the crimson haired ninja Nichirin was behind her, "Oh! Nichirin, it's you, looks like we'll be going our separate ways."

"Guess so," he said as he fixed his shirt and adjusted his headband. "But you sure you'll be fine without me? I know how nervous get around people."

"I'll be fine, it's not like it'll be forever," Shion replied shrugging, "but hey, good match few days ago."

And just like that, without even trying, Shion had struck a nerve in Nichirin as he turned his head to him. "Indeed it was. Course not all of us can be as lucky as you."

"Huh? Why consider it luck," Shion asked tilting her head to the side, "you nearly almost beat me and you've gotten stronger I've noticed, that's a good thing."

"I'm not strong enough yet," Nichirin said as he crate he'd the back of his head and letting out a sigh. "Big brothers kicked my butt when they heard I lost." He said as he stretched his arms, "still pretty sore from that besting honestly."

"Ouch...sorry to hear that," Shion frowned then placed her hand on his shoulder, "but hey, don't let that eat away at you."

"If you ever hear or read about these extremely strong Shinobi, you always get the same thing, about them "putting in hard work". They continue on and on, most making it seem like they have shedded blood, sweat and most importantly tears to reach the summit that they have." Nichirin then clenched his fists in his frustration, "But honestly it's nothing but a bunch of lies."

"They reached the very pinnacle of their skills, the pinnacle of Ninjutsu simply through putting in hard work? Did no one else train just as severely hard? Think about it, that's pure bullshit." He then slammed his fist to the floor causing it to slightly crack. "They got there because of their innate abilities, their natural adept, their talent, it always comes back to it, it always comes back to natural talent. It's their natural talent that allows them to break off from the rest of the world and is what allows those who are talented to surpass others who are simply good or average and make them learn their place."

Nichirin then stood up and looked upward, cracking a small smile. "But even without talent, purely with what I can do alone, I'll become the strongest, I'll become the hokage." He then turned to look over to Shion, "I promise the next time we go at it, I won't lose. Because from here on out, I won't ever lose like that again. Even when I'm not the winner, I won't lose."

"That's what I want to hear," Shion smiled then confidently nodded, "and I'll go even higher to become a strong kunoichi."

Nichirin couldn't help but smile, placing his hand on top of her head and smiled from ear to ear, "I expect you to Shishi. Just make sure you keep up with me."

"D-didn't have to put your hand on my head...," Shion pouted in annoyance.

"Oh calm down already Shishi. It's not too bad of a thing." Nichirin replied as he looked upward. "When you beat me, and I mean completely beat me, then you can oat my head. But until then, you're mine to tease." He chuckles with a gleeful smile.

"Stop it, stop it, stop it, stooooop," Shion whined crossing her arms with a serious look on her face.

Nichirin chuckled again and then pulled out a scroll. "Hey Shishi! Wanna see something cool?" he asked excitedly.

"Hm," Shion asked then her eyes sparkle, "what is it?"

The young man then pulled out a scroll and opened it wide up! He smiled as a small puff of smoke appeared and a three section red staff which was connected by a chain landed in his hands. "This was a gift from my parents! I just got it recently! Thanks to my new friend!"

"That looks so cool!" Shion brightly smiled in awe.

"Yup! My new Senpai gave it to me. She said this used to actually belong to my father and is mind of an heirloom among my branch of the clan." He said as he grasped and spun the staff around himself,cut was almost like it was second nature to him, as though the staff belonged to him or simply was a part of him.

"Who is your senpai," Shion asked tilting her head to the side curiously.

## Summoning

Nichirin then remembered, a few days after his genin exam, he had been cleared to leave the hospital after his wounds had been properly treated. Despite their fight ending in a tie, the instructors had decided that his childhood friend would be the one to take the victory between the two, a decision which left him feeling rather defeated.

"*I can't believe it…*" Nichirin thought to himself as he walked down a hallway, "*I lost to Shishi. Her jutsu use was good, I only had my one jutsu to depend on. Her wind release really is awesome, it makes sense why her clan is one of the most skilled in that nature release in all of Konoha.*" he continued to think as the image of him using his limited jutsu coupled with his shuriken techniques and Taijutsu still wasn't enough to pull a win. He replaced his loss on a constant loop, with his continuous counters on full display yet she dropped heavy damage back at him.

"Please don't say dream when you're on your way to meeting the head of the clan, young Nichirin." A young woman who had been escorting the red haired Sarutobi. Her voice, while formal and polite, was not capable of hiding her less than "ideal" attitude toward Nichirin. She, like many, wished he had not attempted to become a Shinobi, with his less than stellar performance dragging their clan name down.

"Y-yes ma'am, I apologize." Nichirin had grown accustomed to others and their view on him. So much so that while it does affect him internally, he doesn't bother expressing it. His hollow smile remained in his face as his thoughts only grew all the more pessimistic. "Do you know why the Lord is calling me here? I didn't do anything, did I?"

"Not that he needs a reason to call you, he didn't share with me why. Though I can imagine it has to do with your less than stellar performance in the genin exam a few days ago." She handily comments before reaching a pair of sliding wooden doors. "This is as far as I go, he did say he wished to speak to you alone after all."

Nichirin's heart had begun to rapidly race as he looked at the doors before him. While the head of the clan wasn't a bad person, in fact he hears otherwise, but still, with the general outlook on him from the clans perspective isn't that great, he can only imagine what the head has to say.

"*Is It about what happened at the genin exam? Is he going to ask me to resign as a Shinobi? What do I do if it is and he does… What if I'm excommunicated from the clan? What if he decides I don't belong in the Sarutobi… An I even good enough?*" rapid thoughts began to fire off in his mind as the moment came all the closer. "I need to face this…" he said out loud, gripping his hand and making a fist.

With a heart full of doubt yet a drive in him, Nichirin reached out and opened the door before walking in.

"Ah yes Young Nichirin-kun, I was expecting you my boy." The wised voice of Sarutobi Kozuki the current head of the Sarutobi Clan sounded out as soon as the Genin stepped into the room. Kozuki like most of the current generation clan leaders was an elderly man in his late fifties to early sixties, a man who had seen the worst of the world yet still contained his kind and friendly nature like most of the previous Sarutobi heads.

"Relax my boy, I did not call you here to punish you or demand anything from you." He stated in a calming tone as he beckoned the Genin to have a seat. "Come my child have a seat, we have much to discuss. Would you care for some tea?" He questioned.

Y-yes sir." Nichirin replied, taking a seat before the head. While he did feel more at ease, over the years he's developed a constant sense of uneasiness around those from his clan.

"I will not waste your time nor will I beat around the bush." Kozuki stated as he sipped some of the tea her had before him and Nichirin. "While your last showcase was lackluster and left some to be desired, Myself and the rest of the clan elders do not blame you or look at you unfavorably seeing as we are the ones that have failed you by not giving you the proper guidance that you needed and for that we humbly beg your forgiveness." He stated as he bowed his head a little to show the truth in his words.

Nichirin's eyes widened under his shaggy long hair. He couldn't believe what was happening before him. He came in fully expecting to be talked down to, to be treated the same by the clan leader like everyone else. He couldn't be anymore blown away, and with the shock and adrenaline running through him, the young Shinobi needed to respond.

"Clan Leader Kozuki, p-please, no it was on me. I should've train harder, my opponent had the elemental disadvantage and I still couldn't win. Please don't shoulder my defeat." Nichirin replied with a nervous ramble. He felt shame that he let down the clan and didn't want Kozuki to blame himself or the elders to take the blame.

"None the less." Kozuki stated as she straightened as he realized that Nichirin must have been blaming himself. "We should have been proper adults and guardians." He stated as he rumbled around in behind the desk he was current seats at for a few moment.

"This is why we have decided to over see your future growth and development by giving you the training you need." He stated as he pulled out a large scroll and placed it before Ninchirin with a kind smile.

"Before you is the Summoning Contractor for our Clan’s personal summon. The Monkey Contract." He stated and he unrolled it to show the numerous of summoners who had signed it over the years. "To show that we are being truthful, we have decided to allow you to sign the monkey contract and become this generations Summoner." He finished as he pushed the scroll towards Nichirin.

The crimson haired Shinobi needed to lift the hair out of the way of his eyes to see it to believe it. An honor so great had just been bestowed to him. His heart raced as his mind tried to grasp the concept before Nichirin. Never once in his life filled with him constantly failing despite putting every single ounce of his will into it, not once in all these years of ridicule, not once did he image this generational honor could fall upon him.

"S-sir, I, I couldn't accept such an honor. There are much more other candidates greater than myself, much more talented than me." He pleaded unable to accept the reality of the situation. Despite that he couldn't help but look back down at the scroll, showing how deeply he wishes to sign it. He may try to hide it but his body could easily show just how much the young man wanted to go through with it. It was his primal want to grow was resisting his less confident mindset.

"Perhaps or perhaps not but the opportunity is grated to you." He stated with a smile. "We of the Sarutobi don’t care for power like most, we are content with birthing numerous shinobi of quality skill. It has been that way since the Father of Lord Hizuren." Kozuki stated as he stroked his beard in thought. "You may not see or believe it but I see greatness in you, raw untapped potential that just needs the proper guidance to bring forth, remember even the great hero Uzumaki Naruto and the Great Jiraya were once the losers of their generation, yet they now stand as pinochles to the shinobi world."

Pausing he gently pushed he scroll forward. "Do not hesitate to strive for greatness as greatness only find those that prove themselves worthy, so Nichirin-Kun go ahead and take your first steps to greatness, sign the contact and accept the guidance of the Sarutobi Clan for we promise to never fail you again."

Nichirin began to blush before raising his thumb up to lips, snapping a bite from it to draw blood forth. "*Can I really do this? Can I really become this generation's summoner?*" as doubt began to consume him, the words of the leader began to run through his head, the image of his friends, his life if failures, could it all have been leading to this?

Nichirin proceeded to sign the contract with a crimson blood so deep it matches his hair. "Thank you so much sir." He said as a pair of tears fell from his hidden eyes. He looked up and through the shaggy hair his tear filled eyes matched a truly happy smile. "Thank you so much Leader Kozuki! I promise I'll do my best!" He declared with joy and pride through the tears of utmost happiness and honor.

"I have no doubt you will go far beyond our expectations." Kozuki stated as he rerolled the scroll and placed it away. "Are you aware of needed hand signs for the summoning?" He questioned with Interest as he wanted to see whom the youth would summon to be his own personal partner from the Monkey Clan.

I, I believe so sir." Nichirin replied as he brought his shakey hands up to his face. In a nervous fashion he began to pull his chakra together and weaved his hands. "Boar → Dog → Bird → Monkey → Ram or Ram!" He then funneled his chakra to his hands and he stamped his hand to the ground. Unfortunately the young Shinobi couldn't control his chakra correctly due to his doubt. "D-dang it "

"I, I believe so sir." Nichirin replied as he brought his shakey hands up to his face. In a nervous fashion he began to pull his chakra together and weaved his hands. "Boar → Dog → Bird → Monkey → Ram or Ram!" He then funneled his chakra to his hands and he stamped his hand to the ground. Unfortunately the young Shinobi couldn't control his chakra correctly due to his doubt. "D-dang it"

"Easy yourself Nichirin-Kun." Kozuki advised as he stood from his seat and made his way towards the youth. "Take a deep breath and calm your nerves, self doubt won’t do you any good." He stated as he stood before Nichirin with a kind smile on his face.

"You have already signed the contract, what more doubt would you have for your capabilities." He stated as he stroked his beard. "Of course you aren’t aware but the Monkey Summon contact is different from others as it posses a complex formula of seals which prevents anyone it views as unworthy to sign it." He revealed with a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled when he first learned of that little trick. "Why do you think only one person per generation can sign the contact?"

Nichirin eyes widened, unaware of the complex summoning hand signs. Before he could allow himself to continue to grow in doubt, the Shinobi closed his eyes and filled his kings slowly but deeply with a large pull of air. As he did all his negative thoughts, all his doubt, everything telling hi me can't do this only grew all the more louder. But as he took his time and slowly released it, the voice began to weaken, going all the more silent. He repeated the process, producing a steady and calm breath before feeling the calm wash over him.

He then opened his eyes and tied his hair up to show off his eyes, looking directly at the Sarutobi Clan Head. "Please teach them to me sir. I...I can do it!" He said passionately and made a fist with intensity.

Smiling down at the fire that was burning in Nichirin’s eyes, Kozuki smiled and held up his hands. "As you are aware the hand seals that are required are Boar → Dog → Bird → Monkey → Ram, however you need to provide a small blood sacrifice to give the summoned creature a limited anchor to our worldly realm or to be more specific our location." He stated as he quickly went through the hand gestures before gently biting his finger while slamming his palm against the ground.

"You need to use a moderate amount of Chakra if you want to summon something of worth otherwise you could end up summoning a creature that isn’t battle oriented." He stated as a poof of smoke erupted signaling the success of the summon. Yep nice the smoke cleared a brown furred monkey slightly taller than Kozuki clad in a golden armor holding a crimson staff appeared besides the Sarutobi head.

"Ah Kozu it’s been a while since you summoned me." The monkey stated as he smiled down at his long time partner. "We don’t seem to be in battle so what is the occasion?" He questioned as he wrapped his arm around Kozuki, something which was readily returned by Kozuki.

"Yama my old friend it’s great to see you again." Kozuki greeted before gesturing towards Nichirin with a smile. "I was just demonstrating the summoning jutsu to the newest holder of the contract." He stated as Yama turned his head and smiled friendly towards Nichirin.

"Nichirin-Kun this is my partner for many years. The Monkey King: Yama. He is the boss of the Monkey clan and my own personal summon." Kozuki explained as Yama bowed slightly. "Unlike other summoning contacts Each holder of the monkey contract is only able to summon a single Monkey to help them, this monkey will become their partner and personal summon." Kozuki further explained as Yama nodded his head in agreement.

"Once you successfully summon one of the many monkeys that aren’t already affiliated with someone, that monkey will form a personal bond with you."

Nichirin let out a calm breath, finding his center, bringing his chakra flow to a steady stream. He focused and gathered his chakra and then bit down on his thumb, drawing blood and performed the hand signs!

"Summoning jutsu!" He then brought his hands down, the seal appeared in the ground before a large cloud of smoke popped out and spread around them.

From the cloud of smoke a small white monkey was seen emerging, wearing large dark blue martial artist pants, having it's chest wrapped in bandages, wearing a blue jacket over herself. It also sported an bandana over its head. "Oi!? Who's over here summoning me?" The monkey asked, slamming it's staff down to clear out the smoke. She then turned her head around, quickly taking notice of the monkey king and the clan head.

"M-my King! S-sir Kozuki! I, I apologize! I didn't realize you were both here!" She quickly apologized and bowed her head down to the duo. "Were either of you the one who summoned me?"

"Unfortunately not my child." Yama replied with as he pointed towards Nichirin. "This young man did, he is the newest summoner for our contract." He stated while Kozuki smiled at the small monkey.

"Ah congratulations on your first summon Nichirin-Kun." Kozuki praised as he gave a light clap. "Now Why don’t you introduce yourself to your summon as you two will be spending the remainder of your lives together." He suggests while Yama suggested the same thing to the summon.

Nichirin walked over to the newly summoned monkey and bowed over to her, "I'm, I'm Sarutobi Nichirin, y-y-you're new summoner." He then raised his head and gave a nervous smile.

"Teh!" The monkey let out a small chuckle as she saw how clumsy and nervous he was. She looked at him up and down, examining his patterns. She can tell how hard he was working to keep himself calm. She then let out a loud laugh and in her laughter she flicked off a single tear. "So you're it huh? Well I'm glad, you seem pretty genuine. Alright kid, I mean, Nichirin, my name is Uma! From here on out we're partners." She then extended her fist out to Nichirin, "so let's be friends! I see great things from you if the King and the Clan head believe in you!"

Nichirin, filled with excitement feared up a little and pressed his fist against hers, "yeah! Let's!"

The two couldn't help but smile out loud, both content with each other as partners. It was seemlessly natural for the two to quickly get along with one another. There was a commection from the get go. In fact they laughed because both sides had forgotten who they were in presence of.

"Now that you both have come to a accord and tatted your partnership all that is left is to officiate your bond." Yami stated as he watched the duo become aquatinted.

"Ah yes, I had almost forgot about that step. In my defense it has been over sixth years since we became partners." Kozuki stated with a fond smile as he recalled his wild youth and becoming his generations summoner. "Now enough with my ramblings, I need you both bite your index fingers with enough force to draw blood." He instructed as he waited for the duo to do as instructed.

Both Nichirin and Uma politely smiled, "yes sir!" They said in sync. They then bowed to one another before taking a bite from their thumbs, drawing blood in the process.

"Now I want you both to smear you blood on the forearm of each other sheik channeling a small bit of Chakra into your finger." Yami continued where Kozuki left off as he observed the duo closely.

Slowly the duo began to gather their chakra to their tips. The felt the flow gradually rise as they obeyed to the instructions given to them. Smearing the blood on one another's forearms.

Acting quickly both Kozuki and Yami went about doing a chain of hand seals before placing their hands in their respective charges and channeling their own "special" chakra into them and the blood seal that they created.

Nichirin and Uma would feel a slight burn before finding a intricate deal design woven into the flesh of their forearms.

"Good it seems to have finished flawlessly." Yami stated with a satisfied smile one which Kozuki replicated. "The seals in your forearms are a special summoning bands that would allow to directly summon Young Uma-Chan without the need of hand seals." He continued as he gestured to their arms.

"Furthermore it also functions as a form of mental gateway allowing you both to communicate mentally even when separated by distance." Kozuki finished as he smiled at the two newest lift parts of the Sarutobi and Monkey Clan respectively.

"*Th-this chakra...*" Nichirin began as he felt a rush of chakra entering his body, it was as though his chakra was stale compared to the one entering him. He felt a burn taking over his body. While it wasn't a burn to bring him to his knees, the young Shinobi could easily feel this burning sensation travel through his body.

"Oi, this chakra, what the heck is it?" Uma asked as she too felt the effects of the chakra entering her body. Unlike Nichirin who winced to the burning sensation, Uma couldn't help but crack a wicked smile. "Monkey King, this chakra, it feels otherworldly, li-like it's incredibly potent compared to my own..." She said as he eyes widened looking at the seal appearing on Nichirin. "What is that?..." She asked in disbelief what was happening before her.

After hearing the explanations given to them, the duo were completely stunned. They had only heard rumors about this even existing, such a complex system that the Sarutobi and monkey clans shared.

"This seal...it's..." Nichirin couldn't even form a sentence as he couldn't even comprehend why such an honor why something so incredible was being given to him. "This is amazing Leader Kozuki!" He exclaimed happily looking at it

"I’m glad you like it because this will be a crucial part of the training to come." Kozuki stated as a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes at what we was going to say next. "Being the summoner of your generation will come with a lot of prestige and high expectations from the clan, expectations I fully believe you both can overcome" he continued as he pulled out an old headband from his pocket and hands it to Nichirin.

"I hope you are prepared for this Heir Apparent of the Sarutobi Clan." Yami stated form beside Kozuki with a mischievous smile on his face. "Because your true challenges start now."

Nichirin's hands began to shake as he held the old headband in his hands. All of this, all of these praises, this new strength, this support, everything. It was all new to him. Since his family's passing he never could believe such kindness would fall upon him.

"This headband...it's ..isnt it yours sir?..." Nichirin asked, his heart was racing, his eyes filled with complete and absaloute disbelief.

Uma who was still taken back from all of this, still couldn't get over the chakra that had entered her body. Unlike Nichirin, Uma's ability to understand chakra and comprehend it's capabilities was more seasoned. But this, this was brand new, even the seal given to them was something she herself had never even though possible let alone exist among these two clans.

After hearing Yami's declaration, the two felt a sudden weight on their shoulders, such an honor fell on a pair of "nobodies". Even so, despite entire nerves they stood diligently and rather excited.

"Congratulations Nichirin-Kun, by becoming this generations Summoner you have also become the Clan’s Heir and future head." Kozuki stated as Nichirin wasn’t aware that of the gap in between himself becoming the summoner Kozuki signing the contract all those years prior.

And with that announcement Nichirin's emotions and excitement had completely taken over the young boy. His eyes had gone completely white and he passed out, falling flat on his back.

"Well...speaking for the pair of us, I'd like to say thank you for such an honor sirs!" Uma happily said before bowing and lifting Nichirin back to his feet. "Come on kid, time to wake up." She then gently slaps his face to wake the Shinobi up.

"S-sir! Are you usure you're not mistaken?!" Nichirin quickly asked, still in complete disbelief. "The summoner I understand...B-but....the next head....really?.... Me?"

"The matter is out of my hand." Kozuki stated nonchalantly. "You were accepted as a summoned and by the laws laid bare from our ancestors, only a summoner can rule over the clan." He contained as he smiled amusingly towards the Genin.

"The Monkey that Jumps through the Sun’s Ring." Yami mumbled as he stroked his beard in a simaikr fashion to his partner. "Rather fitting I must say."

The duo could only simply bow to their elders. They both places their foreheads into the ground and through the tears escaping their eyes, the yelled in unison, "Thank you sirs!"

They both showed how deeply their respect truly went to their elders. Neither could hold back just how grateful they could but couldn't allow themselves to cry in front of their elders, and so kept their heads to the ground and their tearful eyes away from the sight.

"Now I think it’s proper time we start our first lesion….unless you have prior engagements that you need to attend to?" Kozuki questioned as Yami bid them a farewell and disappeared in a poof of smoke.

Nichirin tied the old headband to his forehead and looked into the clan leader's eyes, "no sir. I am completely ready for this!" He declared with passion in his voice, his very being burning with enthusiasm despite any internal doubt. "I'll do my best to make sure the Sarutobi clan proud!"

Uma couldn't help but chuckle, "he's right, seeing as um his partner, let's get this going." She said, standing directly next to Nichirin. "*This kid, his will is burning as brightly as the sun itself. Gotta say, I'm glad he summoned me.*" the monkey summoning thought to herself.

"Excellent." Kozuki stated as he beaconed the duo to sit once more. "While we won’t immediately jump into the physical portion of your training today, we can start the education portion."

Quickly the duo took a seat before Kozuki. With excitement pulsing through their bodies, their eyes widened filled with anticipation for what training was to come. Despite having bangs over his eyes, one could easily see just how happy and gitty Nichirin was

After raising his hand, Nichirin asked, "what exactly is out first lesson going to be sir?"

"To understand your future duties you must first understand the Sarutobi Clan and the role we play within the Village as a whole." Kozuki stated as he pulled out an old batters journal and passed it to Nichirin. "This journal is one passed down throughout the clan for countless generations and used as the guidelines for your clan." He stated as he glanced at the cover that Red Sarutobi

"Keep that and study it as it will essentially tell you of our history both light and dark."

With shaky hands Nichirin reached out and grabbed the journal. "This book, it has our history?" He asked, already heard the answer given by Kozuki. Despite it being only a journal, the internal weight and value this journal holds within the clan was immeasurable,can sensation that quickly covered and clinged onto Nichirin's back.

"Oi! Let's give it a read kid! Come on! Let's get to it!" Uma eagerly spouted, unable to hold in the bottomless excitement she felt at the moment of hearing such a treasure.

Nichirin kept looking down at the journal and with excitement he bowed his head again. "Thank you sir."

"Now Nichirin-Kun before you go diving into the journal I need you to understand that our place and many other clans in the village have shifted after the fallout of the Four Great War." Kozuki stated in a serious tone. "Currently we the Sarutobi sit atop the clans of the village as one of the Golden Five." He stated as he briefly drifted back into memory lane.

"The Golden Five being the Clans that attained Royalty after the resurgence. Those clans are the Sarutobi Clan, Inuzuka Clan, Aburame Clan, Haruno Clan and the newest of the bunch the Uzuchi Clan." He listed as he stroked his beard in thought. "Each of these clans have been the major reason the Village has retained its power and status as a Great Village without much issue."

Nichirin filled with wonder I'm his eyes looked over to Kozuki, "Sir, how did we ascend to such a position to begin with?"

"The Sarutobi has always been a renowned clan even back during the Warren State Era." He began as he took a deep breath and lit his pipe. "We have produced numerous powerful and talented Shinobi, with my great-grandfather being the Third Hokage, along many others." He continued as he revealed his own personal heritage to his successor. "However we truly began to shine filling the fourth war, it was thanks to our clans ability to adapt, overcome and thrive under harsh conditions that enabled up to quickly rise up as the first line of defense for the village when it was reduced to shambles that even bandits could attack, it was during these times where he proved our worth, proved that you didn’t need a fancy bloodline or special ability to be strong."

Nichirin was blown away from the information being told to him, he had never really thought about it in such a way. Hearing this coming from his clans leader, it was quite earth shaking to the young Shinobi as he identified the Sarutobi clan as a whole to himself and the rest of the villages as those who were born with talent and abilities he couldn't ever reach. A clan that thrives in harsh conditions, that reaches the pinnacle of power and capabilities, the one that has produced a hokage, a clan that has existed as a key pillar of the village as a whole was a clan that "isn't so special" by blood or abilities. Never in his life, did Nichirin feel so much pride in something like he feels in his clan at this very moment. He felt like he could deeply relate to this, to his clan as a whole, and he smiled looking at his clan leader.

"I won't...I won't let you all down. Because... There gonna be two Sarutobis thay become hokage!" Nichirin then exploded from his seat. "Lord third! And yours truly!"

"Ah you Strive to become Hokage?" Kozuki questioned with intrest.

"In-Indeed sir." Nichirin replied, "Even though I never really believed I could ever do it... I always dreamed about becoming Hokage, becoming another Sarutobi to make history doing so. Lord third was such an amazing figure from what my friends family and history books told me. And I want to protect those close to me.." he paused as the imagine if his childhood friend, the blue haired Shion, appeared in his mind. "So, yeah, I, I , I do want to become hokage."

"Well that is truly a great dream to hold" Kozuki replied as he looked kindly upon his apprentice. "Well then I suppose as your Master It is my duty to see your dream become a Reality."

With wide and joy filled eyes Nichirin smiled with sheer excitement he clenched his fists! "Yes sir! I, I appreciate the support sir!" This support while still new to Nichirin, it was something he had always lacked in life but it was something that was washing over him in the best way possible.

"Hmm but before you can even consider aiming for Hokage we need to train you up a bit." Kozuki stated as he once more rummaged throughout his desk. "Let’s first find out what your nature affinity is." Kozuki stated with a smile as he held up a piece of Chakra Paper.

"The chakra paper reactions are as follows:

Fire: The paper will catch on fire and turn into ash.

Wind: The paper will split in half.

Lightning: The paper will wrinkle.

Earth: The paper will turn to dirt and crumble away.

Water: The paper will become damp." Kozuki explained.

"woah" Nichirin replied as he took hold of the paper before him. "This paper can do all of that? That's so cool!" The young man was rather blown away about the properties of the paper. Though, unknowingly he let out small amounts of his chakra which fed into the paper, causing it to wrinkle!

"W-woah!" Nichirin said in a slight panic as the wrinkles became all the more prevalent. "I, I guess my nature release would be lightning sir!" Despite his energetic voice, Nichirin was rather thrown off, his only jutsu that he learned was a fire style jutsu. So the idea of his affinity being lightning was quite the shock to him.

"Don’t worry about your nature, you can always develop other by constant usage of that nature type." Kozuki explained in order to cheer up the youth. "My nature was Fire but much like our Beloved Third with practice I can now utilize all Five natures."

"*I forgot that Lord Third had learned all the five natures. H-he really was someone extrodinary. Plus master Kozuki has all five! If, if they can do it, so can I!*" Nichirin thought to himself, hyping up for it. "Yes sir! So where do we go from here?" Nichirin asked rather curious.

"Study the materiel I gave you and return here in two weeks." Kozuki instructed. "If I find you have sufficient knowledge in our history and Clan operations, we will begin your training."

"Of course sir! I'll do my absaloute best!" Nichirin cheered as he held the study material his new master had gave him to his chest with a strong embrace. "*Is this real?! Is this true!? Can I actually be...someone deserving of all this?*\* he internally pomder d before a burning flame of passion overcame him. "*Of course I will, I will, I WILL!*"

"Thank you so much Master Kozuki!"

## Rematch

Nichirin looked over at Shion with a diabolical smile on his face, he then pointed at the blue haired kunoichi, "I got an idea, it you beat me in a rematch, I'll introduce you to my senpai! She's the key reason to why I will win!"

This burning blaze in Nichirin, this confidence was something he wasn't known for, but was a warm welcome. He was trying to be more explosive, more confident and this call out was clear proof he was amped up for it.

"Ok? What are you getting at with this," Shion asked cocking an eyebrow, "is this over the last match we had?"

"You know it." Nichirin replied with a proud grin. "I'm not gonna lose this time, and that's a promise!"

"Very well, but know that I'm not gonna go easy on you," Shion giggling then gave Nichirin a smug smile.

"Yeah, yeah, I don't expect you to go easy on me." Nichirin replied, looking up at her with a confident smirk on his face. "This time I won't lose to you." He replied as he stretched his legs, getting himself ready. "How about we deal with this back at the academy's training ground?"

"Fine, but I'm gonna beat you like I did last time this time I've gotten stronger myself," Shion smirked.