Hello everyone. This chapter wasn't re-checked, so bear with it. And if you find any big mistakes please tell me. I will fix em.

Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto.

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Ino wasn't having a good day. Scratch that, she wasn't having a good week. Yesterday, team five's sensei treated every members of the rookie team. Some of the other rookie team's sensei also contributed. When he was asked about the money, he mentioned something about making a fortune because of his students.

There was nothing wrong with the treat, but the reason for it. Apparently, four rookies were able to become Chunin. She didn't have a problem with Sasuke, but the rest came as a surprise. Haku was full of mysteries. But Ino couldn't deny the fact that she was strong, beautiful and cunning; like a true kunoichi. She lost to her and later her father pointed out how and why she lost. Because she was still a girl, not a kunoichi. He didn't say it so roughly but the context was the same. He also pointed out how Hinata changed. She was still shy and kind. But when she fight, she becomes a different person. Maybe that was why she was also promoted.

But the biggest surprise was Naruto. He was the dead last. The fact that he passed came as a surprise to many. But now, where was he? He was considered as one of the strongest rookie to enter the Chunin exam. He also dominated the fights in the exam. But still when Naruto proudly announced that he was promoted to Chunin, it came as a shock to her.

"Yo, Ino. What're you doing here?"

Speak of the devil, "I wanted to talk to you." Ino put her arms on her waist.

"So, how long have you been waiting for me? In front of Ichiraku no less." Naruto grinned.

Ino blushed. Another thing that infuriated her was about Naruto's look. He was no more that malnourished little brat. He was tall and gained muscles. He still wore orange cloths, but with style. And with his spiky hair, he had this 'wild boy' look. And lots of girls were digging for it.

"It's lunch time, so I thought you are gonna be here." Ino pointed out.

Naruto grinned, "Alright then, let's go in. I am hungry."

"Can't we go somewhere else?" She had nothing against ramen, but it was not something she would eat for lunch.

"My treat, how about it?"

"Is this a date?" Ino put her hands under her chest. She smirked when she saw Naruto's eyes lingering there for a second, "I wonder what your girlfriend's gonna think."

Naruto's eyes snapped to her. He frowned, but just for a second. It was replaced by a sly smirk soon after, "I am treating my classmate out of good will. It is not like I am bending her over the table." He said with a husky tone.

Ino blushed up a storm. She sputtered but was horrified when Naruto started laughing, "You got a long way to go Ino; if you want to prank the infamous prankster." With that Naruto went inside the Ichiraku.

Ino was fuming, but her blush wasn't going down. She stomped her feet and followed Naruto. Naruto waited for Ino to sit down before ordering for him and Ino.

"So, what did you wanna talk about?" Naruto pointed.

"Aren't you gonna apologize? That's not something you should say to a young girl." Ino fumed.

Naruto stopped for a second before bursting out again. It just fueled Ino's anger. Seeing that Ino might explode, Naruto pointed out, "You started it, I finished it. Simple as that."

Ino grumbled. She wasn't the type to admit defeat but she had more important things to talk about.

"How did you become strong?" She asked bluntly.

Naruto blinked. And then blinked again, "Huh?"

"Don't get offended but you weren't all that strong when we graduated but look at you now. Did you get any special training? Any special treatments?" Ino asked, with a slight frustration.

Naruto looked at the Yamanaka heiress for some time before answering, "Yes I got special training, yes I got special treatments. But compare to you, it isn't much."

"What?" Ino almost shouted.

"Aren't you the heiress of a clan?"

Whatever retort Ino was making vanished. Naruto continued, "I got some special training and treatment but worked my ass off for it. It wasn't handed to me in a silver platter. Day and night, I would just train. And when I can't train, I would read books that helped me furthering my skills. And i guess the result was shown on the Chunin exam."

Ino smiled weakly. She didn't say anything as the food came. But she didn't have much appetite for it. Not after what she heard. Naruto didn't say it directly but she understood. She wasn't training hard. That was her father trying to say. Her mind was still stuck in academy, she wasn't looking at the reality. She wasn't a student, she was a full-fledged kunoichi now. The thing was, she wasn't acting like one.

"That's not fair, I also train." Ino mumbled. But her voice didn't have the strength to back up her comment.

Naruto grinned. His bowl was almost finished, "Train harder then. If you think you are not strong enough, then train more. You have a family, a clan. Ask for their help."

"But you guys are so far ahead." Ino's eyes were downcast.

"So?" Hearing that she snapped her eyes to meet Naruto's. "I was dead last for what? Three years? And how long it took for me to catch up?"

Naruto went back to his food, "You girls are so melodramatic. You are not strong now, but the fact that you acknowledged that means that you have what it takes to become stronger. You are smart Ino, you are gonna catch up soon. Don't dwell on it," Then he pointed at her food, "Now finish your food. Don't waste my money."

Ino just looked at Naruto, stunned. His words weren't harsh but they were true. They were direct but they were motivating. Ino blinked and looked at her food. A small smile came to her lips. She started to eat. But when she looked at Naruto, who was done, for some reason she felt warm.

"Thank you Naruto."

"Don't mention it."

But the moment was broken when an Anbu entered the place.

"Naruto Uzumaki, you have been summoned by the Hokage. Make haste."

With that he was gone.

"I hope she pulled it off." Naruto said absentmindedly.

"Huh?" Ino was confused at what was happening.

"Nothing Ino, I will see you later." With that Naruto paid the bills and hurriedly left.

"At least be a bit more gentleman." Ino sighed as she went back to her food.

"This is good."

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XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

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Sometime Ago

Tsunade put down her sake cup when she saw Hiruzen entered the office.

"You are early sensei."

Hiruzen chuckled and sat down opposite of Tsunade, "I don't have much to do anyway." He looked back at the door and added, "Still consulting about the Chunin exam?"

"You met Asuma and Kakashi on your way in, didn't you?" Tsunade raised her eyebrow at Hiruzen.

"I didn't hear anything from them, although I am quite curious here."

Tsunade looked at the clock and sighed, "Well we can't start without Jiraiya anyway, so why not?"

She pointed at her sake bottle. Hiruzen nodded but he took the bottle before Tsunade and poured it himself. Tsunade's lip twitched a bit, then she took back the bottle and poured for herself.

"It is not consulting, just finalizing few arrangements." Tsunade started.

"With Team seven and nine?" Hiruzen's face lit up as he tasted the sake, and whispered to himself 'this is good'.

"Yes, for team nine; Asuna wanted to know the reasons as to why I didn't promote Shikamaru."

"I also thought that you were going to promote him, seeing that he is the smartest amongst his peerages."

Tsunade grinned at that question, "Well after seeing the record of his fight, I will admit that he is. But that was just one fight, that's it. Other than that there is nothing exceptional. Also there is his lack of motivation."

"Well he is a Nara after all, but if you can guide him he will become a splendid shinobi just like his father." Hiruzen added his thoughts.

"That I have no doubt but that alone wasn't enough. I mean all those I promoted contributed on the invasion, directly or indirectly. And then there are their missions, in which all of them did something quite extraordinary." Tsunade replied back. Then she leaned back and continued, "Well, it's not like I am not recognizing his talent. I will put him on some high level missions to get him running. And if he can prove himself there then I will give him a field promotion."

Hiruzen nodded back with a smile, "I think that is the best." He paused for a second before asking, "Team seven?"

"Ahh ya that one."

"That doesn't sound good." Hiruzen said, worried.

"Well, to make the matter short, I had to disband the team." Tsunade answered with a groan.

Hiruzen blinked at first but before he could say a word, Tsunade continued, "I know, I should have tried to find other way but there was none. That team is a goner; Sasuke got promoted, Sai is MIA and this Sakura is just stuck in between."

"Wait. Sai is MIA?" Hiruzen asked with a frown.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "Is there something I should know?"

"Later Tsunade," Hiruzen shook his head, Tsunade nodded back knowing that her sensei will tell her about it later, "Still why disband though? You could have just added someone."

"That team was unbalanced from the start; according to the report that is. Also this is for the best, I will put Sakura on team eight and then pull out Hinata from there. Sakura will grow as she will be away from Sasuke and will have a teacher that can actually help her."

Hiruzen wanted to retort but stopped to think for a moment, then he asked, "Are you planning on putting all the promoted Chunin in one group?"

Tsunade couldn't answer as Jiraiya entered, through the window as usual. Tsunade just groaned, "Perfect timing pervert." Then she looked at Hiruzen, "Actually this matter is related to what I want to talk about to both you."

"Oh~ come one hime, no welcome kiss? I feel like I am being used." Jiraiya smirked while Tsunade gave him an irritated look.

"Not the time Jiraiya, I think you should fill in for sensei first." Seeing Tsunade's serious face, Jiraiya nodded back; in an instant his playful look was replaced with serious one.

Tsunade got up and went to her desk to get some documents. She looked back and shook her head when she saw how serious Jiraiya was. She always envied Jiraiya. Because of how quickly he could change his emotion and how good he was hiding them also. Putting those thoughts aside she went back and sat on the sofa. It didn't take much time for Jiraiya to fill Hiruzen about his plan.

"So you want to take Naruto on three years trip." Hiruzen asked, in a serious tone, "To hide him from Akatsuki?"

"And also to train him." Jiraiya added with a wry smile, "I talked to him about it few days ago, but he didn't take it well."

Hiruzen looked at him surprised, "Seriously? Training with a sanin; I thought he would be thrilled by it."

"He still doesn't see me in a good light, sensei." Jiraiya replied with a sigh. When Hiruzen caught what he meant, even his mood dampened. The toad sage then looked at Tsunade, "And this is why I asked you to talk to him, to make him see reason. So, did you?"

Tsunade looked up from the document to see both Jiraiya and Hiruzen looking at her. She closed the file and scratched her chin. She did talk to him,

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Flashback

Two Days Ago

It was at night when Tsunade was able to see Naruto. More like Naruto came to her; when she was in her private office room. She kept this room so she could do some Hokage works in her home; while relaxing. It made the work-load less stressful.

Tsunade kept looking at Naruto who had his gaze down. He was fidgeting. Tsunade knew what Naruto wanted to talk to her about. Jiraiya told her about his plan the day before. She was reluctant but the toad sage reassured her about his idea. But the problem arose when he talked to Naruto about it. He strongly refused. So Jiraiya had no choice but to ask her to make Naruto understand; because there was no point in forcing him to go with Jiraiya.

"Tsunade-obaa-chan." Naruto finally broke the silence.

"Yes."

"You heard about it, right?" It wasn't a question.

"Naruto," Tsunade started with a soft voice, "What Jiraiya said, you have to admit, is true. I know you don't want to go with him. But this is for your own good." Seeing that Naruto still wasn't looking, Tsunade asked, "Ok, tell me why you don't want to go? I mean who doesn't want to be taught by a legendary sanin?"

"I don't want to be away from my family. Not when I just got one." Naruto replied.

"He is your family as well Naruto. He is your godfather." Tsunade knew that wasn't what Naruto wanted to hear when he looked up. His eyes were full of anger.

"He really did a splendid job being a godfather." Naruto growled, "He never showed his face when I needed him the most. Ok, alright; he had a job to do. But what right he has to take me away from my family!"

Tsunade finally understood where the problem was. So she tried a different approach, "I can see where you are coming from Naruto. Jiraiya did a shitty job, I agree. But his points remain valid. Akatsuki are out there, gaining strength. I don't have to tell you how strong they are, because you know. You fought them. So as a family member I would rather have you go take this trip to become strong."

Naruto didn't lash out. Tsunade was relieved at that. He thought over for a moment about what Tsunade said. And then he counter-attacked, "Tsunade-obaa-chan, I was a dead last when I graduated. I had the poorest score and my skills were below average. From there I became one of the strongest genin before entering the Chunin exam. The gap was six months. And even in the exam you pointed out, as a Hokage, that I did an outstanding job. The fun fact is, I did all that without any sanin's help." Naruto smirked when he saw Tsunade widening her eyes. So he pressed on, "I guarantee you that I can become strong, without his help."

"But you can become stronger with his help. I mean he is one of the strongest shinobi we have." Tsunade argued back.

Naruto paused again, then he smiled, "Yes, he is. But I don't think he can help me to master what I am good at."

Now it was Tsunade's time to ponder about it. Naruto's argument was valid, but it wasn't enough. Still, "Fine Naruto. I will give you till tomorrow. If you can tell me, I mean full-out plan, how you can be stronger without the pervert's help; I will help you. But not just words, I need solid ideas. Can you do that?"

Tsunade already knew the answer when she saw the look on his eyes.

Flashback Ends

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"Naruto does live up to his title of 'Most unpredictable Shinobi' if I say so myself." Tsunade chuckled.

"Yes … but where did that come from?" Jiraiya asked, confused.

"Well the thing is, Jiraiya," Tsunade leaned back, wanted to savor this moment, "He was able to convince me to go on his side."

The grin went from ear to ear as she witnessed the dumbfounded look on Jiraiya and Hiruzen. That just made her day. She added as they didn't recover from the shock, "I fully intended to convince him to go on the trip," She paused purposely, "But let's just say he has a way with his words."

"Tell me you are joking Tsunade." But seeing the look on her face Jiraiya got his answer, with a groan he continued, "This is a serious issue here Tsunade, his life is in grave danger."

Tsunade looked back Jiraiya with a raised eyebrow, "I didn't take his side just for the laughs, Jiraiya. How about this?" Her smirk widened as she gave a side look at Hiruzen, "We will debate this out. Your idea and my idea; sensei will be the judge to see whose one is better. The loser has to pay for the winner's food for a whole month."

"Tsunade," Jiraiya narrowed his eyes slightly, "Most of these Akatsuki members are S rank, some may even be stronger than a Kage. And I am not even talking about the leader. Who knows how strong he is. We should be thinking about Naruto's safety seriously here."

"We should, but from whose perspective and for who exactly?" Tsunade grinned seeing the stunned look on Jiraiya. Her day was getting better and better, "This is your first mistake Jiraiya. You are taking his safety seriously, I can see that. But you are thinking about Naruto the Jinchuuriki, not Naruto the Senju clan heir, not Naruto the fourth's legacy; and definitely not about Naruto himself."

"Wait what does ..." But Jiraiya couldn't finish as he found the answer of his own question.

"I see you got it, his life was in constant danger the moment he was born in this world. I get it that he got an extra tag cause of his Jinchuuriki status but let's not forget about the other huge tags on his back. And the biggest one would be him being the only storm release user in Konoha rather than jinchuuriki." Tsunade explained.

Jiraiya understood what Tsunade meant. While it was true that Akatsuki was a huge threat but right now they went under, and that gave some time. But Naruto was already facing problems because of his unexpected bloodline release. He sighed heavily. He had to give it to Tsunade, but only this round; "And isn't that exactly why my way is better? They can't harm him if they can't find him."

"Valid reason, but here is the second point that you overlooked Jiraiya. You are an awesome teacher; I don't know anyone who is better than you other than our sensei. But your teaching style is not compatible with Naruto." Tsunade put up her hand to stop Jiraiya before continuing, "You are subtle type of fighter and he is anything but that. Your specialty is Fuinjutsu and Summoning Jutsu but he is focusing more on his Storm release and his kenjutsu. I did tell him about your specialty. While he was awed, he clearly pointed out he want to master his specialty first. If I remember, his exact words were 'They are awesome but why should I learn them first? I should master my specialty first, no?' Brilliant kid, wouldn't you say so?"

Jiraiya rubbed his forehead. Tsunade was right. Because he tried to get Naruto to sign the toad contract quite a few times, when they were together. Although Naruto did like toads but for some reason he was reluctant to sign it. He couldn't push him because he thought that Naruto would eventually sign it. Jiraiya didn't want to bring out the prophecy part because it wasn't the right time. He looked at Tsunade, "So what is your plan then?"

Tsunade grinned like a Cheshire cat, "Two things that you said about Akatsuki that made me think. First is that they are aiming for Jinchuuriki and the second is that they always go around with two member. Then it clicked. And this is where we can both protect Naruto and defeat Akatsuki at the same time."

"What do you mean?" Jiraiya asked, surprised. Even Hiruzen was surprised but he kept quiet. He wanted to see how this ends but at this point it was clear. Anyone could see that Tsunade's argument was on point, now all that was left was to see what her plan was.

"The Akatsuki goes around in a team of two because that is the best formation to capture any Jinchuuriki. Think about it, usually Jinchuuriki doesn't work on a team. So it is two versus one. Also the jinchuuriki will fight in a secluded place when faced with such strong adversary. In order to fight them using their full powers, because no one is gonna help a jinchuuriki anyway." Tsunade grimaced, it was the harsh truth. But it was just for a moment as she looked back with a fire in her eyes, "So we use their formation against them."

With that she threw the file at Jiraiya. Intrigued, Hiruzen came closer to see what it was about. But just the first page was enough.

"Wait, you mean you want to …"

"Yes, I want to recreate 'Team Zero'."

There was a pause as both of them looked at the file for few seconds, before Jiraiya burst out laughing. He didn't need to read the full content. He understood what Tsunade was going for and he had to admit. It was an ingenious plan. He smirked at her, "It's my loss hime. But I have to admit you got me good this time. Still, to think of all these in a day with your busy schedule, it was something."

Tsunade groaned inwardly. Of course, there was no way she could have fooled him all the way.

"I had help."

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Flashback

One Day Ago

Naruto gulped as he looked at the door of Tsunade's private study room. It wasn't that he was as confident as he was the day before, he just didn't know what would be the outcome. And that was scaring him this time.

When Jiraiya told him about his intention, he was angry. After talking with Raiju, he knew that he was being stubborn. But he didn't want to budge. For thirteen years, he was alone. And now when he finally has a family and his life was looking good, Jiraiya was trying to take him away. Raiju did point out that it was his way of thinking. But Raiju was also against the toad sage's idea, for a different reason. Because it would be hard to hide his existence from someone like Jiraiya. Raiju didn't know the man personally but the title 'Spymaster of Konoha' was enough for him.

So he helped him to talk it out with Tsunade. Although she wasn't taking Jiraiya's side fully, she wasn't also taking their side. But the thing was, she was thinking of Naruto's safety, first and foremost. And that helped him to take the next step.

"Come on kid, the door isn't gonna open if you just stand there."

Naruto nodded and nervously knocked. When he heard 'come in', with a gulp he went inside.

Tsunade was sitting just like yesterday, looking bored. But the look of boredom was gone as soon as Naruto entered.

"So brat, you got what I asked for?" Tsunade asked directly.

"Promise me, you won't freak out." Naruto said nervously.

Now that piqued Tsunade's interest. She gave a nod of acknowledgement.

There was another reason Raiju wasn't so keen on letting Jiraiya to take Naruto. It was because of what Jiraiya wanted Naruto to learn. Raiju was able to figure out that for some reason Jiraiya wanted Naruto to learn the way of the toad sage techniques. The thing was the way Naruto was learning senjutsu, toad style would only hamper him. And also Raiju had thought of a special summoning style for Naruto. But under the eyes of Jiraiya it would be hard to pull off. So there was only one way to guarantee that Jiraiya wouldn't take Naruto to that three years training trip.

"Someone like her won't freak out. But I do hope you let me speak first before barraging me with questions." Raiju came out from thin air and revealed himself to the Fifth Hokage.

And that way was, to tell her about him and the truth about Naruto's powers.

Flashback Ends

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Jiraiya grinned, "You had help."

Tsunade just hummed in response.

"Regardless," Hiruzen cut in, "It is a well-thought idea. But first we have to tell the members about it."

"None of them are on any missions," Tsunade snapped her finger and an Anbu came in, "Tell these shinobi to meet me after lunch break." She gave the Anbu a paper. The Anbu nodded back and vanished.

"Guess, all we have to do now is to wait." Hiruzen relaxed as he started to go through the file again.

"By the way hime, about the bet ..."

"Sake is included."

"You are gonna suck me dry, aren't you?"

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Done.

From time to time I will focus on other rookie members, to give their characters more depth. So many of them! Hope I can pull it off.

Till next time then.