I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters.
"Alright. Um. So now that the four of us are going to be deployed immediately, maybe we should Uh, oh man. I don't have time to throw you all in a cage so you can get acquainted with each other. So let's go. Introduce yourselves." Yamato said
"Naruto." Naruto said
"Sakura Haruno." Sakura said dryly as they didn't like Sai
"You can call me Sai." Sai said with a creepy smile
"Alright. That takes care of that. Let me give you a breakdown of team Kakashi's new mission. The four of us will head to tenchi bridge, capture the akatsuki spy, infiltrate Orichimaru's organization and bring him back. This is our best shot at gaining intelligence against Orochimaru and the Uchiha. Intelligence we can eventually use for orchestrating Orichimaru's assassination and if we're lucky, Sasuke Uchiha's retrieval. So, keep that in mind. As soon as your gear is packed and all ready to go, randevu at the main gate in exactly one hour." Yamato said and they left
Konoha hospital
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Yamato said
"What took you so long?" Tsunade asked
"I got a little held up I'm afraid." Yamato said
"Well, don't worry about it. Kakashi is waiting ." Tsunade said
Kakashi's room
"Well, sounds like they're finally here." Jiraiya said as there was a knock on the door
"Kakashi, may we come in?" Tsunade asked
"Come on in." Kakashi said
"Long time no see, Kakashi." Yamato said
"You. So, this is the Yamato you were talking about. Go figure." Kakashi said
"That's right. While I'm filling in as interim captain for team Kakashi, Yamato is going to be my code name sir." Yamato said
"You don't say." Kakashi said
"Which leads me to why I brought him here. If he's to be heading up your team Kakashi, I want him to know exactly what he's dealing with." Tsunade said
"What were about to tell you is the main reason you were selected as Kakashi's replacement." Jiraiya said
"He already knows why and so do I." Naruto said
"Naruto? What are you doing here?" Jiraiya asked
"I'm just here to pick up our so-called team leader since it's been over an hour. Looks like you were about to tell him about how he can put me in my place with his wood style." Naruto said
"We need to tell him about the nine tails cloak." Jiraiya said
"The nine tails cloak? How long has that been happening?" Yamato asked
"Since our last mission." Kakashi said
"Nope. It first happened during the Sasuke retrieval mission. I had a full tail of nine tails chakra in the nine tails cloak." Naruto said
"Then how did you lose?" Jiraiya said
"I had to fight before I fought Sasuke. While he was 100 percent healthy, I was barely 75 percent healthy and he still barely won. He was fighting to kill. I wasn't. I know my limits with the nine tails chakra and I've already told Kakashi." Naruto said
"That's right. He can handle 2 tails perfectly fine. Three tails is sorta 50/50 and the fourth tail is when hell breaks loose." Kakashi said
"I thought on our trip two tails was your limit. You would always attack me as soon as the 2nd tail came out." Jiraya said
"That's because I wanted you to actually teach me something instead of spending my money every damn night. I guess that didn't work either." Naruto said
"You could've asked." Jiraiya said
"I did. You were just too focused on your women and alcohol to listen. Don't worry I trained myself while you were getting drunk. All those scrolls on fuinjutsu you had, I learned all of them by myself. You wanted to know how I grew so tall, it's because I changed my diet. Started eating healthier and exercising more. I'm nearly at Kakashi's level." Naruto said
"Thanks to my training." Jiraiya said
"No. If you would've trained me the way I'm training now, I would be far above Kakashi. You gave me a crash course on genjutsu and some taijutsu lessons. Since I've been back, I can now break out of B-rank genjutsu. My taijutsu is better since I'm using a proper style that fits me perfectly and my ninjutsu is nearly jonin level." Naruto said
"Do you know your chakra nature yet?" Kakashi asked
"Wind, water, lightning and ice kekkei genkai." Naruto said
"Enough about your skills. Naruto, Yamato. You have a mission to complete. Dismissed." Tsunade said and Yamato vanished
"See ya, granny." Naruto said and vanished
"Care to explain yourself, Jiraiya?" Tsunade asked
"He needed to get stronger quickly and I thought that was the best way." Jiraiya said
"So, you didn't think ninjutsu and better taijutsu would help?" Tsunade asked
"He knows the rasengan and can create an army of shadow clones. I figured he already had enough." Jiraiya said
"The rasengan is a close range attack. If he were to use that against somebody who fights from a distance he'd be a sitting duck." Tsunade said
Team Kakashi
As team Kakashi were walking, Naruto kept taking glances at Sai. He didn't approve of Sai being in his team for the sole reason that he worked for Danzo. Naruto had his mission from Tsunade that he hoped he would be able to do. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't realize he was pulled into his mindscape.
Mindscape
"What the? What do you want?" Naruto asked
"I just want to talk." The nine tails said with a grin
"About what? Last time I was in here, you tried to eat me." Naruto said
"Yes, I know. Now the reason I am here is because I wish for a bit of freedom." The nine tails said with a grin
"Forget it." Naruto said
"Let me finish! I overheard this mission you have may involve Orochimaru. I also want payback from what he did during the chunin exams. Slapping a five pronged seal on you affected me as well." The nine tails said
"What exactly are you asking for?" Naruto asked
"During your fight, you'll have no choice but to use three tails of my chakra. I just want to take over and use no more than four tails to get my revenge." The nine tails said
"As much as I'd hate to disagree with you, you're right. Give me your word and I'll let you take over, but no more than four tails." Naruto said and held out a fist
"He couldn't possibly know about that." The nine tails thought
"Are you gonna leave me hanging? Deal or no deal?" Naruto asked
"Deal." The nine tails said and laid back down
"Come on. Bump fists with me." Naruto said
"No." The nine tails said
"Fine. Be that way." Naruto said and left
"Maybe if he continues to grow." The nine tails thought
Real world
"Well, what is it? If you keep staring at me, I will hit you." Sai said to Naruto
"Touch me and this time I won't keep you alive. I'm sure you still remember what happened last time." Naruto said
"What happened last time?" Sakura asked
"He attacked me, Shikamaru and Choji while we were talking. He's only alive because I spared him and took him to granny Tsunade." Naruto said
"Why would you attack him?" Sakura asked
"I was given orders to do so." Sai said
"Tsunade wouldn't give you orders to attack Naruto." Sakura said
"That's because he doesn't answer to Tsunade. He answers to somebody else who thinks he should run the village. Isn't that right, Sai?" Naruto asked
"I am not at liberty to say." Sai said
"Figures. We don't need somebody like you on our team." Naruto said
"That's enough. That is no way to talk. Especially not in front of me, your team captain, Naruto. Mutual respect and trust are essential elements of teamwork. Wasn't it Kakashi who taught you that? You were a part of a team that was led by the great Kakashi. Lose the attitude." Yamato said
"First of all, you aren't the team captain. You're just a stand in. Second of all, you speak to me and yet he was the one who threatened me with bodily harm. He's not part of our team and neither are you. I'd rather have Sasuke back on the team than this guy. He's nothing but a stand in. That's all he is." Naruto said
"Well, I'm glad. I'm glad that's how you feel. Sasuke is a traitor. He betrayed the leaf and joined Orochimaru. Yes you're right. I'm not him at all. I'm not a traitorous cockroach. I can't fill in for someone like him." Sai said
"You are a traitor. That entire organization you work for is nothing but traitors to the leaf. I know how your boss operates. He's a danger to the village and if I have to, I'll gladly take out one of his little pawns. Do not get on my bad side. It won't end well for you. You may be in that division of anbu, but I'm the strongest on this team and I won't have a problem showing you why." Naruto said
"Remember what's important, Naruto. It's teamwork. Calm down. Sai, Naruto was out of line, but it's just because he doesn't know you well enough yet. I'm sorry. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him." Sakura said playing peacemaker
"I'm glad we have one level headed person on the team." Yamato said
"Oh don't worry. He doesn't bother me in the least." Sai said
"Good. That's a relief." Sakura said
"He's just a weak boy who has more mouth than skill." Sai said and then he had a fist buried in his gut making him cough up blood
"Naruto!" Sakura said and went to heal Sai
"I warned you." Naruto said and walked away
"This is going to be a long mission." Yamato thought
Tenchi bridge
"Alright we're here. I just need to get into my disguise." Yamato said and used his wood style to create his disguise
"Alright. That's exactly what he looked like. Now just make your voice all raspy and deep." Sakura said
"Like this?" Yamato asked in a different voice
"Little bit. Try again." Sakura said
"Like this?" Yamato asked
"That's perfect." Sakura said
"Listen up. Our opponents will be on alert. So I want us to split up. We'll have to work as a team especially you, Naruto." Yamato said
"Just go to the damn bridge." Naruto said
"Be nice. Continue captain Yamato." Sakura said
"No one is to make a move before I give the signal. Let's go." Yamato said
They all jumped away and Yamato went to the main road that led to the bridge. Naruto, Sakura and Sai traveled through the forest to get in position. Naruto knelt down and placed his middle and index finger on the ground to see if anyone was close by. He felt Yamato walking to the bridge and then two more heading towards them. However he noticed one of them was hanging farther back trying to not be detected by Sasori's spy. Naruto looked at Sakura and nodded.
"How many?" Sakura whispered
"Just 1. He's being followed so it might get hectic." Naruto said
"Is it Orochimaru?" Sakura asked
"Don't know. Whoever it is, is making sure you can't get a proper read on their chakra signature." Naruto said
"We need to stay on guard then." Sakura said and Naruto just gave her a blank look
"Oh, right. We had to do that regardless." Sakura said and Naruto was about to respond, but he was pulled into his mindscape
Mindscape
"Again? What is it this time?" Naruto asked
"Why is your pink haired teammate such an idiot?" The nine tails asked
"I don't know. She's good at stating the obvious." Naruto said
"You could be using this time to start training on your wind chakra nature." The nine tails said
"I'm in the middle of a mission. I'm suppressing my chakra for a reason. I can't just start training while using chakra. Are you trying to get me caught?" Naruto asked
"Anything that lets me out quicker I'm willing to try. That weird human with you, Sai. He's going to betray you. He might have to get rid of his emotions for whatever he does, but all he did was suppress them. He's nervous about this mission and more importantly, he's scared of you." The nine tails said
"Good. He betrays us and that's the last thing he'll ever do." Naruto said
"I love a good fight. If the Uchiha is also there, shall I deal with him?" The nine tails asked
"No. I'll handle him." Naruto said
"Very well. Tell me something. What is it that you wish to accomplish in the world?" The nine tails asked
"Hm. I never really thought about it. All my life I've wanted to become hokage and I haven't thought of doing anything else. I guess I'll follow in pervy-sage's footsteps." Naruto said
"You now want to become a perverted hokage?" The nine tails asked amused
"NO. I'm saying that during our trip he entrusted me with a mission. A mission that he doesn't think he'll be able to complete. I'll pick up where he left off and do everything I can to bring peace amongst the shinobi world." Naruto said
"Good answer." The nine tails thought
"Seems you've missed the signal. The snake sannin is there. I guess it's showtime." The nine tails said
"Just remember your part of the deal." Naruto said and left his mind
Real world
"My my. Isn't this a surprise. I thought any mission involving any chance of returning your precious Uchiha, would certainly involve the nine tails jinchuriki." Orochimaru said
"Dammit, Naruto! You missed the signal!" Sakura thought
"I felt his chakra earlier, but I guess he was the smart one and ran away. Too bad. I was looking forward to seeing how much he's grown." Orochimaru said and chuckled
"I'm still here. I was just talking to somebody that also wants to fight you again after what happened in the forest of death." Naruto said as he appeared
"Oh? Who might that be?" Orochimaru asked and then three tails of nine tails chakra formed behind Naruto
"The nine tails." Naruto said
Kabuto activated his chakra scalpel and tried to attack Naruto from behind. Naruto heard him coming and turned to look at him causing Kabuto to freeze up for a split second. Naruto let out a yell that was so powerful that it destroyed the middle of the bridge. Kabuto was sent flying back and bumped into Sakura knocking her out. Kabuto kept going and didn't stop until his body bounced off the ground a few times then hit a couple of trees.
"He did all of that from a yell and releasing chakra." Kabuto thought as the bridge started to break
"Sakura!" Yamato said
"That chakra is powerful. It's almost as if it's acting on its own. This is the perfect opportunity. Time for my real mission to begin." Sai thought as he pulled out a scroll
"Sakura! Can you hear me?!" Yamato asked
"She must've hit her head when she fell. Of all the times to get knocked out." Yamato thought and used his wood style to stop the bridge from collapsing
"I can't hold it!" Yamato said
"Sai! Get her!" Yamato said, but Sai flew right past Sakura
"Of all the." Yamato said and saved Sakura using his wood style again
"Very well. Let's see who's stronger. You or Sasuke." Orochimaru said and before Orochimaru could react, he was swatted away by Naruto who chased after him
"Dammit! He's willingly letting the nine tails take over! I have to stop him." Yamato thought
Naruto vs Orochimaru
"Is that all you've got? Even with the power of a jinchuriki, that's the best you can do." Orochimaru said
He was standing on a tree looking down at Naruto. Orochimaru was just buying time as he was gathering chakra. During the entire fiasco with Naruto in his three tailed state, Orochimaru lost an arm and had to use his body-replacement jutsu. After his jutsu was finished, Orochimaru decided to taunt Naruto some more.
"You're no Sasuke. You're not even in his league." Orochimaru said
"You seem to think I care about that." Naruto said and Orochimaru was stunned
"You ready, nine tails?" Naruto thought
"Oh yeah. Let's get wild." The nine tails replied
Naruto started grunting as the fourth tail started to form on his back. Orochimaru was looking on curiously as Naruto's eyes turned completely red and he started to yell out in pain. His skin started to peel off of him and he was soon surrounded by a purple and black sphere.
"Well what do you know? Something about this feels different." Orochimaru said to himself
Inside the sphere, Naruto let out a yell and everything around him was destroyed. All the trees in the surrounding area were destroyed and the wind that was created was felt by Yamato and Sakura who were still on the bridge.
"The things this boy can do. I must admit. He's peaked my interest." Orochimaru said
The sphere was destroyed as well and Orochimaru was face to face with Naruto in his four tailed state. The miniature nine tails let out another roar and once again strong winds were created blowing away anything else that was around. After a brief stare off, Orochimaru decided that he was done waiting. He used his formation of ten thousand snakes jutsu and sent them all at the miniature nine tails.
The closer they got to the nine tails, each of them opened their mouths and had swords sticking out of them. The nine tails in his four tailed state waited for them to get closer and then just swiped his hand out, destroying all of the snakes easily and causing an explosion in the process. The single swipe of his hand created another shockwave that was felt for miles and put everyone on edge.
The miniature nine tails slammed both of its fists on the ground and had them move underneath the ground. Orochimaru waited patiently to see what was happening, but then had to jump away as both of the nine tails hands came from underground. Orochimaru ran away, but to his surprise the nine tails manipulated its own chakra and created another arm that followed him around.
After dodging the chakra arm for a while, Orochimaru stopped and used his hidden shadow snake hands to try and stop the attack. Once the snake made contact with the nine tails chakra, it started to burn away and Orochimaru was forced to use his body-replacement jutsu again. Orochimaru created more distance using his slithering snake mode and then sped towards the miniature nine tails giving it a strong punch to the face. The nine tails barely flinched as it just swiped its hand and cut Orochimaru in half. Suddenly snakes came from both halves of Orichimaru's body and pulled them back together, healing Orochimaru of any sign of damage.
The miniature nine tails and Orochimaru had a stare off and you could see the sweat dripping down off of Orichimaru's chin. Tiny blue and red chakra balls started to shoot out of the nine tails body and just floated around him. Orochimaru looked on curiously at this and patiently waited to see what would happen next. The four tails then formed around as the blue and red chakra balls started to gather near the nine tails mouth putting everyone on edge as it formed a dark purple sphere. The ball shrunk down into a tiny sphere and Orochimaru jumped back creating space between them.
Mindscape
"That pale skin boy and a clone of your team captain are watching us." The nine tails said
"I know. Just forget about them and fight Orochimaru." Naruto replied
Real world
The miniature nine tails opened its mouth wide and then swallowed the small sphere of condensed chakra. The chakra was so heavy that it sank into the ground and Orochimaru thought it wouldn't be able to move around now. To Orichimaru's surprise, the miniature nine tails seemed to be growing round into the shape of a ball like it was an explosion going on inside of it. The nine tails then exhaled and a blast of chakra came flying at Orochimaru. Acting quickly, Orochimaru summoned his Triple Rashōmon as a defence against the attack. However, the attack was so powerful that it destroyed all three of the gates and Orochimaru was hit by the shockwave that created an explosion.
Once the smoke cleared the miniature nine tails was standing there perfectly normal and Orichimaru's body was upside down. The effects of the explosion were visible and it wasn't pretty. Everything that was not directly in the line of the Triple Rashōmon was completely destroyed. Rumbling was heard under the ground and then a sword came out of the ground followed by Orichimaru's head, stabbing the miniature nine tails in the chest sending it back all the way to the bridge. The smoke cleared and everyone saw the miniature nine tails holding the sword that was against his chest.
"He's closer to becoming the nine tails than ever before." Kabuto said
"Naruto." Sakura said worriedly
The nine tails let out a roar that let everyone know he was pissed off. Orochimaru kept pushing the sword deeper into the stomach of the nine tails, but he couldn't pierce the chakra in order to do any damage. The nine tails simply grabbed the sword and threw it to the side like it was nothing. Kabuto, Yamato and Sakura all had to jump out of the way or they would've been killed.
"This isn't a battle between two ninjas anymore. This has become a battle between two monsters." Kabuto said
"It's pointless to keep using my snake sword when it has no effect." Orochimaru thought and retracted his sword
"Well, well. Look at that. I can't believe he'd go that far just for Sasuke." Kabuto said
"Silly human. He couldn't care less about Sasuke. He simply wanted an even fight with the snake sannin." The nine tails said
"What?" Kabuto asked
"Naruto is playing a dangerous game right now and I'm going to put an end to it." Yamato thought
"You can talk? I figured you were nothing more than a mindless beast. Oh well. The boy is gone and now only the monster remains." Kabuto said and didn't have time to dodged the fist that came from the nine tails
Kabuto was sent flying back into a tree and was injured again. Sakura was crying looking at the transformed version of Naruto as he let out another roar. She ran off towards the nine tails, yelling Naruto's name and the nine tails just looked at her.
Mindscape
"She sees a tailed beast that's fighting a sannin right now and the first thing she does is run right at it yelling my name." Naruto said
"You'd think she'd know better than to do something like that." The nine tails said
"Just don't hurt her. I'd rather not deal with the headache of Yamato trying to act all superior." Naruto said
"Come on. Just one swish of the tail. Let me knock her away." The nine tails said
"No. You've had your fun. We had a deal and I doubt Orochimaru wants to fight again right now. He probably had to regenerate again." Naruto said
"Fine. Continue to impress me and I just may deem you worthy one day." The nine tails said as it relinquished control back to Naruto
"Worthy of what?" Naruto asked, but he vanished from his mindscape
Real world
Sakura was still running towards the miniature nine tails and she was still yelling Naruto's name. Before she could do anything, wood surrounded the miniature nine tails and before it could do anything, a pulse of chakra was released from the nine tails and the wood was destroyed. Sakura was sent flying back towards Yamato who caught her and they looked on as the miniature nine tails let out a roar. Steam started to rise from the nine tails and they noticed the tails started to go away one by one. Soon the steam created a cloud and the feeling of death became less and less until the feeling completely went away. The steam cleared and Naruto was standing there perfectly fine.
"What just happened?" Yamato thought
"Naruto? Can you hear me?!" Sakura asked
"I can hear you perfectly fine, Sakura." Naruto said
"What happened to the nine tails?" Yamato asked
"He's in the cage." Naruto said
"Did you willingly let the nine tails out?" Yamato asked
"Yup. We had a common enemy and I know I'm not strong enough yet to fight him. So I made a deal with him before we headed out on the mission." Naruto said
"THAT WAS RECKLESS. YOU COULD'VE PUT THE ENTIRE TEAM AT RISK." Yamato yelled
"I could have, but I didn't. Everything was under control. Your wood style wasn't even needed. It worked out so there's nothing to worry about. Now, what did Sai give to Orochimaru?" Naruto asked
"What do you mean?" Yamato asked
"Don't play stupid. I felt him there watching the fight and I felt your clone there as well. Now what did he give him?" Naruto asked
"I don't know. My clone wasn't able to see what it was, but it was something top secret since it was in a folder and he walked away with him and Kabuto." Yamato said
"He's dead. We need to follow them." Naruto said
"You need to heal up first." Sakura said
"I'm fine. I protected myself with a few layers of my own chakra. The effects I would usually have from the chakra cloak aren't happening." Naruto said
"That's incredible." Yamato thought
"Alright. Let's go." Yamato said and made a bridge for them to walk across
Battlefield
"The ground is still soft. Sheesh. I didn't think the nine tails would do this much damage" Naruto said looking around
"Why are you treating this like it's no big deal? The fact that you willingly let a mindless beast go on a rampage is enough for you to be suspended! Get your act together! This isn't a joke! The nine tails isn't some power you can take lightly!" Yamato said
"Excuse me?" Naruto asked
"Uh, maybe we should start looking around." Sakura said
"You think I'm taking the nine tails lightly? A mindless beast? If I was taking the nine tails lightly, then Sakura wouldn't be alive right now. What kind of idiot runs towards a tailed beast crying and screaming my name? A mindless beast? If I'm not mistaken, the nine tails actually spoke when Kabuto insulted it. You need to get your act together. You couldn't even keep up with your disguise. You also didn't keep a good enough eye on Sai like you should have from the start of this mission. Your clone saw him standing there watching and knew he was plotting something and you didn't tell it to do anything. You're supposed to be an anbu, but you couldn't see that Sai was going to betray us. What's your problem with me anyway?" Naruto asked
"Do we really need to do this now?" Sakura asked
"My problem is that you're a jinchuriki that just ran off to face a sannin. You may be a chunin, but you're not ready to lead a mission if that's how you act. You're acting like a glorified genin. I'm sure master Jiraiya and lord fourth would be ashamed of your actions. I'm here to keep you in check and if I have to tie you up to do it, then it will be done." Yamato said and was punched hard in the face making him fall to the ground with a noticeable bruise
"Do NOT talk about the fourth hokage and pervy sage like you know them. You're nothing but a miracle experiment for Orochimaru that didn't backfire. As for this chunin that's not ready to lead a mission, go look at the reports from the Kazekage rescue mission! Kakashi may have been put in charge, but I was the one calling the shots. Other than Granny Chiyo, nobody died on that mission. The Kazekage was alive and I prevented his tailed beast from being extracted. You can try to tie me up if you want to, but your wood style would only work on maybe 5 tails of nine tails chakra. You're a joke." Naruto said
"Hey, look. Sai's things are scattered all over. Why would he leave his picture book? It doesn't make sense. This picture book was Sai's prized possession and here it is tossed on the ground." Sakura said quickly changing the subject
"Doesn't matter. We're finding Orochimaru's base and I'm killing Sai." Naruto said
"How are we going to find his base? We don't know where to start looking?" Sakura said
"We find him the same way we found Gaara." Naruto said and whistled
"You brought your pet Fox with you?" Sakura asked
"More like he followed me." Naruto said as Kinto came running full speed jumping onto Naruto's shoulder
"You're going to have him find the base aren't you?" Sakura asked
"I sure am." Naruto said and Sakura held Sai's book up to Kinto who sniffed it once then immediately ran off
"Let's go." Naruto said and ran off
"Right behind you, Naruto!" Sakura said and ran after him
"How did Kakashi deal with this?" Yamato thought as he ran after them
Secret base
"So this is where Orochimaru's hiding." Sakura said
"Yup. Good job, Kinto. You can head back home now." Naruto said and the fox ran off
"Before we go inside, I want the both of you to take one of these." Yamato said holding out two seeds
"What are these?" Sakura asked
"These seeds are a kind of transmitter specifically for tracking a person's movements. It's a ninja tool that is only able to work with my chakra. I planted one of these in Sai's clothing and food. I was going to use them to track him here, but your Fox beat me to the punch. Just eat them and you'll be fine." Yamato said
"Well, here it goes." Sakura said and ate hers
"I'll pass. I don't trust food given to me that wasn't prepared in front of my eyes." Naruto said and tossed it away
"That's fine. I'll still need a way to find you." Yamato said and felt the ground
"I'll find you if I need to." Naruto said and Yamato nodded
"I can barely sense the presence of anyone at all. I think we can safely assume there aren't many enemies in there. That doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Remember, one of them is Orochimaru. Presumably, Sai is with him now. I'll lead the way followed by Sakura and then Naruto." Yamato said
"So how are we going to get in there?" Sakura asked
"We'll infiltrate from underground using my earth style jutsu. We'll start by drilling a main shaft right here. When we've gone deep enough, we'll level off and tunnel our way little by little to the entrance under those standing rocks." Yamato said
"Right." Sakura said
"Once we go in there, I'm getting that folder back. Whatever is in that folder is something that shouldn't be in Orochimaru's hands." Naruto said
"I can't let you take that risk." Yamato said
"I'll be fine. I was always good at sneaking around and I picked up a few things from pervy sage. I'll be fine." Naruto said
"Fine. The moment things get bad you need to ditch the folder and find either me or Sakura. Let's get started. When I give the signal, you follow one by one in the order given." Yamato said and created a hole in the ground then jumped in it
"I thought medical ninja were supposed to hang back." Naruto said
"They are. I don't know why he chose that order." Sakura said and then they heard a whistle
"There's the signal." Naruto said and Sakura jumped down the hole then he followed her
"Alright. We need to be very careful and limit our use of chakra. We don't want Orochimaru sensing our presence. Let's go." Yamato said and they entered the hideout through a hole in a rock wall
"Successful infiltration so far." Sakura said
"First we have to find Sai. He's this way." Yamato said
"What about Sasuke?" Sakura asked
"We do the mission first and if we can, we grab him if able." Yamato said
"I'm going for the folder." Naruto said and Yamato nodded
Naruto
It took Naruto a while to actually find a room that would seem important. After walking around and checking multiple rooms, all he found was blood from failed experiments. He found a file on somebody named Karin Uzumaki and after reading it he sealed it away and destroyed all the DNA samples Orochimaru had gotten from her. He couldn't let Orochimaru experiment on a fellow Uzumaki anymore so he knew what he did was the best thing. He felt a tremor and noticed it was Sakura's chakra enhanced punch that made the vibration. He noticed Yamato and Sai were also with her, but so was Kabuto.
"Doesn't she know that we're supposed to be keeping a low profile? Orochimaru must've felt the vibration from that punch." Naruto thought
He left the room he was in and stealthily made his way around the hideout some more until he felt a certain chakra signature in a room. He narrowed his eyes and transformed into a bug and flew through the keyhole and sat on the wall. He looked up at the person and he honestly wasn't surprised to see him with the folder he was looking for writing out what appeared to be a bingo book. He was looking at the one and only Kabuto Yakushi. He overheard Kabuto talking and found out he sent a blood clone to deal with Sakura and Yamato.
Kabuto was sending out constant pulses of chakra to see if anyone entered the room, but Naruto figured out his pattern and found a hole in the pulse of chakra he would let out so he managed to sneak up on Kabuto and quickly knock him out. He picked up the folder and what it contained almost made him release all of his chakra and go on a rampage. In the folder, there were pictures of anbu that worked directly under Tsunade and Kabuto was making a bingo book with their faces and mask types on there. He burned Kabuto's bingo book he was making and left the area as he heard an explosion that shook the entire base. He used the shunshin and went over near Sakura's chakra signature and felt his old teammates chakra as well.
Explosion site
"Well, Naruto. You came here as well." Sasuke said
"Seems so." Naruto said
"I assume Kakashi is here." Sasuke said
"Unfortunately, Kakashi wasn't able to make it. I'm here in his place. Team Kakashi has come to escort you back to the leaf." Yamato said
"Really? Escort him back to the leaf? That's the best you can come up with?" Naruto asked
"Team Kakashi." Sasuke said looking at Sai who pulled out his tanto
"I knew it! Sai don't!" Sakura said
"So that guy's my replacement? I thought the team already had a weakling. He was saying something about protecting the bond between Naruto and I." Sasuke said
"Trust me. His time on this team is limited. As for the bond between us, that's over with." Naruto said
"I do not know much about you, Sasuke, but I know Sakura would risk just about everything for you. She doesn't want to lose her connection with you. She would do anything to protect those bonds. At one point I'm sure Naruto felt the same way. I still don't understand it that clearly, but you Sasuke, you must understand it." Sai said
"You're right. I did understand. That is why I severed them! You see, I have a different bond now. Between my older brother and me, it's the bond of hatred. Having too many ties in this world will only lead you astray. It weakens ones ambition. Distracts you from what truly matters." Sasuke said
"Let me ask you this. If that's how you felt, Sasuke. Then why didn't you kill me that day? I gave you a clear opening for the kill shot. Why didn't you take it?" Naruto asked
"The reason is simple. It's not that I couldn't break our bond, Naruto. I was simply doing as my older brother had done before me. It was nothing more than a strategy to gain power. That day when I left you there, I only spared your life on a whim. Nothing more." Sasuke said and appeared next to Naruto
"He's fast." Yamato thought
"How did he do that?" Sakura thought
"So you still haven't unlocked it yet. Such a shame. You'll never be at Itachi's level. You'll never reach your goal in life." Naruto said
"Funny. Wasn't it you who always dreamed about becoming hokage? All of the time you spent chasing after me, would've been better spent in training. Wouldn't you agree, Naruto?" Sasuke asked
"That is true that I always dreamt about becoming hokage. However, my time was not spent worrying about chasing after you ever since you left. My time was spent training, becoming stronger and wiser. Similar to what you've been doing. Isn't that right, Sasuke?" Naruto asked
"That's cute. This time my whim is telling me to finish what I started." Sasuke said as he pulled out his sword and attempted to stab Naruto, but he was stopped by another Naruto who grabbed his wrist while having a kunai ready to stab Sasuke
"Naruto's even faster. I didn't even see him create a clone or use any chakra." Yamato thought
"That block you selected was the correct one." Sasuke said and activated his sharingan
"Alright." Yamato said and made a hand sign sending wood at Sasuke who countered
Chidori stream
Sasuke let out a wave of lightning all around him and it sent Naruto's clone flying back destroying it. Naruto was unaffected since he unconsciously channeled wind chakra around his body. Yamato's wood jutsu was destroyed. Sakura channeled chakra into her hand and took off running at Sasuke. Sasuke prepared his sword and went to cut Sakura in half, but Yamato jumped in front of her and tried to stop Sasuke's sword with a kunai. To his amazement, the kunai wasn't effective as it went right through the sword and Sasuke managed to stab him in the shoulder while channeling lightning chakra through his sword.
"Captain Yamato!" Sakura said
"The block that you chose was the incorrect one. My snake sword is somewhat special. It's impossible to block." Sasuke said
"My body's going numb. He's running the chidori through his sword. It hones the blade to the utmost sharpness and it paralyzes as it cuts." Yamato thought and Sasuke then looked Naruto in his eyes
Naruto's mindscape
"Why couldn't I just handle the Uchiha brat? You know I could kill him easily. Why not use my power?" The nine tails asked as a bubbly form of the nine tails head formed in front of Naruto
"It's not needed. Besides, he's about to enter my mindscape. He's coming into my domain." Naruto said
"I see. You looked him in the eyes on purpose. A dangerous game you're playing with the Uchiha brat." The nine tails said
"I know, but I was also taught a thing or two about the sharingan from his brother and Shisui. Only Shisui had the power to control someone's mind. Sasuke doesn't have that luxury. I figured it's time to play a little bit of mind games with him." Naruto said and the nine tails grinned
"So this is where that power from the valley of end is coming from. Interesting. I never would've guessed you had this inside of you." Sasuke said as he appeared
"The fact that you can even see me inside of Naruto is impressive, boy. It's that repugnant sharingan. The true power behind your cursed clan." The nine tails said
"I take it that this isn't your first time seeing the sharingan. So, you're the nine tails, huh?" Sasuke asked
"With your visual prowess and a chakra more ominous than my own you are the spitting image of Madara Uchiha from the elder days." The nine tails said and Sasuke simply squished the nine tails trying to suppress it
"Never heard of him. Am I supposed to care?" Sasuke asked
"You actually think you're strong enough to suppress me? You've got guts brat, but you've overlooked one thing." The nine tails said as it formed again
"What's that?" Sasuke asked
"You're in my mind. I control what goes on in here. This is my domain and I purposely lured you in here." Naruto said with a edge to his voice
"I can handle anything you throw at me." Sasuke said
"Then let's put that to the test, shall we. Foolish little brother." Naruto said as his voice changed into that of Itachi's and Sasuke's eyes widened
"It can't be." Sasuke whispered
"I've already told you. This is my domain and I control everything that happens here. You're powerless against me. Do you know why?" Naruto asked as he now looked exactly like Itachi and still had Itachi's voice
"The kid knows all of the right buttons to push." The nine tails thought
"You don't have enough hatred in your heart. You failed to kill your best friend." Naruto said
"Shut up! I spared him on a whim!" Sasuke said
"We both know that isn't true. If anything, he sparred you that day. You and I both know he could've killed you or took you back to Konoha if he didn't want to seriously harm you." Naruto said
"SHUT UP." Sasuke yelled and went to hit him with a Chidori, but it went right through him
"Foolish boy. I control everything in here. Your jutsus won't work. Your sharingan can't even predict where I'm going to attack from. You're powerless." Naruto said as he grabbed Sasuke by the neck and slammed him into the wall
"Does this remind you of the day I came to capture Naruto? You were weak then and you're weak now." Naruto said
"How is he doing this?!" Sasuke thought
"A weak Uchiha is a dead Uchiha. It's why I was able to kill the clan so easily. They were all weak. Just like you. Running to Orochimaru for power is a slap to the face of all the Uchiha who have lived before you. Begone." Naruto said and blasted Sasuke out of his mind
"Nice torture method. I'm impressed." The nine tails said
"Thanks. I'll see you later." Naruto said and held out a fist to the nine tails
"Get out of my face." The nine tails said and kicked Naruto out of his own mind
Real world
"Naruto!" Sakura said
"What happened? What did he do?" Yamato asked
"He didn't do anything. So, Sasuke. Are you ready for a fight? Or do you want to wait until I fight somebody first and I'm not at 100 percent?" Naruto asked as Sasuke jumped back to the cliff and lifted his hand in the air, but it was grabbed.
"I wouldn't bother with that jutsu. Be smart now." Orochimaru said
"Let go." Sasuke said
"Now. Now. I'm not going to tell you again. Watch your tone with lord Orochimaru." Kabuto said as he appeared
"Give me a reason to stop." Sasuke said
"You do remember the akatsuki are on the move now, don't you? We want the good people of the leaf village to get rid of them for us. As many of them as possible. If the other akatsuki interfere, then you might not get your precious revenge." Kabuto said
"That's a pitiful excuse." Sasuke said
"But if it helps your chances by even one small percent then it's worth it, agreed?" Kabuto asked and Sasuke relaxed his hand causing Orochimaru to release his grip
"We're leaving." Orochimaru said and they went up in flames
"Hm. I'll see you next time, Sasuke." Naruto thought
"Why didn't you stop him, Naruto? He was right there!" Sakura said crying
"Because he's not a priority on this mission. We did what we needed to do. Which reminds me. Sai." Naruto said
"Yes, Naruto." Sai said with his usual fake smile that soon went away and was replaced with a look of shock
"Naruto!" Sakura said
"What's your problem?!" Yamato asked
"I was given another mission on top of this one. If Sai was to show any signs of betrayal on this mission then I was ordered to kill him. The stuff that folder contained is a prime example of betraying the leaf village. He dug his own grave and I gave him a warning at the beginning of the mission." Naruto said and removed his hand from Sai's chest then watched as the lifeless body fell to the ground
"He was trying to change! You didn't have to do that!" Sakura said
"I was carrying out mission orders." Naruto said
"There's nothing we can do about it now. Seal the body away and let's head out." Yamato said
Leaf Village-Hokage office
"I see then." Tsunade said as they just told her about the mission
"Will that be all, lady Tsunade?" Sakura asked
"Yes. Naruto, stay behind. Yamato and Sakura may leave." Tsunade said
"Yes ma'am." Sakura said and left with Yamato, then Tsunade dismissed her anbu so she could seal the room
"What the hell were you thinking? Willingly letting the nine tails out! Are you out of your damn mind?!" Tsunade asked
"I was thinking that I should even the battlefield. I knew I needed four tails to take on Orochimaru and the nine tails offered. We made a deal and then he kept up his part of the deal. Nobody other than Orochimaru was harmed when it happened." Naruto said
"Still, that's a pretty dangerous thing to do, Naruto. Can't you see where I am coming from?" Tsunade asked
"I do. I understand, but I won't be doing that again. I'll keep getting stronger and then when I'm ready I'll fully learn to control the nine tails chakra." Naruto said
"I'll have Jiraiya with you when you do it." Tsunade said
"I don't think Pervy-Sage will be able to help much." Naruto said
"Why do you say that?" Tsunade asked
"I think I'll have to actually fight the nine tails for his chakra. He doesn't seem like the type to willingly give me full control over it." Naruto said
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Now, what happened with Sasuke?" Tsunade asked
"Well he knows not to go in my head anymore." Naruto said
"What do you mean?" Tsunade asked
"Simply put. I played mind games with him." Naruto said and then described what exactly went on with Sasuke
"That's a really interesting story." Shizune said
"I know. Now, come with me." Tsunade said
"For what? I thought I wasn't in trouble." Naruto said
"You're not. It's time for your usual brain evaluation. Especially with you and Yamato budding heads on the mission." Tsunade said
"Oh yeah. I forgot about that. In my defense with Yamato he was being an unfair leader. I mean Sai threatens me and when I say something I get in trouble. That's not fair and you know it." Naruto said
"I'll talk to Yamato." Tsunade said
Hospital
"So, what's the status, Inoichi? Is he going to have to be sidelined or what?" Tsunade asked after Naruto's evaluation
"My conclusion is the same as yours. He can still be sent out on missions, but all of the anger he had suppressed as a kid growing up is coming to the surface. As long as he can control his anger and not recklessly act out during missions, then he's clear on my end. I recommend he takes out his anger quickly to reduce the effects from the nine tails chakra. We know it reacts to your anger. I do want to check on him again in a few weeks. I find it fascinating that he has the ability to control what happens in his mind. He can basically control me if he wants to while I do my mind walks." Inoichi said
"What if it's only something us jinchuriki can do?" Naruto asked
"What do you mean?" Inoichi asked
"What if since we have tailed beasts inside of us that we have the ability to manipulate what our mind looks like? I know mine looks like a sewer, but what if I could change it to something else? I mean I already told you what I did with Sasuke when he tried to invade my mind. I rendered his sharingan and chakra useless while he was in my mind. He couldn't lay a hand on me, but I was able to completely destroy him." Naruto said
"Is that possible?" Tsunade asked Inoichi
"I'm not 100 percent sure, but it might be. You have to somehow communicate with the tailed beast at some point in your life, so it's possible. The thing is when I go in your mind, I never see the nine tails." Inoichi said
"That's because I don't allow you to. If you want to then next time I'll take you to his cage." Naruto offered
"What do you mean you don't allow me to see the nine tails?" Inoichi asked
"It's just what I said. I don't allow you to see it. You're not the first Yamanaka clan member to walk my mind. Danzo used to have a root agent that's from the Yamanaka clan. He tried to go inside my head once and plant false information, but I somehow managed to see him doing it and everytime he would try to plant false things, I would go in my mind and override it with my dense chakra and eliminate them." Naruto said
"You can destroy memories?" Inoichi asked stunned
"Only false memories. I used to be able to do it when I was in my mindscape, but now it's like my brain has somehow remembered the feeling of a false memory being implanted that it automatically removes them from my memory. I don't know how, but it's true." Naruto said
"So, was Ino telling the truth that she was hanging out with you a lot before you left on your trip? She was coming home late a lot at night." Inoichi said
"Yeah, she was with me." Naruto said
"Doing what?" Inoichi asked
"She was teaching me how to socialize and give me a better understanding on how to talk to girls. I never had any interactions with people outside of the Ichirakus and the old man growing up, so I never learned these things and she pulled me aside after the chunin exams and offered to help after she noticed how socially awkward I was." Naruto said
"Then if all she was doing was helping you, then why has she been talking about you nonstop?" Inoichi asked
"She's my girlfriend. We started dating a few weeks after the chunin exams and invasion. Nobody knows besides you, Shizune and Tsunade. We're keeping it a secret." Naruto said
"How could you not tell Sakura about this?" Tsunade asked
"Because she's annoying and I really don't want to deal with her constantly asking me questions." Naruto said
"I don't mind you dating my daughter, but do you think it's wise given your status that's an S ranked secret?" Inoichi asked
"She already knows. I told her a month before I left. She was okay with it and didn't really care." Naruto said with a shrug
"You told her an S rank secret without proper clearance?" Inoichi asked
"The secret is about me so I can tell whoever I want. I told her at my apartment, but only after I activated a privacy barrier that I stole from the old man. No sound got in and no sound left the apartment." Naruto said
"Why would you need a privacy barrier in your own apartment?" Tsunade asked
"I'm a sensor. Danzo had his root agents spying on me until I left. They never came into the apartment because my place is boobytrapped and you never know what's going to happen to you if you take the wrong step." Naruto said
"You had Ino go in your house that's boobytrapped?!" Inoichi asked
"I showed her how to move around in my apartment. She knows where everything is and what not to touch or move." Naruto said
"Everything is set on whatever we need. Now, we just need to figure out how to get rid of all that anger." Tsunade said
"Is pervy-Sage here?" Naruto asked
"Yeah. He's only here for 2 more days. Why?" Tsunade asked
"Because he's going to help me with my anger. I want to reserve the chunin exam stadium tomorrow for a fight with pervy-sage." Naruto said
"Well count me in." Jiraiya said as came through the window
"Are you sure?" Tsunade asked
"Sure. It'll be fun. I want to see how far he's come. You can even use the nine tails chakra if you want." Jiraiya said
"No. I don't want to use the nine tails chakra." Naruto said
"Why not?" Jiraiya asked
"Because that means I'm giving in to my anger. I get that my dad placed the nine tails inside of me to use and eventually master it's chakra, but I won't get better if I have to rely on the nine tails chakra all the time. I won't know my limits if I have to use the nine tails chakra to even the playing field." Naruto said
"I'll see you tomorrow in the chunin exam stadium. Bring your A-game kid." Jiraiya said seriously
"I will." Naruto replied and vanished
"Is this really going to happen? It's been quite sometime since we've seen you in action, Lord Jiraiya." Inoichi said
"He wants a serious fight to test where he is. I also want to see how good he is without the nine tails chakra." Jiraiya said
"Who should I invite? Or is this a private event?" Tsunade asked
"Invite Anko, the entire rookie 9 and their sensei team leaders, but don't tell them what it's for. I don't think Naruto has told anybody else that he's here. Nobody else can be invited." Jiraiya said
"I can do that. I'll see you tomorrow. Want to make it a two on two? Me and you vs Naruto and Sakura?" Tsunade asked
"No. Naruto doesn't like fighting with Sakura and I'm surprised you haven't noticed." Jiraiya said
"Why doesn't he like fighting with her?" Tsunade asked
"Because she just destroys everything in her path. During their fight with Kakashi, Naruto had him on the ropes a few times, but Sakura came in and destroyed all of his Shadow clones with that freakish strength you taught her, throwing him off of his game. You couldn't tell, but he was getting frustrated with her. Kakashi told me he noticed this during their team training they had. He would notice Naruto getting some good momentum in and Sakura would come in, just screw things up and then try to laugh it off. He could tell Naruto was visibly frustrated with her and would jump away to wait until Sakura was done destroying everything." Jiraiya said
"So I shouldn't test Sakura then?" Tsunade asked
"You should, but you need to wait a bit with her. Train her how to properly use that freaky strength you taught her and then test her." Jiraiya said
"I'll do that." Tsunade said
"Good. Now, I'm off to do some research." Jiraiya said with a perverted giggle and blood dripping from his nose
"You'll never change." Tsunade said and punched him out of the window
"OF COURSE I WON'T." Jiraiya yelled flying through the air
Next day
"Does anybody know why we're here?" TenTen asked
"Don't know. Lady hokage only said all of our teams were invited here for something." Kurenai said
"It better be good. I don't like waking up early on my days off." Kiba said
"We should be patient, Kiba. Why? Because if the hokage has only told us to come then it must be a private event." Shino said
"Kakashi-sensei, do you know why we're here today?" Sakura asked
"No. This is something I was kept in the dark about as well." Kakashi said
"Hey, Sakura. Aren't you lady Tsunade's apprentice? How come you don't know what's going on?" Ino asked
"It was a last minute thing I guess." Sakura said
"Aww man. Too bad Naruto isn't here. I think he's to miss out on something great. What if it's the rest of us getting a jonin promotion?" Choji asked
"I doubt that's it. We wouldn't have to come to the chunin exam stadium for a jonin promotion. It's done in the council chambers or the hokage's office." Shikamaru said
"When is Naruto coming back? I thought he was only supposed to be gone for 2 and a half years." Anko asked
"He is back. I've been on 2 missions with him already. He must've been sent out of the village with master Jiraiya." Sakura said
"He's back and didn't even tell me!" Ino thought pissed off
"When did he get back?" Hinata asked quietly
"About a month or so ago. He's been on missions non-stop since he came here." Sakura said
"What missions were you on?" Anko asked
"S-ranked missions." Sakura said
"Lady Tsunade sent a genin out on 2 S rank missions!" Kurenai said
"He's not a genin. He was promoted to chunin before he left." Sakura said
"So how good is he exactly?" Asuma asked
"Don't know. On our missions I've never seen him fight really. We were always separated somehow, but if you ask me he still fights the same." Sakura said
"Then he must've been joking around on that training trip then. See, master Jiraiya should've taken me as his apprentice. I would've done way better during training." Kiba said
"Didn't Naruto beat you during the chunin exams?" Neji asked
"Shut up!" Kiba said
"Shhh. Lady Tsunade is about to speak." Sakura said
Kage booth
"Welcome everyone to the chunin exam stadium. I'm sure you all are wondering why you are here. I can assure you that this is something you all would want to see. This is only a private event and everyone here was personally invited by myself." Tsunade said
"Lady Tsunade. What is the occasion?" Kurenai asked
"We are here for an evaluation of one of our shinobi. The one doing the examination is Jiraiya of the legendary sannin." Tsunade said and Jiraiya appeared in the stadium doing his usual idiotic dance then put a serious look on his face
Stands
"This really is something we would want to see." Kakashi said
"Why's that? It's just the self proclaimed number one pervert in the world." Sakura said
"Lord Jiraiya may be a pervert, but he is without a doubt the strongest ninja in Konoha to this day." Kakashi said
"Are you serious? Can't lady Tsunade beat him? I mean she does it all the time." TenTen asked
"No. Jiraiya simply allows her to do it. They both know if it came down to a serious fight that Jiraiya would win." Kakashi said
"So why is this something we should want to see if he's just going to win?" Sakura asked
"Because the last time anybody has seen Jiraiya fight before Naruto did when he witnessed a battle between all three legendary sannin was when Jiraiya decided to test the fourth hokage." Kakashi said
"Naruto actually saw all three of the legendary sannin in one place and actually witnessed an all out fight between them and survived?" Shikamaru asked
"Yes. I was there as well and if it wasn't for him, me and lady Tsunade would be dead. Tsunade hasn't trained really since the 2nd shinobi war so her skills were rusty and Naruto saved her from Kabuto killing her. Naruto nearly killed Kabuto during that fight as well. Kabuto was saved from death because of him being a medical ninja and healing himself from the damage he took from a point blank rasengan." Shizune said
"Wow. The kid has already seen something people would kill to see." Anko said
"The question still remains. Who is Master Jiraiya fighting?" Kurenai asked
"I think we should all know who he's fighting. It seems Hinata has figured it out." Kakashi said pointing at Hinata who passed out
"He's here!" Ino thought
"I guess it's time to see how much little Naruto has grown." Anko said
Fighting area
"Where's the brat? He asked for this." Tsunade said and then a bolt of lighting appeared and then Naruto was there
"Nice entrance, brat." Jiraiya said
"It's better than some stupid toad dance." Naruto said
"MY DANCE IS NOT STUPID." Jiraiya yelled
"YES IT IS." Naruto yelled back
"BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP." Tsunade yelled and punched them both on the head
"Ow. Why'd you hit me? He started it." Jiraiya said
"Oh shut up. We both know that didn't hurt." Tsunade said and they both jumped up good as new
"Are you ready for this?" Jiraiya asked seriously
"If I wasn't then I wouldn't have challenged you." Naruto said and they both got in their stances
Stands
"That stance." Kakashi said and put away his book
"Kakashi. Isn't that?" Asuma asked
"Yes, it is. It's been years since I've seen it." Kakashi said
"What stance is that, Guy-sensei?" Rock Lee asked
"That is known as the cheetah taijutsu style stance." Guy said
"I thought that stance was deemed illegal by the council." Anko said
"It wasn't. It was locked away because the stance is extremely difficult to learn. It relies on fast movements, precise strikes, graceful movements and a good defence. It wasn't deemed illegal, it was just ruled impossible to use since nobody besides the fourth hokage and one other person were only able to use the style perfectly and it was nearly impossible to figure out." Guy said
"Then how does that idiot know it?" Kiba asked
"Because he's been in the kage vault. He made a bet with Tsunade and she lost." Shizune said
"He's so hot. I knew I made the right choice saying yes when he asked me to be his girlfriend." Ino thought and blushed
"Couldn't you learn that style, Guy-sensei?" TenTen asked
"I already tried a few years ago and I was unable to get past the first 4 stances. It would make me trip over my own feet so I had no choice, but to accept defeat." Might Guy said
"Then I shall be the next person after Naruto to learn such a style!" Rock Lee said
"Lee, you fight just like Guy-sensei. It is impossible for you to learn that style." Neji said
"Alright shut up! They're about to start!" Anko said
Fighting area
"Are you both ready?" Tsunade asked
"Yeah." Naruto and Jiraiya said in unison
"Begin!" Tsunade said jumped away
As soon as Tsunade was gone, Naruto and Jiraiya rushed forward and met in the middle with their forearms clashing against each other. Jiraiya smirked and then went up in smoke revealing him to be a shadow clone and Naruto was hit from behind. Naruto went up in smoke as well and Jiraiya quickly turned around to block a punch from Naruto, but he was kicked in the gut so he jumped back.
Stands
"Woah." TenTen said
"That was nothing. They're only warming up." Guy said
"That was the warm up!" Kiba said
"It was." Kakashi said
"Aww little Naruto has grown up." Anko said
Fighting area
"Done with the warm up?" Naruto asked
"Of course I am." Jiraiya said and we through quick hand signs
Fire style: Great fireball jutsu
Jiraiya spat out a huge ball of fire and sent it directly at Naruto who countered quickly using the water wall jutsu. The jutsus collided and created a huge cloud of steam. Naruto jumped into the steam and sensed where Jiraiya was before they began a fierce taijutsu and ninjutsu battle. Those looking on only saw fire, water, earth and lightning shooting out from inside of the steam cloud and it was intense.
Stands
"Dammit! I can't see! Hinata or Neji what's going on in there?" Ino asked
"It's amazing." Neji replied
"What can you see?" TenTen asked
"Naruto's losing, but it's like he's learning as he fights. He gets beat up multiple times, but then after he goes on the offensive his defense is nearly flawless. I've never heard of somebody that can improve while they fight." Neji said
"It's because he doesn't learn the normal way like everyone else. It's why he failed in the academy so many times." Anko said
"He failed because he couldn't make a simple clone." Kiba said laughing
"No he failed because the system failed him. Naruto had way too much chakra and it's too dense for him to be able to make a simple clone. The teachers knew that and did nothing to help. He doesn't learn by reading something like the rest of you can. He has to actually do it to learn. It's like his shadow clones. None of you will ever be able to make the amount of shadow clones he can. It's an A-rank kinjutsu that requires a tremendous amount of chakra." Anko said
"Oh yeah. I bet I can make more than him." Kiba said
"You'd die if you tried to make more than one. All of your chakra levels combined don't even come close to Naruto's. He has the most chakra in the village." Kakashi said
"But he could barely do any jutsus right." Kiba said
"That's because with his amount of chakra he won't have perfect or near perfect control like the rest of you." Anko said
"How many clones can he make?" TenTen asked
"Naruto can create thousands of shadow clones when he's exhausted. I've never seen how many he could make when he's 100 percent healthy." Kakashi said
"What?! No way!" Kiba said
"It's true. During the invasion from Orochimaru during the chunin exams, Sasuke told me Naruto created two thousand clones during his fight with Gaara." Sakura said
"Are you serious?" Neji asked
"She's serious. I've seen it myself. I asked Naruto for a spar once before he left and he created thousands of shadow clones and didn't even seem tired after he did it." Ino said
"Why didn't you spar with me?" Sakura asked
"Let's be honest, Sakura. Before Naruto left despite him being how he was, he still was one of the strongest genin from our graduating class. That and he was the only person I could find." Ino said
Fighting area
"I'm surprised you can even stand, Naruto. I thought you would've given up by now." Jiraya said as the smoke cleared and he had a few cuts on him, but it was nothing major
"You'll have to knock me out or kill me." Naruto said as he was covered in cuts and bruises and his clothes were torn up
"You've got guts kid. That won't be enough to beat me." Jiraiya said
"I know." Naruto said and quickly went through hand signs
Water style: water dragon jutsu
Now, everyone was expecting a giant dragon made of water, but what they got instead was a gigantic dragon made of ice that was faster than the water dragon jutsu and Jiraiya quickly used his needle jizo to protect himself. The jutsu hit and although Jiraiya didn't suffer any damage, he was sent flying back into the wall. Naruto didn't let up and rushed at Jiraiya with a thin layer of lightning around his hand. Jiraiya saw him coming and jumped out of the way once he saw Naruto swipe his hand up. Imagine his surprise when Naruto's jutsu cut right through the wall with no difficulty.
"What the hell was that? If he was fighting anybody else they'd be sliced in half right now." Jiraiya thought
"What was that?" Jiraiya asked
"It's called a lightning slicer. I cover my hand in a thin layer of lightning chakra and sharpen in. I can cut through anything with it and use it the same way Kakashi uses his Chidori, but I don't need the sharingan since it's no tunnel vision with this jutsu." Naruto said
"That's ingenious." Kakashi thought
"Nice. Is that the only jutsu you've created?" Jiraiya asked and then jumped out of the way as Naruto tried to hit him with his lightning hammer
"Nope. This is my lighting hammer." Naruto said
"Jeez kid. How did you create these so quickly?" Jiraiya asked
"My favorite jutsu." Naruto said
"I see. So, what's up with the ice dragon?" Jiraiya asked
"Don't know. I haven't been trying to use my kekkei genkai yet because I don't have my wind manipulation down yet. That's the first time it's happened." Naruto said with a shrug
"He's subconsciously using wind chakra. He's not even aware of that. His wind chakra nature must be really strong if he can use it subconsciously." Jiraiya thought and glanced at Tsunade who nodded
"Alright. We've been fighting for a long time and I have a mission in the morning. I don't think Tsunade would appreciate it if we completely destroyed the chunin exam stadium." Jiraiya said and Naruto looked around finally noticing all the damage
"Oh yeah. I guess you're right." Naruto said
"One last jutsu. I think you know which one." Jiraya said
"Yeah I do." Naruto said and created a shadow clone and used it to help create a rasengan
Jiraiya and Naruto ran full speed at each other and clashed their rasengans against one another. They were stuck in a stalemate since Naruto could easily match the amount of chakra Jiraiya was putting into his rasengan. Naruto was so desperate to win that he added more and more chakra into his rasengan until it became unstable and exploded creating a huge cloud of smoke.
Stands
"Sheesh. It's like they're trying to kill each other." Asuma said
"That's how you have to fight Naruto. With his stamina and chakra reserves no matter who it is you have to fight him with everything you've got or else he'll somehow find a way to beat you." Kakashi said
"Has he beaten you yet?" Kurenai asked
"No, but he's come close. We've tied a few times and I've won the other times. He progresses at a fast rate." Kakashi said
"Do you think any of us can take him on?" Kiba asked
"Maybe Lee, but that's only if he takes off his weights and opens as many gates as he can. He'd still lose though." Kakashi said
"How? Did you see what Lee did to Gaara during the chunin exams? There's no way Naruto would survive that." Sakura said
"Gaara only survived that because he was covered in a layer of sand that took the majority of the damage. Naruto has an extremely high pain tolerance and that's why when he gets hit hard it doesn't really affect him. It takes a lot to keep him down. That and Naruto can probably fight for a couple days straight if he wanted to with his stamina and chakra reserves." Kakashi said
"He has a high pain tolerance because of his childhood." Ino thought
"Look. The smoke is clearing." Anko said
Fighting area
True to Anko's word, the smoke was clearing and everyone waited to see what happened. Tsunade jumped down into the fighting area to heal them whenever the smoke cleared. Asuma grew impatient and used a wind jutsu to blow away the smoke. Once the smoke was gone, Jiraiya was standing there holding Naruto up with one arm while his other hand was smoking and had burn marks on it.
"You did good brat." Jiraiya thought
"Winner! Jiraiya!" Tsunade said as she came to the arena
"That was some fight, master Jiraiya." Kakashi said walking up to him
"Where do you put him?" Tsunade asked
"After this, I'd put him at the same level as Kakashi." Jiraiya said
"You're joking, right?" Anko asked
"No. He's growing at an incredible rate. You should start him on his wind chakra training. He uses it subconsciously and it must be strong if he can use it without even trying." Jiraiya said and looked at his hand
"What happened to your hand?" Tsunade asked as she healed it
"His wind chakra. It's what caused the explosion. I'm lucky it wasn't a lot or else my hand would be worse than what it is." Jiraiya said
"Should I promote him?" Tsunade whispered
"No, not yet. Give him a few months and he'll be ready." Jiraiya said
"Ino, take him to the hospital. I'll be there later to check on him. Only you are allowed in the room. No doctors. No shinobi. I don't care if it's either of the rookie nine. Nobody goes in that room but me." Tsunade said
"Yes ma'am." Ino said and grabbed Naruto from Jiraiya then started to walk away
"Make sure nothing happens to my little brother." Anko whispered to Ino and she nodded
"Kakashi. What are you thinking about?" Tsunade asked
"A training method for a new jutsu that only Naruto would be able to pull off." Kakashi said
"When he's healed you can train him." Tsunade said
"Of course." Kakashi said
"You're all dismissed." Tsunade said
Hospital
"I missed you so much while you were gone." Ino said as she was hugging Naruto who just woke up
"I missed you too. Sorry about not coming to see you earlier. I was sent out on missions back to back." Naruto said
"It's okay. I must say you've gotten pretty handsome since you left." Ino said
"Are you saying I was ugly before?" Naruto asked and she giggled
"No, silly. You were cute back then. Now you're handsome and a lot stronger." Ino said and gave him a kiss
"Thank you. I must say you are gorgeous. I knew you would look different when I came back, but I didn't know you'd become this beautiful. Good thing I snatched you up when I did." Naruto said making Ino blush
"Thank you, Naruto. Also, if you haven't noticed. I filled out in all the right spots." Ino said motioning to her body
"I can tell and I love it." Naruto said
"You've gotten some muscle on you. You're not scrawny anymore. You know. Now that you've grown up, you look exactly like the fourth hokage just with shorter hair and whisker marks." Ino said and Naruto activated a privacy seal
"You know, don't you?" Naruto asked
"It's not hard to figure out. There's no other blonde in Konoha other than Tsunade and she's too old to be your mother. While you were gone, I was looking at your picture you took with lady Tsunade, Shizune and Master Jiraiya when you went and got lady Tsunade to become hokage. I looked at that picture and then the picture of the fourth hokage that's in the office and I put two and two together." Ino said
"You can't tell anybody. It's a secret for a reason." Naruto said
"I know. When did you find out?" Ino asked
"When I came back. I never really paid attention to it growing up." Naruto said
"Did anybody else know?" Ino asked
"I'm sure all of the jonin sensei knew. The village elders know, Pervy sage knows, granny Tsunade knows and you know. The third hokage knew as well." Naruto said
"So it's a well kept secret. Must be an S-rank secret like your jinchuriki status. Well, the jinchuriki thing isn't much of a secret since basically everyone knows except our generation and everyone younger than us." Ino said
"I know. I already know who spread the secret around the village anyway. I don't care though. Now tell me. How's your training been over the last nearly three years?" Naruto asked
"Well, I added 3 more clan jutsus to my collection. I finally learned the shunshin. I learned that I'm a sensor type and I know the mystic palm jutsu as well." Ino said
"Good for you. You've come a long way from how you used to be." Naruto said
"I know. I wish I had got to know you earlier. Maybe I would've had the same drive as you to get stronger." Ino said
"It's all in the past now. At Least you took the time to actually get to know the real me." Naruto said and Ino smiled
"I'm glad I did." Ino said and gave him another kiss
"How about your training?" Ino asked
"Believe it or not I didn't get this strong until after the trip. Pervy sage spent the entire two years on the nine tails chakra and spending my money at brothel houses. I had to drag him out of a different one every other night. I learned fuinjutsu by myself and worked on my speed and physical conditioning myself. I didn't get a proper taijutsu style until I came back as well as my elemental affinity." Naruto said
"Wow. That doesn't explain how you grew so quickly though." Ino said
"I used shadow clones. Whenever a clone dispels the information is given back to the original. So a few thousand clones were divided into groups working on different jutsus and I'm at the level I should be at after nearly three years with pervy sage." Naruto said
"Wow. I wish I could train like that. I need to learn my elemental affinity. I've been thinking about adding some more jutsus to my collection." Ino said
"Channel chakra into this." Naruto said as he unsealed a piece of paper
"Why?" Ino asked
"It's chakra paper. It'll tell you what your chakra nature is. Fire the paper will burn and turn to ash. If it's wind the paper will split in half. Lightning the paper will wrinkle. Earth the paper and crumble and turn to dust and for water the paper will become damp." Naruto said so Ino did as he said then the paper split in two. One side burned and the other turned to dust.
"What's that mean?" Ino asked
"Earth and fire. If you had wind the paper would've split into three pieces and the third would've shredded." Naruto said
"Aww man. That means we can't train together. I wish I had one of your chakra natures." Ino said while pouting
"I have three and a kekkei genkai." Naruto said
"I know. Which reminds me. Kakashi might ask for that lighting jutsu you did." Ino said
"Which one?" Naruto asked
"The one where you nearly cut master Jiraiya in half." Ino said
"Oh. He can't have that one. It's mine." Naruto said
"What about me?" Ino asked with a sad face
"You don't have a lightning affinity, Ino. What you have is actually pretty good. You have an offensive and defensive chakra nature." Naruto said
"Good. Now are we going to talk jutsus all day or are we going to catch up on lost time?" Ino asked leaning towards Naruto
"Granny Tsunade is about to reach the door. How about you come over tonight if possible and we can catch up then?" Naruto asked
"Sounds like a plan." Ino said and gave Naruto a kiss then he deactivated the privacy seal as Tsunade opened the door
"Hey granny." Naruto said
"We need to talk, Naruto." Tsunade said
"I didn't do it! I was framed!" Naruto said making Ino giggle and Tsunade sigh
"You did do it, but you don't know you did it." Tsunade said
"I'd like to hear your evidence." Naruto said and folded his arms
"You subconsciously used your wind chakra nature during your fight with Jiraiya. That's why you were able to turn your dragon into ice. Your affinity must be extremely powerful if you can use it like that. You need to start training immediately on that. Kakashi and Yamato will assist you in your training." Tsunade said
"I understand Kakashi, but how is Yamato going to help me? He uses water and earth chakra natures." Naruto said
"Don't know. Kakashi told me before I came here that Yamato is needed." Tsunade said
"Fine. Can I go home now?" Naruto asked
"Oh sure. You didn't exactly have to be here. I just wanted to give you and your girlfriend some alone time." Tsunade said
"You know?" Ino asked
"I sure do and so does Inoichi." Tsunade said
"WHY WOULD YOU TELL HIM?" Ino yelled
"Relax. He's fine with it. He was more worried since he didn't know if you knew about the nine tails or not. Actually he seemed more upset when I told him that you've been in my apartment and it's boobytrapped." Naruto said
"Why would he be more upset about that?" Ino asked
"Let's just say he triggered a few of my traps when he had to come to my house for a mind walk when I was younger. That's why everything is done at the hospital now." Naruto said
"Oh ok. I understand." Ino said
"So. Now that you're clear, you can head home." Tsunade said
"Thanks granny." Naruto said
"Make sure you use protection." Tsunade said and left
"That's if she lets me go that far." Naruto mumbled and Ino heard him
"You've been gone for almost three years. You better believe we're going that far. Let's go." Ino said
"How about I take us there?" Naruto said
He grabbed Ino and then they disappeared in a swirl of water. All you heard was Ino giggling and laughing all the way to Naruto's apartment. What they did that night was the first time of many more to come in the future.