Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Naruto and any related matter. It all belongs to Kishimoto, the original brain behind the character Naruto. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and any original jutsu, seals, concepts and OC's that are present within the story.


A/N: Many of you are asking if I will include Uzumaki forged weapons. To tell you the truth, you will have to keep reading to find out... ;)


A/N: Thanks for all the reviews everyone! I really appreciate them!:)
Though it would have been better if I got more reviews.


A/N: HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUN TO POST THIS CHAPTER AS A BONUS!


"Thoughts / Telepathic Speech"

"Speech"

Letters / Jutsu notes


Chapter 7 – Revelations

"So this is the Uzumaki Compound? I thought it would be more opulent, especially since they were a royal clan!" Ino muttered getting the attention of her Teammates and Sensei.

"Dad said that the Uzumaki never liked showing off. He said that Mito-sama was a great Fūinjutsu Mistress, but no one knew that until she helped Shodai-sama seal away the Bijū in their first Jinchūriki. After the fall of Uzu, she helped restructure the protection seals on the outer walls and the creation of the detection barrier around Konoha. Most of them were far superior to the ones that were around Uzu at the time of the fall, and let me tell you, each of the seals in Uzu were a masterpiece beyond the understanding of most Uzumaki themselves." Asuma said getting surprised looks from his Genin.

"Why haven't we learned of them in History classes in the Academy?" Shikamaru asked with a frown.

"That's because the Civilian Council decided that supressing the knowledge of the Uzumaki would prevent anyone from questioning their words about me." Team 10 looked ahead to see Naruto standing in front of them at the gates of the compound with a seal tag in his hand.

"Oh hello Naruto, what do you mean by that?" Ino asked with curiosity as her team groaned in annoyance.

"Simple, because I am the Kyūbi Jinchūriki, they didn't want anyone to know the truth of the sealing arts. If everyone knew the extent of seals, then they would question if I was the fox or not. Then there was the jealousy many of the Councillors had against my clan. Even if they never completely moved to Konoha, they were still a founder and we have quite a lot of real estate here. Most of the ones who were against me had been trying to buy up the shops under Uzumaki ownership, like the Golden Leaf Hotel. They couldn't because a law states that if an heir of a probably extinct clan wasn't found within sixteen years, all the real estate belonging to the clan would become state property while the Clan Scrolls would be given to a ninja clan with the closest blood connection, in this case the Senju. If no blood connection was found, the Clan Scrolls would be put up to auction so that other clans could bid for them while the forbidden techniques would be sealed in the Kage Vault along with the Heirlooms."

"That's one law I didn't know about, how did you come about it?" Everyone turned to see Hiashi standing behind Naruto along with Inuzuka Tsume and Aburame Shibi.

"It is an old law in existence since before the time of the village system. It was created under the command of the Council of Daimyō to prevent unnecessary bloodshed during the Warring Clan Period. I found out about it on the day after my evaluation. Advisor Cheng went over all the laws that are common among the nations and laws that particularly affect the citizens of Hi no Kuni and Uzu no Kuni."

The three clan heads nodded. All of them realized that after the creation of the villages, that law become a bit obscure. Hiashi looked at Naruto with an inscrutable expression as he asked, "How has your real estate been managed this long, shouldn't they be in ruins?"

"Luckily my father was an absolute genius with a proclivity for premonitions. He and mother hired an overseer to oversee all clan assets along with my father's personal assets, which are now clan assets as well. He did a fine job as well. At the moment most of my assets are returning a high premium of 150% to 300% the original investments. That's only the ones in Konoha. I still haven't the time to see the assets pertaining to Uzu that Hideyoshi-jiji has been overseeing."

"He must be a genius in business strategy and investments, may I ask who he is?" Shikaku asked as he walked up to the group loitering about the gate, along with Inoichi and Chōza.

"He will be here as well. He is the only person other than Jiriaya, Jiji, Hideyoshi-jiji, Sakura-chan and Konohamaru to have full access to my compound."

All the elders present understood the underlying threat. None of them had gained his trust yet, not even his final teammate and sensei. Not that any of them could blame him. "Anyway, you are the final lot to arrive, please put forward your right arms. I need to apply the key seal to allow you entrance into compound."

After everyone got their temporary keys into the compound, Naruto vanished in a puff of smoke, to the surprise of the new arrivals. "He was a Bunshin!"

"That's right Asuma, did you expect him to wait here for the late arrivals leaving his other guests. It's not like he needed to be here, he didn't apply blood seals after all." Tsume said with a fanged grin. "Besides, why were you late? Not taking after Kakashi are you, especially since he was the first of us to arrive. I thought that Naruto was pulling a prank on us."

Asuma gave a nervous chuckle before saying, "I heard Kakashi complain that Naruto threatened him with a month of non-stop pranks and a ban on Icha Icha if he didn't get his act together. I am not surprised that he changed that easily."

"What does him being here has to do with blood seals and why are you making so much fuss about them? This seal doesn't look complicated." Ino asked with confusion.

"Kushina, his mother was my friend. She helped put up some new protections around the Inuzuka Clan Compound. They were blood based intruder detection seals connected to a large sealing array that engraved the blood connection of the intruder into a scroll placed in the array. If we checked the scroll, the intruders name would be found along with their blood relations. I don't know how, but the Uzumaki has some kind of master seal that has a record of all the clans present and past. She just modified a more complex version of the seal into a simple detection one that our own seal masters could maintain. To apply blood seals, he would have need to be present." Tsume said with a grin.

"So this one is a normal seal?"

"No it isn't young Yamanaka. It is more complex than any blood seal we know. I studied under Mito-sama in my youth. I had asked her about that seal. She had only smiled and said that it was far above what most Uzumaki can understand. When I asked why, she just said that even she has difficulty in understanding the seal. It was created by her grandfather during the Warring Clans Period to protect the whole of Uzushio. How the alliance of Iwa, Kumo and Kiri got through, we may never know but I expect that there may have been a traitor. The seal, if applied under force, would etch itself onto the target but when the target would try to pass through the barrier, they would be shocked into incapacitation, their chakra bound and finally their whole body would be placed in stasis. To simplify, the seal is semi-sentient it reads the emotions of the applier and applies the appropriate seals. If Naruto wanted, he could have make it permanent instead of temporary. The permanent seals would have ten triangles arranged around the spiral. None of ours have that."

"Thank you for the delightful lecture on the Uzumaki and their sealing abilities along with key seal Elder Danzo."

"Don't mention it Hiashi, it is good that the young one are finally learning about the Uzumaki. They truly were an amazing clan. It was a sad day when we heard about their demise. I was greatly angered when any mention of them were removed from the Academy Curriculum, even references to Mito-sama."

The clan heads along with Asuma narrowed their eyes at the old war hawk. They couldn't see why he would be praising the Uzumaki when in the past he would be extremely against any foreign allies, always expecting a betrayal.

"Hello, if I may have all of your attention please!" The voice of Hiruzen flooded the compound. The group hurried behind Danzo and appeared in the large back garden. The whole garden was filled with blooming flowers. Some of them were rare enough to catch even Ino's attention. On an ornate stage made of wood carved with seals stood the Hokage in his robes.

"It pleases me to no end to be able to introduce a new Clan Head. Normally the honour falls to the previous Clan Head, and in his or her absence, the Clan Elders. On the other hand, it also saddens me that the Clan Head is the only surviving member of his family known to us. Please welcome the 17th head of the Uzumaki Clan and the 15th Daimyō of Uzu no Kuni, Uzumaki Naruto. The only son of our beloved Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina, the daughter of the Sandaime Uzukage and the great-nephew of Senju Mito-sama." Hiruzen stated as Naruto walked onto the stage wearing his ninja uniform without his usual haori. Instead he was wearing a sleeveless white cloak with gold piping. A large red Uzumaki Spiral was dyed into the back of the cloak. The inside was a royal purple with faint black seals drawn on the fabric.

As Naruto took centre stage, everyone became quiet. Along with the Clan Heads, Village Elders, Hokage, his friends, and the Anbu Commander, some delegates of many of the minor Daimyō were present. Around the gardens, many shinobi from allied villages were also there. From Suna, an old lady was present taking with a middle aged man bearing the crest of the Wind Daimyō. Many civilian businessmen were also present. Finally Madam Shijimi was sitting beside a young brunette girl about twelve wearing an expensive red kimono with black sakura petals embroidered on it. In the young girl's arms was the dreaded cat, Tora.

Naruto took a deep breath before starting to speaking, "I thank you for coming here today as I officially take up my position as the 17th Head of the Uzumaki Clan and the 15th Daimyō. It is a day of both happiness and sadness to me. I am happy that I will be able to officially represent my ancestors. I am sad as none of them are alive to see me bring the Uzumaki back to prominence, though I believe that the dead are always looking out for us. I hope that my actions up until now has made them proud and my future actions will make them prouder still."

An absolute silence filled the garden at that statement. After a couple of moments of silence, Naruto continued, "Everyone knows that the world is cruel. We humans have a habit of falling onto the path of darkness. Anger, revenge, grudge, jealousy and greed are some of sins that plague us. We don't want to let the past lie in the past and drag ages old grudges into the light of the present. I dearly hope that I never fall to the darkness as I once nearly did in the past. I hope to always keep on the brightened path that I now walk. The path I led the mighty Kyūbi no Yōkō onto. Hokage-sama tried to keep me from my heritage with the thought of protecting me from the cycle of hatred. He feared my parents enemies would be after my head. If everyone walked on the brightened path, then we would not have to fear such attempts."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Naruto's statement without even realizing. "As I said, I don't plan on submerging me into the sea of darkness that plagues the world. I realize that many of the neutral and enemies of Konoha and her allies are now wary of me. I can say without a doubt that I won't take up arms against anyone for past offenses, but if any targets those precious to me, my village, my countries, my clan, my allies and allies of my countries, even the innocent, I will not hold back. This I promise to everyone as a Shinobi of Konoha, as the Head of the Uzumaki Clan and the Uzu Daimyō."

As Naruto said that, everyone cheered, Sakura and Sasuke cheering the loudest. As the cheering came to an end, Naruto motioned for a man with long black hair held in a ponytail with a pair of katana and wakizashi strapped at his waist. He was wearing an expensive set of hakama and furisode that is common among samurai. "Now I like to introduce the chairman of the Naruto Banking Corporation, Hikifune Takagetsu-san. He is also my advisor on economic matters both related to the Clan and Uzu no Kuni as a whole. In my absence, he has graciously accepted to handle all civilian matters in relation to the Clan." Naruto stated as the man bowed with a small smile on his face.

"Forgive me for my insolence Naruto-sama, but why do you trust him to handle such delicate matters?" Everyone turned to see one of the gathered businessmen was the speaker. The man was short for his age, but looked pleasant enough in demeanour. Naruto's eyes narrowed for a moment before a foxy grin lightened up his face. "He is completely trustworthy. He did the same when my parents were alive and after their death as well. After all without my input, the Uzumaki and Namikaze finances should have been in ruins by now. It is only thanks to Takagetsu-san that they are still in good condition. In fact, it is in better condition than it was sixteen years ago, when he first took over from his predecessor. I have full confidence in him and his abilities in managing my civilian affairs."

"Thank you for the great honour Naruto-sama. I am truly sorry that I didn't recognize you before the revelation. I could have at least helped you by giving you access to your trust fund account."

"That is alright Takagetsu-san. As I said before, what is in the past, let it lie there. Now as this is a party, I will no longer keep you all from the festivities. Please enjoy!" Naruto said with a bow before stepping down from the platform with Takagetsu.


"Did you know that Takagetsu-san was a retainer of the Uzumaki Clan?" Homura asked with confusion.

"No I didn't. It seems that Minato and Kushina weren't as trusting of us as they portrayed themselves to be." Koharu said with a frown. She couldn't think of a reason to cause such mistrust in them.

"It was the proper thing to do. You don't let financial information of your clan fall into enemy hands. Naruto is taking a great risk by introducing Takagetsu as his retainer for civilian and financial matters."

"You are right in that Danzo, but also wrong. Takagetsu is probably the best protected civilian other than the Daimyō of the five major countries. No one wants their financial information fall into enemy hands. The only one who would even dare to attack him would be Nukenin. Even the Villages themselves hold accounts in the Naruto Banking Corporation. If one attacks him to get the information on a rival village, all the neutral villages, the Daimyō and the businessmen would turn against the offending village. Naruto knows this. He is making a statement. He is challenging all of his enemies to ruin themselves by attacking Takagetsu."

"I didn't think of that, but what about black ops missions. The agent sent to get the information would be marked a Nukenin. A sacrifice for the greater good. It is something I would do." Homura, Koharu and Hiruzen narrowed their eyes.

"That's is possible, but the problem will still remain on how to use the gathered information without making it obvious of their ploy, unless they plan to financially cripple Naruto." Homura mused with a concerned expression.

"There won't be any way to spin the tale without incriminating themselves, and no one wants to anger the collection of Villages, the Damyō and the businessmen. They would ruin themselves as well. Only the most diehard haters would even think of sacrificing their families and countries. Something, even Ōnoki and Iwa aren't. Only danger is Orochimaru, but even he isn't stupid enough to get a larger target painted on his back. At this moment, only Konoha hunts him. If he moved against the largest banking corporation in the lands, he would instantly have all the villages, Daimyō and businessmen offer massive bounties on his head."

"You are right Hiruzen, I am just clutching at straws. Naruto's presence is way too vital to Konoha. I am just over thinking things." Danzo said getting nods from the rest of the elderly shinobi.


"This is an interesting revelation Naruto-dono, I didn't realize that the Hikifune Takagetsu-dono was a retainer of the Uzumaki Clan."

Naruto turned around and grinned, "Neither did I know until he approached me the day after the revelation of my heritage. Until now, we have been using all the free time I have had to go through twelve years of financial and economic paperwork. Thankfully, Takagetsu-san was given the authority to do as required to maintain the assets. I just had to approve some of the pending decisions and review some of the older major decisions Takagetsu-san took. Nothing much with the help of Kage Bunshin."

"Ah, I see, but may I ask what the sudden reference to the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu had to do with paperwork?"

"Nothing much Hiashi-san. Kage Bunshin does allow memory sharing when the bunshin dispels. It was an invaluable tool when dealing with the paperwork. My progress in Ninshu also has its roots to the Kage Bunshin, though most won't be able to use it as an effective training tool."

Hiashi blinked in shock. While the Hyūga didn't learn any jutsu outside their own and the three academy standard ones, but they do keep up with the aspects of other jutsu. The memory passing function of the Kage Bunshin was something he didn't know. For the first time in his life he cursed his clan's views on the usage of foreign jutsu.

"That is interesting Naruto-dono. I must admit while I know a lot about the functioning of many jutsu, that particular aspect of the Kage Bunshin I was not knowledgeable about."

Naruto nodded when Danzo approached the pair with Hiruzen, Madam Shijimi and the young girl who carrying Tora. "Ah Naruto-sama, having a delightful conversation I see."

Naruto nodded to Danzo as he replied, "No more delightful than usual. If you will excuse me Hiashi-san."

"Of course Naruto-dono. I will leave you to your guests." Hiashi said before turning to the Danzo and his group, "Elder Danzo, Hokage-sama, Shijimi-sama, Kanna-sama, a good day to you. If you will all excuse me."

The four nodded to Hiashi in greeting and dismissal before turning to Naruto. "Good day Naruto-sama, I thank you and your team again for catching Tora for me the other day. This is my granddaughter Kanna-chan."

"Nice to meet you Kanna-san and please don't mention it Obā-sama. It was the mission and I would be loath to fail a mission as easy as capturing Tora without extreme duress. It would bring shame on both my honour, my Team's honour, my village honour and my Clan's honour."

"Still, I can't thank you enough for returning Tora to me unharmed and in the fastest time as well." Madam Shijimi said as she took Tora from her granddaughter's arms, but before she could get a proper grip on the tiger like cat, Tora jumped out of her owner's arms and nestled himself in Naruto's arms, all the while purring in contentment. "Interesting, you are the only one other than myself and Kanna-chan who Tora is allowing to hold him. Normally he would scratch anyone else."

"Must be because of my aura. As an accomplished sage, minor amount of senjutsu chakra is constantly flowing through me giving me a calming presence. He must like that. Then again he isn't a normal cat. Isn't that right Tora?"

Everyone raised an eyebrow in confusion to what Naruto said. While Tora is longer lived than most cats, he hasn't shown any special abilities. Hiruzen and Danzo, after a few moments widened their eyes in realization to what Naruto meant.

"What do you mean Naruto-sama?" Kanna asked with confusion as she watched Tora in Naruto's hands. She could have sworn Tora was shaking with nerves for a moment.

"What I mean is that Tora isn't a normal house cat. He is either a summons or a Nin-neko. A powerful one as well. I can sense his powerful chakra. So are you going to reveal yourself Tora?" Naruto said with a grin as he felt Tora tremble in his hands.

After what felt like an eternity Tora sighed before speaking up, "Damned Gama Sennin. You are just like Gamamaru-sensei. Never letting a cat have a bit of fun."

Everyone in the garden stared at the shocking revelation. The glass of wine in Kurama Hokuto's hands slipped and shattered grass letting the red liquid flow unfettered. Most of his generation were looking at the cat with gaping mouths while Kakashi glared at the cat with his single eye. Beside him Asuma was half frozen with cigarette in his hand.

"WHAT!" Gai screamed out in shock.

"This is not your true form is it? You really aren't a cat, are you Tora?" Naruto said causing the cat to glare balefully at the blonde. With a hiss he jumped down towards a relatively large free area of the garden before being engulfed in a burst of smoke. When the smoke cleared, instead of a cat with tiger patterns, a massive white tiger with ice blue eyes and dark gold markings.

"Happy now?" Tora asked with a rumbling tone. Almost everyone had a shiver run down their spines at his rumbling tone. Naruto nodded without showing any emotion. Sighing the tiger spoke again, "My true name is Byakko the Tora Sennin."

As everyone stared at the tiger in shock, Naruto nodded and asked, "What are you doing hiding?"

Byakko roared out in anger at Naruto causing everyone to take a step back from the enraged tiger. "How dare you insinuate I was hiding? I was merely using the transformation to easily keep an eye for a worthy summoner. It has been too long since the Tigers had a summoner. All the times I had Genin chase me down were tests. Until now, I have only found three worthy of being a Summoner. Unfortunately, one of them are a traitor to Konoha and we Tigers are too proud to serve a traitor."

"And the other two?" Naruto asked without fear as he walked closer to the tiger.

"Why do you wish to know?"

"I have no need to know but I am just curious who you found worthy."

Byakko closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "You were one but the Toads are higher ranked in the Summoning Realm for me to ask you to sign our contract without fear of offending. The other was until now worthless because of his mentality but thanks to you he now walks the right path. I was planning to approach him later and in private, but now will do. Uchiha Sasuke, step forward."

Everyone gasped in shock. No one expected Sasuke to be the potential summoner. When Sakura saw Sasuke was too shocked to move on his own, she gave Sasuke a light shove, causing the boy to stumble but approach the tiger in a daze.

"Normally we summons test our potential summoner before allowing them to sign the contract. In most cases, we give tests of physical and mental capabilities. This time as well I shall test you. I will allow you to sign the contract but only if you land a single hit on me. Know this, if you fail, your life is forfeit. You may decline the challenge and give up any hope of ever signing the Tiger Summoning Contract, but you will leave unharmed. What is your choice?" Byakko asked causing everyone to look startled. Everyone could understand that if he turned the test down, he would never get this chance again.

Sasuke glared at Naruto for a moment before turning back to Byakko with a determined expression. "I accept to take your test Byakko-sama, however I must say that it is not the time nor the place for a test. This is a party to celebrate my teammate taking his place as a Clan Head and Daimyō. Let us not spoil the event with a battle."

Byakko growled as he glared at Sasuke, but to the white tigers hidden joy, he didn't see fear in Sasuke's eyes. Only the truth of his conviction. Byakko nodded before saying, "If you asked for the test to commence immediately, then you would have already failed. The situation was meant to test your character and mentality. I was expecting you to insist on taking the test right now without considering the situation. Congratulations cub, you aren't an avenger anymore, seeking only power for your own sake. I shall approach you for the test in the future."

Sasuke nodded, "Thank you for the opportunity Byakko-sama!"

Byakko gave a dismissive nodded to Sasuke before turning to Madam Shijimi. "Thank you for putting up with my antics for the past twenty years. It is regretful that I didn't reveal myself to you, but if my presence had gotten out, your live would have been in danger from Ninja looking to prove themselves worthy of the contract. Please forgive me for the subterfuge. You were a caring and noble caretaker. Now my time to leave has come."

"Thank you for honouring me and my residence with your presence Byakko-sama. It is sad that you have to leave, but I understand your reason." Madam Shijimi said with a bow. Byakko nodded before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

"Nothing is simple around you, is it Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen said with a chuckle. Causing the others to chuckle as well.

"What can I say Jiji? Even the gods are drawn to my magnetic presence." Naruto said with a joking grin just before a metallic clang was heard. Hiruzen looked down to see a senbon covered in poison lying on the grass after striking Naruto's cloak. At the same time the Taki Representative fell onto the ground, paralyzed, with seal markings forming on his face and visible portions of his arms.

"I was wondering when he would try to assassinate me." Naruto said with nonchalance while the others were still processing what happened.

When everyone finally processed what happened, Hiruzen turned with anger in his eyes. Glaring at the fallen Taki representative he shouted out, "Kakashi, Gai! Take that man to T&I and hand him over to Ibiki and Anko. Ibiki, you two have full reign to get all the information they can out of him. Any way you can."

"Hiruzen, what do we do with Taki? They had the audacity to try and assassinate Naruto-sama. I think that we need to show them what happens when they attack Konoha unprovoked!" Danzo said with all the assembled Konoha ninja nodding in agreement.

"I want you to make sure that Taki is completely wiped out Hiruzen. I will inform Hideyoshi-sama of this. He will support this, as will the council of Daimyō." Madam Shijimi said with anger clearly visible on her face.

"All of you are over reacting. Besides I doubt his is truly a Taki Ninja. After all this is an old friend wearing a false face." Naruto said as he walked towards the fallen ninja. Kneeling down, Naruto focused a bit of killing intent on the man as he placed a hand on the man's face before ripping it away. Under the false face, the face of a nukenin from Konoha was seen.

Tsume growled out in anger, "MIZUKI! HOW DID HE ESCAPE PRISON?"

"HOKAGE-SAMA! HOKAGE-SAMA! IT IS TERRIBLE! MIZUKI HAS ESCAPED!" An ANBU appeared amidst the group before he suddenly shouted out in pain as lightning flew over his body.

The ANBU Commander sighed in annoyance as Naruto placed the Key tag on the man causing his suffering to end. Sitting up he nodded to Naruto before trying to speak up again when he saw Mizuki held in Kakashi and Gai's arms.

"How did he get captured already?" The ANBU asked in shock.

"Of all the incompetent morons, they sent you with the message. I need to arrange a general assembly of all the ANBU soon." The ANBU commander sighed as Shikaku patted the man on his back. "Rat! Why did you breach the Uzumaki Compound Barrier? Didn't you read the memo?"

"Ah what memo sir?"

Growling the ANBU Commander said, "The memo that stated that anyone breaching the Uzumaki Clan Compound barrier would be in for a world of pain. If the key wasn't applied this quickly, you would have been dead moron!"

"Calm down, you are supposed to retire at the end of this month. Besides no harm was done. Plus this will serve as a lesson for all." Hiruzen said with a grin. Turning to Rat, Hiruzen asked, "Report!"

Quickly getting on his feet, Rat bowed, "About five minutes ago, I went down to take Mizuki his lunch when I came across Crane with her throat slit and Mizuki's cell empty. After alerting the Command to the situation, I came to notify you and the Commander of the situation sir!"

"And what of the investigation? Who leads it now?" Inoichi asked with a frown.

"Turtle from Team Gamma and Mitarashi Anko sir!"

"Go and tell Anko to hand over the investigation to Turtle. I need her to investigate something else. Inoichi, I would like you to replace Anko in interrogating Mizuki."

"As you wish Hokage-sama, but may I ask why?"

"All civilians and foreign dignitaries clear the area. Forgive me for breaking up this party, but as you can see, the situation has become dire. Genin other than Naruto-kun leave as well."

"No let the Genin stay. If you keep sheltering us, how are we to learn?" Naruto said with a stoci expression. Hiruzen looked surprised at Naruto's proclamation but nodded in agreement.

"You are right Naruto-kun. Genin stay."

After the compound was cleared of all civilians other than Madam Shijimi and Kanna and the foreign dignitaries, Naruto led the group of Elders, Clan Heads, ANBU Commander, the Genin, their Sensei, the Hokage and Madam Shijimi and Kanna to the formal sitting room. After everyone was situated and Naruto had a few clones serve refreshments, Hiruzen stood up and started pacing.

"Are you going to tell us what the matter is Jiji, or are you going to keep pacing?" Naruto asked with annoyance after few minutes.

Hiruzen stopped in his pacing as he sighed. "The false face that Mizuki was wearing was a technique my former student Orochimaru had created. No one but him know how to do it. Not even his former student Anko. Everyone knows that Mizuki was caught trying to steal the Forbidden Scroll of Seals. No one but myself, Iruka-kun, Naruto-kun, Sakura-chan and Ibiki knows that Mizuki was Orochimaru's henchman. When Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan took him down last time, he had used some kind of drug that Orochimaru had given him. The drug temporarily mutated Mizuki and gave him immense strength and speed. At that time, I just thought that Mizuki had gotten in contact with Orochimaru outside Konoha. Now…"

"Now you believe that it was Orochimaru who freed and sent him? You believe that he is still around?" Naruto stated as he closed his eyes and concentrated. Orange eye shadow formed around his eyes for a moment before fading as Naruto opened his eyes. "There aren't anyone in Konoha who has the required level of chakra to be Orochimaru. He must have another agent hidden amongst us."

"I would think it wise to assume that as well. Probably assume that there are more than one agent." Aburame Shibi said getting a nod from all the seasoned ninja.

"Then we need to find them and eliminate them as soon as possible."

"No we shouldn't eliminate them Hiashi-sama. We should tag them and start giving them misinformation. Orochimaru wouldn't be alerted that his spies has been caught and we can take advantage of Orochimaru's arrogance." Sakura said getting a nod of approval from some of the elder ninja.

"That is a good idea Haruno-san. For your age, you have quite the strategic mind." Koharu said with a proud grin.

"Why take the chance of them figuring it out?" Kanna asked with curiosity.

"Simple really, when they discover the subterfuge, we end them. The Uzumaki has a seal that is undetectable and can be keyed to a single person. I will key the seal to Jiji and when their usefulness has ended, he can quietly dispose of them. The seal will cause their hearts to suddenly stop, as if they had a heart stroke." Naruto stated with a vicious grin.

Kanna nodded in understanding. "Then they won't be a risk at all?"

"No they won't."

"How are you going to place the seal without them knowing Naruto-kun?"

Naruto grinned, "Simple Jijia, we invite the idiots to my training sessions and hide the seal within the restriction seals that will be mandatory for every participant to have."

"What training sessions do you mean Naruto-sama?" Kurenai asked with confusion.

"Oh right, you weren't there. I was planning to teach a handful of Jōnin, ANBU and Genin the ways of elemental Ninshu. An experiment of mine and the Hokage that Hideyoshi-jiji approves. I plan to use that as a cover."

"But first we have to find them Naruto. Don't get ahead of yourself." Sasuke said with a frown.

"I am sure that the ANBU can find them. If it takes too long. I will join myself. Their malicious intent won't remain hidden from my sensory abilities." Everyone looked surprised at that declaration. No one realized that Naruto's ability to feel emotions could be used like that.

"That's a unique use of your sensory abilities but I digress, we should let the ANBU handle the situation. I am sure that they can find them within the month. Besides if you keep doing their job, they would become lazy." Hiruzen said with a grin at Shikaku.


Naruto stood in the middle of the large field on Training Ground 43. All around him were his present students. Some of them wearing ANBU uniform but without the masks. Others were normal Jōnin, with a couple of Tokubetsu Jōnin and Chunin thrown in. Finally, behind him were the chosen Genin Teams, Teams 7, 8, 9, 10 and a newly instated Genin Sai.

All of the assembled ninja were looking confused. Most of the seasoned ninja were ordered by the Hokage to be here. The Genin were brought by their sensei. The only ones without the slightest hint of knowledge were the ANBU, Tokubetsu Jōnin and Sai.

"So why are we all here?" A Tokubetsu Jōnin wearing a bandana and chewing a senbon asked in confusion. Naruto's eyes narrowed along with Kakashi's, Gai's, Asuma's and the brown-haired ANBU Yamato.

"Wait a moment Genma. Hokage-sama is supposed to give a speech to explain why we were called here." Anko said with chewing on a stick of Dango. "Do you know anything Kurenai?"

"I do, but you have to wait for Hokage-sama Anko." Kurenai said with a grin causing the purple haired snake mistress to huff in annoyance. Before she could start pestering the Genjutsu Mistress, the Hokage appeared beside Naruto in a puff of smoke.

"Ah, all of you are already here. Good! Now many of you are wondering why you are here, correct?" Hiruzen asked getting nods from the assembled crowd. With a nod, Hiruzen continued, "As you all know, Naruto-kun here has learned the lost art of elemental Ninshu used by the Rikudō Sennin and the first Shinobi. He has been gracious enough to offer the knowledge to selected members of Konoha. You are the chosen ones. I and Naruto-kun went through all of your files and psychological analysis reports to choose the ones with the best chance to quickly learn the skills. Well that excludes the Genin, but they were chosen for other reasons. Know this, all of you should feel highly honoured to be selected for this. Naruto-kun has decided to make Ninshu an Uzumaki Clan art. All of are being taught it with the belief that it would strengthen Konoha, but also with the belief that you won't teach the art without the permission of the present Uzumaki Clan Head. I, myself will be joining all of you in this, specializing in Fire. Any questions?"

The assembled crowd looked around before a female ANBU hesitantly spoke up, "Hokage-sama, are we going to be free to choose our elements, or have they been already been chosen?"

"That is a good question. Sorry to say, we don't have a choice in elements. It is connected to our personality. At least that is what I have come to understand form how Naruto-kun and Gamamaru-sama explained Elemental Ninshu." Hiruzne said causing the ANBU to nod in understanding.

"Hopefully, your personality will match the element you want. Very few have the personality traits to have access to more than one." Naruto said with a sad frown.

"Can we learn an element outside the one our personality allows?" Ibiki asked with curiosity.

"I am doing all four elements. Do you think I have such a colourful character?" Naruto said with a laugh causing Ibiki to shake his head in amusement. "My elements are Air, Earth and Water. Granted I have three out of four but that is something very rare. I have to work four times harder to master Fire. Thanks to my liberal use of Kage Bunshin, I am able to handle the training. Mastering your own element may take years depending on your natural ability to connect to the element. So you can understand how difficult it must be to learn an element that isn't your own. Besides I am a Sennin. I can easily connect with nature, which includes all the elements."

"How many kage Bunshin do you use Naruto? Can we use it for our training?" Ino asked with excitement.

"I use about two to three thousand clones at most. Anymore and Kurama won't be able to heal the strain. Even Jiji can't create more than thirty clones without fainting from chakra exhaustion. Even then he won't be able to use more than ten to train, or the memory feedback will kill him."

"What do you mean Naruto? How can a clone return its experience back to you?" Shikamaru asked with a frown. Around the clearing all the assembled shinobi above Genin level and Sai frowned at the revelation.

Hiruzen sighed before explaining, "Let me explain Naruto-kun. The Kage Bunshin was created by the Nidaime to be a tool for espionage. It was termed a kinjutsu for the chakra requirement and the memory feedback. The Kage Bunshin has a small portion of the creator's essence within them. When the clone dispels the essence returns to the creator with the experience. The experience is anything related to memory, both active and passive. Other than this I won't explain more."

"What do you mean by passive memory?" Kiba asked with confusion.

"Muscle memory Kiba. Something we don't think about. Instincts are also passive memory." Ino explained in an offhanded comment.

"So can we use it to train?" Kiba asked with excitement.

"Sorry, but the Kage Bunshin training is inaccessible to anyone under High A-Rank chakra reserves. That would exclude everyone other than Kakashi, Gai and Yamato." Hiruzen said with a stern expression causing nearly everyone to nod with sad acceptance.

"Now be ready find out your elements. Place a drop of blood on this seal that Gamamaru-sensei and I created." Naruto said as he unsealed a massive stone plate with the four elemental symbols engraved at cardinal points. A large Fūinjutsu shiki was visible in the middle of the plate with thin lines connecting to the elemental symbols.

"Why are there four elemental symbols?" Sai asked with confusion.

"Because in nature, there are only four elements. Other are just a variation of a primary element. Take lightning for example. It is just a variation of fire." Naruto explained with a grin. "Then there are the Elemental Kekkai Genkai like Hyōton. It is considered a merging of Fūton and Suiton. In Ninshu, it is under water."

Sai nodded in understanding when Shikamaru inquired, "Does it work similar to chakra paper? And are we going to be able to use Kekkai Genkai?"

"The tablet doesn't work similar to Chakra Litmus. It tests the blood for the elemental affiliation. Our personalities are connected to a certain degree to genetics. Each family has a certain common personality traits. The seal checks the personality traits through genetics to show your element. Now to answer your second question, that depends on your mastery. If you are a water bender, with proper mastery you can manipulate ice, transform water to ice or vice versa. Ninshu is the art of connecting, understanding and bending the elements to your will."

"I see. That's interesting, so what do you think my element will be?" Shikamaru asked getting a chuckle from Naruto.

"Water. You are lazy, but can go with the flow when motivated." Shikamaru nodded but grumbled of irritating happy-go-lucky blondes.

"Alright everyone, line up. Genin wait at the side. Let the seasoned Ninja find their elements first." Naruto said with a grin causing the Genin to mumble.

Hiruzen walked forward, "Let me demonstrate the use." Hiruzen bit his thumb before letting a drop of blood fall onto the seal. The blood was absorbed before the Fire symbol glowed with red light. "As you can see, it is very easy to use. Don't channel any chakra into the blood. It will mess with the results."

"Jōnin sensei first!"

One after other the four Jōnin Sensei walked forward with Kakashi leading the group. Each of the sensei dropped blood and got their result. Kakashi had the Water and Fire symbols glow. Kurenai had water. Gai's blood caused the Air and Earth symbols to glow, while Asuma's was Earth.

"Good next up the ANBU." Naruto said as the Jōnin sensei retreated, Gai hesitated before walking to stand beside Naruto. "Can I help you Gai-sensei?"

"Why is Lee here Naruto-kun? He can't use chakra outside his body."

"That's alright. He won't need to use chakra outside his body. Ninshu requires the user to internally manipulate their chakra to forge a connection with the elements. The rest is up to his will to bend the element." Gai nodded with a grin as most of the ANBU had finished their checks.

"Hello Naruto-kun." Naruto nodded with a smile at Yūgao as she placed a drop of blood on the plate. The Water symbol glowed in response. Yūgao nodded with a satisfied smile. "I expected it to be water. Hope you are as good a teacher as you are a Shinobi."

Yamato was the final ANBU to come up. He placed his blood on the seal causing the Earth symbol to glow.

"Alright now the Tokubetsu Jōnin please." Naruto called out causing Anko to saunter up with a grin. Placing her blood on the plate caused the Air and Fire symbols to glow.

"Ah… look at that. Air and Fire!"

Naruto just shook his head in exasperation. It had to be the two most destructive elements that Anko had. After Anko, Ibiki came up. He turned out to be Fire. Following him was Genma with Fire as well. Finally Hayate was found to have Water.

"Chunin up next!" Naruto said with a foxy grin directed to the three chunin present.

"I don't know why you chose me Naruto. It's not like I am going out on missions." Iruka said with a grin as he tested himself. To his surprise, he came out with Earth.

"Earth huh, that truly suits you Iruka-sensei!" Naruto said as Izumo tested himself.

"Air huh, that's why you can't sit still Izumo!" Kotetsu said with a teasing grin as he tested himself only to come out with Fire.

"That's good guys. Your elements complement each other. As the first line of defence, that is very good!" Naruto said with a laugh getting laughs from everyone present. "Now Iruka-sensei, you asked why I chose you. That's because you going to start the Academy Students on the basics of Ninshu from the next semester. How can you teach something you don't know?"

"What do you mean Naruto?" Iruka asked with a frown.

"I was given authority to restructure the Academy Curriculum. You will get the revised Curriculum in a week. I decided to include the basics of Ninshu as a class while reducing the amount of history we have to study. I am also including a special course in Iryo Jutsu and Fūinjutsu. I am also reinstating the portions of history the Civilian Council had removed." Iruka looked surprised but nodded in agreement.

"Finally! I can send my studens off without fear of their imminent deaths" Iruka said with a grin.

"Meet me tomorrow at Ichiraku's for Lunch. We need to discuss something about the curriculum." Iruka nodded as Naruto turned to the rest, "Alright now everyone follow one of my clones. Each of them are going to focus on a single element. Those with multiple elements, choose one and follow the designated clone."

Everyone nodded and chose to follow the clone designated with their element. "Now Genin! Most of you don't have the Chakra Reserves and Control to be able to connect to the elements yet, neither do you understand your element or elements as the case may be for some of you."

"What do you mean Naruto?" Ino asked with anger. "Are you saying that we are weak?"

"Truthfully, at the moment all of the Genin excluding Team 9, Sakura and Sai are weak. Most of you are barely Genin level. Either due to laziness or due to poor teaching or due to no initiative on your own part. Sasuke is near High Genin, so technically he should be able to connect to his element, but his control isn't ready. Other one is Lee. While he can't use chakra externally, he doesn't need to. He has enough training for the control needed to link with his element."

"What do you mean Naruto-sama? Lee is the dobe, granted he has trained himself to monstrous proportions, be he is still the loser. He is fated to always remain a loser!" Neji arrogantly declared with a glare.

"Wow! That was my future if I kept on the path of the avenger, wasn't it Naruto?" Sasuke asked with an infuriating smirk directed at Neji.

"Be silent oh Great Last Loyal Uchiha! Go and make comments to your dead clan!" Neji snarled in anger but before he could continue, he started choking. Clutching his throat, Neji desperately tried to draw in a breath. Everyone watched confused at first before Sakura's eyes widened in realization.

Sakura turned to Naruto and saw the boys hand raised at Neji, his hand was as if clutching a throat. Before the girl could say anything, Naruto spoke up, "That is but a small portion of the power I am going to teach you. It is more powerful than Ninjutsu in the hands of a true master. Telekinesis is a sub art of Air Bending. With the simple application of thought, a master air bender can kill you. Does your eyes protect you Neji?"

Naruto dropped his hand causing Neji to drop to his knees desperately drawing in air into his lungs. "Well Neji, I am waiting?"

Neji looked up to see the cold blue eyes of Naruto staring into his pale lavender ones. Shakily standing up he glared at the blonde in defiance. "I didn't even have the Byakugan active. How is it supposed to protect me if it isn't active?"

"That's your comeback? The Byakugan wasn't active!" Naruto taunted causing Neji to grit his teeth in anger. "You are blinder than I thought. Be gone from my sight. You are hereby dismissed form Ninshu Training."

"Na-naruto-sama don't ta-take his words to heart. Neji-niisan has had a bad li-life! Please for-forgive him!" Hinata requested with a formal bow. Neji snarled at Hinata but kept quiet.

"Do you think that he is the only one who suffered? Then what about us Jinchūriki and war orphans? What about Sasuke? What about Lee?" Naruto asked with a cold tone. "Neji had a family to be there for him. He had a heritage to be proud of. He has access to his chakra. First two, I didn't have growing up. The last, Lee doesn't have. Sasuke had the three, but lost the first. To his own blood as well. Tell me, why I should care for an arrogant teme!"

Hinata kept her head bowed and listened to what Naruto said. It was true, she had to admit. Neji wasn't the only one to suffer. "We shouldn't let our past dictate our actions in the present. Sasuke used to let the past direct him. He changed in a very small amount of time. I gave Neji a chance to change. He decided to spit upon that chance when he befouled the dead. He forgot that it wasn't only Sasuke who had lost his clan. So had I. I may have not known my clan like Sasuke had, but their loss is still painful. How would Neji feel if we befouled his parents?"

"You wouldn't dare!" Neji snarled clutching his fists as veins became visible on his face.

"Unlike you, I wouldn't insult the dead, even those who were traitors and enemies. Pain and suffering are just part of life. Without them we wouldn't understand pleasure and happiness. It doesn't give us the right belittle others and their heritage."

"Naruto-kun, I know that Neji can be un-youthful but please give him a second chance. I promise that he can change!" Lee exclaimed with a bow.

"Look at them Neji. You belittle them, yet they protect you. You who thinks himself as strong, is in fact the weakest amongst us. I shall give you a second chance if you can survive one of my weaker attacks. You can use anything in your arsenal for the objective."

Everyone looked surprised at Naruto's proposition. Neji gained a smirked as he stared at Naruto with his Byakugan. "I accept your proposal Naruto-sama." Neji said with a mocking bow.

"Good, now don't blink everyone!" Naruto exclaimed as he snapped his fingers. At the same time, Neji suddenly collapsed in a faint. Everyone looked startled at the event.

"Did you use his a genjutsu Naruto?" Shikamaru asked with confusion.

"N-no he didn't. The-there were no visible at-attacks made, Naruto-sama's chakra sp-spiked at the snap of his fi-finger, then Neji-niisan fainted!" Hinata exclaimed to the shock of everyone.

Kiba and Ino were the first to react. "What did you use?"

"Advanced Air Bending!" Naruto said with foxy grin causing nearly everyone to groan out in annoyance. Only Sai and Sakura kept quiet. "Sakura, I struck the pressure point on his neck to induce a death like state. I think it best that you drop him off at the Hyūga Compound and tell Hiashi-san that I will be coming to explain the situation with Neji this evening."

Sakura nodded as she picked up Neji and vanished in a shunshin. "Don't worry Hinata, Lee. I will allow Neji to learn Ninshu if he still wants to. Finally, Sai. I will be testing you on your present skills. The rest, follow this clone."

A clone formed beside Naruto and was about to lead everyone other than Sai away when the pale skinned Genin asked with an emotionless tone, "What did you really do Naruto-sama? Was it similar to how you choked Neji?"

Naruto nodded, "That's right Sai. I used Telekinesis to manipulate the air particles around his neck into an invisible senbon. From there, it was easy to prick the pressure point."

"Then shouldn't Hinata-sama been able see the senbon?"

"Byakugan, Sharingan, any dōjutsu really only sees chakra. Ninshu doesn't need the element to be infused with chakra. The internal manipulation of chakra is the maximum involvement that happens to forge the link with the element. The rest is manipulating the element by using our will. Can you see air Sai?"

"No we can't Naruto-sama. So does that mean no one can sense the attacks from Ninshu?"

"Not quite Sai. Any Sage should be able to feel the flow of natural energy that happens when an element is bended. Other than that, no normal sensor can sense a Ninshu attack. Although instinct can save you from an attack, if honed enough. That's the reason I am having our fellow Genin go through physical training first. Most bending skills are strongly connected to unique taijutsu styles. I am going to have Gai-sensei help me and Gamamaru-sensei in developing the completed styles for each element."

"Then the advantage of Ninshu is that it can be used in all ranges?"

"That's right Sai. Now let's head to Ichiraku for some lunch. All of you follow me as well. I will foot the bill. You will all need the energy for the physical. I shouldn't have tried to send you to training without the food." Naruto said getting a groan from Ino and Tenten.

"Great the slave driver is awakening in him again. Better get your fill guys, you will need it. I can guarantee it!" Sasuke said causing most of the Genins faces to pale in realization. "Naruto, does it have to be ramen?"

"Actually, ramen is good just before heavy training." Choji said as he placed his empty packet of potato chips in his pocket. "It is rich in carbohydrates and with proper vegetables, fish and meat added, it is quite healthy to have."

Naruto beamed in happiness just before Choji said, "But the oil is unhealthy, so trying to survive on ramen alone is not wise."

Naruto's shoulders fell but he quickly perked up and said, "Hey Choji can you convince Sakura-chan to increase my weekly quota of ramen? She barely lets me eat five bowls a week!"

"No thank you. I want to live. There is no way I am going against a medic's proclamation!" Choji said with a grin causing Naruto to grumble before turning around and leaving the field.


"Hey Teuchi-jiji, Ayame-neesan, get ready to cook a feast! I brought friends!" Naruto said as he took a seat on one of the stools.

"Hello Naruto-kun and friends. Please seat down. I will be taking your orders as soon as I find that pesky note pad. Dad seems to have misplaced it again." Ayame said with a grin.

"No I didn't! It should be under the counter. Hello Naruto-kun. The usual? Hey wait, you aren't trying to dismiss Sakura-chan's orders are you?" Teuchi said with a suspicious look as he surveyed the gathered crowd for the pink haired iryonin.

"Not at all! I still have my five bowls for this week!" Naruto said with a grin.

"Alright, but if you don't tell Sakura-chan about this little outing, I will ban you for the next month. I want my stall standing thank you."

"No need to fear Teuchi-san. I am already here. Guys, place your orders and let's head back to training!" Sakura said as she looked at Ayame. "The usual Ayame-san."

"An Ichiraku Special Vegi Ramen coming up along with five bowls of Naruto Special. What will the rest of you have?"

"What is this Naruto Special?" Ino asked with curiosity.

"That is the healthiest Ramen for heavy training Ninja we created for Naruto-kun some time ago. It contains the perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables. I can guarantee that you won't gain weight if you work out."

With that declaration, all of the assembled Genin started giving different amounts of the Naruto Special. After giving his order last, Kiba asked, "Why is it called Naruto Special?"

"That's because he is our best customer and the record holder for eating the most bowls at one sitting as well. Forty large bowls to be exact."

"How is that possible?" Ino muttered to herself as she waited for her order.


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Japanese Translations

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Japanese Jutsu, Style and Weapon Name Translations

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A/N: Hey Everyone! I hope you like this new chapter. Please remember to leave Reviews. The more Reviews I get, the faster I will publish another chapter, though I will try and keep it on a monthly schedule.

SSG.