...
Alright. Before we begin...
*Huge Explosion rocks the room*
There it is.
Female voice: WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!
Shut up Vanessa! I don't have time for your stupidity or annoyance at this point!
Naruto: What the hell?
Don't ask. And believe me. It's best if you don't know.
Naruto: Now, I'm curious.
*motions Naruto to come closer and whispers in his ear* That good enough to sate it?
Naruto: you were right. Better if I didn't.
By the way, I'm skipping the Academy. The majority of it is more Canon than anything else. Iruka came close to breaking the Second Mask, but the only difference is, Naruto didn't go for the Exam 3 times, and is about to take it for the first time.
And yes, his Bunshin no Jutsu is still suckish at best.
Naruto groans: Why is that so bad still?
Well, it's because you were a Jinchuuriki, and have the reserves of 3 tails worth of Kurama's Chakra, but as your own. And then there's Mako. All of your skills are going to remain anonymous until they are uncovered throughout the story.
Naruto: Fine. So, my first Graduation attempt?
Basically. On with the Game! Sorry. STORY!
Cloud: I don't believe you put a disclaimer.
Check the Commercials for the First Chapter.
Chapter 2
A 12 year old, Naruto just pulled off another prank in his Orange Jumpsuit. ANBU were now chasing him. (A/N: Standard Hokage Monument prank) He managed to get away from them, but Iruka finally caught him.
"Uh... Iruka-sensei? I'm in trouble again, aren't I?" Naruto asked.
"You're damn right, you are!" Iruka grabbed Naruto by the scruff of his neck.
-minutes later-
Naruto was tied up in the front of the Classroom. "Naruto, this is your graduation year, and you've yet to reach a level to pass. You should be training yourself in your weak areas, instead of playing all those stupid pranks!"
"The lectures are boring." Naruto complained. "I want to learn flashy Jutsu, not this boring stuff!"
Iruka growled. "That's it! Thanks to Naruto, the class will review the Henge no Jutsu!" The Class groaned.
The students were called by name. When Naruto was up, he made the handsign. "Henge!" there was suddenly a girl with clouds surrounding her most private parts, who then blew a kiss at Iruka. Needless to say, Iruka flew backwards with blood trailing from his nose.
"Cut the stupid tricks! This is your last warning!" Iruka shouted, as Naruto transformed into something else. This one surprised the others, as the man looked damn near sinister. (Think Sephiroth from FF7: AC)
"And what will you do about it?" The voice was equally sinister.
Iruka suddenly recoiled at the voice. 'That voice is not Naruto's. He still needs to stop with the pranks.'
"Well, Iruka?"
"Fine. You're good. But don't do that again Naruto!"
The chuckle that escaped his lips was not one that Naruto would usually give off, before he released the Henge, and it became one he would. "Just who was that?" One of the students asked him.
"That was a man by the name of Sephiroth. Found some kind of legend. Something about the Lifestream. That's how he was described. More dangerous than the Kyuubi is said to be, as he was ready to destroy the world. He was stopped right before he could, though. That was the Lifestream Warrior."
"Some Legend." One of the girls huffed.
One of them narrowed his eyes. "Sephiroth... That name..."
"What's up Shika?" Naruto asked.
"Naruto, if that guy ever shows up, do not, under any circumstances trust him." The boy said, his voice, unnaturally forewarning.
"Why not?"
"You read the legend, right?"
"Yeah, he came back, and faced off with the Lifestream Warrior again. Called him the One-winged Angel."
"Well, at the end of the Legend, and the last time he showed, it was foretold, "I will never be a memory." Those were his last words, according to it. If they're true, then he will likely try to kill anyone and everyone."
Naruto sighed. "I saw that part. No one can guarantee that, you know?"
The other students saw the exchange, and was surprised that Shikamaru was being this serious. "Besides, if he did show up, the world as we know will be gone forever. He hasn't shown up yet, so he might never show up. Maybe it's the fact that he's part of a Legend that he is more than a Memory. No one knows, am I right?"
Shikamaru then sighed. "Troublesome. You'd never listen to me anyway."
'He has no idea how true that Legend is though. I'm the only one that does. Not even Iruka-sensei knows. I've kept that from him all this time.' Naruto thought.
-After classes-
Naruto was called to clean the Monument, Iruka watching over him. "I don't know what to do with you Naruto. You say you want to be a Shinobi, but your actions say otherwise."
"You know I don't really understand lessons, sensei. I have to learn them by doing. Aside from you, I've only been able to caught by ANBU."
"And that makes me think you're a learn by doing kind of person, but you can't teach academics like that. That's the problem. I can never truly figure out how to make it so History can make sense for you. I mean, you got math and physics down pat. Those were easy to transfer, because you use it all the time." Iruka admitted. "Nothing else really works for you."
Kurama appeared in front of Naruto. "Hit the Monument this time?"
"Yeah. What's the word on your friends?" Naruto asked.
"They're about ready. One more thing to go through. However, it's more coming than I thought at first. Their entire group is coming. The Hokage has been giving you a monthly allowance because you're an orphan, and you haven't been using it that much. In fact, all you really use it for is Ramen and Dango."
"Well, those are the only places that will serve him. I'm still not sure why the Dango Shop owners let him in. No one else does, except those at Ichiraku's." Iruka stated. "I mean, sometimes I have to buy a few things for him to eat, because he can't eat Ramen all the time."
"I've been catching and eating my own meals when I don't eat Ramen. I have Kurama to thank for that."
"Don't worry about it."
"Come to think of it, I'm surprised no one has done anything to you. I'll be honest and say that I didn't think anyone would like you in the area, Kurama. Anko, myself and Naruto are the only exceptions."
"Let's just say they've been attacking me a lot more often, and the Hospital is filled every weekend. They just don't know when to let go of a grudge."
"Finish cleaning the Monument, Naruto. After that, I'll treat you to ramen." Iruka stated. "Alright!"
The Monument was cleaned within 30 minutes, and they went to Ichiraku's Ramen stand.
"Naruto, why did you hit the Hokage Monument?"
"Well, you know how one of my dreams is to become the Hokage, right?" Naruto asked. "I'd surpass them all."
"Not like you are, you won't. They all have the book smarts."
"That kind of stuff isn't used often in the real world. You and I both know that."
"True as that is, no one else does. They won't think you're ready unless you can prove to them that you can handle the basics. I think a big weakness of yours is Genjutsu, to be honest."
"Honestly? I do too." Naruto admitted, as he finished another bowl. "Thanks, Iruka-sensei."
"Come back soon, Naruto." The owner said, with gusto.
"Sure thing, Teuchi-oji." Naruto said, as he left.
"Teuchi, I think something's off with Naruto." Iruka stated.
"I know. I could tell he's hiding something, but it's far beyond anything anyone ever has, or ever will, see. Not unless they can somehow go through multiple layers of mental and emotional defenses. That much I can guarantee."
-the next day-
Everyone was all set to take the Graduation Exam. Naruto looked psyched, but kept his cool for as long as he could. When it came to his turn, he went to the other classroom.
"Naruto, you've got the Bunshin no Jutsu."
Naruto charged Chakra. He felt the Mako interfere, and he messed it up at the last second. He made one, but it looked pale, and dead. "Fail! I'm sorry Naruto."
"Come on, Iruka." The other tester stated. "Come on. He rarely ever made one Clone before. At least this time he made something appear. Surely that merits passing, right?"
"Everyone else could make 3. Naruto only made one. And look at it. It's pathetic. I'm sorry Naruto, but I can't pass you." Naruto looked dejected.
Naruto was on the swingset outside the academy, depressed. Kurama came up to him. "You failed didn't you?" A nod. "Why?"
"Bunshin no Jutsu."
"That sucks."
"Something was off about Mizuki-sensei, though. I think you should stay hidden for now. He's got something planned, and I think it has something to do with me."
"If he attacks, I will kill him."
"I know." Naruto replied, as Kurama went back into hiding.
Mizuki came up to Naruto. "Can I talk to you for a minute, Naruto?"
Naruto looked at him, and nodded.
Naruto and Mizuki were sitting on a roof. "Iruka doesn't mean to be harsh. He probably sees a bit of himself in you."
"I know... I just... wanted to pass."
"Well then, there's no choice." Mizuki stated. "The make-up is what you can do."
"Make-up Exam?"
"Yeah, here's what you have to do." Mizuki explained it.
Naruto's thoughts went a different route. 'So that's what he's up to.'
"You're not really going to listen to this guy, are you?"
'Think about it, Kurama. I know it's a trap. He doesn't think I'll see it. Head to Jiji, tell him that I have a plan to flush out a traitor. All usual protocols, as if they weren't known, are to be implemented for the action. Only, you, me, and Jiji will know of this. I'm tired of his shit, and I've been wanting to go One-winged Angel on his ass.'
"So, what do you say? Will you take it?"
"You bet!" Naruto replied, before jumping off. Mizuki and Naruto shared a thought, unknowingly.
'What an idiot!'
"I second that." Kurama added.
'On second thought, we don't let Jiji know. Head straight to the Lifestream. Let the others know, and see if they can watch the whole thing.'
"Now that I think about it, your parents would probably get a laugh out of it."
'Kind of the point.'
"Got it."
-a few hours later-
Naruto was finished learning a Jutsu from the scroll he took from the Hokage's tower.
-Lifestream-
Everyone was in the Arena, even Kurama. There was a huge monitor there, as well, and it showed Naruto learning the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, and memorizing several others, such as the Bunshin Daibakuha, Katon: Karyuu Endan, and a few others.
"You really think this will work, Kurama?" Kushina asked.
"You think I'd be here if it wouldn't? Besides, he's been wanting to go Sephiroth on the guy's ass for who knows how long?"
"This should be interesting, then." Sephiroth stated.
"You're just interested because he wants to kill the bastard." Cloud retorted.
"Not quite. Just that he hasn't really done anything else. I would've done something a lot worse, while he's catching a traitor with it." Sephiroth retorted.
"Not to mention that Oiroke no Jutsu." Tifa admitted.
"Yeah. That thing is a Kage Killer." Minato added. "Any Male Kage will either pass out from Blood loss, or die from high blood pressure."
"Now that he's learned the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, think about what he could do by combining the two." Yuffie stated, causing several eyes to widen, even Sephiroth's.
The result was a simultaneous shout among all the males, Tifa, Jenova, and Aerith. "FUCK!"
Kushina and Yuffie smirked at the implications, though. "Kushina, I'm surprised you didn't shout at that idea." Yuffie admitted.
"Of course I wouldn't. I know what it entails, and someone has to get rid of all the perverts. Besides, I've noticed that his Godfather hasn't done anything for him all his life. I think he's been acting as a Pervert. He's been writing the Icha Icha Paradise series, after all. And with the Bunshin Daibakuha, he could actually cause some collateral damage to anyone that isn't taken down by it."
"My thoughts exactly." Yuffie stated.
"You two are just as crazy as each other." Nanaki stated with a sweatdrop.
"Shh. It's starting." Kurama stated, as everyone looked at the screen.
-With Naruto-
Naruto had rolled up the scroll, and Iruka showed up. "Iruka-sensei? You finally found me, huh?"
"What are you doing with that scroll?" Iruka questioned, anger in his voice.
"Mizuki-sensei told me about it. Said if I learned a Jutsu from it I'll pass the Make-up for the failure, and pass the exam." Naruto replied.
"Naruto, I thought tha..." he pushed Naruto out of the way, as he got hit by a few Kunai. "So that's what's going on." Iruka stated, pinned to the shack.
Naruto saw what happened. "Iruka-sensei!"
"Naruto, whatever you do, don't give him the scroll!" Iruka shouted.
"Nice job, Naruto. You wouldn't be able to understand it anyway. Hand it to me. I'll show you what it means." Mizuki stated.
Naruto kept looking in between Iruka and Mizuki, as if he were lost. 'Keep up the act. Have to keep up the act.'
"I could even tell you why the village hates you."
"NO! Mizuki, you KNOW it's forbidden!"
Mizuki didn't heed his warnings, and told Naruto that he was the Kyuubi no Yoko reborn. Naruto stood stock still. 'He just broke one of the Sandaime's laws. That particular law earns death. And no ANBU are around to stop me from administering the punishment.'
Mizuki took a Shuriken from his back, and was about ready to throw it. He was caught off guard when he heard a cold chuckle. And Lo and behold, it came from Naruto. "You know, Mizuki. You're the only one that actually had the gall to attack me, after a little threat that was posed years ago. If I were really the Kyuubi, then this village would've been destroyed years ago. And since you just broke the Sandaime's law, became a Traitor to the village, and happen to be about ready to attack a civilian, as I have yet to graduate and become a Shinobi... That's 3 laws you've broken, 2 of which result in death." Naruto's voice was cold. Iruka shivered from it.
"What do you care?"
"Try the fact that I knew something was up for months now. I know you've been putting Genjutsu on my tests, making them harder than they really are. I've been wanting to take you down for who knows how long? And now, there's a damn good reason to." Naruto stated.
"You're welcome to try little fox!" Mizuki shouted as he spun the Shuriken in his hand. Naruto then released a lot of Mako, a black wing appearing behind him. He grew an extra 8 inches, and held Masamune in his hand.
"I've been wanting to go Sephiroth on your ass all this time." His voice was cold and emotionless. "And now that I can, I might as well. But first..." He parried the Shuriken with Masamune before stabbing it in the ground, and making a handsign. "I think I should show you what I learned from the scroll. TAJUU KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" There was suddenly 500 Sephiroth-like Narutos in the clearing. All of which, sporting a Masamune.
"Shall we give you despair?" They all said in monotone.
Mizuki was shocked at how many were there. Not only that, they all held Masamune. The sword last used by Sephiroth. "Tell us what you cherish most." One of them said.
"Give us the pleasure of taking it away." Another said, cold hearted hope in his voice.
"You... You can't do this!"
Iruka stayed silent, surprised at what was going on.
"If you won't talk..."
"Then we'll just outright annihilate you."
They all pounded him and then threw him into the air, as several of them flew up after him, and cut him into pieces. The pieces fell to the ground, and all of the Clones dispelled. Naruto looked at Iruka. "Sorry I had to keep that a secret Iruka-sensei."
"Naruto, come here for a second." was the reply. "Close your eyes."
He did, a little wary. He felt the goggles on his head shift, and something else replaced them. 'No way... Could he be...'
"Alright, open your eyes." Iruka stated. Naruto immediately found his goggles in Iruka's hands, he touched what was now there, and found it was Iruka's headband. "Congratulations. You graduate!"
Someone cleared his throat behind him. "I believe I should congratulate you as well, Naruto." Sarutobi stated. Naruto and Iruka looked at him.
Naruto spoke up first. "I'm in trouble aren't I?"
"Actually, you're in the clear. I saw what happened, already. Everything." Naruto flinched. "Why did you hide your skills, Naruto? That's not like you."
"2 words. The Council." Naruto replied. "You should be able to figure it out from there."
Sarutobi was a little surprised. "The council is idiotic."
"Kurama's been watching over it as well. It's filled with Power Hungry idiots. And the majority of the Civilians want me dead, the Clan Heads want nothing to do with me, and one of the Elders wants to make me a weapon. Why else would I play the fool? Kurama taught me how to survive, after all. And this is part of it."
"Kit, they loved the show you put on. Sephiroth himself is glad at what you did."
"Kurama?"
"Who else, Kit?" Kurama showed himself. "Your father is actually quite proud. Now that you've got your headband, the secret can come out."
"What secret?" Sarutobi questioned, narrowing his eyes.
"You haven't wondered how I got this strong, even with the ANBU trying to keep watch over me?" Naruto asked. "I know they have, even Hinata has. I intentionally played the fool. And during all this, I've been learning everything from... I guess you could say the Dead. Mom, Dad, and about 9 others. Then there's dead Shinobi from every country, so I can learn their secrets from those that hated their own home, and would've love to see them destroyed. Basically, I've only been attending the Academy for protocol. It was to get the headband. However, I'll never be able to learn the Bunshin no Jutsu. That's why I actually went through with this. My dad knew that the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu was on the scroll. Said I should learn it when I got the chance. He's seen my life since I was 6, so has my Mom."
"You've known who they were?" Sarutobi asked, eyes wide.
"Of course I have." Naruto replied. "Also, Iruka-sensei, your parents are glad you're not letting their death get to you anymore."
"How do you know this?" Sarutobi questioned.
"Wait, Hokage-sama." Iruka stated. "Naruto... That's what you've been hiding all this time, isn't it?"
"I figured you noticed it. What you just saw was beyond the Fourth mask I had up. That was the last one. In the entire village, you, Jiji, the Ichiraku family, and Anko made it by my first mask. You and Jiji had cracked the second one, but didn't get past it. Now that I've got my headband, all of them are getting dropped. Of course, without my true skills on record, no one will know what I'm truly capable of." Naruto looked at Mizuki's head, which was still intact. "It's a really good thing that dad suggested I use a Blood Clone, send it to the Academy, and take out a few Bandit camps during the Academy. It helps when your first kill is doing something that you utterly loathe, you know?"
Iruka and Sarutobi looked at him. "What were they doing?" Iruka asked.
"Raping several women." Iruka nodded, seeing the point.
"You hate rapists with a passion." Iruka replied. "I can see why that helps."
"As do I, but to know you've been holding back this much..."
"Oh, that wasn't all I can do. Besides, the Council can't do shit about this one, because I was merely administering a punishment of breaking 3 laws, 2 of which warrant death, anyway. I simply took care of it before the ANBU could. Besides, Jiji. You and I both know that the Kyuubi is no longer sealed within me."
"What do you mean?"
"I haven't been sealed within him ever since he was 6. That chase sent us to the Lifestream, where his parents are at the moment. They're pissed at Jiraiya for not showing, and they both agreed when I told them. Oh, and Naruto? You mom said that you should try the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu with your Kage Killer, and then combine that with the Bunshin Daibakuha, and use that on Jiraiya. One, for not baring his duties as Godfather. Two, for being a stupid, thick headed, Super pervert. Your father heard that, and then agreed. Cloud and Tifa... They're surprised that your mother actually wanted those 2 to come up."
"What about Yuffie and Vincent?"
"They all want to see you as soon as possible. The Geostigma is gone, and as such, the only thing left for me to do here is protect you until Jenova gives the go for Cloud and Tifa to come."
"Naruto... What are you two talking about?" Iruka asked, Sarutobi silent.
"Well... They're the ones that have been training me all this time." Naruto scratched the back of his head.
'Yep. That's Naruto alright.' Iruka thought. "Well, I'd like to thank them for doing such a good job with your skills. But how did you manage to hide their interference?"
"Heh... They've been in the Lifestream. That's where I've been learning. There, I've got a day for every hour here. I've been going there every night, and on the breaks. That's also where I'm at every October 10th, as well. It's how I stay hidden. It's also how I've kept my skills secret. No one but me and Kurama know how to get there." Naruto then sighed, before taking the scroll off his back, and tossing it to Sarutobi. "Here's this back, Jiji. Sorry I didn't tell you about this, but I didn't really want interference, you know? You would've had ANBU arrest him, and my entire plan would've gone to waste. Speaking of which... I think I should get going."
"Well, for taking out a new Missing Nin, you've earned the headband." Sarutobi stated. "As much as I don't like how you got it, I'm glad you made it in. Your parents should be proud."
"You do realize that they saw the whole thing, right?" Kurama stated. "In fact, all his trainers did. They're waiting for him in the Lifestream, now."
"Is it possible for me to come with?" Iruka asked. "I really need to meet the ones who managed to teach him."
"Hiruzen, remember when I told you that a few were coming to take care of Naruto after a while?" A nod. "Well, they happen to be 2 of his trainers."
Sarutobi then took a shocked look on his face. "Hokage-sama, no one can know what I've been hiding until it's revealed by me." Naruto said, his voice even. "There are reasons for this, and I can't claim to know how this has been going on, and keep everyone around me safe. The moment the Council finds out, you know they will be calling for blood. Regardless of the fact I was merely upholding the law."
Sarutobi noticed the serious tone, along with the fact that Naruto didn't use the Nickname. He knew that this was a serious matter. "I see. Iruka, I want you to know that the events here are not to be talked about. Period. SS-class secret, meaning instant death. Unless Naruto and myself give the go, you cannot say a word. The council will not hear about you taking him out, but they will know that you were tricked into stealing it, thus marking him as a traitor. ANBU disposed of him before he could do anything else." Naruto, Iruka, and Kurama nodded.
"Thank you. I must be going."
"Wait." Kurama looked at Iruka. "Iruka, Jenova has wanted you to come as well, and told me how I can make it happen. We'll need Naruto's help as well as my own."
"What do you mean?" Iruka asked.
"Wait, you don't mean..."
"That's what I was told. I'm not even sure if it will work. We'll need Regen, multiple casts of Curaga, and my Youki to do the trick."
"You know how dangerous that is?" Naruto argued.
"That's why Regen and Curaga are needed. His body wouldn't be able to handle my Youki. The Mako used in the spells should counter act the harmful effects. That's Jenova's line of thinking. I can't claim to agree, but if it does work, once he goes there once, he should be able to get through again without our help."
"I'll do it." Naruto turned his head so fast, he could've gotten a whiplash.
"Iruka-sensei..."
"Naruto, you're more powerful than I am. I know that now. I want to at least get to know the people who gave birth to you, if not, the ones that trained you to be as good as you are. If it can help me talk to them, I'll do it. If not, I'll die, and I'll still be able to meet them."
Naruto was a little hesitant, but sighed. "Alright. First, I'll get you to perfect health. Curaga." he held up a hand, and Green energy hit Iruka. "Regen. Curaga." Iruka was quickly feeling better. Then an Idea hit him. "Poisona." Then he got hit with something else.
"What's that one for?"
"Poisona cures Poison, right?" Naruto asked, earning a nod. "If he's not poisoned, then it should help reduce the effects of incoming poison. In theory, at least."
Kurama's face then took a shocked look. "Heh. Why didn't I think of that?"
"No idea, but let's do this. Later Jiji." Naruto said, as Kurama bit Iruka in the leg, channeling Youki into the bite, Naruto repeatedly Cast Curaga, Poisona, and then they all left for the Lifestream.
-Lifestream-
Naruto, Iruka, and Kurama found themselves in an Arena. Iruka blinked at the scenery. "Where am I?"
"Curaga." Naruto said one last time. Iruka instantly felt better.
"I see Jenova was right." Aerith stated. "Aerith Gainsborough. The last Cetra."
Iruka extended a hand to her. "Iruka Umino."
"I know who you are. We all do." She gestured to everyone else.
Kushina and Minato grinned at Naruto, who saw it and ran towards them. They had a 3-way hug.
"Way to go son." Minato said, pride in his voice.
"Thanks dad."
"We're both proud of you. You know that, right?" Kushina asked.
Naruto nodded, and true smile on his face.
"Heh, they're not the only ones." Barret stated, earning their attention. Naruto looked at the rest of them. "Spiky, Vincent, and Yuffie have something to give ya. It's for graduating."
Naruto looked at them. Cloud stepped up first, Tifa right next to him. He drew First Tsurugi. "This is now yours. You've been training for it all this time. I've been waiting for you to graduate to give this to you." Naruto grabbed the hilt.
"This... This is an honor. I can't believe you're giving me First Tsurugi."
"Eh, I've got a spare. Of course, mine is Second Tiberian. You can thank Barret for making Second Tiberian so I could give it to you."
Tifa then handed him a pair of fingerless gloves. "I'm also giving you Premium Heart. The more you want to protect your friends, the more dangerous they'll be. For your opponent, at least." She winked.
Vincent walked up to him, and handed him Cerberus. "I have no use for this. I have asked Minato to modify it so you can use your Chakra, or Mako energy, to fire it. Now that they have, it's yours to use as you see fit."
"Thanks, Vinny." Naruto replied holding it in his hand. "This is a good thing to have."
"Hey, don't forget about me!" Yuffie shouted.
Naruto turned to her. "How could I forget about you?"
Yuffie smiled at him. "I've got 2 things for you. Number one is this." She pulled out Conformer. "You remember Conformer? It's now yours."
Naruto nodded. "What's the other one?"
"That one... would require privacy." Yuffie stated.
Naruto caught the meaning quickly, and nodded. Iruka looked at the two, before finally making sense of the matter and widened his eyes.
"You're not really going to do that, are you?"
"Why not?" Kushina asked. "After all, she did ask if that could happen as a Graduation present."
"I don't know why I agreed with it." Minato admitted.
"It's because I did, and nearly forced you to." Kushina told him, a smile on her face.
"Don't worry, you two." Tifa stated, as Naruto and Yuffie left the area for one of the private rooms. "I'll make sure that Naruto doesn't become a Pervert when I get there."
"I'm going to help." Cloud stated. "The only reason I'm not going to stop it is because they've been drifting closer than most would like. They're too much alike to even try and convince them to do otherwise."
"Little Yuffie is making Naruto a man... It had to be her." Cid admitted. "I may not know everything about Love, but I know that stopping them will incite a lot of wrath."
"and with all of us training him... That's bad." Sephiroth stated.
"And when he says it's bad, you know that it's actually a cataclysmic event that could very well destroy a few planets before it settles down." Cloud stated.
"Also, she wouldn't be able to get pregnant here. It's downright impossible to do that here, as she's already dead. She can't give birth. It just doesn't work that way." Aerith stated, earning everyone's attention. Iruka sighed in relief.
"Alright, fine." he said. He looked at Minato and Kushina. "Am I to assume you're his parents?"
They both nodded. "And you're the Yondaime..." Iruka's eyes widened as he finally recognized Minato. "No wonder Hokage-sama kept your identity as his father a secret. Iwa, Kumo, and possibly Kiri would go after him if they knew."
"Iwa, definitely. Kumo, possibly. Kiri, not unless they knew that he was a survivor of the Uzumaki Clan." Minato replied. "That isn't likely unless he actually did something to piss them off."
"Besides, the only bloodline he would've gotten from us was replaced." Kushina admitted. "Well... Aside from the Chakra Multiplier part. That one was there the moment he was born. He has at least 10 times as much Chakra being an Uzumaki. I've noticed it's still there."
"Is that why he's been failing at the Bunshin no Jutsu? Too much Chakra?"
"Heh. I wish." Kushina snorted. "Normally, an Uzumaki wouldn't be able to use the Bunshin no Jutsu unless they could walk on water. My son and myself will never be able to use it. Genjutsu is not our strong point. In fact, the only thing we can do with them is dispel them. Bunshin no Jutsu is one such Jutsu. That's a Jinchuuriki thing. When you're using a Jutsu, part of the separate Chakra tries to come along. A Bijuu's Chakra is at least 5 times as potent as a Human's Chakra. I've performed a Suiryuudan with 1/5 the amount of Chakra by drawing on Kurama's Chakra. He calls it Youki, though."
"But if Kurama isn't sealed inside of him, then what's causing him to stop it?"
"My only guess is Mako." Kushina admitted. "I don't know the Potency ratio of Chakra to Mako. For that, you'd have to ask him."
"I've felt the difference." Cloud admitted. "Comparing Chakra to Mako is hard unless you've actually used Mako yourself. I've been doing so, and had it ingrained into my cells. From them using a Suiryuudan, I could compare it to Blizzara in strength. I also notice that it doesn't take anywhere near as much Mako to mix with Chakra. Naruto's the first that can do so."
Kurama's eye twitched. "Damn kit. He's already gotten it out of her."
Everyone looked at the fox. "What?"
"You can hear them?" Kushina asked.
"Through our link only. My ears aren't picking up anything, and for good reason. He put up silencing seals on the walls and door. We wouldn't be able to bust through the wall with a Rasengan at 5x max power, moving at Mach 3."
"Hiraishin moves at Mach 2..." Minato said, his voice low, but his eyes wide. "He really wants to do this, doesn't he?"
"You have no idea."
"Then why don't you enlighten us?" Kushina asked, though it sounded more like an order.
"You ever wondered what it would be like to feel like you're in Heaven, Hell, and on Earth, experiencing all 3 Simultaneously?"
"I've been there." Cloud admitted. "Only once, though."
"That would pretty much sum it up." Cloud's eyes widened.
"You have got to be kidding me."
Everyone looked at him. "Is that bad?" Tifa asked.
"Bad? Maybe. Outright insane? More likely. Sephiroth Insane? That would still pale in comparison."
"How many times are you going to play the "Sephiroth is Insane" card?" Sephiroth wondered.
"I only play that one these days because everyone else here gets the idea highly quick." Cloud admitted.
"Look on the bright side." Minato said. "There's only one person I've ever met that exceeds the Insanity they say is yours." He shivered at the image. "Iruka, can I ask a favor?"
"Of course, Yondaime-sama!"
"Drop the -sama crap, please. I'm dead already. I don't need your respect. Plus, I'm not the Hokage anymore. And the third reason: It makes me feel old." Minato complained.
"My husband was never one for formalities." Kushina admitted. "In fact, he downright hated them. Our son got that from him. By the way... Aerith, can you play the last prank he played on the Hyuuga Clan?"
"Sure thing. That one was a good one." Aerith looked at the screen and pointed at it.
It showed Naruto placing a few seals in the compound. He still had yet to be caught. He got out, and left it there. When the sun set that night, he was back in the Lifestream, and everything went off. The entire Hyuuga Estate was painted Red.
Iruka couldn't help but snicker at that. That snicker turned into a laugh. "He's the one that did that? That one had several ANBU searching for a perpetrator for weeks. But half of the village, Academy Students to civilians, all the way up in rank to the Hokage, thought it was funny. The only exceptions were the stuck snobs, and the Hyuuga Clan themselves. Come to think of it... Hinata's room was oddly untouched." Iruka looked in the direction of Naruto. "If he did that, why did he leave her room out of it, thus leaving her safe?"
"It was Yuffie's idea to hit them." Cloud accused. "From what we've seen, she's the only Hyuuga that's not stuck up, or arrogant."
Minato nodded at that. "That right there is why. He hit them where it hurts. Their pride. Although, I'll admit that he should have used a different color."
"No, he chose that color for a reason. Check the inside of the North Wall." Kurama said, before the screen showed it. "Right there. That's why he chose Red. He put the Sharingan on it. That's why they gave up on it. Either it was a ghost doing that, or Sasuke Uchiha, because of the simple fact that there's only 1 Uchiha in the village. Arrogant bastards tried to start a Coup detat. Did I ever mention how much I hated those bastards?"
"You and me both, Kurama." Kushina added.
"Their arrogance was their downfall. I think Itachi did us a favor more than once. At least Naruto also knows the Truth."
"Wait. The Uchiha Clan was planning a Coup Detat?" Iruka asked, shocked.
"The Elders and Hokage, along with Itachi are the only ones supposed to know. Everyone here knows. Even Naruto knows, as he watched them plan it a couple times. We even took time off to watch their slaughter." Kurama admitted.
"If anything, they deserve their destruction." Sephiroth stated. "Hell, if Itachi didn't do it, I would have."
"Like you destroyed Nibelhiem?" Cloud pointed out.
"More controlled than that. That was uncontrolled rage. This would be a lot more focused, and I'd only take out those that should have been taken out. Not the ones that had nothing to do with it."
"That's not like you, you know?" Tifa stated.
"Before Naruto? Most definitely not." Sephiroth admitted. "I don't know when or how, but he's changed my views... at least partially."
Iruka sighed. "Yon... Minato, why did you seal Kurama into him?"
Minato blinked. "You're his sensei, right?" A nod. "Well, you should know that I wouldn't force a subordinate to do something I wouldn't. Even though a Hokage has to put the safety of the village above their own life, I didn't want to abandon any family I had left. I'm here now, instead of the Shinigami's stomach, like I should be. Shiki Fuujin does that. When he was 6, I was transferred here. I've taught my son everything I know, even what I was planning to do with the Rasengan. It was never finished, you know?"
"It was still a feared Jutsu."
"So was Hiraishin. Yet it was flawed, but it was extremely feared." Minato admitted. "If I could use it without seals, it would be a lot more useful."
Iruka nodded, seeing his point. "Destroy the seals, destroy the Jutsu right?" A nod was his response. "If I may, where do you think he is?"
"You want personal or professional?"
"Why not both?" Iruka asked.
Minato thought about it. "He's made me prouder than I ever thought he would, for one. He's far stronger than I was at his age, that's for sure. If nothing else, he could take on an A-rank Rogue with relative ease. If you want a professional opinion, I'd say he's Low Jounin level, but would easily be an ANBU if he had the experience outside the village. Experience is the reason he's that low with his skills."
"Where would you say he's best?" Iruka asked.
"Mind if I answer that?" Tifa asked. Minato gestured to her. "If you ask me, he's no specialist. In fact, he has no given specialty. He's a Jack of all trades, so to speak."
"I beg to differ." Sephiroth stated, earning everyone's attention. "He does have a specialty, but it's not one that's easily picked up from the outside unless shown outright, and he never does show it. Hell, I'm pretty sure he doesn't even know it."
"Really? I saw something like that myself while I was training him." Cloud admitted. "If he has any specialty, it's the Impossible."
"I hate it when we agree." Sephiroth admitted. "But yeah, that's what I saw."
"Strange how those 2 are the only ones that noticed." Vincent added.
"Actually, 3." Kushina stated. "I noticed, and he got that from me."
Minato slapped his forehead. "Why didn't I notice it before?"
"That he acts so much like I do?"
"Not only that, but thinks like you do. He has my looks, my aptitude for learning, and complexity. From you, he's got the personality, Chakra types, minus the Mako, appetite, and mindset." Minato explained. "That's just begging for disaster if he turns his full wrath on someone."
"Add in the fact he was trained by all of us." Cloud said, gesturing to AVALANCHE and Sephiroth. "Needless to say, if anyone pisses him off, and they underestimate him: They're dead. No contest."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Minato deadpanned.
Aerith and Kurama turned their heads to Naruto's position. "Why the fuck did he do that?"
"You know what caused Yuffie to lose her connection to the Lifestream?"
"She lost the connection?" Kurama asked, surprised.
"You didn't know?"
"What are you two talking about?" Cloud questioned.
"Kushina, remember when I told you about the Mate Mark?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"The kit marked her." Kushina tensed up.
"Yuffie also has lost her connection to the Lifestream. She was dead but now that the connection is gone... I think he revived her." Aerith admitted.
"I'll be blunt here. I think if he gives a Mate Mark here, and the person is already dead, something will happen. As to what, I have a theory."
"You don't mean..."
"That's the idea. I think he actually did revive her when he marked her. Of course, that's only a Theory. What surprises me, is she seems... Younger, in appearance."
Aerith looked at Jenova. "Jenova, I think we may need Godo to come here. He'd give a more accurate age of where she would be at, if she did shrink in her age."
"I know. And who better than her father to let us know?" Jenova replied.
"I think I should wait here." Iruka admitted. "I also don't think it wise to disturb them."
"We wouldn't be able to if we tried." Kurama admitted. "They're both unconscious, but the barrier is now twice as strong. That was the last thing that I saw through our link. After that, everything went blank."
"What happened to my daughter?" A big-boned man said, entering the area.
Kushina looked at him. "In bed with my son, Godo."
"WHAT?!"
"We wouldn't be able to get in there if we tried." Minato deadpanned. "I highly doubt you could move at Mach 6, and hit it with a Lightning Element Attack using the Momentum to increase damage."
"Even I can't break it. And I'm a Bijuu!"
"I wouldn't be able to break it if I tried." Sephiroth stated. Godo saw him, and heard what he said.
"Why... Why did you let this happen?!" He grabbed Cloud's collar and lifted him up.
"You're talking about someone that's been trained by everyone here, minus Jenova and Aerith. This includes Yuffie."
"If it's any consolation, it's obviously not her first time. It definitely is for him. She knew everything, he didn't. I could give you a play by play, if you want."
Godo glared at the giant fox. "Tell me. Everything." Kurama wasted no time stating everything he saw through the link he shared. Godo, frankly, was a little shocked. When he was finished, Godo was silent. "May not be the best of circumstances, but we think she's actually alive now. Only 3 people are here that are not one with the Lifestream, right?" The ending was posed at Aerith, who nodded. "And it started at 2?" Another nod. "Only 2 were alive before this happened. I think it revived her, but I'm not sure."
"And that idea came from where?"
"I'm actually alive... near as I can figure, anyway. I can only guess, out of context, this place is like the Land of the Dead." Iruka admitted.
"If you're not dead, then you wouldn't be able to come here."
"I did and I was alive." Cloud stated.
"I went in and got him out." Tifa added, thumbing Cloud.
"The only reason Naruto lived through it is because of me. Now, he can manipulate Mako."
"I'll admit one thing. He channels it through his body better than Shinra did for power." Cloud added.
Sephiroth was silent. Cid noticed it and spoke up. "You got nothing to say, motherfucker?"
"I do, but I don't know how to."
"Something gratifying, I'd bet."
"More than that, actually. I have no experience with it, and thus, don't even know how I feel about it. How would I be able to explain it?"
Minato looked into his eyes and saw it. "Pride for someone else, but not yourself. First time that ever happened?"
Sephiroth stiffened. Then he sighed. "That's what it was... Zack..."
Cloud and Tifa caught it and tensed, themselves. They both looked in Naruto's direction. "You don't think..." Cloud started.
"No, but obviously he does." Tifa replied.
"Thinking back on it, so do I."
"Really? I don't see it."
Kushina looked at them. "Any chance of explaining your little conversation?"
They both looked at her. "An old comrade of mine. His name is Zack Fair. He went out before I did. Promised him I'd live out both our lives. I did, his sword was used as his gravestone. I took up a copy of his sword in his memory. The Buster Sword, though common, was his weapon of choice. He preferred that over a gun, which was even more common."
"He was good with it, no doubt." Tifa added.
Sephiroth was lost in thought, and didn't hear anything. "He used them, I used them, and now... Naruto's using them."
"Damn. He uses a Zanbato. Those things are heavy as hell, you know?" Kushina asked.
"A Katana may be lighter, but we don't go that route. Sephiroth does." Said harbinger didn't even acknowledge his name being said. "Who, apparently, isn't even listening."
"Any word on them?" Godo asked, worried.
"They'll be out of it for a while. Iruka, I can take you back when you wish."
"Well, there's only 5 hours to sunrise from when we came here. And usually I'm up at that point."
"Heh. You've got 5 days." Cloud stated, earning a confused look. "Time flows differently here. You've basically got a day for every hour. Time Ratio is 1:24, so you know."
"Naruto's been hiding his true form back home. Best if he does that back home, and train it here." Minato stated. "Before you ask how, I'm the reason he can. His class is not going to recognize him. He's got an entire Wardrobe that's going to transfer with him this time. Which reminds me..." Minato pulled out a scroll. "I think it's time he got his inheritance. I can't give it, and this scroll came from Konoha. As such, it's real, and I want you to give it to Sarutobi, or whoever the hell is Hokage at this point. Say it was something you got from a dead man that's concerned for his son's well being."
"Of course." Iruka said, taking the scroll.
"I would appreciate it if you gave it to him before you do anything else when you get back." Minato stated, his voice not showing any casual intent.
"I was planning on doing that anyway. I think of Naruto as a brother, you know?"
Minato's face went into a full blown smile. "Good."
"He does that. Sometimes, I wonder if he's Bipolar." Kushina admitted.
"You know you love me."
"I do, and I know why you do that. Naruto does the same. Serious when needed, but playful when it's not. One word of advice: never let him get bored."
"I've seen some of his pranks. I know not to let him get bored."
"No, those pranks are nothing compared to what he's done here." Kushina stated, pointing up. Iruka followed the finger and saw a boat with wings. "That's one of the tame ones."
Iruka gaped. "He did that?!"
"If nothing else, I'd say Cid did his job." Kurama admitted.
"That's right Motherfucker." Cid stated, smoking a Cigar. "Too bad I couldn't teach him my manner of speaking."
"He didn't need to." Kushina admitted. "Being an orphan, you pick it up anyway."
"Especially when the mass majority of people hate you." Vincent added. Everyone nodded.
"I still think he could up the ante a bit."
Kurama chuckled. "Kit woke up. Girl still out of it. Kushina, you go in fir... That's just wrong."
"What's wrong?" Kushina asked, suddenly worried.
"He finally realized that Yuffie was right next to him, and he jumped up to the Ceiling fan." He paused. "The scream he emitted at that point woke her up, confusing her. Now the barrier's down."
Kushina, Minato and Godo were the first ones to burst the door... Okay, Minato and Godo went through the door. They found Kushina in there when they did. They also found a hole in the wall.
"What took you so long?"
"Now I see why Ninja rarely use doors. They take too long." Minato stated earning a nod from Kushina.
"You just realized that?" Godo questioned.
"Hey, I only noticed when I was the leader of an entire Ninja Corps. It was just second nature to me so I never saw that I rarely, if ever, used a door when there was a window to the room I was going for." Minato retorted.
"Hiruzen thought that way as well."
"Jiji is a good guy, smart as hell, too." Naruto stated.
"He's not called the Professor for no reason, you know?"
"Yet he's never figured out how to defeat the Paperwork." Naruto stated. Minato just blinked a few times and then burst out laughing.
"He's got the mind to come up with it, but not the ingenuity. You've got that in spades." Yuffie stated, before noticing her father was here. "Oh shit."
"What were you doing with my daughter?"
"His graduation present. See that headband? That's his official uniform for being a Shinobi. Thought I could make him a man because of it." Yuffie stated.
"I'm getting too old for shit."
"Nah, you're not aging here." Naruto stated. "If you want old, you really need to see Jiji."
"He's what? 60? 70?"
"Close enough." Naruto admitted.
"You're right, I didn't hold a candle to him." Godo stated. "Wait, why am I agreeing with you? You just..."
"If it's any consolation, I don't intend on doing that again." Naruto admitted.
"Not gonna be that simple, Naruto." Kushina stated, earning everyone's attention. "You don't know what that mark on her neck means, do you?"
"What mark?" Yuffie asked, surprised, before checking it out. It looked like a fox on top of the Uzumaki Spiral. "You mean this fox on the Whirlpool?"
"That's what it came out as?" Kushina asked, inspecting it. "So it is. Anyway, it human terms, that mark signifies Marriage. Basically, it means "Back off, I'm taken." and anyone who doesn't realize this will meet a cruel end within an hour. However... it's supposed to leave when the one it's on dies."
Naruto's eyes widened. "You mean..."
"No, I couldn't be..." Yuffie started. They looked at each other. "I/You revived you/me?!" They shouted simultaneously.
Minato, Kushina and even Godo, held back a chuckle... Okay, Kushina didn't. She outright laughed, making the two blush. Godo then realized something. "Yuffie, why do you look like you're 15 years old again?"
She blinked. "I do?"
"I think we should ask Kurama for details on this. THROUGH THE HOLE!" Kushina jumped out the hole, Naruto and Yuffie following out of instinct. Thankfully, they were both already clothed.
Godo and Minato shrugged, and then headed out.
-Konohagakure, sunrise-
Iruka, Naruto and Yuffie were standing on top of the Hokage Monument.
"This is where you come out?" Iruka asked.
"Sometimes, yes. I can go in anywhere there is nature, of course, it's always easier for me to do so in the forest." Naruto stated.
"Well, it's one thing to describe something, but it's a whole other prospect when I see it myself." Yuffie said, looking out. "Naru, your description just doesn't give this view Justice."
"I gave the view of the daytime, when I can actually relax. Not sunrise, sunset, which is actually a little better than this one, or night on a cloudless night. On a Cloudless night... that's the best view anyone can get from this spot. Think Cosmo Canyon from the sky, only reversed."
Yuffie nodded. "Definitely a sight to see."
"If you don't mind, I have to see the Hokage." Iruka stated.
"We're coming with." Naruto stated. "She needs to see Jiji, after all. We can play her off as an arranged marriage set up before I was born, and it's just one of the many secrets I've kept until now."
"I love you, you know that?"
"Likewise." They both had a Fox-like grin on their faces, and Iruka nearly paled. He jumped off. Naruto and Yuffie Shunshin'ed out and ended up in the Hokage's office.
-Hokage's Office-
Sarutobi sighed, as he began his paperwork.
Iruka, Naruto and Yuffie entered the room. "Hokage-sama, we're back. And I've got a message for you." He pulled out a scroll.
"Great... As if I didn't have enough paperwork."
"I was told that it was from a dead man that's worried about his son's well being." Iruka admitted. Naruto instantly saw what he meant, but didn't say a word, or let on that he knew.
'Dad's up to something. I just know it.'
"When are they not, Naru?" Yuffie asked, earning everyone's attention.
'Did she just read my mind?'
"Yuffie, what are you talking about?" Iruka asked.
'Well, shit. Yuffie, I think we can broadcast our thoughts to each other with the Mate Mark. If you heard that, nod once.' Yuffie nodded once.
"Well, that explains that." Naruto stated, earning a curious look from the other 2. "We can talk telepathically. Don't ask how." Iruka and Sarutobi nodded.
"Anyway, who is this?"
"Yuffie Kisaragi. My hometown is Wutai."
"I've never heard of it."
"I didn't a year ago." Naruto admitted. "Considering the fact my mom set up an arranged marriage between us before I was born, I don't think you'd know of it. Met her after the incident when I was 6. We've been bonding ever since."
"How did you pick up Medical Ninjutsu?" Sarutobi asked.
"You mean Curaga?" Naruto asked. "Sorry, but that's something I learned from Yuffie, and it's not even Ninjutsu, Medical or otherwise."
"You mean to tell me, you have a bloodline?"
"You didn't know?" Naruto asked. "It allows me to access Mako Energy. Mako fuels those kinds of Jutsu. With Mako, I can pull off a Suiryuudan without any effort, or sign of exhaustion. Hell, I could make 2 with my own Chakra. I've got that much, and the Control to back it up."
Sarutobi nodded. "This is an interesting Bloodline. How did you get it? I know Kushina doesn't have, and neither does your father."
"Event at 6. That's all I will say. Also... Yuffie should be on a team with me. I know the selection process, and that she's already a Kunoichi, in title. She's the only Kisaragi alive, after all. She's good with training."
"Show me."
"No need to sir. I've already seen what she can do, and if I could, I'd give her Chuunin status. She asked for Genin, though."
"Specialties?"
"You don't want to know." Iruka admitted.
"Now, I'm even more curious."
"Trust me, Jiji. You don't want to know."
Sarutobi looked at Naruto with an analytic gaze. Yuffie then pulled out a wallet. "I believe this is yours?"
Sarutobi looked at her, and saw she had his wallet. "How did you..."
She tossed to him. "That wasn't even my specialty. I can do that with virtually anything. Oh, and if you see me pull out anything reminiscent of an oversized Shuriken... back up. You don't want to get close to them."
Sarutobi then looked at the scroll Iruka handed him. "This scroll is about Naruto, isn't it?" Iruka nodded.
"That reminds me. I have another one for you." Naruto said, pulling out another scroll. "This one's from my mom." He tossed it to him.
He read Minato's first, and his eyes widened. "Minato, you love causing me pain, don't you?"
"Nah, he just hates the fact that Ero-sennin didn't take his responsibilities to the forefront."
He then opened Kushina's scroll. When he finished reading it, his eyes widened, and he slammed his head on the desk in front of him, prompting a sweatdrop from Iruka.
Iruka checked the scroll and read it.
Hiruzen,
You're so smart, yet you could never figure out how to beat out Paperwork?
2 words: Kage Bunshin.
Oh, and if no one but your ANBU Guard, Naruto, Yuffie, and Iruka are there when you read this, disregard all formal policies and do the first thing comes to mind, provided it doesn't hurt anyone other than yourself.
Kushina
"That's how you do it?" Iruka asked.
"Hey, that's how dad did it. That's how I plan to do it." Naruto retorted.
Sarutobi quit banging his head against the desk, rubbed his forehead, and tossed a Red Headband with the metal plate showing the Konohagakure symbol to Yuffie. "You're good to go. I've got the details of your abilities from Minato, stating that he found this to happen anyway. He also stated a team for you 2 to be on. I will only say this: I think it's overpowered, but he's right. Naruto, show her around the village. Be at the Academy this afternoon at 1500. Your usual Classroom. Yuffie, you are to go with him." They both nodded, and left with no trace of any Chakra being used.
"Was that pure speed?" Sarutobi questioned, his eyes wide.
"Yes, and I've seen him move faster." Iruka admitted.
"You're kidding me?"
"No sir."
"Get ready for the day. Those two alone with be a handful, if what Minato said is correct." Iruka nodded, seeing that it was probably that Yuffie was way too much like Naruto.
00000x00000
Chapter end!
Yes, he felt like going Sephiroth on Mizuki's ass. The guy was a complete and total bastard.
Any other questions, if this is posted, then review for them.