Last time, Naruto was training with Yugito on learning on how to use the Kyuubi's chakra. During that time, Naruto, after much struggling, has completed the second part of mastering the Rasengan.

Konoha

It's been 2 days since Naruto returned back to the hidden leaf village. During that time, he's been resting until his he was able to get full use of his hands again. When he mastered the second phase of the Rasengan training, he was out cold for a few hours before he woke up. It was then that Yugito explained that he unintentionally release the "white light power", he overpowered whatever jutsu that he was trying to use.

After explaining on what happened, Yugito told Naruto that they'll train all day tomorrow, and then head back to the village. She also said with regret that she can't train Naruto anymore on trying to use the Kyuubi's chakra since there isn't enough time left. Naruto nodded in acceptance since he has other plans and possibly found a new path for himself, a path for him to not only the master the kyuubi power but also a path for him to take in order to unleash the true power of the white light.

With Naruto

Naruto was back at his private training area as he tried to master the third and final step of the Rasengan, Control. Naruto guessed that the control part must involve some sort of a ball object just as the water balloon or rubber ball.

As he thought about it, he decided to rethink on the training session he did. In the first part, Naruto master the rotation by using the water balloon while the second phase was power where he destroyed the rubber balloon with his rotating his chakra. He thought about the control part, where he guessed that maybe he needed to use the steps together and control both of it to complete his mastery over it but with a plain old air balloon since he needed ball shape object. He decided to give it a shot once he finished preparing for it.

He did the exact same method with putting everything into it, which he saw that the balloon pop. This is where he figured out the control part of the step. He needed to control all that power inside the balloon. It was then that he thought, "This step is… it's completely in a whole other level."

Evening

Naruto has completed a day's worth of training, which included on mastering the Rasengan, the summonin jutsu and the mysterious power of the white light. In the morning, earlier today, he worked for several hours on mastering the Rasengan until he was exhausted himself. When noon arrived, Naruto stop to eat lunch. After he rested, Naruto went back to work but this time he worked on his summoning jutsu which was harder for him.

Since trying to master the rasengan, Naruto was still exhausted from all the hours of physical and chakra exhaustion which is what he needed. While Naruto was still exhausted, he decided to try and unleash the Kyuubi's chakra since he was far enough for anyone to sense his presents. But of course, he rather be safe than sorry. He created a few Kage Bunshins to secure the area. Once it was done, Naruto began to train.

Until the sunset, Naruto performed the Kuchiyose no Jutsu on trying to summon his summoning creatures with the Kyuubi's chakra, but couldn't summon anything but infant types that are great for spying and moving silently. Once sunset arrived, he stopped trying to summon something to mastering the mystical white light along with his sword. For one hour, he practices on both his sword and himself.

In the several months he had gotten his broadsword, he is able to hold it up and do a simple swing, but has yet to be able to move it properly like a true swordsman.

Currently, he is able to at least use the sword as a shield to just block an attack. As he thought about it, he remembered on the one time he was able to wield the broadsword with complete ease, which was the time that Samui was almost killed by Gin. As he thought about that time, he also remember his battle with Rock Lee, where he used a portion of the power against him and the second step of the Rasengan, where he unconsciously unleash the "mystical light" that not only overpowered the rubber ball causing it to explode and destroy the area, but also protected him from the explosion itself where he was still able to keep his hands if it weren't for it.

It was then that he was struck by a single thought, "A need… now that I think about it, the 3 times that I actually unleash the mystical power was because I needed the power. The time that Samui was almost taken from me, I moved in and pushed her away to save her, I wanted power to protect her against Gin. My fight with Rock Lee… even though I was able to unleash the power against him with my own will, I sort of felt that I haven't even yet unleash the true power against him since it felt different than when I used it against Gin. But of course I need the power since Lee was such an admirable fighter that I felt that I needed to give him the fight of his life in out of respect." Naruto thought

"Then it came with the Rasengan training, I unleashed the mystical powers again. But during that time, the only thing on my mind was not mastering the jutsu but rather… a chance to finally be on the same stage as dad… knowing if I master his jutsu, that I would at least be able to tell myself and to show him, wherever he is in heaven, that no matter what the hurdle that came at me, I will be able to get through it and that he'll recognize me as his son." Naruto thought

When he thought about it, he decided to try a new approach on mastering the mystical powers that he is now more determined on mastering. He thought about it, he decided to end today's training and resume tomorrow morning.

The Chunin tournament was now 4 days away, where all the genin in the exam were finishing up their preparations for the battles to come. For Naruto, there was barely any time left for him to master his abilities. It was almost 6 in the afternoon and he was, currently, back in his private training session.

He was exhausted since he's been practicing his summoning jutsu with the Kyuubi's chakra. He was on his knees as he continued to try and truly master his jutsu. As he took a breather for a moment, he remembered on what Yugito said to him a couple of days ago.

Flashback

Naruto had returned to the inn that he and his teammates where staying in. He went to the living room to see Yugito reading a book at the knee high coffee table in a cross-leg position. Lying on the opposite side of the counter, Samui and Karui were lying on their backs, panting heavily and signs of sweat around them. Naruto could understand since he's in the same boat as them, since his clothes are becoming ragged with tear and holes.

He went up to Yugito and asked on how are both Samui and Karui. Yugito explained that the both of them have improved in a good pace. Yugito said that Samui master a b-rank ninjutsu and is close to mastering an A-rank jutsu. Karui is the one that has improved greatly. Karui was able to handle the gravity seals that Naruto placed on her. Along with mastering the gravity seals, she's improved physically with her taijutsu and kenjutsu as well as learned a c-rank ninjutsu that would help.

Naruto grinned at the results that the both of them have done which he then looked at Yugito and asked her a question.

"Um… Yugito-san… how was you able to use the Nibi's power?" Naruto asked

Yugito took a moment before saying, "Well, with Bee-sama's help, I was able to use the Nibi's chakra when I was about your age. Of course back then, I was able to meditate to communicate with the Nibi. Why did you ask?" asking Naruto the question

"Oh, just wondering if there's another method then just meditating to communicate with the biju." Naruto answered

Yugito only hummed for a moment before saying, "Well, Bee-sama told me in order for a jinchuriki to tap into their biju they have to be in a state of great emotion. Well, I don't know how that could work but that's what he told me." Yugito finished explaining

End Flashback

When Naruto remembered, he muttered to himself that if he can't communicate with the Kyuubi by meditating, then he'll have to try doing so stressful, so emotional, that it would force him to connect with the Kyuubi. He then thought of an idea, an idea that would either help him stand on his own 2 feet or die.

Ravine

From a bit of distance, away from the private area that Naruto trained for almost a month laid a large ravine with sharp rock formation on its sides with a waterfall. The depth of the ravine is far that Naruto can't see the bottom because of how deep the ravine is.

Naruto watched from the top of the ravine with intensity and focus on what he plans to do. After looking at the darkness that the ravine held, he took a deep breath while thinking, "When I use to live in Konoha, I've often fell into darkness, either by the loneliness or the times I was beaten near death until I was toss out of the village where I died as a konoha citizen. But like the phoenix of legend, I always come back from the darkness of death since I refuse to die. This is where I truly live up to my unpredictability and undeniable will."

Naruto walk a bit of distance from the ravine before he turned around and run in full speed at it. He went so fast until he was near the edge and jump into the air where he look down to see that he was exactly in the middle of the ravine, where he began fall into it. As he fell into the ravine, he didn't panic but embrace himself as he fell calmly, face first. He looked into the depth of the ravine as every second of every foot he felt began to slow down for him where thought about his life.

He then began to think of his friends and finally about his parents. As he thought about his parents, the letters that they left for him gave him peace, where he knows that his mother loved him and that his father put all his faith in him. Knowing that they gave him that, alone, was enough for him to keep moving forward. It was then, in mid-air, that his entire world went black.

With Yugito

Yugito was, currently, watching overseeing Karui and Samui's training session together. Samui was fighting Karui with her tanto while Karui used her katana. The both of them were pretty much even, except Samui showed more skill and speed with her kenjutsu. As the both continued fighting each other, Yugito couldn't help but think about the conversation she had with Naruto about how to communicate with a biju. As she thought about it, she couldn't but wonder since she also the other way for a jinchuriki to communicate with their biju.

She then thought, "Naruto,,, I hope you're not doing anything stupid?" as she looked into the sky.

Inside Naruto Mindscape

Right now, Naruto was inside a sewer like structure. He wondered where he is, when he suddenly heard a roar of some kind. He followed the sound where he then felt a strong presence which got stronger the closer he got to it. He walked down the dark hallway structure until he made it to the end of it. When he reached the end of the hallway, he saw was massive room with a giant gate opposite of him, held together by a piece of paper that read "Seal."

Naruto decided to get closer to it, where he heard a low growl and then a pair of menacing red eyes and massive mouth that look like it can eat him in one bite. As he got closer, he could see the enormous amount of red chakra surrounding it, making it looked more frightening.

As he got closer, he heard the massive creature say in a dark tone voice, "Come Closer" where Naruto got closer to it. It was then that the creature lashed out at Naruto where he tried to pierce Naruto with its giant claws. Naruto stayed strong as he didn't move from the lash out, where the gate kept the claw from moving closer, but was about an inch or 2 apart from his face.

The creature then said in disappointed, "I want to eat you but this inferno seal is keeping me in bay."

Naruto only looked at it before he realized who it was and said, "You're the Kyuubi, aren't you?"

"For you to come here, what do you want?" Kyuubi asked

Naruto only stared at the demon fox for a bit until he turned his narrow eye serious look into a confident one with a grin, "Hey you stupid fox! I'm been letting you stay in my body, so its time you start paying me rent. You can start by lending me your chakra!"

The kyuubi only stared at Naruto for a bit before he started to laugh a bit where he then said, "If you die, I die too eh? You certainly have courage to threaten me like this." It was then that the Kyuubi started to pour out chakra into Naruto as he said, "Alright, as a reward for making it this far, I'll shall give you my chakra!"

Outside Naruto Mindscape

Back outside, Naruto was still falling down into the ravine. It was then that Naruto opened his eyes and felt the surge of Kyuubi's chakra. It was then that Naruto bit his right thumb and performed the hand signs where he said, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

With Jiraiya

Currently, Jiraya was overlooking a swimming hole that had a waterfall. The reason he was looking at it was because of the site it had, or to be more precise the women that was splashing around in it. Jiraya had his notepad and pencil where he wrote down on what he likes on each of the three women.

The reason he was there is because earlier he was trying to find the kumo genin that had gotten in his mind. From what he was able to gather, he knew the boy's name was N, but knew it was a codename. He got the information on where he usually trains, where he decided to see him and confront him on something that has been bugging him. But, of course, when he heard women playing around near the water, he stopped looking for him since this was a pretty good
"research" opportunity.

Just as things were going well, Jiraya heard a powerful, loud roar echoing around the area. He, along with the girls had listen to it, where the girls stop playing around and wondered on what it was, while Jiraiya tried to look around to see what it was. It was then that one of the girls pointed and screamed out, "AHH! WHAT IS THAT?"

The girls looked into the sky and saw something that made them scared where they quickly left the area. Jiraiya only looked up to see something moving with incredible speed. Jiraiya couldn't see it because of the brightness but thought, "What was that? It moved so fast that I couldn't see it. The only thing I can tell is the fact that it was bright."

With Naruto

Hidden in the trees, a good distance away from the ravine, but close to Konoha, Naruto lied in open field with short grass and a few small rocks and boulders. Naruto was starting to stir after he used the Kuchiyose no Jutsu to summon one of his summoning creatures to save him from falling into his death. The creature saved him, but Naruto was only able to stay conscious enough to grab onto his summoning, where it climbed out of the ravine with him, then took their current location.

Once they arrived, the summoning gently place Naruto on the ground for him to recover from the fall and the use of chakra. A few minutes pass until Naruto started to wake up. When Naruto woke up he heard something say, "Well young one… it appears that you show a lot of promise to be able to summon me. Consider this a true introduction with my kind." Said in an feminine mystical voice. "My name is Kisara and as of now, you are truly our summoner. Now, I'll be taking my leave since you are safe now. Oh… before I leave, I have to tell you something when you finally summon one of my kind that the power, that you are trying to wield, is not only a power that not only gives you power, but also helps us evolver. Once you figure out how to truly unleash the power, you'll not only gain a great power but also help us unleash our true power since our evolution not only depends on our power but also on the power of a human heart." Finished the creature where it poof back home.

Naruto only smiled as he is now, officially, able to not only summon his summoning creatures, but also able to use the Kyuubi's chakra. It was only then that he thought, "Alright… mastered the Kuchiyose no Jutsu and harnessing the Kyuubi's chakra. Now I just need to master the Rasengan and the mystical power, than I'm set."

3 days later

It was evening in Konoha, as everyone from the children, citizens, and the shinobi were either getting ready for tomorrow, preparing for the chunin tournament, or having a good time in the evening hours.

Currently, Naruto has been out in the streets, walking around the village till it was 8 in the evening. The reason he was walking around was to relax his body since tomorrow morning was the chunin tournament. He earlier took a bath in the local hot spring, and then just did some stretches. He would be working on his jutsu, but since there wasn't any time left, he decided to just stop training for the day since his need to be in top shape for tomorrow morning.

As he was walking around, he heard someone call his codename. He turned around to see that it was Samui. He greeted her where she did the same. Naruto asked Samui if she is also taking the day off to relax and be ready for the chunin exams like he was. She nodded in agreement where Naruto then asked Samui if she would like to eat some barbeque with him, which she agreed.

They both walked around for a bit until they found a nice barbeque restaurant where they entered and enjoy a nice meal between themselves. As they sat and ate dinner together, Naruto decided to break the pleasant silence that the both of them had.

"So Samui… are you ready for the tournament tomorrow?" Naruto asked

"Yes… although I'm still a little worried since I'll be facing Haku first. From what you've explained in your report, Haku has the Hyoton bloodline, where you said yourself made it very difficult to fight against." Samui responded

"Don't worry Samui, even though Haku is strong, I'm pretty sure you'll be able to win… especially if the training you've been doing with Yugito-san has taught you a jutsu to face against her." Naruto said, which Samui nodded, "However, even though you've learned something, I still suggest that you keep your wits on you since if you make a single mistake against her, you'll lose." Naruto giving a fair warning to Samui.

Samui agreed about it, where she then asked Naruto something.

Samui whispered, "So, N, how about you? Have you've been able to master what Yugito-sensei has been trying to help you with? Or have you done something else?" questioning Naruto

Naruto only looked at Samui and answered, "Yeah, I was able to use that power a couple of days ago, as well as used it to perfect my Kuchiyose no Jutsu." Naruto whispered out

"That's good then. It looks like will be ready for the tournament tomorrow." Samui responded

"Yeah, well I'm almost ready." Naruto stated

"What do you mean?" asked Samui

Naruto took a moment before saying, "Even though I master my summoning as well as able to use that. I haven't been able to fully master my real goal."

Samui looked confused as she asked about it. Naruto said that he was working on another jutsu, which he is almost completed but have yet to master it. Not to mention that he has now just started to realize the power of the mystical light and has been able to wield it lately, but have yet been able to truly unleash it's true power.

Samui responded, "Don't worry N. I'm sure you'll be able to find an answer for your jutsu. And for that power, I know that you'll be able to master it. After all, you are his son." Samui said cooly

Naruto thanked her, which he then asked her to come with him to an old spot that he always enjoyed when he used to live in Konoha. Samui agreed where the both of them paid for their meal and left together. Samui followed Naruto to the one spot he treasured the most in all of Konoha, on top of the Yondaime Hokage's head on the Hokage mountain.

Once they made on top of the Yondaime Hokage's head, Naruto and Samui looked over all around Konoha. As they look over the village, Naruto suggested that they sat down to enjoy the starry night. While watching the site, Naruto decided to take off his mask. Samui saw this and told him not to since Konoha shinobi might see or sense him. Naruto reassure her that it was alright since it was dark, on top of the Hokage Mountain, he wasn't using the Kyuubi's chakra and they were alone. After a while, Naruto began a conversation again.

"Hey Samui, do you remember the day that we first met?" Naruto asked

"Yes… even though I could only remember bits and pieces since we were still young. I still remember the day I met your annoying self." Samui responded

"Hey, I'm not annoying." Naruto stated

"That's not what I remember. I remember this blond little boy walking up to me and kept asking me about 'what this?' and 'what does this says?'" Samui said

"Well, excuse me… don't forget, I didn't know how to read or write yet." Naruto said, "But don't forget Samui… it was there that we first met. It was later when we entered the academy that we met again, but that's the time where we first started our friendship." Naruto finished

"Indeed and it was a cool. In the beginning, it was annoying but then became a very interesting time. At first, we were both having a difficult time on becoming a shinobi." Admitted Samui as she took a moment to breathe then continued, "Training together, doing all those weird, and I hate to admit it, training schedule that others wouldn't think of doing, like that ballet we both did." Samui said

"Yeah… although for the record, I have to say that you were pretty cute wearing that ballerina dress." Naruto admitted with a smile

"At least I didn't look like silly wearing tights." Samui responded, which Naruto laughed and blushed a bit in embarrassment on remembering the memory. A few moments pass before Naruto stopped laughing and turned his blushing face into a calm look of fondness. He looked back at Samui, who kept her emotionless look on her face. He then turned his look of fondness into serious.

"Samui…" getting Samui's attention, "No matter what happens tomorrow, win or lose against Haku, don't go near Gaara. Even though you're strong, you're no match for him." Naruto said

"Naruto… I appreciate the concern, but I'll make the choice to face Gaara or not." Samui responded

"Samui…!" Naruto spoke up, "… this is not a decision, its suicide if you face him."

"Why are you so against the fact of me facing against Gaara. I already know that he is a jinchurik of Shukaku, as well as a socio/psychopath. I know what I'll be probably facing." Samui stated

"It's not about what you're facing; it's about who you're facing. Gaara is just like me when I was child. Sometimes when I was alone, in my room, I looked at the mirror and remembered how the villagers kept looking at me. Eyes so piercing and cold, that it filled me with anger at the people who looked at me like that. I was lucky to have the Sandaime Hokage before I was force out of this village and came to Kumo. It was there that things started to get better for me. First it was having friends with academy, where I even told some of them about me being the Jinchuriki. It was then that things began to change back to the way it was when I was in Konoha. Besides you, I saw them looking at me with a distance like I was back in Konoha. They were afread of me and such that for a short time, they kept their distance from me. It was later that they started to see me as a person again. But even so, during that time, if it wasn't for Killer Bee and Yugito-san showing me a path, I would have become like him." Naruto admitted

Samui just listen on as Naruto opened up to her about his past and his feelings. Naruto continued, "But even though I know that the Raikage sees me as military power, I was still glad since I was valued, I was given a purpose. I felt the same way as Haku does with Zabuza. But as time progress, there was one thing that truly changes me that really gave me something worth living…." Where Naruto stared at Samui, "… and that was my friendship with you."

Samui kept her emotionless face intact, but she still had a small tint of pink on her cheeks, while she felt her heartbeat a little faster as well as feeling something warm coming.

Naruto was in the same boat since for some reason he was telling Samui something person, where his feelings just came out to her. He can also feel his heartbeat going faster, while he started lean closer to Samui.

"Samui, you my best friend even when I told you I was a jinchuriki like Bee-sensei and Yugito-san, you've stayed by my side… we've been together for years. We've trained, we've hang out, and we've even hurt ourselves in our quest of being strong shinobis. Even though I know this is kind of weird for me, I still know what I feel for you." Naruto said as his lips were a hair away from reaching Samui's lips.

"Naruto" Samui said before she was a bit surprised when Naruto's lips touched hers. It was then as they kissed that Samui moved deeper into the kiss. After about a while, they both separated from each other. Naruto blushed, while Samui only had a tint of pink. Suddenly Samui automatically stood up and was about to walk away, but stopped for a moment to hear Naruto say, "Samui… I don't know what came over me, but I know that this must be confusing to not just me but also you. In any case, I hope you ignore on what just happened here since I don't want you being distracted tomorrow, but I also hope you listen to my advice about Gaara if you do face him."

With that, Samui left Naruto alone and went back to the inn. Naruto put back his mask where he then stood up and look up into the stars, while thinking, "Father, I really wish I can talk to you since I could really use some advice now."

Till Next Ch

P.S. I'm having a little trouble writing down my Elemental Master Story so I'll just keep it on hold until I wrote something good. Also, I'll be updating my "Naruto: DK of Tokyo" story soon, while working on "U.S. Marine Naruto."