Disclaimer: I do not own any wrights to Naruto or Shadow Skill. I merely use their characters and themes for entertainment purposes.

The Hokage sat in his office contemplating what just transpired less than an hour ago. "Naruto has become the inheritor of Shadow Skill," he thought. "If the legends about its strength are true then Naruto will become the strongest person in the village within the next few years." He sighed and lit his pipe, "And judging by the power he displayed earlier he may be at Kakashi's level, maybe even higher. But the question is what to do with him now?" He stood up and went to his window to gaze at the stone faces. "He is now a Jounin, but I doubt he is ready and willing to take on a Gennin team yet. One part of the test we did not cover was how well he would do on a team. If his ability to work in a unit has increased like that of his other skills, then he may make a gook Anbu. But if that is the case who to put him with? I'm sure Sasuke would be willing to take him as part of him team, but that may not be the best for either of them. Naruto needs to reintegrate with others and just being around people he was already close to would not help very much." He returned to his desk to finish his paperwork, "I will send him out on a couple of missions with other Jounin first and go from there."

The Hokage went back to work just a deep voice from his widow said, "I see the only thing you still do around here is paperwork, eh sensei."

The Hokage turned to the window and saw a large man with long spiky white hair, "Hello Jiraiya, I haven't seen you in about a year of so. What brings you here?"

"Well first," Jiraiya reaches in to his clothes and pulls out a book. "I've just completed my latest book and I came to give a special addition to my two best readers." He hands the book to the Hokage, who is blushing but still takes it anyway. "And second I have some information about our old friend."

The Hokage's quietly puts the book into his robes, "And what is he up to?"

Jiraiya moves and sits across the Hokage, "According to my sources he wants you in a grave and plans to put you there himself."

"Then we should expect an attack soon?" The Hokage asked.

"Not just yet," Jiraiya answers, "But it would be wise to begin preparations."

"How long before he comes?"

"Not for a couple of months," Jiraiya answered. "You're high on his list of priorities but not at the top." He stood up about to leave when the Hokage's voice stopped him.

"Before you leave I think you should know," the Hokage said, "He's still alive and back in the village."

Jiraiya paused turned and nodded, "I need to give Kakashi his copy. When I get back we'll talk."

"You'll find them both at Ichiruka having a celebration," the Hokage said as Jiraiya left.

Not far away Naruto was indeed celebrating his recent promotion to Jounin level. The people there were his friends, Rock Lee, Shikamaru and Konohamaru and his friends just back from a Gennin mission from outside the village. Konohamaru and his friends had heard about Naruto being alive the moment the walked into the village just a half hour ago and came straight here. When they saw him they nearly broke into tears hoping that their 'leader' was not just some figment of their imagination. After several minutes of several people convincing them he was not just their imagination they soon joined in the celebration.

"So Konohamaru you still being taught by that closet pervert?" Naruto asked in between mouthfuls of ramen.

"Ebisu-sensei is still teaching us," Konohamaru said. "And we're sorry we didn't…"

"Don't worry about it," Naruto said knowing what Konohamaru was about to say.

"So Naruto," Kakashi said behind his book, "Are you going to tell us why you're called 'Shadow Claw.'"

Everybody turned to Naruto in anticipation. Ever since the Hokage questioned him about his new title they became very curious. "Well there's not to much a reason behind it really," Naruto began, "Darkness said that the warriors of Karuda would be named for aspects that were unique to them. For me it was the fact that I mastered Shadow Skill and," he paused and held up his hands showing his claws, "my claws."

There was silence for a moment the Konohamaru shouted, "THAT'S IT?"

"Hey Kakashi-sensei got his name because he only copies others techniques with his Sharingan!" Naruto countered.

"Speaking of which," Sasuke jumps in, "Why couldn't the Sharingan copy the techniques?"

"The way it was explained to me," Naruto answered, "Was that unlike doing hand seal that require chakra to be molded outside the body for jutsus, the techniques of Shadow Skill require the molding of chakra inside the body."

"I did see an unusual pattern in your chakra when you were fighting Naruto-kun," Hinata added.

"And it requires the specific training Darkness gave me to learn to mold the chakra the proper way," Naruto continued.

"So what was the training like and could you teach me Shadow Skill Naruto-kun?" Rock Lee asked.

"Sorry Lee," Naruto replied, "But there can only be one master and one apprentice in Shadow Skill. Darkness made me promise only to teach it to one person and not to chose lightly." Everyone understood that once Naruto made a promise nothing in this world would get him to break it. "But the training…"

Three months after the Darkness brought Naruto to the fallen city of Karuda he began instructing him in Shadow Skill. The basic foundation of the style is to fight using primarily your feet. And for this Naruto was forced to develop his legs first. To accomplish this Darkness made him wear extremely heavy weights on his legs and did several exercises that would build his leg muscles. His morning workout would consist of running around the city ten times and instead of going around any debris that littered the ground, he was told to go over it by either jumping or walking up it. Then once his run was done he would do several kicks alternating each leg while standing on a five-meter tall pole that was no wider than his foot to also improve his balance. Once that was done he would do near countless squats. After he was done with his morning workout he would work on the technique that Darkness had should him for three hours. And in the late afternoon and early evening Naruto would work on his upper body. He needed a strong overall body to perform the techniques properly. But the exercises in the evening were geared more towards flexibility rather than strength. Finally when those exercises were finished Darkness would train his mind with advanced illusions and games of strategy and tactics.

Currently Naruto was practicing one of the lower level techniques of Shadow Skill. He had the basic principle down but was still having problems refining it so it had the proper power. Naruto was attempting destroy a boulder three times his size in one shot. So far all he was able to do was cause chips to break off. "Damn, what an I missing?" Naruto asked to no one in particular.

"You need to release the chakra just as your foot is fully extended," Darkness answered.

Naruto jumped back about a meter. Darkness had a bad habit of showing up out of nowhere rather often. And even though Naruto senses had increase because of Kyuubi he still could not feel his approach. "Alright give me some room," Naruto said. Darkness moved back about two meters. Naruto then charged the boulder, jumped and extended his foot, just as he was about to his the rock he fully extended his leg and called out "Sword!" in a blinding flash Naruto obliterated the boulder. "Alright!" Naruto cheered and he began to jump up and down in celebration at his accomplishment.

Darkness silently walked up to Naruto and said, "You will now require an increase in weight and an increase in your flexibility training."

"What?" Naruto stopped abruptly, "BUT WHY!"

"The next technique requires more speed and higher flexibility," Darkness answered. He then raised his hands and the weights on Naruto's legs began to glow.

Naruto could feel the weight increase and said, "This feels a lot heavier."

"It is at least twice your old weight," Darkness informed. "Now begin stretching against the wall."

Naruto obeyed and slowly made his way to a wall about ten meters away. Once he was there he tried to lift his leg and had trouble, "I can barely lift my legs now."

"Use chakra to increase your strength," Darkness instructed.

"I know, I know," Naruto said forcing chakra in to his legs. He then lifted his leg and placed it against the wall. Once he had his balance corrected he hopped on his support leg towards the wall forcing his stretching leg higher up the wall. When it was nearly vertical and parallel to his body he asked, "How long do I have to hold this for?"

"Two hours. Then switch legs." Naruto grumbled but continued this on into the evening.

"And that was only the beginning of the training," Naruto said. "With every technique I learned Darkness would make my training schedule even tougher. If I didn't heal and recover so quickly I would have probably died even with his healing talismans."

Everyone at the ramen stand, his friends and others that were simply listening in, thought the same thing, "That kind of schedule could give Lee's a run."

After about five minutes of silence Hinata asked, "By why does it use feet primarily?"

"Because of slaves," Naruto answered.

"Slaves?" several people asked.

"Yeah," Naruto began to explain. "Shadow Skill originated from female slaves that were forced to do some rather degrading things. Everything from killing to torture to even rape." Everyone became silent after what Naruto said. Not waiting for a response he continued, "Because the slaves had their hands bound and lacked the physical strength to fight back that had to rely of their feet and limber bodies. Darkness said that it was the most feared of all Karuda Killing Styles because its entire basis was to free and restore the dignity of the female slaves."

"Now that I think about it," Sasuke spoke up, "When I fought you yesterday I did take notice you seemed to keep your hands close together like they were bond or something."

"Sounds like Naruto would have an advantage over most shinobi in that case," Shikamaru said.

"What do you mean?" Moegi asked.

"Well except for Taijutsu all jutsus shinobi use require hand seals," Shikamaru explained. "From what Naruto just told us, the entire basis for Shadow Skill is to have your hands bound. That means a regular ninja that gets their hands bound would become pretty useless, but for Naruto it would not matter in anyway." The three Gennins at the stand thought for a moment then nodded in agreement.

While Shikamaru was explaining Kakashi, Naruto, Sukura, Sasuke and Hinata glanced to the side focusing on someone that just arrived. The younger shinobi turned to Kakashi and he just waved them off. They turned back just as Shikamaru was finished explaining and Kakashi stood up, "Well I should be heading out," he announced. "I have to go meet someone," he again glanced outside. The four looked at him again but he just waved them off again. "I'll see you later."

After Kakashi left he walked up with Jiraiya asking, "When will you latest book come out?"

Jiraiya gave him a grin and produced Kakashi's volume, "Here enjoy." He glanced back to the ramen stand. "So he is still alive."

From behind his new book Kakashi answered, "Yes, and it appears that he is already stronger than many Jounin."

"I'm glad to see he's alive," Jiraiya said walking away. "Is what I over heard true?"

"You would have to ask the Third to know just how strong Shadow Skill is," Kakashi said. "But from what he has described of his training and what I witnessed it is incredibly powerful."

"Good," Jiraiya commented, "Konoha will need strong shinobi in the near future." With that he disappeared leaving Kakashi to enjoy his book.

The next day Naruto found himself alone wondering the village. The others had their last day off yesterday and went back to their duties. Naruto had yet to be assigned anywhere, he figured that they honestly did not know what to do with him yet. So he decided to take a walk around the village. Word spread rapidly about his evaluation and the citizens seemed to be avoiding him, it made Naruto remember when he was a child when everyone would take their children away whenever he showed up. The only difference this time was that instead of giving him hateful looks they were giving him fearful ones. "I'm not sure which is worse, being hated and avoided or being feared and avoided," Naruto thought. He continued his walk until he came to Training Area 7. Once he noticed where he was, he slowly approached the memorial stone and saw his name written on it. When he got close enough he noticed that there were signs of his name having to be polished and repolished over and over again. "I guess some people thought I didn't disserve to be on here," he thought out loud. He then laughed, "In a way I guess they were right." He abruptly stood up and called out, "I don't like to be spied on. If you want to say something then say it."

A figure came out from behind a tree and slowly approached. When Naruto turned he saw it was a girl about Konohamaru's age come out. She had the same eyes as Hinata; in fact she looked a lot like Hinata from when he was at the Academy except the girl before him has longer hair. "You're my sister's boyfriend right?"

"Boyfriend?" Naruto asked. "And who's your sister?" although he had a very good idea whom this was.

"Hinata!" the girls snapped.

"Hanabi right?" Naruto asked. "Hinata-chan told me a lot about you."

The girl nodded then asked, "Well are you?"

"I don't know," Naruto answered.

That was not an answer she had expected. Hanabi had thought that he would either say yes of maybe deny being her sister's boyfriend. "What do you mean you don't know?" she spoke with anger.

"Just like it sounds, I don't know," Naruto said in an irritated voice. "I've only been back for a few days and I'm still getting to know her."

"Well then do you at least think she's cute?" Hanabi asked.

Naruto blushed for a minute and was about to answer but a voice stopped him, "Hanabi where are you?" A middle-aged man with long black hair and white eyes came into the clearing, "Ah there you are. Your Jounin-sensei is looking for you?" The man looked a bit irritated but spoke in a calm voice.

"I'm sorry Father," Hanabi bowed. "I was just talking to him," she pointed at Naruto.

Hiashi turned to Naruto with an unreadable expression and turned back to Hanabi. "Your sensei should not have to notify me to find you."

"Yes Father," Hanabi bowed once again. "Good day Father," she then left the area but not before looking at Naruto once again.

After she left Hiashi turned back to Naruto and stared for a moment before turning to leave. "Good day Hyuuga-sama," Naruto said as he left.

Hiashi paused, turned a bit and said, "Good day, Uzumaki-san."

After he left Naruto fell back, "That was intense." He then thought about the two Hyuugas, "Wasn't exactly what I expected Hinata's father to be like that. Then again the Neji is, and the fact that Hinata-chan's father trained him, I shouldn't be surprised."

Naruto decided to continue his walk after the encounter with Hinata's sister and father. He was walking by the bathhouses when he heard a familiar laugh coming from near by. It was not familiar in the voice but in the tone being used. It was the same perverted giggle that Kakashi used when he was reading his Icha Icha books. Following the giggles Naruto soon came upon a slightly elderly man peeking through a hole in the fence. "Just what do you think you're doing?" Naruto said with unbidden hostility in his voice. The man turned around and once Naruto saw his face a frown formed, "You're that geezer pervert that gave Kakashi-sensei his book yesterday."

"Hey don't call me a geezer!" Jiraiya shouted. He then covered mouth real quickly and frantically turned his head making sure no one saw him. "If you know about my books then you should know I need inspiration to write them." Without another word he turned back around and peeked back through the hole.

Naruto was now extremely angry, he never really liked perverts, only liked to embarrass them in front of others. He liked them even less as he grew older, and now here was one being blatantly obvious about it in front of him. He moved forward about to deck the man when a puff of smoke appeared in between the two. "Jiraiya-sama," an Anbu spoke. "The Hokage wishes your presence immediately." He then turned to Naruto, "And he requests your presence as well." Naruto nodded and the Anbu vanished, when he turned back around to again try and deck Jiraiya he found he was already gone.

The Third sat in his office with several Jounin and a few Anbu waiting for the last two people to show up so he could start the meeting. After his talk with Jiraiya yesterday he decided to take action in preparing for a possible attack within the next couple of months. The first to arrive was his old student and the last Naruto was not far behind him. Once they arrived and took their places he began, "According to recent information provided by Jiraiya we have learned that there are negotiations going on between Cloud and Stone. We have not had the best relationship with either county in the past so the negotiations could lead to a security risk for the village. Because of that I am sending a team to investigate potential threats and to see if the rumors about a third party involved are correct. The team will consist of Genma, Kurenai and Aoba, you will leave once I give you the information after the meeting."

"Yes Hokage-sama," the three said together.

"And because of the possible threats I am canceling any rookie Gennin team missions that will occur outside the village," the Third said. The various Jounin instructors nodded. "Next we will be increasing Anbu patrols outside the village and increase the presence of Jounins that are not assigned to any teams." The two groups nodded in confirmation. "That is all, except for Naruto and Jiraiya, the rest of you pass on the orders." The Hokage then gave a scroll to Genma saying, "Here is all the information you will need."

Once everyone was out Naruto asked, "So why did you want us to stay?"

The Third was about to answer when a knock came from the door. Hinata entered saying, "You wished to see me Hokage-sama?"

"Ah yes, I have called you here because you will be joining these two on their mission," the Hokage said.

"Wait a minute what mission?" Naruto asked.

"The mission I had you stay behind to give you," the Third answered. "This will be an A-rank mission that could take some time. I am sending you on a mission to search for someone and bring her back to the village."

"Ok," Naruto said, "If it's A-rank that injuries are expect that explains Hinata, being a medic and all. But what about him?" Naruto asked turning to Jiraiya, who was staring at Hinata with some drool coming out of his mouth. When Naruto saw this his fist clenched in anger.

"Jiraiya is the only one that seems to be able to find her," the Hokage answered.

Taking his gaze off Hinata Jiraiya asked, "What makes you think I know where she is?"

The Third pulled out his latest Icha Icha book, causing Naruto to clench his fist more and Hinata to blush, and said, "In you latest volume you mentioned 'an angry she demon with monstrous strength interrupted the hero's pursuit.'" The Hokage put the book away, "And since you only write about 'inspiration' that happened recently, that implies that you have seen her not too long ago."

"Alright," Jiraiya said, "But I'm only doing this because you gave me exclusive privilege to research my next volume without being arrested." That statement had both younger ninjas turn red in embarrassment and anger.

"You will leave in an hour," the Hokage ordered calling an end to the meeting.

"Meet me at the main entrance," Jiraiya said. He was about to leave when he felt a tug on his shirt.

When Jiraiya turned around Naruto let go of his shirt and grabbed his neck. "If you peek a Hinata-chan just once," Naruto said in dead cold voice. "I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life breathing through a tube." Naruto then let go of him and went to join Hinata who left before the other two.

Authors Note:

For those that are wondering the reason Sasuke does not have a curse seal is because Orichimaru never gave him one. Orichimaru was obly able to give Sasuke one because he was valinarble during the second part of the chunin exam. And by the time he entered a chunin examSasuke had already developed the Sharingan and his other abilities to a point that it would take too much time for Orichimaru to give Sasuke the seal before others showed up to help.