Naruto Fanfiction
Disclaimer: It's not like anyone actually cares enough to actually read more than the first two words, but, anyhow, I don't own Naruto.
Author's Note: Well, this chapter will have an amount of Reunions... I'm really not good at writing about 'It's been a while-how have you been' stories, but here goes nothing.
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Review Reply Corner:
Pyr00tje: Heh, it's entertaining to surprise people and it's boring to be predictable, ey? Even though I am awfully predictable… Oh well, thanks for the review!
Hattuteline: Yep, yep! I'm going to change the Spore guy's name to the name you suggested. I didn't know Kinoko was a female name, lol… Well, as I told, I'm really bad at writing about reunions or regatherings, as you put it. Thanks for reviewing!
CurlsofSerenity: Perhaps you're right about the whole Itachi thing… But this whole Akatsuki thing goes beyond that and a Hokage will put smaller things aside to deal with the bigger things, at least, that's what I think… Many thanks!
Per: Yeah, maybe they SHOULD feel more regret… but keep in mind that Naruto, Neji and Gaara still have the same memory as before, combined with their old 'real memory.' They have matured in a very harsh way, but they know how to deal with it. I did make Naruto cry…Maybe I'll insert some more sadness later… Thnx for the review!
Yodey: Thanks, Thanks!! Here's the next chapter! I hope you enjoy!
SilverKnight7: Thanks for reviewing! Here's an update! Expect to be… well, expect anything…
The Fox of burden: Soon, soon you will see how strong everyone has become, but until then, hang on tight… please? Thanks for the review!
Misu no Yami: Ok, Rei . Thanks for the review, Rei! Rei, as in Ayanami Rei?
Dark Nemesis 7: Thnx for reviewing! The five minute Genjutsu 'Jutai Munesanzun' attacked all Shinobis who had a Chakra level of Jounin or higher. The attack can also be directed at Jounin rank and lower or even all… Ok, this Jutsu is also a mind Jutsu and makes the victims forget about the last five minutes they just lived through and fall to sleep. They dream about those five minutes and re-live it, seeing it as a déjà vu. Once seen through, which happens almost never, unless the victim is really good, the victim wakes up immediately and realizes the Genjutsu.
Sirus183: A Shinobi shall not be controlled by his or her won emotions, right? I really believe that Shino is a Shinobi who lives by the rules and being kind of… emotionless… He really seems like that kind of guy to me… Thanks for the review!
Peter Kim: Heh, the answers for the questions you ask would be spoilers… That won't be any fun, right? :P Anyway, I'm still doubting about letting all those others know of Naruto's secret. But I still have time to think it over… Thanks!
Anon: Thanks! Here's a next chapter!
EfrainMan: You think it was too easy? Man, I kind of hoped it would look really difficult… It really was for Itachi to be able to perform the technique… Oh well, my apologies bows. But thanks for the review!
Nobuyasha: Yep, yep, yep. You're right all the way, all your assumptions are correct! Hope you keep liking it! Thanks!
Zsych: Heh, yeah, will do :P. About new Jutsus… As a Hokage, Naruto will have to have some real handy Jutsus like the ones you proposed… Maybe he can bring back Inari back to life… Or even the entire Uchiha Clan :P. Wouldn't Sasuke be happy, lol… Err… anyway, I know, I'm not funny, sorry… So I won't try to be so any longer… Naruto was never REALLY accepted by the Village, was he? I'm beginning to doubt that he ever will, even if he becomes Hokage, you can't control one's opinion… But yeah!! Naruto is immortal, based on age, I believe… He can't die of age… but I believe he can be killed… If he grows as strong as possible, maybe he will exist forever… But do you think that the Fourth's Seal will work on Naruto? Sealing him and Kyuubi into another body, making that kid even more stronger??
:D: Yeah, they lost two scrolls, those idiots! Oh well, you win some, you lose some… Thanks for the review!!
Fancyj: Heh, thanks… I think… I admit that the fic is long, but I like it that way… My apologies… I'm glad it still interests you beside that, thanks for the review!
Lady Light: Whoa, Thanks! That really means a lot to me! I'm glad you like it! Here's the next chapter!
…: Interesting name :P Anywhoo… Here's the next Chappie! Thanks for reviewing!
CurlsofSerenity: Thanks! I appreciate it! And I have absolutely no idea what OTW means…
Misu no Yami: Alrighty then! Thanks, Rei! I'm glad you liked the chapter.
Dude: Thanks for the support… These finals really give me no time to have fun… But oh well… Thanks for reviewing!
Sirus183: Hehe, well in this chapter there's a little more reminiscing… Next Chapter will mostly be about the training of all of them… So perhaps you'll see Naruto and Jiraiya spar again… Perhaps…
RuByMoOn17: I agree! Naruto is the Man! Thanks for reviewing!
Zsych: Heh, I guess no one can actually defend against the Fourth's Jutsu, you'll just be permanently sealed away. I wonder though… The user dies making that seal, right? And also, does the one who receives the seal die as well (gr?)? Yes, every technique requires certain aspects like high speed or Chakra control… But that Rasengan, I thought the Rasengan couldn't be copied by the Sharingan? And about being able to copy some Bloodline techniques… You could be right… Especially about Haku's techniques… I mean, if Bloodline Techniques still need a few hand seals for elementary use, then perhaps it's possible they can be copied… About the descendant of the Byakugan… I kinda created one of the new Characters of the Akatsuki on purpose for that… Jiraiya's techniques are inescapable, I think. How can one escape from a gigantic swamp-like hole? Well… Heh, you'll see in this Chappie… But one can much easier dodge fire or any other element-attacks.
Lemmings12: Wait no longer! Here's an update for ya!
Lostlily: Yes, you are very right. I remembered that as well when I thought about it a little more during one of my 'can't sleep but try anyway' nights. Thanks for the review! Are you going to update your story soon, btw? ;)
Jonathan Shim: Hehe, well that makes two of us. But it's wrong to bash characters… Everyone is who he/she is because of how he/she was raised, right? Sasuke can't help it that he's a cold moron… He has his reasons…
Exarikun: Thanks so much!! Here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!
Aaron: Thanks, I'm glad you like it!
SilverKnight7: Thanks for liking it!! Here's an update!
:D: Teehee, yep. I tried a little humor, but I'm not really good with that… Thnx for the review!
Nobuyasha: Hehehe, well, perhaps I'll do that sometime… But I already made Neji and Sasuke fight each other once in Book one. I'm sure Sasuke wants to get back at him for that… Hehehe… And my Naruto is better than Kishimoto's? Sorry, but that I can't believe. Kishimoto is a freaking genius, man! 10q for the review!
Hotaru-chan: Thank you, Thank you!! Here's an update!
Dark Nemesis 7: Thanks! Here's a slightly bigger than usual update!
Itachi: I'm glad you think my stories Rock! I'm really glad! Here's the next lil Chappie!
Magicalfoci: The feeling you have about what's going to happen between Sasuke and Naruto must be the same as what you feel about what will happen in the manga, right? At least, that's what I think… I'm glad you like the explanation of the effects of the permanent Kuragari Okkanai. I'm so happy you like how I write the characters and the battle scenes! About writing faster… the next update will take much longer…
DocDragon: Well, I hope this will be like the 'interlude' chapter, actually. I'm thinking about fusing chapter 14 with this one, so it'd be like those double episodes of the anime… Hope you enjoy this chapter!
The-TempesT: Hmmm, Naruto is cool isn't he? I hope you like what I did in this chapter! Please enjoy!
Ino Pig: I also like it when Naruto is strong! And Sasuke always seemed evil, right? This chapter is longer than the other chapters, so I hope you're satisfied!
Peter Kim: I'll consider your ideas… But of course, on one is immortal… Everyone can die, or at least be sealed. I mean, Juggernaut of the X-men is supposedly unstoppable, but a little bit of teamwork in getting that helmet off and he's down in a sec…
EfrainMan: Yep, Yep! More reunions, don't worry! Naruto won't summon anything just yet… And Itachi and Sasuke will encounter each other sooner or later… Itachi's disguise will easily be looked through when Sasuke has his Sharingan activated.
Zitrix: Thanks so much! That means a lot to me! And about those mistakes, you are completely right! Stupid of me that I made it look like the Rasengans needed hand seals, stupid! And the Chuunin thing was also pretty dumb of me… Yes, once Kyuubi Chakra is used, the Sharingan will see nothing but red Chakra and the view upon the hand seals and the Chakra that's used for the techniques will be blocked. Thnx for reviewing!
Shishi haze: I guess it is pretty long, huh? Well, there will be a Book 3 and 4… Thanks for the review and I think you'll like this chapter…
Stoictimer: Very well! Here's the update! Thnx for the review!
Hide-a: Thanks, thanks and thanks! Here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!
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There Where When is Now
Chapter 14
The Leaf was a place of harmony. It has always been that way, no matter what it and its inhabitants went through. All were supposed to watch each others' backs, defend each other, stick up for each other and comfort each other. Unfortunately the 'each other' part excluded children with demons inside themselves, the same children who couldn't help it that they had one inside themselves. But even for those children there was still hope in this Village unlike in the Sand Village.
Jounins, Chuunins, Genins and all alike were being trained on all training grounds. They were being informed about the situation and were being prepared for a war. A perfect motivation for all to train as hard as they could. So they would make a difference in a battle of giants. They would bring in their cents for the defence of Konoha.
Uchiha Sasuke was training with the new Jounins and the ANBU Leader Aburame Shino. Rock Lee, Ten-Ten and Shikamaru were all three very talented. Sasuke had found out during the training that he had a long way to go for him to not need the Curse Seal anymore. He also found out Aburame Shino was able to actually beat him if he didn't use the Curse Seal. Shikamaru was a hard opponent even when he activated his Curse Seal to Level 2. Ten-Ten was talented, but not enough for Sasuke. And Rock Lee… Rock Lee had become so strong… His speed was unimaginable and Sasuke could imagine how much Chakra that speed took from Lee. Sasuke's speed was nothing compared to Lee's, but once he activated his Curse Seal he could at least 'see' Lee.
Sasuke had felt himself become acquainted with them, often eating together in all sorts of bars. He even found himself drinking sake with them one night. He often got called to the Hokage's office for information of any sort. That was the only annoying thing. One day, though… He had felt an incredible surge of Chakra just outside the Village. He had learned that many Jounins were training for the coming war… but who the hell had that much Chakra? He wanted to find out.
And now he was walking home from another day of hard training. Rock Lee had beaten him, but Sasuke had not used his Curse Seal. The outcome of the battle was very close… Rock Lee had barely won. Sasuke grinned to himself and realised he was growing by the days again. He would kill Orochimaru without the use of the Curse Seal. And the same goes for Itachi…
"Sasuke."
Sasuke looked up to see Kakashi standing on a tree branch beside a house. "Kakashi. It's been a while." He said, smiling as he put his hands in his pockets and gazed at Kakashi, noticing that Kakashi hadn't changed one bit, only that he was a bit older now.
Kakashi hopped down and looked Sasuke over once. "Indeed. So… how have you been?" Kakashi didn't have a chance to talk to Sasuke ever since Sasuke had been standing at the Gates on the day he returned.
Sasuke sighed. "Beside being betrayed by Orochimaru and being beaten by Itachi, I feel fine. What about you, Kakashi? Grown stronger in the years?"
Kakashi looked at Sasuke with a intrigued look. "Yes, we've been training for the war. You should come by some time, we should train together. You can probably beat me now." Kakashi stated with a grin, visible through his mask.
Sasuke smiled. "Probably."
"We should talk later, right now I am needed at the Hokage's Tower." Kakashi said as he nodded towards Sasuke, indicating that he was going to leave,
Kakashi wanted to jump away again, but Sasuke stopped him. "Kakashi. I want to become stronger. There is no one in this village who can really teach me anything new. I need to kill Itachi and Orochimaru. I want to be trained by someone who can really beat me to a pulp."
Kakashi smiled. "There are not many people who can… but I think I know someone who can provide you to that 'beating to a pulp' bit."
Sasuke seriously gazed Kakashi. "Tell me…"
Kakashi turned serious as he looked at Sasuke. "Sasuke… Naruto's back… But... he's different. He's become powerful. Be careful if you encounter him."
Sasuke's eyes widened. 'Naruto… So you're here too? Could it be it was you who I sensed… who had that much Chakra?'
Sasuke grinned. "I will look for him tomorrow…"
Kakashi stared at the grin on Sasuke's face. 'Team 7 Reunion… Maybe I will get Sakura as well and see how the three will respond to each other. But Sasuke… You won't like it when you see Naruto.'
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Naruto was walking by himself through the streets of Konoha, while carrying a grin from ear to ear on his face. Those who knew the boy, knew that Naruto was definitely heading for a Ramen Bar. 'I'm going to order at least ten bowls of Chicken Ramen… and then… maybe five more… after that, I'm going to look for Jiraiya and see how he fights… And then I will visit Tsunade… I really want to apologize…'
Naruto looked ahead and saw a familiar girl walking a few feet away from him. The grin on his face widened vertically as he yelled. "Hinata!!" Naruto ran at her, waving his arms as a greeting.
Hinata stared at the strange blonde boy with a frown on her face. 'Who's that?' Suddenly, she recognised the characteristics on the boy's face. She recognised him… 'Tha-that… That's… Naruto-kun…'
Naruto stopped in front of her and observed Hinata's face, surprised to find it slightly red. "Hinata… How have you been? You look… really good." Naruto commented. "So, you're a Chuunin now?" He said as he watched the Chuunin uniform Hinata was wearing.
Hinata nervously swallowed a lump down her throat as she carefully gazed at Naruto. "Na-Naruto-kun. I… I haven't seen you in…"
"Five years!" Naruto said. "It's been so long. I'm on my way to the Ramen Bar, wanna join me?"
Hinata's eyes widened. "A! Uhm, I-I… I can't! I'm going to train with my team… But, next time, I can, if you want to, I want to, Perhaps."
Naruto frowned and was obviously confused. "Uhh.. I don't… understand… Can you say it again?"
Hinata nervously swallowed again. "Well… Perhaps… next time… If you want to, I can join you." Hinata finished with a relieved sigh.
Naruto grinned. "Of course! Just say if you want to and I'll come running! But only if it's Ramen of course." Naruto said, while chuckling in a strange way, while Hinata just stared at the ground. "So, who are you training with?"
Hinata cautiously gazed at Naruto's chin as she answered. "Uhmm, Inuzuka Kiba… Yamanaka Ino, Akamichi Chouji and Haruno Sakura."
Naruto smiled. "I see… It's been a while since I've seen Sakura-chan too… So how is everyone? And who is your leader?
Hinata rose her gaze from Naruto's chin to slightly above the chin. "Well, they're doing fine… Kiba-kun has probably already started training now with Akamaru… Ino and Sakura are best friends again and train together… most of the time… Chouji is usually training with Shikamaru, who is Jounin now… and me… I am the leader of the team."
Naruto's eyes widened. "You're the leader?! That's great! So you're really strong then… That's really great, Hinata! Well, have fun training, I'm going to eat! Bye!"
Hinata looked at Naruto's retreating form and sighed. 'He… he has not changed at all… But… Hokage-sama told us he had killed so many… now he's suddenly back! I… I still feel the same…'
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Sasuke jumped from roof to roof as he thought of places where Naruto could be. 'His old apartment would be most likely, best to check their first.'
As Sasuke neared the apartment he saw two people lazily stand in front of it, one person sitting on the roof and another hanging out of the window, talking to the two in front the apartment. Sasuke landed next to the one on the roof and his eyes widened immediately. 'Ga-Gaara!'
Gaara simply said. "Uchiha Sasuke."
Sasuke stared from Gaara to the two people on the ground and noted he did not know them, although one of them seemed slightly familiar... Suddenly, the one who was hanging out of the window jumped on the roof next to Sasuke and Gaara. Sasuke's eyes widened again. 'Hyuga Neji…'
Neji and Gaara both grinned as they watched the stunned Sasuke. "Sasuke Uchiha. What brings you here?"
Sasuke stared at Neji, while Gaara simply stared at nothing as he sat on the roof. "I…" Sasuke did not know what to say. 'These people… What is Gaara doing in the Leaf?'
Neji rolled his eyes and turned to Gaara. "Gaara… Sinobi and Dareda have just left, we should join them soon."
Gaara stared at Neji and turned away again. "I'm staying here. I have no need for training today."
Neji sighed. "Very well." He turned to Sasuke and nodded, before turning back to Gaara again. "I'm leaving, then. See you tonight. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." Gaara replied.
Sasuke was still standing there as he watched Neji hop from tree to tree, away from them.
"Uchiha Sasuke. If you don't have anything to do here… why are you still here?" Gaara suddenly spoke up. "I have no need to practice with you, I do not feel like fighting today. Please leave."
Sasuke sighed. "Gaara… Why are you here? Here in Leaf Village?"
Gaara stared at Sasuke from the corners of his eyes. "I am not obligated to answer that. Nor do I feel like it. What do you want?"
Sasuke slightly grinned. "One day, I would like to fight you again, Gaara…" When Gaara didn't respond, Sasuke continued. "Naruto… Where is Naruto?"
Gaara turned to Sasuke and seemed to hesitate to answer Sasuke's question. "…He's in town somewhere. Probably eating Ramen…" Gaara turned away from Sasuke again.
Sasuke smirked. 'I guess these guys have been together for quite some time. It seems he knows Naruto quite well…'
"If you are going to challenge him for a fight, expect to die. He is stronger than me…" Gaara warned. "It would not do you well to die before you have reached your goals."
Sasuke snorted before he left and jumped to another roof.
Gaara stared at his retreating form. 'I want to sleep…'
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Naruto had been eating Ramen when Jiraiya suddenly walked in the Ramen Bar. They ate together and then they left to train together. Naruto was standing in front of Jiraiya, who was currently preparing himself for an attack.
Naruto performed a few hand seals and outstretched his palms towards Jiraiya. "Nijuu Rasengan…" Amazingly enough, two Rasengans formed at Naruto's palms, aimed at Jiraiya. "Can you do this as well, Ero-Sennin?"
Jiraiya smiled. 'The kid has grown… To do that without even trying…' Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, I can do that too…" Jiraiya thought about it. 'Although it'll probably take me a bit more effort…'
Naruto frowned, letting the Rasengans disappear. He performed new hand seals. "Suiton, Suidan Daitoppa!!" Water Balls suddenly were shot from Naruto's mouth.
Jiraiya's eyes widened. 'So we begin already?!' He jumped from side to side to avoid the balls of water as he also performed hand seals. "Tsutek Hibaku!!"
Naruto watched in amazement and quickly used hand seals to save him from the unknown attack. He was surrounded by a gigantic waterfall… The waterfall was circular and Naruto had nowhere to run to. The water came crushing down on him.
Jiraiya smiled as he watched his attack fade away. 'Let's see how he handled that…' Jiraiya narrowed his eyes as he couldn't find Naruto at the center of where the water had hit. Suddenly, Naruto appeared next to him.
"Nice attack… That would simply kill when combined with electricity…" Naruto said, smiling.
Jiraiya frowned, folded his arms and stared at Naruto. "How did you escape?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head. "You can't hit ME that easily, Ero-Sennin… You fought one of my Kyoubou Clones… I am one as well…"
Jiraiya swallowed. "So you even have an own personality? Pretty amazing…"
The Kyoubou Clone shook his head. "Not entirely… I am a somewhat 'advanced' Kyoubou Clone… and Naruto can't really create that many without using a lot of Chakra."
Jiraiya shook his head and heard the Kyoubou Clone disappear with a puff of smoke. He heard another land next to him. "I assume you're the real Naruto?"
Naruto grinned. "Yeah… You used a great technique there… Can you show it to me again?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "Heh, seems I can still teach you a few things, huh? I know many Jutsus, Jutsus I invented myself."
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He had run down all Ramen Bars in Konoha and the blonde Shinobi he was looking was in none of them. He simply couldn't wait to see his old team mate again. To see how strong his so-called rival has become. To see if he stood a chance against Naruto. He was now jumping back towards Naruto's old apartment as he sensed a familiar presence close to him. He slowed a bit down to let the figure catch up to him.
"Ohayo, Shino."
"Ohayo, Uchiha Sasuke."
Sasuke looked at Shino curiously. "Did you know that the murderers of your old team are in the Village?"
Shino didn't seem perturbed at all as Sasuke asked him this. "Yes. I have been informed by the Hokage-sama on their situation and also know why they had killed my team mates…"
Sasuke frowned. "So… why did they kill your team mates?"
"They were under a high Mind Genjutsu… It could not be helped. But… I can not forgive them. I will not attack them, but my respect for them is nonexistent."
Sasuke frowned, but nodded as he went on his way, with Shino following. "I'm looking for Naruto right now, are you sure you want to come with me?"
"My mission is to observe you. Where you go, I go. I do have to say, do not start a fight with Uzumaki Naruto."
Sasuke grinned. "Training and fighting are different things, Shino."
Both of them stopped as they saw two figures waiting for them. "Kakashi… Sakura…"
Shino bowed once before Kakashi and took off his mask. "Kakashi… What are your orders?"
"None, I wanted to bring every member of the old team 7 together." Kakashi responded.
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Jiraiya was amazed at how far Naruto had come… So far he had completely mastered two of his own moves. It took more than months to invent the Jutsus, but here Naruto learned it all in less than a day. Of course it helped that Jiraiya explained how you had to perform it, whereas Jiraiya himself still had to invent them. That was beside the point though, since Naruto was already well on his way on learning Jiraiya's third own Jutsu… The Heat Wave… Once that Jutsu is activated, you better run, unless you're specialized in fire Jutsus.
"Naruto… How strong have you become really?" Jiraiya suddenly asked, his tone serious.
Naruto looked up at him. "Uhhmm, well, it's hard to say. I have these transformations which make me a lot stronger… Gaara also. Me and Gaara are the strongest of our Mercenary Group."
Jiraiya nodded. 'So he has surpassed Itachi… I wonder how far his potential reaches… Right now, he could probably take on the Fourth… And that's NOT easy…'
"Ok, Naruto… Let's have a real battle, outside Leaf Village… No summons, ok?"
Naruto grinned. "Deal! Let's go!!"
They both disappeared and moved in high speed towards the gates of Konoha, only to get past them. 'Wow, I can tell Naruto has become faster than me…'
A small minute later, Naruto and Jiraiya were intently staring each other down in classical stance. "Let's do this, Ero-Sennin!"
Jiraiya sighed. "Before we start, could you please just start calling me Jiraiya?!" He yelled, earning a frown from Naruto. Jiraiya shook his head. "You're hopeless…" Jiraiya smiled as he quickly did a few hand seals. "Hyousoundare!!"
Naruto's eyes widened as he found himself on a small mountain. 'What the…?! Genjutsu?!' Naruto's head shot up as he saw Jiraiya standing a long distance away from him and also above him… 'Oh shit…' He thought as he saw a huge avalanche coming his way… 'Not good…' Naruto quickly performed hand seals and inhaled deeply. "Ryouganku no Jutsu!!" Naruto shot out red-hot lava from his mouth around him, to counter the snow that came with the avalanche… The scenery was simply breathtaking… To the left, a guy was breathing lava, stopping everything that was coming his way and to the right, a guy was sending a huge avalanche down on the other.
The avalanche stopped and Naruto stopped breathing lava and slightly panted. 'What a guy… To be able to counter my Hyousoundare… What was that Jutsu? That fire must have been hotter than the Fourth's Karyu Endan…' Jiraiya thought as he saw Naruto perform new hand seals. 'His hands move so fast… I can't tell which Jutsus he's going to use…'
"Karm no Jutsu!!"
Jiraiya easily evaded the beam that came from Naruto's outstretched arms. Jiraiya saw Naruto perform a new set of seals, just when he had finished his own.
"Bunretsu!!" Naruto yelled.
"Katon, Karyu Endan!!" Jiraiya yelled.
Naruto disappeared from Jiraiya's view and Jiraiya watched his fire attack miss its target. His ears suddenly heard Naruto's voice again. "Seikaku!!"
'That's right, what did his attack do?' Jiraiya turned to see that Naruto's Karm no Jutsu had been divided into four slightly smaller beams and now they were all heading for him...
Jiraiya gritted his teeth as he had to make fast and small movements to avoid getting touched by any of the attacks. Jiraiya groaned as he watched all four attacks turning around and heading for him again. Jiraiya simply jumped in the right time to avoid all four of them. Unfortunately, it seemed Naruto anticipated as much and had started the "Naruto Rendan!!"
Jiraiya first was hit in the stomach by a knee, then in the back, also by a knee as Naruto used Shadow Dance. After that, Naruto's elbow collided with Jiraiya's face. Jiraiya flew downwards, only to come face to face with Naruto's foot. Jiraiya flew upwards again and met Naruto's foot again, which send him downwards again, straight into Naruto's uppercut. Jiraiya flew several meters backwards, only to harshly land with his back on Naruto's right foot.
Suddenly, Jiraiya was replaced by mud. Naruto grinned. "So, you used Kawarimi?" Naruto said as he appeared behind the real Jiraiya. "I know I hit real flesh in those first few hits…"
Jiraiya nodded. "That's true, you did hit me a few times, but you took too long before you made your fifth attack."
Naruto grinned as he created a Rasengan on his forehead, surprising even Jiraiya… After that, he formed two Rasengans on his hands. "let's continue… Jiraiya…"
Jiraiya swallowed. "You can make a Rasengan on your forehead?!" Jiraiya yelled as he jumped back a bit.
Naruto frowned as he made the Rasengans disappear. "You can't?" Naruto said, seeing Jiraiya shake his head. "That's strange…"
Suddenly, both tensed up as they sensed three people nearing…
"Familiar smell…" Naruto mused out loud as he sniffed the air.
Jiraiya watched Kakashi, Sasuke, Sakura and Shino land on the ground a few feet away from them. "Seems we're taking a break, Naruto."
Naruto and Sasuke immediately locked eyes…
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Itachi, in his disguise as a young man with a pretty long beard, jumped up the roof, landing next to Gaara, who was sitting on the roof.. "Gaara, where's everyone?"
Gaara looked up at Itachi with a bored expression. "Naruto I don't know. Neji, Dareda and Sinobi are training. Mokito and Kisame are inside." Gaara turned back to his staring to something invisible before him.
Itachi sat down next to Gaara. "Gaara… When Naruto comes back… we're going to try 'that' again…" Itachi folded his arms and also stared at the same 'nothing' Gaara was staring at.
Gaara looked at Itachi in slight surprise. "Is that wise? During the technique… a lot will be demolished." Gaara said, his eyes showing interest instead of boredom.
Itachi smiled a small smile and didn't look back at Gaara. "We'll do it outside of Konoha. I only need the Hokage's permission."
Gaara nodded and turned away from Itachi again. "Very well."
The two of them remained in silence, staring at the Village, probably in boredom.
"Oy!! You two! Go grab some food! We're hungry!" Kisame yelled from out of the window.
Itachi and Gaara both narrowed their eyes and looked at each other. "I am NOT getting food…" Gaara spoke, definite sincerity in his voice.
Itachi frowned but also smiled a bit. "Me neither…"
They both just remained seated.
"I'm not hungry anyway…"
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Kakashi observed the boy before him and had to admit… the boy was a definite replica of the Fourth Hokage. The Chakra he had been emanating while he was sparring with Jiraiya easily exceeded his own. Kakashi sighed as Naruto was not even trying his hardest then. 'Indeed the boy has grown… I wonder how far his power reaches now…' The boy, no, the man before him had clearly matured. His face showed he had experienced many things, more awful than joyous experiences probably. The cloak he wore was dark red and it really made you think Naruto was definitely someone who you don't want to mess with. 'Naruto… I really hope you're still somewhat the same…' Kakashi glanced to his side, at Sasuke. 'Like Sasuke… He has not changed very much… He trusts people a lot slower and he has become stronger than me. But now I have a feeling he's going to stay in Leaf Village… He has been taught a harsh lesson and realizes he has to slow down now…'
Sakura glanced at Naruto carefully. 'Naruto… I've heard Tsunade-sama's explanation about the Kuragari Okkanai, but could it have changed him? He seems… cold…' Sakura's look softened. 'I can't recognize him… He has changed so much… He's so…' Sakura glanced at Sasuke. 'He's like Sasuke… his look is just like Sasuke… cold…'
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Naruto. He clenched his fists. 'Naruto… He has easily beaten Shino's elite ANBU Team, while I struggle to beat Shino… I will become stronger than you, Naruto. Once I reached that, I can beat Itachi.' Sasuke stared at Naruto as he regarded him as his rival. 'Yes, a rival he is…Naruto, you have changed so much… No longer are you an idiot, now you're a true Shinobi who has lived through many deaths as your eyes indicate.'
Naruto stared at all three of them, familiarity shooting across his face. 'Kakashi… Sasuke… and even Sakura…' Naruto sighed, he had tried to avoid confronting them. He did not feel like reminiscing, because he did many awful thing, even though he was under Itachi's mind Jutsu. He had even killed one entire ANBU squad of the Leaf. For all he knows, he shouldn't even be here… Perhaps after this war is over, Naruto could find a place to live somewhere out there, away from here.
Naruto looked at Kakashi and smiled as he recognised the lazy look and the Kakashi-like hands in the pockets. He watched the Chuunin uniform Sakura was wearing. 'Technically, I'm still a Genin, if I weren't a Missing-nin…' He had also noted Sakura had become somewhat different… more mature, perhaps. Sasuke still wore the exact same clothing, only black. How very impressive… The same cold look Sasuke had always word was still present on his face this day. Arrogance showed in his expression. 'I really wonder how strong Sasuke has become…'
"Hiya! Anno… Nice to see you guys again after so long!" Narutos yelled as he put his right arm up to greet them and slowly walked up to him, Jiraiya following him.
After the yell, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi got ripped form their thoughts as they observed their surroundings more clearly. They already knew Jiraiya and Naruto were training together here… But they didn't expect to see a small, but still mighty big mountain in the middle of a forest. What was more surprising was that in the center of the little mountain, there seemed to be burnt up lava.
'What kind of training were they having?' Sasuke thought. 'They used Jutsus even I don't know!'
Kakashi smiled as he recognised the mountain, or which Jutsu could create the mountain. 'That's Jiraiya for you… In my opinion, Jiraiya is the strongest of the three Legendary… He has attacks which affects a large area around him, whereas Tsunade has destructive and medical power and Orochimaru has the knowledge of more Jutsus than me. Jiraiya's Jutsus take up a lot of Chakra and Jiraiya was one of those few who had an enormous Chakra Stamina, just like the Fourth and Naruto…' Kakashi observed the melted part of the mountain. 'That must have been Naruto's attack to counter Jiraiya's avalanche…'
Naruto stopped before them and analyzed all of their reactions. Kakashi seemed to be proud and surprised at the same time. Sasuke was angry for some reason and Sakura was indecisive, or seemed that way… maybe a bad case of haemorrhoids, Naruto figured. The fact that they haven't even greeted them back said enough to Naruto and he turned to Jiraiya. "Let's train again another day… I don't want any Sharingan to copy my Jutsus."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes… 'He has his own Jutsus?'
Sakura found herself unable to say anything. 'I…' Sakura gazed at Naruto. 'He has changed so much that it scares me…' Sakura suddenly decided to speak up anyway. "Let's eat together!" And with that, she really surprised everyone.
Naruto stared at the girl, trying to read her and her intentions. 'Sakura… Strange that in five years, you only managed to become Chuunin… You haven't changed that much at all… Your affection towards Sasuke seems to have disappeared… almost.' Naruto turned his stare from Sakura to Sasuke, who was currently gazing at Sakura questioningly. 'And Sasuke… Has he been in Leaf Village all these five years?'
Kakashi smiled. "Perhaps that's a good idea, it'll be Jiraiya's treat." Kakashi said, earning a big frown from Jiraiya.
"Heh, I don't have the money for it now…" Jiraiya replied with a glare. He turned towards Naruto. "Oy, Naruto, can you still summon GamaBunta?"
Naruto stared at the ground. "I don't know, I haven't summoned him for almost five years."
Sasuke stared at Naruto. 'So he can't summon anymore? That's an advantage for me…' Sasuke suddenly narrowed his eyes as he stared at the ground. 'However… I don't have any summons either, besides small snakes… I doubt Manda will listen to me again…'
Sakura spoke up again. "Shall we go eat now?" Sakura hesitantly gazed between Sasuke and Naruto. 'Maybe, we can be like the old team again…' She thought as she remembered always looking at the old picture of Team 7 in her bedroom.
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Some treats of people just don't change, no matter what the person has lived through. It are those treats that make the person really THAT person. To bring a change in yourself is already difficult, but it is simply impossible to change completely. This fact dawned upon the four people as they watched Uzumaki Naruto gulp down another bowl of Ramen.
"Really, Naruto… You just ate before we trained. How can you still eat so much?" Jiraiya groaned as he sat beside Naruto.
"Did you know that food is the main source for power for the Akimichi Clan?" Kakashi stated. "Perhaps Naruto works the same way…"
Sasuke simply ate from his bowl, but heard everything that was said. Sakura was mainly eying both him and Naruto, and Sasuke was getting quite agitated with it. But he chose to continue eating.
"Ne, Kakashi, Ero-Sennin… How about we train sometime? I would like to see how I fare against the two of you." Naruto asked as he downed the last bowl and burped once.
Kakashi smiled through his mask. "Naruto, to be honest, I think you'd beat me easily… Perhaps Sasuke would be more of a challenge for you…" Kakashi said. 'I don't know how the two would interact now… But I think a little training between the two would bring them closer again…'
Naruto glanced at Sasuke once, who was glancing right back. "Hm, I do wonder how strong you've become, Sasuke… How about it?"
Sasuke frowned at first, finished his bowl and pondered it over, not answering Naruto immediately. 'I have to admit… I'm afraid to be outdone by him… But how can I, an Uchiha, be afraid of this dead-last?' Sasuke smirked. "Yes, we should train together… To see how well we both have progressed…"
Sakura swallowed nervously. "What?! You two are going to fight each other?" Sakura nervously glanced from Sasuke to Naruto and back again. 'They will kill each other then! I don't know how strong they both have become… But I know that I'm still weaker than they were at the Chuunin Exam…'
"We're not going to fight each other, Sakura…" Naruto responded. "We're going to train together… But only one time. Because I usually only train with Gaara these days…" Naruto said. "Well! I'm finished eating! Who's got the money?"
Everyone groaned… Even Sasuke had to fight a grin…
From the back of the room, Aburame Shino observed. But Naruto and the others knew he was there already.
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Neji and Dareda were having a classical Hyuga Battle. Both had their Senshin-Byakugans activated and both were intently staring at each other, trying to find a weakness… anywhere… Sinobi had been beaten by Neji and was resting, leaning against a tree.
"Heh, you've got no injury, anywhere." Dareda stated. 'It's really difficult to fight you, Neji… He probably has already found some sort of weakness on me, while I can't seem to find any on him.'
Neji grinned a little bit and tilted his head. 'He's not very confident; he hasn't been ever since I became stronger than him. It's only logical, really. Still, he has no weaknesses… The battles between the two of us always takes a while to finish.'
Dareda suddenly rushed forward, appeared behind Neji, disappeared and re-appeared in front of Neji, who had disappeared and appeared behind Dareda. Dareda parried Neji's palm away from his neck and rolled forwards, with both his feet towards Neji's face. Neji somersaulted to avoid the hit.
Sinobi smiled a bit. 'These two… the way they battle is always the same… They hit, miss, dodge, hit, miss and dodge again. That's what you'd expect from the two Hyuga masters…' Suddenly, he saw both Neji and Dareda stop trying to hit each other. He watched as they motioned towards him that someone was approaching.
"Dareda-san… These are my old team mates… I haven's spoken them in a while… Although I did encounter one of them. But I kind of beat him up then…"
Dareda smiled and nodded. "We'll head home… They should be here in about two minutes, right?"
Neji nodded back and waved towards Sinobi as Dareda jumped towards him. As they left, he turned towards the direction Rock Lee and Ten-Ten would be arriving.
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Sakura, Jiraiya, Kakashi and Shino were watching Naruto and Sasuke face each other...
"Oy, dobe… Let's see how much stronger you've become. I will show you how an Uchiha really fights…" Sasuke started. 'Ok, Naruto is basically a guy who tends to go for hand-to-hand combat. Say the right words and he'll get pissed off… if he hasn't changed, that is. He's got some strong attacks, but I should be able to overcome them. I'll mostly be learning his techniques and learning the way to defeat them now…'
"Heh, shut up, Sasuke. I already know how Uchihas fight… You won't be able to catch me with your eyes…" Naruto countered. 'The sparring with Itachi has taught me how to fight Sharingan users. I don't know how well Sasuke can use his Sharingan, but it doesn't matter… if I simply pour a little Kyuubi Chakra along with my normal Chakra, Sasuke won't be able to see what techniques I'm using, so he also won't be able to copy them… Plus, it will make my attacks even more powerful. Win-win situation here…'
Shino absentmindedly shook his head as he observed Sasuke's and Naruto's fighting stances. 'Uzumaki Naruto has reached a level far beyond the level I reached. I doubt that Sasuke will be able to be the victor in this little quarrel…'
Kakashi was very interested in how strong both his former students have grown. Amusement was dancing over his features and he smiled as Naruto gathered Chakra, while Sasuke did the same. 'Hmm, both have a Chakra amount higher than mine. They're probably not fighting serious now, so their Chakra amount would be even higher.' Kakashi glanced at Sakura, who stood by his side. 'Sakura has also improved a lot, but not as much as these two. Her Chakra Level should be close to mine… but still lower… But she uses her Chakra better than me.'
Naruto disappeared from view, but not from Sasuke's eyes. 'Damn! He's fast! Faster than me… How is that possible?!' Even though Naruto seemed to be faster, Sasuke could still see him, so the upcoming fist that seemed to appear just below Sasuke's chin was dodged. Sasuke dodged the second attack from his left and countered with a left elbow, which was blocked. Sasuke slightly turned his body to land a knee in Naruto's body, only to see that Naruto had already jumped backwards and had finished a few hand seals. 'Shit!'
'Good, it seems he's slower than me…' Naruto grinned. "Numa Yomi!!"
'What the..!!' Was all Sasuke thought as he sank in the ground and found himself in a small swamp and he was about to drown fast in the mud. 'What can I do?!' And then Sasuke turned Curse Seal level 1 to be able jump out. 'Damn… What a technique…' Sasuke turned back to his normal state and felt the gazes that were on him. 'I shouldn't have used the Curse Seal… But it was necessarily to get out of there…'
"Oy… That… You still have that Curse Seal?" Naruto asked. 'Doesn't matter… I'll beat that Curse Seal easily…' Naruto performed hand seals as quick as he could.
Sasuke observed with his Sharingan but saw nothing but red Chakra around his hands, which was refraining him from seeing the actual hand seals.
"All you've done so far is stare and stand there, Sasuke. What, have you lost all your Jutsus or something?" Naruto asked, having his hand seals finished, he was about to launch one of his own attacks. "Let's see how you handle this, fire boy… Ryouganku no Jutsu!!"
Sasuke's eyes widened as he watched how Naruto literally began to breathe lava towards him. 'This is dangerous!' Sasuke jumped backwards and started forming hand seals as well. "Katon, Inferuno!"
Naruto grinned and closed his eyes, letting the attack hit him. Sasuke's eyes widened as he felt a sudden kick in his back. Sasuke landed with his feet on the ground and immediately jumped away from Naruto's second attack. Sasuke watched the inferno he had caused and was extremely confused to see another Naruto simply walk through it, although he was pretty damaged because of the attack.
"Surprised?" Both Narutos said and both chuckled.
Sasuke was more confused than ever. 'He has grown so much… even a Taiyuu Bunshin can't withstand such an attack… and it seems they both have an own personality… What the hell is going on? I have to fight this more seriously…' Sasuke took on a more serious look.
Naruto turned serious too as he saw Sasuke go into a fighting stance again. He made his Advanced Kyoubou Clone disappear.
Sasuke made hand seals as quick as he could and threw Raikiri after Raikiri at Naruto. Naruto in the meanwhile disappeared from view, only to appear slightly farther away from Sasuke. "Oy, Ero-Sennin! I want to show you something! Since you couldn't make a Rasengan on your forehead… Let me show you this…"
Jiraiya's and Kakashi's eyes widened as they saw five small Rasengan at each fingertip of Naruto's right hand.
"They might seem small, but boy can they damage a lot… They grow in size much faster than your err… normal… Rasengan. But the bigger Rasengan still packs more power. But these babies can kill too…"
Sasuke in the meantime had charged a Chidori and threw it at Naruto. Naruto responded by throwing all five small Rasengans at it. Three were enough to stop it and two continued on their way to Sasuke, who quickly created two Raikiris to deal with the two Rasengans.
"This is really amazing… It seems he has mastered the Rasengan as well as the Fourth…" Jiraiya stated. "These two… They're still growing stronger, even after five years."
Kakashi looked at Jiraiya, before turning back to Naruto and Sasuke. "Indeed… But can they keep that much power in check? Already the two have surpassed me… So far, I could have participated in this battle and could've hold my own. But as soon as they turn completely serious…"
Jiraiya nodded. "Yes, they've become legendary, don't you think? They made Chuunins, right? Heh, these guys are not even Jounins yet…"
Sakura was too amazed to say anything. 'They have so many powerful attacks… So many attacks that take so much Chakra, how can they both have so much Chakra? I hope they don't… kill each other…'
"Heh, you're a lot stronger than before, Naruto…" Sasuke said. "But… could you explain the red Chakra?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke and turned serious at the question. "… Let's just say that's the Bloodline Limit of the Uzumaki Clan…"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, but slightly shrugged. "Fair enough." He made a few hand seals and yelled. "Sanjuu, Katon, Karyu Endan!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes as he watched the humongous stream of fire come out of Sasuke's mouth, towards him. Naruto used his great speed to avoid the first blast of fire and appear behind Sasuke, who noticed. Sasuke jumped, turned in the air and fired the second stream of fire at Naruto. As the fire erupted on the ground and jumped all directions, Sasuke caught movement to his left and shot the third stream of fire. Naruto quickly used a few hand seals, before the fire could hit. "Suiton, Suijinheki!!"
Sasuke inwardly grumbled as he watched his fire being washed away by the water barrier Naruto put up. 'It seems he has an endless supply of Chakra… There's no water around here at all, yet he does a major water Jutsu like it's nothing… He's not even panting…' Sasuke continued with a new set of hand seals. "Nijuu, Senei Yashuu!!" Sasuke pointed both his arms at Naruto.
Naruto did not know the attack, so he was surprised when many snakes were shot from Sasuke's arms. 'Holy shit! That's a real creepy Jutsu!' Naruto quickly did four hand seals and yelled. "Karm no Jutsu!!"
Sasuke jumped out of the way of the beam, after he watched how his snakes all were destroyed by the same beam. Sasuke did manage to see that Naruto was performing seals again.
"Bunretsu!!"
Sasuke turned around to see that the beam that Naruto had shot, was now divided into four beams. Sasuke heard Naruto say another technique.
"Seikaku!"
'I can imagine what that means…' Sasuke thought as he watched the four beams again and nodded as he watched all four heading for him. 'As expected… Still, this is very hard…'
Sasuke avoided all four beams easily, since they weren't moving too fast. But he did notice that Naruto did not have to do anything while his current attack was raging over the battleground. So it was only natural Naruto was again doing hand seals. "Tsutek Hibaku!!"
Sasuke swallowed deeply as he was suddenly surrounded by many waterfalls, a lot for water was going to land on him soon… And on top of that, Naruto's Karm no Jutsu, now four beams, were also heading for him. One of them was electricity… With water that would hurt a lot. 'There's no escape for this Jutsu…Wait…' Sasuke moved all of his Chakra to his feet and waited for the Water Beam of the Karm no Jutsu to approach him. The Water from the Waterfalls were still too high.
Sasuke jumped on the Water beam, which launched him a little to the left and a little skywards. Sasuke immediately jumped, when possible, onto one of the gigantic waves of the waterfalls. Sasuke noticed he slipped and was slowly sliding downwards again. Sasuke gritted his teeth, to get control again and focused a little more on the Chakra in his feet. Soon enough, he was walking on the water, which was coming down hard. Sasuke was able to jump out of the waterfalls and land outside of the Jutsu.
Even Jiraiya was surprised. Where Naruto simply had a Kyoubou Bunshin, Sasuke simply used Chakra control to get out of it. Jiraiya wanted to see Naruto do it when he did that attack on him.
'Wow, he found a way to get out of there…' Naruto thought. He watched as Sasuke was now the one performing hand seals. Naruto was surprised to see Sasuke throw a few Shuriken at his own feet, before he announced the attack. "Suicchi!"
In less than a second, Naruto found himself on the spot Sasuke had been before and he noticed that Sasuke was where he was standing just a second ago. It was too late now to avoid the explosion that came from the explosion tags on the Shuriken…
Naruto flew backwards because of the explosions and crashed against a tree. Sasuke watched from afar as Naruto immediately rose to his feet. His Sharingan eyes widened as he saw red Chakra completely recover Naruto. All the wounds Naruto had inflicted from the previous attack… were completely gone… 'How…?'
There was no time to ask questions, though, since Naruto now had ten small Rasengans on each of his fingertips. "You scratch my back… and I scratch yours…"
Sasuke watched as Naruto launched all ten of the Rasengans at once. He had to be quick… Dodge, jump, roll over, jump, duck and leap backwards. Sasuke was hit however, by the seventh small Rasengan, in his left arm. Sasuke ignored the pain and dodged the eighth and ninth. He was forced to shoot a Raikiri to stop the tenth. As the smoke cleared, he saw that a bigger Rasengan was heading for him. 'Shit..!'
Naruto grinned as Sasuke jumped through the only escape possible, Naruto had already finished his hand seals. "Suiton, Suidan Daitoppa!!"
Sasuke couldn't avoid the Water Bullets that came towards him. He was hit right in the chest, on the right leg and he took one in the face as well. Sasuke fell backwards on the ground. Naruto was already jumping and doing hand seals. And then, he stopped, as realization struck him… 'I was about to give him a finishing technique…' Unfortunately, Naruto stopped just in time to see Sasuke shoot several balls of fire at him. Naruto wasn't able to dodge the first, but the others missed their target.
Naruto let the red Chakra heal him again and formed hand seals again. 'Damn… to think I still have the need to kill my opponent. But this is just a sparring match!' Naruto finished his seals and noticed Sasuke was done with his as well…
"Kage Shuriken no Jutsu!!" Sasuke yelled.
"Kuchiyose Kabashira!!" Naruto yelled.
Dozens of Shurikens were heading for Naruto. Around Naruto, hundreds of wasps suddenly appeared and began to fly for Sasuke. Naruto smirked as the wasps easily flew through the Shurikens towards Sasuke. As the Shurikens were about to make their impact, Naruto yelled. "Kyoubou Tate!!"
Red Chakra deflected all of the Shurikens. Naruto grinned. 'That is MY ultimate defence…'
Sasuke's eyes widened as he saw hundreds of wasps approach him. He quickly did a few hand seals, ran towards the wasps and yelled "Katon, Inferuno!!" enveloping the wasps in a gigantic wave of fire. But he himself was also caught up in the fire. He jumped out as fast as possible… His clothes were slightly burned. 'At least I managed to burn those wasps…'
Naruto grinned. 'Maybe it's time to get really serious now…' Naruto made six Kyoubou Clones appear around him. "Alright, listen up!! Get over there and beat that guy up!" He said, pointing at Sasuke. The six Clones obeyed and rushed towards Sasuke, who saw red Chakra all over their bodies with his Sharingan…
Sasuke managed to dodge most of their attacks. Their claws really seemed to trouble him, since those were harder to dodge. Sasuke kicked one clone in the face and launched himself via that face, so he could perform a somersault, doing a few hand seals and landing a few feet away from the other clones. "Katon, Goukakyuu no Jutsu!!"
Sasuke let the fire embrace all of the clones, but already expected them to survive it and jump through, so he quickly threw a few Raikiris at them, only to see that they were also able to dodge his attacks. Sasuke gritted teeth as he felt one punch in his stomach and another on his right cheek. Sasuke landed harshly on his back. 'No… I can't win this without the Curse Seal…'
Sasuke activated the Curse Seal and began a little skirmish with the six clones. They seemed to be evenly matched, all six against Sasuke. Sasuke now had enough power to at least send a clone flying when he hit them. But he still felt it when they hit him as well. 'I have to do this quickly, I already used up a lot of Chakra and this Curse Seal isn't helping…' Sasuke activated level two and dealt with all six clones easily… He faced Naruto, who looked more than shocked.
"You… What the hell is that?!" Naruto yelled.
Sasuke grinned. "This is my Curse Seal at level two… You don't know it?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes and saw the Chakra around Sasuke. 'It gives him more power indeed… I guess I'll have to get a little boost as well…'
Sasuke's eyes widened as red Chakra began to swirl around Naruto. Naruto's eyes were still blue, though. Sasuke remembered one time when he saw that Naruto's eyes were red. "Let's end this…"
Sasuke never expected that this Naruto would actually be faster than him in his level two state. But here it was, and he was being pushed back, slamming into a tree. Sasuke coughed up a little blood as he recovered from the simple headbutt Naruto had just delivered. Sasuke appeared behind Naruto and grabbed him by the neck and put a kunai to his neck. "I win…" Until suddenly, Naruto yelled. "Kyoubou Tate!!"
Sasuke was blown away by the sheer force of Naruto's Chakra. 'What the..?!'
Naruto turned around and grinned. "There is no way you can beat me now… Sasuke…"
Sasuke, puzzled by Naruto's comment, looked down at himself and noticed he was back to Level one of his Curse Seal… 'Shit, I used too much Chakra…'
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"Lee, Ten-Ten…"
"Neji… Nice to see you again… Hokage-sama has informed me about… everything." Rock Lee started as he gazed at Neji. "You couldn't help it."
Ten-Ten stared at Neji with a funny look of happiness. "I'm glad you're back, Neji… It's been more than five years!" She yelled, refraining herself from hugging the Hyuga.
Neji smiled. "… Thanks… I… It's good to be back again… So, you two managed to become Jounin." Neji smiled a little more. "Not surprising really."
Rock Lee smiled back. "Thanks… Uhmm, we came looking for you… because, well, Gai-sensei asked us to. Even though he is no longer our instructor, we still listen to him sometimes."
Ten-Ten turned from Lee to Neji. "Even though Lee is stronger than Gai-sensei now… Lee is known as the best TaiJutsu user in the Leaf Village, Neji."
Rock Lee knocked himself in the chest once. "Ahum! And Ten-Ten is known as the weapon specialist of the Village. We've become great Shinobi…"
Neji stared at both of them, surprised that they both would talk so easily against him. "I… I'm sure you have…"
"And still, you're better than me, Neji. You defeated me weeks ago… But this will not stop my ambition, I will still grow stronger!" Rock Lee yelled passionately.
Ten-Ten giggled. "Some people never learn… Neji… How about we all catch up? Gai-sensei also?"
Neji curiously gazed at Ten-Ten. Ten-Ten now wore her hair completely lose, allowing the brown locks of hair to fall in front of both her cheeks. "S-Sure… Lead the way."
Rock Lee frowned and Ten-Ten giggled again. "Why not activate your Byakugan and see where Gai is? We'll head there first."
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Kakashi observed the battle with his Sharingan revealed. He discovered Naruto purposely used a little Kyuubi Chakra with his techniques, so Sasuke and he would be unable to copy them with their Sharingans. He had also noticed neither Naruto nor Sasuke were really going all out, hence why the battle managed to take so long. It was only a matter of time before Sasuke would falter because of his Chakra loss. Fighting so long with the full use of the Sharingan and even activating the Curse Seal demanded it. He wasn't really surprised to see that Naruto was far from exhausted and showed he wasn't even panting in the slightest.
Jiraiya smirked at the outcome of this little skirmish. 'Naruto can now use a few of my techniques and his own as well… He doesn't need to be intelligent to fight, he just needs to unleash some of his techniques and that will be enough for the enemy to show openings for Naruto. Even Nara Shikamaru will know this…' Jiraiya thought, knowing the number one genius of Konoha. 'It seems Naruto still holds more secrets… From he looks of it, the state he is in now is not his trump card…' Jiraiya thought as he observed the red Chakra dancing around Naruto. 'He's only using a big amount of Kyuubi Chakra, but it looks like he can use even more…'
Sakura was amazed at the battle before her eyes. 'Sasuke-kun… He's grown unbelievably strong and that transformation… it makes him so strong… But Naruto, he has become even stronger, even winning against that last transformation of Sasuke-kun… These two are stronger than I thought anyone could be…' Sakura watched as Sasuke rose on his feet and looked at Naruto.
"Naruto…" Sasuke hesitated in saying more… "I will surpass you again, I assure you. That should be easy for me…" Sasuke stated. 'I have used the Sharingan and I can learn some of his movements… Especially his newfound speed… But I have to train with him… He is the strongest I have ever faced up until now… And he knew how to fight me, he hadn't even glanced once in my eyes…'
Naruto looked puzzled for a moment. "You can't imagine how much I hoped that you would say that…" He whispered. "I've been telling you that six years ago almost every day." Naruto grinned a bit. 'Heh… I deserve this… I surpassed Sasuke…'
Suddenly, Gaara jumped out of a tree and landed next to Naruto.
Kakashi and Jiraiya were both surprised that he was able to conceal his presence from them. Naruto was the only one who didn't seem surprised at his sudden arrival.
"Gaara… is something wrong?" Naruto asked.
Gaara shook his head and turned to Naruto. "No… I sensed your Chakra and went here to see what was going on…" He faced Sasuke. "I told you not to challenge Naruto…" Gaara turned to Naruto again. "I was actually hoping you were facing someone strong…"
Naruto smirked widely. "Heh, yeah. Well, we should go, let's go grab some dinner for the others."
Gaara frowned. "I am NOT getting dinner…"
Naruto shook his head. "Well, I am."
Gaara grumbled and turned to follow Naruto, who was saying his goodbyes and left.
Kakashi walked over to Sasuke. "Sasuke, are you okay?"
Sasuke watched Naruto and Gaara leave and turned away from Kakashi. "I'm fine… I'm leaving." Sasuke stated as a goodbye and jumped away.
Kakashi sighed and turned towards Sakura, Jiraiya and Shino. "I guess we'll leave too, then?"
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"After you were gone, we simply continued doing missions. We were aware we lost three Shinobis of Leaf Village. You, Naruto and Sasuke, but the ones that had abducted you were apparently too strong for us. Me, Sakura, Lee and surprisingly enough Hinata, who managed to drag Kiba and Shino along with her, were prepared to go after you guys. Even Kakashi and Gai would. But the Hokage had ordered us to stay put. A little later, she had decided to put up two teams of Jounins to go after you. Gai and Kakashi were amongst them, so were Lee and even Shikamaru. One of the Sand Jounins was left here and his students also joined him on their search for Gaara." Ten-Ten told Neji as they ate.
"I see…" Neji responded. "And what about you? How did you become Jounins?"
Ten-Ten slightly blushed. "Uhm, well, after you left… I became more focused on my training, perfecting everything I could. Soon I was way above Chuunin Level and when we retook the Chuunin Exam, I was one of the better participants. I have perfect control of Chakra and know how to handle every single weapon that exists. But I don't know many Ninjutsu, Genjutsu or TaiJutsu techniques. But I manage."
Lee waited for Ten-Ten to finish her story and had finished his meal in the meantime. Afterwards, he followed up. "I also focused more on my training and was number one in the Chuunin Exam we both took. My power and speed could rival with most Jounins so I was promoted to Chuunin. Ten-Ten and I got in the same Chuunin Team and when the Jounin Exam came around, we both took it. We both were able to pass it the first time. What about you, Neji?"
Neji thought about how to tell his story. "Well… I trained with the strongest of the Hyuga Clan, who happens to be a missing-nin as well. Hyuga Dareda. He trained me in all of the Hyuga styles. After a few years, I surpassed him. I realized that people called Dareda legendary, so what did that make me? I didn't really care and continued on my goal to become stronger. Naruto and Gaara were both still stronger than me and they still are right now. I don't know if I can still grow much stronger, but I will continue to try."
Lee and Ten-Ten both nodded their heads. Ten-Ten couldn't believe how much Neji had changed. The Neji she knew wouldn't admit that anyone was stronger than him so quickly. She never expected that Naruto, who was known to be so weak on the Academy, was so much stronger than Neji. From Gaara she was less surprised. "So… How come Naruto-kun is so strong then?" Rock Lee suddenly asked. "I fought him once and knocked him out easily."
Neji frowned at Lee. "Fight him now and you'll find yourself beaten within seconds, if he's serious and going fully out. Even I won't last long against a serious Naruto or Gaara. I found out his secret, but even without it, he would probably still be able to beat me, though it would be a lot harder for him." Neji told. "Lee, when you fought me those weeks ago, you showed me you can use those Gates perfectly. If you didn't, you wouldn't stand a chance against me. Yet, I still was able to beat you. Naruto and Gaara, don't underestimate them. I underestimated Naruto once, he proved to me that he was someone you don't want to make angry… The same goes with Gaara, actually. What about Uchiha Sasuke? He's here in Konoha as well. Care to tell me what his story is?"
Rock Lee explained, Ten-Ten didn't know as much as Lee did. "He was abducted the same day you got captured. He was captured by Orochimaru and has gained a Curse Seal, which pulls out Chakra at a fast rate, but also makes Sasuke a lot stronger and faster."
Neji interrupted. "Hmm, he had this Curse Seal during the first Chuunin Exam already, I remember."
Lee didn't know that, but continued. "Sasuke came back a few days before you guys came back. I fought him a few times, but he can't beat me without activating that Curse Seal. With it activated to his last transformation, he is able to see me with his eyes and act upon it. But his body isn't as fast as his eyes are, so..."
Neji looked slightly puzzled. 'So, Lee is able to beat Sasuke? Sasuke is weaker than me, then?'
Suddenly, Gai stepped in the small restaurant they were in. "Hello! Sorry for being late, I had to run some errands for the Hokage."
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Naruto and Gaara had just grabbed some food and were walking home again. That was, until Naruto spotted someone very familiar… He seemed to be talking to a another man. Naruto couldn't help but grin and his eyes softened a great deal. Gaara noticed immediately. "What's wrong with your face?"
Naruto turned serious and looked at Gaara. "I'm happy!"
Gaara frowned. "Happy? Happy is such an ignorant word… Why are you happy?"
Naruto's body twitched suddenly. Gaara frowned even more. 'His body twitches only when he sees a major challenge ahead…' Gaara looked up ahead and saw two men talking to each other. 'Does he know them?'
Naruto turned to Gaara. "Uhm, Gaara can you grab this…" He gave the bag of food to Gaara. "And head home, please? I need to talk to this man…"
Gaara looked interested at the two men. "Are they strong? You look like you've found yourself one strong guy… or two…"
Naruto grinned. "Just someone… precious… from my past, Gaara."
Gaara understood and nodded as Naruto said this. "Very well." Gaara jumped away. 'Somehow, I still got stuck with bringing the food…'
Back to Naruto, who was now slowly walking forward, to the two men. "Iruka-sensei??"
Iruka, who heard his name being called, turned to the young man. His eyes immediately widened at the sight. 'O… I… That's…?!' Iruka sputtered it out incoherently. 'Naruto…?!' Iruka narrowed his eyes in surprise. "Na-Naruto?!"
Naruto smiled brilliantly and ran over to Iruka. "Iruka-sensei!!"
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Nara Shikamaru and Akamichi Chouji both stepped into Chouji's favourite bar and were surprised to see Gai, Rock Lee, Ten-Ten and… Neji sitting by a table. Shikamaru frowned a little bit. 'It looks like their old team, the way they are now… But Hyuga Neji is back… Is he on our side? It would be less bothersome if he is.'
"Chicken! Just give me a lot of chicken!" Chouji yelled impatiently. "What do you want, Shikamaru?"
"I don't care. You pick for me… I don't want to think about what I want to eat… It's too troublesome…" Shikamaru said as he sat down beside Chouji and observed Gai, Neji, Rock Lee and Ten-Ten. 'Heh, it's really strange that he's back just like that. I've heard the rumours… So Naruto is back as well? Perhaps the rumour that Gaara is with them is also true? With them back and possibly on our side… we might actually die with less pain against the Akatsuki. I doubt Gaara, if he's here, will fight for Konoha. But now Sasuke, Neji and Naruto are back… About Naruto I am not sure. But they would fight for Konoha… right? This is all just too troublesome…' Shikamaru thought and glanced sideways, to see Chouji gulping down chicken after chicken.
"Shikamaru! Chouji! Come join us!" Ten-Ten's yell suddenly pierced through the atmosphere in the room.
Shikamaru winced. 'Jeez, could anyone yell any louder?'
Shikamaru and Chouji joined them on their table and questions were shot everywhere.
Shikamaru was more interested in Neji, but Neji surprisingly started asking Shikamaru things. "So… You were the first, when we were all Genins, who made Chuunin, right? So how fast did you become a Jounin?"
Shikamaru smiled. "Three years later, the same year Lee and Ten-Ten made Jounin. The Hokage and the Kazekage had promoted me due to my intelligence, apparently…" Shikamaru turned to Neji. "What about you? Are the all the rumours I heard true? Who are you all with?"
"You sound like an interrogator, Shikamaru…" Ten-Ten interjected.
"It's alright…" Neji smiled. "Naruto and Gaara are with me… And it would be unwise to mention the others' names. "
"Fair enough…" Shikamaru replied. "So… are you guys going to help us against the Akatsuki?"
Neji smiled. "Yes… As of now, I serve Konoha again. I don't know about Naruto, though. He kind of has a hard past with this Village, harder than me…"
A short silence ensued, but was stopped as Gai coughed once. "Neji, why don't you tell us about the things you've come across during your time away from Konoha?"
Neji closed his eyes. "I don't think you'll like that very much… It's mostly been killing hunter-nins for money. We were a Mercenary Group and were often hired to protect other missing-nins as they had to travel through their old Village or something like that… And we were the ones that kinda demolished the Stone Village… But it's best if we didn't tell to that to anyone else…" Neji said with a sad smile. "We've done many very bad things… I'd like to forget it, rather than talk about it…"
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"Naruto, you've really changed!" Iruka yelled as he shook Naruto's hand.
Naruto's smile widened even more. "It's so great to see you again, Iruka-sensei! I would like to treat you to some Ramen, but I just ate and… I kinda ran out of money… hehe…" Naruto turned towards the man next to Iruka.
Iruka noticed. "Oh, this is Sarutobi Shigeru."
"We know each other." Shigeru suddenly said, catching Naruto's attention.
"We do?" Naruto asked. 'Sarutobi Shigeru, Sarutobi Shigeru, Sarutobi Shigeru, who's he again?'
Shigeru sighed. "Well, I guess you don't remember me. We went through the Chuunin Exam together… You, me and Sasuke. Remember?"
Naruto frowned and stared at Shigeru for a few seconds. "I, err… don't seem to remember, but I believe you!"
Shigeru and Iruka fell to the ground.
Naruto sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Heh…" Naruto then noticed the clothing both of them were wearing. "Hey, you guys are Jounins! When did you become a Jounin, Iruka-sensei?"
Iruka and Shigeru rose to their feet. "Two years ago. Me and Shigeru were partners back then and we both came through."
'So… Iruka-sensei has grown a lot as well?' Naruto grinned. "So, so, what are your best techniques, Iruka-sensei?"
Iruka scratched the back of his head and chuckled. "Well, I don't mean to boast, but I'm really good at Earth type Jutsus and Jutsus that can track down other people…"
"Heh, you were always good in finding me whenever I ran away from classes…" Naruto said, while chuckling. "What about you, Shigeru-san?"
Shigeru turned towards Naruto. "Well, if you remembered, you'd know I was reasonably good at Genjutsu and now I'm a real pro, although not as well as your old team mate, Haruno Sakura. Who is still a Chuunin, by the way." Shigeru said with a smile. "She lacks at other departments even more than I do. Can you believe that?"
Naruto's eyes widened suddenly. "Now I remember you! We did the Chuunin Exam together, right? You were the one that needed to be saved when Sasuke and me had already beaten our opponents." Naruto said with his hand under his chin. "Yes, it was you! Ha! I remember!"
Shigeru sweat dropped. 'I already told him that a few minutes ago…'
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TBC
Next chapter will probably be chapter 14, 15 and the new chapter all in one chapter, otherwise I'll have far too many chapters for this story… I hope you don't mind… I hope you enjoyed! Oh, I have a few questions, it would help me a lot if you could answer them…
Do you think Hinata should have the Senshin-Byakugan? Do you think Itachi and Sasuke should meet each other in the village? Can anyone make up good techniques for the Yamanaka, Akimichi and Nara clan? I have a few, but I could use more. Do you think the Jutsu List (Chapter 8) is really needed? (It's already 297 kb and 300 kb is the max for this site…) I'm thinking about just making a list of Jutsus in alphabetical order…Oh, that's it!
Was it ok? I hope it was ok… If it was really bad… I told you I wasn't good at reunion writing… Anyway, next chapter will take a little longer, because I have exams coming up and those are really important… My mom will kill me if she sees that I wrote this chapter this week, instead of studying…