A Long Road

A Naruto fan fiction

I do not own Naruto

Ch1 The Gates of Konoha

He walked toward the gates of Konoha. It had been a long time since he had seen it. The giant proud walls of his home seemed the same as when he had left. He stopped to admire the view; everything was different now. He had grown from the spastic ball of energy he once was and had matured into a strong individual.

He thought of Jiraiya and how he wished he could be here now. It would be hard to break the news to Tsunade but he would have to manage somehow. Not to mention explaining why he had been gone for so long after he was due to return. Perhaps they thought he and Jiraiya were dead and everyone had moved on long ago. I didn't matter now, he was back and he was sure that they had not lost faith in him.

Although he would not be surprised if they didn't recognize him at first glance. now he dressed in mostly black. A stark change from the orange that had followed him most of his life. He ad also ditched the jumpsuit as well, replaced with a pinch black trench coat that hung a little loose on him, it fell down just below his knees and the collar kicked up above his chin. Under that was dark stained chainmail that closely fit his figure, the tiny rings were barley visible unless you looked closely.

Most of his right arm up to his shoulder and the outer part of his left were covered in dark plate armor. His hands were much the same set with gantlets. The left looked like it was made for tearing flesh and breaking bone as several pieces of pointed steel jutted out from each knuckle and each finger tip looked sharp enough to cut through thin metal. The right was much simpler, basic black steel covered his hand. Both of the steel gloves disappeared under his coat at the rist.

He sighed deciding he had taken in the scenery long enough. When he approached the gate he was stopped by the two guards stationed there. "Stop there." One said "May I see your passport or some other ID?" instead Naruto flashed his headband that he had worked into the plate on his upper right arm. The guards looked at each other for a moment then at Naruto strangely, they obviously didn't recognize him. He had grown a little bit of stubble on his chin and there was a small scar that went from the start of his first whisker to the middle of his thered on his left side. But besides that he looked similar to how he did years ago.

"What's your name?" the guard spoke up. "Naruto Uzumaki." Both of the guards still didn't seem to know of him. "Sorry if you want to get into the village we'll send someone to confirm who you are." "That's fine."

He had wanted to surprise Taunade with his return but this would be fine. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face. Actually on second thought he could. As it just dawned on him that Tsunade had thinly hidden anger issues and immeasurable strength.

Naruto had noticed by now that there more then a few guards that had appeared and were watching him now from a distance. He wasn't to surprised at that, his weapons did look quite formidable. The sword he carried on his back was about 130 cm long and it had a straight edge. Certainly not a common weapon around here. Clipped onto his belt were two combat knives and a rather bulky revolver as well as a small book that hung from a worn string.

The bag he had carried over his shoulder could be completely filled with explosive tags for all they knew. It was probably going to be a while before Tsunade got there she would want to meet him in person, but with the knowledge of how much she drank Shizune would have a hard time wakening her. Naruto decided to sit agenst the gate and rest his eyes while he waited the walk here had been a tiring one.

…

"Naruto?" he opened his eyes to Tsunade standing there a little dumb struck. "Tsunade! It's been so long!" Naruto had now gotten to his feet but only took three steps before she embraced him. "I'm sorry that it took me so long to get back here." He managed to say while struggling for air. She let go of him and a warm smile formed on her face.

POW! She had punched him so hard in the gut that it had sent him flying back into the gate. Now sitting on the ground he let a grone escape his lips. "Apology accepted." Naruto would have replied but he was having a hard time caching his breath so instead he just wheezed silently.

"What is Jiraiya's excuse for keeping you two years longer then he was suppose to? Is he even going to tell me in person or are you going to deliver his message for him." "Tsunade…" Naruto tried to interrupt but she kept talking over him. " the next time I see him I swear to god ill-" "Tsunade!" she hadn't expected such a tone from him and it caught her of guard. They looked at each other for a moment Naruto look like he couldn't bring himself to say something. Tsunade suddenly felt a pit in her stomach. "He's gone."

Her mouth fell open for a second and then she shut it again. There was a pause for a long time. She looked like she couldn't decide what expression to use. After a long while all she said was "I see."Naruto let the notion sink in for a bit "He cared for you very much." Naruto said his tone soothing. "I know." She said as she and smiled bitterly.

"Naruto I'm sorry. I realize you just got back but I need some time alone." "I understand." Naruto put a hand on her shoulder gently then walked away. He hadn't got far before he heard her crying, he glanced back to too see that she was on her knees hands cupped to her face.

...

This is my first fan fiction so please go easy on me. Constructive criticism is welcome.

If you would like to leave an idea for the story that's fine.

Some of the details may be changed later.

Thanks for reading!

Code Awesome out!