Rider: Hi there everybody. Sorry for the delay, I have been super busy as of late and it cut down on my writing time. I don't know if I've said this already somewhere, but I think I have more free time during the school year than I do over the summer. Kind of sad really…

Star: Stop talking so I can read the story!

Rider: (glares at star) Ok then, in a moment though. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, and those of you who are reading silently in the background. To the anonymous reader "a", I wish to try and clarify a few things. I know Hiashi is no pushover. Daiki didn't beat Hiashi so much as blindside him with a surprise attack. As I've said before it will have more explanation in later chapters. As for character development…um, you make it sound like the story is ended, which it's not. As for Daiki being all knowing and omnipotent, again, that will be explained later. I'd say more, but it will give away too much I fear.

Wraiths: Oh my god! Stop talking!

Rider: (glares) I really don't like you two right now…Ok, on with the show! (pulls a lever raising a curtain)

Star: Where'd that come from?

OOOOO

Disclaimer: Hey! Guess what I'm going to say next. I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count. Yes! You're correct! I don't own Naruto! Your prize? Er, you…get to read my story?

Spoiler warning: Same as last time. If you don't know of Team Seven's Adjusted line up, the new guy is here.

OOOOO

A Shinobi's Decision

Chapter Eleven: New Recruits, Old Memories

Naruto tossed and turned in his bed, far too excited to go to sleep. Not only had Tsunade-obaa-chan lifted his 'imprisonment' within the village, but Kakashi would be training him for the Chunin Exams. Naruto rolled over again and stared at his ceiling for a moment. The Chunin Exams, he could not wait to prove how strong he had become. While he would have preferred to have some time training with Ero-sennin just to make sure, he was certain that his training with Daiki would pay off. He could practically feel that tactical vest on him already. Sitting up, he looked out the window to the faint red-orange light beginning to break through the darkness.

"Guess I'm not going to get any sleep tonight after all." He muttered quietly as he glanced at his alarm clock that read 6:07. He debated about leaving the alarm on to go off everyday while he was gone to annoy his neighbors, self preservation for his belongings won out as he flipped the switch. Climbing out of bed he threw his walrus sleeping cap on to the bed and made his way to the bathroom where he began adjusting the water for his shower. He had learned from previous missions that bathing opportunities were not always readily available and always showered before long excursions to buy as much time as possible. He had started this ritual some time ago deciding that Sakura-chan would never go out with him if he reeked of BO. Even with the way events had gone and the knowledge he would never have that chance, he continued the practice. Testing the water once again, he stripped and entered the shower.

A short time later he dried himself off and began to dress, leaving the jacket off for the time being. He moved to the stove and put up a kettle of water to boil for his morning cup of ramen. As he waited he found himself daydreaming again. He had often imagined what it would be like for him to come out of the shower, dressed and ready to face the day, to find Sakura sitting at his table with her morning cup of tea and two waiting cups of ramen for them. It was stupid, selfish, and chauvinistic, but he couldn't help the way his unconscious mind and his heart conspired against him.

Taking the boiling water from the stove and pouring it into the insulated cup he waited for the noodles to soften. "It wouldn't even have to be fresh made ramen." Naruto murmured, still half in a daze. "I wouldn't make Sakura-chan go through all the trouble. Instant would be fine, just to have breakfast with her every morning." He sat down and looked out the window as he rested his head in his hands. "Maybe when we get Sasuke-teme back all three of us can have breakfast together." He smiled at the idea. "Sasuke-teme would probably say he has more important things to do though…but with Sakura-chan and I both teamed up we could probably make him sit through the meal." He pulled the top from his ramen and broke his chopsticks as he began to eat. "Yeah, that would be fun."

"Oi! Naruto!"

Naruto jumped, nearly spilling his beloved food stuffs, at the sound of a certain pink haired kunoichi's voice. He ran to the door and opened it wide. "Sakura-chan? What are you doing here?"

Sakura held up a carryout box with the familiar logo of Ichiraku's ramen stand. "A girl can't bring her teammate some breakfast?"

Naruto looked around for a moment and pulled at his cheek. "Nope…not dreaming."

Sakura stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Kakashi-sensei was afraid that you'd oversleep and miss our meeting time, so I said I'd stop by to get you." She smiled at him again as she kicked off her shoes and entered into Naruto's kitchen. "Ichiraku was just opening up as I passed so…" She set the two bowls on the table and shrugged her shoulders. "You have any tea?"

Naruto nodded, still somewhat dazed by Sakura's action, and pulled some green tea from his cabinet. He sniffed it experimentally, making sure it hadn't gone moldy since he'd last used it. He poured some of the still hot water from the kettle into a mug and let the tea brew. A few moments later he handed Sakura the drink.

"Thanks." She sat and waited for Naruto to join her at the table before she began her meal. "So? Did you get any sleep at all?"

Naruto shook his head. "Not a wink. I was too excited about starting our trip." He looked down at the ramen and back at Sakura. Something was bothering her, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He held the chopsticks absently as he continued to study Sakura discretely. "How about you?"

"None. Not even a few minutes." She continued to smile as she ate. "I was…I guess I'm nervous."

Naruto slowly took up the first mouthful of noodles. "But, you're stronger now that ever. You're going to do great." He smiled at her warmly finally understanding what it was that was getting to him. Sakura was forcing her smile, in the same fashion he used to. "You have nothing to worry about."

Sakura's smile faded a bit. "But last time, I was so useless. You…and Sasuke-kun…I relied on the both of you so much at the last exam."

"Shikamaru told me about how you defended Sasuke and I." Naruto let one of his rare genuine smiles through to Sakura. "Without you we wouldn't have even made it to the prelims. You weren't useless at all." His smile shifted, becoming playful. "And like I said, you've become much stronger. To be honest, I'm torn."

"Torn?" Sakura questioned as she paused lifting her bowl to her mouth. "About what?"

"On one hand, I want to face you in the finals to see how strong we've both become."

Sakura blushed brightly. Just the other day she had told Hinata how much Naruto respected strength, now he was telling her that he wanted to fight her one on one. "And on the other hand?"

Naruto grinned. "I'm afraid to face you cause I think you might beat me really bad with how much you've grown."

Sakura wasn't sure, but she thought she had somehow crossed into Hinata's territory of blushing. "I…I don't think I've gotten that strong but…" She looked down, but her eyes darted up a little bit, giving her a coy and playful look. "I really want to fight against you too…"

Naruto swallowed hard. He had wanted to cheer Sakura up, but she looked so unbelievably cute to him at the moment he thought his heart would burst from his chest. "Sakura…I…"

Sakura glanced at the clock by Naruto's bed. "It's already 7:30! We're going to be late!" She lifted the ramen bowl to her lips and finished the meal with enough speed that she almost beat Naruto, almost. "Come on! We have to go!"

Naruto grabbed his travel pack, thankful he'd remembered to pack last night, and raced out the door after Sakura. He laughed lightly as he trailed a step behind her as they jumped the rooftops. "Kakashi-sensei sent you to get me and we still almost ended up missing the meeting time."

"Shut up Naruto!"

He smiled despite the verbal reproach, happy that Sakura was back to her normal self. They landed at the north gate a few minutes later to see that most of the others were already there. "Hey guys!"

"Ohaiyo Naruto-kun!" Lee responded energetically, seemingly oblivious to the early hour.

Naruto turned as a puff of smoke signaled a new arrival. "Kakashi-sensei! I'm ready to start my training! What's first!"

Kakashi blinked. "Ano…aren't you going to go through the usual lateness thing?"

Naruto blinked. "But, you're not late."

Kakashi blinked and turned to his fellow Jounin. "Asuma?"

Asuma grinned and took a drag of his cigarette. "Sorry Kakashi, Godaime-sama's orders. We told you two hours earlier than the actual meeting time."

"Maa maa, you guys are getting crafty aren't you?" Kakashi scratched the back of his head as he admitted his defeat. "So I actually beat Kurenai here?"

Kiba nodded. "Sensei said she was going to meet Hinata and Neji at the Hyuuga compound before coming here."

Naruto turned to Choji. "So, who's this new teammate of yours?"

Ino shook her head. "We haven't seen the kid yet. How about yours?"

Sakura shook her head. "Same situation with us." She continued to look around. "I guess Daiki is coming with the others?"

Shino lifted his hand and pointed towards the far end of the road. It seemed that was explanation enough as he did not say anything to elaborate.

Naruto blinked as he saw the approaching figures. "They have an extra person with them…" He turned to Sakura. "You don't think that maybe our new teammate is…"

Sakura shook her head. "I don't know. But, considering Sasuke-kun's skill set it is entirely possible that Tsunade-shisho would…"

"A good assessment Sakura." Kakashi nodded as he pulled out his little orange book. "But ultimately wrong in this case."

Naruto scratched his head. "Then that means…" He watched as the shorter girl of Kurenai's group marched over to Asuma.

"Hyuuga Hanabi, to be temporarily assigned to Team Ten." The young heiress supplied coolly.

Ino looked over at Hanabi, then to her sensei. "You're kidding right? I mean, yeah she's a Hyuuga and all, but she's just a kid. She's not ready for the…" She twisted to the side and caught the kunai that rushed toward her face.

Hanabi hadn't changed her stance, aside from one arm being outstretched, from where she faced Asuma. "Don't underestimate my skills. My marks put that traitorous Uchiha's to shame." She turned and glared at Ino. "Don't get in my way."

"You little…" Ino stormed over to the girl where a most intense cat fight began.

Choji pulled a bag of chips from his pack and began to eat as he watch the two kunoichi. "She's even scarier than Ino…" He muttered to himself.

Asuma laughed at the comment despite himself. "You guys should have an interesting exam."

Naruto looked over at Hinata and Neji, then at Hanabi. He pulled Kakashi's arm motioned for the taller man to bend down. "Ne, Kakashi-sensei? I know something happened between the Hyuuga's and the Village of Hidden Cloud, is it really a good thing that three of their clan is going?"

Kakashi smiled behind his mask. Naruto was growing despite himself. "Well, I really don't know Naruto. But maybe you should keep your eyes open just to be extra safe. Ne?"

Naruto nodded. "Wakata-dattebayo." He looked around. "Everyone's here now except our mysterious new teammate? Where the hell is this guy? If he makes us late I'm going to…"

"I'm right behind you."

Naruto jumped into the air and landed in Kakashi's arms. "Where the hell did you come from?!" He looked over the new boy for a moment. "You're even more depressing looking than Sasuke-teme and you dress like someone out of one of Ino's magazines. Are you really a ninja?"

"Given your bright orange jumpsuit, you should really be careful of making rash judgments Naruto-kun." Replied the boy.

Kakashi then decided to unceremoniously drop Naruto to the ground, eliciting a loud laugh from Daiki across the yard. The silver haired jounin actually looked up from his book at the younger man. "I see, you must be Sai. I've heard many things about you."

Sai nodded. "As I have about you, Sharingan Kakashi." He smiled, a sad and hollow looking image. "I don't know why, but Danzo-sama asked me to tell you hello."

Kakashi's eye narrowed. "I see."

Feeling the tension in the air, Kurenai decided to step in. "Now that we're all here, we should head out. We have a lot of ground to cover before nightfall."

Kakashi nodded. "We'll start out on the road and take to the trees later." He saw the confused looks of the gennin and decided to elaborate. "In case Tsunade-sama has any last minute update information to send to us. It wouldn't do to be too far away." He neglected to mention that said information would be about the possible ambush rather than the exams themselves. Hoisting his pack he began to walk toward the gate, his gaze already back in his book. The other students looked around and followed after their Jounin-sensei. In moments four Jounin, one chunin, and twelve gennin were on their way to Lightning Country.

"Oi, Sharingan." Daiki called. "That volume thirty-six?"

Kakashi nodded as his eye darted to the side at his subordinate's cousin. "Why?"

"What chapter you on?"

"Fourteen…" Kakashi's senses screamed danger at him, though he could not lock down why.

"Oh…" Daiki nodded and continued to walk.

Kakashi blinked. "I should let this go. I should really let this go…" He thought to himself silently. His curiosity got the better of him however. "Why do you ask?" He at last questioned aloud.

Daiki shrugged. "No reason, I was just curious to see if you were up to the part about Michiko-chan's pregnancy scare or her…"

Kakashi clapped his hands over his ears. "You have to give spoiler warnings about stuff like that! La la la! I can't hear you!"

The other jounin sweat dropped as they saw their colleague reduced to the antics of a four-year old.

Daiki smiled and kept walking.

"Daiki? How did you know about that?" Sakura asked as she began to loom over him, her fist growing terrifyingly large.

"That?" Daiki pointed a thumb to where Kakashi was still dancing around in circles muttering gibberish. "I finished thirty-six last week."

"Daiki no hentai!" Sakura pounded Daiki into the ground, or at least she thought she did until she saw him a few feet to the left.

"I am not a pervert." He replied calmly. "At least no more so than anyone else here." He laughed as everyone in the surrounding area turned venomous stares at him. "What? It's true. With all the morals that Shinobi break on a regular basis, is a healthy libido really that big of an issue?"

Ino walked over and grabbed Daiki by the collar of his shirt. "I am not a pervert! You take that back right now!"

"Oh please, you're the easiest to spot blondie." Daiki replied as he easily broke out of Ino's grip.

Ino turned red in the face. "I am not!"

For a moment Daiki considered proving just how wrong that statement was, but shrugged instead. "Whatever."

Shikamaru sighed and continued to walk. "Troublesome…" Was his only response as he began to work on why he was being sent to the Chunin exams. He already had the rank, and he very much doubted that Tsunade would send him along simply for moral support when the village was short handed of capable shinobi. That left two options. The first was obvious, he was to observe Daiki and find a weakness they could use against him if it came to that. The second, and much more troublesome to Shikamaru, was that there was something much bigger going on that no one had been told about.

Hinata looked over to where her sister walked in close step to Asuma before her pale eyes fell to the ground again. It was bad enough she had to face her own fears of Kumogakure, but to have Hanabi to contend with too was an added pressure she didn't think she could handle at the moment.

Ten-Ten glanced sidelong at Neji. She may not have had his doujutsu, but she could read his body language well enough after being on his team for almost a two years. "Something on your mind?"

"It's nothing." Neji replied a little to fast.

"Meaning something happened with the Hyuuga politics." Ten-Ten translated to herself. She remembered from other times how he reacted, this was the most likely case. "Let me guess." She whispered quietly to him. "Hiashi wants you to make sure that Hinata and Hanabi don't embarrass the clan at the exams?"

Neji frowned. "I wish we were still at a place where that was our only concern." He glanced over at Kurenai and Asuma before returning his gaze forward, clearly indicating he would not go anymore into the topic.

Ten-Ten sighed. "You shouldn't do that you know. Teammates and friends need to be able to trust one another. You make it hard to do that when you keep secrets like this." She quickened her pace, leaving Neji to brood by himself.

"Naruto-kun?" Lee walked up quickly and pulled the blonde ninja slightly away from the group. "In preparations for the exams I have increased my weights again. I was wondering if you might want the second set I made?"

Naruto blinked for a moment. He still wore the old weights, but he barely noticed them now. "Sure, if you're not going to be using them but…" He paused a moment as he looked at Lee. "We may end up fighting each other during the exams, you sure you want to give me something that's going to make me stronger?"

Lee smiled. "Your youth is as honest as always Naruto-kun! That is exactly why I wish to give you these weights!"

Naruto frowned as Lee started babbling about youth again. "Huh?"

"I was not able to fight you at the last exam." Lee replied as he handed Naruto the weights, and noticed that Naruto held them with relative ease. He smiled slightly. "I am hoping that I will have that chance at this exam." He flashed a big thumbs up to Naruto. "I want us to both be at our best if that should happen!"

Naruto grinned. "Yeah, me too. I'll start using them right away." Watching as Lee ran over to bother Neji about something, Naruto turned to his new teammate. "So…what are your skills like?"

Sai continued to walk forward without facing Naruto. "I am proficient in my skills. You do not need to worry about me."

"That's not what I meant!" Naruto growled. "Sakura-chan and I don't know you! How can we be a team if we know nothing about you!"

Sai turned and gave Naruto another fake smile. "You are right Naruto, but my assignment to this team is temporary at best. And these exams carry far more weight for you and Sakura than they do for me."

Naruto's frown deepened. "I really don't like that answer…"

Sai continued to smile. "You don't have to worry Naruto, I will do everything in my ability to support you and Sakura through the exams."

Naruto looked Sai over once more before pulling away. "That guy's weird." He muttered as he moved next to Kakashi.

The Jounin laughed lightly. "Be nice to your new teammate Naruto."

Naruto continued to walk. "Are we going to train with Sakura-chan too?"

Kakashi nodded. "I would think that would be best, it's been a while since you worked on team related skills."

Naruto nodded. "I've been thinking recently too, about some things I want to try to learn…"

Kakashi looked up from his book. "Oh, like what?"

Naruto looked over at Daiki, who was still arguing with Ino, and now seemingly Kiba and Ten-Ten as well. "Well, I was thinking that…"

Kakashi caught where Naruto was staring and shook his head. "Maybe we should discuss this during our training later. In private."

Sai continued to walk quietly along the road waiting until Daiki pulled away from the others. Sai moved up next to the other boy, almost shoulder to shoulder with him, as he matched his pace. "I have heard reports that you were able to quiet easily defeat Kakashi." He kept his voice low.

Daiki's eyes shifted slightly toward the boy. "What of it?"

"It is quite an impressive feat for a gennin." Sai continued to look out to the road ahead. "It has gained you a fair amount of attention."

"So?" Daiki replied, his voice lowering slightly.

"I have also been told that you wish to destroy the Leaf."

Daiki shrugged just enough for Sai to see, but not raise the attention of the others. "So far, you haven't said anything that isn't public knowledge."

Sai again forced a hollow smile. "I suppose I haven't." His smile faded. "Do you still intend to do so?"

Daiki scratched his face. "Haven't decided yet, guess it's on hold for the moment."

"I see." Sai nodded. "If you should decide to carry out your plan, I have been ordered to tell you to speak with Danzo-sama."

"Naze?"

"Danzo-sama believes that Konoha has become weak and corrupted, a sentiment he believes you share. He wishes to rebuild and reorder Konoha to correct this." Daiki continued. "However…"

"One can not rebuild what is not openly seen as broken." Daiki replied. "A partnership then? He assists me in destroying Konoha for my revenge, and he gets to rebuild and rule as Hokage?"

"I believe that is what he has in mind." Sai nodded.

Daiki scratched at his chin. "Tempting, but…no."

Sai tilted his head, puzzled.

"When I take Konoha to it's knees, I will do it on my own terms." He let a concentrated burst of killer intent strike out at Sai alone, causing the boy to fall out of step a moment before he recovered. "And when I do, I will not leave behind anything enough to begin rebuilding." He moved away from the other shinobi with a smile on his face. He placed himself at about roughly the center of the group and began to hum.

Kiba and Akamaru were the first to notice the tune. "Hey, I know that song." The inu-nin began to hum along as he tried to remember the words.

Naruto was next. "I've heard this on the radio at Ichiraku's."

Sakura nodded. "Me too."

Daiki continued to smiled as the others all started to voice their knowledge of the song, except for Neji, Sai, Shino, and Hanabi. His voice rose and began to sing. "Sekaijuu hora waratteru sora, miagete saa tachiagatte…"

The others lifted their heads. "Oh Yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!"

Naruto picked up the next verse. "Seikaijuu hora kawatteku minna ganbatte so tachiagatte."

Again the others called out in reply. People randomly began taking up the lead as the verses as they continued to walk.

Asuma sweat dropped. "Is anyone else concerned that we're going to have the noisiest shinobi entering the Chunin exams?"

Kurenai laughed lightly. "They'll be fine. Let them have a little fun while they can." She grabbed Gai by the ear as he tried to run past and join the singing gennin.

Kakashi continued to look at his copy of Icha Icha Paradise. His gaze however rose from time to time to fall on Sai and Daiki. "Things just got a lot more complicated." He thought bitterly.

OOOOO

"You seem distracted Sasuke-kun." Kabuto walked through the field at a calm pace. "I haven't seen that look in your eyes since you arrived at the base after your fight with Naruto-kun."

"I am not distracted." Sasuke replied in his usual flat tone. "Far from it actually. There is no doubt that there will be entries from Konoha at the exams. You and I are not on friendly terms with those representatives. Should our presence be discovered, it would not end well."

"We've avoided their traps before, the chances that they will discover us…"

"Are ever increasing." Sasuke interrupted. "You should have learned by now…" He reached out and pointed to Kabuto's stomach, knowing where the scar of Naruto's Rasengan attack still lay. "That underestimating them can be quite dangerous." He continued to walk. "If I have grown under the teaching of Orochimaru, it is safe to assume that Naruto and Sakura have grown under Jiraiya and Tsunade. I'm sure that the others have grown as well."

Kabuto frowned. "Your assessment is dry and scathing as always Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke grunted and continued to walk. Allowing his mind to continue to work at his true concern, Naruto. His former teammate was really the only one who would have the ability to stop Sasuke if they met. Part of Sasuke wanted to fight Naruto again in the worst possible way. The unpredictable blonde was the only one who ever seemed to be able to push him to new heights. Sasuke may have been considered a prodigy by the other villagers, but there were times he wondered if a good portion of his progress was due to Naruto's unrelenting competition. He wanted to fight him again. At the same time, Sasuke did not want to see Naruto.

"I'll stop you, even if I have to break your arms and legs to do it!"

Naruto's voice echoed through Sasuke's mind. Naruto had said he considered him a brother. Though Sasuke had thrown that idea away instantly, it's ghost still lingered. If he had to face Naruto and lost, he would be dragged back to Konoha. Though he didn't trust Orochimaru, there were things Sasuke could learn only from the snake-sannin. He couldn't let himself be taken.

Sasuke closed his eyes and sighed a moment. There was also the issue of Orochimaru's orders, as well as that of his brother's, concerning Naruto. One wanted him dead because of his meddling, the other because he was the key to Sasuke unlocking the most sought after jutsus of his bloodline. Sasuke again had to consider Naruto's death should they meet again. Killing Naruto would not only give Orochimaru the idea he could control Sasuke, but also violate his own decision not to submit to his brother's will. The thought that he could order one of his subordinates to kill Naruto passed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Just as only Naruto could stop him, only Sasuke himself would be able to stop Naruto.

His eyes opened and he stared up at the sky. "Naruto…" He thought silently. "Stay away from me. I will make use of you when the time is right, but for now, stay away from me."

OOOOO

Night had fallen and the small group from Konoha had set up camp in a small clearing. A large fire burned brightly at the center of the many tents. It was toward this fire that Naruto now walked slowly. "I don't suppose we have any ramen do we?"

Asuma chuckled as he turned from where he stirred the contents of a large cooking pot. "Sorry Naruto, no ramen for a while." He poured a large bowl of the stew he had prepared and handed it to Naruto. "How'd your training go?"

Naruto gratefully accepted the offering. He wiped the mud from his face and hands as he sat down. "It went well. By the time we get to the exams, I'll have a whole new set of jutsu up my sleeves!" He dug into the stew quickly and held out his bowl for another helping. "Where's everyone else anyway?"

"Out training, same as you were." Asuma took a drag from his cigarette and refilled Naruto's bowl. "To be honest, I figured you to be the last one to show up here."

Naruto frowned. "That's cause Kakashi-sensei said I had to save some of my strength. I wanted to go for a few more hours."

Asuma smiled. "Shame Shikamaru doesn't have your drive to train."

"Yeah, I wondered about that." Naruto set his bowl down in his lap. "Shikamaru's already a chunin, why's he even here?"

Asuma's smile lessened, but didn't fade. "If someone on your team was a chunin wouldn't you what him around for some extra pointers?"

Naruto's face scrunched up a bit. "Yeah, I guess." He continued to eat, though a bit slower now. "How's your new teammate?"

"Hanabi?" Asuma rubbed his brow in thought. "She's got a lot of potential, just like everyone else here, but she likes to pick fights with everyone. Even her teammates."

Naruto laughed lightly. "She better be careful, Ino might fight back."

Asuma laughed. "I suppose that's true."

Naruto finished his meal and stood. "I'm going to take a walk." He paused. "Have you seen teme around anywhere?"

Asuma blinked a moment. "The other Haruno? I thought he was with you and Kakashi."

Naruto sighed. "He's always got to be a pain…" He ran up the nearest tree and paused on the lowest branch. "I'll see if I can find him." He leapt up to the next branch and moved further into the forest. "Baka teme…" Naruto grumbled as he jumped through the trees. He traveled for a few more minutes before he heard the sounds of clones dispersing. Traveling higher into the trees he searched for the location. "Who else would be using Kage Bunshin way out here?"

"Oi, ahou."

Naruto jumped as he heard Daiki's voice, he looked down and saw the pink-banged teen hanging from the same branch by using his chakra. For a moment, Naruto flashed an image of a mirror image as they stood on opposite sides of the branch.

"Your stealth skills still suck." Daiki crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you want?"

"I want to fight you." Naruto replied. "One more time before the exams."

Daiki took his time staring out over the landscape before replying. "No."

Naruto crouched down and placed his hands on the branch for balance as he leaned over. "Huh? Why not?"

Daiki mirrored Naruto's movements, bringing their faces only inches away from one another. "Because I don't want to know anymore about you until we face each other in the exams."

Naruto blinked. "Huh?"

"You think I've been training you simply to kill time?" Daiki asked. "That I showed you the blood seals for the hell of it? That I've been trying to make you stronger on a whim?"

Naruto stared. "Then why?"

"I did not tell your Hokage to let you go to these exams for your sake. I have reasons of my own that I want you there." Daiki replied. "To fight you now would defeat that purpose."

"I don't get what your talking about." Naruto complained. "What difference does all that make?"

"I am as you were." Daiki explained. "As I said, you were an unknown. Your victory over Neji will make people look for you this time. That's why I need you strong as possible." He grinned, looking slightly feral in his crouched position. "So when I defeat you, all the Lords will see how strong I am. They will see the strength of my village." His grin faded. "However, I don't want to fight you knowing all your tricks. I know too much of you already for this battle."

"So you want to beat me, but you don't want to know my weaknesses?" Naruto scratched his head. "You're weird."

"No more so than anyone else on this trip." Daiki turned away slightly and stood, or rather hung, on the branch. "I'm going to assume that you wanted to fight me as a test of your skills. I will not fight you, but I will give you a few hints to go on for your training." He looked back up at Naruto. "How you use them to get stronger is up to you. Still interested?"

Naruto nodded.

"All right, first figure out why your signature move is a kinjutsu." Daiki pressed on before Naruto could question him. "Second, I want you to remember your fight at the Battle of the End. You did something there that you have not done before or since, and I'm not referring to the…red chakra. Third, learn how to type fighters. I've already given you some other hints on this, so figure it out." He paused again and glanced up to look Naruto in the eye. "The last thing isn't so much for training, as a piece of advice."

"Yeah?"

"Your pursuit of new jutsus is admirable, but be careful." Daiki cautioned seriously. "Pursuit of new jutsu can be extremely dangerous."

Naruto blinked. "How could trying to learn new jutsu be dangerous?"

Daiki smiled sadly. "I'd tell you, but maybe you should ask your old teammate, or his new master." His chakra weakened and he fell away into the darkness below.

He watched as Daiki vanished from sight and sense. A moment later Naruto looked up at the moon. He didn't really understand the hints at the moment, except for the last one. "Orochimaru pursued jutsus and became a missing-nin. Sasuke pursued power from Orochimaru and became a missing-nin." He looked down and closed his eyes. "When Ero-sennin promised to teach me the Rasengan, I went at it like a mad man. Even more when I made that bet with Tsunade-obaa-chan." He paused. "But I never lost myself the way that Sasuke did." He looked down in the darkness. "What was it you lost Daiki?"

He considered going back to the camp to talk with the others, maybe have another few bowls of stew as well, but then realized he didn't want to be around others right at the moment. He sat down on the branch, letting one leg dangle as he pressed his back against the trunk of the tree. He continued to watch the sky for a time, mulling over Daiki's advice and the meaning behind them. Before long the physical strain from training, and the mental exhaustion of these new ideas, had put Naruto in a deep sleep.

OOOOO

Rider: So? What did everyone think? Good? Bad? Otherwise? If you have a moment, please share a little something with me to let me know your thoughts. (Looks around) Where'd those two go? (shrugs) Seems I've been abandoned…oh well. 'Till the next, live well all.