Sorry for the long wait, like I've said in past ANs, I can't seem to just sit down and write things out, as I'd prolly go off on youtube or something on my days off.
There's a poll for this story on my page, that won't really affect it until later down the road, go check it out and vote.
Well, anywho, here is Chapter 4, Meetings.
Now only a few moments from seeing the gates of Konoha come into their view, Naruto and Jiraiya continued walking under the starry night sky. They had left the Daiymo's palace two weeks ago, while they could have been home sooner if they had taken to the trees, Jiraiya decided to take their time and show his Godson more of Hi no Kuni. Showing him different towns and several of his safe houses through out the land.
"Ya know Ero-sennin, give me a few more days and I'll have this exercise down pat!" Naruto announced without even looking up at Jiraiya as he continued walking through the dimly lit forests of Hi no Kuni. I will definitely master this exercise. If what Ero-Jiji said about my amount of chakra was true, I don't wanna be doing control exercises for the rest of my life!
Sighing, he let his right hand fall to his side as he took a break from trying to pop a rubber ball. Tilting his head back, leaning it into his arms which crossed behind his head, he looked up towards the starry sky that seemed to peak through the tree tops.
Looking down from the corner of his eye, Jiraiya smiled. He couldn't be anymore proud than he was now. After leaving the Daiymo's palace, he immediately had Naruto dispel the rest of his clones that were meditating and focusing on his chakra control, and decided to test out his control while teaching him one of his father's signature techniques, the Rasengan. Though, he wouldn't really teach him the technique until he was older, it would help out massively with his control.
At first, he was only going to show him the first step under the disguise of control and let him continue with that until a few more years. Hell, the first step, breaking a water balloon with just ones chakra would help immensely with ones chakra control. But seeing him pop the balloon in just a few hours, well color him surprised. Although his control still had a long way to go before it would be called acceptable by someone with his amount of chakra, his skill in Fuin-Jutsu was showing immense progress.
The rate hes going now, I can't help but be reminded of you Minato, now, he might even be progressing faster than you! Hes already ready to learn how to make Explosive tags and advanced storage seals, Kushina, your son is a genius at seals! "Yeah? I look forward to the time you master that exercise. It'll help out with your control more than you think." Jiraiya replied as they continued walking.
To complete the second step of breaking the rubber ball, one's chakra has to be extremely focused, yet wild at the same time. It's already denser than a normal jonin's, that comes with being a host though. He thought, still looking at Naruto through the corner of his eye. I'd say another four or 5 years until he has enough control to use the technique like it was a daily chore.
As they kept walking, the village gates finally came into view. Sensing something was wrong, Jiraiya discreetly made a seal-less Kage-Bunshin, and switched places with it, hiding in the trees a ways before the gate. "Alright Naruto! Were finally home!" Jiraiya's clone said as he led Naruto into the village, standing even closer to his godson.
Quickly waving to the gate guards, who already knew who he was, they entered the village and started the long trek to his favorite food stand.
Naruto, who never noticed Jiraiya's actions earlier, smiled while grabbing his hand and leading them straight towards Ichirakus. "Let's go Sensei! Let's get ramen before we sleep!" Being depraved of ramen for an entire two weeks, since their return home, he couldn't wait another second.
Chuckling at his antics, the clone sighed and started after Naruto who ended up letting go of his hand. "I swear, that gaki's gonna be the death of me!" Following after the ramen depraved boy, he let out a laugh as he walked through the dimly lit streets under the night sky. Looking around, he took the time to take in his surroundings. The paved streets, the last shops closing up for the night, the light of Ichiraku's at the end of the street, a few blocks from the Hokage's tower. The way the starry sky peeks between the large tree tops that hide most of the village from view. It's good to be home, yet there's already trouble.
As he was walking towards Ichiraku's, Naruto couldn't help but have a sense of awareness as the streets were empty. Though that wasn't out of the ordinary, he could hear someone or something running, and a slight muffled sound. I don't know if it's because of all the cardio and muscle building I've been doing, or if it's because I'm so anxious to have ramen again, but I think I'm hearing things? Suddenly, he stopped as he heard a soft kick and the muffled sound again. Looking up in the direction, all he saw was the corner of a building as dirt and leafs fell from the roof.
Noticing that Naruto had stopped and was staring up towards one of the buildings, Jiraiya quickly caught up to him, he spoke, already knowing what he saw. "What's wrong Naruto, you see somethin?" He looked to the exact spot Naruto was looking and saw as the dirt and leafs hit the ground.
Thinking it was because he was starving for his ramen, Naruto replied. "No, just thought I saw something is all." Taking a deep breath, he spoke again. "Let's go, I'm starving!"
Following after him again, he smiled. All the cardio he had Naruto doing was helping with his senses. He could hear and smell better, his vision was getting better than it already was. Overall, his body's maturing stronger. You actually saw a Jonin ninja, who looked to be holding a grey sack over his shoulder that was moving. I proud of you Naruto, most young ninja's would have missed that. The rest is up to you, Oh Great Sage of the Female Form-Sama! The clone thought as they finally reached Ichiraku's right before they closed.
The real Jiraiya, who was waiting outside the village, jumped down from the tree right as the large dark figure jumped through the gates. As he was falling from the trees, he quickly formed a familiar blue ball of chakra in his right hand. Maneuvering himself so he'd be able to grab the sack that probably held a child as he fell directly into the path of the dark figure.
Rasengan!
Slamming the technique straight into the dark figures back with a large amount of force, while grabbing the sack gently with his other hand, Jiraiya sent the foreign presence from his village spiraling straight towards the ground. Landing on the ground beside the figure who was now in the middle of a small crater, he set the sack on the ground and carefully undid the bindings. Blindfolded and tied up was a small Hyuga girl, looking no more than three, seemingly sleeping in the fetal position.
Letting out a releaved sigh at the fact that the small girl wasn't hurt in any way, he felt several chakra signatures land behind him. Standing back up while holding the unconscious girl in his arms, he turned around. In front of him, several Anbu were making their way towards the bloody body behind him in the crater while a pale eye'd man quickly rushed towards him.
"She's safe Hiashi, just unconscious." Handing the small girl over to him, he turned around and crossed his arms while releasing a tired sigh. "It's going to be a long night. Well, let's get whoever this is to the medical bay, hopefully I didn't kill him." After he finished, the entire Anbu group vanished from the clearing along with the body.
"I want to thank you for saving my daughter Jiraiya-sama. I don't know what I would have done if she was lost, Hitomi would be devastated at the loss of our youngest." Hiashi, standing before Jiraiya and his twin brother, Hizashi, bowed. Showing the utmost respect for the Sanin for saving his daughter.
Seeing him bow to him, made Jiraiya chuckle. "Maa, it's alright. For now, go home, we'll take care of this in the morning, hopefully, no more blood with be shed." Vanishing from the clearing, both elder Hyuga's went straight back home, intent on calming the family down. Knowing Kumogakure though, I don't know. He thought, before he too, vanished from the clearing. Already ready to tackle the giant meeting that would take place tomorrow morning about killing the Raikage's messenger.
Finally reaching his apartment's door, the Jiraiya clone opened it and walked in with Naruto trailing behind him. Taking a look around, they both realized it was cleaned and furnished. Taking a seat, Jiraiya watched as Naruto curiously walked back outside and looked at the door number before walking back in.
So, Tetsu's order for Naruto's house finally made it sensei's ears? While he was doing this, Jiraiya placed several scrolls on the table in front of the new couch in his apartment. Turning back towards Naruto, he spoke as the blonde six year old walked into his kitchen. "Alright Naruto, Go get ready for bed. We've got an appointment with the Hokage in the morning."
After a few moments of silence, Jiraiya crossed his arms and spoke again. "Naruto!" Still hearing nothing after a few seconds, he quickly got up and walked towards the kitchen.
The sight he was greeted with shocked him. Naruto was standing there holding a small letter and looking at a picture, standing in front of a small pile of money and several cooking and Fuin-Jutsu books. Walking over to the blonde, he placed his hand on his head as he saw the picture. It was a picture of them with Tetsu, Miya and Erza Scarlet all at the dining room table, having a small food fight.
"I..I can't wait to see them again sensei!" Naruto said as he yawned, not even glancing at the pile of money. "Where are you gonna stay sensei?" He asked as he walked back into the living room and placed the picture on the small table with the few scrolls Jiraiya had placed.
Following him out of the kitchen after grabbing himself a glass of water, he took a seat in one of the new recliners before responding. Watching as Naruto read the letter and started to smile. "I don't know, I usually stay at the old Senju compound, at least Tsunade-hime allows me too." Taking a sip of water, he spoke again. "You offering to let me stay here Gaki?"
With a smile, Naruto nodded his head as he pointed to the couch. "Yeah! You'll be the first one to stay over! Family looks out for family right?" Walking towards the bathroom in the hallway leading to his bedroom, he yelled as he entered and changed into his pajamas. "Ero-sensei, how long will you be gone?" He asked as he washed up and changed into his orange pajamas which had frogs on them. Throwing on a white t-shirt and his frog beenie, he walked out and into his living room again.
Catching the underlining question in his voice, Jiraiya smiled. Waiting for him to come back out, he spoke. "I'll be gone for a few years, but, I'll still be able to stop by and hang around with you for a bit. It wouldn't do any good if I didn't keep my godson in check now would it?" Getting up and walking towards Naruto who yawned again, he hugged his young disciple. "Now, go to sleep. I'll come back here and sleep when I finish up what I need to do, ok? We've got a meeting with the Hokage in the morning, get your sleep."
Nodding his head, he walked towards the door where Jiraiya had walked out, making sure to hand Jiraiya the spare key and lock it, he headed for bed. I really hope I don't have dreams about chakra control again... His last thoughts before he fell asleep, dreading the stories about the Uzumaki's and their massive amounts of chakra. Well, he was going to be running up and down the tallest tree several hundred times in his sleep.
xXx
Opening his eyes as the sun broke through the window blinds, Naruto Uzumaki awoke. Yawning and rubbing his eyes, he kicked the blanket off his body and across his bed and slowly got up, sitting on the edge of the bed. Stretching his back, he opened his eyes and took a glance at the ceiling. They fixed the holes! He thought as he noticed the entire ceiling looked to be brand new. Other than being happy that he was back in Konoha, he was still kinda afraid that his Jiji would yell at him about leaving two giant hand sized holes in his ceiling.
Shaking those thoughts off, he went to the bathroom for a quick shower and to wash up. How...I'm not even going to question it. He thought as he stepped into his bathroom. Instead of the normal small bathtub and toilet along with a small sink area, his bathroom was around three times the size of his old one. His bathtub was double the regular size, and a new sink along with several bars of soap, hand and mouth wash, and toothbrushes. Who, what? Deciding to think and ask questions later, he quickly took a shower and washed up.
Heading back into his room with only his boxers, he opened his closet and smiled. Inside and hanging up were several different outfits. Over the few months he was staying at the Daiymo's, Miya and Erza had finally got him off the crazy orange color, yes he was still obsessed with it, hence his orange pajamas, blanket, blinds, rug, towels, and pillows. Overall, he could go a while without having to wear that horrid orange.
Hanging up inside his closet were three different outfits, along with several different ninja under wire, or mesh shirts. Several of the awesome burnt orange battle kimono's that he had worn to and from the Daiymo's. Smiling at the Uzu swirl that was along the edges of said kimonos, he looked over everything else as well. There were several sets of dark blue pants with a matching long sleeved turtle neck to go with them, along with a set in black. Beside them were several pairs of black pants with black jackets that had orange on the bottom middle of the chest, along with being orange on the inside.
Seeing all the different clothes, sandals, and shoes, he smiled. Picking out a pair of socks and sandals, along with a mesh undershirt, he grabbed a pair of the black pants and matching long sleeved turtleneck along with a burnt orange sash to tie around his waist. Putting them on he quickly exited his room and headed towards the living room where he noticed Jiraiya's green haori laying on the couch.
Smiling at the fact that Jiraiya did in fact sleep here last night, he continued to the kitchen and made himself some breakfast. Combining everything he learned from Miya in his short stay at the palace, he had somehow combined breakfast items, such as bacon and sausage to create a new breakfast ramen.
Quickly eating, and putting his dishes in the sink, he rushed out of the house and towards the Hokages building after creating a few Kage-Bunshins to read through all the scrolls that Jiraiya had left for him, along with reading all the books on cooking and Fuin-Jutsu that Miya and Erza had gave him. I'm gonna guess their the ones who did that to my apartment as well. Running down the dirt road, weaving through civilian and ninja alike, running even faster after passing a jonin who started screaming about the Youth of the young generation, he continued thinking about his new renovations. I can't wait to start my training again! I need to impress Erza-nee and Miya-sama with my skills!
"But first, I'mma show Jiji what I learned!" He jumped slightly in the air as he shouted towards the Hokage tower, gaining the attention of several of the animal brigade that enjoyed watching over him. As he quieted down, still dashing towards the tower, he looked up and saw one of the animal brigade running at a matched pace along the roof tops towards the tower. Smiling to himself, he sped up as fast as his small six year old legs would let him. Looking back up, he noticed the silver haired, animal masked brigade member had sped up just enough to stay ahead of him.
A challenge huh? He thought as he continued with a wide smile on his face, one that was mirrored by the Anbu member as he continued his watch of his sensei's son after taking over from Crow.
xXx
Making his way up the tower, passing by several civilians and ninja alike, he stopped in front of the secretary's desk. "Morning! Jiji said he wanted to see me this morning!" He said, standing on his toes as he looked across the desk at the black haired secretary.
"Good morning Naruto-kun! Your looking a little more healthy, taller, and dare I say handsomer! And yes, Hokage-sama already let me know you were gonna stop by." She said as she looked up from her accounting book and smiled at him. His training with Jiraiya these past few months helped him fill out a little but more for his age. His blonde hair was a little longer, almost reaching below his ears as she looked again. "Go ahead and enter Naruto-kun, though I do believe he is currently in a meeting, I'm sure they won't mind you going in."
Seeing Naruto smile and nod his head, she smiled as he walked towards the door. Sighing her head, she looked back across the room and straight to one of the pictures framed on the wall. Staring straight into Minato Namikaze's eyes for a moment before realization crossed her face. Taking a deep breathe, she looked at the back of the small blonde as he opened the door to the Hokage's office. Looking back at the picture for a moment before she noticed a silver haired jonin sitting in one of the chair's beside the entrance to the room. Seeing him place a finger over the mask that covered his face, she nodded her head and stayed silent.
As he opened the door to his Jiji's office, he walked inside silently, though, his Jiji and Jiraiya's eyes went to him instantly along with a smile, as he closed the door. The atmosphere in the room seemed so thick, one could cut it with a knife. He could feel the tension and anxiety as he walked in. Taking a look around the room and the amount of people in it, he silently headed towards one of the empty couches, all the while listening to the conversation that seemed borderline to a shouting match.
"Rest assured that you have nothing to worry about Hiashi-san. It was Jiraiya that attacked the ninja, and I'm positive that the Raikage won't risk a war against something as little as this." He heard his Jiji say as he saw him take a puff of his pipe. "I'm almost certain that he isn't that stupid. Especially since Jiraiya is back in Konoha. And with Tsunade within arm's distance in the next town over."
Stepping forwards and placing a reassuring hand on Hiashi's shoulder, Jiraiya spoke, reinforcing his sensei's words to the troubled Hyuga leader. "You have nothing to worry about. If the Raikage demands compensation for killing one of his ninjas, he'll get nothing in return. Inoichi-san has already proven that it was a mission from the Raikage to kidnap a Hyuga. If he tries to declare war, I'm sure he doesn't want to remember who is still alive from the last war. I'm pretty sure Minato isn't the only one who put fear into their hearts."
Reaching the empty couch, he jumped up and sat back, letting his short legs dangle and sway back and forth. Taking another look around the room, he noticed several of those White-eye'd people, even looking down at the small girl with short dark blue hair who he noticed was looking at him curiously. Smiling and sending a small wave to the girl, he watched as she tried to hide behind the older Hyuga's leg that she was holding.
"Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake of the Heavenly Wind and Thunder. Kakashi of the Sharingan, Might Guy the Green Beast, myself, the Sage of Mount Myoboku. We also have the full might of our Anbu as well as our Hokage. The Raikage-gaki will have no choice but to back down." Jiraiya finished as he settled back down on the window sill. Taking a look at Hiashi, anyone would be able to tell that he had calmed down. The tension in the room seemed to be cut in half after Jiraiya finished his little speech.
Deciding to stop listening to the conversation, Naruto pulled out a book from one of his side pockets. Fuin-Jutsu for Beginners. Letting his legs sway back and forth, he started reading the book, going over everything he had done the past few months. Seeing the notes that Erza and Jiraiya had wrote along with his own in the book that already had an impressive amount of notes to begin with. He smiled as he lost himself in reading.
Without realizing it, the fierce conversation was finished and the occupants in the room that hadn't already noticed Naruto, turned around to leave only to see him sitting on the couch reading. Remembering a few other things he had to take care of today, Hiashi looked down at Hinata who was still holding onto his pant leg as she wasn't tall enough to hold his hand. Looking back at Naruto, he realized that he was reading a Fuin-Jutsu book, smirking inwardly to himself as he thought of his future plans for ridding his clan of the accursed mark, he smiled. "Hinata, Hizashi, let us go."
Hearing the door click, Naruto looked up from his book and saw that Hiruzen and Jiraiya were staring at him. Seeing that everyone was out of the room, a bright smile lit his face up as he put the book away and made his way to his Jiji. Jumping onto his lap and giving him a hug, he spoke. "Jiji! I'm back! I've gotten stronger too, I'll take that hat from you in no time!" Jumping off his lap and moving to stand in front of his desk, he smirked as he was tall enough to see over it. Seemed he grew a few inches over the past six months away.
Getting a feel of his chakra, Hiruzen smiled. It seemed the young lad had grown a lot, his chakra was a little less wild and more controlled, yet it still felt insanely dense. If he could learn how to harness and exert it outwards, he could freeze his opponents with the weight of his chakra, just like Shunsui-kun and Jushiro-kun. If he could learn how to coat a thin layer on his skin, it would act like armor. The possibilities are endless. Pushing those thoughts aside for later, he smiled at this surrogate grandson. Seeing him in something other than that horrid orange jumpsuit was a sight to see. "Naruto-kun, welcome back my boy. How was it, what all did you learn?"
For the next hour, Naruto explained with gusto, what all he learned. From cooking to chakra control, from beginner Fuin-Jutsu to expert beginner. Kage-Bunshin, Kawarimi, and a special Henge. From making friends with the Daiymo's daughter and family, to all the fun times he spent with Erza.
"Anyway Jiji." Naruto said, deciding to change the subject as Jiraiya was starting today dream about Tetsu's maids again. "Do you know what happened to my room, my whole apartment for that matter?" Even though he noticed it last night, he was too tired to bother asking about it. The whole apartment seemed like a luxury two storey house. The inside had new hardwood flooring, new tile in the kitchen and bathroom, whole new appliances and it was stocked with fresh food.
Though he had an idea about who could have replaced everything for him, when it was brought up by Tetsu-ji, he adamantly refused saying what he had was enough. But, remembering the cooking books on the dining room table, he had a feeling they did it anyway, which brought a smile to his face. He had higher up people looking out for him now.
"Ah yes, Daiymo-sama sent me a request and a budget. I'm sure you can figure it out from there Naruto-kun." Taking a puff of his pipe, he continued. "I'm surprised you made such a big impression of him. I trust when he comes here in the next few weeks that you'll show him a proper thank you." Seeing him shake his head, he smiled at the young blonde. Such a heavy burden was placed on him by his father, he was just glad someone other than a few people were really looking out for him.
Sending him to meet the Daiymo was a good idea, Hiruzen could tell Naruto was happier than he was before he left. Getting him away from all the blank looks and stares for a while did him a wonderful job.
You befriending Erza-chan really did wonders for you Naruto-kun. You seem so happy when you talk about her, even referring her as an 'slave driving older sister who's mean yet loving.' Leaning back in his chair he sent a look over to Jiraiya, who nodded his head. Turning back to Naruto, he smiled, puffing his pipe before he spoke again.
"I'm glad you had such a great time Naruto-kun. How about you go ahead and take the rest of the day off from training, since that seems to be on your mind constantly now." Smiling at the small pout he received from the blonde, he continued. "Now, now. Don't make that face Naruto-kun. If you don't take breaks every now and then, your muscles will start straining, and you'll have to go even longer without training. How about I treat you to ramen later, I haven't had some for a while since you left."
Hearing that his Jiji promised him ramen later, his mood brightened. The fact that he wasn't allowed to do any strenuous training not even in his mind anymore. Smiling and jumping for joy, he practically yelled. "Really Jiji! Alright, I'm still gonna work on my Fuin-Jutsu, I promised Erza after all!" Without saying another word, he rushed out of the room. Heading back to his apartment to continue on his Clan's specialty. After all he had a promise to keep to his slave driving friend, who knows what she would do to him if he didn't have the expert level of the beginner's level down.
Watching their resident blonde rush out the doors in such a speed that even Guy would have been proud of, Hiruzen and Jiraiya shared a small laugh before the air turned serious again. Hiruzen closed his eyes and took another large puff of tobacco from his pipe, letting his old age catch up to him, preparing himself for what he was about to talk about.
"What's the matter sensei?" Jiraiya asked, already sensing the change in his sensei's demeanor. He already know his sensei was alright with the Hyuga incident, so he got to wondering what was bothering him now. The last time he saw his sensei act so..so old was after he had let Orochimaru slip past him, he couldn't bring himself to kill his student.
Opening his eyes, Hiruzen spoke, the weight of his words were carried throughout the entire room, as the Anbu agents hidden in the room stood at attention hearing their Hokage's words. "It's about the Uchiha."
xXx
Seeing a small yellow blur running through the Hokage's tower and shooting out the door, Might Guy started crying at the speed and enthusiasm he felt from the young blonde. Clinching his fist, he tilted his head back as tears flowed from his eyes. Taking a second to compose himself, the tears evaporated and fire replaced them in his eyes. "YOUTH!" He shouted as he dashed from the tower, intent on running alongside the young blonde.
I'm sure if I practiced a little bit more, nothing bad will happen. Naruto thought to himself as he changed course towards the lush forest grounds outside of the shopping district instead of heading home. The words of his Jiji about relaxing for a while already left his head. I'll still have my Kage-Bunshins reading and learning the Fuin-Jutsu in my apartment, so I guess it's taijutsu!
Running through the shopping district and past the small park, he headed straight at the edge of the forest that the village resides in. Stopping in the open area, he took in the sights around him.
Seeing several training posts for Taijutsu, he started heading towards them as he calmness seemingly filled him up. From the calming sounds from the small waterfall and river that ran throughout the village starting from deep within the forest. From the small insects to the several flowers that stood on the edge of the small clearing. To the alarming whining of a baby animal to the sun's rays peeking through the treetops.
Stopping himself from heading towards the few large posts that were in the small grounds, he looked around for a second as he searched for the whining. Heading over to the stream where the sound was coming from, his eyes grew as he saw a small tiger cub trying to hold onto one of the protruding rocks as the water's current kept trying to sweep him away.
Without thinking, he quickly jumped in landing on one of the rocks. Leaning down, he stretched his arm out and grabbed hold of scared tiger cub. "I gotcha little buddy, don't worry." Trying to calm the small cub down, he noticed one of it's back leg's were bruised. Even as it's whining died down from being scared, it was still in pain.
Moving the small cub on it's back as he carried it in his arms, he jumped from the damp rock towards the earth. Landing back on solid ground, he quickly placed the small cub onto the his lap as he sat down.
Taking his shirt off, leaving him in only his small chainmail underarmor, he folded it up and placed it on the ground in front of him. Gently picking the cub up, he laid it down on his folded shirt. Reaching down into his pant's pocket, he grabbed one of the scroll's he started carrying with him. Placing it on the ground to his side, he placed his thumb atop it as he channeled chakra.
All the while the small cub was watching in slight fear as a puff of smoke filled it's small vision. A few seconds later, it saw the blonde haired male had white wrappings in his hand, along with a small bottle of ointment.
"It's alright little guy, I'm not gonna hurt ya. I promise!" Hearing the blonde human's voice, it calmed down a little, remembering the stories it's mother told it about humans. Some were really good, while other's could be the embodiment of evil.
After a few moments, Naruto finished wrapping up the small cubs back leg. Getting up, he stretched as he spoke again. "There you go little guy! You should be all better!" Smiling down at the cub who was sniffing it's back leg, he finished his stretches.
"You know, you should probably head back home now little guy, your parents must be worried." He said as he started towards the training posts again. Intent on trying to learn more of the taijutsu Erza wanted him to learn. Though she was learning it as well, she wanted to have a competition the next time they saw each other.
"I don't have a family anymore." Stopping mid step, Naruto froze. Did..Did the tiger just talk? He asked himself as he was completely still. After a few moments, he turned around and looked at the small cub. Seeing that it's ears were down and it was staring at the ground, he slowly walked towards it.
"Wh-Why don't you have a family? Everyone has a family." It was true. Even if he didn't know who his parents were, that didn't stop him from gathering a family. Ayame, Teuchi, Hokage-jiji, and Jiraiya. Along with the Daiymo and his family, he had a growing family and strong friends. Even if they weren't his real family, they still treated him like they were apart of theres, and that was enough for him.
Reaching the small cub, he gently sat down in front of it, awaiting a reply. If he was just hearing things, then he was glad there was no one else in the clearing. They would call him crazy so quickly. "I..I got separated from them after a giant snake attack us."
Seeing and hearing the cub reply, Naruto was astonished. The baby tiger cub, the one he just rescued, was talking. It could talk. The tiger can talk! Just like Jiji's summons! Pushing those thoughts aside, he thought about what the cub said.
Having known the feeling of not having parents already in his life, he didn't wish anyone else to have those same feelings, let alone animals. Thinking about it some more, he smiled at what he was about to do. Reaching down and petting the small cub on it's head, he spoke.
"Well, would you like to become part of my family?" Looking up at the blonde human who had rescued it, the cub closed it's eyes. "We can hang out, be best friends and grow to be the strongest!"
Lowering it's head in a small bow, it spoke. "My...My name's Byakko, pl-please take care of me!" After a few moments of not hearing anything, it looked up and was greeted by a large smile.
Staring down at the small cub, Naruto couldn't help but beam. He had a new friend, a new family member! Not to mention he's a freaking talking tiger! How awesome is that! "Alright! How about we go and get some food! I'm too excited to train now!" Letting out a loud laugh, Naruto picked up the injured cub and started home, the large smile never leaving his face.
A few moments later, the smile left as a loud yell rang through his ears, originating from the clearing he was just in. "YOUTH!" Feeling Byakko stir in his arm's, he hurried along towards his house. Glad that he left the clearing when he did.
I can work on my Taijutsu tomorrow. He thought as he walked forwards.
Chapter 4, Done.
I did have plans to introduce Sasuke in this chapter, but I decided against it, as I wanted to show some changes that will be different from the manga, I.E. Hyuga clan, Hanabi got kidnapped instead of Hinata.
Next chapter will be when the two meet, and meeting the rest of the rookies.
There's a poll up on my page about the pairing for the story. I won't be getting to the pairing until Shippuden, but your choices will help me generate more ideas. I already have an arc for each of the choices.
There's only going to be one, maybe two more chapters before I start with canon, the main story line, and the teams.
I rushed the end of this chapter, and I apologize. It's just been so long since I last posted for this story, work and family has been distracting me lately.
And for the Fan's of my Gold and Crimson, I will have an update on it within the next few days on what I want to do with it, weather I continue it or stop it.
PS, Flames will be used to make popcorn as I browse the inter-nets!
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this and look forward to the next chapter.
Chapter 5, The Future.
