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

Kakashi, with his two teenage partners, were standing before the Third Hokage telling him their report about their mission to the village of Suna. "Once we arrived at Suna we were taken into a room and placed under a paralyzing jutsus," Kakashi reported. For once he was standing at attention instead of his normal relaxed posture. "Then the Kazekage entered the room and performed some kind of scanning jutsu. Apparently they have been having leaks in their security, however, the scanning jutsu seemed to be designed for a specific person. Once the Kazekage was satisfied with our identities, he took us to his office and we discussed aid from one village to another. After the meeting we rested for the day and left the village. On our way back we encountered Rain-nin including the traitor Aoi that stole the Raijin. We were able to defeat the Rain-nin and recover the Raijin with the help of an apparent Missing-nin from Suna." At this point Neji approached the Hokage and presented the recovered Raijin. The Hokage inspected it, confirming it was his predecessor's weapon.

"And what was discussed during the meeting with the Kazekage?" the Hokage asked.

"During the meeting we exchanged information about the alliance and he asked about the rumors of a third party," Kakashi answered. "I told him that we have not confirmed if there was a third party."

"Very well," the Hokage said. "And what of assistance in case of an attack?"

"I believe that we may only count on aid from Suna, if both Cloud and Stone attack," Kakashi said. "He seemed to stress the part of the treaty that included that one village would come to help the other if more than one enemy village attacked." The Hokage nodded in understanding, "I believe that it should also be noted that it appears that not all Suna shinobi agree with the Kazekage."

"Explain."

"Just before we left we were slipped a message from two Suna shinobi," Kakashi replied. "It was mostly a warning to avoid a Missing-nin named Garra of the Desert. But it also said that there were Suna shinobi that disagreed with the Kazekage. It should also be noted that Garra of the Desert was the one who aided us against the Rain-nin. And I suspect that he is son of the Kazekage that went missing not too long ago and that the two whom handed us the message were also the Kazekage's children."

"Thank you Kakashi," the Hokage said. "You three are off for the next three days then you will return to active duties."

"Yes Hokage-sama!" the three saluted and exited the office. The Hokage sat back and thought, "I was afraid of this, Suna has not been very cooperative in the past few years. But now that we know not to rely on Suna's aid, we can plan around that. All that's left is for Jiraiya and his team to return."

Once the three were outside they split off from one another. Sasuke was walking back to his apartment when he felt someone following him. He concentrated for a moment and then called out, "Your getting better Sakura, you were able to get within six meters this time." He turned and smiled at his pink haired former teammate.

"Still needs work though," Sakura said returning the smile. "Care to join me for something to eat?"

"Ok," Sasuke agreed. Though the only ones who knew, were those closest to them, Sasuke always hated treating Sakura like she never existed when they were younger. So now every time she asked him, out he could never refuse. That and the fact that the two had been officially going out since about six months before Naruto returned.

Tayuya knelt before her master visibly shaking from the report she was giving to Orochinmaru. She told of the events that started with her and her former teammates planning to use a Genjutsu to lure the Hyugga and Shadow Claw away from the others in order to capture them. She then explained how from there everything went from bad to worse. She told Orochimaru of the strange fighting style that Shadow Claw used and how it seemed to be based in Taijutsu but incorporated Ninjutsu in the techniques without the use of had seals. She went on further to explain the mysterious chant he called the Language of Martial Arts, to dramatically increase his chakra output and strength; then combined it with what Shadow Claw called Kamui principle to increase his speed to the point that, even with their Level Two Curse Seals they were unable to even see most of his moves. "And after that the Sannins and the other two Konoha shinobi showed up," she finished.

"And then you retreated," Orochimaru said calmly. Even though his voice did not show it, he was rather angry to hear that three of his Sound Four were defeated and now dead.

Tayuya nodded, "Yes but I was only able to escape because they let me."

"Leave!" Orochimaru ordered, "I will deal with your cowardice latter!" Tayuya did not even respond and just quickly left his sight. Once she was gone he leaned back and thought. Though he was angry at loss, he was also intrigued. Whatever this fighting style was, it was extremely powerful, meaning that he wanted to know even more about it.

"Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto's voice addressed him. "I have heard from our spies in Konoha. And they say that the village is concentrating on Cloud and Stone and have not been paying much attention to our activities." Orochimaru stayed silent as Kabuto spoke. "But with the recent events that may change as soon as your former teammates return."

"What of Sasuke-kun?" Orochinmaru asked.

"By the time the message was sent he had just arrived in the village and details of his mission are still unknown," Kabuto answered. "I have also retained some more information on whom Shadow Claw really is." Orochimaru glanced at Kabuto indicating his wished for him to continue. "It turns out that he is actually Uzumaki Naruto."

"So the Kyuubi brat is alive," Orochimaru nodded. "Maybe the Demon taught him how to fight and the jutsus he uses are Demonic in origin."

"That is unknown to our spies," Kabuto informed, "He apparently only told those close to him about his time away." He then paused for a moment then asked, "Do you wish the spies to watch him more closely?"

Orochimaru thought for a moment, "Yes and tell them to be on the look out for the organization. Him being alive will reach them soon and they will want him."

"As you wish Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto said disappearing from the room.

About a day's travel away from Konoha, Naruto and his group stopped to rest for the night. With the possibility of war looming they were in a rush to get back to the village and traveled almost non-stop. When they finally reached Konoha's territory they decided to stop for a rest. It had taken them a week to get this far and everyone needed the break.

"One more day and we'll be back in Konoha," Naruto said.

"Yes and I for one can't wait to get back," Shizune commented.

"Why is that Shizune-san?" Hinata asked.

"Couple of reasons actually," Shizune answered. "One, I haven't been there in a while and two, I could use a bath. We haven't stopped once at a town and washed up." Everyone around the campsite nodded a little in agreement, they could all use some cleaning up.

"I know we're only a day away," Jiraiya began. "But if you can't wait there's a small stream about fifty meters or so that way," he indicated behind Naruto.

"And just how do you know that there's a stream that close which such accuracy?" Tsunade asked, though she had a good idea.

"Well it's actually a place for good research," Jiraiya smiled.

Slapping his forehead Naruto sighed, "Should have guessed that."

"Well in either case I can't wait," Tsunade announced, "I'm going, girls if you wish to join me you are welcome to come," she then directed a hard gaze at Jiriaya, "And you don't even think about following us."

"He won't," Naruto said evenly. The two other female ninjas nodded in agreement with Tsunade and followed her. Jiraiya watched them go bust made no move. "Don't even think about it," Naruto ordered.

"I wasn't," Jiraiya said, Naruto gave him a look that clearly said he did not believe the Toad Summoner. Jiraiya then sighed; normally, traveling with three lovely ladies he would have loads of inspiration, even at the risk of Tsunade's wrath. But with the combined punishments of Naruto and Tsunade, even he would not press his luck.

Once they were out of sight of camp Tsunade glanced at Hinata and asked, "So just how close are you to Naruto?" It was clear to anyone that Hinata liked him and it was equally clear that Naruto's feelings were growing steadily for her with each passing day.

"We're close friends," Hinata said blushing. "But…" she trailed off as her face turned even redder.

"But you want it to be more," Tsunade smiled when Hinata nodded weakly. In the short time that she knew the two teenagers she had become rather attached to them. And it had little to do with the fact that she seemed to win at cards when Naruto was around, they had played at their brief stops to loose some tension from travel. It was more do to the fact that she saw herself in Hinata and her brother and, on different occasions, former fiancé in Naruto.

"Well I wouldn't be too worried," Shizune joined in, "It's clear that he likes you." She then laughed a little, "It's kind of cute the way he continually threatens Jiraiya when ever he looks at you."

Tsunade laughed as well, "I thought I was the only one who could make Jiraiya sweat like that. He must take the threats very seriously."

When the three girls got back they could detect that Naruto's glare still on Jiraiya. He did not remove it until Hinata came up and touched him on the shoulder. "Welcome back Hinata-chan," he greeted, "Feeling better?"

"Yes Naruto-kun," she answered. She then sat down next to him and got comfortable by leaning against him. She had decided after Tsunade and Shizune told her that Naruto likes her, she would be a bit more active not wanting to loose another chance. Naruto for his part stiffened slightly when Hinata leaned against him, but soon relaxed when he glance at her and saw a smile of her face.

After a few minutes of silence Tsunade spoke up, "Hinata," she said getting the teenager's attention, "Why did you decided to become a medical-nin."

Hinata sat up to answer, "When I thought Naruto died," she glanced at him with only the briefest of a sad expression, "I wanted to do everything in my power to save my friends. And after I became a Chunin I dedicated myself to the medical field."

"Well I must say you choose wisely in becoming a medic," Shizune said, "That healing cream of yours is excellent work."

"When we get back I can take you under me and give you some pointers if you'd like," Tsunade added. "I am also impressed with your skill."

"It would be an honor Tsunade-sama," said a stunned Hinata.

"What impresses me is her fighting style," Jiraiya commented, "Combining the Hyuuga's Gentle Fist with medical Taijutsu has produced a very effective fighting style."

"Yeah," Naruto agreed, "You really helped me back there with the Sound ninjas."

"Speaking of which," Tsunade said, "It appears that Orochimaru has taken an interest in your Shadow Skill. He's a fanatic when it comes to learning unknown powers."

"You don't have to worry about that," Naruto said, "There is only one way for him to learn Shadow Skill and that is for me to teach him. Something I will never do."

"But if he captures you," Jiraiya added, "He could learn from by dissecting your body."

"He may be able to learn how I gather chakra," Naruto admitted, "But he will never know the techniques. The master showing them and extensive practice from the apprentice can only pass them. And even then he would never learn the final secrets."

"What about the one that taught you?" Jiraiya asks.

"There is no one that can harm Darkness," Naruto scoffed. "I don't think he even exists in this reality."

"I agree with Naruto," Tsunade said. "From the stories the First Hokage told me, Darkness only shows himself to those he wishes. Orochimaru wouldn't even be able to find him." Jiraiya nodded in acceptance and let the issue drop. After about another hour of light conversation everyone decided to turn in for the night.

The next day the five shinobi came into view of the main gates and were greeted by three Chunins. When the Chunins recognized Jiraiya and Tsunade the immediately sent word to the Hokage and leapt down to greet two of the Legendary Three. "Welcome back to Konoha, Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sama." One then turned to the other three, "And to you as well Hyuuga-san and Shizune-san." His lack of greeting to Naruto would have been hard to miss even for a deaf person.

"I believe you missed a person," A voice from behind the Chunin called. Everyone turned to see a young pink haired Jounin standing inside the interior of the wall.

"It's alright Sakura-chan," Naruto said, "I really don't think we have time for pleasantries."

Sakura nodded then said, "The Hokage is currently meeting with the Village Elders and will speak with you when he is done."

"Good," Tsunade said with sweet voice, "I'm going to have to insist that some of the gate guards be demoted for not being very observant." She spoke loud enough for the Chunin who greeted them to hear.

"I agree," Jiraiya spoke, "I think I'll recommend that too, they can't seem to count either and that makes them too stupid to be Chunins. In fact I'll recommend that they be dismissed as shinobi entirely. But enough of this we should be moving."

Behind them the Chunin had turned completely pale from hearing the Sannins' conversation. One of the other guards walked up to him saying, "Looks like they seem to like him, and you just made a big mistake by insulting him." The now even paler Chunin did not respond as the other guard walked away and returned to duty.

Author's note

Sorry for the short chapter but I've had some writer's block on how to lead to the next part of the story.