A Hero Lies In You

By: DJ Rodriguez

(Author's Notes: Hello everyone. College is off so far, so I'm going to take the time to update any and all important fics. Starting with this one.

Darien: We hope all of you have enjoyed our work so far. DJ has a request though. He would like to see a Naru/Ino/Ten fanfic that follows some certain principles.

DJ: The fanfic has to follow what the song in here is about. I have listened to many inspiring songs, and this from Mariah Carey is one of them. For indeed, a hero lies within us all. For Naruto, he is one and yet no one seems to care. I would like to see Ino and Tenten remedy that mistake.

I do not own Naruto or A Hero by Mariah Carey. Now, on with the fanfic!)

Eleven years has passed since Naruto's departure from Konoha. So far as of now, the days have been peaceful in the shinobi world. Orochimaru and his curse-stricken lackeys were defeated by Konoha forces, and the Akatsuki organization were beaten into the ground. Of course, it would have been possible without the hidden help of one Uzumaki Naruto. The blonde powerhouse had weakened the groups considerable, especially by defeating four formidable fighters from the Akatsuki group. Itachi was, of course, defeated by his brother.

However, Konoha was far from good as of now. Due to the other nations hearing about Naruto's departure and the reason why all those years ago, they had reduced trade to the village by one-fourth of its usual goods. And the lords of the countries started to hire other shinobi from various villages more often then the Leaf. The Hidden Village was still in operational order, just not in the way it used to be.

Now, chaos was reigning in the shinobi world. Why? It was not due to demons, power-hungry ninjas, or dangerous organization. No, it was due to this… learning that Naruto, the golden-haired hero of the entire planet, was settling down in Sun Country. Kages from Hidden Villages, lords of all lands, and certain princesses of royal blood were going to where he was. To them, an alliance with the talented warrior (sorry, but it sounds more worthwhile then shinobi) was worth anything they had.

Tsunade was heading towards the same location herself, Shizune and her apprentice Uchiha Sakura in tow. The blonde was still furious that Naruto did not come back to the village all the times she tried to call him back, and that he made her shinobi look like armatures. However, she was still glad that he was safe and making a name for himself. 'The Fourth would be very proud to see that you are now a hero, Naruto.' she thought.

Sakura was still fuming, angry that Naruto once again showed up her 'beloved husband Sasuke-kun'. "The big jerk…" she muttered to herself. Shortly after Naruto left, Sasuke was the talk of the town and received promotions within the ranks. He was now lined up to be the next Hokage, but then things started to go downhill. People who came to the village from various others started to talk about the 'blonde idiot', on how his heroic acts and amazing skills saved their land from destruction. In a span of five years, her husband's rank within the shinobi world was 2nd place. The one at the top was Uzumaki Naruto.

Shizune was happy on seeing the blonde hero. She heard so many things about him, and despite the fact that he was no longer with Konoha, she was glad that he's life was on a better track. As they were traveling down a dirt road in a armored carriage, they all saw other carriages coming down to meet them. One had the emblem of the Snow Kingdom, inside was Princess Yuki. Another had the emblem of Greenery Country, inside the compartment one Princess Haruna. Many had come from far away lands to see the hero.

"I still don't know why so many are coming to see him. I mean, this is Naruto we're talking about here! He's done nothing special." Sakura told her superiors. Tsunade and Shizune sighed at the same time. Sakura was jealous and angry at the young man for obvious reasons. Shizune pointed out "Maybe in your view, Sakura-san. But Naruto-kun has proven himself a hero not only to others, but also to himself."

The medic nin could only imagine what Naruto's life was like when he was little. According to the reports and files she had seen taken from when Naruto was only about six or so, his life was extremely harsh and unforgiving. The only light in his eternal darkness was Sarutobi, but even the Third was too busy to really notice him. So, he had to hold on his own and make it to when he was now what she knew he could be. A hero.

Hmm…

There's a hero

If you look inside your heart

You don't have to be afraid

Of what you are

There's an answer

If you reach into your soul

And the sorrow that you know

Will melt away

Soon, their destination was within sight. Naruto had chosen a wide-open field, the grass a deep emerald green and well cut to boot. The house was adequate enough to cover a good portion of the property and was simple in design. It was situated on a small hill that oversaw the rest of the country, a breathtaking view of a large lake and the forests surrounding it.

In addition to the home, a dojo of sorts was erected across from it. It was of average size. All in all, the entire property was in good condition. It was the kind of place that many adults would love to either retire at or raise their children in.

And then a hero comes along

With the strength to carry on

And you cast your fears aside

And you know you can survive

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong

And you'll finally see the truth

That a hero lies in you

Upon arriving, along with all of the other envoys from all around the globe, the representatives from Konoha got out and went towards the front entrance. "Hello Sakura-san, long time no see." Princess Yuki stated neutrally towards her. After learning about what happened to Naruto, the princess decided to act formally and neutrally to the pink-haired kunoichi. Sakura formed a tight smile and bowed slightly to the dark-haired beauty.

"So, how do we let ourselves be known?" Tsunade inquired. She got her answer when they heard yelling in the dojo area. The Fifth Hokage, Shizune, the Princess of Snow, and the Princess of Greenery shot towards the area. The other envoys followed after them. Sliding the door open, they found Naruto doing some katas without a shirt on. Needless to say, many of the ladies were starting to become hot and bothered. And we all know why.

It's a long road

When you face this world alone

No one reaches out a hand

For you to hold

You can find love

If you search within yourself

And the emptiness you felt

Will disappear

Naruto was doing a complex kata, an advanced form of taijutsu. He was bending and flowing with grace despite the muscles he had. He did not see or hear the guests coming into the dojo, for he was lost in the art. He was punching, kicking, dodging with grace that was unbelievable. While he was fighting an invisible opponent, the girls found a spot on the dojo sidelines to see this action out.

Sakura could not believe what she was seeing. 'This hunk of a man can't be that dead-last Naruto! He just can't be!' she thought. The last time she saw Naruto was so long ago, and she believed that he didn't change much. But he did. He was now a handsome, well-built man that seemed to handle anything that was thrown at him. It was very shocking to her.

And then a hero comes along

With the strength to carry on

And you cast your fears aside

And you know you can survive

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong

And you'll finally see the truth

That a hero lies in you

Naruto was breathing hard after he finished his kata, and was startled when he heard clapping. He turned to see that he had gained an audience. "Huh? What are you guys doing here?" he asked. Even though he had seen horrible events in his lifetime, he still had an innocent look in his eyes. Princess Yuki and Haruna giggled a little in seeing his clues face. Tsunade chuckled seeing that Naruto was still the one she remembered all those years ago.

"Naruto-kun, we have all come hoping to have a talk with you." Haruna spoke up. The other envoys nodded their heads at this. Naruto went to the side of the dojo, grabbed a towel and cleared his face of sweat. "Okay then, follow me into the home. Make yourself comfortable while I go change." the blonde hero stated before walking towards the main house. The party followed close behind.

Oh, oooh

Lord knows

Dreams are hard to follow

But don't let anyone

Tear them away, hey yeah

Hold on

There will be tomorrow

In time

You'll find the way

When they all came in his house, the envoys were surprised to see that it was well furnished. "The young man must have made quite a lot while doing heroics on the side." an elder man spoke up. Tsunade saw the reason for that. Naruto had been doing a lot of good deeds for a lot of people, so he must have gotten rewarded by grateful citizens and lords/ladies.

Naruto came back down in simple attire, which made some of the women drool. Inner Sakura did as well. Naruto sat down in a loveseat and inquired "So, what do I owe the honor of all of the lords, Kages, and royalty in my humble home?" He took a brief glance at Tsunade, feeling a pang of hurt upon seeing her, Sakura, and Shizune.

And then a hero comes along

With the strength to carry on

And you cast your fears aside

And you know you can survive

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong

And you'll finally see the truth

That a hero lies in you

That a hero lies in you

Mhhh…

That a hero lies in you

Naruto was listening now to the hundreds of proposals that were given to him by the various envoys of many different countries, villages, and towns. He was surprised that all of them came this way just to gain an alliance with him. He looked at the direction of Tsunade and her two escorts. 'So much time has passed, yet they still look the same.' he thought. So many bad memories came up in his mind, all in his early childhood.

'Still, I've survived. I went on my own and I'm still here. Kyuubi and a whole lot of others believed in me, and I became the hero I am today.' he concluded. He put his attention back to the others, feeling that all he had gone through… all the darkness he had seen and conquered… it was all worth it.

(Author's Notes: We hope you have enjoyed the finale. Any of you who wish to continue this or start a fanfic that is a branch to this, go on ahead. You have my blessing.

Darien: So, in your opinions readers, what do you think Naruto will do? What do you think his guests will do?

R&R, no flames, enjoy, and leave long reviews!)