AN: I decided instead of editing the last three chapters that a flashback would work to clear up the plot hole. Also, some PM'd me about Sasuke being a big brat in my story; yes, I made him as such because I will be using this attitude for something later in the story. Lastly, I am really shocked at how quickly people favorite, followed, and reviewed on this one; lots of good remarks, some meh, and others was about the damn plot hole; that was massive oversight on my part so thank you for pointing out my error. Enough chit-chat…the next chapter awaits!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
ITALICS – Thinking
BOLD – demon talk/jutsu
Chapter 4: Return to Uzu
It has been six months since Naruto returned but in that time a lot has changed in Konoha; the security was revamped, the Shinobi force was given a workout regimen, and the academy was redone. Granted, each area needed some more tweaking but all in all, the changes have given great results.
No longer did the academy focus on history; the students entered at age six and on the first day learned how to unlock their chakra and for the first year learned how to control it with the leaf balancing and tree walking exercise. The second year the students found their elemental affinity if they had one; if one was not found then the teachers would work to see if one would show itself in the years to come. This year was dedicated to starting to master their affinity as well as learning some low level elemental jutsu. The third and fourth year added taijutsu into the mix while continuing what the students learned in years past; each student was tasked with finding a taijutsu stance that worked with them not against. The last two years was adding everything together as well as learning some history of Konoha and the Elemental Nations; it was also at this point the students were given the Genin workout regimen.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was impressed by Naruto's academy revamp and instantly approved it knowing that the number of Genin that would pass would skyrocket as well as lower their death rate. Plus, with the regimen for each Shinobi rank meant that the Genin that would pass would get stricter but better training and techniques.
For security, Naruto proposed that the ANBU and off duty Jonin have shifts to where they would guard certain sectors of Konoha; more resources would be allocated to the important ones like the Hokage Tower and Academy for example. At first the ANBU were hesitant but after Naruto discussed this and Hiruzen approved the change, they had no choice but to agree but over the six months they grew to like it. It was also because of this increased security that in the six months a number of spies were flushed out of Konoha which the Hokage was very happy about.
In the present, Tsunade and Naruto were sitting at the kitchen table in the Senju home enjoying breakfast before heading out to do their duties for the day; for Tsunade it was hospital work while Naruto went with Team 7 as they were going to get their first C-rank today.
"Sitting here brings back memories of when your father returned from Uzu holding your one year old self in his arms." Naruto reminisces
Tsunade sighs "I wish father and mother was here today but sadly they disappeared after going out on a mission and after two weeks of not returning they were presumed dead."
Naruto blinks and in a somber tone "I am sorry for having you remember that."
Tusnade waves him off "That was eight years ago so it's all in the past, but I want to know about the day he returned from Uzu."
Naruto smiles and nods "Very well, I just got done with training for the day when…"
Flashback – Naruto age 13 (55 years ago)
Naruto bursts into the family room as happy as can be ready to tell his father and mother what he just did.
"Tou-san, Ka-san, I just made a new technique to go with my katana and," Naruto sees his older brother and his mother's sister looking at him making him blush in embarrassment "Takeo, Akemi, when did you arrive back and who is that in your arms?"
All laugh and Takeo, who is five foot eight, has short black hair, and is wearing a red and white formal kimono, motions Naruto over "This is Tsunade Senju, your neice, and I want you to take care of her when we can't OK?"
Naruto nods and puts his pointer finger out which Tsunade's small right hand grasps onto making a 'goo' sound in the process which made Naruto smile.
"I will make sure my cousin, no my surrogate sister, is well taken care of Takeo."
Everyone smiles and Akemi, who is five foot five, has long flowing red hair, and also wears a kimono like Takei, asks "So, what is this new katana technique you managed to do and may I see the sword you are using?"
Naruto nods and unstraps the katana from his back and shows it to her but with a warning "She gets temperamental when someone else touches her."
"It is quite alright, she is an Uzumaki and I have no qualms about her inspecting me."
"OK, scratch that, she told me that you can inspect her."
Mito's sister laughs then gets up, grasps the hilt and unsheathes it then gasps as she now recognizes the blade.
"Dear Kami Naruto, this is the Raging Whirlpool, how did you get it or better yet how did it choose you."
Mito and Hashirama smile already knowing the story and they watch as Naruto goes into explanation of how he trained with Kenshin over a period of two months and giving him a gift after the two months were complete; the Raging Whirlpool. Naruto does not explain what the spirit's name is as said voice told him not to.
Akemi smiles and hands back the katana in which Naruto straps to his back again "You are a most gifted child Naruto that blade is rare and it's rumored that the spirit in that blade can be quite finicky when it chooses a wielder. So, are you going to show us that technique of yours?"
Naruto nods "C'mon, everyone!" he yells and runs outside making everyone laugh.
Flashback End
Tsunade is in slight tears at the end of Naruto's explanation then smiles as she gets an idea. "Do you mind showing me this technique?"
Naruto laughs "Well, why not and I assume you want to see what my katana looks like as well huh."
Tsunade chuckles "Got me, now let's see that technique."
Naruto shakes his head and stands then motions for Tsunade to follow; they soon arrive at the backyard where some scars from training still remain from years past. Naruto unsheathes Raging Whirlpool making Tsunade gasp at its sheer beauty.
"Beautiful isn't she?"
Tsunade nods and watches as Naruto get in the Raging Tide stance and close his eyes; they soon snap open and a blue glow surround the blade. Naruto twirls the blade around in his right hand then grasps it with both, holding it in a reverse grip then slashes upwards and to the left screaming out his technique.
"Raging Whirlpool Technique: Tempest Storm!"
A wave of blue chakra mixed with yellow electricity shoots outward from the blade; a flash of yellow and the sound of thunder is heard as the attack connects with the trees at the far end of the field. Tsunade is in awe at the damage caused; every tree in a two foot radius is cut in half and charred with some becoming toothpicks. Naruto sheathes his blade and walks over to Tsuande smiling.
"Pretty cool huh?"
"More like kick ass! By the way, has anyone actually survived that technique?"
Naruto grimaces "Tsunade, believe me when I say this, you do not want to find out what this does to a person let alone a group of them. I still have nightmares when I had to use this technique on a mob of twenty men that rushed me and my platoon; it was when my father had me go out on a mission when I was sixteen."
"That bad?"
Naruto nods sadly "Let's just go to our posts today…I really don't want to relieve that day in my life."
Tsunade nods sadly and both head off in the direction of where they need to go; while walking to the hospital, she cannot help but think of the era Naruto and Hiruzen grew up in.
"The Warring States, such a bloody era to live through. I can see why Hiruzen and Naruto don't like to talk about certain things they did in that time; the things they had to do would be considered unethical in our day in age."
Hokage Office
The Kami no Shinobi was happily puffing on his pipe, smiling at the clear desk in front of him. The paperwork was completed, all the missions handed out except one, which is a folder on his desk, and all reports from past missions were read and filed away. He is broken from his happy thoughts by a knock on his door.
"Enter."
The door opens and Naruto walks in "Hey Hiruzen how's it…" He looks at the clear desk in front of him "Wow, even my father had a hard time managing getting paperwork done; what's your secret."
Hiruzen chuckles "When you become Hokage, maybe I will tell you."
Naruto chuckles "Fine old monkey, say where is Team 7 at by the way; I take it that folder is our mission for today."
Sarutobi nods and was about to speak when Team 7 enters the room "Speak of the devil and they shall appear."
Naruto laughs and turns to Kakashi "So, how has that regimen I gave each of you six months ago working?"
"Sakura has improved on her healing skills and genjutsu though she wants to learn the secret to you and Tsuande's super strength. Sai has improved on his drawings for his jutsu, and Sasuke well he is a mystery; I never saw someone improve that much in six months. It's like he's been training for over a year."
Naruto and Sarutobi see Sai make a discreet ANBU hand sign saying 'I will talk to you after.' Both get the message and blink back twice saying they got the message; Naruto smiles and replies.
"Well that's good, how about their physical and taijutsu?"
Kakashi nods and eye smiles "Thanks to your regimen that required each student to have chakra weights; I'd say each with the weights off is almost mid-Chunin speed. Oh and they have all gotten up to water walking for chakra training."
Naruto nods "Good, when we get to where we are going I suggest teaching them kunai balancing/spinning."
Kakashi nods and looks at the Hokage "Hokage-sama, Team 7 ready for a C-rank."
Said person smiles and hands the folder over which Kakashi grabs and reads over.
"You will be escorting a man by the name of Tazuna to Wave country and help him finish his bridge which will increase trade in Konoha and the Land of Fire. Naruto will be the second in charge but will be taking control of the team if you are injured. Lastly, Naruto has requested that he travel to Uzu to meet up on some old friends and see the village again; I have given him two weeks there though contact him via summon if you are in danger."
Kakashi nods and hands the folder back "I understand, thank you Hokage-sama."
After meeting with the client, the Hokage told everyone to leave minus Sai and Naruto; it was time to see what Sai wanted to say. Sarutobi puts up a barrier seal so that they could talk without anyone else hearing what they were going to talk about.
"Naruto, I want you to meet Sai my spy in Danzo's ROOT program."
Naruto turns to said person and smiles "So, what has the mummy been up to and I bet it has to revolve around Sasuke, am I right?"
Sai nods "I would have come to you sooner but Danzo has been keeping an eye on me to the point where I think he suspects I am leaking information. Anyway, after Sasuke went home after your beating which I found quite amusing, Danzo supposedly met him at his house and offered him the strength he needed to strike his brother down."
Sarutobi and Naruto pale and chorus together "Please tell me he refused."
Sai shakes his head "I was there when he came in, his hate for Itachi, and now you Naruto, with his desire to get stronger won over."
Naruto was about to interrupt when Sai puts his hand up.
"Before you interrupt it gets much worse than that. Naruto, I don't know how but Danzo got ahold of your father's genes and injected them into Sasuke. Also, I managed to copy some disturbing documents down that I would like each of you to look at."
Sai throws two folders onto Sarutobi's desk in which said person starts to read.
Naruto groans and palms his face "This is just great, first he dares threaten the integrity of my father's village and then he somehow gets his genes…what's next; he ordered the Uchiha Massacre?"
Sarutobi looks over at Naruto with a sad smile.
Naruto puts his hands in the air in defeat "OH COME ON!"
Sarutobi puts down the first folder and starts shuffling through the next one and pales at a report he skims over; he looks at Sai with a stern yet worrisome gaze.
"Please, pray tell that this report is not true."
Hiruzen hands over the report to Naruto who reads it and growls in anger whom hands it to Sai; he reads it and nods.
"It must be as Danzo's bandages cover the areas he implanted sharingans into."
Naruto, still seething "This sick fuck needs to be put in his place but unfortunately now is not the right time to act; I will monitor Sasuke and see if I can break him of his hatred. By the way what did Danzo teach him?"
Sai gulps and with a sad yet serious monotone replies to Naruto's question "Rumors were some of Madara's techniques and this might make your job harder but he already has a three-tomed Sharingan."
Hiruzen sighs "Naruto, please keep a close eye on him; from what Sai already told me about Danzo, his six months of training is brutal and makes one strong really fast. If…if it comes to it, I give you permission to kill on sight."
With a sad nod Naruto accepts "As you wish Hokage-sama."
"Anything else to report?"
"Nothing at this time Hokage-sama, what are my orders?" Sai asks
"Keep in the shadows and try to make yourself discreet as you are my most valuable asset in knowing what he has planned."
Sai nods and turns to Naruto "Shall we get with our team?"
Naruto nods and grabs his shoulder "Hold on, this might make you queasy as you're a first timer."
He disappears in an Uzumaki Whirlpool Shunshin leaving Sarutobi to his thoughts.
"Just what is your game Danzo, why Sasuke, are you just using him for your own gain or planning something bigger. Where did you go wrong my old friend…where did you go wrong?"
Konoha Gates
A whirlpool Shunshin breaks Team 7 and Tazuna from their thoughts making them turn to see Naruto and Sai come out of it; Sai however looked a little sick.
"Please don't do that again."
Naruto laughs and then looks at Tazuna with a glare seeing the sake bottle in his hands.
"No drinking on the mission Tazuna-san."
"HEY!" said person yells as Naruto takes his bottle and smashes it on the ground
Sasuke and Naruto lock eyes, both with equal stares that screamed 'I will be watching you.' Sasuke, dressed in his Shippuden outfit scoffs and turns away while Naruto looks at Kakashi with a smile.
"Shall we go Kakashi?"
Kakashi nods "Alright Team, Tazuna, time to head out; it should take us about four days to get there at civilian speed."
The first day was uneventful but Naruto and Kakashi told everyone to stay sharp and do some light training; Sakura asked about the strength the Senju possessed and asked Naruto if she could learn it. Naruto denied her request saying that she was not ready but helped her advance on her healing jutsu. Sai decided to practice creating different creatures which he used to scout the area. Sasuke decided to practice his speed in hand signs which Naruto watched with interest and concern as he recognized what he was doing.
The second day was when they ran across a conspicuous looking puddle which everyone noticed as it had not rained for a week. As the two jumped out of the puddle in an attempt to flay Kakashi, Naruto saw Sasuke jump ahead with hand signs blazing; he tries to tell him to wait but to no avail.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction"
The Demon Brothers turn as they feel an intense heat coming their way; Kakashi and Naruto grab Tazuna, Sai, and Sakura to get them to safety. The Demon Brothers didn't have the chance to scream as the massive wave of fire connected and incinerated them and setting some of the surrounding forest ablaze; Naruto doused these with a quick water jutsu and walked up to a smirking Uchiha.
"What the hell were you thinking; you could have gotten all of us killed! That, and we could have gotten information from them…do you even think before you act?!"
Sasuke looks at Naruto and sneers with his Sharingan blazing "Get out of my way Senju you are of no concern to me."
Kakashi speaks up next "But you are a concern to the mission; I will report this to the Hokage as you endangered not only the client but your teammates and superiors as well."
Sasuke sneers and gets back in formation with his team ready to continue. For Sakura, this was the final nail in the coffin for her love for Sasuke. After seeing his brash attitude, no longer was Sasuke an obsession, he was now a potential enemy.
Tazuna looks at the glares Naruto and Kakashi were giving him and knew what they wanted.
"OK, quit the glaring I will tell you what you want!" Naruto and Kakashi chuckle "Wave only has enough money for a C rank as this man called Gato is sucking us dry; even with the monthly stipends that Uzu sends us. Please, I have a grandson and daughter to look after!"
Naruto and Kakashi nod to each other knowing what to do.
"Well, good news Tazuna-san, I will be heading to Uzu so I will rectify your poor situation while meeting with the Uzukage."
Kakashi finishes for Naruto "Which means we will continue with the mission but you will pay us for a possible A-rank as the Demon Brothers tend to follow Zabuza."
Tazuna starts to cry "Thank you, I will not let you down."
Another day of rest and light training and a boat ride near the bridge they were almost to their destination; as they were walking down the path Kakashi and Naruto heard something flying in the air.
"GET DOWN!" Kakashi screams as everyone ducks minus Naruto who unsheathes his katana and deflects the massive sword out of the way; it embeds in a tree behind him.
"Well, I see we have someone with….ah shit, I did not sign up for this." Zabuza says as he sees Naruto in his armor with his katana drawn
Naruto chuckles "You must be Zabuza and I must ask that you kindly go about your own way and not harm our client."
"Fuck that! I got a Hashirama clone in front of me and haven't had a good sword fight in a long while. How about a deal, you win and my companion and I join you but if I win I get your client and kill Sharingan no Kakashi and his team."
Naruto looks over to Kakashi whom nods in approval "It seems my captain agrees to your demands but I warn you, you will not succeed in beating me."
Zabuza laughs and jumps from his sword and takes it out of the tree. "Your only what, 18 years old; I doubt you will match Hashirama's prowess."
Naruto smirks "Wanna know a secret Zabuza-san?"
"Fine, I'll bite."
"I'm his son!" Naruto rushes forward as he says this making Zabuza's eyes widen
"Bahaha, look at his face; it's priceless. Kick his ass Kit!"
"With pleasure!"
Zabuza blocks an overhead slash with his zanbato then jumps as Naruto tries to take out his knees. Naruto jumps back as Zabuza brings his Zanbato downward in an attempt to slice him in half. Naruto charges up his katana making it glow blue and hardens his glare then rushes forward in a blur; Zabuza brings his sword parallel to his body in hopes of blocking it but then hears the click of Naruto's katana being sheathed behind him.
"Raging Whirlpool Technique: Ocean's Fury"
The sound of waves crashing into the shore is heard then a bloodcurdling scream from Zabuza who is now littered with multiple cuts which bleed heavily. Naruto turns to Zabuza in the Raging Tide stance with his right hand on the hilt of his katana.
"Care to continue Zabuza?"
Zabuza grunts as he turns to face Naruto "I have to admit you're good though I shouldn't be surprised if you are Hashirama's son. Round two?"
Naruto nods and both rush in at the same time; Naruto unsheathes his katana in a blur and blocks a strike at his right side then another at his knees. Soon the air is filled with the sound of sword against sword with sparks flying wherever they hit.
"Naruto's playing with him." Kakashi states as everyone watches in wonder
"How do you know that? It looks like he's going all out to me?" Sakura retorts
Sai shook his head "No, you saw the speed Naruto used with his Ocean's Fury technique; he was all but a blur but now we can clearly see him. He is currently at Zabuza's level."
"How strong are you Senju…I will get stronger to defeat my brother and then I will come after you. Danzo better give me what I want or his head is mine!" Sasuke seethes
Kakashi nods at Sai's explanation then all hear another scream, it was from Zabuza; all gasp at what they saw. Naruto was crouched low, holding his katana in reverse grip which was currently through Zabuza's side; the water both were standing on was turning purple as Zabuza's blood drips from Naruto's blade and the wound.
Zabuza chuckles "That hurts gaki, alright you got me; first blood wins."
Naruto smiles and takes his katana out making Zabuza grunt in pain "Be thankful I missed a vital now let me heal that wound of yours."
Naruto whips his blade out to the side cleaning it then sheathes it; he puts his green glowing hands to the wound healing it.
"Just don't do anything extraneous for the next day or the wound might reopen; now come along, we have to get Tazuna to Wave while I go to Uzu."
Zabuza nods and waves over to a tree on the far side of the bridge and what looks like a hunter nin comes over.
"This is Haku, a survivor of the Blood line wars in Kiri. I went rouge after Yagura, who is the three-tailed jinchuriki, beat me when I tried assassinating him."
"Something isn't right Naruto, Isobu is not known to be this violent. When you get to Uzu I would ask the Uzukage about this and then send something to the Hokage about it."
"Great, it seems I have to save a village…just great. At least I will help a fellow Jinchuriki."
Zabuza waves a hand in front of Naruto's face "Hello…earth to Senju?"
Naruto laughs "Sorry, I was just conversing with a certain fox. Thank you for telling me this as I now have something to do. Come along, I will take you to Kakashi and the team."
Zabuza and Haku nod with both wondering who this fox is and decided to think on it later. They follow Naruto who then introduces them to Kakashi and Team 7.
"Glad to have you aboard Zabuza, Haku. And no Sasuke we are not killing them as your enemies can sometimes end up as your friends." Kakashi states
Naruto smiles "Well, thanks to some information Zabuza gave me I need to head to Uzu as soon as possible and eventually Kiri to do my own business there. Tazuna, would you please escort Team 7, Zabuza, and Haku to your home; I need to talk to Kakashi alone."
Tazuna nods "Sure thing Naruto-san; c'mon kids, let's go!"
After the group is out of earshot, Kakashi turns to Naruto. "What you need Naruto?"
"Promise me to keep an eye on Sasuke, he is starting to go on a path Madara himself went down and I would hate to have to kill him on sight for going against a superiors' order."
Kakashi's eye widens "You can't do that; you would be imprisoned or put to death!"
Naruto nods "Yes, but per Hokage-sama's instructions I can do such task if need be. Just promise me that you will; I can leave a wood clone here if you wish?"
"O-oh, Ok then, I see." Kakashi stutters "If you would not mind, that would be much appreciated. So, when might you be coming back to Konoha?"
Naruto shrugs "Depends, my tenant wants me to help Yagura who holds the three-tailed. Details of which I will not go into as there might be prying eyes about. Once I get to Uzu I will send a letter to Hiruzen about my extended personal mission."
"Tenant as in the…"
Naruto interrupts Kakashi "Yes, but I want that kept a secret between me, Hiruzen, the clan heads, and you. Not everyone needs to know about that and I want to keep it that way. I would catch up with your team; I will see you whence I return."
Kakashi nods "Good luck Naruto."
"As to you." Naruto creates a wood clone which follows Kakashi then he heads off to Uzu at full speed.
Uzukage Tower – 30 minutes later
A relatively young woman with flowing red hair and purple eyes is sitting at the desk doing paperwork; a knock on her door interrupts her and sees the secretary pop her head into the office.
"Uzukage-sama, a Naruto Senju is here to see you."
The ladies eyes widen "Well, by all means send him in."
Naruto walks in with a smile on his face "I see Karen is not the Uzukage anymore and am sadden to think that she has passed on."
The Uzukage nods "Unfortunately she has done so and shouldn't you be older?"
Naruto laughs "That is a long story but I will tell you it if I can get your name and if you show me around to some old friends of mine that taught me 50 years ago."
"My name is Kushina Uzumaki, Senju-sama and I would love to show you around. If you don't mind who was your Sensei's?"
Naruto bows "Nice to meet you Kushina-sama, and my Sensei's was Daisuke, Kenshin, and Yuzuki; she was already elderly fifty years ago and am saddened that she too has passed."
Kushina nods "Karen gave high regard about you as everyone talks about the day you would return. Kenshin and Daisuke wonder what happened to you and I bet they would be glad to meet you again and if rumors are right I take it that you are the holder of the Raging Whirlpool."
Naruto nods "Got me, oh and before we go I need to send a letter off to Hiruzen, my old friend and Hokage of Konoha as I have business in Kiri to do. Also, Gato has been taking your stipend money and is making Wave a dilapidated country; Kakashi and his team is already there helping with that situation but I suggest sending your own."
Kushina nods "Very well, I will have a couple squads of my ANBU sent out to give Wave much needed food and supplies and I will suggest a mission to Kakashi's team to take out Gato."
Naruto smiles as he starts to write his letter after Kushina supplied the paper and pen; he finishes the letter soon after and has it sent via messenger hawk.
"Ready to go Senju-sama?"
"Naruto is alright, I grow tired of the honorific."
Kushina nods "Well then, I guess a reunion is at hand."
Naruto follows Kushina out of the office "A reunion it shall be."
