PLEASE READ THE AN!

AN: Thanks for the amazing support as always, this story is apart of Community now! Now one person pointed out that I failed to establish how Sasuke and Sakura were saved from Gaara. That will be established in this chapter. As for the vote on whether to keep Hinata alive or not, I'm actually surprised that people want her to die… but not from her depression… but never fully recovering from the lose and injury, and dying on a mission. Now as for Naruto's Alias, you guys gave me a lot of good ideas, but I am going to take the idea from a long time viewer and supporter Antex-The Legendary Zoroark and go with Takumi. As for his last name, that will be revealed next chapter. On a side note, I would appreciate it if you enjoyed this story that you check out my other stories. As of right now, this chapter is not beta read. So I apologize for any mistakes there maybe and for the amount of time it took to get this out.

Onwards to the story!

"Talking"

'Thinking/mental communication'

"Kurama talking"

Jutsu/Bloodline

No More Lies

Chapter 3: Funeral and More Revelations.

[Konoha]

It was midday, the skies were clouded over in thick rain clouds, A light rain falling from said clouds, making it seem like the heavens were crying for the fallen. The entire village was gathered in the graveyard where multiple graves were being filled with coffins of both the brave Shinobi and Kunoichi as well as the killed Civilians that have been found since the invasion was quelled. Among them Iruka, Jiraiya, The Ichiraku family, Kakashi, and the surviving members of the now Rookie 10. Even the gravely injured Hinata and Rock Lee were there, trying to hold in their sorrow for the "death" of Naruto and the loss of the Third Hokage.

One Kunoichi, with purple hair, brown eyes, ruby red lips, hidden behind a Cat ANBU mask, peaches and cream pale skin, with a toned body dressed in standard ANBU attire was standing in front of Hayate Gekko's grave. This was Yugao Uzuki, coded named Cat within the ANBU. She was however heavily considering leaving the ANBU and possibly leave Konoha behind. She had heard that the Ichiraku were leaving shortly after the funeral was completed and that Jiraiya had a student that needs a kenjutsu teacher, and she felt she should pass on what her deceased lover taught her. 'maybe I should go with Jiraiya and the Ichiraku family… I have nothing left here… Hayate is gone, we have no Hokage to guard, and there is a high chance Danzo becoming the new Hokage.' She thought to herself.

Jiraiya was standing there with a small scroll in his hand that he received in the middle of the night from Naruto, with another scroll just smaller than the toad summoning contract as per Naruto's request via his message looking exhausted, like he didn't get any sleep at all. 'Damn brat… he better appreciate this.' He thought as he thought back to last night.

[Flashback]

Jiraiya had just finished his long day, attending the Council meeting and having to turn down being Hokage and being asked to find his former teammate a life long crush, Tsunade Senju, and try to convince her to come back to the village to take the hat. He knew it was a long shot, but he knew he had to make the effort or they'd find someone like Danzo to take the hat, and that would not be good. He was just about to crawl into this futon when his messenger toad popped into his room via a poof of smoke.

"Reply from your student, sir." the Toad said as he placed the message scroll in front of him, waiting for the Toad Sage to dismiss him.

"Thank you, you may go and get some rest. I'll call for you tomorrow morning." The perverted Sannin sighed and took the scroll and read it.

Pervy Sage,

You were indeed correct that I came to Wave. I am staying with Tazuna, his daughter Tsunami, and his grandson Inari. They have graciously said that you, the old man, and Ayame can stay with us till they can build a home/restaurant for the Ichiraku's. However, I must ask that when you arrive that you do not request me by name, if a young woman answers the door, ask for either Tsunami or Tazuna, by the time you get here I should have figured out my alias by then.

However, I have things I wish for you to bring with you, things that are rightfully mine. I wish for my mother's sword, all the scrolls within my parent's house or where ever they are being stored as well as my family's fortune. I'm sure Hiruzen kept all that safely hidden so those greedy councilors could have gotten hold of them. To ensure you don't have any issues I have including a couple of vials of my blood incase of blood seals. If you're wondering how I know about blood seals and seals in general, Kurama has taught me the basics of Fuinjutsu.

Also, if it all possible I would like to find a Kenjutsu trainer, as you have already surmised that I intend to use my mother's sword and make a name for myself.

However do not think that you are off the hook just yet, Teaching me is just the first step in your redemption. You have 13 years to make up for, I hope you're ready to do so, or you will regret it. I expect you to keep my loved ones safe on the journey here. If they show up injured or worse, you can write off any chance of redemption.

Naruto Uzumaki.

He just sighed at this. 'Damn brat…those are some very high demands… it's gonna be damn near treason for getting the list of stuff of his… Sensei had it locked behind the Hokage vault… everything, only he knew the combination. To get it I'm gonna have to sneak into the Hokage's office, crack the vault combination, even the scrolls he's asking for, using his blood is the least of the worry… but who knows what booby traps they put into place… I'm not worried about keeping the Ichiraku's safe… but the kenjustu teacher is gonna be tricky to find.' Jiraiya thought, knowing someone might be listening but finishes aloud "Well, I'll find my student a kenjustu master down the road."

Jiraiya sighed as he felt movement outside his house. Little did he know that it was none other than Yugao who was passing by on her way home, hearing the poof of the summon and decided to check it out, however, decided not to eavesdrop anymore and went on her way to greave for the lose of Hayate and prepare for the funeral tomorrow.

Jiraiya having sensed that the presence was gone, got up and used his skills as spymaster to acquire everything Naruto had demanded, even outsmarting the ANBU guarding the Hokage Vaults, as well as the Namikaze household for his mother's famous sword and sealed them all in a medium-sized scroll.

[End Flashback]

After the funeral concluded, Sasuke and Sakura both walked up to Jiraiya. "Master Jiraiya, can we talk to you for a moment?" Sakura asked as politely as she could.

"Ahh… you are the genin from yesterday." Jiraiya said remembering how he saved them from Gaara and Shukaku.

"Yes, we wanted to thank you for saving our lives… If you hadn't shown up when you did… Gaara would have crushed me and killed Sasuke… so thank you very much" Sakura said with a bow of gratitude while Sasuke looked pissed off at the fact he couldn't defeat Gaara on his own. 'I should have been able to beat that freak on my own! How can I kill Itachi if I can't even hold up against someone like Gaara…' Sasuke brooded.

"Think nothing of it… I'm just glad I made it time. I was worried when I heard you guys were sent to fight against Gaara." The Toad Sannin said expressing his concern. 'whose bright idea was it to send them against a Jinchuriki anyway?' he thought out of spite.

[Flashback]

Jiraiya sighed as he and his summon defeated the 3 headed snake summon as he looked over to Ibiki Morino shouting, "I'm going to check on the arena! I'm worried about the Hokage and Chunin hopefuls." With that Jiraiya, body flickered to the Stadium seeing a transparent purple barrier when he arrived. "Damn… a barrier huh?" He said to himself but getting nods from the ANBU on the outside of the barrier as confirmation. He turned and asked, "What happened to the Genin participating in the tournament?"

"We don't know, you'd have to ask Kakashi or one of the Jonin fighting in the stadium below. All we know is that the Uzumaki came to talk to the Hokage and was very pissed off. We were going to detain him when Lord Hokage signaled for us to stand down and left with the boy. We don't know where he went after that, but the Hokage seemed troubled and upset after he returned" One of the ANBU replied.

The toad sage just sighs and goes to find Kakashi, which was easy enough having heard the sound of the Chidori or Lightning Blade activate. "Kakashi, where are the kids?" He said as Kakashi ran his lightning covered fist through a Sound Ninja.

"I sent Shikamaru, Sasuke, and Sakura after Gaara and his teammates along with Pakkun. I just hope they're alright."

"You sent 3 Genin, 2 of which are probably tired from their fights, after a possible Jinchuriki and his team with just your personal summon as back up?!" Jiraiya exclaimed, clearing wondering what was going through Kakashi's mind at the time.

"I know it was risky, but They were the only ones we could spare. The rest of the enemies around here are high Chunin and Jonin class opponents, I sent them after what I figured to be the safer adversaries… After all, I trained Sasuke specifically for his fight against Gaara." Kakashi said as he killed another Sound Ninja.

Jiraiya sighed, frowning at that logic, and realized. "Alright, I'll go back them up, but you should know that Naruto is missing." He said deflecting a thrown kunai.

"Yeah, I know but I can't go look for him right now, I'm tied down here at the moment. If we survive this, We can search for him together, so please, go help my team. If Gaara really is a Jinchuriki then they are outmatched." Kakashi said with worry evident in his voice for both Naruto and the genin he sent after Gaara but kept focused on the enemy around him as he knocked a Sand Ninja out.

Jiraiya nodded and bounded off towards the explosions in the forest. 'You brats better be alright. Especially you Naruto, where ever you are.' He thought.

On the way he saw Asuma helping Shikamaru against a group of Sound Ninja, getting info from Shikamaru saying he stayed back as a decoy when they detected they were being pursued. Jiraiya nodded and continued after the remainder of the team seeing Shino and his father against a tree. Shino's father saying that his son chased after Shikamaru and the others after seeing Kankuro flee the stadium, claiming he wanted his fight against the Sand Genin, who laid no to fair away knocked out. He sighed and continued to chase after them, only to see the One-Tailed Raccoon raise up from the Forest.

"Damn it! I hope those kids are still alive… to push a Jinchuriki this far… they are in trouble." He cursed as he ran through the signs to summon the Chief Toad, Gamabunta.

"Jiraiya! Why have you-" Gamabunta started to ask before he saw Shukaku. "If you summoned to help you deal with Shukaku the Sand Spirit you're on your own." He finished preparing to poof back to Mount Myoboku.

"Please wait Bunta! There are Genin here bravely fighting against the One Tails, if we don't stop it, they will die!" Jiraiya pleaded.

The Boss of the Toads sighed and took a drag from his pipe. "Very well, but you'd better have saké ready next time you summon me."

"Thank you. Now let's save those Genin." Jiraiya proclaimed as he jumped off Gamabunta's head and approached Sasuke only to see Sakura being bounded to a tree by sand. "What happened here?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth, "I've been fighting this freak Gaara for a while now but Sakura and a dog arrived, catching his attention, only to grab Sakura with that sand of bound her to the tree. It's getting harder and tighter every passing moment and will eventually crush her unless I beat him, but I'm out chakra and can't do anything!" He finished punching the branch he was standing on out of frustration that he was so weak and couldn't finish off Gaara on his own. However, Jiraiya mistook this as he was frustrated that he couldn't save his teammate.

"Don't worry, I'll save her for you, get back to a safe distance." He said jumping back onto Bunta's head, who was facing off against the now awake Shukaku.

"Jiraiya we need to wake up the kid on Shukaku's head! The little fool used the Play Possum Jutsu and gave up control to the One Tail!" The Chief Toad shouted.

"Alright, Ready some oil, we need to distract the demon before I can give that kid a good smack." Jiraiya planned on the fly, knowing the One Tail was just one big Sand Chakra beast, and with enough heat, they could hopefully slow him down and cause enough pain to distract him enough to wake up Gaara.

As Gamabunta puffed his cheeks, filling his mouth with toad oil, Jiraiya was running through the hand signs for a powerful fire jutsu, and both call out their combination jutsu. "Fire Style: Toad Flame Bomb!" The attack hits and causes the Sand spirit to scream and thrash around in pain, causing the giant toad to yell out "Now Jiraiya!"

The Super Pervert already jumping off the Boss Toad's head, cocking his fist back ready to deliver a punch on the sleeping Jinchuriki only to miss and land a foot away, causing him to curse.

"Get off my head you human!" Shikaku yelled, still recovering from the attack, and continued to thrash around. Jiraiya being used just thrashing when Gamabunta wasn't pleased with him was more than able to stay on with the application of Chakra to his sandals, reading another attack on the sleeping Gaara. This punch landed, waking up a stunned Gaara and a despairing Shukaku.

"NO! I just got here!" The One Tail Raccoon said as he disintegrated into the sand, causing Jiraiya and Gaara to start falling to the ground. Jiraiya flipped midair, landing on his feet, while Gaara crashed against it, completely exhausted.

It was then that Temari and Kankuro showed up, standing in front of Gaara protectively. "Please, Don't harm our brother any farther!" Temari pleaded.

This confused Gaara greatly. "W-why are you p-protecting me… I lost… I failed to prove my existence!" He said holding his head in pain.

"Because Gaara, despite all you've done, you're still our brother, and we just want the old you back before father ordered that assassination on you." Kankuro said not looking back at Gaara, keeping a tired, but fierce glare trailed on the Sannin in front of them.

"He's right… we love you Gaara. We just want to be a family again." Temari said not looking back as well but Gaara noticed the tears that dampened the soil under her.

"Enough, let's go home. I'm tired of fighting" Gaara said weakly as he tried to get up but couldn't muster the strength.

"What makes you think I'm just going to let you leave after betraying the Leaf like this?" Jiraiya asked sternly.

"We'll give you a full confession once we get home, but we'd appreciate it if you let us go home to confront our father first so can get more details for the confession." Temari said with a stern but hidden pleading look, one Jiraiya caught and sighed at.

"Very well, I'll give you a week, send it to the Hokage, I'll be sure to tell him of our agreement." The Old Pervert replied.

"Thank you, Lord Jiraiya." Temari said dropping her guard, while Kankuro was helping Gaara up.

Sasuke dropped down with an unconscious Sakura on his back. "Why are you just letting them go!?" said the enraged Uchiha.

"Enough, we need to get back to the leaf and help there. Naruto's been missing since his victory over Neji. Come on." Jiraiya said in a commanding tone. Hearing that Naruto was missing shocked him enough to go back to the leaf carrying a now awake Sakura, who was pretending to still be knocked out, only failing due to a noticeable blush on her face, one Jiraiya caught and chose to say nothing about.

[End Flashback]

After finishing his trip down memory lane, Sasuke and Sakura left for once going their separate ways without Sakura pestering Sasuke for a date, knowing it wasn't right on a day like today. Jiraiya was about to go with the Ichiraku family but was stopped by Yugao. "Lord Jiraiya, might I have a word with you?" She askes.

The Sannin just sighs and nods while thinking 'if these delays keep happening we're gonna be late getting to the Land of Waves to meet Naruto.'

"I would like to accompany you to escorting the Ramen Stand owners." She asked bluntly.

"…Do you have permission from the council? Surely can't afford to lose a capable ninja-like yourself for any period of time after the losses we took…" He replied, knowing she was ANBU, likely a captain too.

"…I put in a request for a month's leave of duty to properly mourn for someone close to me." She replied, her voice carrying the sound of grief, sadness, and loss

Jiraiya inwardly groans. "Before I confirm or deny your request… why do you wish to come with me?" Sounding suspicious but already figuring out that it was her outside his window last night.

"I-I overheard you were going to meet a student of yours in Wave, and that he was searching for a kenjustu teacher. I wish to pass on what I've learned, or at least what I can pass on during my leave." She said, knowing full well she was caught.

"Alright, but this is on you if you get into trouble with the council. But you'll need to know that my student is very secretive about his identity… so I'd appreciate it if you didn't report anything…" He said a little too kindly.

"Yes, of course, I am off duty after all." She said, not withering under the pressure.

"Good… get ready… we'll be on the move a lot. After we meet my student and drop off the Ichiraku Family, I have to go find Tsunade, and will likely require help locating and convincing her to come back." He said firmly and making turning to make his way over to Naruto's surrogate family to let them know of the addition to their travel party.

After explaining it to them, they were obviously cautious about an ANBU joining them. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Even if off duty, learning that he's alive could cause major issues." Ayame asked in a hushed tone in case someone was listening in.

"It's better than denying her… it will look suspicious if we did. He should have come up with his alias and changed his appearance by the time we get there…" The Toad Sage replied in an equally hushed tone.

Teuchi nodded, not liking this one bit but knew the Sannin was right. Jiraiya then spoke up once again. "Besides. He's looking for a Kenjustu teacher… She learned and practiced with the best swordsmen the leaf has to offer. That…and I feel that once she seeing that he asked for, she'll understand everything. I have it in good standing that she was against it all and was one of the few that was assigned to guard him, and knows of his…situation." He finishes, easing the doubts of the Father and Daughter combo.

An hour later, Iruka was standing at the village gates to say his farewells to the ramen chiefs, though confused with a beautiful woman with purple hair was standing there as well. He could tell she wasn't a civilian, she had the aura of a skilled kunoichi, someone who has seen and dealt a lot of death. Sensing this Yugao decided to attempt to ease his confusion and told him that she was taking some time off to grieve the loss of a loved one and was joining Jiraiya in his travels for a month. Iruka knew that wasn't the whole truth but decided to drop it.

15 minutes later, Jiraiya and the Ichiraku's arrived. "Ayame, Teuchi, I wish you luck in your endeavors in Wave. I can only imagine that it will not be easy starting again in a new country." The academy teacher said.

"Thank you, Iruka, but I have a feeling we'll be just fine. From what I hear, they practically worship our favorite fallen knucklehead." Teuchi chuckled slightly while attempting to sound sorrowful for the 'loss' of Naruto. Ayame too gave a strained smile, genuinely sad that so few people paid respects to Naruto's portrait. The only ones who had paid their respects were his teammates, her and her father, Yugao, Shikamaru and Choji, Iruka, and of course poor Hinata who looked completely dead on this inside.

She was however glad to hear he had been added to the monument stone like so many other fallen heroes of the leaf. Even if she was sure that this damnable village will celebrate the death of the "demon child" or "Kyuubi reincarnated" and not see him as the hero has been his entire life for keeping the Ninetails locked away.

"Shall we go? We should be there in about 2 days barring any interruptions. I would hate to take longer than that." Jiraiya says, shuddering being later than that Naruto wasn't the most patient person in the world, more so when his precious people are involved 'I just hope Naruto gets the message and comes up with his alias and new look before we arrive' he thought not knowing that the ANBU traveling with them had a connection to Kushina and Naruto.

Teuchi and Ayame chuckle, knowing why Jiraiya shuddered while Yugao was confused and knew she was obviously missing a vital piece of intel, something she wasn't comfortable with but chose to keep quiet. 'What am I missing. And why do I feel it's all gonna change everything when I find out.'

[Wave]

We find Naruto mediating on the water, working on his chakra control since he knows that it's one of his shortcomings. Kurama staying quiet but was thinking about his partner Alias. However, Naruto was brought out of his meditation the sound of the messenger frog appearing saying "Urgent message from Jiraiya. There is a new development."

Naruto groans and walks over to the barge. "What is it now…?" He asked and takes the scroll.

Naruto,

I have everything you requested, but it wasn't easy to obtain, even with my infiltration skills. Whoever they choose to be the next Hokage will very likely notice the missing scrolls with the jutsu and funds. As for the Kenjustu teacher, I have found you one, however, she is an ANBU on leave. She goes by Cat. I don't know if you are aware of her or not but I have warned her that you value your privacy, so you'd best come up with that alias before we arrive and find a way to change your appearance beyond clothes. We will be on time barring any trouble on the road. However… I will not be able to stay in Wave to train you. The council has requested I find my old teammate, Tsunade Senju, and bring her back to be Hokage… I am not hopeful for my chances so I may request your assistance, however, should you decline I will understand. I will explain when I arrive as to why I am tasked with this retrieval mission. Ayame and Teuchi give their best and are excited to see you. Iruka and Kakashi send their best and will miss you.

Jiraiya.

Naruto ponders. 'I wonder why they need a new Hokage, and why didn't the old man make the request himself…? And Cat being my kenjustu sensei? That could be interesting… she was one the guarded me from the shadows keeping people away from me. Wonder how she'll react to me being alive.'

"I don't know, perhaps Hiruzen was injured and unable to continue his duties… he is an old man after all. I'm more surprised that you aren't upset that he can't train you right away unless you assist him and therefore the village." Kurama replied.

'Well, of course, I am upset… once again someone is putting the village before me… however, I understand that they need leadership… I just hope it isn't too serious.'

The Ninetails knew the guilt would cripple him for a few days at the very least if the Third got seriously hurt or killed after his verbal assault against the old man. "Well if something did happen, try not to blame yourself… He's a seasoned warrior, he can take care of himself. As for this Cat ANBU, can we trust her? Her duty is to the Hokage and the Village." He asked after trying to calm down his partner.

'Oh her? Yeah, she'll be fine. She watched over me before the academy, even personally took me to the hospital a few times. Never saw her face but if she's off duty then I will finally be able to meet her in person.'

"Does someone have a new crush so soon?" Kurama teases.

'What? No! She's like 7 years older than I am, if not older! That'd just be wrong!' Naruto protested, getting a chuckle from the fox in his gut, earning a mumbled 'furry bastard' only to realize he should let Tazuna and Tsunami about the extra guest and that they are on their way, so he makes his way to Tazuna's place, getting polite waves from everyone, bashful blushes from the female population, even a couple shop owners handing him free bags of food, which he tried to turn down, but the shop keepers were persistent and said it was a "thank you" for saving and freeing them from Gato and his thugs, so he relented and accepted the gifts. He even heard some of the bolder female population shout out to him, asking to marry them and give them his child. 'Wonder if this is how it feels for Sasuke? None of these girls like me for me… they like me because of my fame…' He thought knowing full well they were fangirls.

After about 30 minutes of walking through the village, he finally reaches Tazuna's place and walks in. Normally he'd knock, but Tsunami said that he didn't need to bother, he was an honored guest and practically family as far as she and Inari were concerned. "Hey Tsunami, you here?" He calls out for the single mother.

"In the kitchen Naruto!" She replies.

'Of course, she's in the kitchen, if she isn't cleaning, or out shopping she's in the kitchen preparing for meals or just baking. She really needs to take it easy and just relax sometimes. I swear she works herself too hard.' Naruto thought as he made his way to the kitchen. "I have some food from the villagers, where should I put them?" He askes

Tsunami turns around, sees the gifts, and sighs. "On the table, I'll put them away in a little bit."

"Thanks, but I can put them away, I don't want to feel like I'm just freeloading y'know." The blonde says plainly.

"Nonsense. You're our guest. Besides, I have a system as to where things go and can't find anything if it's not in the system." She said finishing off half-joking, earning a sweatdrop from her guest.

"OK…" He said giving up. "By the way, your dad around? Jiraiya and the Ichiraku's are going to be here in 2 days, assuming nothing happens on the way here. Oh and I'm sorry but seems one more person is going to tagging along with them. A Leaf ANBU, though they are supposed to be off duty…" He said.

Tsunami looked worried about the ANBU, she might not know much about the Ninja Society but she knew ANBU either took rogue and/or missing ninja back to their respective villages or kill them, depending on the situation. "Are you sure it's safe for them to come here? What if they try to kill you or take you back?"

"Relax, we just need to come up with an alias for me before they get here. I'll see about changing my hair color. Maybe go red… or black. Anyway, we have 2 days… We'll be fine." He said giving her a reassuring smile.

"Alright… as long as you're sure…" She said still not sure.

"Trust me, It'll be ok." The blonde said then asked, "Where's Tazuna?"

Tsunami realized she didn't' answer that part of the question the first time, blushes slightly from embarrassment. "Oh I'm sorry, He's out working on that shop for your family."

"Alright, thanks. Did he say where?" He asked wanting to warn him about the ANBU

"No, he said he wanted it to be a surprise to you and them." She said with a warm smile

"Damn it.. alright. Well, I'm gonna head about out to train. Be back for supper." The blonde said leaving the house.

Instead of going back through the village, he decides to stay close to the house and walk out 10 feet away from the house and mediate again. 'Hey Kurama, for the hair color, is it possible you to change that permanently, and for all hair to make it natural?'

"Hmm it is, but it'd be painful because it'll be rewriting some of your genetic profile, what are you thinking?" Kurama replied.

'I'm thinking black…maybe with red tips.' The blonde replied.

"Hmm that's possible to do… but I'm not sure if I can get it done within the 2 days, I'd have to focus my chakra on the transformation completely, it'd affect your chakra control a lot since you've grown used to mine in your system full time. I'd recommend going back to the docks before you attempt water walking again." The Nine Tails said with a little concern. 2 days with a good portion of chakra being cut off was very risky, especially if his host was attacked in the meantime.

Naruto nodded and did as his partner suggested. 'Alright, go for it.' He said determinedly. And with that, he felt weak on top of excruciating pain. But he didn't scream, he did his best to endure the pain, He knew that he'd make his gracious host worry about him. 'Damn... I think I'll just go lay down and try to think up an alias…' He thought to himself and limped inside avoiding Tsunami so as not to worry her.

Later that night, when Naruto didn't come back for dinner, the single mother got worried and decided to check his room, only to find him sleeping with a face that displayed pain. 'He must have pushed himself too much, and didn't want to worry us.' She thought and decided to leave him be.

A day and a half later, the night before Jiraiya, the ANBU and Naruto's family were to arrive, Naruto woke up, groaning in pain. 'Damn, that hurt. Was it successful Kurama?'

"Yes…but it took its toll on my chakra, I'm going to sleep to recover it. We should be back to normal in a couple of days." Said an exhausted Kurama, who promptly went to sleep not waiting for a response from his partner.

Naruto just mentally nodded and made his way to the mirror to see that the transformation was indeed successful, however, he saw that his normal blue eyes now had fox-like irises instead of his normal human round irises. 'Damn fox, must be a side effect. I'll ask him when he walks up'

He makes his way downstairs, wanting food before going to shower for tomorrow, seeing the whole family at the table. "NARUTO! What happened to you?!" Tsunami got up from her seat and ran to him, seeing his hair and eyes have changed.

"Oh, umm…well I told you the last time I was here that I had the fox inside me right?" He said kinda nervous talking about his partner, even if they accepted him as him, not the fox. He got nods from them. "Well, I asked him to change my hair color, but I'm guessing that my irises changed as a side effect of him using chakra for the permanent change."

"But won't this give you away? Normal humans don't have fox/cat-like irises…" Tazuna said concerned.

"It might, but who knows if this is permanent or not, I'll just have to buy some tinted goggles or sunglasses until furball wakes up." He said with a sigh, knowing their concern, hell he had them too, but he didn't have time to worry about it. "How long have I been out?"

"Your family is scheduled to be here tomorrow sometime." Tsunami answered getting a nod from her former blonde guest.

"Guess I need to think of an alias quickly then…" the now blackette replied.

"Actually, father and I have been talking about that… and I always decided that if I had another son, that I'd name him Takumi… and since I'm no longer able to have kids due to an accident shortly after Inari was born… I thought that the name would be useful to you… even if this Teuchi adopts you officially." She said with a sad smile. She kinda wanted to adopt him herself, but she knew that he loved the ramen chief and his daughter as family and they deserved the chance to do so before she brought it up herself. They took care of him after all.

Everyone looked at Tsunami with a comforting gaze, especially Naruto, having heard the sad tone she used. Naruto got up and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him as he said. "I'd be honored to use that name. Thank you Tsunami."

The single mother nodded with teary eyes muttering a "your welcome" before getting up to start supper. Naruto in the meantime thought he should let Jiraiya, Teuchi, and Ayame know of his new name and decided to go up to his room, not before getting stopped by Tazuna. "Hey kid, before you disappear on us, I just wanted to let you know that the house/shop will be finished in about a month."

"Cool! Thanks, you old drunk." Naruto said teasingly earning a muttered "Damn brat" and a chuckle from Inari.

Once in his room, he summoned Gamakichi. "Yo! It's been awhile Naruto, We hear you left the Leaf. You should know that pops isn't happy to hear that, you should summon him soon to explain everything."

"Yeah, I figured, I would have summoned him earlier but I was out of it for the last day and a half. But nevermind that for now. I have a favor to ask… Can you deliver a message to Jiraiya for me? I don't know how to summon different toads besides you, Gamatatsu, and Chief Toad, so I'm kinda stuck." He said, kinda worried about the Chief Toad being mad at him and hoped he wouldn't lose the Toad Contract. They were a huge part of his life even indirectly. Especially since they were the only links he had to his father he had.

The orange toad sighed. "Alright but this will cost you big. Better have a big bag of sweets waiting for me the next time we see each other."

"You got it thanks a lot. Tell the Chief that I'll summon him the day after tomorrow. I have a feeling tomorrow is gonna be. Oh! And please don't mention my name… He's traveling with an ANBU and I don't want that headache just yet." Naruto said with his megawatt smile handing him the message.

"Yeah, sure, but what do I call you from now since I'm assuming you took an alias?" the orange toad asked.

"I'll be going by Takumi from now on." The former blonde replied.

"Alright, I'll inform pops. But you better keep your word… the longer you wait, the worse it's likely gonna be." Gamakichi

Naruto sighed "Man, I should have told the Chief while training the other day… just hope he'll understand." Then went back downstairs for supper.

[With Jiraiya]

Just as everyone was gonna settle in for the night while Yugao offered to take the first watch, while Jiraiya would take the second, Gamakichi poofed next to all of them, causing Ayame and Teuchi to jump and Yugao to draw her sword in a defensive manner, which causes the old pervert to signal her to stand down and address the small toad. "Gamakichi, I assume my student sent you?"

"Yeah, He asked me to deliver a message and to let you know, he now has black hair with red tips, just so you aren't startled when you see him." Said toad replied handing the scroll to Jiraiya, getting a nod and a thank you from the Sage before dispelling to tell his father what Naruto said.

"What's it say?" Ayame asked eagerly.

"Calm down Ayame, I'm eager myself but we need to remain calm." Teuchi said.

Jiraiya chuckled slightly and opened the scroll, reading it before handing it to Ayame and her father, who read it and nodded before handing it back to the eldest traveling companion who promptly destroyed it. "Sorry Yugao, but you'll learn everything when we meet him tomorrow, that is if he wants to tell you." He said, looking at the curious ANBU.

'What is this kid hiding?' She asked herself while nodding at the Toad Hermit. "Alright, let's turn in. We'll be there tomorrow around noon if we leave at daybreak so get some rest you two." Jiraiya said, getting a nod from the excited family, knowing they likely wouldn't get any sleep due to just how excited they were to see their favorite knucklehead tomorrow.

[The next day, Noon]

We find the traveling company arrives at the house that was described by Kakashi. "Well this is it… you ready?" Jiraiya asked them only for Ayame already knocking on the door. 'I swear the girl loves Naruto more than a sister at times.' Teuchi and Jiraiya thought at the same time

"Hello?" Tsunami asked as she opened the door. "Oh! You must be the ones that Takumi has been expecting, and you must be Ayame, Teuchi, and Pervy Sage that he keeps talking about." She giggled into her hand at the nickname Naruto gives to the Sannin, who fell to the floor in an anime fashion. The others also shared a laugh at Jiraiya's expense. "But honestly, it's nice to meet you Jiraiya, and you must the swordmaster that he mentioned was coming." She said addressing the purple-haired woman with the group.

"Yes, though I'm far from being a master of the sword… there are others far better than myself. I'm Yugao Uzuki." The purple-haired ANBU said.

"It's very nice to meet you. You must be Tsunami. Thank you for taking in our friend." Ayame said with a bow. "Is he here now?" She asked eagerly.

By this point Jiraiya was standing upright, having muttered something along the lines of "disrespectful brats" before addressing the attractive mother. "Yes, Thank you for taking care of him."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. And to answer your question Ayame, yes he's in the living room eagerly awaiting your arrival." Tsunami said leading them inside.

"Ayame! Teuchi!" the now-named Takumi called as he tackled his surrogate sister into a hug.

"Hello, Na-Takumi." Teuchi said catching himself, having a hard time with the alias in front of the ANBU with them with how happy he was to see his surrogate son and best customer. Ayame was sobbing as she held onto her surrogate brother, holding on to him for dear life like she's been yearning to do since she learned everything.

"Miss Uzuki, why don't we let them have time to catch up... I'll show you to the room we prepared for you. You can introduce yourself later tonight." The single mother said both sensing the mood and knowing that some sensitive information was bound to say that she was sure the rest of her guests didn't want to be heard by anyone else just yet. Yugao also sensed this and nodding following the Lady of the house.

Once they were upstairs, Ayame let go reluctantly. "It's good to see you Naruto… We have been worried about you." She asked.

"It's really good to you guys as well. I was surprised you left the village though." Naruto said with a smile.

Teuchi took this chance to tell Naruto why they left, leaving the former blonde shocked. "You…knew?" Was all he asked.

"Not for certain, but I knew you had a connection to Minato and Kushina… after all you were practically a carbon copy of Minato with some of Kushina's features, not to mention her appetite for Ramen." Teuchi said a little worried that Naruto would hate him like everyone else who kept his parents identity from him.

Naruto lowered his eyes behind his bangs, thinking about this revelation causing everyone else to get nervous well. "Well that doesn't matter, you took care of me, fed me when no one else would, for that you have my eternal gratitude old man." Naruto said with the usual smile, relieving Ayame and her father.

"It's the least we could do… you knucklehead, even if you weren't their son, I wasn't gonna let you starve for something that is out of your control, in fact, me and Ayame see you as a hero, even if you have befriended the fox." The old ramen chief said with a smile and with nodding from a still tearful Ayame.

"Now, here is everything that you asked for…" Jiraiya said wanting to get down to business. taking the medium sized scroll off his back

Naruto nodded and opened it, releasing the contents. "Which scrolls contain what?" He asked, putting up his mother's sword carefully and held it gently but close to himself 'I'll take care of this blade Mom.'

"The small scroll on top is their wills, which also contains details on how to access their fortune. I'm sorry I had to open it so I could tell where it was since it was one of the things you asked for, as for the training scrolls, they are in the larger scroll and all labeled by your father. That blade in your hands however is famous… Yugao will likely immediately recognize it.. so be careful." The Sage said sternly getting a serious nod from his student.

"I'm not hiding her. She hasn't seen the light of day in who knows how long. Besides, if I'm correct, she was one of the ANBU on my guard detail… however, I'm not sure if she can be trusted. We will see if she can be after we see her reaction to this sword." Naruto said with determination.

Everyone nodded. It was his choice after all whether or not to trust the off-duty ANBU. "Now Jiraiya, Before anything else… Tell me… why did the counsel tell you to look for this Tsunade and not the Third."

Everyone winced at that question. They knew it was coming and knew how he'd likely react. Ayame was ready to comfort him. Jiraiya took a deep breathe. "Hiruzen Sarutobi was killed in the line of combat, killed by my other teammate, Orochimaru, during the invasion. Reports say that he fought against a reanimated First and second Hokage… but managed to defeat them and sealed Orochimaru's arms away in the Shinigami's stomach. It's the very same seal containing the fox inside you Naruto." Jiraiya explained.

Naruto was shell shocked… The old man died… in battle… saving the village. He was torn… he was devastated… but he was also proud that he died protecting the village, dealing a critical wound to the pedophile. He didn't even feel Ayame wrapping her arms around him trying to comfort him. He didn't know how to react to this.

Jiraiya could see this and decide to keep quiet about the rest of the information he had to tell Naruto until tomorrow, knowing keeping such info from him wouldn't help his chances at redemption. Teuchi too saw the confliction within his surrogate son's face, hoping he'd be alright, while Ayame held onto him closely.

"Thank you for telling me… I…I need some time to myself… I'm going to the forest… please don't follow me." Naruto said, his voice devoid of emotion, scaring everyone but knew he needed time to sort through his thoughts and emotions, as he got up and left the house.

At this time hearing the open and close, Tsunami came downstairs with Yugao. "Where's Takumi?" She asked looking around her living room.

"H-he learned something that shook him up pretty bad… just it did the rest of the village." Jiraiya said solemly.

Yugao nodded, knowing what that was… the death of the Third. This Takumi must have been close to him to be shaken up, but that confused her… the only ones she knew that were close to him, Were his grandson, his son, and Naruto, who was supposed to be dead. However, she was sensor type, this Takumi had a near-identical chakra signature to the blonde prankster she guarded.

'But it can't be him, Jiraiya said that he died in his house… that only a scrap of his orange jumpsuit remained.' Yugao thought, then she remembered the reports of Naruto visiting the Hokage before the invasion kicked off. 'Could he have finally had enough and left the village? If so… I'm in a very awkward position… As ANBU I would have to bring him back, and that would cause trouble for Jiraiya and Kakashi, my former captain. However… I'm off duty right now, and I never did agree with the Third's decision… Kushina was good to me…' To say that she was conflicted was putting it mildly, but decided to confront him after he's calmed down and listen to his reasons for leaving.

[In the forest]

He was in the forest where he met Haku for the first time. Thinking about the Ice Ninja put a sad smile on his confused face remembering what he learned from him. "If you have something precious to protect, I believe that's when you will be truly powerful." Naruto held those words dear, but now he renounced most of what he used to consider precious, all he has now is Iruka, who he couldn't see anymore without raising getting the attention of the village, Tsunami and her family, Teuchi, Ayame, and Jiraiya, providing he redeemed himself for his neglect. However, he threw away his life long dream and now he didn't know what to do. He knew he'd never go back to the leaf, he couldn't without raising the curiosity of the village… it's bad enough that an ANBU was here and was likely already curious about him being so close to the Ichiraku's, but he couldn't worry about that… He still didn't know how he felt about the news of the old man's death. Despite withholding information that he had requested on a monthly basis, and about Kurama being sealed in his gut.

If he had such info, he could have requested training at an early age to be able to defend himself against the dangers that information would bring if it got out, especially his parents. He knew that the Stone and Cloud would likely try to kidnap and/or kill him. Despite what people thought he did pay attention in history class, even if he prevented not to and found it boring, he knew of his father's exploits and the enemies he earned as a result. Naruto wouldn't have resented him had he come clean right away, with how the village beat and tortured him frequently, he had to grow up quickly, while his dream was genuine, his pranks and cheerful attitude were a mask to keep him giving into despair and anger.

However, he still loved the old man, hearing he died shortly after their encounter, the last things he said to him would haunt him for a while. He felt a stinging in his eyes, his tears welling his eyes. "Why old man, why did you have to die?" His thoughts then darkened "Orochimaru, I swear I will kill you one day, even if it takes years to achieve the strength required to do so!" He swore to himself.

"Easy kid, You're starting to sound like your former teammate, the Uchiha. Don't lose yourself in revenge and hatred. You are better than that. You were able to help me overcome my own hatred, even if I haven't let go of it." Kurama warned him. Before they befriended each other, the old fox would have pushed his host to go down the path of darkness, but now he wanted to protect what light he had left within him.

'Don't compare me to the duckbutt head. I know that nothing good will come from vengeance, but I cannot forgive Orochimaru! He killed the old man, he is slowly tainting Sasuke with that damned hickey on his neck. And you know as well as I do, he's guilty of far more than just those crimes.' Naruto spat at his partner.

"While that may be true, just be careful. I know for a fact your mother wouldn't want you to go down the dark path of life." The fox said ashamed he was using Kushina to attempt to quell his anger.

Naruto growls. 'Watch it fox, don't use my mother like that. I've already likely disappointed her by leaving the village out of anger. However, you're right, but I want you to tell me everything you know about her later.'

Kurama sighs and nods, he was going to do so once he had calmed down and was thinking clearly. He knew Naruto was still angry about the information of his parents being withheld from him and confused about how to feel about the old monkey's death.

Naruto sighed and apologized to Kurama, he knew he was out of line, and Kurama apologized for using Kushina against him like he did while making his way to the house, exhausted from today's events. When he arrived Ayame was quick to run and comfort him, Jiraiya asked if he was alright, getting a negative shake of blackette's head, only for him to excuse himself and headed to his room to take a nap.

[Two days later]

After grieving and locking himself away, only coming out to eat, Naruto makes his way downstairs and sits with his hosts, his surrogate family, Jiraiya, and Yugao. "You alright Takumi?" Tsunami and Ayame asked at the same time.

"Yeah, I'm fine now. Sorry for worrying you" Naruto replied. "Sorry that we've held off introductions for so long ma'am, I'm Takumi." He said addressing Yugao.

"I'm Yugao Uzuki, I hear you are in need of a Kenjustu teacher?" She asked.

"That's right, I recently acquired a sword and want to honor my mother's legacy by making good use out of it." He said with admiration and determination.

"That's very noble of you, but where is this sword? I'd like to inspect the weapon you indeed on using." The ANBU asked, trying to confirm her suspensions if this Takumi was really Naruto.

"I'm sorry I can't do that, not here." He said, seeing the purplette narrow her eyes as if asking why not. "I'll show you after I pay my respects to two people who taught me an invaluable lesson. If you wish to accompany me, that's fine, that goes for anyone else who wishes to come, but if you come, I expect the old pervert there to accompany you." He finished pointing at Jiraiya grumbled about disrespecting brats but agreed to go with him, curious to see if it who it was he was talking about.

He went upstairs to grab the scroll that contained his sword, and left the house, with Jiraiya, Ayame, and Yugao following close by, Tsunami, her family, and Teuchi decided to stay behind and prepare dinner for everyone when they got back. An hour later they made it to the makeshift graves, Yugao instantly recognized the sword that marked one grave.

"That's the Executioners Blade…" Yugao said with wonder, earning a solemn nod from Naruto.

"That's right… Zabuza Momochi is buried here, as does a dear friend, his apprentice, Haku…" He said with tears in his eyes.

"You said they taught you an invaluable lesson… what was it?" Jiraiya asked in a quiet tone.

"'If you have something precious to protect, I believe that's when you will be truly powerful.'" Naruto quoted Haku, still holding back his tears.

Yugao deciding now, despite his emotional state, to confront the blackette mystery in front of her. "Takumi, how is it that you know these two, Lord Third, Jiraiya here, the Ichiraku's, and the Bridge Builder family? The only one I know that am aware has connections to all of them, is a Shinobi pronounced dead from the Leaf."

Naruto dried his tears and looked back at her with eyes filled with determination, knowing she'd question the connections. "I think that will be made clear once you see the sword I mentioned earlier…" He replied as he pulled out the sealing scroll with his mother's sword.

"Are you sure about this brat…? You're taking a gamble doing this." Jiraiya said with concern and warning.

"She's already suspicious Pervy Sage. And I promised to show her regardless, especially since she came out this way to potentially teach me Kenjutsu. You know I keep my word." The Jinchuriki said, unsealing his mother's famous Red Death blade.

"That sword!" The off-duty ANBU said, dropping to her knees as the memories of her idol came back to her then she turned to glare at the Sannin. "You said he was dead!"

Jiraiya was confused as to why she was mad, as was Naruto, but spoke one of his questions. "Why are you so emotional? Sure you were one of the ANBU who guarded me, but that doesn't warrant you getting emotional over seeing this sword. Not unless you knew my mother."

She looked at the blackette and nodding "I did know Kushina. Kakashi and I were assigned to watch over her while she was pregnant with you… and then I was assigned to guard you, but was never allowed to interact with you, as my job is to stay within the shadows." But seeing Naruto's expression darken, guessing as to why he left now. "I never approved nor agreed with Lord Third keeping your parents identity from you. But I was unable to tell you, as much as I wish I was able to." She added to try to quell his possible anger.

Naruto nodding understanding her inability to interact with him and therefore unable to tell him about his parents without risking her career. "So what are you going to do…? Are you going to try to take me back to the leaf, discrediting the old pervert here? Or stay here for the remainder of your leave and teach me kenjutsu?" He asked the obvious question.

Yugao thought for a second. "Before I make that decision, may I ask why you left?" trying to confirm her suspicions only for Jiraiya to step up and hand her the letter Naruto left in his apartment. As she looked over it, she had varied emotions running through her, confusion at who told him, anger at the people who pushed him to leave, at the people who had ample time to tell him, especially Kakashi, who was Lord Fourth's student, and sympathy for the young man in front of her, and conflicted with her duties as ANBU and her desire to help him. 'Lady Kushina would want me to help her son, I looked up to her, she was my inspiration for taking up the sword… but doing this would be going against the village. Hayate, what would you do?'

Jiraiya and Naruto just waited for her to make her decision, Jiraiya ready to defend his godson, Naruto seeing her conflicting emotions, confident she'll side with him. After a few minutes, Yugao looked up from her thoughts. "Very well, I'll stay and teach you, Lady Kushina and my late fiancé would have wanted me to teach you. Your mother was the reason I took up the sword, and my late fiancé, Hayate, would have wanted me to pass what I know." She said with determination.

"That choice alone has placed you in my good books. Thank you Yugao sensei." Naruto said with a slight bow "However, please keep referring to me as Takumi in public, it would cause trouble not only for me but you, Pervy Sage, Kakashi, and the people of Wave for aiding me." He added getting a nod from the off-duty ANBU, understanding what he said.

"Let's head back to the house, It's about time for lunch, and from what I know about the Ichiraku's and that woman Tsunami, they'll get worried about Naruto if we don't make it back in time." The perverted sage said, earning a chuckle from the other two.

At the house over lunch, Jiraiya decides to open up to Naruto seeing him in a good mood, not a masked one, and since they were in trusted company, he could be completely honest. He only hoped that he wouldn't be torn to pieces since everyone there was fond of the brat. "Naruto, I need to tell you some things before we start our training." He said getting curious looks from everyone.

"What is it, you old pervert?" The Jinchuriki asked only getting a light swat upside the head from Ayame, with her saying "Don't be so rude!"

"What about to tell you is very important about being my apprentice." He said ignoring the comment/insult more paying attention to the looks he was getting but continued. "Have you heard of the Village of Nadeshiko?" He asked.

Yugao looked surprised "You mean that all female shinobi village? Don't tell me you tried to do your 'research' there… got caught and the consequences have been passed onto Naruto…"

The Toad sage was sweating now. She hit the nail on the head for the most part, while Naruto just sighed. "Alright, even if that is the case what are the details…?" The former blonde groaned.

Jiraiya slumped, knowing he'd have to give full details. "Technically, the first thing you should know Naruto, is that Yugao is right, it is an all-female village, and yes I did get caught. However, instead of the usual pummelling, the village leader at the time challenged me to a duel for my hand in marriage, as per their law that states that must seek out strong male opponents and should they be defeated, they are to wed that man. We fought for the full day, neither one of us making any headway, So I called for our match to be postponed. She reluctantly agreed, and I promised that our students instead should one day seek each other out and fight if the two of us never met again. Sadly, I received word that she passed away a few years ago." Jiraiya passed for a moment to compose himself, and everyone seemed entranced by the tale, but were able to figure what this meant, waited for the Toad Sage to confirm it, which he did. "As you may have surmised by now, that promise falls to you Naruto, and the current head of Nadeshiko Village, who is likely around your age."

"You have got to be kidding me…" Naruto says in disbelief. "You get caught peeping, get into a dual for marriage against a village leader, leave her hanging for who knows how many years, probably never intending to go back and uphold your end of the promise, and now that I'm your apprentice, I have to either seek out her student, who is the village leader or wait for her to find me and uphold this inherited promise?"

Jiraiya looked away ashamed. "Firstly, you're wrong. I did have every intention of going back, but war broke out, then my teammate and best friend at the time, Orochimaru, defected from the Leaf, and I've been trailing him and another organization that I didn't have the time to return and uphold the promise. Secondly, I hadn't told Minato because it was still wartime, and he was already interested in Kushina, if not already in love, and I wasn't going to interfere in his romantic life. If had you wouldn't be here right now."

"OK I get it… do you at least know the name of the current leader and my destined opponent?" Naruto said defeatedly. He wasn't happy that he had to clean up this old perverts mess, and really all he had to do to get out of it was to stop being his student. However, the Jinchiruki knew that he needed his godfather's help in learning his mother's and father's jutsu's so he was stuck.

'Well, at least he seems to have cared for his opponent, I just hope that whoever her student is doesn't hate me because of this agreement.' He thought, knowing that if he was displeased with this agreement, there was a high chance that this girl would probably be furious going off what he knows about women. Granted he had to admit that he didn't exactly have the best examples… a whole class of fangirls, and a psychotic Special Jonin.

"Unfortunately, I don't. I do however suggest that we train you up hard. That village maybe populated mostly by women, but they are very strong and take their training and duties seriously. I was in my prime when I fought her and she was able to keep up and match me." Jiraiya said in a rare serious tone.

"Fine… but first I think you said you have something else to explain, the reason you didn't finish your fight?" Naruto said despondently.

"Yes, at a young age, when I first met the Toads, they gave me a prophecy, that I would travel the lands, writing books, find and teach the Child of Prophecy, one who would either bring everlasting peace, or complete destruction to our world. That is why I couldn't stay. And so far none of the students I've taught have survived long enough, so I am hoping you do…" The Toad sage responded.

The former blonde narrowed his eyes. "My father wasn't your only student?"

"No, there was a group of war orphans in the Land of Rain, during the last war. But there was one among them with was a boy, with scarlet red hair, and purple eyes with a ripple pattern, they were a legendary dojutsu, The Rinnegan, which were said to be lost to us when the Sage of Six Paths died thousands of years ago. But the kid's name was Nagato, the other two were Konan, a blue-haired, orange-eyed girl that learned to control origami with her chakra, and a boy that was just as loud and boisterous as you were with that mask of yours on, name Yahiko. I thought Nagato would be the Child of Prophecy, but it was wartime, and he and his friends were killed in a skirmish against the Rain's Leader, Hanzo of the Salamander. They were the only students I had before your father." Jiraiya explained.

"…I see. So, Nagato died in the war, and my father died sealing the fox into me… not the best track record Pervy Sage." Naruto said dryly.

"NARUTO!" Ayame yelled at her surrogate brother. "That was very rude."

"It's alright, he's right. However, I think you can surpass both of them, despite not having the Rinnegan, Naruto. I will teach you everything I know." The Perverted Sage said.

"You mean provided I don't lose the Toad Contract for leaving the Leaf." The blackette chided.

"They shouldn't, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, I think you should go and give Gamabunta a call. You did say you'd call him before you learned about the Sensei's death." Jiraiya reminded earning a groan from his pupil.

"I'll be back eventually, assuming Chief Toad doesn't kill me." Naruto said nonchalantly.

[Forest outside Village]

Naruto took a breath, knew this wasn't go over well… "Well, let's get this over with…" as he bites his thumb to draw blood, going through the signs and slamming his hand to the ground using Kurama's Chakra to summon the Chief. "SUMMONING JUTSU!" he cried out, quickly pulling out a scroll that contains a bottle of saké he received as a gift, knowing that would be an attempt to appease the Boss of the Toads.

"It's about time you summoned me… you're a late brat." Gamabunta said taking a drag from his pipe.

Naruto bowed down and unsealed the sake. "I know I'm sorry Chief. I received some news that left me lost for a few days. I should have let you know or had Pervy Sage send a messenger frog."

The giant frog nodded. "Well if this news is the death of Hiruzen, then I understand. However, you are right you should have let us know. Now, are you ready to tell me why you've left the village?" He said sternly.

"Yes Chief, and for being late I have this bottle of saké for you." Naruto offered up the large bottle to him but small for The Boss of the Toads.

Bunta took the bottle with a nod, and the former Leaf Ninja explained everything, from the way he was treated to the secrets that were kept from him despite him asking monthly, even his inherited promise, which didn't have anything to do with him leaving but he felt frustrated by and it just came out. Needless to say that the Chief toad understood and to say he was upset was an understatement. "I knew Jiraiya should have told you… I will speak to him, especially since he has something that will help you with the fox." He said in a too calm a voice that promised pain for the Pervert.

This caught the Jinchuriki attention and asked politely "What do you mean Chief?"

"The key to you your seal left to Jiraiya for when you were ready for it… but if you've befriended the fox, I'd say you're ready." Gamabunta smiles seeing the young man in front of him beam at that information and replying with a big "thank you" which made him smile even more and dispelled himself to reverse summon Jiraiya to give him a beat down.

Seeing the Giant Summon dispel, Naruto let out a sigh of relief. Judging from what was said… He was allowed to continue summoning the toads, which was a great relief to him. He felt everything would be alright, aside from worrying about when this kunoichi would show up and challenge him. With everything sorted, he went back to the house to relax for the rest of the day.

AN: AND THAT IS IT FOR THIS CHAPTER! Hotdamn, exactly 11300 words… Granted I could have split this up into like 2 or 3 chapters, but I felt this needed to get all the details and plot points ironed out. I will be working on For The Love of Maple next and then, I will get back to The Hero and The Florist! Be sure to leave a review, and hit the follow button if you enjoyed this chapter. However, don't get used to this size… I will be not be doing this again unless details are needed again. Bye for now!