Reborn!

27: Exchange Programme

Naruto did not blame Gaara for failing to keep his team together.

In fact, it was pretty convenient for him to just switch back with Sōjirō when his teammates have scattered.

Sakura went to meet Chiyo, the old lady who had been so enthusiastic to teach her craft to Naruto before. Naruto did not know it, but the two have been acquainted during the previous timeline. Although their partnership was short, Sakura did learn a lot about poisons from her. Thus, it was obvious to her that a large part of the primary poison expertise that was available to her in the marble was related to Chiyo's life's research. Naruto only knew that the elder could use a forbidden jutsu to transfer one's life force to others, a defective variant of the resurrection technique, which she used to restore Gaara's life when he was killed by the bijū extraction before.

Sasuke had encountered Pakura, a kunoichi who possessed the rare Shakuton -- the Scorch Release. He knew that this young woman died early during the previous timeline. Even if he had never known her personally, Sasuke quite admired her for being able to develop such uses for her kekkei genkai without relying on jutsu left behind by previous generations. Pakura turned out to be the only person who could harness the power of wind and fire to obtain her unique ability. Since he returned to the past, Sasuke was keen on combining chakra types to form new chakra natures. He wanted to properly use his Rinnegan and its side-effect of an affinity for all chakra natures to increase his firepower in battle. As such, they were currently sparring in an unused training ground with much fervour.

As for Kakashi? With his kōhai absent, he had no other reason to stay with the group. He carelessly released his (wild) genin to roam freely around (and terrorise the innocents of) Sunagakure. What was he doing, you ask? Well, he was obviously stalking... ahem, watching a bunch of fluffy little canines. He was infatuated with a family of raccoon dogs that was busy rolling around and grooming each other. He had solemnly barged into the protected oasis zone in the middle of the village hidden in the sand. It was only in this area that fertile soil and fresh groundwater could be found in the form of a natural spring. Most non-residents did not even know this place existed and it was not an area to be visited freely. Kakashi discovered this place by chance during a past mission and now gleefully trespassed to watch the adorable raccoon dogs.

Sōjirō, who was still imitating the usual appearance of Naruto, was the most obedient of the lot. He was the only one who stayed where Gaara had left them. Sitting cross-legged on the side of the road, the blood clone meticulously etched fine markings on the inner surface of the fox mask that had been entrusted to him by his master. Sachiko-chan was nestled cosily against his side -- Sasuke had tossed away the poor duck when he spotted Pakura to give chase and received some disgruntled quacking in response.

Naruto did not interrupt Sōjirō's careful movements as he shaped exquisite kanji characters on the porcelain using chakra from the tips of his index fingers. He watched unobtrusively, taking in the tranquil scene with patience. Among his clones, Sōjirō was probably the most self-willed. He had the greatest degree of autonomy in his actions compared to the other blood clones and only reported his activities to his master after the fact. Naruto never had many orders for Sōjirō. There were only the most basic initial commands that the clone had to adhere to, but that would never diminish the importance of his creator in Sōjirō's perception.

As he looked on, Naruto idly considered the ordinary duck next to the clone that was alike to his friend's hairstyle in every way except for colour -- Sachiko-chan had white feathers.

"I guess she has potential...? Maybe I can help her open her spiritual wisdom... Sachiko-chan has been smart ever since I met her," Naruto mused, crouching down to straighten the duck's ruffled feathers.