Naruto woke at his normal time which was 'To damn early for civilized people,' And he just started his day but after leaving the bathroom he spotted his new outfit and smiled.
-Last Night-
Naruto and the group (everyone minus Ino, Sakura, and Sasuke) Were walking out of the training camp when they all froze. The memories brought a smile to everyone's face, and the raced to the weapon smith's shop. there they spotted the Smith standing at the door smiling as he ushered them inside.
"You're quick," the man smiled. "Well, lets get you all suited up, changing rooms back there."
Shino was first out, he designed his outfit to match his normal clothes with a few changes, his large coat had a lower collar, but it had a hood he could store in a pouch on the inside that was quick and easy to pull out or store away. The Vest/waistcoat was very plan, and though everyone knew it stored countless items if you looked at it you could not notice anything except if he was not wearing his long coat. On the back of his vest was his family crest.
Once he was out and fully dressed he felt a hand on his back, not sensing anyone before he was quick to spin around Kunai in hand and his swarm starting to emerge...only to find Chief there. Before the Aburame could speak Chief activated the two seals that were required. The adjustment seal which barely did anything, and the gravity seal. Shino felt like his weight was almost doubled and he found himself very slow in movement.
"Slowly do not rush," The Chief spoke as he stood to wait for the next.
Neji came out, he went with a Kimono top with darker pants. He still wore his open sandals, but he had them sealed much like the boots would be. The shirt had several loose openings where he could reach in to pull from his DDH which took the form of a standard mess shirt. A simple look would reveal nothing.
Chief smiled as it seemed most took Naruto's explanation about so simple it was hard to spot. Chief activated the seals on Neji and the boy also felt like he was wearing a building.
Kiba went with a Black leather jacket with metal spikes on his shoulder dark pants and the boots, he had a very rogue look much like his mother.
Choji had a darker green Haori than before with a few extra pockets, His shirt was a simple grey and still held the kanji for food. His shorts were black and longer and the Boots went halfway up his shins.
TenTen kept with her exotic look, he Qipao was now blue instead of light pink. she normally went bare armed but her shit under Qipao had sleeves hidden that she could pull down for extra protection. Her Dark green pants had a few more pockets hiding the fact both top and pants had several hidden storage seals throughout the outfit. Like Neji, she went open-toed sandals that were sealed.
Shikamaru was so lazy he made his new armor look just like his old outfit, the only difference anyone could see is he went full boot instead of the sandals.
"Shouldn't you try to have some form of personality?" Naruto asked as he laughed at his Lazy friend.
"Lazy is a personality," the Nara replied as he saw Naruto come out.
Naruto had his for lack of a better word, his suit. Orange long sleeve shirt that did not offend the eyes, His white spiral on his left shoulder. The black Waistcoat, with his family crest, was a deep orange in the center of the black DHH, black pants with pockets on each leg and boots. His equipment pouches were gone, and his boots just looked like they would hurt just getting kicked by.
Chief just took the Blondes forehead protector and modified it so that it could be turned into a bandana that covers his blonde hair when out on a mission. When Naruto asked why Chief just said 'Iwa hates all blondes'
That got the group thinking as they knew it was a bigger clue then what a normal person would see.
Lee came out next, and everyone groaned...is outfit looked just like his original though this one did not have the hidden weights it still had the ugly burnt orange leg warmers.
"Gai will work with you on the gravity seals," Chief told the mini Gai.
They waited for Hinata, and as the seconds past, they realized something was wrong. Being the only other girl TenTen was picked to go into the dressing room, after a few moments a blushing Hinata stepped out. Her battle kimono showed her arms and there was more skin showing on her thighs between the skirt and the thigh-high leggings then she was comfortable showing at the time.
It was colored in shaded green and blue that looked a lot like the ocean just before a storm, the colors had no pattern and blended well together to form a natural camouflage that would help her hide in shadows and at night. What no one knew was that she designed the pattern in such a way that if she were to remove the 'coat' and lay it flat the Dark blues would take the form of a fox with nine tails blowing in the wind. Her commitment to the Nine-tailed Jinchūriki.
"Um..." the girl started to stutter.
"You look good Hinata-chan." Naruto smiled as the girl blushed more trying to cover her showing thighs.
"I suggest a pair of longer black spandex utility shorts," Chief spoke up seeing his granddaughter's embarrassment.
TenTen quickly retrieved the item from the standard clothing stand her father had and gave them to Hinata who quickly went back to the changing room. After she returned Hinata looked much calmer and smiled as she looked around.
"Ok Naruto TenTen are you both ready to put the seals on that you want?" Chief spoke.
The two seal users nodded and were about to speak when the Chief just turned and headed for the door, "See you all Monday."
No one spoke but all left the weapon shop after thanking Gen who just smiled and thanked them for the business. Then they went to Naruto's apartment where he and TenTen proceeded to Seal everyone's new clothes and armor.
-Back to the present-
Naruto got dressed and smiled as he had breakfast, his enemies won't know what to expect when they come for him again.
Little did he know that this 'day off' was anything but.
Chief sat with the Hokage as they were reading some reports, Raidō, Genma, and Tsubaki were well on their way to completing the list of bounties he had given them. They had not heard from Yugao or Hayate yet and that worried the Chief.
"Hiruzen?" the Chief spoke.
"Yes?"
"Duck." The Chief ordered and kicked his feet against the desk forcing to tip the chair back on the floor, the Chief rolling with it and onto his feet.
The Hokage did not reply he just Ducked down by his desk as a large body came flying through the window, it took a moment for the Hokage to realize who it was that was not in a fist fight with Chief.
Jiraiya was pissed as he reached the village, moving as fast as possible he scaled the walls, went over the buildings and up the tower. He did not even notice his sensei as he went through the window as he tried to tackle the Chief. His Gata sandals clacking on the floor as he tried to punch or kick the man. Chief blocked most attacks, but the sage did land several hits and the two started hitting back and forth.
"CHIEF, JIRAIYA, STOP THIS!" the Hokage barked as he got up and back in his chair.
Chief stopped without hesitation, Jiraiya looked to get one last cheap shot in only to find the white furry arm of Enma the Monkey King stopping his fist.
"Now before I let you continue," Hiruzen spoke. "Mind telling ME what has upset you so much?" he looked at his student.
"How long have you known where Orochimaru was?" Jiraiya asked the Chief.
"I don't, I never did...why?" Chief showed he was both confused and very interested.
"So, you don't know that my former teammate is the leader of Otogakure?" Jiraiya asked not believing the Instructor.
"I do now," Chief replied. "that this just complicates an already shitty situation."
Chief and the Hokage filled in the sage about two sound teams scheduled for the Chunin exams as well as the Sand team.
"There was a Sand guy there if I heard right his name was Baki, from what I saw he did not like whatever the plan was. I was not able to hear their plan as I was spotted soon after seeing the snake." Jiraiya spoke after a moment of silence.
"It is a good bet that Sound has enticed sand into an alliance against us," Hokage spoke. "With how much we have been 'stealing' from the Sand village it would not be hard for my former student to manipulate them."
"Yes," Jiraiya spoke. "How did nobody notice that? I mean, missions from another country that has its own village."
"Simply put, I have been played, I am too old for this hat," the Hokage spoke.
"Oh no, I am not taking that hat," Jiraiya argued.
"Either you or Tsunade," The Hokage finished that debate.
"We need to get to Suna," Chief spoke. "we have to take away their trump card."
"We cannot kill the Jinchūriki," the Hokage ordered.
"I am not going to kill him, I am going to make him an ally of the Leaf."
"How?" Jiraiya asked. "Those reports we got show he is an insane, bloodthirsty killer."
Chief smiled and Jiraiya quickly went on defense.
"I think it is time for you to meet your godson," Chief smiled "We leave on Wednesday, I suggest you get him to sign the contract today."
"That won't help, from your report he won't be able to summon anything bigger than a tadpole." the sage replied.
"Since that report, he has gone from Uzumaki piss poor control to high Chunin, though I have not told him yet. He needs to pass Gamabunta's test by tomorrow."
The Sage was unsure, the truth was he was more afraid to meet Naruto then about the contract.
"Neither of you are to tell him who his father was," Hokage spoke up.
"Can't keep it secret much longer," both the Chief and the Sage replied at once.
"No," was all the Hokage said.
Chief check his watch, "he will be busy for the next hour, we will go see Naruto then."
Just then a knock came to the door., and in walked an ANBU, "Hokage-sama, Chief, Yugao, and Hayate have returned they said to tell you 'they have the packages both of them'.
"I will be with Ibiki, meet me at Naruto's in an hour," Chief spoke as he walked out after the ANBU.
Arriving at the torture and interrogation building Chief saw that not only were Hayate and Yugao there so were Genma, Tsubaki, and Raidō. On the floor was a large bag,
"You have him?" Chief asked and Yugao just nodded as she pulls the prisoner out of the large bag. The man had green hair and was wearing what was left of a Rain village Hai-Tai.
He looked confused and rightly, so he looked to have been beaten half to death.
"Aoi Rokushō," Chief spoke as he looked at the man. Aoi quickly looked up and paled as he saw the Chief.
Chief just looked at his five-person squad and noticed they looked rather beat themselves. "He give a fight?"
Yugao just shook her head, "It was not him, we found him with nine other missing-nins several ranked A in their villages Bingo Books."
"If these three had not come across us we might not have been so lucky," Hayate pointed at the other three.
Chief smiled at his team, they had done very well. Just then Ibiki came into the room followed by Anko. Aoi spotted the scarred man and everyone could smell that he had pissed his pants.
"Ibiki...happy birthday," Chief smiled while the others looked at Aoi with disgust on their faces.
"You're a little early Chief," Ibiki replied as he glared at the rain ninja.
"Maybe but it felt like the thing to say." Chief smiled as Ibiki just pulled a cord from his coat and wrapped it around the prisoner's neck and started pulling him by it across the floor towards a door. "take your time Ibiki but I need a favor,"
The scarred man stopped and looked at the Chief.
"If you find the time...see what you can learn about Amegakure. I heard a rumor I wanted to check." Chief asked and looked back to his group.
"I will see, tell the Hokage I maybe busy for...awhile," Ibiki replied.
"Oh I am sure Anko can handle most things while you're busy, but if she can't I will make sure only Hiruzen interrupts you," Chief replied as Ibiki dragged the man (now in complete shock) through the door.
"Want any help," Anko called to her friend and superior.
"No this is a personal matter," Ibiki called back.
Anko smiled as she walked over to the group of friends and fellow gauntlet runners.
Chief looked at his team making sure they were ok, "Status?"
"We have everyone on the list as well as the extra ninja we found with him," Raidō replied pointing at the door where Aoi had just vanished into. "All bounties collected."
Tsubaki handed the Chief a scroll, "I never held that much money at once...shame to give it up."
"You will get your share," Chief chuckled "What happened to your sword Hayate?"
The Special Jonin pulled the handle of his sword to reveal that the blade had been broken just above the hand guard. "We got pushed and it got broken."
"Yeah, we were pushed," Yugao commented then smiled at her boyfriend. "If Hayate had not taken up the Sword of the Thunder God we might have lost."
Hayate pulled out a scroll and opened it to reveal the sword of Tobirama Senju and handed it to Chief. the chief held it softly in his hand as he stared into that lightning blade.
"Hello old friend, back in the village you spent a lifetime defending." the Chief spoke to it as if it spoke back. After a minute he looked at the five who were confused.
"Tobirama was one of my best friends, he and I would train and work together. As you know he was the one to invent the ANBU, he was also the one that asked me to train it." Chief explained as he used his fingers to spin the blade around.
"It was he and his brother that built the Gauntlet, oh I designed it, but they build it. With the help of a few others but those two did most of the work, I was never a swordsman, but I spent so much time with Tobirama and this sword it is almost like a brother...which is why I do what I am about to do."
Chief smiled flipped the handle around and placed it back in Hayate's open hand. "This sword only works properly when in service and defense of this village."
Jiraiya stood outside the door to Naruto's apartment, he was seating worse than ever before as he lifted his hand to knock only to pull it back down.
"When did the Toad Sage become such a coward?" Chief asked from behind the man.
Jiraiya jumped then sighed. "Twelve years I was away. Never once did I check on the boy, I just trusted Sensei when he said the boy was fine. Only to get your message and report. How will I face him?"
"By knocking on that door."
The Sage just nodded and obeyed, with a very soft knock almost too quiet. The sage was shocked as the door flew open to reveal a young girl with blue hair.
"Chief," Hinata whispered and looked at the older looking man, "Who are you?" she asked a little defensive.
"I'm..." the Sage started.
"The Toad Sage Jiraiya," Chief interrupted. "He is safe."
Hinata nodded as she opened the door for the two men to find Choji, Kiba, and Shikamaru standing around Naruto as he sat and meditated.
"he should have been done by now," Chief commented.
"We know," Choji replied. "he has never taken this long before."
"What is he doing?" Jiraiya asked concerned.
"Visiting the Fox," everyone including the Chief replied at once.
After Naruto finished his breakfast with Teuchi he returned to his place and quickly started his meditation. He had made this a habit, spend an hour or two every few days with the Fox to see if they could move past their difficulties. He knew when he returned that more than likely his friends would be there even Shika though the Nara has started using his clone to pretend to sleep in as they were working on keeping his cover of a lazy Nara.
He entered the forest and found a rock to sit and wait, for all the time he did this the Fox never spoke and rarely looked at the blonde as he just curled up and slept. So, Naruto was not bothered that the Fox did not speak as time passed. That was till,
"Why are you wasting your time?" The fox asked without even lifting its head or opening an eye.
"We need to learn to live together," Naruto replied. "We both know neither of us wanted this, but we are stuck together, and it is clear from that gauntlet I have access to your Chakra."
"You really are trying?" the Fox asked as he lifted his head. "Fine ask a question and no I am not going to tell you my name yet."
"What was my mother like?" Naruto asked without missing a beat as he opened his eyes and stared into the Fox's.
"She tried to befriend me...I was less than willing but she tried, seems that Mito had told her that a Uzumaki was the only one that could hold me, but Love was the only thing that could help me." The Fox looked ready to scuff at that but did not. "My seal with her was different, I did not have as much movement as I do with this one. I could not tell what was going on outside, but she would come and talk with me about random things always smiling, it was annoying but not that much."
"So she never gave up either?" Naruto asked.
"No, she never quit, not when she had her mind set."
"Did you hate her?" Naruto asked.
"At first, I was a prisoner so naturally there was resentment plus unlike here I was staked to a wall and I was not comfortable, so...I thank you for this forest." the Fox finished as he stood turned his back to Naruto and walked deeper into his lair.
Naruto realized this talk was done and as he stood to leave,
"Kurama," the Fox spoke. "Now leave."
Naruto woke to see his friends staring at him worried along with Chief and an old guy that could only be,
"How long was I out," Naruto asked looking to his friends.
"An hour longer than normal," Shino replied handing him a glass of water.
"Thanks, Kurama decided he would speak today...I didn't worry you guys, did I?"
The group shook their heads but were confused,
"So, he told you his name?" Chief spoke up. Jiraiya looked on in wonder at his godson, or god grandson as he always viewed Minato as his son and he knew the Blonde forth returned the feelings.
"Yeah...we talked a little about my mother and as I was leaving he just said 'Kurama, now leave.' but it is an improvement."
Naruto stood as his friends nodded and walked over to the old guy,
So, you're my Godfather and adoptive grandfather?" Naruto asked actually shocking the Sage.
"Yes, I am...oof." Jiraiya was interrupted as Naruto sunk his fist into the sage's gut.
"You and I we have blood, that is not going to be dealt with today, now why are you here?" Naruto growled.
His friends just watched and waited they knew Naruto was not going to be happy when he met this man. Hinata was the only one to move she took the arm that was still pressed into the Sage's gut and just held it instantly calming down the boy.
"Jiraiya is here so you can sign your father's summoning contract," Chief spoke and Jiraiya's head shot up.
"The Toad contract sweet, when can we get started," Naruto smiled at the chief and Hinata let the boy go.
"But before we can do that, Jiraiya we need Ma and Pa," Chief spoke as he looked at the Sage.
The Sage looked at the Chief confused, as did the kids.
The Chief just pointed at Shino, realization dawned on the Sage as he quickly summoned the two.
"What now Jiraiya," Ma, a small female toad nagged. "we asked you to warn us before you summon us."
Pa who sat on Jiraiya's other shoulder quickly locked his eyes on the blonde. "He shrank!" the old toad called out mistaking Naruto for Minato.
"That," Chief interrupted. "Is Naruto, in a few minutes he will be signing the contract but there is one small problem."
Everyone looked at him confused...everyone BUT Shino who was inching away from the Toads and starting to shake in fear.
"Ma, Pa...meet Shino Aburame, friend and Ally of Naruto," Chief spoke as he pulled Shino back closer to the toads.
"An Aburame?" Pa spoke nodding. "yes, I am sure I know why he is so scared."
"I mean no disrespect," Shino started.
"Aburame rarely mean to disrespect anything," Ma interrupted. "you're afraid of us cause we are toads...we eat bugs...in great amounts without thinking as we gorge, right?"
"Yes, I understand it is natural and all," Shino replied still shaking but trying to fight his fear. A fear no one had ever seen shown by an Aburame before.
"Well, we can fix that no problem just as soon as Naruto signs the contract." Ma nodded and looked at Jiraiya as he again summoned another toad, this one opened its mouth and out popped a large scroll.
Jiraiya walked Naruto who was both concerned for his friend and eager to get the contract. But as he did Naruto went silent, in fact, he never spoke again.
"Ok," Pa spoke after the signing, Aburame. Are you loyal to Naruto Uzumaki?"
"Yes,"
"Would you betray him?" Ma asked.
"No,"
"What if the village betrays him?" Pa asked.
"After seeing what this village already did...I will stay with my friend." Shino replied with conviction.
"Hold out your hand palm up and mold a little chakra," the two toads spoke as one.
Shino obeyed as the Chakra formed Pa's tongue shot out piercing both the chakra and Shino's hand drawing some blood. The Chakra vanished as his hand only bleed a little. looking back up at the toads Shino notice that said toad's eyes were glowing the same color of his Chakra.
"There now your allies are safe from us toads," Ma spoke. "Also, so are your fathers unless you tell us otherwise. strange we do not detect a colony of your mother's."
"My mother does not host a colony she is from outside the clan," Shino replied as his colony finally calmed down.
Jiraiya was watching Naruto as he sat and waited. The old man was confused about why the blonde had switched back to being just angry again.
"Hold on to that scroll a minute," Chief spoke not bothered. "Naruto, the chief summons, Boss Gamabunta, has two tests you need to pass. we should do that now, everyone head to 93, we will need some running room."
Everyone nodded though Hinata waited on Naruto, the blonde just stood and walked past Jiraiya ignoring him.
"Wow haven't seen anyone that pissed off at you since Tsunade and the bathhouse," Pa spoke.
"No, he is mad at Hiruzen," Chief replied. "he banned us from telling Naruto who his father was."
"And you agreed with that?" Ma asked confused.
"Nope, but I obeyed I never told him who his father was, I just told him that he signed his father's contract," Chief replied and walked out after the kids.
Jiraiya thought on that and quickly went to his knees unrolling the contract and looking, there were three names written. His name was first, Naruto's was third and right between the two was,
'MINATO NAMIKAZE.
"I do believe Chief set both you and your Hokage up," Pa simple spoke.
"We better hurry, Naruto is about to meet Bunta," Ma nudges the sage's head with her foot.
"Understand?" Hinata asked as she finished teaching Naruto how to address the Boss Toad. This had been something that was ongoing, Naruto had admitted that he barely understood etiquette and needed all the help he could get in case they had a mission of diplomacy. (Chief had hinted that it was more than possible.)
"Ok so, I need to summon him and if I understand what I saw there are many different Toads so how do I learn to summon which Toad I want?" Naruto asked after he nodded to Hinata.
"About seven hundred clone's worth of your Chakra," Chief replied as he stepped up to the group.
When they had arrived at 93, they met Mai who led them to a massive field hidden in the training ground. Said Kunoichi was setting up what looked to be large sake carafes not sure what those are for Naruto and group just focused on the situation. The blonde was doing all he could to not go storming the Hokage tower.
The puff of smoke was massive as the blonde activated the summoning. There standing in the field as the smoke cleared was a massive...powerful...Toad with brick red skin with several markings around his eyes and on his chest with a large scar over one eye. He wore a happi coat and had wrappings around his waist which held his Tanto. He took a long pull from his pipe and as he exhaled he looked down to spot a Blonde.
"Boss Gamabunta?" the blonde called. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, I have signed the Toads contract and wish to be tested in order to earn my right to summon members of your clan. Like my Godfather and father," Here Naruto just looked and glared at Jiraiya. "before me."
"Minato's tadpole?" the toad replied in a deep voice. Then shot out his tongue and wrapped Naruto with it before lifting and placing the boy on his head. "I will test you, you will only be worthy if you can hang on."
It was a hell of a ride, his friends watched as Gamabunta moved at incredible speed hopping and jumping even doing some rolls in mid-air trying to throw the kid. Hours passed and though Naruto screamed...a lot, he never let go and as the sun started to set,
"Very well, you have passed that test," the toad spoke as he placed a very dizzy and sore Naruto back on the ground. "Now we share a drink."
Mai smiled as she motioned to the sake she had set up, the massive toad chuckled as he eyed the girl.
"You would have made a fine toad summoner if the Uruvu~arin had not gotten you first."
Mai smiled and chuckled when Choji and Kiba were heard whispering 'she has a summons too?'
Naruto took his cup and prepared...he had never drank sake before and was worried about making a fool of himself especially with Hinata there. To Naruto's and everyone else's surprise, Hinata actually pours the drink for the blonde not saying a word.
The hangover that greeted him the next morning would be considered legendary even by Gamabunta standards.
A/N well?
R/K
1: yes I planned for Naruto to learn about his father that way from the start.
2: has anyone figured out what Chiefs best skill is yet? it came up twice this chapter as well as before. in fact, Ibiki mentioned it once before.
3: Hinata stronger more confident.
4: Drunk Naruto is never a fun thing to see.
5: Mai's summons. I used google English to japanese translator. if you know what it is please do not mention it in a review I wanna keep it secret-ish until the reveal though I can not stop you from searching it if you feel the need to comment about it...PM.
6: I always worry about Naruto having the Toads contract when Shino is a friend I mean bugs...toads...BIG toads...do the math.
7: I LIKE THE TOADS AND WISHED THAT MORE WAS DONE WITH THEM IN MANGA/ANIME. (even that Gamariki)
8: how did you like the talk with the Fox?
9: I got stuck with the outfits I know what they look like but can't find the words to describe them. Shino's gear is more like what he had in shippu if you wanna see Hinata just type battle kimono in your search engine. there is a lot of cool things out there to buy.
10: well?