Hello my readers I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now this chapter is a little short, but that is cause this is mainly to finish up the road to the summit arc. But it does have some big moments and a major cliffhanger at the end. As always please read and review.
~Old Friends~
Tsunade and Kakashi stood in awe at the sheer power that Naruto used. The sage dropped to the ground as all the clones disappeared in a puff of smoke. Walking over to the others, they could see that his eyes were back to being blood red. Picking up his tattered cloak, Naruto threw it around his shoulders and walked up to the others. As he approached Tsunade finally spoke.
"Naruto tha- that was- that was unbelievable. How did you become that strong?"
"Training." The blonde responded matter-of-factly.
"There is no way training, even unnatural levels of training, can make someone that strong."
"I guess it did for me."
"Obviously you don't want tell me. But mark my words Naruto Uzumaki, I will learn how you got this strong."
"Hai, Hokage-sama." Nodding the sage summoned three clones to deal with the damage to the area. Before indicating to the others that he was ready to depart. Surprised at what they had watched, Kakashi and Tsunade fell in behind the blonde as they continued on to the summit.
~In Konoha~
Shizune was walking thru the village reviewing the massive file that her master had left for her. Passing thru the residential district the brunette arrived at a small compound on the north side of the district. The main gate was shut and barred, but on top of that, the gate was covered in caution tape and paper tag seals. Flipping thru the file till she reached a certain page, quickly reviewing the correct sequence before closing the file and beginning the very long series of hand signs. Finishing on the Bird seal after a few minutes, then channeling chakra to her hands before expelling it all at once at the door while screaming.
"RELEASE!" As her chakra hit the door all the paper tags burned away, and the dust and dirt covered door blew open inward with a mighty groan. Stepping into the compound, Shizune was amazed at how beautiful the buildings were, but also by how small the compound was. All that was there was a main house which was a large two story home, a smaller one story guest home, a small dining hall, and a training hall. But as beautiful the architecture was, the buildings were in dire need of maintenance. A couple needed roofing work, the guest house was visibly leaning to one side, all of the buildings needed a fresh coat of paint. Sighing the young woman began going building to building, room by room, making notes of every major or minor repair needed. After about two hours she finally stepped out of the compound. After resealing the door, she headed back to the Hokage tower and began preparations for the repairs.
~With Naruto & Co.~
Stepping up next to Naruto Kakashi spoke. "On a related note, I saw you use Raiton jutsu. I know you have an Fūton (Wind) affinity from back then. But when did you learn raiton?"
The blonde chuckled. "Believe it or not Kakashi-sensei, but I actually have three affinities."
"What?"
"Well I have a mastery of Fūton, a strong affinity to Raiton, and a minor affinity for Suiton."
"Raiton you got from your father, and I'd have to guess your mother gave you Suiton. How'd you find out?"
"After I left, I traveled to the remains of Uzushiogakure. There I found a hidden underground safe-house, where all the records and history of all the clans were held. I was able to read the entire history of my clan. I learned that children, born from Uzushio mothers, manifested some form of Suiton affinity in nine out of every ten cases. And as far as the Raiton, I learned that while I was staying Kumo. A-sama seemed to take a liking to me, saying that I reminded him of my father. His thought was, that being the Yondaime's son, I should know how to use his element."
"A-sama? Do you mean the Raikage?"
"Oh right I forgot to mention I met the Raikage, I also met the Mizukage. That woman is strange."
"In what way?" Kakashi looked at the blonde.
"Trust me Kakashi-sensei, you'll see when we get to the summit."
"Ok Naruto I'll take your word for it."
Naruto nodded to his former teacher. The rest of the journey passed without incident, filled with tales of Naruto's travels. They learned that Naruto visited all of the elemental nations, as well as traveling to the lands to the west. There he learned how knights fought, how to wield the longsword he now carried. He also told of how he gained that sword, along with the meaning behind the emblems on the sheath and blade. Before any of them knew it, they had arrived in the Land of Iron.
As the three entered the conference room they found that they were the last of the groups to arrive. After exchanging greetings with the other Kage, Tsunade took her seat. As Naruto and Kakashi turned to step back they were stopped by the samurai moderating the summit.
"My friends form Konoha, we ask that, while you are inside the summit, you please remove your masks. If you would please?"
Kakashi sighed before pulling his mask down, earning silent reactions from everyone in attendence. Nodding Naruto reached up and removed his mask, this time earning audible reactions. First to react was the Mizukage Mei Terumī.
"Oh Naruto-kun you look as stunning as always. Why don't we catch up after the summit?"
"If we can, I would love to Mizukage-sama."
Pouting Mei responded. "Oh Naruto-kun, I told you before call me Mei."
"As you wish Mizukage-sama."
Realizing she won't win, Mei sat back pouting. Next the Raikage stood up and walked over to the blonde and bumped fists before embracing the young man in big bear hug. As he placed the blonde back on the floor the big man laughed.
"Ah hahaha! Naruto my friend, you look healthy but you're still far too thin. You need to be bigger, women love a big man!"
Laughing, Naruto responded. "You tell me that everytime I see you A-sama. While it may be true, I am proud to say that things have worked out between me and Mebuki-chan. I am happily taken now."
"Congrats my friend, but she would love you even more if you were bigger."
"I'll take your word for it my friend." Smiling both men embraced before A returned to his seat. Turning to the Tsuchikage he bowed.
"Tsuchikage-sama, it is an honor to finally meet you. I heard many tales of your strength and wisdom while traveling thru the Land of Earth."
"Uzumaki-san, I too have heard of your exploits and consider it an honor to meet you as well." Bowing to the younger man before taking his seat once more.
Finally Naruto turned to the Fifth Kazekage, and his longtime friend Gaara. After a short silence the Kazekage spoke. "Naruto, my friend how you have changed. I think that this might be the first time I have seen you not wearing orange, the new look fits you."
"Thank you Garra, it has been far too long since I saw you last. I hope everything is going well for you and your siblings."
"There are and thank you. But I have a question for you."
"Ask away."
"While it has been some time since I had Shukaku removed from me, I can still sense a Bijū's power. So tell me. Why is it that I can no longer sense the presence of the Kyubbi within you?"
"Simple, I am no longer the jinchūriki of Kurama; The Kyubbi no Kitsune."
The silence that followed the young blonde's answer was so profound you could hear a pin drop.
There you go. I look forward to your reactions.
