Chapter 25 New Friends and Foes

As always I don't own Naruto only my own stuff. This chapter is gonna serve to set up some events for during/after the time skip & show what Naruto's friends are doing. So with that said onto the show!

-southern Hi no Kuni-

Surprised at Jiraiya's words Naruto looks up as the seals he'd placed around the shack are triggered. "And that is why I said to only lay *Alert Seals instead of the usual traps and such." As Jiraiya says this a sudden puff of smoke signals the arrival of a summon's near the shack's door. "And that would be our help from Mt. Myōboku." Out of the smoke a small orange toad wearing a fur lined jacket hops towards the two. "Hey Jiraiya-san and Naruto, the old sages said you'd need some help."

Chuckling at the young toad's attitude Jiraiya nods before directing Naruto to open the door allowing Team 7 and Jūgo into the room. "That I do Gamakichi and Kakashi. I have a mission I must do but I can't with Naruto. At least not yet…So I've asked our Godaime and the Sages to send someone to take over for me till I return. Kakashi feel free to train him in any way you wish, though I'm sure his clan sent some things with you, but Gamakichi I need you to train him on Combination jutsu."

Nodding those present begin to unpack while Jiraiya seals away his equipment and takes Kakashi aside for a moment. "I'm sure you know why we're in this area right?" Nodding Kakashi looks slightly to the side towards Naruto. "Were they sighted recently? I thought we had at least another year and a half before they began to move." Shaking his head Jiraiya passes Kakashi a small sealed scroll bearing the Sage's mark. "This is a mission from the Daimyō. There is a shrine here that has been abandoned for years apparently someone or something has moved into it."

Looking up at the older man Kakashi nods slightly. "We'll check it out. I'm sure that is why Godaime-sama sent us instead of Team 8." Nodding Jiraiya backs up and grabs his bag before pulling Naruto in. "Naruto, Kakashi is in charge till I get back. I should be back in a week if we're lucky. And remember what I said." Nodding Naruto shrugs his shoulders before slipping out of Jiraiya's grip and kicking him slightly in the shin. "Yeah yeah Pervy Sage I get it."

Waving to Team 7 and his godson Jiraiya heads out the door and disappears in a burst of smoke as he shunshins away. Unloading their last bit of gear Team 7 and Naruto look at Kakashi. "Alright so let's have a quick breakfast. Then we can do some light sparring to see where everyone stands." Nodding Naruto heads to the kitchen and begins cooking much to Kakashi and Sasuke's surprise.

Sitting down the team begins to talk as Naruto cooks before setting out a large meal. "Why are you looking at me like that?" For a second the four teens are quiet before Kiba begins to laugh soon joined by his teammates. "Hahaha I think they're just amazed it's not breakfast ramen…Hahahaha." Pounding the table with his head down Kiba keeps laughing while Naruto scowls and mutters about annoying dog lovers. "Keep it up Kiba and I'll give your food to Akamaru!"

Rolling his visible eye Kakashi motions for everyone to stop before somehow taking a bite without anyone seeing under his mask. "Naruto…I have a question.", at Kakashi's tone Naruto looks up in surprise, "Could you switch with Kiba and join my team? You're definitely a better cook than he is." Smirking under his mask as Naruto laughs at Kiba's annoyed muttering the Jonin eye smiles as the kids begin to eat.

"So he's got Minato-sensei's skill at cooking…Thank the heavens." As the teens eat Kakashi watches before pulling the scroll from his jacket and opening it.

Kakashi the shrine was one built long ago by the Uzumaki. Some legends say they sealed a demon away while others say it was a noble creature. You need to enter it just as the sun goes below the horizon this Friday. There are bandits and supposedly some nuke-nin in it but they are not the primary threat nor why we were tasked with this mission. Your mission is to get Naruto to the seal so he can reinforce it if need be or remake it.

-Jiraiya

Looking up from the scroll he's surprised when that the old man actually believes the old legends of demons and such before shrugging his shoulders. "Alright when we're all done Sasuke and Kiba you two clean up. Jūgo and Sakura you two set up some targets for shuriken and kunai practice. Naruto you can help Sakura if you like." Nodding the teens begin working even as Kakashi thinks over the strange mission before shrugging his shoulders.

As the two boys finish cleaning up the plates and putting them up to dry Kakashi walks out and the whistles in appreciation. Just in the immediate area throughout the clearing he can see dozens of Narutos setting up static and mobile practice dummies around, some of which seem to have seals on them, while more work to organize a growing pile of shuriken, kunai, and other weapons on a long table. "Well he's certainly his mother's son when it comes to training…"

Walking closer to one of the targets that has yet to be hung up he whistles again at the intricate seal on it. "So Naruto what's with the seals?" Even without Naruto, or more likely one of his clones, turning Kakashi can almost see the big grin on his face as he continues working. "Oh they're just a surprise…You know just the usual blast of water, earth, fire, wind, or lighting to throw off strikes like all practice dummies should have."

For a moment Kakashi is silent before he begins to chuckle as more seal wmhanced targets are taken to Sakura and Jūgo. "You are definitely Kushina Uzumaki's son Naruto. Only she would want to include seals in regular training. Especially without telling anyone first." For a moment Naruto turns back and smiles before his grin widens. "Oh I don't know I've heard some stuff about my father.", instantly Kakashi freezes and his visible eye widens as Naruto winks, "But the Pervert wants me to keep it a secret till I get back."

Nodding Kakashi rolls his visible eye before shrugging his shoulders lazily. "It's wise to listen to him Naruto. Though I'll tell you some stuff about him when you're back in Konoha, deal?" Nodding excitedly even as he finishes up the last seal Naruto carefully cleans his brush before putting it and his other supplies away. Walking forward Sasuke and Kiba both seem surprised at the seals placed on the targets but shrug their shoulders. "So Kakashi-sensei are we going to train or are you just going to read your porn?"

Looking over at the two Naruto notices that the boy seems to have slightly changed his outfit with Anbu like armguards while Kiba has taken to wearing a pair of armored gloves. "Oh I can't wait to see how you handle this dog boy." Grinning much like a wolf would Kiba flexes his left hand revealing his nails almost instantly growing into claws. "Oh I'm sure I can handle whatever you did."

Rolling his eyes Kakashi claps his hands to stop the two's argument from continuing. "Alright alright you brats let's get this started. Kiba since you're so sure you can do this you can go first. Feel free to use any weapons you have but no jutsu beyond your All Fours Jutsu. Understand?" Nodding Kiba pulls on a pair of hand claws while Akamaru jumps down off his shoulders. "All Fours Jutsu!"

Dropping down Kiba's features become more animalistic before he blitzes forward and almost before the others can blink has begun shredding the first sets of targets. Blurring through the area Kiba throws kunai with enough force to bury them hilt deep into them. As he rushes towards the next set of dummies Kiba's eyes widen as one suddenly sends out a blast of wind just before he can slice it to ribbons. Dipping under the surprise strike Kiba manages to cut through the seal on the dummy causing it to detonate.

Rolling Kiba smirk falters as the dummies before him fire off blasts of stones, wind, and water towards him much to the other's amusement. Slipping through the strikes with only some difficulty Kiba throws two quick volleys of kunai into the dummies causing their seals to fail or detonate. Blitzing towards the last set of targets Kiba suddenly leaps up as his senses scream at a perceived danger just before a large amount of lightning is released.

Landing high in the trees the Inuzuka boy almost snarls in annoyance before sending volleys of shuriken and kunai down until the targets are riddled and the seals deactivated. Sighing in relief Kiba ceases his jutsu and jumps down as his team and Naruto walk closer to him. Looking over the last set of targets Kiba whistles at how most of his kunai are buried hilt deep in the targets. "I might need to speak with Kaasan about that."

Looking over the targets Kakashi nods before chuckling slightly at the small cuts Kiba has due to Naruto's seals. "Alright is there anything Kiba could have done to complete this?" Looking around with his Sharingan active Sasuke's eyebrows lift slightly as he looks over the training area. "He should've kept at greater distance and used the speed and power his jutsu gave him to shred them at lesser risk. But given how he didn't know what the seals did that isn't fully his fault."

Nodding Kakashi has to resist smirking as the tattered dummies are taken down bu groups of clones while others hang up more with differing seals. "He's mixing up the responses to keep them on their toes. Good one.." Resisting the urge to pull out his familiar book Kakashi looks over his team before his sole visible eye settles on Sakura. "Alright Sakura your turn. Let's see if you do better than Kiba here."

Nodding Sakura twirls a kunai before walking to the spot Kiba started from. "And remember Sakura no jutsu." Nodding silently to her sensei even as the barrier rises around him and the others Sakura takes a deep breath before smiling. As she crouches down slightly Naruto's eyes widen as the ground below her feet begins to crack under the pressure. "Uh oh…She's learned from Tsunade-baachan."

With a single move that creates a small crater where she stood Sakura seems to teleport right before the first dummy with her right fist back. As Naruto watches his eyes narrow before widening at the flickers of chakra flying from Sakura's right hand. "Shannarō!" As Sakura's fist hits the dummy it's chest instantly caves in and it's sent flying back sans legs into a tree.

Not even giving the dust time to settle Sakura launches a snap kick at the next dummy completely destroying it's head before sending a volley of shuriken into the remaining two without looking up. For just a moment as he watches Naruto thinks he hears a soft whistle coming from next to him before refocusing on Sakura as she rushes forward.

Slipping through the fireballs, blasts of water, and arcing lightning Sakura smirks on the inside before palming four kunai. Leaping high into the air Sakura's kunai leave two dead even as she drops down between more blasts of water and shatters the remaining two with a single sweeping kick.

Turning to face the last set of targets Sakura's eyes widen as she sees the volley of jutsu flying her way. Showing a strength Naruto didn't know she had the young kunoichi rips a large chunk of stone and soil from the ground just before the strikes hit. Even as the ad hoc shelter is torn apart Sakura grins before sending it flying with a kick. Tearing through most of the dummies Sakura uses the dust cloud created to draw close to the final one before shattering it entirely with a single punch.

Gulping as he looks around the clearing at the various dummies that had been shattered even beyond what Kiba did. Even as clones once more clean up the shattered dummies. "I gotta remember to not piss Sakura off..She's scary…" Whistling quietly Kakashi nods as he looks over the clearing. "Good job Sakura-san. But you could've used more ranged attacks to reduce the risk when you moved in close. Now who wants to go next?"

Raising a hand Jūgo moves to the center of the clearing as everyone besides Sasuke move back. Raising a fist Sasuke smirks up at the older boy who returns the gesture even as his eyes take on a golden color while white marks spread across his skin. Almost too fast for Naruto to see Jugo bullrushes the first set of dummies as a large shield grows between his arms.

"So you and Jūgo are friends now?" Looking over at Naruto Sasuke nods before smiling and chuckling. "It's strange when we first met he followed me only because of what that Kaguya said. Even with the work from your clan and Jiraiya-san he viewed me like his controller. It was…strange and kind of annoying honestly. But as we trained and did missions together he's changed a bit. Now I'd say he's a good friend." Smiling Naruto whistles in surprise as Jūgo's natural armor easily shifts form as he smashes through the last pair of dummies.

-Abandoned Temple-

Miles away from the Konoha nin a once abandoned temple is filled with the sounds of work as gangs of laborers in tattered clothes work while under the watchful and cruel eyes of others. From atop the ruined torii gate a single hooded figure watches with empty eyes as they shiver slightly in fear and exhaustion. When one of the workers falls and is unable to get up the figure rises steadily before leaping off the torii and drawing a jian.

Before anyone can react the laborer is impaled through the heart and pinned to the cracked stone. As the other laborers stumble back and cry out in shock the silent murderer rises and wipes the blood off his blade with the man's clothes. "Take this trash away. Our lord does not tolerate slackness." Walking away the man doesn't even look back as the body is taken away and thrown into a pit with dozens of others.

Walking up a tree the man's forehead is revealed momentarily showing a headband of Ishigakure with a slash across it. Looking back at the temple the unknown man scowls as he looks down and see's the worn but still visible symbol of Uzushiogakure upon it. As the man's black eyes narrow he holds up one hand and from it a spike made of black iron shots out before slamming into the symbol.

While the workers below flinch and think of cowering none dare to stop working as the shrapnel flies and dust fills the courtyard. As the dust slowly clears the man's expression turns dark as the hated symbol remains untouched while below it rests the shattered remains of his attack. "Damn them…But we will have our revenge when the beast within will be unleashed once more."

-Camp-

Whistling in surprise at how easily Naruto went through the dummies with only his chains Kakashi motions for Naruto and his students to join him near the edge. "Alright so all of you are quite skilled for your age. There are just a few things each of you should work on Kiba your clan's style grants you greater speed and power use it to remain at range when necessary, Sakura while your strength is not to be taken lightly your role as med-nin should come before any desire to engage in taijutsu, Jūgo I can't say much since you weren't allowed to use most of your abilities but you should try avoiding some hits you never know when one might break through, Sasuke learn to rely less on tour Sharingan there are counters to it, and Naruto your chains and seals are not the answer to every problem."

Scowling in annoyance Naruto mumbles before shrugging his shoulders. "So what's next?" Eye smiling Kakashi tosses a scroll into the air before catching it. "Now we get to work on more specialized subjects for each of you. I'm going to create a few Shadow Clones and work with each of you on things you need to do. Sasuke we're going to continue working on Shape Manipulation, Sakura I have a few Doton jutsu and genjutsu for you, Jūgo we are going to work on your jutsu knowledge, and Naruto your sensei wants you to work on Combination Jutsu with the Toads."

For a moment Naruto looks excited before he begins to pale. "Oh crap not that again. That Toad is…weird.." Chuckling at Naruto's reaction Kakashi creates four clones that take a student each while he walks away with Sakura. "We'll meet back here for lunch." Leaning against a tree in front of Naruto the clone motions for him to join him. "So what exactly has Jiraiya-san told you about Cooperation Jutsu?"

Thinking back Naruto sighs before sitting down. "According to Pervy Sage I've done it once already on accident with Gamabunta and Sasuke when we fought Gaara. He says when shinobi or a shinobi and their summon work together and combine their jutsus or strikes to create a stronger one. He said something about having to synchronize with your partner or something I think…" Chuckling the clone nods before pulling out a scroll and drawing the symbol for triad on it.

"Think of it like this. When you, Sasuke, and Gamabunta combined your attacks individually they weren't much but combined they turned a biju to glass. That power is something a shinobi with a massive reserve of chakra, like you, should utilize whenever possible. It not only makes your attacks better but can also end fights far sooner giving your allies time to rest or pull back if needed. So why don't you try it with one of the Toads you're friendly with. Maybe the orange one with the blue jacket."

Nodding Naruto bites his thumb before quickly running through the signs and slamming his hand down. "Summoning Jutsu!" Hopping out of the small cloud of smoke Gamakichi looks up at Naruto and waves. "Yo Naruto, what's up? Got another mission to do?" Shaking his head Naruto reaches down allowing the toad to jump up onto his hand before lifting him up so he can rest on his right shoulder. "Nah Gamakichi, the Pervert went on mission but left me here with Kakashi-sensei and his team. He wants me to work on my Cooperation Jutsu since I could never quite get it with Gamariki cause you know."

Nodding the small toad begins to laugh before looking towards where Sasuke and another clone of Kakashi went. "I take it the new Snake Summoner is one of them cause I can smell a snake." Rolling his eyes Naruto nods before Kakashi coughs quietly into his hand. "Yes that would be my student Sasuke. But I thought the rivalry between the Toad and Snakes was done with Orochimaru's death?"

Smirking in a very Naruto like way the young toad shrugs before winking. "Maybe but let's get to work. Can't have a Snake Summoner showing up our youngest Summoner. So you wanna try combining my Fire Release with your Wind Release, Naruto?" Nodding Naruto begins to listen to the small toad as he explains what they should do and how strong the combined jutsu might be. "Alright let's try it! Tell me when you're ready Gamakichi!"

Turning away from the shack and the others the two face the far side of the clearing and begin running through their own handsigns. "Katon: Toad Flame Bomb!" Releasing their jutsu at the same time the two watch as they create a spiraling ball of flame that explodes upon contact with the trees across from them. As the heat from the flames hits them both toad and Uzumaki are silent before they begin to loudly cheer and congratulate each other before Gamakichi stops and his eyes widen. "Hey Naruto next time we gotta add Gamatatsu to this. He's learned to make oil like my old man. Imagine what we could do together."

Not for the first time does Kakashi feel the familiar bit of fear as he hears his favorite knucklehead enthusiastically agree with his friend. "That's not good…" Chuckling Kakashi signals for the two to be quiet as he walks forward. "Alright that was…impressive. But next let's try to not burn down the forrest. I feel like the nobles who own this land might not like that." Rubbing the back of his head as he laughs Naruto nods before he and Gamakichi begin whispering to each other.

After a few moments Naruto begins to lay out three layers of seals around himself with the inner and outermost being a mix of standard barriers and Water walls while the middle is stored versions of the Great Breakthrough jutsu. Growing increasingly nervous as he watches the two Kakashi's clone prepares to dispel himself to alert the others as the two countdown. "Katon: Fireball Jutsu!" As Gamakichi's fireball crosses the first line of seals the barriers form a dome over the two just before the sealed wind style jutsu release.

Instantly a roaring fire erupts around the dome even as multiple barriers arise around the flames to limit their spread. With it's visible eye twitching the clone dispels even as the flames within the barrier begin to slowly die down. As the flames die entirely the inner barrier becomes visible revealing Naruto and Gamakichi sitting in awe of what happened. "Wow…Did you know that'd happen…" Shaking his head Gamakichi seems just as astounded as Naruto before he suddenly looks up and pales.

From all around Team 7 and the other clones are rushing towards Naruto while yellong with Sakura somehow leading the charge with a very Tsunade like expression. "Uh oh.. Gamakichi hel.." Before Naruto can say another word the young toad ends the summons and returns to Mt Myōboku. "I'm dead…" For the next few moments the sounds of Naruto's screams echo through the forest as the others yell and hit him.

As the justified scolding comes to a end Kakashi's clones dispel to allow him to see how his students did. Sighing as Sakura finally ceases yelling Kakashi looks down at the ground and whistles in surprise at how the area between the barriers was turned to glass. "If he ever uses that in battle and without the outer barrier it may actually be useful. Better not tell him that yet though.." Over the next few days the team spends much of their time sparring and training both as individuals and in team exercises.

As the sun rises Kakashi slowly stretches as he mentally goes over the mission for the day. "Pakkun and the rest of the pack have already scouted the Temple's outside. Those nuke-nin are definitely going to be an issue but Jiraiya-san said Naruto has to enter at sundown..Why." Shrugging his shoulders the Jonin decides to simply the Sannin and go about the mission as Jiraiya said to. "My team will deal with the Ishi nuke-nin while covering Naruto. I just hope we can get the prisoners out in time."

Calling the team into the shack's dining room Kakashi tacks up a map of the temple, and almost misses the slight widening of Naruto's eyes, alongside pictures of their targets. "We have a mission today from both the Daimyō and Hokage-sama. This is a temple built during the Warring States Period a few years before Konoha was founded. We have three goals here to restore or remake a seal said to be within it, to eliminate the nuke-nin and the bandits working with them, and free the civilians they've taken as slave labor."

Looking over the map the teens quickly notice their enemies seem to have made their camp around a single building. "I'm sure you've noticed how despite having a fairly large area to live in or loot our enemy has focused on just one building. According to Jiraiya this temple was used to seal away something long ago so we can assume these men are here to set whatever it is free. Naruto do you have any idea what could be sealed away here?"

Immediately Naruto tenses up as the others look at him in surprise before he nods. "Before I left Konoha my clan gave me a map of old sites. This is one of them and it's one we know had two entities sealed away within it. Most of the clan believes them to be minor chakra beasts but no one could be sure. Alot of our oldest works were damaged or destroyed during the Fall so I won't be sure till I can see the seal."

To his surprise the others seem to have no idea what he's talking about the Kakashi seems to know a bit. "What do you mean by minor chakra beasts? I thought the only chakra monsters were the bijū.." Shaking his head Naruto pulls his travel bag out and begins digginn through it before pulling out a red capped scroll with his clan's symbol on it. Biting his thumb till it bleeds he wipes it across the symbol causing it to glow before the caps disappear in bursts of smoke.

Opening the scroll Naruto opens it before swiping his still bleeding thumb across a small kanji for beasts. Out of the kanji a small scroll appears with a burst of smoke that Naruto quickly opens and lays out while closing the other scroll with his chains. "From what my clan realized the bijū are just the strongest but they aren't the only ones. The lesser ones were usually found near the sites of particularly devastating battles, places chakra naturally welled up from the earth, possibly out of control summoning, and a few cases we couldn't figure out."

Looking over the scroll Sakura traces the known sites and is surprised to see they nearly match maps of old battles from the Warring States. "Naruto don't you think it's weird only your clan thinks this? I mean other villages and clans say that demons and other stuff like that were just jutsu their ancestors didn't understand." For a moment Naruto is quiet before lifting his shirt and channeling chakra so the seal appears. "You know the bijū exist but can't accept other similar entities?"

While Kakashi is trying hard to keep from choking on his drink the others look stunned as they look between each other and the seal on Naruto. "Wh….What is that?" Lowering his shirt one of Naruto's eyebrows goes up as he looks at Kiba with a disturbingly neutral expression. "Come on Kiba even you should be able to guess. Why was I called a demon child? Why the Kazama and my Clan were disliked by so many civilians? Why scum like Mizuki hated me?"

Leaning slightly closer Kiba seems on edge before shaking his head. "That seal holds the Kyūbi doesn't it.." Nodding Naruto smiles sadly before looking at each member of Team 7 and is surprised when they all meet his eyes. "Man our village is filled with idiots isn't it?" For a moment Naruto is surprised at Team 7's smiles before he begins to laugh at Kiba's comment. "Yeah..Yeah it is. But there are some good people there."

Smiling under his mask Kakashi claps his hands together to get everyone's attention. "Alright alright that's enough S-rank secrets being handed out. Let's return to the mission. Naruto do you know what kind of seal that could've been used in the temple?" For a moment Naruto seems to zone out before nodding as he begins digging through his bag. "I think it's one of the seal Kaito-nii gave me. He handed me a scroll with some high rank seals both to learn and for emergencies. But I won't know till I'm there." Nodding Kakashi seems unsurprised by the former Anbu's action before e begins going over their roles for the mission.

-Mizu no Kuni-

On a still active volcanic island Suigetsu and Haku quickly beach and hide their small boat before heading up the volcano. Eyes watering from the stench of sulphur Suigetsu is about to yell at Haku before his eyes widen as crest the first ridge and a verdant valley becomes visible. "Holy….What is this place?" Smirking at the Hōzuki even as he leads him further into the valley where dozens, if not hundreds, of rebels can be seen either training, resting, writing, or doing a million other things within a carefully disguised town.

"This is the island Mei-sama is from. Her family has lived here since Kiri was a young village. Now it's the rebellion's homebase and even if that bastard knows he can't afford to attack us here anymore." Smiling viciously Suigetsu's eyes widen as he sees a familiar sight within the center of the base. Impaled into the ground rests the Kubikiribōchō alongside the Hiramekarei that a blue haired boy has resting on his back as he speaks with a tall red haired woman. "That..That's my brothers blade.."

Barely holding himself back from rushing for the blade Suigetsu begins to almost stumble forward towards the blade. While most the rebel Kiri nin around him ignore the teen a few take notice and seem shocked to see him. Speeding up to catch up Haku barely manages to grab Suigetsu's arn before he gets too close. "Hey hey wait up Suigetsu…You can't just walk up to Mei-sama like that."

Shaking his head slightly Suigetsu finally notices the guards between him and the blade while Mei and her unknown swordsman look at him warily. "Haku who's this? He seems familiar.." Gulping slightly at the attention of the rebellion's leader Haku steps forward while keeping a hand slightly in front of Suigetsu. "This is Suigetsu Hōzuki, Mei-sama. I recently recruited him and brought him here to join our cause." For a moment Mei's eyes seem to shine before going cold.

"Ah so you're the younger brother of Mangetsu Hōzuki. I must admit I am surprised to see you're alive you disappeared sometime ago. Where exactly have you been?" Eyes narrowing at the implied question Suigetsu steps forward. "That bastard Orochimaru managed to capture me while I was escaping the Mizukage's dogs. Some Konoha nin set me free recently while raiding his base."

Looking back in surprise Haku is surprised at that bit of news before deciding to ask about it later. "So Suigetsu-san, why have you returned?" Looking between the blade and Mei the Hozuki's grin turns predatory before he bows slightly. "I want to reestablish the Seven Swordsmen and get revenge for my kin. Seeing as you have two of the blades already I feel like joining you is a good way to do both. Just give me priority when it comes to retrieving the other blades. I will follow my brother and master all one day." For a moment Mei keeps her face neutral before she smiles and opens her arms wide. "Then welcome to the rebellion Suigetsu."

-Hi no Kuni-

As the sun begins to set Team 7 and Naruto move closer to the temple complex. Watching Naruto hand out one last stack of seals to their sets of clones Kakashi eye smiles. "Relax Naruto. Now go over the plan one more time." Taking a deep breath Naruto shakes his head slightly to focus on the mission. "My clones and yours will deal with the bandits and free the civilians, Sasuke and Kiba will handle the left side, Jūgo and Sakura the right, you'll take the middle, and I will sneak into the building and either reinforce or replace the seal."

Slapping Naruto on his left shoulder the Jonin smiles before signaling the groups of clones and his team to begin their missions. Allowing the clones to take the lead and silently eliminate or incapacitate the bandits the team effortlessly moves through the outer edges of their camp. It's only when they reach the inner tents that their first challenge arises as a barrage of shuriken suddenly tear apart a clone from the left. Pressing a finger to his throat mic Kakashi smiles coldly. "Sasuke and Kiba you're on."

Moving through the panicking civilians being led back by a few clones the two boys and ninken easily counter their opponents next volley. "Ah so you're not all clones. How fun…Oh and look what we have here a Uchiha. Tell me boy have you awoken your Sharingan yet? I know a man who would pay top dollar for you." Glaring Sasuke's Sharingan awakens as his emotions rage. "Try it." Cackling the Ishi nuke-nin deflects a volley of kunai from Kiba before focusing back on Sasuke.

"Oh I'm sure En Oyashiro will reward me handsomely to get your bloodline boy." Rushing forward the man's arms blur as volleys of kunai and shuriken seperate the two Genin and ninken. Watching the man's weapons Sasuke notices that each has a small amount of chakra channeled within them. "That's not elemental chakra..So why do that?" Slipping between the attacks Sasuke deflects one kunai with one of his own before his eyes widen.

"His chakra transferred over to my blade but why? And how?" As the man ceases throwing his blades the Kiba and Akamaru stand on one side while Sasuke stands across from them. "Kiba watch out he's channeling chakra into his weapons and I don't know why..yet." Smirking the man lifts his right hand and opens it palm down. "Inuzuka you aren't something Oyashiro will want so die."

To both boy's shock the man's weapons begin levitating and soon are flying towards Kiba. Trying to aid his friend Sasuke throws his own shuriken to deflect them only to stop as they join the barrage after touching the man's. "Kiba the blades are magnetized I think! We can't use our weapons against him." Channeling chakra Kiba and Akamaru frantically dodge the incoming weapons while Sasuke rushes forward.

Forcing the man to divide his attention and cause many of the shuriken and kunai to drop. "Fine brat you want to fight. Let's see how long you can stand up to me." Refusing to answer Sasuke uses the man's straightforward punch to jump up and over him before kicking down at the back of his head. Just before his strike lands though a shuriken comes flying at Sasuke's ankle nearly severing his Achilles tendon. Pulling his leg in Sasuke lands with a roll that he uses to quickly jump up and he can stand beside Kiba. "Did you see that? He uses his kekkei genkai like Gaara did to defend and attack."

Nodding Kiba tosses Akaa small red pill causing his fur to turn red and the ninken to look more feral. "So we have to hit hard and fast. You up for this Sasuke?" Nodding Sasuke smirks before rushing forward with Kiba and Akamaru just behind him. Channeling chakra into his hands lightning begins to arc from Sasuke's hands while Kiba's nails grow into claws.

Slipping through the man's attacks like they're not even there Sasuke knocks one away with the side of his and smirks when the chakra within it fades. "I can use that…" While the nuke-nin focuses on Sasuke Kiba and *A-Kiba leap into the air with feral grins on their faces. "Fang over Fang!" As the two seem to become living tornadoes they arc down at the man from his left and right while Sasuke charges head-on. "I am Zasho Himchi and I won't be beaten by some brats! Spiked Steel Shield!"

All around the man kunai and shuriken encircle the man forcing the three to swerve around him to avoid being gored by the blades. "Sasuke we need to break through that shield now! Me and Akamaru will keep him there will you ready that jutsu." Nodding Sasuke leaps back while Kiba and A-Kiba take turns swiping at the man's shield while constantly moving around to force him to focus on them.

Holding his right wrist Sasuke crouches down as more and more lightning chakra gathers in his palm. "Give me ten seconds Kiba!" Nodding the two intensify their strikes leaving marks in the blades forming his shield. "Kiba move! Chidori Sharp Spear!" Leaping aside even as the hairs on their arms rises the two Kiba have feral grins as Sasuke's jutsu tears through the man's defense like it's nothing leaving him standing there shocked with a bloody gash across his chest.

Coughing up blood as he tries to jump away from the two boys the man fails to notice the second Kiba has disappeared until it's too late. Just as he's about to land he feels a pair of clawed hands tear into his back before he's knocked into the ground as his sense of pain begins to fall away. Not even able to twitch a finger the nuke-nin can only watch as the trio watch warily from a bit of distance as Sasuke draws a single kunai.

Looking up the man has a cruel smile as he looks up at them. "Well looks like those two bastards will get to sell you to Oyashiro." As the man's eyes dim Sasuke and Kiba both sigh in relief before nearly falling to the ground as a explosion rocks the opposite side of the camp. "Sounds like Jūgo and your girl are having fun. Wanna join them?" Rolling his eyes at the Inuzuka Sasuke shakes his head before drawing two kunai. "No she can handle herself. Let's finish off the rest of the bandits between us and Kakashi."

Across the camp Jūgo's arms change back to normal as he and Sakura stare down the nuke-nin before them. "Oh now that's a power I haven't seen before boy. Why don't you join me and my friends I am sure you'll make more ryo working with us than with these Leaf bastards." For the briefest moment Jūgo's eyes flash yellow before he reigns in his emotions and glares at the man. "Do not disrespect my comrades. They saved me from my hell of a life."

Almost before Sakura and the man can blink Jūgo's left arm changes into a barrel and begins to glow before a beam of chakra lances out from it and spears through the space the man stood in. As Jūgo's left arm reverts back to normal the man's sick laugh echoes from all around him. "Oh boy you just messed up. I was just gonna cripple you two but now you have to die. Dōton: Giant Stone Shuriken!" All around the two the ground trembles before massive blades of rock arise and begin to surround them.

Crouching over even as a the shuriken begin to spin Sakura slams her hands down even as Jūgo places his right hand on her back. "Two can play that game! Dōton: Rock Shelter!" Just as the shuriken begin to move all around Sakura and Jūgo a grey stone dome rises up around them. For a few moments the only thing one can hear is the cacophony of stone beating on stone until finally the last shuriken strikes. Letting the dust settle the nuke-nin rises out of the soil with a smirk on his face as the shelter seems shredded. "All that talk and for what.."

Before the man can say another word the ground beneath him cracks before Sakura comes flying out landing a heavy hit directly to his chin. To the man's surprise Sakura's blow not only feels like it's cracked his jaw but sends him hurtling up and away from her. "Don't underestimate me! Jūgo now!" As the man twists in midair he see's Jūgo's arms gaining that same tan color before his hands expand before they shoot out his way.

Unable to move the man is soon immobilized by Jūgo's grip even as his arms pull back and Sakura pulls out a seal. "Jūgo keep him still. I'm going to place a few of Naruto's seals on him." Struggling even as Jūgo tightens his grip the man is almost frothing at the mouth as Sakura moves closer. "No Leaf brat is going to take me alive. Sorry Kazou-san. *Katon: Harakiri!" To Jūgo and Sakura's horror the man begins to glow as they can see fire natured chakra moving down his head and neck towards his heart. "SAKURA GET DOWN! DŌTON: EARTH CORE!"

Dropping the man Jūgo slams his free hand onto the ground causing the dirt and stone beneath their opponent to fall away. "Jūgo drop him! I'll seal it!" Nodding Jūgo releases the man allowing them to see a small but growing red light coming from the man's chest. Even as the man's hate filled curses echo up the hole Sakura slams her own hands onto the ground. "Dōton: Earth Wall!"

From each side a wall of grey stone erupts up at a angle before colliding together with a thunderous crash. "Everyone get down!" All around the two clones of Naruto quickly force the civilians to lay down before laying atop them before the ground begins to shake. For a moment it seems like the stone will hold before the top begins glow before exploding up and out as a gout of flame shots into the sky for the briefest moment.

Rising on unsteady feet Sakura's eyes are wide as she notices how the inside of the walls are melted and ripping down. "He…He killed himself.." Forcing her emotions down the kunoichi quickly begins helping the frightened civilians up so they can get away. "Jūgo come on. Let's get these people out of here." Nodding the older teen begins directing people out of the temple site and towards their rally point.

Atop the lone temple structure a dull eyed young man stares out across the complex. "So the Leaf shows itself…About time.." Drawing a curved dual edged blade a sick smile spreads across his face as he notices a bunch of clones escorting a single figure his way. For a moment the man is motionless before leaping far higher into the air than his build should allow even with chakra enhanced muscles. "Katon: Exploding Flame Shot!"

Raking his hand upon his blade revealing a thin armored plate upon his palm the man smirks as the small sparks form into large fireballs before hurtling down at the stunned clones and individual below. "Die." Smirking the nuke-nin begins to laugh as the ground becomes covered with a sea of flame. But as the flames die down his smirk turns into a scowl as a green barrier stands strong in the center revealing three clones around their creator. "My turn. Suiton: Water Bomb!"

Unable to dodge the man is sent flying up and back before slamming into a partially fallen torii. Coughing up a small bit of blood the man lets out an almost animalistic growl as he rises. Staring across the courtyard at Naruto before grabbing a flask from his waist and taking a deep drink from it. To Naruto's shock the man's bruises begin to heal while a sickly black chakra visibly flows across his skin.

Taking a step back reflexively Naruto's right hand falls onto his tanto's handle while he draws a kunai with his left. "Move. I don't know who you are but you won't stop me." Grinning like a man possessed the unknown enemy tilts his head back and forth before a sick laugh slowly begins to sound from him. "Oh but why should I, Uzumaki? So your filthy clan can keep our god sealed away? No…No I will not move. I will gut you like a boar. And then when we break the seal our god will reward his servant for ending a Uzumaki. I Kotaruo Fuuma will become his chosen follower."

Before Naruto can even blink the nuke-nin has nearly closed the distance between them and nearly takes his head off. Ducking back Naruto deflects his blade up with his tanto before stabbing at his left thigh with his kunai. Twisting around the blade the man has a deranged look in his eyes as he spins his blade and goes for another strike. Cursing in his head Naruto drops his kunai and uses his free hand to push himself back.

Glaring at the man Naruto's eyes become slitted for a moment while keeping their blue color as his chains shot out of his back. Knocking the man back again Naruto's eyes narrow as he pulls out the same flask and drinks more of it's contents causing the same black chakra to move across his skin as thin red lines spread out from his chest. Using his chains Naruto leaps high into the air as Kotaruo rockets forward and nearly cuts him in half.

"Is that all you're good for Uzumaki!? Running away! Is that the best your clan can do since we destroyed it!" Looking down at the man Naruto has to keep a tight hold of his emotions and chakra as the Kyubbi tries to use his anger against him. Forcing his anger down Naruto's eyes briefly flicker to red before returning to their usual blue.

Using his chains Naruto shots toward his opponent with both hands on his tanto. "I'll show you what a Uzumaki can do! Fūton: Vacuum Sword!" Putting a frankly disturbing amount of chakra into the blade Naruto creates two crescent blades of wind upon swinging his sword twice. To his shock the man doesn't even flinch as the razor sharp winds fly his way. "*Ishiken: Ninigini"

Just before the first blade can slice through the man a large black stone katana blade erupts from the ground before him splitting it in two. As the two strikes are deflected away though they leave deep gouges in the stone and in the ground to the left and right of the man. Looking down he seems enraged by the damage done to his shield. "You were trying to kill me…How annoying." Blitzing forward the man manages to lock blades with Naruto before launching him away with a kick from his left leg.

"Is that the best you've got boy! Cause if it is I will take your head now!" Rushing forward the man's blade comes down only to be stopped by a single kunai as Kakashi appears before Naruto. "Naruto go now. I'll handle this worm." Nodding Naruto places a seal on Kakashi's back before he takes off and runs at a full sprint for the building. Enraged Kotaru tries to follow only to get cut off by Kakashi who is glaring at him with his Sharingan spinning rapidly.

"So this is what you've become. A nuke-nin that seeks to unseal something you likely don't understand. Pathetic." Tightening his grip on his blade Kotaru rushes forward and tries to slash Kakashi in half only to growl in rage as the silver haired Jonin ducks under his strike before kicking him away. "Do not speak as if you know me Friend-Killer Kakashi. Me and my comrades are going to end your disgusting village when we free our god!" With eyes blazing with madness Kotaru pulls the flask one more time from his hip and finishes the rest of it's contents.

For a moment the nuke-nin is motionless before more red lines begin spreading very rapidly out from his chest across his entire body even as more and more black chakra cascades off his body. Staring at the man with his Sharingan capturing every detail Kakashi's eyes widen at the sight. Charging forward recklessly Kotaru swongs his sword splitting Kakashi in two before his body turns to *lightning electrocuting Kotaru.

"Good thing I switched with the clone when he was down." Rising out of the ground behind him Kakashi has a cold smile under his mask as his opponent falls to his knees and coughs up blackened blood. Knowing his jutsu shouldn't have done that kind of damage Kakashi files it away before beginning a set of signs. "Raiton: Lightning Bullet!" Punching twice Kakashi releases two bolts of lightning that soon combine to form a larger one as they quickly close the distance with his foe.

Barely avoiding the lightning Kotaru stands up on shaky legs as more black blood runs down his chin and drips onto the ground. Spitting out more of it Kotaru grins like a man possessed as he lets go of his blade. "Yo..You won't..st..stop me! I..I will free our god! Dōton: Earth Needle Rain!" Slamming his hands down the nuke-nin laughs even as more blood begins to pour out of his ears and eyes as rows of stone spikes begin forming around him.

Channeling the last of his strength into the jutsu the nuke-nin begins to fall over as first one then dozens of other spikes are launched out across the temple grounds randomly. Weaving through the spikes Kakashi easily forms a Chidori in his left hand and uses it to destroy any he can't dodge. But as he turns he notices a disturbing amount are heading for the building Naruto so recently entered. Eyes widening in horror the Jonin begins frantically running towards it even as multiple spikes tear through it's roof. "NARUTO!"

Within the building Naruto had been frantically reapplying the seal to the massive black stone chained to it's rearmost wall when the first spikes began slamming through the roof. Hastily erecting a barrier with his chains Naruto begins placing the five tags upon the damaged ones across the stone before the building shakes. As he falls he stares in horror as three spikes pierce both the building's roof and his barrier before slamming into the stone. As the dust slowly clears he breathes a sigh of relief as the stone and the seals carved upon it appear fine before freezing.

As he looks closer Naruto begins to pale as thin cracks begin spreading across the stone and begin growing larger. With very little regard for himself Naruto hastily begins placing barrier seals between the stone and the rest of the building as it begins to glow. From outside the building Team 7 see's the glow and frantically rush for the entrance before being rebuffed by Naruto's barriers. Pounding on the barrier Sakura and the others frantically call out to Naruto as the glow intensifies to the point they can't even look at the stone.

Looking back Naruto smiles as the light intensifies and his friends cries grow louder as the cracks expand to the point the stone is barely holding together. "Hey guys…Get away from here..I don't know if my barriers will hold up to…this thing breaking. Kakashi-san can..can you tell my Clan I'm sorry for me.." Turning back to face the stone Naruto begins channeling more and more chakra into his chains causing yet more to erupt from his back and form barriers around him and the stone. "Guess I won't be able to take Hinata-chan out afterall…"

Against the frantic shouts of his team Kakashi and Jūgo grab the others and pull them away as they begin to feel the amount of chakra leaking out from the building. "I'm sorry Minato-sensei…Kushina-san..I..failed again…" As they reach the edge of the complex they feel more than hear a massive thump while they can hear Naruto's barriers bend and crack under the strain. Diving into the woods Team 7 takes cover behind the stone wall before the barriers break and a massive explosion rocks the complex.

Pressing themselves tight against the ruined wall the quintet barely wait for the shattered remnants of the stones to begin falling as they run back towards where Naruto stood. Within the smoke and dust they see a massive shadow arise and spread what appears to be two massive wings before the sound of a massive thing breathing sounds from it. As the thing within bats it's wings Team 7 prepares themself for anything even as they see a battered but still breathing Naruto on his back looking up at the thing.

Before they can charge in though there is massive burst of smoke like from a summoning forcing the remaining smoke and dust away. As they open their eyes they see a astonishing sight a bird the size of a large hawk is standing before Naruto and cocking it's head back and forth. As they look closer they realize whatever this thing is it's no hawk as it looks more like a large crow with it's shining black feathers and long white and red tail feathers.

As the bird hops forward Kakashi freezes as he sees the strange white pattern that is on the bird's back that looks like concentric purple rings. "That's no normal bird…" Looking up the bird almost seems to smirk at him before it seems to nod towards him and his team before jumping onto Naruto's right knee. "You know Uzumaki. Standing that close to a explosion is never a good idea. Even for one carrying the Kyūbi." Instantly Naruto and the others are on guard as not only did the bird speak but somehow know of Naruto's burden.

"Oh don't look so surprised. I have lived since the Kyūbi was but a small fox. Of course I would recognize his signature chakra…Though I must say he appears to have a truly disturbing amount of anger in his heart now." Within his mind Naruto hears the fox roaring in rage and beating against the walls of it's cage as it looks out through Naruto's eyes. Cawing in a way that sounds almost like a laugh the bird jumps forward before extending it's left wing to touch above Naruto's seal. Instantly the Kyūbi's roars and threats grow distant causing Naruto's eyes to widen.

"Ah that's better…So tell me Uzumaki why was my seal broken? I thought your clan was going to respect my wishes to sleep away the ages..Or was it not you who broke it?" Eyes widening Naruto is unable to speak and frantically shakes his head in between looking down at his seal. Finally as the others draw closer he's able to calm down enough to shake his head before taking a breath. "I..I was not sent here to undo your seal..I was supposed to ensure the seal of some terrible beast wasn't broken. But that's..that's not you. Is it?"

Seeming to smile the bird shakes his head before turning around and jumping atop a larger piece of rubble before Team 7 and Naruto. "Nope that would be the thing I had been sealed with. It was a minor chakra beast that was just aware enough to choose to do evil acts. In many ways it was like the Reibi, a being that fed on and grew stronger from negative emotions like rage and despair. Your clan sealed it away with me and I more or less absorbed it within our seal."

Eyes widening Naruto sits up sharply and stares at the bird who once more seems to smile at him. "You..You absorbed it!? How? That's..That's impossible.." Spreading it's wings wide the bird reveals it's chest which seems to glow as it's feather seem to fade away. The center of the glow is a sickly purple bordering on black while around it rings of gold and purple encircle it. "I can do it because I like it am a chakra beast. I was born into this world before even your clan existed. And I exist to aid in sealing away or consuming cruel beasts like this."

For a moment the crow beats it's wings on it's chest revealing the image of what looks like a massive black lion roaring defiantly as it sinks into a golden whirlpool. For a moment Naruto's hand unconsciously drops to his stomach even as the crow seems to notice and slightly shakes his head. "So if you are not the beast Naruto was meant to seal away. What would you like us to do?" Looking up at Kakashi the crow seems to ponder for a moment before it makes the same laughing sound from earlier. "I think shinobi-san I will revisit the world. I am sure by now other beasts have felt my presence once more. I will need to ensure they remain asleep. But let me ask what are your names? Mine is Jimmu."

As the quintet tell the crow their names miles away a familiar presence watches before walking away and chuckling. "So even with my improved version of Orochimaru-sama's earliest seal you failed. Well at least giving those fools the experiments allowed me to take that boy's blood. Magnet Release will make a fine addition to my abilities." Looking up Kabuto's smile seems almost a copy of Orochimaru's as he lifts his right hand a few kunai circle around it. But unknown to even him across the world the biju and lesser beasts take notice of what has returned as Jimmu's return sends a ripple through the world.

As the sun crests over the horizon Jimmu spreads his wings and takes off while Naruto and the others wait for reinforcements to arrive to aid the former captives. Far far above them Jimmu watches before growing massive once more and heading off to find the home of his first friend. "Hagoromo what has happened to this world since your death so long ago..I fear for your children old friend." Looking back one last time though the crow smiles as he watches Naruto and Team 7 interacting before the clouds come between them and him. "But he may be the one you wished for..Even if he is a bit too much like Asura." Laughing to himself the giant crow soon is but a speck on the horizon.

-unknown land-

Within a cavern deep underground the Gedō Mazō laid in it's dormant state. Unbeknownst to the guardian within the cavern deep within the creature's body and chakra a silvery chakra awoke for the first time in a millennia. Peering out through the statue the presence left the creature and headed far away. Looking down at the world the presence would weep if it could as it felt the pain and rage that spread like a cancer across it.

*-don't need to explain their use right but they start at low D-rank & can be more effective/discrete at higher ranks
*-just a reminder that's how I refer to Akamaru when he looks like Kiba due to the Man Beast Clone
*-last ditch suicide technique kinda like C0 just nowhere near the power B-rank
*-Lightning Shadow Clone if I remember right Kakashi used it in Shippuden or one of the games

Next chapter is gonna focus more on the others & then I'll likely do 1-2 more chapters before we start Shippuden. See y'all then!