-1
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
Demon/Summon/inner Sakura speech
Demon/Summon thoughts
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters created by Kishimoto, but all OC's are my own creation.
battousai222: It will just be Naru/femHaku, but others might try to get Naruto's attention.
Halfas Rule: No, Yugito will survive.
dragoon-zerox: Yes Sasuke will still learn Chidori, but the reasons for him learning it will be completely different. Yes Naruto is going to ask Anko if she can help Hinata. Now as for Anko finding out about the attack on Naruto, lets just say the Hokage will do his best so she doesn't find out because as much as he'll agree with her point of view, he can't let his shinobi go around killing each other.
TheDon1023: Kurenai has been trying to help Hinata but hasn't been able to get through to her, because of all the restrictions that Hinata's father has placed on her. As for Naruto giving Yugito a warning, he is use to fighting people who are easily intimidated (ex. back in ch 5 the two thugs he rescued Tsunami from), so he's use too people just running away at the smallest display of power. Fighting enemy ninja's is new to him, so he's going to make some mistakes. As for Naruto being marked as a missing nin by Konoha, I really haven't decided yet, but if that happens it won't be until after the Sasuke retrieval arc. Now onto your sword question, for now he will be using a kodachi, but after certain events Naruto will start to carry around a bigger sword.
SCAR OF THE BLACK RIGHT HAND: Sasuke's major beat down will happen in the finals of the Chunin Exams, but there will also be a brief encounter in the forest of death.
Authors note: Well I hope that answers most of your questions, as I said in the last chapter the mystery Sensei will be revealed in this chapter, and that should answer a couple of other questions that have been asked. Not much else to add right now so on with the story.
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Chapter 10: Jinchuuriki Battle: Nibi vs. Kyuubi!
As Tsunade and the others ran through the forest, there was a sudden burst of wind that started to throw debris at them. Using her arms to protect her face Shizune suddenly realized what was happening.
She looked over at Tsunade and said "TSUNADE-SAMA!"
"I know Shizune! Naruto must have released 'its' power!" said Tsunade as she looked back at the rest of the group.
Zabuza sliced through some debris as he said "What the hell are you talking about!?"
Tsunade completely demolishes a tree trunk that was flying at her before she said "This was all caused by Naruto."
"What!" said Zabuza as the wind started to die down.
Not bothering to answer Zabuza, Tsunade simply turned around and ran off in the direction that the wind originated from. 'Hang on Naruto, I'll be there soon.'
After Tsunade ran off, Shizune looked over at Zabuza only to see a 'What the hell's going on' look plastered all over his face, so she takes a beep breath and begins to explain things.
"You see, Naruto has a unique ability, he has the ability, to use a secondary Chakra source, that is far more powerful than his regular Chakra, but prolonged usage at high levels, can lead to extreme exhaustion." explained Shizune.
Looking Shizune in the eyes Zabuza said "So, you're telling me, that he's a Jinchuuriki."
Shizune's eyes widened in shock, and then Zabuza let out a sigh before saying "I thought so."
"How…."
"I've had past experience with Jinchuuriki, so I know all about their ability to use the Bijuu's chakra." said Zabuza as he turned and followed the path that Tsunade took.
Shizune quickly followed Zabuza while her thoughts dwelled on what he said. 'So, he's encountered Jinchuuriki before huh. With all that's happening, it's a good thing that Tsunade-sama, had Hinata return to the house, she's not ready for this.' Picking up her pace Shizune starts to worry about Naruto 'Please be careful Naruto-kun.'
(With Naruto)
Yugito was just barely able to dodge Naruto's attack, which left a small crater upon impact, then she counters with a fiery spectral blast.
Seeing the blast coming straight at him Naruto started to do a series of hand seals before he shouted out "Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu" (Grand Waterfall Technique) as a massive amount of water came out of the nearby river.
When the two attacks collided the fiery blast was extinguished and the water continued on toward Yugito. Jumping out of the way Yugito charges Naruto and moves to strike him with her paw.
Naruto sees the attack coming and simply uses his left hand to catch the paw. Looking directly into Yugito's eyes Naruto said "Why did you take Haku-chan?"
"That's none of your business!" yelled Yugito while she struggled to free herself.
Naruto narrowed his eyes while saying "When you took Haku-chan, it became my business."
With that said he tightened his grip on the paw, twists his body, and throws her over his shoulder into a rock face on the other side of the clearing.
Yugito shook her head and got to her feet while wondering 'Damn that kid is strong, he has to have had some kind of training to be this good, but who trained him? (Yugito's eyes widen when she remembers Kakashi) Of course, those Konoha shinobi, he must be with them.' "What does Konoha want with Zabuza?"
"What?"said a completely confused Naruto. 'So, she's after Zabuza, but what does Konoha have to do with this?'
Yugito started to say "Since you're a shinobi from Konoha…" but before she could continue she was interrupted by a sudden burst of Killing Intent coming from Naruto.
"I am NOT A SHINOBI FROM THAT VILLAGE! For that matter, I don't have an allegiance with any village!" said a very pissed off Naruto as he charged Yugito.
'A Jinchuuriki with allegiance to no one!?' Yugito's thoughts were interrupted when she saw Naruto charge her. Acting on instinct she swung one of her tails at Naruto.
Naruto easily dodged this strike, he then grabbed the tale and proceeded to spin Yugito around several times before he released the tail and sent her flying through several trees.
Yugito was a little slower in getting up this time, realizing that direct assaults will not get her anywhere; she decided to use Haku as a hostage. So she looked at the tree that she tied Haku too, only to receive a shock, for Haku was no longer there.
She quickly scanned the area to see if she could locate her missing hostage. Then on the other side of the clearing she spots Haku standing there with someone who looked a lot like the kid she had been fighting.
'A Bunshin? When the hell…? Of course, he must have created it before he jumped into the clearing to confront me. He used himself as a decoy, so his clone could sneak around, and free her. Damn, I keep underestimating him.'
On the other side of the clearing Haku was standing there waiting for Naruto to finish this fight. Naruto's clone saw the look in Haku's eyes and tried to convince her to leave.
"Come on Haku-chan, the boss wanted me to get you to safety." said the clone as he took hold of her arm and tried to take her to safety.
Haku pulled her arm free and said "I'm not going to leave him, it's my fault that he's in this fight to begin with, if I hadn't been so careless…"
"Hey come on Haku-chan, you know the boss doesn't hold you responsible for causing this. In fact, you should be happy that you mean so much to the boss, nothing matters more to him than his friends and family. So, I'm sure he…" said the clone, when all of a sudden he saw a figure blurred right past him, and head toward the fight.
Naruto got so distracted by the information given to him by his clone about this newcomer that his guard dropped slightly. This allowed Yugito to get a hit in that knocked him to the ground.
'Shit' thought Naruto as he saw Yugito capitalize on his mistake, and lunged at him with her paws outstretched, and mouth wide open. When suddenly Yugito got nailed square in the jaw by this interloper who turned out to be none other than Tsunade.
Yugito's head twisted violently to the right as the sound of the jaw bone cracking could be heard. The force of the blow was so intense that it sent her crashing back into the forest.
Seeing the amount of force Tsunade used to hit Yugito, Naruto got to his feet and looked over at her and said "Remind me to never piss you off Kaasan."
"It's too late for that Naruto." said Tsunade as she looked at Naruto to see if there were any visible injuries. 'Thank God, it look's like he's alright.'
"Heh, Heh, Heh" chuckled Naruto as he rubbed the back of his head before a sharp pain went through him. 'Damn, it looks like I'm reaching my limit with Baa-chan's Chakra.'
When Tsunade saw Naruto wince in pain, a look of concern crossed her face, as she walked over to him she said "Are you ok Naruto?"
Giving one of his trademark smiles Naruto said "I'll be fine Kaasan, but right now, we need to focus on capturing that shinobi. I want to know why she's after Zabuza."
Tsunade looked at the area where Yugito crashed through the forest before she said "You mean to tell me, that Haku was taken, so this person could learn Zabuza's location."
"It looks that way Kaasan, so lets try to capture her, and find out what she's after." said Naruto as the pain subsided.
As Haku watched Tsunade and Naruto talk, Shizune and Zabuza land right next to her. She turned around to face them and saw a relieved look all over Shizune's face and the expressionless face of Zabuza.
Zabuza walked over to Haku and put his hand on her shoulder "I see that you're ok." After he said this he looked over and saw Yugito's Bijuu form trying to get up. 'So, it is her, I thought as much.'
Yugito shoved the tree trunks off of herself before she grabbed her jaw and yelled in pain.
'UUUGGGHHH!!!! What the hell hit me!?'
"You're lucky that you were using my chakra Yugito, otherwise your jaw bone would be in a million pieces right now." said Nibi.
'That's not very reassuring Nibi, anyway, who hit me?' thought Yugito as she looked back at where she was fighting Naruto. There she sees a blonde haired woman that looked really familiar, then it hit her.
Her eyes widen in shock as she thought 'Impossible, that can't be the Slug Sannin Tsunade! Damn it, what the hell have I gotten myself into!? (She looked over to where Haku was and saw Shizune and then narrowed her eyes as she sees Zabuza) There's no way I can fight this kid and Tsunade, let alone all four of them together. I have to get out of here before they completely overpower me. She looked in Zabuza's direction)You got lucky today Zabuza, but that luck won't last forever.'
When Yugito saw Naruto and Tsunade charge her position, she used her two tails to smash the nearby trees and use them as a shield. She then transforms back to her human form and throws explosive tags, smoke bombs and then throws an unknown vial of liquid at her feet before the smoke completely encompassed her.
Naruto and Tsunade dodged the explosions and then smashed through the last of the tree trunks, which were blocking their path, only to find out that Yugito was already long gone. Naruto tries using his enhanced senses to track her.
He tried to track her by scent only to discover that an unusual smell filled the air that originated from the smashed vial. 'Damn it! She used something to cover up her scent, I can't track her.'
"I know kit, it really pisses me off that she got away, but at least we know want she's after, and that she'll be back to finish her mission." said a seething Kyuubi.
'You're right Baachan, and next time she won't get away.' thought Naruto as he looked back at where Yugito had made her escape, that's when Kyuubi's Chakra receded back into the seal, and as he returned to his normal state, he started to feel really tired before he passed out from exhaustion.
The moment Naruto collapse Tsunade was by his side checking to see if he was ok. After confirming that it was just exhaustion she put him on her back and carried him back to the group.
As Tsunade approaches the group Haku sees that she is carrying an unconscious Naruto.
Fearing the worst Haku runs over to them while thinking 'Please let Naruto-kun be alright.'
"Will he be alright?" asked Haku as she looked on with a concerned expression.
Tsunade let a smile cross her face as she glanced over her shoulder to see his sleeping face before she said "He'll be just fine, he's just exhausted, a few days of rest and he'll be back to normal. Now, let's head back, so we can get him into a bed."
(Somewhere deep in the forest)
Yugito was up in the trees performing some first aid while she pondered the events that just took place.
"You do know that there will be no way, we'll be able to retrieve Zabuza now, don't you."
'I know Nibi, and as much as I want to get even with him, I'm more concerned about that Jinchuuriki we fought. The power he wielded was incredible, he outclassed me in almost everyway, if he had been a little more experienced, I'd probably be their captive right now.'
"That's true, and if that chakra belonged to who I think it did, we're lucky to have escaped. For when someone becomes her prey, they don't usually live very long."
'Who are you talking about?'
Nibi remained quite for a moment, she then said "Kyuubi no Youko."
Yugito's eyes grew wide when she heard this 'That's not possible, the Kyuubi was destroyed by the Yondaime of Konoha.'
"Apparently that isn't the case, in any event you know what you have to do."
'I know, Raikage-sama must be informed of this at once.' Then Yugito headed back to report this new development.
(Tazuna's House)
Tsunade and the others walked into the house and found out that Kakashi and the rest of team 7 had returned and were sitting at the table.
Kakashi looked up from his book and saw Naruto's sleeping form and said "So, he really did release a huge amount of 'his' chakra, didn't he."
Glancing over at Kakashi, Tsunade said "You knew what was happening, and you didn't even try to help. What kind of person are you Kakashi?"
"My primary mission here is to protect Tazuna, I sensed a shinobi earlier today, and went to watch over him, incase this new arrival was after him." said Kakashi as he went back to reading his book.
Now Tsunade was piss, so she said "So when you felt the fight between Naru-chan, and this new Shinobi, you figured what? Just let them fight it out, and if Naru-chan died in the process, all the better for Konoha, huh."
"That's not what I meant Tsunade-sama, what if that fight was just a diversion, so we would leave the bridge builder unguarded. I couldn't run that risk, so I made a decision, and besides, I knew you would go, and make sure that Naruto was alright." said a defensive Kakashi.
"I didn't say leave the man unguarded, but you could have at least checked it out yourself." said an irate Tsunade.
At this point in time Haku decided to tap Tsunade on the shoulder and said "Excuse me Tsunade-san, but I think we should continue this later, after we get Naruto-kun to bed."
Tsunade felt a little embarrassed about not taking care of Naruto first, but before they could take him to a bed Sasuke had to add his two cents.
"I say the loser got what he deserved, it's about time he learned what it's like in the shinobi world." said Sasuke as he stood up from the table.
Before anyone could even blink Haku was behind Sasuke with a senbon pointed at his neck. "You say that again, and I'll make you regret it. Naruto-kun's only in that condition because, he risked his life to rescue me from that shinobi."
Sakura jumped up from her seat and shouted "Leave Sasuke-kun alone! You condemn him for what he said, but you're the one attacking us!" "Yeah, why don't you just go off, and die BITCH! CHA!"
Haku just looked over at Sakura; she raised her hand, and started to channel her chakra. This caused the water in the glass that Sakura was still holding to become an ice senbon, thus shattering the glass.
The ice senbon continued to hover just inches for Sakura's neck, when Haku narrowed her eyes and said "Don't test my patience."
When Shizune saw Haku use her chakra she said "Haku-san please be careful, we told you not to overexert yourself."
"Now, now, why don't we all just try, and calm down. None of us want to do anything we'll regret later." said Kakashi as he tried to defuse the situation.
Haku lowered her sendon and went over to Tsunade, who just did a slight huff and then proceeded to take Naruto out of the room. Once she had him safely put to bed, Shizune came in with a cup of tea for her.
"I wonder Shizune, will this become common place, when Konoha finds out that he's alive." said a very concerned Tsunade as she took a sip of tea.
"I hope not Tsunade-sama, I hope not."
(2 days later)
As the sun crept through the window Haku slowly opened her eyes and looked over at the bed that Naruto was sleeping in, only to find the bed empty. Jumping out of her seat Haku starts to franticly search for Naruto. Just then the bathroom door opened to reveal Naruto walking out while he put his coat on.
Naruto looked in Haku's direction got a smile on his face and said "Good Morning Haku-chan."
"You shouldn't be out of bed Naruto-kun, you need your rest." said Haku as she ran over to him.
"I'm fine, I've been resting to long anyway." said Naruto.
"That's for me to decide Naru-chan. In fact, I want you to take it easy for the next week. That means no training or any activity that will cause you to overexert yourself." said Tsunade as she stood in the doorway.
"But Kaasaaaaannnn… I feel fine." whined Naruto.
"No buts Naruto, I want you to take it easy for awhile, and Haku here, has agreed to keep an eye on you, to make sure it happens. If you don't take it easy, then I'll have to take more drastic action." said Tsunade as she cracked her knuckles.
Getting the message Naruto let the matter drop, there was no way he was going to risk finding out what the more drastic measures were. So for the next week Naruto took it easy (much to his annoyance), but at least he was able to help Haku with building Hinata's confidence, they didn't make much progress but at least now Hinata no longer expected people would brake through her guard.
Now we find Naruto putting on his coat as he double checks the room, to make sure he didn't leave anything behind. As he left his room and headed down the hall, he bumped into Hinata.
"Oh, sorry Hinata, I didn't see you there." said Naruto as he helped her up.
"T-That's alright Naruto-kun, (she then noticed that he was carrying his traveling case) S-So, I-I see your getting ready to leave." said Hinata as she lowered her gaze and poking her index fingers together.
"Yeah, Kaasan says now that I'm better, we should be on our way. OH…" said Naruto as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a scroll. "This is for you, once you get back to Konoha, I want you to look up a person called Anko, she'll be able to help you. All you have to do is hand her this letter, and tell her I sent it. If she asks any question just tell her that it's all explained in the letter ok."
After handing the scroll to Hinata, Naruto says his goodbye's and then heads off to meet up with Tsunade and Shizune. When he meets up with them just outside the house, Naruto also sees Zabuza and Haku there.
Zabuza saw the look on Naruto's face so he said "We've decided to travel with you, after all I did say I was going to train you in the art of swordsmanship, and I always pay my debts."
Naruto looked over at Haku who just got a smile on her face and she nodded her head. As a smile crossed his face Naruto said "Alright! What are we waiting for? Let's get a move on people!"
Tsunade and Shizune couldn't help but laugh at Naruto's antics as they headed toward the completed bridge. Once they got to the bridge, they were surprised to find the entire town was there to see them off.
Tazuna walked up to them and said "We couldn't just let you leave, without giving you the proper send off."
Inari came up to Naruto and with tears in his eyes he said "Promise me that you'll come, and visit us again alright."
Naruto put his hand on Inari's head and said "You got it kid, that's a promise, and you know me, I never go back on my word." He then leans down and whispers "The sooner your town gets some casinos, the sooner Kaasan will want to come back here."
Inari giggled at the comment as Naruto turned around, and headed out across the bridge with the rest of the group. As Naruto's group is almost out of sight Tsunami said "So, What are you going to name the bridge?"
Bringing his hand up to his chin Tazuna said "Hmmm… I think we should call it 'The Great Naruto Bridge', named after the one, who reminded us of what courage, and heroism truly means."
"That sounds like a great name Dad."
(Unknown Hidden Village)
Akira, Ba-yu, and Shadow stand before the gates leading to their home village. As the gates open two Chunin guards come out.
"Ba-yu-san, Leader-sama has ordered us to escort you, to her office the moment you returned." said on of the guards.
Not even bothering to respond Ba-yu just nodded his head as the two chunin's lead the way. Upon entering her office the three of them see her standing by the window looking out over the village, her red hair shined brightly in the morning sunlight.
The leader turned her head to face the group and said "So, how did your mission go?"
"It was a partial success, we managed to eliminate Gato, but we were unable to talk to Zabuza, and he has now joined up with another group." said Ba-yu as he motions Shadow to put the scroll with Gato's head on the desk.
"I see." she said as she sat down at her desk and summoned a messenger who picked up the scroll, and headed of the deliver it to their client.
"There's something else we need to report Kushina-sama. I'm not sure how to tell you this, but we discovered that your son, Naruto Uzumaki, survived that assault after all, and he's also with the group that Zabuza joined up with." said Ba-yu as he rubbed the back of his head.
Kushina looked up from her paperwork with wide eyes and said "W-What did you say?"
Akira stepped forward this time and said "He said…, that we discovered Naruto-sama is alive and well, apparently Tsunade-sama saved him, and then she took him with her on her travels."
"So, even Tsunade-sama was in on this scheme." said Kushina as she lowered her head.
"That doesn't seem to be the case Sensei, in fact, it appears that there is some bad blood between Tsunade-sama, and Konoha." interrupted Shadow.
"What do you mean?" said Kushina as she looked at Shadow with a curious expression.
Shadow then goes and recounts his observations on the interactions between Tsunade, and her group with the Konoha shinobi. Then he told her about the encounter that Ba-yu, and Akira had with Tsunade and Shizune.
Let's just say that Kushina wasn't too happy with what she heard. In fact she jumped from her seat and slammed Ba-yu against the walk while she yelled "What the hell were you thinking! If you messed up my chance with my son…"
Kushina left it at that so that their imaginations would run wild. After a few minutes of silence she said "Well, now that these events have come to my attention, I have new assignment for you three. Ba-yu, Akira, you two will become Jonin Sensei's, and train your teams for the Chunin Exams that are coming up."
Akira just looked at her sensei as if she had lost her mind "But Sensei, the Chunin Exam's are being held in Konoha this time round."
"I know Akira, I think it's time Sarutobi and myself, had a little chat." said Kushina as she sat back down in her chair and then leaned back while she brought her hands together.
"My I ask what my task is Sensei?" said Shadow as he stepped forward.
"You will be accompanying me as I go and look for my son." said Kushina as she swiveled her chair to face the window.
Kushina turned back to face her students and said "You all have your assignments, Akira, Ba-yu, you'll find your students at the Academy, do your best, to get them ready. Shadow, meet me at the gate in one hour, we'll start our search then. Now get going!"
"Yes Sensei." said the three in unison as they bowed and then left the office. As soon as they left Kushina looked at a picture on her desk that showed a very pregnant Kushina being held by her husband. A single tear ran down her face as she thought 'He's alive! Our son's alive! And this time Minato, I won't fail him, that's a promise.'
(Kumo Raikage's office)
Yugito enters the Raikage's office and bows before the Raikage before she said "My apologies sir, for returning before my mission is completed, but I have urgent news to report."
The Raikage remained quite and let her continue "When I tracked down Zabuza in wave, I encountered another Jinchuuriki, but he claims to have no loyalties to any village. More importantly sir, is that Nibi believes that the Bijuu sealed inside this person, is none other than Kyuubi no Youko."
Now this really caught the attention of the Raikage, if they could get this Jinchuuriki to join them, then they would be almost unbeatable. So the order was issued "Then you know what you must do Yugito, from this moment on you have a new mission, I want you to convince this Jinchuuriki, top join forces with us, and if you can get his companions as well, then that will be even better."
"But Sir! What about Zabuza!" yelled Yugito.
Now the Raikage started to get irritated "Look Yugito, you are going to have to let go of the past, if he is a companion of this Jinchuuriki, then I don't want anything to happen that might jeopardize our possible alliance, got that, now begin your mission."
"Yes Sir." said Yugito as she bowed and left the office.
(In a Dark Chamber deep within Oto)
Orochimaru sat in his chair covered in shadow as he said "Have you found the one I seek?"
"Yes sir, it appears that she has just left wave, and is on her way to Tanzaku Town." said Kabuto.
"Excellent, when Tsunade joins our side, Konoha won't stand a chance." said a chuckling Orochimaru.
"Of course Orochimaru-sama, but are you sure that she'll join you?" questioned Kabuto.
Orochimaru just got a smirk on his face as he said "Of course she will. I may not know the full story, but I do know that her bitterness towards Konoha, has only increased over the years, so there is no way she'll refuse."
Orochimaru then leaned forward and rested his chin on his hands he said "Very soon Konoha will burn, and my dream will become reality, Ku, Ku, Ku."
Next Chapter: Orochimaru's offer… and Tsunade's decision
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Author's note2: Well now everyone knows that Naruto's mother is very much alive, but what will she do about Konoha? That information will be revealed in later chapters. Also I hope you like how I'm going to handle Naruto's reaction when he finds out that his mother is still alive. Almost forgot, Anko's major reason for staying with Naruto will be revealed in the next chapter so I hope everyone will tune in next time.