Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters

Genin Of The Leaf

Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, and Jiraiya were all called into the Hokage's Office. They all had been waiting for the call all day. They were there to give a full report on what had happened and explain why they defied the Hokage's order not to take action. They all walked into the room and stood side by side in front of her desk. Kakashi had given the full report up to the point were they had to decide whether to go or wait for the ANBU.

"Ma'am we had to choose. If we waited then it might have been to late and the body switch would have been completed. If we went though there was a chance that one of our members could have been killed. It was Jiraiya-Sama who came up with the compromise to send a messenger who knew the location of the base. In exchange for excepting his plan, I was places in charge of the mission."

Tsunade looked at Jiraiya "So it was you? I really should have known, you've been like this since we were genin. Please continue Kakashi."

"From there we began to travel to the base which was seven days away. On the forth evening however we were attacked by the members of Akatsuki, Itachi Uchiha and Kisami Hohigaki. Jiraiya fought with Kisami, while Naruto, Sakura, and I fought with Itachi. Itachi was, as expected, strong but was killed by Naruto with his original jutsu."

Tsunade looked shocked "You mean he actually learned to control it?"

"Not exactly. It was still extremely unstable and used more chakra than it might have, but the raw power of it was strong enough to create a crater large enough for me to stand in and not be able to see over the top of the sides. In addition to this, the backlash of the explosion cut Naruto badly. All in all, I think that with practice the jutsu could be controlled better."

"After the encounter with Itachi and Kisami we proceeded to the base were we confronted Sasuke Uchiha. While we could not defeat him, the news of his brothers death sent him into a fury were we assume he killed Orochimaru."

Tsunade was in shock at this, her eyes were as wide as they could go "He is dead, truly?"

"Maybe" responded Jiraiya, the others looked at him in confusion "Tsunade it is possible that the body was a fake, we did not have enough time to examine the body. All of the sound nin were running around, not even bothering with us.

"Why is that?" Asked Tsunade

"When we left the base it began to explode. Possible special explosives placed there or a special jutsu. If Orochimaru was dead then Sasuke would have had no reason to destroy the base."

"That is just a guess though, right?" asked Sakura.

"Yes, it is just a guess, but it is entirely possible."

Tsunade looked worried "Please continue Kakashi."

"Once we left the base we continued on until we met up with Sai and the ANBU squad you had sent us. They delivered your message to return to Konoha. From there we went to the cottage and gathered anything we needed and came here. That is all."

"Very well. Sakura will you go and get the Elders. Tell them that Naruto has been called back to the village and that I will explain everything. Kakashi, Naruto you two are dismissed. Jiraiya, we must talk."

Jiraiya did not look happy at talking to his former teammate. He was the one who convinced the other to disobey her orders. As the others left the room he turned to Tsunade, a big smile on his, and started their 'talk', "Tsunade, I can explain everything. I just knew how close the ANBU would be cutting it and thought that you would agree if it was to stop Orochimaru. I promise I'll make it up however I can."

"Jiraiya" said Tsunade "I didn't want to talk about that. Do you really think Orochimaru might be alive?"

Jiraiya was calmed a little by the change in subject, but just as worried by the new topic. "Yes. I think it is very likely he swapped bodies, perhaps forcibly, or the body we found was a fake. Sasuke would have had no reason to destroy the base, as I said, and Orochimaru isn't one to die gracefully. I may not have any proof but it is too much of a possibility to ignore. If Orochimaru had been able to make the switch, then making it seem like Sasuke killed him would be in his favor."

"But how would Orochimaru know you would see the body? Is it possible that he is simply dead?"

Jiraiya looked at his former teammate. She was not one to age gracefully, her true face hidden by a genjutsu, she looked as if she were in her twenties. "It is possible, just as possible as him still being alive. Tsunade, these are the things we must live with and prepare for. We will do what we must to protect the Leaf, so we must be ready for Orochimaru to return."

"Right" said Tsunade. As Jiraiya turned to walk out the door Tsunade called his name "Jiraiya," she said "there is still the matter of you disobeying my orders. I do believe you said you would make up for it however you could?"

Jiraiya had a bad feeling about this.

"The Hokage's image could always use a boost. There is a Chuunin exam coming up and…" It was every bit as bad as he feared.

Jakon jumped and kicked, punched hitting the targets in a very precise order as fast as he could. He blurred from one to the next to the next. Finally all of the targets were destroyed. His mother called his time "Two- hundred targets in twenty seconds. Well not nearly as good as mine or Lee's but it's good for now."

Jakon's mother, a slim woman with the same red eye's and white hair and skin as her son, stood next to Rock Lee, both of whom had watched over his training for the past two months. Lee and Jakon had become fast friends and when his mother had to be away on missions Lee tried to oversee his training as best he could.

The young boy had grown fast with the intense training his mother gave him, though still no were near as fast as her or Lee. When he wasn't training he was doing missions with Captain Yamato and Hanabi. Neither of them knew what had happened to Naruto. They were assured that he was alive and safe, but he had just disappeared after they had gotten him to show them his new jutsu. That incident had left them both knocked out with only a couple of cuts and bruises to show for it.

Jakon had walked over to his mother, the youthful woman, being only thirty, put her hand on his head and messed up his hair. Jakon saw behind her Captain Yamato walking around the house to the backyard were they were practicing. He told his mother he was here and all three of them turned to greet him.

"Hello Captain Yamato" said Jakon and Lee, both being of a lower rank. Korina gave a pleasant head nod, being a jounin. "Why are you here today?" asked Korina "Has my son skipped a mission so he could train again?" She gave a little laugh, but when Jakon had skipped a mission so he could train, she had been furious and had beat her son till color showed in his face.

"No " said the jounin "I have come here to get him. We are going to see Naruto today. He has just come in and I think it's appropriate for him to become reacquainted with his teammates."

"Captain, where has Naruto been for the past two months?" he asked walking over to Yamato.

"Naruto was sent into an exile of sorts. He was not supposed to use the jutsu he showed you unless I was there. It may seem like it was harsh, but it had it's purpose. Come on, we have to get Hanabi still."

The duo walked from the former Uchiha residence towards the Hyuga household. Jakon asked why Naruto using the jutsu was so bad.

"Because, Jakon, it was very dangerous. Using the jutsu could have killed not only the two of you, but also many others."

They arrived at the manor shortly after. They told the guard at the front gate why they were there and they proceeded to the courtyard. Inside the courtyard Hanabi sparred with her father. Hiashi had refused to let the sisters spar, in case one of them was hurt.

Hanabi weaved in and out snaking hits at her father when they appeared and blocking of dodging his hits when he attacked. He was giving out commands of what he was doing and sometimes telling her what to do. Seeing the two with his Byakugan, his last command was 'Kaiten'.

He struck straight at his daughter. Hanabi began to glow, as she pushed chakra out of all her chakra pores, and then she spun around creating a white orb around herself. Her father's attack was pushed back and he jumped back from the energy ball.

Jakon was surprised to say the least. He had seen Hanabi's cousin perform the defense once, he did not know when she had learned it. While their group did continue to do missions together, they had been training by themselves or with their families.

Yamato came closer, some of the other family members who were in the courtyard had begun to clap for the magnificent fight. Yamato bowed to Hiashi, giving all the respects that were due to a clan head. "I am sorry to disturb your training Hanabi, but Naruto-kun has returned from his seclusion and I would like the team to get together."

"Yes, of course. Yamato there is something I wished to ask you first." Said Hiashi.

"Yes, what?"

Hiashi looked at his daughter and smiled, then looked at Yamato "Do you intend to enter team fifteen into the chuunin exams in two months?"

Yamato looked concerned "I'm not sure yet. Either you or me or any other in this household could tell them how hard the chuunin exams are. I wish to make sure they are not only physically prepared but mentally as well."

"Ah but you cannot truly prepare them mentally for the exams. It is impossible. I ask you to consider it. Would Naruto be able to compete, since the seal is slowly failing?"

Yamato looked the older man straight in the eye's "That is not something to bring up in front of ignorant ears, Hiashi."

The clan head looked at the two genin, he had forgotten they were there for a moment. His eye's still lowered "Yes, forgive me, I forgot myself." Hanabi was shocked to hear and see her father so humbled by words.

"But he can compete and has once before." Went on Yamato "There shouldn't be any problem, nothing has happened recently."

Hanabi and Jakon were lost to the meaning of the conversation now. Soon though Yamato took them and left to go meet Naruto.

Naruto and Kakashi were walking to the ramen stand when Yamato, Hanabi, and Jakon found them. Naruto saw the group and put a huge smile on his face. He had not seen his small group for two months and had been worried about them. Naruto ran up to Hanabi and Jakon giving a big laugh "Its been so long since I've seen anyone, its great to see you guys. The happy procession went to the ramen stand together and began to talk about what had happened in Konoha, though Naruto noticed that Hanabi seemed to stare at Kakashi.

While team fifteen was reuniting Tsunade had called the Elders to he office. As they entered she stood up and greeted them "Homura, Koharu I am glad you came." The elderly man and woman sat down on the chairs in front of Tsunade's desk. The two had been on the third Hokage's team when they had all been younger and were far older than Tsunade. Homua had her gray hair up in a bun and Koharu had his coming down the side and back of his head, tucked under his black framed glasses.

"Yes Tsunade, we have much to talk about." Said the elderly woman "What is this about Naruto Uzumaki being called back to the village? I hope you have a good reason for doing this without consulting us."

"It is the same reason why he should have been kept on active duty," said Tsunade "his life was put in danger by Akatsuki. While he was away he was attacked by Akatsuki."

"Impossible!" said Hamaru

"I told you he would still be in danger if he were to stay in one spot. By locking him away, like he was, the Leaf was in more danger than ever. You know better than anyone what the Nine-tails is capable of. Itachi Uchiha had very nearly taken Naruto, so I have brought him back to the village. If Akatsuki attacks here they will find it much harder than in a secluded area."

"Yes" answered Konaru "It is for the best after all. But we must figure out something."

"We will" reassured Tsunade "But you must listen to me. I have gotten to know Naruto better than most people in Konoha. I know of some of what he feels. We can protect him only for so long though, eventually he will have to confront those who are perusing him."

"Let us pray that day is far away still." Were Homaru's last words.

Team fifteens day together had almost come to an end. Yamato and Kakashi had left to do some paper work and now Jakon, Naruto and Hanabi all walked side by side down a street towards the Hyuga manor. Naruto had been happy to hear that they had been ok after he had used his jutsu and how their training had come. Naruto now asked Hanabi a question that had been bothering him all day.

"Hanabi, why were you staring at Kakashi-sensei all at lunch today?"

The question had caught the Hyuga member off guard, she had been in awe that she was meeting Kakashi Hatake, the Copycat ninja. She didn't want them to know that she, a member of the prestigious Hyuga clan, had been practically giddy inside "Well, it was Sharingan Kakashi," she said calmly "How many times am I going to see some one as strong as him?"

Naruto looked at the girl, then with a big smile on his face he yelled "You have a crush on Kakashi."

You idiot. How could he even think something that ridicules "Naruto! Your and idiot, you know that." she said and walked on by herself.

Jakon let out a little laugh and asked Naruto when Hanabi was out of hearing "Why did you do that? You know she's likely to kill you for that, right?"

The big smile had never left his face "Aww, I'm just joking, she needs to lighten up a little."

Jakon laughed and asked Naruto "Hey, you want to come to meet my family. We've meet Hanabi's family and she's met mine, now it's your turn."

"Sure, I don't have anywhere to be."

Jakon led the older boy to the former Uchiha quarter. Now there is only one left thought Naruto as he entered the area Now I just have to bring him back.

As they walked up to Jakon's house Naruto wondered which of these houses had been were Sasuke lived, were Itachi had started killing his entire family. He shuddered at the thoughts that came unbidden.

When they entered the small house a man in blue and black robes came down the stairs to the right of the entrance, he had short brow hair and he had a scroll on a clip board "Oh Jakon your home, Mishi will have dinner ready in half an hour." He then saw Naruto behind Jakon "Oh who is this?"

Father this is Naruto Uzumaki, he is on my team. I invited him to meet you and the rest of the family."

"I see. Well your grandfather is in the back room with your mother. It may be best to wait for him to leave before introducing him to your mother."

When the man had went back up the stairs Naruto asked Jakon, "Why doesn't he want your grandfather to meet me?"

Jakon looked at Naruto a grim look on his face "Grandfather is always thinking about the clan. He doesn't like 'outsiders', as he calls them. He is afraid that others will try and steal our jutsu or training techniques. Because of this the only people from outside the clan he will personally meet are representatives of the Hokage and elders or a member of one of Konoha's Four Noble Houses. He gladly meet with Hanabi, hoping to gain some measure of friendship with one of the clan. He thinks that if one of the four noble clans will invite us in, then the clan will become more accepted in Konoha."

"What do you mean? You get along great with everyone from what I see. Isn't the clan excepted?"

"Naruto, I am one person. At the academy I was ostracized because of my clan. Many people in Konoha still see us as enemy from the Lightning county."

"What's with people in this village and trying to give labels and positions to everyone. Who cares if you came from the Lightning country, or if a person is of a different branch of a certain family. Its all just stupid."

"Yes it is, young man," said a voice from the door behind Naruto "But that is how the world works."

Naruto turned around and saw a slim woman, her forehead protector around her waist, with red eyes and all white hair and skin like Jakon's. Next to her was an elderly man, his hair all white and his skin defiantly paler than a normal persons. He held a walking stick in his right hand and wore long black robes with a white, four pronged star on the breast and shoulder. It was his eyes that stood out to Naruto though, they were a dark, blood red color, were as Jakon and the woman who stood next to the old man had bright red eye's.

Jakon bowed down before elderly man saying "Grandfather" then turned to the woman and said "Mother."

The elderly man however walked forwards and looked Naruto over "How old are you?"

"I'm fifteen, sir."

"You may call me Jakaron. What is your name?"

"Naruto Uzumaki, Jakaron-Sama. Why do you…"

"Hush boy, I did not tell you to speak." The elderly man looked at Naruto carefully "Naruto Uzumaki? Yes I have heard of you. It is said you are a dangerous person to be around. Now why would that be? You speak against such titles and positions as if you intend to change it. Well do you?"

Naruto looked at the man curiously "Yes, because one day I will be Hokage of the Leaf."

The man gave a little laugh "Even a Kage is only so powerful. You could not make a law that says there ill be no more labels to put on people, that there will be no more positions to give people in society. Those names and positions are placed without any mans consent. How would you change such a thing?"

"I would change the peoples minds, their hearts." Answered Naruto.

The man gave Naruto a little smile and a laugh "Perhaps you are called dangerous because you bring change with you." Then "Do you fight against these names because of the one that is given to you, Jinchuuriki?"

The woman at his side gave a small cry "Father! It is forbidden."

Naruto gave a low growl, his face in a snarl, that was the title he hated most "What right does anyone have to give me such a name?"

"It is a name for what you are. You are as much an outcast for your name as our clan for were we are from, we are brethren in our exile. Your dream is a worthy one, but you seek a title to get rid of all titles. If you are Hokage, then that is one more thing that separates you from all others." The old man turned from the shocked Naruto, and looked at the woman "Goodbye Korina, I will see you tomorrow." Then he walked out the door. Without giving a second look.

Jakon had had heard the whole conversation but was confused "Naruto what is a Jinchuuriki."

"Jakon" said the woman "That is something you are not ready to hear yet." She turned to Naruto then and said "Naruto Uzumaki, we did not formally meet yet. I am Korina Orashi, Jakon's mother. Please forgive my father. He is very free willed in his old age, he did not mean to insult you like that. It might not seem like it, but by how he talked to you it seems like he liked you. I have seen him go as far as hitting a person with his walking stick because he didn't like them."

Naruto looked at Jakon and his mother and a question crossed his mind. When Korina left the room Naruto asked Jakon "Hey I don't mean to be mean, but why do you and your mother have no color in your skin or any of that and your eyes are red."

Jakon looked at Naruto and gave a little laugh "I wondered why you never asked that before. It's the jutsu that our family use, they take the pigment out of the body the more you use them. If I were to not use my jutsu for a month or so I would have a little color in my skin again. My father isn't a shinobi so his skin never changed."

Naruto nodded his head the entire time, than "So what's pigment?"

Naruto left that night with Jakon and his mother waving him goodbye.

Naruto, Hanabi, and Jakon fell back into the habit of doing missions together and training. Naruto trained with Yamato and Kakashi, Hanabi trained with her father and Hinata, and Jakon trained with his mother and Lee. Time seemed to pass by quickly for the group and it did not seem like very long until the chuunin exams had arrived and it was time to pick the canidates.

Please review and tell me: would you rather have me write out every fight that occures in the third exam or just the ones that will matter?