Author's Note: And we're back.

Chapter 11 is already written and edited, and I know I said I was going to be conservative with my uploads, but screw it. If we get a goo amount of thought provoking reviews, I'll post it within 2 weeks of the day this is uploaded! That would be September 4th!

If you have questions, I update my profile frequently where I let you know the status of the upcoming chapter. Or, feel free to PM for a direct resonse. I always answer my PM's!

Thanks again, and leave your reviews with any thoughts or concerns about the chapter or story!

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Omake: Life in the Leaf 2

Sakura

Sakura closed the book that was now resting on her lap as a long sigh escaped her lips. Many thoughts were running through her mind, and she didn't know how to process all of them. After about three days of reading the newly purchased book, it was finally finished. If she was being honest, the expectations for her teammate's book were low. I mean, how could they not be? The Naruto that she knew barely passed the academic portions of the academy. Or, at least, that was what she the pink-haired girl had assumed?

Because wow, this book was good. In fact, good may have been an understatement. It was great. Not only was it well written, which was the biggest surprise of all, but it also made her feel some emotions that she hadn't been prepared to feel.

Sakura was aware that Naruto had grown up all by himself, but not until now did she truly know what the boy had been going through all of these years. All of that was conveyed through the main character, Menma, which was a result of Naruto projecting himself into his work.

'I always saw him with that annoying large smile on his face…' The kunoichi thought with a twinge of sadness. 'I always just assumed he was happy, but he was just sad and lonely.' She did her best to try and shake those sympathetic thoughts from her head. Naruto wouldn't want her to feel that way about him.

After all, this wasn't a sad book about a despairing main character, it was a story of a man who gets all of the adversity in the world thrown at him, only for him to try his damnedest to overcome it and grow as a human. If anything, Sakura should be proud of Naruto; not sad for him. Never once had she heard the boy complain about anything in his life. Sure, he would sometimes get frustrated or upset when things didn't go his way, but that's natural for everyone.

The truth was, her blond teammate was one of the strongest people she had ever met. And Sakura wasn't talking about battle strength, though Naruto was very strong in that regard, too. No, character was the greatest strength he possessed. No matter what happened, who was in his way, or how hopeless the situation was, Naruto was going to give it everything he had. That was who Naruto Uzumaki was!

She clenched her fist tightly a new fire burning brightly behind those green eyes. "I'm not going to let you get that far ahead of me, Naruto! I'm going to train my butt off today, and every day, with Tsunade-sama until you get back! Just you wait!"

Hinata

When the Hyuga Heiress had learned that the boy she had always admired had come out with a book that she would be able to read, words could not describe how happy she was. She felt this way for many reasons.

Not only did she want to support her fellow leaf ninja as much as she could, but reading something that was written by him also helped dull pain in her chest that had been intermittently present ever since the boy had left with Jiraiya of the Sannin. Hinata didn't know why the pain was there, but it would flare up whenever her mind drifted to thinking about Naruto.

Most importantly, though, the novel allowed her to peer into the mind of its author. Not being much of a writer herself, it was still common knowledge that an author tends to show some of their thoughts and feelings through the work they create. In short, maybe reading this book would be able to help her be in tune with whatever her crush was feeling.

Well, she read the whole thing. Quite quickly, in fact. After purchasing the novel, she rushed home back to the Hyuga compound and began reading immediately. Reading the entire day, then that entire night, she finished around lunchtime the following morning.

Letting out a tired yawn, pale eyes were fixated on the cover of the book. It was just like him, very orange. Normally Hinata would've smiled, but conflicting feelings were getting in the way of it. The contents of the book were something she had not expected. From what she knew about Naruto, he was someone very strong and determined. Someone who, no matter what was in his way, he was going to fight tooth and nail to succeed.

Hinata had seen him do it after all, at the first stage of the Chunin Exams. Naruto did what he did best and didn't give up, and even though he didn't appear to notice, he inspired a lot of Chunin hopefuls to do the same thing that day. One of them was her.

That is what had her so conflicted. Menma, the protagonist, was nothing like the Naruto she knew. At least, not at first. The main character was lonely, self-conscious, and emotionally wounded. Three things that she would never associate with Naruto. Only later, after much struggling and self-reflection did Menma begin to resemble the blond boy Hinata had learned to admire so deeply.

That's when the realization hit her. Having been so enthralled by the pristine perception of Naruto that she had, it never crossed her mind that this was what he was like before; and maybe still like, to some degree.

Tears began forming in the corner of her lavender eyes as he began to think back to that cold day in the woods when those bullies were trying to pick on her. Naruto had saved her and had gotten beaten up badly in the process. Then, she had been dragged away unable to even so much as thank her savior. At that time, was he feeling the way Menma felt? Alone? Worthless? The possibility of that being true was tearing her up inside.

If she had known back then, maybe she would've acted differently? Hinata hoped that that was the case, but she wasn't sure. Growing up shy and scared, the desire to get closer to Naruto was there, the girl could just never bring herself to do it no matter how hard she tried.

It broke the Heiresses heart that the boy she wanted nothing more than to stand at his side had been going through so much while she was too scared to even say 'hi.'

'I'm so pathetic…' Harsh words echoed in the ears of the shy member of team 8.

'I don't quit, and I don't run!'

Since the Chunin exams, every time Hinata was scared to do something those words came back to her memory. Naruto's words.

Shaking her head free of all of those negative thoughts, Hinata steeled herself. Naruto was due to come back in two years…

That gave her two years to become better. And when it was time for the blond to come back, she would be ready to be there for him if he needed it, and he would take notice of her!

Neji

The cousin to the main branches heiress, a slave to the household, Neji's interest in Naruto and his novel was quite different from that of Hinata and Sakura. Neji was one of the few geniuses of his generation. A prodigy in the way of the Gentle Fist art that would be considered very rare even among the elite of the Main Branch of the clan.

Yet, he was bested in combat by someone who he had deemed as inferior to him. So sure of his victory, the blond's devastating uppercut did more than discombobulate Neji's senses, it turned his entire world upside down.

There were many things that the caged Hyuga wanted to ask his former opponent, though he never got the chance to do so before he had left the village with the indecent Sannin. Well, more accurately, Neji had no idea how to bring them up in conversation. They had interacted verbally a bit during their mission to retrieve Sasuke, but nothing far beyond simple conversation and things about the mission.

If he was being honest with himself, he wasn't a very sociable person. Nor did he like to show emotion, which would make talking to Naruto very difficult given the things he wants to discuss.

So, what better way than to try and communicate with him through the words that he writes? Perhaps it would answer those burning questions.

No matter how many days had past since the final round of the Chunin Exams, there was one line that constantly resonated with the talented shinobi.

"You don't know what it's like to be branded with a mark that sets you apart! A mark that can never be wiped away!"

"Oh yeah, I know what that's like… Well, big deal. Who cares?"

Initially, those words had infuriated Neji. It seemed as though Naruto was trying to minimize what he had gone through with the death of his father and the unfair state of his clan. Yet, after looking back on it, that didn't seem to be the case.

What had he meant by that? And then, what was that chakra the blond was able to bring forth despite having his chakra points blocked? Neji hypothesized that Naruto's 'mark' that he said he also possessed and that swirling red chakra were somehow connected.

After completing the novel, the Hyuga prodigy was even more sure of his theory than he had been before. The main character of the story was someone who was ostracized due to a power that he could not fully control. Having heard around the village, Naruto was not well received by many of the villagers, yet Neji hadn't heard why this was. Coupling this with the fact that this Menma grew and matured into someone who resembles Naruto in many ways, this could only make it even more likely that Naruto and the Hyuga are very alike.

Both were branded with hideous marks that not only defined them but limited their possibilities.

Or so, that was what he thought before clashing with the blond. While Neji had been born with unmistakable talent, Naruto was not; and he still won. Immediately after the heated battle, the result dumbfounded Neji. How could he, the pride of the Leaf's most powerful clan, lose to someone with less talent and skill? Over time, after thinking about life and the words that were spoken to him on that day, he concluded.

It was because Naruto refused to be bound by what was supposed to be his fate. By not accepting it, and choosing to fight past it, the boy had exceeded his limits and potential. It almost didn't seem real and went against the Hyuga boy's deeply entrenched beliefs about life and reality. Yet, it still made him believe that it was possible.

Naruto inspired him to continue moving forward no matter what, and this book was just a projection of all the things that the blond had unintentionally taught him.

Neji unceremoniously cracked a smile.

One day, the Hyuga branches would join together to form one clan. Then, and only then, will the curse mark of the branch families disappear for good and fade into history. Using Naruto's teachings, Neji would ensure that this happens.

Tsunade

Tsunade grunted in a mix of annoyance and anger as she eyed the old badger sitting on the other side of the large Hokage desk.

The last few days had been an absolute mess. After receiving the message from her childhood friend and teammate about the recent events in both Wave and the Land of Hot Water, she had been worried sick about the little Genin. The only silver lining to the whole situation was that Naruto was safe and sound. Well, from what Jiraiya had said, physically safe. Mentally, that was a matter that had still yet to be determined, but she was praying that Naruto would come out of all of this no worse for wear.

Now, while that whole situation was bad enough, there was also the matter of dealing with the person who was currently invading her personal space.

"For the last time." Tsunade's voice was it's usual strict and firm tone. "Even if I ordered Jiraiya to come back, he wouldn't. His job is to train the boy, and he can't do that when they are both in the village. We rely on Jiraiya too much when he's here, they wouldn't be able to accomplish anything." How many times did she have to say it before he would understand?

"This is ridiculous, Princess Tsunade. You are the Hokage. Act like it for once and order your subordinate to return to the village at once!" Danzo demanded, despite not having the actual power to do so.

"From what Jiraiya told me, he and Naruto are safe in Mt. Myoboku and are planning on staying there for a majority of the time they have left before they are due back in the village." The Slug Princesses tone was getting harsher and harsher as this conversation continued. "That should be acceptable, even for you."

"No, that is not good enough. The boy must be here in the village where we can watch him and make sure he does not get into trouble. Jiraiya has shown that he is incapable of ensuring the Jinchuriki's safety. I would do a much better job if I was just given the opportunity." This would not do. Not at all. If he had the seat of Hokage, the state of the village would be far better than it currently was. The other nations were beginning to view the Leaf as a weaker version of its former self. These perceptions invite conflict as the other countries vie to be at the top of the world. If only Tsunade realized that and gave up the seat to him willingly. Then, the village's most valuable asset would be safe and locked in a cage-like it should be, thus helping them maintain their spot as the supreme ninja village.

"Jiraiya is one of the Sannin, and currently the strongest ninja we have. If anyone could keep Naruto safe, it is him."

"That remains to be seen…"

"Jiraiya is the reason Naruto isn't in the hands of the Akatsuki, and it is not from a lack of trying."

Danzo would be hard-pressed to argue with that. There were now two times when an Akatsuki duo tried to take the Nine-Tailed fox, and both were foiled by the presence of The Toad Sage. Though, one of those instances involved Itachi…

The Old Badger sneered. He couldn't tell Tsunade about why the encounter with Itachi had less merit. Only three people know about that, and there was no way he was going to let more people in on that dark little secret. He had no choice but to relent for now.

"And, Danzo. This information, it is classified, it will not leave this room." The beautiful Senju's voice promised punishment if her words were ignored.

"Fine." The annoyance in his voice was palpable. "Just know this, Princess Tsunade, if that boy falls into the hands of the Akatsuki, the world as we know it is doomed. So, you had better hope that fool Jiraiya knows what he's doing." Before the Fifth Hokage could even respond, Danzo lifted himself off of the chair with his trusty cane and made his way for the door.

Yet, suddenly, he stopped and turned around. From this position, he could see the entire office that the always belonged to the incumbent Hokage. Even though Tsunade currently resided in that seat, he could see himself in her place. A faint smile adorning his wrinkled lips, the bandaged man closed the door behind him as he left.

The Female Sannin let out a deep, frustrated sigh. First, there had been stacks of paperwork that had to be dealt with, they the annoying badger had to come in with his monthly power struggle that was beginning to grow tiresome. Though, this was one of the few times were Danzo had made some good points. If she didn't have the utmost respect and love for both Jiraiya and Naruto, perhaps Shimura's request would've been considered.

"I need a drink…" Muttering absentmindedly to herself, she glanced at the orange book that was laying on the far right corner of her desk. Tsunade had been excited to read the book by her adoptive grandson, but there just wasn't enough time. Especially considering everything that had just happened, there wasn't enough time in the day to get everything done.

What was it about? That was what made her so curious. The similarities the blond had to Nawaki and Dan were probably what made her the most interested. Maybe she would see a little bit of them in it? Who knew?

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune said loudly as she walked through the door with a large stack of paper in her hands. "All of these need to be completed by the end of the day." Her smile was a mask to hide her nervousness because she that the Hokage was already in a bad mood after meeting with the Leaf Village's leader of ROOT. More paperwork was just adding fuel to the fire.

Tsunade's eyes drifted slowly from the book to her student, ushering her forward. She watched as Shizune plopped the papers down in front of her. Another sigh escaping the lips of the Sannin.

'Hopefully, I'll have time to start reading it tomorrow….' She mused, though with little confidence that it was possible.

Author's Note : Short and sweet, at least I hope it was. As you guys can see, Naruto's book, just like the kid himself, seems to be having an effect on a few of the Leaf's young ninja. Will that change anything, you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait and see for yourself. There will be no spoilers coming from me!

I know a couple people voiced their displeasure with this two installment Omake, so I hope most of you enjoyed it. This second part, especially, was important for the future of this story, so it isn't a waste of time to read.

For future reference, I do read and consider all reviews that are left so if you have a strong opinion about anything feel free to leave it in the reviews!

Anyway, thanks for reading and I will see you back here with Chapter 11: Great Lord Elder.

Richard1081 - While she was in this chapter, yes, we will not be seeing her reaction to the book. At least, not yet. With what happened in Wave, and Danzo breathing down her neck, I felt it made the most sense that she would be so swamped with work and political red tape that there was no time to sit down and read a book.

Time Parad0x - When I said 'too strong' I was referring to the fandom. The fandom is split into two distinct groups (and people who don't care either way, but let's focus on the groups).

Group 1 are the people who love an over powered young Naruto. Rinnegan, Sage Mode, Wood Style, the whole bit. The stronger the better as far as they are concerned.

Group 2, on the other hand, loathes an overly strong Naruto. They prefer more realistic strides of development, or even an underpowered protagonist.

I never said I agree with either of these. When done well, both can be enjoyable. You haven't seen my reasoning for not having him learn Sage Mode yet (which will be discussed in the story in Chapter 11), so I feel claiming author fiat as the only way I can accomplish this is jumping the gun a tad. There will be realistic progression, along with good reasoning as to why things happen, or don't happen. You have to remember Naruto has been through a terrible tragedy, should that not hamper his growth? It would make no sense if it didn't.

Still, I love the passion. Thank you for the review!

TheRoadtoHell666 - All will be explained eventually. As for his reaction to the ordeal, that was what I felt, as well. If his reaction to Neji's death during the war was that intense as a 17 years old, seasoned ninja, a 13 year old Naruto's reaction would be even more so.

vindictive Glory - Halting his growth because of 'plot' is an odd way of putting it. If I wanted to make him a God, and I did it in a way that makes sense then there should be no problem. The same thing applies to what I'm doing. Given all of the circumstances, his growth will continue in what I deem a very realistic way. Once you see what I mean, tell me what you think about it. Thanks for the review!

SpencerDorman - While my reasoning for why Naruto wrote about essentially his own life goes much deeper than this, one of the reasons I chose to do it was because he never really talks to the people he's close to about what he went through. Maybe he didn't want to complain, or make it seem like it didn't bother him when it really did? I don't really know for sure, but it gives him the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart with his friends without having to open up face-to-face.