Hello everyone, here is the next chapter of Stone Strength. I'm sorry once again that the updates have been taking longer and longer to get out, but I'm trying. I try to write whenever I get a break but school has been hectic.

I want to thank the reviewers and urge everyone to review, or at least tell me what you think about the story. I'm trying to move things along nicely and keep an even flow. I think I'm doing ok, but there's always room for improvement.

Well I'm not going to ramble on forever, so lets get to it...

Chapter 9

The summer before Naruto's last year in the academy seemed to fly right before his eyes. Just like Roshi and him agreed, they continued training after there one month break. The training in particular wasn't very different compared to their previous training sessions, but it seemed like Roshi worked him even harder than he did before. The training really focused on his body, and Roshi pushed the young trainee to his limits. The first apparent increase in training started with his daily chore at the beginning of every practice session. Naruto was now responsible for bring 6 gallons of water to Roshi's estate instead of the previous 5. Everyday that Naruto did this he often wondered what Roshi did with this water. He never saw the water again after he left it at the estate.

His other body and strength training, on the contrary, was much more harsh and vicious than carrying water. Roshi explained that even though Naruto was fast his body strength, was a glaring weakness an enemy could take advantage of. To help increase this strength, Roshi made Naruto take pounding after pounding of small rock projectiles which he launched at the boy. Roshi thought the training was fun, but Naruto thought the old man was crazy. The training was simple: Naruto had to remain standing as long as he could. He had to learn to take a hit and keep going. Roshi often told him that if he wanted to be a speed freak, then nothing needs to be able to slow him down. He also explained the current Raikage was a perfect example of strength and speed.

Naruto's training was undoubtably tough and usually left him drained, but he refused to stop his summer training with Aizen. He didn't have much time to spend with his friend outside of school, so he took advantage of the opportunity.

"Man Naruto, this whole summer you been working extra hard. I mean I'm working hard to, but you look like you are gonna pass out every time we meet up."

"What can I say? Roshi-sensei is tough and he doesn't relent or slack off on me. I'm not complaining though, because I need it and I'm getting stronger."

"I can't deny that, but we haven't sparred in a while so I think I might have you covered," joked Aizen. He knew he couldn't best his friend and had a ways to go, but he refused to let Naruto know that.

"You keep on believing that Aiz, but your not on my level yet."

"Yeah, well as soon as I get this jutsu I'm working on down, we will see about that. Rin-sensei was even surprised when I showed her my progress on my masterpiece. She told me I need more control, but it's coming along nicely and is easily a B or A rank jutsu."

"Oh really? Man, you have made like 3 jutsu in the last couple months. That first numbing jutsu you made is pretty good," said Naruto.

Aizen laughed as he remember how it affected Naruto. For 2 days Naruto couldn't chew his food because he couldn't feel anything around his mouth. "That was a good jutsu and it took me a while to get it down. I have a few more to make before we graduate, but I don't know if I will have the time."

"Yeah time is something I wish we had more of Aiz. In one year we will be taking missions and traveling all over. I hope we are on the same team, but I'm sure they will split us because of our strength."

"Yeah, I can see us getting split up too, but no matter what I will have your back Naruto. I just pray for those we meet on the battlefield, cause they will get no mercy," stated Aizen.

Naruto simply nodded in agreement to his best friend. As they sat looking down on the village, both were thinking of there motivation to be the best. Aizen remembered how the Yamanaka took his father away, and Naruto remembered how Konoha tried to kill him. Both boys would show no mercy on the battlefield, especially against those from the leaf village.

"Well I will tell you one thing," spoke Naruto. "We definitely can't let up, I have dreams and goals, and you do to. We have to work on our weaknesses. That's why I have been so worn out lately. I'm not happy with where I am. You need to work on your weaknesses too Aizen."

"Yeah I know."

Rice Country

After fleeing Earth Country Orochimaru swiftly returned to his main base in Rice Country. He was not happy about how his Iwa trip went and his ninja could tell from the aura he was giving. 2 young naive shinobi suffered from the wrath of the Snake sennin by pestering him with questions as soon as he arrived. The first one was sent along courtesy of punch, and the second became a meal to Orochimaru's pet snakes. His troops let him be after that in fear of becoming one of his test subjects or experiencing bodily harm.

Orochimaru had to admit he wasn't expecting opposition from the Tsuchikage. Before he left the leaf, he had seen first hand how much the small man loathed Konoha and even when he was in Akatsuki he did missions for the small man. He was sure that Onoki would take the bait and be eager to help, but was proven wrong. The Snake sennin learned two things from his little talk and fight with the man.

The first was that Onoki was much stronger than he looked. Over time his skills as Kage and leader of his village didn't fade like his sensei's (Sarutobi), but rather became more honed and controlled as he grew older. It made him wonder why he used the services of Akatsuki, when he was so strong. The snake sennin figured that one man couldn't do everything, so that was why he used his former group. Orochimaru had no doubt that if he faced off against the man, he had a chance at losing. Those odds were not favorable or pleasant, so he knew it wouldn't be smart to overdue his stay. That was the reason he quickly retreated. There was no chance that the alliance would work, especially with Onoki's mind made up fiercely against him. Also to fight the Tsuchikage in his element was like suicide, and further more the man pulled no punches. If it wasn't for the two mud clones he made, Orochimaru knew he would have died.

The second lesson he learned was about himself. Since he completed the immortality jutsu and switched to his first new body, he hadn't encountered a situation that his body couldn't handle. The skirmish with Onoki, showed him something he overlooked, and that was the limits of his host's body. Orochimaru hated to admit defeat, but he faced it soon after he completed the jutsu. He desperately wanted to take Itachi Uchiha's body, and was sure he could do it being the elder and more experienced of the two. But he had been completely outclassed and outmatched by the younger man. It was this incident that sparked his troubles with his former group of partners in Akatsuki, and he had fled from the group shortly after. He knew he needed a body that was perfect, and the battle with Onoki showed him he wasn't in it now.

'This jutsu lasts for 3 years, and it has been a great test and example of how good my jutsu is. But I need a better stronger body. I'm regretting my efforts to find a cure for Kimimaro, his body would have been better than this one,' thought the serpentine man.

Without dwelling further on his troubles, Orochimaru made his way into his main office. Without Iwa's help in destroying Konoha, he had to make preparations on plan B. He had been hearing that Suna and it's daimyo where having problems. They would surely agree on an alliance, if he could twist those problems in his favor.

Before Orochimaru turned to his notebooks to work on his current projects, he thought about his fight with the Tsuchikage again. Onoki could have really killed him had he been serious. This train of thought led back to his immortality jutsu and then an idea popped into his head that he had long forgotten about.

'I think I have a new mission for Kabuto when he gets back. If I can't have Itachi's body, then I can have the next best thing.'

"Kuku...ku," he laughed.

Iwa

The school year in Iwa quickly began another year and many of the young shinobi in training were eager to be back. Naruto's class of 17 students had once again grown in number as 3 new students had joined making the total 20. Naruto and Aizen still stood unmatched at the top of the class, but it was apparent that other students had worked hard to better themselves over the course of the summer. When the time came for some of the students to leave to train with their co-op sensei's Naruto said a small parting to Aizen and rushed to Mt. Puma.

He made it to the base of the mountain swiftly in a short 3 minutes, and proceeded to immediately begin his pre-training ritual of bringing water up the mountain. As soon as he filled the two 3 gallon containers full of water, he heard his sensei's voice.

"Not today Naruto. You can skip on the water. We have some things to discuss and they are important. I want you to meet me at the summit where we meditate in 5 minutes."

"Hai Roshi-sensei!"

FLASHBACK

Two days before the school semester started again Roshi went to talk with Onoki about the next phase in Naruto's training. When he arrived he told the Tsuchikage that he should call Naruto's mother in to hear the news as well. They were currently waiting for Rin to arrive from the hospital, where she was teaching new medic ninjas.

"Tsuchikage-sama, Rin Yamashita has arrived and is ready to see you."

"Send her in Yuri," spoke Onoki to his personal secretary.

When Rin walked in she saw Onoki sitting in his usual chair, and Roshi standing off to his right side. It became apparent that this meeting would be important and most likely about her son, so she prepared herself for whatever news they had for her.

"Ah Rin, thank you for coming on such short notice. How are the medics coming along at the hospital?" asked Onoki to ease the atmosphere.

"Every week they are learning more and more, Tsuchikage-sama. Some in training show more promise than the others, but I have yet to meet a student with as much talent as young Aizen. He already has the skill of some chunnin in medical jutsu. He could probably teach at the hospital as well, if given the opportunity."

"Ah he is the best friend of Naruto correct?" asked Onoki once again.

"Yes those to are hard to break up at times," laughed Rin. "They work until exhaustion trying to better themselves, and they keep each other motivated."

"Well that is good to know and I look forward to what they are capable of in the future. We have called you in here to talk about your son after all," Onoki said pointing over to Roshi as the old redheaded man listened to them converse.

"Your are my son's sensei, Roshi I believe?" questioned Rin. "I have only seen you a few times, and Naruto talks about you all the time."

"Yes I am, and he has been a great student," replied Roshi. "I came here today to ask Onoki, if I could take him out of the village. It is for training and for his protection."

"What type of training is needed that he can't do here in the village?" asked Rin with hesitation. She had an idea, but hoped it was something else.

Roshi and Onoki looked at each other, and Onoki gave a nod to his former rival signaling him to explain.

"Naruto needs to begin learning how to master the Kyuubi's chakra. I am one of a few people who can help him in this area, and I can tell you it won't be easy. The Kyuubi is the strongest of the nine for a reason, and Naruto, even though he is gifted, is nowhere near where he should be. I was chosen as his teacher because I'm a jinchuruki like him. At Naruto's age I was able to use 3 tails of the Yonbi's chakra and Naruto can't even tap into the Kyuubi's power yet," spoke Roshi stating the facts. He paused for a moment to make sure Rin understood everything.

"I want to take him out of the village so that he can learn how to tap into that power. If he stayed here than there is no question in my mind that the village would begin going into hysteria from fear of the Kyuubi's presence. Plus no one knows about his status as a jinchuruki and we want to keep that a secret as long as possible. If Konoha or any other village found out then I'm sure problems would arise."

Onoki watched as Roshi spoke to the young woman. A myriad of emotions could be seen on her face and it was clear that she was worried about her son. Ever since the incident at the park when he accidentally tapped into Kyuubi's power Rin was praying he would never have to use that power again. It was a lost cause but as a mother she wanted to keep her son safe.

Roshi and Onoki could see her hesitation, but they both knew that she understood that training the boy to use the Kyuubi was necessary.

Gathering herself Rin finally spoke up. "How long do you think this trip will last?" she asked staring at Roshi. Roshi understood her hidden message clearly though, and that was she is trusting him to protect her son.

"Roshi has explained to me that the trip will last one month. And I'm sorry Rin, but I cannot tell you where they will be going," interjected the Tsuchikage.

"Yes, this trip's purpose is for Naruto to be able to tap into that power. I don't expect him to ever master controlling all 9 tails, until he is much older at least. But he should learn how to tap into it at will, safely and quickly with no side effects," stated Roshi once again.

"Naruto is a key figure for Iwa, even though no one knows about him except us," spoke Onoki gaining everyones attention. "This training is very important and vital for our village. In the future he will become a force to be reckoned with."

"I understand Tsuchikage-sama," added Rin. She understood that she was just being briefed to keep her aware of the situation. Her son was growing up and this was something she really couldn't help with.

"Thank you Rin. They will leave for the trip in two days."

END FLASHBACK

When Naruto made it to the summit where they usually meditate he saw his teacher sitting calmly looking out over the mountain passes surrounding the village. Naruto quietly took a seat beside his mentor and waited for him to speak. He understood today would be different and knew it was somehow important.

After a few moments in silence Roshi finally spoke up while still looking out onto the masterpiece crafted by God. "Naruto when I was your age times were drastically different. This world we live in was a place of chaos and many wars were taking place across the nations. I was a child who had many dreams and ambitions, but ultimately those dreams were stripped away. For you see at age 5 I had a heavy and unwanted burden placed upon me. Just like you I was made into a jinchuruki, except my bijuu was the Yonbi. In fear of Iwa being destroyed they placed the Yonbi in me, hoping to have a secret weapon to keep enemies at bay." Roshi then laughed to himself thinking back on his childhood. "It worked when nations learned of a secret weapon, because soon Iwa stabilized, but when all was said and done the leadership of this village wasn't satisfied with their success. They forced me to learn how to control the Yonbi, and I hated it."

Naruto was astonished that he and his sensei were so alike. He never imagined there could be someone like him. He had hundreds of questions flow through his head, but he knew the questions could be asked later. For now he needed to listen. Roshi was imparting wisdom to him, and it would be rude to interupt.

"I grew stronger and stronger in hatred of what they forced on me. And I mastered the use of Yonbi's chakra, to show them I was better then they thought. When I became a force on the battlefield, enemies trembled at my power, but I was empty. I didn't have hardly any friends and I fought for myself. But one day during the war, my troop was ambushed and in thinking of myself I lost concentration and almost died. A comrade who I didn't even know jumped in the line of fire and took the fatal blow in my place. And that day really changed me," spoke Roshi with a small smile on his face. "I was so mad at what certain people placed in me, that I lost my purpose. After that I made up my mine to protect this village because its the right thing to do. No matter where I'm at, I made up my mind to help Iwa in times of trouble."

Naruto completely understood his sensei. He was mad when he first heard about the Kyuubi, and he couldn't forgive Konoha for trying to kill him. And he was happy that he was in Iwa now, with a mom who loved him.

"Naruto I won't lie to you, Iwa needs you for the future. Onoki, the current Tsuchikage, is different compared to the leadership I had when I was growing up and he is the one who asked me to train you. I'm glad he asked, because I look at you like a grandchild of mine. Before you, I was content to protect Iwa from a distance, because of certain circumstances. But I'm happy to be back now. Many in this village if they knew about you they would want you as a weapon, and believe me you are one. But don't ever view yourself as that, and always believe in yourself."

"I will sensei."

After a short moment of reflection Roshi turned and looked at his protege. He seemed to be in better spirits and a weight from his past seemed to be lifted from his shoulders. He laughed. "Well enough of this drama. I called you up here to tell you it's time to start training you on using the Kyuubi. You may not like the thought, but just like I did you need to learn how to use it's power."

"I don't know how sensei," spoke Naruto in shame.

"That is fine boy. But have you ever felt or used it's power?" asked Onoki.

"Well one time when I was little I got into a fight at the park. I don't remember much except getting angry and then I blacked out. After that my mom told me about the Kyuubi. I guess that is the only time I ever used it's power but I'm not completely sure. I try to keep my emotions in check now, so something like that doesn't happen again."

'Well I guess I was right, emotions are the trigger to tapping into its power,' thought Roshi.

"Well we are going be taking a trip for this training and the important people all know about it, even your mother. We will be leaving at 4 AM sharp tomorrow, so be prepared. The training trip will last for a month, and I will take care of all the supplies. This training will be some of the hardest in your life, so give it your all. I believe you will succeed Naruto."

"Thank you sensei."

After a little more instruction and details on the trip Roshi gave Naruto the rest of the day off to prepare to leave. When he made it home his mother and Aizen were reviewing a scroll outside in the yard. When Rin saw her son was home early, she quickly asked why.

"Roshi-sensei let me go to prepare for the trip," Naruto explained.

After Naruto's admission Rin realized her son was soon going to be gone for a month, and so she ended Aizen's training early as well. As she got up from sitting on the ground, she rolled the scroll up, and turned to Aizen. "Aizen we are going to stop for the day. We will resume tomorrow. I need to help Naruto with some things."

"Why is Naruto going on a trip Rin-sensei?"

Caught between making up a lie and telling half truths, Rin turned to her son. Naruto nodded and walked over to his mother and friend.

"Mom, do you mind if I talk with Aizen?"

Rin stared hard at her son. It seemed Naruto was realizing his burden and it's importance. She was proud of him. If he was going to tell his friend then it was not her right to stop him. "Why don't you two go to Naruto's room to talk."

When the two boys made it to Naruto's room, Aizen quickly asked, "What was that all about man?"

Naruto ignored him and took a seat on his bed, shoving a few scrolls out of the way to make space for him. "Aizen I'm leaving, because it's time I start using the Kyuubi's chakra. You know I don't want to, but I knew this day would come along eventually."

"Wow, is this that serious? I can see that your mom isn't too excited about it."

"Yeah, we never bring up the fox, mainly because off all the past stuff. Both mom and me are happy here, and we hate the leaf village."

"Yeah so do I. So do you know where your going?"

"No I'm not sure, it's probably somewhere secluded though. Only a few people know about me, so I wasn't told where for my protection. I need to be kept secret." spoke Naruto.

"Oh ok, that makes sense. Well don't let that furball get the best of you. I don't need a crazy demon friend. Then I will have more incentive to kick your ass."

Naruto smiled at that, "Thanks and I will try, but you will never be able to beat me Aiz. When will you get that?"

"Well gee, when you come back your going to be even stronger. I guess I need to up my training again," joked Aizen. "I'm not going to play second to you forever Naruto."

Outside of the room Rin listened to the boys converse. She was happy that her son had someone he could trust with his burden. Aizen was playful, but he respected Naruto and knew how important this information was. Her only thoughts now were, 'I hope Naruto comes back from this trip stronger, because I have no doubts Aizen will ask for an increase in his training now.' As she made her way to her room she was already thinking up new things she would teach her student.

At 3:55 AM the next morning Naruto and his mother made there way to the village gates. Roshi was there and upon meeting the man he threw Naruto an apple and told him to eat up. Before Naruto complained he explained that Naruto would need the extra nutrients. With a short goodbye to his mother and a "protect my son" sent to Roshi, the teacher and student swiftly departed.

It took them 2 days to make it to their destination which was Roshi's hideout in the Northern Mountains. Along the way Roshi made Naruto eat until he was ready to puke. After the first day Naruto was complaining from all the food, but Roshi again heard none of it and explained that the boy needed to eat. When they arrived Roshi told Naruto to sleep and in 8 hours he would begin his training.

When Roshi woke Naruto he asked if the boy wanted something to eat again and Naruto shook his head vigorously in the negative. Surprisingly the old man didn't force feed him, but instead simply led him through the ancient mountain to a special room. They stopped outside the room and Roshi turned to his student.

"This is where your training will begin, and you must do this portion on your own. Inside this room is a place to meditate. I know you know where your seal is, so when you meditate focus on your seal. This is the beginning to tapping into your bijuu's power, but every jinchuruki is different. Your method of tapping into the power may be different from mine. But remember this and try to understand the Kyuubi. He is powerful and cunning. I have taught you to believe in yourself and remember that you are in control. Remember that and you will succeed. You just need to tap into the power, we will work on everything else after that."

Naruto absorbed his teacher's words to memory and slowly made his way into the room. And it was a room like no other. Seated in the middle of the room was a diamond pedestal, brightly shining and no doubt the place where he was supposed to meditate. There was a small walkway that led to the pedestal and the rest of the room was filled with hot magma flowing slowly. The magma created a calm and peaceful atmosphere, making the room majestic. Naruto felt a placid and peaceful calmness to his chakra, and it felt easy to meditate.

It took no time for Naruto to get into his meditative mindset but nothing else seemed to be happening. It was just like how he did at home, when training with Roshi. Then Naruto remembered his sensei's instruction to focus on the seal. After that his meditation began to become deeper and deeper. Suddenly he found himself in front of a set of gigantic towering golden gates.

As Naruto looked up at the towering gates he eyes focused on the small paper tag halfway up. 'So there is the seal.'

As he checked out the seal, a orange and reddish light began to get brighter behind the gates. Two big eyes appeared and Naruto was hit with the most powerful killing intent of all the bijuu. Unable to withstand the onslaught of bloodlust Naruto collapsed to the ground. Shocked by the beast in front of him, his sensei's words rung strongly in his mind. "I have taught you to believe in yourself and remember that you are in control. Remember that and you will succeed."

After remembering his sensei's statement, Naruto slowly got off the ground facing the beast in front of him once again.

The Kyuubi watched in amusement until he noticed the boy was not afraid of him anymore. This intriqued him and confused him at the same time. He was expecting a weak jailer, but the boy was slowly proving him wrong. Surprising the beast once more, Naruto broke the silence between them first the only way he knew how.

"Hello"

Kyuubi's response at first was silence, but he quickly grew tired of the weirdness and replied back. "What are you doing here? Why have you come to my domain?

"I have come to talk to you. I want to use your power, and I want to understand you," spoke Naruto a little more confident in himself.

"You want to use my power? What makes you think I will let you steal my power from me? Are you that foolish?" To add to his final question the Kyuubi sent another blast of KI at Naruto.

"I don't want to steal your power Kyuubi. That is not my intention at all. I want to use it, but I would like to work with you. I don't know why, but it's true. Neither of us asked to be in this position, but we should make the most of it."

"Foolish mortal I have no need to work with you. I'm all powerful, and the strongest of the nine. Not even the rest of the bijuu's put together could take me down."

"I have no doubt of your strength," spoke Naruto sagely. "But after looking at the seal on this cage. It appears that if I die then you will die as well."

The Kyuubi took a small moment to reflect on that until he roared at Naruto. "You dare say that to me, I have no problems killing you Naruto, son of the man who put me in this place."

"I'm sorry Kyuubi," bowed Naruto emphasizing his sincerity. "I did not mean to upset you or imply any type of message or threat. You are right in that you are powerful, and I doubt there is much that can stop you. But one thing is clear to me and I hope you see it too. I am not all powerful," spoke Naruto surprising the Kyuubi once again. "This stupid seal that my apparent father created binds us together as one, and like I said if I die then we both die."

This time the fox did not get angry at what the boy was telling him, but simply listened. The boy brought up a good point, and even though he didn't know directly, the fox knew there was no way he was escaping. The shinigami's help in the sealing cut off practically every opportunity of the Kyuubi's chance at freedom.

"I don't want to force you and take your power Kyuubi. I'm not sure if I could successfully and I don't want to anger you. I would like to work with you and your power. I can only see it working out better that way. I don't know much about you, but I want to learn. On my way here my sensei explained how he and his bijuu communicate. I would like to work in a similar manor with you."

After hearing his jailer finish speaking the monstrous fox pondered the child's words. Slowly the boy was gaining respect in his eyes. Perhaps this jailer would be different than his previous ones.

It took Naruto a full week before he came out of the room and Roshi was amazed. For his training in controlling the Yonbi, he himself had stumbled upon the room by accident and ended up staying in it for 3 days. The room was truly special, and those near it could feel the chakras of whomever was in the room. That was what astounded the old man. Naruto had undoubtably made contact with the Kyuubi, he felt both the beasts and the boy's chakra collide. But the results were relatively tempered and controlled. During the boy's first days in the room, Roshi could feel the temper and rage in the Kyuubi's chakra. But as the days continued it felt like Kyuubi's destructive nature only showed up occasionally. Roshi could only ponder what Naruto was experiencing and learning.

When the child came out of the room there was a noticeable tranquil and strong aura around him. Roshi was impressed and relieved that he didn't need to intervene. There was no telling what might happen when Naruto willingly tapped into the Kyuubi's chakra for the first time. Naruto's eyes scanned his surroundings and he quickly found his sensei and headed his way wearing a grin from his success. That grin slowly faded when Naruto collapsed; his body protesting the need to go further. Roshi quickly caught the boy before he made it to the ground. 'He did better than I imagined, but his body needs rest. Hardly anyone can function correctly after going a week without food or water. Now he knows why I prompted him to eat so much. When he wakes up we will begin working and molding the chakra in combat,' thought Roshi.

The following 3 weeks after Naruto came out of the room, where spent in trying to harness and use the Kyuubi's chakra in combat. It was a slow effort at first, but Naruto slowly grasped the training and his limit was found. Surprising the boy could use 2-tails of the beast chakra fluidly, but he couldn't enter into the 3-tails state. When he tried he experienced extreme pain and his body began to break down, inside his mind the Kyuubi even told the child he wasn't ready for 3-tails of power.

Roshi was satisfied none the less and he was proud of the child. It took him a year before he could use 2-tails from the Yonbi, but 2-tails was just a start on the long road to mastering the chakra. When Naruto tapped into his bijuu's chakra he became more perceptive and vigorous in his fighting. His speed doubled and his senses were so sharp that he could smell the food being cooked in a village roughly 7 miles away. When the two sparred Roshi had to manipulate some of his bijuu's chakra to fend off the boy's attacks. Even against 2-tails it was tough, but Roshi had years of experience to help him in their spars. If not for that experience, then Roshi knew he would need to use his tailed form to keep pace with the boy. He also knew that if the boy ever became proficient at using all 9-tails there were few that could challenge him. The most dangerous thought of all, though, was that Naruto was a fast learner.

The return trip home was made in one day, as opposed to the two it took to get there. Roshi explained that Naruto could now train with his bijuu in the village, but only at select locations. He also urged the boy not to let loose often, mainly because no one knew of his status. Before they left Roshi's secret home, Roshi also let the boy know if he ever needed to really train exclusively with his bijuu, he was free to come back to the place.

After arriving back in Iwa, Naruto slowly returned to his normal routine. Roshi informed Onoki that the training trip was successful and that Naruto was coming along nicely. A cover story was made for his academy teachers, which was that Naruto began experiencing medical problems. This was additionally helped mainly because Rin was one of the village's top medics, and no one would question her diagnosis, especially if it was on her own child.

After the details of his unexpected sickness set in, the final months of the academy flew by and slowly but surely the genin exams were taking place. Naruto and Aizen passed every test in first and second respectively which was expected. From ranged weapons and ninjutsu, which was dominated by Aizen, to stamina and book-smarts which Naruto controlled the boys were miles ahead of their classmates. When it was time for the exam spars, both teachers immediately put the two boys against each other because it was dangerous to put them with any other students.

"Final spar of the day for this years exams is between Naruto and Aizen," spoke Kenzo-sensei in boredom. He had let the other students spar first to get them out of the way.

"Lets keep it basic Naruto, taijutsu and weapons only?"

"Sure it's kind of pointless Aiz, but I don't feel like throwing around jutsu in front of everyone anyway, no need to pull out everything for this little spar that I'd rather not do anyway," said Naruto.

"Yeah true, so lets just stick to the script. My jutsu are pretty original and you're right. There's no need to show everyone." replied Aizen as they walked into the sparing area.

"Are you ready?" asked Kenzo.

"Hai"

"Begin!"

Immediately both boys closed the gap between each other, and Aizen choosing to initiate things began the spar with a quick left hook, which Naruto blocked. Following his hook, the boy sent a swift left snap kick aimed at Naruto's exposed side. The jinchuru was unpertubed by the kick and he methodically shifted his body to the left dodging the kick causing his friend to slightly overextend. Taking advantage of Aizen's mistake Naruto charged his leg full of chakra and landed a crushing blow to Aizen's midsection.

Young Aizen flew back, but broke his fall with a roll immediately ready for another attack like he hadn't been kicked 20 yards away. Both boys stared at each other in boredom, now at the same distance that they begin with.

Still not one for waiting, Aizen took out four kunai and launched them in Naruto's direction forcing him to move and get excited. While many of the other students would have retreated from the flying projectiles, Naruto bounded forward directly into the path of the deadly sharp utensils of death. He deflected the first kunai with one of his own, and in a show of flexibility and skill weaved in between the other three while gaining speed. Aizen noticed that his friend was putting in more effort and smirked. If Naruto was upping the level then he might as well become more serious as well. As Naruto drew closer, Aizen jumped in the air and let loose a handful of chakra infused shuriken. Naruto widened his eyes and immediately changed direction, but a stray shuriken buzzing by caught his shoulder taking off part of his kimono in the process.

After Aizen saw Naruto begin maneuvering to dodge his shuriken, he rushed at Naruto hoping to end the spar before they started really showing their abilities. When his friend saw his approach Aizen launched forward blurring so fast that the remaining students lost sight of him. Naruto caught his first punch and the two friends exchanged blow after blow, until an uppercut by Naruto landed on Aizen's chin and Naruto sent him across the field.

As usual the class watched the spar in awe at the speed displayed by the two boys. But neither boy was hurt and they looked like they could continue their game for hours. Kenzo saw there attempts to downplay their abilities and stepped in deciding to stop the show. There was no use wasting time, when both boys were top of the class anyway.

Tsuchikage's Office

Inside the Tsuchikage's office stood two shinobi, one was a women and the other was a small girl. They had just come back from a mission north of the Hidden Waterfall Village, and the results were not pleasant. As the young woman gave the report to her leader it was evident by the sag of her shoulders that something went wrong. Standing in the intimidating presence of Onoki didn't make things easier.

The woman in question was in her early 30's, but still had the figure of a woman 10 years younger. She had shoulder length brunette hair that cascaded to one side and she wore a small pair of glasses over a pair of bright hazel eyes. She had an amazing bust which distracted all manor of men, but she was also modestly covered and she wore a light brown long-sleeved shirt with bracers on her forearms. She wore brown and white camouflage figure hugging pants with brown sandals. On the back of her shirt was a elegant pattern of a snow owl, and she carried kunai holders on both legs and small pouches on her hips. Her name was Nanao Tanamachi and she was the sensei of team 2.

The mission that took place north of Waterfall was supposed to be a simple B-ranked mission for her genin team, which had been together for almost 2 years. They were supposed to deliver medical supplies to a small village, but upon arriving they saw the village was in the midst of chaos and confusion. The buildings were lit on fire, and there were reports of children and young teens missing. Her team had caught site of 8 shinobi leaving the village in haste, and they rushed to confront them. Eventually her team was split up in the ensuing battle and she had to fight against 4 of the 8 shinobi before making her way back to help her students. Her young female student had faced 2 of the attackers head on and escaped victorious, but her other two students, both young boys were killed. Her lone female student had rushed to help the boys after killing her attackers, but she came back a second to late. One teammate had already died and when she arrived she witnessed the death of her last teammate a boy named Doki. In anger the girl killed the man who murdered Doki, and that was when Nanao arrived from her own battle.

The mission was a complete failure and now she was without 2 students, but no one had expected what happened. It pained her to see how the student she thought of as a daughter had to witness her friends die. But that was the life of a shinobi.

"Thank you for the report Nanao, and I'm sorry for what happened. I have no clue as to who attacked Kolasta village or why, but I will look into who did this. You said those shinobi didn't wear headbands?" asked the Tsuchikage.

"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama. They were all dressed in dark colors, mostly purple, but I saw no headbands."

"I see, well I'm sorry about what happened. Get some rest and take some time to mourn and remember your students. I already have plans to have 2 new students placed on Team 2. They are both strong and I think you can teach them plenty. Until they join, relax and take some time off. I will talk to your remaining student."

"Hai, thank you sir," replied Nanao.

As Nanao, made her way out of the office. Onoki turned his attention to the young girl who remained. The young genin was petite, and had black short hair. The most distinguishing feature about her was her pink eyes which were pupil-less. She wore a long red kimono and fishnet tights on her legs with brown shinobi sandals. She also wore black gloves and a kunai holder on her right thigh.

Well this is unexpected but she is taking it better than I thought she would,' thought the wise Kage. "How are you holding up Kurotsuchi?"

"I'm fine old man, there is no need to worry about me." As she talked, Kurotsuchi made her way to one of Onoki's windows to look out over the village. Her back was turned and Onoki couldn't see the frown on her face.

"So, do you want to tell me what happened? You are usually not this quite Kuro?"

"I said I was fine, didn't I. Who cared that those weaklings died? They should have been better shinobi, and maybe then they could have done their job." she vented.

"That's not nice, Kuro. You shouldn't say that about your teammates. They cared for you, and whether you believe it or not they died for Iwa, and I commend them for putting their lives on the line. You know that it comes with being shinobi," spoke Onoki with concern.

She was quiet after the wise Kage spoke those words to her. He still couldn't see her because her back was turned, but if he could he would see the tears streaming down her face. After of moment of silence she spoke up again.

"I will miss them," she whispered, but Onoki caught it. "And I won't forget them. I was just starting to get along with Doki, and Benji wasn't so bad either." She wiped the tears from her eyes and turned around to face the one remaining family member she had. "Gramps will it get easier?"

"Losing friends will never be easy, but in time you will get over their loss and become a better person and shinobi. Just never forget them, and honor their deaths."

"I will, I will." she replied, and he could see she didn't want to dwell on it further. "Well gramps do you want to get some lunch, or stay cramping in your office and complain about your bones hurting?"

'I was right she is taking this better than I imagined' thought Onoki with a smile on his face. "Sure Kuro, lets go get some lunch. You pick today."

"Okay good, and while I'm at it you can tell me about these weaklings that are gonna join my team."

'Weak, you say?. I'm afraid Kuro your wrong about their strength. Both are probably as strong or stronger than you, my young granddaughter,' he laughed in his mind.

End

Please Review...