I'm back. Here is the second arc/story to this series. It looked like the readers enjoyed what I did in "One and the Same" and I hope that "Recommencement" can continue from it. Enough of me talking, onto the actual chapter. Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 1
Homecoming

"Konoha never look as good as it does now." expressed one of two individuals who had entered the village. "I think I should go ahead and make myself known." With that said, the person went up the nearest rooftop. "Hello, Konoha! Naruto Uzumaki has returned!"

On the ground, the person who was with Naruto shook his head in amusement. "That kid. He never could pass up an opportunity to have everyone take notice of him." To further show his amusement, the sannin and recent sensei, Jiraiya laughed quietly to himself. "Come on. We need to report in with the Hokage. Don't want to get on her bad side, do we?"

"Fine, fine." Coming down, Naruto picked up his pack and started walking. "Let's get moving pervy sensei. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can find my friends." His remark resulted in him receiving a punch to the back of the head.

"I've told you to stop calling me that. I swear if you weren't who you were I would've never have trained you as long as I did." Clearly Jiraiya didn't much care for the nickname that he had been given. Naruto merely chuckled while rubbing the spot where he was hit. They headed for the Hokage tower where they happen to run into someone familiar.

"Well, I'll be damned. I wasn't expecting to see you this soon." Who Naruto was referring to was friend and former teammate, Sakura Haruno. "Go to see you again."

"N-Naruto? Is that really you?" asked Sakura in surprise. "I can't believe it. I heard that you were coming back but I didn't think it would be now."

"What can I say? I always like to catch people by surprise. By the way, like the new look." What the blond meant by that was the change that Sakura had gone through. She had maintained the same short hair style but it could be seen that she developed a slightly more physic. What she was wearing a short sleeve red vest shirt that was zipped up. Her outfit didn't hide the fact that her body had matured in the last few years.

That comment as well as the look she was given caused Sakura to blush. "Thanks but I should say the same about you." Like her, Naruto had changed as well. He had grown a few feet taller and gotten more muscular. His hair was a bit longer but still spiky and his eyes had the same brightness. The outfit he had on had also changed as he was wearing an orange shirt, black pants and a long black jacket that had the village's symbol on the back. Strangely the right sleeve of the jacket was gone.

"Well, change is to be expected after all this time. However, all the changes I've been through goes beyond the surface." There was more to that statement but nothing was said about it as it was something to be discussed at a later time. "I would like to continue talking with you Sakura but I need to go meet with the Hokage. Shouldn't keep her waiting seeing as show she could keel over at anytime."

Out of nowhere, Naruto was hit in the side of the head by something that vaguely reminded him of something. The source of the blow was soon discovered to be Sakura who gave him a solid punch. "Show some respect. She's the Hokage." Clearly she didn't take kindly of anyone, no matter who it was, disrespecting her sensei. Also, she seemed to have learned the method behind Tsunade's incredible strength.

"Note to self: Don't get on Sakura's bad side." Regaining most of his composure, Naruto got back to his feet and after giving a kinder farewell left for the tower with Jiraiya, who had found the whole incident amusing.

Before getting to the tower, Naruto ran into another familiar person but unlike before this wasn't one that he was glad to have. "Hey, how's it going?" greeted the person. "Good to see you, Jiraiya."

"Same goes for you, Kakashi." the sannin gave in return. He had no real favor for the jonin but was at least trying to be civil. That's more than could be said for Naruto who seemed to be barely able to contain his feelings about the person in front of them.

With the formalities between those two out of the way, Kakashi turned his attention toward the third person there. It's nice to see you too, Naruto." There wasn't any reply by the blond. "Looks like you've changed quite a bit since I last saw you. I hope that your return has been good so far."

"It was until now." There was obvious hostility in Naruto's voice. He was doing his best in keeping what he felt from coming out. "What? You think that I've forgotten what you did? Trying to use those close to me to find out some secret about me, no matter how many times you were told to back off?" More of Naruto's anger came out to the point that the copycat shinobi actually flinch from what was said. "Now if you excuse me, I have more important things to take care of."

Having said what he wanted to say, the demon host walked away, not once looking back. He was quickly rejoined by Jiraiya. "Don't you think that you might've gone a little far there?"

"No I don't." was the simple response. "That was me keeping my composure without getting physical." Realizing that was as good as he was going to get, Jiraiya allowed the subject to drop. For the time being that is.

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Soon they arrived at their destination and after waiting for a while they were allowed to enter the Hokage's office where both she and her close friend and assistant Shizune were waiting. "Hello, Naruto. Good to see that you're well." Similar greetings were given by the dark haired medical specialist.

Not wanting the unwanted encounter with his former sensei bother him, Naruto forgot about it and have a more lighthearted conversation with the Hokage. "I can say the same for you. That genjutsu of yours really does wonders." That caused the right eye of Tsunade to twitch as she didn't care for that verbal jab. Just because he was going to have a conversation it didn't mean he wasn't going to joke around a bit. "Honestly though, it's nice to see you both again."

"At least he seems to be acting like he did before he left." The thought brought a smile to the female sannin's face. Her moment of nostalgia she got back to the business. "On a serious note, we need to discuss where to place you. Remember, your team was disbanded before you left."

"Yeah, I remember." No secret why the disbanding had happen and was probably a good idea to leave those reasons unsaid. "However, there are some conditions I wish to make." From his tone, Naruto was being completely serious. "Put me on whatever team you want but I want to be told about everything concerning the Akatsuki and Orochimaru when you get it and be able to go after them if possible."

"He's still carrying that anger deep inside of him." surmised Shizune. "You can't blame him. They were the ones after all who caused him so much pain." That was directed toward the fact that they were the ones responsible for Naruto's parents being killed. Recalling how upset the boy was when he found out was a memory that Shizune would like to forget.

"I'll agree to the first request but as for the second one, I'm not sure that I can allow it." An argument was on the verge of occurring but was stopped when Tsunade continued. "Your anger toward Orochimaru and the Akatsuki, while justified, it clouds your better judgment. Also, with the nine-tailed fox being sealed within you it makes you a target for the Akatsuki and it wouldn't be wise to give them an opportunity to capture you."

"But isn't that the reason why I've been gone for the pass two and a half years?" argued Naruto in annoyance. "I didn't spend all that time training so I can run and hide. I did it so that I'll be able to fight them and stop Orochimaru before he can take that bastard Sasuke's body for his own." Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself down. "You know me Tsunade. I'm not someone who runs away from trouble. I face it head on."

Nothing was said from the Fifth Hokage and there was no sign of Naruto's words getting through. All right, I'll allow it. But only if you go with a team whose ranks are nl lower than chunin. Do we have an agreement?" Now it was Naruto who needed to decide.

"I'm okay with that." Naruto consented without hesitation. "I wasn't even thinking of going after them on my own. I sometimes do things without thinking but I'm not that stupid." A snort was heard from Jiraiya as it disputing the boy's claim. "Anyway, has the village found out anything about Orochimaru or Akatsuki?" Silence was all that was given and clarified the current lack of info.

"Guess that's where I come in." exclaimed Jiraiya. "I'll go see what I can find out. However, before I go though." Reaching into his pocket he pulled out something. "Here you go." Throwing the item Naruto caught it and saw that it was a key tied to a piece of paper. "On the paper are directions to a house and that's the key to that house." That last part was so subtle that it took a few seconds to realize what had been said.

"Honestly, the apartment was good for what it was but it's time for a change." There was some apprehension from Naruto as the apartment had been his home as long as he could remember. "I'll be coming in and out of the village so it's no point in keeping the old place. Also, the house is more secluded. Don't' have to worry that much about people spying on you."

Jiraiya's not so hidden meaning was quickly noted by everyone there. 'All right, I get it." Naruto finally gave in. "Maybe a new place won't be so bad. Now, if you excuse me, there's something I need to do." Before anything else could be said he was already gone.

"I wonder what was so important he needed to leave in such a hurry." questioned Shizune. She appeared to be the only one as the two sannin had a good idea what it was.

"That boy is an interesting one." muttered Tsunade. "Sometimes he'll do things you wouldn't' expect then does something that's so predictable. He's truly one of a kind."

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"Where are you? I know you're here somewhere." Since leaving the Hokage's office, Naruto went looking for someone. He had search nearly everywhere that he can think of but was coming up empty and it was getting to the point that he was starting to get annoyed. "Come on. How hard should it be to find one person?"

When it looked like he was going to reach the breaking point, he finally spotted the person he was looking for. They weren't alone as there was someone with them. Deciding that a normal greeting wasn't the way he wanted to do things, Naruto chose a different approach.

Hiding in a tree he waited for the people to get closer. When they were he fell back but kept his legs on the branch as he was now hanging upside down. "Hello."

His unexpected greeting did the trick as it caught both individuals by surprise. "Naruto?" stuttered the person that the blond had been looking for. The shock was evident on their face. Unable to help themselves, they rushed over and wrapped their arms around him.

"Well, can I presume that this is your way of saying that you missed me?" All that Naruto got was the person tightening their grip on him. Smiling he placed his arms around them. "I missed you too, Hinata."

Indeed, the person that Naruto had been looking for was Hinata Hyuga. "Oh, Naruto. I can't believe that you're actually back." She didn't even try to hide her happiness at his return. It was moments later that Hinata realized what she was doing and let go. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"Don't worry about it. I didn't mind." Naruto shrugged off. He then took notice of who had been with Hinata. "It's nice to see you too, Hanabi. You surely have grown up since I last saw you."

Despite herself, the younger Hyuga sibling became somewhat shy. "Thank you, Uzumaki. I agree with my sister in saying that it's go to see that you're back." The blond had to smile at how the girl tried to remain formal no matter what. "If you excuse me, I need to go take care of something." Just like that Hanabi left and though it couldn't be confirmed, there seemed to be a smirk on her face as she walked off.

Seeing right through what the young Hyuga was doing, Naruto had to smirk to himself. "She's a sneaky one. Not like I'm going to complain." Looking over to Hinata he could see that she was a bit nervous. "So, mind keeping me company?" Hinata had no problem accepting that request.

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"Can I assume that the extended training trip was a success?" Soon after Naruto took his leave, Tsunade decided to clarify a few things. "I sure hope that it was for your sake."

Not even batting an eye of the threat, Jiraiya gave her a cheesy grin. "Was there any doubt?" There wasn't a reply but the meaning was there. "Honestly though, he did better than I expected." The somewhat gloating that was in his voice wasn't missed by the two women. "He has little to no talent when it comes to genjutsu but knows how to get out of them. Taijutsu has improved that he could probably give Gai's student, Rock Lee a run for his money."

"What about ninjutsu?" From what Shizune could recall, Naruto had a knack when it came to that particular area.

If possible, Jiraiya's smile got even bigger. "When it comes to jutsus, the kid soaks them up like a sponge. More times than not he learned whatever jutsu I taught him in a matter of weeks. He even learned a few of his own."

"Perhaps an exhibition of sorts can be arranged to demonstrate that." Truthfully Tsunade couldn't help being intrigued about what Naruto had learned. However, that was for a later time as there were more pressing matters to discuss. "What of his…partner?"

Jiraiya understood what his former teammate meant. "If you mean has it tried to break free or take control of him then no. On the contrary, it's been cooperative when Naruto was learning to use more of its power. Whether it's due to them coming to some sort of arrangement or it's simply because the fox wants to ensure that it stays alive I don't know. The kid won't tell me anything."

"Nonetheless, in your honest opinion, do you feel that Naruto can deal with the Akatsuki or Orochimaru if need be?" That was the major question that needed to be verified.

"I'd like to say absolutely but I can't." From the look on his face, Jiraiya hated to admit it. "We don't know everyone's that's a part of that organization, what their abilities may be and let's not get started with Orochimaru." Both sannin know what their former comrade was capable of. "I believe though if he doesn't allow his anger toward them cloud his judgment and not be reckless then Naruto could probably handle them until help arrives. Of course, who's to say that would help matters?"

What the toad sannin said was true. Why make a team if all it'll do is have more people killed? "Need to choose the team wisely. If I don't it'll be like leading lambs to the slaughter." Already Tsunade was thinking of possible team members who would work with Naruto and wouldn't be hostile if they were to learn his secret. It didn't make the choices any easier.

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"Thanks again Hinata for the help. You're a lifesaver." exclaimed Naruto as he put a bag full of something down.

"There's no need." stated Hinata as she put a bag of her own down. "I wanted to help. Although all I did was help you carry a couple of groceries."

"Don't forget that you helped me find this place." Naruto was embarrassed to admit it but he couldn't find the house that Jiraiya had gotten for him. Thankfully Hinata was with him and she was able to find it in no time. Getting inside they discovered that the house was pretty much empty except for a decent looking couch and a working refrigerator. "This place could turn out all right after I get everything set."

"Are you sure that you don't want to help bringing your stuff here? I got practice with my team tomorrow morning but I can come right after." Naruto just waved off the offer.

"It's okay. I can handle it myself. Well actually myself and a couple shadow clones. It'll be like my own personal moving company." That small joke caused the two of them to laugh. In the end Hinata said that she would still come over to help organize things and wouldn't take no for an answer Naruto accepted. He could tell that she hadn't changed from being a kind and caring person but he notice that there were other things about her that changed.

The Hyuga had certainly matured physically and seemed to be comfortable enough to not hide it. She was now wearing a netted shirt that was underneath a black shirt but the shirt left her shoulders exposed. Her once bulky jacket had been replaced by a more form fitting lavender one that was only zipped up halfway. She also had on dark blue pants that reached her ankles. Another thing that changed about how Hinata looked was that her hair, which was long already, had grown even longer to the point that reached mid back.

"She sure doesn't seem like the girl I knew when I left." It was then made Naruto remember that before he left the girl had given him a kiss right on the mouth. He realized that was something that had to be talked about. "Hinata, there's something that we have to discuss." Nothing was said but he knew that she was listening. "It's about the kiss that we had before I left."

As soon as those words left his mouth they had an immediate affect on Hinata. Her body stiffened up, she avoided eye contact as her face had a familiar flush color to it. "Time has passed since it then and I was wondering if you regret it happening?"

"No." Hinata answered in a low tone that could hardly be heard. She still refused to look at the blond as she was still too embarrassed to look up at him. "I don't regret it. The thought of you leaving for so long caused me to act without thinking. I know I kissed you without asking so if you're upset about it I understand."

The Hyuga continued to look everywhere but at the only other person there as she didn't wish to see what the expression on his face could be. Wasn't until Naruto placed a hand under her chin and gently lifted her head up so Hinata can look him in the face. Instead of seeing anger she saw that he had a somewhat bashful look on his face.

"For the last two and a half years that kiss has been on my mind more times that I can count. All those times that I did, not once was I upset it happen." As Naruto spoke he used the thumb of the hand that was on Hinata's chin to stroke her cheek. "To be honest, I was a bit worried. We were starting something before I left and maybe I thought that when I came back you wouldn't want to continue. Do you still want to know if there's something between us?"

Unable to say anything at the moment, Hinata simply nodded her head. Smiling at the shyness that reminded Naruto of how his friend acted when they were younger, he leaned in to where his lips were on hers for only the second time ever. This kiss seemed to continue where their last one left off. They kept going until Naruto put a stop to it, although he was reluctant to do so.

"Well, I thought that our first kiss was good but this one was even better." Naruto's thought was shared by Hinata who still had a trace of blush on her face and a smile that was clear for anyone to see. "How about we call it a day?" His suggestion came as a surprise which he quickly notice. "I've just got back and I should get some rest. Besides, let's take this slowly. If more is meant to happen then it'll happen then it will. Don't want to rush into something that we would regret, do we?"

Seeing the logic to that, Hinata reluctantly nodded her head in understanding. Saying goodbye she left and when she was gone Naruto let out a sigh of relief. Going to the bathroom he got a handful of water he splashed it over his face which helped cool him down.

"Why did you stop?" demanded the voice that belonged to the demon fox sealed within him. "You had her right in the palm of your hands and could've done anything you wanted."

"Maybe but I wouldn't do it." disputed Naruto. He looked at the mirror over the sink to compose himself. "We weren't ready to go that far. Taking things slow was the best decision."

Whether it was a trick on the eyes or something else, the left side of Naruto's face that was being reflected in the mirror was replaced by the left side of the Kyuubi's. "You may think that but you can't deny that you wanted it to go further."

Instead of trying to deny the accusation the blond splashed more water on his face and tried to ignore the mock laughter from the nine-tailed fox as it faded back into its host's subconscious. Having regained his composure, Naruto walked out from the bathroom and didn't stop until he stood in front of one of the living room windows. As he stood there and watched the sun slowly set he couldn't help but think. "Today was peaceful but I feel as though there won't be many more in the coming future."

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Elsewhere, two individuals walked stoically through the desert sand. Neither of them said anything and their destination seemed to be clear. Who they were couldn't be determined due to the straw hats that covered their heads but there were other ways to identify them. Namely their black cloaks with red clouds.

There is was readers. The first chapter to this new arc/story. You probably can already expect that this will somewhat follow what happen in Naruto Shippuden but won't completely follow it. Things will happen that'll be entirely different and original that'll affect the overall story. You'll just have to wait to see what I mean.

That's pretty much it. I hope to update this story again sometime later this month. I'll try to update this story as fast I did in the last few chapters I did before but no promises though. Until then, see ya.