Chapter 3. Dreams

Meets the Leader of Hi no Kuni and his Guardians.

Enjoy.

Walking up to what could only be described as awesome, Naruto marveled at how tall the walls around the Daiymo's palace was and the designs that were imprinted on said wall. From Dragons to Tigers, from Toads to Snakes and Monkeys. From up close, they were detailed down to the last spec of skin.

The stone and rock that made up the large walls had to of been of the highest quality. It seemed nigh impenetrable to Naruto as they inched closer. The tree tops they could see just over the wall as they were approaching a few minutes before were now completely out of sight.

I can't wait to see inside! A wall this amazing has to be hiding something even more amazing! Naruto thought as he continued walking besides Jiraiya. Though Jiraiya had already seen this sight, he couldn't help but marvel at it each time he comes back to visit. "Well, let's go Naruto." Walking forwards, Naruto to his immediate right.

Knowing that they were going to be in the presence of the Fire Daiymo, Hiruzen had already gotten Naruto an appropriate attire. Currently he was wearing loose burnt orange hakama with white socks and plain ninja sandals. Over his chest he was wearing a loose white undershirt which complemented the burnt orange kimono top which had black along it's edges and shoulders. Representing his ties with the Uzumaki, Hiruzen had gotten red swirls atop the black of the hem. Tied on his waist was a black belt which was tied in the front, leaving the leftover length flowing down the front of his legs.

Jiraiya didn't change much, though he did look cleaned up. His green kimono was straightened and looked even better than before. Instead of his usual short red haori, he went with his red sage haori given to him by the toads. His hair was tied so that it was out of his face, letting his entire face be seen, no point in not looking ones best when your meeting with someone as important as this. Along his lower back was the Toad's contract scroll, along with other things.

As they walked near the entrance, they were stopped by the guards who were part of the Daiymo's personal ninja squad. Several jonin level shinobi, with Anbu ranking members hidden in between.

"Halt. State your business here." The young guard had to have been in his early twenties. He was wearing the standard Konoha Jonin uniform, though instead of the green flak jacket, it was red in color almost scarlet, representing the Fire Daiymo.

Jiraiya reaching into his kimono top, pulled out a small scroll with the Hokage's seal on it, along with his own personal pass given to him by the Fire Daiymo. "Easy there youngster, Just here to see my old friend and give him some scrolls to look over by Hokage-sama." Seeing the guard's suspicious stare change from him to towards Naruto, he spoke up again. "This here's my apprentice, Naruto Uzumaki. He's with me, that's not gonna be a problem is it?"

Getting a wide eye'd look from the two guards as they finally realized who this person was in front of them, they scrambled to attention. "N-No sir Jiraiya-sama!" They were in the presence of one of the legendary sannin, Jiraiya the Toad Sage. Of course they were going to show respect, tales of his accomplishments along with the other two sannin were legendary from the second shinobi world war. "Were honored to be in your presence Jiraiya-sama! Please enter!"

Putting on a smile, Jiraiya walked ahead as the guards opened the gates. Naruto followed with an astonished look on his face. Why are they showing sensei so much respect? He's just a strong pervert...right? Naruto thought as he continued following Jiraiya.

Eyes darting everywhere as they made it past the outer walls of the palace. Seeing giant trees that were greener than usual, plant life that seemed to flourish even as the sun was settling down behind the mountains. Scenery such as this should have been impossible. Seeing a small pond to the right, a giant maze of elegant green bushes to the right, it was definitely amazing.

Unknown to him, When the first Fire Daiymo and the Shodaime Hokage agreed to form Konoha, Hashirama gave the Daiymo's palace a great forest as thanks to helping fulfill one of his dreams. Said forest was outside of the walls, and most of the forest surrounding Konoha itself. All of the trees that were inside of the walls were also made my Hashirama, further offerings and thanks to the Daiymo. As if tantamount to Hashirama's power, to this day, the trees, plants and grass still give off a healthy amount of life and natural energy.

The abundance of natural energy here is amazing, even more so than that of the forest outside of Konoha. Jiraiya thought as both himself and Naruto seemed to take in the entire view. Finally settling his eyes on the palace couldn't help but let out a gasp as he marveled in the sheer beauty of it.

It was a large two storey palace like house. Stone, almost crystal like, tiles lined the roof tops as several statues decorated the corners of the mighty building. Toads, Slugs, Snakes, Dragons, Tigers, Eagles and Monkeys. Each of the statues were extremely detailed and put in various directions, some facing the other as a sign of rivalry.

Alongside the front of the palace, beautiful shoji doors enticed any guests towards their entry way. Several windows lined the walls as pathways led to and from everywhere in the compound. The floorboards on the porch were only of the highest quality fit only for a king. Guests could find themselves staring at the sheer brilliance of the house for hours before they realized what they were doing.

As the two finally composed themselves, Naruto albeit with a little help from Jiraiya's hand that landed on his head, the pair slowly walked towards the entrance way as the sun was finally beginning it's slow decent behind the mountains off in the distance. Reaching their destination, the shoji doors were slid open by one of the several maids that lived and worked here.

Wearing an elegant blue kimono with a flower in her purple hair which flowed down her back, the maid greeted the two with a smile. "Greetings Jiraiya-sama, Naruto-sama. MY name is Miya, please right this way. Scarlet-sama is expecting you." The maid said as the two walked in. Closing the door behind them, Miya quickly walked in front of them as they marveled at the paintings and interior design the building had. Smiling, she just waited a few moments as the duo soaked everything in. Seeing that they were done, she smiled and gestured for them to follow her.

"Now Naruto, remember what we went over in the town before this. Show respect, he's an old friend of mine and of your Jiji's alright." Peering down at Naruto from the corner of his eye, he smiled as Naruto nodded his head. A smile on his face as he was going to be meeting someone important as his Jiji.

"You got it sensei!" Responding as he looked over himself while moving forwards. The excitement coursing through his body, not for the meeting itself but the prospect of meeting someone who wouldn't look at him differently than others like some of the civilians of Konoha. Naruto was smart for his age, Hiruzen would even argue that he rivaled Minato's intellect when he was his age. He knew that the villagers didn't really accept him there, but why, he didn't know. Several times he would bring it up to his Jiji, and every time he wouldn't get a concrete answer.

But he never let the looks or even being ignored get to him, in fact he took it in stride. If they wouldn't acknowledge him, he'd make them! He'd become powerful enough that he would be able to support them, protect them, lead them whether they liked it or not. He'd shoulder all their hate and scorn for him now, and when he earned their respect and all the hate disappears, he would become one of the best Hokages since Hashirama. He made that promise and Naruto Uzumaki never breaks his promises.

Nodding his head at his attire, he smiled as he brought his head back up and looked forwards with Jiraiya. As the duo followed the maid, they finally reached a giant room with a large table in the middle of it. At the end of said table an older looking man, around his early thirties with long red hair was sitting and looking over some paperwork. From what Naruto could tell, the man had a slim build, most likely from training with a sword. Glancing around the room again, he noticed several quality swords decorating the walls.

As they waited at the entrance of the room, Miya turned around and smiled at them. "Please wait here while I let Scarlet-sama know you've arrived." Bringing her hand up and letting the kimono's sleeve flow down her arm, she giggled softly into her hand. "When he's doing his paperwork, he's too focused on it." Smiling at that, Jiraiya shook his head and let out a small laugh while Naruto just smiled.

As Miya walked away, Naruto noticed that Jiraiya was staring at her backside rather fiercely. Sighing, Naruto quickly stomped his foot onto his pervert senseis. Seriously, why did his sensei have to stare at every lady they met? Couldn't he just talk to one like normal.

Recovering and glaring down at the young blonde, he growled at the smirk that was shown on his apprentice's face.

Looking back over towards Miya and the Daiymo, they saw that she was looking at them as the Daiymo brought his head up and with a large smile. "Ah, Jiraiya-san! Naruto-kun! Welcome! Come have a seat. Miya can you bring us some sake please?" Nodding her head, she left for the kitchen as the duo made their way over to the table.

Taking their seats adjacent to the Daiymo, Naruto continued looking around as he heard the Daiymo's voice again. "It's good to hear from you again Jiraiya-san! It's been too long since I was in the presence of the Toad Sage! What can I do for my old friend?" Genuine cheerfulness coated his voice as he finally got a chance to relax from his paperwork.

Taking a quick glance over at Naruto, Jiraiya looked back at him and responded with a smile of his own. "I've actually came here to deliver a few messages that sensei said you needed to look over." Pulling said scrolls out from his kimono and handing them to the Daiymo, he continued. "As well as bond with my godson here and get him out of Konoha for a while, maybe teach him a few things while I'm at it."

Looking over at Naruto who was still looking around the giant dining hall, the Daiymo couldn't help but smile softly at his appearance. Taking in the child's blonde hair and blue eyes, he was reminded of Minato, and reminisce about Kushina, his distant cousin. Sending his attention back to Jiraiya, he spoke with a smile. "So Jiraiya-san, aren't you going to introduce me to your godson?"

With that said, Naruto snapped to attention as he new the spot light was on him. Jiraiya, waving an arm towards him, smiled and nodded. He got up from his seat, turned and bowed towards the Daiymo as he was trying to be courteous. "Yes, umm. Hello, I'm Naruto Uzumaki! It's a pleasure to meet you Daiymo-sama!"

Raising an eyebrow at the politeness of his distant family member, the Daiymo smiled. "Please stand up Naruto-kun. My name is Tetsu Scarlet, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." As Naruto took to his seat again, he spoke with a gentle voice that Naruto seemed to recognize. "Just call me Tetsu, I'm not one for all that respect unless I feel the need for it."

Smiling at his nonchalant attitude, Naruto let out a sigh as he quickly sat back down in his seat. Looking back at Tetsu, he noticed the look in his eyes. Along with his voice, his eye's were the same eye's that his Jiji would look at him with when they spent time together. Warmth, love and caring could be seen in those eyes. Deciding to question why a man he just met would look at him with the same eye's his Jiji looks at him with, he'd have to question Jiraiya later.

As Tetsu started talking to Jiraiya again, Miya came back into the room with a cart of drinks. Two bottles of Sake and a few cups along with a few glasses of water, one of which she placed in front of Naruto. Smiling and thanking her, he tuned the conversation of his sensei and the Fire Daiymo out as he pulled out his scrolls on calligraphy.

After a while of catching up with his friend, Jiraiya saw that Naruto had Kushina's calligraphy book out and was practicing with it. Several blank papers and ink brushes were layed out around him on the table as he seemed ignorant of the world around him. Smiling as he laughed a little, he turned back to Tetsu who was speaking quietly with Miya, he spoke quietly.

"Just like Minato and Kushina, hah. Both of them would be so wrapped up in something new like a new seal or jutsu, that you'd have to had an earthquake just to get their attention." He said, making a gesture towards Naruto.

As the three just quietly sat on and watched as Naruto continued with his writings, he finally noticed how quiet it became. Stopping mid brush, he brought his head up as he took in the silent stares and smirks the adults were making towards him. Looking like he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he slowly went red from embarrassment. Scratching the back of his head, he started laughing awkwardly.

"Haha, sorry. I just thought I'd practice a little while you were catching up Sensei, sorry." Jiraiya just laughed at this and was soon joined with Tetsu while Miya giggled softly behind her hand.

As the little group brought Naruto in the conversation for a little while, Tetsu finally pointed out the time as Naruto yawned into his hands. Looking out one of the many windows that aligned the walls, the sun had indeed set. "Miya, can you show Jiraiya-san and Naruto-kun here to their rooms for the night. I'm sure at least Naruto-kun would like to get some sleep tonight." Seeing her smile and nod her head, he finished his cup of sake and stretched as he got up from his chair.

Getting up themselves, Jiraiya and Naruto both followed Miya after parting with Tetsu. Making it to their room after marveling in the beauty of the palace, Naruto quickly walked in and sat on one of the giant beds. Taking in his surroundings he was surprised as he looked up, seeing the stars that illuminated the sky through the glass roof. Without even seeing that Jiraiya stood at the door and thanked Miya before closing and walking towards his own bed, he smiled, lost in his own thoughts before falling asleep.

Seeing this Jiraiya smiled as he got up from his own bed and walked over to Narutos. Gently tucking him in, he looked up and smiled. Content in getting to spend some time with his godson before he had to leave again. I'll start his training tomorrow. Thinking to himself as he scratched his chin. If I remember, Tetsu said something about Chiriku coming to visit tomorrow.

Nodding to himself, he took one last glance at Naruto before he headed out of their room and down the hall, intent on finishing his drink with Tetsu and his wife, Miya.

oOo

Opening his eyes as the rays hit his face from the giant square glass in the roof, he sat up and stretched. His unruly, spiky blonde hair was everywhere, unkempt like it usually was. As his eye's finally adjusted to the light of the room, he noticed that Jiraiya's bed was already made and was empty. Breakfast?

Quickly changing out of his pajamas, he threw on his training gear that was similar to his regal attire he wore yesterday. Almost the same exact burnt orange pants, yet these were more loose and a little baggy, letting him move around easier. Under his orange battle kimono top, he wore a chain mesh shirt which showed from the opening of his top. Putting on his ninja sandals, he quietly left the room and headed towards the same room they were in last night. I wonder where Sensei is?

Finally making it to the large dining room, he noticed Tetsu, Miya and Jiraiya were all sitting at said table, seemingly waiting on him.

"Ah! Naruto-kun, Good morning! Please come join us for breakfast!" Tetsu's loud voice made it's way to Naruto who smiled and quickly made his way to a seat beside's Miya across from Jiraiya. As the small party sat and ate their breakfast, small talk was abundant. Miya and Tetsu were going over their schedule for the day while Jiraiya and Naruto were talking about what he was going to do first.

"You ready for today, Naruto?" Finishing his glass of orange juice, Naruto replied as he watched Jiraiya finish off his food.

"Oh yeah! I'm finally gonna start my training to become strong!" His excitement was contagious as Tetsu glanced over and put in his thoughts as Miya walked off, presumably getting the start of his paperwork for the day.

Hearing Naruto and Jiraiya's conversation sparked an old fire in his mind as he remembered his own days learning under the Samurai for self defense. Or the days he taught his daughter some of his sword skills.

"You'll go far Naruto-kun." He announced as he got wide eye's from Naruto. Before he could replay, Jiraiya started speaking again, instantly getting his attention.

"Well, now that your finished with breakfast, we can go. I have several things I want to do with you today." Jiraiya announced as he was rewarded with Naruto's hundred watt smile. "I even have a few Jutsu I'm planning on teaching you. We can start whenever your ready."

Empowered by his excitement, he quickly finished eating as Miya came back in the room placing a stack of papers down in front of Tetsu. Laughing inside at the Fire Daiymo's delimmea, he got up, leaving his plates for the maids that came in, and walked out the door with Jiraiya.

Watching as Kushina and Minato's legacy left to start his training with Jiraiya, Tetsu couldn't help but smile. Memories of his first meeting with Kushina flooded his mind as he watched the door close. Wishing him the best, he focused on his paperwork while his thoughts remained on the Uzumakis, after all, it's not everyday that you have a chance to meet family in this world, no matter how distant they are.

oOo

*huff huff* "Keep it up Naruto, this is the last lap." Jiraiya managed to get out as Naruto who was lagging behind him continued on. Already having ran around the palace walls 7 times, they were on their last lap.

Having already decided to start on his physical development, Jiraiya decided to use the training method his sensei's used on him. Several plans were laid out in his mind as he went over the work outs. From running to meditating, from heavy work outs to balancing and being completely still. Fusing the training from Ma and Pa and the toads with Hiruzen's own he remembered from his time under the Nidaime hokage, he was sure that Naruto would be ready in time for what he planned on teaching him. Already knowing Ma and Pa had figured out who he was, he knew they would want to teach him how to harness and use Senjutsu.

Jogging was the first step in his development, getting his endurance up before starting his muscle mass. The stronger his body, the better and easier it would be for him to adjust to the ungodly strength that comes with Senjutsu.

Finally finishing their jog, the duo walked over to one of the giant trees that stood in the middle of a small clearing inside the palace grounds. Leaning back on the tree and watching as Naruto collapsed on the ground, trying to catch his breath. Memories of training Minato into the ground and waiting for him to catch his breath flooded his mind as he watched Naruto prop himself up and lean back on his elbows.

Smiling he reached into his Kimono and grabbed one of the scrolls Hiruzen gave him. I think now would be a good time to teach him this. Casually tossing the scroll over in front of Naruto, Jiraiya smirked as he noticed Naruto had already caught his breath. Already has such high regenerative abilities, I can't wait to really start his training.

Seeing the scroll hit his foot, he quickly pushed up and landed on his feet as he reached down and picked up the scroll. Quickly running chakra to his hand, he swiped it over the top of the scroll where the Kanji for 'Seal' was. As a puff of smoke appeared, the scroll popped open and in his left hand was a smaller scroll that could be unrolled, while his right held the now open sealing scroll. "All right!"

After his little outburst, Naruto sat back down and placed the scroll in front of him as he unrolled it. Seeing several illustrations and Kanji markings, he smiled. Looking up to Jiraiya, he was surprised as he noticed two of him sitting there, staring back at him. "Hey sensei, how are there two of you? Is that the clone technique?" Pointing his hand as he asked, he never even noticed that Jiraiya had made a clone of himself. Though if he had to guess, it was probably when he opened the scroll.

"Not just any kind of clone Naruto." Looking at the other clone who had apparently thought of a new idea and began scribbling down notes on a small pad, Jiraiya looked back at Naruto as he smirked, he couldn't wait to learn what his clone had thought of. "This here is a Kage-Bunshin." Getting a confused look from Naruto, he continued.

"Kage-Bunshins are different from regular clones as they split the user's chakra in half, allowing the clone to have it's own mind and thoughts. Allowing it to think and comprehend more than regular clones would, far more in fact. Though just like normal clones." Reaching inside his pocket, he pulled out a pen and quickly pricked the clones finger, making it disappear in a puff of smoke. "Just like regular clones, all it takes is a small puncture wound to make them disappear." Finally getting the clones thoughts back, he smirked as a small dribble of blood came from his nose. OHHH! Kage bunshin's can be used for that too!

Pointing at the scroll that sat on the ground in front of Naruto, he explained how to manipulate ones chakra so that it would flow all over ones body. Molding chakra into a single hand or foot is easy for anyone who has at least unlocked their chakra. But manipulating chakra to continuously move around the body was harder.

As Naruto listened, he brought his hands up and made the same seal Jiraiya was making, the Tiger seal. "Now focus chakra into your hands. When learning how to make a bunshin, sometimes if you visualize yourself it'll help with molding your chakra. Keeping that in mind Naruto, I want you to mold a little bit of your chakra while holding the seal. Next, just say the technique's name and give the chakra a little push." Though, if you get good enough at it, you won't even need to announce anything, let alone use a seal. But they do say, Names hold Power.

"Kage-Bunshin no Jutsu!" The young blonde boy in front of him announced as a giant cloud of smoke appeared in front of the tree. Letting out a whistle as the smoke died down, Jiraiya was astonished. Even more than Kushina-chan did on her first try, great job Naruto! In front of the Toad Sage was a small platoon of blondes. If I had to guess, I'd say theres about 30 or so clones.

As his eyes continued to scan the small army in front of him, the clones started jumping around with joy. Having learned his first real Jutsu, this was a memorable experience for him. The real Naruto who had now walked forwards and was standing beside Jiraiya, just smiled and looked up at his sensei.

"Look sensei! I managed to make a whole bunch with only a little bit of my chakra!" He said as he pointed towards his little army of clones. Hearing the words 'little bit' coming from his godson's mouth, well, lets just say Jiraiya was scared.

If my memory serves me correctly, Kushina maxed out at around a small full sized army of around athousand hundred... Bringing his hand up to scratch his chin while he steals a glance down at Naruto. I wonder how many he can make if he uses most of his chakra. "Yosh! Naruto!"

Getting the young blonde's attention, he continued speaking. "I need you to dispel them. Since they are all made of your chakra, it should be easy for you to do. Just imagine or will the chakra back, taking it back in, if you will."

As he was listening to Jiraiya explain how to dispel the Kage-Bunshins, he did so. Closing his eye's for a moment, he calmed himself. Opening his eyes, he glanced over towards the small army of clones that were all staring back at him with a smile. Willing his clones to all dispel in a puff of smoke, he looked towards Jiraiya. "What next sensei?"

"This time I want you to use even less chakra. As little as you can, I want you to make the least amount possible you can right now." Moving back towards the tree to lean back on, he watched as Naruto formed the Ram seal and focused on his chakra. Feeling the build up of his chakra, he couldn't help but be impressed. The amount that Naruto had gathered in the few seconds, was malleable. The chakra could be seen around his hands and he could feel a slight weight on his shoulders as his chakra seeped outwards.

As Naruto tried to reel back in on his chakra, Jiraiya noticed that the weight lessened and the glow around his hands disappeared. "Kage-Bunshin no Jutsu!" A puff of smoke later, six clones of Naruto were standing behind the young blonde. The perfect copies quickly looked around, making sure that there wasn't another army before cheering and jumping in the air.

"Good job Naruto." Clapping as he walked forwards towards the small group of blondes. Wordlessly creating his own Kage-Bunshin, the two stood side by side as the real one started speaking. "Now, I need 1 of you clones to go with my clone here and take a walk with him."

Seeing the confused looks from some of the clones and the original Naruto, he sighed. "I want to show you something about this technique Naruto. It's a really awesome and special way to train that only those with massive reserves of chakra and stamina can do."

Not one to stir away from another method of training, Naruto nodded, and sent one of the clones away with Jiraiya's clone. As they were walking away, Jiraiya sat back down, leaning against the tree. "Now, the last of you clones that are still over here, I want you to go practice the leaf balancing exercise, but use more than one or two leafs. Even if you have a massive amount of chakra Naruto, if you don't have the control, it's useless, and even though you have a remarkably good control on it so far, it is far from acceptable for the amount of chakra you possess."

Nodding at his logic, Naruto sent the last of his clones to start the exercise. "You know, even if the Uzumaki were gifted with special chakra, a strong life force and an ungodly amount of chakra, their control wasn't all that good unless they continued to train in their control. Even Ashina Uzumaki, in his early forties, still continued to do several exercises for his chakra control."

Learning that the head of the Uzumaki still had to do chakra control exercises was astonishing. He was a Kage after all. Kages', in his mind, were the strongest and had perfect control over their strength. They had to right? They had to be strong to protect their village and everything important to them. After hearing that though, he knew he would come to hate control exercises in the distant future.

"Now, for you Naruto." Jiraiya said as she looked at the young blonde as he brought his arms behind his head. "Start doing push-ups. Let's continue on working your body, getting it in top physical condition."

Nodding his head with a smile on his face, Naruto dropped down on the ground. Slowly pushing himself up with his small arms, he started counting aloud. All the while Jiraiya had already taken out a small orange notepad and was scribbling on it, his perverted grin never left his face.

oOo

Finally arriving at the opposite side of the palace grounds, Jiraiya and Naruto's clone stop in an open clearing. "Sensei? Why'd we have to walk away from the others?" Looking around at the training grounds that seemed to be used mostly for sparring as there was plain dirt in a large circle. A small house that had a shield atop its doorway, while a small rock trail led from an entrance to the palace towards the large circle.

"I led you away to show you the amazing ability that comes with the Kage-Bunshin clones." Looking over towards the shoji doors from the side entrance to the palace, a young red haired girl appeared holding a green staff, with what seemed like weights on the ends. The staff itself looked to be of high detail. The young red haired girl looked to be about nine years old, three years older than Naruto. So that's little Erza. Yep, she'll be a beauty when she grows up. Jiraiya thought as he took in the young girls appearance.

Her hair was tied up and flowed down her back as two bangs framed her face with a larger one cover her right eye. She was wearing a crimson red battle kimono, with matching color hakama pants. Tied around her waist was a small black sash. On both her wrists were red wristbands, held in her right hand was the long Bo-Staff like weapon that they both noticed.

Coming up directly behind the young red head, was an older man, carrying a similar weapon. He was a bald man who wore a similar outfit towards the red head. He was wearing a plain white kimono top with long sleeves, and hakama pants that were tucked tied and tucked into his socks that he wore. On his feet he had sandals similar to regular ninjas. One of the main things Naruto noticed about the man was the grey haori that he wore draped across half his chest and flowed down his legs. On said haori was Kanji for Land of Fire.

"Chiriku. One of the Fire Daiymo's Twelve Guardian Ninja Monks." Placing his hands across his chest, he looked down towards Naruto who was still looking at the duo as they started going through katas for their weapon. "Monks, other than the Twelve Guardian Ninja Monks, there are very few left in the world." Getting Naruto's attention, he continued as he walked towards one of the benches under a large Sakura tree.

"What's a monk sensei?" Always being the curious one, he asked what was on his mind. It was the first time he ever heard that term before. Ninja Monk, and Monk by itself. His eyes going back towards the duo who were still going through several katas.

"Ninja monks are ninjas serving in a temple dedicated towards the land they reside in and usually are guardians for said lands Daiymo. They pray and express their belief in the lands they reside in. Instead of belonging to a village, they belong to the lands Daiymo." Pointing a finger towards the duo practicing, he continued. "That man's name is Chiriku, the head monk of the Twelve Guardian Ninja Monks that serve Tetsu."

Letting that information sink in, he continued watching the duo with Naruto. Seems like he's teaching her to wield a bo-staff in both defense and offense. "You know Naruto, most monks don't use or even believe in the use of ninjutsu. They believe and still to this day, practice what is presumed to be before ninjutsu, ninshuu."

"Ninshuu?" The young blonde asked, not tearing his eyes away from the monk and young girl. Their movements seemed to flow in the slight breeze. As he listened to Jiraiya, he could have sworn he heard the monk whisper something to himself as a very faint glow surrounded his ears.

"Well, to explain what ninshuu would be, I would need to tell you about the Sage of the Six Paths, but, that is a story for another time." Jiraiya chuckled as Naruto pouted at not being informed. "But for now, I'll give you what I believe it to be, what I interpreted from the elder toad sages from their stories."

Taking a seat, the Jiraiya clone leaned back on his arms as he took a breathe. "Ninshuu. The spreading of ones spiritual energies, spreading it to others so they can fully understand each other and communicate on a whole 'nother level. Though the monks believe differently, that's how I see it." Pausing a moment as they watched the duo continue to practice, he continued.

"Ever since I was granted the title of 'Sannin' and the last war was ended, I started to look for a way to create peace. Becoming a sage, I was able to communicate and understand others a little better, though not fully. I'm still searching for a way to find my own way of peace." He sighed as he looked down towards the ground.

Taking another breath, he stood up. "You know Naruto, the Fourth Hokage strived for peace, he tried to avoid violence whenever possible. He even looked into what the monks believe, Ninshuu." Seeing that he had Naruto's attention, he continued. "When he went against Iwa's army, he regretted it. He absolutely loathed having to kill so many people. After he came back to Konoha, he immediately went to his house and held his wife as he let his tears go."

The Fourth Hokage cried? Naruto thought as he tried to understand what he was hearing.

"The Fourth Hokage understood though, that if he didn't stop Iwa's army from invading Hi no Kuni, that thousands of innocent people, men, women and children alike would die. If he didn't stop that army, Konoha would have lost many. If he didn't stop that army, all the pointless deaths would be un-imaginable. He understood that to bring any kind of peace to this land, action had to be taken. He slayed the army by himself, he carried the burden of all their life's on his shoulders to protect everyone else. Minato, Hashirama shouldered the pain of many, so others can have peace."

Looking down at the blonde, he continued. "What I'm trying to say now Naruto, is that peace comes in many different forms. Minato created a short period of peace, as did Hashirama. That was their form of peace, while the monks have their own, Ninshuu. I'm still searching for the answer, and right now, I don't think I'll ever find it." With a sigh, he got up.

"Alright Naruto. Time to go." Bringing his arm up and smashing down onto the clone's head, making the clone of poof before he even got a word in, he sighed. Minato, Kushina. Perhaps where we failed, maybe Naruto can succeed. He thought before he mentally dispelled himself.

Chiriku, who had been listening ever so silently from across the clearing smiled. It seems his friend is putting his faith and time into another apprentice. Seems like I'll get a visit some time in the future. He thought as he quickly fixed one of his young companion's mistakes.

oOo

"One hundred and forty seven...One hundred and forty eight." Sweat dripping off the young blonde as he continued doing push ups. Jiraiya had long since placed his note pad down to watch his godson train. A few seconds later, Naruto fell to the ground, and Jiraiya's eyes shot open as he smiled towards Naruto, waiting to see if he knew what had happened. It had been at least thirty or so minutes since his clone left with Naruto's own.

Wha..What are these? Naruto thought as he searched through the memories that flashed into his mind. Monks, Sages, Ninshuu, Peace. Where did these come from? He thought as he sat up. Taking a look towards his sensei, he was greeted with a smile.

Naruto's eyes opened wide as he remember the conversation his clone had with Jiraiya earlier. "You remember what I told you right?"

Shaking his head, Naruto could only stare at Jiraiya as he continued to catch his breathe. "The Kage-Bunshin is an A-ranked technique that is border-lined S-rank mainly due to how much chakra it requires. But that's not the only cool part of the technique." Getting up, Jiraiya stretched before he continued as he took a look over to the clones that had begun to balance rocks and the like on their fingers. "It also sends anything the clone learns and hears to the user. Any experience other than physical can be transferred to the original."

Looking back at Naruto, a smile grace his face as he watched his brain work in overtime to comprehend what he just told him. As realization crossed his face, Naruto jumped up and smiled.

"So what your saying is that I can train everything that's not physical with my Kage-Bunshins?!" He all but yelled at his sensei. The possibilities with this technique was amazing, almost limitless if one doesn't count the non-physical side.

Bringing his hand down onto the blondes head, Jiraiya adorned a serious expression. "That's correct. But, Naruto, I want you to promise me something. The more clones you use to practice with, the more exhausted you will be. The amount of knowledge and the amount of exhaustion that comes from the clones is instantaneous and can put you in the hospital. I want you to promise me you won't use more than 3 or 4 at a time unless your with me or the Hokage until your older, Understand?"

Nodding his head, he had to sit down and calm himself down. The fact that he could train with his Kage-Bunshins was amazing. Letting the cool breeze gently cool his body down from the work-out he was doing earlier, he laid on his back, and looked to the sky.

"Alright Naruto, let's get back to training your body alright." Jiraiya announced as he clapped his hands. "Let's get back to push-ups alright." Hearing him grunt, he turned towards the clones that were balancing rocks and leafs on their fingertips. Walking towards them, he created a shadow clone.

"Alright guys, ready to learn something new?" Immediately catching the blonde clones attention, he smiled. "How'd you like to learn to climb a tree with only your feet, and then walk on water?" Smirking at their faces, he let out a laugh as the real Jiraiya went back to Naruto.

oOo

"I expect you to have mastered that and then some next time I see you Naruto. Also remember to practice your katas, I'll know if you haven't!" A six year old Naruto with a little muscle definition showing on his body stood beside Jiraiya as his face was turning red from embarrassment as his new friend, Erza, scolded him.

Having been given her notes on Fuin-Jutsu, she expected him to have it mastered by the next time she sees him. Having found a training partner in Erza, though she was more like a drill Sargent than anything compared to Jiraiya, he enjoyed it.

The past few months have been the happiest of his life. First he met his Godfather, than met the Fire Daiymo and his wife, along with becoming friends with their daughter. Though in reality, Naruto saw the Daiymo's family as his own.

"I'll have it all mastered and then some, it's a promise!" He said as he brought his red face up and stared at the young 9 year old Erza. Her parents behind her just smirked at the sight, enjoying a flustered and embarrassed Naruto. "Since it's just beginners notes, I'll have it down in a few weeks! Just you wait and see!"

Smiling, she brought her hands forwards, gripping Naruto's shoulders as she brought him into a hug, slamming his head into her flat chest. "Become strong enough to be my guard in the future! That means you have to become stronger than me!" Feeling her little brother like figure nod his head as he hugged her back, she smiled and let him go.

Placing his hand down on Naruto's head beside him, Jiraiya smiled. "Alright, you ready to go Naruto?" Looking back up to Tetsu and Miya, he nodded and said their goodbyes. Already knowing they'll be visiting Konoha in the next month. They had a meeting with Hiruzen, though they really just wanted to visit Naruto again.

Turning around with Jiraiya, they both started their journey back to Konoha. Watching as they walked away, along with the guards at the entrance, Tetsu and Miya smiled. "He'll become strong, just like his father and mother. He has a spirit as strong as the legends."

As they walked back into their palace, all three of them, Tetsu, Miya and Erza, all had the same thought's going through their heads. I can't wait to see him in the future.

Chapter three is done.

Man what is up with Yhwach!? How about them eyes, and 'A' The Almighty? OP much?

This chapter was kinda rushed as the last three or so weeks, I havn't had that much time to write at all. The next chapter will be a lot better quality I promise.

next chapter, meetings between Sasuke and Naruto, along with a few other things.

P.S. Flames will be used to make popcorn as I read Fics! Hope you enjoy!

Also, check out the poll for this story on my page.