The Fox and The Tiger

Heritage

His father being announced was a shock that was unexpected. Immediately the crowd began speaking to one another, wondering if what Hiruzen said was true. Naruto still stood in the arena, unable to look around at anybody. Not out of fear per se but he just didn't know what to do or think. Kakashi looked down over Naruto, surprised that Hiruzen announced it in this manner, he wondered just how everything would proceed now.

Yondaime, the most beloved of the Hokage, Naruto, the cast out son of said man. All felt disgrace as they once tormented him as a helpless child. He displayed a talent that made them jealous of Kumo. Add the fact that technically, Naruto was supposed to be shinobi of Konoha on top of that and it made it all worse.

"Naruto, we can figure this out, but you're the champion now. No one wants to see the champion down."

Naruto nodded to Yugito and wore that wide smile he would wear back then. All the Kages came down and each congratulated Naruto on his victory.

"Way to keep to your word, my boy!" Ay said with his hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"Yes, very impressive. I am still surprised that you managed to best my son." Rasa said shaking Naruto's hand. "Then again, if you're the son of the Yondaime, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised or upset about that."

"Thank you, Lord Kazekage. Gaara is an excellent shinobi and had he never began his transformation, victory would have been far more difficult."

"You think him not transforming is a harder opponent?"

Nodding Naruto closed his eyes. "He is more thoughtful of his actions before transforming. That and he has his defense that could let him win from that alone. With no way to penetrate it or get around it, victory would be far more complicated. Then his control of his sand is far more diverse and he's capable of great things. His transformation gives brute strength but brute strength alone."

Rasa understood that perspective and had to agree. To any normal person, the transformation meant certain death. But if the opponent was skilled enough, as well as clever, then Gaara becomes vulnerable. Even so, with those factors, it's not like just anyone can neutralize the Biju chakra.

Unless one possessed the Kekkei Genkai or Fuinjutsu mastery to do so, subduing biju is next to impossible. As you'd pretty much need to tire it out...but no one can do that alone. Not even on the Ichibi. That's why Fuinjutsu was so crucial against Biju, and why Konoha was lucky as they had both Fuinjutsu masters as well as the Kekkei Genkai to subdue Biju over the years. Now those blessings have lessened as war and the recent catastrophes have taken place.

Only two true seal masters were in Konoha's forces. One being the Hokage himself but not to the extent as that of Jiraiya his student. Jiraiya, not to the same extent as Minato or Kushina. The Uchiha and Uzumaki clans were practically nonexistent in Konoha now. The last Uzumaki being in Kumo. The last loyal Uchiha still in Konoha. The Senju didn't count exactly as only one member ever possessed the Wood Style and it was never seen again from another.

Onoki floated over towards Naruto and looked him straight in the eye. Despite having a Kage staring him down, Naruto remained calm. As he knew, that nothing would happen, he wondered what the problem was of course but there was no worry for right now. Doing something at this point in time would no doubt be the same as initiating war. Despite whatever any village may want to have a war to settle scores...no one wanted to be the one to initiate it.

To do so ran the risk of being premature and not as ready as one would have thought. Sometimes the one who makes the first move, is the one who meets defeat. Onoki shook his head after having stared Naruto down.

"You've done well. As much as I truly resent and hate your father...I must admit that I respect him as a shinobi and warrior. You are definitely something I'll have to keep my eye on...Namikaze."

Naruto nodded slowly. "Thank you, Lord Tsuchikage. Hopefully I don't bring upon your bad side because of anything."

Onoki nodded. "We will see each other again no doubt. Though...under which circumstances, I cannot tell...between us and Kages...you don't happen to know his cursed Jutsu do you?"

Naruto noticed the slight nervousness, fear, and worry within that question and looked between all the Kages. "Uh...no? I don't know what Jutsu you speak of. Did I do something to entice these thoughts?"

Onoki sighed in relief and chuckled. "No, no it was just...that Jutsu you used to counter that girl who took over her teammate's mind by accident because of it looked almost like the Jutsu your father once had."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and got interested. "Really?" There was a small pause as he gathered his thoughts. "Interesting. I had and still am studying Spacetime Jutsu, there isn't much as everyone seems to only ever theorize rather than actually put it to action...understandable really. Messing with such things can be disastrous."

Hiruzen nodded and was surprised slightly. "You have really been making good strides in the field it would seem...what was your plans or interest for going into such field?"

Naruto turned to Hiruzen and frowned looking at him. He was Hokage, and had allowed him to be treated as he was for the time that he'd been in Konoha. Especially after now learning that said Kage knew exactly who his family was...it made no sense why such things were allowed.

"Honestly, my original plans were to create an ultimate defense barrier type Jutsu...I hit a snag, and then the idea came. If I can't just nullify and block a Jutsu, what if I instead try relocating it. To do so, Spacetime Jutsu was how I sought to find the answer."

Hiruzen nodded and brought his pipe to his mouth. "Remarkable...what you've done is truly amazing. I did notice though that your Jutsu required two parts for it to work. The scroll, and that special black kunai you have."

Naruto shook his head. "No, actually both are unnecessary." He got a somewhat confused look from the Kages. Even Ay as Naruto never fully explained to him just how the Jutsu worked. He only knew what it did. "For starters, when I first developed the Jutsu, it began as a construct of more or less an absorbance type Jutsu as the blueprint for inspiration in making it. Through learning of the absorbent nature, I learned that it led to no opportunity for moving the Jutsu...but then I had a theory in entanglement, to form a gateway of sorts."

"A gateway? What do you mean by that?" Hiruzen said as he was thinking about where Naruto was going.

Sighing, Naruto closed his eyes and thought on how to explain the workings of the Jutsu. "More or less, the two components of my Jutsu are in sync with each other in space. Regardless of the distance, they are pretty much as I said 'entangled' with one another. The first part opens an invisible doorway that a Jutsu goes through, in the same instant, it exits the second component and it works like going through a doorway. Since the two components are in sync, and connected regardless of distance, there is no delay between entering and exiting. It is just like when we pass through a door."

"Have you ever tried to send anything other than a Jutsu through? Or doing it without a second part?" Rasa said.

Nodding, Naruto began to explain. "Well, I haven't tried to send another person through, as I'm unsure how that will effect somebody. The reduction to only one part would technically work, but I wouldn't be able to relocate whatever was taken in. What happens to it...I don't know. Self explanatory since no person has entered." Taking a moment to think, he looked at the Kages in front of him. "Now...is that all that this little meeting is for?"

"No, Naruto, this was to be a chance for the champion to meet and get to ask questions to the Kages present at the time." Hiruzen said.

Naruto understood and thought for a moment. "I have no questions."

Yugito looked at Naruto with a curious expression before putting her hand on his right shoulder. "None at all?"

"Well...none that would be answered I'm sure." Naruto explained.

"You never know unless you ask, boy." Onoki said.

"Tell me of this Jutsu you said my father used. You've sparked my curiosity."

Onoki frowned and before he spoke, Hiruzen raised his hand. "That Jutsu is a secret that none of us present will ever be able to explain its workings. All we can tell you is how devastating it was to oppose and that it was true instantaneous teleportation with nearly no limits."

Naruto's face lit up slightly for once and began thinking. "Kurama was right...it really is possible..." he got a funny look from everyone and smiled to himself. "Just...when I began creating my seals for offensive capability, I pondered on such a technique. My idea was that it most likely would work like a summoning in a sense but in reverse since you were what is summoned to wherever you chose. I couldn't figure it out three years ago...maybe now...especially since you've confirmed that such a Jutsu exists!"

Ay smirked "This is really working out. With that interest, he'll definitely pick it up and be ready for when we get back. Who knows, perhaps if things go as it seems...Yugito will have been right about him."

Onoki paled on such possibilities if Naruto did manage to crack the code on making such Jutsu. However, he relaxed upon realizing that the possibility of it happening was low. "Well, you may not want to risk that. Given your own worries with your current Spacetime Jutsu."

Naruto turned to Onoki and shook his head. "That is partially true. There are ways of testing without throwing myself into it...had to test this Jutsu somehow right? Besides, I now have the means to do things myself without it being myself."

Once he heard that, Onoki frowned. Even if he didn't get the same Jutsu as Minato once had, the progress he has on his own one already, and where it could go eventually...could be a threat. Especially if he can make the Jutsu not be hindered so much somehow. How Naruto would go about that, Onoki had no idea. He just hoped that it was never accomplished.

"Depending on how this boy goes...I may need to get in talks with the Raikage. I do not want a repeat in history!" Onoki thought as he looked at Naruto. It was clear that ideas were already flowing in his head.

"Be that as it may, young Naruto. Your display of battle strategy, skill and finesse has garnered the attention of not only us Kages, but the respective Daimyos of each land. You have also been seen by smaller lands and the people of all villages. Your life as you know it, will never be the same now. You'll be expected of a great deal now, and you have a big responsibility as the now champion of the elemental nations since everyone will look to you as a beacon of hope, and a mountain to climb. You've set a bar, now must keep raising it." Hiruzen said and the other Kages nodded to it.

Naruto quirked and eyebrow and frowned slightly. "Yugito is supposed to be the beacon..."

"Can't you ever just stop taking the step back? You're a natural leader, Naruto. Ever since the beginning, your peers have always looked to you for guidance and as their leader. Being the leader isn't something you choose, it just happens. You have already been chosen by your peers as their leader. Whether you like it or not, you are the one they see filling that role over Yugito." Kurama said making Naruto close his eyes as he looked at the fox.

"That's not how it's supposed to be. I'm supposed to ensure that she can be the beacon of light."

"Why is that? Listen you stubborn fool, for as long as I've watched you, your self worth has always been your curse as is your gift in the weirdest way. For all your wisdom and ingenuity, you're quite the idiot. Your lack of value in yourself leads to your selfless actions in regards to those you care for. Example: when Yugito rampaged, you brought her back while taking the fall and making it look like she stopped you. You put everyone first, that's good and it is something they see and respect...but it bites you because it leads to moments where you are so filled with doubt in yourself that it weakens you drastically. Forces you to be unable to accept anything you earn, always deflect it to others. Unable to receive the affections from your friends. You alienate yourself thinking yourself a pawn to be sacrificed...you're not."

Opening his eyes, he sighed as he looked at Kurama. Naruto tried to find something to say in order to counter but nothing was coming to mind. Kurama knew that there was no arguing what he was saying so he sat patiently. Leaning his head back, he frowned and shook his head before leveling his gaze again.

"I guess that all they used to say back then rubbed off on me more than I'd admit...this village, it's people made me feel less than human, that I had no worth. I thought my life is to be of servitude and be the means to which action or reaction is done, that I would be their sword and shield to wield. By ensuring Yugito's image, it would be one way to not only keep her safe, but...was my service to the village. That it gave me my worth. That it was my duty..."

"Well kid...it's not. That's not your purpose. And when they come, you will need to not only be strong yourself, but you'll have to lead your people. Your peers believe in you, they trust you, maintaining your thoughts will lead you to fail them."

Saying nothing yet, he looked to his reflection in the ground. "Kurama...when they do come...I don't think that will even work. We're weak in comparison."

"Man...your inner self is such a downer...look, I already told you about them. They're no Gods. They only pretend to be, my kind, were once plentiful I've told you. I was and am King, we are the true 'Gods' of the world. They...are mortals, they can die we cannot. You'll be ready, but you gotta move past this current mindset."

"I will try. Besides...I made her a promise, didn't I? I won't fail...thanks...Kurama. For always believing in me. Even when I didn't myself."

"Sure thing, Kit. Now get back."

Naruto nodded mentally before looking over to Yugito and smiled slightly. "I won't be alone though."

She smiled at him with a nod before they noticed Ay staring at them. They both wanted to take a step back out of instinct until his smirk spread on his face. Rasa stepped forward to Naruto and looked at him with sincerity.

"Listen, Uz- I mean Namikaze...I thank you, for what you did with Gaara. I only molded him to become unbeatable...but in doing so...well...you see what he'd become. You did what I never could and that's interesting. His defeat will serve to truly bring him closer to what I always wanted for him...and it isn't a monster."

Naruto nodded and looked at Onoki since Rasa and Hiruzen began walking away. "As I've already said, you've got my attention, Namikaze." He turned and floated off.

Ay laughed and ruffled Naruto's hair. "You did well and kept your word. I often wonder where your limits lie. By the way, the old Third plans on stepping down soon. We weren't told, but he's got a plan for his successor as Fifth Hokage...you may even know him he said."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Was that to you guys?"

Ay shook his head. "In a way...but he said it more for you."

Tilting his head to the right, Naruto turned around and looked at the only person he knew from Konoha. "He couldn't be...could he?"

Looking over to the right a little bit, he noticed Omoi, and the others from Kumo smiling down at him. He gave a nod to return their waves and cheers. The crowd was still shocked though and still couldn't believe things.

Ay noticed that they didn't seem to know what to do next so he got Naruto's attention. "You're free to do whatever for now. We leave tomorrow morning."

Nodding the two left the arena grounds and went to where the others were. The Genin all ran up to Naruto and surrounded him in a way as they all seemed to have thousands of questions, all being asked at once. He was stunned and didn't know what to do. It made Darui and Bee smile, as well as Kakashi's patented eye smile.

"Easy there...I can't understand if everyone speaks at once." They all stopped and apologized with nervous smile.

Lee as energetic as he is came forth first. "YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH SHINE SO BRIGHT, NAMIKAZE-SAN! DON'T THINK I'LL SIT AROUND DOING NOTHING, I'M UPPING MY TRAINING TENFOLD!" Lee fisted the air and had the biggest smile with sparkling teeth.

Naruto rubbed his ears and sighed. "Ok." It got Lee to slouch and get in a depressed state for a moment. "Anyways...next?"

Lee shot up with a smile proclaiming his next regiment before Kiba came forward. "They say that they see you next in line for Raikage...you don't look like much. I'm taller than you!"

Naruto smirked slightly. "And I'm stronger than you...so I fail to see your point." Kiba scowled before Naruto laughed a bit. "Just a joke guy. Regardless, height really means nothing. You saw the Tsuchikage, I was taller than him."

Kiba nodded and looked him over. "I still don't see how you would be Raikage...or any Kage. You seem scrawny and fragile."

Again Naruto felt perplexed. Sighing he shook his head. "Man...you need some work...Regardless, I'm only twelve dude. I won't be Raikage or a Kage anytime soon if that even happened. If anything, Darui-sensei probably will be the successor to Ay-sama when it's all said and done."

This got them to look at Darui and then back at him. Shikamaru looked Naruto in the eye then narrowed his eyes. "There's something definitely different about you. I see why they look at you as they do. Troublesome...blondes are always a drag. Still, you're a mystery."

"Is there supposed to be a question in there?"

Grabbing the back of his neck, Shikamaru exhaled deeply. "Why did you hold back so much? It would seem that during your fight with Gaara, that no one prior ever should have lasted so long with you."

Now they focused in on him. Shrugging, Naruto shook his head a bit. "Eh, don't like fighting much."

Shikamaru smirked. "Then naturally, your goal would be to end fights as soon as possible...yet you don't. You prolonged each fight and encounter. Gave every opponent the thought of their imminent victory, only to crush them at that very moment."

This made Naruto eye Shikamaru and stare into his very being. "Where you getting at?"

"You either love fighting far more than you want to admit, or you enjoy watching as your opponent feel so very confident until the moment you strike...relishing in the sight of all that confidence become nothing but total disbelief, dread, and fear."

Looking around, he noticed there was no escaping the question and implications thrown at him. Naruto closed his eyes and shook his head as he crossed his arms. "Maybe a little both..." They all looked at him funny as he raised a finger though. "You leave out one thing though. What I said was true. I don't exactly like fighting but that is more of if it's necessary or not. You question my wanting to hold back...why not? I obviously didn't need any more power than I had shown. I find no reason to go all out to solely flaunt my power and skill. It gains me nothing. I rather leave you wondering what I may still be able to do, rather than knowing everything. If what I showed was scary...you've seen nothing yet..."

"What could you possibly mean by that?" Kiba said a little loud, not a shout but definitely rose his voice.

"What would you feel...if I told you...that I held back against Gaara as well?"

They fell silent for a moment. Surely there was no way he actually held back against Gaara. The sand Genin was trying to slaughter Naruto. No one would hold back against that. That would be ridiculous. However, it wasn't missed on them that he only ever showed power to be on level ground with his opponents. Finding ways to neutralize strengths and fight on equal grounds. Never had he gone overboard or even more than his opponent. Only matching and outwitting them.

There was bound to be more that Naruto could do but didn't show. They saw only what he needed to use...nothing more, nothing less. Such realization is daunting as it would only further deepen their losses. If he dropped his power so low to match them, when he easily beat Gaara after refocusing, then what were they really in comparison? Gaara, the Ninja undefeated and unscathed, beaten effortlessly by the calculative Naruto...he was an opponent no one dared to face yet Naruto came out the victor...decisively.

Every match was won in decisive manner and none he ever got worried about actually losing. From the beginning...Naruto claimed that he'd win and he did. To speak that into existence and alone for the most part was something they couldn't believe possible. The more they thought about it, the more they had to believe in what the Genin of Kumo had been saying all along.

"Then why come fight to begin with?" Tenten said as she happened to come out of her thoughts first. Or at least was the first to be willing to question once more.

"I made a promise." That was probably the most understood and relatable answer he'd given thus far. No weird things to get them to think, it was simple. Anyone who made a promise would definitely try to follow through. The unspoken question was of to whom did he make a promise to?

Sasuke and Rin came along. Rin smiled slightly at Naruto, happy that he pulled it off. Sasuke had an urgent question...or to him it was urgent. So he came forward. "Where did you learn that Jutsu?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow and tilt his head. Feigning confusion. "What Jutsu do you speak of?".

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Naruto and got a serious face. "I'm not messing around, Naruto. This is important! You used my bro-that person's Jutsu!"

Naruto kept up his demeanor. "Sasuke, I really don't know who you speak of. During my journey, I met somebody and we got along. He spoke to me of a Jutsu he once saw and I got interested. I worked until I got it down. The parent Jutsu though, he explained how to do that."

Sasuke frowned, he hoped he'd be able to get some information. Nodding slowly he sighed. "So you won it all, after all...good for you..."

Everyone from Konoha was surprised to see Sasuke not be angry to have lost. Nor was he challenging Naruto. He just took his loss and called it that. Choji who was eating his chips smiled at Naruto and raised his hand.

"You are free to speak man. We are not in an academy setting."

Choji gave a nod to Naruto and stopped eating for a second. "How did you make it to where Ino's Jutsu hit me and not you?" He then returned to eating.

Sighing he put a hand to his forehead to contemplate how to explain. "Simple way to explain is I moved her Jutsu. I won't get into how because none of you here barring the senseis would have a chance to understand."

Speaking of senseis, Asuma spoke gathering Naruto's attention. "Well, now that you've finally been revealed in terms of who you are...I wanted to apologize to you for how things went."

Naruto looked up at Asuma and looked for something to catch on to. "I don't believe I've ever seen you before...should I recognize you sir?"

Shaking his head he smiled slightly at Naruto. "No young man, I don't believe you would. I'm Asuma Sarutobi."

"As in the Hokage Sarutobi?"

"He is my dad." Naruto nodded and he took a breath before continuing. "I wasn't in the village when you were younger. Not long after you were born, I actually left the village for some time."

"Then why are you apologizing? You weren't one that did anything wrong. You weren't even around."

Asuma nodded and went to reach for a cigarette of his but a look from Kurenai got him to stop in his tracks. "Just the right thing to do, kid. Regardless, for what it's worth, everything should have been played out differently."

Naruto nodded with a chuckle. "Yeah, it did suck." Everyone began looking at him, wondering where he'd go with it. "But had it not happened then, I wouldn't have made these friends I have now. I probably wouldn't be as I am now...everything may have been different, good and bad. I don't think I'd ever want to change anything because despite my act, I am happy with things."

Kakashi smiled under his mask. Naruto was really smarter than anyone will ever give him credit for. That and he was happy that his sensei's son was doing well for himself. "Perhaps me and Asuma...a few of these other Jonin who feel the same as us, can be some of your new friends."

Naruto nodded. "I thought me and you were already friends." He said with a smirk. Kakashi motioned Gai over and he extended his hand with a bright shimmering smile.

"I am Gai Maito! Sensei to Neji, Tenten, and Lee! YOU'VE GOT SOME BRIGHT FLAMES OF YOUTH IN YOU!"

Naruto quirked an eyebrow and realized that everyone was wearing ear muffs and a blindfold. He felt very confused as he was the only one not with such things. Only Lee and Gai were sharing the lack of those two items. Then it happened...

Suddenly the two were standing beside each other as the background changed. Gone was everyone else, now a beach with splashing waves was seen. Two palm trees with coconuts and the sand was perfectly intact and crisp, a sunset to wrap the view up. Naruto looked side to side, wondering just how the three of them got there.

"Kurama! The hell is this? A Genjutsu? A Spacetime Jutsu?"

"I-I-I have no idea! I've tried disrupting your chakra this whole time nothing is working!"

Naruto watched the two cry and hug each other tightly. The sight making him want to puke. They turned to him and he paled, the clothes disappeared put of nowhere, replaced with very tight spandex...but it wasn't like a shirt or anything...no...it was a speedo on them.

"WE'LL RUN THESE OCEANS, SWIM THESE OCEANS, ALL THE WAY TO THE SUNSET! JOIN US NARUTO, WE WILL SHOW THE SUN OUR FLAMES OF YOUTH!" The two said in unison, fire in their eyes, fists clenched and raised in front of their chests.

Naruto was feeling so very confused and disgusted at the same time. He felt someone touch his shoulder which made him turn to look fast and in that moment, he was back in the stands. The others were there and it seemed all was back to normal. Looking back ahead, Gai and Lee stood there fully clothed as if nothing had happened. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head and was still really confused.

"What the hell was-"

"No one knows. It's best to not question it, Naruto." Kakashi said and went to Naruto. "You must be tired, go get some rest."

Nodding, Naruto began to turn away when Shikamaru's voice called him to stop. He looked at the pineapple cut haired kid and raised an eyebrow in question.

"The next time, I'll create a strategy that'll best you."

Smirking Naruto shook his slightly. "No...you won't." With that he turned away and began walking away. "For the record, I'm not saying you're incapable. I'm starting to like you...so you won't have another fight with me."

Shikamaru was stunned as he watched Naruto walking away. Then they all remembered that none actually asked anything in regards to his heritage or who he is at all. Before they could ask though, they looked up to see that he wasn't in view anymore.

They then turned to the Kumo Genin and received a look that said "what?". As much as they wanted and tried to ask questions, no answers were given. Besides, they couldn't answer even if they wanted. No one expected Naruto's identity...well aside from Darui and Bee because of Ay but they weren't ever going to say anything.

Naruto went into his room and sighed as he sat down on the bed and closed his eyes, leaning back until he was laying. "Still can't believe he's my father. It seems odd."

"Well you better believe it."

Naruto said nothing and rolled to lay on his right side. He began to rub his left arm and was beginning to pull the sleeve up. Hearing the door open up, he stopped and turned to see Yugito.

"What are you doing here?"

She smiled slightly and stopped at the entrance. "May I come in?" He nodded and she entered while closing the door. Standing at the door for a moment, she began to slowly make her way towards Naruto and brought up a bag. "Figured you'd want something to eat. Given all that's happened, didn't think you'd be going anywhere."

Sitting up he offered her a seat beside him and she obliged. Taking out the packed food, Naruto was surprised to see that it wasn't a bento or anything like that. The food came in more of a bowl like container and wasn't just a packed meal that was more standard. This was takeout which meant she went somewhere and spent money. Noticing his gaze and thoughts, she assured that it was fine and that Darui actually got it for them, she just chose to have hers to go so that he and her could eat together rather than her eat with Darui and Rin. They'd have brought him food, but he'd eat alone. This way, they all ate with someone at least.

"I appreciate it. Thank you." She gave a nod and smiled as she took the lid off her bowl. He did the same and sighed. "If you wanted to eat and be out with the others, you can...you don't need to stay here just because I don't want to be out there."

Looking over at him, she frowned. "No, I want to be here. With you."

The two looked at each other for a while, into one another's eyes. Their heart rates sped up slightly and very slowly they began coming closer.

"*ahem* Right. So what do we have here?" Naruto said as he felt odd.

Yugito leaning back to her original seated position cleared her throat lightly as well and looked at her bowl. "We went to some Ramen shop. We have a Beef Ramen."

"Oh, okay cool...cool..." Naruto looked intently at the ramen and around the room. "Why do I feel so nervous? It's like Idon'tknow what to say!" Shaking his head, Naruto began to try the ramen. "Wow, that's good."

"It is. Huh, who knew that something as basic as ramen would be this good." She said and smiled as she ate. This made Naruto smile and have a shiver from an odd fuzziness that ran through his body.

"So...about the thing you wanted to talk about?" Naruto said after they had been eating silently for a few minutes.

She stopped eating for a moment before continuing again. Setting her bowl down on her lap for the time being, she turned to Naruto. "Well...we've known each other for quite a while now." She then avert her gaze to elsewhere in the room.

"That we have." He said with a nod.

"We have become friends and stuff...I guess that...now...I would like...something more...with you." Returning her gaze to his eyes she noticed that he was struggling to get his thoughts out.

"Y-yeah..."

"Yeah what?"

Sighing Naruto looked away. "I'm really not good with this. Um, yeah, I...I'd like that."

He couldn't meet her gaze as he looked away. It felt so odd for him to be this way. This was partly infuriating as he was a nervous wreck but was also exciting and intriguing since it was such a new feeling and experience. She smiled seeing his genuine nervousness and although he was very awkward it was sort of cute to see him in this state. However, she wanted Naruto to go back to being Naruto, this was nice for now, but if it remained then it would definitely get annoying.

For now though, she would let it be. It gave her a sort of feeling of superiority over him and she liked that. Being the one in control. So, with her smile, she went back to finishing the ramen.

After thirty minutes, she stood and began to leave but Naruto caught her wrist, making her turn to him. "Stay. Let's just...just stay here." He didn't know what to say and really didn't think he was making sense. He'd been speechless this entire time...for the first time, it wasn't by choice.

Smiling softly at him, she went and hugged him while standing. This caused her to pretty much bury his face into her chest as he wrapped his arms around her lower back after a few moments. She then spoke softly to him. "I'd like to. But Omoi and Rin are going to be coming and would like to hang with you. Don't worry though...we'll be back together soon enough."

He nodded in her chest and as he took a breath, her scent filled the air and was intoxicating. Just as he was being captured by it, she pulled away and left him there. As she closed the door behind her, she had a smirk, knowing that she had a newfound control over him. It was definitely going to be fun exploring its depth and possibilities that it would allow her. Still it was very much new and different, funny how in the beginning, he was nothing more than a nuisance. Now, he'd become someone that she cared deeply for.

Laying back on the bed he exhaled deeply and shook his head. "Man...what's happening to me?"

"You're smitten."

Saying nothing, Naruto looked at the ceiling. He reached into the air and his sword appeared. Gripping a little tighter, a white glow appeared like an aura around the blade. Then after a few more moments of concentration, the aura spread from the blade and extended to his hand, then throughout the rest of his body until he was surrounded by it.

With his eyes closed, Naruto took a breath and when he reopened his eyes, they became completely black. No white, nothing, just black. His vision changed slightly as everything had a smokiness coming off from it. Color was more dull and not as apparent, almost grayscale. He began shaking and closed an eye tightly, maintaining control and focus was getting difficult before he finally dropped the sword onto the bed and panted heavily. The aura leaving him and the blade.

"Damn it! I still can't maintain control!" Grabbing the sword and twirling it in a circle then caused it to disappear into thin air. About ten seconds later, the door opened.

"Yo! What up, Naruto?" Omoi said waving.

"You eat?" Rin asked as he closed the door behind them.

Sitting up, Naruto gave a nod. "Yeah. Yugito brought it to me and we ate together. She left not long ago actually."

The two nodded and Omoi smiled. "I was right."

"Come again?"

Omoi laughed seeing Naruto's confused face. "I told you from the beginning. You did like her all along!"

"Oh...well, that wasn't until recently, so...no you were wrong."

Rin smirked and shook his head. "Man... denial? Doesn't look good on you. You're lying could use some work."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. It was a rather ironic statement that Rin said. Lying was Naruto's life. Still he sighed and shook his head and adjusted the tape on his wrist to make it tighter. He didn't want his sleeve to move around at all. Then looked at the two.

"So, what did you guys want to do? Yugito mentioned something about that."

"Only Yugito? No nickname or honorific?" Omoi said with a smirk. This was going to be so fun for him.

Running his right hand through his golden blonde hair, Naruto sighed as he rest his hand on the upper right part of his head, blocking the peripheral vision of his right eye. "Omoi, we've only just talked about things. It would be odd to already have such things...would it not?"

Rin crossed his arms and smiled. "I don't know, Naruto. I think she had a couple different ways of referring to you earlier at the ramen shop."

Raising an eyebrow Naruto looked at Rin and had brought his right hand down to his lap. "What kind of ways?"

Omoi began to chuckle. "Who knows? Certainly not you."

Naruto was really beginning to hate this new situation that was developing. Apparently this was an unexpected side effect to his now new relationship. Standing up and rolling his shoulders, causing the hood to bounce, he went to the door. "I'm done with this. If you wanted to do something then let's go."

The two knowing that this little session of riling Naruto was over, joined him. Otherwise he may just ditch them and not talk to them for quite a while...something he very much was capable of doing and potentially already considering. For now they'd need to drop it...for now.

When the three left the hotel, they began walking down the street. At first it was quiet, in part because Naruto was still getting back into a social mood and also, because something was very familiar. Turning to the right, he noticed an alley and smiled slightly. The two noticed and of course, they naturally asked what was up.

Shaking his head he stopped walking and faced the alley completely. "This is it." Gaining a funny look he looked over at them. "This is the alley where they found me. Where I got to become a part of Kumo."

The two looked down the alley and were silent. Not exactly knowing what to say, they heard Naruto begin to chuckle a bit. Looking at him for an explanation, he looked over towards where he'd been back then. "That day, I swore that things would be different and change from how they were. It definitely did."

Omoi moved closer to Naruto and brought his left hand onto Naruto's right shoulder. "We're glad it did. All of us. Nothing would be the same without you. Now, thanks to this tournament, the village will no doubt see you differently."

Nodding, Naruto shook his head from the memories and walked on passed the alley. Leaving it behind. As they made their way through the village, many people gave congratulations on the victory for Naruto and praising his performance. It was still very much noticeable, how awkward everyone still felt.

-Elsewhere In Konoha-

"Bring him in, he's got a new mission."

"Hai, Danzo-sama." The person vanished and returned after a few minutes with a pale skinned shinobi. The person had black hair that was straight and barely went past his eyes. His shirt was shorter, not covering his stomach at all and he had a tanto on his back. "As you requested, Danzo-sama."

"You're free to go." The first person left, leaving Danzo and the newly arrived shinobi. "I have a mission for you."

While kneeling, the person lowered his head in respect. "What is my mission?" His head remained lowered.

"I want you to watch that boy. Naruto. You are not to engage, after they leave fire country, your next aspect of the mission is to meet Orochimaru's partner at location in this scroll." He took out a scroll and continued. "In turn, you'll receive one as well, report back as soon as possible. You mustn't fail and can't be found out. If necessary, use your special Jutsu... I always did like it."

The person nodded and looked up at Danzo. The scroll was tossed to him and he caught it with his left hand. "I will succeed, Danzo-sama."

"I'm sure you will." Waving off the shinobi, Danzo leaned his head back in his seat. "Everything will fall into place..."

-Konoha Memorial Stone-

Kakashi looked deeply into the stone that held many names. His lone eye moved along the names and he brought his left hand over his covered left eye. After a pause and a sigh he looked straight ahead.

"You can come out now, Cat."

"I never could sneak up on you...Senpai."

"I'm not your superior anymore. You can just call me Kakashi."

A chuckle escaped the female anbu and she stood beside Kakashi. "Maybe, but you're still far stronger than any of us in Ro. Maybe even among the anbu all together...which brings me to why I'm here."

"I can no longer serve in the anbu. Even if I wanted to come back as your captain. Hokage-sama wouldn't allow it."

Shaking her head, she lightly grabbed his right arm and turned him to face her. "If only what I was here for, were that simple, Senpai. Hokage-sama has some interesting news for you."

Kakashi raised his eyebrow and the two disappeared in a swirl of leaves and appeared at the office. With a knock, the two entered and stood in front of Hiruzen. Smiling at Kakashi, Hiruzen stood up.

"I was told you had something to tell me..."

Nodding Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe. Two actually, one I will tell you about later on. However, the other thing is about you actually."

"What about me?"

"You're a really accomplished shinobi, powerful and intelligent. You are at the top of the roster. Second only to Jiraiya."

"No no, you over exaggerate Hokage-sama. I'm not at that level."

Hiruzen laughed a bit. "You're humble too. Good qualities for Hokage." To that Kakashi raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "I'm old, Kakashi. I still am very powerful, but if something truly bad were to happen, I don't think I'd be able to handle it as Hokage...but I can very much be a support."

"You...plan to retire?"

With a nod and another puff, Hiruzen stepped in front of the desk. "I do. I chose my successor, the Daimyo approves and supports my choice."

"Who do you have in mind? Do you want me and Gai to go bring Jiraiya."

"That's not necessary, Kakashi. I'm already here." A new voice said and he turned to see Jiraiya by the window.

Hiruzen got his attention again and smiled. "Kakashi Hatake, I chose you, to be my successor. Will you take the roll of Godaime Hokage?"

Kakashi looked at Jiraya, then Cat, seeing that this was truly something he was being asked, he looked back at Hiruzen. "Why me?"

"Son of Sakumo Hatake, a man stronger than the Sannin. Student of Minato Namikaze, Yondaime Hokage. Accomplished anbu captain and Jonin of Konoha. You are very fit to be Hokage, Kakashi. The Daimyo agrees, Jiraiya agrees, the clan heads all agree. You have respect of the village, shinobi and the anbu. Your being a former anbu only adds to their faith in you. So, will you accept?"

Kakashi stood silently for a moment. Everyone saw as his gaze shift over to the monument and at Minato's head. After a few seconds, he looked back at Hiruzen with determination. "I will do my absolute best to protect and watch over this village as the Fifth Hokage."

Hiruzen smiled and shook Kakashi's hand. "I hereby name you, Fifth Hokage. Your inauguration will take place in a week."

Kakashi nodded and left the office with Cat. "Sensei, it's true then? Naruto's alive and in Kumo?"

Sighing, Hiruzen took a seat. "Yes it is...I wonder though, how could no one find out? How did you not given your resources and network?"

Jiraiya stood in front of the desk and closed his eyes as he spoke. "Well, for one I never expected Kumo to be potentially responsible. When I did try looking into the other nations however, getting into Kumo is very difficult. The land Lightning is simple enough, but that village being so heavy in terms of military makes infiltration difficult. There isn't an easy way to sneak in since the village is so high up, you just have to get Intel from neighboring villages but that's rare...Kumo doesn't really leak Intel much, if at all."

Understanding, Hiruzen closed his eyes and leaned back. "If only we had such ability with our secrets..."

Jiraiya said nothing and sat down on a chair. He looked to the photo of Minato and took a deep breath. "I really wish that Naruto was still of the village...I had plans for him.."

"I'm sure you did." Taking a puff from his pipe he sighed. "Maybe if I'd gone to see him sooner than I did...I could have ensured that he wouldn't have been kicked out of the orphanage...or something..."

-Central Konoha-

Naruto stopped walking and looked around. "This place really hasn't changed much over the years."

"Well, not like much would." Rin said as he and Omoi looked around from their spot.

"Yeah, still though. Anyways, what's the plan?" The two looked at Naruto with blank faces. "Really..." rolling his eyes and putting his hands on his hips, he exhaled sharply. "Whatever, let's just keep walking then."

As they continued on, Omoi cleared his throat as he sped up to be in front of Naruto before turning to face him and speak. "Soooo...what was Yugito doing to you in the arena? She spoke so that only you could hear that whole time. Even with the mics. We'd heard your talk to Gaara that whole time so what did she say?"

Naruto tilt his head and tried to think. "Eh, nothing much..."

"Uh huh. Sure..." Rin said coming from Naruto's left and to the front to be beside Omoi.

"Seriously...it was just about the working of her attack...yeah, just recommending that I give up." He said scratching the back of his head.

"And that wasn't a kiss she gave to you?" Rin said with a smirk.

"Or give a bite to your earlobe?" Omoi said earning a fist bump from Rin along with a "nice one" being said to him.

"Uh...how about, you two drop this...and I don't kick your guys' asses."

The two sweat dropped at that and sighed. "Just ruin the fun, why don't you?" Omoi said and turned around to continue walking.

The next morning, Naruto was the last to meet the group at the gates of Konoha. Everyone foreign to the village was leaving today. Kumo was leaving first, they were leaving at different times from one another so as to avoid any conflicts...but with Kages present, that would be unlikely, still it was an arrangement made no matter what. There was a large crowd gathered to see them off. One would think that its out of kindness and slight admiration of the village and their shinobi having been present, but they all knew it was only because of Naruto.

The now named Namikaze had a lot of attention. Good and bad. Some admired him, others still resented him. This also made things awkward for Kumo since some think they stole away the talented Namikaze...which was true. That was besides the point though. They pushed him away first...so it cancels out in the end. Right?

Two negatives make a positive sort of thing? Who knows, regardless, there was that odd feeling in the air. Naruto faced the crowd and showed no emotion, he stepped to the Hokage, who had Jiraya to his left and Kakashi to his right.

"Thank you for the invitation to these Chunin Exams." He bowed slightly and stood straight.

"Pleasure was ours. Congratulations again, young Naruto." Hiruzen said with a small smile.

Naruto only gave him a nod before looking at Jiraiya, "I never met you. But...there's something about you that's different, interesting...". Looking over at Kakashi last he extended his hand. "Thank you for helping me, Kakashi. You take care of yourself."

"Will do, Naruto. And you are very much welcome. I will be talking with you soon." Kakashi received a nod and shook Naruto's hand.

Once that was done, they began their journey back to Kumo. While they were on their journey, Naruto felt a presence some distance away and had glanced over to it. However deciding to do nothing, since the person was staying very much far away, it was better to not worry since no doubt, upon entering Lightning Country, the person would back off. Nobody was fool enough to try pursuing at that point.

Instead he turned to Yugito and shook his head. Things were odd, he didn't exactly know what to do or say. Different, but not unwelcomed...still, there was so much that he was unsure of. One thought that kept flashing in his mind was rather annoying in its persistence.

"Could Ibecome Raikage?"

It was obvious that they all believed in him as such, so now it was more of if he could believe it himself. Even so, what would that entail and how would he go about it? Too many questions right now and hardly any answers...typical really. The curse of such a curious mind. All the knowledge he'd gained and yet, there still was no answers to many of his questions.

Quite the reality of the world. No matter how much knowledge you can gain or find, record and or lose, it doesn't matter. You'll never be able to have every question answered. That was a very annoying thing, Naruto could very well call himself a glutton of knowledge and all the secrets of the world...

Then his gaze shift back to Yugito as she walked ahead of him. A smile spread slightly and he ran his right hand through his hair. This was all getting so complicated. Things has been so simple back then when all he did was drive people crazy for his amusement...maybe he'd need to get back into that, even if it was just a little. A good way to let off steam and pressure. Plus it was always good entertainment.

When they had arrived in Kumo after a five day trip, one that wasn't eventful at all. The only thing that went on was talk among the Genin about their performances and each others views of the fights. Naruto kept to himself most of the time but listened in at least, communing with them all was still a work in progress but he was present. Yugito had sent him a lot of glances met with smiles when he caught her while the conversations would go on.

Other than that though, it was just a walk. The person left as Naruto suspected they would once they came to the border. Ay turned to the Genin and smiled at them all. "You all did well, before we enter the village you will have a week off. Settle in and get back in the groove of things, you've earned it...oh and enjoy the little festival they've prepared for you."

They all began to enter and just before doing so, Ay grabbed Naruto lightly. "Tomorrow, meet me in my office. I have something for you and some things to discuss with you."

Naruto nodded and went on with Yugito who took his hand and ran into the village.