AN: Here is the new chapter! I've replied to all of the reviews except for people who don't allow for responses. Anyway I hope you all enjoy. Please read and review and feel free to ask questions. Thank you.

Kushina sat nervously in the Senju family's garden. Minato had sat beside her on a stone bench. The two were very quite and merely shifting their gaze around the garden. Finally Minato spoke.

"I've enjoyed today a lot Kushina. Mito-sama is very kind and a wonderful hostess."

Kushina rambled, "It has been nice. Normally it's just the two of us, and Tsunade-hime every now and then. She's very busy with her duties. I'm glad she and Dan came to."

Minato smiled, "Kushina, I've read a little about Konoha's alliance with your family and homeland. Why were you chosen to come here?"

Kushina looked away from Minato. She didn't want to tell him about being chosen for the Kyuubi's vessel, "My chakra was most suited to learning Mito-sama's abilities and I was honored to be chosen to keep the peace between our people."

Minato sensed the pain hidden behind the girl's words, "What's wrong Kushina?"

The girl's eyes watered up, "Mito-sama is very old and her time is short. She won't be here to help me soon, and even though I've made friends since I graduated I'm worried that without her I won't be strong enough."

Minato gently placed his hand on the girls shoulder, "Your friends will be here for you."

"There's something else though. Minato… do you know about Jinchuriki?"

Minato looked surprised, "Yes, I've read about them. In the more advanced scrolls and books dealing with seals they are a very important topic. Why do you ask?"

"Do you think Jinchuriki are still human?"

"Of course, the idea they become like the demons is just superstitions that the uneducated or ignorant believe. Oh sure depending on the sealing method and what is sealed inside the sacrifice may take on various aspects to their personality and or body, but they are still human."

"Could you be friends with one? Could you… love one?"

Minato was shocked at the question but he held his face in a look affection and compassion, "Yes I could be friends with one, and as for loving one… if they were kind, brave, funny, smart, and had beautiful red hair yes I suppose I could love one."

Kushina's face became scarlet and Minato continued, "Why do you ask?"

Kushina's looked into Minato's eyes, "Mito-sama sealed the Kyuubi into herself using our people's special chakra. With her end coming quickly the Kyuubi will need a new avatar or it will be free to cause bloodshed and destruction."

Minato cut in, "So you will be able to reseal it with the skills Mito-sama taught you?"

Kushina nodded, "Not only that but my chakra will allow me to control and handle the Kyuubi's power to an advanced extent without having been trained by others to do so. Also no one will have to die from this method… aside from Mito-sama."

Minato spoke gently, "I can't begin to understand the burden this will place on you or how much it must have already bothered you. However I promise that I will help you as much as I can as long as I live, and like the Uzumaki I never go back on my word."

Minato then did something that shocked both himself and Kushina. He wrapped his arms around her head and shoulders, pulled Kushina into a soft embrace, and then gave her a deep kiss.

~Minato and Kushina's first kiss

Kurenai rubbed her head as the paramedics took Kiba and Akamaru into the infirmary. They had used the Juujin Bunshin jutsu and tried to flank Shikamaru, but the Nara was easily able to trap them with his shadow manipulation and then he threw a kunai with an explosive tag right in front of himself. He then walked forward which brought Kiba and Akamaru to where he had been. Once the explosion was set off Akamaru and Kiba were done because the hound had lost his human shape and Kiba's right foot was broken.

Kurenai cursed to herself, 'I warned him not to rush to quickly. Ugh… Asuma is going to enjoy holding this over me for awhile.'

Hinata and Shino rushed down the stairs to meet their teammate. Shikamaru was walking beside the gurney that held Kiba and Akamaru, "Hope you guys feel better soon… No hard feelings right?"

Kiba grimaced in pain, "Yeah. I was too hot headed. I just hope I didn't get Akamaru in to bad of shape."

Shikamaru patted his shoulder before he walked away, "I'm sure you guys will be okay. I made sure the explosion wouldn't be stronger than a sledgehammer at its most concentrated point."

Kiba grimaced, "Thanks for that."

Shikamaru nodded to Hinata and Shino as they passed by to comfort their teammates. As he reached the top of the stairs he noticed that the board had given up the names of the name of Sabaku no Kankurou and Tsurugi Misumi. As Shikamaru walked by he stopped by Naruto and spoke quietly.

"Naruto… that jutsu you used… what was it?"

Naruto stared into Shikamaru's eyes for a long time, "Why do you want to know? I need to keep it secret for the finals… who knows we may face each other."

Shikamaru shrugged and continued on, "Whatever…"

The Nara boy thought to himself, 'So he knows what it is and he knows that it is similar to Gaara's power. Which raises the question… why is he afraid of us knowing that? What kind of powers are these?'

The fight between Kankurou and Tsurugi started shortly after that and ended just as quickly. The puppet user had expertly hidden himself and trapped the man who was trying to trap him. The next set of names elicited a cry of surprise from his teammates and made Shikamaru refocus.

Yamanaka Ino and Yakushi Kabuto.

In the observation platform the Kazekage only vaguely noticed who was up next. His main focus was on Kankurou. His eldest had surprised him by how far ahead he had planed today out. The boy wasn't stupid but he did tend to slack off and not think things through from time to time. Seeing his eldest show such an advance level of control of the puppet made him proud and made him realize that he needed to be given something that would advance his skills. It also brought back the pang of loss that he held constantly in his heart. For what had to have been close to the millionth time he wished Karura was there with him. He was drawn from his musings by yelling from the proctor. The silver haired young man had quickly knocked the Yamanaka daughter out. The screen then sent two new names up.

Haruno Sakura and Sabaku no Temari.

Sakura swallowed and looked at her teammates who gave her encouraging nods.

Kakashi spoke, "You'll only be able to win if you can get in close and surprise her. Ranged attacks will be worthless against her."

The girl nodded and made her way to the ground floor. Kabuto had stepped in front of the medics and sent chakra over Ino. The blonde girl sat up and looked around.

Kabuto spoke, "I'm sorry if I hurt you to badly Yamanaka-san."

Ino shook her head, "It's okay. It was a fair match." Turning to Sakura she continued, "Forehead? What are you doing here?"

Sakura spoke, "I'm up next."

Ino looked at the board, "Ah, Naruto's fan. Good luck."

Sakura responded with venom, "That girl is no fan of his! She doesn't care about him what so ever! She was just trying to help that monster of a brother of hers."

Ino was surprised, "Well she didn't turn us in to him in the forest after Shikamaru had trapped them and helped you guys escape."

Sakura's eyebrows rose in shock and she suddenly felt very confused. She watched as Temari stepped onto the ground. Ino and Kabuto quickly left.

Temari's spinning mind stopped as her name appeared. Kankurou scoffed, "Lucky."

Temari wanted to smile at her brother but couldn't. Instead she felt her mouth harden into a thin line and she felt the desire to take out her frustrations on the girl. The younger girl caused Temari to feel a great deal of annoyance. She jumped down to meet her opponent.

The proctor raised his hand and the match began. Sakura charged quickly at Temari. The older girl stood her fan into the ground and charged right back. When the two reached each other Sakura kicked out her leg. Temari grabbed it and swung the girl hard into the ground. Sakura landed and kicked with her other leg breaking Temari's hold. Sakura then pulled a kunai and tried to cut Temari but the blond grabbed it and punched Sakura in the face. Every chance Sakura had to gain an advantage in the fight Temari countered perfectly. After awhile Temari got in a brutal blow to Sakura's jaw. The shot caused Sakura's head to whip back and it looked much worse than it actually was, but in the stands it caused Naruto to shout out Sakura's name. This caused Temari to growl.

Bending down Temari grabbed Sakura to continue her attack, "What does he see in someone like you? You treat him like crap and don't care about him at all."

Sakura coughed up a little blood, "That's not true! It's not easy to explain, but I don't have to do that to someone like you. You think you're better than me but you're not, because you're just getting close to Naruto for your father and brother."

Temari flinched, "Alright, I can see your point. Just like you it's not easy to explain, but that doesn't mean either of us is right. However another problem I have with you is that you're just a low rent unmotivated kunoichi just concerned with finding a man and completely unconcerned with your skills."

Sakura growled and tried to strike Temari, but the older girl grabbed her arm and then kicked her elbow breaking the arm. Sakura cried out as Temari lifted her by her broken arm.

"Give up or I'll break it worse."

Sakura's eyes were filled with tears but she kicked out and hit Temari's side causing her to drop her. Sakura then tired to attack with her good arm but once again Temari stopped her arm and began to rain down blows on Sakura's face. Temari's anger had gotten the better of her and she began to black out and lose complete control. However she was stopped by Naruto's voice.

"Stop it Temari!"

The girl woke up and realized what had gone on. She was staring down at Sakura whose right eye was closed, forehead had a deep gash, and the left side of her mouth was already beginning to swell.

The proctor made his way over, and checked to see that Sakura had lost conciseness. After quickly naming Temari winner he called for the medics and they carted her off. Temari quickly made her way up to the balcony and once there worked up the courage to try and look at Naruto only to see that he and Sasuke had left the arena to go to the infirmary. Avoiding the surprised looks from her teammates and teacher she tried to think about what had set her off. She only vaguely noticed when the board lit up to reveal the names of the next two opponents.

TenTen and Hyuuga Hinata.

The Kazekage spoke, "I'm sorry Hokage-sama. I don't know what got into Temari. She's normally extremely calm and collected. I've never seen her lose control like that."

The Hokage puffed on his pipe, "Most curious… Perhaps this is just a time where all our young ninjas are struggling to understand themselves and others. These times come around so quickly and with such furor that it catches all by surprise. Ah, to be that young again if only for a day."

Naruto and Sasuke waited for the doctor to finish his work. When the man was done he spoke.

"She'll be fine. There's no long term damage but she'll be out for a bit."

As the man turned and left Naruto walked to Sakura's bed and stared down at the immobile girl. Seeing her so badly injured stirred so much in the boy's heart. Sasuke stared at the girl for a few moments before speaking.

"She'll get stronger from this. She's smart enough to realize that she has to if she wants to continue on as a ninja. So don't worry too much."

Sasuke then turned and walked back to arena. Once there he rejoined his teacher who was watching the match carefully. Taking his place beside Kakashi he spoke.

"She'll be okay, no long term damage. The dobe is taking it hard."

"He's probably confused about Temari. He seems to have made friends with her, and then this happens. Not to mention the situation with Gaara either."

Sasuke was thoughtful, "Train me."

Kakashi replied, "Alright. We'll leave town to train as soon as I make arrangements for Naruto."

The fight between Hinata and TenTen was competitive. Hinata was able to use her flexibility, quickness, and Byakugan to keep close and prevent TenTen from throwing her weapons from range or surprising her with hidden weapons. Unfortunately for Hinata since TenTen had trained with Neji she knew the moves from the Hyuuga family's martial art and since Hinata was not yet able to close the chakra points down TenTen was able to take the blows and dodge away. Since TenTen was conditioned by Might Guy himself she was able to wear down Hinata and pin her with several well placed ranged weapons. Finally the better conditioned girl won out, Hinata collapsed from exhaustion.

For the final time the arena was cleared and the board was once again sprung to life though everyone knew that it would be Aburame Shino and Akadou Yoroi. Shino easily won the match. Both had the ability to drain chakra from each other, however Shino's bugs were quickly able to emerge from within his body and keep Yoroi from grabbing hold of his skin and at the same time latch onto the man and drain his chakra. After a short time Shino broke out of his defensive stance and went on the attack. Yoroi, drained by a substantial amount, was slow and unable to steady himself. It was over quickly.

After the round was called everyone who was not in the medical wing assembled in front of the two Kages and watched as a board with brackets was pulled in. The Hokage spoke in a calm tone explaining the final round.

"I would like to congratulate all of you once again. For those of you who did not make it to the final round don't be too discouraged. This was as talented a field as we have ever had. If you didn't make it this time there is an excellent chance that you will be able to pass the next exam. Now for those of you still in the exam know that you can all pass and become chuunin. The final exam shall be just like this round except that if you win your match you shall move on to another opponent. The first round of the finals shall have four matches with one participant sitting out. Then in the next round the fighters will be reseeded and their will be two more matches. After that two of the remaining three will battle, and then the last two. If for some reason two fighters eliminate each other the free man will take his place."

Sasuke spoke, "The free rounds don't seem very sporting. Is who gets them chosen at random?"

The Hokage nodded, "Yes, You will find that it can simulate things very well. There will be occasions when you have to fight a fresh enemy after being exhausted, or fight someone who is wounded and desperate. Of course there is the very real chance that two combatants will remove each other and the person with a bye will have to substitute. You have one month to prepare for this final test. When your name is called you will draw a number. One will fight two and so on with the number nine getting the bye. The first person to draw will be TenTen."

The weapons mistress walked forward and drew the number 6. Next came Shino who drew 7 and Shikamaru who got 2. Then came the sand siblings Gaara drew 3, Kankurou 8, and Temari 5. After that was Sasuke who drew 4 and Naruto who drew 1. Kabuto didn't bother to draw since he was last and had won the bye. So the first round had Naruto fighting Shikamaru, Sasuke and Gaara, Temari and TenTen, and finally Kankurou and Shino.

The Kazekage sat down at the table in his spacious hotel room. His children and their teacher sat down as well.

The Kazekage spoke, "I'm very pleased with all three of you. Your skills are truly impressive for how young you all are. Now Temari before we begin tell me what you were able to learn about Uzumaki Naruto."

Kankurou and Gaara looked surprised and Temari couldn't look at them as she began her report, "He is twelve years old, blood type B, and his birthday is in October. He graduated six months ago. He failed two times previously. I was able to read information off of his file during the exam; it was taken right after his graduation. He was ranked with a C in ninjutsu, D+ in taijutsu, D in genjutsu, intelligence is D, force was ranked as C, and speed was also C. There were also two things I found interesting in his file. He had an A rank chakra and while his seals were ranked with a D the ones he does know are all advanced for a genin."

The Kazekage's eyebrow rose in shock, "They had that kind of information lying around during the exam?"

Temari shook her head, "It was that guy Kabuto. He had information cards on everyone who had taken the exam before and all the rookies from the leaf."

The Kazekage filed that away making a mental note to mention that to the Hokage. He continued, "What kind of person is he?"

Temari was silent for a moment, "He is a loudmouth. He doesn't care about formalities and doesn't respect anyone based solely on reputation or because of family status. However those that he does respect he will defend to the end. In fact he is extremely loyal to anyone he considers a friend. He is also extremely tenacious, as you saw in his battle. Also he is very kind. I have to say sir… I think he is a good person."

Nodding he continued, "What about his family?"

Temari answered, taking care not to mention the boy's dream about his mother. The more she had thought about it the more she felt terrible about eavesdropping on the boy's secret, and she hated the fact that he had seen fit to tell it to Sakura.

"He is an orphan. He has no knowledge of his family and it doesn't seem that anyone does. He has a small apartment in a poor district of the city. Although it does have an excellent view the Hokage monument."

The Kazekage was thoughtful, "His talents seem to correspond to what is known about the Uzumaki clan. Advance skills with sealing techniques, large stores of chakra, and unique qualities that their chakra posses. I would say that orange red chakra of his would qualify. Although his features don't fit in with what the clan was most likely to look like."

Temari was confused, "The Uzumaki clan? I haven't heard of them before. Were they a Konoha clan?"

The Kazekage shook his head, "No. They were from a small island country, Uzu no Kuni. They did have extremely close diplomatic ties with Hi no Kuni and Konoha. The country was targeted and destroyed because of their unique powers and skills. The clan members were scattered to the four winds and many gave up the name."

Temari asked, "What were the features you mentioned?"

"Their eyes were supposed to be the color of the ocean and their hair was a crimson red. Also their natural life spans were very impressive."

Everyone was silent. Finally the Kazekage continued, "Baki I trust you to make arrangements for your students training, but I will have some input on that now."

The teacher nodded as the Kazekage reached into his robes, "Kankurou this is for you. I trust you to figure out how to use this properly."

The boy's father slid a scroll across the table and the puppet user picked it up, "This is… Kuroari."

"Yes. It also has the manual and schematics for the puppet. You've shown me enough skill to make me think that you can handle two puppets at once. For the exam you should just focus on using Karasu to its fullest extent and then maybe working Kuroari if needed. Baki shall also prepare some info about your opponent. Temari you can work with Baki to improve your wind jutsu. Gaara will return with me to Suna and I shall train him myself there."

The others in the room were all stunned. Gaara quickly recovered however.

"I don't need your training. I will be fine on my own."

The Kazekage responded, "Oh? You got lucky that Rock Lee's body broke down."

"Even if it hadn't I still couldn't lose to someone like him. He can't use genjutsu or taijutsu."

"Well what if you fought someone who could use those?"

"They won't have his skill with taijutsu."

"You're forgetting that your first opponent has the Sharingan and has already stolen part of Rock Lee's style, and he is already faster than you with a month to train."

Gaara was silent before speaking, "Then I will create a new defense that no physical attack can break."

The Kazekage smiled, "Very smart, but you are forgetting something very important."

"What?"

"Hatake Kakashi. He's an extremely talented and experienced ninja and he wants his student to win. He will know your plan and he has a jutsu that could break any barrier made from you sand element."

Gaara stared into his father's eyes, "What is this jutsu?"

"You will have to come with me to find out."

Naruto shifted nervously as Sakura's parents were doting over their daughter. He was very nervous despite the fact they had barely acknowledged his presence and his teacher and friends were there as well. Motioning Kakashi led everyone out. Reaching the hallway everyone broke up except for Naruto and the three jounin team leaders. The boy stood in front of Kakashi and asked nervously.

"Will you train me for the exam?"

Kakashi shook his head, "I've already been asked by Sasuke."

"Well can't you train both of us?"

"No that wouldn't work. You both will be facing completely different opponents and therefore need two different kinds of training, and you need a lot of work on your basics before I can teach you any jutsus. Don't worry though I've got you a solid teacher who is very technically sound. Meet me at the tower tomorrow morning and I'll introduce you."

Naruto wanted to argue but he held his tongue and agreed before walking away.

Sakura held in a moan as she shifted in her bed. She was sore all over but she didn't want to upset her parents anymore than they already were. They ignored all her visitors as they left quietly behind them waving goodbye to Sakura.

Sakura's mother spoke, "I thought this was just a test and you come out looking such a fright! At least tell us you passed."

Sakura shook her head, "I didn't make it past the prelims of the last round."

Her mother continued to rant, "What about the girl that did this to you? I thought the sand were our allies."

Sakura shook her head, "We are but… that girl and I have two very different points of views about things and she is a lot more experienced."

Her mother wanted to keep yelling but her father spoke calmly, "Well at least your injuries aren't too serious but your doctor wants you to stay here tonight."

Sakura nodded thankfully and her mother spoke sourly, "How did you lose your hair though? It was so beautiful."

Sakura sighed, "It's a long story but the short of it is that it had to be done. Besides I think it was past time for a change."

That night a quiet had settled over Konoha. However for many ninja in the city their minds did not share the same peace. Temari was one of those ninja and it was with this storm in her mind she knocked on her father's hotel room door.

"Come in."

Temari opened the door and walked in front of the desk her father was sitting at. Her father motioned for her to take a seat on his bed and he pulled his chair to sit in front of her.

"What can I do you for you Temari?"

"Father… May I ask you a question?"

"You may ask but I may not be able to answer."

"I understand. I wanted to ask about my most recent mission. Why did you want me to spy on Na- Uzu- Naruto?"

The man's eyebrow rose, "Do I need a reason? Do you need justification for your missions?"

Temari shook her head, "No I don't need justification, but… I'm curious why you wanted to know about someone like him…"

The Kazekage was silent for a moment, "No, you wanted to know why I ordered you to find out about him specifically. Do you feel bad for spying on him?"

Temari answered quickly, "No but… I'm worried about how my information might be used. I can usually figure out how a mission will affect the village succeed or fail, but I just don't know how this information can be used in any way but to hurt…"

The Kazekage nodded, "All information is important in our world Temari even if it is never used. I have no intention of using this information to harm the boy and would only consider it if he became an immediate threat to Suna, and since you to seem to be friends and you stated earlier about loyal he was to his friends I don't ever see that being a problem."

Temari nodded feeling a little better. Her father asked, "Is there anything else?"

"No father."

The girl stood and made her way to the door. As she reached for the knob Kanbei called softly, "Your mother would be so proud of you Temari."

The girl smiled at her father and thanked him. When she reached her room she collapsed on her bed and began to cry.

Uzumaki Naruto was furious as he stared at his teacher in disbelief. Kakashi stared back in his calm way and it was only making Naruto angrier. The reason the boy was so furious was because again Naruto's request for training had once again been denied. This was after he had been introduced to Ebisu. Naruto had protested and revealed his past with the man to Kakashi who had told Naruto to suck it up. Ebisu left quickly with Naruto in tow to prevent the boy from revealing how the boy had bested him. Once they had left Ebisu managed to convince the boy to give him a chance to prove himself. Naruto had to evade Ebisu for five hours and if he did so then Ebisu would teach the boy a new skill and try to convince Kakashi to teach Naruto. Naruto was just able to evade the man for the time period so Ebisu taught the boy to water walk in a nearby stream. It took a couple of tries but Naruto was able to do it quickly. After the lesson Ebisu asked once more to make sure Naruto would not want to be his student, but the young boy would not relent so Ebisu led Naruto back to speak with Kakashi.

So it was that Ebisu explained the situation to Kakashi. The silver haired man sighed and spoke to Naruto, "I've already told you why I can't train the two of you."

Naruto replied quickly, "Then take me and give Sasuke to Ebisu."

Kakashi shook his head, "I can teach Sasuke more than Ebisu because of the Sharingan and I already promised him."

Naruto replied hotly, "Who are you kidding? You would have picked him even if you hadn't asked."

Kakashi got angry, "You're acting like a brat! If you want me to train you more intensely then you need to grow up."

A crowd of jounin had begun to form around them, "More intensely! The only skill you've shown me is tree walking!"

"I wanted you guys to learn teamwork first! That is far more important than any one jutsu!"

Naruto began to tremble with anger, "How can we build teamwork when you just sit around reading porn all day?"

Kakashi spoke in a harsh voice that Naruto hadn't heard before, "I won't hear anymore of this… Ebisu is who I have picked to be your teacher for the exam if you don't want to learn from him then don't."

"But…"

"Naruto! Go now. Please…"

Naruto stared into his sensei's eyes for a long moment. Finally he turned away and ran from his teacher and the staring crowd of jounin shouting as he did so, "Fine, I'll train by myself and I'll pass the damn exam then I'll become a chuunin and I won't be stuck with a lazy pervert as my teacher!"

Kakashi sighed and felt a great weight press down on his heart, 'Sensei please forgive my failures… I will make it up to him.'

Ebisu coughed, "I'm sorry Kakashi-sempai. I'll keep an eye on him."

Kakashi merely nodded and walked away.

Naruto ran. He ran from the tower and didn't stop until he was well outside the gate. He blinked back the tears that had been forming in his eyes and feel to his knees rubbing his eyes. He was pulled from his battle with his tears by a smooth voice.

"I didn't think Konoha ninja would cry in public like this."

Naruto looked up to see an older man with pure white hair, with odd kabuki clothes and make up, as well as a head band with the symbol for oil. In his right hand he had a pen and in his left was a familiar orange book. He responded quickly, "I'm not crying! I just got some sweat in my eyes during my run."

The old man smiled, "I see, and what are you doing running so far from the village? Aren't there still training grounds in Konoha?"

Naruto nodded, "Yeah but… I'm training for the chuunin exam finals and I wanted to get away from the village so no one can see what I'm working on."

The man's eyebrows shot up, "A gaki like you in the finals? Must have been a weak field."

Naruto growled, "What would you know about it?"

The man chuckled, "I know something about talent kid. I'm fairly well known as a teacher of ninja."

Naruto's eyebrows shot up, "You are?"

The man smiled, "Yes, I've trained a very famous student."

"Do you think you could teach me for the finals? I bet I could blow your old student out of the water. I'm going to be Hokage you know."

The man laughed, "Kid I've got better things to do with my time and I've already trained a Hokage. The Yondaime himself in fact, the greatest ninja to ever live."

Naruto's eyes lit up, "You trained the fourth! You have to help me then!"

The man laughed again, "Sorry kid."

As the man began to walk again Naruto went with him, "Please! The guy my teacher got to train me sucks. I gave him the slip a while ago."

The man shook his head, "Sorry, I'm far too busy. I have research to do for my next book. In fact before I get to the village I need to finish going over my last book."

The man raised the orange book and Naruto gave a shout, "That book! You wrote it?"

The man smirked knowingly, "You know about my books? Well you are a little young for them but-"

Naruto cut him off, "You're a pervert."

The man flinched but kept smiling, "No kid I'm a super pervert."

Naruto was surprised that the man admitted it, "What if I help you research could you train me then?"

The man shook his head, "No. Sorry again."

The man began to walk away again and Naruto yelled at him, "Fine, I'll show you along with Kakashi-sensei and everyone else that Uzumaki Naruto is the best genin and that I will be Hokage!"

The white haired man had stopped at the mention of Kakashi but he turned around when the boy said his name, "Did you say Uzumaki Naruto?"

The boy nodded and the old man stared at the boy intently. Naruto began to feel uncomfortable as the man's eyes shifted to his stomach where his seal was, "I'm not the Kyuubi."

The man looked startled but he shook it off, "I know that. Allow me to introduce myself I am the toad sage, Myouboku Mountain's monk, one of the legendary Sannin, and best selling author of the Icha Icha series. I am the gallant Jiraiya! I tell you what kid if you can help with my research I will train you."

Naruto jumped, "You will? You're the best Ero-sennin"

Jiraiya smiled, "I know… Wait Ero-sennin?"

AN: There we go. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. For those of you that might question how things went with Ebisu , I will point out that Orochimaru did not place the seal on Naruto and so wasn't hampered by that, and since he almost won the bet in canon with the seal I figured without it it would be no problem. Anyway please read and review.