Gohan In Narutoverse: Sage Style

"It's too boring..." Asuka sighed, her mind drifting off to the weekend fun with Kushina and Mikoto. Not only that, but the two clan mistresses also introduced her to other mistresses from Nara Clan, Akimichi Clan, Aburame and even the wild Inuzuka clan.

She herself particular hit it off with Tsume Inuzuka.

But with their kids growing up, they found it harder and harder to gather and have a laugh or two once again. Honestly, her identity did not even bother her thoughts now.

What's more, with Eio finding almost all the scrolls hidden in his room due to her interference by guiding him to achieve his Byakugan, she did not have much to teach him anyway. Of course, Ryu finally took her advice and started training Eio in basic Taijutsu and B-Rank Ninjutsus.

Having affinity with wind and lighting nature alongside his natural talent in taijutsu, Ryu did not worry much about his training. Of course, never did both, father and son, mention anything about the scrolls. While Eio found almost every ninjutsu scrolls alongside the scrolls regarding Asuka's Kekkei Genkai, he still failed to find a single clue about the final set of scrolls regarding Ryu's heritage.

Suddenly, a small pair of hands grabbed Asuka's cheeks from behind and immediately started rubbing them.

"Mama, mama, let's go play with Sarada! I want to play with Sarada!"

Even though Himawari started training with Asuka quite a while back, she still liked to play after a round of exhausting training, speaking a lot about her stamina. Of course, just like Eio, Himawari went through Ryu's special treatment of gaining affinity with nature energy, but there still doesn't seem to be any result. Due to this, she still failed to find any of the hidden scrolls in her room.

Placing her own hand over Himawari's, Asuka smiled happily.

"Sure, sweetheart!"

***

Making their way towards the training ground 8, Eio accompanied Shino, Hinata and a beautiful woman in her prime. Just the back of her body was enough to show her slender and curvaceous built. Most parts of her t.h.i.g.hs and legs were exposed, attracting the gazes of men walking past them, something, Kurenai Yuuhi was already indifferent to.

When the group finally reached the empty training ground filled with straw dummies, Kurenai turned back to the trio and eyed them individually. She could barely see through Shino Aburame's thoughts due to his silent nature and his face almost fully covered by his hoodie alongside the black goggles to hide his eyes.

Turning sideways, Kurenai's gaze fell on Hinata Hyuuga. When Kurenai brought her to the academy at Hiashi Hyuuga's, Hinata's father's request, she looked just as demure as she was back then. Evidently, the life in the academy wasn't impactful to the young Hyuuga's heart.

On the other hand, her recent interest, Eio Hozai showcased his m.a.t.u.r.e capabilities. But his thoughts slightly disturbed her. If she was correct, then after he gave up on his match, Eio might have mentioned something about 'not wanting to live in a cage' to Hinata Hyuuga.

While such thoughts are admirable, his words alongside his actions of giving up on match made Kurenai realize that Eio's mind and heart weren't restricted to rules. If she were to compare Eio to other geniuses like Naruto and Sasuke, she could easily point out the difference that the latter two would not have such rebellious thoughts... well, not until they have found their own ninja way.

'I will have to contact his parents.'

Affirming her decision to meet up with Eio's parents secretly, Kurenai Yuuhi finally continued and asked them to sit on the ground while she leaned her back on one of the dummies.

"As you three may know, my name is Kurenai Yuuhi. A jounin specialising in Genjutsu. From now onwards, I will be teaching you, but before that, you three should introduce yourself to me and each other.

Start with your names, likes, dislikes and ambition.

Shino, why don't you go first?"

Nodding calmly, Shino remained seated and his muffled voice emerged from the collars of his jacket covered his lower face.

"My name is Shino Aburame. I am interested in helping my clan further their research with our Jutsus. I particularly dislike people who harm innocent bugs out of their fear.

My ambition is to... understand everything this world has to offer about bugs and insects."

'Rational, just like other members of his clan. Unlike other elders of his family, he simply wishes to pursue the highest degree of knowledge and understanding of his own Jutsus.'

Analysing Shino's words, Kurenai looked at Hinata, her intentions clear. Stammering, the Hyuuga Princess looked down as her index fingers overlapped each other.

"Um... I am Hinata Hyuuga. I like..." Whispering something inaudible, she continued, "I dislike mean people. My ambition is to become a great shinobi."

Sighing, Kurenai didn't dare show any pitying look to the girl whose vision may exceed everyone's in this group and then nodded before finally looking at the remaining member of their new team.

Thinking for a moment, Eio nodded and spoke up.

"My name is Eio Hozai. I like Taijutsu training with my father. I am not fond of bullies, except for my younger sister. I aspire to become strong enough to keep my family safe."

Noting the point, Kurenai looked at Eio for a moment before asking out.

"What about protecting the village?"

Frowning, Eio took a breath before replying.

"If the village itself is in danger... then I don't think I alone can save it."

***

"You cannot do everything on your own!" A black-haired youth looked at a young black-haired girl with his concentric crimson eyes. Young Kurenai's body shook as she immediately slapped the youth's hands away and glared at him hatefully.

"Why? Why can't I do it on my own?! Just because I am a girl? A Kunoichi?!

My gender makes me inferior to you? To dad?!!"

Tears glistening her cheeks and eyes while she bit her rosy red lips. Gazing at her own elder brother, who, just like her dad, followed the patriarchal tradition tried to make her follow his own rules and regulations made her slowly hate the whole society... the village as a whole.

But now, whenever she thought back at this moment of her life, with her m.a.t.u.r.e mindset, all she could see and feel was her elder brother's concern, unlike her father's cold hard discipline.

Looking at Eio, his words seemed to coalesce her younger self's mindset and even her own elder brother's mindset.

With a simple 'I see.' Kurenai continued the session.

"Very well. Now, I would like you all to spar with each other for three minutes. First, Eio and Hinata."

Standing up, they both walked a little farther from their seated area. Honestly, even Shino knew about Hinata's social awkward nature, but now, somehow, she actually walked with a slightly straightened back, although, her head was still lowered. Within the corner of his mind, Shino did not take long to reach onto the hypothesis that his new teammate might not have the optimal upbringing in her family. But still, he needed conclusive evidence to verify his thoughts.

On the other hand, Eio did not how to feel. His Taijutsu... or what he used to call 'Martial Arts Techniques' in his previous life, had already reached master level. His reflexes, instincts and even experience otherworldly. But now, he did not have his previous body's reflexes or instincts. All he had was his experience and this life's training.

But still, he did not lose hope. With his ki already growing almost every day, he was sure that he might reach his previous self, if not, surpass his own record of power.

Taking their stances, Eio raised his clenched right fist and extended his open left palm while Hinata's palms remained almost in a similar position as Eio's. Though, her rosy red cheeks entailed a different story, Eio would be a fool to not sense her intent to battle... to prove herself.

***

"Every bird has the right to spread its wings... to not remain caged. Be yourself Hinata, even if the world doesn't accept you."

Eio's words rang beside her ears, miraculously soothing her wildly beating heart. Her posture smoothened by a slight variation and the blush on her cheeks slowly receded. Having such thoughts for the opponent... for a friend, during a battle is disrespectful to oneself and others.

"Start!"

From the corner of her eyes, Hinata found Kurenai narrowing her eyes while her red eyes with dark crimson concentric patterns observed them carefully. On their first meeting at Main Family Estate, Hinata did wonder if Kurenai possessed any Kekkei Genkai, but soon, she found that it was simply her genetic heritage.

Taking a deep breath, Hinata's sharp brows condensed into a frown while she silently took a step forward. Since it was a simple spar, she did not activate her Byakugan... and neither did Eio. With a slightly similar form to the Hyuuga's famous Gentle Fist and his own experience with Kame Martial Arts, Eio immediately placed his foot right in front of Hinata's step, barring her path.

But with years of harsh practice, Hinata did learn quite a few things. Not feeling fl.u.s.tered by her movements getting restricted, she immediately struck her left palm outwards, aiming at Eio's chin, only to feel her body falling backwards.

Honestly, even Kurenai was surprised by Eio's... improvised move. While Hinata outdid most of her peers in techniques, due to her heritage and upbringing, she failed to construct a sturdy foundation, which, Eio decided to take the benefit of today.

Using the same foot, he simply kicked Hinata's heel, gently, yet, precisely. Her balance destroyed, she immediately fell back on her b.u.t.t with an 'Oomph' while she looked at Eio dazedly.

Smiling, he simply responded with a soft, 'I am not playing by the rules, remember?', something, that Kurenai and even Shino managed to read through their lip-reading abilities.

***

For Sakura Haruna, today was the most tiring day that she could remember. From the initial despondence to her emotions turning into that of shock and happiness and then turning back into dreadful emotion.

After moving out with Shisui Uchiha, someone claimed to be quite a strong Shinobi by Sasuke-kun himself, they slowly walked up to Training ground 20 near the Northern area of the village, near the Uchiha Compound. Of course, Naruto and Sasuke just had to bicker all the way, Sakura couldn't bring herself to stop them. Deep down, she felt that she simply didn't have the qualifications to stop them.

Fortunate enough to enter into the team of the top two genius of the class, Sakura would've felt happy if she herself hadn't lost in the graduation exam. Of course, despite other's consoling words, including her own rival's, Ino Yamanaka's consolation, Sakura did not feel better. In fact, she felt worse. But she could understand other's viewpoint. Being weak and being insensible was after all, different.

As they walked past the streets, their youth of a teacher remained silent for most parts of the way and only spoke when Sasuke-kun asked about his own brother from him, Itachi Uchiha. In her own thoughts, she failed to notice that to the genius duo, she was already comparable to a non-existent entity while a single person kept his attention on her all the way.

Shisui Uchiha.

As they walked, Sakura started going through all her experience in the academy. Just this simple act allowed herself to find a lot of mistakes in her behaviour and in her attitude. Chasing after the duo instead of training to catch up with her own ideals disappointed the young Kunoichi greatly. Not to mention the fact that despite constant reminders to create a stronger bond with other Kunoichis in their 'Kunoichi-special class', she kept her unhealthy rivalry for boys and even took part in actively disassociating with Hinata Hyuuga, just because of some girl's harsh rumours.

'I am so...'

She simply sighed. Meanwhile, the group finally reached the training ground divided into four different terrains to allow the shinobis to practice for the world outside the village. Making the three sit on the ground, much to Sasuke's disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, Shisui smiled and continued.

"Just like Umino-san announced, I am Shisui Uchiha. By the orders of Yondaime, I have just been promoted to the ranks of Jounin.

Now, we will start—"

Before the smiling Uchiha could continue, he was interrupted by Naruto, who immediately pointed at the grim Sasuke.

"Heh! You said that Shisui-san is amazing! But he's just been promoted to a Jounin! I guess, you're just a lying snob, aren't you?!"

Displeased at the false accusations, Sasuke immediately jumped up and started quarrelling with Naruto. Sakura, on the other hand, didn't try to stop them, like she used to. In the corner of her heart, the part of her that wasn't a fangirl, finally started to feel slightly annoyed. To her surprise, the boisterous duo immediately lost consciousness and fell on the ground. Looking up, she saw Shisui Uchiha holding his right hand in front of his c.h.e.s.t with two fingers poking out. His pitch-black eyes gazed at the stunned Sakura and smiled mischievously.

"How about you start with your introduction, Sakura Haruno?"

"But... Shisui-sensei, what about Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun?"

Asked the nervous Sakura. Gazing back at the unconscious duo, she gulped.

What capability?!

Is this a jounin?!

She questioned herself in awe.

"It doesn't matter. They both will wake up in 15 minutes. Now, let's talk about your situation, shall we? Why don't you introduce yourself?"

Calming herself, Sakura finally nodded and spoke up.

"My name is Sakura Haruno. I am sure that Sensei know all about my skills so I don't have much to tell."

"What about your likes and dislikes?" Shisui pressed forward.

"I used to like a certain someone..." Her gaze drifted towards Naruto before she shook her head and continued.

"... but now I think that it may have been an impulse. I dislike losing and being a burden. For that, I am willing to train hard."

She looked back at Shisui, determination rippling from her green eyes.

"That's good to know." Shisui smiled and continued.

"But, it would be better for our future relationship if I speak honestly.

Your capabilities are barely above your average students, slightly entering the ranks of genins. The only reason you have been placed in this team is so that you somehow become the link to connect our two geniuses to the road of humbleness and politeness."

Her eyes widening in disbelief, she stammered.

"What do you mean, Sensei?"

Shisui continued, not bothered by her expression at all.

"What I mean is, that you are placed in this group as a show-doll. Just for mere presentation. And by the looks of these two, I don't think they are even willing to register your presence.

So, that leaves me with only a single choice, to fail you as a genin and have you start over again."

His cruel words struck her core. But even then, the Sakura who knew that she was weak was all out of tears already. Her gaze did turn a little desperate, but that was it. She did not beg for another chance for she herself understood that she wasn't worthy enough.

Did she give others the chance before she openly criticised them?

No!

Then why should others give her the preferential treatment?

"I am sorry."

Shisui finally whispered to which Sakura shook her head.

"Thank you, Sensei."

Her words drew a twitch from Shisui's eyes as he looked at Sakura and finally showed a smile that could truly be characterised as a genuine one.

"Oh? Why is that?"

Sakura took a deep breath before replying.

" 'To become a great Shinobi... Kunoichi, one must know their weaknesses and ground them to nothingness.'

It is one of the famous quotes of Nidaime. I think, I can finally take a step forward if I take some time and cover all my weaknesses."

"I see, if you really think so, then I must congratulate you, Sakura Haruno.

Because you just became a full-fledged genin."