Chapter 19 - A Day of Rest

I was done with my own training and returned back to where Naruto and is team were. I spotted Naruto from the air and saw he was meditating in the middle of the river trying to hone his senses by catching fish. He only kept the ones to eat, since he knew I was there he made sure to catch many. When Naruto sensed me he looked confused but he gave in to his curiosity and looked up. I never told nor shown Naruto that I could fly because as far as anyone knew, only the Tsuchikage was the only one able to fly because of his weight and gravity manipulation through Earth Release.

Sage: So how was your training? Any progress?

Naruto: Sage-nii, how are you flying?

Sage: Hahaha, would you like me to teach you?

Naruto: Hell yes!!! Please. My training came out well. You didn't take off the gravity on me so it pushed me a little further. I can probably sense presences close to 500 yards away. Also because of Kurama's chakra I can also sense intentions too.

Sage: Wow that's great. (Shouting) Kai! I'm releasing the gravity so you can better rest up. Listen Naruto, when I teach you to fly make sure to master it before you use it in a fight. We don't want you flying into a trap because you can't control it, ok?

Naruto: You got it Sage-nii.

I began teaching Naruto the beginning of Ki. Because chakra and Ki have similarities Naruto also began to have a feel for senjutsu chakra. I told him to feel the Ki in his body first then the Ki in all of nature. With every breath Ki flowed in and around Naruto. Thanks to the Kyubi chakra as well, Naruto had a much smoother and stronger integration with Ki and its properties. I told him to gather the Ki in the pit of his stomach then told him to bring it out. Once he was able to do that I told him to use that energy to lift himself up. Naruto began to hover then dropped.

Sage: Practice this when we return to Konoha. I get the feeling we don't have much time until we get attacked by the people that Gato guy hired. Lets' take the fish and get the others.

Naruto and I walk towards Sakura who practicing near the river, not going to deep. Then we saw Sasuke still running up the tree to finally reach the top. I guess without Naruto forcefully comparing himself to Sasuke in the original story, sasuke's progress becomes much slower. Sakura on the other hand, had better results. Not only did she gain better control she also increased her chakra stores.

Sage: Alright guys lets go back and rest up.

We headed towards Tazuna's house. From the time that I was gone until now, Naruto still retained his ability to persuade people and made Inari, Tazuna's grandson, open up to him. We all ate, cleaned ourselves off and rested. Sakura was still molding chakra, Naruto was hovering off the ground and Sasuke was trying go up the tree with a running start. Kakashi was able to fully recover and I went straight to sleep.

Sage: So Kakashi-senpai, how do you feel?

Kakashi: I feel much better. I don't know what kind of chakra you have but it would have taken me longer to heal if not for your help.

Sage: Don't worry about it. From what I can see though is that your Sharingan takes a huge toll on your chakra reserves. In a way it hinders you too much. May I ask how it is you came to have it? (I already knew but I wanted to make conversation)

Kakashi: I got it from a friend when he died.

Sage: How long ago was since you got it?

Kakashi: (Avoiding most of the question) A long time ago.

Sage: Since Kakashi-senpai doesn't want to answer, that's fine. I just think that if you have gotten the eye as a child I can see why you have such a small amount of chakra compared to other Jounin. Because of its consumption I'm guessing that it kept you from fully reaching your potential.

I continued eating as I said this, Kakashi said nothing but gave me a wide eyed stare for just a few seconds. I finished my meal, although small, and went outside for a small warm up. My counting woke up Naruto. Naruto's rummaging woke up everyone else.

Naruto: Sage-nii, no fair.

Naruto: (Shuddering) ok ok I'm on it.

Sasuke: Being all loud so early, tsk.

Sakura: Morning everyone.

All the bridge builders in the village gathered their tools and headed to the construction site. We also moved out with them. I knew what to expect already, if only I had some snacks to watch the show. Kakashi and his team prepared themselves and headed out. We arrived at the site and it wasn't even 20 minutes before the area became completely misty. I called all the woodworkers to come back and to stay back or behind me. Kakashi told me to step in only when necessary and to guard the woodworkers. If I were to see signs of any enemy I was told to kill. I had absolutely no problem with that I just wanted a better view. Once the mist blocked the view of the workers I flew higher and positioned myself to watch the fights.