Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I understand that some people want this fic to travel faster for which i would only like to respond that it will. However, the slow pacing has been done to give you all a sense of the characters and their changes as well as explaining the route the manga story took, without Naruto's presence in Konoha. With that said, enjoy the final chapter before everything explodes.

Chapter 15: Veiled Tempest

Naruto placed the box down on the ground as Ayame and Teuchi began to set up the apparatus they would be using. He was feeling very energised as he had slept for hours on end. His work with Lee, the day before, served to get him more mentally exhausted than he would've expected. They were on a time limit as Lee needed to get everything written up before sunset, due to the fact he had to meet up with his team. Fortunately, Naruto had managed to get through the important parts and Lee completed his notes.

The jinchuuriki opened the cardboard box and took out all of the ingredients, placing them on the tabletop. He momentarily looked around at the huge amount of factions gathered; barbeque specialists, pastry chefs and a butcher among others. Everyone was given a table and equipment they would need to prepare their meal, which would be judged and scored.

The event was taking place on a great field, with all the serving groups forming a circle. The judges table was located at the end of this circle, in front of a backcloth. There were a total of 6 judges, all of whom Naruto recognised since he had encountered them at one point or another while being in Konoha.

"It shouldn't take too long to get everything set up." Teuchi had a serious demeanour as this was an important event for him, "We're making the special ramen, but only enough to fill 6 small cups. I don't want to use too much of the ingredients."

Ayame began washing the utensils, "Okay, I'll begin preparing them shortly." She directed her attention towards Naruto, who was looking at the people gathered, "Hey, why don't you go pick up the judging card?"

Naruto snapped out of his daze, "Judging card? What's that?"

Ayame smiled, "It tells us what we're being judged on."

Naruto scratched his head, "Um, alright."

He walked towards the judges table, the shouting of an angry woman reaching his ears as he grew closer. The voice belonged to the blonde he had seen in the academy. He couldn't recall properly but he believed her name was Ino.

"Where is she?" Ino sounded uncontrollable, "I asked her to be here early!"

"Why do you have to make so much noise?" Shikamaru was disturbed by the antics of his friend.

"I agree with Shikamaru!" Aoba jumped to his feet upon making his statement.

Ino and Shikamaru both looked in the special jounin's direction when they heard him speak, the former responding in a questioning tone, "Why do you keep interrupting?"

Shikamaru motioned for Aoba to sit down as the special jounin seemed confused, "What did I do?"

Kotetsu tampered with the bandage on his face, "Try and not get on her bad side while we're here, Aoba. It'll work out best for everyone like that."

Izumo brushed his hair slightly, so it wasn't completely covering his eye, "Yeah, she's scary when she gets angry."

Chouji listened to his fellow chuunins as he munched on his chips, "I remember one time when she got angry with Shikamaru for keeping himself out of trouble. Then when he actually got involved with the fight, she lectured him again."

The 4 judges observed Shikamaru, who seemed to be in some sort of pain from being on the receiving end of Ino's complaints. The Nara leaned on the table in front of him before his eyes caught the sight of Naruto, standing a few feet across him. "Your name's Naruto, right?"

Naruto nodded, "Yeah."

Ino stopped ranting as Shikamaru spoke to the Uzumaki, "What can I help you with?"

Naruto took out a cigarette, "I need a judging card."

Shikamaru pointed to the pile of cards on the table as Naruto walked forwards and picked one up. He began to read it as it detailed things such as presentation of food and tips on what not to do. Putting it into his pocket, he took out a match and lit his cigarette.

"Look who we have here!" An arm was placed around Naruto before squeezing him. "I never knew there were many beautiful women at a judging event." Jiraiya grinned at the young man.

Naruto was startled by the legendary frog hermit, "I'm with one of the serving parties. Besides, I see a beautiful woman right in front of me."

Ino was surprised to see the man stare straight at her, a blush forming on her face. Shikamaru noticed the exchange and Ino's silence, "Oh no." However, he was more intrigued as to how Jiraiya knew Naruto.

Jiraiya let go of Naruto and walked around the table, "Isn't one of you going to offer me, the renowned Jiraiya, a seat?"

Aoba shot up before anyone could speak, "Of course, Jiraiya-sama!"

Jiraiya had to move his head swiftly in order to save himself from a slap, as Aoba waved his hand haphazardly. Sitting down on the chair and making himself comfortable, he spoke to the special jounin, "You won't be needed anymore."

Aoba pushed up his glasses, "What do you mean?"

Jiraiya cleared his throat, "I came here to replace one of you as a judge. Thank you for offering your position."

Aoba began to sweat, "B-but I worked really hard to get this assignment."

Jiraiya looked back at the special jounin and motioned for him to get closer. He spoke in a quiet voice, "I'll give you a 20 discount on my next book. How does that sound? You can't tell anyone though; readers can become vultures over my pieces of arts."

Aoba instantly brightened up, "Yeah, that sounds good." Before straightening up, he asked one last question. "Is it alright if I stick around?"

Jiraiya shrugged as he looked forwards again, "Go ahead." The frog hermit wanted to keep an eye on Naruto hence coming to the judging event.

Naruto tore his eyes away from the white haired man and towards Ino. Walking forwards, so she was trapped in front of the table, he placed his hand next to her and took out the cigarette from his mouth. He could see the blush form on the woman's face, knowing he had the upper hand.

Ino was surprised by the daring man as most others wouldn't think of approaching her in such a way. She was speechless as she felt the warmth of his breath on her skin, rendering her immobilised.

The rest of the shinobi sitting at the table stared with their mouths open at the display as Jiraiya was taking notes under the table.

Naruto stared into her bright eyes, "I was wondering…"

He was prevented from speaking any further as a familiar voice broke his concentration, "What's going on here?"

Naruto moved backwards immediately, placing his cigarette in his mouth. Ino's hands moved towards her skirt and pulled it down. She performed her actions without even realising as she looked at her friend. "Why are you so late?"

Sakura was confused by the scene she had just witnessed and had a few questions of her own on her mind. She refrained from saying anything in regards to the incident that had just played out in front of her. "I'm not late."

Jiraiya put his notebook away, "Was that the prelude to what would have become your research?"

Naruto began coughing, barely saving his cigarette, "What's wrong with you?"

Jiraiya had an innocent look on his face, "Nothing at all."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Why are you telling the world?"

Aoba was intrigued as he shouted, "What research are you talking about?"

Izumo and Kotetsu joined in on the conversation as Naruto inwardly hoped Jiraiya wouldn't say anything, especially with Ino and Sakura staring at him. From what it looked like, the two kunoichi seemed to be best friends and he was certain that he would get a beating if they found out what his research was.

Jiraiya had an evil grin on his face which didn't escape Naruto, who was visibly sweating. The grin vanished quickly as the novelist cleared his throat, "We're here to do judging, not indulge in useless talk."

Naruto sighed before placing his cigarette in his mouth. Preparing to leave, he nodded at the pink haired woman to his side, "Sakura."

"Pervert." Sakura's response made the jinchuuriki halt temporarily before walking off. The kunoichi looked at Ino who was gawking at the man, "What the hell was that?"

Ino looked at her friend, "What?"

Sakura folded her arms, "You and that idiot."

Shikamaru leaned back on his chair and looked towards the sky, the clouds several in number. He had a lot of things on his mind but the main point of interest was concerning the man who was called Naruto.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sasuke flipped through the pages of the book, scanning for anything he might find useful. He was disappointed when no valuable information could be gained as he put the hardback on the table. He looked through the shelves and this time picked out a thick manuscript, beginning to read it.

The Uchiha was currently in the huge public library of Konoha, where he was trying to read up about seals. He didn't know why he felt the need to go this far concerning Naruto. He was trying to discover any methods of strengthening the seal so he wouldn't have to stain his hands with blood.

The confusion running through his mind was evident to him as he took a seat and placed the manuscript in front of him. He wondered why he was so hesitant with the new orders that he, along with his team, had been given. He tightened his fist as he closed the pages of the manuscript, unable to concentrate.

As he moved the item to a side, his sword came into view. He stared at the kusanagi which had helped him on many occasions but was also responsible for cutting the flesh of Uchiha's. His return to Konoha had serious consequences for him, by means of a punishment which he would always remember when he gazed upon his body.

Flashback

Sasuke coughed up some blood as his hands and feet were chained, while he supported himself on his knees. The sharingan in his eyes faded before they looked normal. Sweat dropped from his body onto the cold floor as he faced upwards.

"Uchiha Sasuke, do you understand your crimes?" The gruff voice belonged to the head torture expert of Konoha, Morino Ibiki.

Sasuke stared at the man, not uttering a word as he tried to ignore the pain within him. The shadowy chamber seemed to reflect his state of mind as he wanted to figure out why he came back to Konoha. Was it because he had no other place to go or was it because he didn't care what he did now.

"The punishment for treason is death but you have remained helpful. Your attempted murder of Orochimaru didn't go as planned for you, but at least you had no loyalty to one of Konoha's enemies." Ibiki had a remorseless expression across his visage.

Sasuke listened to his words, not caring for anything he said as some blood dripped from his mouth to the ground; the sound of which resonated throughout the chamber.

"You will not be allowed to forget your crimes." The sound of a sword unsheathing could be heard, following Ibiki's voice.

Sasuke looked up at the kusanagi, which he treasured, as two shinobi grabbed him from both sides and held his body up straight. He was rendered speechless as he saw his own weapon being driven through his upper body; starting with his chest to his abdomen. He let out a roar of pain as he fell backwards, losing all consciousness; his blood spattered across the floor.

End Flashback

Picking up his kusanagi, he strapped it to his waist. Konoha, although different from other villages, was still the land of ninjas. Punishment was severe and sometimes made the Uchiha question a lot of things. He didn't know what would happen to Naruto but he knew that death was a possibility. Trying to forget about the things on his mind, he made way to escape the confines of the library.

"I am surprised to find you here, Uchiha Sasuke." The voice was unexpected and uncanny.

Sasuke stopped and turned around, "I could say the same."

The Tsuchikage straightened his hat, "I am merely admiring the different attributes of Konoha."

Sasuke brushed his hair with his hand, "There isn't much to admire here." Turning around, he began to walk again.

The Tsuchikage laughed, "That seems strange coming from the strongest shinobi in this village. It sounds as if you don't want to be here."

Sasuke inwardly sighed as the words of Hajin entered his ears, 'Maybe I don't.'

Hajin observed the Uchiha leave his vision as he walked towards the table and picked up one of the books, analysing it, "Interesting."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto wiped the sweat from his forehead, his hat somewhere on the floor. It was quite late and the sun would soon be setting. He was staggered to find that helping Ayame and Teuchi ended up being harder than he initially expected. He was responsible for cutting all the ingredients exactly how they told him, making sure he didn't slip up. His final duty was preparing the flour which would be used to make the noodles. However, instead of wanting to stop, the work only served to get him more pumped for what he was doing.

"Ayame-chan, is there anything else?" Naruto stood behind the woman.

Ayame shook her head, "No, we're nearly done."

Teuchi laughed, "You've done great Naruto but remember one thing; tomorrow the work will be ten times as hard if we're accepted today."

Naruto grinned, "Bring it on!"

Teuchi moved the pot of ramen off the fire and brought it to the table. Ayame placed 6 small cups on the table as her father began to put ramen into them. Naruto looked over the ground, trying to find his hat. He was unsuccessful as Teuchi wiped his hands together, proud of the meal he had cooked.

"Naruto, take the ramen to the judging table along with Ayame. I'll be there shortly." Teuchi tightened the apron around his waist as he spoke.

Naruto picked up the tray of ramen before noticing the large crowd gathered around the judging table, "Looks like everyone is finished."

Ayame tapped the man on his back, "So are we, should we get going?"

Naruto nervously laughed, when he found he was blocking the way, "Yeah."

The two Ichiraku Ramen workers headed towards the judging table as the voice of Jiraiya could be heard. The frog hermit was on his feet with Aoba cowering behind him.

"What is this? This isn't food, it tastes like sake!" Jiraiya had his hand out to the barbeque chef.

Kotetsu and Izumo didn't say anything as they enjoyed the beef and vegetable combination. Shikamaru refrained from speaking, not wanting to get involved as Ino sighed. Sakura raised her voice at the man, "It's because you drank sake over the food! Eat it normally!"

Jiraiya stopped ranting as Chouji finished what was left of the food. The frog hermit cleared his throat and directed his attention to the chef he was just shouting at, "It was very nice." He sat back down upon finishing.

The chef was shaking from fear, as he nodded and disappeared into the crowd behind him. Naruto walked to the table and placed the tray down as Ino began to stare at him. Sakura realised it instantly as she slapped the blonde behind her head.

Ino got angry with her friend, "What's wrong with you?"

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "Didn't you notice what you were just doing?"

Ayame placed a cup of ramen in front of each of the judges as Naruto entered himself into the kunoichi's conversation, "She was admiring me. I can think of more ways for you to do that." He winked at Ino when he finished.

Sakura tightened her fist, an overwhelming feeling entering her. She wanted to beat the crap out of Naruto but knew she had to control herself, "Stop making advances on her!"

Each person in the vicinity looked at the trio as Naruto scratched his head, "What?"

Aoba ran to the table, slamming his hand down on it, "He clearly wants her!"

Naruto just stared dumbfounded, not knowing what made the man with glasses always speak out. He shook his head with a questioning voice, "Is there something wrong with you?" Aoba remained silent, "No, really?"

The special jounin walked backwards as Jiraiya couldn't help but inwardly laugh at the blonde. He reminded him so much of a young Yondaime that he remained quiet and enjoyed the sight.

Teuchi arrived at the scene as he folded his arms, "So, have you eaten it?"

Shikamaru looked around to find every bowl full, except for Chouji's, "We're about to." He stood up from his seat, "I'd just like to tell everyone that after this, we'll be announcing who passed and who didn't."

The crowd began to whisper relentlessly as the judges began to taste the food. Sakura tore her eyes away from Naruto as Ino began to eat the ramen. Naruto took out a cigarette and lit it, "Jealous woman…"

Sakura heard the words of the Uzumaki as she had an irate look, "What did you say?"

Naruto had an innocent expression across his countenance, "Who? Me? I didn't say anything." The jinchuuriki decided to leave the area as he walked to a tree quite far away, his actions catching Sakura's attention.

Jiraiya finished the noodle soup and started scribbling on the piece of paper he was using to judge the food. Kotetsu and Izumo followed the frog hermit as Chouji opened a packet of crisps.

Ino brushed her hair backwards, noticing Naruto wasn't anywhere to be seen, "Where's he gone?"

Sakura shrugged, "He wandered off somewhere."

Ino tapped her chin, "You know each other from before, don't you?"

Sakura shook her head, "I escorted him on a mission, don't ask."

Shikamaru began to collect the pieces of paper from all of the judges, looking through them one by one, "This is weird." The crowd was in a hushed silence as he continued, "It looks like everyone passed."

The group of chefs broke out into a roar of cheers as they began to celebrate. Shikamaru sat down and leaned back in his chair, trying to spot where Naruto had gone. His eyes darted from the people in the crowd, before he could identify someone standing alone under a tree at the edge of the field.

He looked at Naruto who was leaning back against the bark of the tree. Abruptly, the striking resemblance and familiarity made itself clear to him. As Naruto turned around and walked off, Shikamaru realised he was the same boy who used to go to the academy with him when he was younger. He scratched his head upon the revelation as the sun was beginning to disappear in the clouds above.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tsunade slowly twirled the sake in the cup she was drinking from, her eyes enthralled as they stared at the liquid. She was in confusion over multiple things and her sad demeanour didn't go unnoticed by her assistant. She twisted her chair so she was facing the window, the moon illuminating her face. Taking a sip of her drink, she spoke in a quiet voice, "Shizune…"

Shizune instantly stood at attention when she heard the Godaime, "Yes?"

Tsunade had a grim look on her face, "Am I a good Hokage?"

Shizune was startled with the question as she never expected something like this from the busty blonde. She had known for a while that Tsunade wasn't the same as when she first took the position of Hokage, but her worries were confirmed now. She quickly responded, "Of course! You've helped Konoha recover after a terrible tragedy!"

Tsunade folded her legs, leaning back in her chair, "When Jiraiya asked me to take this seat; he said I would be honouring them." Shizune understood she was referring to her younger brother and Dan, "I feel like that's not the way it's going anymore."

Shizune walked forwards, "Tsunade-sama…"

"He's still young Shizune, and I've given orders to kill him if it's necessary." Tsunade sighed upon finishing.

Shizune nodded, "It's for the good of this village; that's why you're doing this."

Tsunade stared at the moon, "Having to decide the fates of others…I always think of how I might have caused pain for someone." She closed her eyes, "But, this is the life of a Hokage."

Shizune found it hard to accept the woman's state of mind. She felt as if things were going to get worse for Konoha, but she couldn't allow for that to happen after all the effort Tsunade had put in to help it get back to some sense of normality. "I won't say I understand how you feel. Nonetheless, I do know that you're strong enough to overcome this."

Tsunade laughed, "You've always been there haven't you Shizune? You've seen me angry, happy, and miserable; it's been a long journey."

Shizune looked at the ground as various thoughts roamed her mind about her past experiences, "It hasn't ended yet."

Tsunade listened to her assistant, her thoughts on the Uzumaki who had recently returned to Konoha. She had endured a lot through her stay as Hokage but she found her decision to capture, and maybe even kill Naruto, the hardest to cope with. She didn't like how his life had gone and wondered what would become of it. The next generation of ninjas would mould the future of Konoha and she knew it was important that they didn't forget to use their own hearts as guides. She finished drinking her sake, wanting to get the next day over with so the Tsuchikage would be out of her hair at least.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto stared at the Hokage monument in the distance, as he was seated on the roof of his former home. Putting a cigarette in his mouth, he lit it with a match before blowing out smoke. He had a composed demeanour as he enjoyed the wind dishevelling his hair. He knew that everything he had worked for in the past two years would be decided the next day and was prepared to do anything to achieve his objective. A grin appeared across his face as he spoke, "You'll have to do better than that, Genkei."

Genkei made himself visible as he walked to the side of his summoner, "I've still sneaked up on you plenty of times; don't forget that."

Naruto continued smoking as the stars twinkled in the sky, "I won't."

Genkei enjoyed the pleasant sight of Konoha, seemingly undisturbed. He looked at Naruto, "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

Naruto nodded, "Yeah."

Genkei acknowledged his response, "So, what about the crystal? You're going to go after it?"

Naruto took out the cigarette from his mouth, "Right after I get the scroll."

Genkei sighed, "It all comes to a head then."

Naruto stared at the carved face of the Yondaime in the monument, "You know when I was young; the Yondaime was my inspiration." He flicked his cigarette from his hand, "The will to go on and change; the strength to do this was all received from the thought that I would, one day, become like him."

Genkei looked at the magnificent monument, "Have things changed now?"

Naruto ran a hand through his hair, "I receive my strength from my memories and those around me…" He let out a sigh, "But most of all, it's from the fact that I refuse to fail him."

Genkei understood that he was talking of Yuudai as he licked his sharp teeth, "In this world, people are defined by their actions and the way they lived. That is what separates ordinary people from legends."

Naruto fell onto his back and looked at the stars in the sky, their sparkling display uplifting his heart. "Genkei, if anything happens to me…I just want you to know that you've been a great friend."

Genkei was surprised to hear the words from the blonde's mouth, "Don't mention it. Nothing's happening tomorrow except that we're walking out of this village with what we came for."

A peaceful expression adorned Naruto's face, "I can't wait to see Yuka. Just once I want to see that smile across her face, to hold her close to me. It's been so long since I have."

Genkei laughed, "You'll get your chance. I'm sure it'll make her happy too."

Naruto grinned before standing to his feet and closing his eyes. Inhaling the fresh air, he put out his arms and tightened his fists. His mind wandered to the one who had taken him from Konoha as he opened his eyes and stared into the night sky. He spoke in a soft tone, almost in a whisper, "Watch me…"

Author Notes: Can you feel the intense electricity in the air? Because the rollercoaster ride is officially going to begin in the next chapter. You are finally going to witness the unravelling of Naruto's relationship with Yuudai as well as his past amongst other things which i don't want to say, in fear of spoiling. I have been working towards this point and am glad that i made it here with your support since i'm eager to write the meaty parts. Laters to all.