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Bringing you the next chapter of Return of the Duke Wolf brought to you by windstorm16. Hope you guys had went to his page and fav/follow maybe reviewed his story. If not...well what can you do?
I apologize for the long wait. I wanted to work on this and update over the weekend, but...my grandmother passed away. So that kept me busy.
Alright, let's continue!
World 5 Scene 2: Return of the Duke World
With a snap of his fingers, Shin started the world back up, as everyone got themselves together.
Team Seven walked through the gates having finally reached Konoha, returning from their mission in the Land of Ancestors. After Naruto had killed the Ame Team and found the Direwolf contract he had returned to the excavation sight before anyone woke up.
While the mission had technically ended with Tenji being escorted to the sight and the enemy team dead they stayed for a week. The reason being Naruto didn't tell anyone what he did as he saw no reason to.
Kakashi frowned. "He shouldn't have kept such information from his team." He said disappointedly.
Shin shook his head. "With how much he dislikes his team, very doubtful. No doubt if he did, either your other, or the Hokage would try and either have his mind searched for any 'change from normality' or possibly taken the summoning scroll away."
"They wouldn't do that." Kakashi tried to defend his other and his (other's) Hokage.
Shin hummed, but didn't say anything.
Plus, he wanted to see if he could find anything else of use.
Sadly, though Naruto did not find anything else, though did copy down the few eligible books and scrolls as they could prove useful in the future. After being paid for the mission Team Seven had began the trip back to Konoha, and now they were back.
"Alright team head home while I report to the Hokage." Said Kakashi shunshining away.
Naruto didn't hear this as he had already vanished in a swirl of wind reappearing in his apartment.
With stars in his eyes, Naruto made another mental note to learn that as well!
Once he was inside Naruto unsealed the Direwolf contract and unrolled it and saw that no one else had ever signed it.
JIraiya hummed. As a Master Information Gatherer, veteran Shinobi, and traveler of the land, he has come to know and has seen many rare summoning contracts. From Toads, Slugs, and Snakes, to unexpected ones like Salamanders, Deer, Pandas, and Sharks. However, in all his travels and work, he has never seen a "Direwolf Summoning Contract". He knew rumors that the Inuzuka Clan once had a Wolf Summoning Contract. Whether it was true or not, he couldn't get answers to, as that clan, like others, were very tight lipped, and pressuring the issue could lead to civil war. Also, the Clan Head, Tsume Inuzuka, scared the shit out of him to much to ask.
'How long was this scroll under that tree?' Naruto wondered.
Shrugging Naruto bit his thumb and wrote down his name in the first slot before pressing his finger tips below his signature. Though as soon as that was done Naruto vanished in a puff of smoke.
Naruto, as well as the genin, blinked in confusion. "Wait, what happened? Where did my Aite go?"
"Probably to the Direworld Summon Realm." Jiraiya stated, getting those the attention of who didn't know the specifications of Summoning. "When someone signs a contract for the first time, they must first get approval of the Boss. This works in two ways, you either summon the Boss to you, or you are transported to their realm, also known as Reverse Summoning. The latter is what happened to the brat." He explained. As he did that, the environment grew dark.
*Dark Forest*
When the group could see again, they found themselves in a large forest encased by a night sky. The size of the surrounding, massive trees, almost the size of those surrounding Konoha, astonished them.
When Naruto reappeared, he was confused when he found himself in a forest with large towering trees, big enough to make the Hokage Monument seem small in comparison, and a full moon overhead.
'What the, where am I?' Thought Naruto looking around before noticing something.
At that moment, around the group, numerous, glowing, yellow eyes opened open, making everyone instinctively tense. Luckily, Shin reminded them that this was simply a hologram/illusion, as such they weren't in any real danger. They let out sighs of relief.
All around him were glowing yellow eyes gazing at him from the darkness, a few releasing growls at him. That's when Naruto realized he must be in the Direwolf summons land, and he was currently surrounded by Direwolves.
"So this is a Summon's Realm?" Ino muttered in awe at the different environment. Now she wanted a contract!
Looking at the dozens of wolves Naruto didn't show any fear gazing at each of them, before leveling them with a menacing stare a growl reverberating in his throat while his eyes glowed.
"Talk about having balls." Asuma muttered, smirking. He grunted as Kurenai elbowed him on the side.
Hinata whimpered in fright, as well as feeling scared for A-Naruto. The wolves looked fearsome, so hoped nothing bad happened to him.
Akamaru also gave a whimper, but it was more from A-Naruto's growl, making the young pup instinctively feel inferior.
A few of the Direwolves backed down, others stood strong, and a few even looked at Naruto with what he could guess was respect. Suddenly a loud howl rang through the forest and all the wolves instantly scattered, while Naruto felt the ground began shaking.
Also hearing the howl, the hairs on the backs of everyone's necks stood up. The volume of the howk, the source had to be big.
"I've got a bad feeling about this." Ino mumbled, slightly scared. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked behind her to see Shin. He gave her a comforting smile. Looking at him for a few seconds, Ino let out a breath, nodding.
The jonin and Zabuza tensed, while Haku unconsciously grabbed Naruto's hand, making the blond's face redden, and Anko scowl.
Soon Naruto saw the trees began moving back and forth, when suddenly the biggest wolf Naruto had ever seen jumped through the trees landing right in front of Naruto. The wolf had a pitch-black fur coat, razor sharp fangs, claws that looked strong enough to shred steel, and deep crimson red eyes.
"Holy!" Kiba shouted, eyes wide at the size of the wolf.
"Guess that's the Boss." Jiraiya said, impressed by the fearsome looking large wolf.
Naruto, could also stare at the boss wolf with starstruck eyes. 'It looks so cool!' He thought, feeling a bit jealous of his counterpart. Sure Chief Toad was big and strong, but he didn't have claws.
"What could have been." Once more, the voice in his head, non-Kyuubi, spoke up, making Naruto flinch in surprise. "Don't you find it strange? The teacher of our father shows up out of nowhere, and offer to train us. Even letting us...no having us sign the Toad Contract. Did we even have a choice? Us, the "Son of the Great Fourth Hokage". Student of his own student, and his teacher. Don't you see it? The village sees us as the fox. But Kakashi? Jiraiya? Do they even see us as Naruto Uzumaki? Or simply the son of Minato Namikaze. As a copy...a small version of him."
As the voice talked, no matter how much he tried, Naruto couldn't help but listen. Think. Could it be right? Did Kakashi-sensei and Ero-Sennin see him as him? Or just the son of the one they lost?
He shook his head. Why was he thinking like this?! It wasn't him!
"Are you sure?" The voice asked, before going silent.
"Who are you to enter the domain of the Direwolf Clan! Speak before I devour you!" Growled the wolf threateningly
"I am Naruto Uzumaki, the Duke Wolf and now your summoner." Naruto said evenly, the large Direwolf releasing a bark of laughter
"HA! You believe just because you have signed our contract we will let you summon any of us? No, if you wish to be our summoner "Duke Wolf" you must prove you have an Alpha's strength." The wolf said before locking eyes with Naruto.
Naruto had a small chuckle. 'Reminds me of Chief Toad when I first met him." He thought, recalling when he had to hang on to the toad all day. Not fun.
Naruto remained completely still never once breaking eye contact, all while feeling like the wolf was looking straight into his soul.
"Hn, so you have a strong will. Very well I will allow you to summon members of my pack. I am Fenrir, Alpha of the Direwolf contract. But make no mistake if you summon me it better be a worthy opponent, if not I will feed you to the cubs." Said Fenrir.
Pailing, Naruto gulped. Being eaten alive would NOT be fun. At least Bunta didn't threaten to to have his children eat him...somehow, considering Toads don't have teeth.
"Thank you, Fenrir, I will do my best to prove myself a worthy summoner." Naruto said.
"We will see." Said Fenrir stalking back into the forest while Naruto vanished in a puff of smoke.
Kiba pouted, his fear of the Wolf Boss, Fenrir, now gone. "Not fair! Why does that Naruto get a cool Wolf Summon?! I'm from the Inuzuka Clan! It was practically made for me!"
Naruto smirked at him. "Well, guess I'm top dog now, huh Kiba?" He teased, getting an angry growl.
*Timeskip-one month*
A month has passed since Naruto signed the Direwolf contract and he has since gotten back into training, with the addition of summoning different Direwolves to train with so when he does summon them in the future they'll work better together.
He also continued to send a clone to Team meetings and for D-Rank missions, finding it mildly amusing that neither his teammates or Kakashi have noticed.
Tsunade raised a brow at Kakashi, who chuckled sheepishly.
Currently Naruto himself was leaning against a bridge railing, Sasuke and Sakura off to the side, as they all waited for Kakashi to arrive. Naruto came himself rather than send a clone as during the last meeting Kakashi said he had something important to discuss with them.
Sakura had a small smile, while Sasuke smirked, Naruto grinning. All know that this meant that the Chunin Exams were to begin soon.
Hopefully, they would actually see it play out.
Though of course he arrived only a few minutes ago, rather than waiting three hours like his teammates did.
'You'd think they'd learn by now.' Thought Naruto in amusement seeing how irritated Sasuke and Sakura at Kakashi's lack of appearance.
Sakura moaned, knowing it was true. After spending months with Kakashi, one would think they would stop showing up on time if he wasn't going to. A note for the future.
"Yo!" Said Kakashi appearing in a puff of smoke.
"YOU'RE LATE!" Sakura shouted.
"Sorry a black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way." Kakashi said before pulling out three forms
"Anyway, I wanted to give you all these, they're slips to enter you in the upcoming Chunin Exams." Said Kakashi handing them the slips
Sasuke looked eager at the prospect of going against stronger opponents, Sakura looked unsure,
Sasuke and Sakura had similar expressions as their counterparts, though Sakura looked more determined than her other. After all that she has been through, she was actually determined to train harder so that she would be ready for the next Chunin Exams.
while Naruto…
"No thanks." Said Naruto handing the slip back, much to Kakashi's surprise.
"NANI?!" The shouts of the audience echoed out, such was their shock, especially Naruto's, who stared at his counterpart with wide eyes. 'What the hell?! Is my Aite serious?! Why would he want to skip the Chunin Exam?! Doesn't he want to advance in rank?!'
For the life of him, Naruto just couldn't comprehend what his other was thinking!
"U-uh, are you sure Naruto if you participate you'll get the chance to fight against Genin from other villages." Said Kakashi getting in front of Naruto who just walked around him.
"Don't care." Naruto replied.
"You'll also get the chance to be promoted to Chunin and get to take higher ranked missions." Kakashi added.
"If I want to be promoted I'll settle for a field promotion." Retorted Naruto starting to get agitated.
"Well, wasn't expecting that." Kakashi muttered, just as stunned as his other.
"I don't think anyone was." Asuma stated.
Tsunade frowned, not knowing what to think about A-Naruto's decision. In her world, she was dependant on Naruto going up in rank so she could one day pass the title of Hokage to him. So to hear another version of the kid acting so nonchalant about becoming becoming Chunin, left her unsure what to think.
Never would she have thought she'd see something like this from the knucklehead.
"But if you become Chunin you'll be one step closer to becoming Hokage." Persuaded Kakashi hoping that would convince Naruto participate.
Now scowling Naruto grabbed the paper, making Kakashi mentally sigh in relief at getting Naruto to participate.
"Let me make this very clear Hatake." Said Naruto as before Kakashi's eyes the paper was shredded into thousands of tiny pieces.
"I. Am. Not. Doing. It." Naruto said slowly as if talking to a child before turning on his heel and leaving.
Sakura frowned. "If Naruto doesn't enter the exam, does that mean our team won't be able to enter either?" she asked. Sasuke had an angry frown, displeased that his counterpart won't be able to enter because of the dobe.
Tsunade scoffed. "Not if those damn elders and council have anything to say about it." She knew those fools would riot to get their precious Uchiha into the exam to raise in rank. No doubt they would probably just replace A-Naruto to get Team Seven in.
"Forget him if the dobe doesn't want to participate that's his problem." Said Sasuke signing his slip.
"Yeah, he'd just hold us back anyway." Sakura added.
Sakura flinched at how rude her counterpart was, apologizing to Naruto on her behalf.
Meanwhile Kakashi was sweating bullets, if Naruto didn't participate then neither could Sasuke and Sakura, and he couldn't exactly force Naruto to enter as that'd negate the whole purpose of working as a team, especially if Naruto purposefully tried to fail.
'I need to see the Hokage.' Kakashi thought shunshining away.
Naruto frowned. Sure he didn't like how his other waved off the Chunin Exams like nothing, but like the idea of being forced to enter even less.
He already had mixed feeling about the old man, leaning towards distrust and a bit - a lot - of inner anger. These worlds they've viewed have changed his perspective on a lot of things. Making him ask questions he never thought about before.
As such, he didn't know how he would feel if A-Jiji forced his other to take the Chunin Exams.
Meanwhile Naruto walked through the village with an annoyed expression. Though he soon stopped and turned around to see a square rock with eye holes following him, he could sense three small chakra signatures inside it as well.
"Rocks aren't square, and they don't have eye holes either." Naruto stated before the 'rock' exploded.
"I think we used to much smoke guys." A boy coughed.
When the smoke cleared it revealed three children, with Naruto recognizing only one as Konohamaru Sarutobi, the Sandaime's grandson and his self-proclaimed rival.
Cracking a small smirk, Naruto shook his head slightly at Konoha. He'll miss Kono and his friends not being with them anymore.
"What do you want Konohamaru." Said Naruto, as the three children looked at him for a moment before jumping up and posing
"I'm Moegi the cutest girl in preschool!"
"I'm Udon I like math!"
"And I'm Konohamaru future Hokage! And together we're…"
"The Konohamaru Ninja Squad!" All three said together
'Why am I reminded of colored spandex wearing teenagers fighting monsters and saving the planet?' Thought Naruto.
Everyone raised a brow at that, looking at Shin, who covered a laugh with a cough.
"So, did you want something?" Naruto questioned as despite his problems with the boy's grandfather he didn't hate the boy.
"Ah come on boss aren't you the least bit impressed with our entrance?" Said Konohamaru.
"No." Replied Naruto causing the three to face fault.
"If that's all I'll be on my way." Naruto said before the three children ran in front of him.
"Wait boss could you play ninja with us, please?" Asked Konohamaru, before they were interrupted.
"A ninja playing ninja, what kind of loser would do that." Sakura sneered.
With just a twitch of her brow, Sakura kept quiet. All the while, Shin smirked in amusement, wondering how long it would take till she snapped.
"I don't know Sakura you seem to be playing it well enough." Retorted Naruto, making Sakura go red in anger but refrained from trying to hit him remembering his threat.
'Huh, guess you can teach a mutt new tricks.' Naruto thought.
Konohamaru looked between the two before smiling widely.
"Hey boss is she your… girlfriend!" Said Konohamaru, Sakura looking horrified at the thought.
"I'd sooner date a Ranger than her." Naruto denied, confusing the three children.
"What?" Naruto asked, confused by what his other said, the others sharing his confusion. Chuckling, Shin shook his head as they looked at him, denying any explanation.
"Yeah, your right, I mean look at the size of her forehead!" Konohamaru laughed, making Sakura growl cracking her knuckles.
Brow twitching madly not, Sakura took a deep breath to calm herself. Thankfully, Ino helped, placing a hand on her shoulder.
While she couldn't hit Naruto because of his sudden increase in power, this little brat was free game.
"If I were you I'd start running Konohamaru." Naruto said smirking.
Confused Konohamaru looked paling instantly when he saw Sakura stalking towards, instantly he and his friends started running.
"Help! We're being chased by a pink gorilla!" Shouted Konohamaru
"Get back here you brats!" Sakura demanded chasing after them.
"I'm going to hurt that brat next time I see him." Sakura muttered angrily, glaring at the chuckling Ino. "Oh shut it, Ino-Pig!"
Ino smirked at her. "At least I'm not a pink gorilla." She teased, making Sakura growl.
'I wonder if the punishment for attacking the Hokage's grandson is execution?' Thought Naruto sighing in bliss at the thought.
A wolf can dream.
Following after them, to make sure Sakura didn't do too much damage, he stopped at an alley seeing Konohamaru being held by a guy wearing a catsuit and makeup.
Naruto, even if he already saw this scene several times before, had a small smile, knowing he would see his friend again. A part of him wondered how he was since he last saw him. 'I wonder if maybe he and his siblings will join us.' He would like that.
"Watch it you little brat!" The teen shouted
"Put him down Kankuro or you'll know what he will do." Said the girl next to Kankuro
"Relax Temari all I'm gonna do is teach this kid a lesson in manners." Kankuro said drawing back his fist
Konohamaru closed his eyes in fright expecting the hit, but it never came. Opening his eyes, he saw Naruto holding his blade at Kankuro's neck.
"Let the kid go." Naruto ordered digging his blade into Kankuro's neck
Ino would forever deny it, but her cheeks burned red as A-Naruto looked kinda...cool. You know, someone who was a jerk to her best friend.
Shikamaru sighed, covering a yawn. 'I should count myself lucky Naruto isn't like that version. He would have been twice as troublesome as he is now. What a drag, when can I take a nap?'
Kankuro paled when he locked eyes with Naruto and he could see that he wasn't bluffing.
"Ye-yeah sure man, just take it easy." Kankuro said setting Konohamaru down who ran back to his friends
"A better turn out for you that what actually happen, huh dobe?" Sasuke teased, getting a glare from Naruto.
"Shut it teme!"
"Good. Now Uchiha and the kid with the gourd get down from the tree!" Said Naruto
"Naruto-baka there's no one-" Sakura stopped when Sasuke jumped down and a redhead with a large gourd on his back appeared in a swirl of sand between a pale Kankuro and Temari
"You were saying." Naruto said mockingly
"G-Gaara…" Kankuro began
"Shut up before I kill you." Said Gaara threateningly, making Kankuro step back
"Forgive my brother for his behavior. I am Gaara no Sabaku I would like to know who you are." Gaara said, Sasuke smirking thinking he was talking to him
"I'm Sas-"
"Not you, him." Gaara cutoff pointing to Naruto
Sasuke scowled as Naruto smirked at him. That's the second time his other was passed for the dobe. Call him arrogant, but he wasn't used to being passed off, especially over Naruto of all people.
It reminded of him of 'reunion' with Itachi, and being brushed off, his vengeance being brushed off, like worthless dust, all the man's attention on Naruto.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Introduced Naruto
"Hey, you Suna Ninja aren't supposed to be here, your trespassing!" Sakura shrieked, getting four looks as if she was stupid.
"I apologize for Haruno. I'm sure you three are here for the Chunin Exams." Said Naruto.
Sakura grumbled, face a bit red in embarrassment. It wasn't her fault she didn't know about the Chunin Exams until Kakashi told them.
"Are they your teammates?" Temari asked.
"Unfortunately." Naruto replied.
"I'm sorry for you." Said Temari giving him a sympathetic look at having to deal with those two.
Sasuke and Sakura's brow twitched, but didn't give off any other action. Though they did have the same thought. 'Bitch.'
In Suna, Temari paused in her training, suddenly feeling annoyed for some reason, like someone was cursing her out. Immediately thinking it was Kankuro, she heaved her large fan over her shoulder, and left to find her 'beloved' brother for some...words.
"Will you be participating in the Exams Uzumaki?" Gaara questioned
"No, though if you ever wish to we could have a spar." Offered Naruto
Kankuro and Temari, behind Gaara, waved their arms at him showing that would be a very bad idea.
"I may just take you up on that offer. Until next time Uzumaki. Kankuro, Temari we're leaving." Said Gaara with a faint smirk before and his siblings left
Naruto soon followed shunshining away.
Naruto grumbled. He reeeally needed to learn that technique. It was so COOL!
"Well, things might be becoming more interesting now, with that...unexpected change." Kakashi said, getting nods. It was certainly a huge shock to hear A-Naruto refuse to participate in the Chunin Exam, right under finding out his parentage.
*Main Gate*
"Stupid pedo-snake and his four-eyed fuck buddy." Grumbled an irritated redhead as she walked through the gates into Konoha
Everyone blinked, raising a brow when the focus changed to a lone figure, a young women with long red hair, walking into Konoha.
"Who's she?" Ino asked. It was then that what she said registered in a certain few's minds, mostly the Sannin, the Jonin, and Team Seven.
"What a minute…'snake'?!" Jiraiya shouted, eyes narrowing in anger, same with Tsunade and Anko. The thought of Orochimaru's minions sneaking into the village did not bode well with them at all. And seriously, what the hell was up with the village security?!
The redhead in question was none other than Tayuya of the Sound Four, an elite group that act as bodyguards for Orochimaru. Not that anyone here would know that.
The reason for her irritation was due to the fact rather than being with her teammates, not that she liked any of the bastards, guarding Orochimaru, she had been chosen to infiltrate Konoha as a civilian to watch the Chunin Exams. She chosen due to the fact out of all the Sound Four she was the most normal looking.
Tsunade clicked her tongue in annoyance. Her annoyance aimed, not at the Sound Spy - well, not entirely - but at the village itself, more than she was already. Sure she could say that they have grown a bit arrogant, but the Chunin Exam was the one time where they should be at EXTREME caution! Temporary peace or not, they were letting other villages into their home, giving them the perfect time to gain important information, or plot attack! It shouldn't matter what rank they were! Genin, Chunin, or Jonin. Anyone of them could be a spy, and had to be watched out for!
She was seriously going to have a talk with the Security Decision and the gate guards.
It's not even she hated the mission, what she hated was that she had to pretend to be a weak little civilian girl, and she hated looking weak!
'Maybe I'll find a nice quiet place to play.' Tayuya thought reaching into her pouch grabbing her flute.
If there's one thing that never failed to calm her down it was playing her flute. So, with her mind made up she headed towards where she knew the training grounds would be located, Orochimaru having taught them the layout of the village to better get around it.
'Bad thing about Orochimaru being a missing ninja, he knows a lot of the village's secrets and points of interest to use to his advantage.' Jiraiya thought grimly.
Eventually she arrived at a deserted training ground, the only sound she could hear was that of a river. Sighing in relief Tayuya was about to pull her flute out and start playing when she heard something else, though it wasn't the sound of someone training.
Everyone blinked, hearing the familiar tone reaching their ears. "Hey, isn't that…" Ino muttered
'Is that… music?' Tayuya thought.
(Zen-Aku Flute Song)
It was a beautiful melody, with a haunting undertone. Following where the music was coming from she soon saw a kid around her age dressed all in black sitting on a rock by the river. She couldn't see his face but could see he was playing a strangely shaped flute.
'Looks like a dagger.' Thought Tayuya the corners of her mouth twitching up.
A dagger flute, she'll have to look into getting one.
Tayuya remained hidden listening to the music, never noticing the amber eyes that turned to look at her. Soon the song came to an end and Tayuya opened her eyes, never realizing she closed them, and saw she was now looking directly into amber eyes.
"Busted." Anko said, smirking.
For a moment neither said anything, while Tayuya took in the boy's appearance, wild spiky black hair, pale skin, three jagged whisker marks, and stoic amber eyes with slit pupils gazing at her, though she could see a spark of amusement in them.
"You know, no matter how many times I see him, I don't think I'll get used to seeing a dark haired Naruto." Sakura said, with Ino nodding with the same thought. Though the light redness in her cheeks told a different story.
Shikamaru yawned. "Makes him more troublesome in my opinion." Ignoring Naruro's glare.
Meanwhile, across different dimensions, several dark haired Menma Uzumaki/Namikaze, and a few dark haired Narutos, all felt the urge to punch, kick, maybe even kill, certain lazy good for nothing assholes.
"Did you like it?" the boy asked
"Yeah, it was really beautiful." Tayuya said honestly without her usual crassness.
"Well thank you, do you play?" Questioned the boy.
"Yes, for as long as I could remember." Replied Tayuya pulling out her flute.
"I've only recently started. By the way I'm Naruto." Introduced Naruto getting up and walking over to her
"Tayuya." Tayuya replied, Naruto smiled before grabbing Tayuya's hand and kissing it
"Pleasure to meet you Tayuya." Naruto said
Tsunade, along with Anko, narrowed her eyes. "What's happening here?" She asked suspiciously, while Jiraiya smirked proudly.
"The other gaki's putting on the moves!" He stated, before getting a punch to the head from the growling Tsunade, not liking her alternate little brother/son-figure possibly flirtinging with the Sound Spy.
Tayuya merely gave him a blank look taking her hand back.
"If your expecting me to blush like some prissy little girl you'll have to try a lot harder than that shithead." Tayuya said.
She may like his flute playing but she wasn't going to swoon over him like some fangirl.
Anko grunted. While she may not like A-Naruto flirting with a Sound girl, she had to admit that the girl-brat gained a bit of her respect for not acting like most young kunoichi her age.
Then again, it was highly doubtful her former sensei would let a fangirl into his rank, as like any veteran shinobi, he despised children pretending to be ninja for the worst reasons.
In one of Orochimaru's hide bases, the secretly Uzumaki Karin shivered, feeling nervous.
"Good if you were like that I'd have already left." Responded Naruto smirking.
"So, what brings you to Konoha?" Naruto asked
"Me and my family are here to see the upcoming Chunin Exams. Are you a participant? I'm only asking because you have a forehead protector?" Said Tayuya acting the part of a naïve civilian.
"No, I'm not participating, though I'm sure my teammates will be." Naruto said his hands clasped behind him.
"But it's required for all team members to enter." Said Tayuya before mentally cursing herself.
"She just made her first, and possibly last, mistake." Asuma muttered, knowing that when taking on a spy mission, the shinobi must NOT do anything to blow their cover and compromise themselves.
Even the slightest mistake could be their last.
Naruto gave Tayuya a side glance curious how a 'civilian' knew such information. Of course, he wasn't foolish enough to believe she was just a mere civilian, given the way he could see her shoulders tense up every so often, her high chunin level chakra pools, and the scent of blood on her.
Though he wasn't going to call her out on it.
Kakashi frowned. As much as he didn't want to think it, it would seem that A-Naruto may desert his village and become a missing ninja.
The last thing he ever want to see, was Naruto - any Naruto - abandon their home village and turn against it. It was basically spitting on his parent's sacrifices.
"True but knowing Hatake he'll find a way to get his precious Uchiha into the exams." Sneered Naruto.
'Uchiha? Ah you gotta be kidding me he's the pink-eyed emo's teammate. But wait I thought the Uchiha's teammate was some blonde loudmouth.' Tayuya thought looking at Naruto and trying to picture him as what Orochimaru's reports said he was supposed to look like.
"So, I'm guessing you don't get along with your team." Stated Tayuya.
"Nope. My teammates see me as dead weight, my sensei plays favorites with the Uchiha, and I honestly don't care about them." Naruto said.
Even if it wasn't them, the members of Team Seven excluding Naruto flinched. Kakashi hoped that Naruto (theirs) knew that that wasn't the case with them and that he (Kakashi) didn't view Sasuke over him and Sakura.
Of course, his actions during the Chunin Exams may not work in his defense.
He'll have to make it up to him, as well as Sakura.
Naruto held back a flinch at his other's words, wanting to apologized to his team, but something compelled him to stay silent.
That made Tayuya grimace, while she knew none of the Sound Four liked each other they were at least able to put aside their differences to work together. Or more accurately they were afraid of what Orochimaru would do to them should they ever mess up.
"Well see you later shithead." Said Tayuya turning to walk away.
Naruto blinked at that. "Shithead?...HEY!"
Shin chuckled, knowing that was basically what every alternative Tayuya called their own Naruto. A strange form of endearment for her, even if she would never admit it.
It was kinda cute in a way.
"Can I hear you play sometime?" Naruto asked before she got far.
Turning her head Tayuya gave him a smirk.
"Maybe if you're lucky enough." Said Tayuya before exiting the training ground leaving an amused Naruto.
"What a weird girl." Ino muttered, Sakura nodding. She hoped she never met that Tayuya girl in person.
For some reason, Sakura felt a shiver of dread go down her spine.
*Timeskip-three days*
Three days had passed since Naruto met Tayuya and things had been relatively normal, though strangely enough Kakashi hadn't called a team meeting since he rejected the chance to enter the Chunin Exams. Not that Naruto was complaining as he'd prefer not seeing his team, even if only through his clone's memories.
Naruto was currently walking through the village before suddenly froze in place. Quickly he unsealed his blade and turned around slashing at a black and white lion which dissolved upon being hit.
"What the hell?!" Naruto shouted, everyone tensing.
'Is someone attacking Naruto?! Who?!' Tsunade questioned. No, demanded, a roaring fire in her eyes. A calling for vengeance and righteous fury - a maternal fury - against the bastard that dared attack the one she saw and loved like a son she never had!
'Ink?' Naruto thought with a frown seeing the remains of the lion
His danger senses flared again as he jumped into the air seeing more ink creatures, going through handsigns made a claw motion with his hand
"Wind Style: Tearing Claws!" Naruto said swiping his hand unleashing claw shaped blades of wind that sliced through the creatures
Instantly, Naruto forgot about the danger his other could be in, and got stars in his eyes at the jutsu he performed. "Cool!" Oh he was SOOOO learning that!
Asuma hummed. "Kid's got good control over wind, that's for sure." As an expert Wind Chakra user, perhaps the best in all of Konoha, Asuma could see A-Naruto's control over his jutsu, making it more smoothly, instead of simply forcing it out like most.
Jiraiya nodded, also taking note of that. He was 50/50 sure the gaki had a Wind Affinity like Minato, or Water like Kushina - hell, he could maybe have both - and made a mental note on training that with him when the time came.
'That seems like that last of them, now where's the creator? There!' Naruto thought spotting someone sitting on a rooftop with a scroll and brush out
"Don't even think about it." Said Naruto appearing behind the stranger with his blade at their neck before they could draw more creatures.
"Damn! He's fast!" Kiba shouted, shocked at A-Naruto's speed.
"YOSH!" Lee - who has surprisingly been quiet for a while - shouted, fire in his eyes. "Other World Naruto-kun's Flames of Youth soar high with his Wolf Spirit!"
Tenten, who was next to Lee, covered her ears at his shouting. "Lee! Calm down and stop shouting!" She demanded, cleaning her ears with her pinkies as Lee apologized to her.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru raised a brow, seeing a clearer view of the 'attacker', feeling he was familiar, but couldn't recall where he saw him from.
'What? I didn't even see him move.' The stranger thought before seeing the Naruto in front of him fazed out of existence
'To be able to move at such speeds to leave an afterimage several moments after moving. Amazing.' Thought the stranger.
Kakashi nodded in agreement. Out of the group, he and Gai were the fastest to leave after images from pure speed. Even the Sannin Jiraiya and Tsunade weren't that fast, being more of Power types than speed.
'Swift Style: Afterimage Jutsu.' Naruto thought smirking.
Everyone raised a brow, have never heard of that, not even the Sannin or Kakashi, the man of a thousand jutsu.
"Swift Release? What's that?" Jiraiya asked, turning to Shin, who was leaning against the couch, arms crossed. The Author/Self-Proclaimed God looked at him.
"Swift Release, or Jinton, is a bloodline limit allows the user to move with incredible speed, becoming nothing more than a blur to the naked eye. Even the Sharingan would have a hard time with it." He explained. Naruto blinked at him.
"Wait...bloodline? I have a bloodline?!" He asked, shocked, along with the other genin. Though Tsunade was doubtful, having never heard of any Uzumaki member having that bloodline. Jiraiya was also doubtful, though more skeptical, wondering if Minato secretly had a bloodline he didn't know about. Would explain how he was so fast, even with the Flying Thunder God.
Shin, however, simply shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. Who knows." He stated mysteriously, thought knew that he didn't have it. At least this Naruto didn't, unless he made it so. Same with Minato.
But at the moment, no, neither Naruto nor MInato had the Swift Release.
So don't get any ideas.
Getting up, ignoring the blade at his throat, the stranger turned to Naruto.
"Ah forgive me I simply wished to test your fighting abilities." The stranger said with a fake smile, making Naruto raise a brow.
"And from my analysis you must have a large dick. Or at least bigger than dickless." Said the stranger.
. . . .
"...WHAT THE HELL?!" Naruto shouted, face red in embarrassment, while the young females and Shizune's faces were burning bright red, with the Hyuuga promptly fainting, steam coming out of her ears, ecchi thoughts invading her poor mind. The boys groaned in disgust, looking at the strange shinobi like he was insane.
Cheeks dusting red in embarrassment, Kurenai sighed, rubbing her forehead at the crude comment, before glaring at the giggling Anko, whose mind now began to wonder about that little thought.
Brow twitching, and vein pulsing, Tsunade glared at Jiraiya, daring him to make a comment, or think about using Naruto for his next stupid book!
Sain Sannin was in the process of doing just that, scribbling away on his "Research" notebook with a mad giggle, ducking under a fist from his enraged teammate.
His student was going to make him rich!
Shin chuckled, shaking his head at Sai's usual bluntness. Actually, now that he thought about, maybe he should involve some...lemons to his list of worlds to see. Perhaps the girls would get a glimpse on what they could be missing.
He knew Anko would DEFINITELY appreciate that. Maybe Hinata too, if theories on her being a closet pervert were true.
Out of everything Naruto expected that wasn't one of them. Though he did take a step away from the person.
"Who are you?" Questioned Naruto getting back on topic
"Forgive me I am Sai your replacement for Team Seven. It is nice to meet Naruto-kun." Sai introduced with that same fake smile.
"Replacement?!" Naruto shouted in shock and anger, dismissing what "Sai" said earlier about his...ah-hem! 'Mini-Naruto'. Also focusing on that, the others were also surprised, more so Kakashi. He didn't expect his other to go that far. He'd thought he would simply try and get A-Naruto to change his mind.
Not outright replace him without his notice.
Meanwhile, Ino blinked at Sai, eyes having a glint of remembrance. "Hey, isn't that the guy we saw in that other dimension? The one with the young Naruto with Kurenai-sensei and Anko-sensei?" She asked, with Shikamaru nodding, now recalling where he saw this guy from.
Tsunade glared. 'So this is Danzo's doing? What is he planning?'
'So, that explains why Hatake hasn't called any team meetings. Strangely I'm not surprised.' Naruto thought
"Why?!" Naruto shouted at his other, wondering why he was acting all nonchalant about being replaced. Shouldn't he be angry?!
Meanwhile, Kyuubi, who was still watching the event, grunted. It was liking this alternate version of is container very much. Dark, not willing to take shit from anyone, and possible desire to destroy his own village.
If only its own version was the same.
Sigh...the possibilities...
"Good for you, though if you want my advice watch your back around the Uchiha and his lapdog otherwise they won't hesitate to drive a kunai through it to save themselves." Said Naruto
"Thank you for the advice but I don't believe I have to worry about ugly and dickless they were both very weak when I tested them." Replied Sai, Naruto snorting in amusement.
"UGLY?!" Sakura roared, while Sasuke's brow twitched madly, glaring at Sai with all his hate, as if trying to make him combust.
Back in Konoha, normal time, a certain Root Member paused in his training, a strange shiver going down his back, He blinked, wondering what that was, before going to find his brother. He would know.
"Careful new guy people might think you have a sense of humor." Naruto said vanishing in a swirl of wind.
'He is stronger than he lets on, Danzo-sama must be informed.' Thought Sai shunshining away.
Tsunade growled, hissing about Danzo's 'rats'.
*Hokage's Office*
Sarutobi was hard at work organizing the Chunin Exams with all the foreign teams and delegations that will arrive for the finals.
"So when was I going to be informed I wasn't on Team Seven anymore." Naruto's voice cut through, shocking the Hokage having not sensed him.
Naruto frowned, glaring at A-Sarutobi. He couldn't believe the "old man" would replace him (his other) without telling him.
"Deceiving, manipulative monkey." The mysterious voice "whispered in his ear" from the depths of his mind, making Naruto's frown deepen.
Though when his words sunk in Hiruzen paled.
"Now Naruto-"
"After the Chunin Exams, during the exams and I was asked why I wasn't with my team, or maybe you never intended to tell me and let me remain ignorant? That's what you do best isn't it Hokage-sama, leaving me in the dark about everything." Interrupted Naruto.
"If you would just-"
"You know something, I'm not even mad or upset, as really this isn't a surprise. Hatake made it no secret he favored the Uchiha and Kami forbid anyone from stopping the precious Uchiha from getting what he wants. But really, I should thank the Scarecrow, and you as well for agreeing to replace me, it make this decision a whole lot easier." Naruto said
Then to Sarutobi's shock and horror Naruto ripped he forehead protector off before snapping it in half and throwing it on the Hokage's desk.
Naruto's widened at that. While sure, he wasn't liking the old man right now, he never would have thought that he would see a version of him throw away and give up his headband, quitting as a shinobi.
"Don't be so shocked. Our other is actually doing the smart move and freeing himself from Konoha's chains. Shouldn't you do the same?" The voice asked.
Frowning at that, Naruto shook his head. 'No! I'm not like that other me. Konoha is my home, and I protect it as its shinobi. While sure, things might not have been all that great with it, it didn't go like his world did. I don't hate Sakura or Sasuke like him. I'm not quitting.'
While he couldn't see it, the 'voice' grit his teeth in anger. "Don't be a fool! Konoha is using us. We are it's 'Jinchuuriki Pet'. They don't care about us, no one does! Not the Uchiha. Not Haruno. Not Tsunade. We are just a tool for them, and when we are no longer needed, they will have us killed and transfer the fox to another child. Possibly one made using our sperm. Don't be an idiot, and escape while you can."
Gritting his teeth, Naruto shook his head. 'No! Lies! Those are lies! I'm not listening to you!' He mentally shouted, shaking his head, getting confused and worried looks from the others, all wondering what was up with him.
"Consider that my resignation." Said Naruto before leaving the door slamming closed causing the picture of the Yondaime to fall and hit the floor
Hiruzen couldn't help but find it symbolic with Naruto breaking both his headband and his father's portrait, but moreover he was fearful of what this could mean for the future.
'Minato would be ashamed of you, old man, and Kushina would outright kill you' Jiraiya thought, staring at the alternate version of his deceased sensei in disappointment. He didn't like how A-Sarutobi simply replaced A-Naruto like it was nothing. Did he even consider the kid's feelings? Either way, with A-Naruto no longer being a shinobi, he would leave the village if he wished it, though that would only serve to insure more trouble than needed, considering the Akatsuki. 'What will you do now, brat?'
*With Naruto*
"Wind Style: Crescent Wave!" Said Naruto unleashing a blade of wind against a training post slicing it to pieces.
"What's got your panties in a twist?" A familiar voice asked, looking Naruto saw Tayuya leaning against a tree.
"Tayuya." Naruto nodded in greeting
"Sup shithead. Now I'll ask again, what's your problem?" Tayuya repeated.
Tsunade raised a brow at Tayuya. This girl gave her a weird feeling. Her cursing surprised her - and annoyed her a bit - but was kinda glad to see a girl that wasn't all girly or fangirlish but a stern-hearted, no-nonsense having young brat. Another thing, was her red hair. While not immediately labeling, a part of Tsunade wondered if Tayuya was an Uzumaki, or at least a descendant of one. After all, red hair was a rarity in their world. While she wouldn't think every redhead had some connection to the Uzumaki Clan, one never knows.
"Nothing just my sensei threw a fit about me not participating in the Chunin Exams so got a replacement." Said Naruto shrugging.
"Your kidding." Said Tayuya.
"Nope, learned it from said replacement when they attacked me as a 'test'. I just got back from turning in my headband." Said Naruto, surprising Tayuya.
"You quit being a ninja! Why?!" Asked Tayuya.
"I had no interest in serving a village that has no problem in replacing someone when they don't instantly bow to the whims of others. Besides this way they can't touch me, as now I'm technically a civilian I can leave whenever I want." Naruto said with a smirk.
"While true, given his jinchuuriki status, either the old man or those damn elders will send ANBU after him to capture, and at worse, imprison him to ensure he stayed in the village. Not to mention Danzo and his ROOT." Tsunade said grimly. She wanted nothing more than for Naruto to be happy, but knew it would be hard for him to achieve that happiness.
"And are you?" Tayuya questioned wondering if she could persuade him to join Oto.
"Hell no!" The Sannin shouted together, while Anko narrowed her eyes in a fierce glare. Like HELL she'll ever let that snake bastard wrap his slimy fingers around the gaki! If he ever did...
"Not yet, maybe after the Chunin Exams. After that, I don't know I don't like staying in one place for too long." Said Naruto which was true as the only reason he stayed in Konoha for so long was because he had nowhere else to go.
Now he didn't care where he went but one thing he knew for certain was.
He would never be chained ever again.
"As we should be doing, fighting our chains...fighting to break free. Listen to me...I'm trying to help you. You don't see it, but we are chained. By this village. By your so called 'dream'. It might, and will, be the end of us. You constantly risk your life for those "precious" to you. One day...your may not make it through. Don't let that happen. Let me HELP you...Let me help US. Please...listen to me..."
As the voice spoke, Naruto remained silent, eyes downward, a frown of uncertainty on his face. In his mind, a battle laid, as his right eye changed.
Red over a dark background stared at the ground, anger and rebellion within it, while blue over white filled with uncertainty and confusion.
'What is happening to me?'
Hey y'all! Shin here! Hope you liked the chapter. And I'm sure you all know who this so called 'mysterious voice' is.
Looks like Naruto's in a dilemma. What's happening in that head of his? Will we get answers? Maybe. Soon.
And a LOT of transitions and mentions of people back in the Elemental Nations. What could this mean? XP
I'm glad you all like the story so much. I'll admit, at first, it was just going to be a simple little "Naruto & friends read Fanfic", but as the chapters came, and more and more people joined, it began changing.
Becoming something more.
And it's thanks to you.
Anywho, thanks for reading. I'm thinking after this Story/World, I'll put a halt on this arc, and start doing "Chunin Exam" or "Pre-Invasion" stories. As I'm sure everyone is getting tired of reading the same stuff over and over. So look forward to that.
Also, a questions:
Are there any other "Reading" stories like this out there? I'm not asking to read them myself, I'm just curious on if THIS story inspired more creativity.
I know a few stories like this:
"A Peek into the Naruto-verse" by KuronoDono12
"The Many Lives of Shinobi" by blackheart0009
"Cosmic Mirror" by Wild Fox Fire
"Into the Narutoverse we go!" by Last of the Duckasaurs (looks like a first time writer. Maybe help them out a bit.)
"Reading: The Worlds of Uzumaki Naruto" by Trolltek
"Into The Naru-verse" by Zero Arashi Uchiha
"Naruto Multiverse" by castervill-lucifer
And it doesn't HAVE to be Naruto stories. There is, and can be other types of "Into the Edge" stories. For example:
"Into The Edge Of The Deku-Verse" by AndiDuel (for My Hero Academia)
"Paths of the Arc" by Sixsamchaos (for RWBY focing on Jaune Arc)
"A View of Endless Worlds" by Beowulf Gudbrytare (RWBY)
That's it so far. So yeah, if your haven't check them out, please go there now and see for yourself. Please give them a fav/follow/review for my sake. Even if it's just helpful advice, do so.
And if there are any that I missed, let me know, and I'll add and show their title and author here and the [at the time] future chapter (or my profile), so that anyone interested can check them out.
And if you are actually interested in making your OWN "Into the Edge" story, GO AHEAD! You don't need my permission.
If you do make your own version, let me know, so I can spread the word.
That's all for now.
Remember to fav/follow this story if you haven't, would REALLY appreciate it.
And leave a review! Give me your thoughts on the chapter(s), and maybe what you might like to see happen. Who knows, it might inspire me.
But PLEASE, no more story requests. My mailbox is getting full!
Till next time!
Ja ne!
Next Focus: Into the Edge ch 38 & 39 (R.o.t.D.W ch 3 & 4)
Next Story Focus: The Last Son