I'm sorry this chapter took so long, so thank you all for your patience.

Well, now that Naruto's back, we can move on with the plot.

The taste of ramen came back into his mind after being away from it for so long. He slurped up the last portion of the noodles and finished up drinking up the broth. He set the bowl down and using his sleeve, he wiped his lips clean.

"Thanks for the dinner Ino." Naruto smiled.

The two had just finished eating, with empty bowls left on the counter.

"Aren't you the one who paid?" Ino asked.

"Yeah, but you were the first person I went with since I came back." Naruto answered.

Ino smiled "So now that you're back, I suppose you plan to keep your promise to Sakura?"

"Of course." Naruto answered with a determined look, "I wouldn't go back on my word."

Ino suddenly got curious, "Give me your hands." She said.

"What?"

"Just let me see them." She turned on her seat so that she was facing Naruto.

Naruto brought his hands up and placed them on hers. Ino looked carefuly at the hands, concentrating on something that Naruto didn't seem to understand.

"Oh wow..." Ino commented.

"What?" Naruto asked, not seeing what amazed her.

"You must have been in a lot of fights." Ino said, "And you've encounter situations involving fire and wind. You also seem to have used that sword of yours frequently."

Naruto was surprised by this observation of hers, "How..how did you know?"

"The condition of your hand says it all." Ino answered, "I know how you can be a fast healer, but skin can never be perfectly healed." Ino then remembered back to why Naruto left in the first place, remembering the reason why he couldn't stay. "The Kyuubi can't even make battle damages disappear either."

Naruto tensed slightly when he heard Ino say his name.

"Oh don't worry." Ino said, showing a sympathetic smile, "I don't see you any more differently than before." She broke the connection their hands had, "And besides, if you really were a monster, you would have killed us a long time ago. A monster wouldn't protect people, let alone have people to care for."

"Thanks..Ino..." Naruto answered, "That means a lot to me."

"Well, at least it now answers lots of the qeustions I've had about you." Ino said, "Such as how you have such an enormous amount of chakra, how you were able to beat Neji in the Chuunin Exams, and how you only get scratches in situations that should give you scars."

Naruto chuckled a little bit. "Well, this was great. But I'm really tired."

"Alright." Ino smiled, "I'll see you later then?"

"Yeah." Naruto answered with his own smile, "I'll see you later."

The two left the Ramen stand and went their seperate ways. Ino's flower shop was in one direction, while Naruto's home was in the other direction.

Naruto arrived at his home. As he opened the door, he expected to be welcomed with a large dust cloud and scattered clothes, but when the door opeend to reveal the interior, he was greeted with something completely different. His entire apartment was spotless; the floors were clean with no traces of dust, the mangas that were usually left on the floors were neatly placed on the shelves, the kitchen table was cleaned from all food he left lying around, the sink was left with no dirty dishes, and the clothes on his sofa were folded and placed on the cushion.

"What the..." Naruto was confused as to why his apartment was left so clean. He remembered that he didn't bother cleaning the place up when he left. He walked to his bedroom and found that it was also clean. The bedsheets and blanket were neatly laid out on he bed, all is scattered clothes were no longer on the floor, but probably in the drawers and closet, and his bookshelf was sorted out. "Who cleaned my place?"

As he proceeded to head out, he saw that there was something left on his coffee table in the living room. He walked up to it and saw that it was a note. Next to the note, his brown strap forehead protector was on the table. He picked up the note and read the contents.

Welcome back.

I knew you would come home eventually. I took the liberty of cleaning your home while you were away, I hope you're alright with that.

Everyone else helped out too, be sure to thank them as well.

Hyuga, Hinata

Naruto smiled as he placed the note back on the table. He took his forehead protector from the table, holding it firmly in his grip. With his other hand, he pulled the blindfold off his face, closing his eyes as he did. He then took the forehead protector and wrapped it over his eyes, using it as his new blindfold.

"Well, with Naruto returning to the team, this will make things work a little bit better." Tsunade said, sitting at her desk while the shinobi were standing on the other side. Yamato, Guy, and Kakashi stood there with their students. "This mission requires all of you."

"But, I just got back home yesterday." Naruto groaned.

"I'm sorry Naruto, but this needs ever available shinobi." Tsunade said, "I need you all to go to Suna."

"Well, since its to there, I don't mind at all." Naruto said.

"I'm sure Gaara misses you too." Tsunade said with a smile. "You all have 20 minutes before leaving. You're all dismissed."

The shinobi all left the office in an orderly fashion. Naruto couldn't help but see how much they've all changed.

Shino finally managed to get out of the coat that hid his entire face. He now wore a coat that had a smilar look as before, but no more hood or high collar. His face was a lot more visible than before, but he still wore his sunglasses, which Naruto didn't bother asking about.

Kiba didn't make much change in what he wore, but he now had a pair of sais stored at the back of his belt. Aside from that, nothing much changed. And as usual, Akamaru was there with him.

Guy's team was one that didn't make any changes. They all wore the same clothes ae before, the only difference in them was simply their hair. Lee grew his out more, Neji's hair was now braided in a chinese fashion queue, Tenten finally removed the two buns and resorted to a ponytail.

As Naruto walked out, he noticed something unusual. "Hey, Shino, where's your sensei?"

"She's at home." Shino answered.

"What's she doing at home?" Naruto asked, "Why are you guys here when she's not?"

"She's been mourning for the past few weeks, dumbass." Kiba said.

"Mourning?" Naruto asked, "About what?"

Kurenai stood alone at the cemetary, she liked it better this way. Ever since this incident, she never liked being around people, she wasn't able to comprehend the fact she lost someone close to her.

The name was engraved on the stone, with other words, but the name was what she looked at.

Sarutobi, Asuma

"Oh..." Naruto brought his head down, "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"I can't blame you." Shino said, "You were gone when it happened."

"Hey guys, we only have 20 minutes to prepare." Kiba said, "Let's go."

Naruto could sense that there was somthing in Kiba's voice that seemed irritated, "What's wrong with Kiba?"

"Ever since Asuma-sensei was killed, both Kurenai-sensei and Kiba didn't take it too well." Shino answered, "After Kurenai-sensei took a leave of absence, I was put in charge of leading the team."

"So you mean he was jealous of leadership?" Naruto asked.

"No, it wasn't that. Both he and Hinata respect me as a great leader." Shino said, "But because of the fact we have no jounin to lead us, we weren't put on many missions. Kiba became irritated by this. He doesn't wish to make any mistakes in this."

"I see..." Naruto said.

"You better head back home and prepare." Shino said, "Don't be late."

Within the twenty minutes of prepared, the entire team was there, and surprisingly, Naruto made it on time.

"Is everyone here?" Kakashi asked. He scanned the group and saw that no one was misisng, "Perfect, we leave at once."

"This is an urgent mission, we need to go with speed." Gai said, "Lee and I will go ahead to make sure there's no danger up ahead."

"That works well." Kakashi said, "Yamato, take a bunshin out and join them."

"Can he keep up with us Kakashi-sensei?" Lee asked.

"I guess we'll find out." Yamato said. He put his hands together for a seal, "Moku Bunshin no Jutsu(Wood clone technique)." From his body, a large chunk of wood pulled itself out of Yamato, taking form of an exact replica of Yamato. "I'll be able to tell Kakashi-senpai of anything the three of us come across with this clone."

"Then lets get moving." Kakashi said.

The entire team went on to head to Suna. Part way there, Guy, Lee and Yamato's wood clone moved on ahead at a faster speed. While the others stayed to move in a steady pace.

When nighttime came, the team set up camp and prepared a fire. The tents were set up for each team to sleep in.

"Ok. Shino, your team will take this tent. Gai's team will take this one. Yamato and Sai will be in that one, and my team will be in here." Kakashi said, pointing to each individual tent. "We will wake up just after sunrise."

Within the next hour, everyone was fast asleep. All of them warmly comfortable in their tents and sleeping bag.

But it didn't last very long.

Sakura woke up when she senses something was missing. She got up and noticed that Naruto was not in his sleeping bag, and saw that the tent was slightly open. She got out of her sleeping bag and left the tent, cautiously stepping over Kakashi, making sure he didn't wake up. She went outside and looked for wher Naruto could be. It wasn't hard, because there was a strange sound coming from behind the tent. She followed the sound, leading her through some trees. When she came closer and closer to the location, she saw someone she didn't expect at this time of night.

"Hinata?"

Hinata slightly jumped when she heard her name, but kept quiet. "Sakura, what are you doing awake?"

"I could ask the same about you." Sakura answered.

"Look." Hinata pointed towards where she was looking.

Both girls found themselves staring at Naruto. He was no longer wearing his black shirt, which was hanging on a tree branch, as well as his large orange sash and blindfold. The tree that had all these items were right next to the two konouchi. He held his katana tightly as he went through several katas with it. He sliced through the air as the dust and loose leaves moved with the blade's motion.

"Wow..." Hinata was astounded by this new Naruto. Despite his blindfold being removed, his face was hidden from the shadows of the trees.

"He's gotten much stronger." Sakura said.

Naruto continued on with his sword techniques, taking stances and slashing at the open air. As he went on with his training, he suddenly stopped and faced the direction that the two girls were hiding. The two of them immedietly ducked behind the bushes.

"Did he see us?" Hinata asked.

"I don't know." Sakura said, "Maybe we should just head back to our tents."

Naruto waited until he was sure that the two girls were gone. Once he knew they were out of sight, he sighed.

"That was close." Naruto muttered. He walked towards the tree that had all of his belongings. He took the forehead protector and wrapped it over his eyes, then moving on to putting the shirt on, followed by the sash and the belts.

It was now the second day and the shinobi were getting closer to the desert land of the Wind Country. As before; Guy, Lee and Yamato's wood clone went ahead, while the others traveled in their own easy pace.

"You know Naruto, its really confusing as to how you can see with a blindfold on." Sakura said, "Why do you even wear it?"

"I'm sorry Sakura, I can't tell you." Naruto answered.

"Oh come on." Sakura smiled, thinking Naruto had something to hide that would end up with everyone laughing. "You think you might more girls that way?"

"Sakura, just stop." Naruto said, "This is no joke." The tone of his voice started to sound serious

"Naruto, why not just take it off before you end up bumping into a tree." Sakura joked, not knowing she had gone too far.

"Sakura!" Naruto's voice raised up to get her attention, and apparently everyone else's. "I told you to stop! I have this on for a reason, but I just can't tell anyone right now."

Everyone fell silent, not wanting to say anything that might make Naruto cause another outburst. They all continued to pace through the trees, heading closer to Suna. It all went well, right up until...

"Hey! Did you see that?" Tenten asked, pointing to the side.

They all turned their gaze to where she was pointing. Within the next few seconds a shadowed figure appeared from the trees.

"Should we do something?" Neji asked.

"Its no threat now." Kakashi said, "We should head to Suna instead. Ignore it until they strike first."

"No." Naruto said sternly.

"What?" Everyone looked at Naruto.

"Its him." Naruto quickly darted to the side, following the unknown follower.

"Naruto!" Kakashi quickly saw that Naruto had darted off.

"I'll get him back." Kiba said, "Come on Akamaru." Kiba's canine companion barked in agreement as the two followed after Naruto.

"Hey wait!" Tenten followed after him, "What about our mission?!"

"Tenten!" Neji quickly followed after her.

"Hey wait!" Kakashi knew he couldn't stop the whole team and get them, but something had to be done.

Naruto followed closely to the unknown target, with the others trailing behind him.

"Naruto! We have to get back!" Kiba called out.

Naruto didn't bother listening. He continued to move on ahead, not stopping until he caught up with his target. Kiba and Akamaru were still trailing behind him with Neji and Teten following along. From the secrecy of the trees, a kunai shot out and hit Akamaru's left rib. The yelping of pain made Kiba stop instantly.

"Akamaru!" Kiba quickly grabbed onto Akamaru and dropped to the ground below, "Oh no.." He saw the kunai was still in his companion's flesh. He struggled to pull the blade out without causing too much pain, but as he slowly pulled it out, Akamaru continued to yelp, "Just a little more..."

When he heard the sound of Akamaru's pain cry, Naruto quickly stopped and turned back to see what happened. Tenten and Neji were with Kiba when Naruto arrived. "Is he alright?"

Before Kiba could answer, a group of ninjas appeared. The attire they wore and the headband showed their allegiance.

"Sound-nins." Naruto hissed out.

Tenten and Neji took their stance as they prepared to strike at the attackers. There were a total of four Sound-nins, each of them being unidentified by masks. They each wore a thick purple rope that was double looped at the back.

"Byakugan!" The veins on Neji's temples bulged out to be clearly visible.

"Kiba, we can use some help." Tenten said.

"Hang in there buddy." Kiba tried to clean the wound on Akamaru.

"No time." Naruto said, "Here they come."

The Sound-nins charged at the three. The first Sound-nin attacked Naruto with an, overhead kick, but was blocked with Naruto shielding himself with his arms crossed over his head. Naruto pushed the foot up and with his two hands, he thrusted them with a strong punch that threw the attacker back. Naruto jumped up and prepared a slam with his shins. As he came closer to the Sound-nin he moved out of the way, leading to naruto simply slamming on the dirt ground.

Tenten brought out two broadswords, swinging them around as the Sound-nin stepped side to side, anticipating her moves. Tenten made the first move by diving in, slashing forward as she went forward. The Sound-nin didged the blow, but that didn't stop Tenten. She contineud to slash away, in hopes of hitting her target. With a surprise up her sleeves, she made a sudden twist of her body and delivered kick to the shinobi's face.

Neji stood still as the Sound-nin charged at him. As the attacker came closer, Neji immedietly attacked, "Hakke Kuusho(Eight Trigrams Empty Palm)!" A sudden burst of Chakra emited from his hands as the Sound-nin was thrown backwards by the force. The Sound-nin collided into a tree that fell from the the force. "Easy." He suddenly heard the sound of a girl scream. His Byakugan was enough to know who it was, but because he knew, he had to turn to see with his own eyes. "Tenten!" Tenten slid across the grass from an attack by the Sound-nin. Neji ran to get to her, but before he reached her, a small tinge of pain suddenly spread through his entire body, starting from the back of his neck.

Standing behind Neji, with a chopping hand at the back of his neck, a Sound-nin stood there. Neji's eyes immedietly changed back to its original form with the Byakugan deactivated.

"A blind spot indeed." the Sound-nin said. He grabbed his mask and pulled it off revealing his face, Kabuto. "Looks like even a Hyuga has its flaws."

Neji felt himself being stiff. He forced his body to move, but it wouldn't cooperate. Kabuto simply smiled as he used the same hand and hit Neji at the back of the head, knocking him down. He landed on his knees, with his eyes still opened wide from the sudden shock of pain. He then fell forward falling over and unconscious.

"Take these two." Kabuto said, "Leave that boy." Kabuto stared at Naruto as he fended off against the Sound-nin that attacked him, Who is he? He looks so familiar, yet I cannot recognize him. Without wasting any time, he jumped up to the top of the trees, leaving the scene.

The remaining three Sound-nin joined him as they escaped the scene, two of them took Neji and Tenten's knocked out bodies as they made their escape. Naruto tried to run after them, but knew he couldn't keep up at the rate they were moving.

"Damn." He muttered.

From behind, Kakashi, and Sakura arrived. Sakura ran over to Kiba and Akamaru's side.

"How is he?" Sakura asked.

"I don't know." Kiba answered. He looked with concern of Akamaru's conditions.

"Its alright. I can take care of this." Sakura said, "This is just a minor flesh wound."

Kiba sighed with relief, "Thank you."

"Its a good thing you cleaned out his wound." Sakura said, "Even if I healed it, it could have still got an infection if it wasn't clean."

"What happened?" Kakashi asked. Naruto didn't answer, but the state of the area was enough to know that there was a battle. Kakashi looked around and noticed taht something was out of place, "Where is Neji and Tenten?"

Naruto didn't answer him right away. But he was able to give an answer eventually. It wasn't much of an answer, it was only one word, but that one word could answer millions of questions.

"Orochimaru."

Well, there you have it. I'm really sorry this took so long, but homework got in the way many times.

I promise that the next chapter will come next week. I PROMISE.

Anyways, please remember to review.