A/N-1: A reviewer told me that I am skipping a lot of content. Perhaps I am but Naruto is the main focus. I know I'm not the greatest writer but I am writing the story how I want. This chapter will be fast paced like an anime or movie but fast forwarded. Also your concerns about Fū will be answered. Thank you to everyone for their support and let's begin.
Disclaimer- I Don't own Naruto
Zanpakuto
Biju/Summon
Hollow Mask
CH-12
Naruto clutches his chest in disbelief as fū stares with a sneer on her face but she glances back as sasuke appears with guren, shizuka and two more people. One is a tall, muscular young man with orange hair and red-orange eyes. His attire is black pants and sandals with a muscle shirt and button on sleeves, hanging loosely on his arms. The other has shark-like teeth and straight white hair with a light-blue tint, and almond shaped purple eyes. His attire is a purple, sleeveless shirt with blue pants, sandals and a belt around his waist with water bottles.
"Teme" naruto hisses.
"Hehehe.. He's not so tough" the white hair says. Sasuke stares at naruto but looks up and his eyes narrow, sitting on a branch was naruto with a blank look on his face.
"You were saying Suigetsu" guren says, sneering at him. The naruto on the ground turns to sand as the real naruto folds his hands in his lap, "Now I can give credit.. Where credit is due and here we have that situation" he says, his eyes on fū.
"Are you angry Dobe" sasuke sneers but naruto scoffs, waving his hand.
"Oh I'm Livid but I can admit it was clever.. You used your fancy eyes to make Fū your tool.. Need every advantage to kill Itachi.. Let alone me" naruto comments, a smile on his face.
"I told you Naruto.. I will do whatever it takes to Kill Itachi and You for that matter.. Enslaving this Jinchuriki for my use is one thing.. I have even gathered those who's power will destroy those in my path" sasuke declares. Naruto looks over the group with calculating eyes, "Indeed you have.. Quite the menagerie" he says, dropping from the branch.
"Replaced Sakura already huh" naruto says and sasuke scoffs.
"I told you Dobe.. Sakura gave herself to me for my ambition and allowed me to gain the Mangekyō" sasuke declares, with no remorse. Naruto tilts his head with a blank look on his face, "I read the autopsy report.. Could even look her in the eye when you killed her.. The One person who loved you wholeheartedly" he says. Sasuke grits his teeth with his Sharingan coming to life, "Watch your words Dobe" he hisses but naruto scoffs, giving his old teammate a smirk.
"Sasuke.. Is that him" the orange hair interjects, causing sasuke to smirk.
"Yes it's him Jūgo.. He murdered Kimimaro" sasuke says and naruto narrows his eyes. Jūgo grits his teeth as his muscles bulge and his skin darkens, "I'm gonna kill you" he shouts.
"Looks similar to the Runt's markings" kurama comments. Jūgo's left arm changes and gains spikes and claws as he launches forward with impressive speed. Naruto stays motionless as jūgo closes the gap between them, "Die" jūgo howls, swinging his enlarged arm. Naruto ducks under the haymaker left and connects with right uppercut to jūgo's chin, lifting him off his feet. Naruto clenches his left fist with a grunt and sends jūgo crashing through several trees.
"As much as I want to play with you Teme and your clique.. I need to head to Taki and report Fū's defection" naruto states but stops and wags his finger, with a tilt of his head.
"One last thing Sasuke.. Next time we meet.. It'll be for the Books" naruto says and vanishes, with wind-shunshin.
"Should we pursue Sasuke" shizuka says but sasuke shakes his head.
"No.. He's long gone.. For now we head to the southern hideout and plan for Itachi" sasuke says, glancing to see jūgo staggering out of the forest.
"Let's go Team Hebi" sasuke shouts and all of them vanish, via shunshin.
#Takigakure#
Naruto arrives at the waterfall entrance and two taki jonin appear in front of naruto, "Who are you" one shouts. Naruto raises his hitai-ate, "I'm Naruto Uzumaki.. I need to see Shibuki.. It concerns Fū" he says and both narrow their eyes, the first nodding to the second and he vanishes. Naruto folds his arms with his eyes closed and slowly gathering natural chakra.
"What did the demon do" the second says, breaking the silence. Naruto slowly opens his eyes with a ice cold look, causing the jonin to flinch and look away. Several minutes pass and the first jonin arrives with shibuki, "Naruto.. Why are you and Where's Fū" he says.
"She has been taken" naruto starts and shibuki's breath hitches, clenching his fists.
"I knew it was a mistake to send her to the Chunin exams" shibuki states.
"It wouldn't have mattered.. She was already compromised before she arrived in Suna" naruto states and shibuki furrows his brow.
"Sasuke Uchiha" naruto continues and shibuki's eyes widen in horror, "He knows how to infiltrate Taki and his Sharingan could take control of her as well.. She fooled her handlers and everyone but me" he adds.
"What do you mean" shibuki asks.
"In our letters.. Fū calls me Naru-nii but the entire time at the exams.. She called me Naruto" naruto replies. Shibuki stays silent and looks naruto in the eye, "Follow me.. I need to inform my council.. Any information you have can help us going forward" he says and naruto slowly nods. Shibuki and naruto head through the waterfall entrance, "What will they do" kurama states.
"If that Jonin is any indication.. Taki's council will force Shibuki's hand" naruto thought. They soon reach shibuki's main house and he calls for his council, which takes several minutes for them arrive.
"Why would Sasuke take Fū" shibuki asks, waiting for his council. Naruto slips a vanilla cigarette into his mouth and lights with his zippo, "Sasuke's sole reason for living is to kill his older brother Itachi and Avenge his clan.. So to gain any advantage.. He chose Fū for her power.. More than likely as a sacrifice" he explains, causing shibuki to gasp. The council soon arrives and shibuki starts to explains the situation concerning fū.
"We should mark her as a Missing-nin and finally be rid of her" one says and a few agree.
"Konoha should compensate us for this.. Since the one to take it is a Konoha Missing-nin" a second says.
"We should wash our hands of her entirely" a third says. Naruto blows a stream a smoke with a glance to shibuki and could see the man's wavering resolve.
"Fū did not leave of her own accord.. Naruto believes Sasuke Uchiha seeks to use her as a shield in a battle with his brother Itachi Uchiha" shibuki explains.
"Then all the reason to rid of her.. Shibuki-sama it was mistake to allow that girl to participate in the exams but there is a silver lining.. Banishment" the third states and shibuki gasps, his eyes widening.
"I Second it.. Banishment is perfect way to rid ourselves of her" the first says and many on the council agree. Shibuki clenches his fists in his lap with gritted teeth, "What can I do" he thought.
"Unlike Konoha.. Shibuki can be outvoted on matters.. Sasuke pulling this stunt is a perfect opportunity for them to legally get rid of Fū" naruto thought.
"Let us put the motion of Banishment to a vote" the second states, raising his hand and all the council follow suit. Several tears run down shibuki's face as the motion was passed, "I thought Fū had made strides but I wrong" he thought.
"You people Disgust me" naruto interjects, rising to his feet. The council were about to admonish and berate naruto but the blond's eyes bleed red and his whiskers thicken.
"I am like Fū too.. A Jinchuriki and like her I was hated for my existence.. I thought it was isolated our village or Suna but it seems I was mistaken" naruto says and looks to shibuki.
"I'll inform Hokage-sama of this development and She will not be Happy" naruto adds, excusing himself and make the council flinch as he passes.
"Naruto wait" shibuki shouts, catching up to the blond. Naruto stops in his tracks and sighs, "I don't blame you Shibuki but I promise you.. I'll save Fū and keep her safe" he says and shibuki slowly nods.
"Thank you Naruto" shibuki says and naruto dives into the lake, returning to the waterfall entrance.
#Konohagakure#
Tsuande slams her fist on her desk with gritted teeth, "How can they banish a kidnapped victim" she hisses. Hiruzen takes a few puffs of his pipe, "According to Naruto-kun's oral report.. Taki's council has been looking for a opportunity to banish or get rid of her" he says.
"The Nanabi has been in their possession for decades.. To give up such power and endanger our alliance is quite arrogant on their part" shikaku comments. Tsunade leans back in her chair with a sigh, "Their village is well hidden compared to others.. Having the Nanabi brings unnecessary attention.. Hell they only one Missing-nin in their entire history" she says.
"Taki has always been secretive about things and put their heads in the sand about world affairs.. War is simmering under the surface and they wish not to involve themselves.. Exiling young Fū and considering that we compensate them for her is disconcerting" hiruzen states.
"We'll focus on them once Shibuki makes his decision on this matter.. Now let's turn our attention on the Chunin exams" tsunade states and the room becomes sullen.
"Fifteen Genin killed in such a manner" shikaku says.
"Iwa took advantage of our choice to bring in Chunin" tsunade says.
"However they failed in their objective and two of them were killed.. Even getting to them to admit their actions" shikaku states. Hirzuen relights his pipe with a sigh, "Iwa will disavow them.. If we press them on their actions but Naruto-kun sent a message back to Onoki" he states.
"Will you promote Naruto to Jonin" shikaku asks. Tsunade leans forward and cups her fingers under her chin, "Even without the exams I was gonna promote him.. He's killed three S-class Missing-nin and his accomplishments merit it" she says.
"Also should War break out.. He will be leading his Genin classmates" tsunade adds and both men thought for a moment.
"Shikamaru should be his second in command" shikaku comments and tsunade leans back in her chair once again, slowly nodding.
"Make sure to kick your son in the ass to motivate him" tsunade says and shikaku rubs his head, with a slow nod and a mutter of troublesome.
#-#
"Will this suffice Namikaze-sama" an older man says. Naruto kneels in front a small memorial in the backyard of his house, "Yes.. Thank you.. A clone will see you out" he says, as a clone comes to live. Naruto says a silent prayer once the man was gone, "I can't lay your body to rest but I hope this suffices" he thought. Naruto heads inside and takes a shower, before laying on the sofa to await anko and kuroshiro's return. The blond slips into his mindscape and pushes open the doors of the gothic church.
"She was your nurse maid" kurama asks and naruto slowly nods.
"Hanako reminded me of Orihime" naruto comments. Zetsuei appears with a slight look on her face, "I would agree.. A bright soul taken before her time" she says and naruto slowly nods.
#Small Flashback#
Naruto was feeling triumphant as he has rolled over for the time in his brief three month old body. The former captain spent his days since his birth in the care of an orphanage but many in the place didn't care for him. The door to his room opens and naruto turns to see a young woman with brown hair in a bun, with warm grey eyes and a gentle aura.
"Naru-chan" she says, rushing in and picking him up. Naruto sighs mentally with a look on his tiny body, "Hanako.. The only nice person here" he thought.
"Naru-chan you always make such face.. It's not cute for a baby" hanako chides and naruto smiles, causing her to squeal. Hanako places naruto back in his crib and he shows he can roll over on his own.
"Oh Naru-chan is so smart" hanako says, shaking his little hand. Time passes and naruto continue grow, learning to crawl and walk under the watchful eye of hanako. Naruto lays in his bed as his second birthday comes to end, hanako laying with him to keep him safe. Hanako rubs the little blond on his cheek, "Just you wait Naru-chan.. I plan to ask the Sandaime to adopt you.. Then you'll be my blond little man" she whispers. Naruto opens his eyes with a hopeful look on his face, "I would like that" he thought, unaware that this was their last night together.
#End Flashback#
Naruto opens eyes and stares at the ceiling, "I would have liked that.. Mom" he muses. The door opens as anko and kuroshiro enter, "We're home" she shouts. Naruto sits up with a rub of his eyes, "Welcome back" he says, as kuroshrio comes up for scritches.
"What's wrong" anko says. Naruto looks up with a sigh, "Nothing.. Just thinking about Hanako" he muses. Anko squats down and looks into his blue eyes, "I wish I could've met her" she says, touching their foreheads. Kuroshiro comes up between and rubs naruto's legs as anko pulls back, "Oh while I out.. I saw Ino and she wants a date tonight at six" she says. Naruto shakes his head with a snort and rises to his feet with a pop of his joints, "I could take her to the Golden Leaf" he says and anko whistles.
"Never took me there" anko says and naruto wraps his arms around her waist.
"You wouldn't have fun there.. Hinata and Haku like simple dates.. Akimichi BBQ or Ichiraku or even a simple picnic" naruto says and anko thumps his chest.
"Yeah Blondie is high class.. Gotta treat the Princess well" anko muses.
"Wanna help pick out something to wear" naruto says and anko smirks, leading him upstairs. A few hours later naruto was knocking on the yamanaka's flower shop door, dressed in black slack and dress shoes. A white dress shirt with an orange tie and black suit vest with his hair parted to the right, covering his right eye. The door opens as inoichi stands in the doorway with the intimidating father aura surrounding him, "Ino will be out in a moment" he says, leaking his aura.
"Daddy we've gone out four times and you do this every time" ino chides, stepping out from behind her father. The fellow blonde wears a purple blouse with a black knee length skirt with a slit to her mid thigh and her hair free.
"I know princess but you can't be to careful with boys" inoichi says and ino waves him off. Naruto gives a slight bow to inoichi and the pair head off to the golden leaf, "So where we going for our date" ino asks.
"The Golden Leaf" naruto replies. The pair soon arrive at the restaurant and lead to a booth to the rear of the place, "Shall I start with drinks" the waiter says, fake smile in place.
"Sparkling Water for us both" naruto says and the waiter nods, slinking off.
"She was faking everything" ino says and naruto snorts, with a nod.
"Some people still can't see pass their fears" naruto muses, perusing the menu. Ino looks at her own menu with a glance to naruto, "He knows they might do something" she thought. The waiter comes back with their drinks, "Are you ready to order" she says.
"I'll take the Fish and Shrimp special" ino says and the waiter smiles, turning to naruto.
"The Steak medium rare and potato with full fixings" naruto says and the waiter nods, writing things down.
"Alright I'll get this to the chef" the waiter says, excusing herself. Naruto takes a sip of his drink with a glance to ino, "So how are Asuma-sensei and Choji" he asks. Ino takes a few sips of her sparkling water, "They're doing better.. Choji's surgery went well and Sensei won't lose his arm but has some nerve damage" she replies and naruto slowly nods.
"That's good" naruto says. The pair make small talk about various things until their food was brought to them but ino noticed naruto's steak was overcooked.
"Here you are.. Anything else" the waiter says, fake smiling. Ino was about to say something naruto's steak but naruto shakes his head, allowing the waiter to leave.
"Naruto" ino says but naruto shakes his head.
"I don't wanna ruin our date.. Besides it's not so bad" naruto says, taking a bite and ino frowns. Naruto pours some butter on his potato, "So how was the exams" ino asks, after a bite of fish.
"It was a an eye opening experience.. I fought teams from Ame.. Kumo.. Iwa and an interesting fighter from Suna" naruto starts but frowns, "However the Iwa Chunin decided to take advantage of the rules and killed all the Genin" he adds and ino gasps.
"How horrible" ino whispers and naruto slowly nods.
"Is everything alright.. Refills or other foods" the waiter says, walking up.
"More sparkling water please" naruto says and the waiter fake smiles, turning to ino but the blonde shakes her head. The pair continue to eat their meals and make small talk about things, "Anko told me you're part timing at T&I" naruto says.
"Yeah it's a goal of mine to replace Daddy as head of his division" ino replies. The waiter returns with the water and the check, "When you are ready" she says, fakeness on max. Naruto downs his water with several gulps and pulls a card out his vest, "Here you are and a Ten percent gratuity" he says. The waiter takes the card but gasps as naruto stares at her with half-open eyes, "Y-yes I'll be right back" she says.
"Do you wanna get some desert on the way back" naruto asks but ino shakes her head.
"That would be nice but I have early day tomorrow" ino replies and naruto slowly nods. The waiter quickly returns with his bill and the pair slip out the restaurant, "I think next time.. We should try Akimichi's" ino comments, her hand slowly slipping into naruto's.
"How about something more homemade.. I have recipe I want to try" naruto say and ino cups her chin.
"It's not the Philly sandwich Hinata told me about" ino asks but naruto shakes his head, ruffling his hair.
"Naw.. Something different.. You might like it" naruto replies. Ino leans into his shoulder as they make their way back to her home, "I think I can get use to this" she thought.
"Well.. We're here" naruto says, shaking ino from her thoughts. Ino lets go his hand and kisses naruto on the cheek, "Good night Naruto.. See ya" she says, with a sway of her hips. Naruto watches her leave and loosens his tie, "Oof.. Anko is gonna have a field day with Ino" he thought.
#Iwagakure#
Kū slams his fist into a stone wall with a look of rage on his face, "Curse that demon" he hisses. Onoki sits at his desk reading the oral report of kokuyō, "His Father's sins are his sins" he says, tossing the report.
"How was there a survivor.. You assured us that no one would know we did the attacks.. Now Konoha knows" kurotsuchi says, her arms folded. Kū shoots his cousin a dark look, "It was Orochimaru's former apprentice.. Of course that bitch would be as slippery as a snake" he says.
"Even if Konoha knows.. They won't be the aggressors" onoki states.
"What should we do Grandfather.. Perhaps hire Akatsuki to kill him" kū states.
"He's killed two of their members but I've heard rumors they took Han and Roshi.. I can no longer trust them" onoki states.
"What's Kumo's take on things" kurotsuchi asks. Onoki rubs his back with a sigh, "Ei is hot-headed.. Sooner or later he'll make a move and we'll take advantage of it" he says. A Stone Anbu appears with a scroll, "Tsuchikage-sama.. A report from our spies in Taki" he says. Onoki floats out of his desk and takes the scroll, opening it and reading it contents.
"Hmm seems the Nanabi Jinchuriki was banished after being taking the younger Uchiha brother.. Also members of their council are thinking of breaking away from Konoha" onoki states.
"If that's the case.. Our forces could slip into Konoha" kū states, reading the report himself.
"Konoha gave Taki their Jinchuriki.. This has allowed them to be spoken on the main stage and would give that up" kurotsuchi says.
"They were attacked years ago by a Missing-nin for their Hero-water and the Jinchuriki.. They're cowards.. The only other Missing-nin is Kakuzu but only that's the oldest.. I'll draft a letter to them and gauge them.. Their leader is spineless" onoki states.
"I will personally lead the forces with Kurotsuchi as my second" kū states.
"We will see.. We will see Kū" onoki states. Kū excuses himself and makes his way to Stone Mercy Hospital, "Curse you Demon" he thought, finding kokuyō's room and kirara sitting next to his bed.
"Forgive me Kū-sama.. I failed against the Demon of the Flash" kokuyō says.
"You will get your chance to avenge Seikei and Kakō.. Grandfather will grant me a force of shinobi and Akuta.. We will lure out the Demon Flash and Erase him from existence" kū says.
"Will he easily lured out" kirara states. Ku folds his arms with a scowl on his face, "It will not matter.. Once Konoha learns our forces on the move.. They'll send him like his demon of a father him" he explains.
#Amegakure#
Konan could barely contain her shame and anger as her eyes were on the pleading eyes of ajisai. The young kunoichi was bleeding from her chest as a black rod was sticking out her back, "L-lady A-ang-el.. W-hy" she sputters. Deva-pein wrenches the chakra rod free and ajisai collapses next to her deceased teammates.
"Why Nagato" konan says, her voice slight above a whisper. Deva-pein turns with unblinking eyes, "They failed God" he says.
"The Nanabi and Kyubi were too powerful for them to even attempt to subdue.. You can't fault them Nagato" konan says. Deva-pein's eyes narrow and looks over the corpses of their genin, "No matter" he says.
"So we kill our people for failure now.. Do we become like the large villages now.. Nagato this is not you.. We seek Peace not Mindless killing" konan says.
"Stop calling me that.. I have forsaken the name Nagato.. I am Pein the God of Ame" deva-pein says, walking pass her. Konan stays motionless but paper starts to break away from her to cover the bodies of ajisai and the others. Deva-pein enters a chamber with five other bodies in pods as a swirl forms next to him.
"Zetsu relayed your message to me" tobi states.
"Yes with the loss of Hidan.. You will need to take a more active role.. You'll be pairing with Deidara" deva-pein states. Tobi narrows his eyes inside his mask, "That foolish artist.. No matter our plans will push forward" he says. Deva-pein takes a seat on one of the slabs, "Peace will happen" he says, as the pod closes. Tobi stares with a swirl of his Sharingan and leaves the chamber as zetsu rises from the floor, "Report" tobi says.
"Sasuke has taken the Nanabi for himself" white-zetsu says.
"Hoh.. Sasuke is becoming quite shrewd.. Perhaps its time to replace Itachi.. What about the Sanbi" tobi says.
"It's reformed but still weak" black-zetsu replies and tobi cups his chin.
"Deidara and I will capture it.. Send word to the others.. Also lead Sasuke to Itachi" tobi says and zetsu sinks back into the floor.
"You thought you could fool me Itachi.. Once Sasuke learns the truth about our clan.. He'll destroy Konoha for us" tobi thought, sucking himself into his eye.
#Kumogakure#
Karui shrinks under the steely gaze of ei, "Forgive me Raikage-sama but Naruto Uzumaki is not a normal Jinchuriki" she says. Ei picks up her report with a glance between darui and shee, "Konoha is bold to send him into the exams but the kid sent a message loud and clear" he says, dismissing karui.
"So what do we do Boss" darui asks. Ei places the report down and rises from his seat to look out the window, "I think its time to formally join forces with Iwa" he says.
"Is that wise Raikage-sama.. Iwa has vehemently been hot-headed towards Konoha and the Kiiroi Senko.. The Tsuchikage has even levied such a huge bounty on his son" shee states.
"Minato Namikaze is spoken of in either Terrified whispers or Reverent tones.. He ended the Third War for Iwa by killing One Thousand of their forces.. I respect him and fought him several times.. Now his son is making his name known" ei says and clenches his right fist, "I want to see Kumo stand as the strongest of the Five Great Villages.. To do it Naruto Uzumaki must Die" he adds.
"Onoki-sama is a stubborn man.. He won't be happy if we took out Uzumaki" darui says.
"Onoki will accept anything as long as the kid is dead and Konoha falls.. I'll draw up the terms of our alliance and I also have plan to test the kid as well" ei says, intriguing his subordinates.
#One Week Later-Konoha#
"Take this to this location" tsunade says, handing naruto a slip of paper. Naruto tilts his head in confusion but tsunade waves her hand, "Just go.. Things will be revealed" she says. Naruto sighs and vanishes with a raiton-shunshin, "What do you think" he thought.
"Who knows.. Perhaps she wants to punish you for Danzo" kurama comments but naruto scoffs. The blond arrives at the location but found a nondescript building, "This the place" he thought, reaching the door. The door slams open as shikaku was standing in the doorway, "Well come on.. The Exams is about to start" he says.
"Exams" naruto questions, following shikaku inside. The older nara takes naruto's slip with a chuckle, "Hokage-sama intended to promote you to Tokubetsu Jonin after the Chunin exams but decided to change her mind.. You'll be taking the Jonin exams" he explains. Naruto sighs and enters the room to find at least a dozen chunin or tokubetsu jonin waiting.
"Punishment.. Fufufufu" kurama comments. Naruto takes a seat at the rear of the room as shikaku clears his throat, "Welcome to the Jonin Exams.. I'm Shikaku Nara and I'll be the proctor for the exams" he starts and pauses.
"Before you is a Two hundred and fifty questionnaire.. You were given fifty of the answers yesterday in your packet.. You have the next hour to finish the remaining two hundred.. Begin" shikaku finishes. Naruto frowns and looks down at his paper, "Definitely punishment" he thought.
"She may not be able to punish you for Danzo but this a way to test you" zetsuei says, manifesting. Naruto spins his pen between his fingers, answering on occasion on what he knew and what zetsuei could find for him.
"Similar to the Chunin exams but more questions and the others were prepared before hand" naruto thought, as the hour passed.
"Times up.. Report to Anbu HQ for the second round" shikaku declares. The jonin hopeful rise from their seats and exit the room, for Anbu headquarters but a few were looking at naruto. The blond kept his eyes closed as he followed the group but could feel some of the negative emotions from a few older tokubetsu jonin. The group reaches the headquarters and are met by Neko, "Follow me" she says, the group following.
"You will give one hour to break a prisoner for information.. We already know the information.. You are to give us the exact same information" neko explains. Naruto stops at his door with an adjust of his goggles, "Simple or Hard I wonder" he thought, entering. The prisoner was a rotund man with ratty hair and a smug look on his face, "I won't talk" he sneers.
"You've already talked.. I just need you talk again" naruto says, rounding the table. The prisoner spits on the table, "Fuck you" he says but screams, as naruto snaps back his left index finger.
"You have nine more.. Every time you don't answer.. Well you can guess" naruto says. Five minutes later naruto steps out the room as the prisoner was weeping with seven broke fingers, "Brutal.. Expected from someone who could wrangle Anko" wolf says. Naruto shrugs his shoulders but wolf slips a black bag over naruto's head and both of them vanish.
"The final exams is show of your combat skills.. Good luck" wolf says and the room goes silent. Naruto rips the bag from his head to pitch black room but senses at least two dozen people inside.
"Interesting" naruto thought but his body seizes and his chakra feels severely drained. Naruto rises to his full height and rolls his neck, "Before we start.. Anyone wanna get out" he says but only hears, rapid footsteps. Ten minutes pass and wolf opens the door, flicking the lights on but freezes as only naruto was standing with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. The blond has several bruises on his arms, face with a busted lip and bleeding nose.
"Tell Ero-sennin.. Clever with the seals.. It was fun" naruto says, blowing a stream of smoke. Naruto steps out of the room and tsunade was standing with shikaku, holding a jonin vest.
"Congratulation Jonin Uzumaki" tsunade says. Naruto bows deeply and takes the vest, "Thank you Hokage-sama" he says.
"Follow me" tsunade says and the pair return to the hokage tower. Tsunade takes a seat at her desk as naruto stood at attention, "First you don't have to lead a team of Genin right out of the gate but I want you to lead a special team" she starts.
"What sort of team" naruto asks. Tsunade rests her chin on her propped up hands, "Your Fellow Rookies.. Haku Momochi and Karin Uzumaki.. All of you are close in age and to be honest I doubt many would take orders from you.. So I chose this route" she explains.
"That's fine with me.. Neji is a Jonin so I would take him as my second command or Shikamaru for that matter" naruto says and tsunade nods.
"To be honest Naruto.. War is coming from either Iwa.. Kumo or even Akatsuki and given your past.. You can whip them into shape if needed" tsunade explains.
"It may be sooner rather than later" jiraiya says, sitting in the window.
"Jiraiya" tsunade says and jiraiya smiles but sees the jonin vest in naruto's hand.
"Ohh you got promoted" jiraiya says and naruto smiles, ruffling his hair. Tsunade rubs her forehead, "You can go Naruto.. I'll speak to Jiraiya" she says and naruto slowly nods and excuses himself.
"So what did you find" tsunade states. Jiraiya sighs and rubs his neck, "Let's talk over some drinks" he says, laughing a bit. The last two loyal sannin head to a bar in the village, "Alright start talking" tsunade says.
"I've found the hideout of the Akatsuki leader" jiraiya says. Tsunade's eyes slowly widen as jiraiya pours her a drink, "Their leader is hiding in Amegakure" he says and her breath hitches.
"Ame has extremely tight border control and check the purpose of visits and how long people stay.. It does sound like a place where they could hide" tsunade says.
"Indeed.. Ame has been secretive for years.. It's the perfect place to hide shameful truths" jiraiya says and tsunade furrows her brow.
"It seems as the country was engulfed in a civil war and spilt the village in two.. Rumors have the Akatsuki leader in charge of one of the sides" jiraiya says. Tsunade takes several pulls directly from the sake bottle, "Ame is surrounded by Earth.. Wind and Fire countries.. It's always been a warzone between our countries.. Naruto's report from the exams may confirm your suspicions" she says and jiraiya tilts his head.
"A Genin team from Ame was sent to search for Jinchuriki and were prepared with major chakra suppression tags" tsunade explains.
"I see then I have even more cause to infiltrate Ame to verify the information" jiraiya says. Tsunade gasps and slams her fist on the table, "You can't.. It's too dangerous" she says.
"I am one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin.. You should know that carries weight" jiraiya says and tsunade frowns, looking away slightly.
"Sorry.. I'm always putting you in shitty situation" tsunade says but jiraiya laughs.
"I'm serious.. Sarutobi-sensei wanted you as his successor before me" tsunade says but jiraiya scoffs.
"I preferred to be on my own.. I needed to bring Orochimaru back from the abyss.. So much I neglect my Godson" jiraiya says and sighs, "But I don't have to worry about" he muses, as the mood becomes somber and the two old friends begin to reminisce about the past.
#-#
Anko shakes naruto from side to side with a huge grin on her face, "Congrats Naru-kun.. Now we're both Jonin" she crows.
"Congratulation Naruto-kun.. Indeed Naruto-kun.. Way to go" hinata, haku and ino say in succession. Naruto rubs his neck with sheepish look on his face, "Thanks but I won't stop here.. My goal is become Hokage and I will" he says.
"So you will be leaving Team-7" hinata asks.
"Most likely.. Baa-chan wants to me to lead the Rookies.. Haku and Karin as one large squad.. I'll ask her to allow to add Anko and Tayuya as well" naruto says and anko smirks.
"Why does Shishou want you to lead such a force" hinata asks.
"More than likely that all of you will work with me.. War is coming and all of need to be prepared" naruto says and raises his left fist, clenching it.
"Which why I need to completely master Kurama's chakra" naruto says and all four them gasp.
"Don't you think you're strong enough already with that Sennin Modo" ino asks.
"I need every advantage.. My Dad sealed Kurama inside for reason and that reason is protect the place he and mom called home.. Despite the people who hate me" naruto explains.
"Then we need to get stronger too" anko says, as hinata and haku nod but ino frowns, at prospect of major training.
"Don't worry Ino.. Everyone will work towards their strengths.. I'll probably split everyone into smaller squads as well" naruto says and ino slowly nods.
"I'll meet with everyone tomorrow and start planning things out" naruto says and all of them nod.
#-#
Jiraiya rubs tsunade's back as she takes a seat on a bench, "Geez.. You usually drink more than me" he says. Tsunade looks up at the setting sun as children run home, "Akatsuki.. This guy is able to control such a group of powerful people" she starts.
"You don't know how strong he or she is and you wanna waltz into Ame" tsunade adds, rubbing her forehead. Jiraiya rises from the bench with a sigh, "Well.. I should be on my way" he says, his back to tsunade.
"Come back alive" tsunade whispers and jiraiya turns back with a concerned look.
"If I lose you too.. I would" tsunade states.
"You'd cry for me.. I'm so honored but not as much as when Dan or Nawaki died" jiraiya says and she mutters idiot.
"Listen Tsunade you have Naruto and Shizune to keep you smiling" jiraiya says but snaps his fingers.
"How about a bet then.. Bet on me dying.. Knowing you.. You'll lose" jiraiya starts and tsunade's eyes widen and flicker.
"Then I'll come back alive.. Hahahaha.. I'm just joking.. I'm really grateful to you.. Getting rejected makes a man stronger and if he can't laugh it off.. He can't fulfill his duties as a man" jiraiya says.
"Jiraiya if anything happens.. Use your toads.. Contact me or Naruto.. We'll come immediately" tsunade says. Jiraiya picks up his large scroll, "There's no need for that.. You need to stay in the village as Hokage.. As for Naruto.. Well it's a thing between men" jiraiya says and turns on his heels. Tsunade grips her haori as jiraiya walks off but says nothing as he gives her the thumbs up, "See you around" he says, as tears run down her cheeks. Jiraiya walks with a determined pace towards the main of konoha but waiting at the gate was naruto. The blond leans on the gate with his arms folded and face blank but he slowly pushes off the gate. No words were spoken as student and master approach each other but naruto raises his right hand. Jiraiya does the same and the pair share a high-five as they pass each, before jiraiya vanishes into shunshin.
T-B-C
A/N-2: This chapter is mainly a filler and prepare for coming battles, hence why its shorter than most chapters. A little fluff and to show how off the deep end some people have become. Sasuke taking Fū is showing how far he will go to defeat Itachi. Nagato killing Ajisai and her teammates show how delusional he has become. It will really show once he faces Naruto. One thing to note going forward and prepare for it is that Sasuke vs Itachi will happen concurrent with Naruto vs Pein. Thank you to everyone for their support and Stay Frosty.