Two months had passed, It was now September. The seasons were beginning to shift, the air was starting to get colder little by little. It carried the scent of fall, as red leaf's started to form. Menma stood on the training field, his small frame already slick with sweat. He finished his physical conditioning, and now Shisui was beginning his Taijustu lessons.
Across from him, Shisui stood. He watched Menma with calm joyful gaze. " Okay Menma your done with the warm up. Let's start your Taijustu lessons." Shisui said evenly. " Now remember Taijutsu is the foundation of all shinobi combat. It does have some elements of chakra use. But only to strengthen your power and speed. But first you need to learn the basics, on top of how to control your chakra even more. Currently I think if you reinforce your body with your current chakra control you might kill your opponent in one hit."
Menma internally sighed. Why does everyone feel the need to remind me how bad my chakra control is. It's not my fault on top of having a large chakra pool, I have the the nine tails chakra in me. Which make my chakra pool even larger, It's like my I have a buff and a debuff at the same time.
Shisui continued his explanation. " Higher level taijustu can involve some seals. Even ninjutsu, but those are used by experienced ninja. There is also ninja tools that you can incorporate chakra to enhanced the power. But for now don't worry about that, I am telling you this so you now what is possible. Knowing you Menma you might pick them up easily, or even invent a new way of doing things. For now just focus on strengthening your body, and will."
Menma listened carefully, eyes focused. "Yes Shisui sensei."
"Since your so young getting you use to the basics will help you out a lot ," Shisui continued, "we'll start simple. Your stance's, footwork, reflexes and balance. How to block without injury or minimizing it, and how to strike without hurting yourself. The most important part the right places to strike, From how to strike and when is the right time to strike."
Menma nodded. Since this world has chakra, I should be able to relearn the fighting styles I knew from my past life. I could even make up my own, but I should focus on relearning my old styles, and learning the styles of the world. The gentle fist would be a good fighting style to know, but without the Byakugan it would be ineffective. Like using a hammer to hit a pressure point instead of finely tuned chakra needle.
There is also the boost in chakra flow, that the anime and manga new went in depth with. I should definitely see if I can use my chakra sense, or whatever it is, and see how much I can refine it. Who knows I might find something close enough to the Byakugan.
Menma and Shisui began their Taijustsu training. Shisui demonstrated the basic stances, and made Menma mimic him. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, center of gravity low. Core engaged, Menma mirrored him, adjusting instinctively. With Shisui adding a few adjustments himself.
"Good posture," Shisui noted.
Then they moved into basic strikes, and breath control. Open palm. Straight punch. Low kick. Elbow placement. Guard position. They did this for hours. Shisui made Menma go through the sequence from close to 100 hundred times.
Menma absorbed everything. As he moved, his memories stirred, which his body responded to. His familiarity with boxing footwork from his past life, wrestling core engagement and defense. Military CQC principals that blend. Speed, surprise, and controlled violence of action together.
The principles were similar to the ways shinobi fight, but they were not explored psychologically, only how effective they are in combat. I think only a small few understand these concepts, but mostly on a spiritual sense. Since the core ideas overlapped, and if they could be explored further. Then taijutsu could evolve even more, and reach new heights, especially since chakra exist here.
Menma new he have to meet Might Guy and Rock Lee at some point. Those two have the most potential to help him in this. He also saw them having so much potential, but hates how they were wasted in the main series, and the sequel series that will not be named. Menma new in the new order he will create they will be the keys to heling the everyday person learning how to use charka through taijustu. Menma also wants to learn the eight gates, which will also be useful with some of his idea's on how to properly use it without dying.
Sage art, Eight gates, Creation Rebirth,( Tsunade's, S-rank Fūinjutsu). I can merge these and create something new, but what is the real question. I don't want to get attached to Kurama's power, since I plan to release him at some point.
Shisui noticed how Menma was dedicated to learning, but also saw how he adapted quickly. But Menma still took Shisui's guidance corrections when he gave it. Menma learned quickly, faster than a normal child should, but he held back, to let Shisui think he was within believable limits. But Shisui noticed either way, but chose not to say anything. He understood Menma didn't want to stand out more then he already has.
By midday, Menma's breathing was heavier, sweat dripping from his chin. But he stood tall not showing any weakness. Shisui noticed he hit his limit, and gave Menma some water from a gourd. "That's enough for today Menma good job." Shisui said with a small smile.
Menma bowed deeply despite his exhaustion he was trying to hide. "Thank you, Shisui-sensei."
Shisui smiled faintly, as Menma sipped on the water down. A look of refreshness appeared slightly on his face, he was still trying to hide his emptions and be reserved. "You've been doing well these past few months. Your skills are growing and I can see your really working hard. Still so disciplined for your age, feel like I'm looking at another Itachi." Shisui chuckled.
Menma smiled sheepishly, but chose not to speak. "The only thing holding you back," Shisui continued, "is chakra control. You have too much of it, but for your age you have a good footing for control." Shisui didn't mention he knew Menma could make shadow clones, he knew Menma wanted to improve his charka contol, but didn't know how good it was. If he was like Itachi then only time will tell, he has a early start and a good foundation.
Menma nodded internally. Kurama always says the same thing. The two sat together on the grass as Mikoto and Sasuke arrived with boxed lunches. Sasuke immediately ran to Menma, tugging him into a playful scuffle.
"Come on Menma, show me Shisui taught you." He chuckled. Menma laughed, slipping fully into his childlike persona, making exaggerated dodges, pretending to trip, letting Sasuke "win."
"You only one because I'm exhausted from training all day."
"I didn't know you were making excuses." Sasuke said. "Fine then we can have a rematch, I will learn from Itachi and we can compare to see who is the better fighter."
Menma smirked. "If you say Sasuke, just remember, I have a head start."
Sasuke just smirked back. "I'm gonna catch up in no time."
Mikoto watched fondly. Shisuied smiled. As the sun began to lower, Shisui , Sasuke, and Mikoto prepared to leave. Menma bowed again. "I'll stay a bit longer," Menma said. "I want to work on my shuriken throws and techniques."
Shisui nodded approvingly. "Just don't don't over do it." That was when Fugaku Uchiha arrived. Sasuke's face lit up. "Father!" Fugaku knelt briefly, resting a hand on Sasuke's head. "Did you have fun today?" Sasuke nodded enthusiastically.
Fugaku's gaze then shifted to Menma. " Menma, If you don't mind," he said, "I'd like you to come with me instead." Menma was off guard, but didn't hesitate. "Yes, Lord Fugaku."
They waved goodbye to the others, and walked in silence for a while. Fugaku didn't explain where they were going or what they were doing. But Menma didn't ask either, he chose to trust the Uchiha leader and see what he needed. He knew Fugaku wasn't one for unnecessary complicated things.
The path gradually changed, wider roads that were well maintained, tall compound walls with ornate architecture came into view. Menma reached out to sense the chakra around him. He could feel several charka signatures ahead in a condensed area. When Menma saw the two individuals by a large gate he realized where they were heading. Then his mind reeled.
The Hyūga Clan compound.
The gates alone were massive and looked fortified. A elegant, carved with designs, but a touch of simplicity to them as well. Two Hyūga clansmen were at the gate. They welcomed the two inside.
When inside, Menma thought it felt less like a compound and more like a small palace city. Towering buildings. Inner gardens, even a small watchtowers. An eyes fell on the two as they entered, their was air of rigid order. Menma knew how the Hyūga clan does things and he hated it.
Then Menma's eyes widened despite himself. Past the main gate, figures waited. Elderly Hyūga clan members. Two men that looked alike. He figured they were probably Hizashi & Hiashi Hyūga. Right by them was the Third Hokage. And then.... A familiar yet unfamiliar face.
Beside one of the twina stood a woman Menma recognized instantly as a look alike for Hinata from the Shippuden series. Hinata's mother was the first though that came to mind. He had never seen her before in his past life. She was considered long dead by the time the story officially started.
She was beautiful, like a princess of the moon, made flesh. Beautiful fair skin that had a small shine in the setting sun light. Pale white, pupil-less eyes. Long dark-blue hair. She had gentle expression on her face that seemed so kind. A Graceful posture that made her feel and look a noble princess. Menma could tell even beneath her kimono was a slender frame, but she still had some curves.
So she's alive, which mean that Hanabi hasn't been born yet… Menma thought. Hiashi stepped forward. "Lord Third. Lord Fugaku. I welcome you both to the Hyuga' clans home."
"It's always a pleasure to be here." Said Hiruzen.
Fugaku nodded. "Thank you for welcoming me into your home." There was a tinge of something between those words, but Menma didn't know what.
Then Hiashi's gaze settled on Menma. The look was stoic, but more severe, and measuring the Fugaku's. And then...Hiashi bowed slightly towards Menma.
"In the presence of my clan," Hiashi said formally, "I offer my thanks, and the thanks of the Hyuga. Menma Uzumaki, your knowledge brought truths to light even the Hyūga failed to see."
Menma stiffened inwardly. He didn't expecte the prideful Hyuga leader to do something like this. Especially in front of his clan.
Menma noticed Hizashi and some of the other clan members slightly bowing as well. The Hyuga elders had a stiff look on their face. Menma knew that look anywhere, but he chose returned the bow flawlessly.
"I am honored, Lord Hiashi." Hiashi nodded. Then gestured them to be were led inside. As they passed the corridors, Menma caught movement, two small figures peeking from behind a wall. There was a tiny girl. Menma recognized her as Hinata, and just standing over her was a tiny Neji.
Menma's normally cold expression softened. He smiled and waved gently. Hinata froze, then timidly waved back. Neji stared for a moment before showing a small smile and waving back.
The group then made their way inside the meeting room, the elders gathered. Hiruzen. Fugaku. Hiashi. Hizashi. Hiashi's wife.
Menma sat quietly, legs folded in a respectful posture. He let the adults do the talking, and he watched carefully. They went on about a incident about the cloud village.
The Hiashi spoke to Menma. "Menma Uzumaki," he said evenly, "we are told you experience… prophetic dreams." Hiashi looked towards Hiruzen and Fugaku. Some elder's had a quiet by judgmental expression on their faces.
Menma didn't answer immediately. "Tell us," Hiashi continued, "what do you see involving the Cloud Village?"
The words struck like a blade, causing Menma's mind race. He remembered the cloud village came to the village. It was supposed to be for a peace treaty. But actually it was a disguise to steal powerful secrets like the Byakugan. Another kidnapping attempt just like with Kushina Uzumaki, when she was a kid. This time it was Hinata. But like in the orignal story Hiashi probably killed the intruder, and saved his daughter.
But that caused a political crisis, since the ninja came in the guise of peace. They were feigning outrage, and threatened war even though they were in the wrong. The leaf wanted to avoid another senseless war they didn't have the man power for, or they didn't want to jump into another one since it was barely a decade since the last one.
The Hyūga elders proposed using Hizashi, Hiashi's twin brother and a branch family member, as a body double because he looked identical and his Byakugan would seal upon death, protecting the clan's secrets.
While Hizashi, who resented his status as a inferior branch family member, saw this as his chance to choose his own destiny, and protect his brother's life, while preventing war. But Hiashi hated the idea. But Hizashi knocked him out so the plan could be done.
It was a horrible fate. Another reminder why I wanted to change this messed up world. Menma steadied his mind. He knew he had to settled mind. He knew things are different , no....this world is already different. Danzo was outed and stopped, before the Uchiha's had to be massacred. Fugaku is becoming Hokage. Not to mention he exist so things were already different.
Menma centered himself. He looked up at Hiashi calmly. "Before I answer," Menma said evenly, "I need to know something."
The room went still. "What?" Hiashi asked.
"What has already happened?" Menma asked. The room paused from that question.