Chapter 1: Kurama

At Ichiraku Ramen, five boys were preparing for an amazing event. Word had gotten out that four bands of ninja were competing for recognition in an upcoming music festival. The blonde spiky-haired frontman known as the Hero of the Leaf, Naruto Uzumaki and number one regular at Ichiraku was more excited than anyone. Gathered around with Sai, Shikamaru Nara, Kiba Inuzuka and Rock Lee were coming up with some ideas of how to perform when the festival begins.

"All right, guys. Were just one week away from the biggest band face off ever. I can't wait to show Konahamaru how much I've gotten better. Since his band is playing, he'll see how to really rock the house, you know." said Naruto. "And I know else will be there too." he said with his usual goofy grin.

"I can't believe everybody knows we'll be there. Chances are everyone will keep bugging us before we can even play." Kiba shouted.

"Well who's bright idea was it broadcast to the whole city that we'd be going into this thing headfirst?" Naruto replied.

"Ugh. Getting stressed about this now won't help anything. Anyway, we knew people were expecting us to do this. No matter who were up against we just do our usual thing. No need to over think or over complicate what we know." said Shikamaru.

"He's got a point. We're all familiar with some of the top rising bands in the Five Elemental Cities." Lee mentioned.

"Well, who are we going up against?" asked Sai. "Let's see. Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon are the new band on the scene. Sasuke's band Taka made it the same time as we did. His brother Itachi's band Akatsuki came around long before us, and finally Hinata, Sakura, Ino, and Tenten are pretty good even though I've only heard them once. That's about it." said Naruto. "OK we've encountered Itachi before, so we know he won't go easy on anyone, especially Sasuke or you." said Shikamaru. Naruto seemed down thinking about who else he was up against. "Yeah. And Hinata will without a doubt give all she's got knowing she's up against me."

Moods lightened as Teuchi and his daughter Ayame approached the band. "So you boys aren't nervous are you? Ha. Of course not. The publicity we get from you really keeps thing going around here." said Teuchi. "It's no problem at all. I've been coming here for years so this was bound to happen. I've even treated quite a few people from time to time." the jinchuriki happily stated. "Oh, you mean like that little protoge of yours after you come back from a mission or that girlfriend of yours." Ayame smirked.

"Uh... you mean Konohamaru? He really thinks I have the makings of a hero and wants to be more like me. And by my girlfriend you must mean Hinata. What surprises me is now she's not as shy around me as she was when we were kids."

"Oh yeah, I remember now she was the one who almost fainted every time she saw you."

"Right. When you came back after training with Jiraiya for two and a half years, the moment you looked right at her, she was red as a tomato and collapsed right there. Twice!" Kiba laughed.

"Man, when you put it like that. I'm just surprised she's tried for so long to be as strong as I am, always trying to catch up to me." Naruto responded.

"It's amazing, Naruto. You have two people inspired by you to improve themselves. That's what it's all about." said Lee.

"Yes I agree especially if one of them is a girl who had her eye on you since the day you first met. Sounds like love to me." Ayame sang happily.

"Hopefully this will give you the inspiration you need, Naruto. People like you don't come around everyday." said Teuchi.

"You're right!" Naruto exclaimed. "It's about time we started getting ready." Count me in." barked Kiba. "Let's give it all we've got." said Sai. "Yeah. Maybe this won't be such a drag." Shikamaru added. "With burning spirit!" Lee shouted. "Kurama will rock the house like always." The whole band cheered. "I've been meaning to ask, Naruto, where did the name Kurama come from?" questioned Ayame. Well, you know by now about the Nine-Tails. It turns out after bonding with him after finally learning to fully control his chakra he has a name so I decided we should be called Kurama." he answered. "Well the Nine-Tails has certainly helped you become a great hero. Show this city what you've got." responded Teuchi.

"All right. Let's get started."

Also I'm having a bit of trouble I can't think of names for Hinata or Konohamaru's bands. If you can comment what you think would be good band names for them, I'd like to read your opinions. Also if you're thinking why didn't you add Gaara? Don't worry he'll show up later on. So will Neji. I may even add Sasori with Deidara Kisame and Itachi. This is my first fanfic but I've had this idea in my head for a long time.