Naruto: Akira’s Story

"Oh-ho, look, Lee - the power of youth is just bursting out of this guy!"

Them again!? This is the seventh or eighth time this month I've run into these two maniacs. I don't know what kind of training Guy does, but the fact that he basically "killed" Madara in Sage Mode with nothing but muscle says a lot. Every time I saw him, I felt my own manliness take a hit - it's like struggling to bench ninety kilos at the gym while some guy your size casually lifts the same weight like it's nothing. Honestly, it stings a little, and you can't help but want to keep up.



When I saw them pick up the pace, I pushed myself harder. Thirty seconds later, they caught up, and to avoid seeing those sweaty spandex-clad butts fly past me again, I sprinted at my max. I don't know how long we ran, but at some point, my body decided it'd had enough and my legs just gave out. I would've faceplanted if I hadn't thrown my hands out in time to catch myself.

"Hah… haah, damn, I can't breathe…" Lying on my back, I gasped for air like I was drowning.

"Hm, legs cramping up? Let's fix that!" I wanted to yell that I didn't need help and It'll go away on its own, but to my immense relief, the pain from his massage lasted no more than two seconds.

Damn, he's an amazing masseur, too!

"See, student, this is what happens if you don't train your legs separately!"

"Yes, Guy-sensei! My legs will be good as new by tomorrow," Lee said, hopping up onto his toes.

"Thanks… and for catching me, too… hah. Your name's Guy, right?"

"Might Guy! Always ready to help in a pinch!" He struck a cool pose, grinning with his thumb up in a fist.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Akira."

"Akira-kun, pleasure's mine! And this is my one and only student - Lee!"

I nodded at the kid with a weak smile.

"You're impressive - not many your age, or even older, have that kind of stamina." I decided to give the boy a little praise, and he started scratching his nose, embarrassed.

"Guy-san, do you know a lot about human muscle structure?"

"Are you kidding? I'm the best taijutsu master in Konoha." He said it without hesitation, and honestly, I doubt anyone would argue.

"Well, I'm actually looking for someone to help me put together a training program. Not for free, of course."

"A program, huh… What's your goal?" He looked interested and made some kind of hand sign, and Lee immediately dropped down and started doing push-ups.

"Better endurance, building muscle, hmm, more flexibility and speed."

"That's almost a full program." He nodded thoughtfully. "All right, tomorrow after the morning run at seven, meet me at training ground thirty-nine - it's a bit east of the main gate. I'll check your current level and put together a plan from there."

"Perfect!" I jumped up - and immediately regretted it as pain shot through my legs. "Thanks, Guy-san, I'll be there."

"Good! Now, student! We need to make up for lost time and do ten more laps! Let's go!"

"Yes, Guy-sensei!"

I watched the two of them run off and shook my head. Funny how Lee seemed so unimpressive in the shinobi war compared to his teacher… though, right now, I'm the one looking unimpressive next to him. Ugh, my legs - I should really hit the hot springs and relax these muscles.

Unfortunately, the hot springs were out of the question - today was women-only, and they didn't open until ten anyway. I had to head home and take a regular shower like a mere mortal. I didn't even have a bathtub, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

With a sigh, I made two clones and sent them off to study kanji. I don't know what I was expecting, but to master them all perfectly, I'd need at least another two weeks.

While the clones were busy, I decided to start writing the sequel to "In Search of Truth." The book was meant to be two volumes, which I'd not-so-subtly hinted at in the ending, when it's revealed there's another puppet master behind the scenes. This second book would focus much more on combat. Sure, I could've waited for the first volume to be fully released to see if people liked it, but… maybe I'm just overconfident. I honestly couldn't imagine people not enjoying a breath of fresh air in the literary world.

I'd already checked out Konoha's "bestsellers," and honestly, it was pretty sad. The humor was all the same, the same jokes repeated in every book, and people just ate it up. The plots were predictable, the side characters were cardboard cutouts, and the romance… I think even the horniest high schoolers from my time would cringe. Though, maybe it's just the local culture - here, the most romantic gesture is giving flowers and a walk under the moon. Sure, that's sweet, but it wouldn't impress a girl from my world.

The only books I actually liked were in the philosophy section. It was fascinating to get inside the heads of people who'd lived their whole lives at war, but their writing style was pretty poor. Weird that no one ever thought to write a book based on a veteran's stories…

"That's it!" Suddenly, I had a great idea for my next book. War stories told by veterans were pretty common in my world - sure, authors would add a lot of drama, but still… Maybe I should write something like that? The only problem is, where do I find a veteran?

I didn't even have time to think of a good candidate before someone knocked on my door.

"Is that Naruko? Or maybe Kushina?" I dispelled the clones with a hand sign. Luckily, they hadn't been studying long, so aside from a few twinges in my temples, I felt fine.

"Good afternoon, Zoldyck-san. The Hokage would like to see you to discuss one of your proposed projects. Can you come with me now?" Unfortunately, it wasn't my neighbors - though in a way, ANBU are my neighbors too, just not the kind you want to see often.

"Good afternoon. Yes, of course, ANBU-san. Just give me a few minutes." I closed the door on the skinny ANBU with the spiky brown hair and went back to my room to take a deep breath.

"Well, I doubt they're calling me in for an interrogation. If they wanted that, they wouldn't have knocked." I changed into my kimono and stepped out, where the masked man was waiting patiently.

Before I could say a word, he nodded, put a hand on my shoulder, and only then did I realize what was happening.

"Ugh, a little warning would be nice." I thought, at least let me close my eyes. Watching the scenery blur by at high speed is not exactly fun for your brain. Luckily, maybe because of the clones or something else, the dizziness faded pretty quickly.

*Would it kill you to apologize?* I shot a look at the ANBU, who just stared back blankly as I tried to catch my breath.

"All right, let's go." I said, and the ANBU nodded and led the way into the administrative building. Homuri saw me and nodded, and I smiled back to let him know I was fine.

We went up to the third floor, where the Hokage's office was. In the hallway, the ANBU stopped me, saying he'd announce my arrival.

After three minutes, I got tired of waiting and sat down on a free chair in the corridor. Not five seconds later, a loud, raspy voice called from behind the door:

"Come in."

Seriously… whatever, he probably wanted to pull some psychological trick. Sorry, old man, that doesn't work on me - back where I'm from, every other important person uses that move.

"Hello, Hokage-sama." I bowed slightly, tapping my fist to my palm at chest level.

"And good health to you, young man. Akira-san, sorry to pull you away from your work, but we need to discuss a few things about your project - the one we approved… the cultural and creative center, if I remember the name right."

"Oh, it's no trouble. As they say, if you raise your hand, be ready to speak. Mind if I sit?" I asked, just to be polite, since I knew there was no point in refusing, and honestly, I didn't want to stand.

"Of course, sorry I didn't offer. Age, business - my head's a mess." He coughed lightly and gestured to the nearest chair.

"Well then, as busy people, let's pretend we've already discussed the weather and asked about each other's health, and get down to business."

"Ahem, that would be good, but first…" He pulled out a pipe, already packed with tobacco, and with a snap of his fingers, lit it.

Damn, the old man's got skills. I doubt many people can do that. In his hands, chakra looks more like magic. But why smoke at his age, especially with that chronic cough? He'd be better off with… I don't know, lemon slices or something. The thought made me smile.

After a few puffs, Hiruzen started the conversation.

"So, I get the main idea, but I'd like more details. Akira-san, how do you see this cultural center? Share your thoughts."

"With pleasure. You already know the why, but as for the how… it's pretty simple. The cultural center should be a landmark for the village, like the faces on the mountain, so it needs to be in a prominent spot, preferably near the village center. For visitors, it'll add prestige, and the more prestige the village has, the more influence it carries. But you know that already. 

The building should be about the size of the administration building, two stories should be enough. As for materials, stone would be best, both for the exterior and the interior, with colors as close to white as possible inside. As for what goes inside… that's easy. Sculptures, paintings, all kinds of crafts, even calligraphy if it's done well - all of that can go on the first floor, with each art form getting its own space."

"I see, but where will we get the exhibits?"

"That's even easier. At first, we can find local artisans and offer to display their work. I'm sure they'll agree, and I'll even contribute a painting myself. After that, people will start offering their own work. Of course, we'll need someone to filter out the amateur stuff."

He took a deep drag and asked again.

"And what about the first floor?"

"We could make it a museum - a place to collect old items, at least fifty years old. For example, the armor the First Hokage wore - we could display the full set on a stand. Weapons our grandfathers used, or tools from ancient farmers. Stone weapons or tools - I'm sure some are still around. Basically, anything with historical value. 

Take your pipe, for example - in a few generations, it could be displayed with a plaque: 'The very pipe the Third Hokage never parted with.'"

"Hoho, I see. Yes, if you think about it, it wouldn't be hard to find things like that. But… who would run the place?" He tapped his finger on the table, looking at me.

"I think any retired Nara could handle it easily. There's not much to do - most of the time, he could just nap or sit and enjoy the art."

"Yes, a member of the Nara clan would be perfect." The Hokage agreed easily. "All right, Akira-san, thank you for your time."

"No problem - helping Konoha is my duty as a citizen of the Land of Fire. Hokage-sama, would you mind… helping me with something?"

"Hm? Of course, if it's within my power." Hiruzen nodded with a gentle smile.

"You see, I want to write a book about war. To show what shinobi go through, the hardships they face, the loved ones they lose - I want people to see the human side of our protectors."

"Hmm, that's an interesting and important idea. But… how can I help?" He raised an eyebrow, curious.

"I don't mean to be rude, but out of everyone in the village, I think only you truly know the hell of war. You fought in three wars, led two of them… so I'd like to write a story based on your words, from the perspective of an unknown shinobi. I don't think there's a better candidate, and as Hokage, you know what you can and can't share. Other veterans might accidentally reveal too much."

"Yes, there's a lot of classified information about the wars. All right, Akira-san, I'll think about your proposal. I'm curious to see what comes of it… leaving behind a book as a legacy doesn't sound so bad. So, you're a writer? I didn't know…" He lied to my face without missing a beat.

"Yeah, I've gotten into it recently. In fact, my first book, 'In Search of Truth,' should hit the shelves in a week. I recommend it - the main character, like you, enjoys a pipe in his free time."

"I'll be sure to check it out." The Hokage smiled for real this time. "Well, Akira-san, it was nice meeting you. By the way, I liked your… burgers. Good restaurant."

"Oh, I'm flattered to hear that from you."

After Akira left, Hiruzen started tapping his fingers on the table again. After half a minute, he called over an ANBU.

"File this in the archive, second level." He handed the ANBU a thick folder, and with a nod, the masked man vanished.

🔥~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🔥

Thank you so much for the power stones! I really appreciate the support!