Chapter 10

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS, I ONLY OWN HASHAMANI AND THE OTHER OCs I USE!

Speech and thought

flashbacks

DEMON

DEMON EMPHASIS

JUTSU

A/N: Last chapter was filler, I hate writing fillers but sometimes they are needed. This will be mostly filler but it will also explain a few things that happened in the village while Naruto was out training with ero-sennin.

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(Flashback Oct 10th, 2am Forest outside of Konoha)

'Its been three days since I left the village, I had to have lost them by now.' Twilight's setting in as the sun sets as a young man withblue hair, a blue tunic, beige pants and brown boots with a custom made katana strapped to his back hops from tree to tree as fast as he can to put as much distance as possible between himself and his former teammates. 'I have to stop for the night, If I get lost in these woods I'll never make it to Konoha.' Dante think to himself as he sets up under a large tree hoping to make it through one more night.

Early morning sunrise, dew is in the air. *Twig snaps* Dante wakes up and moves his head just as a shuriken whizzes past his ear. 'Crap they caught up already?'

"We found you Dante, Mizukageis not happy with your actions in the lightning country and sent us to keep you from getting to Konoha." A voice with a timbre so deep it shook Dante bones.

"YOUR NOT GONNA STOP ME HATA. I'VE HAD IT WITH YOUR NO MERCY TACTICS!" 'This isnt gonna be easy, especially since everywhere Hata goes, Sonja goes to.'

'Ok I gotta move fast or I wont make it.' *fast had signs* "NINPO: KIRIGAKURE NO JUTSU!" (Ninja art: Hidden Mist Technique) *Fast hand signs* "NINPO: MIZU-BUNSHIN NO JUTSU (Ninja art: water clone technique)Dante jumps into the trees as Hata and Sonja move in on the clone. Once they realize it isn't Dante they take off through the trees after him, thanks to the dense mist they don't see the exploding tags.

*BOOM*

"DAMN YOU DANTE!! You wont get away for long." The alto voice of the female shinobi that was after him called as they backed off because they knew that explosion would be heard.

Dante sprint through the trees as ast as he can. 'I was closer than I thought, I can see the main gate......' would have been a comforting thought if not for the insane laughter that came from his female former teammate.

"HAHAHAHAHA, That was fun Dante, but we are from the same village remember, your water clone didn't fool us for a minute." She said withso much mirth it was sickening as she landed in front of him.

'Damn you Sonja' Dante thought as he glared coldly at her while throwing a kunaithat if connected would take her out, but instead simply sailed through the laughing teen. "SHIT! A simple bunshin."

Before Dante could attack again he heard the yell of a jutsu he knew he didnt like "NINJA ART: EARTH PRISON JUTSU!" (sorry don't know the name in Japanese) but because of the exploding notes Hata wasn't fully recovered yet so his technique was slow and allowed Dante time to get out of the way before the dome fully covered and converged on him. Unfortunately Sonja was still lurking about and as Dante rolled away from the dome a shuriken grazed past his arm causing him to jump back into some bushes.

'DAMN IT! Sonja and Hata I can take one on one, but together is something I never tried before....UGH! No wonder we were the best team in Kiri.' Again taking refuge in some thick brush Dante tried to assess the situation.

'OK I know my Genjutsu is better than Hata but if Sonja releases it I'm no match for his Taijutsu. Well I guess I can try this jutsu.' he thought as he checked his pouch for whatever was left. 'And I have a few exploding tags left, I hope this works.' Flowing through a small series of hand signs Dante exclaimed loudly "Ninja Art, Black Rain Jutsu"

As Black cloud forms over the area and oil falls. Dante Jumps high into the air and throws his kunei with an exploding tag on it into the direction of Hata and Sonja making the area and explode and ignite. landing back on a tree Dante takes of for Konoha.

Again all that could be heard over the sounds of the fire crackling on the oil was the sound of Sonjas laugh which caused enough of a distraction for Hata to cast his jutsu "Ninja Art, Earth prison Jutsu."

'Shit I cant get out of this one.' Were Dante's lastthoughts before he was enveloped in something cold, wet and slimy. Feeling the presence behind him Dante slowly looked around until his eyes rested on the figure of a large man in red and grey robes with long white hair. The vision of this man made Danteseyes widen with shock and awe. "The toad Sannin himself!"

"That's right kid, today's your lucky day." Came the baritone voice if Jiraiya, taking up his stance of both arms out, one in front of him and the other behind as he rotated his head and neck in a circle before hopping on one foot from right to left before stopping in the same pose he started "I AM THE ONE, THE ONLY, THE WORLD FAMOUS, GREATLY APPRECIATED OFTEN IMITATED BUT NEVER DUPLICATED! THE TOAD SENNIN....JIIIRAIIIYA!!"

It would have probably been one of the funniest things the young mist shinobi had ever seen in his life....if he wasn't so tired from running and drained of chakra. He did manage a slight chuckle and smile before finally passing out.

(END FLASHBACK)

"The next thing I know woke up here." The azule haired ninja explained to Shizune as she checked his vitals on the now awake boy. "I take it the Hokage hasn't been informed that I am here yet or she would be here talking to me herself huh."

Shizuneof course being herself smiled warmly at the boy while checking the IV in his arm. "One of the guards that found you with the toad and brought you here was sent to find and inform her of the situation."

(Present Konoha outside Namikaze mansion 1pm)

The house really was huge. It was made of beautiful white marble on the outside with big bay windows acing the gate and encompassing white wall that protected the establishment.

"Ahh the memories. He summoned his first toad for her their next to that stone....and that was her first garden over their." The busty Hokagereminisced to herself as she stood in front of the locked wrought iron gate with an orange swirl in the middle. "Now all I have to do is get some of Narutos blood from the hospital so we can start decorating...only got six hours before showtime." She continued to muse to herself as she slowly walked away and down the road headed to the hospital.

Before Tsunade could even get a block from the house however one half of the gate guards Izumo Kamizuki appeared before her down in front of her on one knee. "HOKAGE-SAMA! I come with urgent news."

IT was one of those situations where you just don't know if your supposed to continue or not and the poor chuunin guard was in just that predicament. Annoyed and impatient Tsunade had her arms crossed under her chest and her foot tapping. "OK so spill it already, and it better be important. We still have to set up for Narutosbirthday party." she said with her frustration obvious because of the interruption.

"H..HAI!." Izumo finally managed to sputter out under the gaze of his upset leader. "Sometime early this morning, before Kazekage-sama and his siblings arrived the ANBU heard an explosion outside of the main gates in the forest while they were on their way back from patrol. When they went to investigate the site of the explosion they found a chuunin from Kirigakure no sato, as well as signs of a struggle withat least two other shinobi. The chuuninwas passed out but had a toad with him that explained that Jiraiya had intervened and chased after the other shinobi both also from Kiri." He explained quickly noticing that the Hokages glare became more and more infuriated. "However the chuuninthat was with the toad was exhausted and injured and has been that way in the hospital until very recently. Shizune thought it best not to find you and report to you until they boy was awake and you were able to talk to him." he finished his report as fast as he could and again bowed on one knee.

A headache was coming on and it was one that Tsunade knew wouldn't go away easily or any time soon. Squinting her eyes closed tightly while rubbing the bridge of her nose. "OK, OK fine, lets go. I assume ANBU are guarding him. Which ones are the?" She asked still perturbed at the new situation.

"Crane, Monkey and Ferett."

"Alright, I'm heading their now anyway so you find Iruka and tell him to meet me their in five minutes. I will give him a vile of Narutos blood and the way to open that gate tell him to begin setting up for Narutos party. Here's an invitation so he knows what should and shouldn't be their....make sure if Jiraiya shows up that I explicitly prohibit ANYTHING Icha Ichaorientated." and with those final words she left the chuunin guard on his own as she hopped from roof top to roof top to get to the hospital faster.

(Akamichi BBQ 1:30 pm)

The Ino-Shika-Chotrio, bothclassic and new version were gathered around a large wooden table witha fire pit in the middle with pork pieces sizzelingon it. It was a typical scene as the adults held a conversation between themselves while Ino dominated the conversation between the youngsters. "So the party theme is something called Italy....whats Italy?" she asked completely confused.

"Apparently its a country on another continent. Known mostly for foods called pizza and pasta which is supposed to be some other kind of noodle." Came the voice to everyones shock which belonged not to either of the Naras but to Choji who was examining the invitation like Ino had until he came across two black and white pictures at the bottom. "Theirs a dress code to."

That got everyones attention. "Yea...wow that's different. I've never seen anything like that before....It also says that the necessary clothes have been delivered to our homes already and theirs enough for our families too." came Inos excited voice at the proposition of more new clothes.

Even if they did'nt know it both Nara men had the xact same thought just then. "TROUBLESOME!" It was the younger of the father and son duo to speak up first. "So hes gone for three years, comes back with two unknown kunoichi and now wants us to dress up for his party...think we can just send a gift and card?" He asked slowly turning to his father.

"As troublesome as it is, I know your mother has probably already tried on whatever garb Naruto had sent to us, so I think we're stuck son." Againtheyhad the same thought but this time verbalized them. "Troublesome blonds." This however didn't go over well withthe father daughter blond duo they were seated with.

It could have been worse. Instead of a ten minute tirade from Ino about hair color not being an issue, it could have lasted all day and Shikamaru and Choji knew that from personal experience. That was until something more interesting came into the restaurant.

Of all the places to eat in all of Konoha, they just had to come into this one. Gaara, Temari and Kankuroall walked in looking as they usually did with one exception. The exception didn't come from Temari who was her normal watchful self, taking in everything around her. Or even from Gaara who had his life long expression of uninterested plastered across his face. No, no, the exception belonged to the middle of the sand siblings Kankuro who instead of being almost expressionless as his brother, was now grinning widely and looked as crazy as a loon as he took a big whiff causing him to salivate uncontrollably.

"MMM, pork, beef, chicken, steak....just the smell alone is making my mouthwater." He said wipe wiping his mouth.

Now no one was really all that comfortable being around Gaara, especially after in invasion. They had all heard that he had changed for the better, even becoming the Kazekage but some lingering doubts still remained and that was normal. That's not to say they weren't willing to give him and his siblings a chance cause if their is one thing you learn from living in the same village as Naruto, its to never EVER judge a book by its cover and never listen to hearsay and gossip.

Standing and waving to the trio was the one woman welcome wagon herself. "GAARA! TEMARI! CATBOY! OVER HERE!" She yelled as the three finally spotted her, two of which were grinning at the thirds plight of not being remembered. That was until they noticed Choji elbow the blond and hastily whisper his name to her which got a laugh out of everyone. "Sorry about that Kankuro, but its been a while since we've seen you in the village, usually its Gaara for Kage business or Temari for liaison business."

"Yea well, that's why we're here. This places barbecue is famous even in Suna....Konoha has all the best for some reason, the best kekkei genkeis, the best food..."He said taking a big whiff of the cooking meat until and extremely cute in Kankuros opinion waitress walked by, "...The best women. I just might have to move here." Of course he knew when to shut up and get the focus off of himself because of the glares he was getting from his sister as well as the blond kunoichiwho's home village they were currently in. "Well at least I'll be able to visit when Temari and lazy ass Shikamaru finally get married. Whens that gonna be anyway?" He asked while turning his head slowly o is sister who had a look of unbridled fury about her, although that went awa when a spluttering noise got every ones attention because said lazy ass himself had choked on the water he was currently drinking when catboyopening his mouth.

"Aww whats the matter Shikamaru? Are you saying...in front of the Kazekage himself even, that you wouldn't wanna marry his sister?" She knew what he was doing, she knew the second she asked the question in her favorite sickly sweet false hurt tone of voice that she had trapped the lazy genius. But rather than answer he simply clammed up, crossed his arms and uttered only one word and of course it was his favorite word. "Troublesome."

The rest of the time at the restaurant past smoothly as Ino and Temari chatted about the the outfits for the party were gonna be like. The adults of the Ino-Shika-Chotrio along with Gaaraoccasionally giving his thoughts about whatever they were talking about continued their conversation although he mostly sat in silence with Shikamaru. The most entertaining of the bunch were Choji and Kankuro who were engaged in their own little eating contest, which ended abruptly when Kankuro fell out of his chair groaning about stomach pains, sweet delicious stomach pains.

(Konoha Hospital room 260, 1:30pm)

Tsunade listened to the weary Kiri shinobi withrapt attention and her headache and frustration grew with every word he spoke. "Se lemme get this straight, because of something that happened in Lightning country, you fled here. Now because you came here the Mizukage obviously wants you back, but you don't wanna go. But you wanna go back because you know that once you set foot in Kiri he will have you and possibly your entire clan executed...however if you really don't go back its guaranteed that your clan will be slaughtered. And on top of all of that your on the run because of something that could be detrimental to Konoha and Kiri that we could use as a bargaining chip to help you, but you wont divulge your mission parameters willingly. Did I miss anything?" She asked still more exasperated than when she started.

"Actually, yes you have Lady Hokage. My now former teammates Hataand Sonja will continue to search for me while negotiating with the Mizukage occurs. They will find a way into the village and when they do..." His voice trailed off at the end because he was sure that Tsunadeknew exactly what would happen. "Especially with the Kekkei Genkeis of this village, minus the Sharingan now that only Kakashi Hatake is the holder of the copycat eye. But the Byakugan as well as the Nara shadow wielding as well as the Yamanaka mind walking. Also I would like to add that I would willing give the information, I am simply looking out for my safety first however because I am in no shape to defend myself when Hata and Sonja come back."

It was a wonder that Tsunade wasn't institutionalized because of the crap that goes on around here. A rogue mist ninja, a crazy Kagewho wants to exterminate all bloodline limits and a blond knucklehead who's party she still has to set up for/ "OK, so before I leave to discuss our options with the council. " She shuddered at the thought of how that was gonna go. "Tell me about your former teammates, what are there abilities?"

Taking a deep breath Dante began to explain the skills that made his team the best in the mist. Sonja being a genjutsu specialist and Hata being a taijutsu specialist, leaving Dante as the Ninjutsu specialist. The little nugget of information about the other male member of the team surprised the seasoned Hokage and in quiet a pleasant way.

(Namikaze Mansion 3pm)

Iruka Umino, scarred nosed sensei of the academy, official shinobi rank of Chunnin, actual shinobi skill level unknown. "OK, according to the info we got from Lady Tsunade, Master Jiraiya and his notes about Naruto, Italy is famous for food....something called wine, which is apparently some kind of alcohol as well as something called the mafia. I guess that's where Naruto and Jiraiya got the idea for the outfits for tonight."

Anko Mitarashi, Head of the interrogation department, official shinobi rank of Special Jounin, snake summoner, infatuated with forementioned chunnin because of his own lack of interest in said woman. "Great. So we have to what? Make this place look like a restaurant slash vineyard slash gangster headquarters?" She said annoyed that she got roped ino helping set up for the big party that night.

Iruka was shocked to say the least, the the snake crazy, man hating woman was so knowledgeable about the foreign land.

"What? Naruto wasn't the only person to ravel and learn from one of the Sannin ya know." She said smirking at the slack jawed face of Iruka.

It didn't take long for the pair to turn the living room and kitchen into a luxurious replica of an Italian bistro and bar which was under Hokagesorders to be well stocked with every kind of alcohol in Konoha as well as a few bottles of win. It was obvious of the way Tsunade was gonna spend her time at this party.

(Hokage Tower 5pm)

Its just a speech, that's all, just some words in front of a crowd. Its not that hard, Hokages have to speak in front of crowds all the time, I only have to say a little bit and then I can leave...."UGH! Almost forgot about the village promotions...lets see, three new jounin and two chunnin." Tsunade continued to pace around her office getting more and more frantic at remembering last minute details and having to worry about the villaged reactions to the promotions, the threat of Kiri shinobi showing up and Narutos party going off without a hitch. "GRR, I'm getting to old for this shit."

It was nearly six o'clock when Tsunade finally took her place on the freshly erected stage and podium. A large mass of villagers and shinobi alike had gathered to hear what their Hokage and leader had to say. Looking around she saw many familiar faces all smiling and enjoying themselves, Konohamaru the grandson of Sandaime Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was seen with his friends Udon and Moegi but was mostly drooling at how the young redhead had developed over the years. She then spotted the familar site of blond hair and red and orange clothing smiling widely and waving like a fool at her which caused her to smile back, she also noticed that next to him on his right was Ino who had spent quiet a bit of time with her fellow blond and on his right was the new Kunoichi Haku who simply looked happy to be near him...though it worried her a little that Naruto was oblivious to them both obviously having feelings for him. The most noticeable though of the crowd was the pink hair of Sakura some three rows behind her favorite blond and staring daggers at him. 'If she ruins anything today I will make sure shes NEVER let out of the jail this time.' Tsunade thought to herself knowing what Sakura would either do or try to do.

Waving her outstretched hands the crowd all turned their attention to their leader and quieted down.

"My fellow villagers! It is my honor to stand here today on this glorious day. The day of upon which the Kyuubi no Kitsune was defeated by our greatest shinobi and strongest Hokage, The Yondaime, Minato Namikaze!" At this the crowd erupted in cheers for there for-mentioned savior.

Waving her hands again the audience once again settled down. "Today we celebrate the Yondaimes ultimate sacrifice. For without sacrafice their can be no change and without change where would we be? So in keeping with change I am honored to announce the promotions of three new Jounin and two new Chunnin! I ask now that these three shinobi please come up here, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka and Shino Aburame!"

Again the crowed grew loud with applause for the three chunnin that made their way up to the stage to stand beside their leader. Ino was smiling widely while Shikamaru had his eyes closed and simply stood their as though he was asleep on his feet. Shino was again hidden behind his sunglasses and large collar which was now accompanied by a hood over his head making it nearly impossible for anyone to see anything of his face.

For the third time Tsunade had to quiet down the crowd by raising her arms. "I am proud to stand before you and bestow upon these three exceptional shinobi the ranks of Jounin, for without them our village would not be thriving as it has been since the invasion of Sound and Sand. Each of them has in their own way kept Konoha thriving and safe. Now please when I call your name please step forward."

Taking a dark green colored vest from Shizune who appeared holding them on her other side called first "Ino Yamanaka. For your prowess and excelling as a field medic, as well as second in command of the interrogation squad under Anko Mitarashi. " Handing Ino her vest and giving the girl a slight hug she continued with her praise. "During the last three and a half years Ino has proved to be a double dose of trouble for our enemies, not only being one of our best medics, but also as an interrogator, upon which she has helped in the stopping of several attempts on not only my life as Hokage but on the village as well!"

"Next, please step forward Shino Aburame!" Amongst the crowd a steady humming was coming from the front of the crowd and off to the left, looking their both of Shinos parents were standing their covered in their usual grey high collared coats, and the hived in their body's humming with pride. "Shino Aburame. Head of tracking squad Delta, along with the information gathered from Ino Yamanaka during her interrogation sessions with Anko, Shino along with his squad and his kikai bugs have cut supply lines for Oto, Rock, and Mist armies thus securing non combat situations and a safer environment for Konoha." As she handed him his vest the buzzing from Shinos parents was growing louder and louder until he stepped back and all became silent.

"Finally our final promotion to the rank of Jounin goes to Shikamaru Nara." At the call of his name the lazy genious gave a sigh and stepped forward still with his eyes closed. "Shikamaru has proved himself though lazy, is a master strategist. Along with his father and ther rest of the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio has mapped, surveyed and come up with many ways to trap, maim and immobilize our enemies as well as ensure that Fire country is sufficiently prepared for any and all spies that may find themselves heading towards Konoha." Handing the pineapple haired young man his vest he simply nodded and stepped back in line with Shino and Ino. "I present to you our newest members of the Jounin ranks."

with that the crowd again cheered and applauded. "Now my friends I bid you to have fun and enjoy the festival." at Tsunades last words blue, red, green and purple fireworks flew up into the air and exploded in a brilliant shower of sparks and displays. 'Thank god that's over, I can promote Konohamaru and Hanabi to chunnin later in my office.'

Turning back to the three new jounin she smiled "Remember you three the party starts at seven, so get home and get ready." with her reminder she shunshined away in a swirl of leaves and left the three behind.

(Namikaze Mansion 7pm)

It was finally time for the party and everyone was their dressed to the gills for the event. The women were all wearing the same style dress only in different colors, It was a floor length dress made of silk with a slit on the right side that went up to the mid thigh, along with bicep length white gloves and high heels. Tsunade was in her normal grey color, her breasts barely managing to stay in the strapless gown and her hair in curls around her shoulders and down her back. Shizune was dressed in her usual black, Ino in purple, Hinata in lavander who was chatting with Tenten who was wearing pink. Shikara Nara was wearing dark green, Inoue was wearing a lighter shade of purple but was still similiar to her daughter. Temari was wearing a tan dress of course being the only sand kunoichi their. Ayame being the only non shinobi at the party was wearing a beautiful shade of dark blue. Haku and Hashamani were also their dressed in their respected colors of Haku in Ice blue and Hashamani in a light lime green. Anko who was conversing with Kurenai in a shadowy corner was wearing a black dress while the red eyed jounin was wearing red to match.

The men ere no slouches themselves being dressed in thee piece pinstripe suits with silk shirts, black ties and black toed shoes with their respective colors on the rest of it along with hats called fedoras. Jiraiya ho was talking with Gaara was in his black suit with a red shirt and pinstripes while Gaaras was the same except that his color was tanned to match his sister, as well was Kankuros. The Nara men Shikaku and Shikamaru were wearing dark green stripes and shirts with green on their shoes to match their matriarchs dress. Kakashi had been allowed to wear his mask which went well with the silver stripes and shirt which was the closest to traditional of everyone their. Of course you could leave it to his eternal rival and Naruto for giving it to him, a green suit with black stripes which matched his student lee. Neji wore a color similar to Hinatas but not quiet as light on his shirt and stripes. Asuma wore navy blue stripes on his suit. Inoichi like the rest of his family had some shade of purple on his suit. Choji and Chouza had brown on theirs, unfortunately their family was incomplete with Chouza wife unfortunately being sick as he informed Tsunade. Shino and Kiba were seen talking with former teammate Hinata as well as Tenten, each of them wearing their suits, Shinos having grey stripes and Kibas having white to match Akamarus fur who was unfortunately too large for the home with this many guests.

"Alright everyone Naruto will be down in a minute, I know this was all his idea...however Jiraiya hadn't actually taught Naruto how to dress in these get ups, he simply found them in a book and thought they looked cool so hes having a bit of difficulty with all the buttons." Tsunade said as a small laughter went around the room of the elaborately decorated mansion living room. That was until an audible gasp could be heard coming from Ino as she was staring at the stairway which now had Naruto descending it.

Like the rest of the suits it was custom made and fit him perfectly. The suit was of course black and pinstriped with a black pinstriped vest and black ties, but since Naruto had developed a bit of a fashion sense he had lost his old color and thought that since it was his birthday it would be ok to indulge a little. The stripes on the vest and suit were a stunning orange, as was the shirt but it wasn't over the top and excessive. His shoes of course were the same color. The fedora that adorned his head was black felt with a silk orange back around the base.

Taking off the har and tipping it to the crowd another gasp filled the room. Knowing Naruto meant knowing that he had the wildest hair imaginable but now....now it was combed and not just combed but slick site of this man standing on the stairs made both Ino and Haku drool slightly, thankfully noone noticed nor did they notice each other.

Smiling down at everyone naruto could help but use his toothiest grin. "Thank you everyone for coming, I really appreciate it and you all look wonderful."

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Thats chapter 10. Another filler but and I hate it BUT it needed to be done. Next chapter on THTMTI its his party and he'll cry if he wants to....or make someone else cry! DUN DUN DUN!!!! However I wont be able to post for a couple of days cause I'm moving and Internet gets shut off tomorrow But it will be hooked up again soon and I will return. Please RNR.

Also I have decided on the final pairing for which this story will be....but I'm not gonna tell you right now, your just gonna have to wait for next time.