Naruto was once again standing before the council of the phoenix. Moments ago his meditation had been interrupted when four phoenixes had appeared with summons to their lord Monato Siame. Naruto was once again standing before the great lord of the phoenix, this time however he didn't find it necessary to try intimidation. The fact that the four hadn't attempted to burn him to a cinder was proof enough that more 'persuading' would be unnecessary. He had never much liked doing that type of thing. In fact it was a side of himself that he usually kept buried, or rather it was the side of him that had kept a smile on his face no matter how much it hurt to do so. It had been said long ago that the Uzumaki family had more pride than any seven Hyuuga's or dozen Uchiha's. Naruto didn't know this of course, but he most Defiantly His father's son in that particular manner… even if he kept it hidden. Luckily Kyuubi had warned Naruto what was most likely to happen if the Phoenix did except him. Therefore he was outwardly unconcerned when he appeared before the most venerable Monato only to find the older Phoenix wreathed in multi-color flames.

"I Monato Siame call to attention the phoenix people. Here stands before us one who would gain mastery over ancient oaths and gain the honor of the phoenix, are their any present who wish to speak for or against his acceptance?"

Naruto, remembering the proper form that Kyuubi had taught him (Actually Kyuubi just implanted them in Naruto's memory on the walk to the gate) responded.

"Hear me First flame, hear me brothers and sisters, I Uzumaki Naruto stand before you. I have come to take the test for acceptance"

Monato nodded his head, although he didn't show it, he was just a little bit startled that Naruto had known the correct response.

Then again he mused He knew about the old agreement and apparently he knew about shift incantation. Why not the correct forms as well?

"I stand against," said a voice behind Naruto. "Not only is he human, he is also of the Uzumaki blood. His family has been an insect underfoot for far to long. He wasn't even sponsored, he used a feather that was stolen, and it was not given to him."

Naruto spun to face his accuser; it was his so call 'Guardian' it was also the phoenix that the feather branded into his arm had come from. Although it was not unusual for any to speak against a person once they were presented this particular one could cause trouble, especially considering the fact that it had been his wing.

"He is a thief, not one of the summoned. First, I don't know why you are standing for this farce."

Monato looked slightly troubled. It was true that Naruto had not entered in the prescribed manner, but that also was not unusual. The claim of theft was a very dangerous one however; Ancient law dictated that theft from a phoenix had only one punishment, incineration.

"Do you put forward the claim that this boy has stolen from you Kenchi?"

"I do first, it was my feather that was used for entry, and it is because of me that he managed to come this far, WHATEVER his heritage, he has stolen from me. I demand justice under the law."

Naruto had been listening to the exchange with more than a little trepidation. Kyuubi had not prepared him for this, and he had no Idea how to deal with it.

"Uzumaki Naruto, you have been charged with theft. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Naruto's mind whirled as he attempted to think up a plausible excuse,

How did Kyuubi find the feather?

Suddenly inspiration struck him. Naruto turned and faced the first flame again.

"Lord Monato, if this feather belongs to the phoenix behind me then how is it that it came into my possession? To the best of my knowledge this feather (Naruto raised his arm) was a gift from my sensei."

"Liar! That feather is MINE! I lost it in a bar-room while looking for the Kitsune Kyuubi."

Had any of the Phoenix been looking at Naruto they would have noticed a quickly suppressed smile.

"Who do you think I got it from?"

The room, which had been buzzing since Naruto had left it the night before went silent again. Kenchi on the other hand was ecstatic.

"This proves it. First, you and all the elders know that Kyuubi Swore to never train a simple HUMAN" By this point he was nearly crowing "You have heard it from his own mouth, this man DARES to utter falsehoods in the very hall of the council! I call for his immediate incineration. Once he is dead I want his ashes SCATTERED, he shall NEVER know rebirth, he shall…"

While Naruto was getting more and more angry trying to get a word in edgewise, and Monato Siame the first flame was trying to restore order, Tsunade was getting updated on the status of Uchiha Sasuke.


"So Sasuke just disappeared?"

All four of the ANBU shifted uncomfortable under her gaze.

"Uchiha Sasuke just walked under a tree and vanished off the face of the planet? Right under the eyes of FOUR ANBU?"

"Um… Hokage-sama, if I may explain?" Said the Eagle mask.

"Why certainly, tell me how it is that one half trained shinobi, one that is not even a Chuuin yet, Managed to disappear under the eyes of four of the supposedly 'Most Powerful Shinobi In The Village'."

Once again all four of the ANBU flinched

"Well Hokage-sama, it's like this."

The Bear masked man stopped talking as the Killer Intent that Tsunade was radiating focused on him.

Lucky for him the wolf took over the story

"We were following him like you said to when he apparently pulled the same trick that the Kyuu…"

The wolf masked man stopped and gulped nervously as Tsunade cracked her knuckles at the comment he nearly made. The Cat masked women cut in quickly…

"Naruto… Uzumaki Naruto also had a tendency to disappear at the exact same spot. No matter how long we searched for his trail from that particular spot we never found it. Hokage-Sama, is it possible that before his betrayal at the Uchiha's hand Uzumaki Naruto showed him a way out? Or a spot to hide?"

Tsunade sat and considered that particular thought for a while… she let her mind wander back to when she had known the fourth Hokage, when they had been Naruto and Ikura's ages…

-45 Years ago-

"Damn that man"

Tsunade muttered angrily to herself.

"He was here a moment ago, and now he's gone… When I find that man I'll wring his neck!"

Suddenly Tsunade felt a presence at her back, she whirled around to find…

The man who was to one day become the fourth Hokage stood at the base of a tree idly twirling a Kuni. A young fox sat at his feet and stared at her intently.

"Why Tsunade-Sensei, if I didn't know better I'd swear you were looking for somebody."

Typical Uzumaki, cool, stylish, arrogant, and properly respectful…if by a hair.

"Exactly where hove you been young man?"

Asked Tsunade. Technically the young man in front of her was NOT her student, but he was as good as with how much she had helped him.

"Tsunade-Sensei I know that you look at me like you younger brother, I greatly appreciate the help you've given me in escaping that smug egotistical father of mine, but some secret's are not meant to be shared. A man needs some space to think you know."

-End flashback-

Tsunade drifted back out of her flashback and gave the people in front of her another glare.

"Tell me" she growled "Where did you lose sight of Uchiha Sasuke, Exactly now…"

The ANBU looked at each other then the eagle masked women took half a step forward.

"Over by the Raman stand Tsunade-sama, there is…"

"A tree with the Uzumaki symbol scratched into the trunk"

Finished Tsunade,

"Yes I know the place, what is your point?"

"It was under that tree Tsunade-sama... He walked under the tree and disappeared"

"Hmm"

Once again Tsunade had a flashback, probably two months after she had confronted him about where he had gone.

-Flashback 44 years 9 months ago-

Tsunade was sitting in the Raman shop, she found herself doing so more and more often. Jiraiya's pupil had been kept at home again. Not allowed to train due to some minor slip in respect toward his father… Tsunade sighed. It was well past the time he normally snuck out for Raman. Tsunade was about to leave, but the rain pouring down outside made her shiver. She had just gotten the courage to step out when she happened to glance out the window that faced the square. On the other side was the tree where Jiraiya's student had so suddenly appeared… and he was standing there now…

Tsunade watched as he looked left and right, and then he put his hand on the clan symbol for his house… and disappeared… Tsunade quickly hurried over to the tree. She scanned up and down but couldn't find any opening. She thought back quickly He was standing there, he looked left… right and then, Tsunade paused he had pumped a small amount of charka into his hand, she was sure of that and then pressed his hand to the tree. Tsunade thought back on the conversation of two months ago "a man needs some space you know"

-End flashback-

I didn't finish, I neither formed that odd swirl of chakra nor put my hand to the mark… perhaps its time to try it.

"Alright all four of you pick a gate, you will PERSONALLY keep watch for him from that gate. Heaven help you if Sasuke has actually managed to escape, because if he has, I Guarantee that the four of you, will be tried for treason."

With that the four ANBU disappeared in quick puffs of smoke. Tsunade sat thinking for another moment, and then After nodding to herself walked out of the tower and down toward the Raman stand.


"My lords and ladies this is quite… for crying out loud will you let me… why don't you all stop and…"

"SILENCE!"

By degrees the room went quiet again. Naruto had put back on his 'face of authority' as the Kyuubi had jokingly referred to it when Naruto had used it on him. One by one Naruto was staring down the Phoenix again. Once again they could not meet his gaze for more then a few seconds before looking away.

How DARE they! How DARE they question my word! I have been NOTHING but polite to them. HELLS I've been far kinder to them then they have to me!

This time however when Naruto's gaze turned on the first it modified itself. Now it reflected kinship toward an equal.

Except for you… you are at least willing to give me the benefit of doubt, even though your eyes tell me that you think I've condemned myself out of my own mouth.

Naruto rounded on the young Phoenix that had started the Ruckus.

"Let me see if I have the charges right. I currently possess a feather of yours and unless it's returned you consider me a thief?"

Kenchi, suddenly at a loss for words nodded.

"So, by your nod you signify that you are willing to drop this 'theft' claim if you feather were returned"

"I NEVER said that I… I…"

Under that gaze the young phoenix quivered and went silent.

"Yes or no will suffice."

Thinking back over what Naruto had said Kenchi had no choice but to nod again

Not like it matters, He's human, there is no way he can give it back. Humans don't know how to accept the pain required to rid themselves of an unwanted seal.

Kenchi had started to smile smugly again when he saw something that would be forever burned into his mind. Naruto gave him a grim smile and drew a Kunai.

"If you want it, it's yours, I have no need for gifts from the likes of you."

So saying Naruto cut his arm lengthwise down the tattoo of the feather. For a moment nothing happened, then with a glow and a burst of flame the tattoo lifted and once again took solid form as a feather. Without Kyuubi boosting his system Naruto healed only half as fast, knowing this he tore off the left sleeve of his shirt and bound his arm.

Hmm, thank goodness I decided not to wear my newest shirt; it would have been a shame to have to tear off the fox sigil.

The first flame was impressed; Naruto could see that in his eyes. Naruto could also see that the rest of the Coven was impressed as well. All except…

"That's not good enough."

Naruto turned and looked again at Kenchi. The young Phoenix was trying hard not to be impressed. He was losing the fight, but in spite of that he had a grim streak that was determined to see how far Naruto could be pushed.

"I will receive it back by your hand, or not at all."

Instantly Naruto's eyes flamed up, he was after all a proud person, he was tempted for a moment to put the stupid smile he wore around Konoha back on, just to hide his rage, instead he reached out a trembling hand and grasped the feather that floated in the air in front of him.


Sasuke was having quite a day. It had only taken him a moment to remember that odd swirl of chakra Naruto had used on that odd day when he disappeared. The moment that Sasuke had placed his hand on the Uzumaki symbol he had been swallowed by darkness. For a moment he had thought himself dead in some trap Naruto had placed on the mark. Fortunately for him he had muttered

"I wish I had some light"

At that phrase a glow had started. At first it was barely noticed but slowly it rose until the illumination reached a brightness that left just enough illumination for Sasuke to see around him. He was in a tunnel; although this tunnel was not very wide the roof easily cleared his head.

When in the name of Kami-Sama did Naruto find the time to make THIS?

Sasuke had probably been in the tunnel for five minutes (four of which were spent looking for where the light was coming from) when the tunnel opened up. Sasuke was brought up short but a steel door. On it was written.

SANCTITY OF THE STEADFAST HEART

Welcome stranger, but be warned. For every Choice made there is a price to be paid.

Be Steadfast of heart before you enter here for the weak will parish, and the haughty cast down, the fool and the Hypocrite spurned and the arrogant humbled. Within this room all is revealed, for to be truly steadfast you must know your own weakness. This is the sanctuary of the Shadow lords of the Uzumaki. It was made by the pure before the founding, as a testing ground for the strong, and only the pure can abide it.

Sasuke stood looking at the plaque for long moments it was tempting, So VERY tempting to open the door and walk in.

Naruto must have come this way. Perhaps this is were Naruto received his power. I can do this. I am after all an Uchiha, Surly that Dobe can't be stronger than me in truth. Can he?

To anyone who knew him Sasuke had been acting quite a bit out of character. After all, how often was is that an UCHIHA apologized? Then again ever since Naruto's funeral Sasuke had been walking in a nightmare. People he didn't like (Not that he liked anyone much mind you) congratulating him, people he usually ignored going out of their way just to spit in his path, People he had come to Tolerate attempting to kill him… All in all he hadn't felt this bad since he first became an avenger. Strengthening his resolve Sasuke started to push open the door when something grabbed his arm, Sasuke started to panic when spider webs fell from the ceiling onto his neck, and something muttered behind him.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."


Step by agonizing step, one foot in front of the other Uzumaki Naruto walked forward. In his left hand he currently held the phoenix feather, and it BURNED. Phoenix feathers were peculiar in that respect. For humans to deal with the Phoenix, both sides had to have at least a grudging respect for each other otherwise the perpetual flames that surrounded the phoenix would turn most Humans to ash, Even the aura of a phoenix feather was enough to cause sever burns if there was an especially strong negative emotion from either side. In Naruto's case the only reason that his hand hadn't gone to ash long since was the fact that somewhere deep inside Naruto there was the smallest bit of admiration for this small phoenix. Kenchi was obviously just as effected by Naruto as the rest were, but be had still managed to be defiant, it showed inner strength. Naruto could admire that. From the other side it had been more anger at being wrong than anything else that had driven the young phoenix to make such an outrageous demand. Kenchi still felt that Naruto was a Liar when he said that he was a student of Kyuubi, but perhaps it was possible that the boy wasn't all that bad, therefore it was Admiration that held back the anger from the phoenix's side.

"Your feather Ototo." Said Naruto

The Phrase Naruto used startled the younger phoenix

Brother? YOUNGER Brother? I should be mad… hell I should be FURIOUS… but, somehow that seems… right.

To almost everyone's surprise Kenchi stood, flourished his wings (sending off swirls of fire) and bowed his head.

"My thanks Nee-Chan, It appears that I have miss-judged you."

With that phrase the feather that Naruto had been holding seemed to attenuate, it grew thinner and more faint, almost as though it were Chakra. Naruto couldn't have been more stunned if the young Phoenix had somehow changed into the fourth himself and walked over to give him a hug and catch up on his life.

"First Flame, setting aside the matter of this young mans lie, I would like to Submit that he has passed the tasks you set him. First he managed to avoid destruction at the entrance, even though my feather saved him it was enough that he never backed down from the challenge. Second, He managed to remain calm in the face of disbelief and anger. He made quite a stirring speech, and then followed the prescripts by being awake when we arrived to bring him his summons. Finally, he has withstood slander, and managed to overcome the hatred of his most adamant detractor here in the hall. I submit that in earning my respect he passed the final test for admittance. I Kenchi Stand for the admittance of this man into the blood and flame.

Almost immediately all of the other Phoenix began to mutter again. This particular form of entrance hadn't been used since the Uzumaki had first been accepted as a human of sufficient nature to be a summoner. Of course after the first the others had only come so the Coven would know the face of the new summoner. They had been allowed on the word of their Sensei.

Monato smiled, he was the only one who could still remember the first of the Uzumaki. Over the years the other Phoenix had died. Of course it was not true death, not in the Human sense anyway. When Phoenix die they burst into flames that burn hotter than any other. The great Phoenix collapses and from the ash is born a new chick. In truth it is the incarnate soul of its predecessor, but the chick has no memories of what it has been before. It was Ironic therefore that the last Uzumaki should face the Reincarnation of his family's fall from grace for his final test.

"First I have only one problem with his acceptance"

Naruto's face fell; he knew that it had been far too much to hope for.

"I will accept this human's claim to be an Uzumaki, if he will recant the claim that his Sensei is Kyuubi. The first may be true, but all here know the second for an Idle boast in the heat of anger."

Monato Turned to Naruto

"It is not shaming, all speak in haste at times. If you are willing to re-cant your claim that Kyuubi is your sensei and then tell us your Sensei's real name, we will summon him and you will have both my apology, and the friendship of the phoenix."

Naruto quickly ducked his head, and began breathing deeply. Monato nodded his head sagely

"Obviously you have been overcome by our generosity child take all the time your need to catch your Breath and then we'll…"

"8….9….10. I'M NOT LYING!"

Naruto had attempted to keep his temper. Normally he was a very nice well mannered child (except when it came to eating) he had always kept a smile on his face, even when it hurt (ESPECIALLY when it hurt) but this was just too much for him. Monato sighed,

So close. I was SO CLOSE to finally re-paying that debt, but this child's arrogance got in the way… I suppose that I'll have to have him sent ba..

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted as he caught the tail end of Naruto's rant.

"…FURTHORMORE I'M BOTH AN UZUMAKI AND KYUUBI'S PUPIL. Here!"

Naruto pointed to his left arm, the arm showing the tattoos.

"you know of my multiple summons bloodline yes?"

Naruto hardly waited for the First flames murmur of 'yes' before continuing.

"Then I will prove it to you RIGHT NOW."

Naruto bit his thumb, then after a quick blur of hand seals he called out

"Summoning-No-Jutsu"

The frog stuck around just long enough to hear Naruto say.

"Your pardon, but I had great need of your service however brief."

With that Naruto released the summon. Without so much as looking up he ran his still bloody thumb over the fox head tattoo.

I hope you weren't kidding Kyuubi

"SUMMONING-NO-JUTSU"


Sasuke fought like a man possessed

I..Must..Break..Free!

"Damn Sasuke, I meant to scare you, not have you attack me."

Tsunade had been forced to subdue Sasuke by twisting both of his arms high up between his shoulder blades so that movement was painful. Gingerly she touched the mark on her cheek where an elbow had managed to connect."

"Tsunade-sama?"

If his elbows hadn't been pulled nearly up to the back of his head he would have sagged in relief.

"What in the name of Konoha are you doing here Uchiha Sasuke? You know that you are to stay in sight of your ANBU guards at all times."

"Yes Tsunade-sama"

Said Sasuke meekly. Tsunade sighed.

"I suppose that this can't be easy on you. Especially knowing that Naruto is alive and not being able to tell anyone."

Surprisingly Sasuke's face fell even more.

"No Tsunade-sama. Not telling isn't the problem. The PROBLEM is that I deserve anything they can manage to do to me… For all Intent I KILLED Naruto. Obviously I must have missed, but the point is that I was TRYING to… I deserve this and anything else that happens to me. The only reason that I haven't let them finish me off is because I need to tell Naruto this face to face before I die."

Tsunade nodded slightly. After all, It was Ototo… err. NARUTO's choice what should be done with him. Until Naruto returned they had no choice. But to make Sasuke suffer in the Hell that Naruto had gone through. Sighing Tsunade sat down with her back to the door. After rubbing his shoulders Sasuke sat facing her.

"Um, Tsunade-sama"

"Hmm?"

"why won't you let me go through those doors?"

"Because I don't feel that you've gotten over the deaths of your family at your brothers hands yet."

"…"

"…"

"and why does that matt…"

Tsunade cut him off.

"Because that is probably at least part of what you will see in that room. This place is legendary, even if you, Naruto, and I are the only ones who know where this is. Once you go through that door you face everything all your worst fears, all your greatest nightmares. Of course your also can catch glimpses of what good your future may hold, but there is no guarantee. That room will tell you everything."

Tsunade gave the smallest of shudders

"I know I have some things in MY past that I'd rather forget, I rather expect you might as well?"

Sasuke nodded.

"Well, if that is settled lets you and I go back to your place and talk over a cup of tea… something tells me I'm going to need to convince you to go talk to Sakura."

Sasuke said nothing but got up and preceded Tsunade down the hallway his mind spinning with thoughts of a certain pink haired girl mixed with images of that doors plaque, and half-remembered flashed of his fight with Naruto.

Dobe, you may already be stronger than I can ever hope to be…


"SUMMONING-NO-JUTSU"

As the smoke cleared away Monato sighed. There was nothing there.

"I'm sorry child. I however am still willing to forgive you. You obviousl…"

Naruto tuned him out, to lost in his own thoughts

DAMN IT KYUUBI! Now what do I do.

Never fear kit, I'm here.

WHAT! Where?

I'm waiting for the old windbag to wind down a bit. After all, the Phoenix pride themselves on being able to tell if they have intruders of any kind. I just want a more flashy entrance.

One day I'm going to turn you into a RUG! YOU HEAR ME?

Heh, keep dreaming kit… oh! And act cool for a while, as though this is going according to plan.

You owe me for this one Kyuubi

And I'm taking care of it in one swoop. Impressive no?

"… Therefore we will still accept the retraction of the statement in which you claimed the Kitsune Kyuubi as your teacher."

Monato was quite proud. He wasn't certain how he had done it, but he managed to talk away Naruto's failed attempt.

"Will you re-tract your statement?"

Naruto, having taken a very relaxed stance at Kyuubi's urging said

"No"

The amount of indifference he had put in his voice was enough to once again stir the resentment of the beings gathered. After all, he was being rather insolent toward their lord.

"Then I regret (Monato hung his head for a moment) That I must insist you be removed from our gathering."

Kyuubi, in a soft voice replied

"Such a pity, and here I thought you had learned that appearances were deceptive"

Monato's head jerked upward so swiftly that it created a stiff breeze. Where Naruto had stood only seconds before now stood Kyuubi.

"Oh well, come Naruto, time to get back to training."

Naruto walked out from under Monato's wing. Trying hard not to laugh at the expression on the faces of the Phoenix.

"As you command Kyuubi-Sensei"

As the two of them turned to go they heard a small laugh from behind them, Kenchi started to chuckle, then he began to laugh aloud. One after another the other Phoenix joined in until even the great Monato couldn't help but join in. after a moment however he composed himself enough to speak.

"Kyuubi my friend, Nice to see your wit is still as sharp as ever. I'm going to assume that this means the boy spoke the truth?"

"But of course Monato-san, who else knows how to get here?"

"Very well. Uzumaki Naruto, step forward."

The fine chakra mist that had begun with Kenchi's feather drifted between Monato and Naruto.

"Coven! Hear my voice. The chosen standing before us has proven himself worthy, now shall he join us and be truly one blood. Coven, present!"

With the last word each of the Phoenix plucked a single feather, each of these floated in the air for a moment before also taking on the properties of a mist. No two feathers were alike, just as no two phoenix were alike. In a short time there was a multi-colored mist wreathing Naruto's entire body. The only Phoenix not to have added a feather was the great lord Monato himself. He looked Naruto in the eye and asked.

"Do you know the proper oaths?"

Naruto was about to say 'no' when his mind suddenly seemed to snag on one particular memory.

"Yes, I believe I do. Shall I begin first?"

"Please do. This is the first summoner in a long time that I look forward to inducting."

Naruto took one last look around the room before following the promptings of memories planted in his head.

"Blood for blood,
Mine and yours spilled together.
May they mingle and be as one blood.
I Uzumaki Naruto do hereby adopt you, Monato Siame,
keeper of the eternal flame, and lord of the phoenix as my brother.
May our bloods be one and our lives never parted."

Monato nodded his head. Proper form, Proper speed. Everything in place. For a moment he bowed his head and then spoke.

"Life to Blood,
Blood to flame,
Flame to Life,
May the circle never end."

With that Monato plucked one of his own feathers. As it faded into mist and joined the colors swirling around Naruto, Naruto himself re-opened the wound where the Phoenix feather had once been. The moment he did so the ritual was completed. This was not the end however. Instead of drifting away the brightly glowing motes seemed to cluster tighter around Naruto. Distantly he seemed to hear a voice speaking to him…

"I have another gift to give you. As the first and the last, as the reconciler, I grant you an ability lost to Konoha for generations. Uzumaki Naruto, I bestow upon you 'Angels Flame'"

For a brief moment everything stood still, and then… All those motes condensed, they formed a solid stream and forced their way into the cut on Naruto's arm. Naruto Yelled writhing in agony as his blood seemed to catch fire, the heat and light Poured through his veins, his head pounded like a drum, a moment more and he would surely… Then the pain stopped. There was no sense of fading. One moment every muscle in his body screamed in agony, and the next Naruto opened his eyes and then started at his hands in awe. Covering Naruto's entire body were dancing multi-colored flames. Holding up a hand Naruto couldn't help but shiver at what he was seeing. To his eyes he should have a cinder, yet all he felt was a pleasant warmth swirling around him.

"Wha… what is this?"

Monato couldn't help but chuckle at the awe showing on Naruto's face.

"That is a lost technique called 'Angel's flame' Once that was a fairly common, if rather Unused Bloodline ability in your village. Once active it can last for up to twenty-four hours. As long as it's active it has no ill effects on your body. The moment it de-activates however your body's chakra is reduced to the bare amount needed to maintain your life. Meaning that once you cancel it you will probably need to rest for at least a week to get back to normal."

Once again Naruto looked down at the dancing flames in awe

"What do they do?"

"Basically it makes use of the fact that we literally pumped Phoenix blood into your veins. Anyone you are willing to tolerate will feel nothing but a warm current no matter what intensity of attack you use that fire for. Of course, anyone you dislike will probably be burnt quite badly just by walking to near to you."

"Thank you Monato-Sama."

Once again Monato gave a slight laugh.

"I have one more gift for you Uzumaki Naruto. You have said that all is forgiven on the account of the old debt. I present you with this feather…"

Monato plucked a second feather from his wing and handed it to Naruto.

"This feather will heal for any-one friendly to you. If it goes to far from your person it will vanish from its carrier and return to you. If you like you may gift it to another. If you do so then It can only get so far from it's new owner. should it's owner die, it will return here. Use it well"

"Thank you First flame, I hope we will meet again one day."

With that Naruto and Kyuubi both vanished in a puff of flame.

I too hope we meet again one day. Farewell Uzumaki Naruto, May Kami-sama watch over and protect you.


Shinji-Higurashi:
The Bath Scenes eh? well, perhaps I'll have to throw in a little more fluff.

boredathome:
But of course... He's now in on a secret, and it'll destry him if he is ever tempted by fate. As for the Hinata/ necklace thing... I may explain what happend next chapter. Oh yes, and the Personallity is whats been keeping him acting silly with that fake grin on his face... I'll probably make that a bit of a hard habit to break... or perhaps not, we'll see. Yes, I know he's OOC on the last couple of chapters, but it was the only way it seemed to work. Other POV? (shrug) perhaps.

ranma hibiki:
do you have ANY Idea how tempting it was to make him do just that?

Monaki-cheung:
(shrug) no worries

Eadha Ohn:
to keep the Atasuki from knowing mainly, but also Oroachimaru and those narrow minded villagers.

PersonaJXT:
Did this chapter help?

Death by Kunai:
I could ask you the same thing...

Ugh...:
OH..MY..GOSH I honestly think that yours is the closest thing I've ever gotten to a flame. Kewl. I dissagree however. Self assurance and arrogance are not at all the same thing. One makes you look like a snobish ass, and the other usually attracts people. as for the change. He's always had the pride... if I may call it that. But up to this point it's been maintaining the cheery Facade'. He'll probably need the stern again later, but the cheery is kind of a false mask. Only Hinata will be able to see past it untill he drops it again. BTW, the door that sasuke found in this chapter also explains part of naruto's attitude, it's hard to remain Naive when handed a blunt view of yourself.

Dragon Man 180:
I hope that this chapter explained a little.

To Everybody:
I'm sorry that I didn't answer you all personally, but it's 3AM right now, and I'm about to hit the sack. Thank you all for your reviews, and I hope you will both continue to read, and continue to tell me what you do and don't like.

Sincerly,
Manatheron