Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

Chapter Twenty One:

Naruto followed Jiraiya from the village to a small area near the stream the fed into the lake that was within the western portion of Konoha. Naruto looked around then turned to his new sensei, "Hey, old man, why we are out here?"

Jiraiya fumed then turned to the boy, "We're here because I need to do my research, plus out here we're less likely to be spotted while you train. You wouldn't want one of you opponents to see your new skills now would you."

Naruto nodded, "Sakura-chan says Koga taught her to always keep at least one technique hidden even from your best friends."

Jiraiya chuckled, "Well, of course he'd pass that little philosophy on. Considering he's normally tasked with dealing with shinobi from other villages, and even work with them on cooperative missions. He's always watchful for treachery or outright betrayal."

Naruto frowned, "You know Koga?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Worked with him when he was about your age. We went to raid one of Orochimaru's lairs, your sensei Kakashi was assigned to that mission as well."

Naruto thought for a moment, "You know Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, unfortunately…he was my teammate back in my Genin and Chunin days. We were taught by the Sandaime Hokage, but Orochimaru betrayed the village and abandoned it before we could stop him. Now he's back and seems to be causing some havoc."

Naruto nodded, "I fought him in the Forest of Death, but he did something and I started feeling really weak."

Jiraiya frowned, "Yeah, I heard about that, what did he do exactly?"

Naruto lifted his shirt and mimicked how Orochimaru had struck him.

Jiraiya nodded, "I see…try pulling out some chakra and let's have a look."

Naruto focused his chakra and Jiraiya saw Minato's seal with the modification placed by Orochimaru.

Jiraiya shook his head, "Placing an odd number seal over an even…that idiot never was very bright." Jiraiya pulled his hand back and readied to undo the five elements seal, "Five Elements Seal Release!"

Naruto was knocked back, but quickly recovered as he felt his normal strength return. Naruto looked down at his hands, "Wow! What did you do?"

Jiraiya chuckled, "I removed a seal that was inhibiting the chakra flow from your seal. While you have a naturally large chakra reserve it is bolstered by the chakra of the Kyubi. When the chakra is cut off from your Biju you will naturally feel weaker. This would also make normal actions seem more difficult."

Naruto frowned and Jiraiya quickly realized the boy didn't understand the explanation completely.

Jiraiya sighed, "I undid what Orochimaru did, that's all you need to worry about."

Naruto looked happy, "Why didn't you say so? Now what are you going to teach me?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "So impatient…let's see…yes we'll start with that…then perhaps we'll being that."

Naruto fumed, "Hey, why are you talking to yourself?"

Jiraiya chuckled, "Well…we're going to start with you learning a little technique we like to call the Summoning Technique. I'm not sure how well you'll do, but I'm sure you'll master it in no time. Then perhaps I'll get you started on a little trick I learned from the Yondaime Hokage."

Naruto looked impressed, "A technique of the Yondaime?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Yes, but don't think these techniques will make you a shoe in for the finals. In fact actually using them during the finals most likely won't be possible, though the training to learn the techniques should help bolster your other techniques and skills. Especially your chakra control."

Naruto nodded, "When will we get started?"

Jiraiya chuckled, "Soon…I just have a little research to do before we start."

Hyuga Compound…

Koga winced as the sunlight coming through his window intensified the searing headache he currently had. Swearing to himself to never accept a challenge from Akimichi Choza when sake was involved he began to sit up, that was when he realized he wasn't alone. Looking to his side he completely forgot his hangover when he spotted Yugao lying next to him.

Trying to fight through the haze of alcohol blurred memories he tried to recall the events from the previous night. Under the suggestion of Anko the Guardians had gone to a bar frequented by many of the village's highest ranking people. There he, Asuma, Guy, and Anko had gotten involved with a drinking competition Choza and his teammates were having. Beyond that his memories became too foggy and splintered to recall.

Deciding to get through the awkwardness quickly he nudged Yugao to wake her.

She merely batted his hand away and mumbled something about it being too early.

Koga growled lightly, "Yugao, I'm sure by now my father knows you accompanied me back to the compound. I'm quite doubtful he'll be allowing us a long reprieve."

Yugao sat up clutching the sheet, "What?"

Koga frowned, "I'm guessing we were overly intoxicated…"

Yugao waved him off, "No you were. I was just a little buzzed."

Koga narrowed his gaze, "What?"

Yugao smirked, "Well, your noble self wouldn't have done anything…"

Koga took a minute to process, "Hayate hasn't been dead more than a day…I'm not known for swooping in and stealing a guy's girl before he's even cold."

Yugao nodded, "Exactly…Koga we're ninja, we're likely to die at any moment. Hayate and I both knew the risks…plus I'm sure he'd appreciate you taking care of me."

Koga sighed, "Kunoichi…I'll never understand them."

Yugao smiled, "So…how long until your father bursts in here?"

Koga looked around for his pants, "Not long…unless we head him off and make an appearance at the morning meal."

Hyuga Hiashi was sitting with his two daughters at the more private table, not wishing to embarrass his son or Yugao when they showed themselves. He'd learned from the gate guards about his son's guest the previous evening, and from their descriptions he'd quickly realized his son had been intoxicated while girl had not.

The door slid open and Koga entered followed by Yugoa. They sat and both bowed their heads to the clan leader.

Hiashi nodded, "Hmm…well son I was wondering when you'd bring home a new girl…it has been over nine years since you split with Anko."

Koga scratched the back of his head, "Yeah…" Looking to change the subject he turned to Hinata, "…how are you feeling today sister?"

Hinata smiled at her elder brother, "I'm well brother."

Hanabi didn't wait to be addressed and spoke to her brother, "Brother…why was there strange noises coming from you room last night."

Hinata and Yugao both became extremely interested in the wood grain of the table while both Hiashi and Koga sputtered as they tried to come up with a suitable explanation besides the truth.

After the very interesting conversation and meal Koga led Yugao from the compound and they made their way to the Hokage Tower. Yugao spoke quietly to avoid being overheard, "Are you mad at me for…"

Koga shook his head, "No…no…just was surprised I guess. I'm not one to let up my guard, even when I'm among my fellow Konoha Nin."

Yugao nodded, "That's why Anko got you involved with that drinking competition. She said…"

Koga stopped her with a wave of his hand, "I really don't want to hear whatever Anko said. Though, next time just ask."

As the pair entered the tower the met up with Ibiki the torture expert nodded, "So, since the customary three seconds past should we assume you two are serious."

Koga glared at Ibiki, "Let's focus on our jobs and less on what we do during our off hours."

Ibiki nodded, "Well, in that case you mind checking the defensive seals. Who knows what's happening with them since Danzo took over their maintenance."

Koga nodded, "Fine, I'll report to the Hokage later."

Yugao shook her head as she watch Koga head back toward the walls. She then followed Ibiki into to the tower toward the Hokage's office.

Naruto was panting as he did as instructed and created as many clones as possible. Jiraiya knew the boy was bordering on chakra exhaustion, but needed him to access the Kyubi's chakra, "Alright Naruto, now that you've expended all of your own chakra let's call up some of the chakra of your prisoner."

Naruto nodded, "Come on you stupid fox, give it to me."

Inside his cage the Kyubi was muttering to himself, then even though Naruto couldn't hear him growled out, "Fine, but don't say I never gave you anything."

Naruto was suddenly enveloped in a shroud of the red Kyubi chakra.

Jiraiya nodded, "Okay brat, now that you're using the Kyubi's chakra let's get started. You remember the hand signs I showed you right?"

Naruto nodded, "Yeah pervy sage, I remember."

A vein on Jiraiya's head throbbed, "Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that…" Jiraiya calmed down, "…anyway use those hand signs and with a little of your blood. Then you should be able to summon a toad."

Naruto nodded, "Alright…here we go…Summoning Jutsu!" A puff of smoke and a moment later they were looking at a giant tadpole.

Jiraiya looked to Naruto, "What do you call that?"

Naruto chuckled humorlessly, "Um…I think it's a tadpole?"

Jiraiya rubbed his forehead, "Do it again."

Naruto tried again, this time the results were about the same.

After about twenty tires with the last one at least having legs Jiraiya called a halt to the training, "Alright Naruto…with any luck you'll remember the way your fox chakra feels different from your normal chakra. We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow."

Naruto scratched his head, "So pervy-sensei, when will you start teaching me that other jutsu?"

Jiraiya sighed, "We'll start on that one as soon as you can do a proper summoning."

Naruto huffed and turned to leave for the village.

Naruto entered his building but paused suddenly as he spotted a team of Chunin clearing out Hayate's apartment, "Hey, what are you doing? That's Hayate stuff."

Izumo turned to see Naruto, "Hey Naruto, guess you haven't heard. Hayate was killed the night before last. We're clearing out his personal effects so they can be given to his next of kin, and so this apartment can be rented out again."

Naruto frowned, "Hayate was killed…How?"

Kotetsu sighed, "Sorry Naruto, but we can't tell you anymore than that."

Naruto shook as he thought about all the times Hayate had helped him during the academy, and how he'd been one of the few people that was nice to him, "He was killed…that means…Orochimaru did it didn't he."

Izumo shook his head, "We don't know Naruto. You're getting ready for the finals, so focus on that and let the Jonins and ANBU get to the bottom of this, you'll just get in the way if you interfere."

Naruto calmed and looked at his feet, "You're right…does Yugao know?"

"Yes Naruto, I do." Naruto turned to find the kunoichi standing behind him, "Naruto, listen to what Kotetsu and Izumo said, we'll handle this. Hayate was a very special friend to me, and he was like a little brother to Koga and many others."

Naruto nodded, "So you'll get vengeance for him?"

Yugao bowed her head, "Vengeance solves nothing Naruto. It is justice we must seek, and while sometimes those two are nearly indistinguishable Hayate would never want us to lose ourselves in the pursuit of vengeance."

Naruto looked to the chunin who all nodded at Yugao's words, "So you'll bring the person who killed Hayate to justice."

Yugao smiled, "Yes, and justice will be swift."

Naruto didn't understand Yugao's meaning but allowed her to guide him to his own apartment where she fixed them both something to eat, and they spent the evening remembering Hayate.

The next morning Jiraiya was surprised by Naruto's focus. Within half an hour of starting Naruto had progressed from the tadpole with legs to summoning a almost fully formed toad.

Deciding to get to the bottom of his students new found determination he stopped the boy and handed him a bottle of water, "Very good Naruto, you're making quick progress. Mind telling old Jiraiya what's got to you?"

Naruto bowed his head, "A friend of mine was murdered."

Jiraiya frowned, "Naruto…you're talking about Gekko Hayate."

Naruto nodded, "He was my neighbor since I first started living on my own. He always took me out to eat, and made sure I had everything I needed. He and Yugao even got me a new pack and supplies for my first mission outside the village."

Jiraiya sighed, "You think pushing yourself harder will prove something?"

Naruto growled, "I have to get stronger…I have to…"

Jiraiya shook his head, "You have to win the finals and as a Chunin hunt down Hayate's killer?"

Naruto looked surprised.

Jiraiya huffed and sat down so he was eye level with the thirteen year old, "Naruto let me tell you an old saying I once heard. An eye for an eye leaves us all blind."

Naruto frowned, "But pervy-sage, isn't it right to get justice for Hayate's killing?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Justice Yes, but vengeance no. You see, in the world of Shinobi we think of things like justice, but often we are actually taking vengeance. Many a time have we killed an enemy who we thought was responsible for a friend's death, but we had no proof. That enemy's friends and family then target us…it's a vicious circle that has no beginning and no end."

Naruto bowed his head, "So if I killed someone who I thought was responcible for Hayate's death…that person's village would target me."

Jiraiya shook his head, "Not you, but the village itself. Say that we found evidence that an Iwa nin killed Hayate. We then kill one of their nin in retribution. His village would then kill one of ours. This would continue until we eventually declare war and start killing on a much larger scale."

Naruto frowned, "Like in the Great Wars?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Exactly." Jiraiya stood and backed up, "Now, let's continue. Using the same drive just don't focus your desires on hate. You'll never master the fox with hate, the previous Jinchuriki had easily mastered him, but the emotion she felt was the opposite of hate…love."

Naruto focused on his friends. He imagined them being hurt or killed like Hayate…suddenly he felt a surge of power, "Summoning Technique!"

Jiraiya panicked as the giant smoke cloud cleared revealing Gamabunta, "Damn! I wasn't expecting him to summon him."

Gamabunata looked around, "Uh…What's going on? Jiraiya! Why did you summon me?"

Jiraiya was hiding behind a tree just out of sight.

Naruto was sitting on Gamabunta's head, "Wow! I summoned a really big one."

There was a sudden movement and Koga landed on a tree not far away, "What the heck?"

Gamabunta narrowed his gaze at the ninja, "Hmm…I know you don't I?"

Koga swallowed hard, "Lord Gamabunta…It's been a very long time. Why has Master Jiraiya summoned you here? When I saw you I thought there was a threat."

Naruto jumped down so he was in front of the boss toad's eyes, "Hey, it wasn't the pervy-sage who summoned you. It was me, Uzumaki Naruto."

Koga was surprised of this turn of events, "Naruto…you signed the Toad Contract?"

Naruto nodded, "Yep, pervy-sage is helping with my training for the finals."

Koga shook his head, "Naruto, I know it isn't easy for you, but try showing restraint when so close to the village. Plus, summoning the boss toad for practice is a little overkill."

Naruto looked surprised, "The toad boss? Wow that means he's really strong right."

Koga crossed his arms, "Naruto, Gamabunta can stand toe to toe with a Biju. He's one of the three great summonings."

Naruto frowned, "Three great summonings…what are those?"

Koga slapped his forehead, "Naruto, you remember when you were younger and you played snake, slug, and toad."

Naruto nodded, "Yeah, we used to play that to decide who was it in ninja tag."

Koga sighed, "Well, that game was based on the Sannin and their preferred summoning."

Naruto looked at Gamabunta, "So…you're the strongest right?"

Gamabunta huffed, "I can't believe a pipsqueak like this summoned me."

Koga chuckled, "Believe me Lord Gamabunta, that kid is full of surprises."

Gamabunta frowned, "Now I recognize you…you were that student of Minato's."

Koga bowed his head, "You're correct."

Gamabunta spotted Naruto starting to lose his footing and shot his tongue out to catch him. He then passed the boy to Koga, "Hmm…that boy's got spirit, but definitely a lot to learn. When he wakes up tell him I accept him as my newest underling."

Koga bowed as the giant toad vanished in a cloud of smoke. Koga then dropped down next to the tree Jiraiya was hiding behind, "Let me guess…you didn't ask permission from the toads to let Naruto sign."

Jiraiya came out of hiding scratching his head, "It might have slipped my mind."

Koga shook his head and moved Naruto to his shoulder, "I'll drop him off at the hospital he's got a minor case of chakra exhaustion."

Jiraiya nodded, "Well, I say he's finished the summoning training…I'll start him on the basics of the Rasengan once he recovers. There's still two weeks till the finals begin."

Koga sighed, "If you need any assistance I've completed my Rasengan, and my Rasenspear."

Jiraiya looked surprised, "You completed the chakra nature change?"

Koga nodded, "Mixing my water release. It's not totally perfected, I have to have a source of water nearby to draw on, or I'll have a much more severe case of chakra exhaustion."

Jiraiya nodded, "Well, since you know the training method get me the water balloons and we'll start as soon as Naruto's ready."

Koga nodded then left to deposit Naruto at the hospital.

Baki entered the Kazekage's chamber and bowed to his leader, "Kazekage-sama, I come to report that all three of your children are in the finals and we're ready for to commence operations as soon as the signal is given."

The masked Kazekage nodded, "Very well. We will give full support to Orochimaru's forces. Also, if we're able to terminating the other kages as well as the Jinchuriki will be of top priority."

Baki frowned, "As you wish Kazekage-sama, but I must voice my doubts about this plan. It is us and Oto against four kages and seven of the jinchuriki. That's not counting all the other ninja present, and the Guardians and the Seven Swordsmen."

The Kazekage frowned, "It is not your place to question my decisions. You will fulfill your duties, do I make myself clear."

Baki bowed, "Yes my lord. Though I should report I was required to terminate a Konoha nin who overheard my meeting with Oto's spy in Konoha."

The Kazekage waved it off, "This is of no importance. They'll never get wise to what we've planned. Now return to your post before you're missed."

Baki nodded then left.

Koga had just deposited Naruto and was making his way back to the Hyuga Compound when a wall of sand sprung up in his path. He pulled a kunai and turned to find Gaara standing there, "What?"

Gaara bowed his head, "I'm sorry Koga-sempai…I killed someone…"

Koga frowned, Hayate's wounds didn't match those caused by Gaara's techniques, "Who?"

Gaara shook his head, "I can't remember his name…he was in the last match at the preliminaries…he fought that fat kid."

Koga froze half expecting an Akimichi to come charging out of the shadows, "You mean Dosu, the Genin from Oto?"

Gaara shrugged, "Yeah…he was annoying me the other night…it was the full moon, and Shukaku was bugging me to let him out…I was thinking about my mother…and he tried attacking me…"

Koga shook his head as he cut Gaara off, "If he attacked you you're in your right to defend yourself. He was foolish to do that, and while you shouldn't have gone that far I'll let the Hokage know." Koga thought of something, "Gaara…a Konoha nin was killed not too far from where we found Dosu's remains…did you see anyone suspicious that night?"

Gaara shook his head, "I was talking to Shukaku…then that Oto guy bugged me…then I went back to my room and played games until the moon went down, then I went to bed."

Koga nodded, "Well, it was worth a try. You better get going, I have enough to worry about without you getting into a fight with Sasuke before the finals."

Gaara shook his head, "Sasuke isn't in the village right now…him and his sensei are training away from the village."

Koga frowned, "How do you know that?"

Gaara backed away slowly, "I was spying on them…"

Koga shook his head, "Go train Gaara…I'm sure your father wants you to show Suna's greatness."

Gaara nodded then turned and left, allowing the wall of sand to disintegrate.

Three Days Later…

Jiraiya waited as Naruto arrived, "So you ready for the next step in your training?"

Naruto nodded, "You bet. So what are you going to teach me now, are we still working on summoning?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "No, I think you got the idea with the summoning jutsu. Now, we're going to work on a little trick the Yondaime started working with."

Naruto looked eager, "Come on let's get started."

Jiraiya chuckled, "Hold your horses…I asked Koga to assist, but he's not arrived yet."

Koga walked out from behind a tree and dropped a bucket of water balloons, "Sorry Master Jiraiya, but you know how long it takes to run all the way to Tanzaku Quarter, even using my summoning jutsu."

Jiraiya chuckled, "Sorry Koga, forgot Konoha has a shortage of water balloons."

Naruto frowned, "Why do we need water balloons?"

Koga picked up a balloon in his hand, "Because it helps demonstrate the first stage of this training."

Naruto stared at the balloon then was surprised to see it explode, "Wow! How'd you do that?"

Jiraiya chuckled, "Naruto, this jutsu is called the Rasengan. It is an A-rank jutsu that only a limited number of Shinobi know. There are three basic principles of this technique. Rotation, Power, and Shape these are the basics you need to perform the Rasengan."

Koga spoke up, "Naruto, this is a technique you never use against a comrade, even during a sparring match."

Jiraiya turned to Koga, "You want to demonstrate the final product of the training or should I."

Koga shrugged, "No doubt you're much better than I am."

Jiraiya nodded and turned to a tree. He held out his hand palm up. Naruto watched as he saw the chakra take shape in the palm of the Sannin's hand. Jiraiya charged to a tree and annihilated it.

Naruto gasped at the remains of the tree, "That's amazing…so I'll be able to do that?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Eventually, but like Koga said using this technique against an ally is strictly forbidden."

Koga tossed Naruto a water balloon, "Use your chakra to break that balloon."

Jiraiya watched his student then spoke, "This training should help with your chakra control, so take your time. We'll stop a couple days before the finals so you can rest up."

Hokage's Office…

Hiruzen sat at his desk while three other kage lounged around the office. The Mizukage was lying on the couch reviewing a stack of files she seemed board by her task. The Tsuchikage sitting opposite of the Hokage, the two old men seemed to be having a speed race to see who could get through their paperwork first. The Raikage stood at the large window surveying the village.

The Raikage broke the steady silence, "Why isn't he here yet?"

Mizukage feigned interest as she spoke, "Didn't he say he wasn't coming until the day of the finals?"

The Tsuchikage huffed, "Young brats don't know better than delaying important matters. The Akatsuki could attack tomorrow and would we be ready?"

Hiruzen sighed, "Calm down Onoki. The Yondaime Kazekage must have had his reasons for delaying his arrival."

The Raikage fumed, "Yeah, he wants the rest of us to wait on him. Damn I finished all my paperwork…how you three can have so much more than me."

Onoki glared, "My council was eaten."

Hiruzen shrugged, "My council was disbanded."

Mei smirked, "I'm still cleaning up the mess from Madara."

The Raikage grumbled and turned back to the view of the village, "This place is too quiet…I mean there's nothing to do."

Hiruzen frowned, "There are several eating establishments and bars scattered around, plus a book shop, and several weapon shops."

The Raikage threw his hands up, "Yeah, shops…this is the home of the Great Jiraiya, isn't there even a single movie theater?"

Hiruzen sighed, "Yes there is one, but it's been closed since a parent activist group protested certain movies that were being played. Apparently some of our younger citizens snuck in."

The Raikage growled, "You're the Kage of this place, if you want that place open then open it."

Hiruzen rubbed his temples, "It's reopening the day after the finals."

Mei dropped her last file on the top of her finished work and sat up, "Well, if you two old men think you can avoid killing each other I'll take our friend here out and see what mischief we can stir up."

Hiruzen frowned, "Don't get my people any more riled up than they already are."

Mei smiled, "Don't worry so much Hiruzen, you treat your shinobi like they're your children and not your soldiers."

Onoki chuckled, "Well, I don't see how that's true. If he treated them like his children you'd think they'd all have abandoned this village by now."

Hiruzen turned his gaze back on the Tsuchikage, "What about you? Your daughter ran off and married the first shinobi she met to get out from under your control."

Onoki fumed, "Don't remind me, now I'm saddled with her daughter. That brat keeps trying to imply I'm too old for this job."

The Raikage frowned and stealthily slipped over to stand next to Mei, "This is probably going to turn ugly."

Mei nodded, "We'll just let them argue for awhile…let's go find a sake house with some take out options."

The Raikage nodded and they slipped out of the office.

Onoki looked over his shoulder, "Blah, can't believe it took that long to get them to leave."

Hiruzen scoffed, "Did you really need to use that barb about my son?"

Onoki glared, "What about you? You brought up that bit about my daughter."

Hiruzen snorted, "That's common knowledge…so is the fact you've thrown your granddaughter at one of my shinobi on multiple occasions."

Onoki frowned, "Well…that child Kage from Kiri has been trying to coax him to abandon Konoha and move there."

Hiruzen chuckled, "The day that happens will be the day Konoha has been wiped from the map. Mei knows not to push too hard, we are allied after all."

Onoki snickered, "Well, we're not. So having my granddaughter seduce one of your bloodline limits is fair game."

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe, "As you said we're not allied. So friendly warnings, if you want to continue having a granddaughter don't have her try that anymore. The shinobi you're targeting happens to be involved with a very territorial kunoichi."

Onoki nodded, "Don't worry…my granddaughter and him have been sleeping together over the past few years. I've discovered they've taken precautions."

Hiruzen chuckled, "I see. I've wondered why Koga has never complained about running into Kurotsuchi on missions."

Onoki sneered, "You're just learning of their relationship? Surprising since they broke it off about six months ago…my guess is neither of them could willingly abandon their home village."

Hiruzen nodded, "The exact reason we've not moved for a marriage of convenience between them."

Onoki sputtered, "What?"

Hiruzen sighed, "There had been talk of bolstering our positive relations through marrying a prominent shinobi of our village to your granddaughter. Due to certain circumstances Koga was the preferred choice. The plan was scrapped after deliberations revealed that such a joining would cause more trouble as we'd fight over where they'd settle."

Onoki blinked, "Are you out of your mind? There's no way I'd give up my granddaughter for some political marriage."

Hiruzen nodded, "Hyuga Hiashi made a similar statement about his son."

Onoki frowned, "So…who is this kunoichi he's with now?"

Hiruzen chuckled, "Her identity his classified."

Onoki grumbled, "Stupid ANBU, and their stupid classified identities."

Both Kages became quiet as the door slid open and a female chunin with a Konoha Headband entered, "Sorry to disturb you Hokage-sama, but you wanted to be informed if Lady Tsunade left the village."

Hiruzen nodded, "I take it she left then."

The chunin nodded, "Yes, she and her apprentice left early this morning. She left a sealed scroll though. She said that Lord Jiraiya can open it, and he'll know when to open it."

Onoki frowned, "You having trouble with your students?"

Hiruzen bowed his head, "I guess this is as good a time as any to tell you. Konoha is preparing to counter a pending attack. We don't know when or who the attackers are, but we know it will be soon."

Onoki's frown deepened, "You don't know who the attackers are, but you're willing to tell me about your preparations?"

Hiruzen chuckled, "I'm positive you would never ally yourself with Orochimaru."

Onoki's expression darkened, "That snake faced brat. He's dared to show his scaly face again?"

Hiruzen nodded, "He attacked one of my Genin teams during the second stage. Mei's team purposefully lost their matches in the preliminaries so as to not reveal their techniques. The Seven Swordsmen have already taken up positions to act as cover for retreating civilians."

Onoki nodded, "Of course. Kiri and Konoha are nearly glued to the hip these days. Where do you want my men?"

Hiruzen frowned, "I figured you'd want to keep your forces back and hit us after the invasion occurs."

Onoki shook his head, "Defeating a strong Konoha is more prestigious than hitting you when you're down. So the question still stands."

Hiruzen sighed, "Reinforce the stadium. Kumo is reinforcing the wall."

Onoki allowed a pause before speaking, "You didn't mention Suna."

Hiruzen remained silent.

Onoki growled, "You suspect them of treachery?"

Hiruzen nodded, "I cannot at this time openly accuse them, but one of my shinobi was killed. He was investigating someone who we now strongly suspect is working with Orochimaru. The problem is the strongest scent found by my trackers was that of Baki. You remember him of course; he was part of the team Koga led to escort the Raikage and his council to trail during the Hyuga Affair."

Onoki sighed, "I understand your unwillingness to openly accuse them, but preventative actions should be taken."

Hiruzen stood and moved to look out the window, "They have been. My people have been watching the movements of every Suna nin within this village."

Onoki joined Hiruzen at surveying the village, "There is a time in every man's life where he realizes he's done all he can. You truly think Orochimaru is dumb enough to attack four Kages."

Hiruzen chuckled humorlessly, "Dumb enough no. Prideful enough yes, he no doubt believes we are too stupid to realize what is going on. He's made himself known to some of my most powerful shinobi, and foolishly allowed them to live so as to report back to me. His ego knows no bounds."

Onoki nodded, "Then I believe we should deflate his overinflated ego."

As the morning of the finals dawned shinobi throughout Konoha readied their weapons. Unbeknownst to the civilians, ANBU was swiftly moving through the village. Reinforcements from Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri entered the village disguised as civilians coming to watch the finals.

On the wall Ibiki turned to Koga as the younger shinobi approached, "The Kumo nin in position?"

Koga nodded, "They are well hidden. The reinforcements will hold the west and southwest gates."

Ibiki sighed, "What of the jinchuriki?"

Koga frowned, "It was hard giving them assignments without the seven-tails noticing, but Han is positioned in the stadium to assist dealing with Gaara if he attacks. Naruto is there as well so we've got the one-tail covered. The two-tail, four-tail, and six-tail are covering the seven-tail; if she attacks they'll overwhelm her quickly. Three-tail is leading the Kiri forces guarding the interior of the village while the eight-tail is guarding the eastern wall."

Ibiki grinned, "Well then, if Suna isn't betraying us then they'll just sit back quietly and watch the show."

Koga smirked, "If they do betray us then they'll be dead before they even realize it."

Baki watched nervously as he noted the increase in ANBU agents entering the stadium. He turned to Fu as he watched Han take a seat near the contestants' viewing box, "I'm starting to get a bad feeling…have you seen the other jinchuriki yet?"

Fu frowned, "No…Yagura said he had something to take care of and left the meeting this morning early. That obnoxious B guy from Kumo started rapping something about checking out something before the tournament began. I know Roshi, Yugito, and that Utakata guy followed me to the stadium."

Baki sighed, "Gaara and the Nine-tails are both in the ready room listening to the final rules. I spotted that Han guy sit just a few rows above us."

Fu winced, "You think this is going to go bad quick?"

Baki bowed his head, "We have to follow the Kazekage's orders. The attack begins as soon as Gaara defeats this Uchiha kid."

Fu nodded, "If you're sure…I'll head to the wall once that match begins so I'm in place."

Baki fingered a kunai in his pocket, "Make sure you survive this Fu. If Orochimaru is playing us for fools, it will be up to you to avenge us against that blasted snake."

Fu bowed her head, "Let's both survive…"

Baki chuckled, "…We're lucky that Konoha takes prisoners then, there's a chance we'll survive this."

The ready room was quiet as the Jonin Genma entered the room. Genma glanced over the group then spoke, "Alright…the finals are here. I'll be proctoring the finals…"

Kankuro frowned as he interrupted, "…Hey, what happened to that Hayate guy?"

Genma glared dangerously at the black clad Sand nin, "Gekko Hayate is unable to proctor the exam, so I was selected to take over for him." He returned his gaze to the group as a whole, "Now if there are no more questions I'll continue. I am Shiranui Genma, and I'll be your proctor for the finals. Do to some unfortunate circumstances we've had to alter the matches. The first match will be Hyuga Neji verses Uzumaki Naruto. Second match is Gaara verses Uchiha Sasuke. Third match will be Aburame Shino verses Kankuro. The Fourth and final match of round one will be Nara Shikamaru verses Temari."

Temari looked surprised, "I thought I had a fist round bye?"

Genma smiled around his senbon, "That was before your brother painted a roof with Dosu."

Temari frowned at Gaara who kept his head bowed.

Naruto looked around the room then turned to Genma, "Hey wait, we can't start yet, Sasuke isn't here yet."

Genma shrugged, "He has till his match to get here. If he isn't here by then he'll be disqualified."

End Chapter Twenty One

A/N: And so the finals have begun. I'm open to suggestions on the fights, but I'll of course keep to certain particular plot points. Naruto has to beat Neji that's just the way things have to be it's the pinnacle event that creates Naruto's bond with Neji as friends, but maybe the other fights will have a surprise outcome. Coming next chapter will also be my first major ninja battle of the story. So go ahead and leave a review…yes that means you.