Author Note: I like this chapter a whole lot better than the first. No fighting scenes yet, but in the next chapter or two, some action should start to appear. Regards on the probable romance coming ahead: I'm currently leaning towards a Naruto and Sakura connection. Personally, I prefer NaruSaku to NaruHina. But it's not set in stone yet, and I may decide to have a least slight romantic interaction between the latter. Currently though, it doesn't seem likely.
Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Wind swept through the trees, blowing leaves off the branches with its gusts. Spirals of greenery lazily fell to the earth below, covering the grass along with the blond boy who was collapsed in it. The sunlight above attempted to peer through the canopy of leaves that usually blocked out its rays. One beam managed to pierce through the cover, illuminating the cool earth.
The boy felt the heat upon his face, and slowly opened his eyes. Did I collapse from training? Every muscle in his body ached severely, and it took all of his effort to stand up and maintain the position. In the back of his mind, something tore at him as if he had forgotten a very important event. Realization slowly dawned on his face.
"No! I forgot I have a mission with Sakura-chan and Kakashi-senpai! Ah, they're going to kill me!" All of the soreness in his body washed away, replaced with a fear of the impending reaction and pain that would be dealt to him. Naruto imagined their lecturing, the words flowing through his conscious. "Naruto, you baka! Even Kakashi-senpai arrived before you! I didn't wake up three hours early just to sit around on my ass to wait for you!" "Naruto, you've finally become a jonin, so you should act like it."
Wait. The blond stopped dead in his tracks, trembling. They won't be able to say anything, will they? Tears began to form in his eyes until they overflowed, spilling down his cheeks.
All of them – my friends and the entire village. All gone, and it's all my fault! Because I couldn't stop them, because I have this damned monster inside of me! The Kyuubi's probably right; if I had just risked using his power…The jinchuuriki trudged forth slowly, guilt panging his conscience. He spotted a stream up ahead, and marched forward.
How am I alive anyway? Right now, I'd rather be dead.
Baka. Another voice bellowed in his mind, clearly irritated. I didn't use my power to save your ass, only to hear suicidal thoughts.
You're right, Kyuubi. You did it to save yourself; if I die, you go with me.
True. Naruto felt the beast's taunting laugh throughout his mind. You're pathetic mumblings still don't amuse me. Where's the 'I never give up. I'm going to be the greatest Hokage' tune you always spew?
Shut up, I'm sick of you, you damn kitsune. The blond reached the edge of the stream and immediately splashed water in his face. Reaching down to cup another handful, he noticed his reflection staring straight back at him.
What the hell…Naruto could not believe what he saw. Kyuubi, what did you do to me?!
You've finally noticed? I thought the oversized clothes and shorter limbs would have been a sure sign.
I guess the shock dulled my senses. Naruto glanced at his arms, noticing his hands were hidden underneath the fabric. But don't try and change the subject! Why am I back in my twelve year old body?
Because of my chakra! After I broke out of that damn Fuuin jutsu, the Shodai's necklace reacted to being fused with my chakra. How we ended back in this time, even I don't know the answer. Once again, it's your fault, baka; if you had just broken the seal, Akatsuki would have been wiped out and –
…You would have been released! There's no way in hell I'd break the seal! First you say that it's because I didn't use your power; now it's for refusing to unseal you! The blond jinchuuriki was infuriated at the kitsune's remarks, but he realized what it was trying to do. He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. I'll admit this is my fault; but I'm not dealing with your shit right now. With that, the boy suppressed the Kyuubi's will into the back of his mind.
Naruto slowly walked along the stream, soon coming across a large waterfall. He stopped and stared at the area, slightly smiling. This is where I first trained with Ero-Sennin. I was so naïve then. Well, I guess technically it'd be now…
Climbing past the waterfall, the boy soon found himself on a familiar path. Walking down the road, he fondly recalled all the times he had treaded it, going between his training sessions and breaks at the Ichiraku Ramen Bar. Spotting a crest approaching, nerves began to rack his body, unsure of what was to come.
Upon reaching the summit of the hill, Naruto slowly took in the sight before his eyes. Surreal. Less than a week ago…actually five years from now, I guess, I saw this place in ruins. Fire and death being replaced by prosperity, heh. I barely believe it myself.
The blond jinchuuriki descended along the path, each step leading him closer to the village. Soon, he began to pick up traces of sound coming from the hectic streets ahead. Before he knew it, Naruto had arrived in the commercial district of his home. Konohagakure in its prime; never thought I'd be able to see it again.
Reacquainting himself with the area, he spotted a familiar red dome in the distance. It was a symbol of what he had aspired to be until a few days ago. How can I become Hokage if I can't even save a friend? The last time Naruto had used that phrase it had been a means of justification; now it was just a blatant reality. The blond turned his back on the building and spotted another familiar locale. Ichiraku's! I should probably eat, my body's probably running on empty right now.
Walking down the street and into the ramen bar, Naruto picked a seat and sat down. He noticed the owner, Teuchi, stirring a pot filled with boiling water while his daughter, Ayame, scrubbed the counters. She soon took notice of the blond and rushed straight over to him.
"Sorry, Naruto-kun! We had a lot of business this past lunch hour and the cleaning is overwhelming," chuckled the young woman. "So, what would you like today?"
To stop these pangs of guilt I keep feeling. "Ah, I'd really like some miso-ramen today!" replied the blond, plastering a fake grin on his face.
"Ok, Naruto-kun. We'll get it right out to you." Ayame proceeded over to her father, and they both began to prepare the boy's meal.
Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto spotted a man sit down next to him, but decided to ignore him. He wasn't keen on having an extended conversation with anyone at that point, especially a stranger.
"I noticed that you weren't in class today, Naruto-kun."
How does he know my name? The boy looked over to his right, being shocked to a great extent. "Iruka…" Naruto struggled to remember what he called him at that time. "Uh, sensei?"
"Oh, you aren't happy to see me, eh Naruto-kun? Don't tell me you intentionally skipped class, again," Iruka scolded.
"No, no! It's not that sensei, it's just that…" Painful images crossed his eyes. I haven't seen Iruka-sensei since the Sound-nin…
One and a half years before the final Akatsuki assault on Konoha…
"We have reports that forces from Otagakure are beginning to amass for a second attack on Konoha," gravely stated the woman. "A scouting team near the border has informed that a group of four has entered the Land of Fire, presumably to spy. It will be your mission to locate these four shinobi and to capture, or if necessary eliminate, them."
"Yes, Godaime-sama," replied Iruka.
"I will be placing you as leader above Haruno Sakura, Uzumaki Naruto, and Nara Shikamaru. That Nara kid is a brilliant tactician, and Sakura is well, my apprentice," Tsunade slightly chuckled. "And of course you know Naruto."
"Yeah, of course," Iruka smiled, his former student coming to mind.
"Here's the scouting report, now head out!" Iruka grabbed the paper from Tsunade and flickered out of the office.
At the Konoha gates, Iruka waited as the other three Chuunin arrived. He remembered when they all had been under his tutelage at the Academy; that time seemed so long ago now.
"Now, all three of you take this mission seriously. We're at war, and I don't want any of you getting yourselves killed," lectured Iruka.
"Ah, Iruka-senpai! You don't need to worry, Uzumaki Naruto will pile those Sound-nin in one blow!" the hyperactive blond yelled, with a great smile on his face.
"You are so troublesome Naruto," sighed the Nara male. "Orochimaru isn't going to send in scouts that'll be easily subdued. For all we know, they could be even stronger than the Sound Four we once fought."
"We beat their asses, Shikamaru! And that was almost four years ago! I am much stronger now then I was then!" retorted Naruto, insulted by the lazy Chuunin's statement.
"Naruto, you baka! All five of you received injuries when you fought the Sound Four! From what I heard, you only survived because of the help from Sunagakure!" the pink haired female scolded.
"Aw, Sakura-chan! You're making me sound weak," Naruto whined, making it seem like he was hurt by the kunoichi's remark.
Iruka stopped the commotion. "You three, act serious! Shikamaru, could I ask you to devise a strategy?"
"I already planned one after you showed me the scout's report. We've been told the general direction in which they were headed, so it shouldn't be too much of a bother to find them," noted Shikamaru. "We should form in a two by two block, with Naruto and you leading in the front. Sakura, being a medic-nin, will follow behind Naruto, since he'd be the most able to keep her out of a fight." The blond grinned at Sakura, who returned it with slight smile of her own.
"I'll follow behind you, Iruka-senpai. I'm not a taijutsu type, and I'll be able to relay information to you if needed," the Nara continued. "As for the strategy for the encounter…"
That battle, it was horrible. The memory caused Naruto to experience a sudden rush of sadness to his already embattled psyche. We followed Shikamaru's plan exactly. But when they activated their curse seals…Naruto grimaced at the thought.
I saw them as they caught Iruka, and…slaughtered him, like he was some kind of livestock. I don't recall what happened after that, but Sakura-chan told me that the Kyuubi's chakra possessed me, and saved the two of them. Honestly, I hate how much I rely on, even unknowingly, on this damn bijuu's chakra! Ero-sennin always told me it was similar to a trump card, but without it I'm just a below par ninja.
Iruka studied Naruto, noticing the anguish slightly shown in his face. Something was obviously troubling the boy. "Don't worry Naruto-kun. I understand if you're worried about the upcoming graduation exam, if that's what is troubling you. But don't worry – I'm sure you'll pass this time!"
Naruto smiled at Iruka's attempt to comfort him. He has no idea about the thing that's actually troubling me. But still, he actually cares about me; and this is even before the entire incident with Mizuki. "Thanks, Iruka-sensei. I hope I pass this time, too!" I'll have no trouble with it, especially if I'm still able to complete my jutsus I learned from the future. But that's not the point. He glanced over at Iruka again while Ayame placed the ramen in front of him.
This time, even if it kills me, I'll become stronger! I will not let my friends die again.
That's the end for chapter 2. I'll be bringing in a lot more characters and plot advancement in the next couple chapters. Hope you enjoyed it, and R&R, please. Reviews greatly help me improve my writing, and all constructive criticism is appreciated.
Most importantly of all, stay tuned!
