Chapter 2
As the next 4 years go by, Naruto intensifies his training. Eventually, manipulating ice and wind without the use of hand signs becomes as easy as breathing to him, just like water. He memorizes the various books on forging that he studies, but is unable to actually forge himself a new trident due to not having access to a forge or the materials required. Instead, he uses ice to create temporary tridents which he uses to re-train himself in how to use one. He still remembers how to do it, but his current body lacks the muscle memory that his old body had, something he is quick to remedy.
One day, while he’s in the library, attempting to check out a new forging book that he hasn’t read yet, a girl who is 1-year older than he currently is approaches him.
“Hey, that book’s pretty advanced. You sure you want that one?” She asks.
“This is the only one the library possesses that I am yet to memorize.” Naruto says, turning towards her.
The girl’s eyes widen. “Oh! You must be really into forging and weapons, like I am, if you’ve really memorized all of the other books. I’m Tenten Higurashi, by the way, what’s your name?”
“Naruto Uzumaki.” Naruto says. “And no, I am not. I am in need of a high-qualify, chakra-conductive Trident, and I intend to forge it myself.”
“A trident?” Tenten asks, tilting her head in confusion. “I’ve never seen one of those, myself, but I hear that it’s a 3-pronged spear, isn’t it? Why do you want one of those?”
Naruto frowns. “Indeed, it is. A trident is the weapon I am most comfortable with. I have tried others, but none feel quite as right to use as a trident.”
Tenten shrugs. “Fair enough. That’s how most people who use weapons as their primary form of combat chose which one to use.” Suddenly, she realizes something. “Hey, you said you want to forge it yourself, right? My dad’s a blacksmith, and he’s training me to become one, too. You wanna join?”
Naruto raises an eyebrow. “If I have to pay for the training, then I must decline. As an orphan who lives alone, all of my money goes to food, rent, and clothing. I do not have enough to pay for blacksmith training alongside that, otherwise I would already be undergoing said training.”
Tenten laughs. “Nah, don’t worry about it. My dad has always said to bring anyone around my age to him for blacksmith training if they express interest in it. He says, and I quote, ‘Someone needs to take over when my generation’s gone. One person is hardly enough to forge weapons for the entire village.’ So far, you’re the first person our age that I’ve met who has any interest in forging whatsoever, even if it’s just so that you can make and maintain your own weapon. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover that you actually enjoy it during the training.”
Naruto hums in thought. “Very well, I am in need of training and a forge, so I’ll accept.”
Tenten grins. “Great! Finish checking out your book and follow me, I’ll lead you to the shop.”
“Welcome, to the Higurashi Weapon Shop!” Tenten says as she and Naruto arrive in front of it.
Behind her, Naruto discreetly turns his eyes to look at Hinata, who has been stalking him since he unintentionally saved her 4 years ago, apparently viewing him as some sort of hero for doing so, in order to make sure she’s still there. He’ll never admit it, but he has grown quite accustomed to having her nearby, and he gets concerned when she’s not.
“Come on in.” Tenten says. “I’ll introduce you to my dad. I bet he’ll be glad to finally have another student.”
Naruto simply nods.
With a grin, Tenten throws the door open. “DAD! I’M HOME, AND I’VE GOT GOOD NEWS!” She yells.
Instantly, the door at the back of the shop bursts open, and a massive, soot-covered man wearing a black apron comes out of it. “What is it this time!?” He yells. “You shocked me and made me hit the damn sword I was shaping too hard!! Now it’s misshapen and I have to start the process all over again!!”
Tenten winces. “Sorry, dad.” She says. “But, Naruto here wants to learn how to forge! He’s already memorized all the theory behind it, but he doesn’t have the money to pay for someone to teach him how to put it into practice, so I brought him here!”
Stepping inside finally, having waited behind so Hinata could get closer and not lose track of him, Naruto looks the man up and down. Due to the man’s size, he’s reminded of Hephaestus. “Impressive.” He says. “Just by looking at you I can tell that you’ve put tremendous effort into honing both your body and craft.”
The man raises an eyebrow. “You talk like an experienced old man, rather than a kid.”
Naruto shrugs, intent on avoiding brining up his life as Poseidon. “That’s just how I talk.”
The man frowns, narrowing his eyes at Naruto as though he can tell that he’s hiding something. After staring him down for what seems like an eternity, the man relents. “Wait out here and talk for a bit. I’ll finish the sword I was making, then we’ll begin lesson #1.”