I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS, I OWN THIS STORY AND ANY CHARACTERS I CREATE.
Thanks for the reviews
The Next chapter will be the time skip
Chapter 09: Comradery
Path to our Future
Minato coordinated Genin and told them to evacuate the villagers to the shelter within the Hokage Mountain; of course he was aware Orochimaru knew about this plan for when the Village was attacked and had been guarding the path the townspeople were taking. Seeing their Hokage gave the people a sense of relief, his presence alone calmed their nerves despite the ensuing battle around them. So far however only Sound and Sand Shinobi had attacked him, wondering where Orochimaru himself was he saw a huge purple barrier appear atop the arena where the finals of the Chunin Exams would have taken place.
"So Orochimaru was after Lord Third" Minato thinks seeing his predecessor fighting his Sannin student, "Then I need to find Rasa and make him stop this madness" he thinks rushing off once the place was secure.
_Sakura_
She was surrounded, 3 Sound Genin had broke into the hospital to take Sasuke away as ordered by the Snake, "Just hand him over girl" Zaku says/orders, they couldn't cause a commotion and attract attention, however Sakura couldn't either out of fear of hurting other patients. It was a stalemate...however Sakura was still at the disadvantage in numbers.
"I need to get Sasuke out of here...if I can find Itachi" she think pulling out a smoke bomb and using it to blind them all, the three Sound Shinobi went straight for the window but Sakura went through the door, Sasuke's weight slowed her down "If only I had super strength or something" she thinks slugging along with the unconscious Uchiha draped over her back.
"Nice try but you have now made this a whole lot easier" Dosu says, Sakura see's she is already surrounded once again "Now we can kill you and take Sasuke for Lord Orochimaru" he adds.
"Sakura" she hears Sasuke say into her ear "Put me down and run" he states "I'll deal with these clowns" he says as he gets to his feet.
"No, I'll stay and help...Kakashi Sensei has been teaching me a Jutsu or two to defend myself" She says and Sasuke simply nods, trusting her decision. The battle quickly begins to favour of the Sound Genin, their unique Sound related Jutsu countered Sasuke's Fire Style and Sakura's Water style wasn't as developed as she thought and before long she and Sasuke were pinned down.
The boys held Sasuke who had already begun to pass out from the pain, the curse mark had severely weakened him thus making him easier to defeat.
Kin Tsuchi smirked griping Sakura's bangs "Take a good look at him pinkie, when Lord Orochimaru gets his hand on this little cutie he will take his eyes and all his chakra, discarding the body like trash" she laughs.
"Sasuke isn't...trash" Sakura says gripping her Kunai using it to cut her hair and thus free herself from Kin's grip, she uses the momentum to push Dosu and Zaku off Sasuke "He's more a Shinobi than you three could ever be" she declares much to their annoyance.
Zaku uses the air cannons in his hands to blow Sakura off of Sasuke causing her to smash into a tree "Bitch" he leans over to grab Sasuke; however a massive blue aura surrounds Sasuke sending the Sound Genin flying back.
Sasuke stands to his feet as black markings cover his body, his blazing Sharingan eyes focus on Sakura "Who hurt you Sakura?" he asks in a dark tone as the pink haired girl looks on in horror.
"This isn't Sasuke" she thinks watching as her Uchiha Teammate completely demolished the three Sound Genin in front of him, however his attacks were also dealing damage to himself as his bones where crumbling under the weight of this malicious Chakra. "Sasuke you need to stop" she lunged at him hugging him from behind as Dosu dropped to the ground, blood dripped from Sasuke's knuckles as he had destroyed his hands beating the three invading Genin to near death.
"Sakura I..." he passes out as a new hand places a sheet of paper over the curse mark causing it to retract, Sakura's eyes widen when she recognises the hand as Naruto's.
"I'm sorry I'm late...I was helping villagers evacuate when I felt" he stops as Sakura hugs him "...You're amazing Sakura" he simply says returning the hug. Naruto tied up the Sound Genin, he thought about simply killing them however he figured they would have Intel on Orochimaru's village.
"Sasuke's injuries are bad...but I should be OK from here" she comments and Naruto glances at her, his eyes widen seeing her hair was jagged from being cut with a Kunai but decides to say nothing "You should help defend the village" she says and he snaps out of his thoughts nodding forming two shadow clones
"Help her get Sasuke somewhere safe so she can treat him" he says and they nod, Naruto runs off to meet up with his father who was hunting down the Kazekage who had been rather absent from the invasion. Naruto had heard stories about Rasa and his powerful Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai title "Gold Dust" which was said to be feared throughout the five elemental countries.
_A little while later_
Naruto stops seeing Minato talking with a Suna Jonin "Naruto good, I was hoping you'd show up" the Hokage says motioning his hand to the Suna Shinobi "This is Baki, a Jonin from Suna who has brought me some disturbing news" he says as Baki steps forward
"Orochimaru killed our Kazekage...weeks ago it looks like, and he's been manipulating our council into attacking the Leaf" Baki says shocking Naruto "I was leading the team that are the main power in the attack, the Sand sibling trio" he states and Naruto figures it must be the Sand Genin Sasuke was fighting before the exams. "Gaara...the red head is out Villages Jinjuriki...Orochimaru plans to use Shukaku to devastate the village and lead our nations into all out war"
"So...to end this fight we need to stop Gaara from what...transforming?" Naruto asks and Minato talks a piece of paper from his pocket, it was another sealing tag but the seal seemed to be for Jinjuriki. He didn't need to ask, it was clearly his mothers work to counter Kyuubi in case it ever got loose.
"Baki is gathering up the Suna Shinobi and pulling them out, all that is left is the Sound and Orochimaru" Minato says "I will stay in the village and try and help Lord Third" he places his hand on Naruto's shoulders "I've already sent Shikamaru and Shino after the Sand siblings...you're the only Shinobi who can catch up with them" he says and Naruto nods running off
.
"Good luck...Naruto"
The Forrest
Gaara had already begun to transform into the Tailed Beast, he had taken on a form similar to Shukaku only much smaller, "You're all worms!" the red head growls "I'll kill you all" he lashes out at Temari.
"Gaara...I-It's your sister" she says and Gaara laughs evilly as he lashes out to attack again only for Shikamaru to arrive in time to halt his movements with the Nara signature Jutsu
"Kagemane no Jutsu" Shikamaru stands up maintaining his focus "Complete, and just in time too" he looks at Temari who was leaning against a tree.
"Come to kill us and weaken Suna?" she questions and Shikamaru scoffs which seems to annoy her greatly.
"Your Sensei Baki and Lord Forth sent us after you" Shikamaru says as tiny bugs swarm Gaara to begin devouring the One Tails leaked Chakra "It seems your village was tricked by Orochimaru" he explains seeing her confused expression "Look I'm not sure what I can and cannot say but Baki said he was gathering the Suna Shinobi at the "Meeting place where the Sand and Leaf connect"...I assume you know what he's talking about" he says and she nods
"Wait...why are you not trying to Kill Gaara, his death would weaken our village" Kankuro states still defensive, it was hard to digest all this considering an hour ago they were the key to an invasion.
"That's not how our Hokage likes to operate...this boy is a victim of generations of Shinobi fearing the Tailed beasts" Shino states "Our village doesn't operate that way" he adds as Gaara roars breaking free sending them all flying back
"I'll crush you all!" Gaara snarls aiming for Shikamaru, Temari jumps in front of him swinging her fan blocking his attack "You traitor!" she cringes at his baby brothers anger filled voice
"Why did you protect me, it was your chance to get away" Shikamaru comments and Temari looks over her shoulder with a smug look
"I can't leave a helpless boy like you after all, I owed you for earlier" she says smirking at his annoyed look and his comment about her being "Troublesome".
The four team up trying to pin Gaara down, however he regenerates all wounds leaving little openings, each time he healed he grew in size as well, he was close to becoming completely transformed. "What's taking him so long" Shikamaru says allowed confusing Temari and Kankuro, Gaara soon has them cornered and prepares to finish them off
"DIE!" he roars as the group brace for the blow, only to see a Flying Raijin Kunai appear in front of them, Naruto appears gripping the handle with his left hand as his right formed a Rasengan which he drove straight into Gaara's Stomach, a mark appeared on Gaara's stomach as he was sent flying back hitting the trees behind him, before he can heal Naruto teleports in front of the Jinjuriki placing the seal on the mark he made.
The sand which had been forming Shukaku broke apart as the Tailed Beasts Chakra was suppressed back within the Red head "T-Temari...Kankuro?" he calls out as Naruto stares down with a dark look gripping a kunai and Raising it above is head
_Flashback_
Naruto ran through the forest, it didn't take him long to make up the distance he needed. However he halts seeing Danzo standing in his way "Minato has asked for you to re seal the 1 tail right?" he asks and Naruto nods "Noble man, your father but this action isn't the solution, Suna may have been tricked but that will bring little comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones today" he comments and Naruto looks at him with a confused look.
"What are you suggesting?" Naruto asks, Danzo kept a straight face but his eye gave him away; it seems Naruto asked what he wanted him to ask.
"Kill Suna's Jinjuriki Naruto" Danzo states "If you do then Suna's military strength will be severely weakened, making sure they will never regain the strength to try an act like this again" he explains "Besides...Do you think Suna would spare your mother?" he asks seeing Naruto's angered look "To them she is but a source of Konoha's military strength...you must view this Gaara as the same and do away with him...this is what it means to protect the village as a Shinobi"
_Flashback end_
Naruto held his Kunai up looking down at the confused red head that was defenceless since the seal also prevented him from melding Chakra "If the roles were reversed...your village would do the same" he states darkly as the four behind him ran towards them to stop Naruto
"I just want to be loved!" Gaara says weakly with tears in his eyes "Is that so wrong!" he pointlessly lifted his hands to defend himself looking into the eyes of the blonde haired Genin.
Naruto could feel his own eyes starting to tear up, now that he knew about his mother he knew people would try and use her like Orochimaru used Gaara...and he didn't have an answer to stop it, he couldn't protect his mom from her destiny as a Jinjuriki. The only words in his head where Danzo's "This is the way to protect our village...this is the path of a Shinobi!" He swings his Kunai down
"NARUTO!" he pauses hearing Hinata call out to him, her voice sounded like she was screaming for him not to follow through with Danzo's order, like she was showing him it was wrong. The four spectators halt seeing Naruto stand up offering his hand. "I'm sorry; I almost let my emotions get the better of me" he says to the red head who takes his hand albeit suspiciously.
"Kankuro, Temari...what's going on?" Gaara asks, they fill him in and he seems to follow better than his siblings did "So...our father is dead" he says with no emotion "It's hard to feel sad after all the attempts he tried to have me killed" he states suprising the Leaf Genin.
"Gaara...Kankuro and I feel awful, we were so afraid of you and Dad we let you struggle through life alone and scared...I'm so sorry" Temari says and Kankuro nods in agreement.
"We failed to be the family mom would have wanted" the Puppet user sighs thinking back to their deceased mother and Gaara looks away...
"It's not too late for that family to be true" Gaara says suprising his siblings "...I'm sorry for how I treated you" he says and they turn to the leaf Shinobi...who at this point where all looking in different directions to avoid the awkward tension they were feeling at seeing this display "Naruto Namikaze...Thank you for stopping me...and for sparing my life" Gaara says and Naruto nods.
"I shouldn't have acted like that but the whole situation has had me on edge" Naruto says "Why did I hear Hinata calling out to me..." he wonders, soon after a little more chatting the Sand Siblings departed to meet up with the rest of their Comrades.
"What now?" Shikamaru asks, Naruto shrugs suggesting they head back to the village...just then he sees 2 Sound Shinobi run across from them carrying Hinata. Without giving Shikamaru or Shino a chance to follow he burst after the enemy Shinobi.
"Hinata!"
Sasuke and Sakura
His eyes opened to see the clear blue sky, he could feel the familiar warm sensation that came from Sakura's Healing Jutsu "S...Sakura?" he calls out and she leans over so he could see her face.
"That Curse mark Orochimaru put on you activated...apparently it reacts to your chakra" she says seeing his hand reach up to where the mark is "You've done a lot of damage to your bones but thankfully Naruto showed up in time to seal the Mark" she says and he looks at her
"You hugged me..." he says and she gasps slightly "Everything went black...and cold, then I heard your voice and...then you hugged me and it all went away" he says with a small smile "The Curse mark amplified all my negative feelings and made me a monster...but you were able to break through and bring me back...I wonder why" he says mumbling his words clearly suffering from a head related injury.
"We're comrades" she smiles closing her eyes, she has admitted her feelings to him before with little acknowledgement from him and being on a team with him made her realize why. Sasuke connects to stronger people and would never give her a passing thought if she remained the same person who confessed to him like a foolish fan girl she was, but now her feeling had matured and she could believe without a shadow of doubt that she was in love with him. "Now I can worth to grow stronger and stand beside you as an equal...then I will tell you my feelings and hope you see me the same way, even if it's just a little"
Her eyes open when she feels something press against her forehead, her eyes widen when she sees Sasuke has pressed his middle and index fingers against her head softly with a weak smile "When did you surpass me?" was all he muttered as he lost consciousness again.
She stared at him dumbfounded at his comment ...maybe she was closer to being his equal than she thought.
_Naruto_
He close's the gap between himself and the two Sound Shinobi carrying the Hyuga Heiress, "These guys are fast" Naruto thinks summoning two Raijin Kunai. He throws one past them appearing in front before throwing the other Kunai towards the guy holding Hinata. Appearing in front of the man before they can truly comprehend what's happening, Naruto cuts one down and kicks the other away and catching Hinata as she was about to fall in one swift movement "No notable injuries...must be a Genjutsu" he thinks, "So Orochimaru is after both Sharingan and Byakugan" he places her down "Best finish off!" his eyes widen at the sharp pain in his thigh, the burning sensation of a Kunai piercing his flesh.
"No teleporting for you" the masked Sound Shinobi says as Naruto drives his fist into the face knocking him out, the other man comes into view "Lord Orochimaru told us about you, unlike The Forth Hokage you need to focus to teleport, so that injury will keep you in my sight" he smirks as Naruto drops a Kunai at Hinata.
"I am grateful to Orochimaru...he has shown my weakness to you" he smirks "Which means I have to overcome them to protect Hinata...and I will" he declares as he charges towards the Sound Shinobi with as much force as his good leg could propel him forward.
The Sound Shinobi takes a step back, drawing Naruto away from Hinata before he would make his move. "You have the potential to become a powerful Shinobi, but you are still Naive and lack the experience" he says charging at Naruto, however as they were about to collide the Sound-Nin feints to the left running past Naruto "A Shinobi doesn't let anything come between him and his mission!" he laughs "I only need her eyes so I'll remove her head from her body" he says lunging at the girl with his blade.
Naruto appears in front of the man burying his Kunai into the shocked Nin's chest "I-I don't recall ever needing 100% health to transport" Naruto coughs out "Now whose naive?" he smirks as blood pours from the corner of his mouth.
"B-Bastard" where the final words of the Sound Nin as he slumps to the ground, Naruto stands victorious...however he grips his side as blood pours from the wound inflicted when he intercepted the attack saving Hinata from the blow.
He walks over to her, sitting down against the tree lifting her head onto his lap "Release!" he says undoing the Genjutsu she was trapped under, her eyes open seeing the blonde staring at her "Y-You were under a powerful Genjutsu...give your body a moment to adjust" he slurs.
Her eyes widen as she sees the wounds "You need aid" she says sitting up as the hand Naruto had resting on her forehead slumps to the ground beside him, he no longer had the energy to lift it. She tries to compress the serious wound in his side "Naruto stay awake" she instructs, her shyness was gone, seeing Naruto near death enabled her to break through her introverted personality "Talk to me" she says taking some of her clan's ointment and rubbing it over the wound.
"You're eyes..." he slurs "That day I protected you from the bullies...your eyes looked like pearls, beautiful pearls...I'd never thought something so breathtaking could be real" his words where sincere but he was clearly delirious from blood loss "Mom wants me to find a girl like her...but I" he is cut off by Hinata.
"I always watched you train, you inspired me to improve but I never was able to get strong like you...maybe when you get better we can train together?" she doesn't look at him as she wraps the wound up "You always give excellent training advice maybe you could help me develop a training routine" she suggests.
"I'd rather go on a date" he says and her eyes widen "Maybe get some Ramen, walk in the park...or just relax by the lake" his eyes begin to close "I'm tired..." he mumbles passing out
"Naruto wake up" Hinata calls out but her pleas fall on deaf ears...
"Naruto!"
Aftermath
In the village the battle came to an end, Minato defeated the giant snake as the barrier around Hiruzen came to an end. They arrived to see Orochimaru had escaped with the help of his elite team; an ANBU informed them the Third Hokage perished sealing away Orochimaru's arms thus robbing him of his Jutsu. The remainder of the Sound Shinobi committed Suicide to avoid capture; there were many casualties on both sides. Suna surrendered a few days after the commotion had died down, Minato was relieved to accept their surrender which brought an end to the invasion before it escalated to all out war. Danzo and the other councillors were angry at Minato not wishing to pursue anything from Suna in terms of the surrender, however Minato had told them that all this occurred thanks to a Rouge Shinobi from Konoha and it had cost both sides enough blood.
Rebuilding didn't take long, many Genin who avoided fighting had been assigned to aiding in the rebuilding of the Hospital so the Injured could receive treatment...speaking of injured,
_The Hospital with Naruto_
Naruto's eyes flickered open, he could hear the familiar sound of a heart monitor beeping which was a good sign he wasn't dead "Naruto" he turns seeing the relieved look of his mother holding his hand in her own "Thank god you're awake" she says with tears in her eyes, judging by her reaction he must have been out for a while.
"Take it easy" Minato says seeing his son attempting to sit up "Your wounds aren't completely closed, too much stress could re-open them" he adds and Naruto nods but still sit's up.
"Hinata?" Naruto says with a husky-rough tone reaching for the jug of water beside him, Minato takes the jug and pours a glass for him.
"She and her team are helping with the re-building of the Village" Minato says handing Naruto the glass "When Shikamaru and Shino managed to get word to me, I found Hinata drenched in your blood trying to keep you awake" he says and Naruto looks away "You saved each other that day" he adds
"It took her a few days to say anything...for a long time she looked at her hands" Kushina chimes in "Your father gave her that mission to help her get her mind off the ordeal" she explains and Naruto nods "Still, she came by every day to check up on you, fluffing your pillow, changing the flowers in the vase" she smiles seeing her son blush."
"So, what happened to Orochimaru?" Naruto asks looking at his dad to fill him in with what he has missed; Minato goes into as much detail as he was able too, mainly about the Shinobi lost. Naruto's expression turned sad after hearing about Hiruzen, which is why when he said what he said came as a shock to his parents "I want to leave Konoha for a while" he states with a determined expression.
"What's brought this on?" Minato asks seeing Kushina's horror filled eyes... "I mean why do you want to all of a sudden?"
"When I was sitting against that tree, feeling weaker every moment...I wondered if I was too young to have any regrets" Naruto says looking at the bed sheets with a serious expression "Then I remembered that the last conversation I had with my mom was about a betrayal of her trust...and the last conversation with my dad was anger at my actions...and how you both looked disappointed in me as a son" he looks up to Minato and Kushina who had decided to listen to their son "That's why I need to leave the Village, I want to find my path in the world and I can't if I remain here because I'll keep resenting myself for simply following the path others have placed me on...you know"
"And you need to go alone?" he asks, he had thought of Naruto going with Jiraiya on one of his 'research' trips but Naruto nods meaning he would not want to go with the Toad Sannin. This wasn't a demand but a request; Naruto was beginning to look past his own problems and was now focusing on the world "How long?" he asks seeing Kushina giving him a look of concern
"I don't know...A year...maybe 2" Naruto says softly, he looks at his mom who had been silent through all this "I love you both...I don't say it, but when I think about how much I'm seen as your son...it makes me feel like I'll never get to be my own person" he says tightening his grip with her hands "And it's not like I won't write...we share a summon after all" he smiles "...Thanks to Grandpa Jiraiya" he grins feeling his mom trying to crush his hand with her own as she hated when Naruto called him that and knew he was teasing her slightly.
Kushina smiled looking at Minato "Our baby is growing up" is what she said hugging his head ruffling his hair, Minato takes this as Kushina consenting to Naruto's request.
"How about this Naruto" Minato begins "For the first few months you stay with Jiraiya, then if you feel you still need to go off on your own you can, provided you keep in touch with us both regularly" he says listing his demands which also included Naruto carrying one of his father's Kunai so Minato could teleport to Naruto if he stopped contacting them...
_Sasuke and Naruto a week later_
"So...two year trip?" Sasuke whistles as the two stands by the lake in their training field, because of his broken wrist he had been unable to train which bothered him since Sakura was training with the Sannin Tsunade Senju and Naruto was going on a journey with Jiraiya for a time before going off on his own. "I need to do some serious training to prevent myself from falling behind you and Sakura" he states as Naruto remembers something he saw.
"Speaking of Sakura, I saw her coming out of the salon with shorter hair...I figured she grew it out to appease you" Naruto smirks and Sasuke sighs.
"So you've heard about that old rumour too" he says "I don't know where the idea that I like girls with long hair came from" he shakes his hair "I prefer Sakura's hair now" he adds and Naruto laughs
"Does she know that?" the blonde asks and Sasuke coughs covering his blush, the two stare blankly at each other as the realization that they were talking like two normal boys would before the two laugh for a moment "Things will get interesting while I'm away" Naruto comments as Sasuke raises his fist pointing it at the blonde.
"I'm going over to the Land of Waves, to train with Shisui and Haku after the funeral for lord third" Sasuke says, he needed to train hard to keep up with Naruto and Sakura "So in case I don't see you" he raises his hand "Be safe" he states and Naruto nods shaking his hand.
"You too"
_Three day's later_
The weather had matched the overall atmosphere of the village for the last few days, as two days had been devoted to funerals for the Shinobi and Villagers who died in the assault, Naruto walked through the busy streets of Konoha as Carpenters continued to labour through the rough weather. Naruto looked at his reflection in a shop window; he and Shikamaru had been promoted to Chunin for their showing in the Chunin Exams and following Invasion. He smiled slightly dusting his Jacket off.
"Careful, if I didn't know any better I'd say you were letting your promotion go to your head" he sighs seeing Jiraiya waiting for him with a big silly grin "Hope you packed lots of money to help your Godfather with his research" he grins
"Dirty old pervert" he crosses his arms, as he walks he hears a cough behind him "Jiraiya...wait for me at the gate" he says and the Sannin nods seeing the young girl standing behind the blonde. "I thought you'd been avoiding me" he turns to face Hinata with a smile, since he woke up he had struggled to find Hinata, and every time he did she ran off. Now is seemed she knew he was leaving and wanted to see him off...
"N-Naruto" she says looking shyly around "About what happened that day" she says looking around all embarrassed, Naruto tilts his head slightly "About what was said..." she blushes bright red.
"Huh...did we talk, sorry but I don't remember" Naruto says with a confused expression, Hinata's eyes widen upon hearing this "Everything from that day is fuzzy so I don't remember it in detail" he explains.
"O-Oh" she turns 180 degrees to face away "I-It wasn't important, so if you don't remember then it's...it's" she feels his hand on her shoulder.
"When I get back, I can help you train" her eyes widen again realizing he remembered "Or...we can go on that date, or both" he gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze "I owe you as much of my time as you want" he says letting go "Take care of yourself Hinata" he begins to walk away.
"Goodbye...Naruto"
The End
And thus the first series of Naruto comes to an end, small moments of NaruHina and SasuSaku, with a tease of ShikaTem (My personal fav). The next chapter will not start with the skip but set up the skip.
Till Next Time
~DoTheBartMan
