Author's Note
WARNINGS- This is Yaoi, Male/Male, Slash, Gay, whatever you want to call it. Hit the back button if you don't like. This is a Time Travel story (Should start about the 10th Chapter). Again, hit the back button if you don't like. This story was not meant to be very different from the original show (Japanese dub). It was meant to show the consequences of a small change. And given that I SUCK at writing fight scenes, I had a tendence to either summerise or write them out as they appeared on the show. SPOILERS- Naruto Original, Naruto Shippuuden, and two Naruto Shippuuden movies (4- The Lost Tower and 6- The Road to Ninja).
If you don't like any of these, just don't read this story or comment. My confidence is already in the rubbish bin, I don't people beating me down any more. Please, no flames/trolls.
Naruto forced his eyes open. He felt like he'd been out for days. Gamabunta really did a number on him. Looking up at the ceiling, he realised he was in the hospital. He was surprised they even let him in there. He carefully looked around him. Shikamaru was sitting there, playing shougi against himself.
"Why are you here?" Naruto asked softly.
He looked back, "Hey. Finally awake?"
"How long have I been out?" Naruto asked, sitting up.
"Three days."
Sighing, he ran a hand over his hair, "That damn toad... Why are you here?" he asked again.
The Nara pulled up a fruit basket, "I brought these for Chouji, but he's not allowed to eat."
"I thought he had been released already?" Naruto commented.
"Don't get the wrong idea." Shikamaru smirked, "He ate too much yakiniku... His stomach isn't feeling well."
"Sounds like Chouji." Naruto looked at him, "Doesn't really explain why you decided to sit with me." Before Shikamaru could answer, Naruto added, "Let's eat these in front of Chouji."
Shikamaru watched him with a worried eye but followed Naruto from the room. However, along the way, Naruto felt Gaara's chakura. One look showed that Shikamaru felt him too. They opened a door, finding Gaara wrapping his sand around Lee. Shikamaru was quick, trapping the Suna nin in his Kagemane Jutsu, while Naruto shot forward, punching the demon container.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Naruto snapped.
"Hey, Naruto." Shikamaru said in annoyance, rubbing his cheek, "When I'm using Kagemane, I move along with him. Got it?"
"Sorry." Naruto muttered, not taking his eyes off Gaara.
Gaara's sand armour was cracking where Naruto punched him.
"What are you trying to do?" Naruto asked. Gaara didn't answer, angering him, "Hey! What did you try to do to Lee?!"
"I tried to kill him." Gaara said with the cool, collectiveness Naruto was used to.
Naruto glared.
"Why do you need to do that?" Shikamaru asked, "You won the match. Do you have some sort of personal grudge against him?"
"No." was his response, "I'm going to kill him, because I want him dead."
"That's the most selfish thing I've heard." Naruto said.
"You grew up in a bad environment, didn't you? You're really egocentric." Shikamaru told him.
Naruto could see that Shikamaru was scared though.
"If you bother me, I will kill you, too." Gaara said.
"Try it." Naruto dared him, making Shikamaru look at him in worry, "You'll be the only one dead, though.
"Hey, cut it out, Naruto!" Shikamaru snapped. He turned to Gaara, "We know that you're strong, since we saw your match with him, but this guy here and I are pretty strong as well. We didn't show our strongest moves in the preliminaries."
Naruto glanced at him. He was trying to bluff their way out of the situation they were in.
"And it's two versus one here. You're at a disadvantage. If you listen to us, we can let you go." he finished.
"I'm only going to say this once more; if you bother me, I will kill you!" Gaara said.
Naruto took a step forward, "Gaara, I know why you're doing this."
He looked to Naruto with narrowed eyes.
"I'm telling you right now, you cannot defeat me. Go on your way before you force me to fight you." Naruto warned.
Shikamaru elbowed him, "He's as strong as a monster. Don't piss him off." he hissed.
"I've got a real monster in me. There's no way he'd be able to defeat me." Naruto growled.
"A monster, huh? Then, I've got the same in me." Gaara said, "As you said, I did not grow up in a nice environment. I took the life of a woman who was called my mother when I was born. To become the ultimate ninja, my father used a Ninjutsu to bind an incarnate of sand to me. I was a monster at birth."
Shikamaru was visibly terrified, "Incarnation of sand?"
"It is called Shukaku, and it was seal in a teakettle. It is a living soul of an elder priest from Sunagakure." Gaara told them.
Shikamaru hid his fear, "Must be one of the binding jutsu to bind a soul before birth. To think that you guys would resort to such a thing... You guys are crazy. That's not what a parent should do. What a twisted way to show love."
Naruto watched Gaara.
"Love? Don't measure me by your values. Family? Let me tell you what kind of link I have with them. They are just lumps of meat link by hatred and murderous intent. I stole my mother's life and was created to become the village's masterpiece. And as the Kazakage's son... My father taught me the secrets of Ninjutsu. I grew up after being overprotected, spoiled, and left alone. I thought that was love. Until that incident happened." Gaara explained to them.
"That incident?" Shikamaru asked.
It took Gaara several long moments before he finally looked up. His eyes were crazed.
"These past six years, starting from when I was six... My father tried to assassinate me numerous times." he said.
"But you said that he spoiled you. So what do you mean?" Shikamaru asked.
Gaara smirked, "A being that is too strong eventually becomes an embodiment of fear. Since I was born from the usage of a jutsu, my mind was unstable. The idiots in my village finally noticed that my emotions were unpredictable. To the Kazekage, my father, I was the village's trump card... But at the same time, I was a threat. After I turned six, it seems that they classified me as a dangerous being. I was the village's dangerous tool, but still handled with care. I am only a relic of the past they want to get rid of. So why do I exist and live? I asked myself that question, but I could not find an answer. But I need those reasons while I am still alive. Or it would be the same as me being dead." he said.
"What is he talking about?" Shikamaru asked.
It struck a chord with Naruto though. It was the same way he felt all through childhood. The only thing that saved him was Iruka.
"And this is what I concluded..." Gaara continued, "I exist to kill everyone other than me. I finally found relief inside the fear of being assassinated at any time. By killing the assassins, I was able to recognise my reason to live. I fight only for myself, and only love myself. As long as I think that other people exist to make me feel that, this world is wonderful. As long as there are people to kill in this world to make me experience the joy of living, my existence will remain."
Naruto felt it. He knew where the boy was coming from. He wasn't saved like Naruto was, that's why he became what he is. While they were distracted, Gaara made to attack them.
"Stop right there!"
Naruto and Shikamaru turned to see Gai standing there. Gaara, much to Naruto's surprise, stopped as well.
"The finals are tomorrow. Don't be hasty." the sensei said, "Or do you want to get hospitalised today?"
Gaara grabbed his head, but his sand pulled back, returning to the gourd. He slowly walked to the door.
"I will kill you guys for sure. Just you wait." he said before walking out.
Naruto watched him. Shikamaru was still shaking badly.
"He's not evil, Shika..." Naruto told him, making him and Gai look at him, "He just never had a chance. Next time, let me handle it."
Shikamaru looked at him in shock, "Naruto, we can't beat someone like that-"
Naruto gave him a serious look, "Next time, let me or a Jounin handle it."
"You'll die!" Shikamaru told him.
"Why do you care?"
The Nara and Gai looked at him in surprise. Realising he said too much, Naruto quickly left out the window.
Naruto chose to train lightly before getting to bed early. The village was practically having a festival over the matches, making him not want to be around people.
He barely slept that night. He couldn't wait until he fought Neji. He'd make them pay for what he did to Hinata. Thankfully, he didn't use, well, anything to show off his abilities fighting Kiba. Naruto made it to the arena quickly, choosing to avoid the crowded streets by using the roofs. He arrived just as the entrance ceremony was starting. He didn't care that he was technically late, just walked in and stood next to Shikamaru, though he took notice that Sasuke wasn't there yet. Neither was Dosu, though Naruto didn't care that he wasn't. As the Hokage made his announcements, Naruto watched the Kazekage. Kyuubi was restless in his mind again. He didn't like the Kazekage at all. It wasn't as bad as when he first met Gaara, but it still wasn't good. They had a different proctor though. Gekkou Hayate wasn't there. If Naruto remembered correctly, this was Shiranui Genma, the senbon chewing Jounin.
"The first match will be Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Neji... The rest of you need to go back to the waiting room." Genma told them.
The others walked away, leaving Naruto alone with the Hyuuga. Naruto glared at him. They stood across from each other.
"It looks like you want to say something." Neji said with a smirk.
Naruto held his fist out to him, shaking with anger, "I told you before... I will win!"
The boy activated his Byakugan. He took a stance.
"That makes this even better. When you find out the true reality, I will enjoy seeing your discouraged eyes." Neji told him.
"Stop chattering and fight." Naruto snapped, releasing a large gust of chakura, making the wind spin around them.
"Now, first match... Begin!" Genma called.
Naruto watching the Hyuuga as he watched him. Then, he through two kunai at him. Neji caught the first one and blocked the second, making it go through the hole in the hilt of it. As he was distracted, Naruto charged. He went to punch him, but Neji deflected it, causing him to stumble. He used his momentum to try and kick the older boy but it was blocked. Naruto spun, landing several feet away. He immediately went back on the offensive, trying to punch Neji. He just moved his head to the side, smirking the same smirk that pissed Naruto off when Sasuke did it. Trying to punch in quick succession, the Hyuuga was able to block them all. He kept it up until Neji finally struck back, hitting him in the chest. It knocked the air out of him, giving the boy the chance to go after his tenketsu. Naruto rolled away, taking a chance to breathe.
"Now you understand that you have no chance of winning." Neji said.
Naruto smirked, "That was just a test to see how strong you are." he said.
Neji looked at him. Naruto stood.
"The real battle starts now." he told the boy. He made a sign, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."
All the clones pulled kunai.
"Don't... underestimate... me..." each word was spoken by a different Naruto.
The Narutos charged. Neji just used their backs to vault himself over. Two more Narutos charged at him from each side as he landed but he merely deflected. The last Naruto charged, kicking him under the chin and into the air. Or at least, it looked like he did. Neji actually flipped himself back. Naruto tried again but the boy jumped, spinning in the air and kicking two Narutos back. One turned into smoke. Two more tried to stab him from behind. He deflected them and as they turned, hit them in the chest. Both disappeared as they landed. There were only two Narutos left. Neji walked up to one on the ground.
"So, he really does have eyes in the back of his head." Naruto muttered.
Neji picked up the Naruto he'd approached and it disappeared.
"You can't beat me like this." Neji said, smirking as he turned to him, "I can figure out a lot of things... with these eyes. Your talent is determined when you're born. In other words, everything is predetermined at birth."
"Why?" Naruto clenched his fists, "Why is it you're on the same team as Lee, and you believe that?"
"Dead lasts will always be dead lasts." Neji said.
Naruto growled in annoyance.
"So what?" Naruto snapped. He held his fist back out, "I don't give up so easily."
Making his hand sign again, he summoned more Shadow Clones; a whole army of them. They all charged at him but they weren't able to hit him. Then, Neji charged at one in the back, hitting Naruto in the chest over his heart.
"The one who attacked the least because he feared his tenketsu would be hit... The more you attacked me, the more that one stood out." Neji said.
Naruto coughed up some blood and the clones began to disappear.
Neji smirked confidently, "You're the real one. That's why I told you it was useless."
The Naruto he hit looked up, "I told you... not to come to conclusions on your own." and it disappeared.
Two more Narutos came up from behind, ready to punch him. However, Neji blocked it, spinning his chakura around him before beginning to spin himself. Naruto's eyes widened; that was supposed to be limited to the Head family. Neji shouldn't know it. The remaining close dispelled and Naruto was thrown to the ground.
"Kaiten..." Naruto breathed, getting to his feet. Loud enough for the boy to hear, he continued to speak, "Someone's been playing around with shit he's not supposed to." he wiped his chin, "I must give you credit for that one, though. It's the first time you've actually surprised me this entire match."
Neji's brow furrowed. Summoning more clones, Naruto attacked again, but Neji just used the Kaiten again. It was after that attack that Neji finally brought it out; Hakke Rokujuuyonshou, the sixty-four strikes. Each hit, sealing his tenketsu and knocking him back. Genma stepped out.
"I guess this is the end." the Jounin said.
Naruto forced himself to move. He was in a lot of pain.
"I hit all sixty-four of the tenketsu in your body. You can't stand any more." Neji told Naruto, "Mortifying, isn't it? You are on your knees against a power you cannot face. It is only an illusion that hard work makes dreams come true."
Naruto forced himself to his feet before Genma called the match.
"I told you that I don't give up that easily." Naruto said.
"Stop fighting." Neji said, "It's going to be the same even if you continue. I have no grudge against you."
"Shut up. Even if you don't, I have one against you." Naruto growled.
"What are you talking about?" Neji asked.
"Why... When you're so strong... Why do you have eyes that seem to say you know everything... Why did you mentally attack Hinata like that when she was trying her best?!" Naruto asked.
"That has nothing to do with you." Neji told him.
"You ridiculed Hinata and labelled her as a dropout. The Head family, the Branch family; I don't know what happened between them... But bastards like you who call other people dropouts will have to deal with me." Naruto glared.
"Very well, I will tell you since you seem to care so much... About the Hyuuga's fate of hatred! Hyuuga has a Ninjutsu that is passed on within the Head family and that is the cursed seal jutsu. That cursed seal symbolises a caged bird and is also a symbol of those who are bound within an inescapable destiny." Neji reached up and removed his hitai-ate. A seal spread across his forehead, "One day, when I was four... this detestable seal was carved into me with that cursed seal jutsu. That day, there was a big ceremony going on in Konoha. It was also the day when the Kaminari no Kuni, which had been at war with Konoha for a long time, had their Kumogakure head ninjas come to conclude the alliance treaty. But in that event where everyone from Konoha including the Jounins to the Genins participated... There was one clan who did not participate. The Hyuuga Clan. That day was the long awaited day when the head family's successor turned three. It was Hinata-sama's third birthday." Neji turned to look at Hinata's father and little sister, "My father, Hyuuga Hizashi, and Hinata-sama's father up there, Hyuuga Hiashi-sama, were twin brothers. But Hinata-sama's father, Hiashi-sama, was born first. A head family member. And my father, the second son, became a branch family member. When the head family's successor reached the age of three... I was engraved with the cursed seal, and became a caged bird. A Hyuuga branch family member. This seal on my head isn't decoration. This cursed seal is the absolute dear of death that the head family gives the branch family. The secret seal that the head family forms easily destroys the branch family's brain cells. Needless to say, killing is easy as well. And this cursed seal will only disappear after my death... and it seals up the Byakugan ability. The Hyuuga family has the most unique Kekkei Genkai. There are many who are after it's secret. So, this cursed seal means that the branch family only lives to protect the head family... and it does not allow the branch family to go against the head family. It is an efficient system to protect the Hyuuga's Kekkei Genkai, the Byakugan, forever. And..." he lowered his head, "That incident occurred. My father was killed by the head family. One night, Hinata-sama was almost kidnapped by someone. Hiashi-sama caught up to the perpetrator immediately, and killed him. He was wearing dark clothes and hid his face with a mask. Who do you think it was? It was the Kumo head ninja, who had just signed the alliance treaty. It was apparent that they came here to seek the secrets of the Byakugan. But the Kaminari no Kuni failed in their scheme and ended up with a dead ninja... So they claimed that Konoha broke the treaty, and made an unfair demand. Of course, the relationship between Konoha and Kumo worsened, and a war almost broke out. But Konoha wanted to avoid a war, so they made a secret agreement with Kumo. Kumo wanted a Hyuuga head family member with the Byakugan Kekkei Genkai... In other words, Hiashi-sama's dead body. And Konoha agreed. And war was averted. Thanks to Hyuuga Hiashi-sama's double, who died to protect the head family... My father! Death is the only way to escape from this detestable cursed seal. They were twins with almost the same strength..." he clenched his hitai-ate.
Naruto watched him carefully. He hadn't realised how bad things were in Hinata's clan.
"But when they were born first and second, their fates were sealed. And in this match, your fate was decided when I became your opponent! Your fate says that you will lose to me. That, I can guarantee." the older boy finished.
"You don't know that until we actually fight!" Naruto growled.
That angered the Hyuuga. He put his hitai-ate back on.
"I don't know how touch you've had it with your dad getting killed a long time ago... But you've got the wrong idea by using that alone to decided fate is predetermined." Naruto told him.
"You are hopeless." Neji said. He activated his Byakugan again and charged. He hit Naruto in the chest, sending him back.
"Examiner, it's over." Neji said calmly, "You dropout."
"Don't run away." Naruto said, pushing himself to his feet, "I'm not running away. I'm not going to take back my words... That's my Nindou."
Neji chuckled, "I've heard that somewhere."
"I won't lose to a guy life you... A coward who blames everything on fate and other crap!" Naruto said.
"You know nothing. Don't lecture me. People are born carrying an unchangeable fate. To carry a seal that can never be removed. A guy like you will never understand what it means!" Neji yelled.
Instantly, Naruto stiffened, anger filling him. No, the one who shouldn't lecture was Neji, because he didn't understand. Not really. He would never understand what it was like to be hated. He glared.
"No... I understand." Naruto told him, "So, what about it? Stop acting cool. You're not the only special guy here. Hinata... was suffering like you. She is from the head family, but she tried her best to change herself because no one would acknowledge her. That's the determination she had, and she fought you even after she was injured. That goes for you, as well. The branch family is supposed to protect the head family, yet you did that to Hinata when it was only an exam. You were trying hard to fight against fate, weren't you?!"
Neji glared heavily. Then, he smirked.
"All sixty-four of your tenketsu are closed. How are you going to fight now? You won't be able to use your chakura for a while. In the end, you are going to follow the same fate as Hinata-sama." he activated his Byakugan again.
"Shut up!" Naruto smirked, "I'll beat you and prove to you, that we make our own fates."
Naruto flooded his system with Kyuubi's chakura, healing his tenketsu. He saw Genma take a step back. Naruto stood as though he couldn't even feel it. He had manipulated the fox's power so much, it was like second nature to him now.
"My tenketsu can't be sealed using your Juuken, Neji." Naruto told him.
Neji was looking at him in shock.
"I've know that since I learnt how your clan fights. I allowed you to hit me with the Hakke Rokujuuyonshou. From your height, your arm length, and your leg length..." Naruto disappeared. He reappeared behind the boy and before Neji could react, Naruto plunged a senbon into his right arm. He returned to his spot in front of the boy, "That should have hit the tenketsu in your forearm."
There was a stillness before Neji slowly looked down at his arm. His eyes widened sharply.
"Now, how did that stance go?" Naruto asked, assuming the Hakke Rokujuuyonshou stance.
He shot forward. Instead of attempting to use his chakura to seal the tenketsu, Naruto stuck senbon after senbon into the boy, right into every tenketsu in his body. When he was done, he returned to his starting point.
"H-How?" Neji muttered, barely standing, "You don't have... the Byakugan..."
"No, I don't. But, after I saw that match between you and Hinata, I got curious." Naruto smirked, "It took a few days to memorise all 361 tenketsu spots, but they're in the same spot in everyone. All you have to do is adjust for height, arm length, and leg length. Simple enough."
Naruto disappeared against as Neji started to fall.
"The match is over, Naruto!" Genma called, "Don't attack!"
"I wasn't going to." Naruto caught the Hyuuga, preventing him from falling and sending the senbon deeper into his body, "If he falls, the senbon might kill him. I win?" Genma nodded, "Then, I'll take him to the medics."
Naruto led the boy from the arena, even though he wanted to be there when Sasuke fought Gaara. The medics had him carry Neji to the infirmary, considering he was being stabbed by the senbon just helping the boy. With Naruto still holding him, they removed the senbon so he could be laid down and treated.
"You memorised the tenketsu?" Neji asked weakly.
Naruto leant against the wall as he was treated.
"Yeah." He ran his hand through his hair, "You should know, the only reason I was the dead last, was because I sucked at tests and was never taught to manipulate my chakura. I learnt it on my own. Needless to say, my control sucked. I've learnt a lot since then."
Naruto turned, walking away. Hiashi was standing outside the door, waiting to go in. Glaring, Naruto walked passed him.
"Asshole..." he muttered, not caring if he heard.
When he arrived back at the arena, Shikamaru was leaning against the railing. Temari wasn't there.
"What happened?" Naruto asked.
Shino was pissed, even if it wasn't that obvious.
"Sasuke's match got moved to the end since he still hasn't shown. Kankurou forfeited. I think I will too." Shikamaru said, leaning his chin on his hand.
Smirking, Naruto slapped the boy on the back, hard, "Good luck, Shikamaru!"
The boy fell down into the arena. He just knew the shadow user was cursing him. People from the crowds threw trash down on him. Just to get Shikamaru to move, Temari attacked before the match even begun. He dodged of course. Naruto, again, didn't bother watching Shikamaru's fight. Shikamaru would win.
Of course, it didn't really surprise Naruto when the boy actually forfeited after winning. She took the win, but everyone knew Shikamaru truly did. The match still took a while. Sasuke was still late by ten minutes, despite this, and almost had to forfeit the match. Shikamaru went to the stands with the audience. Naruto used Shunshin to appear next to the Nara, looking out over the field. Sasuke had changed his outfit.
"I knew you would win." Naruto said.
"I didn't." Shikamaru muttered, looking up at the sky.
Naruto snorted, "No, you won. And everyone knows it. You just didn't want to fight Shino. Or any more."
Shikamaru shook his head, chuckling.
"You'll probably become a Chuunin." Naruto pointed out.
Sasuke was doing pretty good. However, with each passing second, Gaara looked more and more unstable. Sasuke had learnt a new move, the Chidori. It was like he was holding lightning in his hands. He also had increased his speed tremendously. Naruto looked down. Kakashi was there, with Gai, Lee, Sakura, Ino, and Chouji. Lee was still injured.
Sasuke was able to injure Gaara, but the arm that followed Sasuke's retreat, was Ichibi's. Gaara's sand cocoon fell, showing that the boy was bleeding. Before the next attacked started, feathers began to fall. He started to get sleepy.
"Kai." He dispelled the Genjutsu but allowed himself to fall next to Shikamaru.
He glanced over to see an ANBU burn to death while trying to get to the Hokage. He clenched his eyes shut. His Jiji was on his own. Kakashi and Gai starting fighting with the Suna nin, but it wasn't until Naruto saw Temari and Kankurou carrying Gaara out of the arena. Sasuke was fast on his heels. Naruto shot to his feet.
"Kakashi-sensei, I'm going after Gaara!" he yelled.
Sakura turned to look at him, "Naruto, don'! He's too dangerous!"
"Naruto," Kakashi said, not stopping in his fighting, "Take Shikamaru and Sakura with you. That is an order."
Naruto bit his lip, but he knew he needed someone to take Temari and Kankurou out, as well as keep Sasuke back. The boy kicked Shikamaru.
"You heard him, get the hell up." Naruto snapped at him.
Groaning, he got to his feet. Kakashi summoned a dog to lead them.
"Proceed with caution. This will be an A ranked mission." Kakashi told them.
Gai threw a nin through a wall, making an opening.
"Your mission is to go after Sasuke." Kakashi told the three, "Stop him. Sakura, Shikamaru, after that, you come back here."
The two looked at him.
"What about Naruto?" Shikamaru asked.
"Naruto will fight Gaara. You need to stay out of the way so he doesn't need to worry about you." Kakashi said.
"B-But, Naruto can't defeat Gaara, can he?" Sakura looked at him in worry.
"I've got this, Sakura-chan." Naruto said.
He lead them from the arena. Once they were running, Pakkun took the lead, using his sense of smell to track Sasuke. A unit of Oto nin were following them.
"They must be above Chuunin level. If they catch up with us, we'll be annihilated." Shikamaru muttered.
Sakura was visibly worried.
"We need to set up an ambush." Sakura told them.
"We can't do that." Pakkun said, "They're the men of the former Konoha nin, Orochimaru. Worst case is that there is a Jounin among them."
"I thought that would've worked, but it won't." Shikamaru said.
"Wait. Why?" Sakura asked, "The enemy's level doesn't matter when you're ambushing them."
Naruto shook his head, "Sakura, we've fought Jounin before. We don't have the home field advantage because Orochimaru's a Nukenin from Konoha. We can't ambush if we can't secure our location. We'll keep running. Unless we have a decoy."
Shikamaru chose to stay behind, in a rare moment of bravery. Naruto and Sakura continued on with Pakkun. Naruto felt worried for the boy, but that was the way of the ninja.
"Sakura-chan..." Naruto muttered.
"What is it, Naruto?" she asked.
He didn't look at her, "I understand that you're nervous, but you've been in life and death situations before. You've killed before. You may have to again today. Be prepared. And don't try to interfere with mine and Gaara's fight. Get Sasuke out of there. That's not a request."
Biting her lip, she nodded.
"And don't go easy on them like you did Ino." he finished.
She looked at him sharply, "I didn't-"
"Don't!" he gave her a smile, "You could have taken her out easily, Sakura-chan. You've fought strong and came out the victor."
She grimaced, "Most of that was lucky strikes. Like the first one I killed. I shouldn't have been able to get him that easily."
He chuckled, looking ahead, "You think my fights aren't luck? Trust me, luck plays a big part of it."
They heard an explosion and immediately headed for it. Naruto felt Ichibi's chakura surface.
"Faster, dog!" he snapped, "We don't have time."
He picked up the dog.
"Naruto?" Sakura's voice spoke.
He didn't answer, though. Sasuke wouldn't be able to last long in a fight with Gaara is he was releasing the demon. They arrived in time to see Gaara charging at a downed Sasuke. Naruto dropped the dog, and kicked Gaara across the face, knocking him away. Sakura and Pakkun landed next to Sasuke.
"Get him out of here, Sakura-chan!" Naruto said, "Quickly!"
Sakura nodded, wrapping Sasuke's arm around her shoulders and jumping away.
However, Sasuke broke away, landing on a branch not very far from their teammate.
"Sasuke-kun, we need to leave." Sakura said, landing next to him.
She looked at Naruto in worry. She didn't want to leave him but she had her orders. Gaara was now completely covered in sand, forming a demon like body around him.
"We can't leave Naruto." Sasuke said with clenched teeth.
"Kakashi-sensei said that we need to leave Naruto here." Sakura said.
He looked at her in surprise, "What? Kakashi did?"
She nodded, biting her lip, "We have to go, Sasuke-kun. We'll be in the way if we're here."
He turned back to the battle, seeing Naruto moving in to punch the Suna nin in the face. Gaara was thrown back into a tree. Sasuke was surprised to a reddish chakura around Naruto's fist. He tried to use the Kage Bunshin but the same destroyed them, throwing Naruto into a tree. Gaara then started throwing sand bullets at Naruto. He took several hits.
"We can't leave him..." Sasuke said, "We can't abandon him..."
His fist clenched. He couldn't compete with Gaara. Naruto had gotten stronger, that couldn't be doubted, but was he really stronger than Sasuke? Had he really grown so much in such a short amount of time?
Naruto surrounded the area with thousands of Kage Bunshin and attacked with shuriken from all sides before kicking Gaara into the air in a resemblance of Rock Lee's Kage Buyou. However, he didn't finish it as Lee had, instead all the Narutos swarmed and started punching on Gaara. Naruto was able to knock Gaara to the ground. However, Naruto was thrown back into a tree when there was a large explosion. When the smoke cleared, a large demonic tanuki-like sand creature was standing there. Sakura gasped.
"Naruto..." she breathed.
Sasuke watched Naruto, though. He didn't seem the least bit discouraged or worried about the colossal beast standing before him. He stood, wiping the blood from his chin. He made several hand signs before slamming his hand to the ground. There was another large explosion. Once the smoke clear again, they saw a toad, as large as the tanuki. Sasuke was in shock.
"He... He has a summons?" Sakura whispered.
It looked like Naruto was arguing with his summons for a moment before the toad took out a sword. The toad launched himself at the tanuki, severing it's arm, which dissolved into sand. However, he lost his sword in the process. Sasuke noticed out of the corner of his eye, Temari leaving quickly. He turned back to Naruto only to see Gaara emerge from the tanuki sand body. Sasuke could barely see Gaara make a hand sign before going limp.
"We need to get out of here." Sakura said fearfully.
She picked up Pakkun and tugged on Sasuke's sleeve as the two monstrous beasts began their assault. The ground was shaking with each step. They were going to level the ground they were on. Sasuke finally moved, jumping away with Sakura. They were still drenched in water from the frog's attack. Sasuke turned as they ran to see the frog get hit and go down. He felt his heart freeze but was relieved to see it jump out of the smoke. It grabbed the tanuki but couldn't keep hold of him. It jumped away before charging again. There was a poof smoke and what appeared made him freeze mid step. Sakura didn't realise and continued without him. Standing there instead of the frog was the Kyuubi. Naruto had transformed his summons into the Nine Tailed fox demon. Sasuke couldn't move as he stared in shock and fear. Was this how it felt to see the real fox all those years ago?
It was finally able to grab hold of the tanuki and the Henge dropped. Naruto sailed from the frog's back and to the tanuki. He punch the unconscious Gaara across the face. The tanuki made a sound of pain but pushed against the toad. Naruto slid back but charged again. However, Gaara tried to surround him with sand. The frog encircled Naruto with his tongue, protecting him. He released Naruto and the boy shot back towards Gaara. He head butted Gaara. Slowly, the tanuki began to crumble into a pile of sand.
"I-Is that it?" Sasuke whispered.
Glancing back, Sasuke was happy to see Sakura had gotten away. He moved closer to where the two had fallen. He could see them on the tree tops near the giant sword. As it disappeared, he saw Naruto and Gaara charging, their fists raised. Both of their foreheads were bleeding. Naruto was able to punch Gaara without receiving damage, but they both fell limp to the ground. Sasuke raced towards them. He arrived to see Naruto using his chin to inch along the ground towards Gaara.
"The pain of being alone is completely out of this world, isn't it?" Naruto whispered.
Sasuke realised he was about to cry.
"I don't know why but I understand your feelings so much, it actually hurts. But I... I have people who are important to me now. I won't let you hurt my important people." Naruto continued in inch towards him, "If you do... I'll stop you, even if I have to kill you!"
"Why..." Gaara asked, "Why can you do this for strangers?!"
"My loneliness... That hell... They saved me from it, and they acknowledged my existence. They're important to me... That's why." Naruto said weakly.
Sasuke didn't move as he watched this scene. Temari and Kankurou jumped down in front of Gaara.
"Don't fight them." Gaara stated, sounding more sane than Sasuke ever heard before.
"Gaara..." Kankurou muttered, looking at the boy. He turned, "Okay."
He pulled Gaara's arm around his shoulders, pulling the smaller boy to his feet. Gaara looked at them weakly before the three jumped away. Sasuke finally moved, going to Naruto's side. He was asleep.
The Sandaime had died. Orochimaru killed him. The funeral was hard on Naruto. When Jiraiya approached him about leaving for a trip not long after that, he accepted with little question. They went to a nearby town first. When they reached their room, however, Jiraiya took off after a pretty girl. Naruto just sat in their room, meditating. He had been having a hard time of it since his Jiji died. A knocking on the door put an end to it though. Sighing, he gave up and opened the door. What met him made him freeze. A man who looked a lot like Sasuke was standing there, Sharingan blazing as he stared down at him. He was in a black robe with red clouds on it. A slash was through his Konoha hitai-ate.
"Uchiha... Itachi..." he breathed.
"You've heard of me... Did my brother tell you?" the Nukenin said calmly.
"To think that this little boy has the Kyuubi within him..." another man in a red cloud robe appeared behind Itachi.
He looked like a fish, with blue skin and a large sword on his back. He had a Kiri hitai-ate, also with a cut through it.
"Naruto-kun, you're coming with us." Itachi told him, "Let's go outside."
Naruto glared. Slowly, he stepped out into the hallway. The men let him out.
"Itachi-san, it would be annoying if he moved around... Perhaps we should cut off a leg or two." the Kiri nin said, reaching for his blade.
Itachi made no remark so he stepped forward.
"Shall I then?"
Naruto took a step back. He couldn't compete with Itachi, and if this guy is half as good as the Uchiha, Naruto would have a problem defeating him even with the Kyuubi.
"It's been a long time..." Itachi said slowly.
Naruto stiffened and looked behind the older boy. Sasuke was standing there.
"Sasuke..." Naruto said in a deathly calm voice. He watched the two Nukenin, "Don't lose your temper."
Naruto could see that Sasuke was shaking with anger, trying to regain control of himself. If he did, they might as well kill themselves, because there's no way they had a chance. Itachi turned to look at his little brother. Sasuke's Sharingan was glaring at Itachi.
"Like you said... I hated you, detested you... and just to kill you, I've..." he powered up his Chidori, "I've survived!" He yanked down his collar, "I'm going to kill you!"
He charged at the older Uchiha, destroying the wall as he ran.
"Die!"
Itachi just grabbed Sasuke's wrist, slamming it into the wall and blasting a hole in it. Naruto attacked the Kiri nin, slashing out with a kunai. The man backed away but the tip of the kunai still nicked his flesh. Before he could do more, he heard Sasuke cry out. He turned, seeing Itachi holding his brother's wrist at an odd angle. He broken Sasuke's wrist. Naruto was blasted back into the wall by the Kiri nin. Pushing himself to his feet, he pulled out Kyuubi's chakura. Before he had a chance to use it, however, the Kiri nin sliced at him with his sword. It came nowhere close to hitting him, but the chakura he had built up dissipated.
"Damn it." Naruto cursed.
"My Samehada can shave and devour chakura." he said proudly.
"Obviously." Naruto sneered.
He twitched angrily. He pointed his blade at Naruto, "I'm going to cut off your arms and legs." He raised it about his head and went to strike Naruto.
There was a poof of smoke and an armoured toad appeared before him, blocking the blow. Jiraiya appeared behind him. The girl he ran off with was unconscious over his shoulder.
"You two don't know me very well. Jiraiya the man... is better at winning a girl... than at being seduced by one." the pervert said, "I wouldn't let a woman seduce me with her beauty. When you become great like me, women will go crazy over your own beauty."
Naruto shot the man an annoyed look.
"You're a disgrace to all men, using your eye to hypnotise a woman to separate me from Naruto..." Jiraiya said, putting the woman against the wall. He looked at the men, "So you're after Naruto, after all."
"No wonder Kakashi-san knew. I see now. You were the source. It is an urgent order by our organization, Akatsuki, to take Naruto-kun with us." Itachi said.
The toad holding back Samehada disappeared. Naruto kept his eye on Sasuke. He was lying on the ground, obviously in pain but still conscious.
"I can't hand Naruto over to you." Jiraiya said.
"We'll see about that." Itachi said.
"Very well, I will get rid of you two here." Jiraiya told them, standing straight.
"Don't interfere." Sasuke groaned, forcing himself to his feet, "The one who's going to kill him... is me!"
Naruto looked at him, "Stay down, Sasuke."
He didn't listen, though. The Kiri nin and Itachi looked back at him.
"I have no interest in you right now." Itachi told him.
"Shut up!" Sasuke charged him.
Itachi just kicked him away, down the hall and into a wall. Sasuke didn't get up immediately.
"Damn it." Naruto charged.
"Naruto, I told you not to interfere!" Sasuke snapped. Naruto stopped as he forced himself to his feet, "I told you before... I've lived up until now... for this moment... for this day!" His Sharingan was activated again.
Sasuke charged again but Itachi backhanded him, knocking him straight back into the wall.
"I'm not done yet..." he breathed, "This is my battle..."
"Very well..." Itachi said, eyes narrowing.
Jiraiya attempted to interfere but the Kiri nin blocked him.
"You heard him. This is a battle between those two. Let's not interfere." he said.
Itachi walked to Sasuke.
"Bring it on, then!" Sasuke yelled.
Itachi kneed Sasuke in the stomach and in quick success, hit the back of his neck and kneed him in the face. He punched Sasuke in the stomach and Sasuke fell to the ground.
The Kiri nin grinned, "You're not going easy on him at all."
Itachi grabbed Sasuke by the collar and pinned him against the wall. He was talking to Sasuke but Naruto couldn't hear them. Sasuke started screaming. It struck Naruto deep.
"Being cruel, as usual." the Nukenin said, "He used Tsukuyomi on his little brother."
Sasuke went limp. Naruto clenched his fists and charged. The Kiri nin went after him, giving Jiraiya a chance to perform a jutsu. Naruto reached Itachi before his sensei finished his jutsu. He kicked at the Uchiha but he dodged, releasing Sasuke. Naruto continued after him. He kicked and punched at Itachi. He blocked every strike. Their surroundings changed to look like the inside of intestine. Itachi made the mistake of taking his eyes off of Naruto. The boy shot forward, kunai in hand. He slashed Itachi's face just as he turned back. A long cut appeared across his cheek, making his Sharingan eyes widen. He jumped away. Itachi's feet started to get stuck. He and the Kiri nin, whose name he caught, Kisame, raced off down the hall as the walls started attacking them. There was an explosion and Jiraiya raced off. Naruto didn't follow him, instead, he went to Sasuke's side. The boy's eyes were open but distant. The intestine walls disappeared as Jiraiya approached. A kunai hit the wall and Gai kicked Jiraiya in the head. Naruto ignored the two as he looked over his friend. The only thing he caught was 'psychological damage'. Naruto reached over and brushed back a strand of hair from Sasuke's forehead. He untied Sasuke's hitai-ate, pulling it free from him.
"Naruto-kun?"
He looked back at Gai.
"What was that? What did Itachi do to him?" he asked softly.
"Tsukuyomi is a Genjutsu that only Sharingan users can perform. It's powerful enough to kill." Jiraiya told him.
"Kakashi has been struck with it as well." Gai informed them softly, looking down.
Naruto's eyes closed. He stood, Sasuke's hitai-ate held in his hand.
"Will he recover?" he asked.
"We need an Iryounin, a very powerful one." Jiraiya said, "The village doesn't have one powerful enough right now."
Naruto nodded, "Tsunade... Gai-sensei?"
The man looked at Naruto in worry, "Yes, Naruto-kun?"
"I'm intrusting Sasuke to you." Gai nodded, his eyes promising that he would take care of him, "If he is able to recover before we get back, he's not allowed to take missions. Not until I return."
"Yes, Naruto-kun!" Gai said.
Naruto tied Sasuke's headband around his arm. Gai picked Sasuke up and left with him.
"You knew we were going to get Tsunade?" Jiraiya asked.
Naruto looked at him with serious expression, "I may look stupid but I'm not, Ero-sennin. The council offered you the hat, but you refused and offered to get her. You brought me to help you convince her and to get me out of the village because you caught wind that Itachi was heading to get me. Am I right?"
Jiraiya was surprised but he nodded.
"How many people know you're this smart?" he asked the twelve year old.
"No one." Naruto said, "Kakashi-sensei, Sakura-chan, and Sasuke may have an idea though."
Jiraiya nodded, his face oddly serious, "I see. Well, I guess I don't have to play around any more."
"So, what's that jutsu you were going to teach me?"
They left the village, continuing on the road to search for the last Sannin. They arrived at another town that was having a festival. He was supposed to relax but he couldn't very well. Especially when Jiraiya swiped his wallet and spent all his money. When dealing with the local Yankees, Jiraiya showed him a jutsu. He gave Naruto a water balloon and told him to try and bust it using only his chakura. Naruto stared at the balloon. He wasn't sending his chakura into it yet, instead he was trying to determine the best plan of attack. Jiraiya had shown him how it was done. From that he determined that he needed to spin the water in multiple directions. It's precision is what was giving him the problem, however.
"Are you going to try it any time soon?" Jiraiya asked in annoyance after they sat there until sunset.
"Go play with your girls. I'm figuring it out." Naruto said simply, continuing to stare at it.
The man sighed, but left. Naruto sat the balloon down and attempted to expel chakura out of just one tenketsu but it left out of all of the ones in his hand. He groaned.
"Therein lies my problem." he muttered.
He trained into the night, leaving for the hotel for a few hours before returning to the grounds to continue training. On the second day, Naruto started focusing on one string of tenketsu at a time. The three going up his index finger, two going up his pinkie, two at his wrist, at the base of his thumb, and two on the other side of his wrist. It took hours, but he managed to. The next day, he began working on setting two off at different intervals. Again, this took some time. One he got that, however, it was easier to add the third and fourth string into it. As he was able to do that, Naruto started to see the bare form of whatever it was Jiraiya had used. It wasn't until the fourth morning, in the hotel, when he was finally able to bust it... Right over Jiraiya's sleeping head. The second step was a rubber ball.
Three weeks passed and he was definitely feeling the chakura use. It was then that Jiraiya returned to check on him and make him buy his food. Naruto saw a father and son sharing a popsicle. He looked at the ground as he returned to the grounds. He made no mention of it to Jiraiya, however. His hands were in so much pain, he couldn't even hold a pair of chopsticks. Finally, he pushed as much chakura into it as he could and it finally busted.
"Oh? It looks like you've finally made some progress."
Naruto glanced back at Jiraiya.
"I only made a hole in it, and it didn't pop like a balloon." Naruto said.
The older man walked over, pulling a popsicle apart.
"Don't act so tough. Here." he handed it to Naruto.
It hit Naruto like a ton of bricks. He hid his tears.
"Good job coming this far on your own." Jiraiya told him, "Why don't we try something?"
He painted a tomoe on Naruto's palm.
"What's this?" he asked.
Jiraiya took off his glove, showing the same mark on his palm.
"It's the same mark, but how is this going to help?" Naruto asked.
"It's a focus point." he said, "Try to concentrate on that mark when you train."
Naruto attempted to bust another rubber ball but once more just put a hole in it again. Sighing, he tried again and again and again. Those were the only results he had were the same. A hole in the side instead of the actually popping it. Jiraiya gave him more to work with. Collapsing on the ground in frustration, a leaf landed on his forehead. Touching it, he thought about the past. Iruka getting on to him, Kiba, Shikamaru, and Chouji for sneaking out and not paying attention. Back then, he almost thought that those three were his friends. He chuckled as he sat up.
"Let's try this again."
He concentrated hard and then slammed his hand into the ground. He slid across the ground until a hand stopped him.
"It popped." he muttered, glancing back at Jiraiya.
"Okay, it looks like the second step is complete." the old man said.
"Let's start the third step..." Naruto said.
"That will have to wait. We're going to meet Tsunade now." he said.
Naruto groaned.
They headed off, though Jiraiya did give him more balloons. This time, he was supposed form it as it was, inside a balloon without popping it. Condensing it into a more solid form, in other words. He showed Naruto how the attack would work after the first two steps, and then after the third step. There was a visible difference between them. The final attack was a thousand times more powerful. This turned out to be the most difficult of the steps. They arrived outside Tanzaku City just as Naruto busted another balloon and fell on his ass. Getting to his feet, he blew up another balloon and followed Jiraiya up the stairs into the town. They went to a gambling house that Jiraiya asked about Tsunade. Naruto's balloon blew up again, sending a wave of air through the place. They went to a Pachinko parlour next. Again, she wasn't there and against, he failed to condense the attack. A fortune slip stall got him a full wallet, though.
Arriving at the castle of the village, it was in ruins. Villagers escaping told of a giant snake. Unfortunately, neither Tsunade or Orochimaru were there by the time they arrived. Naruto's fists clenched in anger. He missed Orochimaru again. Getting dinner in a bar, they met Tsunade. She appeared quite young. Too young to have been Jiraiya's teammate.
Sitting down with her and another girl. There was also a pig, for some reason.
"What a day... seeing old acquaintances everywhere." Tsunade said, drinking her sake.
Jiraiya poured her another drink.
"Orochimaru?" Jiraiya muttered, "What happened?"
Naruto noticed Tsunade give her friend a warning look.
"Nothing much." the blonde woman said, "We just said hello."
She pulled out a deck of cards and shuffling. Jiraiya moved his plate, giving it to Naruto.
"What do you want from me?" Tsunade asked, laying the cards down.
Jiraiya took them, cutting it.
"I'll get straight to the point." he said. He laid the cards back down, "Tsunade, the village had requested that you become the Godaime."
Even the pig was surprised. Tsunade dealt the deck and Jiraiya picked them up.
"Have you heard about the Sandaime?" he asked.
The brunette woman looked down in sadness. Tsunade raised her cards.
"Orochimaru killed him, right? I heard from him directly." she looked at Naruto, "Who is this kid?"
Jiraiya laughed, "Uzumaki Naruto."
She looked at him in surprise.
"I'll say this again." Jiraiya told her, "The village had requested that you become the Godaime, Tsunade. So, what is your answer?"
She didn't reply.
"Will you accept the job?" he asked again.
Naruto looked at the woman. Something had happened, likely Orochimaru's doing. She was troubled.
"What's your answer, Tsunade?" Jiraiya asked yet again when she didn't answer.
Tsunade threw her cards down, "Not possible. I refuse."
Naruto stiffened, glaring. Jiraiya, on the other hand, smiled.
"I remember that line. I asked you to date me a long time ago. You said the same thing and turned me down." he said. He looked at Naruto out of the corner of his eye, "Don't panic, Naruto, only Tsunade is capable of becoming the Godaime. During the fierce war, she contributed greatly to Konoha's victory. Her combat and medical skills are still unrivalled. Also, Tsunade is the Shodai Hokage's granddaughter. Combine that with her abilities, and she is most suited to becoming the Godaime. If she does become Hokage, she will have to go back to the village. And there, she can heal your teammates."
"Can she?" Naruto growled as she drew more cards.
"Jiraiya... Your new apprentice seems to be ruder, stupider, and uglier than the previous one." she said.
"What did you say?!" Naruto snapped.
"It's hard for anyone to beat the Yondaime in those fields. His capabilities as a ninja were unrivalled in history. He was talented with jutsu, incredibly smart, and popular. He was also handsome like me." Jiraiya boasted.
"But even the Yondaime died young. He threw his life away for the village." Tsunade said.
Naruto glared harshly, growling in anger.
"Life isn't like money. Only an idiot bets his life so easily." she said.
Naruto's clenched, snapping his chopsticks.
"My grandfather and the Nidaime wished to end the war... but they wasted their lives before they could accomplish that." she said with a smile.
"You've changed, Tsunade. I don't know what you've been thinking, but you put it in words." Jiraiya said.
Tsunade laughed softly, "I'm in my fifties, even if I look like this. Time changes people. Sarutobi-sensei is the same. If an old man tries to act brave, of course he'll die."
Naruto was barely keeping his temper under control.
Tsunade breathed and looked at the ceiling, "The title Hokage is a piece of crap. Only an idiot becomes one."
Instantly, Naruto shot across the table only to be grabbed by Jiraiya.
"You! Let go!" Naruto snapped.
"Stop. This is a bar." Jiraiya told him.
"Let go!" Naruto yelled, trying to kick the woman.
"Tsunade-sama..." the other woman said.
Naruto allowed his teacher to pull him back, "Anyone who makes fun of the Yondaime or Jiji... I don't care if the person is a girl... deserves a punch in the face!"
Tsunade put her foot on the table, "You've got guts to say that to me. Step outside, kid."
"Tsunade-sama..." the woman said again.
"All right." Naruto growled.
They went out to the street, where Naruto and Tsunade stood across from each other.
"Even though I look like this, I was one of the Sannin." she told them. She gave him an arrogant smile, "There's no need for me to get serious with a Genin."
His eyes narrowed. She held up one finger.
"A K.O. notice?" Jiraiya commented.
"This doesn't mean one minute. One finger. One finger will do against you." she said.
"Tsunade-sama..." the woman warned.
"Come on, little boy." Tsunade said.
Naruto glared, "Don't play with me!"
He charged, throwing three shuriken. She moved her head to the side and he launched at her with a kunai. Just as he reached her, her finger slid into the butt of the kunai and pulled it from his hands. She swiped it up, knocking his hitai-ate from his forehead. He fell back. She then flicked him in the forehead and he was thrown back. He rolled several times before landing on his feet. He held his forehead. His kunai landed in front of him and then his hitai-ate. He stared. He didn't realise how strong she actually was.
"Hey, brat. Let me say something before you pass out." she said, "Why do you care so much about the name Hokage?"
He bowed his head, "Unlike you, I'm going to take on the title 'Hokage' for sure."
He surprised himself when he said it. He hadn't said he'd be Hokage for a long time.
"Hokage... Being Hokage is my dream." he told her.
Tsunade and her apprentice were shocked. He realised then that it was still his dream. Tsunade looked down. Realising she was vulnerable, he instantly charged up the attack Jiraiya had been teaching him. When he charged, she was visibly startled at the sight of the jutsu. However, she put her finger to the ground, causing a large crack to appear and knock him back. He pulled himself from the crack.
"Are you all right?" her apprentice asked.
"Jiraiya, are you the one who taught him the Rasengan?" Tsunade asked.
"I am his teacher, after all." he said.
"Only you and the Yondaime can use that technique. Are you acting like a teacher and teaching him something he can't master? Don't give him any ideas! That's why this kid likes to daydream that he's going to become the Hokage one day." she said.
He stood angrily, "I'm not daydreaming! Idiot! You idiot! I can master this move in three days!" he snapped.
"You said it, kid. A man never takes back his words." she said.
He laughed, "I'm not going to take back my words. That's my Nindou."
Her eyes narrowed, "Then, let's make a bet. I'll give you one week. If you can master the move within that time, I'll acknowledge that you can become the Hokage... I'll even give you this necklace." she pointed to the jewelled item around her neck.
"Tsunade-sama! That's an important..." her apprentice tried.
"I don't need a crappy necklace like that." he said, putting his hands behind his head.
"Don't say that, Naruto." Jiraiya told him, "That's a unique crystal which could buy about three mountains if you sold it. It used to belong to the Shodai."
Naruto blinked, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Fine." he said.
"Okay, but if you can't master the move in a week... you lose. I'll take all your money." she held up his wallet.
He check his pockets, "Damn it."
Her apprentice walked up to her, "Tsunade-sama, why? That necklace is..."
Tsunade scoffed, "He can't do it anyway. Let's go, Shizune."
Back at the hotel, Naruto was cursing himself for losing his temper when a knock came to the door. It was Shizune.
"I am sorry for the late night visit. Naruto-kun, I need to talk with you for a while." she told him.
"I need to rest so I can train tomorrow." he replied.
"I'm sorry, but I don't want you to get the wrong image of Tsunade-sama." she said, "Also, I need to tell you about the necklace..."
"Like I care about that Baba." he muttered, stepping back into the room.
"Tsunade-sama isn't the type of person you think she is!" Shizune defended, "Please don't talk about her like that when you don't know anything about her!"
Naruto looked at the woman. She obviously cared about Tsunade.
She looked down when she realised what she said, "I'm sorry I shouted... A long time ago, she wasn't like that. She was a kind person who loved her village. But she has changed... Ever since that day. The day she lost her dream, her love, and her hope. The only thing that remains is that necklace, which is filled with many memories. To Tsunade-sama, that thing is as important as her life. It's not something she should use in a bet."
"I don't care. She's the one who brought it up." he stated simply.
"Also, that necklace isn't just a normal necklace that you can wear. It only accepts Tsunade-sama... If another person tried to wear that necklace... that person will... die." she said, "You understand now, right, Naruto-kun? Ever since that day, Tsunade-sama has lived in a state of confusion."
Naruto walked passed her.
"Naruto-kun?" she asked.
"I'm going to go train."
