Naruto vs Sasuke: The Aftermath

by Kingkakashi

At the Valley of the End, Sasuke nearly kills Naruto and it affects everyone in many ways. See a vastly different direction after this battle to the Naruto story, than what the Canon did. There will be action, surprises, & romance NarxHin KakxKur JirxTsu & many more. Warning be prepared for the most Evil Sadistic Sasuke ever, and Sakura takes a beating in the early chapters. Enjoy!

56. The Final Test: Naruto's Sage Training

Summary: Over two years and a half years have passed since three of strongest shinobi of the Leaf village left their home and have carved out a heroic reputation throughout numerous and farway lands in their travels. One of these men has now embarked on his ultimate and final training test. Meanwhile, in Konohagakure the Village Hidden in the Leaves, many people are still waiting and hoping for three of its greatest heroes to finally return home.

Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath

Chapter 56: "The Final Test: Naruto's Sage Training"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For over two years, Naruto, Kakashi and Jiraiya had traveled throughout many lands. Training like hell and surviving through tough adventures. The three Konoha shinobi had acquired a great deal of power, skills, and experience in their journeys. Jiraiya was already a Sannin, a Kage level ninja of the highest degree, but quickly found that daily training with the strongest Jinchuuriki in existence and a near Kage level former Anbu Captain of the Leaf village had increased his powers and skills to levels he never would have imagined reaching. The venerable Toad- Sage had once joked to himself that you can't teach an old toad new tricks. However, training with Naruto and Kakashi over the past couple of years had proven that statement to be false, as Jiraiya surmised he had never been stronger in his life than he was at that moment.

As for Kakashi, the infamous Copy-Nin of Konoha had thrown himself into this training trip which was first focused for Naruto and trained like he never did before. Sparring almost regularly against a Sannin and a Jinchuuriki had increased his skills dramatically. Before he left the Leaf village with Jiraiya to help train Naruto, Kakashi was already considered an elite Jounin of Konoha and a legend in the Anbu ranks. Now the silver-haired shinobi had reached Kage level strength and in a pinch could easily become the next Hokage of the Hidden Leaf village if so chosen with no drop off in the power or skills one would expect in a Hokage. In truth, Jiraiya could think of only three people within the Leaf village who could stand on par with Kakashi now, himself, Tsunade, and Naruto.

Even as amazing as Kakashi's growth had been, it was the third member of the trio, the youngest one who improved the most in terms of power and skills. At the start of Naruto's training trip Jiraiya had theorized that having the boy train under not only a Sannin, but also an elite Jounin and former Anbu Captain constantly throughout the trip would be enough for Naruto to attain at least low level Jounin status by the end of their training trip. However, what the Toad-Sage had failed to take into account Naruto's unrelenting drive and enthusiasm to learn everything his two teachers were willing to teach. And with his ability to utilize the Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu like no one else in history, learn everything at an accelerated rate Naruto did. It was all Jiraiya and Kakashi could do now to keep up with the young man during a two-on-one spar and that was without Naruto tapping into the Kyuubi's chakra.

Naruto was motivated by many reasons to become as strong and as skilled a shinobi as he possibly could. However, the main overdriving force behind his relentless training regime was the fact that he knew the sooner he could complete his training, the sooner he could return to the lavender-eyed girl he loved back in the Leaf village. The blonde youth missed Hinata like crazy and because he couldn't be with her for well over two years now, he became even more determined and committed to training nonstop. Naruto had shown the drive to do great things and whereas his teachers had once thought it would take a minimum of five years for the boy to reach the level he was currently at. Both Jiraiya and Kakashi realized Naruto had accomplished the feat in half that time and now there was only one more training discipline for the boy to achieve….Sage training.

However, for this training, neither Jiraiya nor Kakashi would be the one teaching Naruto. As Jiraiya watched his grandson spar with Kakashi on an equal basis he could see the boy was emitting an air of confidence that one could only see in high level ninjas. The young man had seriously grown up and a pride-filled smile was evident on his grandfather's face, as Jiraiya stopped the spar and called out to Naruto.

"Naruto, you've managed to come a long way under me and Kakashi. Enough for me to proudly say that there is not many out there that can face you in battle and not get his ass whipped."

Naruto displayed a broad smile at that and even Kakashi was nodding with Jiraiya's assessment.

"Now remember a few months ago after we left the Land of Hope, I said it's time for you to receive Sage training from the Toads of Myoboku Mountain just like I did many years ago."

"Yeah, Mt. Myoboku, that's where we've been heading towards isn't it?"

"Well, we're here."

Naruto and Kakashi looked around and didn't see a mountain anywhere before Naruto groused.

"What are you talking about pervy-sage? I don't see a mountain anywhere!"

"Oh ye of little faith gaki, just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there."

"Huh?"

Jiraiya didn't bother to elaborate further; instead he simply approached Kakashi and placed a hand in his shoulder and his other hand on Naruto's shoulder. The elite Jounin already knew what the venerable Toad-Sage intended, so he didn't bother asking. Naruto though remained confused until the three shinobi vanished out of thin air.

===Mount Myoboku===

When Naruto opened his eyes, he was amazed at what he was seeing, as Jiraiya and Kakashi stood next to him also taking in the spectacular view. Standing on a cliff and gazing out over the land and horizon before them was Mt. Myoboku in its entire splendor. The land before them was vast and filled with a diverse array of many ecosystems. One could see swamps filled with heavy foliage, tall trees in thickly forested areas, raging rivers cutting through the land and breathtaking waterfalls. However, there was one feature that truly distinguished Mt. Myoboku as the home of the toads and that was the endless assortment of toad stools in all shapes and sizes littered throughout the land.

As the trio of Leaf shinobi continued to gaze out at the majesty of nature before them, they were nearly knocked to the ground by the force of an impact tremor 100 yards behind them. Turning around they were greeted with the sight of a gargantuan dull, rusty-red colored toad with bright red markings around his eyes and on his lips and chest. Over his left eye was a vertical scar and he was wearing a large blue happi vest with a massive tanto blade strapped at his hip. The final unique appearance of this toad was the large kiseru pipe he was puffing on signifying that Gamabunta the Boss King of Toads had arrived.

"Bunta old friend, it's good to see you!" Jiraiya shouted out in greeting.

Naruto stood wide-eyed an in shock as he Jiraiya, and Kakashi walked towards Gamabunta, but it was not the appearance of Bunta that had surprised Naruto, but of the toad that had accompanied him. There standing nearly as tall and almost as massive was an orange toad with purple markings around his eyes, mouth and stomach. This toad bore no battle scars and carried no weapon, but wore a distinctive blue jacket, which Naruto recognized immediately, as he stammered a greeting and a question to the toad.

"Ga-Gamakichi, is, is that you?"

"Yo kid, what's up?"

"You are, how, how did you get so big?"

"Probably from his grandmother over-feeding him would be my guess, but the truth is we toads grow at a quicker rate than humans here on Mt. Myoboku."

Naruto jumped back a bit and looked down to see a green toad with white hair styled in somewhat of a Mohawk with very thick eyebrows and a small goatee. The aged toad was also wearing a brown high-collared cape that wrapped around his body and carried with him a nondescript staff that he leaned on for support. Before Naruto could even ask who this toad was he called out.

"Magomusuko (Grandson), shrink down and pick me up so I can speak to the prophecy child eye to eye!"

"Hai Ojiison (Grandfather)."

A moment later Gamakichi had shrunk down to Naruto's height and the small green toad jumped atop his head and welcomed the young Jinchuuriki.

"Greetings, Naruto-chan, welcome to Mt. Myoboku, my name is Fukasaku and I'll be your Senpai in teaching you the fine arts of Senjutsu."

Naruto was still mesmerized by the place, hence why he had yet to acknowledge the little toad. Getting annoyed by the lack of attention, Fukasaku grabbed his staff and smacked Naruto's head earning a growl in pain from said blonde.

"Ow, what was that for you old toad?"

"For not paying attention to me and you'll be receiving more of that if it continues during your training. And you will address me from now on as Fukasaku-Senpai, nothing else!"

"Don't worry about it kid, you'll get use to gramps whacks after awhile." Gamakichi stated, before earning a wallop to the head from Fukasaku's staff.

Ignoring his grandfather's rant about disrespectful young toads, Gamakichi looked Naruto over and commented appreciatively.

"You've grown as well kid; you're as tall as the pervy-sage and one-eye over there. I almost didn't recognize you since you're no longer wearing that orange jumpsuit I remember you always having."

"Yeah, I sort of out outgrew that and pervy-sage and Kakashi-sensei wouldn't let me replace the jumpsuit and insisted I dressed more like a true shinobi."

Naruto appearance had indeed changed dramatically since he had left the Leaf village. Now he sported a dark blue short-sleeve jumpsuit that he wears unzipped to below his chest showing off an orange colored t-shirt. Naruto also now carried a large summoning scroll on his back and had fastened to each leg a shuriken holster. The young Leaf nin still had standard black sandals, but now wore fingerless gloves similar to what Kakashi had. The final touch to Naruto's new appearance was he now proudly wore the hitai-ate Iruka had given him years ago tied securely around his sizable right bicep with a new longer black bandanna. Indeed the young boy that had left the Leaf village two and a half years ago was swiftly growing into a powerful young man.

"Well at least you kept a little bit of orange to your attire Naruto."

"Of course Gamakichi, it's still my favorite color."

"Mine too." The orange toad replied causing both the amphibian and blonde young man to laugh and high-five one another.

A moment later both Gamakichi and Naruto received a whack from Fukasaku's staff, as both of them groaned and rubbed their heads mumbling some incoherent curse words under their breath, as they listened to the elder toad speak.

"Now that I've got your attention again you disrespectful young tadpoles, as I was saying we will begin the Senjutsu training of the prophecy child tomorrow."

"Prophecy child, that's the second time you've called me that. What do mean by prophecy child?" Naruto questioned in confusion.

Fukasaku cast a sharp glare towards Jiraiya and in a voice dripping with disdain asked the now nervous Toad-Sage.

"Why does he not know of the prophecy Jiraiya?"

"Ummm, well you see Pa, I haven't exactly told the little gaki about the prophecy yet."

"And just when were you planning on telling him?"

"I sort of figured you would tell him about it Fukasaku-Senpai."

"Don't try to butter me up by calling me Senpai, you lazy perverted wretch of a sage!" Fukasaku shouted out angrily before jumping up with his staff and slamming it over Jiraiya's head, who crumpled to the ground in a heap.

It was then that the elder green toad noticed something that bothered him greatly and asked.

"Jiraiya, where is your customized horned hitai-ate we crafted for you many years ago when you completed your Sage training?"

Groaning and rubbing the now rising lump on his head, Jiraiya casually answered.

"Oh that, the little gaki over there snapped in half with a Rasengan during one of our training spars, I'm glad you reminded me of it Pa, can I get another one made up?"

"I already said I was sorry about that pervy-sage!" Naruto shouted in annoyance.

'He had the power to break through metal forged in the fires of Mt. Myoboku, perhaps he truly is the child of prophecy.' Fukasaku thought to himself before asking.

"What did you do with the old one?"

"I traded it several months ago for the new clothes Naruto now wears and a case of really good sake to a traveling merchant who was into collecting old antiquities."

Fukasaku's eyes narrowed and he released some killing intent that mad Jiraiya shiver, as he listened to the elder speak in an icy tone of voice.

"You took the prized symbol of Toad Senjutsu training and hocked it for some clothes and booze!"

"Ummmm…yeah." Jiraiya pensively answered.

A second later Fukasaku's staff came raining down onto Jiraiya's head once more and the elder toad shouted with disgust.

"You disrespectful, irresponsible, lecherous fool of a Sage!"

"Owwww, but Senpai I already told you it was broken in half and because it was fired and forged here at Mt. Myoboku, it can't be re-forged and repaired in the earth realm." Jiraiya offered up in defense, while covering his head.

"Exactly, which is why you should have kept it and brought it back here for repair. The fact that you would so flippantly disregard and dishonor our prized symbol is disappointing to me and I would have expected better than that from you."

"I'm sorry Fukasaku-Senpai."

"You're sorry alright, but not as sorry as you're going to be, as you're going to spend the next three months recasting and forging a new customized horned hitai-ate not only for yourself, but for young Naruto-chan here as well!"

Jiraiya merely nodded his head in compliance, as he watched his former toad senpai hop away followed by a snickering Gamakichi and Naruto, while Kakashi helped him to his feet, who asked with concern.

"Master-Jiraiya, Fukasaku isn't going to be using that staff on me will he?"

Jiraiya remembered that damn metal staff when he first trained in Senjutsu. It had indeed been amusing to him to see Naruto and Gamakichi getting pounded by the presumably harmless little toad. However, he hadn't expected to be on the receiving end of it again and knew he had screwed up badly, as he answered Kakashi.

"Only if you piss him off like I've just done."

"Well in all fairness, you were a little drunk when you made that trade."

"True, but Senpai is right, I should have been more respectful of it."

Kakashi merely nodded his head before he pulled an icha-icha novel from his pocket and started to follow Fukasaku and the rest of the toads and people. Meanwhile, Jiraiya was also rubbing the back of head and following behind everyone, as he thought to himself.

'Damn, I know I fucked up, but I think Pa is overreacting a bit, I mean what the hell can anyone do with a broken hitai-ate?'

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Deep inside Orochimaru's main base in the heart of Otogakure, the Snake Sannin had sent for his newest protégé to assign a mission to him. A few minutes later a young man with onyx colored hair and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, which was open at the torso and adorned with a small version of the Uchiha crest on his collar. He also wore dark blue pants with a blue cloth hanging from halfway up his stomach to his knees and black arm-guards that covered his forearms that stretched up to reach his upper biceps. A large purple rope belt around his waist was tied in a bow, in which he carried a sword. All in all his attire was very similar to his master, as Sasuke Uchiha bowed down and addressed his sensei.

"How may I serve you Orochimaru-sama?"

"Ssssssasuke-kun, I need you to be ready infiltrate our former home village and retrieve a message, which will be released on October 10th."

"A message to be released, I don't understand my lord, why on that date?"

"Have you forgotten the importance of that date my young protégé. That date will mark the anniversary of the defeat of the Kyuubi no Youko at the hands of the Yondaime Hokage 16 years ago."

"I had forgotten my lord, my apologies, but what is this message you speak of?"

"Before the beloved Yondaime sacrificed his life to ssssssssseal away the Kyuubi no Youko into your former teammate. He left a message to be conveyed to the people of the Leaf village on the 16th anniversary of his death and defeat of the fox-demon. Like the rest of the people, I have been patiently waiting for 16 years to hear what my former rival had to sssssssssay."

"I understand Orochimaru-sama; I shall retrieve this message for you as you command."

"I leave it you then Ssssssasuke-kun."

It was then a young man wearing a pair of circular glasses with black eyes and ash-grey hair tied into a ponytail entered the room. The man wore a dark purple shirt with a high collar, a white undershirt and fingerless gloves with armored plates on the back of the hands. A white cloth waistband worn at an angle was tied around dark purple pants, which bore a shuriken holster on his right leg.

"Lord Orochimaru, I have some news that I think might be of interest to you." Kabuto Yakushi announced in a gnarled voice, as he absently rubbed a horizontal scar across his throat.

"Ahhh Kabuto-kun, what news do you have for me?"

"During one of our recent raids into the Fire Country, as your men were going through spoils of their efforts of the past few months, I noticed a couple of items that I believe will be of great interest to both you my lord and to young Sasuke as well."

Kabuto then lay before the Snake Sannin and Sasuke two items. One item was a customized horned hitai-ate that had been split-in-half with the kanji for "Oil" written on it, which was a symbol for the Toads of Myoboku. The other item was an orange-colored jumpsuit with blue on the upper shoulders area as well as around the waist, a white swirl with a tassel on the left side, a red swirl on the back and a large white collar.

"That's the dobe's suit!" Sasuke exclaimed in surprise.

"And that is my foolish fellow Toad-Sage of a Sannin hitai-ate." Orochimaru calmly stated, before asking.

"Where did the merchant get these items from?"

"Regrettably Lord Orochimaru, we do not know, as he had already been killed. However, according to his records he had traveled through many lands over the years. So he could have acquired them within the past few months or few years, there is no way to know."

"A pity, very well take the items away as they are of no use to ussssss, other than to confirm that Jiraiya and Naruto are sssssssstill alive."

As Kabuto knelt down to retrieve the items, Sasuke spoke up.

"Orochimaru-sama, don't get rid of those items, they can be of use to us."

"What do have in mind Sssssssasuke-kun?"

"First, Kabuto go get a prisoner who can fit into that jumpsuit."

"I don't take orders from you Uchiha!" Kabuto spat and glared angrily at the Uchiha boy and released some killing intent. While Sasuke merely glared back and released some of his own.

"SSSSSSSSSTAND DOWN BOTH OF YOU!" The Snake Sannin roared, as he released his own killing intent towards his two protégés.

Both Sasuke and Kabuto quickly lowered their heads in submission, before Sasuke finally spoke up and contritely said.

"My apologies Orochimaru-sama, but if Kabuto-san would be willing to procure a prisoner as I requested, I can better explain my idea to you, which I believe you will quite enjoy upon hearing."

A nod from Orochimaru to Kabuto was all that was needed for the first apprentice of the Snake Sannin to leave the room and return with a prisoner who was small enough to fit into the orange-colored jumpsuit. Once the prisoner was fitted into the article of clothing, he was brought before Orochimaru and Sasuke, who asked Kabuto a question.

"Kabuto, have my chakra coils healed sufficiently that I can utilize the Chidori technique once again?"

"Yes, Sasuke it's been over a year since our attack upon the Leaf village where you were injured. You should now be able to utilize ninjutsu without any debilitating affects to your body anymore."

"Excellent, that's just what I wanted to hear…Chidori!"

Instantly, the unmistakable sound of a thousand birds chirping filled the air, as a large amount of lightning chakra filled Sasuke's hand, before he charged forward and thrusts the Chidori through the orange jumpsuit and into the heart of the prisoner, who let out a garbled scream before dropping to the floor dead. Sasuke then ordered the guards to strip the prisoner of the jumpsuit and dispose of the body. Upon completion of this Sasuke took the jumpsuit and kneeling before Orochimaru presented it to him and said.

"Orochimaru-sama, I believe we should leave a gift for Tsunade and the rest of the dobe's friends and comrades back in the leaf village. They all believe that the Toad-Sage and Naruto are going to return and save them from us. Well what would they think if presented with a gift bearing your former teammate's broken hitai-ate and my former teammate's bloody jumpsuit. I would think at the very least it would severely cripple their morale if not outright destroy it. I can give it to the Slug-slut when I go to the village to retrieve that message in a week."

"Ku, ku, ku, Ssssssasuke-kun, I like the way you think. That is a most ssssssplendid idea to deal a crippling psychological blow to Tsunade and the Leaf village in general."

"Thank you for your praise my lord."

"Come Sssssssasuke-kun; let us prepare the package that Tsunade will receive our gift in. I'm quite certain whoever opens it after were done will get a big bang out of it."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Early the next morning, Fukasaku had awoken the trio of Leaf shinobi and ordered them to follow him. It took the group less than ten minutes of travel, before appearing at a fountain filled with statues of toads around it. At first glance, Naruto was surprised to see that that it wasn't water that resided in the fountain, though he wasn't sure what it was. Fukasaku then stopped right in front of the fountain, as he eyed the entire group before speaking.

"Jiraiya-chan and Kakashi-chan, please excuse us for the duration of this training, for I wish to tutor Naruto-chan alone."

The two older shinobi just nodded and left the premises. Now alone with Naruto, the elder toad started explaining.

"Now, Naruto-chan let us begin. Senjutsu is a very rare form of chakra manipulation that consists of mixing natural energy with your chakra. As you undoubtedly know, chakra consists of unity between spiritual and physical energy. Natural energy is then considered the third part. Now when you are able to perfectly blend the natural energy chakra with your own, you can achieve Sage Mode. And when in Sage Mode, one can drastically increase the strength of all Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu."

As the elder toad explained, Naruto was beginning to feel a headache starting. He had lost count on how many times he had heard lectures from Iruka about chakra back at the academy and they always bored him to death. And within the past few weeks Jiraiya had been droning on about Senjutsu chakra and only recently had he begun to understand the concept behind its chakra. He nodded at Fukasaku, although he was using every bit of his willpower to retain the important albeit boring information.

"Are you paying attention to me boy?" As soon as the elder toad asked this question, the same staff appeared in his hand and Naruto nodded eagerly, fearing the dreaded weapon more than anything.

"Hai Fukasaku-Senpai!" the elder toad smirked, pleased that Naruto had at least remembered to address him properly.

Jiraiya had informed Fukasaku that he had grilled the boy with the theory of Senjutsu chakra throughout the trip to Mt. Myoboku, so he was confident that the boy had at least understood the basic concept behind Sage chakra, before he continued on.

"Good, now in order to use Senjutsu, the user must possess an enormous chakra capacity above all else. Which you already do or we wouldn't even be having this conversation in this place. Normally it takes a long time for someone to master Senjutsu even with high chakra capacity, but as you've indicated you don't have that luxury. That being said, we're going to do the crash course. This fountain before you carries the sacred oil of the Toads. When you are attempting to gather natural energy, you must remain absolutely still in order to be one with nature. By using this special toad oil, it allows the natural energy to enter your body."

Fukasaku finished by putting his finger inside the fountain and applying the oil on Naruto's hand. As soon as that happened, the blonde started feeling the excessive energy invading his coils. One second later, his skin started to change and his limbs were transforming into those of a toad. Fukasaku suddenly appeared and belted Naruto's head with his metal staff and Naruto returned to normal immediately.

"Damn, if you knew that would happen, why did you apply it in the first place?" Naruto screamed in fury, as he imagined himself taking that staff and chasing after the elder toad.

"I did that in order to show you the danger of this training. Do you see the statues around the fountain? They were once humans who attempted the same thing as you are now and failed. Humans are not used to natural energy and thus cannot sustain it for long. Getting hit by this special staff during the transformation will reverse the toad transformation by knocking all the natural energy out of the gatherer. It's dangerous to learn how to gather natural energy without the bat because there is no other way to reverse the toad transformation. Furthermore, if the transformation is completed, not even the staff can reverse it and the user becomes a toad statue forever. Only my staff can save you from becoming a statue. There is no other way Naruto-chan for you to achieve Sage status, unless you train with this oil until you can sustain natural energy."

"Then what exactly am I suppose to do Fukasaku-Senpai?"

"You must balance your physical and spiritual energy with the natural energy you gather from nature. If you can achieve a perfect balance between the physical and spiritual energies of your own chakra and the energies of nature, they can produce a new and stronger chakra, called Senjutsu chakra."

"Is Senjutsu chakra really that powerful Fukasaku-Senpai?"

"Naruto-chan, as I told you earlier, those who are able to create and use Senjutsu chakra are able to enter a physical state called "Sage Mode". When active, Sage Mode increases the user's strength and speed, as well as augments the power of their techniques immeasurably."

Naruto pondered everything the elder toad had just said and though he didn't relish the idea of constantly being beaten by that damn bat. If this was the only way for him to get stronger, he had to endure it. He needed to get as strong as he could for what was ahead of him. Not only to protect himself against the likes of the Akatsuki, the teme and Orochimaru, but to protect all of his precious people from those threats as well.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Meanwhile, Kakashi and Jiraiya were busy sparring against each other. When Naruto was off on his own training or creating new jutsu's the two veteran Leaf shinobi would spar occasionally, so as to train Kakashi as well. Minato was truly a gifted shinobi, but apparently he was also a gifted teacher. From what Kakashi had told Jiraiya, his son the Fourth Hokage had given a scroll to Kakashi when he was promoted to Jounin. Said scroll contained tasks to be completed by Kakashi, which included objectives such as mastery of his Sharingan eye, physical exercises that would equal Might Gai's training and chakra manipulation exercises that not even Jiraiya knew existed. Throughout the training, Jiraiya set himself to aid Kakashi in finishing the list of activities registered in the scroll. Kakashi admitted he had stopped doing them a few years after the Yondaime's death.

Now, Jiraiya saw that if Kakashi kept up this training he could rival even a Sannin in a couple years if not sooner. As it was, Kakashi had already attained Kage level strength and skill and Jiraiya felt a sense of comfort in knowing that if something were to happen to him, then Kakashi would be more than able to protect Naruto from Akatsuki.

As Jiraiya leaned back onto the stem and under the shade of a rather large toadstool and watched Kakashi work on some chakra manipulation exercises, a warm smile spread across his face. The past two and a half had not nearly been the ordeal he originally envisioned it would be when they started this training mission for Naruto. Jiraiya had found after spending a great deal of time with his traveling companions that he rather enjoyed the company of Kakashi and Naruto, even if the latter had the amazing ability of pissing him off with a passion on occasions.

The Sannin couldn't help but chuckle, as the trio's relationship with one another had grown even stronger and more comfortable when they assumed the guise of the Hanzo family. The role of the elder father traveling the lands with his two young sons had served them well, but Jiraiya was still amazed at the ease in which they all fell into their roles. Over the past two years both Naruto and Kakashi had taken on the roles of younger and older siblings and truly acted the part with one another, even during the times in which the trio was alone. Jiraiya could tell that their former role of student and teacher was now a thing of the past and deep down realized a sense of family was something both Naruto and Kakashi had needed for a long time in their lives.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Some would consider Naruto to be a genius; others attributed his success to how stubbornly indomitable his will was, refusing to stop even when the odds weren't in his favor. Even others would say it was his use of the Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu that allowed Naruto to be as successful as he was. However, the truth of the matter is that it was a combination of all three aspects that made Naruto as special as he is.

Two months had passed since he first started this training and being constantly beaten by Fukasaku's staff, the blond was sitting on top of the oil fountain with his eyes changed to that of a toad. Fukasaku was looking at the boy with a smile on his face and was amazed that not only was Naruto remaining in total control and not transforming into a toad, but his concentration was so great and vast that he was able to maintain 10 shadow clones along with him. And though the clones were in no danger of transforming, as no oil was applied to them. The will Naruto exerted to keep them meditating along side of him, must surely play a factor in the young boy reaching a level of concentration that had taken Jiraiya nearly two years to attain Fukasaku pondered to himself.

In fact, the elder toad had not been required to use his staff at all today. Which was a far cry from a few weeks ago where Fukasaku was administering he estimated close to fifty hits on a daily basis. However, even then the elder toad was amazed at Naruto determination and resiliency, as any normal human being would have succumbed to unconsciousness. Not even once did the blonde Jinchuuriki even come close to submit, as his resolve was just that strong. Jiraiya had told Fukasaku that Naruto would master everything through sheer stubbornness and will to never quit despite the odds. Now that the boy's body and chakra coils were accustomed to nature energy, it was time for Naruto to learn how to use it.

"Now, Naruto-chan, we'll proceed with the second part of our training. Unfortunately, you won't have an oil source with you, so that option is out. Like Jiraiya-chan, you will require the help of a medium, me to gather and sustain natural energy."

The elder toad jumped on Naruto's shoulder and started gathering the nature energy in order to sync with the blond. All of a sudden, Fukasaku felt the dark and evil energy of the Kyuubi inside of Naruto and was forced away from him. After another failed attempt, Fukasaku realized that the Kyuubi no Youko wouldn't allow him to synchronize with Naruto, meaning that Naruto wouldn't be able to use Senjutsu, at least not with his help. Upon explaining this to the boy, he could see the look of shock and anger from the boy.

"So what…You hit my head with that damn staff of yours for two months straight for nothing?"

It was all clear now in Naruto's mind, revenge was all that was left for him, as he thought of ways to steal the weapon and avenge his head.

"I'm not saying you can't use natural energy, I'm saying that you can't use it by normal means that's all. There is one method, although considering your hyperactive nature, it's considered almost impossible."

"What is it? No matter what, I'll master it. I won't give up now!" The elder toad smirked at that.

For someone like Naruto, he was expecting those words indeed. However, he still maintained his opinion.

"You are obliged to remain still, while gathering nature energy."

Fukasaku heard the boy saying it was easy, but he still maintained the smile on his face.

"You can say it's easy, but I will tell you right now it's almost impossible. Even if willing your body to stop moving, you can't hold on for long. One small twitch, one move is all it takes for everything to come crashing down. Not to mention that you'll be gathering natural energy in the mean time. If you move even if it's only blinking your eye, you'll have to start all over again."

After Fukasaku explained everything, Naruto began to realize the reason behind the toad's skepticism.

"Follow me Naruto-chan, I'll take you to your new meditation place."

Half an hour later, the two – ninja and toad – stopped in front of a rather peculiar mountain. Its base was relatively small compared to its size, easily reaching into the clouds. Glancing down at the elder toad, Naruto started to shiver. Fukasaku was looking at the top of the mountain and began to explain that this new method of training consisted of the boy meditating on top of a wooden square, balanced on the top of the mountain, which by the way was as thin as a nail. Needless to say, Naruto couldn't maintain the necessary balance up there and had fallen multiple times. His face upon falling to his death was quite humorous to the elder toad, as he used his long and surprisingly strong tongue to save the boy every time he fell.

After four more months and Kami only knows how many falls, Fukasaku decided to use another approach. Like a parent holding the bicycle for his kid on the first time, the toad held Naruto up with his tongue and was slowly releasing its hold as he saw that the boy was getting the hand of it. By the end of the fourth month of trying, Fukasaku released his hold on the boy and watched with a smile as he saw the amount of natural energy gathered around the boy. Finally, he had learned how to remain perfectly still and one with nature. When Naruto opened his eyes, the same toad ones were revealed, earning an even bigger smile from the toad in front of him. Naruto was about to say anything when a blue bird landed on his shoulder, thus disrupting the ninja's concentration.

He fell once more, but this time Fukasaku wasn't there to save him. Naruto landed on the ground hard, but found that he wasn't hurt at all.

"Six months must be a new record, Naruto-chan. I remember it took Jiraiya-chan nearly three years atop that peak and he still can't maintain and gather natural energy without use of a medium. You've achieved a level he was never able to Naruto-chan!" Fukasaku exclaimed with pride and excitement.

Naruto smiled brightly at his teacher.

"Now that you learned how to gather natural energy on your own, how about I teach you some neat skills to go along with it?"

With that said, Fukasaku started Naruto's training of utilizing Senjutsu chakra, as well as constant spars using the toad's Taijutsu that was particularly effective with natural energy. The idea behind the katas was awesome in Naruto's mind. Even without actually hitting the opponent, the Senjutsu chakra on Naruto's body could be extended from his body and hit the enemy. The young Leaf nin didn't take too long to learn the katas. After that, he and Fukasaku went at each other in spars for weeks on end. During these spars Naruto discovered that if he had some of his shadow clones gather natural energy elsewhere while he fights. Once he has run out of his own Senjutsu chakra, he has one of the clones disperse, giving him the clone's natural energy and allowing him to enter Sage Mode again.

Fukasaku was stunned at the sheer brilliance of this tactic, as it allowed Naruto to enter and reenter Sage Mode multiple times in a fight something the elder Toad Sage had never even considered possible before. Working with Naruto on this new method he had developed, they had found that there was a limit to the maximum number of shadow clones that Naruto can use. The young Jinchuuriki found he could create up to five shadow clones to use for gathering natural energy, as anything more would interfere with their focus. To make sure he had enough shadow clones for use in battle, Naruto used only two shadow clones to gather Senjutsu chakra, allowing him to enter Sage Mode a total of three times in a fight. Naruto also theorized that it is possible to lengthen the time he is in Sage Mode.

The rest of Naruto's training in Senjutsu revolved around adapting it with normal Ninjutsu techniques, as for example Naruto was able to use Senjutsu chakra to increase the size of the Rasengan technique. Naruto was even thinking of a side project, consisting of adding his wind element to his Rasengan. He had already asked Jiraiya about the possibility and was told that the Rasengan was in fact an incomplete technique. The Yondaime had wanted to mix a chakra element and shape into it, thus perfectly completing the technique.

Jiraiya figured that if the father couldn't do it, then his son would.

The boy also used his Senjutsu in conjunction with his wind chakra and managed to create a wind blade using a mere kunai. While chakra conducting blades worked better, the Senjutsu increased the wind chakra's control and strength, allowing Naruto to create a very deadly wind chakra blade using a mere kunai. Seeing this, Fukasaku asked one of the swordsman toads to give Naruto some pointers in Kenjutsu as well. Depending on Naruto's control, he could even add a second wind sword.

Naruto use of multiple shadow clones increased what he was able to learn in Senjutsu, as well as fighting techniques in Kenjutsu and Taijutsu. During any off time which was rare, Naruto worked studiously in developing more He was left alone concerning jutsu creation, which suited him just fine, as neither Jiraiya nor Kakashi knew much about wind jutsu's, so they wouldn't be able to help him much in this regard. In fact, the first three jutsu's his mind formulated by using a blending of Senjutsu chakra in combination with his natural elemental chakra of wind would prove to be very effective and deadly techniques once completed and mastered. Naruto named the three jutsu's as follows.

Senpou Futon Kyoumou Gufuu (Sage Arts – Wind Release: Fierce Hurricane Technique)

Senpou Futon Furaisu no Tatsumaki (Sage Arts – Wind Release Slicing Tornado Technique)

Senpou Futon Ikusen Kazehari (Sage Arts - Thousand Wind Needles Technique)

It took him little time to develop the theory behind the three jutsus, before he set to work to create them. Summoning two kage bunshins, he worked endlessly in order to master all three of his new jutsu. According to Jiraiya, training at Mt. Myoboku would be the last of his training before they returned to the Hidden Leaf village. And Naruto was going to make sure he made the most of every single minute available in order to improve. The Young Jinchuuriki knew he had enemies to face that were considered S-ranked when he started this training trip. So Naruto was under no illusions that he wouldn't be the only one that had gotten stronger during the three plus years he had been away.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kakashi landed on his back with a resounding thud, before he raised a white cloth into the air and waved it around signifying his surrender. Rising up onto his elbows to look at his opponents, the Copy-nin exhaled a heavy sigh. He was exhausted after this spar against not one, but two opponents utilizing the Toad Sage Mode technique. To be honest, Kakashi was surprised he had lasted in the spar as long as he had against such overpowering adversaries. Still Kakashi was amazed at the vast difference in appearance between Jiraiya and Naruto in their Sage Modes.

Jiraiya took on a number of toad-like traits when using Sage Mode. His appearance was altered in aspects such as his nose growing bigger and gaining warts. The Sannin also grew excess hair in a goatee and toad-like eyes. Further transformation attributes included him taking on a toad-like stature and the lines on his face became much thicker, taking over each side of his face.

However in Naruto's case, unlike Jiraiya, he is able to perfectly balance the natural energy with his own chakra. This allows him to use the true Sage Mode, which retains all of his normal physical characteristics except for toad-like eyes: yellow irises, horizontal bar-like pupils, and reddish-orange pigmentation around the eyes; the mark of a true sage on each eye.

As both Fukasaku and Shima his wife and fellow elder toad jumped off of Jiraiya's shoulders, the Toad Sannin began to revert back to his human form. Shima's appearance was similar to her husbands, but with a few differences. Shima had a lighter green underside and bore purple marking around her mouth and the back of her body. The top of her head looks as though she is wearing a hair net with hair-rollers underneath, giving her an old woman' look. She also wore a high-collared cape that wrapped around her body just as Fukasaku did, but her cape was colored dark purple.

Naruto as well began powering down from his Toad Sage Mode and once finished exhaled a sigh of relief. It was then the Fukasaku turned to his wife and asked.

"So what do you think Ma, is Kakashi-chan ready?"

"Hai Pa, I believe he is."

"Bunta, what say you?" Fukasaku shouted to the Boss King of Toads who had been observing the spar between Kakashi, Naruto, and Jiraiya.

Gamabunta inhaled then exhaled a large plume of smoke from his pipe and in a deep bellowing voice answered.

"He lasted over 10 minutes against two Toad Sage's, so I think he's ready, but I'm not sure the fur-ball is going to accept a new summoner."

"Master Jiraiya, Fukasaku-sama, I don't understand, exactly what am I ready for? Kakashi questioned in confusion.

"Remember before we left to travel to Mt. Myoboku, I told you that the toads were holding something for you."

"Hai, I do remember you saying you thought I'd reached the point where I had gotten strong enough to utilize and handle what the toads had for me, but you wouldn't tell me what that was?"

"Well I decided when we got here that a little more additional training on your part would help in the success of this endeavor and after a full year, I believe you are now at the point in strength and skills to handle and accept your legacy."

"I still don't understand Master-Jiraiya."

"We will now explain everything to you Kakashi-chan." Fukasaku replied, before adding.

"Bunta, call forth Gama!"

The might Boss King of Toads inhaled a deep breath causing his body to expand outwards before releasing a thunderous croak that seemed to resonate throughout Mt. Myoboku. A minute later, a very large toad, big enough for a person to ride on his back landed near the elder toads. His orange skin was covered in blue markings and he had bandages wrapped around his body and left foreleg, while wearing a necklace with seven large beads on it, with the kanji for "loyalty" on the central largest one. The large orange toad bowed slightly in honor of the elder toads as Fukasaku spoke.

"Kakashi-chan, allow me to introduce to you Gama the keeper of the Toad Summoning contract scroll."

"Hey Gama, long time no see!" Naruto shouted out in greeting, as he had first met the toad the same day he had met Jiraiya.

Gama croaked in response to Naruto, as Fukasaku continued on.

"As I said Kakashi-chan, Gama is the keeper of the Toad Summoning contract scroll and..."

"I think I know where this is going and I thank you for the honor of considering me for the Toad Summoning contract Fukasaku-sama, but I already belong to the Dog Summoning contract scroll." Kakashi stated interrupting the elder green toad.

"Impatient youth, I already know about your relationship with the dog contract and if you hadn't interrupted me then you would have learned I was not going to offer you the chance of signing the Toad Summoning contract scroll, but another contract. In fact, one might say it is your destiny to sign this other contract, but before you do, call forth your lead Ninken (Ninja hound) to our realm."

Kakashi bit his thumb to draw some blood onto his hand before slamming his palm onto the ground and shouting.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" (Summoning Technique)

As the smoke from Kakashi's summoning disappeared, standing before the one-eyed Jounin was a small pug with light brown fur and a dark brown snout and ears along with droopy eyes. The canine also bore pink-colored paws with a bandage on his right leg and was wearing the standard outfit of Kakashi's ninken which consisted of a blue vest with the heno-heni-moheji seal and a Konoha hitai-ate worn on top of his head. This dog also had a sharp witted tongue, as he looked up and said.

"What's up Kakashi?"

"Pakkun, it's been a long time." Fukasaku stated in greeting, startling the small brown dog.

"Fukasaku-sama, I'm honored you remember me after so many years." Pakkun respectfully replied, as he nodded his head towards the elder toad.

Pakkun then looked around and saw everyone who was present and turning back to Fukasaku asked in curiosity.

"If I may be so bold and ask, why exactly am I here? I've not been to Mt. Myoboku since Kakashi's fath…."

Pakkun abruptly stopped speaking, as if realizing something before looking at the elder toad and asked in a quivering voice.

"You mean it's time Fukasaku?"

"Hai Pakkun, he has reached sufficient power and skill to accept the legacy."

Kakashi was getting frustrated and finally his patience wore out.

"Pakkun, what is going on here?"

"What's going on Kakashi is it's time for you to sign off on the strongest canine summoning contract."

"I don't understand, I've already signed the canine contract."

"No, you've signed the Dog Summoning contract scroll, which is a subcontract of the almighty canine contract. Once you've signed that contract, you will be able to summon the most powerful canine summons in existence and call upon his aid just as your father once did many years ago."

"My, my father!" Kakashi exclaimed in bewilderment.

"Enough chit-chat, Ma give Kakashi-chan a chakra boost larvae to replenish the chakra he lost during his spar with Jiraiya-chan and Naruto-chan."

Before Kakashi could utter a word of protest, Shima had reached into a pouch and pulled out a squiggling white caterpillar type insect and hopped up to shove it into Kakashi's mouth who gagged a bit before swallowing it down. A moment later, the silver-haired nin felt incredible, as his entire body was suddenly rejuvenated. It was then that Fukasaku signaled Gama and the large orange toad unfurled his tongue and laid a summoning contract onto the ground. When the elder green toad unfurled the contract, Kakashi was stunned as there was only one name written inside of it…Sakumo Hatake.

As Kakashi stared at his father's name, Fukasaku jumped onto his shoulder and in calm reassuring tone of voice said.

"Hai Kakashi-chan, this is your father's legacy that he left with us to keep until the day you or one of your descendants would attain the power and skills needed to be able to summon such a mighty creature. Sakumo hoped that it would be you to carry on this summoning tradition within your clan and I can't help but feel that he is smiling in Kami's realm in seeing this day come for you Kakashi-chan."

"And you believe I've grown strong enough Fukasaku-sama."

"You're every bit as strong as your father was the day he signed the summoning contract."

"Exactly, who or what will I be summoning if I sign the contract."

"You will be summoning the most powerful and undisputed leader of all canine summons Kakashi. You will be summoning the almighty Shukun Ookami." Pakkun stated with reverence etched in his voice.

"Lord Wolf!" Kakashi exclaimed in shock.

"Hai Kakashi-chan, Lord Wolf. Now are you ready to accept your father's legacy to you."

The silver-haired Leaf Jounin paused a moment and thought about his father. For many years he had held a lot of anger, shame, and even guilt about the man after his death. However, after spending the last three and a half years with Naruto and Jiraiya and the bonds they had formed with one another. Kakashi had found forgiveness in his heart and let go of those feelings. It also didn't hurt that he was able to gain a measure of revenge over a year ago in Tyrannia against the very man who had betrayed his father and team, which had led to Sakumo's unfortunate passing and the circumstances behind it. Exhaling a heavy sigh, the only thought that Kakashi had was if he was worthy enough to carry on his father's legacy and stated with concern.

"Hai Fukasaku-sama, I will accept my father's legacy, I only hope I am truly worthy to bear it."

"You are more than worthy of it young Hatake. If you were not, then you never would have received my or Shima's, along with Gamabunta's approval. Now, prick the top of your finger and sign your name next to your fathers. The Ookami Summoning contract scroll requires that the signature is written in the blood of the summoner."

Kakashi did as instructed and once finished, the scroll glowed a moment before the light faded away and Fukasaku stated.

"Your signature has been accepted, now go out into that field and summon Lord Ookami to you and don't skimp on the chakra in doing so. Like Bunta, to summon such a mighty creature requires the summoner to use a massive amount of chakra to achieve success."

Kakashi walked out 100 yards into the field and glancing back at the toads standing alongside Jiraiya and Naruto; he turned back around and said to himself.

"Well, here goes everything…. Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

Instantly, there was a brilliant flash of light and a massive amount of smoke appeared on the ground where Kakashi had struck. After a moment, the smoke began to dissipate to show a very surprised Kakashi now standing atop the head of grey and black colored wolf who was as large and tall as Gamabunta. However, before Kakashi could even ponder his next move the gargantuan canine growled out.

"What the hell is going on? Who dared to disturb my slumber and summon me to these horrendous swamp lands of the toads of all places!"

"I'd watch your tongue Ookami when talking about my homeland unless you'd like to lose it permanently!" Gamabunta bellowed, while tapping a finger onto the hilt of his tanto blade.

"Bunta you fat amphibian, you had best watch that elongated worm of a tongue of yours with me. I'd eat you right now, but I don't feel like chewing on my meal for the next 50 years!"

"You're welcome to try fur-ball; I could use a nice wolf-skin rug for my home!"

"Enough both of you, you're petty squabbles are not the reason Lord Wolf is here today!" Fukasaku shouted in a commanding voice, silencing the two might summons.

"Why am I here Fukasaku-sama and how were you able to summon me?"

"We did not summon you great Ookami, but the man standing atop your head did."

It was then that Kakashi jumped down onto the snout of the huge wolf to where he could be seen by Ookami before nervously waving his hand and saying.

"Umm, hello Lord Wolf."

Ookami's eyes narrowed, before he suddenly flipped his snout upward and launched Kakashi from it. The huge wolf then attempted to snatch the Leaf Jounin out of the sky with his massive jaws. Fortunately, Gamabunta had plucked Kakashi out of the air before the fearsome jaws snapped down onto him and brought the Leaf Jounin to safety.

"Lord Wolf, what are you doing? This man is the one who summoned you!" Fukasaku yelled in distress.

"You lie to me old-toad! There is only one human who has been able to summon me and he died over twenty-five years ago!"

"It is no lie oh great and powerful Shukun Ookami. For this man is the living legacy of the one you speak of! He has also served as an honorable and noble bearer of the Dog Summoning scroll!"

Ookami looked around before he finally spied the little brown pug who was speaking to him and growled out.

"Pakkun, you little wretch of a canine. What do you mean this human is the living legacy of the one I spoke of?"

"Take a sniff and you will understand Lord Wolf."

Snorting in derision, Ookami took a couple of steps forward before lowering his head to Kakashi until it was inches from his body and inhaled the Jounin's scent through his nose. After a minute, the colossal wolf rose up again and growled out.

"It's Sakumo's pup!"

"Indeed he is and as you can see by being brought here, Kakashi has attained the power level and skill of Sakumo. So will you allow him to fulfill the Hatake legacy and become your next summoner almighty Ookami?" Fukasaku asked in a courteous voice.

"He must pass the same test Sakumo had to for me allow this!"

Kakashi didn't like the ominous tone Lord Ookami had used when he said test and hesitantly asked Fukasaku.

"What exactly do you mean by test?"

"It's quite simple Kakashi-chan, subdue Lord Ookami and don't die in the process, that's all."

Before the one-eyed Leaf Jounin could ask the elder toad to further elaborate on what he had just said, he suddenly found himself leaping out of the way of a gigantic paw, which came crashing down onto the spot he had previously been standing. After that it was all Kakashi could do to avoid the snapping jaws and paw strikes, as the massive wolf summons leapt about and chased the Leaf shinobi all over the field.

"This doesn't seem like a fair test Fukasaku-Senpai!" Naruto openly complained, as he watched Kakashi narrowly avoid another paw strike.

"You might be right Naruto-chan, but I don't make the rules when it comes to the Ookami Summoning contract. However, there is a way for Kakashi to subdue Lord Wolf; he just needs to think it through."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean young pupil is how does one punish a disobedient dog?"

"I've never had a dog so I don't know?"

"Well, Kakashi knows, he just needs to figure it out. Because for all of Lord Ookami's strength and power, when it comes down to it, he's still just an oversized canine that's all."

Meanwhile, as Kakashi was still running for his life against the great summons he thought to himself with concern.

'I can't keep this up much longer, his strikes and snapping jaws are getting closer and closer to nailing me. I've got to end this, but how? Fukasaku said I had to subdue Ookami somehow. I mean it's not like there's a giant newspaper lying around that I can roll up and smack Ookami with, but maybe I don't need a newspaper.'

Kakashi then spied exactly what he was looking for and leaping over to a tree quickly activated his chidori and sliced through a four foot long thick branch, which he wielded like a sword. Then leaping high in the air and avoiding a lunging snap of Ookam's jaws, he turned around and came plummeting down with the branch held over his head, before he swung the makeshift weapon with all the force he could and brought it crashing down across the bridge of Ookami's nose. What happened next caught everyone off guard, as the almighty Lord Wolf suddenly let loose an ear-piercing yelp that echoed throughout Mt. Myoboku.

After a couple of minutes, as everyone's hearing slowly returned they were greeted to the sight of the lord of all wolf summons lying on all fours with his head resting on the ground and his two front paws stretched out and covering his nose. Kakashi was standing about twenty yards in front of Ookami who quietly growled out in a pained voice to the Leaf shinobi.

"You hit me on my nose!"

"I'm, I'm sorry Lord Ookami, I was trying to survive the test." Kakashi stammered, suddenly feeling a little guilty upon hearing the hurt in Ookami's voice.

"You bopped me on the nose and it really hurts, I don't want to play with you anymore."

"Play, playing, you were trying to kill me!"

"Foolish mortal, for what reason would I have to kill the human who summoned me? If I was truly trying to kill you I would have, I was just testing your abilities and having some fun."

"I apologize again, I didn't know."

"Stop making Kakashi-chan feel guilty Ookami, he did the same thing his father did over thirty-five years ago to subdue you!" Fukasaku shouted, as he landed on Kakashi's shoulder.

"And it hurt back then too, you damn old toad!" Ookami grumbled in complaint.

"Be that as it may, are you going to accept Kakashi as your new summoner or not Lord Wolf?"

"Hai, I accept him. Kakashi-san, jump up here to my head and we will go find a waterfall to which I can cool my nose off in and I'll tell you about some of the adventures your father and I went through together long ago."

As Naruto and Jiraiya watched Kakashi stroll away standing atop the head of the almighty wolf summons they were joined by Fukasaku who hopped up on Jiraiya's shoulder and said.

"Naruto-chan, you fought well in the spar against Kakashi-chan. Your concentration and control of Senjutsu chakra has reached a level even Jiraiya-chan hasn't been able to achieve. I dare say there isn't anything left I can teach with regards to Senjutsu."

"You, you mean I'm done?" Naruto asked in a stammering voice.

"Hai, all you need to do is continue with your meditation exercises and strengthening your control over Senjutsu chakra and the sky is the limit for what you can do with it." Fukasaku said with pride before adding.

"Jiraiya-chan, give Naruto his graduation gift and you may put yours back on as well. Your probation is hereby ended."

"Thank Kami for that! Jiraiya exclaimed in relief before pulling out a small storage scroll and flashing through some hand-seals unfurled it to reveal two identical customized horned hitai-ate with the kanji for "Oil" written on both of them. As Jiraiya reached down and picked one up to affix to his head, he handed the other one to Naruto and stated with satisfaction and pride in his grandson.

"Congratulations Naruto, you've surpassed me in the Toad-Sage arts and have earned this."

Naruto stared at the forehead protector in his hand for a moment before looking up and smiling brightly at both Jiraiya and the elder toad, before tying the hitai-ate securely around his sizable left bicep with a black bandanna to match the hitai-ate he proudly wore on his right bicep that Iruka had given him.

"Pervy-Sa...I mean Jiraiya-Senpai, does this mean we get to go home?" Naruto asked with hopeful trepidation.

"Hai kid, we get to return to the Leaf village."

"ALRIGHT!" Naruto shouted, as he jumped and pumped a fist into the air.

Both Jiraiya and Fukasaku chuckled at Naruto's jubilant display of excitement at the prospect of returning to Konoha. After a minute, the blonde Jinchuuriki finally calmed down and asked in curiosity.

"Pervy-Sage, how long have we been gone from the Leaf village?"

"Stop calling me that!" Jiraiya growled out in annoyance, while Fukasaku laughed, before the Toad-Sage answered Naruto's query.

"Well gaki, we had been gone about two and a half years before we arrived here at Mt. Myoboku and it's been a little over a year since then, so about three and half years give or take a couple of months we've been gone."

"Over three and half years, that's a long time, I hope Hinata-chan hasn't forgotten about me or found someone else." Naruto commented in a dejected tone of voice.

"Kid, of all the things to worry about, that shouldn't even pop up in your mind. I've seen the two of you together and that girl loves you so much she would wait 30 years for you to return."

"So Naruto-chan has got himself a girl back home, you'll have to use the reverse-summons technique and bring her here in the future, so Ma and myself can meet her." Fukasaku remarked to his young pupil.

"I'll do that Fukasaku-Sempai." Naruto eagerly replied, before turning to Jiraiya and asking.

"So when do we leave?"

"You'll leave in few days Naruto-chan. The toads want to throw a celebration for you on becoming a Toad-Sage and it will give Kakashi-chan a chance to get acquainted with Lord Ookami. You know, Ma is going to miss you terribly. I remember when Jiriaya-chan left, she was miserable for weeks after that." Fukasaku answered for Jiraiya, before hopping away to find Shima and get preparations started for the celebration.

"A few days, oh that's ok, I guess?" Naruto glumly commented.

"Kid, I know you miss your girlfriend, but you've been gone three and a half years, a few more days aren't going hurt and it means a lot to Ma and Pa to throw you this party." Jiraiya replied in a consoling tone of voice.

"I know and you're right pervy-sage, I just want to get back home as soon as we can, that's all."

"Don't worry about it, in a few days we'll reverse-summons back to the human world and then we'll take the secret paths from the entrance to Mt. Myoboku back to Konoha. It will take us a month get back home and then you get your chance to try all those things you've been dreaming about doing with Hinata."

Naruto's face turned beet red and he began flailing his arms around, while sputtering words a mile a minute in defense, but nothing even remotely understandable left his mouth, which caused Jiraiya to laugh boisterously. After a minute the blonde Jinchuuriki finally calmed down and he and Jiraiya began walking back towards the toad village.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Author Note: What, no cliffhanger to this chapter, what's going on? Well, I realized there was no way I could top last chapters cliffhanger, so I decided I'd let my readers walk away from this chapter without any anxiety or angst about what's going to happen next? I also came to the conclusion that my last cliffhanger left most of you less than amused. So I knew if I didn't reveal the answer to it in this chapter, the mob with torches and pitchforks probably led by my reader Bow Techsniper, if I read the subtle nuances of his last review correctly would be hot on my heels, lol.

This was the final training chapter for Naruto of the story and I know most of the time that type of chapter is extremely boring to the majority readers. However, after reading this I don't think this chapter falls into that category and I have to give a shout-out to the author Narutoenthusiast for his help on that. He helped me to co-write portions of the training and I have to say between the two of us, I'm proud of what we were able to come up with. Including the three new Senjutsu/Futon techniques thought of by Narutoenthusiast himself.

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'm anxious to see what your reviews will be for it. I do wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter. For those of you who did review, you all had a lot to say about it and I'm pleased that this story has such a strong fan base with readers who actually write out well thought-out reviews. Because of that, I enjoy reading many of your reviews, so please leave lots of them, as they do help a writer get an idea of the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. They also can help lift the spirits of an author as well. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?

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(Musings and News)

Musings:

I know it's been over two months since my last update and to be honest with what's been going on with FFnet and their policy crackdown, I wasn't sure if I would ever update again. So many writers have already fled the site because of this policy initiative instead of sticking around. And leaving FFnet to another site to avoid any hassles or problems is tempting. However, after much soul-searching, I decided I couldn't do that to my readers. I'm still not entirely comfortable with the current situation and I hope FFnet will finally relent and just reinstate their "MA" rating and make everyone happy from the writers, readers, and their advertising sponsors. Written below are my thoughts on the entire matter.

As many of you already know, has decided to go through a massive upheaval and remove thousands of stories from its library resulting in some of the best fanfics ever written to be deleted and never to be read again. They are removing anything involving sexual situations, or violence, or inspired by a song, the list goes on and on. And we as both writers and readers see this as a gross waste of talent and incredible material.

has always been a place for writers to 'Unleash our Imagination' as the tagline states, and now we are having that right to freedom of speech and expression taken away from us. Since when are they allowed to dictate what goes into our stories? They are OUR pieces of work. What if the violence or sexual content is part of the plotline? This whole situation is absurd. There are better ways to deal with 'inappropriate' content' than to remove it altogether. There are so many other options.

The most obvious and easy option would be for FFnet to reinstate an MA rating, which they once had years ago. To further protect themselves, FFnet could institute additional filters such as adult or age verification filters. If FFnet is concerned about falsification of a registration then have an appropriate disclaimer and then there can be no dispute legal or otherwise filed against them. In short, there are several avenues that FFnet can take that don't require the arbitrary deletion of thousands of exceptionally written stories by amateur writers. In fact I find it unbelievable that all of these recent changes FFnet has done to their site, most of which I think were unneccessary and pointless. They can't make the one change everyone wants and that's to reinstate their MA rating.

This is why I'm asking all of my readers to please do the following.

Please contact FFnet via email and voice your complaints about this story removal policy and request that FFnet reestablish or create a "MA" rating to which stories can be rerated. If enough emails flood FFnet, then they have to address the issue. It's very easy to email, just click the "help" feature at the bottom of any FFnet page and it will direct you to the URL to contact FFnet.

Also I would ask that you go to and sign two online petitions fighting against this story removal policy. The first petition already has over 42,000 signatures and is still growing.

www. change petitions/fanfiction-net-stop-the-destruction-of-f anfiction-net#

(Just close in the spaces at the beginning to use)

www. ipetitions petition/lemons-for-fanfiction/

I know many people who visit this site are casual readers who don't write stories, pm's, reviews, etc. However, I strongly urge you this one time not to remain silent and to take up the keyboard to express your concerns to FFnet about this story removal policy. Because everyone runs the risk of some if not all of your favorite stories disappearing, unless you allow your voice to heard demanding otherwise.

Any other authors who wishes to send out a similar plea to their readers are welcome to use this.

I wish to thank everyone in advance for your help on this matter.

Sincerely,

Kingkakashi

*For those interested, I do have this story posted on another site MediaMiner . org although, it's only been updated through about 30+ chapters. Mediaminer isn't bad and is definitely better than adult fan fiction, but I may open an account and post my story there as well depending upon if anything happens with FFnet.

End of Musings:

News:

As many of you already know, I've been co-writing a Naruto/Hinata/Sakura story with another author Hefster titled "Supreme Genetics – Creation of a Bloodline" For those of you who follow that story and have remained patient with us considering it has been over a year since our last update, I wish to thank all of you. Unfortunately, I have both good news and bad news with regards to the story.

The bad news is that Hefster's job is regrettably taking up all of his time and he is no longer able devote himself to reading fan fiction let alone writing fan fiction any longer. So he is with disappointment leaving the fan fiction universe. Now is the story going to be abandoned? No, that's the good news. I will attempt to finish the story on my own and we are transferring it over to my account and I will edit and repost the chapters over the coming weeks.

Believe me when I say I had no great desire to add more work to myself when it comes to writing stories. However, one of things that really bothers me are authors who leave up incomplete stories on this site and never return to finish them. Because in doing that, all you're doing is creating more people in the future who will read the story up to the point where it is at and then be left utterly frustrated and disappointed that there is no conclusion or closure for the tale and frankly, that's just wrong to do to people.

I suppose I'm being a little old-school about this, but as far as I'm concerned, the only stories that should be listed on FFnet or any fiction writing site are works in progress and completed stories period. In my opinion, to keep an incomplete story posted and not continue to write it is the epitome of selfishness. So I don't want to do that to the fans and readers of that story. All I can ask is please be patient with me. I will do the best I can, but this is now the second story I've been co-writing with another author that I've had to take over solely in an attempt to finish it.

To anyone not familiar with the story, if you're interested in reading a rare Naruto/Hinata/Sakura story, then this is one you should checkout. According to the reviews we've gotten on it, it's quite a good read and I hope many of you will become fans of it. as I repost the chapters over the coming weeks.

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On a very sad note, the author AzureEmpire someone who I have recommended several times in the past stories you should checkout has decided to leave the Naruto fan fiction writing world for a variety of reasons. Most of the reasons involve life, which I do understand the trials and tribulations of. However, it's still disappointing to me and I'm sure to many others that such a fine author has chosen to go this route and we will no longer be able to read any of his exceptional works regarding the Naruto universe any longer.

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On another sad note, the final episode of Eureka aired on the SyFy channel 07/16/12. This was truly one of the best Sci-fi television shows to come out within the last 10 years if not longer and although they did end the series well, it still deserved a much longer life than just 85 episodes.

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I recently reached a momentous milestone with regards to "Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath," as almost five years to the exact day I posted the very first chapter, my story received its 1,000,000 Hit. I wish to sincerely thank all of you for your help in achieving such a landmark event. One of which I never even remotely imagined happening, when I first began writing this story so long ago.

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For the past few chapters I've alerted my readers to a couple of polls set up on each of their accounts by the fine authors brown phantom and Zentary asking the question.

Who is the best Naruto fanfic writer on this site?

Zentary's poll has remained open and is still active.

Regrettably, brown phantom has ended his poll on this question. However, he has started a new poll asking,

Which is the best Naruto fan fiction story on this site?

So I humbly ask if you feel I'm worthy of being one of your 10 picks to please place a vote for me in Zentary's poll. And if you feel this story or any of my stories are worthy of nomination in brown phantom's new poll. I thank you in advance for your support and normally I would provide you the links to the profile pages for both brown phantom and Zentary. However, one of the "oh so wonderful" changes FFnet has recently made is making it more difficult to list a link anywhere even if its a link on their own freaking site. So go back to my last few chapters to get the links or just do a quick search for the authors both brown phantom and Zentary.

End of News:

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Now, onto everyone's favorite section Kingkakashi's rants on the manga yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

I only have a few negative things to say about the following issues of the Naruto manga!

*Warning I do give away some spoilers in my rants, so read at your own risk.

#585 – This chapter starts off with a continuation of the Uchiha bros. vs Kabuto with some impressive action from all participants. Kabuto barfs out of his body members of the deceased Sound Four and Edo-Itachi and Sasuke utilize all the cool Uchiha powers to fight them off. Kabuto then somehow barfs out a version of Orochimaru after he's incapacitated Itachi and Sasuke. One thing I should mention is Itachi very talkative and philosophical throughout this battle and is constantly admonishing Kabuto for his line of thinking. Anyway there is some more of this before once again the almighty Uchiha powers allow Itachi and Sasuke to escape. Then as Itachi is about to unleash the Uchiha Izanami technique and end the battle. Kishimoto decides to end the chapter with a cliffhanger of Kabuto cutting Itachi in half right before Sasuke's eyes. A pretty good chapter if you enjoy fight scenes.

#586 – The Uchiha bros. vs Kabuto continues on and we learn that no Itachi wasn't sliced in half and he continues on battling Kabuto with Sasuke watching. Kabuto attacks once again and seemingly kills Itachi again, but as before Itachi turns into a flock of crows. Kabuto is really confused at this point, attacks Itachi again with the same results. We finally learn that Itachi had already captured Kabuto in the Inazami technique and was in a timeless loop. Content wise there isn't a whole lot to this chapter, but it's still a decent read.

#587 – This chapter begins with a very complicated explanation from Itachi of how these almighty Uchiha Genjutsu techiniques Inazami and Inazagi work both separately and in conjunction with one another. It all seems pretty far-fetched to me, but I suppose Kishimoto had to take a shot at explaining some of the God-like powers he's given to the Uchiha. Itachi then starts to lament to Sasuke about how he treated him when they were younger. Kabuto makes when last effort to break out of the genjutsu loop and Itachi even tells him how to, but Kabuto refuses to listen. We then get a few more pages of flashbacks of Kabuto's life and you do have to feel just a bit sad for the guy. Overall, another solid chapter, that's four in a row from Kishimoto, I didn't think he had it in him, lol.

#588 – This chapter starts off with Itachi ready to undo the Edo-Tensei jutsu and send all the dead shinobi Kabuto revived including himself away. He states he's proud he got to serve and protect Konoha one last time which infuriates Sasuke. Sasuke still won't forgive Konoha for what they did to Itachi and still wants to destroy it. Itachi laments a bit about Naruto and then begins to undo the Edo-Tensei. You then cut to the Five Kage battle vs Edo-Madara and he's still kicking the crap out of them. The Tsuchikage Oonoki rallies the five Kage's and unleashes his final attack onto Edo-Madara. The other four Kage's join in on the attack and it seems that they have Edo-Madara on the ropes. But of course Kishimoto's undying love for anyone Uchiha rears its head once again and Edo-Madara unleashes his Susanoo defense, but now in "perfect form" negating the attacks and ending the chapter. A decent chapter, but still too much Kishi love for the Uchiha in it.

#589 – This chapter is another shining example of how all-powerful Kishimoto loves to make the Uchiha's, as he has Edo-Madara's perfect Susanoo defense give a demonstration of its power to the five Kage's by destroying a few mountains. Edo-Madara then boasts that his perfect Susanoo has the power only a Bijuu can match and that the five Kage's are doomed. You then switch back Itachi learning from Kabuto how to end the Edo-Tensei jutsu. Sasuke vows to his brother that he's still going to destroy Konoha and nothing Itachi says or does will change his mind. Itachi releases the Edo-Tensei jutsu and all the revived dead shinobi everywhere start disappearing, ending the chapter. A decent chapter, but also pretty short in length and not a lot of major content to it other than we learn that Sasuke is still an ass.

#590 – This chapter is completely Uchiha focused, as it reveals all the truths and participants behind the Uchiha massacre. Itachi shares all of this with Sasuke. This was all cool to learn, but the ending of this chapter I found utterly ridiculous. Itachi who has been trying and striving this whole time to turn Sasuke away from the dark path he's on leaves these final words to him ending the chapter.

"You don't have to forgive me. No matter what you decide to do from now on….I will love you forever."

I'm sure the people of Konoha would love to hear that Itachi essentially gave his ok to Sasuke to go ahead and kill them and destroy the Leaf village. Because hey, even if you do that, I'm still going to love you. A pretty good chapter, until the end with Itachi's insane and bewildering goodbye to Sasuke.

#591 – This chapter begins with scene switches all around the various battlefields of the Edo revived shinobi disappearing, including Edo badass Madara. Then you switch over to a scene of Dan being released and of course he has a spiritual jutsu that will delay him vanishing and his spirit goes flying off to see Tsunade. At this point I start getting sick to my stomach. You switch back to the five Kage battle and it seems Edo Madara wants to get one last shot in onto the Kage's before he disappears. He launches a vicious Katon attack, which Tsunade intercepts and defeats, but then the specialized jutsu she's been using to keep herself from getting injured runs out. Edo Madara uses the last remnant of Susanoo to try and kill Tsunade, as she is defenseless now. Just as Susanoo is about to hit, Tsunade is miraculously saved by you guessed it, Dan's spirit. At this point I lose my lunch, as the next few pages are pointless reunited Dan and Tsunade crap. The chapter ends with of course Edo Madara not vanishing, as he knows how to counteract the Edo-Tensei and remain. So between the Dan/Tsunade garbage and once again an example of Kishi's love for the Uchiha at the end, this chapter was worthless in my opinion.

#592 – This chapter starts off with Sasuke going philosophical and wondering about the meaning of life. Then after an absence of 18 chapters Zuigetsu and Juugo show up and reunite with Sasuke. You then switch back to the five Kage battle and Edo Madara has grown bored fighting the Kage's and decides to go after Naruto and the Kyuubi. Then you switch over to Naruto's battle with Tobi. Naruto taunts him a bit and then Tobi decides he needs to unleash hi most powerful attack. Then you switch back to Sasuke and Zuigetsu and Juugo inform him that Edo-Tensei Madara is still around and hasn't disappeared. Now how these two would know that is beyond me? I guess it's just another one of the numerous inconsistencies that Kishimoto is famous for, not a major error, but still an error. Anyway Juugo tends to Anko who we learn is still alive and Zuigetsu shows Sasuke what they found at Orochimaru's lair. Whatever the scroll contained freaks Sasuke out so much that he's decided he's going to revive Orochimaru to get the answers he wants. Apparently he needs the Snake Sannin to help find "The one who knows everything" and the chapter ends. There really isn't a lot to this chapter, as it was a set-up and filler chapter of what's to come, so it was alright.

#593 – This chapter starts off with Zuigetsu freaking out and arguing with Sasuke about reviving Orochimaru. Sasuke with Juugo's support ignores him and then using a piece of Kabuto's body and Anko's cursed seal grows a giant snakehead out of Anko's neck, which then spits out Orochimaru. You then get some banter between Orochimaru and Suigetsu and Sasuke along with a lame explanation of how he was able to be revived from Anko's cursed seal. Anyway, Orochimaru agrees to help Sasuke and they go off to find "The one who knows everything" ending the chapter. I actually really enjoyed this chapter if for nothing else having a walking breathing Orochimaru around spices up the story in my opinion, as he is one of my most favorite villains.

#594 – This chapter switches back to Naruto's fight with Tobi. And we learn that the Gedou Mazou statue is in actuality the vessel of Juubi (Ten-Tailed Demon). Tobi is now attempting to revive the Juubi or Progenitor, as the Kyuubi refers to him. Apparently, Tobi was finally able to get a hold of some chakra from both the Hachibi and Kyuubi. How he was able to do this was through the Amber Pot that was used to seal away the Kin-Gin brothers and one of Hachibi's torn off tentacles. This is all explained to everyone through a mind-link by Kyuubi. One interesting note in this chapter is that Tobi makes a personal reference about Kakashi, which strengthens my belief that he is actually Obito. Tobi then informs everyone that he doesn't need a perfectly resurrected Juubi to unleash his master plan of the Infinite Tsukyomi. The rest of the chapter is Tobi spouting off about the ultimate Uchiha Genjutsu technique and then some chest thumping from Naruto about how he's going to stop him ending the chapter and setting up for a one-on-one fight between Naruto and Tobi. Overall, this chapter was good, not great, but good.

Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with Hinata's confession to Naruto now reaching 157 freaking issues!

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Now I'd like to give a shout out to a couple of stories of quality work that I recommend. I urge all of you to check-out these fine works when you have the time.

Recommendations:

"A Kunoichi's Need" by Rictor Yagami: This is a interesting and emotional tale based around a love triangle involving Shikamaru, Temari, and Kurenai. There is also a good side story involving Naruto and Hinata as well. Without giving away too much of the story, it involves a unintentional mistake by Shikamaru and the unforeseen and emotional consequences that have come from it. The storyline is very original and unique, as Shika/Tem/Kur stories are extremely rare. The story has a great mix of angst, drama, and emotions, which make it a very good read in my opinion. The author does an excellent job with all the characters personalities and how they interact with one another. So, if you're looking for something very different in a Naruto story, then this is one you should checkout.

"Lee the Sexy Ninja!" by gigithestar: This is a short four chapter story primarily involving Ino trying to help Rock Lee win Sakura's heart. The Yamanaka princess through a makeover turns Lee from a frog to a prince and then everything changes. There some excellent dialogue and emotions in this story and the development of the characters is also well done. So if you're looking for a fairly quick and enjoyable read, you should give this story a chance.

Now please be kind and leave precious valuable reviews on these stories.

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As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can.

Take it easy and be good!

Kingkakashi

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School Time:

Progenitor

Definition: A biological related ancestor or a person/thing that first indicates a direction, originates something, or serves as a model: A progenitor of the species.

Etymology: Ancient Latin to Anglo-French to Middle English 1350-1400a.d.

Part of Speech: Noun