The following Story is what you would call a "what if" scenario. It's based off the Shippuden series of Naruto but is not in line with the real plot. If for some reason you haven't heard of Shippuden, I should tell you that this story will indeed contain spoilers for you; new characters, jutsu, etc. You've been warned.

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THE WILL OF FIRE

Prologue

FLASH FORWARD

(Thinking) "If only he would understand the beauty in dragging out his fights; he would have so much fun..... but whatever. I guess I should go see if he's finished already. We're running behind schedule on are assignment, but at least my battle is over.

After walking for a few minutes, Foot steps trail behind him and suddenly stop.

"Aww…c'mon….Just when I think I'm finished!"

"……"

"Didn't expect to see you though. I thought I finished you off already."

"Don't tell me you're surprised."

"I guess I shouldn't be……..Konoha does indeed live up to its reputation, I admit. But—

"I can't wait to put an end to this game."

"(Chuckles) Just like your dead comrades said they would?"

"What?"

"You heard me…"

"….your wrong."

"You know I think we've waited long enough….. Let's end it shall we…… (He checks his bag)"

"………."

"Your just gonna let me—

"You picked the wrong Shinobi to mess with…"

Chapter 1

"Superior or Inferior"

It's been 3 weeks since Naruto came back from training with Master Jiraiya. Jiraiya was confident that he had indeed succeeded in making Naruto a better Shinobi and would be able do defend himself now. Though still a Genin, Naruto himself felt the same way. He was sure that his new found skills and techniques would indeed help him in the long run. Today, he found himself in front of Shikamaru's house….

"Hey Shikamaru! What's up? You gonna teach me how to play Shogi or what?" said Naruto. "I've been waiting you know."

"I told you, I'm busy. The Hokage's got me on so many errands and missions. It's really somethin'. Go ask Asuma to teach you. He's free today."

"I can't just sit there while he smokes a whole pack of cigarettes in my face…"

"(Yawns) don't worry you'll get used to it…..see ya."

"Shika….maru."

It was true. Since many of his friends were now Chunin or Jonin, they were busier than ever before. Though still a Genin, Naruto looked up to them. He thought of their ninja ranks as a "message" to himself. It was a message that told him to get stronger and to also achieve the ranks; for one day, he might be the Village's only hope. But what mattered to him the most, however, was to achieve his goal of rescuing that special person whom he never mentioned much. But throughout the day Naruto never thought about the ranks of his friends or how strong they'd become. His focus was to just see how everyone was doing.

After denying Shikamru's request, all Naruto could do was walk around the Village, passing various markets and the like. But as he doing this he was doing this, he was greeted by one of his good friends, Bushy Brow.

"Naruto!!" said Lee

"Hey! Bushy Brow." said Naruto. "What's up?"

"I have been looking all over for you….please come with me. Guy Sensei wanted to invite us to a training session. …. He wants to see how strong we've become over the years. We'd be so glad if you could come. In fact, Neji is coming too!"

"Well….I guess. I have nothing else to do today anyway."

"Fantastic! Meet us in the Training fields in 10 minutes." At that moment Rock Lee dashed down the street and vanished from sight. Naruto wrapped up his short little stroll and headed towards the training fields. But before he could get there he was confronted by Sakura.

"Naruto!"

"Argh! What now?" said Naruto. "I'm a little busy" He ran right past her and continued to where he was going. But she chased him all the way there…

Hokage's Office

Kakashi now finds himself standing next to Tsunade's desk, facing the back of her chair as she looked outside and didn't say a word. Shizune was also in the room, but she was busy talking to TonTon. As he stood there wondering what Tsunade needed him for, the door behind him suddenly opened. To his surprise it was Shikamaru. He stuck his head through the door, then apologized and slowly closed it.

"I have some news that Jiraiya wanted me to deliver to you." said Tsunade.

"News?.....Why am I not surprised?" said Kakashi.

"I'm guessing you already know what it's about?"

"It's about Naruto isn't it?"

"Well…..it involves him. But that's not exactly it. You see, Jiraiya just told me that one of his investigations of Akatsuki was a little……well…strange."

Shizune immediately stopped what she was doing and listened closely. But before Tsunade decided to continue her thought she yelled at Shikamaru and told him to get away from her door and to stop eaves-dropping. …Immediately, footsteps were heard moving across the Hallway.

"…..Now….where was I?" said Tsunade

(With widened eyes) "You had…..some… important news." said Kakashi (trembling)

"Yes, as I was saying…While recently investigating on Akatsuki's plans, Jiraiya thinks that he may have been…..spotted."

"By who?" asked Shizune.

"Well, let's just say that Akatsuki may be after him as well…..Though I think that old pervert got what he deserved, that's not the important part of this story."

"Why is he still investigating?" asked Kakashi. "He already knows what Akatsuki is up to and when they plan to strike. He told me the details about 3 weeks ago I think."

"The reason why he was investigating is simple. It's true; Jiraiya did tell you that information 3 weeks ago. Akatsuki should be making it's move now. But as of today, not a single Village has reported seeing an Akatsuki member."

One of the Training Fields

"Guy Sensei. Do you see what I'm seeing? Is that Naruto running at full speed?" said Lee

"Why yes it is Lee!" said Guy, "Look at him go! You see…..THAT'S what I call a hearty welcome!!"

"It appears that someone else is running behind him." said Neji with short sigh.

"Wow! I can't believe it! He brought Sakura too!!" yelled Lee. "Now we have even more competition."

After finishing that sentence, Naruto finally made it to the group. Sakura, then, slowly stepped forward and said hello to everyone. But she wondered why TenTen wasn't with them. Guy told her that the Contest they were about to start didn't fit TenTen's style at all. It involved physical strength –hand-to-hand combat—something that TenTen decided not to participate in, for she loved to use Ninja Tools and Weapons.

"Alright….here's what we're gonna do." said Guy. "You see those trees behind me—"

"You want us to knock em' down!?" asked Sakura, with a little excitement.

"Well…….Kinda. But that would be too easy of course." While saying this, Guy then points to some training weights on the ground.

"You see, a true Shinobi should know that not all battles go as planed." said Guy. "Worst case scenario….your tired, and wounded at same time. In fact sometimes you can barely move…….Well I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this."

"Umm…..not quite." said Naruto

"Oh Naruto," said Sakura. "Can't you see he's trying to recreate a common situation that befalls all Shinobi? This is an endurance test."

"Exactly!!" said Guy. "It's simple. I want you, Neji, and Sakura to put those weights around your ankles and stand a few meters from the tree……Then, you'll each have to walk up to the tree and—

"Try our best knock it down…" said Sakura. "How heavy are the weights?"

"Don't worry….they're LevelItraining weights… only 50lbs."

"WHAT!!!?"

"50lbs in total….. A single weight is 25, so don't worry."

"Oh that helps a lot—

"Shut-up Naruto!!!" yelled Sakura. "I'm sick of your complaining."

Guy hands each ninja a pair of weights and tells them to go ahead and try despite the odds. The three of them struggle as they literally drag the weights a few feet away from the tree and get to the right spot before putting them on. After a few minutes, they all stand single file; ready to take on the task. Neji decides to go first.

Deep in the Forest

"I'm not gonna say it again….The Dynamic marking is harmful to my insects and others as well. Especially when it comes from such a—

"I dare you to say it." said Kiba

"Umm guys......" said Hinata. "Can we just finish the training session.....please. I hate it when you guys fight and--Wait.....what's that noise?"

Suddenly Shino and Kiba stopped their bickering and stood still as they heard movement from somewhere. But it wasn't ordinary. To Shino, it sounded like something just kept on "clicking". But he didn't say this to anyone though, because after a few seconds, there was only silence and they didn't hear it again.

"Chasing shadows again Hinata?"asked Kiba

When Kiba and Shino turned around, they saw that her Byakugan was activated………and she was trembling a little.

"Hinata?"

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And there you have it; The First Chapter to a Brand New Naruto Story. I'm sure this story is gonna be a huge success. I'm so anxious to receive your comments.

Bran The Man