8/6/08
Hi guys and girls. Good news, guess I'll finish this story because of the responses I've recieved last chapter (hope that's good news). This chapter was longer than most (but who's complaining right?). I would say I'm about almost 1/2 done with the story so far. Maybe a little less than halfway, but yeah it'll be a pretty long story. Also if this story goes well and people like it I might even do another one. But, we'll see about that. Anyways, hope you like this chapter.
Chapter 13:Reminisce
BOOOOOOM!
"7th gate open," Sarutobi said and his skin started to turn a dead gray.
Naruto felt the chakra pressure that Sarutobi was emitting and it surprised him. It was becoming a lot more difficult for him to breath or stand. Damn old man, you're really going all out huh? That's fine, I want it like that. I want you at your best.
Naruto smiled, "This is starting to get interesting."
Sarutobi returned the smile with a smirk, "Yes it is. I'm glad that I had the chance to use this jutsu against a single opponent."
Arashi dropped to his knees, "Seishin, Kioko, it's hard for me to breath." But as he turned around he saw that Seishin and Kioko were on the ground already and breathing hard. Moments later he dropped to the ground joining them.
Naruto rushed at Sarutobi with a flurry of punches and kicks, but this time Sarutobi had evade them all and tried to counter with a punch of his own, but missed.
"You can see it now and you're fast enough to block it," Naruto said.
"Of course. And you're fast enough to dodge the counter punch," Sarutobi replied.
Both of them kept their smiles on knowing that this would be one hell of a fight.
Sarutobi did a few handseals and a few fireballs flew at Naruto with great speed. Naruto managed to dodge most of them, but the last one hit him square in the chest and he flew back 10 yards. As he was skidding he did a backwards somersault and was up to his feet. But, as soon as he was up a few jets of water was flying at him. Naruto did a few handseals the ground came up and covered his body just in time before the jutsu hit him. More jutsus flew at Naruto. Damn too many jutsus at once. No chance to launch an attack. Even though he's using low level jutsus he's putting a lot of chakra in it. The advantage of a low level jutsu was that it required less handseals therefore letting a shinobi launch more attacks. Naruto also knew that the small jutsus were just setting him up for a higher ranking one. One mistake and he would eat a high level jutsu. Sort of like how a boxer throws jabs before their big punch. Oh shit, the moment that he jumped Naruto knew he had jumped a little too high when evading Sarutobi's lightning jutsus. He hoped Sarutobi didn't see it, but as he looked at Sarutobi's face he could tell that Sarutobi had also caught the mistake.
Sarutobi did some handseals and the earth underneath formed huge hand grabbing Naruto's body. More handseals and electricity burst from Sarutobi's 10 fingers hitting Naruto. He screamed as the lightning entered his body frying his insides. The hand holding Naruto had also crumbled as the justu hit him.
Naruto coughed and slowly stood up. He was hurt and tired, but he would not give up. Looking tired and dazed he crossed his fingers, "Kage Bunshin," and a clone popped into existence.
Shadow clone again. What are you going to do now Naruto? Don't tell me you're going to do the same thing.
Naruto did a few handseals and blew a white flame at Sarutobi about the size of a basketball.
Shit I better not get hit with this, Sarutobi thought and he began jumping out of the way, but in the corner of his eyes he saw the clone also doing some handseals. The clone put his two forefingers and thumbs together making a triangle and Sarutobi could feel the wind charging into the white fireball. The fireball grew bigger and faster. Knowing that he was going to get hit there was only one option left. He did a few handseals and the ground came up to block the fireball, but it was instantly melted. Sarutobi managed to put up his forearms before the fireball could connect in a more vital spot. As he hit the ground he immediately rubbed his forearms on the ground to extinguish the flames. He used his clone to mix 2 different types of elements. Impressive. Sarutobi knew that it was harder than it looks. He knew that chakra manipulation had to be precise or else the elements would contest each other instead of help each other. That's why it's impossible for 2 people to mix different elements because their chakra signature is different. But, if a person is skilled enough they can mix different types of elements. Sarutobi could see the advantages of using a clone instead of just doing one jutsu after another. One, since both the person and the clone are doing handseals at the same time a person could combine high rank jutsus as Naruto just did. Since most high ranking jutsus takes more handseals it takes more time to perform those handseals and by the time a person is finished with the next hand seal the previous jutsu would have hit or missed its target. This wouldn't allow for the 2 jutsus to be mixed. That's why it's only possible to mix elements of low-level jutsus if you're not using a clone because it takes less handseals. Even then the person would have to be extremely quick in their handsealing technique. But, there were also disadvantages. One, to enable a clone to use jutsus the user must give them enough chakra to also do the jutsus. Most of the time clones were just use as distractions or to gather information. Two, if a clone is given chakra it cannot be taken back so when a clone disappears so does the chakra. It's a huge waste of chakra if the clone is hit. Long ago Sarutobi had also thought about using a clone to mix elements, but to him the advantages did not outweigh the disadvantages.
Thinking about the disadvantages Sarutobi knew what he had to do. He threw 10 shurikens at an angle which caused Naruto to jump to his right.
Alright he and his clone are separated, Sarutobi thought as he rushed the clone. He was able to give the clone a swift kick to the midsection causing the clone to buckle over, but to his surprise the clone didn't disappear. Caught by surprise he received an uppercut by the clone that sent him in the air. As he was recovering he could sense Naruto preparing for another attack. Looking at the ground he saw Naruto preparing a lightning attack while the clone preparing a water attack. As the attack came Sarutobi hastily crossed his fingers and said, "Kage Bunshin." The clone barely managed to pull Sarutobi out of harms way as the jutsu whizzed right pass him.
What the? The clone didn't disappear. I'm sure I made a clean hit on that clone… unless that was the real Naruto. He thought about the exchange to see if there was a moment where Naruto could have switched places with the clone. Sarutobi shook his head. No, that definitely was the clone that I made contact with.
Sarutobi quickly threw some shurikens at Naruto who was about 20 yards away, but just as the shurikens were about to hit Naruto the ground rose up to defend the shurikens. As the ground retreated back Naruto had already finish his handseals, grabbed a kunai and made a slashing movement. Sarutobi barely noticed the change in the wind and moved his head just in time as he heard a whishing noise pass his ears. The tree behind him was cut into ribbons a second later. Naruto swung his kunai again, but this time Sarutobi was ready and he evade the wind slashes easily. Just as he landed he felt his feet sinking into the ground. Shit I forgot about the stupid clone. He looked over to Naruto and saw him slash his kunai once again. No time to defend, Sarutobi did the highest fire level jutsu he knew and it hit the wind slashes straight on. He knew it was suicidal, but it was either that or eat the wind slashes head on. The blast blew Naruto and himself tumbling 30 yards. As he slowly got up he looked over to where Naruto was at and to his surprise not only was Naruto slowly getting up, but also the clone.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Sakumo, Reiri, Tsunade, and Jiraiya were jumping from branch to branch to where they felt the chakra when Jiraiya suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Reiri asked Jiraiya.
Jiraiya was looking ahead with a glazed look and not moving.
"Jiraiya… what's wrong? You're scaring the shit out of me. I've never seen you like this before," Sakumo said in a concern voice.
"I know you're worried for your sensei, but I'm sure it'll take quite a few shinobis to take him down," Sakumo said.
Jiraiya just shook his head, "He's not fighting a few shinobis. He's fighting a shinobi."
"Are you serious? I wonder how long the other shinobi would last if we can't even feel his chakra at this distance. I mean… we can feel the Hokage's chakra back at the village," Reiri said.
Jiraiya just shook his head again and pointed in the direction that he was looking at, "Do you guys see that?"
The 3 looked to where Jiraiya was looking and they didn't see a thing.
"You mean the trees?" Tsunade asked.
"No, someone's using senjutsu," Jiraiya said still pointing in the general direction. "That's why you can't feel his chakra at this distance."
"You mean nature manipulation?" Tsunade asked. She remember Jiraiya mentioning it to her once asking her if her summons knew anything about nature manipulation. At that time she thought that he was just pulling her leg because she had asked her summons and they didn't know anything about nature manipulation, but now he's saying that someone else is using nature manipulation... then it clicked… frogs, Jiraiya, Jiraiya frogs, Naruto... Jiraiya is Naruto's sensei.
Tsunade moved from the branch so quickly that the others jumped.
"Tsunade?" Reiri asked, but Tsunade couldn't hear her. She was already jumping from branch to branch. The only thing on her mind was why Naruto and Sarutobi were fighting. Maybe they're fighting against some enemy shinobis, she thought. But her gut instincts told her that they were fighting each other.
The others caught up to Tsunade and Sakumo and Reiri tried to ask Tsunade some questions, but she just quickened her pace. Jiraiya didn't have any questions as he was still in deep thought, Who else knows about senjutsu training? He remembered asking Tsunade about it and she said that the slugs didn't know anything about senjutsu training. He had also asked his sensei and Sarutobi knew, but he also said that only the frogs could teach it and that it was extremely hard training. His sensei also told him that was the reason he was given the frog contract, because of his will to never give up. I wouldn't even think twice of using it in battle even though I've been training in it for over 4 years now. The consequences could be severe if one doesn't do it correctly. He remembered almost turning into a frog when he was practicing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sarutobi and Naruto and his clone were panting. They've been fighting at maximum for 15 minutes already and neither of them has given the other an edge. Both of them knew that the other was tired, but both also knew the consequences of losing.
Sarutobi rushed at Naruto and they exchanged flurries of punches and kicks. The clone jumped in to aid Naruto, but just as he did that Sarutobi's hair turned into spikes. Naruto jumped back out of the way, but as the clone was jumping in he couldn't evade Sarutobi's hair as it poked through him. I forgot he has hair during this time period. Naruto had always known Sarutobi being almost bald and the attack had surprised him. The clone made a low 'poof.'
Sarutobi wheezed showing that he was tired. Goddamn that stupid clone finally disappeared.
Naruto was panting, but still thinking carefully on how to win. He finally got rid of my clone. Judging from his looks I know he's near his limits just as I am. But I should win. His body shouldn't be able to hold up much longer with that many gates open. He remembered how even Gai couldn't stay in this state for long.
Sarutobi looked at Naruto and was impressed that Naruto was still thinking things through. Most shinobis would start attacking or lose their cool once exhaustion set in, but he could tell that it wouldn't happen to Naruto. While most shinobis thought keeping your cool during exhaustion was an easy task, he knew that it was not.
Naruto cracked a smile. All I have to do now is last longer than you old man.
Sarutobi laughed, "I know what you're thinking Naruto, but don't get ahead of yourself. You're thinking that since I opened the 7th gate all you have to do is outlast me because my body won't be able to take it."
Naruto blinked confused that Sarutobi had read his mind.
Sarutobi laughed again, "Don't think I'm that easy. Just like how you master the shadow clones I have master the gates. I can stay in this form as long as I want. It doesn't bother me at all." Naruto just stared at him and knew that he wasn't bluffing.
Just then they felt 4 chakras coming in their direction. Both of them knew the chakras that it belonged to.
"It finally looks like they're here," Naruto said.
Sarutobi nodded.
"You planned this didn't you old man. You knew you couldn't take me so you raised your chakra to a high level so that the others would come and stop the fight. You're scared of me aren't you," Naruto said jokingly.
"Hey now, if you would have just lost I wouldn't have needed to do that," Sarutobi replied back in a joking manner.
"Well, I don't plan on this being inconclusive," said Naruto.
"Neither do I," answer Sarutobi. "Let's settle this. You better bring out your best jutsu Naruto."
"Okay, but before that," Naruto jumped to his team who was gasping for breath. "I'm so sorry team." Both he and Sarutobi had sensed them following, but both of them decided to let them see the battle. They both already knew that the kids will follow Naruto no matter what, even against the Hokage's order so trying to stop them would be a waste of time. During the whole fight both he and Sarutobi had avoided aiming jutsu in that general direction knowing that the children were there. He did a few seals and a yellow sphere surrounded his downed genin team. The yellow sphere made it so that the children couldn't move or be moved. It would also act as a protective barrier. Jumping back to Sarutobi he said, "Okay, let's get this started."
Naruto crossed his fingers and a clone pop into existence.
Sarutobi raised one of his eyebrows. Surely he's joking. But, then he saw the clone put his hands over Naruto's right hand.
Naruto gather chakra into his hands and a blue sphere appeared. The clone concentrated on adding the wind element into the Rasengan. The clouds started to spin and tornado surrounded Naruto. As the jutsu continued trees were being uprooted, branches were being snapped, and leaves were flying around Naruto at an insane speed.
Sarutobi knew that he would have to pull out his strongest jutsu also.
"I'm ready," Naruto said holding up the blue sphere with the wind surrounding him and increasing in velocity.
Sarutobi held his right wrist and concentrated. Suddenly a small fire appeared on his pinky, a water droplet appeared on his ring finger, a small rock appeared on his middle finger, lightning appeared on his forefinger, and finally a small vortex appeared on his thumb, all the size of a dime. Still in deep concentrated the 5 elements combined in the middle of his palm the size of a baseball constantly changing from fire, to water, to rock, to lightning, and to a small vortex.
"Whoa, I've never seen that before," Naruto said excitedly.
"Neither have I seen your jutsu," Sarutobi replied.
Both knew what to do next. They rushed at each other and slammed each of their jutsu against one another. A blinding white light emerged from the location as the 2 jutsus touch each other. Both of them were grinding their teeth as they pump more and more chakra into their jutsu. Both thinking the same thing, Damn his jutsu is just as strong as I thought.
KABOOOOM! This time the explosion was WAY bigger than the first. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Sakumo, and Reiri were blown back 20 yards as the explosion happened.
When they reached the battleground they saw a huge crater in the middle without a soul in site.
Sakumo spoke up, "Let's split up and search the nearby area. Come back and meet here in 10 minutes even if you don't find someone." As he said that the 4 of them went in different directions.
It took 5 minutes before Jiraiya saw his sensei's body on the ground. Jiraiya had estimated that they were at least 500 yards from the crater. He jumped near his sensei and checked his pulse. It was low, but still there. Letting out a sigh he put his sensei's arm behind his neck and started to carry him back to the crater.
He was the first one to reach the crater and no one was there, but he didn't have to wait long. In the distance he could see Tsunade carrying a person in a straddle position. The person was too far to make out any details, but Jiraiya was sure this was the person who had injured his sensei.
As Tsunade came closer Jiraiya looked at the body and was in shock, "Naruto!?"
Tsunade nodded.
Reiri was the next person to come back, but she didn't come back with a person. She was glad that Jiraiya had the Hokage, but as she looked at who Tsunade was carrying she was quite shock, but didn't show it. Instead she just said, "There are 3 children about 200 yards from here. We'll wait for Sakumo and we'll get the children also."
As Jiraiya and the rest of the group reached the gates of Konoha everyone gasped as they saw Sarutobi.
"Did someone kill the Hokage?" a bald shinobi asked.
"Sakumo, what happened? Tell us," a short hair girl asked.
Just as he was about to say something Nyoko accompanied by 3 other people: Shiba, Hizashi, and Tsume, jumped in front of the group..
"What the hell happened? I felt Sarutobi's chakra," she said as she landed on the ground.
She saw Tsunade and her eyes were surprised.
Just then Sakumo spoke up, "Look we can't explain right now. Sarutobi's in bad shape and so is Naruto. We have to get them to a hospital as fast as possible."
Everyone moved out of their way to let them pass. They reached the hospital in less than a minute and put each person on a stretcher.
Sakumo, Reiri, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Nyoko were all in the waiting room. It was a boring looking room. Plain white with a few plants here a there. A single clock hanging in the middle of the room.
After 5 minutes Tsunade spoke up, "Why the hell am I here? I should be helping."
Jiraiya held her wrist, "You can't."
"Why not?"
"I could sense that you are not 100 percent. You might cause more problems. You're not in top shape right now," Jiraiya said.
Tsunade clenched her fist, angry that Jiraiya knew she was still weak. Sure, Naruto had given her the antidote, but it would take a little more time for it to fully heal her, "I can still help."
"No, Jiraiya's right Tsunade. I could sense that you're not 100 percent also," Sakumo said. With the both of them agreeing Tsunade didn't have a choice and sat down.
After 2 hours the shinobi medics came. The 5 of them raised their heads waiting for an answer.
The medic shinobi spoke up, "They're both fine. No major injuries. They would need to rest for a bit to heal their injuries and regain their chakra. The kids are up, but I gave them some medicine to go to sleep. They need the rest."
The 5 people gave a sigh of relief.
The medic knew this wasn't her place but she spoke up again, "Were they fighting?"
Tsunade nodded.
"Sorry if I'm asking a question that I shouldn't," she paused a bit before continuing, "but if they were fighting why should we help the other shinobi? I mean… for him to cause this much damage to the Hokage, who knows what would happen when he wakes up," she said with a hint of fear in her voice.
Tsunade gave her a cold glare, "Are you saying we should kill him… or let him die?"
She answered in a small voice, "I'm just thinking about Konoha's safety. He's extremely strong which means he's extremely dangerous."
Tsunade replied suddenly and while she didn't sound angry everyone in the room knew she was, "Look, we'll ask him and Sarutobi what happened when they get up. If he's a traitor we'll kill him. It's not like he'll be able to defend himself well with those kind of injuries."
After a moment of silence Nyoko spoke up, "Tsunade, let's go outside I have to talk to you."
"You really don't think Naruto's a traitor do you?" Nyoko asked.
Tsunade just shook her head.
Suddenly Nyoko yelled completely changing the subject, "Where the hell have you been!? I've been searching for you and Naruto for 4 days. I even brought Shiba, Hizashi, and Tsume. I thought you guys were dead. And what the hell happened to Naruto and the Hokage? Why were they fighting if Naruto isn't a traitor?"
Tsunade sighed, "I'll answer your last question first. I don't know why they were fighting. As for your first question. We were on a mission."
"We…we… as in Naruto and you. I'm correct, right? I mean he was the only other person there with us," Nyoko said.
Tsunade nodded. Nyoko gave a giggle which Tsunade ignore.
"What happened to Jiraiya and Sakumo?"
"Well, Jiraiya was out cold and it took me a couple of hours to bring him around. Sakumo was already recovering because Reiri sensed that something was wrong with him so she took him to the hospital right away. What happened? I tried to follow after that, but I lost the scent."
"Hideo was being controlled by Seiji. That's how they were getting information from us."
"That still doesn't explain why you were gone for 5 days."
"Yeah, I'm getting to that. I was poisoned and Naruto saved my life again. We had to hide out in a cave for 5 days before returning to Konoha."
Nyoko was smiling, "You and him, in a cave for 5 days. That's so sweet, what did you guys do?"
"Shut-up, we didn't do anything."
"Give me the details. I demand details right now Tsunade," stomping one of her feet in a friendly and joking manner.
Tsunade's mind wasn't in the cave. Her mind was on what she had learned in her sensei's office. She just had to tell someone, anyone, before her head exploded, "Who cares about that? I've found out something even more important."
"There's something more important than Naruto and you in the cave for 5 days?" Nyoko asked unconvinced.
"Yes, be quiet and I'll tell you."
"Okay, go on," Nyoko said in a disbelieving tone. In her opinion there was nothing more important than her friend staying with a guy alone in a cave for 5 days.
"You have to promise not to tell anyone, okay?"
"Yeah, sure. You know you don't have to tell me that."
"Okay, you know how Naruto's been keeping his past a secret?"
"Yeah, so? Everyone has secrets."
"Yes, but this is HUGE. Don't interrupt."
Nyoko nodded.
"The reason why he's been keeping his past a secret is because he's from the future."
Nyoko eyes widen and Tsunade was scared that it might actually pop out of her sockets. Then all of the sudden Nyoko was laughing very loud, "Hahahahahahahaha, you haven't told a joke in the longest time Tsunade. Do you really think this is the time? I mean, Naruto's on the stretcher. I have to admit though, that was a pretty lame joke, but still, nice try."
"I'm not lying," Tsunade was a little angry that Nyoko didn't take her seriously.
"Okay, okay, Naruto's from the future," she said skeptically and began laughing again.
"I'm serious Nyoko. Quit laughing or the others might hear us and come out here. I'm telling the truth."
Nyoko looked into her friend's eyes, "Oh my god, you're not lying. Either that or you do believe he's from the future."
Tsunade nodded.
"How did you find out?"
"I was looking through Sarutobi's forbidden files and saw his file. Takahashi isn't his real last name. It's Uzumaki. It also said that he is the 6th Hokage."
"Wait you mean the dreaded Uzumaki clan?" Nyoko asked. "I heard they're quite talented. They're friendly with the hidden village of leaf, but ever since losing land we haven't been in contact with them much."
Tsunade nodded.
They were each lost in their own thoughts, "Hey, do you think that Arashi could be Naruto's father?"
"He could be… I mean they really look alike," Tsunade added.
"Yeah, I bet you anything that he is," Nyoko said. She laughed as she said this. "I wonder why Naruto doesn't punish Arashi just for the hell of it. That's what I would've done if I met my younger father. He would get spankings left and right."
It was a little while before either of them spoke, "Hey, do you think he knows you or I? I mean from the future?" Nyoko asked Tsunade.
"Maybe by name, but I don't think he knows us personally. We'll be pretty old when he's all grown up. Let's assume Arashi is his father. Arashi's still pretty young. Let's say he has a kid early. That's 10 years from now. 5 years until he realizes anything so in all: 15 years minimum. I don't see him knowing any of us personally."
Nyoko slapped herself on the forehead, "Why didn't I see it before."
"What?"
"He knows you."
"How do you know?"
"Okay, you know that I beaten him in a spar right?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes, how could I forget? That was the reason why we went on a date in the first place.
"Well, when he was unclothed I saw your necklace. You must have given it to him in the future."
Tsunade grabbed her necklace. It just seemed unlikely that she would give it away, "Are you sure it was the same one?"
"I'm certain. How many necklaces look like that?"
A frog croaked by a nearby stream, Stupid frogs, Tsunade thought. Just then something came rushing back to Tsunade's mind.
"He considers me as his mother," Tsunade said softly in a low voice.
"What?"
"While we were in the cave his summons let something slip. He said that 'Naruto considers me as his' and he made a 'M' sound, but he was interrupted by his brother before he could finish his sentence. I'm certain that was what that stupid little frog was going to say."
Another memory just came back to Tsunade.
"The little frog also said, 'even though we just saved her life the slug-lady's still as mean as ever.' Why would he use 'slug-lady?' I've never seen him before in my life. Also, why would he use the word 'still' if we haven't met before."
"So you think he knows Jiraiya personally also?"
"Yeah, that explains why he has frog summons. He probably met me through Jiraiya or vice versa and Jiraiya's probably his sensei."
Everything was falling into place. When she read the report on Naruto she couldn't believe it herself, but the more she thought about it the more it made sense.
It was a little while before Nyoko spoke up, "Well, this is a big problem."
"Why's that?" Tsunade asked.
"I mean... jumping from the 'friend zone' to the 'girlfriend zone' is pretty hard. Jumping from the 'mother zone' to the 'girlfriend zone' is like trying to jump out of a black hole."
"I don't like him in that way," Tsunade protested, but she could feel herself redden.
Nyoko had a finger on her chin, "Let's see, you broke into Sarutobi's forbidden file to get to know his past even though you know that you could be hanged for treason if someone found out. You were willing to you're your life just to get to know his past. It's so obvious. Plus, I can see it on your face right now."
Tsunade could tell she was blushing, "It wasn't that."
"What was it then?" Nyoko asked skeptically.
"When we were in the mountain he risked his life to save mine. He hid his past and I just had to find out why he would risk his life, but why wouldn't he tell me a thing about his past."
"It's still the same thing. You were interested," and Nyoko was still grinning from ear to ear.
It took 30 minutes before Nyoko could finally get Tsunade to admit that she liked him.
"See, doesn't that feel better?" Nyoko asked when Tsunade finally admitted. Nyoko was filled with joy. She was happy that her friend found someone she likes. But, there was also the 'other' problem. She didn't want her friend to be hurt. Even an optimistic person like Nyoko had to admit that the latter was more likely, considering the situation.
"Remember what I said. You can't tell anyone."
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you like, 'what did he consider you again?'" And she gave a loud laugh.
"Be quiet. Not only that. You can't tell anyone that we know about his past."
"Sure, sure, let's go inside and join the others," said Nyoko still grinning.
They walked inside and saw that Jiraiya, Sakumo, and Reiri were still in the waiting room.
"Where did you girls go?" Reiri asked.
"Ahh, no where. We just had a little talk," Nyoko said.
"You guys took a while. Was it something important?" Sakumo asked.
"Nope. We just need some fresh air didn't we Nyoko?" When Nyoko didn't answer Tsunade elbowed her ribs, "Didn't we?"
"Oh yes, it was nothing important."
Just then the medic came out and said that they could visit the patients. The group split into 3 parties because the medic nurse said no more than 2 in a room. Sakumo and Reiri went to Sarutobi's room while Jiraiya went to see the children, leaving Tsunade and Nyoko visiting Naruto. After 30 minutes they all switch rooms seeing all 5 of the patients. An hour and 30 minutes later they decided it would be best to go home.
Nyoko grabbed Tsunade's wrist just as she was about to leave.
"What?" Tsunade asked.
"I have to make sure. Let's go back while the others are gone."
Tsunade agreed to it because she wanted proof, "Alright, let's go back inside."
They went to the room where Naruto was located. He was on the respirator breathing very slowly. The white bed sheets covered were pulled up to his neck.
"Well, we can see that he does indeed have a necklace," Nyoko whispered in Tsunade's ear. "Let's see if he has 'the necklace'."
Tsunade reached for the bed sheets and pulled it down to Naruto's chest and she saw it. It was the same necklace that she had. There was no doubt about it.
The sight of the necklace surprised her even though she was expecting it. She grabbed her necklace just to make sure that hers was still there and it was.
"Well, that settles it," Nyoko whispered in her ears again.
Tsunade pulled the bed sheets back up and was just about to leave when she felt that Nyoko wasn't beside her. Looking back she saw that Nyoko was going through Naruto's pocket.
"What the hell are you doing Nyoko?" Tsunade whispered in her ears as she reached Nyoko.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm looking for his wallet. We might find out more things about him," Nyoko whispered.
"But, that's invading his privacy," Tsunade whispered.
"Look who's talking," Nyoko said. "Come on, don't you want to find out more. I know I certainly do. This is just way too interesting and weird. Besides, it's not like I'm going to steal anything."
"Got it," Nyoko said and she pulled out his wallet. "Yes!" she quietly said in triumph, "Plus, it looks like he has lots of pictures."
"Well are you going to join me or not?" Nyoko asked Tsunade. She could that Tsunade was burning with curiousity, but at the same time relunctant to join her.
Finally Tsunade sat down and Nyoko slowly opened the wallet with trembling hands like it was some sort of fragile treasure.
The first picture was a young Naruto with 3 other people which was probably his teammates and sensei. There was a pink hair girl, a black hair boy, and a white hair man that had the forehead protector over one of his eyes.
"Hey, his sensei looks pretty cute," Nyoko said. "He looks way too laid back though for my taste. Maybe if he looked a little more serious."
"He also looks pretty familiar," Tsunade said, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Yeah, he looks like Sakumo and Reiri doesn't he?"
"Yes, that's who he looks like. Except that guy looks a little thinner and he's got Reiri's face."
Nyoko nodded.
The excitement of the first photo made Tsunade forget all about being morally wrong.
"Turn it," Tsunade said wanting to see the next picture.
"Well, well, after seeing the first picture looks like someone's interested," and Nyoko grinned.
Nyoko flipped the page and it now showed 18 people: the rookie 9, team gai, Konohamaru and corps, and the sand siblings.
"His friends. Yep, there he is. In the middle," Nyoko said.
"I wonder if he misses them?" Tsunade asked.
"What kind of question is that? Of course he does."
"Wow, he's friends with people from the hidden village of sand," Tsunade commented.
It took a little scanning before Nyoko also noticed the different forehead protectors on 3 people, "Yeah, that's weird isn't it? I don't have friends from other villages. It must be a time of real peace where he comes from."
Nyoko flipped the page and saw Naruto and an older Jiraiya standing together with 10 other girls. It was clear that Jiraiya was drunk. Naruto seemed out of place.
"Well, I'm pretty certain he knows Jiraiya," Nyoko laughed softly.
Tsunade shook her head at the image of her teammate, "Jiraiya's still the same."
"It looks like Naruto's uncomfortable though."
Nyoko turned the page and there was Naruto standing together with an older Tsunade in the Hokage office. Judging by the photo Naruto was about 12 years old.
"Wow, you still retain your youthfulness after all those years," Nyoko said.
Tsunade was shocked to see herself. She had expected it, but expecting and seeing were two very different things.
"Now we know that he knows you personally," Nyoko commented, but Tsunade didn't say anything. She was still too shock about seeing her future self.
Nyoko flipped the page and suddenly fell on her back laughing with the wallet to her waist covering the pictures.
"What is it? Let me see," Tsunade said. "Be quiet or you'll wake Naruto."
Nyoko barely managed to give Tsunade the wallet as she was still laughing her head off. Looking at the picture Tsunade quickly knew why Nyoko was laughing. The pictured showed an older Tsunade with a very beautiful, but naked girl.
What the? But, then she knew what happened.
"What a pervert," Tsunade said.
"Come on, it's a clever jutsu. I bet you he made that up. It's not as good as mine though, but considering how young he is, it's still pretty good," and she started to laugh again.
Tsunade turned the picture and now she was smiling. There was a big hole in the wall and Naruto was nowhere to be seen. Nyoko looked over Tsunade's shoulders.
"Hey, where's he at?" Nyoko looked closer at the photo. "Tsunade, don't tell me you punched him through the wall. It was just a jutsu. You're so mean," Nyoko said with a frown.
"I didn't even do anything yet."
"You just punched him through the wall."
"This hasn't happened yet. It's in the future," she said.
"Well, you're going to punch him through a wall," Nyoko replied. "You big meanie."
Tsunade turned the page and saw Naruto bandaged up with a caste on his right arm and a caste on his left leg. Tsunade was trying to feed him some medicine, but apparently Naruto was still mad because he had his face turned away from her.
"Awww, that's so cute," Nyoko said as she looked at the picture.
Tsunade flipped the page and saw herself giving Naruto a peck on the cheek. Apparently Naruto had finally taken the medicine because the spoon in her hands was empty.
"Wonder how long that took? He must really like you considering you just punched him through the wall," Nyoko said.
Just then Naruto stirred a little.
"Come on, I think we've seen enough," Tsunade said to Nyoko and she nodded in agreement. They put the wallet back before heading out.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Seiji had returned to the Hidden Village of Cloud. He went to the Raikage office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," said the Raikage. "Ah, Seiji. Anymore good news?" the Raikage asked. Last time Seiji brought news that one of the sannins was dead.
Seiji shook his head, "Bad news actually. One of the worst news."
"Continue."
"It seems that I was mistaken when I gave that last report on the dead sannin."
"You said that Hideo was able to hit Tsunade with his blade. That poison was made from our top poison makers in the village given to you so you can take care of a worthy opponent. Are you saying that she was able to make an antidote that fast?"
"I don't believe it was her. There's no way she could have did anything. The poison acts too quickly for her to even manage to start getting any ingredients."
"Then it was the blonde shinobi?"
"I think so. Somehow I believe he was able to make an antidote to cure her. As you know from my last report I was only able to hit Tsunade. I wasn't able to hit the blonde shinobi with Hideo."
"Do you think that maybe he took her back to Konoha?"
"No, there wouldn't have been enough time even if he went straight back to Konoha. The sannin should have been dead by then."
"He must of stopped the poison somehow and managed to make an antidote," the Raikage said.
Seiji nodded.
This was frustrating for the Raikage. Just when he thought that one of the sannins was dead Seiji brings him the worst news.
"If that's all you may leave."
"That's not the worst news," Seiji said.
"What's worst than that?" the Raikage asked.
"I've figured out the true potential of the blonde shinobi."
The Raikage knew that if this was the worst news, then it could only mean one thing: the shinobi must be strong.
"He fought with 'The God of Shinobi' and was his equal."
The Raikage's eyes widen. He knew that the blonde was strong, but this strong? "Are you sure? How do you now?"
"I felt the 3rd's chakra and went to investigate. I knew that he was fighting a hard battle for him to release that much chakra," Seiji still marveled at how much chakra the 3rd put out. "As I approached the chakra signature there was a big explosion at the battleground. I knew that something had happen. I tried to find the 3rd to finish him off, but as I was looking for him a group of people had already found him. They had also found the blond. Putting the pieces together, the blond had a scruffle with the 3rd."
"Who found him?" asked Raikage.
"The White Fang, his wife, and 2 of the sannins."
No wonder why Seiji didn't fight them.
The Raikage knew the answer already, but decided to ask anyways, "What would happen if I fought him?"
Seiji answered without any emotions, "You will die."
The Raikage laughed slightly at this straightforward answer. That was one of the qualities he liked about Seiji. The shinobi would give an his honest opinion on an outcome, "What if it was the both of us?"
"Same result."
The Raikage stood up, "Well, even strong shinobis have weaknesses. We'll just have to exploit those weaknesses. Yes, I think this is the perfect time for our plan."
"Right now?"
The Raikage nodded and turned to the window, "Do not inform our allies of the blonde's abilities."
Seiji bowed his head, "Naturally."