Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: This chapter is a few days earlier than i expected. But i guess since this is one of the parts i've wanted to write the most, i ended up spending some extra time on finishing it. I've finally hit the halfway point of this story and I hope you all enjoy.

Chapter 21: Despair Into Darkness

"The scent ends here." Pakkun's voice rang throughout the air.

Kakashi acknowledged his answer, looking around. "Well, it seems as if the tracking team is around this area. Spread out and find them. We meet back here."

Sasuke and Sakura both split into opposite directions, beginning their search. Kakashi could hear the sound of a river nearby. He headed off in the direction of the noise, reaching a small clearing in a few minutes. He didn't miss the body covered in blood, lying near the water's edge with a white dog protecting it. He approached it, hoping nothing grave had happened.

Pakkun was quicker than the jounin, examining Kiba's condition, "He's still alive." Akamaru barked, clearly worried by his friend's condition.

Kakashi picked up Kiba before looking towards Akamaru, "Follow me." He ran back towards the meeting area, placing Kiba down.

Pakkun was sniffing briskly, "There was a fire near to this location."

Kakashi stood up, "Signs of a battle, no doubt."

Pakkun didn't need to be ordered, leading Kakashi through the tall trees. It didn't take them long to reach an ugly scene. The vegetation had been burnt to a crisp and the stench filled the area. At the centre of the mess was Shino, partially covered in dirt.

Kakashi reached the jounin, shaking him slightly. The Aburame didn't appear to have any wounds, a stark difference from Kiba. Shino stirred, sitting up soon after; his head throbbing.

Kakashi waited for him to stand, "Are you okay?"

Shino cleared his throat and calmly stood up, "Yes."

Kakashi turned around, "Come with me."

Shino hesitated, looking around at the burnt remains of some of his bugs. He wasn't injured but the loss of his bugs struck him hard. The bond he shared with them grew over the years and he would always be grateful; they had served him well. He ran after Kakashi, soon arriving at a small clearing where the air was fresher.

Sasuke and Sakura had now also returned. Shikamaru was awake and sitting down on the grass, while Sakura carefully placed an unconscious Hinata next to Kiba.

Kakashi put his hands in his trouser pockets, "Sakura, could you…"

"Yes." Sakura knew he was referring to Kiba who looked beat up. She inspected his injuries; several deep cuts. Her hands glowing with chakra, she began to mesh the flesh together.

Sasuke analysed the tracking team, "He beat all of you."

Shino didn't reply, causing Shikamaru to answer, "Yeah, it was troublesome."

Sakura finished healing Kiba and went to work on Hinata. Kakashi addressed the Nara who was the team leader, "Did you complete your mission?"

Shikamaru reached into his vest and retrieved a piece of orange cloth, cut from Naruto's shirt, "Here you go."

Pakkun moved towards Shikamaru and took a sniff of the scent, "Got it."

Shikamaru rubbed his neck, "Why do you need this to track him? Shouldn't you be able to do that without it?"

Kakashi shook his head, "Pakkun's sense of smell isn't that great. It's hard to track someone across a country because of the different scents you encounter. Those can easily mask the one which you want to follow."

Pakkun resumed for his summoner, "And if he washed himself, then it would be harder to find the scent. With this cloth, I know exactly what to look for so it makes it a lot easier."

Sakura stood up, having healed the injured members of the team, "I'm surprised you didn't know that Shikamaru."

Shikamaru shrugged, "What does it matter?" The laziness in his tone could be noticed.

Kakashi took his hands out of his pockets, "Once Kiba and Hinata wake up, head back to Konoha." He motioned for Team 7 to follow, preparing to leave.

Shino finally spoke, "What are your plans for him?"

Kakashi paused, looking back, "We're going to capture him."

Shikamaru voiced his thoughts on the matter, "He could've killed us all but he let us live. Besides, the Godaime wasn't attacked by him so what is the need to take him back?"

Kakashi didn't say anything and left the area, followed by the rest of his team. Pakkun had taken the lead, directing them towards Naruto's scent. Sakura realised that Shikamaru made a good point. She faced Kakashi as they jumped through the trees, "Why are we bringing him back?"

Sasuke waited for a reply from the jounin. Kakashi didn't respond for a minute, making Sakura think she wouldn't receive an answer. However, eventually he found the words to speak, "I would assume they're going to finish him off."

Sakura stopped, resulting in everyone else doing the same. "What?"

Kakashi's grim mood could easily be noticed, "The seal is weakening and the Kyuubi will sooner or later be free. If that happens then it will come for Konoha and finish what it started."

Sakura was in disbelief, "We're going after him to make sure he dies and takes the Kyuubi with him?"

Kakashi knew his assumptions of the mission would most likely be correct. However, he hadn't questioned his own reason for continuing with the mission until now; did he really want this?

Sakura sighed, "Why are we going to take an innocent life?"

Sasuke walked forwards, "Because losing one life is better than losing thousands." He looked at his former mentor, "Am I right, Kakashi?"

Kakashi was in confusion over his own feelings. He didn't want to be responsible for the death of his teacher's legacy. He felt like he owed him something but he couldn't figure out what.

Sakura stared at the motionless figure of the ninja, "Kakashi?"

Kakashi snapped out of his thoughts, "We are shinobi of the Leaf. This is our obligation."

Pakkun nodded and began to lead the way again, with Team 7 following close behind.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto observed the rock-strewn plain. It had been over a day since his fight with the Konoha tracking team. After its conclusion, he had set out along the river. He was focused and intent on escaping the Fire Country, which he managed to after a few hours. Unfortunately for him, he was left flabbergasted by the fact that he had no idea where to go next.

His luck was good however, when he ventured across a caravan that was headed for Iwa on business. Apparently, he had ended up in Grass Country from the forest. He hadn't hesitated in asking the caravan leader to take him along. The man who led the caravan was hesitant at first, but eventually caved in. His journey had been significantly reduced in difficulty and he was now a few miles from Iwa, close to his own home.

"You take care now." The wheezy voice made Naruto turn.

The jinchuuriki grinned, his sharp teeth glaringly visible, "I will. Thanks for helping me out."

The leader of the caravan laughed in response, "Don't mention it. Some of the girls still want you to stay."

Naruto looked past the old man at the busty women who were winking at him and blowing kisses, "I would have, had this been a few weeks ago." He closed his eyes, a sweet smile across his face, "But I'm spoken for."

The leader of the caravan nodded before whipping the horses. "You're a very trustworthy person; most can't resist these women's charms." He laughed heartily, the horses beginning to move.

The sound of the caravan's wheels tapping across the rocks was like music to Naruto's ears. He remembered Genkei's antagonising of his sense of direction when he had first set out on this journey. The dragon had unwittingly helped him in the long run; he knew where the encampment was located from Iwa.

Staring at the huge mountain which was at the background of Iwa, he shifted his vision directly opposite. There was another large mountain, covered in trees and snow. On top of that was the encampment, overlooking the sea.

Naruto began running, not taking his eyes off the destination. His wound was much better; the women on the caravan had stitched him up. He had to make sure not to stray off course and he would reach his home in a few hours. Even though he had suffered a great failure, his mind was on being able to reconcile his relationship with Yuka. There was still hope to find a way to cure himself but for the time being, he would take joy in being back with the one he loved.

XXXXXXXXXX

Konohamaru walked through the streets of Konoha, his scarf flailing behind him. The past two days had changed his outlook on the village of his birth. He had never questioned the methods they used because it didn't concern him. But after what he had witnessed, he felt like he was waking up to a harsh reality. He was a ninja, a weapon bred for killing. What made him think that Konoha was so innocent? Was it his grandfather, the great Sandaime?

"Konohamaru, are you really feeling fine?" Udon didn't receive a response. He was also shaken from the torture session from 2 days prior. It was a scene which unimaginably terrified him; another human, being beaten and bloodied for information. He read books often ever since becoming a chuunin, however he had skipped most on how shinobi's obtained information. It was a subject which didn't interest him.

Moegi was feeling the same as her team mates, shocked and re-evaluating her choices. The thought of being a kunoichi was appealing due to the sense of adventure involved. But she now realised that this was her life, and the decisions she made would have everlasting effects.

Konohamaru saw his destination come into view, drawing back the curtains and taking a seat on one of the numerous stools. "Give me an egg and beef ramen."

Moegi and Udon sat on each side of their leader. Udon nodded at Teuchi for the same order while Moegi remained silent; she wasn't hungry. Udon took off his glasses and wiped them, "You're going to have to talk sometime."

Konohamaru gritted his teeth, "I'm just angry. We're always given these missions; going out to villages and helping out, escorting someone safely to where they want to go, protecting people with a high status." He clenched his fists, "But we're torturing prisoners in our own damn home!"

Teuchi's ears twitched when he heard the boy. He was interested in his words because he had also come to know that Naruto had been captured. And unlike a lot of people, he knew that he was the container of the Kyuubi. The news had been unsettling at first and Ayame had also been upset. Nonetheless, he had been informed that Naruto had escaped and was now far from Konoha. He continued making the ramen while he keenly listened to the chuunin team.

Moegi clasped her hands, "Maybe…we're not really that different from everyone else."

Udon agreed with the girl, "Every village has its own interests at heart and the safety of their people first."

Teuchi placed the ramen in front of his customers. Konohamaru and Udon began to eat while the old man asked them a question, "Who did you see them torturing?"

The boys didn't reply making Moegi answer instead, not wanting to be rude, "A man. I think his name was Naruto."

Teuchi closed his eyes; he figured that would be the case. He wanted to know what the reason for such an action was, when he hadn't been responsible for the condition of the Godaime.

Konohamaru finished eating his ramen, standing up, "I'll change all of it."

Udon looked at his friend, not knowing what he was referring to.

Konohamaru spoke again, with a firmer voice, "When I become Hokage, I'll change this village!"

Teuchi started to laugh, having heard the same kind of tone in his past so many times. He was glad to see that the youth of the village still had some fire burning within them.

Konohamaru stared at the old man, "What's so funny?"

Teuchi wiped his eyes, "Before you, there was someone who would say the same thing. It was amazing seeing him; never giving up hope in his dreams."

Konohamaru's eyes widened, thinking Teuchi was talking about the boy his grandfather always told him of, "What was his name?"

Teuchi had an amused face, "You've already met him, you should know."

Konohamaru stared at his team mates, who were visibly confused like him. The only person that came to his mind was Naruto but he couldn't be talking about him. He had only seen him for the first time a few weeks ago and he knew the majority of people in the village.

Teuchi shook his head, "Yellow hair, red eyes, and a bad taste in clothes."

Konohamaru's mouth dropped as did his teams. "But he's not from this village."

Teuchi leaned against his counter, "He is…"

Konohamaru stayed silent, so many things making sense to him now. He realised why Naruto had shown faith in him that day when he had told him of his reasoning.

"Ojiisan used to tell me of a boy he knew. He was hated and shunned for what he was but he never gave up trying to fit in. I was told the strength of a person lies in his spirit to never give up his dreams. For my family, their sacrifices…I'll make this dream come true."

Moegi was concerned, "Konohamaru?"

Konohamaru smiled, wiping his face, "He understood me…more than anyone."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto was leaving footprints on the snow, his breath visible in the cold air. He was panting now, nearing the top of the mountain. The trees were a glorious white, leaving you wondering whether they were ever green in the first place. The sweat trickled down Naruto's face, his cheeks a slight red from the cold.

He had realised the difference in temperature initially but the longer he ran, the less he felt the chilliness. He was grinning widely, nearing the top of the mountain; he was finally home and back where he belonged.

However, the happiness was short lived when the heart breaking sight reared into view. The smell of ash and burnt wood travelled through the air and into his senses. Naruto was panting, frozen from the picture in front of him. It was like when Akatsuki had attacked and taken him. But even then, the whole of the encampment hadn't been decimated like this.

He walked across the snow towards the heart of the area. There were no signs of people whatsoever; they must have escaped. He was mesmerised, walking to his home unknowingly. He reached the small abode which was now nothing but burnt lumber.

Naruto took a deep breath and walked into the pile of rubble, searching for something important to him. He began shifting the wood and debris until a picture was visible. He picked it up and looked at it; it had been a picture of him, Yuudai and Yuka. The faces of the latter two were now burnt straight through, with only Naruto remaining in the picture.

Naruto steadied himself; disappointed he now had nothing left to remind him of Yuudai's face. This picture had been the only one he had ever taken part in and now it was ruined. Wiping the dirt from it, he placed it safely in his pocket.

He looked around at what used to be his home, devastated by the sight. His eyes caught the leg of his bed. He scrambled through the wreckage and picked it up. He closed his eyes, remembering how he received his first gift.

Flashback

Naruto tugged at the blindfold while he was pushed through the area, "Hey, why am I wearing this? Let me go!" He stumbled and landed on his face, letting out a groan of pain. The cloth covering his eyes was untied, falling next to him.

"There you go. Now stop complaining." Yuudai was not amused.

Naruto stood up and looked at his surroundings, "Why was I wearing that thing?"

Yuudai was tired of his questions, "Because I didn't want you to know the way to where I was taking you."

Naruto was cautious of the man, "Where are we?"

Yuudai grabbed him and led him through the area, arriving at a house. The moon was out in full force, bringing light to the otherwise dark enclosure. Naruto pushed himself free of Yuudai's grasp.

Yuudai opened the door to his house, "Get in."

Naruto knew he wouldn't be able to escape the young man so easily. He complied with his order and walked inside the residence. He was surprised by how simple it was; no furniture and no decorations.

Yuudai closed the door behind him, "It's late, go to sleep. Don't try and run away through the middle of the night or something. I'll notice you pretty quickly."

Naruto was speechless at the treatment he had received. Soon after he had eaten at the homeland, he was entrusted to Yuudai and the man had proceeded to blindfold him. He was then knocked out again before waking up and screaming to be let down. At this point, he was put on his feet and pushed for what seemed like hours until they had reached this house. There was no explanation as to what was happening and he was befuddled by this fact.

"What's your problem? Go to sleep." Yuudai had taken off his shirt now and was lying in a corner of the room, a blanket over him.

Naruto stared at the man, noticing he was on the floor. "Um, where? There's no bed."

Yuudai pointed at a blanket near him, "There."

Naruto didn't say anything, simply nodding and walking to his place. He picked up the blanket and put it over him. The hard wood on the floor was uncomfortable and seemed to poke him in his back. He kept moving and turning, trying to find any way to be able to sleep. However, nothing was happening and after what seemed like an hour, he had given up. He laid there, his eyes open and staring at the ceiling. It was at this moment that he realised he was being watched by Yuudai.

The man had been sitting cross legged, observing him throughout the hour. Not saying anything, he got up and exited the house.

Naruto sat up when he saw the peculiar action. Slowly getting to his feet, he walked towards the window. He looked outside, seeing Yuudai fading in the distance. He had been left alone and this could be his chance to escape. But he was frozen to his spot, afraid to do anything at this particular moment. He didn't feel like taking a chance, his drooping eyelids and tired state serving as a discouragement.

He leaned against the window sill for hours, the night passed and the sun rose into the sky. It was then that Yuudai finally could be seen returning. He was dragging something behind him, the sweat glistening off his body.

Naruto ran back to his blanket and put it over him, not wanting to be caught standing around. The door to the house opened, and the sound of something scraping against the floor entered his ears.

The loud thud made Naruto jump slightly before Yuudai spoke, "You're awake, I can tell."

Naruto pushed the blanket off him, "I'm sorry, I couldn't…" He stopped speaking, seeing the scratched body of Yuudai. He was standing next to what looked like a carved bed.

Yuudai dropped his sword on the floor, "There you go. Now shut up and sleep."

Naruto was stunned, watching Yuudai cover himself with his blanket. He didn't dare say anything, grabbing his blanket and jumping into the bed. It was surprisingly comfortable compared to the floor, but it could still use some work. After what seemed like several minutes, he sat up, "Why?"

Yuudai stirred, "What?"

Naruto hesitated; he was anxious. No one had ever done anything remotely nice for him, let alone go and build something. This could be a trick for all he knew. "Why did you do this?"

Yuudai had a puzzled expression, clearly not understanding the significance of what he had done, "It's just a bed. Stop talking and let me sleep."

Naruto didn't say anything further. To him it wasn't so simple; for the first time in his life he had received a gift. He didn't know why but he was happy, so much so that a few tears fell from his face as he closed his eyes. Was this what it felt like to get a present? Was this what children felt when they were given something on their birthdays? After so much loneliness and hate, he felt as if he finally understood what it meant to be like a normal child.

End Flashback

Naruto dropped the wooden leg of what was his first gift. He noticed a packet of cigarettes and a matchbox lying in the rubble. He bent down and picked them up before pocketing the items. Feeling another presence, he turned to find Genkei surveying him.

"You're finally here." Genkei was unusually quiet.

Naruto nodded, "It looks like everyone managed to escape before the attack. I guess that's a good thing." Genkei sighed, wondering how to tell the man. His uneasiness was caught by Naruto who spoke questioningly, "What is it?"

"One person stayed behind." Genkei could see the drastic change in Naruto's face.

Naruto felt his heart giving a jolt, his insides trembling with fear, "No…"

XXXXXXXXXX

Jiraiya was drawing patterns on Tsunade's face, extending from the seal on her forehead. The black ink covered the woman's face, hiding her beauty. The frog hermit was deep in concentration, being careful not to make a mistake.

Shizune was standing close to the bed, eagerly waiting for Jiraiya to finish. Her mentor could be cured and it all depended on the old man who was a legend in Konoha.

Jiraiya began to form hand seals, whispering under his breath. Upon finishing he placed his hand on Tsunade's forehead. The patterns covering her face started to move towards the black seal hurting her. They merged into one before disappearing completely. Jiraiya moved his hand, slightly out of breath.

Shizune waited with slow breaths, "Did you do it?"

Jiraiya closed his eyes, before jumping to his feet, "Of course I did! Did you ever doubt the captivating male that everyone admires?"

Shizune nearly fell over from the outburst but managed to regain her stance. She rushed to her mentor's bedside and began examining her, checking to see if there was any difference.

Jiraiya walked over to the window, "She won't respond yet. It's going to take a while before she wakes up." His voice was calm.

Shizune nodded, walking around the bed. She looked at the mature novelist, "Is something wrong?"

Jiraiya looked at the sun, blazing in the sky, "Being a shinobi…is a hard path."

Shizune smiled, taking a seat on one of the free chairs, "You're worried about Naruto." She worded her question carefully, not wanting to seem nosy, "What are the plans for when Naruto is brought back?"

Jiraiya sighed, "The advisors will most likely want him to be put to death."

Shizune folded her legs, "I see."

Jiraiya shook his head, "I won't let them though…"

Shizune was surprised to hear the challenging words, "Why?"

Jiraiya had a steel look of resolve, "The Yondaime sacrificed his life for his people and his last wish was disgraced." Closing his eyes, he finished in a quiet voice, "I'll make up for the mistakes of this village's past. I'll help give Naruto a new life…I'll help him fix his seal."

XXXXXXXXXX

The fire crackled, giving heat to its surrounding. Naruto rushed to the top of the hill, his hands touching the snow. He was already fearing what he'd see, approaching the top. He was taking fast breaths, recognising Yuka's body near the fire. He ran towards the woman, his heart beating faster with every one of his steps. He stopped next to the black haired woman, dropping to his knees. He didn't touch her, afraid of accidentally harming her. He looked back, his eyes watering, "Genkei, is she…"

"No." Genkei walked onto the hill. He had spent the past day cleaning up the encampment. The bodies of the Iwa shinobi had been thrown off the cliff top and he had prepared a fire to keep Yuka warm.

Naruto brushed a strand of hair to the side of Yuka's face, "She's okay then?"

Genkei remained silent, getting closer to the fire. He observed Naruto, recognising the pleading voice.

Naruto asked again, "Is she okay?"

Genkei's vision shifted to ground, "When I found her, she was close to being dead. I helped her as much as I could but…" He looked at Naruto, "I only delayed what was intended to happen. I'm so sorry, Naruto."

Naruto gritted his teeth, his tears falling and stinging his insides. He ran his hand over the woman's face, her skin smooth. He bent down closer to her, "Yuka, can you hear me?" His voice was broken and desperate. "Hey, Yuka…"

He breathed deeply, taking off the shirt tied around his stomach. Ripping off a clean part of it, he began to wipe the stains of blood on Yuka's face. His tears fell to the ground representing his ever flowing sorrow.

"You came…" The voice was weak but undoubtedly apparent.

Naruto smiled, "Yeah…" He was happy to hear her again.

Yuka slowly opened her eyes, the scarlet colour brightened by the fire close to her. Naruto picked her up, tender in how he handled her. He put her on his lap, clutching the woman to himself. "Does it hurt?"

It looked like it took all of Yuka's energy to respond, "Not now, I feel like everything's fading…gradually." She tried to smile, "Do you think I did well?"

Naruto was breathing heavily, "Why didn't you go? Why did you stay, huh?"

Yuka moved her hand, touching the blonde's cheek, "It was my duty; I needed to give them time."

Naruto grasped her hand, kissing it. He knew it would mean a lot for her to know of her success. "You did great."

Yuka eyes began to water, "You know what hurt the most?" Naruto shook his head, "Thinking of whether or not I'd be able to see you again."

Naruto couldn't stop himself from crying out, "Damn it! This isn't happening!"

Yuka grabbed him tightly, "Promise me you won't give up."

Naruto's face was a horrid sight, "What?"

Yuka pulled him closer, "I know what's going on…please don't lose."

Naruto started to cry, each of his passing breaths feeling like a hard blow; his heart was thundering against his chest, his arms were cold and his body trembling. "I never stopped loving you...I want you to know that."

Yuka genuinely smiled, "You still owe me…"

Naruto moved closer to the woman, softly kissing her on the lips. Moving back, he looked at her with longing. He wasn't ready to lose her and wanted her to stay with him. The kunoichi closed her eyes, feeling tired but ultimately grateful that she saw Naruto again. Naruto held Yuka close to himself for what seemed like hours, until the beating of her heart stopped. Naruto let out a gasp when he felt Yuka stop breathing and pass on, his heart breaking.

Genkei watched, feeling his own insides hurt at the display. He had seen Naruto in pain often; the first time was the aftermath of Yuudai's death. He had made a promise to himself on that day to make sure Naruto was never in such a position again. However, he stood there feeling a sense of failure. The sound of Naruto crying entered his ears, causing him to ache.

Naruto stood up, Yuka still in his arms. He walked towards the edge of the cliff and placed her down near it. He wiped his eyes and fell down onto his knees. He dug his hands into the ground, taking out the dirt. There was nothing on his mind; everything was blank. He continued digging into the dirt and pulling it out; his hands being bloodied with his actions.

Genkei was finding it hard to continue watching the man; a tear falling from his own eyes. He was shocked, snapping out of his thoughts. Moving his hand and wiping away the drop of liquid, he blinked numerous times. He had never let anything affect him so much. Not being able to stand still any longer, he walked towards Naruto. Bending down close to him, he began to help in digging the hole. He felt a sense of gratification of pushing himself into the dirt. He thought maybe his failure wouldn't hurt so hard if he pressed himself physically.

Naruto didn't notice the dragon aiding him, his eyes filled with grief. They continued digging the hole with their hands until it was deep enough. Naruto picked up Yuka and placed her inside the grave. He stared at her one last time before beginning to throw the dirt back inside. Her face disappeared behind the soil, hitting Naruto with the fact that she was indeed gone. The clouds were vanishing as well as the light of day.

Naruto looked down at the grave of Yuka before walking past it to the edge of the cliff. His knees buckled, making him fall down on the snow. He didn't say a word, gazing into the distance. Like the horizon, his dreams and hopes seemed to be far away. He had met Yuka in Iwa and it had been a long battle to win her heart over. He could still remember how happy he had been the first time he had succeeded in getting her to smile. But now, he would never experience those times again. He wouldn't see her smile, hear her laugh or feel her soft touch.

Genkei remained motionless, observing the blonde. The hours passed on, Naruto not making a move. The sea whistled, thrashing against the cliff far below. The sky began to turn a light blue before Naruto finally stood up. His voice was without emotion, "Genkei…take me to them."

Genkei saw a shroud of red chakra cover Naruto's body. He was beginning to sprout tails, "Naruto…"

Naruto continued speaking in a calm voice, "Hajin…the ones who did this…" He turned around, showing the restlessness in his crimson eyes. The chakra burst from him, expressing his fury, "…I'm going to kill them all."

Author Notes: I'm not really sure what to say, some of you may be pissed but this was necessary for quite a few things. Mainly the development of Naruto's character and how all this will affect his future. As you can see, he gave himself up to the Kyuubi's chakra and he's now controlling its power which can only be bad for his seal. His relationship with Yuudai is going to be very complicated and the journey he had in the encampment as well as how he met Yuka and Genkei will be covered amongst the next several chapters. Naruto will have a big battle in the next update and you'll finally see how strong he is. I look forward to reading your reviews and peace out.