Fast-forward the time line. It is now four years since Naruto left, which makes him eighteen years old along with the other Rookie 9.
I have actually drawn a fanart for this – how the Naruto gang would look like 4 years later. I just drew Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Neji and Gaara. Although Gaara is not in this fic, but you see, I really love Gaara. So I just had to include him. You may view it at this link (I put the link in brackets because ff.net does not post direct links and stuff).
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If the link doesn't work, you may go to narutofans.com and search for the fanart there using Akamaru. Just type future Naruto gang and you'll find it. My penname there is naginags.
Ja minna! Enjoy the story! ^^
WHY NOT 7The village went in to an uproar when they heard Naruto left. For starters, the younger generation who had grown to like the blonde-boy actually cried. The other genins were simply in shock and as the years went by, they gradually began to change. Naruto never showed for the chuunin exams in the next four years, even when they were held in the Rock Village, Cloud Village and Sand Village.
Iruka was given the hitai ate as requested. He asked the Hokage why Naruto left without saying goodbye and she could only shake her head in reply. Iruka had resigned his position as teacher in the academy the next term and began to take missions as a chuunin. With every opportunity he got when he left the village to another, he would scout and look around for Naruto.
But he never found him.
Kakashi tried to remain the same with his other two students. It was difficult though. He wasn't used to the logic and seriousness that came from Neji who had taken Naruto's place in his team. He missed Naruto's rambling and for some strange reason, ramen tasted bland when not eating it with the boy.
The same year Naruto left was the same year Sasuke and Sakura became a chuunin along with the other rookie nine, save for Chouji who happened to get sick just before the exam started. But Naruto was not in the exam and so they waited for the next, and the next and the next until four years had passed by.
Konoha had changed somewhat. There were newer buildings and newer establishments. Some of the old roads had been remade and made wider and new training grounds were made. But in the midst of it all, Naruto's house remained untouched. The Hokage could have sold it or have someone else occupy it, but she strictly made sure that it was off-limits to anyone, not telling the real reason. Anyone who did press her ended up with a very wounded ego and if pushed harder perhaps a red face from a violent slap or punch. So no one really asked.
Kakashi knew though, that Tsunade missed Naruto greatly.
*
The monsoon season had finally come to Konoha. Everyone one made sure that there house was well supplied with batteries and that their generators worked properly just in case the power went out. Cold and harsh winds blew over the village and the rain made it no better.
Tsunade was lying in her bed, about to fall asleep when the light tapping noises on the wall made her sit up. She blinked when she saw a shadow standing against the wall opposite her bed. She pulled out a kunai immediately, and glared at the impostor.
"Anou sa, no need to be violent, baa-san. I just wanted to surprise you."
Tsunade gasped, dropping the kunai and flicking the lamp switch on. Before her stood a cloaked figure in black, a hood over the head and the face behind a porcelain yellow mask that was an abstract resemblance of a fox. "N-Naruto?"
"Yeah, its me." Naruto sighed behind the mask. "How have you been, baa-san? Everything okay?"
"Fine." She said, standing up from the bed and grabbing her robe. She approached the boy and placed her hands on the shoulder. It was definitely Naruto. No one radiated chakra the same way as he did. Other chakras were normally cool like water. But Naruto's was like flame. She was not mistaken. Besides, the necklace glimmering around his neck was enough evidence. She hugged Naruto tightly, and the boy hugged her back. He was taller than her now, and his body had matured in to a fine young man. During the hug, she could feel that he had been taking care of himself. "You're back!"
"Not quite yet, I am leaving again soon." Tsunade frowned. "The Jounin exam is taking place in the Mist Village this year. Once I'm done with that, I'll come home."
Tsunade raised her eyebrows. "You're still genin. You haven't taken the chuunin exams yet."
"You're right. But I've met many retired jounins during my travels and some of them had jumped from genin to Jounin. I cross checked with the organizers and they said that it is allowed."
"So you'll be taking the Jounin exam next week?" Tsunade stared and Naruto nodded. Somehow, the nodding reaction brought back memories to Tsunade on how he was asking permission to leave.
"I came to take place in the exam as a ninja of Konoha." He said and Tsunade understood what he wanted to do.
She did not even think twice. The once little boy had now morphed in to a man and for some strange reason, she felt that Naruto taking the Jounin exam was all right. She pulled out a new headband from one of he drawers in the living room. She handed it to Naruto along with two scrolls. Naruto stared at the things in his hands.
"I guess all you have to do is do your best and not get killed." Tsunade said, smiling at the masked boy.
Naruto nodded and tucked the things away under his cloak. "Anou, baa-san, I don't want to show you my face just yet." Tsunade did not say anything. "But when the exam is over, could you kindly tell Iruka-sensei to wait for me in the Hokage monuments?" Tsunade nodded. "When I come back, I will show my face. But not now."
"Come back." Tsunade said and patted him on the shoulder. "Do your best."
Then he was gone in a puff of smoke.
Tsunade went back to bed. Jounin exams were usually one month long. In one month, the boy would come back. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.
TBC