Sorry, readers of Bijuu King, for updating this fic twice in a row. I'm going to get them up to roughly the same length in terms of chapters before I start alternating, so this one will be my focus for a few days. It's much easier for me to write TTPoJ, it seems as though it just flows nicer. I think my writing is better on this one too. I won't be giving up on Bijuu King though, so don't worry about that if you are reading both stories!

This is a great chapter by my standards, and for me it's also really long. It's over 3700 words, and since my average is about 2200 words, this one is really long. I just kinda sat down and began, and couldn't seem to find an appropriate place to end it. Eventually though, I think it ended up okay. Can't wait to get writing the next chapter and I hope everyone reads it, and reviews it. I got a fantastic review from Kaeli-Madym, and I do hope she reviews this one too...that was one of the best reviews I've ever read...ever.

ALL HAIL THE SPORKY KING, ALL HAIL NARUTO, ALL HAIL JASHIN AND ALL HAIL PANCAKES...unfortunately, I don't own ANY of these things...so please, no-one sue me for them haha. Hope you all enjoy this one a lot, and I hope you all review because I just love getting constructive feedback from anyone :D

Withough Further ado-

Things in this chapter which are written in italics are things that happened in Jashin's garden with Naruto. Regular text is what happens in the regular world at the funeral.

Chapter Two: A Pheonix Reborn from the Ashes.

The Hokage sighed. He had held this funeral for Naruto, so that his few friends from the academy- namely Hinata, Shino and Iruka- and his friends Teuchi and Ayame from the ramen stand could come and say their goodbyes. What he had not been expecting, was for the whole village to form a parade, which marched into the funeral and eventually left after a lot of singing, dancing, balloons and streamers. Well, not quite to that extent, but the bright smiles on their faces and the underhanded comments at the deceased jinchuuriki were quite obviously betraying the fact that they wanted to sing and dance and party. When they had left, the night sky was dark and the Hokage finally began the correct funeral proceedings. Reading from his book, he began speaking.

''So, Lord Jashin, what exactly would you want from me? If you haven't noticed, I'm small and weak, and I was never trained properly in the academy.'' Naruto said, fearing that the new revelation would cause the supposed deity to strike him down in his uselessness.

''Naruto, I would have you know that you are in no way weak. If you had been trained correctly from the correct age, you would already be of Jonin level- of that I have no doubt.'' Naruto's mouth fell open in astoundment. ''However, you are correct, you were never truly trained, and therefore you were never truly a ninja. You never even reached true genin level. You only passed the Academy due to the luck of single jutsu. If you had never learned that Kage Bunshin technique from the scroll, you would still be academy student. This means you are currently weaker than every other genin in Konoha at this point. Which is why when you return to Earth to reach the level of Jonin and fulfill my wishes of spreading the word of my teachings, I shall give you four gifts. One of these gifts will not count truly as I have given it to every one of my extremely dedicated priests, and each one of my minor-prophets. But in this case, you get four, not just the one.''

Naruto was completely stunned, and he was exstatic that the would be getting these abilities- whatever they were! ''So Lord Jashin, what are these gifts?''

''I'm glad you asked, Naruto.''

As the Hokage finished up reading his chosen passage from the ninja handbook, a legend about the Yondaime- a king of kindness and self-sacrifice- and he was done explaining how Naruto was the embodiment of all these things, he looked out over the few people. Iruka was sat between Hinata and Shino, holding Hinata's head as the Hyuuga heir cried against his chest, and holding tightly on Shino's shoulder to provide support. Shino never really talked to Naruto in the academy but it was well known that the two were mutually respectful of each other, and the jinchuuriki's death had obviously affected him greatly- he even removed his glasses at one point!

As the Hokage stepped down from his speech, Iruka took up the place he had previously resided and begun his speech about Naruto.

''At first, the two of us never really got along. He was too mischevious, too lazy and too laid-back for anyone to think he could be serious about becoming a ninja. It took a while though, but eventually we became friends. Going out for ramen together, me teaching him extra whenever I got time- he wasn't very quick to pick up on things but I think that could have been my fault. He showed me his serious side- the side he kept hidden, the side he cried in and the mentality which proved he could become a ninja...'' Iruka continued in this vein for several minutes.

Naruto was in awe, more so than he was after originally meeting Jashin, and that was saying something! The God-being had explained about the immortality he would grant his prophet, and in return all he requested was one sacrifice per day of a tainted soul. He was surprised that he would be offered such a thing- in the village he was hurt and battered, but here, a being who could potentially finally end him, was offering him peace and a way to survive anything the villagers through at him! He was also told that when he reached the age of 18, his body would stop aging. He could gain or lose weight, he could grow or shave a beard and become more muscular, but he would never age. He was thoroughly amazed- but Jashin's gifts had not stopped coming.

''Naruto, you are blind. The only way you can see here is my magic- when you return to the real world you will lose your sight again. However, I have to ability to cure your eyes with my second gift. With this gift, I will give you my eyes Naruto. You shall have my eyes- the blackened eyes with the dancing fire within. Using them, you will be able to distinguish the tarnished souls from the innocents, and therefore know which souls to sacrifice to me each day. They will also provide you with a killing intent exactly like mine, and the ability to see through most solid objects. These eyes are the second gift I will give to you, as my prophet- my first true prophet.''

Iruka was unable to finish his speech clearly. The last few words came out indistinguishable with tears, and he couldn't stop the flow of the liquid pouring down his face. All he could smell was the salt, and he could taste it on his tongue. He stepped away from the pedestal and begun to wipe at his eyes with his hankerchief, and looked towards Hinata and Shino apologetically- he had not intended to cry in front of them, he knew he had to be strong, if only for his academy students. But he had failed.

Hinata's tears were coming stronger now, having seen Iruka break down, she felt as if there was no way she could hold up anymore. Shino grasped her hand and squeezed tightly, showing in his rather detatched way that he cared, and that he was there for her. Shino's glasses were back on, but what people didn't know is that they were now there in order to hide the minute tears that had built up- as an Aburame, he was not allowed to show emotion.

The Hokage once again took up his position at the podium, and began to say more and more words- both standard for Konoha deaths, and his own personal feelings. Towards the end, he drifted slightly into sentimentality, and was completely lost in his emotions. In his head, all he could see was the sannin. He had failed them first, allowing one to go rogue, another to leave forever, and another to barely ever return. He had failed Naruto too- and he was distraught at the fact that he could not even punish those who did it. ANBU were very good at hiding all traces of their involvement in something.

''So what are the other two gifts Lord Jashin? You said I'd get four...and if these last two are anything to go by, then I don't even know how to thank you! I'm not even sure how I can even start to make this up to you...I guess I'll just never miss a sacrifice...'' he sacrifices were the only thing weighing on his mind, but every time he began to regret accepting the middlings offers, he remembered that he would only be slaughtering the sinners and those who made life difficult for others and harmed innocents. That, at least, was enough to placate him.

''My third gift...it is the strongest gift I have ever given out. I shall give you something incredible. An affinity for all of the elements, and all hidden elements. Water, earth, lightening, fire, wind, the powers of the ying and yang*, as well as the powers of light and darkness will be your affinities. That is not to say you will be immediately able to use them all. The training and conditioning of your mind and body will be completely up to you. I am not giving my prophet everything- merely the tools to get there.''

Naruto was confused...he hadn't even heard of the last four elements! He knew light and darkness existed of course, but he had never heard of anyone controlling them with chakra- the closest thing he could come up with was the Nara's use of shadows. However, he did understand the last part. If he were to train, and train even harder, breaking bounderies, he would become one of the most powerful ninja ever. With such obscure talents and rare potential that he was sure was unheard of, he knew he could do it.

''T-thank you, Lord Jashin...may I please inquire as to what the final gift is?'' Naruto felt strange talking like this, formally and using correct grammar and wordings- but he could feel the effects of the third gift already. His chakra coils and mental state were changing and he could feel it. It felt like worms and other nasties lurking underneath his skin, pulling it up from his flesh and allowing it to settle again- but it did not hurt. It felt strangely relaxing, having such a deep massage... He could tell his mind was changing to allow for the use of such advanced elements, and such rare skills- which was how we was able to now identify things about the garden he had not before...bone trees with leaves which contained eyes, and the grass which never seemed to move- you simple walked on it, as it was unbending.

The funeral was over. Teuchi had said a few words about his favourite customer, and the council had relayed some bullshit-straight-from-script stuff about how they would all miss him dearly. They were sure not to ignore the fact that he had freed them of the demon, something they said with heavy hints towards Kyuubi. After everyone was completely finished, Teuchi, Iruka, Shino, Hinata and the Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi himself carried the small, plain wooden coffin down to the shinobi graveyard. He may not have not been a genin for very long, but Sarutobi insisted he be buried there.

Lowering him down into the dirt, and piling the mud on top, the visitors to the funeral all shed their final tears, said their final prayers for Naruto, and returned back to their homes. As much as they wished it would, there was no way the death of one academy student, barely made genin, who had not even been assigned sensei yet, would change their life too much. It just gave the villagers more to cheer about. After the grave was completely filled, and they returned to their homes, they realised that the Kyuubi defeat celebration was now extended to a two day festival. Day one: Defeat of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Day Two: Celebration of The Demon Child's Death.

''The final gift, Naruto, is one which is overall less powerful than the other gifts I have given you, but potentially one of the most useful, as it will provide you with a completely unexpected advantage upon your enemies. I can give you dual bloodlines. You must pick two which you desire to have. Whilst true that the bloodlines will be primary and secondary, one more powerful than the other in you, it will give you a tremendous advantages on your enemies.'' Naruto geniunely saw the advantage of this.

''What...what do I get to pick from? I don't know much about bloodlines, Lord Jashin.'' the humble academy student said. He knew it was necessary to say, but it made him feel so useless.

''You have a choice of two from six You can choose from the following: the Uchiha clans Sharingan. This would give you the ability see through jutsu's of all kinds and eliminate them as a major threat. It would also allow you to copy techniques. The second is the Hyuuga's Byakugan ability. It is said that the Sharingan originates from Byakuygan- which would give you 360 degree vision and a view of your opponents chakra pathways. The third Chakra bugs. These are from the Aburame clan,'' Naruto was shocked to hear about this idea which belonged to his friend Shino. '' and allow you to track perfectly, and drain an opponents chakra- the downside is that they would live within you and suck your chakra to live. Fourth is the Multi-size jutsu's which belong to the Akimichi's, although we can count this out already- you are not the correct build. Fifth is the ability to harness your opponents shadow and use it against them in an ability called Kagemane. Sixth and finally comes the Shikotsumyaku, a technique which utilises your own skeletal structure to create weaponry and a great defense. The downside here is that if used too often, the ability can hurt- but this is only if it is used almost daily. There is currently only one user of this technique left alive, as his clan the Kaguya was eliminated when he was a child.'' Jashin finished his explanation.

Naruto thought it all through...he ran pro's and con's of each technique through his analytical mind. He was always someone who wanted to impress, and two of the skills fascinated him greatly. These would be the Sharingan and the Shikotsumyaku.

The Sharingan would allow him great abilities in tactics and outsmarting an opponent, which was something his new intelligence revelled in the prospect of doing. Whilst he hadn't gained more knowledge yet, he could think clearer and knew it would help him a lot in future battles- no matter how cool Kagemane sounded. Shikotsumyaku was his personal favourite though. Using your own bones, for both attack and defense with virutally no downside unless you relied on it alone, and having bones harder than steel which would be nearly impossible to shatter sounded brilliant, especially knowing the benefits of having hard bones. After all, if he had the technique before, he would never have been made a cripple by the ANBU who removed his leg- the bone would have stopped the blade.

''I have decided, my Lord, I wish for my primary technique to be the Shikotsumyaku, the Dead Bone Pulse. I believe it would greatly benefit me in future, and add to my already well rounded potential arsenal well. The second I have chosen is the Sharingan of the Uchiha. The advantage over my opponents will be greatly appreciated.'' Naruto said, holding his voice as politely as he could whilst attempting to not allow his excitement too obvious- which it was, if his shaking arms was anything to go by.

''And so it shall be done Naruto. You shall be my greatest prophet, and you shall lead your followers which you will inevitably gather in the correct direction for salvation. I trust in your will to keep this goal alive. Return to your village. Become a true ninja. Show everyone the power of Lord Jashin, and most of all,'' his voice softened at this point. ''make me proud Naruto. In this short time, I have come to know you as my closest friend- not that I have any others. Farewell Naruto...and remember, dig upwards.''

Before Naruto could say another word, he flashed awake in his coffin. Jerking upwards, and subsequently smashing his head harshly on the lid of his coffin, he moaned in pain. His entire body hurt. It felt just as bad as he had when he was hung up dying in the forest, but he knew his wounds had healed. There was zero light in where-ever he was, and therefore when he glanced around, he could see nothing but darkness. He felt around him, hands amassing splinters from the quite obviously shoddily built box he was in. He knew he was buried, or at least under some great weight, as the box lid would not budge as hard as he pushed.

He cried out loudly, as if he even thought anyone out there could hear him- which he knew was impossible. It took nearly a full ten minutes for his slightly rotted dead limbs to begin loosening for his use, and he began to punch as hard as his aching body could at the wood above him. After failing, he tried to calm himself. It didn't take much thought for him to realise exactly what had happened. Someone had found him hanging in the forest, and had taken his body back to the village. There he had been given a funeral...mourned over...and now he was buried six feet under in a poorly made coffin. He had to get out.

He gained as much power as he could into his fist and smashed hard into the coffin lid. He dimly realised that it didn't hurt as much as it should have, and gathered that it was the effects of the Shikotsumyaku making his bones harder. He could, if he glared really hard and squinted, make out his fist a few inches from his face. The skin was semi-rotted off, and the flesh beneath was green and gangrenous, obviously from having been dead for nearly 24 hours and left to decompose in a dirty forest. He knew a body would not normally have gone this terrible in one day, but knew it would have been due to his location for such a long time. Continuing to punch above himself, he kept going and going, until the splinters which cut his hands were no longer splinters, but shards of wood.

Even then, he did not stop. Soil began to fall through, and he felt beetles and maggots which had resided above him latch on to his rotting flesh and begin to feast. His fist crashed through into pure soil after about half an hour of punching. He dimly thought he wasn't doing too terribly for someone who was supposed to be dead, but knew he would have to excercise a lot to get back to his physical peak, and even further to make himself suitable for spreading the word of Lord Jashin. Any free time he had before was now going to be absorbed with training in every aspect of being a ninja. He would also have to work out how his new powers worked.

The soil was easier to displace than wood, and his work speeded up. His cuts and gashes stung as more mud, rocks and insects filled them and began their abrasive course through his body. Crawling slowly through the wet mud, he emerged on the surface only a full hour after he had awoke buried underground.

He realised that Lord Jashin had not been lying- his leg was not fixed. Gatherin all of his strength, he managed to hail himself up on his budget gravestone and onto his one leg. Using subsequent gravestones as support, and eventually trees once he reached there, he began his journey toward Hokage tower. It took him a full hour and a half to reach it, but the entire Tower was essentially empty aside from the Hokage himself- all of the workers had gone home to live their happy lives with their families. He continued dragging himself, leant against walls and banisters, hopping up stairs until he eventually he reached the door he knew to contain the Hokage.

Gathering all of his strength, he knocked on the door heavily.

Inside the Hokage's office.

Sarutobi had just finished finalising Naruto's death papers when there was a loud knocking on his door. Barely raising his head to acknowledge the noise, he called out.

''Come in.'' he said, mentally ending it with ''anything to interrupt the paperwork.''

The door opened eerily quietly, and a squelching sound was heard. At this, he turned his attention fully to the door. Walking in with a tattered orange jumpsuit, shredded flesh, a missing left leg, gangrenous and infected wounds filled with mud and parasites, dirty, blood matted hair was Naruto Uzumaki. His skin was still marred- the wound in his chest leaving a huge scar on his his torso, and his hands still having weeping, sore holes in them. All that was left of his clothes were his right sleeve, a small amount of trouser and a sad looking sock.

Jumping up from his seat, the Hokage rushed toward Naruto, amazed he was still alive and shocked at his state- he looked even worse than he had when he was 'dead'. Putting his hand on Naruto's shoulder and helping him over to his seat, the Hokage slumped down in his chair.

''Naruto...are you okay? We'll get you medical attention as soon as possible! I cannot apologise enough for burying you...we thought you were dead! The wounds were horrible...why hasn't Kyuubi fixed you up? Talk to me Naruto!'' the Hokage yelled, exasperated, but immediately shut up when the blond haired academy student raised his head.

Looking dead into his eyes, Naruto's left eye sparkling as Sarutobi knew from before, Naruto's right eye was a deep red, the dual tomoe spinning madly, and glaring him deeply.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gulped ''this cannot be good.'' he thought. He was right.