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

In their cavern headquarters the members of Akatsuki joined together. Each one was standing in a circle observing the prison that was specifically designed to hold the Four Tailed Wolf. The prison was surprisingly small, only about meter in diameter. It was a perfect sphere made of special minerals from Stone Country that absorbed chakra, in order to keep the massive chakra of the Tailed Beast evenly distributed inside of it. Below the prison holding it up was a alter with several seals and runes designed to siphon off the chakra when they needed in the future.

Deidira moved close to the sphere, she could almost here the beast inside trying to claw its way out. "This one was bothersome, yeah," She said. "It almost got you Zetsu, yeah."

The Akatsuki member with his body inside of a giant venues flytrap moved forward. One of the jaws from the Venus flytrap was slip in half, though it appeared to be reforming, "One of its claws go to close while I was trying to snare it," Zetsu said. "I took four of us just to weaken it enough for the containment jutsu to take effect. I hope the others will be less troublesome."

"The others should not give as much trouble," a large man said, "There are only two left that are loose, the rest are either in a prison like this one," he pointed to the sphere, "Or in a container like the one in Suna."

"So the question is," Kisame asked, "Which do we go after next?"

"The other two that are loose are the Seven and Eight Tails," the apparent leader said, "And are to powerful to capture just yet, and the One Tail is still to public. We will go after the Three and Six Tails."

At the main entrance to Suna the Konoha shinobi were about to leave when one of them stopped. "What's wrong Naruto?" Kakashi asked.

"Nothing," Naruto answered, "Could you give me a minute?" the elder Jounin nodded and left Naruto alone. Soon after Kakashi left Garra appeared in from a cloud of sand. "Keep on your guard Garra," Naruto warned. After Naruto informed the Hokage about Garra, the Third decided that it would be in everybody's interest to warn Suna about the threat of Akatsuk, and Garra may become a target in the near future.

"I am not worried," Garra said, "If they are foolish enough to come after Shukaku then they are welcome to try."

"It is safe to assume that they would not even try to capture the Tailed Beasts unless they had ways of subduing them," Naruto warned. "And I can tell you from personal experience that they are very powerful Missing-nins. They did not become S-class for nothing." Garra remained silent after that whether it was because he was thinking about Naruto's warning or not, no one could tell. "In any case watch out." Garra nodded and disappeared in another cloud of sand.

When Naruto rejoined the group Kakashi asked, "Ready to go?"

"Yeah," Naruto said. "I want to get back home."

"Don't worry Naruto," Kakashi said pulling out his book. "I'm sure Hinata will be there to 'greet' you." Everyone chuckled at Kakashi's innuendo, even Neji. And though only three people knew that Naruto and Hinata were married already, Naruto told the Hokage when they arrive in Suna and Neji already knew, everyone knew about the ceremony where the marriage would be made official. "Then again I can understand your 'impatiens'." Once again everyone was laughing, that is until Naruto started to give off a rather large killing intent.

"Kakashi," the Hokage whispered, "I would suggest you not mention anything more about Hinata and Naruto for a while." The masked shinobi nodded in agreement for Kakashi had little misgivings about Naruto's power.

Feeling the need to change the subject Lee came up to Naruto, "Naruto-kun, after we get back would you spar with me. I have been waiting for an opportunity ever since you got back. I have been training extra hard since my loss to you."

"No problem Lee," Naruto responded, much of his killing intent dieing down. "I could use a good spar."

"YOSH!" Lee jumped into the air. "AND IF I CANNOT DEFEAT YOU THIS TIME I WILL DO 2000 ONE HANDED PUSHUPS AND IF I CAN'T DO THAT I'LL…" at that point everyone began to ignore him. Everyone became used to Lee's antics after spending several days with him. They knew to just tune him out until he stopped yelling.

"I would also like a match with you," Neji commented. "I have yet face you and would like a chance."

"No problem Neji," Naruto said, "After all we're pretty much family, right?" Naruto had a smile on his face as he said this. He soon became very serious, "I think we could all use some extra training, we all need to be at our best." Those listening in all nodded in silent agreement. No one was under the delusion that Akatsuki had some the most dangerous shinobi as a part of its ranks, and that only a few in the village could actually meet them on even ground.

"Well then shall we get going," the Third suggested. "We need to get back and hear about news that has come in."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," the shinobi said.

"…AND IF NOT I WILL," Lee continued until he noticed he was alone, "Hey wait for me!" then ran off to join up with the group.

Three days later the group arrived at Konoha and the Third went to the Hokage Tower to discuss what they learned in Suna with Tsunade. Kakashi went off to the administration building because he had another mission waiting for him. The Anbu Team when off to check in at Anbu Headquarters but not without Lee saying he would meet Naruto at training grounds 11 later that this evening. Neji bid his farewell as well, saying that he would meet Naruto and Lee at the same time, he wanted to see both of them fight again as the first was one of the best he saw. This left Naruto alone for the time being, "I guess I'll go visit Aunt Isalia for now," Naruto thought. "Maybe I'll play with Jade some."

When Naruto entered the hotel room his Aunt was staying in he noticed that she was in the middle of packing. When she noticed him enter she answered his unspoken question, "After the meeting with Darkness I sent word back to the tribe. And now I must go back to organize any plans we will be making."

"I see," Naruto said. He was kind of saddened at saying good-bye to his aunt, they had become rather close in their time together. "Are all you going back?"

"Just Lita, Dag, Jade and myself," Isalia said. "The others are staying here. With the permission of Tsunade they will help out with the protection of the village." She then stepped closer to her nephew, "But don't worry, we'll be back, after all we to be here are your and Hinata's second wedding."

Naruto smiled saying, "Then I guess I should go say good-bye to my cousin then." He hugged his Aunt and left to say good-bye to the others.

Later that afternoon Naruto made his way to training field 11 for his sparring matches against Neji and Lee. After he said good-bye to his relatives Naruto went and searched for his wife, he then learned she was on a mission with Sakura and would not be back until a couple of days from now. He also learned that Sasuke was do back in the morning from his mission to Canyon Country. There would then be a meeting with the senior Jounins about what was learned from the mission.

When Naruto arrived he saw both of his opponents waiting for him. Lee was doing some handstand push-ups and Neji was leaning against a tree. "Shall we get started then?" Naruto asked.

Lee nodded enthusiastically and went to the center of the training area taking his preferred stance. When he was walking Naruto noticed that Lee was lighter on his feet than he was when they returned that morning. "I see you already took off you weights."

"I will not underestimate you this time Naruto-kun," Lee said.

Naruto then proceeded to remove his own weights. After he was done Naruto took his own stance. Before the two started Neji said, "Lee remember this is just a sparring match, don't use Lotus."

"Lotus?" Naruto asked. "I heard Sakura mention that before, what is it?"

"It's a Kinjutsu Taijutsu," Lee said. "It is the beginning stages of opening the Eight Chakra Gates. It puts tremendous strain on the body."

"Sounds like the Language of Marital Arts and the Kamui Principle," Naruto commented. "Since you are not using Lotus I won't use them." Lee nodded and the two began their match with Naruto performing, "Shrapnel!" The small the bits of chakra shot off Naruto's foot in a direct line to Lee.

Lee was able to jump over the technique with a front flip toward Naruto. When he landed he called, "Konoha Senpuu!" His body then began to rotate much faster then it did Naruto first faced Lee and was able to land a kick to Naruto's chest, sending his back several meters.

Naruto quickly recovered by spinning in mid air and landing on his feet. He used a burst of speed and closed the distance between him and Lee. When he was close enough Naruto sent a strong side kick to Lee. Lee was able to catch the kick but that was what Naruto was hoping for. He then bent his leg drawing himself closer he then took his other leg and wrapped around Lee's neck and twisting his body sideways was able to throw him into a near by tree.

Lee after hitting the tree pushed off the ground with his hands back toward Naruto. Naruto jumped but was caught off guarded when Lee came up from under him, "Kage Buyou," Lee said. "It's normally the beginning of Lotus. But I have since modified it a bit." He then punched Naruto in the back three times followed up by a spin kick on the descent saying, "Kage Rendan!" (Shadow Combo). Naruto landed with a crash while Lee landed perfectly.

After a second Naruto stood up shaking his head a little, "Not back Lee but try this, Saber!" Naruto jumped to a hand stand, spinning on his hands, spitting his legs in the middle of the rotation, bringing his feet down letting chakra off his front foot then his back foot. Lee was able to dodge the first chakra wave but not the next and it hit him directly in the chest. When Lee was knocked off his feet Naruto rushed forward drawing his custom combat knife. Then after Lee landed Naruto brought the knife to Lee's throat.

"Looks like you win again Naruto-kun," Lee said, relenting to his loss.

"You've gotten better Lee," Naruto said. Then helped him up, "That Kage Rendan sure did hurt."

"So did Saber," Lee said.

"I guess it's my turn then," Neji said stepping forward.

"So it is," Naruto agreed taking a solider pill. "I've seen Hinata-chan fight on numerous occasions, but everyone says that you're even better at your family fighting style."

"Hinata-sama's fighting style has been modified to suit her own purposes," Neji said, "My style is the true Gentle Fist." He then took his stance with one palm forward and the other back and then activated his Byakugan. "Show me the true strength of Shadow Skill."

Naruto smiled, "If I were to do that you would be dead Neji."

Neji's response was to return the smile then called out, "Hakke Kuushou!" Neji took his back hand and thrust it forward straight at Naruto. Naruto not seeing anything come off Neji's hand was puzzled when he felt an impact hit him sending him back about four meters.

"He hit me with a vacuum attack," Naruto thought when he landed. "Sword," Naruto sent a wave of chakra at Neji who dodged rather easy. Naruto then called, "Boomerang!" the second technique connected before Neji could react and sent him back about three meters. Neji expected Naruto to continue his assault but Naruto remained stationary, "I've seen Hinata-chan use Kaiten, so don't expect me to get to close."

"Wise decision," Neji said. He stood up and resumed his Gentle Fist stance. Naruto went into a defensive stance waiting for Neji to move. The two stayed this way for several seconds, trying to get a read on what the other was going to do. Neji having the Byakugan had an advantage over him in reading actions, "He's waiting for me to attack then he is going to counter," Neji thought, "I know he is holding back, I know from what Sasuke said about his attack against the Stone-nins. If I could get just a little closer I could get his with Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou." He then began to make small movements forward to try and get Naruto with his deviation.

Naruto noticed the subtle movements and wondered what Neji was trying to do. He had yet to Rokujuu Yonshou so he was only slimly aware of its range. "I know he's planning something," Naruto thought, "He knows I won't be hit by his previous attack again now that I know what to look for, so could be planning?"

Neji smiled, Naruto did not move once only tightened his stance. "Now he's in range," Neji thought. "Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou!" Neji said as he charged Naruto.

Naruto went from calm to surprise as Neji moved towards him. When Neji was close enough he started to close Naruto's chakra points. Unfortunately for him Naruto called out, "Tomahawk!" thus stopping Neji by kicking him with both feet knocking him back. This resulted in Neji only closing half of Naruto's chakra holes. "So that's what it feels like to get hit by that," Naruto said. "Damn that hurt!"

"Your technique did not feel any better," Neji said standing up.

"Why don't we call it a draw," Naruto suggested.

"Very well," Neji said, "I hope to see you at full strength one day. Just not on the receiving end."

Naruto smiled as Lee joined them. "Come on guys lets get something to eat, after all that I know I'm hungry."

Unknown to the three teenagers three people were observing the matches at a distance. "Hmm Neji and Lee fight very differently," Jiraiya said. "Lee uses high speed and strength while Neji uses control and accuracy."

"Differences between Gentle Fist and Iron Fist," the Fifth said. "But Naruto was able to adapt to both. And though all three were holding back its very clear to see that Naruto was holding back more. Shadow Skill is truly superior to both styles."

"It was interesting to watch," the Third said. "It makes me wonder if we could give him a good fight."

"Give another few years and he could take you job Tsunade," Jiraiya smirked.

"He can have it," Tsunade said, "I hate paper work."

"Just don't let Naruto hear about that," the Third said, "Other wise he might never take it." The former teacher and students laughed for a minute before recomposing themselves. "What have you found out Jiraiya?"

"My sources have told me the location of three of the Tailed Beasts," Jiraiya said. "The Five Tailed Tiger is in Water Country. It's in some old temple that is highly guarded by several Mist shinobi. The Two Tailed Bear is in Stone Country, it's in a prison, some kind of idle. And the Six Tailed Hawk is in Mountain Country it's in a vessel."

"The Bear will be difficult to track with problems with Stone," Tsunade said.

"Because Stone won't believe anything we tell them all we can do is have my contacts tell me if Akatsuki makes a move for the Two Tailed Bear," Jiraiya said.

"What about the other two?" Tsunade asked. "How will they react to any information from us?"

"Mist stayed neutral during the War," the Third said. "And we know that Hoshigaki Kisame from Mist is one of Akatsuki's members. Combined they should at least be on higher alert. As for Waterfall, I could not tell you. They tend to keep to themselves in most aspects except for the occasional Chunin exam entry."

"So they could just as well believe us as ignore us then," Tsunade concluded. After thinking for a moment she finally said, "We will send a team of Anbu to Mountain Country to look for the Hawk. We will also send with them an official diplomatic scroll as well. Since no one know exactly where Waterfall is except shinobi from that village we can should be able to use the excuse of sending them a warning about Akatsuki to enter Mountain Country."

"That does appear to be the best coarse of action," Jiraiya said. "But what do they do if they are asked to leave Mountain Country."

"We would have to follow their request," the Third said. "The last thing we need now is strained tensions with another village."

"That is why we send our best at stealth to investigate," Tsunade said. "That will lesson the chances of the team being found." The two men nodded in agreement, "We'll tell our plan tomorrow at the meeting with the Jounins."