LADIES AND GENTLEMAN... THE REVIEW PORTION! YEAH! WOO HOO!

HinaNamikaze90 chapter 13 . Dec 2

This is a great story keep up the good work!

THANKS! :)

Spooky-Boogie000 chapter 6 . Nov 29

So, I have gotten to chapter 6 and I cannot go on. I really, really liked your original idea and I really felt like you had something in the first chapter. The only problem that early on was everything was so confusing. For example, the Hokage (Sartobi Hiruzen. I am aware the spelling is probably off), you kept switching the names. One paragraph you would say Saratobi, and then the next sentence or paragraph you would say Hiruzen, that made it really hard to follow.
But, I was willing to live with that. I really like your idea of the goddess giving naruto that tattoo, it was really something!
But, the choices you made with his family and who you have training him is something that bugged me. Why Anko? Why not Kakashi? Hell, why not Jiraiya? I would have even accepted the Itachi traininig him and Sasuke together.
His family choice is logical but why them? Why not a ninja family? Kakashi would have been a perfect choice! Hell, even Anko would be a decent choice compared to the Ramen man and his daughter. If you made Anko his family that would explain why she is training him. Also, I am not a fan of how slow the story is going. I'm 6 chapters in and 2 days hasn't even passed!
Now, don't get me wrong. You did a lot of things right in this story! You killed off Danzo and those other two trouble makers! That was probably my favorite part!
I could be nitpicking, which I am very picky when it comes to my FanFiciton so I apologize if I upset you or anything. I hope you can look at this as constructive criticism.

ALREADY SPOKEN TO YOU ON THIS VIA PM IN GREAT DETAIL. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT TO REVIEW. :)

fanofthisfiction chapter 13 . Nov 27

Transitioning out of the close friendship of Tenten into one with others Naruto will now associate with jump started this chapter.

It appears Naruto now bolsters more power and has befriended the Kyubi easily. He's still young though and I wonder if there will be any mistakes he makes along the way. He doesn't have a rival to overcome and he does have some grounding with his family but it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

Here's hoping you had a great Thanksgiving too.

It was interesting to read silentprotector's view without review stance. I hope your response to it will in part help to change the mindset on viewing without reviewing and I'm glad you addressed it. I treasure all constructive reviews and am glad you read and address yours too. That said, here's hoping you not only get the views but you've promoted a good reason for an actual review.

THANKS FOR THE REVIEW. DON'T WORRY. NARUTO WILL HAVE A FEW RIVALS SOON. BUT HE NEEDED TO SMARTEN UP AND QUICKLY. THIS CHAPTER AND THE NEXT WERE MEANT TO SHOW HOW MUCH SO.

Ziltoid chapter 13 . Nov 26

Sorcery? Going full crossover now?

Can't help but feel like this chapter was a bit too chaotic. All the timeskips and flashbacks, perhaps. Not sure, hopefully next chapter will be easier to read :P

HEARD YOUR CONCERN AND EASED BACK A LITTLE ON THE CHAOS I THINK. LOL. THANKS FOR STICKING WITH ME. I WILL DEFINITELY BE GETTING BACK TO 'THE HONORED GUEST' WITHIN A FEW DAYS AT THE LATEST.

Galndrael chapter 13 . Nov 25

*Nods appreciatively from the sidelines* Good chapter I am glad this is back and look forward to the next chapter. Now to try and work on my own story lol.

THANKS FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT. KEEP WRITING. I KNOW IT'S A PAIN AND A BIT DISHEARTENING SOMETIMES, OR YOU JUST FEEL A LITTLE WRITER'S BLOCK, BUT YOU'VE GOT THIS! :)

imgonnadie chapter 13 . Nov 25

Excellent chapter

THANK YOU! :)

Angel Hatake chapter 13 . Nov 25

OMG! Thank you thank you thank you! Two days before my birthday and you give this magnificent chapter to me! You are one the best and I enjoy reading this. I am waiting excitedly for next months chapter

ASK, AND YOU SHALL GET IT A WHOLE TWO WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS! :) BLAME HATAKE. ANGEL HATAKE MADE THE REQUEST FOR THIS TO BE PUT OUT HERE! LOL. :)

AN: ON A BRIEF NOTE: THIS IS MY LONGEST CHAPTER TO DATE. OVER SIXTYFIVE HUNDRED WORDS, ALL FOR YOU! I KNOW A LOT OF YOU HAVE BEEN PATIENT, AND EVEN THROUGH ME A REVIEW OR THREE. MAYBE FAVED AND FOLLOWED. WELL... YOUR WAIT IS OVER. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS... I GIVE YOU

THE RYU SHINOBI

CHAPTER 14

ENTER: TEAM GAI!

It'd been a year since Idate's mother Birumi became part of the 'family,' and continued to help in an administrative capacity with Naruto's okay. A few days after getting situated, Birumi gently pulled Nagato and Konan aside outside of the main hall (Think Hogwarts main hall) where there were few prying ears.

"Please forgive this lack of tact, but I had been granted information to give to the oldest living Uzumaki whom would have been assumed to be the leader of the Uzumaki clan. As Naruto is just a boy, it technically would have fallen to you, but you publicly supported Naruto as not only clan head, but Daimyo which tells me without a doubt that I am in the right to reveal this to you.

Normally Nagato and Konan would have brushed off the slightly older woman and moved on, but her words intrigued them as Nagato glanced at Konan who in turn nodded back. Nagato then said, "Please continue. But if this is a waste of our time, I will not be pleased."

"Please save the drama for the children. I'm too old for it. I'm Jiraiya's age. Now... where was I? Oh yes. I was a retainer for Uzumaki Kushina. She entrusted me with a few pieces of information. I was one of those who could not see Naruto for who he was after she died, so I planned on letting this information die with me. And I broke the hokage's law by telling you this, but you already saw the nine tails manifested I'm told. Well, after young Naruto saved my life, I had a little time to reevaluate my feelings about him, and he deserves to know the truth. But it would mean more coming from family than me. "

Nagato was highly annoyed at the way Naruto was looked upon, especially considering he discovered close familial bonds. And the relationship Konoha had with Uzu for so long. "Speak woman," he said dangerously.

Birumi sighed and replied, "Naruto has the key to many treasures remaining here on the island, and the treasures hidden underneath his family's home in Konoha. It's been protected by seals that only he alongside Jiraiya of the Sanin, or Tsunade of the Sanin can open together. But they would have been yours should you not have revealed Naruto's heritage. And for that," she said then paused. "I thank you. Naruto can only open the seals awake and willingly, so no genjutsu etc. can force him to open it. That's one thing I give you Uzumaki credit for... You know how to protect your interest. Just know that he will be drawn to the places where the treasures are hidden once he is made aware. It's genetically encoded in the main house of the Uzumaki clan. As you were likely branch, it may or may not be with you as you were the last heir's brother."

The three Shinobi went their separate ways as Nagato had this thought in mind, I can't make you a good man Naruto... but I will make you a good leader. This is my vow to you nephew. The group however didn't realize that a certain blonde former super prankster heard every word. His eyes narrowed and walked over to the main hall and placed his hand on the seal in the middle of the front of the hall. He wasn't sure if it was the right one or not, but if not, he would know soon enough.

"Master super stealthy shinobi of Uzu. Hokage in the making. Oh heck yes!" Naruto yelled quietly. The seal glowed. Naruto thumped himself on the head gently.

"Derp... I need a bit of blood if this is a security seal," he intoned. After letting a drop of blood hit the seal he added as much chakra as he felt he safely could. A spot a little to the left of him opened to show a staircase. He saw another identical seal on the wall at the top of the staircase to be released from the underground area. Naruto walked down the steps, each step taken closed the top door bit by bit until it was completely closed off. The stone marble like walls shined as if polished daily. Naruto continued until he reached the bottom of the stairwell, lanterns flickered to life as if by magic and Naruto walked into one of two rooms. One room held weapons and scrolls Naruto noted and hoped their would be some cool jutsu he could learn. He decided to check out the other room before beginning his descent into possible jutsu paradise. He then walked into the next room. His eyes became big as a triple Ultra Sized bowl of pork Ramen.

"Holy Celeste nee-sama!" Naruto squeaked out as he saw a room filled with what looked like the treasure of ships in a few of the pirate bedtime storybooks Ayame nee-chan read to him before leaving Konoha.

Naruto placed his hands together and prepared to make a Kage Bunshin until he realized one thing, "Crap! I'm a kage Bunshin. Double crap... I'm outta chakr..." before he popped out of existence.

In training field eight, Uzu-

Kiba skidded to a stop as Hinata somersaulted over his head. Naruto ran in behind Hinata in hopes of catching her off guard with a gentle elbow strike, but even with her byakugan deactivated, Hinata had found she was a formidable sensor. Placing medical intricacy with sensing made Hinata well sought after for mock missions, including D-rank they were warned would come with the return to Konoha. Shiho, took advantage of Naruto's slip up and tagged his back with an 'exploding tag.' Naruto was about to give off a small complaint when his eyes opened wide. Naruto's primary after class tutor and friend knew that look well. Naruto sent a shadow clone off and something major occurred.

"That's enough for now maggots. Get bent," Mitarashi Anko called as she finished notating the results of her current group's free for all. "Oi, gaki, get over here." Anko called.

None of the other children got that particular insult. It was reserved for her secret favorite. The other students took the hint to disappear. Seconds later Naruto sat on an oak bench beside Anko. "I saw that look at the end of free training. What did you do?" Anko asked suspiciously.

While Naruto didn't have anything against Anko, and cared for her greatly, he was also eleven now and had the mind of a ninja. His trust only extended so far... but even so, Anko was pretty high up on that list. "I will tell you later Anko nee-sensei," he teased. Anko rolled her eyes as he continued. "I've found something pretty cool to help me to keep Uzu afloat once we leave, and maybe help Konoha too. I just need to think."

Anko was a little surprised by this. "Why keep the island going. It's likely going to be annexed by Konoha or Kiri sooner or later..." but was stopped by a vicious glare from Naruto. One with a fierceness she'd rarely seen from him.

"Not a chance. I know you don't take too much stock in my being clan heir etc. I didn't either, but this island is my heritage, and technically I am a daimyo here... and I may have found a way to restore it and allowing it to keep it's autonomy."

Anko blanched at the word Autonomy. Firstly because of the implications. Secondly, due to Naruto knowing the word in and of itself. Naruto caught this look and chuckled slightly. "My uncle was a slave driver where political knowledge was concerned. I wasn't just learning handwriting for Fuinjutsu."

Anko nodded dumbly and walked away from her student, still in a slight daze. Naruto sat down and on the bench again. Although it was not the dirt, it grew up from the dirt and connected to nature in a sense. Naruto closed his eyes and meditated on what he'd learned. After his mind was cleared he entered his mindscape and walked over to his furry companion and leaned against the great Kitsune's head which laid on the ground in his enlarged cage.

What ails you young one?

"I have a bad feeling that I will lose everything that I have gained here. Friendships, family, and the respect that my uncle and teachers helped me to forge, and that's with Konoha citizens. Something I never thought possible, despite most being kids. I have surpassed the title of Hokage in a way I guess. But now I fear all of that hard work will have been for nothing," Naruto lamented.

A glowing green hand held mirror appeared before Naruto and he accepted it as it was his mind and he was fairly certain he could take on any attackers... but the mirror also didn't feel malevolent. Only a comforting glow. Naruto gazed into the mirror and saw a smile he knew too well.

"Hello Celeste nee-chan," Naruto teased.

"How many times must I remind you it's nee-sama Naru-kun?" Celeste pouted.

"As many times as I must remind you it's Naruto, or Naruto-kun."

The banter continued for only a few more seconds until Naruto asked, "Not that I'm not happy to see you, truly I am, but why not physically come visit like you have before?"

"Two reasons actually. One, I got into a little bit of trouble last time I came to visit you, so I won't be able to come back for a while, if ever. Just depends on if I can learn to behave," Celeste said with a grin.

"Like that will happen," Naruto deadpanned despite the obvious trust he had in her.

"Two," she said with the mirror showing her full body in the same dress Naruto first saw her in at age seven. Naruto fought as hard as he could, but blood dripped down his nose. Not a lot. His gentlemanly side fought tirelessly for control against his inner pervert which arrived with puberty. "I love you dearly Otouto, but we are not related physically which makes it much harder for you to control your male urges. I would hate to have to do ten times worse to you than what Tsunade did to Jiraiya years ago."

Despite being an old story, the story of Jiraiya's near fatal run in with the female sanin was legendary. She beat him to within an inch of his life for peeping on her.

Naruto paled, then took in a deep breath and controlled his anxiety to the surprise of the impressed Celeste. "Okay, now that we've gotten that out of our system, what's wrong nee-chan?"

"Well, it seems that one of the elder kami in my home was one of Konoha's former elder's patron deity. Someone your sandaime had... taken care of, or so he thought. The elder...You would think of him as a god of war. He was not happy one of his servants was to be executed. Much less outside of battle. The Konoha elder managed to get a message out to the Daimyo who arranged for his escape. No one knows how they pulled all of that off within a fifteen minute time frame, but that's not really all that important right now. I am just finding out now that two of those elders are alive, and are on the way back to Konoha after four years to take what they believes rightfully theirs. Even if it means doing it through war with the aid of Hi No Kuni's Daimyo. Or cutting Konoha's funding until they relent to the Daimyo's demands."

That bit of information sent a chill up Naruto's back. He was extremely well trained for an academy student, but he knew that war was far beyond what he and his friends could handle, even not knowing the true terror which was war. Celeste saw his concerned, yet gentle look and said, "You wish to help your old home don't you? Even after everything they've done to you?"

Naruto scratched the back of his slightly longer blond hair which was a bit less spiked and with a natural curl grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment. Plus I made myself a promise. I would become hokage to be accepted. While that was my main reason originally, I now want to protect the friends and families of those precious to me here on Uzu."

"I'm proud of you Naruto. Get a... what is it called... squad. Yes squad. Get a squad together of you and your peers with one Konoha adult as your representative. You are heading to Konoha tomorrow for a visit to support her, and get your bid in early for that chair as the six or seventh hokage," Celeste said with a smirk. "I can't interfere directly, or I can get in a lot of trouble. Seems things have gotten a little stricter since the last time I helped you and your friends. But don't worry. That is one of the reasons I had Kurama start teaching you from the special scroll I left for you. And I have kept watch. You are ready for your first real diplomatic mission, and have the mystical side down well enough that I can entrust this mission to you. Even if you didn't learn anything in the scroll yet... I still would have trusted you with this mission I think. I wish you luck my young Naru-kun. Oh and Naru-kun?" He looked her in the eyes, determination fierce, "I was the one who didn't let Jiraiya come to visit you here. He tried to convince me multiple times, but he was to be punished for not looking after you more when you were younger. I am lifting that ban if you'd like. Also- when you see him, know that he kept up the training of your friend Tenten as a sign of his wanting to make up for past sins. I know things are not as they were when you left, but you will still find an ally in Higamura Tenten."

Naruto's resolve in gaining the Hokage hat and protecting both Uzu and Konoha redoubled. He smiled as his celestial sister figure faded with a smile of her own as Naruto glanced at his partner in crime. The great kitsune nodded and Naruto faded from the inner sanctum of his mind and reemerged surprised to find himself in his Uzu home with Ayame sitting beside his bed.

"Ayame-chan?" He called worried.

She jolted up with a wooden sword in her hand in a defensive stance as her eyes went straight to Naruto. Her heart slowed as did Naruto's as she gripped him in a tight hug. She then said, "Don't scare me like that!"

"Oh... I know what happened now. I forgot how long my meditative states can become when Celeste nee-chan visits," Naruto explained tiredly, although her last visit like that was when he was seven. Ayame sighed and hugged her otouto again against her bosom. Naruto sucked in a deep breath and pulled gently away. Just enough control not to turn a deep shade of red. "I'm going home for a short visit tomorrow. Maybe see Otou-chan while there. Need me to pass on any info since I have to take an adult shinobi officially linked to Konoha?" Naruto added smoothly as he knew she'd want to visit home, but wasn't technically a shinobi, despite her formidable range of skills.

Naruto's words shocked Ayame out of her daze. "Are you taking Ruka-kun?" Ayame asked, having finally managed to snag her longtime crush a few months prior. Little did she know, it was Naruto and Anko's doing. Maybe he'd tell her the story one day.

"Nope. I think I want Anko nee-sensei. You and Ruka-kun," Naruto lightly mocked, "Need some adult time with me not in the house," his words enough to make the young chef blush.

With that Naruto made 200 clones and sent them to his newly discovered vault and had them learn as much as possible from the scrolls. Five to seal another package for the Hokage into the seal. Naruto hugged Ayame again and went to sleep for the night. The next morning he woke up early, showered, got dressed and started packing. He wore a closed zip up black leather vest with the Uzumaki symbol on the back. Black and gray camo pants, along with ninja tabbies. Kunai in seals and in his weapons pouch. His personalized seals he'd learned to make under Nagato and new ones his clones brought to him. He set his clones to dispel a few at a time while he slept, and the other clones managed to get the knowledge of the new seals thus he mastered eight new seals in his sleep. He hoped not to have to have to try them in open combat yet as they were untested. Naruto put on his tabbies (shinobi silent shoes) and went to say goodbye to Ayame before he left, but he smelled the heavenly unhealthy food as he got closer to the front of the house, bypassing Ayame's room altogether. He saw her finishing breakfast and she greeted him with a smile.

After a quick breakfast and a hug, Naruto was off to wake Anko and his team from the advanced students barracks where he sometimes slept. Anko was not pleased to made to get up before daybreak on an unscheduled day, but Naruto's look told her it was not a request. That coming from an academy student, even Naruto was not acceptable, but she also knew that he would not be their otherwise. And as most of the kids began respecting him as Daimyo, the adults reluctantly followed suit. Konan and Nagato being the exceptions as they already acknowledged him as the undesputed ruler of Uzu.

After retrieving everyone, including Iruka who took note of Naruto in battle gear, Naruto explained: "I have been in contact with Celeste-sama (forgoing the nee to ensure the seriousness was received loud and clear). Konoha's elder traitors have somehow been able to escape death and are returning to Konoha with the backing of Hi no Kuni's Daimyo backing them. I don't know how or what I have to do with any of this, but I was told that I, along with a team of my choosing are needed to ward off severe consequences. That is why I have chosen Mitarashi Anko as our Jonin sensei, Hyuuga Hinata as our sensor, and defense against sneak attacks. Inuzuka Kiba as another form of detection in case Hinata somehow misses something. Kiba's nose likely wont. I also chose this team as we have the highest team unity scores in every eval we have been given. Idate was a close call due to his speed, but Kiba's nose won out. We will be leaving within the next three hours. That will give everyone time to get clothing for one week. Anything else we need we can buy along the way. I have finances covered. Please don't ask how, just know we are good. UNCLE NAGATO... I am pretty sure you can hear me. Please respect my wishes in this regard. Umino-sensei is in charge until I return, with Ayame as second. If something comes up where you actually need to get involved, be a wall... a very big wall."

"Damn Brat, I'm beginning to think I taught you a little too well. You're what, eleven now, and think your a general," was all that was yelled back from Nagato's housing which was relatively close and within eyesight.

"We're not going anywhere gaki. You all aren't ninja. You might have the making of little bad asses, but I am not taking academy students out into the world. Celeste might hurt me, burn me, fillet me, but still, I can't in good conscience do it," Anko said.

Naruto hadn't expected that. Naruto thought for a moment then said, "Then give us our graduation test now. Both of them. And don't look so surprised. I found logs of Konoha's testing here. They used Uzu's formula for the idea of the second test all the way back to the second shinobi war. I don't know what test you will choose, but we will not fail," he said confidently, with no sign of arrogance.

Anko and Iruka looked at each other and shook their heads. They had a feeling no matter what they did, the kids were all ninja and would pass, but they would try their hardest to make it challenging.

The kids had no time to prepare. They were given the test right then and their. First the Henge, then Substitution jutsu. What Anko expected Naruto to try was the shadow clone jutsu but surprised her. She could technically fail him for not doing the clone jutsu if he'd just cooperated, but instead of the kage bunshin, to her surprise, Naruto created one hundred twenty perfect clones. His expression extremely serious. Anko then threw up to c-rank genjutsu at the students who broke them easily whereas most genin would have at least taken a moment to realize they were under genjutsu and fought to break it. The final test which served as their second test was to defeat Umino Iruka. They used teamwork like they were born into said team. Despite working secretly with Ayame to increase his skills, and working with Anko and Yamato (Anbu) to increase his technique to low elite jonin level, he was still bested by this new team. Hinata's guile, Kiba's fierce determination, and Naruto's natural leadership led their team to victory. All in under Twenty minutes. Had Umino's jutsu repertoire increased, he would have likely won, but he was proud of them regardless. Naruto placed a seal on his team and sensei to replenish their chakra. He also tested his own. He was still at ninety percent. To Hinata, Kiba, and Naruto's surprise, Anko placed down a storage scroll and summoned a few items. Forty Konoha Hitaite, four Uzu Hitaite, and an additional Uzu Hitaite with a red band.

"Hey Gaki. Here," She took off her Hitai-ite and tossed it to Naruto. "I worked hard for that gaki. I know you'll make me proud. The next one I might lose my commission for giving you, (she tossed it)but this red Uzu one belonged to Uzumaki Kushina. She was a grea..." Naruto caught the Uzu headband and raced and hugged Anko so fast heads nearly spun.

"How?"

"How what Gaki?" She asked still stunned by his lack of professionalism. But decided it must be major for him to act like this at a time so serious.

"You gave me your precious Hitai-ite, and I will forever be grateful... but you gave me something even more precious. You gave me a memento of my mother. She was never an Uzu shinobi, but she kept her mother's headband. My grandmother. I read it in her academy journal in my archives the old man gave me."

Anko sighed, "Your mom was a good lady who looked out for me when I was looked down upon. Now knock if off gaki. You've got to get it together. You're a genin now. Act like it!" she said only somewhat harshly.

Naruto stood up, wiped his eyes quickly and let out a quick, "Yes ma'am!" Naruto didn't like being told what to do as he was technically head of his own small nation, but he understood he was also shinobi now as well. He had to learn to accept that Anko had the experience and should trust in her. He took in a deep breath and thought, I won't let you down Anko-sensei!

Anko nodded in approval. "You all are going home on a mission. I know you will want to see your families... and we will try, but you have to remember, first and foremost... we are going their to protect Konoha. Follow my lead. Do not go in shuriken a blazin. Are we clear?!"

"Hai Taicho!" already replacing sensei with Taicho (captain).

"Taicho, sensei. Doesn't matter. Just so were clear on that," Anko clarified."

"How about Crazy Psycho Snake Lady?" Naruto murmured.

Anko rolled her eyes with mock annoyanced and then said, "I was going to give you all Uzu headbands we found, but for now Use these Konoha ones. We are still supposed to be off the radar. Do not reveal your location to anyone. Are we clear?" she demanded. After an affirmative, "Naruto, I see you have the tanto you found in the weapons storage strapped to your back. A sword is not something you should take until you are fully trained. I haven't fully finished your training and I don't want you to not be able to rely on it. Leave it."

Before Naruto could reply, Yamato appeared before them. "Naruto's fine with the sword. Ayame and myself finished training him whenever you worked with Idate, Shiho and Shino in the afternoons. Ayame heloped Naruto with a style I've never seen, but it's efficient, and me with one of the anbu kenjutsu disciplines. He is B-grade. Almost an A-grade expert. Give him a few more years and he just might make an S-class sword master. The worst thing is... Don't give him access to a staff... EVER..."

By then Naruto had nodded his appreciation, and rejoined his team.

An hour later the team departing met at the center of the village.

Hinata's long dark blue hair placed in buns on each side, but still flowed. A blue karate jacket which fit loosely enough for her to move around, and still allowed her to keep her modesty. Black pants of the same design specifications alone with ninja tabbies with two pouches. One for seals, the other for weapons. Kiba's hair cut short to avoid being grabbed by a dishonorable opponent. Red face paint (Think cannon), a burgundy t-shirt and black weighted jeans with a single pouch, and a staff strapped to his back. Anko returned to her much more revealing Konoha gear... for a special someone...

A glowing orb appeared and Naruto smiled, "It's time. I guess we are team 01." Naruto glanced at Anko who nodded and said, "Team One, Move Out!"

At Anko's words a blue spear appeared, and the team was enveloped in a warm glow. Upon the glow's dissipation, the team looked around. Anko thought she recognized a landmark. "Wait here. Don't move. Last thing we need is trouble," Anko ordered.

Five minutes later Kiba heard a young male voice call out, "Eight Trigrams thirty two palms!" Then he heard another young voice call out, "Dynamic Entry!"

He looked to Hinata and Naruto. Naruto heard the latter, and palmed his face. He didn't know the boy personally all that well, but he met him once. But that didn't sound like a spar.

"Hinata, if you would love?" Naruto asked.

"Stop flirting Narutot-kun! Now's not the time. Especially if you're not going to ask me out you tease," was Hinata's reaction. Her cheeks tinted red, just a little, but she did as asked. She focused her Byakugan as she wasn't familiar as she used to be with her family's chakra to use her other sensor abilities. She recognized her older cousin Neji, and an adult with a jonin flak jacket on. She then noticed A girl with buns in her hair running up with scrolls being unraveled. Her eyes widened as she took note of nearly eighty brutes surrounding them and their caravan. The jonin was down, and bleeding out.

Putting on the act of little brother, he poked his head into the old wooden shed like store and called out, "Hey nee-sama... trouble... and we didn't cause it."

Damn it! Was Anko's first thought. She tossed the man across the counter payment for his info plus a substantial tip. She walked outside at a brisk pace and met her team. "Report," she ordered, not expecting what she got. A clear concisely detailed description of what was going on from Naruto.

"Tenten's team is facing a group of what looks to be bandits. They have a jonin with them who's been badly hurt, and they are badly outnumbered. They look like they could use a little assistance. Permission to engage?"

Anko recognized her student's friend's name. She was torn as the mission was to head to Konoha. But her allies were in danger. Naruto could see the conflict in his sensei's eyes as he stepped forward and stated, "Mitarashi Anko, as the Daimyo of Uzushiogakure no Sato, I Ichiraku-Uzumaki Naruto, head of the Uzumaki clan do hereby make a request of you, a Konoha shinobi and your genin team to clear up some bandits in the area surrounding my person. I don't quite feel safe. And I do believe your team graduated having been tested by Umino Iruka, a registered Konoha academy instructor, and former headmaster. And a secondary test by a Special area of training jonin, also Umino-san. I believe a C-rank pay should suffice for this level of mission based on the universal mission ranking guidelines?"

Anko's jaw dropped as she thought, You crafty little bastard. You actually studied the guidelines I gave you. I am so proud of you! "I do believe my team has time before we are do in Konoha. Naruto, pull your mask up and cover your face. You might still be a hot commodity these days. Team Anko," she specified as team 1 was an Uzushiogakure team... "Move out!"

Without a sound, all four shinobi vanished in a gust of wind. As they approached the battleground Anko gave silent signals to her squad. She also managed to catch the Jonin sensei's attention who was laid flat against the caravan bleeding out. A ninja dead a few feet over. He thought he recognized her, but her use of Konoha Anbu coding verified his suspicions.

Naruto sent in the first wave of clones who struck silently taking out bandits from behind and ducked behind other trees while his teammates did the same, thus taking out small wave after wave each yard they advanced. While he tried not to kill, he felt the life drain from some. It sickened him, but he knew he had to keep going. His comrades would die otherwise.

The black haired, white eyed boy glanced behind him, his Byakugan deactivated as his eyes were sore from constant use. He was nearly struck but managed to reactivate his eyes in time and slide slightly left and jab the enemy in a pressure point which made them double over in pain.

"Neji nii, on your six!"

Neji heard the voice and noted a lot of Kage Bunshin. His Byakugan still active heeded the warning and flipped behind the enemy and struck the back of his neck.

Neji looked to his sensei who nodded, barely and then Neji called out to his team, "We can trust the new additions. They are allies!"

"You sure Neji? I don't recognize them!" The girl with the black hair called as she summoned a bladed staff from her scroll.

Upon his nod the blonde curly haired Ninja stepped up beside her and they fought side by side until Naruto finally said, "Not bad. But I'm sure that's not all my godfather taught you Tennie!" Then vanished again to fight alongside the miniature version of the downed Jonin in the green leotard.

Upon realization, Tenten smirked and called back, "Keep your eyes on the prize. I'm sure I can beat more of these bozos than you Rokudaime-sama," she mocked lightly.

"You've got jokes?" Naruto joked back, realizing he was better able to focus while bantering with his oldest friend.

"Can I get in on the action?" asked the bowl cut boy to his teammate Tenten as he backhanded a ninja behind Naruto.

"Don't forget about us!" Kiba and Anko said simultaniously as they both side kicked two bandits into the same tree.

"Time to show what I can do then. Clear the area! Hinata commanded. Anko having seen this once moved quickly. Naruto and Kiba moved in sync with Anko. Neji, Tenten and Rock Lee followed suit seeing as a team leader moved. Hinata entered a stance and called out to her enemies, "You are within my field of divination. Eight Trigrams: Shikigami no Mai!"

A storm of sharp square sheets of chakra infused paper danced dangerously throughout the open forested area which flew through the air at breathtaking speeds in a beautiful display until blood splattered on the ground. The rest of the enemies were dead. Each hit precise and hit vital pressure points and veins.

Two minutes later, Hinata who's adrenaline rush finally started to die down was hit with the realization of what she'd just done. Her hands shook, her body frozen with the terror of her power. Her heart raced and pumped hard. Her lips began to tremble as tears fell down her face.

Naruto was at her side instantly as Neji said, "It's just as I thought. You grew even weaker being away from the clan. Crying like a baby. Get up and present yourself as a proper Hyuuga," Neji prompted snottily.

Kiba raced forward and backhanded Neji before he knew what hit him. Naruto, still holding Hinata yelled, "This is our first C-rank mission bastard. Our first kills. Hinata potentially saved all of us taking out over thirty enemies. She saved all of our lives and will be in my reports to the old man hokage stating as such. What would have happened if a high ranking ninja showed up while we were dealing with bandits. They could have silently taken us out! I don't care if you are her cousin or not... Disrespect Hinata in front of me again... and I will show you no quarter."

After a moment Hinata's eye popped open at Naruto and Kiba's acts of protection. Anko applied the limited medical treatment she knew to the Jonin sensei on the ground. His eyes began to focus. Hinata's breathing began to shallow and her heart rate started to slow down. She didn't look at her cousin despite his hurtful words seeping in. She slowly, but forcefully pulled herself away from Naruto. She took note of the disapproving looks Neji's teammates gave him. It wasn't much but she took slight solace in knowing she was not as her cousin stated. She gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes.

The moment Anko saw this, she knew Hinata would have a journey, but she just might be back enough to help save the other team's jonin sensei. "Hinata!" Anko called out urgently. Hinata stood and walked over to the bowl cut man and activated her byakugan. Wordlessly she activated her shosen technique and started healing the man's internal injuries. Once done, Hinata, despite being drained began working on his external burns, and the few minor cuts he had. A mini senbon dropping could be heard in the complete silence of her working. Said senbon fell from Anko's mouth. She hadn't seen such precision since she saw Tsunade on the field of battle once when she was a genin. At the conclusion of her work, Hinata nearly collapsed. Kiba caught her as Naruto pulled out two seals and placed one on Hinata's back, and one on Gai's.

Naruto looked at Anko and stopped her before she could address the former problem of the seals he used. "No worries sensei. I gave Hinata a full genin recharge, and Jonin-san a full jonin dose recharge. I worked hard with Yamato-sensei as well as my uncle in not overpowering them anymore."

A few moments later Hinata stood, feeling completely 'physically recharged, having sustained no battle damage. A few seconds later the nearly comatose Jonin leaped up and shouted, "YOUTH!"

Everyone, including Hinata face palmed.

The jonin sensei looked at his team's saviors and focused on their team leader as he calmed enough to say, "It's good to have you home in the land of fire Anko-san. And your timing couldn't be better it seems."

"We're on a mission to go home for a few days. We are not completely back yet. But thanks. It's good to be home Gai. Is your mission over?" Anko inquired. Gai nodded. "Good. We could use the company home. Seeing from the reactions of your team, they have been at this a few months at least. My team just got hit with their first kills, and I don't want them to have to deal with more for at least the next few days if possible. Will you all join us on our trip back?"

"It would be unyouthful for our allies to go back without us as an escort. Of course team two will be glad to assist in any way we can.

"Okay. Team... Anko, and team Two, if you are ready to head out, the sooner we get moving the better. We are on a tight schedule."

"Then maybe I can be of assistance," a new voice stated. Everyone was surprised to be caught off guard, especially the Jonin. But upon seeing who it was, the tension lessened slightly. Tenten was about to greet her long time sensei, but was held back by Naruto as he placed a gentle hand on Tenten's shoulder and shook his head.

"What item did you allow Anko to borrow when she first visited me in the orphanage?"

"Nicely played Naruto. You've grown," Jiraiya of the sanin stated with recognition as Naruto's eyes slanted, prepared for it to be a trick. Jiraiya sighed and said, "It wasn't an orphanage, and it was a hospital. The item was a pair of Chakra sealing cuffs. Happy?"

Naruto's eyes started to water slightly as he nodded his affirmation. "It's good to see you again godfather."

Jiraiya smiled brightly, "You too Naruto. I have to get back to Konoha and was about to be reverse summoned as sensei sent word for all high ranking shinobi to get back to Konoha on the double. I didn't expect to run into you all... especially your group Naruto. But I believe I have enough Chakra to get us there using one of my gama-sensei as a focal point."

Naruto pulled out another chakra seal and handed it to Jiraiya who whistled and asked, "I'm not great with chakra seals. But this is almost a work of art. Did you design this Naruto?"

Naruto shook his head sadly and admitted, "Family sealing technique, but I did learn how to make them. Even with my kage bunshin it takes me nearly a day for each one."

"Be proud Naruto. That's no easy feat. Now gather closely everyone. I am not coming back for stragglers."

After Naruto's masked face nodded, Jiraiya nicked his finger and proceeded to perform eighteen hand seals. At the end of the sequence he slammed his hands together. They glowed red, and he then slammed his hand to the ground. The group of nine vanished in an explosion of light and smoke.

Konoha- Seven Days Prior...

The village was in an uproar over the Daimyo's decision to veto Tsunade stepping in as Godaime Hokage. So much so that civilian and shinobi alike made sure to vent their frustrations... though the shinobi were a lot more covert about it. Going as far as to attack the Daimyo's ten guardians. A few Konoha shinobi were killed in those attacks, but it was enough for the daimyo and his wife to want action taken. They had suspicions the civilians had shinobi backing, so a trip to Konoha was in order... along with the one of the Daimyo's advisers. A Shimura Danzo.

Upon arrival in Konoha, the usual fanfare was in place, but even the normally oblivious daimyo of Hi No Kuni could tell it was forced. No one wanted him there. He was a man who expected those under his rule to obey. They didn't need to like him. So after a few days, in his infinite wisdom he decided to allow the sandaime to retire as his personal choice for hokage was put in place.

Five minutes after the daimyo informed the sandaime of his personal choice...

The wall of the hokage's office was blown off, and two blurs could be seen clashing back and forth through the air as they fell. As they finally touched the ground, Sarutobi Hiruzen glared bloodshot eyes at the dark malicious grin of his announced successor, Shimura Danzo.

To be continued NEXT YEAR! BWAHAHAHAHA. DON'T FORGET TO FAVE, FOLOW AND 'REVIEW' IF YOU LOVE ME! BWHAHAHA!

PS. YOU ALL SHOULD REALLY GIVE BelleDayNight's stuff a go. She's a very engaging writer. My favorite of hers thus far is- Consequences of Saving A Life. A story of how Neji is brought back from the very brink of the cannon story. That is all I will say for those not caught up in cannon.

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKAH/ CHANUKAH, KWANZA AND MORE! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :) (ps. PLEASE FORGIVE ANY MISPELLINGS).