Thanks again for those who reviewed. Chapter Three: Farewell

Four days later, Naruto stood in Tsunade's office, facing Iruka, Jiraiya and Tsunade herself. Naruto didn't want anyone to know of his plans to leave, not now. It was easier this way. The necessary people would be informed later about the written permission given to Naruto by the Hokage, that allowed him access to the village should the need arise. Tonight, in darkness, he would slip out of the village, leaving behind the first 13 years of his life. And now he stood before the three people he wished to see one last time.

He stepped forward and looked to Tsunade.

"Old Lady Tsunade, thank you for doing all that you've done for me, allowing me this chance for freedom, saving my life and most of all, acknowledging my existance. Your the grandmother i never had, and always wanted. I'll miss you"

Tsunade fought tears as she replied "I'll miss you too kid, come here" opening her arms for a hug.

Naruto hugged the woman then turned to Jiraiya,

"Perverted Hermit..." he began

"Heh-heh you ever gonna stop callin me that, brat? chuckled the silver haired Sannin.

Naruto grinned "Ever gonna stop giving me a reason too?"

Jiraiya's grinned widened to match Naruto's.

"Probably not"

"Anyway, i also want to thank you, for acknowledging my strength and ability as a ninja, and training me to become stronger. You came through for me when Kakashi ditched me to train Sasuke. You too are like the grandparent i never had", Naruto's smile widened again, "though maybe not the one i always wanted..."

Jiraiya's grin widened once again to match his former appretice's.

"And your like the bastard grandson that wouldnt leave me alone and who i couldnt get rid of", he then placed his hand on the top of Naruto's head, gazing down with a proud smile upon his face, "but I'll admit, i am proud of you kid. Good luck on your journey. You'll grow to be a fine man"

Master and apprentice then embraced too, before Naruto turned to Iruka.

"Iruka-Sensei, you were the first to accept me, and the first to show any kindness towards me. I owe you everything. You saved me from a dark world which i thought i could never escape from, and without you, i wouldnt be as strong as i am today. You were, and always will be the father i longed for. Thank you. Oh, and you bought me ramen"

That brought a small smile to Iruka's lips despite the tears that flowed freely down his face.

"And you will be the son that i will be forever proud of. You are already a fine ninja, and will become a great man. Wherever your journey takes you, greatness will follow behind you endlessly"

Naruto hugged his life long father and teacher, then turned back to Tsunade.

"Make sure you deliver that letter" glancing at the letter stacked on the desk, with a single name labled on it

"Sure thing kid"

"Ok I gotta go" said Naruto as he walked towards the door. As he reached the doorway he looked back over his shoulder.

"Thank you for everything, i love you all. Goodbye". And with that he dissapeared from the office.

Tsunade turned to Jiraiya. "Make sure he gets out of the village safely. Dont let him know your following him though"

"Gotcha" said Jiraiya and he dissapeared in a puff of smoke.

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Naruto walked along a small cobble road, towards the Leaf Village archway that led out of the village.

"So far so good, noones been around to see me leave" thought Naruto.

As if on cue to his thoughts, a figure appeared in the distance.

"Shit, who could that be. Hmm a bit shorter than me so its not a Jounin or Chuunin. Actually it looks like...Oh fuck its even worse than a Jounin or Chuunin"

"Hi Naruto"

"Sakura, what are you doing out here at this time"

"I heard Hokage-sama talking to Iruka-Sensei. She said you were leaving tonight. Looks like it was true"

"Yeah looks like it is"

"Why are you leaving?"

"Why do you care, you've never cared about what im doing unless it has to do with "Sasuke-kun"", harshly snapped Naruto, imitating Sakura in a high pitched whine on the last two words, in fact im surprised you left his side to come and talk to me"

T-thats not true..."

"The hell it isnt! "Naruto where is Sasuke-kun?", Naruto, why isnt Sasuke-kun here yet? Naruto please bring back Sasuke-kun, on and fucking on. Get over it.

"B-but i love him"

"LOVE HIM! Why! Has he once treated you with anything that resembled kindness or even respect? In the past year, hes treated you like shit! Treated the both of us like shit! Tried to KILL me and tried to surrender his alliegance to the guy who tried to destroy our village! And you love him! Give me a fuckin break"

Sakura regarded him with fiery green eyes. "I wouldnt expect an idiot like you to understand"

As he strode past her towards the archway "I may be an idiot, but at least im not a weak useless excuse for a shinobi"

"WHAT! You bastard!" screamed Sakura as she rushed towards Naruto, her fist back behind her preparing to strike.

Naruto turned and gave an annoyed sigh, closing his eyes while he casually caught Sakura's punch with his palm.

Opening his eyes he calmly spoke "Looks like your weaker than an idiot, what would Sasuke-kun think of you" he smirked.

"DAMN YOU", screamed Sakura, aiming a sweeping kick at his ankles. Naruto simply broke his grip on her fist and gracefully double- backflipped over her kick, landing 5 metres away from her.

"Are you done? Your waisting my time. I have to leave. You came here to tell me something, so say it."

"I just want to know why your leaving behind the village and abandoning your dream to become Hokage"

"A childish dream fueled by childish ambitions. Why endure a life of hatred to earn the recognition of idiots? I have no desire to stay in the village, much less lead the village. That dream is dead."

"Still i thought we were friends"

"We're friends as long as im useful to you. Find yourself another tool"

"Fine. If that's the way you feel. Leave then"

"That's the plan", replied Naruto, as he leapt up onto the archway, then from there took off through the tree-tops.

"So much for goodbye. I better get back to the hospital, Sasuke-kun couldve woken up by now. If I'm not there when he wakes up he wont know who sent him the flowers. I better hurry" thought Sakura, as she walked back towards the hospital.

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A silver haired figure stood in the tree tops close to the Leaf Village arches. "Well the kids out of the village safely enough. He better hope he doesnt need to return but. After that little speech, the girl will kill him" thought Jiraiya. He glanced towards the village. "Better get back and report it though, or that woman will kill ME" he thought as he soared through the trees. Casting a glance back to the village exit, he muttered softly. "Good luck kid"

A/N: And Chapter Three done. Next chapter has a bit more action. Till then