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Naruto: The Waves of Destiny
By Legatorem
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, all character and right belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
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Act I : Re-enter Uzumaki Naruto!
Then there was darkness.
******
It was an early morning, that Naruto found himself laying underneath his covers. He could hear the bird chirping on the outside. For the moment it was a peaceful scenery, and he was enjoying it for the moment. Or rather, he was staring at the ceiling with a numbed mind. It was he felt himself rebooted, and his mind was struggling to catching to him. So for a couple moments or so, he laid within his cover staring at his ceiling.
"Was.. Was it a dream?" Naruto asked himself.
Thus the first sign of intelligence returned to Naruto, and with those words, more broke free of that mind dam that was Naruto's thick skull. "I.. I think it was a dream.. or else.." he quick searched himself for injuries. And to his relief he had found none, except a soreness that came from his arms. Like he was scrubbing for hour on ends.. He didn't remember scrubbing the day before. "Must have been the nightmare." he figured. "yeah.. it must have.. it could've been all those ramen that I ate the day before." Thinking back on the day, he remember that he was celebrating with Iruka-sensei at the Ichikaru Ramen Bar about his promotion to Jounin. Naruto was extremely please to past the trials, since he narrowly pass them. They weren't like the Chuunin Examination, where he would have to trust the member of his team to help succeed. But a trial that would only test the examinee. And each trial were different for each examinee.
It was one of the hardest experiences Naruto ever faced, not counting the dream-thing that he had. But, it bother him that the dream was so real. Perhaps, it was a warning about Orochimaru? He knew that he was still out there, waiting for the moment to strike the village. But Naruto wasn't worry.. too much.. about it. He knew that he would face him, and he would succeed against him. No matter how many times he would have to defeat that cockroach of a ninja.
"Ah.. Why am I getting all worked up?" Naruto said annoyed at himself, "It was just a stupid dream." But that feeling of something not being right still chewed on him. He would have to speak with Ero-Sennin, or the Hokage about his dream, perhaps one of them would decipher the meaning behind the dream. Perhaps, but knowing Ero-Sennin, he would say something perverted.. About his dreams. 'Whatever I decide, I better do it.' Naruto thought, "but first I better get ready!"
Quickly, he leaped from his bed, and proceeded to his bathroom, to do his necessaries.
The door slammed shut.
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**********
"What is this?" Naruto groaned as he saw himself. It was himself, but it wasn't himself, it was his younger self, showing the expression that he was feeling at moment. "No.. No.. No.." he said in denial.
"This can't be happening.."
He pulled at his face, hoping that it was a mask or something of sort, But all that did was pinch his face, and make it red all over. Then thinking that it was just a dream, he punched himself in the face, hoping that would awaken him. That only cause Naruto's face to swell from the self-inflicted bruise. And before he got anymore bright ideas, he stopped himself.
"If I keep doing this.. Sakura will be right about me being a masochist." He muttered to himself, "Okay, I know that I'm not dreaming nor that I'm wearing a mask.. Could it be a Genjutsu?!"
"Yeah.. It could be a clever prank by the guys, cause of my promotion to Jounin!" he said, trying to rationalize the situation.
"DISPEL!"
Nothing happened, he was still there, in his pajamas. He was still within the body of his younger self. 'So it wasn't a genjutsu' he thought to himself. "well duh.. Thank you, Naruto for stating the obvious.." he scolded to himself.
'How could this happen?' he thought.
As he thought back on the day before, he tried to remember everything that happened. Then it slack him across the face, when it hit him, everything points to the dream! "It wasn't a dream!" he declared, "But if.. It wasn't a died.. Then that battle with Orochimaru really did happen.." he said.
He stood silent for a few moment. The implication of the reality of the dream came to him after a few moments.
"Dammit…"
**********
Wandering around the Konoha village, Naruto saw everything as he use to remember them in his memories. The Konoha village that he left, wasn't the same Konoha that he remembered. It wasn't that the village drastically changed from now, but the thing that change was something much subtler. He thought that it was essence of … something. He wasn't quite sure of what that something was, but it gave the village a whole new different feeling than the one he had.
As he strolled around the village, he started to pick up those feeling of isolation again. He saw the reaction of the people, and remembered that they hated him, because he was the vessel of the fox demon, that almost destroyed village years ago.
It was an awkward feeling to become again, the recipient of that hatred from the people. He knew what it was to be loved, and he worked hard to gain the respect from everyone from the village. Starting from his friend and comrades from his class, which in turn, allow the older generation to start accepting him.
He remember the day, when that feeling of hate from the village was gone, and an open friendliness was express to him. For that day, it was one of moment that he would treasure and remember forever. And it was amazing that he didn't notice how their reaction had shifted. He knew that was accepted when they say "Hi Naruto, wonderful day today."
That was his mark of acceptance from the people.
As he was thinking these thoughts, he accidentally bumped into a man. "Watch were ya goin" he said, muttering in after breath 'fox demon'. Naruto saw that cold eyes that the man had given him, and he knew that he didn't like being here again, not just after getting what he wanted, the respect from the village, and being a step closer in becoming the Hokage.
He had to watch himself, the next time, or else he won't be as lucky with the insults. He snorted, and stuck his tongue out to the man, as he would've done when he was a kid. And then also as a kid, he would hightailed out of there, since the man was chasing after him.
As he ran, he could feel the cold stares directed at him, as he pass by.
********
Naruto found himself in front of the face monument of the previous Hokage. Although the third was still living and in charge, he mused. But that wasn't the purpose of his presence here. He was here to sort out what was happening to him.
As he glance at the faces, he knew that he was back in his younger self, since the crack at appeared in the third's face wasn't present. And with all the evident pounding into him. He would have to be a complete idiot not to see that he was back in his older… ah… younger self. He glance down below to see that everything was smooth. That was the ultimate proof.
But he suppose that would be alright, since he didn't died, and he had a chance to return to the present. And it was nice to see the monument undamaged. That was a good treat for him to see. Cause they always seem to make him seem at peace, and keep striving for his goal being the Hokage of Konoha Village. He felt that they were guarding him no matter what, and they would continue to do so. So long he would keep that dream of being the Hokage. That's what he figured, when he stared at them. It was also one of the reason he was able to paint over them. Although he would've clean it up without Iruka-sensei telling him do so. But that was the past.. Er.. Present now.
'This was a fine predicament that you got yourself, Naruto'
This reality of him being young again, takes that saying of getting in touch of the child inside. 'Naruto focus! You have to find a way to get back within your older body.'
'But how?' he mused, 'I'm not that really sure how I got here in the first place, I know it was a result of the jutsu that Orochimaru and I used in our fight. But other than that, I don't how that result in me being stuck within my twelve year ago body!'
'I wish they could tell me what to do.. Or point in the direction to go toward…'
He sighed in frustration.
"You have a look of man having a great burden."
Naruto almost jumps, when the voice startled him out of his musing. Glancing at his sides, Naruto spots the Third Hokage. Who was currently sporting a friendly smile and holding his pipe. He was showing the epitome of being a Hokage. "Old Man, what the heck are you doing here?" he said irritated, he wonder how that old man snuck up on him. And mumbled, 'shouldn't you be doin' paperwork or something..'
"Me? I usually come here to think to ask guidance from my colleagues, to handle the affair of Konoha village." The elderly Hokage replied, lighting his pipe. "how about you, Naruto? What's your reason for being here?"
Naruto gives the third Hokage a skeptical look, but replied when the question was thrown at him with an enigmatic smile, replies "Oh.. some of the same things.. that would cross your mind."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah… got a problem with that?"
"No.. No.." The Third replies, "It's just interest to hear that a young fella like yourself.. Having problems that would plague an old man like me." he chuckles, "Those diarrhea pills do wonders for the bathroom problem."
"WHAT?! I don't have bathroom problem!"
"Just kidding.. Just kidding.." Elder Hokage said, "Just pulling your leg, but in seriousness, you do seem like a person with a load of problems."
"Don't everyone has problem?"
"Well yes.."
"Then what's the problem?"
"My problem.. Unusually lies with the problem of the villages. If the village has a problem.. I have a problem. And that would include everyone that lives here, including yourself."
"So my problem is your problem?" Naruto said, trying to act like his younger and idiotic self.
"Yes.. So when you said.. It seem that you were taking a huge problem of the village."
"I said that?"
"Yes.. You did.." "Well.. I suppose.."
"Don't think too hard on it, Naruto.." the old man said, "Some answer can't be expressed, nor some questions.. But I'll let you know that, if you have a problem, don't hesitate to share it. We're all a family here, and we all share the burden."
Falling silent, Naruto nodded his agreement, remembering all the warm memories that he experienced in the village. 'I know that..' he said to himself.
"I understand." he said.
"Good." the hokage smiles, "Naruto?"
"What?"
"Isn't your exams today?"
"Exams?"
"Your Genin's Exams?"
Naruto looks confused at the Hokage.. before realization blossom upon his face. His ninja finals were today! His first step in becoming the Hokage, and a true Shinobi.. and he totally forgot to check what date it was!
Dread filled his expression, "I gotta go Old Man!" he remark rushing to meet fate once again.
The Hokage wordlessly chuckles at Naruto, before slowly turning to the statue of the fourth.
*********
"NA RU TO!!" yelled Iruka-sensei, "How could you forget today were the finals?! I even told you this yesterday! Were you pulling another prank today?!"
"No.. no.. sensei!" Naruto replied, "I. Ah.. Kinda overslept.. Yeah.. Overslept cause I was excited for today's exams.. And I was sure to pass them this time!"
The class laughed.
Iruka sighed in hopeless dismay, "Naruto.. What am I going to do with you.." he said and sighed again, "Go and take your seat." waving Naruto off.
Naruto wipe his brow.. 'that was a close one.. Whewwww…' He knew that he should've check the calendar. But then he didn't really believe that he was back five year. So.. So.. Forget about it.. Just concentrate on the exam. It should be an easy thing to do, since he know what going to happen, and since he a jounin, he can do all this with his hand tied on his back.
'Yeah I can do this! I can do this!' he allow himself to grin confidently. Although that did bring some more snickering from his classmate that glance at him. They thought he just pulled another prank, or something of the sort. "I can do this!"
*********
He wiped his face with the sleeves of his orange suit. 'Man.. I didn't remember the exams being this difficult.' He said to himself. It was luck or fate that got Naruto to the last stages of the final exams. Interesting that it was difficult for him.. Jounin! It should've been a piece of cake.. But something was wrong.. He could feel it. But if he can do the Bunshin no Jutsu, then he would pass.
'Right! Worry about the exam, then worry about what the strange feeling I having.'
"Okay Naruto," Iruka said, "This is the last portion of the Exams. Show us how well you do the Bunshin no Jutsu."
"RIGHT!" Naruto said with confident, "Now I'll show you how well I master the Bunshin no Jutsu! Just watch!"
Naruto created the hand seal, and pouring his chakra into creating the bunshin illusions.
"BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"
As he initiated the technique, the whole room was cover with smoke from the excess amount of chakra that he poured into the technique. And as the smoke clear, Naruto was confident that he successively created the required bunshin illusion. He grinned at first.
But that grin falters as he saw the expressions on Iruka-sensei and Mizuki-sensei faces. Naruto had an ominous feeling when he saw their reactions. He glances to see if he done the clones, and when he turned, he saw that same clone that he first created.
'What.. Happened!?' he asked himself, 'I was so sure that I done it right this time!?'
He slowly turned toward his teachers, expecting that sentence that happened. He could hear the word before Iruka-sensei could word them.
"Naruto.. YOU FAIL!"
'Not.. Not again!'
************
It was the end of the school day, and everyone was outside. Naruto could see the happy expression of the children that passed their exams. And the proud smiles of their parents, who were congratulating them. Naruto didn't like experiencing this moment of his life. He could feel that anguish that he had thought had been long forgotten.
And it really did hurt him, when he overhead those ladies making those comment about him. It was like stabbing him when he was already beaten, he wish.. He wish.. He didn't what he wished at that moment. But he knew that he would have to deal with it again.
But the thing that bothered him was that he should have been able to do the technique since he was able to do the more advance form, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Something happened to his abilities, he concluded, what that something was that affecting his ability, he didn't know. But then again, there a lot of things that he didn't know.
Like him being here for one, he knew it was something to do with the clash of the forbidden ninjutsus, but other than that, he didn't have a clue.
What was he going to do?
He heard something snaps, and it brought him out of his thoughts. 'What???' he glanced up to see, Mizuki standing there. 'Oh.. It's Mizuki-sensei…'
'Well I better go with him…'
*********
At Naruto's balcony.
The student and the Sensei speak with each other.
Naruto was half listening to Mizuki Sensei, as he tries to figure why his technique didn't work. I knew something was wrong when I was doing the exam, but why didn't I follow up with it, he scolded himself. He glanced to see the village, and saw that it was covered with the afterglow of the sunset. It warm colors, that he didn't noticed before, he was able to notice them this time. It was strange, being back with your own body, and noticing things that one didn't notice before.
Naruto spoke his part, he remember mostly what he had said, mostly cause he didn't say much, so he had some liberties to change of the sentence but not much. "But I did really want to pass.." he add as an afterthought, 'this time.'
Mizuki tell him about the scrolls.
*********
At the forest.
"Well Naruto, you have couple of hours with the scroll of seals.." he said to himself as he arrived in the forest. "I better begin memorizing the techniques."
"But I going to cheat a bit.. Heeheh" he said to himself.
He began by concentrating an amount of chakra, following by doing hand seals : Tora, Uma, Saru, Inu, Ryu, Hebi!
"kioku no nagai shiryoku!"
It's a clever technique that involves using chakra on his memory gland and eyes, to allow him to memorize anything that he wanted to remember. Similar having a photographic memory. His eyes glowed with chakra filled energy, and he started his limited studies of the forbidden skills. "I wish I learned this when I was an genin, it would've been helpful during exams!"
He opens the scroll, commenting that it been a long time since he last saw the text within, and since he knows how to do the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu already, he would focus in memorizing the other skills, they may come in useful.
As he start copying the techniques in his mind, he remind himself, that he should practice the techniques, so he can reacquaint himself with his younger body. And to see what he could impose on it.
**********
Patches of crump dirt and grass could be seen all over the terrain. Naruto sighed as he sit down breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow and face.
He brush some of the excess sweat off.
"Wheww.. Man that what I call a workout." Naruto stated.
It taken him about forty minutes to go through the scroll, memorizing and re-memorizing all the techniques. But in his eyes it was worth it, since he knew now, new jutsu that he could apply on the fields. Well some of them, in most cases. He began tryout most of the jutsu right after memorizing them. It was an interesting experience to say the least, in some cases, he almost got himself killed a few times. But in Naruto's eyes, it was, as stated before, all worth it. "Now.. We'll see whose the coolest… hehehe" he said to himself. And stopped, he couldn't believe that his rivalry with Sasuke was still stronger as ever. But then a little rivalry never hurt anyone, and he did improve vastly cause of that rivalry between them.
"It's okay to have a little competition.. So long I focus at the goal." he said to himself. He was glad that he got another chance to peek within the scroll of seals again. He couldn't believe how many awesome ninjutsu were within the scroll. He would have a happy time mastering them all.
He paused for a moment, catching his breath, it was hard work learning those ninjutsu.
"Gotcha … NA..RU..TO!"
Glancing up, Naruto saw an angry Iruka looking down on him. Naruto scratched his head, "heehehehe.. Iruka-sensei! I found you!" he said.
"NO! YOU BAKA! I found you!" stated Iruka.
"Heh.. Same difference" Naruto stated, "Mere technicality.. Wheeewwww.." he sighed, "Too bad you got me too soon, I've only learned one technique so far.."
"One technique?" Iruka asked.
"Yeah! I was learning all these amazing ninjutsu!"
'So that's why you looks so exhausted… you were practicing your ninjutsu…' Iruka thought. "Say Naruto, what's that scroll on your back?"
Naruto glanced over his back, "This? Oh… it's the scroll that Mizuki-sensei told me about, he said that if I learn the techniques from this scroll, you'll let me pass! He told me about this place too!"
'Mizuki… said that?' Iruka wonders. But before he could continue to follow the implication. He sense something were heading toward them, he pushed Naruto aside, and took the full force of the attack. "What… the…" Naruto said, he was still feeling drained from all the training he was doing before. His head was spinning.
"I'm impress that you found this place.. Iruka-sensei."
"Mizuki.. I NOW UNDERSTAND!"
"Naruto.. Give me the scroll." said Mizuki
"NARUTO GUARD THAT SCROLL WITH YOUR LIFE! IT HAS POWERFUL TECHNIQUES THAT THE PREVIOUS HOKAGE SEALED WITHIN, MIZUKI USED YOU TO GET IT FOR HIMSELF!!!"
"Naruto, don't listen to Iruka-sensei" Mizuki calmly said, "He just tricking you. He doesn't want you to have the scroll to become stronger.. Because he's of what you'll become.."
"What...what are you talking about, Mizuki?"
"Naruto.. Do you want to hear the about the incident that happened twelve years ago?"
"NO! DON'T!"
Naruto turned toward Mizuki, he knew that he was going to say, that he was the fox demon that attacked that village twelve years ago. 'Well he got his information wrong' Naruto thought, 'I was just the vessel for the fox demon.. His prison.. So to speak. But still I treated like I was the demon nonetheless. And it still hurt hearing those words.'
"You're the fox demon!" Mizuki said, "You're the one who killed Iruka's parents!" Chuckling, he removed one of his shuriken and threw it at Naruto.
'Damn! I gotta get away! I gotta get away!' Naruto thought as he was trying to dodge the attack. His chakra was emptied by the earlier training that he did, and was unable to move his body fast enough.
SHURRRRINNNGGGG
"Naruto.."
Naruto looked up to see Iruka standing over him, protecting him from Mizuki's weapon. "Naruto..I'm sorry.. I understand how you feel.. That pain of loneliness.. Of isolation. I know that I been hard on you, Naruto.. I know now how that must've hurt you.. If I been a better teacher.. A better person.."
Naruto could only stare at Iruka speechless, remembering how the first time he felt the warm of Iruka words. That this moment was the beginning of his acknowledgement. And for that he was forever grateful to Iruka-sensei. 'I have to protect him!' he said to himself.
"DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH!" Mizuki said.
'Damn prick! He ruined a good Kodak moment.' Naruto thought. 'I better lead Mizuki away from Iruka-sensei..' He glance at Iruka for a moment, before running away from him. He could hear the cries of Iruka calling him back. If he wasn't endanger, he would've reprimanded Iruka-sensei, telling not allow his emotion blind him to the true danger of the village. It was one of the rule of being a Shinobi.
***********
"So.. Mizuki has told Naruto the true about his past." the Hokage said as he was viewing within the crystal. It was a relief that it wasn't the boy's idea to get the scroll, but only to be a person that was manipulated. Unfortunately, that also cause another problem for the Hokage. "Pushing Naruto over the edge.. It's a dangerous time for the boy and the village."
"If he's able to find the ninjutsu that would allow the return of nine-tail fox demon, I don't believe that village would survive it this time." he thought silently.
"I hope that Iruka-sensei can get through to Naruto for all our sakes." And as he continued watching within the crystal, he saw something that he hadn't seen for a long time. He could sense the presence…
"It can't be…" Hokage said in disbelief.
**********
It been a long chase, but the event were unfolding as Naruto remembered them. He knew there were some changes.. but the major portion of it was the same. But still.. Something didn't feel quite right and he didn't like it. He listened as Mizuki was trying to persuade Iruka to give up on Naruto.
"Iruka-sensei don't you realize that the demon within him hungers for that kind of power?" Mizuki stated, "You were right to be afraid of him…"
"Hai.."
A smile spread across Mizuki face.
"Perhaps I would hate him.. If he was the fox demon!" continued Iruka, "And since he isn't.. all I have is nothing but respect for him. He's an excellent student.. A bit clumsy, and an outcast, but he works with all his might!"
Iruka smiled, "Because of that.. It gave him empathy, and with that he know what it is like to feel pain."
"He's no longer the fox demon. He's Uzumaki Naruto! A proud citizen of the Konoha Village!"
'Damnit Iruka-sensei, stuff like that always get to me…' Thought Naruto, wiping his tears from his face. 'You tell that idiot what it means to be a true Konoha Shinobi!'
"Huh! That very sentimental, Iruka-sensei" said Mizuki, "Since I couldn't persuade you to see my reasons. I have no choose but to kill you." He unhooked his second shuriken, "I know, I know.. I said that I would kill you later.. But sometimes fate.. goes against you… you know?"
'So.. This is it…' Thought Iruka.
And just when Mizuki was launching his shuriken, Naruto leaps from his hiding place, and slamming his foot across Mizuki's surprised face. The impact of Naruto's counterattack cause Mizuki to lose his balance and fall to the ground.
"You little brat…" Mizuki hissed.
"DON'T TOUCH IRUKA-SENSEI," Naruto stated, "OR I'LL KILL YOU!"
"I'll like to see you try that…" Mizuki replied maliciously, "I'll kill you in one blow!"
"I'll return it a thousand-folded!" Naruto replied. "KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"
Performing the skill, cause the whole area with smoke, and when it cleared the whole area was cover with Naruto's clones. Each were battle ready to fight Mizuki. "You were saying, Mizuki-sensei? Heheheh"
'Naruto… amazing he was able to perform a high level ninjutsu. The Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, an advance ninjutsu that create actually body solid clones instead of shadowed illusion.' thought Iruka as he witness Naruto's skill.
Mizuki stood there, instead of being caught off balance by Naruto's mastery of his technique, he stood quite calmly. "Naruto-kun.. I wouldn't have expected any less from you…" Mizuki said, "Finally I'll have some entertain.. Before I leave this place." a long tongue appeared from his face.
"What?…" Naruto couldn't believe what he had heard. 'Could it be possible?' he wondered, 'Possible to be able to come with me?'
He stared at Mizuki.. And saw that the possibility of him coming, was very possible. 'Damnit.. With the training, and the summoning of the bunshin, it has left me drain.'
"Naruto-kun, I know that you're out of chakra… so I'll let you live… if you would past me the scroll." Mizuki said, his eyes changed into those snake eyes, that Naruto had come to hate.
"you. you're…" Naruto began.
"Orochimaru…" Iruka said with amazement.
Naruto glance over toward Iruka, he had almost forgotten him, when he realize that Mizuki-sensei… wasn't Mizuki-sensei. But Orochimaru, who was standing there. It seem that the clash of ninjutsu brought him into the past with him.
'Damnit.. This is going to be a tricky situation…' Naruto thought, then out loud said "Well there only one of you and one thousand of us!" The other Narutos agreed, "HELL YEAH!!" they cried.
Orochimaru moved with amazing speed, that they blurred, and when he was finished, he mumbled an jutsu. The jutsu swept across the area, making the bunshin to disappear, leaving the original standing alone.
"Naruto-kun… seriously… just hand over the scrolls." Orochimaru said, "I'll let you live…"
"Naruto don't do it!" Iruka stated.
'I know … I know… I wouldn't trust snake-eyes with something this important.' Naruto glanced at Iruka and Orochimaru, planning his next move. Then removing the scroll from his back, Naruto looks with a grim determination.
"Naruto…" Iruka began.
"Iruka-sensei…" Naruto said, "Here! Catch!" tossing the scrolls at Iruka who caught it. Iruka looked at Naruto with confusion, "Naruto.. What?"
"Iruka-sensei, take the scroll and go.. I'll stall him for you." He said.
"Naruto, I won't allow it, you can't possibly handle Orochimaru! He's one of the legendary Ninjas!" Stated Iruka, "And you're just a cadet, no match against him." He see Naruto just strolling toward Orochimaru with an unseen confident. "I have to do this… for the village…" Naruto states. But stops and glances over his shoulder, "I don't fail my friends." he said with a smile, "Trust me, Iruka-sensei!"
"Naruto…"
Amazed with the inner strength that Naruto had somehow found, Iruka, realize the maturity and confidence to be able to pull it off. He smiling lightly, Naruto reminded him of someone who would have face the odds for the good of the village.
"Naruto! Good Luck!" Iruka said, then scrambles toward the village. As he runs he prays that he'll get there in time to round up the others.
***********
Orochimaru watches Iruka run away, "I'll deal with after I deal with you, Naruto-kun."
"Over my dead body!"
"That's the idea."
They stares at each other, each of them judging the other strength and weakness. Although Naruto seem to be at a disadvantage, he wasn't going to let a little thing such as strength allow him to be defeated. Especially not against snake-eyes, he told himself, not against him.
They began launching high-level ninjutsu at one another. It was like two storm raging over the land as Naruto and Orochimaru fought. Each was calling the elements to attack the others, and each countered them with another element. The ground trembled by the impact caused by the ninjutsus.
As smoke covers the area, Naruto uses it to hide himself, he looks out for signs of Orochimaru. While in hiding, Naruto suddenly cough up blood, and staring at his blood-covered hand. He realized that even though he know how to use the jutsu, his younger body couldn't quickly adapt to the pressure that he was imposing on it. He was forcing chakra out of his body to continue the fight, and for a reason, he was unable to tap into the fox demon's chakra. His body was telling him that he was beyond his limit of endurance, and that he was in danger of hurting himself.
He had used too much chakra, that was the simplest explanation, that he could thing of. That controlling his body like his older one, he made the mistake that his body was that strong. He had forgotten that his younger body didn't have the same kind of endurance to handle all the stress that he would normally impose on it.
He suppose that mistake would cost him this match.
Naruto gets caught full front of Orochimaru attack. He chided to himself that he should've been paying attention to the fight more, than to his thought, although he did know that he had to restrain himself with the jutsu. If he makes out of this situation.
"Naruto-kun… tsk… tsk… you know better than to let yourself be distracted during battle." Orochimaru said, "Now cause of that mistake, you'll die."
"heh… I suppose you're right." Naruto admitted, "But that's not going to stop me from kicking your ass."
"To the very end, Naruto-kun, you keep me amused," Orochimaru said, and began his hand seal, "Say hello to everyone in the afterlife!"
'So.. I suppose it ends here… atleast I allow Iruka-sensei get away..' Naruto thought with pride, a smile appeared upon his face.
Just as Orochimaru began his dealing his death blow upon Naruto, he get caught in an attack. Naruto looks up to see Hokage in his battle form, and an extending staff that was on his shoulder. Iruka-sensei and an team of ANBU members were also on the scene.
Each were battle ready.
Orochimaru wipe the side of his mouth, and says "Sarutobi-sensei"
"Orochimaru..."
Orochimaru gets up, and with an annoyed face, "My fight with you isn't now, sensei.."
"It is when you attack a member of my family." the Hokage stated.
"Always the sentimental fool… Sarutobi-sensei." He spat, "Anyways, I don't have time to deal with you." he turned toward Naruto, "I'll deal with you another time. Consider yourself lucky."
With that Orochimaru disappears. "After him." The Hokage orders the ANBU members.
"HAI."
***********
Naruto looks at all them confused, "How.. that was too fast..." he began.
Iruka explained, "I met them as I was rushing to the village, Hokage saw what happen in the crystal ball, and brought a team of ANBU with him." The Hokage nodded in confirmation, although he was a bit worry about the situation with Orochimaru.
"Ah..." Naruto said.
"You did good Naruto." Iruka said
"Huh?" Naruto said with a look of bewilderment.
"You did good Naruto." Iruka said again, rubbing Naruto head. Naruto realizing that he was being praised, and he could see the same praising in the eyes of the other ninja and the Hokage.
Beaming, Naruto smiled.. before he collapse. "Naruto?!" Iruka said.
"Don't Worry Iruka" the Hokage said, "He's just used all his chakra."
Iruka nodded.
**********
End of Act I
Author Notes: Wheww.. That was a long time typing.. Better take a rest for heading into the next chapter. But well I hope that this chapter will be receive well. And I did cheat a bit with some insert of the manga/anime scenes. Other than that.. Nothing else comes in mind. But I'll let you know when it does.. Lol
Anyways, some of the chapter will be closely tied with the manga/anime, before it starts flying off the wall. It'll be kind of like an old tractor, you have to kick a couple of time before it starts plowing through the field.
Pairing: I don't know if I'll have pairing, since I can't see Naruto with anyone. So for the present moment, I don't think there will be any pairing. But some flirting wouldn't hurt a bit… lol.
Techniques:
kioku no nagai shiryoku - storing of long vision.. Or plainly.. Memorize Skill.
Naruto: The Waves of Destiny
By Legatorem
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, all character and right belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Act I : Re-enter Uzumaki Naruto!
Then there was darkness.
******
It was an early morning, that Naruto found himself laying underneath his covers. He could hear the bird chirping on the outside. For the moment it was a peaceful scenery, and he was enjoying it for the moment. Or rather, he was staring at the ceiling with a numbed mind. It was he felt himself rebooted, and his mind was struggling to catching to him. So for a couple moments or so, he laid within his cover staring at his ceiling.
"Was.. Was it a dream?" Naruto asked himself.
Thus the first sign of intelligence returned to Naruto, and with those words, more broke free of that mind dam that was Naruto's thick skull. "I.. I think it was a dream.. or else.." he quick searched himself for injuries. And to his relief he had found none, except a soreness that came from his arms. Like he was scrubbing for hour on ends.. He didn't remember scrubbing the day before. "Must have been the nightmare." he figured. "yeah.. it must have.. it could've been all those ramen that I ate the day before." Thinking back on the day, he remember that he was celebrating with Iruka-sensei at the Ichikaru Ramen Bar about his promotion to Jounin. Naruto was extremely please to past the trials, since he narrowly pass them. They weren't like the Chuunin Examination, where he would have to trust the member of his team to help succeed. But a trial that would only test the examinee. And each trial were different for each examinee.
It was one of the hardest experiences Naruto ever faced, not counting the dream-thing that he had. But, it bother him that the dream was so real. Perhaps, it was a warning about Orochimaru? He knew that he was still out there, waiting for the moment to strike the village. But Naruto wasn't worry.. too much.. about it. He knew that he would face him, and he would succeed against him. No matter how many times he would have to defeat that cockroach of a ninja.
"Ah.. Why am I getting all worked up?" Naruto said annoyed at himself, "It was just a stupid dream." But that feeling of something not being right still chewed on him. He would have to speak with Ero-Sennin, or the Hokage about his dream, perhaps one of them would decipher the meaning behind the dream. Perhaps, but knowing Ero-Sennin, he would say something perverted.. About his dreams. 'Whatever I decide, I better do it.' Naruto thought, "but first I better get ready!"
Quickly, he leaped from his bed, and proceeded to his bathroom, to do his necessaries.
The door slammed shut.
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
**********
"What is this?" Naruto groaned as he saw himself. It was himself, but it wasn't himself, it was his younger self, showing the expression that he was feeling at moment. "No.. No.. No.." he said in denial.
"This can't be happening.."
He pulled at his face, hoping that it was a mask or something of sort, But all that did was pinch his face, and make it red all over. Then thinking that it was just a dream, he punched himself in the face, hoping that would awaken him. That only cause Naruto's face to swell from the self-inflicted bruise. And before he got anymore bright ideas, he stopped himself.
"If I keep doing this.. Sakura will be right about me being a masochist." He muttered to himself, "Okay, I know that I'm not dreaming nor that I'm wearing a mask.. Could it be a Genjutsu?!"
"Yeah.. It could be a clever prank by the guys, cause of my promotion to Jounin!" he said, trying to rationalize the situation.
"DISPEL!"
Nothing happened, he was still there, in his pajamas. He was still within the body of his younger self. 'So it wasn't a genjutsu' he thought to himself. "well duh.. Thank you, Naruto for stating the obvious.." he scolded to himself.
'How could this happen?' he thought.
As he thought back on the day before, he tried to remember everything that happened. Then it slack him across the face, when it hit him, everything points to the dream! "It wasn't a dream!" he declared, "But if.. It wasn't a died.. Then that battle with Orochimaru really did happen.." he said.
He stood silent for a few moment. The implication of the reality of the dream came to him after a few moments.
"Dammit…"
**********
Wandering around the Konoha village, Naruto saw everything as he use to remember them in his memories. The Konoha village that he left, wasn't the same Konoha that he remembered. It wasn't that the village drastically changed from now, but the thing that change was something much subtler. He thought that it was essence of … something. He wasn't quite sure of what that something was, but it gave the village a whole new different feeling than the one he had.
As he strolled around the village, he started to pick up those feeling of isolation again. He saw the reaction of the people, and remembered that they hated him, because he was the vessel of the fox demon, that almost destroyed village years ago.
It was an awkward feeling to become again, the recipient of that hatred from the people. He knew what it was to be loved, and he worked hard to gain the respect from everyone from the village. Starting from his friend and comrades from his class, which in turn, allow the older generation to start accepting him.
He remember the day, when that feeling of hate from the village was gone, and an open friendliness was express to him. For that day, it was one of moment that he would treasure and remember forever. And it was amazing that he didn't notice how their reaction had shifted. He knew that was accepted when they say "Hi Naruto, wonderful day today."
That was his mark of acceptance from the people.
As he was thinking these thoughts, he accidentally bumped into a man. "Watch were ya goin" he said, muttering in after breath 'fox demon'. Naruto saw that cold eyes that the man had given him, and he knew that he didn't like being here again, not just after getting what he wanted, the respect from the village, and being a step closer in becoming the Hokage.
He had to watch himself, the next time, or else he won't be as lucky with the insults. He snorted, and stuck his tongue out to the man, as he would've done when he was a kid. And then also as a kid, he would hightailed out of there, since the man was chasing after him.
As he ran, he could feel the cold stares directed at him, as he pass by.
********
Naruto found himself in front of the face monument of the previous Hokage. Although the third was still living and in charge, he mused. But that wasn't the purpose of his presence here. He was here to sort out what was happening to him.
As he glance at the faces, he knew that he was back in his younger self, since the crack at appeared in the third's face wasn't present. And with all the evident pounding into him. He would have to be a complete idiot not to see that he was back in his older… ah… younger self. He glance down below to see that everything was smooth. That was the ultimate proof.
But he suppose that would be alright, since he didn't died, and he had a chance to return to the present. And it was nice to see the monument undamaged. That was a good treat for him to see. Cause they always seem to make him seem at peace, and keep striving for his goal being the Hokage of Konoha Village. He felt that they were guarding him no matter what, and they would continue to do so. So long he would keep that dream of being the Hokage. That's what he figured, when he stared at them. It was also one of the reason he was able to paint over them. Although he would've clean it up without Iruka-sensei telling him do so. But that was the past.. Er.. Present now.
'This was a fine predicament that you got yourself, Naruto'
This reality of him being young again, takes that saying of getting in touch of the child inside. 'Naruto focus! You have to find a way to get back within your older body.'
'But how?' he mused, 'I'm not that really sure how I got here in the first place, I know it was a result of the jutsu that Orochimaru and I used in our fight. But other than that, I don't how that result in me being stuck within my twelve year ago body!'
'I wish they could tell me what to do.. Or point in the direction to go toward…'
He sighed in frustration.
"You have a look of man having a great burden."
Naruto almost jumps, when the voice startled him out of his musing. Glancing at his sides, Naruto spots the Third Hokage. Who was currently sporting a friendly smile and holding his pipe. He was showing the epitome of being a Hokage. "Old Man, what the heck are you doing here?" he said irritated, he wonder how that old man snuck up on him. And mumbled, 'shouldn't you be doin' paperwork or something..'
"Me? I usually come here to think to ask guidance from my colleagues, to handle the affair of Konoha village." The elderly Hokage replied, lighting his pipe. "how about you, Naruto? What's your reason for being here?"
Naruto gives the third Hokage a skeptical look, but replied when the question was thrown at him with an enigmatic smile, replies "Oh.. some of the same things.. that would cross your mind."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah… got a problem with that?"
"No.. No.." The Third replies, "It's just interest to hear that a young fella like yourself.. Having problems that would plague an old man like me." he chuckles, "Those diarrhea pills do wonders for the bathroom problem."
"WHAT?! I don't have bathroom problem!"
"Just kidding.. Just kidding.." Elder Hokage said, "Just pulling your leg, but in seriousness, you do seem like a person with a load of problems."
"Don't everyone has problem?"
"Well yes.."
"Then what's the problem?"
"My problem.. Unusually lies with the problem of the villages. If the village has a problem.. I have a problem. And that would include everyone that lives here, including yourself."
"So my problem is your problem?" Naruto said, trying to act like his younger and idiotic self.
"Yes.. So when you said.. It seem that you were taking a huge problem of the village."
"I said that?"
"Yes.. You did.." "Well.. I suppose.."
"Don't think too hard on it, Naruto.." the old man said, "Some answer can't be expressed, nor some questions.. But I'll let you know that, if you have a problem, don't hesitate to share it. We're all a family here, and we all share the burden."
Falling silent, Naruto nodded his agreement, remembering all the warm memories that he experienced in the village. 'I know that..' he said to himself.
"I understand." he said.
"Good." the hokage smiles, "Naruto?"
"What?"
"Isn't your exams today?"
"Exams?"
"Your Genin's Exams?"
Naruto looks confused at the Hokage.. before realization blossom upon his face. His ninja finals were today! His first step in becoming the Hokage, and a true Shinobi.. and he totally forgot to check what date it was!
Dread filled his expression, "I gotta go Old Man!" he remark rushing to meet fate once again.
The Hokage wordlessly chuckles at Naruto, before slowly turning to the statue of the fourth.
*********
"NA RU TO!!" yelled Iruka-sensei, "How could you forget today were the finals?! I even told you this yesterday! Were you pulling another prank today?!"
"No.. no.. sensei!" Naruto replied, "I. Ah.. Kinda overslept.. Yeah.. Overslept cause I was excited for today's exams.. And I was sure to pass them this time!"
The class laughed.
Iruka sighed in hopeless dismay, "Naruto.. What am I going to do with you.." he said and sighed again, "Go and take your seat." waving Naruto off.
Naruto wipe his brow.. 'that was a close one.. Whewwww…' He knew that he should've check the calendar. But then he didn't really believe that he was back five year. So.. So.. Forget about it.. Just concentrate on the exam. It should be an easy thing to do, since he know what going to happen, and since he a jounin, he can do all this with his hand tied on his back.
'Yeah I can do this! I can do this!' he allow himself to grin confidently. Although that did bring some more snickering from his classmate that glance at him. They thought he just pulled another prank, or something of the sort. "I can do this!"
*********
He wiped his face with the sleeves of his orange suit. 'Man.. I didn't remember the exams being this difficult.' He said to himself. It was luck or fate that got Naruto to the last stages of the final exams. Interesting that it was difficult for him.. Jounin! It should've been a piece of cake.. But something was wrong.. He could feel it. But if he can do the Bunshin no Jutsu, then he would pass.
'Right! Worry about the exam, then worry about what the strange feeling I having.'
"Okay Naruto," Iruka said, "This is the last portion of the Exams. Show us how well you do the Bunshin no Jutsu."
"RIGHT!" Naruto said with confident, "Now I'll show you how well I master the Bunshin no Jutsu! Just watch!"
Naruto created the hand seal, and pouring his chakra into creating the bunshin illusions.
"BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"
As he initiated the technique, the whole room was cover with smoke from the excess amount of chakra that he poured into the technique. And as the smoke clear, Naruto was confident that he successively created the required bunshin illusion. He grinned at first.
But that grin falters as he saw the expressions on Iruka-sensei and Mizuki-sensei faces. Naruto had an ominous feeling when he saw their reactions. He glances to see if he done the clones, and when he turned, he saw that same clone that he first created.
'What.. Happened!?' he asked himself, 'I was so sure that I done it right this time!?'
He slowly turned toward his teachers, expecting that sentence that happened. He could hear the word before Iruka-sensei could word them.
"Naruto.. YOU FAIL!"
'Not.. Not again!'
************
It was the end of the school day, and everyone was outside. Naruto could see the happy expression of the children that passed their exams. And the proud smiles of their parents, who were congratulating them. Naruto didn't like experiencing this moment of his life. He could feel that anguish that he had thought had been long forgotten.
And it really did hurt him, when he overhead those ladies making those comment about him. It was like stabbing him when he was already beaten, he wish.. He wish.. He didn't what he wished at that moment. But he knew that he would have to deal with it again.
But the thing that bothered him was that he should have been able to do the technique since he was able to do the more advance form, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Something happened to his abilities, he concluded, what that something was that affecting his ability, he didn't know. But then again, there a lot of things that he didn't know.
Like him being here for one, he knew it was something to do with the clash of the forbidden ninjutsus, but other than that, he didn't have a clue.
What was he going to do?
He heard something snaps, and it brought him out of his thoughts. 'What???' he glanced up to see, Mizuki standing there. 'Oh.. It's Mizuki-sensei…'
'Well I better go with him…'
*********
At Naruto's balcony.
The student and the Sensei speak with each other.
Naruto was half listening to Mizuki Sensei, as he tries to figure why his technique didn't work. I knew something was wrong when I was doing the exam, but why didn't I follow up with it, he scolded himself. He glanced to see the village, and saw that it was covered with the afterglow of the sunset. It warm colors, that he didn't noticed before, he was able to notice them this time. It was strange, being back with your own body, and noticing things that one didn't notice before.
Naruto spoke his part, he remember mostly what he had said, mostly cause he didn't say much, so he had some liberties to change of the sentence but not much. "But I did really want to pass.." he add as an afterthought, 'this time.'
Mizuki tell him about the scrolls.
*********
At the forest.
"Well Naruto, you have couple of hours with the scroll of seals.." he said to himself as he arrived in the forest. "I better begin memorizing the techniques."
"But I going to cheat a bit.. Heeheh" he said to himself.
He began by concentrating an amount of chakra, following by doing hand seals : Tora, Uma, Saru, Inu, Ryu, Hebi!
"kioku no nagai shiryoku!"
It's a clever technique that involves using chakra on his memory gland and eyes, to allow him to memorize anything that he wanted to remember. Similar having a photographic memory. His eyes glowed with chakra filled energy, and he started his limited studies of the forbidden skills. "I wish I learned this when I was an genin, it would've been helpful during exams!"
He opens the scroll, commenting that it been a long time since he last saw the text within, and since he knows how to do the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu already, he would focus in memorizing the other skills, they may come in useful.
As he start copying the techniques in his mind, he remind himself, that he should practice the techniques, so he can reacquaint himself with his younger body. And to see what he could impose on it.
**********
Patches of crump dirt and grass could be seen all over the terrain. Naruto sighed as he sit down breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow and face.
He brush some of the excess sweat off.
"Wheww.. Man that what I call a workout." Naruto stated.
It taken him about forty minutes to go through the scroll, memorizing and re-memorizing all the techniques. But in his eyes it was worth it, since he knew now, new jutsu that he could apply on the fields. Well some of them, in most cases. He began tryout most of the jutsu right after memorizing them. It was an interesting experience to say the least, in some cases, he almost got himself killed a few times. But in Naruto's eyes, it was, as stated before, all worth it. "Now.. We'll see whose the coolest… hehehe" he said to himself. And stopped, he couldn't believe that his rivalry with Sasuke was still stronger as ever. But then a little rivalry never hurt anyone, and he did improve vastly cause of that rivalry between them.
"It's okay to have a little competition.. So long I focus at the goal." he said to himself. He was glad that he got another chance to peek within the scroll of seals again. He couldn't believe how many awesome ninjutsu were within the scroll. He would have a happy time mastering them all.
He paused for a moment, catching his breath, it was hard work learning those ninjutsu.
"Gotcha … NA..RU..TO!"
Glancing up, Naruto saw an angry Iruka looking down on him. Naruto scratched his head, "heehehehe.. Iruka-sensei! I found you!" he said.
"NO! YOU BAKA! I found you!" stated Iruka.
"Heh.. Same difference" Naruto stated, "Mere technicality.. Wheeewwww.." he sighed, "Too bad you got me too soon, I've only learned one technique so far.."
"One technique?" Iruka asked.
"Yeah! I was learning all these amazing ninjutsu!"
'So that's why you looks so exhausted… you were practicing your ninjutsu…' Iruka thought. "Say Naruto, what's that scroll on your back?"
Naruto glanced over his back, "This? Oh… it's the scroll that Mizuki-sensei told me about, he said that if I learn the techniques from this scroll, you'll let me pass! He told me about this place too!"
'Mizuki… said that?' Iruka wonders. But before he could continue to follow the implication. He sense something were heading toward them, he pushed Naruto aside, and took the full force of the attack. "What… the…" Naruto said, he was still feeling drained from all the training he was doing before. His head was spinning.
"I'm impress that you found this place.. Iruka-sensei."
"Mizuki.. I NOW UNDERSTAND!"
"Naruto.. Give me the scroll." said Mizuki
"NARUTO GUARD THAT SCROLL WITH YOUR LIFE! IT HAS POWERFUL TECHNIQUES THAT THE PREVIOUS HOKAGE SEALED WITHIN, MIZUKI USED YOU TO GET IT FOR HIMSELF!!!"
"Naruto, don't listen to Iruka-sensei" Mizuki calmly said, "He just tricking you. He doesn't want you to have the scroll to become stronger.. Because he's of what you'll become.."
"What...what are you talking about, Mizuki?"
"Naruto.. Do you want to hear the about the incident that happened twelve years ago?"
"NO! DON'T!"
Naruto turned toward Mizuki, he knew that he was going to say, that he was the fox demon that attacked that village twelve years ago. 'Well he got his information wrong' Naruto thought, 'I was just the vessel for the fox demon.. His prison.. So to speak. But still I treated like I was the demon nonetheless. And it still hurt hearing those words.'
"You're the fox demon!" Mizuki said, "You're the one who killed Iruka's parents!" Chuckling, he removed one of his shuriken and threw it at Naruto.
'Damn! I gotta get away! I gotta get away!' Naruto thought as he was trying to dodge the attack. His chakra was emptied by the earlier training that he did, and was unable to move his body fast enough.
SHURRRRINNNGGGG
"Naruto.."
Naruto looked up to see Iruka standing over him, protecting him from Mizuki's weapon. "Naruto..I'm sorry.. I understand how you feel.. That pain of loneliness.. Of isolation. I know that I been hard on you, Naruto.. I know now how that must've hurt you.. If I been a better teacher.. A better person.."
Naruto could only stare at Iruka speechless, remembering how the first time he felt the warm of Iruka words. That this moment was the beginning of his acknowledgement. And for that he was forever grateful to Iruka-sensei. 'I have to protect him!' he said to himself.
"DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH!" Mizuki said.
'Damn prick! He ruined a good Kodak moment.' Naruto thought. 'I better lead Mizuki away from Iruka-sensei..' He glance at Iruka for a moment, before running away from him. He could hear the cries of Iruka calling him back. If he wasn't endanger, he would've reprimanded Iruka-sensei, telling not allow his emotion blind him to the true danger of the village. It was one of the rule of being a Shinobi.
***********
"So.. Mizuki has told Naruto the true about his past." the Hokage said as he was viewing within the crystal. It was a relief that it wasn't the boy's idea to get the scroll, but only to be a person that was manipulated. Unfortunately, that also cause another problem for the Hokage. "Pushing Naruto over the edge.. It's a dangerous time for the boy and the village."
"If he's able to find the ninjutsu that would allow the return of nine-tail fox demon, I don't believe that village would survive it this time." he thought silently.
"I hope that Iruka-sensei can get through to Naruto for all our sakes." And as he continued watching within the crystal, he saw something that he hadn't seen for a long time. He could sense the presence…
"It can't be…" Hokage said in disbelief.
**********
It been a long chase, but the event were unfolding as Naruto remembered them. He knew there were some changes.. but the major portion of it was the same. But still.. Something didn't feel quite right and he didn't like it. He listened as Mizuki was trying to persuade Iruka to give up on Naruto.
"Iruka-sensei don't you realize that the demon within him hungers for that kind of power?" Mizuki stated, "You were right to be afraid of him…"
"Hai.."
A smile spread across Mizuki face.
"Perhaps I would hate him.. If he was the fox demon!" continued Iruka, "And since he isn't.. all I have is nothing but respect for him. He's an excellent student.. A bit clumsy, and an outcast, but he works with all his might!"
Iruka smiled, "Because of that.. It gave him empathy, and with that he know what it is like to feel pain."
"He's no longer the fox demon. He's Uzumaki Naruto! A proud citizen of the Konoha Village!"
'Damnit Iruka-sensei, stuff like that always get to me…' Thought Naruto, wiping his tears from his face. 'You tell that idiot what it means to be a true Konoha Shinobi!'
"Huh! That very sentimental, Iruka-sensei" said Mizuki, "Since I couldn't persuade you to see my reasons. I have no choose but to kill you." He unhooked his second shuriken, "I know, I know.. I said that I would kill you later.. But sometimes fate.. goes against you… you know?"
'So.. This is it…' Thought Iruka.
And just when Mizuki was launching his shuriken, Naruto leaps from his hiding place, and slamming his foot across Mizuki's surprised face. The impact of Naruto's counterattack cause Mizuki to lose his balance and fall to the ground.
"You little brat…" Mizuki hissed.
"DON'T TOUCH IRUKA-SENSEI," Naruto stated, "OR I'LL KILL YOU!"
"I'll like to see you try that…" Mizuki replied maliciously, "I'll kill you in one blow!"
"I'll return it a thousand-folded!" Naruto replied. "KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"
Performing the skill, cause the whole area with smoke, and when it cleared the whole area was cover with Naruto's clones. Each were battle ready to fight Mizuki. "You were saying, Mizuki-sensei? Heheheh"
'Naruto… amazing he was able to perform a high level ninjutsu. The Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, an advance ninjutsu that create actually body solid clones instead of shadowed illusion.' thought Iruka as he witness Naruto's skill.
Mizuki stood there, instead of being caught off balance by Naruto's mastery of his technique, he stood quite calmly. "Naruto-kun.. I wouldn't have expected any less from you…" Mizuki said, "Finally I'll have some entertain.. Before I leave this place." a long tongue appeared from his face.
"What?…" Naruto couldn't believe what he had heard. 'Could it be possible?' he wondered, 'Possible to be able to come with me?'
He stared at Mizuki.. And saw that the possibility of him coming, was very possible. 'Damnit.. With the training, and the summoning of the bunshin, it has left me drain.'
"Naruto-kun, I know that you're out of chakra… so I'll let you live… if you would past me the scroll." Mizuki said, his eyes changed into those snake eyes, that Naruto had come to hate.
"you. you're…" Naruto began.
"Orochimaru…" Iruka said with amazement.
Naruto glance over toward Iruka, he had almost forgotten him, when he realize that Mizuki-sensei… wasn't Mizuki-sensei. But Orochimaru, who was standing there. It seem that the clash of ninjutsu brought him into the past with him.
'Damnit.. This is going to be a tricky situation…' Naruto thought, then out loud said "Well there only one of you and one thousand of us!" The other Narutos agreed, "HELL YEAH!!" they cried.
Orochimaru moved with amazing speed, that they blurred, and when he was finished, he mumbled an jutsu. The jutsu swept across the area, making the bunshin to disappear, leaving the original standing alone.
"Naruto-kun… seriously… just hand over the scrolls." Orochimaru said, "I'll let you live…"
"Naruto don't do it!" Iruka stated.
'I know … I know… I wouldn't trust snake-eyes with something this important.' Naruto glanced at Iruka and Orochimaru, planning his next move. Then removing the scroll from his back, Naruto looks with a grim determination.
"Naruto…" Iruka began.
"Iruka-sensei…" Naruto said, "Here! Catch!" tossing the scrolls at Iruka who caught it. Iruka looked at Naruto with confusion, "Naruto.. What?"
"Iruka-sensei, take the scroll and go.. I'll stall him for you." He said.
"Naruto, I won't allow it, you can't possibly handle Orochimaru! He's one of the legendary Ninjas!" Stated Iruka, "And you're just a cadet, no match against him." He see Naruto just strolling toward Orochimaru with an unseen confident. "I have to do this… for the village…" Naruto states. But stops and glances over his shoulder, "I don't fail my friends." he said with a smile, "Trust me, Iruka-sensei!"
"Naruto…"
Amazed with the inner strength that Naruto had somehow found, Iruka, realize the maturity and confidence to be able to pull it off. He smiling lightly, Naruto reminded him of someone who would have face the odds for the good of the village.
"Naruto! Good Luck!" Iruka said, then scrambles toward the village. As he runs he prays that he'll get there in time to round up the others.
***********
Orochimaru watches Iruka run away, "I'll deal with after I deal with you, Naruto-kun."
"Over my dead body!"
"That's the idea."
They stares at each other, each of them judging the other strength and weakness. Although Naruto seem to be at a disadvantage, he wasn't going to let a little thing such as strength allow him to be defeated. Especially not against snake-eyes, he told himself, not against him.
They began launching high-level ninjutsu at one another. It was like two storm raging over the land as Naruto and Orochimaru fought. Each was calling the elements to attack the others, and each countered them with another element. The ground trembled by the impact caused by the ninjutsus.
As smoke covers the area, Naruto uses it to hide himself, he looks out for signs of Orochimaru. While in hiding, Naruto suddenly cough up blood, and staring at his blood-covered hand. He realized that even though he know how to use the jutsu, his younger body couldn't quickly adapt to the pressure that he was imposing on it. He was forcing chakra out of his body to continue the fight, and for a reason, he was unable to tap into the fox demon's chakra. His body was telling him that he was beyond his limit of endurance, and that he was in danger of hurting himself.
He had used too much chakra, that was the simplest explanation, that he could thing of. That controlling his body like his older one, he made the mistake that his body was that strong. He had forgotten that his younger body didn't have the same kind of endurance to handle all the stress that he would normally impose on it.
He suppose that mistake would cost him this match.
Naruto gets caught full front of Orochimaru attack. He chided to himself that he should've been paying attention to the fight more, than to his thought, although he did know that he had to restrain himself with the jutsu. If he makes out of this situation.
"Naruto-kun… tsk… tsk… you know better than to let yourself be distracted during battle." Orochimaru said, "Now cause of that mistake, you'll die."
"heh… I suppose you're right." Naruto admitted, "But that's not going to stop me from kicking your ass."
"To the very end, Naruto-kun, you keep me amused," Orochimaru said, and began his hand seal, "Say hello to everyone in the afterlife!"
'So.. I suppose it ends here… atleast I allow Iruka-sensei get away..' Naruto thought with pride, a smile appeared upon his face.
Just as Orochimaru began his dealing his death blow upon Naruto, he get caught in an attack. Naruto looks up to see Hokage in his battle form, and an extending staff that was on his shoulder. Iruka-sensei and an team of ANBU members were also on the scene.
Each were battle ready.
Orochimaru wipe the side of his mouth, and says "Sarutobi-sensei"
"Orochimaru..."
Orochimaru gets up, and with an annoyed face, "My fight with you isn't now, sensei.."
"It is when you attack a member of my family." the Hokage stated.
"Always the sentimental fool… Sarutobi-sensei." He spat, "Anyways, I don't have time to deal with you." he turned toward Naruto, "I'll deal with you another time. Consider yourself lucky."
With that Orochimaru disappears. "After him." The Hokage orders the ANBU members.
"HAI."
***********
Naruto looks at all them confused, "How.. that was too fast..." he began.
Iruka explained, "I met them as I was rushing to the village, Hokage saw what happen in the crystal ball, and brought a team of ANBU with him." The Hokage nodded in confirmation, although he was a bit worry about the situation with Orochimaru.
"Ah..." Naruto said.
"You did good Naruto." Iruka said
"Huh?" Naruto said with a look of bewilderment.
"You did good Naruto." Iruka said again, rubbing Naruto head. Naruto realizing that he was being praised, and he could see the same praising in the eyes of the other ninja and the Hokage.
Beaming, Naruto smiled.. before he collapse. "Naruto?!" Iruka said.
"Don't Worry Iruka" the Hokage said, "He's just used all his chakra."
Iruka nodded.
**********
End of Act I
Author Notes: Wheww.. That was a long time typing.. Better take a rest for heading into the next chapter. But well I hope that this chapter will be receive well. And I did cheat a bit with some insert of the manga/anime scenes. Other than that.. Nothing else comes in mind. But I'll let you know when it does.. Lol
Anyways, some of the chapter will be closely tied with the manga/anime, before it starts flying off the wall. It'll be kind of like an old tractor, you have to kick a couple of time before it starts plowing through the field.
Pairing: I don't know if I'll have pairing, since I can't see Naruto with anyone. So for the present moment, I don't think there will be any pairing. But some flirting wouldn't hurt a bit… lol.
Techniques:
kioku no nagai shiryoku - storing of long vision.. Or plainly.. Memorize Skill.