I see, you all thought this story was dead, fascinating.

Jokes aside, if it needs to be said, I will always come back to my stories so have no fear.

If you need even more reassurance, the next chapter for this story is already on my pat reon and it will hopefully bring in some humour to contrast with these past few chapters, which, while having some humour, have been largely serious. Plus there is an omake too, although it isn't as out of the box as some of my other omakes, but hopefully still amusing nonetheless.

In addition to this, the next three chapters for AHTNK are also up on my pat reon and if you aren't reading that but are reading this, I suggest you start, because while Yhwach is imminently approaching, Aizen will be soon to follow. There is also the next chapter of AA up there as well.

I'm also working towards one of my major assignments, but that will end in April, giving me a little bit of time to write (I've had none while doing this assignment), before my next major assignment which is in June-July, after which I should have a lot of time to write.

With all of that said, on with the story!

SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Previously:
Naruto and Tayuya, along with Team Guy, wrapped up with Raiga and Ranmaru, deciding to turn Raiga in for his bounty, while Ranmaru was to stay at the curry shop. Tayuya further engendered trust with the group, while also learning more about Naruto's illusions, before Naruto manipulated her into sleeping with him for warmth, due to an illusion he had cast. Heading out in the morning, the group were attacked by Akatsuki. Hidan and Kakuzu attacked and killed Raiga, before Itachi and Kisame joined the group as well. Naruto requested for Team Guy to get back-up, while he and Tayuya held off the four Akatsuki members. Revealing that his attitude was different than previously thought, Itachi and Naruto discussed Naruto's recent actions, before the battle commenced.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Heavily demonic voice'

'Fox talking'

"Fox thinking"

*expression*

Jutsu

Flashback

Chapter 7 – Improbable success

'Your move, Itachi.' Challenged Naruto.

'Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu.' Said Itachi, launching a ball of fire at Naruto.

Naruto and Tayuya split off from each other, causing the fiery attack to pass between them.

'So how are we going to handle this?' Asked Tayuya.

'The old-fashioned way. In other words, the Naruto Uzumaki believe it way!' Said Naruto, before summoning fifty clones, which all rushed Itachi.

Itachi expertly weaved through the clones, using simple Taijutsu to dispel most of them, before leaping into the air and throwing out eight kunai, followed by eight shuriken, which shredded through the remaining clones.

'Just as good as I'd expect.' Said Naruto, before summoning two clones on either side of him.

'Less isn't always more, Naruto.' Commented Itachi.

'It is in this case.' Said Naruto, before he and the clones carried out a three-man weave towards Itachi.

Of course Itachi's Sharingan had no trouble keeping track of the real Naruto, so he wondered what Naruto was planning, to use a strategy he knew wouldn't work.

'Water Bullet Jutsu.' Said Kisame, a few dozen metres off to the right, aiming for the clone which was currently parallel with Itachi.

"A feint. Using his illusions to turn my own allies' attacks against me." Deduced Itachi quickly, realising that the two clones were not masked by Naruto's illusionary capabilities and Itachi likely had been.

The water bullet ripped through the first clone and continued towards Itachi. Itachi dispersed into a flock of crows, leaving the other clone to be dispersed by the still careening water bullet, which met its end against a sturdy oak.

'Clever, Naruto.' Said Itachi, facing off against the original Naruto.

'Really? Then you'll love this.' Said Naruto, before he disappeared and was replaced with a Doki that lunged at Itachi.

Itachi backflipped, before throwing out two kunai, which he followed up with two shuriken, the kunai wrapping around the monster horizontally, with the shuriken wrapping around it vertically, with their almost invisible ninja wire attachments, the ends of which were held by Itachi. Before Itachi could use his jutsu though, the Doki dispersed. The cloud of summoning smoke suddenly gained direction and momentum, enhanced by a wind jutsu, courtesy of Kakuzu, sweeping over Itachi and blinding him. A three bladed scythe cut through the smoke and it was only Itachi's natural dexterity, allowing him to twist in mid-air, which left him unscathed.

'Really thought I had you there, Itachi.' Said Naruto, from behind Itachi, preparing to use a twice bastardised technique; first at the hands of Sasuke from Lee and now from Naruto himself once again.

'This is a little different than my original version, but it should work all the same.' Said Naruto, as ninja wire wrapped around both of their forms, bringing them together, before they were pulled downwards.

'Bye-bye.' Said Naruto, before he started to glow, indicating he was about to explode, a technique Itachi was intimately familiar with.

Itachi cut the wire and managed to substitute with a log just in time to avoid the attack, only to find four clones seeking to kick him back into the air, sliding at him from all directions. Instead of combatting the clones, Itachi dispersed into a flock of crows once again, only to find himself in the path of another water bullet.

'I've got to admit Itachi, if this keeps up, one of us is going to make a mistake and I'd hate for such a thing to taint such a battle.' Commented Naruto, once Itachi reformed in front of him.

'Why are you doing all of this, Naruto?' Asked Itachi.

'Well, I mean I could spout off some nonsense about wanting to become the Hokage in a highly idealised manner… or I could even say some depressive power-hungry line about wanting to test my abilities… but truth be told, I'm running an experiment of sorts. You see, you know what I am and you probably know what happens to someone like me in a Ninja Village which, ironically enough, is made up largely of non-combatants. Not the worst treatment and not the best, but either way, I didn't like it and wanted to know why. After finding out the why, the why wasn't important anymore, instead, the who became the most important thing for me. Who will be the fool and who will see the truth? I wanted to find this out. The only way to do that though is through practise, experiments, tests. So, what does someone who wants an answer like that do? Simple, tell people the truth and see how they react. Not my truth, but a truth. Something they do not know the truth about and seeing how they react. Along the way, I've discovered there is a bit of a pattern in determining who will react in each manner. For instance, no matter what it was I told Sasuke, the truth, or some inconsequential piece of information, if it altered his behaviour, you would be suspicious. So, I know of something which will provoke a response from you, or at least, I think I know. What do I do? Just what I said, test it. You coming after me only confirms that I am right.' Explained Naruto.

'So you did all of that just to piss off a deadly rouge ninja, who is actually a double agent?' Asked Tayuya, walking over to Naruto, as it looked like the combat part of their fight was finished for the moment.

'Exactly. The fact that such a layered individual will react in a way that is completely in my predictions means I am getting closer to figuring things out. Orochimaru also reacted in a way I thought he would, although with slightly more mirth, however, I think that is his personality, which I do not have extensive data over.' Explained Naruto.

'So, Naruto… let us say you know how I will react to things, how does that help you in any way?' Asked Itachi.

'It's simple, Itachi. If I know for a fact how major allies will react, for example, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Kakashi, along with my fellow rookies, who are largely future clan heads and I can reliably predict how enigmatic individuals such as Orochimaru and yourself will react, what can I do with that type of knowledge?' Proposed Naruto.

'Anything you would want, I'd imagine at least.' Answered Itachi, to which Naruto smiled gleefully.

'Exactly. The mystery of the world no longer becomes an issue, because it is solved. Truth be told, it would be more valuable if I had some grand master plan, like destroying the ninja system, or becoming a ruler over all the land, but really, I haven't decided what I want yet, only that I want to be prepared for it, no matter how things may be.' Said Naruto, as he stood up.

'Now then, Itachi, I'm afraid we may need to get a bit physical here, but if it helps, I told Sasuke the entire truth, including why you did what you did and why he survived to this day.' Said Naruto, causing Itachi's Sharingan to start spinning ominously.

'You shouldn't have done that, Naruto.' Said Itachi.

'Perhaps, but before we come to blows, for what is likely the last time for years, a friendly piece of advice.' Said Naruto, as he took on a brawler-like fighting stance.

'What?' Asked Itachi.

'Don't poke the bear, unless you know how the bear is going to react.' Said Naruto, before rushing Itachi.

The sound of a flute was the next thing Itachi heard, only for Naruto to split into three Doki. Itachi leapt into the air, an explosive seal he had discreetly placed on the ground exploding, as the demons approached, covering them in dust.

'Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu.' Said Itachi, launching a fiery ball of destruction at the three demons.

The fireball caused the smoke from the explosive tag to be blown away, only to meet nothing, as it crashed against the ground.

'Where are you looking Itachi?' Shouted Naruto, as he came down on the Uchiha with a double hammer fist, cracking him in the back.

Itachi used the momentum to duck under a tree branch, which he latched onto using chakra on his feet, in order to stick to the side of the branch, before throwing out a single kunai off to the side, seemingly at nothing.

'You know, even if I had tried to dodge that, I still think you would have nicked me.' Said Naruto, approaching Itachi with a kunai lodged in his left shoulder.

'You should have.' Said Itachi, before a burst of chakra revealed an explosive tag at the end of the kunai had been hidden with Genjutsu and was just about to explode.

'One freebie doesn't mean two, Itachi.' Said Naruto from above, having substituted with a clone, allowing him to charge up a Rasengan, heading straight for the branch Itachi was standing on.

Itachi cut the flow of chakra to his feet, letting his body drop, only for four Naruto clones to kick him back up into the air.

'Here is a modified version of a modified version, Naruto Uzumaki Barrage.' Said Naruto, kicking Itachi's prone form downwards, only for his body to start glowing.

'Damn, nice one.' Said Naruto, before he was blown away by the explosion, skidding against the ground.

'You know, for someone who says he knows how everyone will react, you just took an honest hit.' Said Tayuya, pausing her Doki manipulation for a moment.

'What can I say, I'm getting sloppy since our time is almost up and I still need a hit or two.' Commented Naruto, only for two dozen shuriken to rush the duo.

Two clones popped into existence and threw the two in opposite directions, before being shredded by the spinning metal disks of death Itachi had launched.

'Time is almost up Itachi, any last words?' Asked Naruto, landing in front of Itachi.

'Yes, if you spend too much time on a horse, you'll be knocked off eventually.' Said Itachi, only for a water bullet to pass through his form.

'Not bad.' Said Naruto, crossing his arms over his chest, before the pressurised water bullet struck him and launched him through a tree.

'Fuck yes! You finally got that damn brat.' Shouted Hidan, seeing Kisame's attack plough into the evasive Jinchuuriki.

'Yes, but it seems we are out of time.' Commented Itachi, before Jiraiya appeared with a team of ANBU, along with Neji and Lee.

'So many bounties, so little time… well, at least we'll get Raiga. Let's go, Hidan.' Said Kakuzu.

'I'll sacrifice you brats later.' Said Hidan, before he and Kakuzu walked off.

'Let them go.' Said Jiraiya, halting the ANBU from following the duo, who walked off into the horizon together.

'Jiraiya… so it seems you are still on the hunt for Orochimaru after all. Unsuccessfully, to my dismay, but I'll find Sasuke soon enough.' Said Itachi.

Itachi put his hand out, stopping Kisame, who prepared to unstrap his sword from his back.

'No Kisame, we're leaving, we have what we came for.' Said Itachi.

'And what would that be, considering you are leaving empty handed.' Retorted Jiraiya.

'Is that so? I thought a spy master would know what reconnaissance work is…' Commented Itachi, before he and Kisame disappeared in a flock of crows.

'Man, I'm glad to see you here Pervy Sage, that was close.' Said Naruto, stumbling his way over, from being slammed through a tree.

'You have no idea how lucky you are to be alive right now brat. Itachi and Kisame were bad enough but somehow you get two more monsters on your back…' Said Jiraiya, shaking his head.

'I've still got most of my other chakra to use, plus, I had Tayuya to help with the others. Itachi was the real problem though, since he's got that eye. I reckon someone like Lee could give him a decent fight, but my ninjutsu isn't strong enough for him.' Said Naruto.

'Well, we'll need to do something about that. Let's get back to the village for now, we can talk more there.' Said Jiraiya, to which Naruto nodded.

The four ANBU quickly disappeared into the trees, intending to remain as silent guards, while Jiraiya led Naruto, Tayuya, Neji and Lee back to the Leaf.

'Naruto, I am so glad to see you have triumphed over those foes. The power of youth is overflowing in you Naruto. To have faced such fearsome enemies and survived! I should run one thousand laps around the village once we return in celebration!' Declared Lee.

'Yeah… that's okay Lee, you still need time to recover, but maybe next time I do something like that.' Said Naruto, only for Jiraiya to snort.

'Next time? You mean you plan on going up against four S-Class ninja again on your own?' Questioned Jiraiya.

'Hey! I wasn't alone, I had Tayuya, so it was only two against four. Plus, those other two were kind of weird. Itachi and that shark guy are definitely more dangerous.' Said Naruto.

'Oh and what makes you say that?' Asked Jiraiya.

'One of them is just a massive voodoo masochist or something, he cuts you and then he stabs himself and you die, like what happened to Raiga. His friend was just sitting back and using Ninjutsu, so I bet he'd be weak to Taijutsu and Genjutsu.' Said Naruto.

'What, so like you then?' Asked Tayuya.

'Hey! I'm no slouch in Taijutsu.' Protested Naruto.

'Could have fooled me, swinging your arms around like a drunken brawler… at least you can take a beating though.' Said Tayuya, only for Neji to shiver.

'Naruto, you haven't been practising Drunken Fist, have you?' Asked Neji, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead.

'Hmm, no what's that?' Asked Naruto, only for Neji to sigh.

'It's nothing, forget I said anything.' Said Neji, sending a quick glance to Lee, before facing forward again.

'But anyway, Itachi is the problem because you can't really hit him and he uses a load of Genjutsu. As for his partner, he's stronger than Zabuza and Raiga, that's for sure, but I reckon Kakashi-Sensei could take him.' Finished Naruto.

'I see… anything to add to Naruto's assessment, Tayuya?' Asked Jiraiya.

'Masochist spot on. His partner… he also had some creepy ass threads coming out of his back, some kind of body modifying jutsu I'd bet. Fish-face? Yeah, someone like Hatake could probably take him and Itachi, well, if even he realises Itachi's Genjutsu is a problem, I don't think my word is necessary to add how much trouble he could be. Good thing I have my Doki, because he shrugged off all of my Genjutsu.' Said Tayuya.

'Hmm, so even an elite of Orochimaru's who specialised in Genjutsu can't beat Itachi in that field, that would at least explain why Kurenai couldn't handle him last time.' Mumbled Jiraiya, only for Tayuya to hear him.

'The fuck you mean elite of Orochimaru's? I'm not snake-face's bitch anymore. Who the hell is this Kurenai lady anyway?' Shouted Tayuya.

'Our Genjutsu specialist in the Leaf, you should meet her some time, it be useful for both of you.' Said Jiraiya, ignoring the first part of Tayuya's rant.

'Genjutsu specialist? If she got wrecked by Itachi, I don't think she is very special, especially considering I would probably be just as effective as her against him and his Sharingan.' Snorted Tayuya.

'Well, maybe you could try your luck against her, I'm sure she wouldn't refuse the challenge.' Suggested Jiraiya.

'Maybe, might as well see how a Jounin Genjutsu specialist from the Leaf stacks against me.' Said Tayuya.

'Ha! Stacks. She's got you beat there.' Laughed Jiraiya, causing Tayuya to narrow her eyes.

'Screw you guys! Everyone bloody slamming my figure. It's bad enough I get it from this guy, but now old guys like you, bloody hell.' Grumbled Tayuya, causing Jiraiya to laugh.

'Well, like you said, if even that numbskull sees it, you know it's the truth. At least if he says you've improved, you'd know it's the real deal.' Commented Jiraiya in amusement.

After that there was a brief silence.

'What does he mean improve, Tayuya? Does he think you will become prettier one day?' Asked Naruto, seemingly not understanding the implications.

'I am confused Naruto. Did you not say that training may elevate Tayuya in terms of beauty to match the Second Exam Proctor we had for the Chunin exams?' Questioned Lee, causing Jiraiya to turn back to the group.

'Oh! So Anko Mitarashi even managed to catch your attention, I'm surprised brat.' Commented Jiraiya.

'What do you mean catch my attention?' Asked Naruto.

'Alas, here I thought you had seen the beauty of women.' Lamented Jiraiya, only for Naruto to snort.

'If you mean her curves and all that, then yeah, I noticed, kind of hard not to, considering how close and personal she got with me before our exam.' Said Naruto, causing Tayuya to stumble mid-jump.

'What the fuck? Did crazy snake lady molest you? Here I thought she was a straight dike; didn't know she was bi.' Said Tayuya.

'You got it on with Anko?' Questioned Jiraiya in disbelief.

'If you call having her lick blood off my cheek and wrap herself around me, then yeah. Hardly think that is anything for the two of you to get excited about.' Grumbled Naruto.

'Damn… I guess I really need to watch myself around her.' Said Tayuya.

'What makes you say that?' Asked Jiraiya.

'Well, if she had her way with him in the middle of official proceedings, I better lock my doors, or I might be getting drilled by the snake lady while I'm tied up to my bed.' Said Tayuya, causing Jiraiya to raise an eyebrow.

'Hmm, that's not a bad idea.' Said Jiraiya, pulling out a notepad and scrawling a few notes.

'Well Tayuya, looks like I'm going to be reading about your worst nightmare sometime in the future.' Sighed Naruto.

'Why's that?' Asked Tayuya.

'You just gave Pervy Sage an idea for his book and I'm his reluctant draft supervisor.' Said Naruto, shaking his head.

'What!' Shouted Tayuya in shock, only for Jiraiya to giggle, before exclaiming in shock.

'Wait just a damn minute brat!' Shouted Jiraiya, glaring at Naruto with such sharp intensity that even Tayuya paused in her upcoming rant.

'If you know about the beauty of women, why did you get me a damn watermelon when I asked you for something ripe and luscious with curves!' Said Jiraiya.

'For one thing, how was I supposed to get a girl for you, kidnap them? Also, I thought you'd like the watermelon, I mean, did you see it?' Retorted Naruto, causing Jiraiya to sigh.

'So not only does my apprentice know about the beauty of women, he has no charm in getting them. I guess that is why that Sakura girl is always refusing you.' Said Jiraiya, sighing in disappointment.

'Whatever, I still got a kiss from granny that one time and I bet you would have loved one.' Said Naruto, sticking his tongue out.

'You know, you're right… but you calling her granny kind of weakens your point.' Said Jiraiya.

'Besides, it is not Naruto's fault. Sakura is a true maiden who must have her heart won over by her suitor.' Declared Lee.

'Exactly why does a girl like that need to be won over? She has no skills at all and wasn't even in any of the briefings in Sound, aside from being Naruto and Sasuke's teammate. Even you got a few lines spandex boy.' Commented Tayuya.

'You didn't mention that.' Said Jiraiya, turning a scrutinising glance on the girl.

'You didn't ask. Do you really think I would have sat there and told you every single little thing that happened to me in Sound, I could start a freaking book series? Just for laughs, here is what he said about you four. Jiraiya, Sannin, do not engage alone, skilled in Earth Style Ninjutsu and summoning. Neji, Hyuuga branch clan member and skilled in Gentle Fist, avoid close contact and beware of surveillance abilities. Lee, Taijutsu specialist with no aptitude for Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, avoid close combat, susceptible to Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Naruto, special interest because of relation to Sasuke Uchiha and personal status. Adequately skilled in Taijutsu and Ninjutsu, including knowledge of Shadow Clone Jutsu… little to no aptitude for Genjutsu. Vast chakra capacity and not recommended for a prolonged fight. Only engage if necessary, to separate from Sasuke Uchiha.' Summarised Tayuya.

'Wait, so the brat got more detail than me?' Questioned Jiraiya in disbelief.

'Yeah, no one really cares about you all that much in Sound, as we would never seek you out and we aren't meant to fight you alone. Naruto on the other hand was right up close with Orochimaru's main goal, an Uchiha. I bet he's got pages on that shark guy, since he is Itachi's partner, but it wasn't something we needed to know in great detail.' Explained Tayuya.

'Why would they have the Shadow Clone Jutsu in there specifically though? I mean, I know other people can do them too.' Asked Naruto.

'Maybe because it is a forbidden jutsu which can kill people if their chakra capacity is low and they use it.' Said Tayuya.

'I see, then Naruto would definitely be someone who can make good use of that jutsu.' Said Neji, getting a quick glance from Jiraiya.

'In any case brats, we're here.' Said Jiraiya, as the group dropped down in front of the gates.

'Woohoo, great to be back.' Cheered Naruto.

'Well then, time for you brats to do some debriefing.' Said Jiraiya.

'Aw man, can't we get ramen first? I mean, we did go through one hell of a fight.' Complained Naruto.

'How about this, debrief first, then I'll buy you all a bowl of ramen, only one bowl though! Bottomless pit.' Proposed Jiraiya.

'Sounds good to me.' Said Naruto happily.

'Where is Tenten?' Asked Neji.

'She'll probably still be with Tsunade. Let's go.' Said Jiraiya.

-line break-

'Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya and the others are back.' Said Shizune, entering the room which contained Tenten and a slightly worn-out Tsunade.

'Good, send them in.' Said Tsunade, before the group entered.

'Well Jiraiya?' Said Tsunade expectantly, her posture tightening.

'Four of them, including Itachi and Kisame.' Said Jiraiya, causing Tsunade's eyes to bulge.

'All for one person.' Said Tsunade.

'It seems not.' Said Jiraiya vaguely.

'Man what are you guys being so sneaky for, let's just say the truth. Neji's already seen it, I trust Lee and considering Tenten's skills, I'm sure she'll understand.' Said Naruto, hands behind his head, causing the two to turn to him.

'Brat, that is the biggest secret in the village.' Said Tsunade.

'Hardly a secret when everyone like five years older than me knows it, might as well let my friends know too, considering they almost died because of it.' Said Naruto, causing Tsunade to glare at him.

The stand-off proved to be tense, with the atmosphere in the room becoming suffocating in no time.

'Geez, look, this glare-off is amusing and all, but keeping them in the dark might get them killed, especially if someone spins a lie their way. Besides, Naruto's the only one with something to lose if things go to shit, so it should be his choice.' Said Tayuya, causing Tsunade to swivel her gaze to her.

'And if things go to shit, as you so eloquently put it?' Retorted Tsunade, with a raised eyebrow.

'Then the Leaf has grown some stupid shithead ninjas, but that's none of my business.' Said Tayuya, with a shrug of her shoulders.

Tsunade looked to Jiraiya, who gave a small shrug as well, causing Tsunade to sigh.

'Fine then. Jiraiya, seal the room.' Ordered Tsunade, to which Jiraiya quickly complied.

'Well then brat, go ahead.' Said Tsunade.

'Thanks granny.' Quipped Naruto, causing her to narrow her eyes in annoyance.

'Ok, so from the beginning, Neji, you remember that chakra you saw in our fight?' Questioned Naruto, to which Neji nodded.

'Yes, a different, more potent chakra, which is not like your regular chakra is how you managed to reopen your chakra points after I sealed them.' Answered Neji.

'Right. Now Lee, you remember Gaara and his sand powers, right?' Asked Naruto.

'Of course, how could I forget.' Said Lee.

'And Tenten, you get how you can seal a weapon into a scroll to use later on in a fight, right?' Said Naruto.

'Obviously.' Answered Tenten.

'Ok, now here is the kicker, what happens when you combine all three together?' Asked Naruto.

'You mean to say a chakra-based weapon which can give you enhanced powers?' Queried Neji.

'Pretty much, that is what Gaara is, a Jinchuuriki.' Said Naruto.

'Jinchuuriki?' Asked Lee.

'It is what you call someone who has had a Tailed Beast sealed into them.' Explained Naruto.

'So what are you saying, that Gaara is some kind of human weapon?' Asked Tenten.

'Only if you think of him that way. That is how most of the people in Sand and even his own father thought of him, which is also what led to him turning out the way he did, but make no mistake, Gaara is a person, just like you or me.' Said Naruto oddly serious.

'I see… and you are telling us this because you can understand what Gaara has gone through?' Questioned Neji.

'Now you get it.' Said Naruto, as the pieces all fit together in their minds.

'I see, that means you have been faced with a great ordeal but managed to not go down the same path as Gaara, truly, your flames of youth are a roaring fire.' Commented Lee.

'So you mean there is a monster sealed in you?' Asked Tenten for clarification.

'Not a monster, the Kyuubi, which attacked the village on the night of my birth.' Said Naruto.

There was a short silence at this, with the group absorbing the information, before Neji spoke up.

'I understand this is quite a big secret for a reason then.' Commented Neji.

'It was the Third's idea to give Naruto a chance in life. Naruto should have been seen as a hero for using his very body to keep the Kyuubi at bay, but many saw him as the Kyuubi reincarnated.' Said Jiraiya.

'Probably civilians and dumb fucks like Mizuki.' Added Tayuya.

'What does that have to do with us getting attacked though?' Asked Tenten.

'Those four that attacked us are after the Tailed Beasts for some reason and considering they are all as strong as they come, plus the fact that Orochimaru was one in the past, means they can't be up to anything good.' Said Tayuya.

'How did you know that?' Asked Jiraiya, only for Tayuya to stare at him in annoyance.

'Former elite. We were all warned to avoid anyone with a black cloak and red clouds like the plague.' Said Tayuya.

'Now it goes without saying that this is a secret, the telling of which is punishable by death, so let's be clear on that. Naruto is technically allowed to tell others of the secret, but it should only be people he trusts… and it seems you three are now part of that list.' Said Tsunade.

The team of Guy shared a collective look and nodded, before turning to face Naruto.

'We understand Naruto and we will keep your secret. We also appreciate you telling us the truth of the matter.' Said Neji on behalf of the group.

'No worries, after all, I told you all of that fate and destiny stuff is overrated. You make your own choices in life and I'm glad you three made the right one.' Said Naruto.

'Yes, lucky indeed, since we probably would have just wiped your memories or detained you if you reacted poorly.' Said Jiraiya.

'Well then, with all of that out of the way, what happened you two?' Said Tsunade, turning to face Naruto and Tayuya.

'Well, Itachi and that guy, Kisame was it? Those two were coming after me again. Those other two I think were actually just after Raiga and his bounty and our luck was just bad that they found us together.' Started Naruto.

'Silver linings I suppose. How did you manage to survive?' Asked Tsunade.

'Well, Tayuya was helping me with Genjutsu and her summons… oh damn, I should have used my summons… next time, anyway, I used some of the Kyuubi's chakra to keep them busy with clones and keep us both alive. Itachi was the real problem though, since he is really strong against Genjutsu, but the other three weren't that bad.' Said Naruto.

'Weren't that bad? You were up against four infamous rouge ninja and you say that other than Itachi, they weren't that bad? What do you have in your head, marbles?' Commented Jiraiya.

'Hey, he isn't wrong, you could have probably beaten each of them in a one-on-one fight and those other two guys weren't that impressive.' Said Tayuya.

'So you mean to tell me you took on four S-Class missing-nin in a battle of attrition and survived?' Asked Tsunade in disbelief.

'If it helps, I don't think they were trying to kill us, except for maybe that masochist lunatic.' Retorted Tayuya.

'Just great.' Said Tsunade dryly.

'Anything else, because there is a free bowl of ramen with my name on it?' Asked Naruto.

'Not for you three, however, Lee, Neji, Tenten, I would like you to stay back for a moment.' Said Tsunade, dismissing the rowdy blond, pervert and defector.

'Make sure to come and get some ramen, Pervy Sage said the first bowl is on him!' Said Naruto, only for Jiraiya to lightly bonk him on the head.

'Kid, you really should show me some respect, considering I just saved your bacon today.' Said Jiraiya.

'Oh, good idea, I'll get some pork ramen today.' Said Naruto, as Jiraiya unsealed the room.

'Come on, let's eat, I'm starving.' Said Tayuya, dragging the blond out of the room, with their Sannin supervisor following.

Once the three had departed, Tsunade turned to the team in front of her.

'Firstly, I would just like to say how proud I am of the three of you for seeing Naruto for who he really is. Sadly, the number of people in this village who share your view is in the minority. That being said, I would like to hear your view on Tayuya now, if you wouldn't mind.' Said Tsunade.

'If you are asking for an assessment of her, I would say she is a cold individual who has undergone difficult times, but seems to be trustworthy enough as a ninja, considering her assistance on the mission did save us at least once.' Said Neji.

'So, would the three of you say you trust her, even knowing she was once a subordinate of Orochimaru?' Asked Tsunade.

The three shared a look, before nodding.

'Yes. If this mission was any indication, I believe Tayuya is a trustworthy person, one whom we can also trust our lives with as a teammate. That being said, getting along with her may be difficult for some, purely based on her personality, but then again, I don't believe I am one to speak of such things, given my previous attitude.' Said Neji.

'I wholeheartedly agree. Tayuya has proved herself to be a trusted companion to me.' Added Lee.

'Me too. She is both skilled and serious.' Finished Tenten.

'I see. That will be all then, go and enjoy your ramen.' Said Tsunade, dismissing the three.

The three nodded before leaving, allowing Tsunade to mull things over.

'So, Naruto and Tayuya were able to hold off the likes of Itachi and three others like him… seems like another dynamic duo is being formed right before my very eyes.' Said Tsunade aloud, before grabbing her stash of alcohol.

'What a day…' Mumbled Tsunade, pouring herself a drink.