Naruto and Lee awoke to Gai and Jiraiya talking quietly in a corner of the cave away from them. Naruto looked at Lee and pointed at the two sensei sitting around the fire. Naruto was confused why they would be up so early talking and not bother to wake their students.
Naruto walked over towards the two; when they noticed him they immediately quit talking. 'What the hell are they up to they just quit talking.' Naruto thought as he moved closer. Naruto was actually more annoyed then anything, he really wanted to now what they were talking about.
"Morning Naruto, how is your chest feeling? Sore I bet, here take a seat and eat some breakfast." Jiraiya motioned for him to take a seat
"I am fine father, my chest feels a little sore but I will at least have a set Chidori scars to match." Naruto said chuckling
Gai and Lee paled at the mention of a second scar, they new Naruto was a tough ninja but to survive the attack twice was indeed a feat unheard of. Lee looked at Naruto and swallowed slowly.
"Naruto, how did you get the second scar? I mean if you don't mind sharing something as painful as that." Lee asked some what ashamed he had even mentioned it
"No I don't mind at all, it was one of the greatest days in my life, I made two friends that day."
Flash Back
"I WILL KILL YOU!" Naruto shouted looking down at the seemingly dead body of Sasuke then back at the masked girl in the Ice mirrors
Red chakra started to flare around an enraged Naruto, the girl could only look on as the chakra level rose to unimaginable levels. She was for the first time scared she might die and not be able to be of use to Zabuza.
Kakashi's eyes went wide as he realized that the chakra was indeed the nine tail fox. 'Has the seal broken' Kakashi asked himself. He had to hurry and end this fast and get over there to help Naruto. He took out a scroll and smeared so blood across it, threw it to the ground yelled and waited for his attack to take hold. When the fog cleared there was Zabuza being held in place by Kakashi's summon.
Naruto attacked by slam his fist into the face of his attacker sending her smashing to the ground some twenty feet to the ground. She stood up rather poorly her body threatening to give out on her from the strain of the over all battle. Her face mask split in two and began to slide from her face, Naruto stopped what was going to be the final blow, after recognizing that it was the girl from the woods while he was training.
"You're the pretty girl from the woods." Naruto stated rather goofily
"Where has all your power gone? You can't kill me in your present condition?" Haku asked
"I am not going to kill you. Why would I do that? Because you killed Sasuke or maybe because you want to die because being lonely is a terrifying thought." Naruto retorted
"Both I suppose, I was alone before Zabuza came along, I killed my own father. I deserve nothing but death, I promised Zabuza-kun that I would be his tool and his tool I was but it seems the tool is broken."
"Why, because you know what compassion is, or maybe because you don't like to kill or my friend would be really dead. I am not going to kill you. You need to find a new reason to exist. We could be friends and I could give you new reasons to live."
"I am sorry Naruto, maybe in a different time we could have met but as for now I am nothing more then a tool. It is apparent that this tool still has one use." Haku said disappearing
Naruto looked in the direction of Kakashi and Zabuza and saw what Haku had seen, Kakashi with a Chidori charged hand running toward a trapped Zabuza. Naruto realized he needed to get there before Haku did. She couldn't die he wouldn't allow it, he would get there first. How could he though he was so far away, then a voice whispered "Body Flicker no Jutsu" (A/N is this the right one)
Naruto slammed his front foot on the ground and yelled "Body Flicker no Jutsu". Kakashi was surprised because that was supposed to be a blood line limit. He was even more surprised when Naruto fazed in between him and an appearing Haku to take the Chidori to his back under his right shoulder blade.
Haku looked into Naruto's eyes and saw peace. Haku caught Naruto as his body began to slump to the ground. She could only cry looking at the young man who in another time could have been her friend, maybe more then friends.
"Haku-chan and Zabuza please find other reasons to live, Ninjas are tools yes but we are also people, we have dreams and goals. Live for each other and the possibility that you could find more. Abandon this life and go back with us to Konoha, it wi…." That was all he could say before his world turned black.
End flash back
Gai and Lee's minds were closed in a stupor; they couldn't believe a mere boy could take such a beating from anyone. Here before them sat a young boy who had survived the famous Chidori not once but twice. They some how respected the boy more, it wasn't just enough to save a friend once.
The boy before them was a special one, he seemed to have grown up more quickly then he had to, it was a sad fact but it was only understandable, there are certain requirements when it comes to being the vessel of the Kuuybi and one of them was to grow up and mature faster then others.
Naruto got up and walked out of the cave, he needed time alone, or at least time to mourn the time he would have to spend away from Tsunade. He really missed her and his metal arm did nothing to comfort the loss of his time with her. The sun's rays filtered through a light haze of clouds casting a golden aura over the field in which Naruto now stood.
He closed his eyes and lifted his head toward the sky and let the warmth of the midday sun flood his face. He smiled, this was a feeling he rarely felt, he could almost say he loved it, like it was more then enough to keep him going for four years. Four long years he would be away from those whom had once called him friend. He couldn't wait to go back and see Shika and Chouji.
Naruto was so absorbed into his surroundings, he likened it to being in the middle of a lake by yourself knowing only you were there and for a while allowing yourself to be the smallest spec in a vast creation. The field was wide like the lake he had mentally pictured and flowed with a sea of knee high grass as the wind wiped in from the north, tossing the grass like green waves.
Lee walked up beside Naruto careful not to disturb his new teammate, instead he quickly decided to mimic his friend and closed his eyes and lifted his head toward the sky and let the wind rouse his hair. Lee smiled to himself as he truly felt tranquil, never before had he ever had such a feeling
"Naruto-kun is this where our YOUTHFUL FLAMES ARE STOKED?" Lee asked in his usual bright mood
"Hai, from here we train our hardest so we can prove to those we left behind we are worthy of our title." Naruto answered looking over at his new teammate and smiled
Lee understood what Naruto meant, he and Naruto were two of a kind, he was the hot blooded dead last and Naruto was the smart mouthed dobe. Though Lee had never really believed Naruto was as dumb as he sounded.
"Naruto-san why do you wear that loud mask all the time, I mean you aren't really that stupid are you?" Lee asked hesitantly not wanting to hurt is friend
"I hurt all the time, it was an unimaginably hard life that I led as a child, the beatings were only half of it, the real hurt was the hatred that the others held in their eyes when they looked at me." Naruto finished
"I understand, I am loud and youthful because, of the pain and misery I experienced as a child." Lee shared
"Well maybe it is time we changed, like find another reason to live for, and not hide anything, we can only hide so much before it consumes us." Naruto paused letting his words sink in before continuing "I love Tsunade no matter how old she is, I mean granted being my age and in love with some one so much older is a little weird but it is a reason to change and live, you need to let go of Sakura-chan and find some one else, I did and I couldn't be happier with my choice." Naruto finished
"I think your right, I think I will trim my hair and eye brows for good measure, If I am going to be true to myself then it must also mean my appearance." Lee replied taking his pack and fishing two wrapped packages out and handed them to Naruto
Naruto took the packages and smiled, he was slightly annoyed because he hadn't bought Lee anything but he would accept the gift none the less. Tearing in to the packages, he found himself looking at a set of weights and orange leg warmers; Naruto smiled and thanked the boy for the gift
"Naruto-san we are friends and I wanted to help you with your speed so I bought you those weights and leg warmers." Lee said while smiling
(Scene Break)
The field shook under the impact of the boys trading blows; they were nothing but streaks as the attacked and counterattacked. Their senseis were watching trying to pick up flaws in their movement and attack. Jiraiya looked at Gai and smiled, it seemed they were ready to go to the farming village and train there. It had been a year since they had left, and they had spent the majority of their time in the cave eating fish and training like crazy, Naruto and Lee wanted to be the fastest and strongest in all of Konoha, in fact they had decided they would do the exams in a two man team, they would train for one more year and go back early.
"Come on boys it is time for us to go to the farming community so we can begin you final year of training, we have decided that you two will go back in a year, we believe two years of isolation is enough."
"That's fine with me it just means I get to see my baa-chan again and I am fine with that." Naruto replied smiling
"That is fine with me sensei, I can't wait to defeat Neji, I am going to become strong, AND MY ETERANL YOUTHFUL FLAMES WILL BURN BRIGHTLY." Lee's volume exploded at the last part, with his fist clenched and extended, flames burning brightly in his eye.
"Baka what have I said about your voice and that crazy muttering." Naruto whispered as sweat formed on his forehead
Lee's features slumped as he realized what he had done, he had used his mask again, he and Naruto had decided they couldn't hide their feelings anymore, it just couldn't happen, they wanted to be real with one another and it was the easiest way they could be, no more loud obnoxious blonde, he was more a civilized obnoxious blonde, Lee had even cut his hair and trimmed his eyebrows much to the dismay of Gai.
The four walked to the nearest farming community, it was a small village not far from the main one maybe three four hours away, but it was far enough from the hateful stares, far enough away where two boys could really understand human interaction. Naruto walked into the market place with a smile followed by a smiling Lee. The lack of hateful stares made the boys feel positive, like there mask free existence wasn't in vain.
Two people were meandering through the crowd when the female of the group, spotted a familiar blonde haired blue eyed ninja. Zabuza watched as the no longer gender confused lady ran towards Naruto.
"Naruto-kun, Naruto-kun, Naruto-kun over here." Haku shouted and waved her arms wildly from side to side
Zabuza sighed, every since giving her the "talk" which included detailed diagrams because Haku at first thought he was lying, she had become more out going especially to guys. Zabuza could only watch as Haku ran and then stopped suddenly, in front of Naruto.
"Haku-chan how are you, where is Zabuza-san?" Naruto greeted back as he hugged his friend
"He is back there." Haku answered as she pointed toward the only man in the entire crowd with bandages on his face walking their way, she then turned toward the other boy he was with Lee "Hey Naruto-kun who is the boy with you?"
"He is Rock Lee and he is my friend and companion on the training mission I am currently taking part in." Naruto replied as he motioned to the young boy
"Hai, I am Rock Lee, the Green Beast of Konoha, I am the fastest in the village, well behind my sensei that is." Lee replied with a bow
"Nice to meet you I am Momochi Haku and that is my big brother Momochi Zabuza, he adopted me when we came to Konoha after meeting Naruto-kun in Wave country." Haku replied with a smile
Zabuza walked up to the blonde and put a hand on his shoulder and just looked at him. Naruto looked up at the man and smiled before nodding his head at the former missing-nin, who in return nodded in return.
"So Naruto what can I do for you four?" Zabuza asked as he watched Haku stare and giggle at Rock Lee, sighing quietly to himself
"Well we would like to train here for the upcoming Chuunin Exams, and I was wondering if Haku could join us on our team." Naruto paused then continued after catching his breath "besides you could come and meet Tsunade-chan, the newest Hokage since the old man died." Naruto finished applying his puppy-eyes to add affect
Zabuza looked at the boy who now oddly enough stood eye to eye with him, which was weird for someone his age and sighed. He had been defeated with out even arguing, although Zabuza liked the boy so he didn't mind going or the fact that Haku still a genin was wanted for the team. He thought it good for Haku to be with girls her age, and to finally become a Chuunin and take on missions.
"I don't see why not, it would be good for Haku any way, I mean on a team with you two, and it would also be good for me to be reintegrated in to society." Zabuza replied before ruffling the blonde's hair which was a feat because he had grown so much in the year, mostly do to the seal absorbing part of the Kyuubi.
"Yes, thank you Zabuza-san, I can't wait to train and head back to Konoha as a team, it will be great." Haku hugged Zabuza as she became overjoyed at the prospect
Jiraiya looked at the boy and was extremely grateful for the hospitality that Zabuza would show them over the next year. Jiraiya smiled and followed a now retreating Zabuza who was leading them to their place, so they could unpack and sleep. When the group arrived the first thing that took place was a massive three way battle royal, between the three genin.
"So Jiraiya-sama what happened to drive Naruto away from the village for two years?" Zabuza asked.
Jiraiya sighed himself before recanting the entire event that lead up to the disappearing act Naruto and his team had preformed. Jiraiya looked out at the sparring that was taking place and realized that he had a special team in place for the upcoming exams and he truly felt they would do anything.
"So Naruto fell in love with a fifty year old blonde, gave up his arm for her, and then took a Chidori to the chest again, man that boy is tough. Though I wouldn't tell Haku about the Chidori she might actually kill the Uchiha this time." Zabuza replied to the story and events that took place
"I think I am done, why don't you two sit out here and get to know one another I think I am going to go sleep." Naruto gave a wave and he was off, after receiving the farewells from the other to
"So Lee-kun, why don't you use any ninja techniques?" Haku asked as she took a seat next to Lee
"I can't use them something is wrong with my inner-coils, I am just a hot-blooded Taijitsu user, best in all of Konoha when it comes to speed and Taijitsu." Lee replied
"Do you think you could help me with my speed and Taijitsu, Lee-kun?" Haku asked with puppy-eyes
"Yes, Haku-chan I believe I can, it would be my pleasure." Lee responded
"OH THANK YOU, LEE-KUN" Haku shouted as she tackled a now blushing Lee
(Scene Break)
The year had finally come to an end, and Lee had kept true to his promise he had made Haku faster and even helped improve her hand to hand. Naruto had trained with Jiraiya and had learned a couple new Jutsu's (A/N NOT DISCLOSING THEM SECRET) he also had worked on his muscle definition and his weight, he was now clearly taller, bigger and more muscular.
"Come on guys we have to get going we need to get to the Hokage Tower before sunset and register you for the exams." Jiraiya complained from the door
Some time later they were on their way to the village, it would be a four hour trip so the all ran as fast as they could, distance running built stamina although Lee and Naruto didn't really need it. Four hours later they reached the gates and it was getting close to the sun setting, they would have been here sooner if Naruto's stomach hadn't become a nuisance.
"State you name and purpose for entering the Village." An ANBU asked
"I am the Sennin Jiraiya and I have returned with my team from our two year mission, we are here to see the Hokage-sama and giver her, our report." Jiraiya replied and waited as the gate opened and the six companions entered the village and headed straight for the tower
Tsunade was in her office with the other teams when she heard a commotion, outside her door, and was further shocked when she saw an ANBU enter through the door and exit out the far wall.
"Listen here bastard, you just saw what I did to your friend now move, I have a very important message for the Hokage, and if you don't want to end up like him you let us in." The man threatened
Naruto walked in and looked at the other teams and smiled, it seemed that his team had arrived just in time. Naruto looked at Tsunade and smiled, his blues and blonde hair should have given him away, but she finally figured it out when Jiraiya spoke.
"Oh, my the ladies seemed to have grown in my absence, I must do research, the specimens are ready." Jiraiya proclaimed with hearts in his eyes
Jiraiya's face then promptly met the floor as Tsunade and Sakura's fist made contact with the back of his head. Tsunade face had a vein throbbing over her eye. Naruto smiled at his sensei and then the girls.
"I am just glad fathers habits have not rubbed of on me or Lee, although I am inclined to agree one lady is pleasant enough on the eyes." Naruto said as he smiled and looked at Tsunade and then added "Team Uzumaki lead by Zabuza-sensei here to report for the exams."
Tsunade looked at the blonde boy and suddenly was cursing herself for not recognizing the boy who had walked in her office. She looked him up and down and then down and up, she was impressed he had grown in his two years away. She also blushed a bit, which when unnoticed by everyone but Naruto.
"Naruto-kun, I see you have returned, and have brought two guest with you, care to introduce them?" She asked
"Baa-chan, this is my team Jounin sensei Momochi Zabuza and these are my teammates Rock Lee, and Momochi Haku." Naruto replied and was instantly met with a fist of his own for the baa-chan comment
"Don't worry, Naruto-kun I will personally see to your treatment later." Tsunade whispered in his ear
"Then I better get plenty hurt between now and then, shouldn't I." Naruto whispered back
"So tell us Naruto how was your training and did you see anything cool out there?" Sakura asked
"Training was fine didn't really learn many new Jutsu's but I did get a lot faster and prefect my hand to hand, as well as learn 5 or 6 new ninjutsu's, I was only fours away the whole time in fact we spent the first year in a cave before going to Zabuza-san house for a year." Naruto replied
"I think I have signed the appropriate papers for my team as have everyone else, so I think it is time we leave the Hokage-sama alone." Kakashi said as he lead the teams out the door leaving Naruto and Tsunade alone
The door and wall was now fixed thanks to Jiraiya and a useful Jutsu or two so it was just the two of them until Shizune walked in carrying a blanket for the Hokage-sama, Shizune walked in noticing Tsunade and Naruto alone, she tried to remain calm but let a giggle go as she left the blanket for Tsunade. IT was becoming unseasonably cold and Shizune just wanted her to be warm.
Naruto walked to the couch where the blanket was laying and sat down he then motioned for Tsunade to join him, she sat her papers down on her desk and slipped her sandals of and walked over to where he was sitting and sat on his lap. He then pivoted and stretched his legs out on to the couch, and she took the blanket covering them both and she curled into a ball using his chest as a resting place for her head.
"So Tsunade, miss me?" Naruto asked as he whispered into her ear
"More then you will ever know, Naruto, more then you will ever know." She replied as tears fell silently
"I know I am not Dan, I can never be him, I don't even want to replace him, I just want to be a new chapter for the both of us." Naruto replied as he slept his hand under her Kimono and began rubbing her leg.
Tsunade purred as a reaction to the feeling of having his hand touching her leg in such an intimate way. She smiled as he continued to play with her legs.
"I know Naruto-kun; I want us to be together to and happy. Could you hold me tonight and stay here?" She asked
"I can and I will." He replied as he kissed the top of her head and listened to her fall asleep, he soon followed her to the place of dreams, each content in the feeling of each other.