The Yourg Hokage

Chapter 2: Invoking Article 11.
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It has been six long years since that dark day on October 10th. In that time the village had been busy rebuilding the many homes and shops destroyed or otherwise damaged in the nine tails attack. From an outsider's perspective, the village was once again looking every bit as powerful as it did before if you were but a lowly villager and knew nothing about the true state of the village and the lasting damage left behind in its wake. But if one were a ninja or otherwise an observant villager they would worry silently in their homes or in hushed whispers on the streets.

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In a small clan compound on the outskirts of Konohagakure lived a small family of three. This family was none other than the Uzumaki family. Kushina had trained her two small children hard in preparation for this day in particular. This day was none other than their first day at the ninja academy. Kushina called out for her two children to come downstairs. The first of the two to appear before her was a small girl. She had long red hair just like her mother's that was done up in two long ponytails that made their way to her back. She also bore the same deep blue eyes as her late father. She was quickly followed by her slightly older brother. By a whole minute and a half. It was clear to the both of them that he was still very much waking up if his stumbling down the stairs and the rubbing of his eyes were any indication at all. He like his baby sister before him also bore the same deep blue eyes. However, he also bore the same hair color as his late father. He had six cat-like whiskers on his cheeks. Three on each. Kushina eyed both of her children with a critical eye. The eye of a highly skilled ninja. Today was going to be their first day at the ninja academy. She knew first hand that both of her children would have a fairly easy time given how lax the ninja curriculum had become over the years. Something she was adamantly against but was nevertheless powerless to stop as the village council had more or less forced it. But even so, she demanded nothing less than perfection from her two children. Once she was done with her observation she gave them both a happy smile. Their form was about as good as one could realistically expect given their age and level of training.

"Ok let's go kids". Kushina said as she opened the front door before being quickly followed by the two small children.

-

As the family of three slowly walked towards the village both Naruto and Naruko couldn't help but look at the many tall buildings all around them. They had never seen such tall buildings in their life. Living so far away from the village proper had meant that the tallest things they had ever seen were the trees. The buildings by contrast were both fascinating and frightening to the two children.

As they continued to walk ever deeper into the village the many villagers would all wave or bow to them. Naruko all the while was busy hiding behind her older brother. She had always been the shy type even when the kind old Hokage would pay them a visit about once a month. Naruto himself mostly liked him. The only thing he really disliked about him was the look he would sometimes catch the older man giving him. A look the man would give only to him and to nobody else. A look that hinted at a mystery just out of his reach. He had first noticed it on his 5th birthday. The year before. But no matter how many times he would ask the older man he never could get an answer to his question. Just as that thought entered into his mind did he feel a light tapping upon his shoulder. Looking to see who it was he saw his mother pointing to a four-story brick and mortar building. Naruto eyed the building with some level of curiosity and awe. His late father had once attended this very school and he had grown up to be the Hokage. It had always been his life-long dream to one day become the Hokage just as his father had done years before. This was to be the first step to that dream.

-

As the small family walked up they could see the many other family's standing just outside of the gates of the academy. As soon as they had walked into view all eyes locked onto them. In less than a second a purple blur could be seen making its way to them. This blur was none other than one Ino Yamanaka better known to the village as Naruto's number one fangirl and who had a small crush on the only son of the fourth Hokage.

"Naruto-kun how are you today"? Ino asked in a happy-go-lucky tone as she hugged his arm.

"I'm fine, Ino". Naruto replied as he was busy freeing himself from her vise-like grip. Had he known giving her a simple flower on her 4th birthday would result in this he would never have done it. But the deed had been done and he now had to live with the dreaded consequences. Not that he really minded but she could be a bit too clingy at times. Just as she was about to ask him yet another question the doors to the academy opened to reveal a group of around twenty Chunin each holding up a number for all to see.

"Mommy, what are they doing"? Naruko asked her mother. Tilting her head like that of a dog. A fact that made her look all the cuter and ensured she would have many a boy chasing after her in the years to come.

"It's your classroom dear, you two are in number seven". Kushina replied before she quickly returned to her conversation with the matriarch of the Uchiha clan. What neither Naruto nor Naruko noticed were the eyes of a particular duck butt-haired Uchiha as he watched them from afar.

-

Soon both Naruto and Naruko were inside their assigned classroom. Their sensei was a young man by the name of Iruka Umino. He had a nasty-looking scar that ran atop his nose and his hair was done up in a ponytail that sat fairly high on his head. He was currently busy handing out the day's assignment. It only took the two about five minutes before both Naruto and Naruko handed in their day's assignments.

"You two can't possibly be done already, I just gave you both your assignment a few minutes ago." Iruka said as he carefully took hold of both of their papers. Quickly reading over the two assignments he couldn't find a single wrong answer. He had never in his life seen such vast knowledge from one so young much less from two. Even more so when this was their first day of school and he had only covered the most basic stuff so far. Iruka couldn't help but eye the two children before him with utter amazement. It was one thing to have a genius in a class but having two was a virtual impossibility outside of the Nara clan. So he did the only thing he could do in this unusual situation and gave them both perfect scores.

-

The following weeks progressed in much the same way. The pair would be given a task only for them to then proceed to shatter all expectations. Everything from their taijutsu proficiency to their high weapons mastery was shown for all to see. It didn't take long before both of them were the envy of not only their classmates but the school as a whole. Soon fan clubs were being formed. Ino being his fan girl formed the Naruto fan club that included the likes of Hinata Hyuga, Sakura Haruno alongside countless other powerful and influential future clan heads from both ninja and non-ninja clans. Kiba Inuzuka meanwhile formed the Naruko fan club that included himself and Sasuke Uchiha alongside many others. When asked why he had joined the fan club Sasuke promptly punched the dog-loving boy squarely in the face. From that day onwards he was never again asked that and he liked it that way.

-

Meanwhile, inside the Hokage tower, Hiruzen was busy with typical administration business that came with the job of Hokage. Namely dealing with the endless towers of paperwork that entered his office. He knew from the many reports being sent his way that the two siblings would more than likely be pushed into the more advanced courses next year. That is if the ANBU didn't try making a play for the two before then. He knew Kakashi would do all he could to ensure the two were kept safe. But he also knew that an ANBU training facility wasn't really a place for a child much less two. But what could he do? He had to look out for the safety of the village as a whole. He knew that his attachment to the two would be seen as a weakness. A weakness he was sure his war-hawk of a teammate would no doubt try to use to better position himself as the next choice for Hokage. Such a world was best avoided at all possible costs. Just as he had that thought Kakashi entered the room donning his ANBU armor and mask.

"What news have you for me today"? Hiruzen asked the 23-year-old.

"Both Naruto and Naruko have once again aced their test's". Kakashi replied before he continued with his report. "The ANBU commanders are all breathing down my neck at this rate". Kakashi told him with a sigh that he knew was caused by the stress of having to keep telling them no. Hiruzen wasn't at all surprised. Who would be after all the two had already shattered several long-standing records and it didn't look to be slowing down any time soon. If the pair kept going at the rate they were going he would have no choice but to jump them up to third-year classes.

"Tell them the two will finish the school year, we can talk about any possible moves after that and no sooner". Hiruzen said with a tired sigh. He wasn't nearly as young as he had been the first time around and his aging body was starting to degrade even with his daily training. He was by all means still a force to be reckoned with but he was a far cry from where he was in his youth and he was sure Kakashi knew that just as well as he himself did.

"What if they press the issue, sir? Kakashi asked the older man. "We can't keep putting this off. We both know that the pair will be in the ANBU forces if not by your order than by the village council". Kakashi said. His lone eye looked to his leader with a look the Hokage knew was born of worry and overall weariness. Hiruzen eyed the man before him long and hard. He was loyal to his Hokage. He knew that for a fact. But he also knew his power was becoming less and less each passing day. The nine tails attack had done a good job at fracturing the village as a whole and like blood from a recently made cut his power was slowly bleeding away to nothing. Hiruzen got up and slowly made his way over to the window that overlooked the village. He could see the first of the many street lights just now turning on. He had always hated this part of being the Hokage. But he had a role to play and he would play it out until the end.

"War my boy, we shall have war". Hiruzen said simply. The setting sun cast the room in long shadows that made the room feel colder than it actually was.

-

The school year was now coming to an end. It came as no great surprise to anyone in Konohagakure when both Naruto and Naruko were given the top student awards unanimously. Something that pleased their mother immensely. She could even be seen for days afterward talking the ear off of anyone who was foolish enough to give her the time to tell it. Something that made both Naruto and Naruko go red in the face. But not all was well in the village. Far from it in fact. The many factions had grown and it was now becoming increasingly more common for council meetings to become little more than a verbal battleground. If something wasn't done soon the village would likely be in a state of civil war.

-

Meanwhile, across the village, Kakashi was currently pacing back and forth in his living room. Something he had been doing increasingly more frequently over the past few weeks. The commanders in the ANBU forces had all but stopped talking to him. Something was going on. Something big was definitely going on of that he was sure. But without any solid proof, he could do nothing but speculate what it was if it was anything at all. He was about to once more resume his pacing when his doorbell rang out. Upon opening the door he was surprised to see Naruto as well as his two biggest fangirls standing outside the door. Once he had hugged both Naruto and Naruko they both took a few steps back.

"Is something the matter"? Kakashi asked the two children.

"Mom is busy with a meeting so you're babysitting us until she is done with it". Naruto replied to the question. Naruko as always hid behind her brother. Kakashi simply nodded before turning his attention on to the only other person standing just outside the small house.

"What about you Ino-chan"? Kakashi asked the future Yamanaka clan head.

"I'm with Naruto". Ino replied as if that was the most obvious thing in the world and would answer why she was here.

"Um...ok then, will make yourselves at home". Kakashi replied to the girl's odd response. "You two know where everything is right"? Kakashi asked the two Uzumaki siblings to which he received two nods. Kakashi eyed Ino's back with no small bit of bewilderment for a time before dismissing it. It wasn't his business to pry into the boy's life after all. Godfather or not.

-

Hiruzen on the other hand was busy dealing with said commanders. The conversation between the ten ANBU commanders was heated. But just as the conversation looked about ready to come to blows the door to the small office opened slowly to reveal one Danzo Shimura.

"Danzo what on earth are you doing here"? Hiruzen asked his old teammate. His guard instantly went up. Nothing good had ever come from his old war-hawk of a teammate. Not once. Danzo said nothing, choosing to instead make his way around the small office eyeing the four portraits of the past Hokage on the wall.

"It's a pity what happened to Minato". Danzo said simply as he continued to eye the portrait of the man.

"That it was". Hiruzen replied carefully. He was ready for whatever game his old teammate was playing. What that game was he didn't rightly know but he would be ready. Whatever it was.

"When were you planning on telling us about the boy"? Danzo asked as he turned to face Hiruzen.

"I have no clue what you're talking about Danzo"? Hiruzen replied. No sooner had the words left his mouth that he felt the unmistakable sensation of ten deadly katanas being pressed up against his neck and various other areas of his body that would kill him in next to no time at all. If Hiruzen was surprised by the blatant act of treason he didn't at all show it. Choosing to instead follow his old teammate with his eyes.

"Hiruzen I, Danzo Shimura current clan head of the Shimura clan, and one of the three village advisers hereby declare article 11 subsection C of the Konohagakure constitution as outlined by lord first". That, however, did force a look of total surprise upon Hiruzen's face.

"You can't possibly be serious"! Hiruzen yelled out in rage only to feel one of the ten katanas cut into his back.

"Do you accept my challenge...or not Hiruzen"? Danzo asked knowing full well he had to. The public disgrace that would befall him and his clan would all but force it upon him. Seeing no possible way out Hiruzen began to slowly grind his teeth together before he replied.

"I, Hiruzen Sarutobi current clan head of the Sarutobi clan, and Hokage of Konohagakure do hereby accept the challenge of one Danzo Shimura for the sole right of Hokage". With that done the ten katanas that only seconds before were ready to end him were removed. Soon followed up by both the ANBU (Root) and Danzo leaving his office. Once they were gone Hiruzen fell into his seat eyeing the portrait of Minato as if he was telepathically asking the man for advice. The portrait said nothing. Hiruzen wasn't at all surprised by that fact.

-

The sun was now low in the sky by the time Kushina had come to pick up her two children. Ino having been picked up by her father hours before. However, her face held no joy that was typical of the woman. Kakashi upon seeing this quickly asked her what was the matter.

"Danzo...he". Kushina began before she broke out into tears.

"What about him"? Kakashi asked her once again. This time with an ever-growing concern.

"He has declared article 11". Kakashi could do nothing but be stunned by the bold declaration.

"When will it happen"? Kakashi asked hoping beyond all reason that this was all a joke. A terrible terrible joke. But knowing deep down that this was very much real.

"Noon tomorrow". Was all she could say before once more breaking out into tears. Kakashi could do nothing but hold the woman he viewed as a second mother in his arms.

"Damn you Danzo damn you to hell". Kakashi said under his breath.

AN: Sorry for the late update but I sort of forgot I had this story on here lol. I had so much other stuff that I just track of the speed at which I was updating my posts on this forum. Anyway, after about half a year of waiting here is the fourth chapter of this story. I hope you all enjoy it.
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Chapter 4: The Family Reunion.
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As Danzo walked outside the Hokage tower one fact was made very clear to him. The village was now truly in a state of utter chaos. Dozens of thick black columns of smoke could be seen rising all over the village. What few ninja could be spared were quickly being dispatched to put out the many small fires that now threatened to destroy what the invaders had not hit with their cannon shells. He had only made it about midway down the sizeable tower when he had heard the unmistakable sound of the village walls falling. In the distance, he could just make out the banners of both the Land Of Iron and the Land Of Whirlpools flapping in the air as their forces stormed through the opening now left behind them. The now setting sun gave the attacking army an almost holy-like glow as if the sage himself was blessing their deeds this day. The mere sight was nothing less than an insult to him personally. He had coveted the position of Hokage nearly all of his 64 years of life and he wasn't about to lose it all now. "When I'm done with you treacherous samurai the Land Of Iron will be nothing but a pile of ash under my feet. I will see to that." Danzo muttered to himself as he moved forward. His lone eye held an intensity unseen since his field days as a Jounin. Back when he was the equal of any of the best shinobi of the leaf. The sheer thought that now that he had finally gained the hat he had so coveted nearly all his life was now being threatened by these upstarts was something he just wouldn't allow to stand. He would see to it that every last one paid for their audacity and blatant disrespect. He would coat his blade with the blood of those who dared stand against him this day and every day that followed. He was Danzo Shimura, the Godaime of the hidden leaf.

-

Meanwhile, Ashina and the others had quickly taken the two obviously malnourished children to one of the many medical tents that now littered the area around the village. It was there that Tsunade finally laid her eyes on them. When she did she knew in her heart that Danzo had to go. Painfully would be the most preferable way if she had any say on the matter. Jiraiya shared the sentiment wholeheartedly. This was simply unforgivable. Hokage or otherwise this was just too much for the two highly skilled ninja to overlook. The pair looked about ready to die and she was unsure if anything the doctors did would matter in the end.

"Will they live"? Tsunade asked as she walked over to the two. In her expert opinion, the two children were maybe a day or two away from death. The emotions she was feeling at that moment was nearly too much and it was only due to Jiraiya's hand on her shoulder that she was able to rein in her emotions enough to not race into the village and find the man responsible for this act of utter cruelty.

"It's far too early to tell but we'll do our best". One of the many medics replied. Just as the medic said this Naruto woke up and immediately tried to get up from his bed. But he was quickly lowered back onto the thin mattress.

"Where is my sister? Where is Naruko"? Naruto asked looking frantically all around for her. Still very much the protective older brother. Even now in his half-dead state.

"She is being taken care of right now. She'll be back in a few more minutes don't you worry child". The very same medic replied in a calm tone of voice. The news seemed to put him at ease as he finally relaxed. It was at this time that Jiraiya made himself known to the boy.

"Hello Naruto, I'm Jiraiya, I taught your father". Jiraiya said as he extended his hand to the boy. Naruto took it happily and gave him a very weak handshake.

"It's nice to finally meet you, mother talks about you all the time". Jiraiya was sure that anything she had to say about him was anything but flattering but he was nevertheless pleased the boy knew who he was. Given his young age, he doubted most children knew who he was by mere name alone.

"What does she say about me"? He asked the boy.

"That you're a skilled ninja and that father was lucky to have had you be his sensei". Naruto replied before his body demanded sleep and his eyes closed. Soon after his admittedly loud snores filled the tent making everybody break out into a fit of giggles.

-

Meanwhile, back inside Konohagakure Kushina was currently racing to the gap that now existed in the village's northernmost wall. Only being slowed by the fallen debris from the cannons that still occasionally rained down onto the village. But she had quickly noticed that none of the shots ever hit any of the many residential districts. That oddity alone wouldn't have stopped or even slowed her down. But seeing the banner of her old home village sure as hell would. "That's impossible. I'm the only one left". She muttered to herself. "Unless that old bastard lied to me". The mere thought alone was enough to make her chakra briefly visible. That was if anybody had been around to have seen it. None were, however. But before she could go on the warpath hunting Danzo down somebody else had found her first.

"Kushina? Is that you"? A boyish voice asked from behind her. Turning around she saw a young man with short reddish hair and mint green eyes.

"Kazuki is that you"? Kushina asked. Both eyed the other for all of a moment before they gave each other a long deep hug.

"I'm so happy you're still alive"! Kushina said happily.

"Why wouldn't I be"? Kazuki asked giving her a very confused look.

"Wasn't the village destroyed"? Kushina asked.

"No. Uzushiogakure was attacked that's true but we repealed the attackers. The village itself is fine. We only lost some of the outermost outposts and even then the loss of life was miniscule". Kazuki said before he asked. "Who told you it was gone"?

"Danzo. He told me it was attacked and lost back when I was just a Chunin". She quickly replied. This in turn only made her want to hunt Danzo down even more. As if summoned by that very thought Danzo soon appeared from around a street corner.

-

Danzo eyed the two ninja that now stood before him looking for any and all openings. He could find none as was expected. She was an ANBU after all. A captain at that. One of the very best the village had ever produced. As he did Kushina pulled out her katana as did Kazuki. Danzo's own blade was already covered in blood. Some of it still dripping onto the ground below.

"What luck, two more of you to kill". Danzo said in a sickeningly happy tone of voice. A tone of voice that was totally out of place coming from a man such as he. His sword at the ready for the attack he was sure to come.

"You lied to me you old bastard"! Kushina yelled as her chakra began to flare even more than before.

"So what if I did". Danzo replied. "I may have failed to destroy that cesspool you lot call a village but no matter. When I'm done with you I'll personally see to its destruction myself". Danzo said before launching himself at the two before him.

-

Danzo moved far faster than one would expect from a man of his years. His attacks were but a blur to the eye. It was only due to Kushina and Kazuki's ninja instincts that saved them from Danzo's lightning-fast attacks. But once the two had gotten used to his speed his advantage over them all but disappeared. As the battle continued Danzo quickly began to realize he was simply outclassed. "I...will...not lose to you". Danzo said clearly exhausted from the long battle.

"Danzo see reason. You have lost. The village is falling and when your treachery comes to light your rule will end". Kushina said. Danzo only laughed at her.

"That is where you're wrong. I have no intention of losing to you". Danzo said as he pulled out his trump card. The dragon summoning scroll.

"Is that...it was you"! Kazuki yelled out. His eyes now bore nothing but utter contempt for this man before him. This man needed to die for his transgressions on his people and his village. He would see to it that he did. As slow and as painful as was humanly possible. Soon the whole area was filled with smoke. The massive silhouette of the king of dragons could just be seen inside the cloud. The final showdown was just about to begin.

-

The smoke had only just started to clear from Danzo's summoning when the massive dragon lunged forward only missing the two by just a few mere inches. Both Kushina and Kazuki knew that they had to prove to the king of dragons who they were fast or else they would be his newest meal.

"Kushina I hope you have a plan". Kazuki said nervously. Never once removing his eyes from the dragon that stood mere feet away from them both. She couldn't rightly blame the younger man. Seeing as that last attack had taken a small part of her ninja uniform.

"We make for the opening in the wall then go from there". Kushina said before tossing a few small smoke grenades obscuring his view of them before they both made a mad dash for the gap in the wall.

-

The king of dragons, however, wasn't about to let the pair run off so easily and soon took to the rapidly darkening sky. Unleashing a white-hot stream of fire that burned everything it made contact with. Danzo for his part wasn't too far behind the three being careful never to land atop one of the many burning buildings now left in its wake. But before long the two jumped through the gap in the wall and out into the open field. The many tents now lay abandoned. The many men and women were now inside fighting with the leaf ninja. She hoped that the invaders were winning. She was sure her comrades would soon realize this wasn't an attack. Not really. Seeing as none of the vital infrastructure of the village was being targeted. Nor were any of them being killed. Just incapacitated for a time. The fighting would if it hadn't already be over. At least for them.

-

On the far side of the field inside one of the many medical tents both Tsunade and Jiraiya watched as the two began to battle the massive dragon. Naruko had long since returned and was now resting peacefully atop her brother's form. His arms encompassed her own smaller form almost as soon as she was beside him as if by sheer instinct. A bed had been free for her to use but she had made it clear to them all that she was dead set on being with her brother. Not that they minded at all. It was probably for the best anyway. This wasn't really something they should see. Should the regrettable come to pass.

-

The once green field was now a barren landscape. Trees had been uprooted and were now on their sides. Large swaths of land were now burning uncontrollably. Both had done everything they could but nothing had worked. The massive dragon's hide was far too thick for their kunai to do much more than bounce off harmless upon the now blackened soil of the field. Their swords only left a few small minor scratches. Nothing too serious. It didn't much matter anyway seeing as both were now broken and discarded a few feet away from the pair.

"I guess this is it Kushina-same". Kazuki said. All his hope was now gone. Kushina, however, wasn't having any of that and hit him in the back of the head.

"We'll find a way to win. Now start looking for a weakness of some kind". Kushina ordered the younger Uzumaki.

"Like what"? Kazuki asked still rubbing the back of his head but nevertheless complying with the order.

"There on the back of his neck it's some kind of seal. That must be what's making him attack us. Can you remove it"? Kazuki asked. She looked at it and nodded.

"Yes, but I'll need you to keep him busy. Also, keep an eye out for Danzo I know he's around. He may try something". Kushina said before jumping into the trees. Her timing had to be perfect or else he may see her and eat her whole. Even she knew that this was it. If this should fail she would likely die. That thought alone terrified her to her core. Who would care for her Naruto-kun and Naruko-chan? No, she would live. She wouldn't allow even the king of dragons to best her this day. She was the wife of the 4th Hokage. An elite ANBU who had fought tooth-and-nail for her captaincy and lastly she was a mother with two beautiful children not far away. She had seen the two legendary ninja and had caught a glimpse of her two small children sleeping. She need only end this and she would be able to hold her baby's in her arms once again.

Kazuki had been forced to jump away from yet another lunge from the dragon king. But he had managed to place him right next to Kushina. So a minor success. He was however still worried. Danzo never tried anything. Not once. Had he run off? Was he just buying his time until the last possible moment to attack? He honestly didn't know and if he was being totally honest he wasn't sure it would even matter. Seeing as he was running on the fumes of fumes. How he was still upright was nothing short of a miracle. But then he had heard it. The most beautiful sound in his whole life.

"Release". At once the dragon king stopped and just looked at the tiny human. Not even the smallest of movements to attack. He just stood in place as if waiting to be told why on earth he was now in the middle of a burning battlefield. The battle was finally over. The invasion was finally over. But most of all Naruto and Naruko were safe and for Kushina that was all that mattered.

-

A few days later with the reconstruction work already underway both Naruto and Naruko could be seen standing next to gate three. "Brother are you ok"? Naruko asked. Her traveling bag lay next to her on the ground.

"Yeah, I'm fine Naruko-chan. It's just we'll be gone for a long time. I just want to memorize every little detail". Naruto said before hugging her.

"You two ready to go"? Ashina said slowly walking up. The others had already left for home. They were to be one of the last to go. After all with a council member leaving as well as a notable ninja paperwork had to be filed. Like a lot of paperwork. Like towers and towers of the stuff. How anything ever got done in the village was a total mystery to the man.

"Yeah". The two kids said before they slowly made their way down the dirt road. A whole new chapter of their lives was just about to begin. One that would test them and forge the very beginning of their legendary ninja careers.

-

Whatever Naruto or Naruko had expected before they had crested the hill they could now honestly say they were blown away by the sheer size of the village that now lay before them. Even from atop one of the tallest hills that surrounded the village of Uzushiogakure they still couldn't see it in its entirety. The village just seemed to go on forever. Or at the very least as far as they could see before the many hills blocked their view of the rest of it.

Uzushiogakure had always been something their mother spoke of only rarely. To see it first hand had made the two small children understand why that was. Words alone could never do it any real justice. It had to be seen to be fully understood. The village walls made the ones back in Konohagakure look like some small child's sandcastle. That is to say that an invasion of the village was nearly impossible if not already doomed for failure from the very start unless the village was attacked by most of the great powers of the elemental nations. Seeing as such an attack seemed to be nothing more than some madman's paranoid daydreams the pair had very little to worry about in that respect. Walking ever deeper into the massive village that was to be their new home the pair couldn't help but marvel at the many new sights and sounds. They could see and hear the many blacksmiths hammering upon their medals as they forged and reshaped their medals into more useable things. Such as swords, kunai, and ninja stars. They could see the shop owners selling their wares to many a passerby as well as the many small children playing hide-and-go-seek and other such games in the many parks situated all over the sizeable village. Naruto had even attempted to sneak off and play with them once or twice. But Kushina wasn't an ANBU captain for nothing and easily stopped her son from his would-be escape attempts. Naruko all the while completely failing to hold in her laughter. The pair moved their heads left and right up and down so much that the two kids had a very mild case of whiplash by the time they had gotten to their new home.
-

"Welcome to your new home. Lord Hisao will see you all first thing tomorrow so rest up you two. I don't want to hear that you fell asleep because you didn't get enough rest". Ashina said before closing the door.

"Mother who is lord Hisao"? Naruto asked as soon as the door had been closed.

"He is the current Uzumaki clan head and also our village leader. He is called the Shiokage. He is a very wise and strong man and you two will show him the utmost respect at all times. Am I clear"? Kushina asked already knowing full well the answer.

"Yes, mother we understand". The two said in unison.

-

The very next day the small family of three made their way to the clan heads home. The two guards posted outside gave them all a deep bow. Their eyes locking upon Naruto and Naruko's form before the door closed forcing the pair to resume their past activity.

"That was the crown prince and princess". The younger of the two guards said.

"I know that. Who else could they be? Their mother is lady Kushina for crying out loud". The other man said.

"Wait that was lady Kushina"? The left one replied.

"Yes, now please stop talking you're giving me a migraine ". The right one said angrily.

"Right sorry". The left man said before falling silent once more.

-

The three were quickly escorted to a waiting room not far from his office. "Lord Hisao is busy with a meeting right now. He should be done very soon. Please wait until I come get you". The kind old lady said before bowing deeply to them. With that done they waited. Seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into an hour.

"What's taking him so long"? Naruto yelled out in utter boredom.

"Brother we must be patient like the nice woman said". Naruko said still next to their mother who was busy reading a book about the history of dragons.

"I'm sorry your right Naruko-chan. But I really want to go eat". Naruto replied just before his stomach made itself known. A low growl filled the air.

"I hope that growl wasn't meant for me". The voice of an elderly man said.

"I...um no not at all". Naruto said frantically waving his hands all around.

"He does know I'm joking right"? The man said to Kushina.

"No, best you tell him that or else he may make an even bigger fool of himself". Kushina said with an amused expression.

"Oh, I see". The man said now with the same expression upon his own face. Just then the woman from before entered the room.

"I'm so sor...oh lord Hisao you're...um right I'll...I'll just go". The woman said before slowly backing out of the room. Everybody in the room eyed the now closed door for a few seconds before all of them exploded into a long fit of laughter.

-

Soon after that, the group walked inside his office. Hisao sat behind his desk as Kushina sat opposite him. The two kids sat not far away on one of the many comfy chairs in his office.

"You wish for them to be trained by me"? Hisao asked wanting confirmation.

"That's right". Kushina replied. This, in turn, made the old man eye them both. Long and hard.

"You said they did a full year at your ninja academy right. May I look over their reports"? He asked already knowing the answer but proper procedure demanded that he ask anyway.

"Yes, this should be everything. Will you do it"? Kushina asked him. Hisao took the paperwork and looked it over. He was honestly impressed with what he was seeing.

Naruto Uzumaki: age 6-7.

Taijutsu Mastery: Number 1 (Class size 25).

Weapons Mastery: Number 1 (Class size 20.

Jutsu Mastery: Number 1 (Class size 25).

Track Times.

1:28 minute: Easy. Average time (1:48).

1:55 minute: Medium. Average time: (2:12).

2:10 minutes: Hard. Average time: (2:47).

Naruko's own were much the same as her brothers being the runner-up in just about everything.

"I'll do it. But this isn't going to be as easy. I'm going to push them to the utmost. Do you understand"? Hisao asked her worried about the two.

"I'm sure they can handle it. I trained them personally. They are used to such things. Kakashi even helped me with their training when I couldn't from time to time." Kushina said taking the paperwork back and placing it inside a small scroll.

"Will ok if you're sure. We'll start in a few days. We'll begin with the basics and see how it goes". Hisao said and with that, the meeting was over and the small family went home. For both Naruto and Naruko, a whole new chapter of their lives had only just begun.

Chapter 6: The Afterlife.
-
Ino looked herself over in the mirror. She just couldn't help but to go over every last minute detail. She was about to go on her first true date. Sure she had taken her life-long best friends Choji Akimichi and Shikamaru Nara out to eat on numerous occasions over the past few years but this time would be different. This was a date with one Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. Son of the fourth Hokage and without question one of the best the village has ever had the honor of producing. Even seven years after his departure many still talked highly of his time at the ninja academy. Namely, because both he and his sister still held claim to most of the newest records.

-

Naruto for his part was busy drying himself off from his shower. His hair still felt moist but he was sure by the time he made his way to Ino's house it would be dry. As he walked down to the kitchen he eyed Ashina trying to cook a meal. Keyword being tried seeing as all he ended up doing was flooding the whole house with copious amounts of black smoke and the smell of a meal now ruined.

"Sorry. I'm used to a campfire". Ashina said backing away from the stove. His arms up as if he was surrendering.

"I'll cook the food in this house from now on uncle Ashina". Naruko said in a no-nonsense tone.

"Fine by me. Just don't kill me with your cooking". Ashina joked only to see Naruko eye the man with a deadpan expression.

"Try not to get yourself killed uncle. Naruko is just as bad as mother when she is upset". Naruto said before making his exit. The sound of a pan hitting the door told him he made it out just in time.

-

It only took him about ten minutes to make the trip to the other side of the village. Jumping down to the street level he rang the doorbell and waited patiently. No sooner had he rang the bell the sound of footsteps quickly making their way to the door could be heard.

The door soon opened and out walked Ino. Her hair was done up in her traditional ponytail however her kimono was nothing short of stunning. Naruto just couldn't help but eye the girl up and down.

"Like what you see Naruto-kun". Ino asked with a hint of a light blush.

"How could I not Ino-chan your quite a sight to behold". Naruto replied with his own blush. The two soon were off walking the somewhat busy streets of Konohagakure. It wasn't long before the pair stopped in front of a small ramen shop.

"Ichiraku Ramen. Why haven't I ever heard of this place"? Naruto asked Ino. He absolutely loved all things ramen. The fact this place existed and that he didn't know about it upset him somewhat.

"It's new Naruto-kun. It's only been around for the past three years". Ino answered before pulling the door to the small ramen shop open. Naruto nodded in understanding and walked in.

-

The shop was kind of small but it had a homely kind of feel to it. Best of all the place was empty aside from the two of them. Finding a seat near the back the two picked up the menus eyeing the list of available dishes. It wasn't long before a teenage girl walked up to their table.

"Hello, my name is Ayame Ichiraku how may I help you two today"? Ayame asked with a kind smile. The two once more looked over the menu before ordering some tea and a medium and a small-sized bowl of miso ramen. It was only a few minutes before their order came to them.

"So how was it. Your training I mean"? Ino asked as she ate some of her ramen.

"Hisao-sensei worked us both hard. We ran a few miles with chakra-enhanced weights. 1000 repetitions each of push-ups, set-ups, punches, and kicks. He even had us do some chakra control exercises that are much more advanced than what is found inside the academy. Naruto replied. He could tell she was interested in finding out what he did over the past seven years. He wasn't sure why but knowing this made him feel funny. It wasn't a bad feeling just new.

" I saw the dragon the day you came back to the village. Do you also have a dragon"? Ino asked no longer caring for the food.

"Yes I do but he's at home. His name is Miko". Naruto answered before he two pushed aside his bowl and called Ayame over.

Yes, how can I help you two". She asked.

"We're done can we get the bill please". Naruto asked as he and Ino place the bowls and cups upon the tray.

"Ok, let's see your cost comes to 15.75$". Ayame replied before being given the money. But just as the two were about to exit a middle-aged man walked up.

"Hi, my name is Teuchi Ichiraku. I'm the owner of this place. May I ask you for your name son". Teuchi asked. Naruto looked unsure but in the end, he saw no harm in humoring the man.

"Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze". Naruto replied.

So you're the fourth Hokage's boy I see. I must say I was imagining somebody much older than you. You should be proud. Feel free to come again soon I would love to tell you about my ninja days". Teuchi said before turning around and re-entering the kitchen. Naruto eyed the door until he felt Ino lightly shake his shoulder.

"You ok Naruto-kun"? Ino asked looking concerned for her date.

"Yeah, Ino I'm fine. He just caught me off-guard is all. I would never have guessed he was ever a ninja". Naruto said before the two walked out of the shop and into the now-empty streets. The moon was now high in the sky.

-

It wasn't long before they were back at Ino's place.

"I had a good time Naruto-kun. Hopefully, our ninja duty's will allow us to do this again soon". Ino said before quickly placing a light kiss on his cheek before running back inside.

"Me to Ino-chan. Me too". Naruto said before he turned and walked up the street. What he failed to notice was the masked ninja atop a nearby rooftop.

"Lord Danzo would want to know this". The masked ninja said to himself before disappearing Into the night.

-

Naruto jumped out of bed and ran downstairs. For today was the day of his genin exam and while it was true he hadn't attended the ninja academy he was allowed by the Hokage due to his unusual circumstances. Naruko's own exam was scheduled for tomorrow. Just as he entered the kitchen Naruko placed his plate of three strips of bacon and eggs with a cup of orange juice down upon the table

"Naruko have you seen uncle? I was hoping he could give me a few more kunai and ninja wire". Naruto said as he ate the basic meal.

"No. He left before I came down. He did leave a note, however". Naruko said before placing the red post-It note on the table.

"He's playing cards again". Naruto said after reading the note with an annoyed look forming on his face. He loved his uncle to bits, but at times the man could be a bit of a financial black hole. He would send Miko to his mother to inform her of this after the genin exam. Maybe with her telling him to stop being so irresponsible with their money, he may stop though he doubted that very much. The man simply loved playing cards too much to stop.

"You should go. By the way, Tsunade is coming over if you like I could ask her to help you with some chakra control exercises". Naruko said as she busied herself with cleaning up.

"No. I'm sure Kakashi-sensei will have us do that anyway". Naruto replied as he gave Naruko a kiss on the cheek before exiting the house and making his way to training ground seven.

-

Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke all waited for Naruto to enter the training ground. Kakashi was busy reading a small green-colored book away from the two genin hopefuls. As for Sasuke, he was busy looking at a small locket in his hand. Inside it was a photograph of both he and his girlfriend of three years Karin Uchiha. Sakura was busy skipping stones failing to get much more than three skips before the stones would fall to the watery depths below. Just as she was about to fire off her fourth set of stones (eight in each set so she fired 24 stones) Naruto entered the training ground.

-

Upon seeing this Kakashi closed his book and jumped down from the tree as the others soon stood side-by-side ramrod straight.

"As you all know today is your genin exam. The test you all took three days ago was to see if you had the potential. Today we see if that can be realized. Who wants to go first"? Kakashi asked eyeing all three but he had a feeling who would go first.

"I will Kakashi-sensei". Naruto replied as he took a few steps forward. Kakashi simply nodded his head as the two other genin hopefuls backed away. Naruto unsealed his sword and got ready for the fight.

"No holding back Kakashi-sensei". Naruto said before he fired himself at Kakashi. Kakashi temporarily caught off guard barely managed to raise his own sword in defense. Sparks flew before the two jumped away.

"I must say that's some speed Naruto-kun. A few more years and your father may be beaten in the speed department". Kakashi said with clear pride in his voice.

"I must thank you Kakashi-sensei for the kind words but I must confess I have been holding back". Naruto announced before removing what looked to be leg warmers.

"Kai". Naruto said softly before dropping them onto the soft grass below. The sound they made upon hitting the ground made even Kakashi's eyes widen in disbelief.

"How...how much weight is that Naruto-kun"? Kakashi asked.

"500 pounds each". Naruto said as he busied himself with a few stretches.

"That's one-thousand pounds. How can you even move with that much weight"? Kakashi asked now even more blown away. Was he even human? He wasn't even sure anymore.

"With chakra of course". Naruto replied before once more retaking his stance. Upon seeing this so too did he. Kakashi wasn't yet ready to use his Sharingan but if he was that fast before he may need to.

-

Meanwhile, both Sasuke and Sakura couldn't believe their eyes. A mere genin was holding his own against a highly skilled jonin. Sure Naruto had been hit a fair few times in the last few minutes but still, he was on a whole other level. Sasuke's eyes darkened with jealousy. He wanted that kind of power for his own. As for Sakura, all she could see were brief flashes of them fighting. Was she expected to have such skill and mastery of her ninja skills? She was far better at the theory than its application but she would push herself even more. She refused to be the weak link on the team.

-

Kakashi was amazed Naruto was really pushing him. Sure he hadn't yet activated his Sharingan but even so the skill and mastery he was showing would easily place him at low chunin at least. Just as he was about to resume the battle he noticed that Naruto had stopped.

"What's the matter Naruto-kun"? Kakashi asked.

"Nothing Kakashi-sensei. I just won is all". Naruto replied before pulling on nearly invisible ninja wire. Being unable to move Kakashi called the match. No sooner had he done that the wire fell away.

"I must say that's some skill Naruto-kun". Kakashi said.

"You held back Kakashi-sensei. I asked you to go all out". Naruto said annoyed at the man's reluctance.

"I didn't want to hurt you". Kakashi replied.

"We are to be ninja Kakashi holding back does your team a disservice". Naruto fired back hotly before turning around and walking out of the training ground. Kakashi could only stand eyeing the boy's back. He did have a point but could his team make the cut with his standards raised. That he didn't know but for now he had to test the others though he doubted very much that they would be of the same caliber. Nevertheless, he would no longer hold back at least for Naruto.

-

Meanwhile many miles away a masked ninja dropped from the treetops.

"Do you have anything for me"? Danzo asked outstretching his hand.

"That I do my lord. Naruto looks to be in a budding relationship with Ino Yamanaka". The masked ninja replied in a monotone voice.

"Anything else"? Danzo asked.

"Yes. The updated Invasion protocols and bunker locations my lord". The masked ninja replied and when he said no more Danzo dismissed him and in seconds he was gone.

"How much longer Orochimaru"? Danzo asked without turning.

"Two to three months. My toys should be ready by then. Orochimaru replied his robes covered in blood.

"So near the end of the Chunin exams. Works for me". Danzo said with a smile forming on his new younger face.

-

Over the past few weeks team seven had done everything from pulling up weeds in the many parks in the village to walking the dogs from not only the Inuzuka clan but also the more wealthy villagers to even the painting of fences. All in all a total waste of their time as far as they were concerned. But with each successful :mission: hope grew that the next one would be something more worthwhile. It was why they were now standing in front of the Hokage. His hat shadowing most of his face.

"Team seven, good your just the team I need". Shikaku said before digging into his desk and handing Kakashi a small red scroll. Upon quickly reading it Kakashi gave the man a respectful bow and he and his team soon departed for gate three.

-

Tazuna had been waiting patiently for nearly an hour and still, his team had yet to arrive. Just as he was about to turn and complain to the poor chunin that happened to be stationed at gate three team seven finally came into view. Kakashi as always had his trusty green book nearly touching his face. His lone eye was moving to and fro over the page before he turned it. Naruto stood to his right, Sasuke to his left, and Sakura from behind.

"What the hell is this. I asked for a team of ninja not a bunch of snot-nosed kids". Tazuna said before the cold sensation of metal touching skin forced his eyes to move from Kakashi's lone eye to Naruto's own cold cerulean eyes.

"We are still in the village. Should we turn back now and cancel this mission". Naruto said with an edge before removing the knife from the man's throat. But he made sure to nick the man. Just a little before he did so.

"Naruto that wasn't very nice". Kakashi said in a disappointed tone. But he saw no real need to do much more than a simple warning to the boy. The cut itself wasn't much more than a simple scratch. A day or two and it would be gone on its own.

"Sorry Kakashi-sensei". Naruto replied as he and his teammates walked past the gates. Tazuna wasn't too far behind. A bit more fearful of the boy than he was only seconds before.

"Kakashi-sensei what's the mission"? Sakura asked seeing as none of her two male teammates looked to care. They were just happy to be going out of the Land Of Fire for a mission.

"Oh right let's see". Kakashi said before pulling the mission scroll back out and reading the mission details aloud to the three genin.

Land Of Waves rank: C.

Payment: 125,000 Yen.

Escort client Tazuna back to his village. Protect from highway bandits and other such threats. The mission ends with the completion of his bridge.

Estimated time of completion: Two to three weeks.

"Sounds to me like a standard C-rank mission". Kakashi said as he rolled up the scroll and placed it back inside one of his many pockets. At his words, Tazuna flinched though none of them had noticed.

-

Days later team seven had officially entered The Land Of Waves. The smell of the sea told them as much.

"We are only a few miles out from the village but keep an eye out just in case". Kakashi said not once moving his eye from the page he was now on. The three genin only nodded their heads in acknowledgment of the order. Naruto was the first to see the misplaced puddle on the side of the dirt road. Whoever was hiding inside was but a novice in camouflaging themselves seeing as it hadn't rained in many days. With but a nearly imperceptible nod of his head Sasuke fired off a weak fireball jutsu at it. Soon after two masked ninja jumped out but before they could do much more than that their chain was shattered by Naruto's own sword.

"Sakura keep Tazuna safe. We will deal with them". Naruto said before he and Sasuke jumped away from the two enemy ninja. The demon brothers soon recovered from their momentary shock and surprise before beginning to fight the two genin. However, they soon discovered the two were anything but your run-of-the-mill genin. Still, they were chunin level ninja. They both had the needed skills to deal with even the most advanced of genin. Naruto fired off a set of kunai and ninja stars but none of them had landed.

"Shit they're too fast. Sasuke have you unlocked your Sharingan yet"? Naruto asked hoping he had. But his hope was forever dashed when Sasuke shook his head in the universal sign for no. At that Naruto's mind raced with backup plans and back-ups to the back-ups. He had a fairly good idea on their speed based on what he had read in his bingo book and his attempts to hit them only a few seconds before. Naruto telepathically sent his plan to Sasuke. A useful ninja skill Hisao had taught him over his many years of training.

"Plan seven are you sure"? Sasuke asked telepathically. His voice was laced with no small bit of uncertainty at the plan.

"I'm sure unless you have a better idea". Naruto sent back over the mental link. Soon Sasuke nodded his head and the two jumped into the treetops to set the plan in motion.

The demon brothers eyed the pair carefully looking for any openings to exploit. Finding none the two got ready for whatever the boys were about to do. The two didn't need to wait all that long as a thin wire soon shot out. That was easily avoided. Soon another shot out then another on and on for nearly a full minute. With no clear pattern, the two hadn't realized that they were slowly being trapped until it was already too late.

"Now"! Sasuke yelled over the link and with that the ninja wire encircled them cutting into them like barbed wire. It was at this time Kakashi jumped down from one of the many trees overlooking the dirt road before walking slowly over to the downed pair. Taking them both he walked deeper into the woods. Seconds later the two yelled out in absolute agony. This lasted for nearly an hour.

"Naruto, Sasuke good job with dealing with them". Kakashi said before his eye turned to the older man.

"Now care to tell me why you have chunin level ninja after you Tazuna"? Kakashi asked with an edge that told the older man not to even try to lie.

"We didn't have the money for a higher-ranked mission. We barely had enough as it is". Tazuna said with a mix of fear and sadness in his voice.

"Why is that? Naruto asked overhearing the conversation before he too walked over to the two men.

"Gato he taxes everything. He showed up nearly ten years ago and started buying up everything. At first, everything was great but after he had gained a monopoly he started his reign of terror.

"Gato you say. I know of him". Naruto said surprising everybody around him. None more so than Tazuna himself.

"You do...how"? Tazuna asked.

"Believe it or not Uzushiogakure is only a hundred or so miles north of the Land Of Waves. So people talk about this place quite often. So I looked him up once I got the chance. Konohagakure has a civilian branch in its library so it wasn't all that hard to do". Naruto replied before turning to Kakashi.

"We should help him. I can send Miko to request reinforcements. He'll be faster than your dogs". Naruto said before Kakashi could even say a word. Kakashi eyed his team. Sasuke looked ready to fight if need be as did Sakura.

"This is now a B-rank mission you understand that right. You may not have the skills needed for this mission". Kakashi said worried for his teams safety.

"We're ninja we understand the risks but he needs our help. We're nearly at the village anyway we may as well try". Sasuke said finally joining in on the conversation. Sakura also voiced her opinion with a slight nod. Seeing he was now hopelessly outvoted he agreed to continue the mission.

-

It wasn't long before team seven saw Tazuna's home village. The sight of both its people as well as the overall appearance told them everything that they needed to know. Gato had to go. Kakashi being an ANBU would likely be the one to do that task should their backup not arrive in time.

"My homes just a few minutes out". Tazuna said pointing to a house on top of a nearby hill. By contrast his home was in far better condition. But that wasn't really saying much. At any rate it wouldn't fall down in a strong wind. Once he and his team of ninja entered the modest home the smell of food guided them to the kitchen. Upon entering team seven could see a woman with long black hair busy cooking as she hummed a tune known only to her.

"Dear I'm back and this is our newest guests". Tazuna said getting the woman's attention. Upon hearing his voice the woman turned and quickly hugged him tightly.

"Mother I'm". Was as far as the boy got before his eyes landed upon his grandfather. He like his mother before him made a beeline to the older man burying his face into the man's chest.

"I missed you so much". The boy said as he continued to cry.

"I'm fine Inari and look we have ninja to help us save our village". Tazuna said before the boy eyed the four ninja before turning on his heel and running back to his room.

"I'm sorry about him. He's been really upset ever since his father was killed last year by Gato". Tazuna explained to them. Looks of understanding could be seen on their faces soon after. Still, they were helping to save his village. He could at the very least be a bit more grateful Naruto thought to himself as he and his teammates soon took a seat at the table

-

Meanwhile, Gato was busy dealing with his own masked ninja by the name of Zabuza Momochi. He just so happened to have the man's sizeable sword at his throat.

"Now I'm sure we can come up with something to your liking". Gato said as the bodies of his men lay motionless mere feet away.

"Don't take me for a fool you midget I know your game and I will not fall for it. Payment now or I walk". Zabuza said as his sword moved ever closer to his throat.

"Deal...deal just kill him". Gato said as a small puddle soon formed on the innately decorated tiled floor.

"Haku take the money from the safe. All the money". Zabuza said as the girl left the room. Gato for his part said nothing. He was greedy not stupid. He could always make more money. But just as Haku reentered the room Gato soon fell upon the floor. Two puddles now existed on the floor.

It wouldn't be long before Zabuza would make himself known to team seven. The fate of the Land Of Waves now rested on how that battle would unfold.

-

In the past few days, team seven had been hard at work training just in case something far worse was coming their way. Their backup had finally arrived around mid-day of the third day of being in Wave country. That backup came in the form of two ANBU known only as Deer and Bear. The two masked ninja had made camp just outside of Tazuna's house on the outskirts of the forest.

"Again". Kakashi yelled out as Naruto failed to get to the top of his tree. Admittedly his tree was a fairly sizeable one. Being a good twenty or so feet taller than Sasuke or Sakura's own.

"The boy shows promise Kakashi. He would". Was as far as Deer got before Kakashi raised his hand cutting the man off mid-sentence.

"That is neither up to you nor me to make. It is up to Lord sixth to decide. But yes that he does". Kakashi replied as he continued to watch his genin team train. Just then Tazuna walked up to the three highly skilled ninja. In his hand lay a green-colored book. As soon as Kakashi saw the book in the older man's hand he quickly took it and jumped into the nearest tree and began to read it happily. Tazuna for his part said nothing. He had grown used to the man's odd obsession over the erotic novels over the past few days.

"So your Kakashi's client"? Deer asked as his teammate and lifelong friend Bear was busy eyeing Naruto. He could see his untapped potential. He was way above a genin and even a fair few chunin. It was only due to his relative inexperience that kept him from wearing the green vest of chunin and above.

"Naruto-kun can you please come down I want a word with you". Bear said as he watched the yellow-haired boy jump down from the tree with but the lightest of thuds.

"What is it, Bear"? Naruto asked somewhat winded from his training.

"I wish to spar with you. I'll set myself at mid-chunin level and rise it as I see fit". Bear said as he entered his stance. Naruto, in turn, entered his own. Both eyed the other waiting for some kind of signal to begin. It came in the form of a leaf landing softly onto the cool grass. At once both of them jumped back and began to run through hand signs. Bear unsurprisingly was the first to finish his set and fire off his attack.

"Earth Style: Thousand Spikes". Bear said as the ground around Naruto became a mess of spikes jutting out of the ground in all possible directions. Naruto, in turn, was forced to jump into the relative safety of the trees before he too let loose his own attack. Soon Bear saw no fewer than ten copies of Naruto in the treetops but it was clear to him that he was using a far less useful variant. One that was poorly suited to the situation.

"Stop". Bear said before the boy could do anything. Naruto, in turn, jumped down from his tree still ready should this be some kind of trap. A fact that made the oversize man happy. To anybody else, Naruto looked relaxed but to his trained eyes he was anything but. He was ready to attack should the need arise.

"I wish to show you a far better variant. One far better for your skillset". Bear said as he showed Naruto the more advanced hand signs.

"Now you try". Bear said as Naruto did just that. Soon four copies appeared in the temporary training field.

"Man, that's hard". Naruto said once he was done performing the jutsu. It made him feel weaker but he quickly noticed the clear improvements.

"It has a shadow". Naruto said in awe.

"It's a physical entity with your skillset. It can be hit once before it ceases to exist unlike your last set of clones". Bear said as he walked over to the boy. In his hand lay a small green pill.

"What's this"? Naruto asked taking the pill from Bears outstretched hand before eyeing it questioningly.

"It's a chakra pill. It'll replenish your chakra reserves". Bear said as he watched as Naruto downed it in less than a second. At once he felt refreshed.

"Shall we continue"? Bear asked the boy upon which he received a nod. It wasn't long before the sounds of fighting filled the area. As it would for nearly a week.

-

Today was the day he would make his attack. Haku had done her work scouting the area. Kakashi was going to be a handful as it was but now he had two other ANBU with him. However, he felt they were only in the area for Gato and his men. Who thanks to Haku and himself no longer existed in the realm of the living. They would likely only help his genin team guard the old man. Still, he would be mindful of the two just in case.

-

Tazuna, Deer, Bear, and team seven walked into the construction area. Workers could be seen moving to and fro. Pouring concrete or moving the heavy machinery to place the next segment to the bridge. All was well until around mid-day as an unusual mist began to roll in covering the south end of the bridge. Soon after all sounds of work ceased.

"Hiraku, Kouki are you guys ok? What the hell is going on over there"? Tazuna asked but he only received silence as his reply. Kakashi, in turn, moved forward as too did Deer and Bear. Their hands already opening their pouches. It wasn't long before the sound of slow, deliberate steps could be heard. Then the outline of a man came into view.

"Zabuza Momochi". Kakashi said his eyes now wide in disbelief. This was no longer a B-rank mission. At best it was now a low A-rank mission. His team wasn't at all ready for this kind of foe. Hell, he doubted even an advanced chunin could survive a confrontation with the man on a good day. By now Deer and Bear had moved alongside Sasuke, Sakura, Tazuna, and Naruto.

"Kakashi the copycat ninja what a pleasant surprise". Zabuza said as his oversized sword dug into the surface of the bridge forming deep grooves in its surface. It wasn't long before Haku also made her appearance known to them all.

"Kill them all". Zabuza said before he launched himself at Kakashi. Soon Haku, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto were busy fighting the masked ninja. But Haku was simply too fast for them easily side-stepping their attacks with relative ease. It wasn't long before Haku took Sakura out of the fight.

Deer and Bear meanwhile had taken Tazuna to the safety of the far end of the bridge. Now all they could do was wait. Now it was up to Sasuke and Naruto to face the masked ninja. Haku eyed the two genin before her carefully. Based on her observations over the past few days the yellow-haired boy was by far the most dangerous. The raven-haired boy was just an above average genin.

Sasuke was the first of the two to make a move firing off a handful of kunai at the masked ninja. All missed their target. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a hard knee to the gut forcing him to the ground or in this case the hard surface of the bridge.

"Grr...you're paying for that". Sasuke said as he spat out a mouthful of blood before trying and failing to stand.

"You're nothing to me boy. You will die this day". Haku said in a cold voice before pulling out her own kunai and plunging it into his leg.

"GRRRRR". Sasuke yelled out in absolute agony before, thankfully being knocked unconscious. With that now done she moved onto Naruto who looked ready to rip her apart. For his part, Naruto only bent down and removed his leg warmers.

"What's that going to do boy? You're still going to die". Haku said in an arrogant tone.

"He'll die if I don't end this fight soon and take care of that. So I'm going all out. You would be wise to do the same". Naruto said before dropping them forming a one-meter-sized crater in the bridge.

"Well...shit". Was the only thought she was able to form before she was sent flying backward at a high rate of speed. Haku quickly recovered from the blow before she started firing ice spears back at the yellow-haired boy. However, with his weights now removed he was simply too fast for her to hit. It wasn't long before Naruto had her in his grip. Haku for her part tried desperately to get away and for that, he tightened his grip upon her throat even more.

-

Kakashi eyed the man before him. A few small cuts ran up and down his body. He wasn't going to lie he wasn't having a good day. Zabuza had dislocated his shoulder. He was now left with only his left hand. This, in turn, made fighting the man even more of a pain in the ass. It was around this time that the sound of something heavy hitting the ground was heard making the two look towards the south end of the bridge. What they saw made Kakashi's eyes widen in disbelief. Haku had lost to Naruto. Zabuza immediately made a beeline for the boy. His sword was already raised for the killing blow. Kakashi knew he didn't have the speed to stop him nor the ability. Seconds later the sound of sword meeting flesh was heard. As was the blood-curdling scream.

-

Naruto could do nothing but stare dumbly at the stump that had only seconds before been his left arm. He didn't even try to resist the tight grip that was now on his throat nor did he even bother to try to escape for he knew in his mind it would be a total waste of time. Zabuza for his part slowly made his way over to the edge and casually launched the boy into the cold uncaring waters more than a hundred or so feet below.

"NARUTO"! Kakashi yelled out as he watched in abject horror as Naruto fell head first into the water with a splash.

"One down three to go". Zabuza said as he casually turned and faced the white-haired ninja. Kakashi's mind raced. He had failed to protect the last tangible thing he still had to his team. He was now truly alone. Sure he still had Sasuke and Sakura but they would be fine without him. A new sensei was all that they needed. He didn't even bother to move as the sword touched his skin nor would he try to. He was ready to die. He had nothing keeping him in this world anymore.

-

Naruto knew something was amiss. He felt almost weightless. The area around him was so dark he couldn't see more than two or three feet ahead of him. For hours Naruto walked until he saw a small campfire some distance away. Next to it sat a man with the same sun-kissed hair and a white and red robe of his father.

"F...father"? Naruto said softly. The man didn't move. "Father is that you"? Naruto asked again. Still, the man didn't seem to acknowledge his presence. By now he was right next to the man. It was only when he stood face to face with him that he looked up.

"This is all wrong you shouldn't be in this place. Not yet anyway it's far too soon". The man said before once more moving his eyes from Naruto's form and back to the small fire before them both. "How's your mother"? The man asked out of the blue.

"Fine...she is fine. By the way, what's your name"? Naruto asked knowing this man wasn't his father. His father had the same cerulean blue eyes he did. This man's eyes however were more a ruby red.

"My deepest apologies Naruto-kun. My name is, Assetto Namikaze and before you asked yes this is limbo. Soon the gods will take notice of you so I have precious little time so please remain still". Assetto said before placing his hand on Naruto and at once his mind was flooded with what he could only guess was the man's past memories. All of them showing robed figures in a circle. Just then another man appeared. For a time this unknown man eyed them both. His eyes had a purplish/violet color with what looked like two or three rings. His white hair and demon-like protrusions made him look otherworldly.

"Hello, Naruto-kun I'm sure you can guess who I am". The man asked with a kind grandfatherly-like smile on his face. Naruto, however, could say nothing. His mind was at a loss. He was dead or just about to be and now he was face-to-face with a god.

"I...I do...sir". Naruto said before bowing as far as he could. The man, in turn, could only laugh. The sound seemed to carry for miles.

"As much as I enjoy the kind gesture it's time for you to return home". The man said before he placed his hand upon Naruto's head and sent him back to the world of the living.

-

Meanwhile, the fox had also taken note of Naruto's time in limbo and for once the aged fox felt the chakra signature of his father. The only human he had ever truly loved and cared for. The seal had started to weaken as a result of his temporary death. It wasn't yet enough to allow him to escape but it was just enough for him to start tweaking a few things in the boy's psyche.

"Oh yes, I can work with this". The demon fox said as he toyed around with a few things. Soon a boy with blood-red hair and fox-like eyes appeared before him.

"Father". The boy said. At this, the fox could only smile.

-

The first thing Naruto knew was he was drowning. His left arm, what was left of it anyway was slowly bleeding out. As soon as he had resurfaced he began to apply a basic medical jutsu. Naruko was far better at this than he ever was but sadly she was more than 500 miles away in the village. He wasn't looking forward to that particular meeting at all. Just then he saw Kakashi and Zabuza.

"Why is he not doing anything"? Naruto asked himself before he enhanced his leg muscles. Soon after the sound of air being displaced made Zabuza turn around before he could behead Kakashi.

"How the hell are you even alive"? Zabuza asked in utter amazement. Kakashi was also taken aback. Naruto was alive. How he didn't know and didn't much care. All that mattered to him was he was alive.

"No matter I'll kill you myself". Zabuza said as he once again raised his sword for the killing blow only this time his sword was met with Naruto's own. Attack after attack was sent and with each Naruto was forced back. With only a few feet left Naruto channeled everything he had left for one last attack. In a massive cloud of smoke, the outline of a truly massive creature could be seen. In the distance Deer and Bear could only stare dumbly at what was only 1,000 yards away.

"Bear that's a dragon'. Deer said for once in his life sounding like a total idiot. Bear in turn could only nod his head. Algone stood protectively over Naruto. His eyes locked on Zabuza with an overwhelming dose of killer intent. Zabuza, in turn, made a rapid retreat. Haku still unable to do much was soon tied up. In the coming days, the bridge was completed and named the Great Naruto Bridge in honor of his deeds. Naruto, however, didn't much care he just wanted to go home and be with his family. As Deer, Bear, and team seven left they could hear the sounds of thousands yell out their names. That was payment enough in their minds.

Chapter 8: The Two Demons.
-
As Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke ran to their destination Naruto couldn't help but feel a great sense of unease about what had happened only a few minutes before. A deep and powerful voice had helped him back inside that classroom but he still couldn't help but feel something else as well. Something that felt foul and wrong. A power, not his own lay just out of his reach. He had felt it. He knew something was off. But what that was he didn't know. But before he could try to decipher that mystery any longer he was pulled back to the here and now by Sakura.

-

Training ground thirteen was like most in or around the village of Konohagakure. It had a set of trees off to one side and a small river that ran down the middle cutting it more or less in half. However, it had fallen out of use in the past few years due to the unusually high number of training accidents. The numerous gravestones told the story better than anything else. People had died in this place. Just as the three entered into the training ground a woman walked calmly out from underneath one of the trees that bordered the training ground. She was young but they could instantly tell she had both skill and power. The green-colored vest was proof of that. At first, she said nothing instead choosing to slowly walk around the three like a predator encircling its prey.

"Who of you three solved the puzzle"? The woman asked.

"I did". Naruto replied making the woman stop before him and eye him closely.

"What's your name"? She asked now standing mere inches from his face.

"Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze". Naruto replied with pride clear in his voice. The woman, in turn, simply nodded her head before she continued on with her slow walk around the three.

"My name is Akira Tensho. I'm going to be the proctor for this phase of the exams. You're the first team this year to fight in thirteen. So do try your best not to die". She said in a carefree tone as if what she had just said wasn't at all ominous. Before any of them could ponder that particular thought any longer another team entered into the training ground. That being none other than the team from Sound.

"Good now that's been decided let's go over the rules. This is a one-on-one fight. Killing is of course allowed. Killing anybody who isn't your opponent, however, is forbidden. Joining into a fight that isn't yours is also forbidden. Are we clear"? Akira asked the six genin that was standing on opposite sides of her.

"Yes". Was the response she got from all six of the assembled genin.

"Good who's going first"? She asked as Sakura slowly stepped forward as did a girl about her age. Akira eyed the pair before her for only a second before signaling the start of the fight. Sakura began the fight by firing off a handful of both kunai and ninja stars however none of them landed anywhere near her.

"My turn pinky". The girl said before delivering a devastating punch to the gut sending Sakura to the ground. Sakura was in absolute agony but she nevertheless battled back to her feet.

"Looks like pinky wants more pain. Fine by me". The girl said before flying at her at speeds no genin should be able to achieve. However what happened next shocked and surprised everybody. Sakura blocked the attack. More than that her eyes were now different. Gone was the mint green being replaced by the eyes not all that dissimilar to the eyes of a fox

-

Meanwhile, the fox couldn't help but eye the sight before him.

"No, that's impossible. She wouldn't allow a human to hold her unless". The fox thought before his :son: walked into view.

"She has demon chakra father. How is that possible"? Naruto's duplicate asked as he eyed his father.

"How much work have you been able to accomplish". The fox asked temporarily forgetting the situation before his jailer's eyes. The boy was annoyed that his question was ignored but he nevertheless answered.

"It's slow going. He has been training his mind but I should still be able to drive him insane in a few weeks". The boy said making the fox nod his head.

"Good with any luck he'll undo this seal and I'll be free to kill the despicable insects who dared attack me and my mate". The fox said with absolute hatred.

"Oh, before you go I didn't name you, have I"? The fox asked the demon boy.

"No father you have not". The boy replied before the fox, in turn, began to consider possible names. After nearly an hour of non-stop contemplation, the fox turned to face the boy who by now was giving him the most annoyed look.

"I know what about Sai. How does that sound"? The fox asked.

"No, Sai sounds like a name somebody gives to a pasty white guy who is socially inept. Try again father". The demon boy said before turning around and walking into the endless darkness.

"Shows what you know. Sai is a great name". The fox said angrily before once again watching the fight taking place outside. Only now with ever-growing interest.

-

By now Sakura had somehow taken the lead gaining speed and power from seemingly nowhere. In what was clearly a desperate attempt to gain any form of distance the girl had fired off everything from kunai wrapped in explosive tags to ninja stars. However even with literally thousands of deadly projectiles being sent her way Sakura simply weaved in between the ninja stars as well as deflecting the thousands of kunai. The numerous explosions soon rocked the area tossing up copious amounts of dirt and rocks.

"What...the hell are you"? The girl said with fear.

"I'm Sakura Haruno genin of Konohagakure and" At this, she pulled the girl in closer before whispering the last words she would ever hear before delivering a devastating punch killing her instantly. At this, Akira jumped down from one of the many trees and after only a few seconds announced that Sakura was the victor. With that now done she turned to face the still alive genin and asked.

"Now who's next"?

-

By the time Sakura's match had been called her eyes had long since returned to their mint green coloration and non-foxlike eyes. Sasuke however, didn't care about that at all. So she had a bit more skill than he had first guessed. He was still sure he could beat her in a fight should he need to. Naruto, however, wasn't so sure about that. He had felt something odd from her. Something dark and menacing. But only for the briefest of moments. So brief a time in fact that for the first few seconds he wasn't even sure he had felt anything from her at all.

So deep in his own thoughts was he that by the time he had returned to the present Sasuke had already stepped forward as did his opponent. He would be the last of his team to fight. That was fine by him. He would use this time to watch his teammate and study his fighting style. Because knowledge was a powerful tool for any ninja. A tool that if properly used could kill more people than any kunai or poison ever could. Hisao had drilled that much into him over his seven years of training under the man. He made plans that once the exams were done he would go visit his old sensei. He was sure the old man would enjoy that.

-

"Begin". Akira said before once again jumping back into the relative safety of the treetops. The pink-haired girl had surprised her in her fight. Based on her academy records she was a top student academically. But nothing in them had even remotely implied that she was at all a master in taijutsu. Had the records been redacted? If so then by who and why? Only the Hokage and the village council had such powers. But why would they do such a thing in the first place? What was the need? She was from a fairly unremarkable and insignificant merchant clan that had moved into the village roughly ten years after it's founding by the first Hokage. She was for all intents and purposes a nobody. It made no sense to the highly skilled ninja and that just wouldn't do. Not at all. She was going to get answers and so with that thought in mind, she formed a clone and sent it to the Hokage tower.

-

Meanwhile, Sasuke and his opponent, a roundish boy by the name of Kenta Itam were busy firing off attack after attack at an insanely high rate of speed. For a genin at any rate. But even so, Naruto knew something was off. Sasuke was moving in a way he knew wasn't right. He wasn't moving slower but something was clearly wrong with his teammate. But for the life of him, he couldn't figure out what it was that was wrong. Sasuke's form was as perfect as his own. The thing was, however, he kept missing. Sasuke for whatever reason didn't seem to notice or care as he just kept on pushing himself to move ever faster and hit ever harder. Kenta, however, didn't look at all concerned. His eyes never once left the raven-haired boy before him for even a second.

Sasuke had once again launched himself at a high rate of speed at Kenta ready to deliver a devastating punch to the boy's face only to once again miss. As his reward, he was sent flying backward by means of a hard kick to the gut sending him to the ground with an audible groan. By now Sasuke was nearing his limit. He could feel it. He was nearly out of chakra. His body ached all over from the numerous blows the boy had landed on him in their fight. Kenta for his part only eyed the downed boy for around a second before pulling out a handful of kunai from one of his ninja pouches before he sent them all flying at him. Sasuke could see the five kunai flying his way at a high rate of speed. But try as he may he knew his time was up. He just didn't have the chakra needed to move out of the way. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to beat Naruto infuriated him to no end. He knew how his father always viewed him as an embarrassment to the family. His father never once said it to his face but his eyes did every time he would walk back home and report that he had once again lost to the sun-kissed boy. It was in his rage that it happened. His eyes now bore the basic one tomoe Sharingan. With that, he was just able to move his body out of the way missing the kunai by mere inches. Kenta for his part only fired more at an ever-increasing rate of attack. It was then that Naruto had figured it out. He had missed it before the first time around due to not looking for it. But now he knew. It was his eyes. It had something to do with his eyes.

Sasuke now equipped with his clan's bloodline could also see why he was losing. The boy also bore a bloodline. Still, with or without the Sharingan he needed to end this fight right now and so with that in mind, Sasuke powered up one of his clan's most useful jutsu. Seconds later a sizeable fireball flew through the afternoon air making Kenta jump away or else be burned. By the time the fireball flew past him, Sasuke was gone.

-

Sasuke ran as fast as his tired legs would allow. He needed time to recover and plan. Just then he heard a sound and so with the speed befitting a ninja he hid behind a sizeable tree. In seconds Kenta came into view looking left then right before moving ever deeper into the forest and out of sight. But just as he was about to once again relax he had heard yet another sound from behind him. Looking around for whatever or whoever it was he soon saw Naruto toss him an MRE (Meal Ready To Eat). He, of course, took it and began to eat the meal happily feeling his chakra slowly being replenished. He wasn't at 100% but this would no doubt help in the upcoming battle.

-

Meanwhile, Danzo eyed the man before him floating inside one of the many test tubes Orochimaru had dotting around the cavern.

"Happy with my toys Danzo"? Orochimaru asked the former Hokage.

"How many do you have ready"? Danzo asked disregarding what the ghost-white man said.

"A few thousand, Danzo-kun". Orochimaru replied before eyeing the man for himself. For a time neither he nor Danzo said a word only eyeing the man as he slowly bobbed up and down in the greenish liquid. At the base of the container, the emblem of the leaf village was prominent.

"What's his name"? Danzo asked.

"It's Yamato. I was, however, unable to find a clan name". Orochimaru replied sounding a bit unhappy with his failure. Danzo said nothing before he turned away and walked deeper into the cave. Soon Konohagakure would pay. Soon it would be nothing more than ash under his feet.

-

As Sasuke carefully breathed in and out he listened intently for even the slightest bit of sound. Such as the sound of the trees moving to and fro or the snapping of twigs underfoot. For now, however, he was safe. He was still unsure why Naruto had helped him in the first place but for now, he would worry about winning his fight than trying to figure out his unusually helpful teammate. As he did so Akira Tensho was busy keeping an eye on the two combatants. She was honestly taken aback at Naruto's kind gesture to his teammate but was nevertheless pleased to see it. A Chunin needed to work well with his or her teammates and doing that proved he would do well in that respect. Still, he had a long road ahead of him before he would have the honor to wear the green colored vest. At that very moment, Sasuke's opponent was ever so slowly closing in. Kenta was embarrassed at his mistake. He had allowed a lowly genin to somehow get away from him. A fact he would make sure to correct the next time they met. He wasn't too keen on reporting back to his leader that his team had failed in their mission to test the boys skill in battle. However, he would first need to find the boy and that was proving to be a bigger challenge than he had first anticipated. Still, he was sure it wouldn't be long before the two would once again do battle.

-

As that was happening Danzo was just finishing up some light training. In just a few weeks time he alongside countless others would attack the village of his birth and get his revenge. Until then, however, he would train. This much younger body of his was proving far more capable than he had first guessed. An unexpected but nevertheless welcomed surprise. Just then a Sound ninja walked up. In his hand lay a scroll. Taking it in hand Danzo began to slowly read it's contents. The snake was once again departing the cave. This was the fifth time in as many weeks. Danzo, however, didn't care so long as his revenge against his village was complete. He could always deal with him later anyway.

-

Orochimaru meanwhile stood unmoving atop a sizeable hill overlooking a fairly insignificant fishing village. He always hated having to make the long trip to the hill on which he now stood upon but today he had been told that he had something good. Orochimaru didn't have to wait long as a hooded figure soon walked up. His footsteps were nearly imperceptible. But Orochimaru wasn't a legendary SS-rank ninja for nothing. Turning to face the figure he could see the scroll already at the ready. Taking it in hand he unsealed its contents and smiled a wicked smile. The kind that made even the hardest of hardened criminals wet themselves in fear of what that smile meant. Just as fast as he had opened it he resealed its contents back inside and was gone. Leaving not even a leaf behind.

-

Sasuke jumped out of the way of yet another round of kunai raining down from above. Kenta wasn't playing around anymore. His attacks had more than double in both their speed but also in its ferocity. Even with his clan's bloodline, he was just able to keep up.

"Fucking die already"! Kenta yelled out as he unleashed yet another round of kunai and ninja stars. Sasuke backflipped away before firing off his own attack.

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Jutsu". Sasuke yelled out as a dragon made out of orange-colored fire moved at Kenta at speed. Kenta caught off guard was hit by the jutsu. The sound of the blood-curdling scream told them this battle was now over. Kenta or what was left of him was nothing but a blackened husk. His face was now permanently etched into a look of horror and pain. Akira once again jumped down and announced to nobody's surprise Sasuke's victory. Now it was Naruto's turn and if the last two fights were anything to go by this was going to be a hard-fought battle. The final battle was about to began.

-

Naruto slowly began to walk to the center of the field. His sword was already drawn and at the ready. So far his team had won all of their battles but as he stood opposite his own opponent he knew something was wrong. But Naruto wasn't one to back down from any challenge and he sure as log wasn't about to start now. His opponent, however, had simply waited for the go-ahead to be given and once it had been he had seemingly teleported over to Naruto. Naruto in his shock and surprise was just able to lift his blade in time to block the incoming attack. The force of the powerful blow sending him to the ground with a thud. Flipping head over feet he landed a few feet away from his opposite. His sword already raised in case of a follow-up attack. The boy, however, only turned to face him once again. His face was unreadable. A fact that greatly unnerved him. Nevertheless, he ran at him and swung his sword as hard as he could. The boy, in turn, merely raised his hand and stopped the blade dead. At this, Naruto's eyes grew wide in both amazement and fear. Trying to pull away he found the boys hold upon the blade was too great. Looking at him he could only see a calmness one only gains with knowledge of one's skills.

"You're too weak to live". The boy said before Naruto was sent flying backward at a nearly uncontrollable speed. It was only due to his sword that he was able to slow himself down enough to regain his footing. Whoever this guy was he sure as hell was no Genin. He moved too fast and hit too hard to be just a Genin. That fact sent his mind racing. Why was a Chunin or above taking part in the exams? Something was clearly amiss and he needed to figure out what it was and fast. So with that thought in mind, Naruto bit into his thumb and ran through a long series of hand signs. In seconds Miko appeared in a cloud of smoke. He had grown considerably in the past few days and was now the size of a medium-sized dog.

"Miko I'm going to need your help to keep him busy". Naruto said to Miko who nodded his head in understanding. In seconds Miko was flying overhead and sending down long white-hot streams of fire. The boy, in turn, formed an earthen dome and blocked the attack.

"Oh no, you don't"! Naruto yelled out as he fired a set of kunai tipped in explosives. The sound of the many explosions soon filled the air for a few seconds. But when the dust had settled he was gone. Looking left then right he couldn't pinpoint his opponent. It was only when two arms erupted from the ground did he know and by then it was already too late to do much of anything.

"Demon Style: Demonic Darkness". The boy said before Naruto felt his vision began to blur and before he knew it he was unable to see much of anything. However, he didn't panic as was the likely desired effect. Hisao had trained them for any contingency and so he calmed his mind and listened. He didn't have to wait long for his opponent to make his move. So with a kick, he sent his attacker flying. Now with some space, he displaced the jutsu and regained use of his sight if however at a really slow rate of speed.

"Not bad, lord Danzo would be pleased to know that you will soon be dead". The boy said making Naruto's eyes once again grow wide. If Danzo had something to do with this it couldn't be good. Miko however not one for being ignored soon swoop down and launched a series of small fireball attacks. However, upon his second round, the boy jumped into the air and knocked the dragon to the ground with a thud. Naruto made to run over to his downed partner only to be met with a wall of fire.

"You should pay more attention to me". The boy said before going through a long series of hand signs.

"Fire Style: White Fire Dragon". In seconds a dragon made entirely of white-hot fire formed and shot its way to Naruto at a high rate of speed. Naruto, in turn, ran through his own set and blocked the attack. Akira Tensho meanwhile couldn't help but be amazed at the skill on display. Both boys clearly showed skills befitting a Chunin. Naruto was a given after all his mother was the wife of the fourth Hokage and was one of the best ANBU captains In village history. The other boy, however, raised a few too many red flags. He seemed far too skilled to be just a lowly genin but who would send a chunin to participate in the chunin exams? Whoever it was it couldn't be good but she still had a job to do so with that in mind she watched on.

-

Sakura and Sasuke watched as their teammate battled his opponent. Both knew they would have stood no chance facing him. Turning to face the boy next to her she could see the boy's eyes locked on Naruto. His eyes moving with every move the sun-kissed boy made. His face held a look of anger. Anger at what she didn't know. Still, she could guess who it was aimed at and was happy it wasn't aimed at her for once.

-

Blade met blade and fist met fist as the two genin battled. Naruto could feel his body cry out in utter protest of the act but he pushed past the pain. He still had a battle to win he would worry about his body later. That is if there was a later. His blade rose once again as he ran at his foe. Only this time the sound was that of flesh meeting steel. The boy looked down then back at Naruto. Whatever look Naruto had guessed he would see upon the boy he didn't. The boy before him smiled. An evil type of smile. One he didn't at all like.

-

Less than a second after the boy had smiled that evil type of smile Naruto was hit with such force that his sword was forced out of his hand before landing on the other side of the open field. Landing haphazardly he had no time at all to right himself before he was once again sent flying by the boy before him. Over and over again he was sent crashing into trees that tore into him, onto the uncaring ground that broke or dislodged his bones or upon the many stones that jutted out of the ground and cut into his arms and legs and back. Needless to say, Naruto was just about dead by the time the boy had stopped his unrelenting onslaught. Blood flowed out of his mouth like a crimson river and the many small cuts that ran up and down his body didn't help matters any. Naruto for his part was just able to get back to his feet. If only by his own willpower alone.

-

Sasuke and Sakura meanwhile eyed their teammate with no small part of worry. One more so than the other. Sakura by this point was on the verge of tears. Sasuke, however, remained stone-faced. He was sure his teammate wasn't done just yet. He was close but if he knew anything about his annoying sun-kissed teammate it was that he would never give up. How he would turn this into anything resembling a victory he had no idea. But if anybody could it was Naruto of that he was sure.

-

Meanwhile, the clone that Akira had sent entered into the Hokage tower and walked up the many stairs to the uppermost floor. Upon hearing the voice of the Hokage she opened the door and calmly walked in. The office looked much the same as it did back in Hiruzen's day aside from the fact his own face now sat next to the others. He gave her but a small gaze before returning to his work.

"Lord Hokage I'm a clone of Akira Tensho to ask about one Sakura Haruno". The clone said making the Hokage look back up his gaze turning from kind to unreadable. The face of a kage. The only sound in the office was of the fan overhead moving its blades to cool the room.

"Why do you need to know of her"? Shikaku asked the clone before him.

"She...I mean Sakura, sir showed skills, not at all fitting her records, sir". The clone replied with an even tone.

"She's been a Genin for weeks now...should her skills not have improved in all that time"? Shikaku asked not at all liking where this conversation was going. She was looking into things way above her pay grade.

"Well yes, of course, sir but...". The clone began before Shikaku raised his hand to put a stop to that.

"Your job is to oversee the battles and call the winner. That's it not look for somebody to train is that clear"? Shikaku said with more force than he planned on using.

"Sir...I'm not...I wasn't. She was losing, sir badly losing in fact. Then she unleashed a massive dose of chakra...way more than a Genin should have. She killed her opponent then just as fast as it had come it was gone. I feel I have the right to know something, sir". The clone replied a bit upset at the tone the Hokage used. Shikaku said nothing for a time as he eyed the clone.

"This doesn't go past this room...am I clear? What I'm about to reveal to you is an SSS-rank. Telling anybody without prior authorization is grounds to kill you and your family". Shikaku asked the clone already knowing the answer he was likely going to get.

"Yes, sir...I understand". She replied before he moved to a wooden door and opened it. The sounds of papers being moved filled the air for a few minutes.

"Sir...do you need help"? She asked stilled fixed in place.

"No"! Shikaku replied before the sound resumed again. Minutes later Shikaku reappeared with a folder nearly as thick as her arm.

"Sir I was only asking about her, not her clan". She said eyeing the massive folder before her.

"This...this is her folder. Her clan is much bigger and is housed in sublevel four. Even I, the Hokage can't enter that level without the ANBU commander". Shikaku replied looking red-faced due to the weight".

"But sir t...that's impossible. No Genin...no Chunin, in fact, should have a folder that size". The clone said not at all believing that folder was of a Genin not even a year out of the academy.

"Believe it because it's true". Shikaku said before pulling out four papers. Taking the four papers in hand she couldn't believe what she was reading.

"Sir...what is this"? The clone asked reading and rereading the papers unable to make sense of any of it.

"You know that Naruto's clan on his mother's side has blood red hair right". He asked.

"Yes, sir I do...why"? She asked not seeing why that mattered.

"Sakura has pink hair as does her father...why do you think that is"? Shikaku asked already seeing the gears in her head already starting to turn.

"She's an Uzumaki". The clone answers.

"No... she isn't an Uzumaki...not a pureblood at any rate. She has Uzumaki blood and thus is better able to house a demon". Shikaku replies seeing the woman's eyes go wide.

"She's like Naruto". The clone replied.

"In more ways than one. She houses the nine-tails mate. It's why she was paired with Naruto. The fact she was the top girl only helped in hiding our reasons for that placement". Shikaku said before taking the papers back and placing them inside the sizeable folder.

"D...does she know"? The clone asked. Her mind still trying to recover from the news.

"No. As far as I know, she knows nothing of the demon housed inside her and I would very much like to keep it that way. Shikaku said making sure she understood.

"Of course, sir...I'll say nothing but, sir what should we do if she finds out"? The clone asked. The Hokage stopped dead and looked at her with a great deal of sadness in his eyes.

"She'll have to die. We have already asked the Uzumaki's now living in the village...we have jailers for the demon". Shikaku said with a sadness she knew all too well.

"I...I understand lord Hokage". She said softly before she departed the office and popped out of existence.

-

Naruto was in so much pain it was nearly unbearable and yet Naruto had slowly and painfully took one pain-filled step after another as he limped more than walked over to his now most hated foe. His tormenter only eyed the half-dead boy with an evil looking smile. His vision blurred and with each step he took, jolts of intense pain shot up his spine and throughout the rest of his body. But he wouldn't fail. He was going to be Hokage and that meant he needed to rise up the ranks from a lowly Genin to Chunin to Jonin and finally to Kage. But with his sword arm dislodged and with the level of blood loss he wasn't sure how long he could remain upright. A few minutes at most he guessed.

"H...human...y..r weak". A deep voice said. A voice he had heard only an hour or so before. Fighting to remain upright Naruto looked around for the voice. Aside from the tall trees and training field, he saw nobody save for the boy who had tossed him around like a dogs chew toy.

"H...human too w..weak". The voice said again. This time with a hint of anger. Seeing no other choice he entered his own mind.

"Err...what the hell! Why is my mindscape a fucking sewer...that's fucked up I only have one of the books". Naruto yelled out only then realizing he felt no pain. Moving his arms and legs a bit he again felt no pain whatsoever.

"Of course it's my mind why would I feel pain". Naruto thought to himself. It made as much sense as anything else he guessed. Moving ever deeper into the maze of his own mind he passed door after door all looking rusted and forgotten by time while others still looked almost new. Opening a few he could see his date with Ino-chan. His training under Hisao-sensei and of course his dragon, Miko coming into the world. He was about to open yet another when the deep, powerful voice yelled out from deeper into the long, dark hallway.

"H..human come c..closer". The voice said again. It held a deep sense of hate and anger. Naruto made to pull a blade only to realize he had nothing save his orange-colored jumper.

"Who are you? Where are you"? Naruto yelled out into the seemingly never-ending darkness. His voice echoing for a few seconds. At once the dark space lit up to reveal a massive cage easily 100 feet tall and wide. Naruto slowly walked up seeing nothing save for the ten feet thick iron bars spaced every foot. The bars looked rusted and old. As if the cage had existed for over a century without even the most basic of care.

"Hello...is anybody in here"? Naruto asked and again his voice echoed throughout the space. Trying to see anything Naruto moved ever closer until with speed only rivaled by the fourth Hokage a fox crashed into the thick iron bars sending out ripples in the knee-deep water. Its massive jaws biting into the sewer air and eyes filled with evil thoughts aimed at him.

"Come closer human. I wish to feel your bones break in my mouth". The fox yelled out still crashing against the bars trying to pull him in. Naruto, of course, didn't move and instead remains far far away.

"No thanks, I'm not stupid you're going to try and eat me you damn fox". Naruto yells back.

"Let me out, human. Let me enjoy human meat once again". The massive fox yells between the thick iron bars. He had stopped crashing himself against the unyielding bars that were his cell, his cage. Naruto didn't need to see the nine-mile-long tails to know who he was now standing before.

"Y...your the nine tails... you're the demon fox. You oversize furball you killed my father"! Naruto yells but held himself back as he knew he would pose no threat to the likes of the demon fox.

"That I am, human...what of it"? The fox replies. Sounding almost happy at the news he killed a human. A foxy smile forming on its face.

"Why... damn it...why did you do it"? Naruto asks eyes filled with both sadness and rage. The fox says nothing.

"Answer me damn it...answer me or else..." Naruto demands before he is cut off by the massive fox demon.

"Or else what...you're going to try crying me to death". The fox says before a deep, powerful laugh soon fills the space that is Naruto's mind. Naruto, in turn, falls to his knees feeling every bit helpless.

"Why...why did you attack us? We...we never did...we never did anything to you". Naruto cries. Upon hearing this the fox again rages against the bars.

"Nothing you say...your kind took my mate...my love...how dare you say you did nothing! Your kind should die for what you have done to us...not just to us but to my brothers and sisters". The fox says in a rage before he turns away. He was done talking to this pitiful human.

"Who...who took her"? Naruto asks for once feeling a sense of sadness for the towering beast. The towering beast replies but doesn't look at the boy who stands mere feet away.

"Ninja from your village...they came and attacked us and forced us apart...they sealed her in a baby girl...your teammate no less". The fox replied before the hate Naruto had felt only seconds before was replaced by an overpowering sense of loss. The loss of a loved one. The loss of a mate.

"That's not possible we would never...". Naruto began only to have the fox cut in.

"You did the masks prove it. It could only ever be you". The fox replies.

"The masks what did they look like"? Naruto asks feeling safer than before. The fox doesn't move. His mind now on the loss of his mate.

"Nothing...it was just a wooden mask nothing more". The fox replies eyeing the boy before him.

"Years ago I was taken from my home alongside my sister, Naruko. They had masks like that...the two must be linked somehow". Naruto says more sure than anything else in his whole life. The fox, in turn, finally turns back to face Naruto unsure what he was even getting at.

"How...the two are years apart"? The fox asks the boy not seeing how the two things connect. At once Naruto says one word, a name.

"Danzo". The fox ponders this until his massive eyes grow wide in understanding.

"The boy you face... he said his name. I'll help you take him down but you must unlock this cage". The fox says. Naruto backs away.

"No way you're going to eat me". Naruto says.

"You have my word". The fox replies a bit upset at this humans disrespect. Who did he think he was anyway.

"The word of a demon...that's rich. No way you can just hand me your chakra". Naruto fires back. The fox, in turn, can only laugh.

"Impossible even as my jailer giving you my chakra would kill you. Luckily for you, I can train you in its use". The fox replies.

"We have no time I have a fight to win I can't train in using your chakra". Naruto yells pulling at his yellow locks of hair. The fox can only eye the boy with bewilderment. This human was a total idiot it seemed.

"Time flows slower in this place. A second in the real world is next to nothing in here. Even so, It'll take time but you have that". The fox replies as he lays upon his paws.

"How...long will this training take"? Naruto asks. The fox in a bored tone of voice answers.

"Hmm...about 150 years on your own". The fox says making Naruto's eyes grow wide.

"I can't wait that long I'll be dead by then". This, in turn, forces yet another deep, powerful laugh from the demon fox.

"Will you relax that bear guy told you that clone thing...right...back in wave...just use that". The fox says before a long yawn exits the cage and blows Naruto back sending gray sewer water up his nose. What followed was a few seconds of Naruto running around the room trying to remove the nonexistent water from his nose. Yup, a total idiot. He really did pity the humans of his village should he ever become its Kage.

"That'll work"? Naruto asks once he was done running around looking every bit the fool the fox viewed him as.

"The hell should I know. I'm a fox...you know foxes...no hands". The fox answers looking at the boy like he was some clueless idiot. Naruto flips the demon fox off before forming the needed handsigns. A few seconds later a cloud of white smoke filled the area. Once the smoke had blown away twelve or so clones all stood side-by-side.

"Ok, this is....". Naruto stops himself before turning to face the fox.

"What's your name"? Naruto asks. The fox taken aback just looks at the boy for a few seconds before answering.

"Names, Kurama...Kurama Otsutsuki". The fox finally replies.

"Right...this is Kurama-sensei. He'll be training us in the use of his chakra". Naruto yells to his clones who all yell in unison. Soon the 13 Naruto were all busy learning how to use demon chakra. Kurama all the while laughing as one after another a clone would pop and sending Naruto to his knees in pain. Oh yes, he enjoyed this very much. Once he was free he would keep this human alive. if only to have something to laugh at.

-

To anybody save for Naruto, it looked next to hopeless. The boy was barely able to stand much less fight and yet here he was limping slowly over to his opponent his eyes filled with the will to fight on. Akira had seen his like before broken and forgotten on the field of battle many a time. She had half a mind to call it but then he stopped. Akira had never seen such a thing in her life.

"What is he doing"? She asked herself as she watched the boy from the safety of the trees. Or at least it was until the boy unleashed what would later be dubbed as Naruto's demon mode.

Seconds passed without so much as a twitch. That was until a wave of dark, dense, hate-filled chakra poured out of the boy. His eyes became the eyes of a fox. His teeth grew into fangs. His nails grew. His hair gained long red lines of hair. But most noticeable was the red colored chakra that flowed around his battle-worn body. The cuts up and down his body all started to heal, his bones all popped back into place and unseen by anybody his blood was being replaced.

"Time for round two...fucker". Naruto said in a deep, demonic sounding voice before shooting at the boy at superhuman speeds. The kick sending the boy flying onto a nearby lake. He, of course, righted himself before standing atop the water before eyeing Naruto, no this wasn't the same boy he could tell. Something was off. Something was very clearly off. But before he could do much of anything Naruto yelled out.

"Water Style: Water Whips". It wasn't long before long whips of blue water formed and began tearing into him coloring the water red in blood.

"Yes...yes give me more". Naruto said as he formed more and more of the whips. By now the water was more red than not. Akira could only watch in horror as the boy's body was torn apart. It was clear to her who had won. She had to do something before he was killed by Naruto. But as soon as she readied herself to jump down a powerful wave sent her flying back deeper into the forest.

"You will not stop my fun"! Naruto yelled out before slowly walking over to the now mostly dead boy.

"How does it feel...human...to know you're going to die". The demonic sounding Naruto asked with sick glee.

"Err...f...fuck...y...you...Danzo-sama will...k...kill...you". The boy said but it was clear the boy was on the edge of this realm. Soon his soul would be taken. That, of course, couldn't be allowed to happen. He was having far too much fun with this pitiful human.

-

The first thing Akira could feel was the feeling of ants all over her body.

"Err...god no...I fucking hate bugs". She yelled trying to remove the small things from her body. Looking back she could see she was blew a good mile or so deeper into the forest. With no time she made her way back as fast as her legs would allow. Hoping beyond all hope she would make it in time. Chunin Exams or not this wasn't right.

-

"Errr...god p...please just...ki...kill m...me". The boy cried out. He had been ripped apart, burned, and had his eyes removed and much much more before being healed to feel even more pain again.

"Hmm...how about no. Now about Danzo...where is he"? The demonic Naruto asked as he dug his blade ever deeper into the boy.

"Fuck y...you I'm n..not saying n.not...nothing". The boy yelled back as best as his body would allow.

"Oh, but you will...you see I have this body for a good long while still...a little deal me and my jailer made I help him pass and I...will you know". Demonic Naruto says before making a new cut.

"Arrg...ok...Danzo is...in the Land Of Fire...that's all I know". The boy replied.

"See that wasn't so hard". The demonic Naruto says before slowly returning back to normal. Once that was done Naruto ending the boy's life for good.

-

Just than Akira enters the training ground ready to stop Naruto.

"Oh...Naruto...are you alright"? She asks seeing his blue eyes.

Yup, what's next"? Naruto asks. Looking around she could see Sasuke busy losing his last meal not too far away and Sakura looked turned on.

"Oh, that...that happens in a month your done...for now". Akira replies. She had a report to file to the Hokage and ask for some much needed time off. So with that, she was off happy to be away from that boy.

-

Meanwhile back inside his mind Naruto stood before the massive cage of the fox.

"So are you happy"? Naruto asked Kurama.

"Yes, I thank you...I enjoyed that very much". Kurama replied before laying back down in the gray sewer water. Maybe he was wrong about humans. At least some of them. Naruto nodded his head happy to hear it but just as he was about to exit the fox asked something.

"That Ino girl...is she your mate". Kurama asked sounding bored. Naruto taken aback says nothing for a few seconds.

"No, she's just...". Naruto begins before Kurama cuts in".

"I can make her your mate...I can make any female your mate". Kurama says sounding almost like a kid in a candystore at the idea of using his demon powers to influence the mind walker.

"I'm not getting you off...in fact how do I cut off your ability to see what I'm doing"? Naruto asks hotly.

"Fine damn it. I was only joking...by the sage can't a fox tell a damn joke"? Kurama says annoyed at his jailer for being such a party pooper.

"I like Ino-chan. She's nice and...". Naruto says before again being cut off.

"And she's a female ready for mating". Kurama says sounding like a teenager hoping to get laid.

"We're just 13 you damn fox...I can't do that with Ino-chan". Naruto yells back. The fox in turn only lifts his head before eyeing Naruto.

"At 13 I had hundreds of mates...some of them were even human". Kurama says making Naruto eye him oddly.

"Humans...how...your the size of a fucking mountain". Naruto asks. The fox, in turn, turns into a man with red hair and eyes.

"Like this...I'm a being of chakra I can be whatever the hell I please". The fox replies before turning back to his fox form.

"Oh, that makes sense...I guess". Naruto says feeling kind of stupid for not guessing that.

"Good now if you don't mind I need a nap so you know...piss off". The fox says before forcing Naruto outside his mind.

-

Departing from his mind Naruto soon finds himself face-to-face with Sakura.

"Oh hi, Sakura-chan...what can I do for you...today"? Naruto asks backing away.

"I know". She says before walking away.

"Shit". Naruto says. He had a bad feeling about that.
-
It wasn't long after his teammate had informed him that she somehow knew what was now his most guarded secret that he and his team were moving towards the massive tower at the center of the forest of death at great speed. A part of him was sure that her knowing that he housed the very same demon that had killed so many of their people was going to be the cause of not a small amount of headaches for him in the coming days. Pushing such thoughts aside he turned his gaze forward to what now appeared before them. A massive tower of dull gray stone sat in the middle of a clearing that acted as both the home of the third phase of the Chunin Exams as well as a forward operating base (FOB) for the ANBU forces in case of attack. In Naruto's honest opinion the tower's placement was inadequate and showed a clear misunderstanding on what this tower was meant to do. It sat far too deep behind their chakra barrier to serve as anything besides as a mild distraction to any would-be attackers and was set too far away from the village proper to be easily reinforced should the ANBU posted inside the tower be overrun by the same. Making a mental note to voice his opinions to the Hokage the next time he was able to meet with him Naruto quickly set himself to the task now presented before him. Clearing the last set of trees the trio soon stopped before a sizeable black plaque that sat just outside the entrance to the tower.

"What is this meant to tell us"? Sasuke asked as he read the plaque a few more times trying to work out what it was trying to say. When it became clear they would be here a while if nobody helped the poor boy in understanding what it was trying to convey Naruto answered the duckbutt haired boy.

"It's telling us to train our minds as well as our bodies. A proper ninja must ensure both are fine-tuned. A Chunin with a dull mind will not last long out on the battlefield nor will one with a weak body. It is in essence reminding us to train both sides of ourselves and not focus on only one half. History is littered with those who were foolish enough to do so and they are now not but bone and stone whose names have long since been forgotten by time." Naruto said as he walked past the plaque and inside the tower. The inside stood in stark contrast to its exterior which Naruto mused was sort of the point. By making it look imposing on the outside and welcoming on the inside it ensured that the defenders would be in high spirits while the attackers would have doubts on their chances. It was a sort of mental manipulation that he found he agreed with. As a ninja, any edge one could gain upon a foe was a welcomed one. Winning a battle before one even starts was far better then winning a battle with loss of life.

"Wow, they sure do know how to make a place look lively. I would have never guessed it would look this welcoming". Naruto said as he walked slowly around the space. On one side stood pictures of all the Hokage and below them sat a few lines covering their lives. For Naruto being able to learn more about his father was something he was all too happy to partake in. His mother always avoided the topic of her late husband and thinking back on that he guessed the loss was still too much for her to bear. Just as he thought that Naruto felt the unmistakable sensation of air being displaced a few inches behind his back. Spinning on his heel he soon came face-to-face with Kakashi who as always held that odd eye smile of his that he always seemed able to do.

"Kakashi-sensei what are you doing here"? Naruto asked his ever lazy sensei. His hand moving away from his ninja pouch nearly imperceptibly. A fact Kakashi was quick to pick up on and one he noted with clear happiness.

"Oh, I just wanted to congratulate you three. You're the first team of the Leaf to get to the tower. Hell, you're the first team in the Chunin Exams this year to get to the tower. Normally we wouldn't meet back up until after this phase of the exams were done but I was never big on following the rules anyway. The non-leaf Genin will be taken to their rooms by an ANBU and watched until the exam starts. So sadly there will be no meeting with any of the other village teams until tomorrow". Kakashi said with a carefree tone as he eyed his team. As soon as the team assignments were announced all those weeks ago he was sure that Naruto would easily be one of the greatest of his generation. Sasuke was clearly not far behind him in skill but the boy wasn't his brother. He didn't have the skill to be worthy of much in-fighting by any of the senseis of their year. Though the one who did get him would be the talk of the village for a few days afterward. Seeing as he was the one to get the boy he was forced to alter his daily walks around the parks for a week or two unless he wanted to be forced to hear the insistent mumblings of the villagers. Turning his gaze on to Sakura his thoughts shifted from pleasant and carefree to analytical and suspicious. As was the norm he was handed all her paperwork on the day of the team assignments. However, her file was edited to hell and back before he was allowed to so much as gaze at it. When he asked why her file was redacted to such an unusual level all he got in response was a cold dismissal and a warning to never broach the subject again by his lifelong friend. But as she had never shown much skill in the ninja arts he had simply passed it off as some dark family secret that they had gotten the Hokage to hide for them at great cost.

"Anyway I'll see you three after the fights. I expect all three of you to pass. I have a carefully maintained reputation to consider and it'll do me no good to have my skills as a sensei tarnished because of you three underperforming in the exams". Kakashi said before he disappeared in a spiral of smoke and leaves.

"Pff...we underperforming...what does he take us for? We aren't some greenhorn Genin two days out of the academy. We have done a flipping A-rank for crying out loud. We are ready for whatever comes our way". Naruto said annoyed at his sensei for his apparent concern that they would ever underperform.

"Come on I'm beat lets find our room". Sasuke said as he moved forward all the while fighting back a yawn that seemed unwilling to be held back by his hand.

-

A few minutes later the trio were falling onto the soft welcoming mattresses inside their room. Three beds all lined one side while a small kitchenette and bathroom made up the rest of the space. All in all, it was fairly basic in its accommodations.

"It's kind of small don't you think"? Naruto asked as he looked around the small room.

"It's just to sleep in for the exams dobe. These rooms aren't meant to be lived in. Being spacious was never the intent". Sasuke said as he rolled onto his side and was fast asleep.

"What are you going to do, Sakura-chan"? Naruto asked Sakura once he was done eyeing the fairly spartan room that was to be their living area for the next few days. This year's exams was by far the biggest in a generation and as such the exams would need preliminary fights in order to drop the total to around a dozen combatants

"Take a bath. If I were you I would do the same. You could join me...Naruto". Sakura said as she opened the door and looked back at her teammate.

"We are thirteen years old. We are too young to be doing that and besides I like Ino-chan.

"I know that...I was talking about your companion". Sakura said eyeing his stomach while subconsciously licking her lips.

"I have no clue what you're talking about". Naruto tried before he was pulled close to the girl and the door closed behind him with a click.

"Don't you dare lie to me...human. I could smell my mate inside you the second you entered that classroom. Now that we can be alone I want to enjoy myself". Sakura said as her eyes turning foxlike in an instant. Upon seeing this Naruto was pulled inside his mindscape. Being quick on the uptake Naruto soon turned around to face the massive silhouette of the nine-tailed fox who seemed almost happy to see him.

"Release me from this cage...human". Kurama yelled as he butted against the bars with as much force a mountain size fox could muster.

"What do I get if I release you"? Naruto asked now unafraid of the massive demon fox.

"Whatever you wish just open this damn door. I have been without my mate for far too long. I will not be without her now that she is so close". Kurama yelled his teeth reflecting the silhouette of his mental representation a dozen times over.

"What will happen once I release you"? Naruto asked.

"I shall appear as a large dog-sized fox with nine tails or as a human of thirteen years". Kurama said calmly.

"Anything else I should know"? Naruto asked arm taking hold of the seal.

"The release of so much chakra will no doubt cause a panic but that can't be helped. Besides that you will have access to the entirety of my chakra. You will be without equal. Fire will do you no harm nor will you be fooled by any genjutsu less than an S-rank which seems to be few in number and none in your village seems to have the skills to use those at this time so no worries there. You will live a life three times longer than most as will any offspring you should happen to father in your long life. You will be the first of a new race of beings. You will be akin to a god". Kurama said as he watched as the boy took hold of the seal and waited for the bliss that was freedom.

"If I do this you will be my summons". Naruto said eyeing the fox daring him to object to such a proposal.

"If that is what must be done so be it. Now release me". Kurama yelled before the cage fell away and he forcefully ejected his jailer from his mindscape.