Shoton of Konoha

by Arch-Daishou

Tribute: Stormy Rebel. By the actions of a traitor, a unique bloodline awakens within the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki. How far will fate be changed for Naruto Uzumaki now with the gift of Shoton (Crystal Release). How will the balance shift when powers beyond even the Akatsuki begin to stir. First fourteen chapters remain as they are in tribute to my late friend Stormy. Miss you amigo.

21. The path before us

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

You don't turn your back on family, even when they do.

Chapter 21: The path before us

XxX ~ Final Round ~ XxX

Hiruzen sighs as he adjusts his hat. Ever since the exams started it has been a frazzle on everyone's nerves. First his former student returning, now of all times, and going after not only Sasuke but Naruto as well. The bitterness of the Hyuga clan houses showing itself just now. But the one ray of hope was the return of the one person he never expected to see in this world.

And it is the person his surrogate grandson needed more than anyone.

At the Sandaime's side Jiraiya crosses his arms; "Well, can say this is an interesting Chunin exam this year. The kids are tough as nails." The Gama-Sannin smirks proudly; "And I have to say my part-time student did a damn good job." His smirk soon turns to pronounced frown; "I knew things with the Hyuga were edgy at best. Looks like it's getting worse."

"What do you want me to do Jiraiya?" The Hokage says with exasperation. "I can't directly interfere with clan traditions, which is exactly the root of the problem with the Hyuuga"

"I know sensei. I just hope they wake up before they destroy each other," Jiraiya says grimly. "There is enough hate in the world as it is. This generation should never have to pay for our mistakes."

Hiruzen felt responsible for the situation. He had been weak those years ago, when Kumo had tried to kidnap Hiashi's oldest, and the man had caught him on the act and killed him.

Kumo had the gall to act outraged, and demanded a pair of Byakugan eyes as reparation on the threat of war... and Hiruzen had conceded, he was so tired of war he just agreed with their baseless demands.

And now, upon seeing the son of the man who had sacrificed himself instead of his twin, seeing Neji ruthlessly injure and ready to kill his own younger cousin for his failures. It was all the more reason he knew he needed to retire.

He sighs, feeling the burden on his mistakes weighing down on him. His student can't help but see him age decades more right before his eyes with how tired he sounded. "I'm old Jiraiya..." Hiruzen says. "The village needs someone younger, someone who isn't burdened by so many years of struggle, a Hokage who can do what must be done without fear..."

The Gama-Sannin grunts; "We both know I can't do it for obvious reasons. The brat is not even remotely ready yet. Kushina does not have the temperament. And Kakashi is still trying to pick up the pieces of himself."

"Which is why we may have to do something drastic when the exam is over," Hiruzen gives his student a knowing look for which Jiraiya's jaw almost drops.

"You-You don't mean..." Jiraiya says, stuttering. "Sensei she'll never come back!"

Hiruzen simply points his finger which Jiraiya follows to the Uzu redhead giving a side glance at both men. "Perhaps we have right reasons for her to do so now"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

With a calming breath, Naruto leans on the railing post of the balcony. While he may not know Hinata that well, and she was a little weird, she had always been the nicest girl he has ever known, despite being super shy.

But seeing her own cousin actually trying to kill her… The blond never felt his blood boil so much. "Jiji told me, Hinata was nearly kidnapped when we were real little by Kumo. Figured I knew that might be why Neji was so cross with Yugi-Chan and the others." He runs a hand through his hair. "But to do that to family? I heard they don't like each other but is it really that bad?"

"More than you know Naruto," Kakashi speaks quietly. "Their elders and traditions has been their pillar in staying strong for so long. But at the same time it is those things that are causing such a rift between the main family and the branch family."

Sasuke crosses his arms on the railing; "Even I heard some things of it. But since the Hyuuga keeps matters like that private. We don't really have a clue just how bad it really is." His eyes narrow some; "But I won't condone what Neji did to Hinata was justified. If you want to take his rage out on someone it should be who you're really mad at." It was just pointless to get mad at someone who wasn't even responsible.

"And he's mad at the entire Main Branch" Sakura adds. "I don't think there is someone in particular"

"In any case, watch your backs if you face him first. Like you Sasuke he was last year's rookie of the year and is considered a genius among his clan. None of you must take him lightly," Kakashi says sternly.

All three nod as the board lights up again. Everyone watches as two names appear with strong varying reactions.

Gaara no Sabaku vs Ringo Kouhei

Kouhei grins; "Finally"

Haku smiles as she pats him on the shoulder. "Do your best"

"G-Good luck Kouhei-san" Said Chojuro with a soft smile.

Gaara shows no reaction as he shunshins via sand from where he was to the arena. Yugito and Naruto only look at each other with open concern. "Kouhei. Just watch yourself alright? Don't forget what Gaara has," Naruto says in a cautious tone.

"No problem" He says with a grin. "I ain't scared"

"He should be," Grumbles the Nine Tails within Naruto's mind.

Leaping over the railing, Kouhei lands soundlessly on his feet as he walks over near his opponent. Kushina eyes both of them, but lingers with Gaara feeling a bit unnerved by the gleam in his eyes. She had seen those eyes before. Empty, devoid of emotion. Eyes she had seen on Jinchuurikis during the Third War. Something she used to fear greatly.

This boy was what she and Naruto could have become.

She lifts her hand; "Gaara Sabaku vs Ringo Kouhei. Hajimei!" She leaps back as the cork pops from Gaara's gourd. Sand runs free and immediately lunges for the Kiri-nin.

"Damn!" Kouhei shouts as he back flips, evading the sand. "You're eager to start aren't you?"

The Suna Jinchurriki says nothing as he crosses his arms, his sand attacking, trying to overwhelm Kouhei. Thanks to Zabuza's tor-training, the young brunette is agile enough to stay a hair's breath away from the sand.

"Okay, this is getting annoying" He grumbles. Kouhei goes through a series of handsigns and spits a large water torrent over the moving sand. It soaks, growing heavy it crumbles to the ground. The young Kiri-nin knew it wouldn't last; more sand was already surging around the redhead and coming at him.

So he took out his whip. Sand forms into a spike which goes to pierce Kouhei; the sand is smacked by the whip, but soon crumbles as electricity surges through it. Zabuza smirks under his wrappings. You're Ameyuri Ringo's descendant. Show them why gaki!

The whip snaps in the air, sparks fly about from the currents of lightning around it. Kouhei smirks as he showcases his moves with his electric whip. "Still feel like fighting, it's alright to give up you know?"

Gaara remains still as a statue as more sand comes on the offensive. With his speed and whip the young Kiri-Nin made damn sure the sand never reaches him. Up on the balcony Yugito bit the tip of her thumb.

"Playing an endurance run with a Jinchurriki is not a good plan," she speaks quietly with Naruto nodding beside her.

Sakura looks at both; "But he might get a surprise and pull through a win?"

"Unlikely" Shikamaru drawls.

The pinkette huffs, "You're such a downer"

"Seriously" He says, nodding at the Sand ninja. "Does it look like he's even trying to you?"

Looking down, the rosette sees the Suna Jinchurriki completely calm, still, not even blinking. Meanwhile Kouhei to his credit is trying to find an opening to his opponent in any direction. But even Gaara's blind spot is guarded by the sand.

Kouhei's runs up to Gaara and jumps over him, slashing as he spins in the air during his flip, but only cutting into sand, his forearm hitting the dome of sand coming up to protect Gaara.

Landing behind the redhead in front of him, the Kiri ninja dodges to the side from the swiping arm of sand Gaara manifested. Successfully ducking under, Kouhei comes up to Gaara fast, twisting and jabbing the Kunai at Gaara, only for it to stop against the sand. Sliding the blade along the sand and cutting into it, the brown haired whip wielder attempts to push every ounce of strength into cutting the sand shield in half, only for it to flow with him as he cuts and all his force goes to the side, unbalancing him and making him trip over himself.

Sensing the impending danger, Kouhei jumps out of the way of what he sees as a rising pillar of sand following him, making him run and dodge to the side to get out of the way. The panic inducing moment had the Kiri ninja taking a few deep breathes to calm his nerves.

"He is wearing your friend down Sakura. And seeing everything thus far... I can't see an angle to really go at this guy. Even if I did it's too troublesome to do it anyways," the Nara heir sighs.

Kouhei slightly gasps for air after evading, yet again, a strike of deadly sand. "Okay you know what? That's it" He spins his whip behind him, moving faster and faster with every second to the point it becomes only a blur. The lightning begins to shine so much it obscures the weapon completely in its light. The ground cracks beneath at its barest proximity with the electricity with each time a part of the whip spins close to the ground.

Gaara's eyes narrow slightly, waiting for his prey to attack as Kouhei stares right back; "Let's see how good that sand of yours really is? Up for it Sabaku?!"

A dark smile crosses the young Suna's lips; "Show me your power Kouhei Ringo..."

Kouhei's arm moves with great speed and force, the whip following swiftly. It launches through the air straight at Gaara. Sand gathers to shield him from the attack, but to his, and everyone's shock, it manages to pierce right through it, striking him directly in the chest.

A burst of lightning flashes and he is send flying to the other end of the arena. Raiton: hageshii kaminari sakugen! (Lightning release: Furious lightning slash)!

The gourd shatters as Gaara slams hard into the wall creating an impressive crater. Kushina eyes widen seeing such an impressive feat while hearing a few cheers from the balcony. The young Kiri-nin huffs, catching his breath.

Kouhei smirks hauntingly. "Bet you weren't expecting anyone to break your guard. Must have come as a shock to you" He sniggers.

His team groans at the bad pun. Zabuza shouts; "Work on your one-liners dumb ass!"

Kushina whistles; "And I thought Minato's jokes were bad. I am proven wrong." That earns her a glare from the young genin. "Alright then" Says the redhead. "Winner is-"

Suddenly, Gaara rises, sand dances all around him, and some even falls from his body. Everyone tense up, seeing a crazed smile from the Suna Jinchurriki.

"This feeling..." He seethes with maniacal glee. "...is it pain?"

Kankuro twitches nervously; "Oh this is not good."

"To think that guy actually hit Gaara;" Tamari looks on in shock.

Baki says nothing while the Oto Jounin smirks in amusement.

"Kitten, I would suggest getting Kouhei the hell out of there," Matatabi chimes in Yugito's head.

Kouhei actually takes a step back, the mad look in his eyes with the fractured pieces of solid sand falling from his body painted a terrifying image. The sheer killing intent emanating from the Suna-nin was nearly staggering, making him sweats.

Suddenly, Gaara's sand gathers over him, forming a long deadly looking sand spear. Kouhei barely has seconds before sidestepping the deadly sand weapon, but he was unable to dodge a second, smaller sand spear, which pierces through his right shoulder. He snarls in pain as he skids back but remains standing. The Kiri-nin growls.

"Mother..." Gaara breathes erratically as he raises yet another, much larger, sand spear. "Mother wants your blood!"

To his credit Kouhei still has his speed, but with one arm, he knows he has to be creative. The young kiri-nin jumps away from begin impaled by the sand spear. He retracts his whip with his remaining good arm, adjusting it around him, he pulls out three kunai with explosive tags attached to them. The sand forms as a wave, seeking to swallow him whole. He throws the kunai at the sand, the papers lit on contact.

At the same moment, Kouhei pulls out his whip and charges it with lightning once more. The moment the tags explode, bringing down the sand, he strikes. While it was a large room, it was still closed off, thus everyone held their ears from the loud and large explosion which rocks the entire room.

"Holy shit!" Naruto and Karui shout.

"Did he get him?" Sasuke wonders as they wait for the smoke to dissipate.

"...No" Kakashi says tightly.

As the smoke clears, they see Kouhei struggling inside a prison of sand.

The murderous smile never leaves Gaara's lip; "Your struggle! Your fight! I will savory it as mother will savory your blood!" He raises his right arm with his hand open. "NOW DIE!"

Suddenly, the sound of slashing metal is heard, Kushina stands next to the sand prison with a katana in hand, Zabuza with his great cleaver sword on the other side. The prison of sand falls to the ground, releasing Kouhei.

It was then when Team 7, along with the Kiri and Kumo teams leap down to aid Kouhei, his own teammates holding him, careful not to strain his wounded shoulder. "Are you okay?" Naruto asks.

"Hehe..." He chuckles weakly. "Aw sensei, y-you do care"

"Shut up…" His teacher replies.

Hiruzen looks at the young ones in surprise. He didn't expect members of different village to show such concern for one another. Naruto and Yugito glare over to Gaara who only looks at both with pure confusion; "You two... Why do you two help these humans?"

It was how hollow he said that question, as if he truly did not understand the concept of compassion. Even Kushina mentally winces, what the hell did they do to that boy?

"He was our comrade" Yugito says with conviction. She shifts slightly. "...He might be an ass, but I guess he's likeable enough"

"We may have only just met, but I consider him a friend. And you protect those you care for," Naruto says with equal conviction. "Even if he is an ass." Kouhei promptly gives the blond Uzumaki the middle finger with his good arm.

Karui and Omoi say nothing but have their swords drawn. Haku has several senbon in between her fingers with Sakura holding two kunai in each hand beside her. Sasuke and Chojuro stand ready for anything.

Hiruzen observes with a raised eyebrow; Interesting...

"Enough" Kushina says fierce. "Fight's over. Match goes for Sabaku no Gaara"

"What?!" Kouhei shouts, frustration clear in his eyes. "You can't just call off the match; I had him just where I wanted!"

Haku gives him a dry stare. "I don't know which match you were in, but we saw something else entirely"

Kouhei freezes as the redheaded Uzu looks him dead in the eyes, even Zabuza shivers from that powerful gaze. "Do I need to repeat myself young man?" she asks in a sickly sweet tone.

"NO MA'AM!"

Confusion vanishes from Gaara as he now blankly looks at his two Jinchurriki kin; "Then you both live in a lie… I will make you see the truth..." Crossing his arms again, the Suna-nin shunshins back to his team.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"I never thought I'd live to see such a thing. Three Genin teams from different villages with no ties to one another, all rising to protect the other. A most rare sight," Hiruzen rubs his chin. A sign that things can change... or just false delusions of hope from an old man?

Jiraiya crosses his arms; "They followed Naruto's and Sakura's lead without even a second thought." the Gama-Sannin smirks; "I guess the brat is a chip off the old block."

"But the question Jiraiya, can we make something out of this?"

The toad sage saw the look in his old sensei's eyes and sighs; "We both know Kumo's stance. But with Kiri and their new Mizukage..."

"She might be more open to discuss things" The Hokage says. "Our villages haven't exactly had a peaceful history, but neither did we with Suna at first. An offer to make sure there are no conflicts between us would be a step in the right direction"

"With the civil war finally over and her rebuilding, she might take this any way. We'd have to tip toe through the talk's maybe. But if we do this, Kiri gets the help it needs and we gain a new ally."

Hiruzen adjusts his hat; "From what I heard of this Mei Terumi, she is a fair and open mined young woman. We shall see after the prelims are concluded."

The group remained in the area as medic-nin prepared to take Kouhei to the hospital. He wasn't making their job easier.

"I wanna watch the rest of the fights!"

Haku only sighs while Chojuro shakes his head. The medic-nin glares; "If we don't treat this now you will lose the use of your arm."

"Just go with the, you dumb brat" Growled Zabuza.

The young Genin also growls but relents lying on the gurney; "I want details after it's all done!"

"Please take care of him, Kiri men are too stubborn for their own good," Haku looks to the medic. Her words prompting Zabuza to snort.

"You clearly don't know Konoha-nin then" The medic grumbles as they take him away.

As the Kiri team jump back up to the balcony, Naruto looks to Haku; "Stubborn eh?"

Sakura gives the blond a look; "Like you can talk."

Kushina can't help but overhear them. Crap, don't tell me he took that from me. Well, to be fair it was an Uzumaki thing. She hoped he hadn't inherited any other annoying traits from her.

The verbal tick is embarrassing enough.

Haku gives a warm smile; "Kouhei will be fine. Let's see who comes next shall we?"

The lights of the board light up again as Naruto notices Tenten reappearing, with a tired look in her eyes. "You are doing okay Ten-chan?"

"Uh?" She said, as she didn't quite understood what he said. Tenten then nods and lets out a groan, rubbing her head. "My head keeps ringing from that bitch's attack..."

Neither Sakura nor Naruto pressed further as Tenten returns to her teammates and sensei. They look back to the board as it finally stops on two names.

Kankuro no Sabaku vs Omoi

Rolling his lollipop in his mouth the Kumo Nin sighs; "Oh joy... Well wish me luck" He mumbled to his teammates. "Not that it'll help at all because I'm gonna lose anyway..."

Samui only rubs her eyes while Yugito sighs. Karui slaps the back of Omoi's head; "Oh shape up! Go down there and whip that cross dresser's ass!"

"It's a traditional Suna puppeteer outfit!" Comes a shout from the other side of the arena.

Naruto shouts back; "And the clown make-up?!"

"THAT'S WAR PAINT ASSHOLE!" a pronounce tick-mark forms on Kankuro's head shaking his fist.

Temari thought to mention his brother tended to borrow her makeup when he ran out of war paint, but decided he had been teased enough. The Suna Genin grumbles all the way down the stairs while his opponent leaps over the balcony. Nearing where they fight Kankuro notices the redheaded proctor trying and failing to keep a straight face.

Kankuro sighs. "Just... get it out of your system"

Immediately Kushina bursts out laughing. "You look like a cat!"

Up in their respected areas, Jiraiya, Kakashi and Hiruzen all rub their eyes. Feeling they shouldn't really be surprised Kushina still has her... unique level of maturity. Naruto just looks over to Sasuke and Sakura; "Well that should explain everything."

"It really does" Sasuke replies dryly.

Kakashi eye smiles; "Just imagine your future children."

"Woe the world then" Sasuke replies once more with a deadpan.

Naruto grumbles. "You're having too much fun with this."

"I am; I won't lie" the Uchiha smirks.

Would his kids be really that crazy? Sakura and Haku absently thought with a small blush on their cheeks.

Finally calming down and taking a deep breath Kushina; "Omoi vs Catman... Sorry Kankuro no Sabaku. HAJIMEI!" the redhead snickers jumping back.

Kankuro quickly takes the large strapped object behind his back with a predatory smirk. Omoi tenses and draws his sword. The Kumo Nin holds his sword at the ready, he was no fool, and Suna puppet masters are adept at long range. If he was going to have any way of winning, he'd have to be smart.

The traps on suddenly are set loose, they unfurl and fall revealing a creepy puppet in Omoi's opinion. It was covered in a dirty brown cloak, had several limbs, wild fake hair, three soulless eyes and sharp metallic teeth coming from the hanging jaw.

Sakura lightly shivers; "That is a creepy doll."

"Suna have a long tradition of using puppetry techniques" Kakashi explains. "It looks like this kid follows said tradition"

"Puppets?" Sasuke snorts. "Seriously?"

"You underestimate how powerful they can be in the right hands Sasuke"

Back on the arena, Kankuro smirks; "Think you can take on Karasu?"

Omoi shrugs. "Not really, thinks it's more likely I'll lose this fight without you breaking as much as a sweat" The team from Kumo collectively face palm, loudly.

Kankuro just stares at him. "...While I like my opponents to realize how pointless it is to my against me, I can't help but ask; isn't there any anti-depressive medication you should be taking?"

Karui yells out; "Idiot says they're spy seals in them!"

"Of course they're spy seals in them, you can't see them because they're very tiny and are on the pills!"

Yugito holds up a small bottle and reads the tiny writing on it. "Hmm, says side effects include paranoia..." She mumbles to herself.

Both Naruto and Sakura gawk while Sasuke feels his eye twitch. Neji and Tenten only sigh. Haku just blinks; "I… don't know how to react."

Samui rolls her eyes. "Focus on the fight Omoi, that guy has already began his attack"

"He's wh-Holy crap!" He shouts as he narrowly dodged the Karasu puppet, which flew right above him.

Omoi's eyes narrow as he dodges more strikes from Karasu; flipping over the puppet he sees a small opening and charges forward to Kankuro.

The Sand ninja swiftly moves his hands; Omoi can see blue threads of chakra dancing in the air. He feels something moving behind him at top speed. He plants his foot on the ground and jumps, letting Karasu pass right beneath him, avoiding its attack.

"Let me guess. The fact that Puppet master are long range fighters you figured going to close quarters would be a weakness for me," Kankuro says smugly. "Sorry to inform that my Karasu can be faster than many ninjas, and I've got some tricks up my sleeve"

"You're wearing cat pajamas, what you going to do? Throw cat nip at him," Naruto could not stop himself. His words prompting his mother, Sakura, and Haku to giggle.

Growing a tick mark at the remark from the blonde, Kankuro just focuses on the fight at hand, as his hands fly in front of him, his puppet coming up to block the sword strike from Omoi, who had gotten close due to Kankuro being slightly distracted.

As he swiftly moves his hand, his puppet comes up to block the sword strike from Omoi who had gotten close enough to attack. The Kumo Nin dodges backwards when the puppet starts to spin rapidly, it's limbs flying around like a tornado. Omoi was forced backwards even further when Karasu leaps for him, blades coming out of flailing arms, slicing through many directions. Jumping back, Omoi blocked the hidden arm blades rising to meet him.

With nothing but his wits about him, the swordsmen ducks the next charge from the puppet, and jumps up soon after, flipping back and cutting down at the puppet when it comes back to Kankuro, the rags of the puppet are cut off, some shreds of cloth float to the ground. Dodging to the side, Omoi blocks the swinging body with his blade and sprints for Kankuro, hoping to outrun the flying wooden construct under the Suna ninja's control.

The notion was outrageous, as well as foolhardy, as Kankuro's hands were fasten, the magic of his technique apparent before the audience when Karasu grabs hold of Omoi's arm and flings around, using momentum to toss the Kumo Nin to the ground and to the side.

"Damn that guy is good," Naruto mutters as he and the others watch.

Kakashi nods; "Never underestimate anyone. Suna is renowned for their puppet ninja."

"Classic long range against close range battle. It comes down to who's more experienced in their short time of being shinobi," Asuma speaks up lighting cigarette.

Karui growls; "Come on... Come on!"

Getting up quickly, Omoi has little time to react to the next blow, as the puppet screams at him from above with its clicking parts. Pushing to the side, he dodges the body slam the puppet attempts, and instantly targets his opponent's weapon. Being a user of tools, Kankuro he knew one thing; the weapon master is only as good as his weapon, Take away the weapon and he's vulnerable!

The puppet suddenly breaks apart, and all of its limbs fly around Omoi like a tornado of death. Kankuro grins. "Let's paint the floor then, using your body for it, sound better?"

Karasu's limbs fling at the Kumo swordsman, who jumps away from the initial strike and cuts the limbs away, slashing for every time Karasu's broken body tries to strike him.

Samui rubs her chin; "I see no flaws in this Kankuro's moves. He trained hard to be this good."

On the other side of the balcony Temari crosses her arms; "That Kumo guy is good. But he can't beat Kankuro."

Baki nods in agreement while Gaara only stares at Naruto and Yugito, the fight does not interest him.

Damn it... Omoi grunts. Can't keep this up forever, I need to get close and finish this He reaches into his pouch and pulls up three smoke bombs.

Hiruzen nods approvingly; "This is interesting."

"These kids just keep getting better and better," Jiraiya smirks.

Omoi quickly tires to close the distance between himself and Kankuro. The puppeteer smirks and quickly moves Karasu to intercept him, all limbs assembling the puppet's body once more, Omoi throws the smoke bombs just as he feels the puppet approaching. They explode into a large grey cloud, covering nearly the entire lower portion of the arena.

Shit the Sand-nin curses. Can't see anything He moves Karasu close to him for protection.

Up in the stands, the other share similar thoughts. "What's going on down there?" Sakura murmurs.

Sasuke activates his Sharingan. "Omoi is trying to get him from behind" He whispers so only his teammates hear him. They mentally cheer for the Kumo-nin.

The sound of a blade piercing through something reaches their ears, the smoke clears to reveal Omoi, standing behind Kankuro, his sword piercing the puppeteer's stomach.

"Got him!" Karui cheers.

"Wait..." Yugito stops her celebration, eyes narrowing. "Something's not right" On the other side of the stands she can see Temari smirking.

From Kankuro's midsection flows no blood, in fact, the only thing they can see are splinters of wood. The shock on Kankuro's face, or what looked like Kankuro, vanishes when chips of wood fell off its face, the skin turning into shreds of cloth and tearing as the face of a puppet became visible. As Omoi senses the danger of this, he tries to pull back, only to be grabbed by the arms of the puppet, which looked like a weird anatomy on a human-like Kankuro if it were truly him.

The face turns to Omoi as he tries to pull back harder, and the puppet just makes clicking sounds before Omoi senses someone behind him. Looking back, he sees the fist of the Suna ninja going for his jaw. As it hits, his head recoils and turns to the puppet, whose head collides against the ninja's. The puppet's final strike pushes Omoi back and out of the puppet's clutches as he falls to the ground, knocked out.

Kankuro floats the puppet to rest on his back as he grins, looking to the people who doubted him. The puppet points to them with its head turned with Kankuro's. "Don't underestimate a Puppet Master"

"Omoi is down" Kushina declared. "Winner is Sabaku no Kankuro!"

Quickly his team along with Naruto and Sakura ran down to check on their Kumo friend. Kankuro only smirks which make Karui growl at him till hearing the low groan of her teammate waking up.

"How are you feeling?" Yugito asks.

"Am I dead?" His question prompts his red haired teammate to smack him in the head; she didn't care if she only added more damage.

"What do you think idiot!?"

"Well, you're here, so yeah, this must be hell"

Kushina, Hiruzen, and Jiraiya sweatdrop at the scene of three people having to restrain a very angry Kumo kunoichi.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

After fifteen minutes, Karui finally calmed down while Haku attended to only the minors wounds to a now black-eyed Omoi on the balcony.

"Alright" Kushina declares. "Let's continue"

New names begin flashing, everyone holds their breaths until finally, the combatants are chosen.

"Tch, troublesome"

Shikamaru Nara vs. Temari no Sabaku

The blond Suna kunoichi smirks; "Well it's about time."

"I get to fight a woman. The joy never ends" Shikamaru says dryly. Not noticing the current females around feeling their eyes twitch.

Both shinobi steps down to the arena. Temari smirks. "You're going down"

"Yeah, yeah" He said disinterestedly, making Temari grunt with anger at his downright lazy attitude.

"Next match between Shikamaru Nara and Sabaku no Temari..." The Sand-nin tenses and prepares for the fight, while the Nara does not even move; his expression continues to be one of tiredness. "Begins!" Kushina shouted, bringing down her hand.

"I forfeit"

Majority of the shinobi on the balcony and those beside the Sandaime face fault, Hiruzen included. Kushina nearly trips over something invisible before face palming. Oh yeah this kid was defiantly a Nara alright!

Naruto is first to get up to his feet; "WHAT THE HELL SHIKA!?"

"Tch, it's too troublesome to fight right now"

"THAT'S YOUR EXCUSE FOR EVERYTHING!" Naruto, Sakura, and even Sasuke yell out. Shino only adjusts his glasses shaking his head.

Temari growls; "Are you that scared or are you just mocking me!"

Shikamaru just looks at her tiredly. "Man, you're so loud..." He groans as he rubs his neck, which only infuriates the Suna-nin further.

Oh yeah, Shikaku's kid alright, Kushina rolls her eyes seeing the young Nara walking away. "Winner Temari no Sabaku."

"Your mom's gonna get you for this you know that right?" Naruto deadpans.

Shikamaru slumps; "I know... But least I can tell her I passed the second stage. Tch, though that would be even troublesome too." He says; prompting to Naruto banging his head on the railing, Sasuke face palming while Sakura's eye twitches.

The Kumo and Kiri teams' just look at him; "How can he be that lazy?"

"You don't know many Nara do you?" Kakashi says drily.

However none see Asuma smirking while taking a slow drag off his cigarette. The moment you saw the names you assessed everything about her didn't you. And giving the terrain in this room you had nothing for you to use your Kagemane no Jutsu. And you wouldn't have had enough time to form a plan to win. Seeing no other options you quit. The young Sarutobi sighs; At least he thinks ahead, if nothing else…

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

As everyone settles down, Hiruzen speaks to everyone; "Since we are down now to three Genin this next match shall be a three-way fight between Zaku of Oto, Chojuro of Kiri, and Karui of Kumo. Will those individuals please come down to the ring at this time?"

The last Oto genin only smirks as he leaps over the balcony. Chojuro and Karui look at each other giving a respectful nod to one another. Both leap over as they take their respected stances. Zaku crosses his arms; "This is payback for the forest. And I get the stuttering four-eyes and the redhead Kumo slut. This will be fun."

The Kumo and Kiri opponents looked to each other, but Karui was not having this. Scoffing and gripping her blade, the redhead pointed it at the sound ninja. "You fucking prick, I'll show you what'll be fun, how's about losing those arms you love so much?! Cause that's what's gonna happen!"

Kushina whistles lowly as she looks back to Sarutobi and Jiraiya; "Now that's a temper." Ignoring the dry twitching eyes from the two older men she looks back to the Genin; "Zaku, Chojuro, and Karui. Hajimei!" She jumps away.

The loud mouthed redheaded Kumo ninja suddenly jumps for Zaku, who was surprised to see such speed from her, and dashes out of the way of her swing, only to find himself face to face with Chojuro's sword, bandaged and solid, swinging to his face.

With quick thinking, Zaku jumps up and kicks off the sword, flying up and back, grinning as he points his arms down at them. "HAH! Take this!" But as his sound pressure tubes start to gather their power, they are suddenly cut in half, Karui having jumped up to meet him, her sword had cleaved right through them. He doesn't have time to scream as she grabs his leg.

Using the momentum of her spin, she throws him to Chojuro, who takes one more swing at Zaku, and slams the finer edge of his blade at the Oto ninja's head, sending him flying back into the wall, where he becomes indented to it in a crater of his own making, knocked out from the force.

"Zaku is unable to battle. That just leaves Karui of Kumo and Chojuro of Kiri," Kushina says loudly for everyone.

Yugito snorts; "Fool earned that beat down. You don't call Karui that and expect to keep walking."

"Chojuro-Kun takes great offense of anyone insulting a woman," Haku lifts a finger.

The Oto Jounin only a smirk, Orochimaru had been quite impressed by what he has seen this day, even more so with Kushina's return. But with Zaku now gone, so was his time. He shunshins away without a sound.

The third stage of the of this year's Chunin exam shall be one to remember!

As the medic-nin take away the unconscious Oto Genin, Chojuro and Karui ready their stance for each other. "I may like you Kiri, but I won't lose." Karui smirks.

The young glassed ninja steels himself. The grip on his sword tightens, for a moment he hesitates. They had taken out the Sound ninja quickly because of their combined efforts, but now it was just him against her, a one on one fight when all this time he's had people at his side.

Griping the dual hilt of Hiramekarei Chojuro is stone faced as he looks at his opponent. But he couldn't help his mind from wandering.

He didn't remember much when he was little, but he knew his home wasn't the place one would proudly call home. Their ninjas were bitter warriors who would defect Kiri in great numbers. Bloodline bearers hid as their lives depended on it. The people suffered under the subjugation of the Fourth Mizukage, Kagura.

But that changed when a woman, a lone proud and strong woman, rose up and shouted 'enough'. That woman had raised followers, a force strong enough to challenge Kiri's bloody regime. A force that defeated Kagura and proceeded to make theirs a nation to proud of once more.

Now comrades didn't slaughter each other in 'tests', shinobis of Kiri could once more be brothers in arms, people who would willingly and happily risk their lives for each other.

He didn't want to shame his home; he wouldn't fail them by losing. He would stand proud as a ninja of Kirigakure, he would fight and he would win.

"I respect you and your skill Karui-San, but for the new Mizukage who saved my country. I won't lose," Chojuro's voice steely determined.

Her smirk grows wider. "Now that's what I'm talking about"

Seeing as they could start at any time, the fight having begun at a three way free for all, their senses grow sensitive, waiting for the single sound of anything to mark their start, as the truly great swordsmen use upon a stalemate. The crater that once held Zaku was still crackling; they awaited the first chunk to hit the ground. A sharp crack was heard, signifying a chunk has come loose and starting to fall.

To Karui and Chojuro, it was a long time, judging the movement of muscles, stance, and what could potentially happen and what they could do to utilize that move, counter it, or otherwise change the flow to their favor.

Clicking, the pebble finally hits the ground, and Karui jumps forward, racing up with amazing speed. Drawing her sword down, steady at her side beside her leg, she swings at Chojuro, who had jumped up, forming a Chakra hammer out of his sword, and slamming it down against Karui. The chakra and metal hit, clashing with a resounding warp of sound, the chakra of Chojuro's weapon being cut in half by Karui's sharp reliable metal blade.

The redhead did not, however, expect that this was a tactic from the young Kiri ninja, who let his Chakra flow and dissipate until he lands and forms it into a giant blade, swinging against the disorientated dark skinned opponent. As the chakra surrounding her started to clear her vision, she sees the swing and drops to the ground, ducking under the swing. Using her position, she kicks up and forward, spinning in the afterglow of the chakra blade's pressure in front of her and Chojuro, and slashed for his chest.

Momentum being the key to Chojuro's technique, he allows the weapon to pull him to the side, going limp, and with his body being pulled, he went out of Karui's counter, which fell short, leaving her unbalanced and open for his next strike. Gripping both handles, the Kiri ninja lifts the sword up over his head, using the momentum, the speed of the sword's strike was blindingly fast, almost too fast, as it goes to Karin, this one jumps out of the way, the strike creates a crater where she once stood.

As the two fights, those on the balcony only watch in awe. "I knew those guys were no joke, but they practically even," Naruto says absently.

"Both Kiri and Kumo are known to have renowned sword masters. Zabuza, being a member of the Seven Swordsmen is a prime example from the Mist Village. As for us, besides your mother Naruto, only me and the current Anbu captain, Neko, are known swords masters," Kakashi adds keeping his eye on the young genin fighting.

Soon three pairs of eyes look at the one eye scarecrow; "What?"

"You were a swordsman?" Sakura asks the question the three mentally shares.

"In my younger days. I haven't used a blade in years after I left Anbu."

The admiration of the shinobi present for their skills was unseen and unheard, as their only focus was whose skill was better. Karui jumps over Chojuro with a swirling slash for his head, only to come up short when his own huge hunk of metal rose to meet her, blocking her own strike and pushing against her, throwing her further than intended in her plan.

Though the Kiri Ninja was becoming quickly fatigued from having to match speed with his huge blade against the redhead's own normal sized katana, he was not giving up, he turned around to the falling Kumo ninja and raced at her, chakra forming into a hammer around his sword.

The Kumo Kunoichi had not expected to be pushed like she had, almost being thrown up into the balcony, she landed under it against the wall. Seeing the charging Kiri ninja, she jumps forward, arching backwards as she dodges the hammer blow, which hits and shakes the audience under it. Landing a good distance away, she collects herself, grounding her movements. The two had been fighting for some time and still there wasn't a single sign that either of them would be the winner, neither of them had landed a good hit on the other either.

Not letting the sudden stop in force and momentum keep him grounded, Chojuro pulled with all his might, swinging his chakra hammer at the Kumo ninja, letting the Chakra bend and extend into a long blade once more. This catches the redhead off guard, as the glasses wearing swordsmen in front of her had recovered quicker than she expected from such an attack.

Reacting as fast as she could, Karui jumped over the blade, flipping forward and out of the way in a hurry. She lands and prepares her next strike. Chojuro, however, was not letting up. At the end of his swing he had dissipated his Chakra, allowing him to move his blade more fluidly and swing around again, his Chakra growing into the blade once more as he slashed at her.

Karui's eyes widen at the sudden strength of the young man in front of her, and dashed forward, ducking under the blade. Coming up from her roll, she was close enough to finally end this, and went to stab into his shoulder. This proved foolhardy, when the Kiri Swordsmen was still swinging he had dissipated his chakra once more, and swings with all his might, both hands on a handle each, and slamming the blade from the redhead away from him.

Being the expert sword master she was; she instinctively grips the handle as hard as she could, but the hit was not kind, sending her tripping and falling to the ground on all fours. She was not the only one who was unbalanced, when Chojuro's blade slammed into the ground and stopped; he panted and held unto his weapon for support.

Kushina whistles while Hiruzen and Jiraiya both nod approvingly; "Their skills are excellent. And their level of swordsmanship is superb for ones so young." Hiruzen speaks quietly.

"Have to agree on with you on that. Almost shamed to see one of them lose."

The Sandaime nods as he watches.

Catching her breath Karui can't help but smile. It was so thrilling in facing someone who could actually put up a decent fight with her. Sure Chojuro was a little weird, but no one can deny good talent when you fight it.

"How about it Chojuro, one last go before I win," The Kumo redhead smirks.

The dizziness gone, the young Kiri swordsman only grins back; "This is a fun match Karui-chan, but I will win."

Gripping his blade, the Kiri swordsmen lifted his huge blade up, ready for what felt like the big push to end it. Seeing Karui doing the same, getting into stance with her own sword, he lifts his glasses up to keep them on tight. With little hesitation, he races forward, eyes glued on target.

The Kumo swords woman smirks wide as she charges forward as well, her blade settling close in front of her, ready to swing out on command. As she got close, she stabs forward, only to come up short when the young man in front of her swings backwards, stopping dead in his tracks as he does so, and swings up with a hammer, ready to fall upon the redhead who stabs forward, himself kicking back to reduce risk of being stabbed.

Changing tactics, Karui bends down and brings in her sword again before thrusting upwards, striking into the chakra formed hammer and using herself as a deadbolt to stop the thing from squishing her. Grunting under the force, she was almost certain she was about to lose her grip when the chakra dissipated, the large bandaged sword from the Kiri ninja slamming into the ground.

Seeing his hammer fail in a surprisingly award, but effective, method from the Kumo kunoichi, Chojuro let his hammer dissipate and that slammed his sword to the ground. Raising it up quick after, he swings forward, hoping to catch Karui off balance. Though this was ineffective, as Karui, who knew the young man's tricks to bring her off balance, twists out of the way with her forward leg, and kicks away from the swing, rolling on her side and behind Chojuro.

When seeing her shot, the redheaded mistress of the blade spun with the momentum of her roll, swinging out at Chojuro, aiming for just under his shoulder blades. Alas, her strike was met with him slapping his sword against his back, blocking her strike. Landing her foot on it, she kicks off as he swings at her, lifting her off and turning with chakra forming into a blade and swinging at her with full force, the Chakra dissipating from the blade with a solid momentum, coming right for Karui.

Her eyes widen in surprise to see this sudden skill of throwing his chakra in the form of a blade as a projectile, but her instincts kept her from stalling. Rising her sword up and slashing down at the incoming chakra, she cuts it in half and let it flow around her, harmlessly dissipating behind her. Landing on her legs, Karui jumped up as Chojuro slashed once more, this time up close, with his chakra blade.

Having missed with his projected blade, Chojuro spun again with his momentum and launches himself at Karui, where she would land, and thought he'd finally end the fight. His big move to catch her upon landing fails when she jumps up and coming at him from the air, swinging and twirling with her blade ready to counter at anything he throws at her.

With all his might, the Kiri Swordsmen faced against the Kumo Swordswoman, swinging up at her reverse her direction of spin as she comes upon him. Karui's own strike, as she grows closer to her target, slashes out, looking to cut into the man before her in any way possible. The redhead's sword meets the chakra blade of the dual handled sword of her opponent, the two fighting for just a moment before grinding against each other, the force causing Karui to bypass it, although off target, and Chojuro's own swing equally off but effectively blocking the blunt of the attack.

What happened next surprised the shinobi audience just as much as it did the fighters, as they see their blades connect, finally, to their opponents. Karui's sword gives a shallow, but open cut, to Chojuro's shoulder as she falls. Chojuro's chakra formed blade sliced into the side of Karui's leg, as it tried retreating to curl her body for impact against the floor.

The Kumo Nin lands to the side of Chojuro, rolling and leaping away before getting back into stance, her leg making her grit her teeth from the pain. The Kiri Ninja facing similar pain as he had to correct his swing with his hurt arm, forcing him to strain and keep his back turned to the equally skilled master of the sword he was facing, not wanting to throw out his good arm, or tear the wound asunder on his other.

Their breathing is equally heavy, adrenaline keeping the exhaustion at bay. Gripping the hilts of their blades, they both take a deep breath. Both show high respect for their opponent as they give a small nod to each other.

In showing of impressive speed, both nearly vanish before appearing back to back. Standing like statues, their faces stony before Yugito and the others gasp seeing Karui's blade snap. The ebony redhead chuckles.

"… Next time Chojuro-Kun…" the Kumo kunoichi mutter before falling forward unconscious.

"Karui in unconscious, winner Chojuro of Kiri!"

Falling to his knees the young Kiri Nin quickly crawls over to the redhead turning her over. Relief floods his system seeing Karui only asleep. The others soon join him as Kushina signals for the medical Nin to come.

"Well, this will be an interesting lineup this year," Jiraiya mutters.

Hiruzen nods; "They are all talented, let us see how far they go in the third stage."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

As the surviving Genin stand in front of the Hokage, some feel both elation and exhaustion. They can finally get some rest in a bed instead of being in that accused forest. While others are curious as to why Anko is hold a medium size box with a hole big enough for a hand.

"For those of you who made it, I congratulate you. But test is not over, not yet" The Hokage says. "Now, you must take a number from the box, whoever has the closest number to yours will be your opponent in the third stage"

Sakura lifts her hand "Is this going to be like prelims sir?".

"Yes Miss Haruno," He gestures everyone to the box.

"When you pull out your ball give its number, Ibiki will write it down," Kushina now speaks up.

The pinkette goes first, she pulls out a sphere and calls out "Three"

Walking up Yugito pulls out a ball; "One."

Neji walks up pulling out his own ball; "Four..." His pupiless eyes shift to Sakura.

She gulps as it dawns on her that Neji will be her opponent. For a moment, she feels absolutely hopeless and terrified. The only way it could have been worse was if her opponent was Gaara instead of him.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder she sees Naruto smirking at her; "You can beat him. Remember how hard you've been training your ass off for this." Slowly, the rosette nods smiling a little while Neji shakes his head walking back to his team.

Naruto comes over taking out a numbered sphere; "Five."

Soon the Hyoton user takes her turn as she pulls out the number two. Her eyes shift and lock onto Yugito's slit blues before they give a respectful nod to one another. As Haku steps back to her team, Lee walks up to the box.

He draws a ball, stares at the number and smiles widely. "Yosh, six! It appears you'll be my opponent Naruto-kun!"

The said blond Uzumaki sighs dramatically resting his chin on Sakura's shoulder; "I get bushy brow..." He mutters making the rosette only giggle at him before patting his head sympathetically.

Sasuke only snorts at his blond teammate's antics. He walks up to Anko for his turn; "Seven."

Chojuro goes next. "Nine"

Walking up, Kushina keeps her eyes on Gaara as he slowly takes out a ball. "Eight..." His sea foam green eyes shift to the Uchiha who narrows his own right back to him.

As the Suna Jinchurriki walks away Tenten goes next; "Eleven."

Chojuro adjusts his glasses narrowing his eye as Temari who smirks smugly at him, she had drawn ten.

Walking up Kankuro goes next; "Twelve." He sets his eyes on Tenten who spins a kunai in her hand and a smirk on her lips.

Kushina nods as Ibiki speaks up; "Now that we have a roaster I shall announce who fights who. First match; Yugito Nii against Haku Yuki. Second match; Sakura Haruno against Neji Hyuuga. Third match; Naruto Uzumaki against Rock Lee. Fourth match; Sasuke Uchiha against Sabaku no Gaara. Fifth match; Chojuro against Sabaku no Temari. And six match is Tenten Higarashi against Sabaku no Kankuro"

"The Third Stage will take place in a month's time, starting tomorrow" The Hokage says. "So prepare yourselves well. If you truly want to be ascend to the rank of chūnin, you must show have the skill and are ready to carry the burdens of the role." They all nod before Hiruzen speaks again; "You are dismissed for the day for well-earned rest. But prepare and train hard. That is all."

Team 7 lets a collective breath of relief as the Hokage leaves. For a moment, they find themselves able to relax... which lasted for about a second until they all remember who their opponents are.

"Well..." Naruto says. "This is gonna suck"

Sasuke grunts while Sakura takes in a deep breath; "Was hoping to face you first Naruto. But that can wait for the final round."

The blond Uzumaki snorts while the rosette rolls her eyes. "Ambitious aren't we dattebane?" They all turn to see Kushina, Jiraiya, and Kakashi looking at them. "Will say one thing about you three, you are never dull."

"You're gonna need a lot of help if you want to fight that Gaara kid, Sasuke" Kakashi said, in rare moment of seriousness for him. "If you're not careful and don't prepare yourself, he WILL kill effortlessly"

"I'm going to have to advance my doujutsu aren't I?"

Jiraiya grunts; "More than gaki. Since you know what Gaara is, you are going to have to train like hell if you even want to get through his defense. Kakashi will be handling that since he is the only one with a Sharingan."

The Uchiha nods while Kushina points to her son and Sakura; "Meanwhile Jiraiya and I will take care of you two."

XxX ~ Hokage Tower: an hour later ~ XxX

A young twelve year old redhead fidgets nervously, standing in the office of the Sandaime Hokage. Hiruzen himself only looks curiously at the young Kusa Genin who had requested an audience to speak with him.

"Your name is Karin correct."

"Y... Y-Yes sir, Let introduce myself fully. Karin Uzumaki." She bows adjusting his glasses.

The only sound in the room was Sarutobi's pipe hitting the ground. "Could... Could you repeat that again dear?"

She shifts nervously; "I-I'm an Uzumaki"

Hiruzen pays more attention to her red hair. But then realized it would be foolish to believe someone could be an Uzumaki just because of the hair color. Naruto was living proof of that. "How can I be sure of that?"

Snapping his fingers a single Anbu appears. "Would you mind a blood test Karin-San?"

The young redhead nods nervously; "O-Of course"

An hour later after taking the sample, the Anbu came back with the results, Hiruzen looks at the scroll before gazing back at the young redhead; "It is confirmed. I am glad some of the Uzu survived. May I ask why are you coming to see me?"

"Well... In the forest of death I think I met another Uzumaki. And he is from here. Naruto perhaps?"

Hiruzen lifts a brow; "You encountered Naruto?"

Karin nods; "Yes sir. This is why... I wish to join Konohagakure no Sato."

The old Kage stares at her- "You realize that as a shinobi of Kusa, such a thing cannot be done without repercussions between our villages"

Karin remains silent for a moment; "I... I do not... work for Kusa..."

"Explain young lady..." The steel in his tone makes her flinch lightly.

Reaching into her pocket she pulls out another hite-ate and gently places it on the desk; "I was of Otogakure. This is under the rule of the Hebi-Sennin. Orochimaru." If she was going to do this. Karin knew she had to be absolutely truthful, and hope the Sandaime won't put in a cell.

She gulps at the steely gaze of the old Kage, the arrival of new chakras, likely Anbu hiding in plain sight, make her sweat.

Sarutobi closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Orochimaru is traitor and enemy of this village young lady. That fact that you're affiliated with him puts you in a dangerous situation... But I do not believe you to be a spy. Much less a double agent, no offense but you are neither experienced nor skilled enough to play the part. So... I will then ask where you're true loyalties lie... And I expect an honest answer"

Karin looks the age Kage in the eyes; "To family. Before my parents died they said Uzu always put family first above themselves. I know in my position I must earn your trust and Konoha's trust. To be with what little family I have left I will do whatever you ask of me sir."

She normally wouldn't be doing this if she truly wanted to live. Orochimaru suffered no traitors. But… she had been alone for so long, she desperately wished for something to hold on to, to call family and home. The snake sannin had always suspected of more survivors from her clan, but he remained quiet all the time. 'Only when she had proven her usefulness to him', many experiments and countless missions and she wasn't any closer to finding her clan.

Until she came to Konoha. She'd rather take her risks with the village than continue serving that horrible man.

Spoken like a true child of Uzu, Hiruzen thought absently. "Do you know what my former student is planning at the moment?"

The redhead blinks; "All I was told this was a scouting mission. Observation, though I have no idea of what or whom. But everything I do know I will share freely." She bows her head waiting for the Kage's decision.

Sarutobi nods slowly. "I see..." With a snap of his fingers, another Anbu was at his side. "Neko here will record everything you tell us, and will watch you throughout the entirety of the exams... I believe you are sincere in your words, but I must make sure you are of no threat to the village"

Raising her head, Karin nods; "I understand Hokage-Sama, I pray to Seiryū it will be of some use to you."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Both Kushina and Naruto had been informed by Neko they had a request from Hiruzen to see them. When entering his office, they see a young redheaded girl around Naruto's age with glasses.

"You need something Jiji?" Both mother and son says out of reflex.

Karin's jaw dropped; did they just call the legendary god of shinobi an old man?!

"Yes indeed, there is someone I want you to meet"

Naruto looks at the young redhead; "Hey didn't I met you somewhere? Can't remember..."

Am I really that forgettable? Though the girl with a cloud of depression looming over her head

The blond's eyes widen as a light bald lit in his head; "You're the girl I saved from the bear!"

The younger redhead brightens as she nods; "I never properly thanked you for that. My name is Karin..." Moment of truth. "Karin Uzumaki."

Kushina's and Naruto's eyes widen in disbelief; "No way..."

Kneeling down, Kushina takes a good long look at the younger redhead; "I remember someone with red eyes like yours. But I can't recall their name. Who's your parents sweetie?"

"M-My mother is named Kirika. My father is Hisao"

Before she knew it Karin Squeaks being hugged by Kushina; "NOW I remember! Kirika-Chan, she was also a first cousin of mine dattebane! And Hisao-Kun, you have his eyes!" Letting go but keeping her hands on the younger redhead's shoulders she looks at her; "Where are they?"

Her crimson eyes shift downwards as she mournfully shakes her head. Hiruzen saw the briefest pain in his granddaughter's eyes before it fades and hugs Karin gently. Naruto walks over putting his hand on the young Uzu redhead's shoulder.

Light tears sting from her eyes as nearly almost forgot how warm a hug was, Kushina's felt almost just like her mother's as she starts to sob quietly holding the older Uzu woman tightly. Quietly Hiruzen explains Karin's situation to both Naruto and Kushina.

"Given I know she has not been deceptive with everything she has spoken to Neko and myself, I am giving Karin a four month probationary before becoming a full shinobi of Konoha."

Looking up Hiruzen sees nothing but steel in granddaughter's eyes; "She stays with us. She stays with family, and that snake will never lay on hand on her again."

The Sandaime nods; "I would not have it any other way."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Sighing Kushina shakes her head as they had left her son's former apartment, sealing away all his personal items and heading to what should have been his real home. Both Naruto and Karin walk quietly beside the Uzu matriarch.

"So" Naruto speaks up. "We're going to where you and tou-san used to live?"

His mother nods absently; "That place while not be as grand as some of the clan mansions around here. But I and Minato were not into gaudy oversize mansions. But the place can still hold a big family one day."

Both Karin and Naruto notice the solemn gaze from Kushina as they walk further. Naruto realized just how much that place must mean to his mother; it was, after all, the place where she and her father lived, where they planned their future together. That place was sure to bound invoke some painful memories.

"You know..." He says hesitantly. "We don't have to move there. We can stay in my apartment"

Slowly his mother shakes her head with sad but genuine smile to him; "I wanted this place to be your home Sochi. So whenever you found someone special, you and her could be with me and Minato as one big family."

Karin lifts a brow as she adjusts her glasses; "Uh itoko, that old apartment of yours was only meant for one person."

"It's still quite homey"

"If you call a complete mess homey..." Karin deadpans earning a sheepish chuckle from her blond cousin.

Kushina giggles; "Trust me Sochi; this place is way better than your apartment."

Turning on a corner the older redhead points ahead. It was a rather larger house than most, but not exactly what they would call fancy. Mostly meant to house a family of several individuals but it was pleasant to look at as well. At least two stories and rectangular in designed, it looks more like one the homes seen all over the villages than one belonging to a clan.

The yard was of decent size with an average pond; around it all was a waist high cement fence. Quite a nice looking home overall. "Since your father's clan was nomadic by nature we made the house Uzu style." Kushina smiles seeing the kids looking in wonder; "In Uzushio we were never ones for living the life of the elites. 'Only make what you need in life'. As Tsukiko-Baachan always said."

Naruto lifts a brow; "Tsukiko?" he sees a look of disbelief from Karin; "What? I did not even know I had a freaking clan until a few days ago."

His mother sighs; "Among one of the few things I will be talking about during the council meeting tomorrow," She grumbles under her breath. "I'll tell you all about her during the month. Shall we?" she smiles pushing the kids forward through gates and into the house.

The first thing they notice was that there was dust everywhere. On the walls, on furniture, it showed that no one had lived in here for years. Karin blinks before sighing. "This will take a while..." Naruto absently nods in agreement.

They soon both see Kushina slowly walking over to the bookshelf in the living room. Her walk was almost robotic as she stops by dust covered picture frames. She picks one, and softly her thumb over the dusted crystal, revealing a pair of smiling faces both hers and Minato's, as they embraced.

Slowly walking over, Karin and Naruto stand on either side of Kushina. "The moment I told him he was going to be a dad. I swear he looked ready to get on top of the Hokage monument and shout to the heavens in joy. He never looked so happy," there was a small break in her voice as her bottom lip quivers. "We talked so much about the lives we'd have, our hopes and dreams for you..."

The more she spoke the more broken and horse her voice sounds as tears begin streaming down her eyes and cheeks; "He had some much to teach you... So..." the strength in her legs gave as she fell onto her knees scaring both her son and Karin.

Naruto had felt empathy for other people before, but never to this point. Seeing his mother in such a state broke his heart. And only now did he realized that all those years she was sealed away might as well have meant nothing but a very short time to her.

It seemed that only now it had dawned on Kushina that her husband was dead, that he had been for years... but to her it had only been a few days.

The pain she held back in the tower finally broke through as she hugged the photo tightly. Weakly she looks to her son; "despite everything... I'm so sorry... All these years alone and being neglected because we chose to make you the next Jinchurriki..." Before she rambles on she gasps as Naruto hugs her tightly, his own tears falling silently.

"It doesn't matter anymore," his voice also horse as he speaks softly. "Yeah, it sucked that I grew up without parents but... that's over and done with right? It can't be helped, so just dwelling in it is a waste of time"

Slowly his mother chuckles; "Now you sound like Tsukiko-Baachan." Naruto let's go drying his eyes, she does the same now looking at both kids. "We have each other. So I can't mope about."

With a deep breath she stands putting back the picture. "Now, let's clean this place. Uzumaki style!"

XxX ~ Sakura ~ XxX

Closing the door of her home behind her Sakura inhales the calming scent of her mother's favorite flowers. "Mom I'm home!"

"Sakura?" Her mother voice sounds from within the kitchen. She sees her appearing through the door, looking at her daughter with great relief. "Oh thank every god in heaven you're here" She kneels down to hug her. "We've been so worried"

In her early thirties, Mebuki is of average height with an hourglass figure. She is s a fair-skinned woman with shoulder-length, blonde hair with a single bang which falls down into her face. She also has jade eyes and wears a white qipao dress, opposite of Sakura's red qipao with three red circular designs at the bottom of the front of her dress as well as the back.

The moment Mebuki held her daughter; the rosette feels her body relax as she hugs back. "I'm okay. I made it all the way to the third exams!"

Letting go of her daughter, the blond smiles; "Your father will be proud."

"And you?" the rosette asks shyly.

The blond woman only smiles; "I will always be proud of you, no matter what you do. While yes, you choosing to become a Kunoichi did frighten me." She sees her daughter's gaze becoming downcast; "But ever since Nami no Kuni you have been training hard and getting stronger every day. Seeing you smile every time you come home is enough for knowing you made the right choice."

A beaming smile comes from the rosette; "I really have to thank Naruto. If not for him, I'd never would come this far."

"Heh" Her mother lets out a soft laugh. "Hard to believe that was the boy who just some time ago was replacing the whole neighborhood's cleaning powder with itching powder"

Mebuki lifts a brow seeing her daughter fidget a little; "I... Know about Naruto... Why nearly everyone in the village hates him."

Surprise shows in her jade eyes before they turn serious; "And now that you know?"

"...I don't care" Her daughter answers. "I don't see why it should change anything"

Mebuki slowly smiles; "Good girl. So tell me who will you be facing in the finals?"

"He's name is Neji Hyuuga" Sakura says. "He's a prodigy, especially in his clan's taijutsu. No way I can't beat him on a straight up fight"

Facing a Hyuuga is dangerous regardless, Mebuki knew that well enough. And she has heard things about a boy name Neji and how highly skilled he is. "Does Kakashi have any ideas for you to face him?"

"Well, me and Naruto are going to be training together with Kushina Uzumaki." Sakura said it slowly since she heard from the redhead she is a friend of her mother.

The reaction spoke for itself. Mebuki's mouth opened and closed a few times but now sound came out. Finally she shakes her head and runs a hand over her face. "I-I'm sorry dear. I swear I heard you say 'Kushina Uzumaki?"

"Yes" Sakura slowly.

"Sweetie... She died twelve years ago."

The rosette shakes her head; "That was a 'shadow blood clone'. The real Kushina sealed herself inside a scroll made by someone named Tsukiko Uzumaki."

"...You're...You're gonna to explain it to me in more detail Sakura" And so she did. Sakura spoke of everything that happened in the forest and the tower. Mebuki listens to every word from her daughter's mouth. The pinkette lightly gasps seeing a tearful smile forms on her mother's face.

"I… I don't know if I should be happy she is back or slap her," Mebuki's voice shaking as her lower jaw quivers.

"She told me she promises to make up for everything to Naruto for being gone so long. This is why she is officially now both I and Naruto's sensei." Sakura says quickly.

The blond woman almost snorts; "that sounds like something she'd do. Be sure and listen to everything she tells you. Next to Tsunade Senju, Kushina is the second most dangerous Kunoichi of Konoha and a former Anbu captain."

Sakura nods; "Yes mom"

Mebuki sighs but smiles softly. "Tch, that woman, pulling off things like that" Kushina would never change.

XxX ~ the following morning ~ XxX

Putting fresh tobacco in his pipe, Hiruzen sits quietly as everyone in the council gets settled. While his face showed no emotion, inwardly, he could not help but chuckle to what was about to happen. Lighting his pipe, he gives a nod; "I thank you all for coming for this sudden meeting."

Inoichi of the Yamanaka speaks first; "We've been hearing rumors about something, or rather someone, present as a substitute proctor on the unplanned preliminary stage of the Exam"

The Sandaime nods; "Yes, I wish to show you this person." He looks to the door, "You may enter now."

The sound of footsteps catches the council member's attention. Eyes widen and people gasp in surprise.

Shikaku mutters; "Holy shit..." It was a rare time his lazy nature completely vanished, leaving nothing but absolute shock.

Tsume for once does not believe what her senses are telling her. "Is anyone else seeing this, or have I finally gone mad?"

Kushina looks dryly standing beside Hiruzen; "Tsu-Chan, did your nose stop working or something?" She was wearing the same gear she wore as proctor, but now added with a Konoha flak jacket and her Hite-Ate proudly on her head.

Hiashi rose from his seat; "Kushina..."

The redhead gave a genuine teasing smile; "Hiashi... If you get any paler you will turn into a ghost."

"We-we thought you died!"

The redhead nods slowly; "It came close, but I got lucky in the end"

Chouza's mouth kept opening and closing without saying anything until he could finally voice his, and everyone's, question. "B-But how?"

"You all recall Tsukiko Uzumaki correct."

The redhead does a double-take seeing nearly everyone sit a little straighter and looking a bit nervous. She sweatdrops; "I'll take that as a yes. Anyway, she left me a scroll only to use to absolute emergencies. I was sealed inside the scroll in a kind of stasis. Sochi got the scroll from Jiji and finally used it."

Danzo's sole eye opens but says nothing, gripping his cane slightly tighter.

A nameless clan head says in confusion; "Sochi? You had a son?"

Inoichi swore he heard chains on the floor as everyone Kushina's smile growing slightly darker. "Why yes I had a son before going into the scroll. And it also begs one question I have for some of you." Tsume pales as Kushina slowly pops her knuckles; "Why was my Sochi, Naruto Uzumaki denied his heritage?"

A pin dropping could have been heard in the room.

Hiashi seemed the only one brave or insane enough to answer; "I think first an apology would be order... Me and others have known about your son for a long time and we have done nothing. For that you have our most sincere regret" He made a low but quick bow, Kushina saw her other old friends do the same. "But there were circumstances that prevented such actions in the first place"

Kushina resisted the urge to snort and roll her eyes; "Like?"

Hiruzen was the one to answer; "For starters, Naruto has never been one for subtlety, him knowing would have placed him danger. Your clan had and still has many enemies Kushina, who'd be more than happy to do anything to get their hands on your secrets. I deemed it'd be safer if he didn't know until he was mature enough"

"And why did none one take him?" She asks looking to her old friends.

Shikaku was the one to answer; "You know how it is Kushina. Conflict of interests and unfair advantage of any clan having the Jinchuuriki of the Nine Tails within their authority"

Kushina crosses her arms tapping her foot; "Tsunade took me in as her own daughter" She pointed out.

"Tsunade's more closely related to you by blood than anyone in Konoha. Not to mention that by the start of the Second War, the Senju clan had practically died out by then, she was in more liberty. After the Kyuubi attacked, there was a lot of suspicion of a culprit behind it. No clan was above it."

Kushina lets out a breath; "I did hear from Jiji that Mikoto took care of him every once in a while, she never once told Sochi about his heritage, but at least she checked up on him and gave him food and clothes."

"Mikoto's actions were commendable" Says Inoichi, "And you are right to be angry Kushina. But we have our own families to look after, our own problems that need our attention"

Kushina wanted to protest, but honestly, he was right. She couldn't ask others to pay less attention to their problems and families because of her son. She doubted she herself would have done so. And laying out blame to others wasn't going to help… especially when she herself was in part responsible to what had happened to Naruto.

She could have said no to Minato, she could have just dragged the Kyuubi back inside of her and let it die with her instead of using that scroll to save her life… but the village needed to keep the Nine Tails else they'd fall to war against the other villages. And she had been selfish; she wanted to be in Naruto's life.

Even Minato agreed to it without pause. And with her late husband's approval it was all she needed to use the scroll. But it won't make up for what her son had to put up with for twelve years. Even if Naruto was not even mad at her, she will be mad at herself for a long time.

"By the way Inoichi, your daughter's a fan girl" Pointed out the redhead, trying to get out of that depressing line of thought. "Might wanna do something about it"

The head of the Yamanaka sighs; "Trust me I've been trying. Though I heard the Exams were a good eye opener for her"

"Thank Mebuki's daughter, she made sure to beat a bit of sense into her"

Inoichi chuckles; "I will. I am glad to hear Sakura is taking her duties seriously. Hope those two can be friends again."

Hiruzen cleared his throat. "There is another matter we must look into" He looks at the Uzumaki.

She nods grimly; "Right" She turns to the Council once more. "For the ones who didn't know, I was the previous Jinchuuriki of the Nine Tails" Whispers and sounds of shock go around among many in the Council. "There is a time when a female Jinchuuriki's seal is at its weakest; childbirth" The room became dead silent as everyone began to connect the dots. "Usually, there are precautions taken to stop the seal from breaking but… someone was there that night… someone with a Sharingan"

This time there were no whispers, but loud exclamations of surprise and outrage. Among them she managed to hear 'An Uchiha! I knew they were not to be trusted!' and 'We should have seen it coming'. Kushina's hands tighten in anger.

"Enough!" Shouts the Sandaime, restoring order.

"I told you, time and again Hiruzen" Only one voice was bold enough to go against their leader in such a way. Heads turn to Danzo Shimura, his bandaged visage staring intently at the Sandaime. "The Uchiha were not to be trusted, and her words just proved me right"

Just because of that, Kushina wanted to say 'Oh did I say Sharingan? My bad, I was probably seeing things at the time' just so Danzo could in no way say that she had proved him right. In anything.

Yeah, she detested the man that much.

"We have no way of knowing the culprit was in league with the Uchiha clan. It could have been a deserter, or someone who had stolen the Sharingan, it is a very sought after dōjutsu after all" Hiruzen's tone left no room for argument, carrying the secret message only understood by both old comrades 'This is not the place to speak of things that are meant to remain hidden from them'.

Danzo wisely kept silent.

"So…" Said Shikaku, breaking the tense silence. "This guy could still be out there" The Council members murmured among themselves. "Can you give us a description?"

"Not a very good one" Kushina says with shake of her head. "He was wearing a mask with black marks; it had only one eyehole, a Sharingan in his right eye"

"Damn" Sighed the Jōnin commander. "That could anyone, so troublesome"

"He has a distinctive mask at least" Says the Sandaime. "Easier to spot if he only has one Sharingan"

As the meeting went on, Danzo decided it was time to update some plans…

XxX ~ training ground 43 ~ XxX

"So the girl you saved turned out to an Uzumaki," Sakura shakes her head snorting. "I swear you have the most uncanny luck ever."

The blond Uzumaki only chuckles seeing his Cousin Karin getting along quickly with Sakura when deciding in joining them to the training grounds. It feels too much like a dream, but he honestly stopped caring if it was anymore. He got his mother back, and just yesterday now has a cousin in his life.

Whichever one of the gods above was finally listening to him, he was beyond thankful.

Shunshining into the grounds, Jiraiya, Naruto, Sakura, and Karin see Kushina walking over to them sighing heavily. "That council meeting was fun kiddo?" The toad sage asks dryly.

The older redhead shakes her head; "Least some truths came out now. All that matters."

"Already got my network looking for this guy in the mask. Might be a needle in a haystack, but I won't rest till I catch this guy," The Gama Sannin's voice steely. Shaking out of his darker thoughts he looks to Naruto and the others. "Okay brats, considering your opponents next month we will are going to working your asses off."

"You really think I can defeat Neji if I train the entire month?" The pinkette asks with worry.

Kushina and Jiraiya share a heartfelt laugh, which raises the young girl's spirits. "Ohoho hell no, he'd destroy you" Jiraiya says.

Sakura's head slumps as an aura of depression floats over her.

"In a straight up fight at least" Kushina quickly says. "You're not at level where you can fight an opponent like him in pure melee, and a month isn't nearly time enough for you to reach that point, not by a long shot" The redhead then smirks. "But, that doesn't mean you can't win. We're ninja after all; we'll be focusing on how to get you... crafty"

Karin and Naruto slowly caught on; "Deception" Both say together.

Jiraiya smirks giving a thumbs up while Kushina winks; "Keep him confused on your tactics and always guessing on what you're doing. Never letting him figures out what you're truly doing."

Sakura blinks; "So I just act like Naruto?"

"...I don't know if that was an insult or a compliment" The blond mutters.

"Don't forget ninja tools" Kushina adds. "Bombs, smoke bombs, flashbang bombs" They had the distinct impression that the older Uzumaki had a thing for explosions. "Especially flashbang bombs, those eyes of his won't be such an advantage then"

Jiraiya looks to Naruto; "And you gaki, both me and your mom will be bringing up your taijutsu along with your endurance, speed, stamina, and agility. With Lee being an expert at Gouken, you'll need to bring you up to snuff to face him."

"I know bushy brows is tough, but how bad can it be?" Naruto lifts a brow.

Kushina just looks to her son; "Maito Gai is the best taijutsu specialist in Konoha. And from the way it looks he is teaching Lee everything."

"He got to Jounin through his knowledge and prowess in taijutsu alone" Jiraiya says in a rare moment of seriousness. "That should put things in perspective"

Karin and Sakura both look to Naruto as he takes a slow deep breath. "Well would be boring if it was easy."

Kushina chuckles; "The good news for you is your kaasan was an Anbu captain, who happens to be very deadly in Taijutsu as well as Kenjutsu. Plus with Ero-Sennin and your Kage-Bunshin, we will whip you into shape."

"You just had to tell her that nickname you gave me," Jiraiya grumbles.

"Oh please you earned it"

"At least address me with more respect brat! Like, Super-Ero-sennin-sama!"

While the kids only sweatdrop, Kushina just points at the man dryly looking to Naruto; "How the hell your father was not severely corrupted by this guy is BEYOND me 'ttebane..." Shaking her head she looks to her son; "Well, with that out of the way. It's time you and Karin get familiar with a very important part of our heritage" The two young Uzumaki lift a brow; "The Uzumaki summoning contract" Kushina grins at the two.

"The Uzumaki have a summoning contract?" Sakura tilts her head.

"A contract of legends kids" Jiraiya responds with a smirk. "Originally I had planned on giving the contract to the Toads like your old man." The toad sage points to Kushina. "But with you mom back, the Uzu contract is your birthright Naruto. Same for you to Karin."

"So what do we summon?" Naruto asked with an excited grin. "Is it wolves? Or tigers! Tigers are awesome!"

Kushina flashes a smirk. "Why don't I show you?" Biting right her thumb letting blood leak down Kushina goes through the proper hand seals boar, dog, monkey, ram. The kids watch carefully as she slams her right hand onto the ground.

Kuchiyose no Jutsu!

A giant smoke cloud covers the field, causing the younger Uzumakis and Haruno to cough. As the smoke settles, they have to look up.

And up.

And up...

A powerful earth-shattering roar makes them all cover their ears as the ground beneath their feet shakes wildly. Even Kurama covers his ears within his prison inside Naruto. As the roar fades, a strong and deep voice echoes throughout the area.

"So it is you... Kushina..."

The youth's eyes widen at the sight. Enormous, serpentine in body with the exception of frontal and lower clawed legs. Silver scales covered its entire figure, horns rose from the back of its head, and what could be called strands of white hair swayed gently with the wind beneath his horns. Fierce slit eyes stare at them from above.

They knew what it was, but they couldn't believe it.

"N-No way..." The jinchuuriki mutters.

Karin could only utter; "A... a dragon"

Peeking her head over Naruto's shoulder, Sakura looks up with eyes wide sheer in disbelief; "A... Amazing... I thought the dragons were a myth..."

Wiggling a finger in his ear to stop the ringing, Jiraiya grunts; "Nope they are real Sakura. They have been with the Uzumaki Clan since its beginning."

Kushina only smiles rubbing away a stray tear; "Hello Genryu! Is everyone well?"

"That's my question." The great dragon arches a brow. "I just... cannot believe my eyes Kushina" The dragon slowly shakes his head. "We saw your corpse, we thought the last of the Uzumaki who held our contract was dead" He lets out a breath full of relief and melancholy. "Praise Seiryū it has not come to pass my friend"

"Thank Tsukiko-Baachan, had she never made Tenrai Suimin scroll this would have never happened." She walks over placing her hands on Naruto's shoulder while Sakura stands bravely beside her; "This is my sochi! Naruto Uzumaki. Little red beside him is Karin, Kirika-chan's and Hisao-Kun's girl! And lastly our rosette is Sakura Haruno."

The great dragon lowers his head to takes in their scent. "Hmph, he smells like you alright, and like that nancy boy Namikaze you choose to as mate as well"

The three kids feel their jaws drop. Did this dragon really call Minato Namikaze a 'nancy boy'? Kushina snorts; "Yes he is half Uzumaki half Namikaze."

"I can tell; he looks like that Minato of yours." His slit eyes do not miss a certain perverted sage waving at him. "Still alive lecher?"

"Heh. You know I have too much fight left in me" The Toad sage smirks.

"Hmph, it's been some time since I last spoke to the toads, send them my regards"

Genryu gets a large goofy grin and a thumbs up from Jiraiya before he looks back to Kushina; "I take it you wish these two sign onto the dragon contract?" His slit eyes look Sakura who 'eep's' as she stands her ground. "Sadly child, unless you had Uzu blood in your veins I cannot let you sign."

"Hmm..." The pinkette says meekly, unsure on how to speak to the great being. "That's alright..."

"Now then" The dragon stands tall. "If you are to sign our sacred contract, we must follow this through the right formalities. Here I stand in representation of the mighty dragon clan, long-life friends of the Uzumaki. My name is Genryu, chief of the clan, I speak for the our elders, the Four Great Dragon Kings"

"Naruto Uzumaki, Child of Kushina. Karin Uzumaki, child of Kirika and Hisao, do you both swear to hold the old ways of the dragons and serve lord Seiryū?"

"I have absolutely no idea what I'm swearing to" Naruto answered honestly. "But if I can summon kickass dragons like you then hell yeah!" His tone shifted in his next words.

Genryu just blinks at the blond before looking to a face-palming Kushina and Jiraiya; "What in the hell?"

"Will explain later," Kushina says tiredly.

"But seriously, this is like, a very big deal for our clan right?" He asks without expecting an answer. "I don't really know what I have to do, but I swear I'll do it, for the clan"

The silver dragon nods. "Good boy. The dragons and the Uzumaki have a long history. In time, you shall learn"

The dragon then turns to Karin; "I swear by the honor of Seiryū and of my late mother Kirika Uzumaki and father Hisao Uzumaki, I will uphold the laws of my clan and have faith in lord Seiryū's guidance."

"Hmph" The dragon grumbles. "Good" He summons a large scroll on his palm, it was the size of an average person, and he places the scroll on the ground and rolls it out. "Here is our sacred scroll, in here; man has forged their alliance with us for countless ages"

The three kids see quite a few names on the scroll. "Who's Daisuke?" Naruto asks quietly.

"That was your Jiji, my Tou-san. He was last Uzukage," Kushina smiles sadly. "He died fighting against the invasion that wiped out Uzushio."

Jiraiya leans over; "Bite your thumbs and write your names down on the clear areas."

And so they did. "Now what?" Naruto asks.

"You must do the proper handsigns" Kushina explains. "Boar, dog, monkey and ram. And use your blood to make the summoning. As you get more practice with the technique, you'll only need to use your blood"

Both practice the hand seals slowly while the others watch Genryu looks to Kushina; "I am sorry about your mate."

"I have Naruto, and now Karin. They're both are enough to keep me going. And I owe it to Kirika and Hisao to raise their baby girl right."

Seeing Naruto had gotten the hand seal down Jiraiya nods; "Try to summon a dragon gaki."

With an eager smile, Naruto proceeds to do the handsigns once again; he pours chakra and slams his palm into the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" A small smoke cloud bursts, and reveals a very small dragon, no longer than a small grass snake. His scales were ruby red and his eyes blue.

"Oh, hi" The small dragon says awkwardly, he looks around the field. "Hmm, could have sworn I was in my home just a second ago"

Naruto waves with foxy-smile; "Hi! Names Naruto Uzumaki."

"Forgive me, but I thought Uzumakis were redheads?" The ruby dragon tilts his head curiously.

The not redhead Uzumaki slumps as a cloud looms over him. "'It's not my fault damn it..."

"Huh, so you summoned Hien" Genryu huffs. "He's still young, but the two of you can grow together"

"Oh hey great chief" The young dragon only now realized the greater dragon was there. "So, what's going on?"

"A reunion with a dear friend I thought I had lost. And gaining two new summoner's for the Dragons."

Hein blinks before he looks to the humans; "Greetings my name is Hein. I hope to be of service aid to you Naruto Uzumaki in the coming future."

"Awesome" Naruto smirks. "So can you do anything cool"

"Not really, I'm supposed to breath fire eventually. Not frost" Obviously, the small dragon had not understood the blonde's words.

"…We're gonna have to work on that."

XxX ~ three days later ~ XxX

A man was leaping through the trees. He was wearing a sleeveless jacket and ninja pants with sandals, a cloak fluttered around his waist. He could not stop his excitement as he rushes to his old friend. Oh the news he had!

He arrives at a small field by the river. Next to it is a simple old fashioned wooden house that has been their home for years. A man entering his forties, dressed in a dark kimono, kneels by the riverside. His features give him a somewhat rough look, a defined jawline and chin, along with some lines of age on his face. His eyes are closed, the tickled gentle touches red strands of hair on his forehead, he presents a picture of perfect serene meditation.

A few feet next to him, a young boy on his twelve years of age practices with a katana made for his height. His movements are repetitive and precise, constantly shifting between stances, strikes and parries. His red hair is pulled in a ponytail; he bears great resemblance to the sitting man.

"Your left foot is a few inches to the right" The man says as the boy stops, his stance locked. He doesn't even need to open his eyes and to look at him to know what he's doing. "You need to keep them at a more open stance. You're also holding your sword lower than it should be"

The boy nods; "Hai, Tou-san!" he resumes his sword practice; he doesn't react as the other man lands beside him huffing and chuckling in delight.

The man sitting in meditation lifts a closed brow; "And what has you running?"

"You won't believe what I just heard Saito" The newcomer says, shaking his head and making his wild red hair sway, along with his dangling metallic earrings. "Here I was in this tavern, flirting with this barmaid, she was of the dime sort so it didn't take me long to talk her out of her-"

"Samenosuke" Saito growls out in annoyance. Not wanting for his son to hear of his friend's... exploits with men and women alike. He was a bad influence enough for Soujiro as it was with him living with them.

"Ah, should I go to the point?"

"If you'd be so kind..."

"So, anyway" Samenosuke resumes. "After we had our 'fun', I happened to cross by a pair of Kumo-nin who were talking about certain interesting information their ninjas at the Chunin Exams in Konoha found out"

"And" Saito sighed with tiredness. "This is relevant to us because...?" He left the sentence hanging, waiting for an answer.

Samenosuke grew quiet, something very uncharacteristically for the usually witty and wry tongued ninja. "She's alive Saito... Kushina's alive"

Slowly Saito's eyes open and widen while even his son stops, he looks at his father and the closest thing he had to an uncle in shock. Rising to his feet Saito shakes his head; "But that's impossible…"

"That what I thought at first" The other ninja says. "Some trick of Konoha perhaps, lures other nations into a false sense of caution that one of their best S-Ranks is back. But I discarded it because it wouldn't make sense. Sooner or later the truth would be found"

The older man remains silent.

"So the most logical conclusion would be that it's truth. That Konoha's Red Death is alive and well, she was seen in the exams, supervising one of the stages. Konoha apparently is wasting no time in showing one of their best is truly back among their forces" His voice grows nostalgic and emotional. "I think this is real Saito, Kushina did survive the day of the Kyuubi attack"

Rubbing his chin, Saito begins to pace slowly; "She had something... A way to survive that horrible day."

"Kushina-sama is actually alive," Young Soujiro mutters.

"And there is more," Saito stops pacing. "She has a son. He was there in Konoha this whole time Saito!"

His head snaps back to Samenosuke in shock. "A son?" He says, barely above a whisper. "How did we never find out?"

"Maybe to keep the boy safe he was kept secret" He reasons. "You know how our clan is regarded and what other nations want from us"

The taller older redhead nearly snarls. But Samenosuke was right; Sarutobi would have made damn sure no one knew of Kushina's boy.

Soujiro walks over to his father; "What do we do now?"

Taking a deep breath to calm himself he looks to his old friend; "We send a message to Lyn and Kya. And we leave for Konoha immediately."

The roguish Uzumaki looks uncertain; "Uh given how our hime and Lyn-chan are at the best of times, would that be wise?"

"Lyn is family" That was all he needed to say about her. "As for Kya... Well, you know who Kushina seemed to fancy. If Kushina did really have a son, who do you think the father was? This involves Kya as well"

XxX ~ two weeks later ~ XxX

Running through Konoha's streets, Naruto huffs as he beelines to the training ground. His mother was going to smack him for being late. Not really paying attention he slams into something red and he hits the ground.

"Well aren't you in a hurry" Says a warm husky feminine voice with mirth.

He groans as he rubs his head; "Sorry, sorry. I wasn't looking"

The woman chuckles; "It's alright kid"

He finally lifts his gaze to take a good look at the stranger. A tall very beautiful woman with a slender figure. Wearing a crimson sleeveless kimono with a black corset. Raven black hair nearly as long as his mother's with coal eyes looking at him playfully; "So what has you in a rush?"

The blond scratches his cheek sheepishly; "Running late for training. My mom will be pissed if I don't show on time"

The woman chuckles; "Well best not be late then" She looks at the boy closer. "Are you in the finals coming up? Oh, where are my manners. Kuroreimei." The raven haired woman smiles.

"Naruto Uzumaki, Yep I will in the third stage of the exam. I am really sorry about hitting ya. Can I make it up to you later?"

A coy smile forms on her lips; "Are you asking me out on a date?" The reaction only made her giggle seeing him blush a bright red. "A bit too young for me hun, but if you insist. I guess I can make time to eat with you"

"Awesome!" The blond soon pales realizing he was going to be late! "Ah crap! Nice talking to you. Have been to Ichiraku's" Kuro nods; "I should be there by six. Hope to see you." Naruto runs off waving as she waves back.

Her smile never fades as she turns walking away; "Interesting boy..." Both him and his unique tenant were interesting indeed. She chuckled, eagerly waiting for the days to come.