Naruto: Uzumaki Yuji [EN]

The boy's face turned back to look in that direction, his mouth twisted with a bad feeling, sadness; he saw how the attack destroyed the area.

Even with the Rikugan activated, his eyes took in the surroundings, the reason for his sadness was that he no longer noticed those forms of people who were there watching him.

" I think that... d-died... " he whispered to himself, the feeling of guilt returning on his shoulders, but as he had said, he had to face it, not let himself fall, and bear that weight, all for his own safety in returning home safely.

He thought that staying in that place would leave him exposed, so he began to run to another area farther away from the one he uses for training; his face was very pensive about it " Why am I being watched? What do I have that made them look at me? "

' Perhaps that person has managed to see the cursed energy '

" But, that is impossible, who could notice the cursed energy? Shinobi are full of them, and I have never seen anyone notice the malice that emanates from their bodies " he spoke in a low voice, answering Sukuna who only appeared at key points to express himself, perhaps because he could do nothing within his body.

' The ninja world is plagued with interesting people; in jujutsu sorcery the only magical thing I have ever managed to witness has always been the six eyes and the shikigami of the Zen'in, but here there are too many powers, never say never, because that will be your mistake that leads you to death ' a bored voice always came from the curse. Explaining such simple things to Yūji was too much work for it, but for now it did not want that brat to die; it preferred that he trained his body so that he could withstand it.

Since Sukuna, over all that time, his appearance had improved to the point that he no longer resembled his former physique; his hair was longer, that mutated mask on his face had grown larger, his tattoos all over his body had changed, and his more intimidating build still remained.

It was as if cursed energy had mutated, since he had also been manipulating chakra within that part of his soul in Yūji's body.

He only longed for the moment to possess it and enjoy playing a bit with those who are said to be shinobi, but since they are all so weak, he preferred to continue experimenting.

" I think that... you're right " the boy said, letting out a sigh quite angry with himself, he had not seen anything that the people of this place could do the Rikugan was no longer as incredible if others could also see the cursed energy.

" I will better train these eyes, Gojo-sensei would surely be excited to see what his eyes can now do " he whispered again, as the rain fell harder and harder, once again his carmine eyes transformed into that deep and mystical blue, and Yūji looked around.

Everything seemed to be going so slowly, a slowness in which even the small animals moved in tiny steps.

He squinted his eyes further, for as he had said before he was able to see the cursed energy perfectly, but he had also seen two combined energies, the chakra and another, so singular energy.

Because between the chakra and the cursed energy, that energy exists.

" If only I could try to harness that energy, it is possible that I could finally combine my CE and the chakra into one, I wouldn't have to suffer lacerations and corrosive poison in my organs every time I used both " Yūji cursed himself furiously.

They were only residues of his cursed energy that he could not control; in the air, it blended perfectly, but when he tried to refine it, he suffered a great deal.

" Another thing that the six eyes do is that I can see the chakra networks of others, it's just that I don't know how that can help me " he whispered, rubbing his chin as he thought about how it might help.

But the most important thing is that the six eyes, not only do they help ensure that the cursed energy he uses is minimal, but they also... help him concentrate to manipulate chakra so that its consumption is minimal.

He performed several seals to test it, inside, he felt how the six eyes helped him use only a little of his chakra, and he noticed how it transformed into the nature of fire.

He took a deep breath, preparing to unleash his jutsu with his hands together, his index and ring fingers near his mouth, ' Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation ' he thought before releasing an enormous flame that did not stop, it only grew bigger and bigger.

With his six eyes, he had understood that for that powerful jutsu he didn't even feel the expenditure of his chakra! And that is despite having too much chakra for someone like him.

He managed to manipulate his chakra perfectly, refining it and reducing its consumption, just as he did with his CE.

If only he could have it activated always... but his sister and all his acquaintances would ask why his eye color had changed; it was dangerous, and he did not want to reveal his ocular power.

After finishing his jutsu, he only sighed a little, he didn't even feel forced, everything was so natural " I'm sure that the six eyes have more secrets, but I can't practice because the evidence would be too obvious... damn it " Yūji murmured in frustration, unless he used a bandage just as Gojo-sensei did and pretended to train his senses.

But he doubted that his acquaintances would believe him; he rubbed his neck and said, "This is bad, if I continue hiding the six eyes, I'll never be able to unleash their potential, besides, they help me a lot in controlling not only my CE, even though I'm not worried about that, I have as much as an ocean... if they can't help me keep my chakra consumption to a minimum, I could use endless powerful jutsus and never tire I have too much chakra, but this one does run out eventually " he looked at his hand, with the Rikugan he was able to see like infrared, but he also saw their chakra networks with precision.

" I'll have to think of something to train my eyes... do you have an idea, parasite? " he asked into the air, it was too much training for today, his body was too tired from the taijutsu he had done earlier, and his head hurt from having his eyes open.

And as expected, Sukuna no longer answered, making a funny grimace, he went straight toward Amegakure, " If you would at least speak, I'm letting you live happily inside my body, damned mass " he said with frustration when Sukuna spoke, he at least said useful things.

" My head hurts " he whispered now, rubbing his brow; he had never had his six eyes active for so long, this was the first time he had them open for so long, all because of those two people he had located earlier.

" I hope Sister Karin doesn't hit me again for being late to eat " the boy said tremulously, now running faster, his face trembling and his eyes white; his sister was very frightening when she got angry.

...

A few weeks have passed since the attack, Rokushō's team always completed their missions, Ajisai and Suiren improved more and more, but the one who far surpassed them was that little boy.

Yūji, as he had promised, kept getting stronger, and ever since he attacked that person who was watching him, he saw no need to inform his sister Konan, he simply acted as if nothing had happened, and he has been carrying out infiltration and escort missions perfectly.

But when he finally received an assassination mission, he did it, everyone saw how that day, before leaving those dead bodies, Yūji shed bitter tears from his face and clasped his small hands to at least offer a prayer for those he had to kill, apologizing more than ten times over their bodies. Ajisai thought it was a waste of time, but Suiren always hushed her, and they waited for Yūji to finish his condolences.

The boy did it only because he wanted to ease the guilt coursing through his body, always with a sad face for having no other way to take their lives.

When he took their lives, he also didn't eat that day, mourning those poor souls, victims of the missions.

And the next day, he returned with his team with a new strength, his pain hidden deep within him.

Rokushō was undoubtedly proud of his team, presenting himself firmly before them; everyone had matured perfectly.

But that particular day, their sensei had summoned the three of them to the tower where Konan-sama, who is in charge of everything, resided.

And there, meeting by chance in the middle of the square, Ajisai saw Yūji with a mocking smile, pointing at him with her finger.

" Yūji! How can you be such a loser, you won't catch up to me to the tower! " she shouted, which made the boy form a small amused grimace.

Yūji smiled dazzlingly, " You'll see that I'll arrive before your sister Ajisai! I'll beat you! " Not even waiting for the masked one to say something, with a strong leap that left some cracks in the spot where she stood, Yūji embarked on that race.

The girl grumbled in annoyance and also took a strong leap, running to catch up with Yūji at the same time; the only one who stayed in place was Suiren, who sighed calmly.

" These people, wherever they go, always make a big fuss " the masked one said even though she tried to hide it, a smile, or at least the wrinkles of one, appeared as she too headed toward the tower.

" Look! Yūji and Ajisai sure have energy! " said a fishmonger, laughing heartily as he saw the two children, once again locked in rivalry, competing and setting obstacles to reach quickly.

" They really do have so much energy, but it's good that they have it; without them, I believe our economy wouldn't be as good " said a woman who was shopping, amused as she watched those two ninjas, since all the villagers knew Rokushō's team perfectly.

They were always competing and training, showing off their strengths and convictions, having so much energy, and helping wherever they could.

At least it was something positive that Yūji influenced in his two companions, since the boy, after each mission, helped everyone he came across, Ajisai took it as training and always competed with the redhead to see who delivered more bakery products, or who moved those boxes faster, how much they could lift, etc.

The villagers were delighted.

" I'm glad that Yūji-chan has at least regained his joy; since he faced the harsh life, I've noticed how he has changed, but it's good to know that his light wasn't dimmed, that boy will become very strong for us " Grandmother Tamayo said calmly to one of the men who had gone to buy her stew, which the boy seemed to like very much.

Everyone agreed, returning to their daily activities.

When Yūji arrived at the tower, he began to jump and exclaim with joy that he had won, a flustered Ajisai looked at the boy with anger.

" I won again, sister Ajisai! Now with these, that's ten fights that I won! " he shouted joyfully, pointing at the girl, Ajisai didn't even hesitate, she went directly to her younger companion and grabbed him by the collar of his clothes, beginning to shake him.

" Damn brat, you'll see that I'll beat you! You're so little, that's why you can get there first! " the girl grumbled, as she saw Yūji crying dramatically for help from Suiren, the masked one sighed with sorrow as she stepped in to hold her other friend and push her away from Yūji, while the boy continued crying dramatically, clutching his collar.

" The rabid dog tried to kill me! " he exclaimed, turning his back to the masked one, as it was seen that Ajisai was now becoming even more aggressive.

" C-Calm down, Ajisai, sensei could come out at any moment " Suiren whispered, as a few drops fell from her face while she held her friend more firmly.

" I'm going to kill you, you miserable brat! "

" ... ahem "

Hearing that voice, everyone stopped abruptly; the three children turned to find the rather disappointed face of their sensei and an amused smile from the one who ruled Amegakure.

" Ro-Rokushō-sensei! Konan-sama/ Sister Konan! " they all cried, but finally Ajisai and Suiren saw the boy, who immediately covered his mouth as he finished speaking.

His face was just like his hair; he had never spoken to Konan like that in front of his companions and his sensei it seemed that Rokushō did not want his team to see him like that at that moment.

" Come on, let's go in the rain is getting more aggressive " the woman said cheerfully, although her expression did not reveal much of it.

The three, no longer displaying that embarrassing side, entered in silence, not wanting to show such a horrible side to the one they admired.

" My sensei has told me something very important, considering that you have achieved a very good record and twenty-five missions of which I can categorize several as rank D missions, four as rank B, and three as rank A, you have done quite well " the purple-haired one praised, quite surprised by the record of the three genin.

But the ranks are only estimates, as she didn't really manage the missions that way; she could only say that those children have improved a lot to be able to do those missions and come out almost unscathed, few genin are so lucky.

For example, the genin of the great villages do not have to survive and fight as they do.

" So, to put it simply, you three will be able to take the Chūnin exams, Rokushō has told me how you have improved and evolved, and he also believes that you are now ready for it " Konan spoke calmly, seated at the desk, as she saw that Ajisai and Suiren looked firm, albeit with a determined gaze.

The only one who showed confusion was Yūji, raising his hand innocently, " Ko-Konan-sama, what are the Chūnin exams? "

Ajisai mumbled something unintelligible, but Suiren was faster, she covered the mouth of the masked one when she saw that she was about to say something to tease the boy.

" The Chūnin exams are to see if you are qualified to advance from Genin to Chūnin, these exams are held mainly in the five great ninja villages, Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Konohagakure, Kumowakure, and Iwagakure. This year's exams will be held in the Hidden Leaf Village " she said succinctly so that Yūji could process the information well.

Konan really knew Yūji well, as the boy was not very good at paying attention to things that might not interest him.

" I thought we were already Chūnin? I thought that the more missions we did, the faster we would be promoted instantly " he said, since he remembered missions like those of jujutsu sorcerers even though his body was still young and somewhat malnourished from not eating well, Yūji had the strength of a grade‑1 sorcerer, only grade‑1 because he still did not have a mature or semi‑adolescent body, the boy scratched his neck in embarrassment at having believed something wrong.

" You really are so stupid, Yūji " retorted the masked girl, seeing how the boy blushed from embarrassment.

" Well, now you know, Yūji, whenever you are promoted to a higher rank, you have to take the exam; only then will it be official " said the woman, with a touch of amusement in her voice as she sat at the desk.

" S-so, do we have to go, sensei, and us, to the Leaf Village? " asked the redhead curiously.

" I will not go; you will have to take the exam on your own " Rokushō said, somewhat amused at the thought that his youngest student had the illusion of going.

" Huh? But isn't it dangerous for us to go alone? " Ajisai said this time, confused about going alone.

" Take it as a test; if you encounter bandits or ninjas who threaten you, you will have to handle it on your own, after all, only as genin do you have a sensei; after that, you will mostly have to carry out missions solo or with your sensei " Konan explained quite calmly.

Ajisai mumbled something unintelligible.

" And when do we have to leave? " this time Suiren spoke, quite calmly since she knew how well Ajisai behaved in leadership.

" To arrive on time, you will have to leave starting tomorrow; it will take between two to five days, so you only have today to prepare, and most importantly, you must do everything as a team, understood? "

The three children stood firm, " Yes, Konan-sama! "

The green‑haired one, who had been watching from a corner, calmed down upon seeing that they didn't take it too badly at least they would be promoted a rank.

" Very well, Yūji and Rokushō, you may leave; Ajisai and Suiren, I need to speak with you two in private " Rokushō said without hesitation, simply giving a small bow and leaving with Yūji, who, with a smile, said goodbye to both.

" We'll see you tomorrow, Ajisai, Suiren! Get ready, because I'll show you what the strength of the powerful Yūji is made of! " the boy declared firmly as he left, seeing the angry look on Ajisai's face, he always liked teasing her, while only Suiren remained calm.

Once alone, Konan stood up and her face became more serious as she looked at Yūji, and, unlike her behavior in front of the redhead and their sensei, Ajisai and Suiren knelt on one knee and placed their left fist on the ground.

" I have a very important mission for you two; I do not want Yūji to get involved, which is why I will tell you here in private... You will have the mission to identify the appearance of the Nine‑Tails jinchūriki of Konohagakure; this mission is classified, all in the name of achieving peace... You must notify me upon completion of the mission, understood? " her voice was quite firm as she saw the serious faces of both girls.

" Yes, Konan-sama, we will not let you down on this mission "

The woman nodded gently, " Very well, you may leave "

As soon as they finished, the two synchronized girls left the place, leaving the woman in silence as she watched from the window while Yūji spoke animatedly with his sensei.

Seeing his smile made her feel good, " All in the name of keeping genuine smiles like that in everyone... very soon the plan will begin "

She looked at her ring softly now, that ring that defined the organization.

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[ We begin the stage of the Chūnin exam ]