Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto, and I never will. OC's are mine and so is the idea for the fic.
A/N: Sorry about the long wait. No excuse other than laziness and writer's block. But good news is is that I'm done with High School, so I'll have plenty of free time to write!
Update 3/26: I changed the plot a little to where Hanabi isn't a you-know-what to Naruto and Hinata, mostly because it helps with future things.
Three figures walked down the road, approaching Konoha.
"I can't wait to finally see everyone again," one of the figures said. He looked to be about 5'10". He was wearing an open black and orange jacket, showing a black muscle shirt underneath. He also wore orange and black pants with a chain. His spiky blond hair and cerulean blue eyes were glowing in the sun. (1)
"Hai, it will be fun to see how everyone has changed," another said. He had long black hair, tied into a ponytail with two bangs hanging over his eyes. He was wearing a black jacket with a dark violet undershirt. He had a kunai pouch on his leg and a sword on his back.
They reached the gates and were stopped by the guards.
"Halt! State your business," one of the guards said.
The final figure stepped forward. "Jiraiya of the Sannin, I'm returning from a training trip."
"I'm gonna need proof," the other guard said.
"Very well," Jiraiya said, forming handseals. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
Jiraiya shot into the air. When the smoke cleared, Jiraiya was sitting on a 7 foot tall toad. "Is this proof enough?"
"Hai, welcome back Jiraiya-sama," the first guard answered. The group of five walked through, headed to the Hokage Tower.
Hokage Tower...
Tsunade was sitting at her desk, pondering on whether or not to face her worst enemy. This enemy was known by all Kages past and present. She sighed, looking at her desk, which was covered in...paperwork.
"I wish there was an easier way to do this! It's such a pain!" Tsunade growled in frustration.
"Actually, there is a way...Baa-chan," someone said.
A tick mark appeared on her forehead and she spun around, throwing her fist at the person's face. "Only Naruto can...say that?" she said, noticing that her fist was caught, but not without a crunch and a grunt of pain.
"Well, I guess I'm good then," the person said, smiling a foxy grin.
"N-naruto?" Tsunade said in surprise.
"The one and only," Naruto proclaimed, giving Tsunade a thumbs up. He had barely any time to react when he was grabbed up in a bone-crushing hug.
"Damn gaki, lucky as hell," Jiraiya thought, noticing that Naruto's face was buried in Tsunade's chest.
"It's good to see you again," Tsunade said, letting go of Naruto and looking at Jiraiya. "You've got to tell me what happened while you were gone."
"That can wait for another time. Right now I believe you have a proposition for these two," Jiraiya said, pointing at the two teens. "So, I believe I'll take my leave."
"OK. Be sure to come back later though," Tsunade said. Jiraiya nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Tsunade turned back toward the two teens. "Basically, I'm giving you a choice. Are you willing to take the Chuunin Exams in 2 weeks?"
"Sure, why not?" Ryu said.
"Yea, we accept your offer Baa-chan," Naruto said.
"Great. Now go hang out with your friends, I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do," Tsunade said, waving them out the door.
"Ok, see ya later!" Naruto said as they both walked out, leaving Tsunade to her paperwork.
"Dammit. I didn't ask that little baka what he meant by there being an easier way to do this...I'll ask him next time," Tsunade thought to herself as she got back to work.
Training Ground 7...
"So, how have you guys been?" Naruto asked Sasuke.
"Pretty good. I made Jounin and Sakura's a Chuunin," Sasuke answered. He was sitting on one of the stumps. He now wore a black shirt and vest. The shirt had dark red flames near the bottom and the Uchiha clan symbol was on the back of his vest. He wore plain black shinobi pants and ninja sandals. Another new feature was the katana strapped to his back.
Sakura, who was sitting next to him, hadn't really changed that much clothes wise. She had, of course, gotten longer hair and bigger...assets.
"I made Chuunin as well," Hinata said, leaning against Naruto. She wore an open blue coat with a white shirt and black pants. Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail and had grew just like Sakura, but taller.
"Well, congrats, to all of you," Naruto said, smiling.
"Ok Naruto, I've gotta see how strong you've gotten. Let's battle, now," Sasuke said, hopping off the stump.
"Sure, but don't get mad when you lose," said Naruto, grinning.
"Oh, I won't, because you'll be the one who loses," Sasuke retorted, smirking.
"Sakura, Hinata, you may want to get a good bit away. It's gonna get pretty hectic around here," Ryu said.
"Okay, but why aren't you going?" Sakura asked.
"I'll be fine. It's you two that I'm worried about," Ryu said. Sakura looked confused, but she and Hinata walked farther away anyway.
Naruto vs. Sasuke...
"Any rules for this?" Naruto asked.
"Only that you don't hold back," Sasuke replied.
"Ok, then let's go," Naruto said, disappearing in a burst of speed.
"He's definitely gotten faster, but so have I," Sasuke thought as he turned around to stop Naruto's punch. "Not bad, but we're pretty much evenly matched in speed."
"Maybe," Naruto said, jumping backwards. He started to form handseals faster than most could see, but Sasuke kept up. "Fuuton: Daitoppa!"
A huge gust of wind burst toward Sasuke, making him push chakra to his feet to keep him from being blown backwards. He then formed handseals just as fast as Naruto. "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!"
A huge ball of fire shot toward Naruto, causing him to dodge to the side. He couldn't see Sasuke anywhere.
"Left..no. Right..no. Above..no. Then below!" Naruto thought, looking in each direction. Then he jumped in the as Sasuke shot out of the ground below him.
"Perfect," Sasuke thought, smirking.
Naruto noticed the smirk. He realized too late as a shadow appeared above him. "Damn," he muttered as another Sasuke kicked him back toward the ground. He hit the ground, making a small crater. "Heh, that hurt," he said, getting out of the crater.
"Using my favorite technique against me, you teme," Naruto said, smiling.
"I just wanted you to know how it felt to have your ass kicked by a bunshin," Sasuke said, smirking. His clone landed on the ground beside him.
"Well, that's nice of you," Naruto said sarcastically. He jumped in the air and started to spin. "Here's a new technique for you. Fuuton: Susatatsu!"
"Dammit Naruto," Ryu muttered, jumping backwards and forming a chakra shield in front of him. Limbs and earth started to fly around the training ground due to the increased wind speed.
Sasuke's eyes widened as a 7ft tornado barreling towards him. "Oh shit-" was all he could say before he was hit. He was slung around in the tornado before being thrown into a tree. The tornado died down as Naruto walked forward. Sasuke stood up groggily and shook his head.
"So, how do you like it?" Naruto asked.
"Strong and disorienting," Sasuke said, forming handseals. "Here's one for you. Katon: Kasuihiryu!"
A tremendous amount of flames came from Sasuke's mouth, speeding towards Naruto. A huge dragon head formed, opening its mouth with a tremendous roar. It came down on Naruto, swallowing him whole and torching the area around him. When the flames dispersed, nothing was there.
"I know that didn't finish you," Sasuke muttered, looking around. He felt a presence behind him and turned. He only to block before he was sent flying backwards, courtesy of Naruto's fist.
Tsunade and Jiraiya appeared next to Ryu. "What's going on here?" Tsunade yelled. "I felt the battle from the Hokage Tower...minus the fact that the whole village could probably see it!"
Ryu picked at his ear. "You don't have to yell. But anyway, Naruto and Sasuke are fighting."
"Why?" she asked.
"Just to test each others strengths. You know, you might have to rebuild this training ground after they're finished," Ryu said nonchalantly.
"No kidding," Jiraiya said. Just as he said that, Sasuke crashed into the ground and formed a huge hole. He got up and jumped back towards Naruto. They sat watching for a little while longer when the remaining Rookie 9, their senseis, Team Gai, and Tsuyoi showed up.
"What is this, a party," Ryu asked, looking around.
"It's good to see you too son," Tsuyoi said, walking over. The two of them hugged.
"I've missed you too dad," Ryu said as they separated.
"And I you," Tsuyoi said.
"Hmm, since everybody's here, why don't we sit and enjoy the fight?" Tsunade suggested. Everyone nodded.
Naruto stood across from Sasuke. Both looked beat up and had plenty of cuts. They noticed their audience sitting in the distance.
"Well, looks like we have spectators," Naruto said.
"Yea, let's give them a good show," Sasuke replied.
They sped at each other, becoming invisible to some of the spectators. Naruto threw a fist at Sasuke, who ducked under and sent an uppercut at the blonde. Naruto caught Sasuke's hand and threw him away. Sasuke landed a slight bit away.
"Okay Naruto, time to get serious," Sasuke said, activating his fully developed Sharingan.
"Sure. Kai!" Naruto said. Chakra burst from Naruto's body. Everyone saw silver seals appear all over his body, then fade away. Naruto disappeared from everyone's sight.
"Damn he's fast!" Sasuke thought, only seeing a yellow blur. He threw up his arm and blocked Naruto's kick. They started to throw punches, kicks, and dodge at amazing speeds. Finally, they stood across from each other, panting.
"Time for the final attack," Naruto said. He held his hand out and a blue ball of swirling chakra formed, bigger than normal.
"Yep," Sasuke said, forming a couple of handseals. Lightning burst from his hand. The two teens charged at one another, raising their attacks.
"Rasengan!" Naruto yelled.
"Raikiri!" Sasuke yelled.
The two collided, forming a bright light and explosion. As the smoke and light started to fade, everyone saw a huge crater. Hinata and Sakura reached it first. Lying in the crater, Naruto and Sasuke were completely beat. They were helped to a sitting position by their girlfriends.
"Looks like it's a draw," Naruto said. He chuckled, then grimaced in pain.
"Hai. I guess you're right," Sasuke said, chuckling as well. He suddenly fell backwards as both he and Naruto passed out.
"Boys," Hinata and Sakura sighed together, smiling.
"Now, will you explain what happened while you were gone?" Tsunade asked Jiraiya as they sat in the Hokage's office.
"Well, Naruto and Ryu have definitely gotten stronger under my tutelage, as Naruto demonstrated earlier. As for everything else, just traveling the elemental nations," Jiraiya answered.
"Hmm...what about the Akatsuki?" Tsunade asked.
"They have started moving. Itachi and Kisame are assigned to Naruto," Jiraiya said.
"And Ryu?" Tsunade said.
"Not sure, Itachi guesses that it's probably Konan, but he's not certain," Jiraiya said. "On a good note, we know some of the members now."
Tsunade just waited for Jiraiya to list them off. "We know Itachi, Kisame, Deidara of the Stone, Sasori of the Red Sand, Madara, Konan, and Pein. As you know, Konan was once one of my former students, and apparently Pein has the Rinnegan and looks like Yahiko."
"So, does that mean-" Tsunade started, but Jiraiya interrupted. "Yes, that means Nagato is part of Akatsuki, unless there is someone else with the Rinnegan."
"Well, that's definitely some troubling news, so what are we going to do?" Tsunade said, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
"Honestly? I'm not completely sure, except to limit their missions outside of the village," Jiraiya said, shrugging.
Tsunade scoffed. "Naruto would never agree to that."
"Well, they have planned on trying to gather the other jinchuuriki into a group to face the Akatsuki, " Jiraiya explained.
"That might work, we'll just have to figure a good way of going about it," Tsunade said, thinking.
After leaving the hospital, Naruto and Sasuke met up with Hinata and Sakura at Ichiraku's. While they were eating, Ryu and Tsuya joined them (1). Tsuya had gotten taller and her red hair had darkened considerably. She wore a tight black sleeveless shirt with a white dragon spiraling along the right side and wore a pair of black shinobi pants. They sat and talked about what they been doing over the past three years. All of a sudden Jiraiya walked up. (2)
"Come with me," he said, looking at Sasuke. Sasuke looked at his friends and saw Naruto nodding.
"Okay," the black-haired teen said, getting up. He followed Jiraiya into a building.
Jiraiya stopped and turned toward him. "Show me your neck."
Sasuke was about to protest, but stopped short when he saw the look of seriousness on Jiraiya's face. He saw Jiraiya pull out something, then a tremendous pain shot through his body. He fought back the urge to yell out as it continued for a few more seconds.
"And, there you go," Jiraiya said.
"What did you do?" Sasuke asked.
"I got rid of the cursed part of the curse seal," Jiraiya said.
"Really?" Sasuke asked, smiling broadly.
"Well, of course there is still a mark, but an alteration that me and Naruto came up with. It's called a gift mark-and yes I know it's corny, but we couldn't really think of anything better," Jiraiya said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "It basically just purifies the curse seal so that it doesn't hurt your body or try to control you. It still has all it's power, but it has white marks rather than black and the level 2 form isn't as monster-like. However, it is still tremendously draining and can't be used for long periods of time."
"Arigatou, Jiraiya-sama," Sasuke said. Jiraiya just smiled as Sasuke ran out of the building.
"OK, send them in Shizune," The blonde Hokage said, leaning back in her chair. Shizune nodded and walked out of the office. A few minutes later, Naruto and Ryu walked in.
"So, what did you want Baa-chan?" Naruto asked, standing with his hands in his pocket.
"I called you in to tell you that I've got your third teammate and Jounin-sensei for the upcoming Chuunin Exams, " She explained.
"So, who are they?" Ryu asked.
"You'll see," The Hokage said, then pressed a button. After that, Tsuyoi walked in with a pale looking kid with short black hair. He had a ninjato strapped to his back and was wearing a shirt that showed part of his stomach. "As you can see, your dad is your sensei."
"Ok, but who's the other guy?" Naruto asked.
"This is Sai, he'll be taking the exams with you. He was referred to me by that old war hawk, Danzo," she said, keeping the disgust out of her voice.
"It's nice to meet you all," Sai said, showing his all too obvious fake smile.
"I already don't like him," Naruto and Ryu thought at the same time. However, they both said, "Nice to meet you too."
"Well, I'll give you time to get to know each other later. For now, I'll explain everything," Tsunade said, propping herself on the desk. "The exams are being held in Iwagakure this time around, so you'll need to stay cautious. Even though the Tsuchikage has been able to calm relations between us, there are still people who dislike or flat out hate us there."
"OK, watch ourselves, got it," Naruto said, nodding.
"I'm not finished," Tsunade said, irritated. "Anyhow, you'll be going with two other teams, one of which you should already know Naruto."
Just then, the two teams walked in. Naruto rocked back in surprise. "Konohamaru?" he exclaimed.
"Boss!" Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi yelled. They ran up to him, talking wildly.
"How've you been? Where were you? Have you gotten stronger?" the three asked, among other things.
"Hmph, losers," a girl on the other team said. She had long black hair, slightly past her shoulders a wore a basic white battle robe. The most noticeable detail was the pearl white eyes.
"Hanabi?" Naruto said, a little surprised at how cold she was.
"Hello...Naruto-san," she said a little stiffly.
"Heh, you haven't changed a bit," Naruto said.
"What do you mean, I haven't changed!" Hanabi asked angrily.
"I mean you've grown, obviously, but you're still to formal," Naruto answered simply.
"O-oh, well I've been trying," Hanabi deflated and blushed in embarrassment.
"Yeah, with people stronger or older than her," Konohamaru muttered. Unfortunately, it wasn't quiet enough and Hanabi heard him.
"I'll never respect you loser," Hanabi said, glaring at the boy.
"Hey! I'm strong enough to beat you blindfolded," Konohamaru boasted.
"Then bring it on!" Hanabi sneered.
"Enough!" Tsunade yelled. Konohamaru and Hanabi turned away from each other and looked at Tsunade. "Now, you will be leaving for Iwa in two days time, so I suggest you get everything necessary ready by then. Understood?"
"Hai Hokage-sama!" they all said.
"Good, you're dismissed-except Naruto and Ryu," Tsunade said.
As everyone but the two teens walked out, Naruto asked, "What's up Baa-chan?"
"I just wanted to tell you two to be very careful and watch out for Akatsuki," Tsunade said, serious. "You especially Naruto, since you look so much like Minato."
"Don't worry Baa-chan, we got everything under control," Naruto said, grinning and giving her a thumbs up.
Tsunade smiled as the two jinchuurikis walked out. "I hope so Naruto."
1: For Naruto, look at my profile pic, just has his blue eyes instead.
2: I'll explain this better in a later chapter, but Tsuya has switched to Konoha and is now one of their shinobi.
Jutsus/ Names:
Fuuton: Susatasu - Wind Style: Fierce Tornado
Katon: Kasuihiryu - Fire Style: Streaming Dragon's Fire
A/N: Well, that's Chapter 10. Hope you guys liked it. Remember to R&R!