Harbinger

by tigerowl

Naruto's friendship with his teammates Gaara and Haku is put to the test as they prepare to deal with the threat of the Akatsuki. The secrets Jiraiya has kept come to a head, and Naruto must shoulder the responsibility of protecting much more than the Leaf Village. Continuation of Forlorn. AU NaruHina, GaaSaku, NejiTen, ObiRin, OCs *Taoism, Self-Indulgent World Building, longfic

15. The Most Diverse

A/N: Hi! Please remember to review and share your thoughts. It stacks good karma.

Chapter Soundtrack:

"I Need My Girl" by The National

"La La La" by Naughty Boy (ft. Sam Smith)

Chapter 15- The Most Diverse

One fine day, at about noon, Jiraiya was perusing a tobacco stand. He decided to treat himself with some of the extra money he had earned from the circulation of his two most recent novels. He listened with half a mind as the shopkeeper gave him suggestions. He browsed as red maple leaves drifted down from the trees that lined the street. It was a humble town in the mountains with handsome architecture that complemented the maples: a portrait in garnet.

Across the street a raucous of shouts could be heard coming from the town's renowned dojo.

"Is that your kid in there?" The shopkeeper asked the Toad Sage, "My boss came back ten minutes ago and he told me the dojo looks like a free-for-all."

"Why yes, that's my student." Jiraiya said it with a small, impish grin.

"You don't say?"

"Mm-hm," He nodded, "He was curious about this town's fighting style so I let him check it out. He's going to be sixteen in a few months..."

"Oh..." The shopkeeper looked bemused, "Those are grown men in there who have practiced Judo their entire lives."

Jiraiya smiled, "And your boss described it as a free-for-all?"

"Yeah," The shopkeeper said quietly, "Damn. Fifteen. I couldn't do a thing when I was that age."

"He's something else, alright." Jiraiya said before pointing to what he wanted, "I'll take five ounces of this and the one next to it."

"Good choice, sir."

After buying tobacco Jiraiya shopped around for a short while longer. He was thoroughly enjoying being an anonymous shopper in a faraway place. He wrapped up his relaxing stroll and entered the dojo, poking his head into the main room. Several men were flat on their backs on the floor mats and another was on his knees. It clearly wasn't sitting well that the young blonde man who had stopped by and challenged them had gone undefeated.

"Naruto."

Naruto looked over his shoulder while he was helping his wheezing opponent stand up, "Ero-sensei!"

"Have you concluded your challenge?"

"I think so." Naruto pulled the man up and clapped his back, "You almost had me! Hehe!"

The disheveled man shook his head, frowning, and pointed to the door, "Please go now."

Naruto felt slightly offended but did not want to cause any further discomfort, "Right...sorry."

"The Toad Sage's apprentice will not apologize for any of his victories!" Jiraiya announced it for all to hear, "The next time we pass through here will you accept his challenge more cautiously?"

All present nodded and Jiraiya could not help but grin with pure elation, 'Judo-shmudo. Naruto's taijutsu is nothing to shake a stick at and he keeps improving every day!'

They exited and the door shut swiftly behind them. Miserable moans could be heard afterwards.

"They shouldn't be that upset! At one point I let them come at me seven against one." Naruto was puzzled by their reactions, "Wasn't that fair?"

"In my opinion, that whole dojo attacking you at once was still not fair." Jiraiya told him, "Don't feel bad for them, Naruto. Even if they didn't see it coming, it is the responsibility of a dojo to defend their reputation but expect to lose once in a while..."

"I still feel bad. They were nice guys."

"Stop."

Naruto sighed heavily. They walked side by side down the road before coming to a sushi bar. They settled happily on the stools and ordered the chef's special. They conversed with each other in-between popping hand rolls into their mouths.

"So are you liking it out here?" Jiraiya asked his protégée.

"Yeah it's pretty. It's not like home but it'll do."

"Yes this is a quiet spot. This was the place I first ran into Obito, years ago."

"No kidding?"

"He was shopping for baby supplies, if memory serves."

Naruto tapped his chopsticks against his lip, "Oh yeah! That must've been when Yuma was born."

"Yup." Jiraiya confirmed it, "They've got everything here from smokes to diapers."

"I want to get something for Hinata-chan."

"The jewelry's kind of pricey here, kid. She might appreciate a souvenir though."

"No. I already told you I wanted to get her something she could wear this time. It will totally be worth it."

"Then by all means go pick something out before we leave this afternoon." Jiraiya encouraged him, "You have some serious training ahead of you, starting today."

"I'm fine with that." Naruto assured him. Everyone in the dojo had been more or less pushover, so he was looking forward to some intensity for a change.

They finished lunch and Jiraiya let Naruto run ahead to the jewelry shop on the corner. He followed the boy in and could not help but notice the two shop-girls twitter excitedly at the sight of Naruto. He was, after all, growing into a handsome man. The icing on the cake was the smile that was present on Naruto's face 95 percent of the time. It was really melting hearts now.

Jiraiya watched from over his student's shoulder as he searched for something suitable. After a minute of peeking through glass cases Naruto decided he would ask for help. He explained to the saleswomen that he wanted to find a nice memento for his girlfriend and they quickly became crestfallen. Instead of giving up they gave guidance and asked questions. A sale was a sale, and if they couldn't get the boy then they could at least get the money.

"What does she look like? Skin, hair...you need to look for colors that complement her." A girl advised.

Naruto felt butterflies in his stomach when the image of Hinata came to mind, "Well she's...super pretty. She has dark hair and pale skin."

"Silver." A girl nodded.

"What about her eyes?" Asked the other sales rep.

"They're like..." He emphasized with his hands, "Big and beautiful! And white!"

"All white?" The girls were puzzled.

"Like the moon."

The girls made small sounds of admiration and then scrambled, looking through cases that formed a u-shape in the shop. Moon-colored eyes? These specifications called for very distinct metals and gems.

Jiraiya chuckled while he watched and Naruto became quiet, still searching for something that Hinata would appreciate. After a few minutes and rejecting a few pieces the girls brought over for inspection, Naruto pointed to a necklace on display, "Can I look at this?"

A salesgirl came around and lifted up the silver chain. The pendant on the end was a circle shaped like a crescent moon. Perched on the moon-sliver was the silhouette of a songbird. A tiny diamond was fitted on the moon. Naruto nodded with confidence, "I like it."

"Let me see." Jiraiya stood beside Naruto and took a look, "Well now...that is a very literal interpretation of your princess! Although the Hyuga clan identifies with the sun...this does seem perfect for her, doesn't it?"

"Perfect."

The saleswoman perked up, "Oh so you're interested in this one?"

"Yeah I think it's right up her alley! How much is it?"

She checked the price tag, "This is 235 Ryo."

Jiraiya raised his eyebrows, "Wow. That's a steal."

"I'll take that, please." Naruto was smiling, very thrilled with his choice. If Hinata liked it he would be even more satisfied, 'I guess she'll have to tell me when she writes back!'

The saleswoman wrapped it carefully and put it in a box before taking him at the register. After thanking the shopkeepers Naruto found his way out with Jiraiya and he had a lot of bounce in his step.

"That was a good find, Naruto." Jiraiya commended him, "You're a good boyfriend."

"I really want to be. It feels great." He had a squinted-eye grin on his face.

They continued on in high spirits. The maple trees in town stretched out into a majestic forest, and Jiraiya and his pupil followed the country road east. The further away from civilization they progressed the more privacy they would have for training, Jiraiya thought. A concert of birdsong and crickets accompanied their walk. When they reached the far side of the mountain Jiraiya stepped off of the road into a quiet patch of forest.

"Let's leave our stuff here." Jiraiya suggested, dumping his travel bag beside a Hawthorne tree in bloom, "Then we'll go a bit further in and you can show me how your sealing technique is shaping up."

"Alright." Naruto set his bag down and continued to follow.

He knew that Jiraiya was very concerned about him getting the Hiraishin right. Of course, that was much easier said than done. Naruto had only used it successfully on two occasions and he was still working out the kinks. His master had demanded that he invest more time in the seal formula he had been studying; both transcribing it and marking things with it. It had become a chore, in Naruto's opinion, because even though he had a thorough understanding of what he had read, performing it was very tricky.

Naruto had also realized his initial experience with the Flying Thunder God technique in the Star Village was a fluke. The seal formula on the three-pronged kunai that had responded to him was not supposed to react to his chakra. It was inscribed for another person. His tampering had somehow modified the formula, and it automatically rewrote itself to accommodate Naruto, 'That is just...so weird. I have no idea why it would!' He and the Fourth Hokage, as far as he knew, had nothing in common besides Jiraiya's mentorship. A seal so personal and unique should not have budged for him, and yet it had.

It was all for his benefit, as it turned out. He had memorized and begun practicing with the new seal formula in the hopes of perfecting the Hiraishin. Learning the jutsu had gone well, but he was struggling with "marking" things with his formula.

Weeks earlier, Jiraiya had pulled him aside to give him a crash course in seal-marking, which was totally unlike any method of seal manipulation he had tried before.

He and his teacher faced each other, holding their palms out and facing up. Naruto frowned while he concentrated, disliking how easily Jiraiya could manifest symbols on his fingertips. The sage tried to give him practical advice.

"I know it's strange and hard for you to do...but try to imagine you're gathering chakra in your hand, maybe like before you form a complete Rasengan. When you feel it spread evenly on your hand that is when you apply the formula: straight from your brain to the chakra branching out in your fingers." Jiraiya told him, "It isn't easy, I know. Hand seals are all that most ninja will ever need to know, so this advanced technique can be a pain in the ass when you first learn it."

"I'll keep trying." Naruto said, staring expectantly at his hand.

Today it was not going much better. On his first attempt Naruto was able to pull the written formula together in his palm and Jiraiya smiled in surprise. The smile faded after a moment when he pointed out a flaw.

"Sorry, Naruto, but that just doesn't look right." The Toad Sage gave his assessment.

"I screwed it up, I could feel it." Naruto agreed, "Hm. I wonder..."

He pressed his hand against a tree trunk curiously, wondering if the formula would stick. It did not.

"Totally useless." Jiraiya chuckled, "But it won't be like that when it's formed correctly."

"Yeah, yeah..."

He let the seal fade away in his hand before he gave it another shot. The symbols he had in mind lined up neatly in his palm and Naruto let out an uneasy breath before turning to Jiraiya for confirmation. Jiraiya looked at it and then shrugged, "It looks okay to me..."

Naruto took a few steps to another tree and pressed his hand against it. His heart pounded in excitement when he felt the tingle of chakra leave his hand and was successfully imprinted on the tree. He glanced at his handiwork, grinning at the Hiraishin formula on the tree, and then ran across the clearing.

Jiraiya didn't understand the boy's behavior, "Hey, did you get it? Where are you going?"

"One more! I think I can do it again!" Naruto announced happily. He marked another tree successfully. He was hollering, ecstatic, and then marked two more trees before he felt he had practiced enough.

Jiraiya folded his arms and laughed, watching Naruto crow joyously as he teleported from marked tree to marked tree. 'This kid is a riot...'

Naruto came down off of the high of his accomplishment and he fell back in the grass, spreading out. Jiraiya walked over and took a seat beside him. They had to fight off reoccurring giggles for several minutes.

"You are a rather talented kid, Naruto. I don't know if people have told you that." Jiraiya commended him.

"Usually they don't." Naruto was taking deep breaths, still smiling from ear to ear.

"It helps that you put all that effort in. It will take you very far." Jiraiya added, "Well...I guess sometime I'll introduce you to other sealing techniques. If you can get the Hiraishin down then you can learn those too."

"You think so?"

"Sure. You're an Uzumaki after all."

Naruto gave his mentor a confused look, "What does that have to do with it?"

"Everything. The Uzumaki clan was famous for their sealing techniques. They were masters." Jiraiya informed him, "It is in your blood to learn all of this, that's why I am sure you can do it."

Naruto's eyes were wide, "That clan...are they still around?"

"Unfortunately, no. After the destruction of the Hidden Eddy Village you could say the people of that clan scattered to the winds. They settled in many different lands. Some of them ended up in Leaf, who was a longtime ally of the Eddy Village."

"I never knew that." Naruto said quietly, "I guess my parents..." He trailed off, too saddened by the thought of what might have become of them.

"Don't be upset, Naruto. Today is your day! You just made strides to master a technique that was known only by the Second and Fourth Hokages." Jiraiya reminded him, "Do you have any idea of how proud I am?"

The boy's mood improved after hearing the kind words.

"Thank you. I'm trying not to let you down." Naruto replied, "And I don't want Gaara to get comfortable when he's Kazekage either. I know I can bust him up."

Jiraiya scratched his chin, "I can't estimate how much Gaara has improved since I haven't seen him, but I guess you could give him a run for his money. Let's not forget Haku, though. I'm sure he knows plenty of ways to assassinate the both of you now."

"That's probably true."

They relaxed for a while and Naruto let the formula come together on his hand again. He looked at it, wondering what ways he could apply his new jutsu, 'I probably won't be using this technique the way previous users did. Ero-sensei said it might be in the notes I was reading, but I didn't see anything about how they personally used it.'

After a time Jiraiya hoisted his pupil up and informed him it was time to spar. He was encouraged to use the Hiraishin as well, "I'll use only taijutsu for today. I want you to focus on taijutsu and teleporting too. No ninjutsu."

"Do we really need handicaps?"

Jiraiya swiped at his head. They tussled, sometimes playfully, but no punches were pulled and Naruto conceded that Jiraiya was definitely stronger than he looked. It helped that the Toad Sage was on the slow side, and at times it was downright unfair when Naruto teleported away from and incoming attack, forcing Jiraiya to spin around to look for him. Once Jiraiya had noted all of Naruto's current seal anchors, however, Naruto had to mark other locations to teleport, or occasionally use the three-pronged kunai. He tossed the knife around cleverly to zip away from danger.

After teleporting thoughtfully Naruto was able to drop down from above, and caught Jiraiya with a kick he had not expected. The Sage tumbled and rolled and did not bother standing. He stayed on the ground and sighed, "That's enough for now. Ow. It feels like I slipped a disk..."

Naruto hopped over to him, concerned, "Did you hurt your back?"

"You hurt my back."

"You didn't want me to hesitate!"

"I know! I know..." Jiraiya acknowledged while making a boo-boo face, "But it's hard to keep up with young people these days. You're too damn quick."

Naruto helped him hobble to his feet and apologized again when his master made sounds of pain. They agreed no more rough housing was allowed until Jiraiya improved. He stooped over to his bag like an old man and then stretched. There was a cracking sound and Jiraiya sighed in relief, "Oh so that wasn't a disk! That's a bit better..."

Naruto shook his head. Jiraiya retrieved his pipe and new tobacco from his travel bag and then took a seat, "Ah! We'll camp here for tonight. This is a cozy little forest."

"Yeah," Naruto agreed, leaning back against a tree, "Do you want me to go get some water and firewood?"

"Not now, you can find some later." Jiraiya told him. He lit the pipe and inhaled. He exhaled while reaching into the bag once more, "Let's have some downtime..."

He pulled out a deck of cards and Naruto scooched closer so he could play.

"Make this interesting please, Naruto."

Naruto was puzzled only for a moment before he got the hint, 'He wants more players.'

He created two shadow clones that made themselves comfortable in the circle. Jiraiya dealt the cards with the pipe clenched in his teeth as he spoke, "No ganging up on me! You did that last time. Besides, it's funnier when you and your kage bunshin are pitted against one another."

---

They played two rounds of Daifugo. Naruto, or rather, the real Naruto, won the first round handily but later experienced dissent with his clones. They turned on him in the second round just as Jiraiya had hoped, and so Jiraiya was the victor of the second round. Naruto wanted a tie breaker but Jiraiya refused.

"No way! You threw my back out so that's the tie breaker."

"That's stupid."

"Too bad! Go get some water and wood and then we'll start dinner."

Naruto gruffed and when he stood to leave he ushered his bickering clones to come with him to help. The trio of blondes disappeared into the woods while Jiraiya took stock of what food they had packed, 'Hm. Naruto will definitely eat those instant noodles of his, so the leftover fish and rolls are for me...'

Before he could get too comfortable he heard a shrill cry, and Jiraiya looked up into the evening sky. A messenger hawk was descending, 'Well I'll be! A message from Hidden Leaf!'

The bird landed on a low tree branch, steadied itself, and then swooped down to join Jiraiya on the grass. The sage removed the scroll fixed the bird's leg and opened it, 'This is from Tsunade...'

Jiraiya,

I hope you and Naruto are both well. I have been, especially after they finished adding my face to Hokage Monument. If you ask me it is much improved with a woman's visage. I know you would agree.

Jiraiya was entertained by her jab at his perverted ways, 'Oh I agree, Tsunade!'

Unfortunately I don't have much in the way of good news to report, but I will start with the good news. Natsuhi and I have been getting along, and it seems to me that once we pen down an agreement the council would oblige an alliance between Leaf and Star. I may need to persuade them a bit, but I am sure it can be done. The ill trainees arrived here six days ago, and Sakura and I have made great progress healing their star training injuries.

Jiraiya was thrilled to hear that it was working out. The idea of Natsuhi and Tsunade getting along warped in his mind and became an erotic fantasy that he was sure would be the crux of his next novel, 'I have been inspired.'

Now for the bad news. Just to make you aware, I sent Kakashi with Hatake Sato, Hyuga Hinata and Haruno Sakura as his subordinates. They all performed very well. I was pleased. On their flight back to Leaf with the ill children, however, they had the great misfortune of straying into the path of the Akatsuki.

Jiraiya felt his breath hitch and he sputtered on his pipe. He knew that he needed to read more, but he was instantly terrified that perhaps Kakashi and the genin with him had met a violent end; not to mention the Star trainees with them.

Naruto returned with a pot of water for boiling and his clones set down the firewood before he dissolved them. He noticed Jiraiya's horrified expression, "Hey, Ero-sennin, are you alright?"

He let out a breath and shook his head, "I'm reading a message from Tsunade and it's...a bit much. Let me finish and I'll give you the details. Just start a fire for now, Naruto."

Naruto proceeded with building a fire but he felt unsettled, 'He looked upset! What did Baa-chan need to tell him?'

Jiraiya continued reading Tsunade's update.

Kakashi and Hinata debriefed with me and described who they encountered. The pair of Akatsuki members they met with was an unknown man and woman. Kakashi said that they are not listed among recognizable nukenin, as if to suggest they have maintained their village affiliation with Rain. I suppose this is because Hidden Rain has no jinchuriki to abduct, and so they have nothing to object to. I was told that Kakashi and Sato discovered the man first. He was described as terribly powerful and outclassed all shinobi present on that mission. The woman was unable to put pressure on either Sakura or Hinata while they kept her away from the trainees, and I daresay they had the valor of jounin while confronting her.

Kakashi and Sato discovered that even a fatal blow could not stop the opponent. This unknown man reportedly killed Sato and nearly had the chance to do the same to Kakashi. Luckily, Hinata was able to disable the man with her new ability, which she and her clan now refer to as the Misago Byakugan. This afforded the team the opportunity to escape. Hinata and Sakura's combined efforts were able to revive Sato, however nearly a week later I am still having difficulties healing his injuries, which were numerous to say the least. I expect him to recover but it will take a long time. Sumaru, who I understand you have been introduced to, was able to discourage the Akatsuki from pursuing by using his Star ninjutsu. Curiously, Sakura claims that he was using some type of Senjutsu, which she concluded is a result of Dragon Star training.

Jiraiya's mouth was hanging open in shock.

I know that must be hard for you to believe, Jiraiya! But Katsuyu has told me that it was the conclusion she and Sakura drew after their investigation. We can discuss this matter more in the future, if you like. My greatest concern for the moment are these two unidentified shinobi. They are obviously hostile towards Leaf, yet as you have informed me before you left, the Akatsuki is not actively hunting for jinchuriki at this time. My hope it that they will not go out of their way to confront shinobi of our village again. Kakashi described this man's primary jutsu as a gravity-like force that could push and pull at will, at a few-second interval. Hinata gave her account of the man as well, which she described as a dead body being controlled remotely by another person's chakra. Yes, this does sound ludicrous, however it is the only explanation we have on why her decision to block this person's chakra flow had any effect, while injury did not.

If I get any more information on this pair I will notify you immediately. Any intelligence we can gather on the Akatsuki is crucial. Please be very cautious, because it appears to me that even if you have a chance encounter with the Akatsuki they will not hesitate to attack. I do hope that Naruto is being prepared for a threat such as this, and the both of you would do well to stay far away from Hidden Rain.

On a lighter note, I am doing my best to begin organizing another Chunin Exam in our village. Many genin of Naruto's age group are more than ready for it, and if you would like Naruto to participate I would be happy to let you know when I have a finalized schedule to send you. Haku is free to participate as well, although I have not gotten a report from him in a while. Gaara tells me he is doing well.

'Oh shit.' Jiraiya's stomach dropped, 'She has no idea. So Gaara and I are keeping this a secret? That means she'll have to kick both of our asses when she finds out where Haku is. Good thing Gaara is closer to home than I am!'

Gaara will be invited to watch the final rounds of the exam if he desires. He will be Kazekage, which I have to admit is still a difficult pill for me to swallow. He is a teenager, and sitting beside him at the tournament is going to make me feel my age more than I'd like to. If I can ever get these lily-livered politicians and the daimyo to agree then I can proceed with preparations, but for the time being whenever I utter the word 'exam' they cry like infants. I understand that the last exam took a toll on Leaf, but I am losing patience with them. Again, I will keep you updated on my progress.

Do not hesitate to tell me anything of consequence you learn out there, Jiraiya. The more I know the better off I am. With that said I sincerely hope you and Naruto stay well and enjoy your travels. I look forward to your return. I have a lot of work for you when you come home.

Tsunade, Fifth Hokage

Jiraiya looked up from the scroll he had finished reading and took a deep breath. Naruto was staring at him, still concerned.

"Well...I really do want to explain all of this to you, Naruto, but I'm afraid it just won't sound right if I paraphrase it." Jiraiya told him, and held the scroll out to him, "You read this. Try not to freak out. I'm gonna make some tea."

"Okay..." Naruto accepted the message and settled down to read it.

Jiraiya extinguished his pipe and then ladled some of the boiling water in the pot into a teacup. He snuck a look at Naruto's face while he was reading and then retrieved the leftovers from his travel bag. Suddenly Naruto made a panicked start.

"Sato's gone?" He gasped, his voice trembling.

"Keep reading, don't get upset yet."

Naruto continued. Jiraiya watched and heard his student whisper Hinata's name quietly when he read about her. When he finished the scroll Naruto put it down and rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

"I am not sure if I am done processing all of that myself." Jiraiya told him, "It was an unnecessary but unavoidable fight."

"Hinata fought them off." Naruto looked absolutely perplexed.

"She did. She is quite powerful. I'd wager that even Kakashi couldn't have survived if she hadn't been there."

Naruto smiled a bit, stupefied, proud and also very frightened. It was odd, he thought, that she had not yet been told of his identity as a jinchuriki, and there she was standing up to the Akatsuki anyway! 'Oh my God. I picked the best girlfriend, just...hands down the best. She's gotten so strong too! She hasn't mentioned any of that in her letters!'

"So everyone is going to be okay?" Naruto asked.

"I expect so. The trainees and Sato are being well cared for by Tsunade." Jiraiya pointed out, "Although I am certain Kakashi is a bit shaken up since that mission."

"Yeah..."

"And I'm also sure the Hyuga clan is gloating like crazy after learning about Hinata's heroism."

"But hey it's a good thing!" Naruto insisted.

Jiraiya passed Naruto the instant noodles so he could prepare them and then made another cup of tea. The sun was setting and Jiraiya wondered if he ought to write a response to Tsunade, 'But I want to keep it brief...it isn't as if much has happened over here.'

They ate quietly for a while before Jiraiya broke the silence, "Naruto..."

"Mm?" He replied, slurping noodles.

"Our timing could not have been better. Now that you're wrapping up your Hiraishin training we are going to move on to our next project." Jiraiya announced, "You are going to work on mastering your Kyuubi Chakra."

Naruto paled, a bit unnerved by the idea. Naturally he understood it was a critical part of his training, but his relationship with the Fox was neutral on the best of days. Coming to an understanding with the biju would be a real challenge.

"We'll start tomorrow. We need to find a secluded area where no other people could possibly be around." Jiraiya determined, "If you do ever run into the Akatsuki, my wish is that you can mow them down with the same power they are trying to steal from you. Just out of curiosity, how many tails of the Fox's chakra have you been able to call upon?"

"Up to three, but I've never tried more than that." Naruto replied, finishing his meal ,"I feel like the higher I go...the more I forget about myself...or I get confused and I don't know where I am or what I'm doing."

"With practice we'll be able to get you acclimated to more chakra." His mentor assured him, "And just in case you get out of control like that, I have one of these." He pulled a seal-tag from his jacket and showed Naruto, "This seal is very reactive and only for emergencies, such as shutting off your Kyuubi chakra. You don't need to worry. If it gets to be too much for either of us I'll just slap this on you and it's a guaranteed kill switch."

"Well that's good." Naruto agreed.

"That's tomorrow's endeavor." Jiraiya decided, and then fetched a brush and scroll from his bag, "Now I need to write Tsunade some sweet nothings."

---

In the early morning hours, still by the cover of darkness, clouds rolled in and a rainstorm followed. Jiraiya woke up cursing and Naruto groaned in frustration. He was curled in a ball beneath the Hawthorne tree, and as droplets pelted down he uncoiled and snatched up his bag. He and Jiraiya covered their heads; half awake, and walked blindly until they came to a functional shelter.

They settled again beneath a mossy ledge carved out of the side of a hill. The two laid down and fell asleep again, not very concerned that they had been wetted down. It had happened a few times in the past during their travels.

When the sun rose it was still raining. Jiraiya woke first and sat up, watching the rainfall with a catatonic stare. A length of time passed while he wandered through his thoughts, appreciating the sweet smells of the forest.

'Where does the time go? I would wake up to rain like this back when I was training Yahiko and his group...then it was Minato...and now Naruto is here keeping me very entertained in my old age.' Jiraiya mused, 'How many students do I have train and lose before the prophecy is fulfilled? It feels like I'll never get this right.'

He glanced over to where Naruto was snoozing, 'But when I see him...I keep thinking this is it. I mean, I practically named this child! Willed him into being!'

Jiraiya was aware he had shirked a lot of responsibilities after Minato's death, but avoiding Naruto had proven to be an impossible task. The small boy had marched right up to him that day in the small trading town he had used for peeping. He had a posse with him, too.

He remembered seeing Naruto and Gaara's disgruntled, chubby faces when they had been young children, 'And Haku was standing between them smiling like a saint...' They were the youngest and most rambunctious group of kids he had ever taken under his wing.

With a small sound Naruto stirred and stretched like a cat. Jiraiya greeted him and handed the sleepy boy a roll from his bag.

"Thanks...ahh...Ero-sensei." He yawned gratefully.

"Eat up! Once this rain clears we'll be on our way." Jiraiya clapped Naruto on his shoulder, "How'd you sleep kid? We had a pretty rude awakening, huh?"

"It's happened before." Naruto munched on the roll, "I slept like a rock..."

"Me too...but this weather is making me ache." Jiraiya complained, "My back feels twice as bad."

"Sheesh! Take some aspirin or something! You sure don't bounce back like I do."

"I appreciate your sympathy. Fine." Jiraiya frowned, "That makes me wonder...have you ever taken aspirin?"

"No. Well, I don't think so." Naruto pondered it, "I don't really get sick or hurt."

"I'd kill for a third of your vitality..."

Naruto grinned cheekily at his master and finished his breakfast. They composed themselves for the morning and drank rainwater that collected in their teacups. An hour later the storm was reduced to a light drizzle and they chose to set out. They conversed pleasantly while hiking a deserted trail up the mountainside.

"Shoot. We should have bought parasols in that last town..." Jiraiya cursed his blunder.

"We'll pick some up at the next one! Maybe I should get a nice one for Hinata..."

"I'm sure she already has one."

"I'll get her a better one."

"Suit yourself! It's not like you're made of money, though you have been quite frugal on this trip." Jiraiya conceded.

"Haku-kun taught me how to budget. And man does it come in handy when you have a girlfriend!"

"You've got that girl on the brain, kid. It's been Hinata-this and Hinata-that for two weeks now..."

Naruto puffed up, irritated, "So?"

"So I think you need the talk."

"What?"

"Well how do I put this? You're old enough now to..." The teacher paused, hoping he would not say something to offend his student, "You know what? We can have this discussion after you look at this." He retrieved a small, paperback novel from his pocket.

Naruto cringed at the sight of the book but Jiraiya tossed it to him and insisted, "Just look at it. I know you're not into this stuff, but you are growing up and there is something to be said about educating yourself."

He hesitated briefly before cracking it open. Naruto read in silence while they walked. He nearly walked straight into a tree and Jiraiya had to grab him by the arm and course-correct him, 'Kakashi can give him some pointers on how to walk and read at the same time...'

Some time passed and they stopped close to the top of the mountain that overlooked hills and woods in the distance. Naruto took a seat on a fallen log and continued his reading. Jiraiya was glad the boy would now consider the content, even if he didn't necessarily condone it. The Sage lit up his pipe and relaxed.

About halfway through the novel Naruto stopped and closed it.

"I don't want to do it this way." He said.

"What way?"

Words failed Naruto and he blushed, holding the book out for his teacher. Jiraiya took it and shook his head.

"Spit it out, kid. You can tell me."

"I just..."

"If you don't say it I will say it for you."

Naruto scowled, "Please don't-"

"You are going to have sex." Jiraiya looked him dead in the eye when he said it, "It doesn't have to be up to my literary standards, of course, but you should have an idea of what to do when the time comes."

"I already had an idea of what it was!"

"Yes, but you don't know the technical aspects of it." Jiraiya told him, "So that's why we will talk about it."

"Do you really have to teach me this stuff?"

His teacher nodded, "I sure do. I've had this talk with almost all of the boys I've trained, except for you and your teammates. We haven't gotten around to it yet." He blew out a line of smoke, "Relax! I talked about sex all the time with Minato, or as you know him, the Fourth Hokage!"

That shot down any of Naruto's remaining insecurities.

"I am telling the truth, I swear. He needed to know so I explained." Jiraiya expounded, "Not to feed the storm of gossip, but he had a lot of sex. You don't need to flip over that because it was with the same woman and he very happily married her." Jiraiya pointed his pipe at Naruto, "But he WAS fifteen once and he had questions!"

Naruto sighed and let the tension ease out of his shoulders. He would be lying if he said he did not think about being intimate with the girl he loved. It was something he had not yet brought up with his best friends either, although Naruto was certain they had opinions on the matter as well, 'I don't think they've done anything yet...but maybe Gaara and Haku will talk to me about it.'

A silence punctuated the conversation and Naruto spoke up, "His name was Minato. That's right."

"Namikaze Minato." Jiraiya repeated fondly, "You and I are going to talk about him a lot in the near future. It's not something I am comfortable telling you now because we have to focus on your training. When we have downtime we will talk about him and his life. It's very important that you know about him."

Naruto raised his eyebrows, "Okay then."

Jiraiya sat down and inhaled on his pipe. He watched Naruto's face for a moment before he asked, "How is your bond with the Kyuubi?"

The boy's expression revealed a bit of concern but mostly optimism, "It can't be bad..."

Jiraiya snorted, "Sure it can. I just want to estimate how easily you'll be overtaken if you start to draw on the Fox's chakra."

Naruto shrugged, "It hasn't been as difficult as when I first started. He isn't very friendly...but we do talk."

"You do?"

"Sometimes. When I meditate there are times he will answer my questions if I don't know something."

Naruto explained, "But mostly he insults my intelligence and hypes himself up!"

"Oh boy..." Jiraiya exhaled and put out his pipe, "He's proud."

"Super proud."

"He thinks he's better than you."

"That's how it seems."

"That fox is not going to willingly lend its chakra, in that case."

"Well..." Naruto folded his arms, "I guess it depends on what's going on. When we stopped in Ramadi Village he helped me find my way to a shrine...other times he tells me to piss off."

Jiraiya restrained a smile, finding it humorous.

"One other thing..." Naruto added, "I think...he likes Hinata."

The Toad Sage stared at his pupil, alarmed.

"I know! I don't get it either." Naruto admitted, "I mean, he hates everyone as far as I can tell, but she hasn't made his shit-list. He can be inappropriate about it, but I think if she was going to stand face to face with the fox..." He lowered his voice, "He'd never hurt her."

"I would not bet on it. Don't be fooled by any exceptions to his hatred, Naruto." Jiraiya warned, "You really don't know how he would react, and it's safe to say he can't stand YOU. It won't do to let your guard down."

"You know I won't." Naruto stood up, "So are we going to do this or not?"

Jiraiya fiddled with his bag and Naruto was abashed when his master took out a sake bottle.

"This isn't for you." Jiraiya assured him. He tipped a mouthful back, swallowed and then hissed. He put it away and then got to his feet.

"Liquid courage!" The sage touted, "Alright. Let's go over there by those rocks and get started!"

---

As they walked the forest gave way to slopes that were dotted with boulders. The face of the mountain was obviously worn down by erosion and lacked trees, but Jiraiya felt it was more than enough space for them to experiment.

"Today I am going to throw everything I have at you," Jiraiya informed Naruto, "I won't be nice about it. I'm not apologizing for black eyes and such..."

Naruto snickered, "You better watch it. I don't want to hurt your back again."

"I'll manage. Don't get cocky just yet."

Jiraiya leapt to the top of a boulder and folded his arms, trying to look formidable. Naruto took a position directly across from him, still quite relaxed. No matter how it turned out, Naruto thought, they both liked each other too much to injure the other seriously. That was his take on it, anyway.

His master was doing arm circles to loosen up when he spoke again, "So how strong do you think I am, Naruto?"

"Uh..." The boy was puzzled, "I guess...at least as strong as Baa-chan...or the Third..."

"What a conservative estimate!" Jiraiya laughed, and then became frighteningly serious, "You're going to get to know me a bit better..."

He did not give any further warning. Jiraiya summoned an enormous, red, horned-toad that Naruto had not yet been introduced to. It immediately swung down a barbed, double-prong club and Naruto evaded, surprised by the swift destruction of the landscape.

Jiraiya perched on top of the toad's head, "Hey Gamaken! Let me introduce you to my student, Naruto."

"This is the one you were talking about?" The toad's voice was deep, "Shall we test him?"

"That's the idea."

They rushed for Naruto again and he bounded away, bit his thumb and prepared hand-signs without thinking. He felt that if Jiraiya could summon toads that he shouldn't be restricted from doing so.

"Nope!" Jiraiya leapt down and took a swing at him, interrupting his efforts, "Use only your own strength! No assistants for you today: toads or clones!"

"Come on!" Naruto rounded about and kicked him, aggravated. Jiraiya blocked and then avoided the toad's club that came down again. Naruto was sent tumbling down the slope, thoroughly annoyed.

"This is a test to bring out your Kyuubi chakra! Don't forget!" Jiraiya reminded him, bearing down on Naruto with a well-timed Rasengan. Naruto had the good sense to hurl his three-pronged kunai past his mentor, and reappeared behind him. He happily threw his best punch at Jiraiya and was met with a wall of spiked hair.

'He's really on his A-game today...' Naruto noted how Jiraiya left no gaps in his defense, 'I'm still feeling spiteful, though!'

Rather than calling on the first tail of the Fox's chakra Naruto retreated to safety, evading Gamaken again, and then unclipped his leg weights. Jiraiya was positively livid, "Hey! I didn't give you permission to-!"

Naruto bulleted towards his teacher with a newly formed Rasengan, feinted to the right, and then caught Jiraiya. The sage was able to block with his hair technique and countered again, pricking Naruto with sharp spines. He and his student cursed at each other, both battered, and then separated. The Rasengan had gouged out a crater in the slope and Jiraiya stumbled away from it.

"Why should I have to slow myself down?" Naruto complained, "I was done with those weights anyway!"

"I didn't tell you that you were done with them!" Jiraiya groused.

Gamaken had stopped and watched the juvenile exchange as the two argued.

"You've handicapped me enough!"

"I've handicapped you appropriately!"

"This IS my natural speed!" Naruto insisted.

"Shove it! Use that goddamn Kyuubi chakra already!"

They hurled their respective Rasengan at each other again. The two made their best attempts to evade but were hurled over the rocks, experiencing bruised egos and bodies. Jiraiya ordered Gamaken to attack once more, certain that it was a fair match. Naruto darted about, finally utilizing the Fox's chakra, and Jiraiya was slightly less angry after seeing a biju chakra-cloak manifest, 'It's about time!'

He was by no means going to make it easy for Naruto. Jiraiya summoned again, calling Gamabunta to the battlefield along with two toads that, by comparison, were tiny beside the Chief Toad. They were also elderly.

"Jiraiya-boy!" The old male toad was bearded and chipper, "I haven't seen you in an age!"

"What can we help you with, youngin?" The female of the pair asked.

"It's good to see you, Fukasaku, Shima..."

Jiraiya watched smugly as Gamabunta and Gamaken attempted to dog-pile his student, and then lashed out with their weapons. Naruto had about two tails available. He was a blonde blur of movement on the mountainside, and the toads opposing him knew better than to let his unusually high-powered Rasengan get too close. They leapt clumsily, too large to move nimbly in the craggy environment.

"Naruto is quite the handful! As I am now I wouldn't be able to deal with him, even if he isn't using his best jutsu." Jiraiya explained, "I do feel your help is warranted. Will you gather some natural chakra for me?"

"Ah." The toads understood. Fukasaku and Shima hopped onto Jiraiya's back and then settled individually on his shoulders. They attached themselves to his body and held still, preparing to harvest natural energy.

One of Naruto's kicks, Tsunade-like in strength, connected squarely with Gamabunta's head. The boss toad fell back and knocked Gamaken over with a cry. The toads rolled down the mountainside and had to detangle themselves.

"Sorry, Chief Toad!" Naruto apologized, but his voice carried a growl with it.

By the time the boy had turned back to Jiraiya the man's appearance was very different. His hair was wilder, facial markings more pronounced, and his eyes and nose were distinctly toad-like, 'Uh...what did he just do? Did he...just spontaneously grow a beard?' In fact he had.

The wild hair that had fended off Naruto earlier fired a continuous storm of needles at the boy. He dodged, fleet-footed, and approached Jiraiya at the mountaintop, pulling more fiercely on the Fox's chakra. Naruto could hear a distant but apathetic complaint from the Kyuubi while he did it.

Naruto and Jiraiya met ferociously, and there was no denying that Jiraiya was much stronger and more agile than before. The boy could have sworn he had dodged a punch, he had seen it with his own eyes, but he was struck anyway and hurled into the side of a large boulder. 'How did he hit me!?' Naruto was unnerved by the feat.

"How do you like Sage Mode, kiddo?" Jiraiya was pleased his student had to shake off the attack and regroup, "You might need to use more Kyuubi chakra, right?"

"I can take you!"

They rushed at each other again and scuffled. Although Naruto took great care in avoiding Jiraiya's augmented taijutsu he was still hit with great frequency. He could not put his finger on the exact reason, but Naruto had a hunch that Jiraiya's chakra was increasing the range of his attacks. When a mighty kick was aimed his way Naruto spun, letting a crimson tail of chakra lash out, batting his master like a fly swatter. Naruto sprang again while Jiraiya was down, but one of the toads perched on his mentor's shoulder countered with a wind jutsu, forcing him back.

Naruto back-flipped away like a ruby-colored gymnast and then condensed another, more potent Rasengan. Jiraiya was in his sights and he was high on the biju's incredible energy.

Jiraiya had timed his counter well, pouring his chakra into the same technique, and generated the largest Rasengan that was physically possible. It dwarfed Naruto's demon-fueled attack, and when Jiraiya came down with the ultra-big ball of energy Naruto counted himself fortunate that his chakra cloak shaved off some of the damage. The mountainside was gone after that.

At the bottom of the slope Naruto shook his head, trying to come back to his senses. He looked up, witnessing the resulting landslide of rocks and debris that came loose without any land left to support them. He let his chakra tails whip forward and tear the rocks apart. The chakra-limbs hoisted him up the sheer rock face and he leapt with a small roar, trying to strike harder and faster.

A giant sword thunked down beside him and Naruto barrel-rolled to the side, agilely navigating away from Gamabunta who was still peeved he had been head-checked earlier. Gamaken was pursuing him as well. Naruto was chased onto the last strip of sustainable land on the mountaintop and he had been lined up for one of Jiraiya's most punishing techniques.

Shima provided a fire jutsu and Fukasaku initiated a wind jutsu as Jiraiya exhaled a wave of toad oil. The deluge of oil ignited and was fanned to an unbearable intensity by the wind technique. Gamaken and Gamabunta leapt high into the sky to avoid the danger. Jiraiya had generated a localized, flaming sea before he retreated, hoping Naruto had not come to harm. The burning oil cascaded down the sheer drop, scalding trees and plant life on its way down.

"Jiraiya-boy, look there!" Fukasaku warned his shinobi companion.

Jiraiya could see several boulders had been overturned and piled on top of each other to serve as a platform above the rushing oil. A transparent chakra limb had arranged the means of escape, and it joined Naruto's body again after the task was done. Naruto was standing on top of the rock pile, no longer aware of his surroundings.

Jiraiya watched apprehensively as a fourth tail attempted to form but reabsorbed into Naruto's body. The chakra cloak hummed red around his student. 'Well that is progress! This is the first time he's ever pushed it this far…but maybe this is far enough. I don't know what an extra tail might do to him.'

The boy was holding still and had taken the rough silhouette of the demon fox, complete with tails, claws and pointed ears. His surging chakra was suctioned close to his body. Naruto looked from side to side, as if trying to recognize where he was.

"How are you feeling, kid?" Jiraiya called over to him, glad that the oil wave had run its course, "You're doing great!"

Naruto's head snapped in the direction of Jiraiya's voice. He pounced.

Shima screamed first. It was as if the boy had soared across the distance between them. He had brought his arms down in a pile-driving motion and Jiraiya managed to dodge it. The force of the blow leveled the bottom of the slope and more debris careened down.

Jiraiya believed he had been withdrawing quick enough, but a corrosive tail of chakra swiped at him, burning an ugly line across Jiraiya's chest. The sage was hollering in pain, coming to the realization that Naruto had lost his awareness.

"Time for the failsafe!" Jiraiya announced through gritted teeth, "Both of you get back!"

Fukasaku and Shima complied, leaping away from Jiraiya. When the larger toads made a start to assist their elders warned them to maintain their distance. The small toads positioned themselves helpfully while Jiraiya ran for his life, and when the sage failed at getting any closer to Naruto the pair took advantage of the distraction.

"Senpo: Frog Call!" Fukasaku and Shima cried in unison, striking Naruto's back with the sound wave. It paralyzed the boy for only a few precious seconds, but it was enough time for Jiraiya to dive in.

"It's going to be okay, kid!" Jiraiya promised, and patted the tag on his student's forehead just as two sets of claws gored his mid-section.

The tag immediately suppressed all chakra in Naruto's body. The chakra surrounding him seemed to evaporate and his beastly features rapidly faded. The blonde shinobi fell to his knees, drained from the tag.

Jiraiya plucked the suppression seal from Naruto's head before coughing violently. He tasted blood in his mouth and then hazarded a peek at his stomach and chest. Jiraiya equated it to ground-beef, 'Bad. I should have…acted sooner.' His vision was swimming.

Fukasaku and Shima approached, shouting in alarm. Jiraiya heard their voices mix together before a high-pitched ringing overtook him. It went dark and silent a moment later. He fell backwards.

"Jiraiya!" Shima squawked, "Stay awake!"

She and Fukasaku settled beside him, ignoring the spattering of blood surrounding them. They were trying to assess his injury and what action to take next.

Naruto snapped out of his swooning and groggily looked over to his master, "Ero-sensei…"

His knees were too weak to support his weight. Naruto crawled a short distance before reaching Fukasaku. He felt something warm on his hand and slowly looked down. His hands and singed jacket were coated with Jiraiya's blood.

Naruto inhaled sharply, horrified, and then settled his wide eyes on his teacher, "Ero-sensei!"

Gamabunta was asking Shima what could be done.

"Pa and I need to patch him up! Both of you go home now." Shima turned to her toad-husband after the giant toads had disappeared in smoke, "We'll bring these two with us."

He nodded to her and then gave his attention to Naruto, who was hyperventilating.

"Naruto-boy…" The toad put a webbed hand on him, "We can help-"

"Did I do this?" Naruto's voice was a screech, "Did I do it? I don't remember it! Please help him-!"

"Shush!" The female toad commanded, "Grab him, Pa!"

Fukasaku got a grip on the quivering boy and fed chakra to his contractual seal. Smoke surrounded them and they were successfully reverse-summoned to the home of the toads.

---

In the confusion and chaos of their relocation, Naruto did not notice the fantastic vegetation and statues of Mt. Myoboku appear. His eyes were squeezed shut while he cried and wailed; his hands were clenched in fists. Fukasaku was able to drag Naruto by his sleeve into his house. Shima was already inside and tending to Jiraiya. She had another small toad assist her with a medical technique.

Fukasaku was trying to get some coherent responses out of Naruto, "Naruto-boy…you don't remember what happened?"

"No." He had taken a seat on the tatami mats in the main room of the house, "Did I do it?"

Fukasaku crossed over to a chest of drawers and retrieved a handkerchief, "You didn't mean to, Naruto."

He handed the cloth to the weeping boy and Naruto blotted his salt-stained, boogery face with it. He was in absolute disbelief that he had wounded Jiraiya so badly. What was worse than that, he noted, was that it was not his decision. The Fox had subdued his awareness of battle, making him blind and savage.

Naruto retreated into his mind to confront the Fox, feeling rage prick at him beneath his grief.

'Fox!'

The Kyuubi was cackling wildly behind its bars, thrilled.

'How could you? We've been on good terms for a while now! I almost killed Ero-sennin!'

Oh? You expect that you can gain control over me? You are a fool. You have always been a fool. You gave me the chance and I ripped your toady-teacher like tissue paper.

'But we...'

You think we have reached an understanding? Ohohoho! No. I was just in the mood for conversation. You are fodder just like the rest of them. Test me again and soon YOU will be MY captive.

'I'll never let that happen!'

Oh Naruto, what naive compassion you possess! You haven't been betrayed enough! You have not hated enough to realize the positive doctrine you vomit up is baseless! I will be your teacher now.

Naruto fled the Fox's banter and collapsed to the mats on the floor, weeping again. He had been a true idiot to think it was safe to test his limits with the Nine-Tails. He never should have agreed to Jiraiya's training. The helplessness and shame he felt was so overwhelming that he wished for death for a short time. 'What are Gaara and Haku going to think? Or Baa-chan...'

Fukasaku stayed by his side, patting his back, "Don't listen to him, Naruto! Don't believe the Kyuubi's lies!"

Merely by touching Naruto, Fukasaku was still able to feel the faint presence of the Kyuubi, tormenting his jinchuriki to the best of his ability. The fox was trying to force away all forms of help or hope. 'That is how the Nine-Tails can truly gain control over Naruto...by weakening his spirit...'

"Now, now...Shima is with him. My wife is too stubborn to let anything happen to Jiraiya-boy..." The toad elder was trying to reassure Naruto, if it was even possible at that point, "The two of you will be fine."

He continued rubbing soothing circles on Naruto's back for a minute more until the boy calmed somewhat. He cried silently after that, crumpled on the floor in ruined clothing. 'This won't do...this child is a mess.'

Fukasaku hurried into the kitchen of the house and called out the window to a passing trainee, "Kosuke! Come here!"

A small red toad in goggles looked over to the toad elder, "Fukasaku-sama!" The young toad bounded up to the side of the house obediently.

"Kosuke, I need you to do me a favor. Ma and I have brought Jiraiya-boy and his apprentice here for rest. Check with Gamaken or Gamabunta if you need to verify their previous location, but please bring their belongings here." Fukasaku instructed, "They must have left them somewhere in the forest outside of the Maple Village."

"Of course, sir! Right away!" The young toad rushed off to check with the boss toad before starting his search.

Fukasaku left the window and sighed. What else could he do? 'Ma should be able to heal Jiraiya-boy...but we need to make sure that the child doesn't panic or give into the Fox's will. It will be very difficult for him to bear it on his own right now.'

He went to a pot on a burner and spooned some warm vegetable broth into a bowl. The sympathetic toad brought the food to Naruto, who was still an inconsolable heap on the floor. Fukasaku bent down towards the boy's face and spoke quietly, "Please sip some of this, Naruto. It will settle your stomach."

Naruto did not answer.

Fukasaku rolled the boy over and prepared a spoonful for him. He was concerned about the hollow, far-off look on Naruto's face, 'He is still despairing...' He lifted the boy's head and tried to coax him to eat. The broth dribbled from Naruto's uncooperative lips.

With a disappointed sigh Fukasaku set him down and took a seat. Maybe all that he could do for now was stay with the young man until he snapped out of it, 'It is what Jiraiya would want me to do.' He sat for a while before fetching a basin of water and a washcloth, and he scrubbed the blood from Naruto's hands and arms. Fukasaku was certain that Naruto would not want any reminder of the violence that had occurred. The young man lay compliantly on the floor and when the toad elder finished he took a seat again, unruffled.

A long period of silence was only broken by cheerful frog-songs outside. Abruptly, Naruto spoke, "Thank you..."

Startled, Fukasaku looked down at Naruto who seemed to have dried up and become lucid again. He patted the boy's head, "Don't mention it."

"What's your name?"

"I am Fukasaku of Mount Myoboku. My wife Shima and I are known as the Two Great Sages of the Toad Valley." The toad introduced himself, "We trained Jiraiya-boy in the art of Senjutsu."

"Thanks..." Naruto's voice shook, "Thanks for helping us."

Fukasaku chuckled, "No disciple of the toads is abandoned, no matter what."

Naruto slowly pulled himself into a sitting position. His muscles were aching and the air was thick, "So this is the Toad Mountain?"

"It is." Fukasaku held up the bowl again, "Would you like to try to eat this now?"

"Maybe not yet..." Naruto frowned, "Why does my body feel so heavy? This place..."

"Mount Myoboku is saturated with natural energy. It will take a while for your body to adapt." Fukasaku explained, "Relax for now. I imagine you will be able to accept natural energy soon, so you'll get used to being here."

"Okay."

Shima emerged from the bedroom she left Jiraiya in. She was clearly exhausted when she sat down on a cushion, sighing heavily.

"That's Shima?" Naruto asked Fukasaku quietly.

"The one and only!"

The boy crossed over to her and prostrated on the floor to show his gratitude, "Thank you for helping Ero-sennin, Shima!"

The toad was surprised by the gesture but smiled, "Not at all, and please, call me Ma."

"Thank you, Ma!"

She was tickled by Naruto's respectful disposition. Jiraiya had told her once that he had bound Naruto to the Toad Contract when he was six years old, 'That was a truly reckless thing to do...but Naruto seems to be very capable...and also very appreciative of toads!'

"How is Jiraiya-boy?" Fukasaku asked.

"He will need undisturbed rest so he can continue to recover. I expect it will take quite a while." Shima got them up to speed, "I was able to stabilize him...but Kyuubi chakra is very destructive and worsens wounds. He will bear some terrible scars."

Naruto looked positively crestfallen by the report, but was relieved to hear that his master was not in jeopardy of losing his life.

Shima hopped over to Naruto and laid a critical eye on him, "Were you injured?"

"Uh...I'm not sure..."

"Take your jacket off, boy."

Naruto removed his jacket, which was really just strips of the garment it used to be. Even his undershirt was slightly charred. Shima looked him over and pointed out burns that had begun to heal.

"Our Boiling Oil technique did get to you, it seems." She said while healing scaly patches on his arms, "How remarkable! You resisted it and began healing on your own."

"It was good that we were present for that fight." Fukasaku determined, "An accident could have killed either one of you, and Jiraiya knew he was taking a great risk. Without supervision things may have ended up much worse."

"It was my fault." Naruto said in a soft voice.

"It was Jiraiya's fault." Shima corrected him, "He was the one who suggested it, wasn't he?"

"When can I see him?" Naruto asked.

"Not for a while. He must rest." Shima advised, "So should you, Naruto. Please come with me."

The female toad escorted him to another bedroom adjacent to the main room. She slid the paper screen aside and Naruto trudged through, not fussing at all when she directed him to a futon on the floor. He slumped down onto it in silence and quickly found sleep.

---

His dreams were vivid. Many memories from his childhood bounced around in his head, especially of the time Naruto and his friends had first encountered Jiraiya. He had been an extremely reluctant caregiver. Naruto remembered constantly dogging the sage with criticism and how they initially did not get along.

In spite of how they had butted heads, they had genuinely liked each other. Jiraiya was willing to test them and teach them. He had not feared them at all and was impressed with their abilities. Naruto, Haku and Gaara had wiggled their way into his heart and had earned his affection. Jiraiya had brought them to Leaf and provided them with a secure home and safety. He had even taught them their first jutsu, 'It was the transformation technique...'

They had been slightly discouraged when he had left Konoha and also frustrated when he was assigned as their sensei after graduation.

He remembered the bickering and the laughter. He remembered Haku always sucking up to Jiraiya to stay in his good graces, 'And how Gaara did everything he could to piss Ero-sensei off...' Painting fences, mundane drudgery, eating out, discouraging peeping and a few serious missions...'He passed down the Rasengan to me...'

Naruto remembered the panic he felt during the Invasion when Gaara's seal had been weakened. Naruto, of course, had taken it upon himself to halt Gaara's destructive outburst, but Jiraiya had patched up Gaara's seal quickly after attempting to rescue the Third. Finding Tsunade had also been a highlight for Naruto, as well as his introduction to the treachery of both Orochimaru and the Akatsuki, 'But Ero-sensei fought them off too.'

Every black eye Jiraiya had gotten as a result of peeping, every angry tirade and proud monologue of accomplishment he had given...it floated around in Naruto's head, amplifying the terrible fear he had of losing his mentor. He had been a parent and lifeline. He taught more than just shinobi-skills, he taught life-lessons large and small. He provided support and wisdom. Jiraiya guided his students and groomed them with confidence and dedication, bringing out the best in them.

Naruto knew that he had always relied on Jiraiya, but admitting it was terrifying. In the same way losing Haku or Gaara would destroy his world, Jiraiya was just as much family as they were.

'I have to protect him too.'

---

Naruto woke the following morning and sat bolt-upright. Sunlight was pouring in through the window.

He examined his chest, arms and legs and was pleased that the burns he had sustained were gone. He glanced over to a low table with a lamp that had a gi and pants set out for him. Naruto stripped off his ruined outfit and redressed, feeling far more relaxed since Fukasaku and Shima had taken charge. He still completely lacked an appetite, he noticed.

He exited the bedroom and snuck to the room where Jiraiya was being kept. He found Shima there at work changing Jiraiya's bandages. The white haired man was still unconscious. He had hoped to sneak a visit with Jiraiya, but Naruto chose to announce his presence to the toad elder instead.

"Good morning, Ma."

Shima looked over her shoulder, "Good morning, Naruto."

"Do you want me to help you with those?"

"No, thank you. I would prefer if you didn't see this until he has healed a bit better." Shima replied, "I want to keep you as calm as possible today. I'm sure you understand. I am nearly done anyway."

"Alright then."

"Pa should still be out on the porch. Go find him for now and I will be out soon."

Naruto nodded and then shut the door. He stepped outside on the veranda and did indeed find Fukasaku.

The toad elder greeted Naruto happily, "You're awake, Naruto!" He pointed to a bowl he had set down on the ledge, "Eat that up now and then we'll talk."

Naruto sighed but sat down and complied, tilting the bowl back and downing the clear broth.

"My...Jiraiya's old clothes do seem to suit you." Fukasaku mused.

Naruto spat out the last of the liquid, shocked, "These are Ero-sensei's clothes?"

"Yes, from when he was your age. We kept some of them for other human students who may potentially visit." He explained, "You can wear them until we are able to bring you something else."

"I guess there isn't any good shopping around here?" Naruto pointed out.

"No. No shopping at all." Fukasaku chuckled, "We are in an uncharted location within the Fire Country, and it is a month's journey by foot on a secret road to reach Konohagakure."

Naruto slammed the bowl down on the wood of the porch, tremendously excited, "We're that close to Leaf!?"

"Only if you stay on the road, otherwise you would get horribly lost. It's rather tricky." The toad added, "Close is a relative term, but yes, you are much closer now than you were while you trained near the Maple Village in the north."

Naruto was about to burst at the seams with joy. Home was near! His friends and loved ones were within his reach should they need him, 'I am not happy about Ero-sensei being hurt...but this is great! We just covered about a year's distance in one night! Summoning is the best...'

"How about a walk?" Fukasaku suggested, "I'll give you a small tour of this sacred land. It should help perk you up!"

Naruto agreed. They left the house and took a stroll around the small settlement where Fukasaku's house was located. Toads greeted them amicably as they went past and Naruto took in the charming, wild sights. Flowers and toadstools livened up the brush and streams and waterfalls were abundant, 'This place is beautiful...' Naruto stopped in front of a toad statue that was posed in a cross-legged state of meditation. He admired its serenity.

"That statue was once a person." Fukasaku notified Naruto.

"Like...a human?"

"Yes, a shinobi who attempted to master Senjutsu long ago." Fukasaku went on, "Many toads and ninja who tried to do so became statues in the process."

"Senjutsu. Is that what Ero-sensei was using?"

"Oh yes. He is a master, just as Ma and I are masters."

"So...what is Senjutsu?" Naruto rested his hand on the statue, "And why would someone learning about it turn into a statue?"

"All very good questions!" Fukasaku was pleased, "I suppose Jiraiya would like me to tell you all of this since he is unable to right now. It may even be his wish that you begin Sage training in the not-too-distant future."

Naruto was quiet for a moment, mulling it over.

"This training...wouldn't have anything to do with Kyuubi chakra in me, right? I wouldn't need it?" He asked.

"No, it is entirely separate from that. Senjutsu is the art of absorbing and harnessing the natural energy all around you." Fukasaku clarified, "Shinobi understand that physical and mental energy is stored within our bodies, and that is the foundation of Ninjutsu. With that in mind, outside of our bodies, nature is host to an abundance of chakra as well."

"It probably isn't easy to do."

"Correct. It is some of the most difficult training one could ever undertake. One must meditate, often with the assistance of toad-oil from our sacred fountain, which allows the user to feel more acutely the natural energy in the environment." The elder divulged as they walked, "If one training in this manner does not hold perfectly still in order to harmonize with nature...they run the risk of permanently turning into a toad statue." Fukasaku pointed with his cane to other statues, "We revere those who have tried and failed here. They did not let fear deter them."

"My kind of guys!"

They laughed together and rounded a bend towards another settlement. It was much larger and appeared to house the medium to giant-sized residents of the valley. After passing several patches of vegetables and herbs Fukasaku stopped by a well filled to the brim with clear water. He tapped its ledge with his cane, smiling, "You'll like this."

"What is it?"

"This is the Enshinsui. It is the portal that connects Mount Myoboku directly to the Hidden Leaf Village." Fukasaku told him, "Only toads my size can use it. It is quite helpful, I must say."

Naruto was smiling too, catching on, "Yeah, I can see how that would come in handy."

"Bear in mind it will not transport a human."

"Well I could kind of tell just by looking at the size of it..."

They continued their stroll towards a wide pond where Naruto and his escort walked across huge lily-pads. On the way an unsuspecting dragonfly was struck by Fukasaku's tongue, pulled in and downed. Naruto gagged at the sight, "Do you make a habit of doing that, Gramps?"

"No...usually Shima prepares them first. That was a snack." Fukasaku announced, "You'll get to enjoy Ma's cooking soon!"

"I'll pass..."

"You won't have a choice while you're here." The toad elder reminded him, "Never fear, you'll grow accustomed to it. Jiraiya-boy did while he stayed in my home."

"Oh man...Ero-sensei had to eat bugs, huh?"

"They helped him put on muscle, with all that protein he ate."

Naruto was thoughtful while he poked his own arm, "You know what...I think I like the sound of that."

Fukasaku was thrilled, 'Naruto is incredibly open-minded! Jiraiya needed far more persuading before he chose to eat, back then!'

They stood on the precipice of a waterfall that overlooked a shrine. A large, pale toad was seated in the shade dozing at the top of the steps.

"It is not time for you to be introduced to the Great Toad Elder yet." Fukasaku told his companion, "But I think Jiraiya will ask to introduce you sometime soon. That is his lounge down there."

Naruto covered his eyes and squinted, looking into the distance, "I think I see him...is he a big deal?"

"He is our leader and the oldest Sage of this sanctuary." The toad replied.

"I see." Naruto folded his arms and followed Fukasaku as he proceeded to lead the way back to his house.

"How does your body feel today, Naruto?"

"Better! It felt like there was such a weight on me when I got here."

Fukasaku was pleased, "You're getting used to the natural energy here. That's a start."

They had completed their tour and outside of Fukasaku's house a small, red toad hefted two travel bags onto the veranda. Naruto raised his eyebrows in surprise, 'Oh crap! We left our stuff behind! These toads think of everything...'

"Thank you, Kosuke!" Fukasaku clapped his webbed hand on the trainee's back, "Allow me to introduce you to Uzumaki Naruto, Jiraiya-boy's student."

"It is nice to meet you!" Kosuke saluted the blonde boy.

"It's good to meet you too! I really appreciate what you did for us." Naruto told the toad, "Can I repay you, somehow?"

"Well..." Kosuke had a wishful look on his face, "Please summon me in the future to assist on missions! I am more skilled than I was last year..."

"Now, now, child, don't be so hasty." Fukasaku chided, "When the time is right Naruto will call upon you."

The old toad carried on into the house but Naruto grinned at the small trainee and said quietly, "I promise I will."

Kosuke was delighted. Naruto followed the toad elder inside, carrying the bags with him. He set the gear down in his bedroom before taking a seat near Fukasaku at a low table. Shima had left a plate of peppered and baked crickets for them. While Fukasaku helped himself, Shima came to stand beside Naruto and wrapped a measuring tape around his trunk. He laughed, caught off guard, "What's up, Ma?"

"I'm taking your measurements! If I can find some new clothes for you while I am out I will return with them." Shima moved the tape around, memorizing the sizes, "Stand up for a moment." Naruto stood and she took his waist size quickly.

She bustled across the room, picking up a basket, and then turned to her husband, "Look after Jiraiya and Naruto, Pa! I'll be back shortly."

He nodded with a mouthful of crickets. Once Shima had gone Naruto laid back on the mats, exhaling. He was feeling much more relaxed now that his toad hosts had taken the reins.

"Try one, Naruto."

Naruto looked up, eyeing the plate of baked insects on the table. 'I might as well have one now...since I'll be eating them for a while.' He sat up, shut his eyes and popped a cricket into his mouth. It was crunchy but well-seasoned and he was able to eat it with little difficulty.

Naruto smiled, "Not bad."

"I know! It's a textural problem most people have, when it comes to eating a bug-diet." Fukasaku divulged, "Jiraiya got over it when he was a boy. What else could he do but learn to eat our staples while he was stranded here?"

"Stranded?"

"Oh yes, Jiraiya arrived here completely by accident." The toad replied, "Has he ever told you about how he met the toads he formed a contract with?"

"Well...no..."

"Then allow me to elucidate the circumstances of his arrival!" Fukasaku had a flash of humor in his eyes, "You may very well know that Jiraiya-boy was Sarutobi Hiruzen's student, known more prominently as the Third Hokage."

"Yeah! He was a cool guy."

"Yes indeed...and he pushed his students very hard to train and hone their abilities. Hiruzen was instructing his students on the use of a summoning contract one afternoon, which would prepare Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru to summon their contracted animals in the future." Fukasaku went on, "Jiraiya-boy admitted to me that he was quite over-excited after learning the hand seals used for the technique, but he had not established any sort of contract first...and using summoning seals without a contract can be very dangerous, considering there is no guarantee of where you will be transported afterwards."

"He used those seals?"

"Of course he did! What a bright and patient boy he was..." The toad's inflection had an edge of sarcasm, "And right before Hiruzen's eyes he disappeared, scaring the daylights of him! His teacher had no way to locate him or track him...he would have to wait for Jiraiya to return to Leaf by foot...if he had actually survived."

Naruto cringed.

"Yes, you can imagine the grief Jiraiya's haste inflicted. His sensei was beside himself, and made sure to forbid his other students to attempt the jutsu. In the meantime, however, Jiraiya had the great fortune of arriving at Mount Myoboku..."

"I guess it was just meant to be..." Naruto mused.

Fukasaku's expression was serious, "Not only was it meant to be...it was foretold."

"Huh?" Naruto was perplexed.

"The Great Toad Elder had predicted that a disciple of the toads would arrive from the Leaf village. When we discovered Jiraiya wandering around...we quickly knew he was the child we were destined to train." Fukasaku explained, "We forged a friendship and a contract with him, and also introduced him to Sage training. He made it back to Leaf safely, some weeks later, and his sensei was relieved...and thereafter he endeavored to become a Sage."

Naruto was grinning, glad that some of Jiraiya's blind luck had afforded him the opportunity to begin the same training.

"The rest is history!" Fukasaku concluded, "There is more to tell, especially with respect to you, Naruto...but those are things that Jiraiya will explain to you."

Naruto picked up another cricket and snacked on it. He had not expected Jiraiya to have any kind of graceful introduction to the toads he had befriended, but at least there was some dignity in being expected by the Great Toad Elder. Jiraiya, it was apparent, had made the most of his serendipitous summoning error.

'And if it hadn't been for Ma and Pa...' Naruto thought, 'We'd be sunk.'

A low moan came from Jiraiya's room and both Naruto and Fukasaku started in surprise. They exchanged a glance before leaving the table. Naruto slid the door open and they peered in at Jiraiya, who was still flat on his back, but he was verbalizing his discomfort.

"Ahh...why...?"

"Jiraiya-boy!" The toad elder laughed, "Are you really awake or just having vocal dreams again?"

"What...do you think...?" His voice was rough.

"He's awake." Fukasaku deduced.

"Don't come in here...unless you bring me food. Steak. Beer. I want it all." Jiraiya demanded.

Naruto cracked up, unable to contain his mirth. Fukasaku was chuckling as well.

"We only have baked crickets right now, Ero-sensei." Naruto informed him, "Sorry."

"To hell...with the bugs..."

"They're pretty good!" Naruto encouraged.

"They've...converted you." Jiraiya growled.

"We have soup and insects, like always." Fukasaku told the man, "I know how to whip up some delicious curry, if you prefer! But truly, that is all there is. The beer, however..." He thought about it, "I'll pay Gamabunta a visit. He has quite a catalog of alcohol at home..."

Jiraiya made a whimpering sound that was a mix of happiness and pain.

Fukasaku asked Naruto to watch over his master while he was gone. Naruto entered the room and sat beside Jiraiya, quickly losing the brief joy of seeing the man awake. Jiraiya looked terrible: perspiring, rigid with pain, and wrapped up tight in bandages. Shima had declared that the Toad Sage would recover but of course, Naruto thought, it would be a long journey.

Naruto felt a lump form in his throat as the emotions and memories of his childhood washed over him again. Tears welled in his eyes and he sat with his hands clenched in his lap, not unlike what Hinata would do when she was upset.

"Naruto..." Jiraiya turned his head slightly to get a look at the boy, "Are you okay?"

Naruto's mouth was in a crybaby pout after hearing the words. He finally allowed himself to cry, but he nodded, confirming he was well.

Jiraiya's smile chided him a bit, "Come on now...don't be like that..."

"Of course I'm okay! Look at me!" Naruto pulled at the white and red gi he was wearing, "Heck, I'm even dressed like you now! What I want to know is if you're okay..."

"Sure!" Jiraiya tried to be a bit more optimistic, "Everything hurts right now but...I think I'll be just fine."

"I'm so sorry..."

"Hey! Don't you dare!" The man gruffed, "I don't want to hear any apologies from you, kid."

"I'm the one who hurt you, Ero-sensei, so it's my fault."

With great effort and pain to accompany it, Jiraiya struggled to sit up, wheezing while he did it. Naruto flailed his hands, trying to dissuade him, but Jiraiya reached out and wrapped his arm around Naruto's shoulders. He squeezed him in a warm, loving hug.

"No. You are not at fault. I knew what I was asking you to do and it was dangerous. I'm the idiot who needs to apologize for putting you through all of that." Jiraiya told him quietly, "I'm sorry for pushing you."

Naruto sniffled.

"You've got a heart of gold, Naruto. You wouldn't hurt a soul unless you absolutely had to." Jiraiya reminded him, "My request to train you that way...it was a knee-jerk reaction to everything Tsunade told me. We should have built up gradually before trying something so reckless."

Naruto shook his head, "How could it have gone better? That fox is always going to be like that..."

"You don't know that for sure, even now." His master answered, "I'm to blame. I feel like I behaved no better than Orochimaru...testing your limits like that."

"It's nothing like that!" Naruto protested, aghast, "You actually give a shit about me!"

"Yes, and I am glad you know it." Jiraiya agreed, "You, Haku and Gaara...you guys are the third team I have trained in my lifetime..." He paused and smiled, "And you are by far my favorite team."

Naruto stared with wide eyes, taken aback by the comment. Jiraiya made himself comfortable again and grumbled, adjusting his blanket. A moment passed and Naruto frowned in thought.

"Can you tell me about the other teams you trained, Ero-sensei?" He asked.

"Well sure, if you're interested." Jiraiya yawned. His yawn stretched his diaphragm and he yelped in pain. He returned to a supine position and held still until he felt better. Naruto sat cross-legged, curious about other students that Jiraiya had mentored.

"Hm...the first students I ever trained I found near the Hidden Rain Village, way back during the height of the war." Jiraiya recalled, "They were orphans...probably around eleven or twelve years old. They were very close friends and had formed their own sort of family, kind of like what you did with Haku and Gaara. They needed people to depend on."

Naruto nodded, listening intently.

"I took pity on them. I wanted to show them how to survive in a war-torn land...and since they already had the disposition of growing into shinobi someday, I taught them what I could. We had about a year and a half together before the Third ordered me to relocate."

"What were they like?"

"Let's see...Yahiko was a go-getter like you! Ha! He wasn't exceptionally talented, but boy was he outspoken...he was a natural leader." Jiraiya told Naruto, "He looked after Konan, a pretty kunoichi, and Nagato, a shy boy who had a lot of latent ability. I admired how hard they worked and how they genuinely cared about each other." The man stopped talking, as if abruptly overcome with sadness.

"What happened to them?" Naruto asked, "Can I meet them?"

"I don't know." Jiraiya admitted, "Once I left Rain I had no way of finding them...our hideout had been destroyed. For a while I was afraid they had been killed. I just don't know anymore...and I feel like I really screwed up."

Naruto folded his arms, empathizing.

"But the second time around I felt like I had pulled myself together. My sensei had been pressuring me to mentor a team in Leaf, and he had assembled a group he thought I would be compatible with."

"That's when you met Minato." Naruto pointed out.

Jiraiya gave him a sharp look, a bit startled by Naruto's informal way of acknowledging the Fourth, but he was aware of how much respect Naruto felt for the late Yondaime. He'd let him get away with it.

"Yeah...and don't get me wrong, they were a great bunch of kids! Lively...kind of average...but Minato began to show excellence after a year or so of training." Jiraiya explained, "My other two...they were rather complacent. They settled down by their early twenties and were not so concerned with their shinobi careers...but Minato was close with them even as he pulled ahead."

"What was he like?"

Jiraiya sighed, thinking to himself, 'I don't want to say too much right now. There's a time and a place for everything...

"Minato was quick on his feet and not very physically powerful...well...you throw a much harder punch than he ever did." Jiraiya went on, "He was bookish and intelligent. He loved to pester me about things he studied. He was the one who bugged me to learn more about seals and summoning, so I hoped adding him to my summoning contract would quench his thirst a bit...but I think it just added fuel to the fire."

Naruto was grinning, glad that Jiraiya was justifying his admiration of the Fourth.

"He was friendly and respectful to most everyone...but I think he would take his duties way too seriously, sometimes. He could get tunnel-vision on bad days and it could make him blind to details he ought not to overlook..." The man shrugged slightly, "But that did not dampen his success. He was incredibly skilled and always endeavored to improve himself. His girlfriend was also a talented shinobi, and the two of them liked to share sealing jutsu and practice."

Naruto raised his eyebrows, "Is that the same girl you were talking about before?"

"The same one. They were committed for a long time, kind of like you and your princess."

"She must have been cool."

"Minato thought so. He had to convince her to go out without him because her initial opinion of him was a spineless, quiet boy: her words."

"She did not say that."

"Sure she did! She was a scrappy hot-head. He only ever cheered her on from the sidelines until he worked up the courage to tell her how he felt."

"I'm pretty lucky Hinata never gave me a hard time..."

"You can say that again. You have it much easier, in some ways." Jiraiya conceded, "But yes, my second time as a teacher went well. I was so proud to see Minato grow into a hero."

"We must have been lame in comparison." Naruto supposed.

"Hell no! Your team blows the others out of the water!" Jiraiya disagreed, "You just found me at my lowest: my students were gone, I was miserable and trying to get inspired to write...the last thing I wanted was a bunch of six-year-olds with obvious shinobi heritage to need my help."

"But we did need you."

"I knew I couldn't leave you there; the Third would have killed me." Jiraiya confessed, "Try to see it from my perspective...I was impressed and pissed off at the same time. I didn't want to go through it all over again...but a kid with a rare Kekkei Genkai and two jinchuriki! Who could walk away from that? Who could deny your future?"

"Some people might have tried to."

"Well I didn't want to be that asshole." Jiraiya affirmed, "I knew that once you were set up in Leaf you'd be fine...and I ran away again thinking I could escape...that I had done enough..."

"Nope."

"No. I was ordered back again, and for good reason. You three needed some serious fine-tuning...but even a few months into your genin careers, I knew even a jounin would have to be nuts to mess with your team."

Naruto chuckled while he thought about it, 'Yeah...Ero-sensei knew us since we were small. It was different from his other teams...he probably felt more responsible, even if that wasn't what he wanted.'

"So...what did you really think of us when you compared us to your other students?" Naruto wondered, "You said we were your favorite."

"The most diverse!" Jiraiya summed it up, "You three are my most diverse team. It's great. You guys really made me step out of my comfort zone...and made me feel hope after a long period of feeling hopeless."

Naruto smiled, "For real?"

"It's true. You were younger, more helpless kids. I didn't have the luxury of getting a group of preteens who had some knowledge or Academy training...you three were homeless pups." Jiraiya told him, "Your group had incredible potential even from that young age. I could see you were a mess, sure, but that's what made me like you. My other teams were enjoyable and spunky, but your group takes the cake."

The blonde boy was laughing, "Wait...are you saying...we made you love us?"

"So what if I am?" Jiraiya was a little defensive, "You made me feel that way like no other team could...that's the honest truth."

Naruto put his hands on his knees, grinning, "We're pretty fond of you too! I'll admit it, Haku always showed it, and even though Gaara didn't, I know that's how he feels. We're very grateful."

"I know, kid."

There were a few moments of thoughtful silence before Naruto spoke again, "That's why...I don't want to risk it anymore...hurting you or anyone else."

Jiraiya was confused, "What does that mean?"

"I'm never going to use Kyuubi chakra again." Naruto announced.

Even if it was uncomfortable Jiraiya attempted to sit up again. He was alarmed by his student's thought process, "Naruto, that's a rash decision."

"Well it's MY decision to make." Naruto asserted, and he stood up, "There are too many people who I don't want to lose."

"It's not impossible, Naruto, don't be intimidated! You can't just push aside everything Minato worked for-!"

"Never again."

Jiraiya told him to wait but the boy exited the room and quickly shut the door. He had no idea that their heartfelt exchange was Naruto's way of resolving his fear of harming others, 'Even if he believes he can avoid it...he can't forever.'

---

Two Days Later

Tsunade had concluded the last rounds of examinations with Katsuyu, checking each Star trainee for any remaining complications. Her effort combined with Sakura's had repaired most cellular damage and chronic illnesses the children suffered. The Hokage was trumpeting her success all through the village, and not a single soul was unaware of her accomplishment. Even the Academy students would interrupt Chunin instructor's lessons to inquire about their leader's endeavors.

Natsuhi, to show her unending gratitude, had wined and dined the Hokage several times. On the last night of the Star shinobi's stay the Hoshikage had a bit too much to drink, and consequently had to be returned to her room by her obviously embarrassed son. Tsunade had called her a pushover but fell asleep shortly afterwards. Shizune had begged fellow jounin to assist her in extricating Tsunade from the restaurant and bringing her home.

In the morning Tsunade whispered her thanks to Shizune while taking a seat at the desk in her office. She had a bag of ice tied to her head to relieve the epic headache. Natsuhi was in slightly better condition when she arrived. The final order of business was putting forth their expectations for an alliance.

Once again, Shizune acted as a liaison for the two hung-over women, walking back and forth between Tsunade's desk chair and Natsuhi's arm chair...where they were reclined and groaning. She made sure to orate what had been written down since, apparently, the village leaders were having trouble reading small text today.

"There's one more request I wanted to make, Natsuhi..." Tsunade added, fidgeting with the bag of ice, "I hope that you'll consider deterring the Akatsuki, whenever possible."

"You know that I will, Tsunade-sama."

"I just want you to be aware of why that organization is an issue; aside from the fact they attacked Kakashi's team." The Hokage continued, "Jiraiya and I understand that the Akatsuki are hunting for jinchuriki and extracting the biju within them, most likely in a bid for power over the Five Villages, or any village, for that matter."

"I...see."

"Naturally, Hoshigakure has little reason to be concerned with this yet, since your village has no jinchuriki at risk. I would understand if you refused to get involved, however the threat of the Akatsuki is sure to become an international danger in the future." Tsunade added, "It doesn't help that Kakashi confirmed their hostility towards any village that Leaf is allied with."

"Then I suppose we are involved already, in that case." Natsuhi decided, "Your village only has one jinchuriki."

"That's correct."

"It's Naruto, isn't it?"

Tsunade and Shizune balked, unable to believe her lucky guess.

Natsuhi smiled, "It's alright. He's amazingly strong for a shinobi his age. I just assumed that since Jiraiya-sama was looking after him...and how much he cared for his village...that maybe he was the jinchuriki."

"So long as you don't repeat that information then no harm can come of it." Tsunade agreed, "My, my...you are astute, Natsuhi."

The auburn haired woman thanked her, smiling. Tsunade was not going to openly admit it, but she was getting a small girl-crush on Natsuhi. She didn't think that after hitting fifty years of age she would be able to make more friends, but Tsunade was pleasantly surprised it was possible. It was even more convenient that Natsuhi had no prejudice at all against jinchuriki, although Sakura had tried to explain to her it was because Star Village had a wealth of knowledge about the origins of ninja. 'When Sakura was spouting all of that nonsense...I really didn't follow it that well. It would provide an answer about where chakra and Ninjutsu come from...but until I really need to know something I am not going to ask.' Sakura had enough room in that brain of hers to log away such antiquated information.

"Please make note, Shizune; that I, Soramori Natsuhi, Fourth Hoshikage of the Star Village, do promise to unconditionally lend aid and protection to the Hokage and the Hidden Leaf Village." Natsuhi announced, "And may I please have a glass of water?"

Shizune stopped herself from nearly writing down the request. She sighed, setting the writing pad on Tsunade's desk and then turned to leave the office to get the water.

The Hokage added before she was out the door, "I need one too, Shizune..."

---

At about noon the women had finished establishing their alliance requirements. They had also gone through a lot of tea and water. Tsunade had promised to honor Natsuhi's wishes and protect the Star Village as well, because the Star had its hunters and they too posed a threat. Shizune dropped off the document to Homura Mitokado and Koharu's office, Tsunade's current advisors (Hiruzen's advisors before her), and she had a feeling they might hesitate to extend friendship to such a remote village. No matter. Tsunade would be more than happy to combat any criticism the council offered.

Outside the front entrance of the administration building, Tsunade and Natsuhi met with Sakura, Sumaru and Hokuto. The trio had been supervising the recuperated Star trainees, all of whom were horsing around and itching to begin the journey home. Even though Sato had been released a week early from the hospital he was still in no condition to take missions. He was permitted to return home so long as he refrained from heavy lifting and strenuous activity. He most certainly would not be flying anyone anywhere.

"That's fine," He told the Hokage, "Kakashi can do that kind of stuff for me!"

And so he had returned home yesterday and immediately invited his teammates over, Kurenai included, for a "thank-goodness-I'm-alive" party. Tama had baked a pie for the occasion.

With Sato indisposed, Tsunade had arranged a well-fortified squadron of jounin to guide the Star troop back to their village. 'Heaven forbid the Akatsuki are tracking our movements now, however unlikely, I just don't want to take the chance sending them without protection...' She had scrambled more patrols in response to the incident, yet no team had spotted hide nor hair of the offending nukenin organization. It really did seem as though it had been a freak encounter.

A short time later, Shizune, Gekko Hayate, Maito Gai and Inuzuka Tsume had reported to the courtyard to be introduced to Natsuhi and her shinobi. Once the large platoon set out and their goodbyes had been said, Tsunade had permitted Sakura to take the rest of the day off as a reward for her diligent work.

Sakura made a bee-line for the Hyuga estate to visit Hinata and ask how the party went.

The pink haired girl was surprised to find Hinata and Tenten on the porch of the house, carefree and chatting. Tenten waved hello to Sakura as she approached, "Hey Sakura, congratulations on your success! I heard you were pretty badass on that mission, saving everyone's life!"

It really bolstered Sakura's confidence to take such a compliment. Coming from Tenten, the kunoichi who had torn her to shreds in the previous Chunin Exam, it meant a lot.

"Thanks! I couldn't have done it without Hinata, though." Sakura replied, coming to stand beside her friends, "How are you ladies?"

"Very well!" Hinata chirped.

"Same here," Tenten agreed, "Hinata told me that another Chunin Exam is coming up! The only people I've told are Neji and Lee. They're looking forward to it, but I had to remind Lee not to tell Gai-sensei. I'm pretty sure he can restrain himself."

The girls happily conversed in the afternoon sunlight, updating each other on current events. Hinata was glad that the Star ninja were on their way home at last. She told Tenten and Sakura about the delightful get-together her team had attended the day before, celebrating Sato's homecoming. Kurenai had been truly relieved that her student had lived through the ordeal, and Hinata reported that Shino had reacted to the scare as well. He and Sato appeared to be much closer. "Shino-kun was at the hospital frequently checking on Sato-kun, last week." Hinata observed, "He even brought him coffee..."

"Wow. That's Sato's favorite thing, isn't it?" Sakura was amazed, "Kiba said that when boys do stuff like that for each other...it's because they are best-best friends."

Tenten snickered.

Hinata nodded, tapping her chin in thought, "I think it's true. Sato-kun can tell Shino-kun anything..."

"It's just funny that something that is perfectly acceptable behavior between girls has to be such a big deal for boys." Tenten pointed out, "Then again, Lee is into gift-giving too."

They all nodded together, coming to the same conclusion. Boys took friendship to a whole new level of significance.

They were interrupted by Neji when he came around the corner of the veranda. He locked his gaze onto his teammate before greeting her companions. Tenten bade her friends farewell before leaving to train with Neji, and Sakura had to fight back a grin as the two ambled off together, looking very comfortable indeed. Sakura sat down beside her friend, chuckling quietly.

Hanabi came out of a sliding door, visibly bored, and then took a seat on Hinata's opposite side. She was cramming the last of a sweet-bun into her mouth. Hinata patted her sister's back in a friendly greeting and the girl grunted in salutations. Sakura said hello even though she was not acknowledged in return.

"So...have they made any progress?" Sakura wondered aloud.

"Neji-niisan and Tenten-neesan?" Hinata verified.

"Yeah! I mean look at how they're walking...it's like he's thinking about grabbing her."

Hanabi nearly choked on her snack after listening to the statement.

Hinata considered it, "They have not done anything yet as far as I can tell...but I know they will."

"This is ridiculous! They need to date. " Sakura added, frustrated, "Why won't one of them just make a move?"

"They continue to hold back. Maybe they respect each other too much?"

"That's crap."

Hanabi leapt up, outraged, "What are the two of you talking about? Neji-niisan and his teammate? Together?" She huffed at the notion, "I should challenge her to a fight to defend the heir of the Hyuga clan!"

Sakura was laughing, finding the pipsqueak's reaction comical, "I really advise against challenging Tenten. And you know that Neji can defend himself, right?"

"On principal alone I should act." The young girl protested.

"There is no cause for alarm." Hinata said calmly, "Please relax, Hanabi." She pulled her sister down again to sit. Hanabi complied in silence and then enjoyed another brief back-rub. Hinata had won.

In Sakura's opinion, Hinata's newly discovered ability to persuade her sister was a result of the stronger sense of trust they had. Hanabi was identifying her sister in a more motherly way, while still respecting her for her strength and wisdom. The girl was still a handful, but her relationship with her family was steadily improving.

"Do you feel like going out today, Hinata-chan?" Sakura asked, "Maybe Tama or Ino will do something with us..."

Before Hinata could give an answer a small, red toad appeared at the far end of the yard. It looked around curiously for a moment before hopping onward, approaching the group of girls.

Hanabi sighed dramatically, "Another one..." She stood up, spun around, and went back into the house to find more snacks.

The toad gave a short salute to both kunoichi, "Good afternoon! My name is Kosuke, coming with a message from Mount Myoboku via the Enshinsui. I need to find someone named Lady Hyuga Hinata."

"That's me." Hinata was smiling widely, "You must be new."

"Yes, this is the first time Naruto has sent me anywhere!" The toad was beaming, "It is nice to meet you, Hinata-sama! Please accept this!" He took a package and a scroll from his messenger bag and handed it to her. Sakura watched the exchange, highly amused.

The toad sat in the grass, intending to be patient with the recipient. Hinata found the small box intriguing and opened it first. Her stomach did a loop; a fantastic loop. Naruto had sent a gift and her brain had a hard time processing it. A beautiful, silver pendant gleamed up at her and Hinata's hands began to shake. It was thoughtful, it was sweet, and it was something she would have picked for herself: full points.

"What's that?" Sakura got a glimpse of the box and gasped, "Whoa! Jewelry! He is definitely on the right track…"

Hinata lifted up the chain, star-struck, and Sakura clapped her hands in excitement.

"Well give it here! Let me put it on you!" Sakura insisted.

Dazed, she passed it to her friend who deftly fitted it on her slim neck and hooked the clasp. Sakura took a look at the necklace and nodded in satisfaction.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata felt like crying a little, feeling overwhelmed by the gesture. Even though he was far away and she had not seen him in a year, only he could boast to know her heart so well. She opened the scroll to read his message, taking a deep breath to calm down.

I miss you so much. I wish I could explain it all right now, but all I can say is that I have been through some things that have really scared me lately. It's better now, but a day or two ago I was so ashamed and upset that I wasn't me anymore. It's very hard to be out here without you, Hinata. I definitely took being around you and the others for granted. When I come home that is going to change. I always want to be around you. I want to be right beside you.

Hinata looked up from the heartfelt words, blushing furiously. She needed a small break so that her heart was in no danger of exploding.

Sakura raised her eyebrows upon witnessing Hinata's reaction, "You're scarlet! What did he say?"

"I'll tell you shortly..." Hinata replied, struggling on with the note while her heart pattered frantically.

I depend on you so much more than you know; more than I knew. You have always listened and understood me better than Haku and Gaara and I just never gave it much thought. Thank you. I need you more than ever to listen now. I'm not that good at sharing my feelings, but today I can't help but do it. It's been rough out here. It sucks being away from home and being away from you. I have gotten stronger, but if I could have done it my way I would have stayed in Leaf. Not a moment goes by that I don't want to run back to you. Even now I am tempted to do it. When I close my eyes I can see your face. I need to kiss you again.

Hinata began to gasp while she read. Her fragile disposition was colliding with this strange and new feeling of emotional and physical excitement. She was as red as a tomato. She feared she might faint.

Sakura was positively riled while watching her friend. She grabbed Hinata's shoulders and gave her a light shake, "What did he say Hinataaaa?"

Somehow she was able to compose herself again, and Hinata gently brushed her friend's hands off, "Please let me finish, I am nearly done..."

You are the reason I came back to the village when I was a kid. You always made home feel like home. You're the best and no one can compare to you, Hinata. I hope you don't think I am totally pathetic for saying all of this, but I feel way better now that I got that off my chest. Please write back! The toads can get between us super-quick now! But I'll explain that another time. Be prepared to go on a date with me when I get back! I hope you like that necklace too, because I'd like you to wear it when we go out together! I promise I will talk to you again soon.

Love,

Naruto

Hinata was quivering once she had finished reading. It was all still sinking in. It was a magnificent feeling. Fed-up with waiting for Hinata to recover from her love-struck funk, Sakura snatched the scroll from her and ignored her peep of protest.

"Sakura-chan, no!" Hinata squealed, "Please don't!"

"What? Is it dirty?"

"N-No! Just heartfelt..."

"Take it easy." Sakura told her, opening the scroll to take a look, "I won't tell anyone if he's making marriage proposals already. We'll just keep it to ourselves."

Hinata gulped and then allowed Sakura to proceed. It wasn't really bad or suggestive, 'But Naruto was pouring all of his emotions out! Should I really let someone else see that?' Not to mention there was mounting desire that Naruto had also expressed, 'I am so happy he said that! I want the same things he does, but...' She fiddled with the necklace and glanced at Sakura beside her who was reading, 'I hope Sakura doesn't tease me about it.'

Sakura quickly got through it and looked up with a grin when she had finished.

"Puberty." Sakura announced, "He's at a volatile stage. Brace yourself!"

Hinata had known she was going to get teased, but it did curb her embarrassment somewhat when Sakura wrapped an arm around her and laughed. Hinata pulled her sweatshirt's hood up over her head and pulled the drawstrings taut.

---

In an unassuming town in the southernmost reaches of the Fire Country, a tavern opened up to start a day of business. The first two customers to arrive were very odd, the waitress thought.

A tall, brutish-looking man and a tiny, cherubic boy walked in together, famished.

The waitress put on a welcoming smile and asked them to take a seat at the nearest booth. She took their orders, trying to ignore the swords fastened to the man's back.

"Excuse me, but do you have any curry here?" The boy asked politely, "I didn't see it on the menu." His legs were so short they hung off the edge of his seat, far above the floor.

"I apologize, that would have to be made-to-order…and I don't think the chef has any ingredients to make curry today." The waitress was hoping the disappointment wouldn't tick off the shinobi, "Please tell me if there is anything else I can get you."

"Hm." The boy inspected the menu again, "This takoyaki looks good."

"Yeah, I'd recommend that. We make it fresh! How about it?"

"I'd like that, please!" The boy remained cheerful, "And some tea as well."

"Sure! And you sir?" She turned to the shinobi.

His arms were folded in disinterest, "Beef soba noodles."

"Of course! I'll be right out with your meals." She just about ran away into the kitchen, sweating. She could tell the difference between friendly, local shinobi and strangers who were often no-good rogues.

"Can we get dessert too, Raiga?" The boy asked.

"If you want to."

"I feel like I could eat a tableful of food…"

"It's because you're growing, Ranmaru." Raiga informed him, "You definitely eat more than you used to…"

Ranmaru was grinning, very proud of how he was improving. After having consumed the Curry of Life he had been cured of rickets, which had left him sickly for most of his youth. To prevent a relapse of the disease he ate a wider range of food and played outdoors more often. He had bounced back better than Raiga could have ever imagined.

Raiga had showed signs of improvement as well after eating the famous curry; at least, his mood had improved drastically. He wasn't obsessed with burying people alive anymore, and Ranmaru found that kicking that habit gave them a lot more free time.

They had been travelling south with the intent of reaching Ranmaru's birthplace, where Raiga had found him. After that they wanted to explore the area a bit more before returning to the mainland.

A consequence of eating Sancho's life-changing curry, however, had given Ranmaru a taste for the stuff. He was fond of anything and everything spicy, and whenever he could he would eat curry at every eatery they stopped in. Nothing compared to his favorite, but he was often happy with what he found.

Another result was that Ranmaru now possessed the strength to begin shinobi training. Tutoring Ranmaru was a more constructive outlet for Raiga's energy, and he was a rather decent teacher. Raiga was thrilled with the incredible chakra control Ranmaru had, and the boy had easily picked up supplementary jutsu and proven he was clever with his substitution and trickery. Ranmaru was slowly but surely building muscle and increasing his speed. He was quick over short distances, but Raiga disliked that he still was not strong enough to flee further than a mile before getting winded.

Aside from his mysterious Kekkei Genkai, which Ranmaru spent some afternoons figuring out; he also had a natural talent for healing. Raiga was unable to help him develop either of those skills, but he encouraged him to do it on his own when they had time. Very soon he planned to begin teaching Ranmaru his Lightning Style techniques and make him a formal apprentice. One day, if Raiga trained the boy properly, he would inherit the Thunder and Lightning Fangs.

For now he was open-minded and attuned to Ranmaru's needs. He knew it wasn't doing Ranmaru any good to take things too fast, so he kept all lessons at a pace that did not leave the child gasping for breath.

So far their journey was very enjoyable. So was the food.

A few more customers came in and were seated. Shortly after that the waitress returned with their meals. Ranmaru tucked in hungrily to the doughy octopus balls. He and Raiga ate in ravenous silence, quickly moving towards a second helping. They were able to overhear the patrons at the table beside them, who had some choice words about the Hokage.

"That woman shouldn't be so outspoken! Sure she healed some sick kids, but she has a mountain of gambling debt she hasn't paid back! She's crazy. People are going to track her down."

"And what are they gonna do? Threaten her? She is the Hokage."

"It's absurd! A woman like that becoming a village leader…"

"Hey don't forget," His friend said, wagging his chopsticks, "She IS a legendary ninja. She might be crazy, but you'd have to be even crazier to cross her. She has her vices but I don't think it's absurd. Tsunade is a descendant of the Senju."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." The man relented, "It's just since she had a winning streak at my gambling house all of my luck is gone. I never win anymore."

"Then maybe you ought to quit gambling, dumbass."

Ranmaru bounced excitedly in his seat, "That's right! We're close to the Hidden Leaf Village aren't we?"

"Closer than I want to be…"

"Can I become a Leaf ninja someday, Raiga?"

Raiga's look of shock halted Ranmaru's question. He slurped down a mouthful of noodles before answering, "You don't need to be affiliated with a village to be a successful shinobi."

"But I want to have a home and comrades who depend on me."

"No, that's stupid." Raiga shot it down, "I had comrades once but it didn't last long. People are selfish idiots."

"Those Leaf ninja who helped me are my friends." Ranmaru countered, "That is why I think I would like belonging to that village. They helped you too, Raiga."

"YOU helped me, not them." Raiga disagreed, "Don't go getting obsessed with serving a village. In the end it just burns you. If you want an honest opinion, Ranmaru, they would only care about your abilities, not you."

"Oh." The boy's chin dropped, "Is that what it was like in the Mist Village?"

"It's still like that in Mist. I don't see why Leaf would be any better."

They continued to eat and Raiga ordered a plate of grilled fish he could share with Ranmaru. Ranmaru had some time to think about the rejection of his idea. Perhaps now was a better time for travel. Eventually, Ranmaru thought, he could find a way to persuade Raiga to go along with his wishes. He had a lot more training ahead of him before he could call himself a competent ninja anyway. Leaf might appreciate a capable shinobi more than a pint-sized trainee who just learned how to walk again.

Once they had stuffed themselves and indulged in pineapple sorbet, the tavern's specialty treat, they proceeded to waddle down the road.

"Maybe on our way back we can visit Konohagakure?" Ranmaru wondered.

"Enough already. I don't want you to get attached to that place." Raiga scolded him, "No one would accept us there."

"I think they might."

"At least you, they would. I'm a criminal and they would rather jail me than task me with a mission."

"I suppose that's true…" Ranmaru agreed dolefully.

"One day after my funeral you will inherit my swords." Raiga told him, "And you will make a much better swordsman than me."

The boy was excited by the prospect, "You think so? I just hope I get taller…"

"It doesn't matter if you do or don't. Ameyuri Ringo was short and she was a master of these blades."

That was music to Ranmaru's ears.

---

The day had finally arrived for Gaara to swear in and pledge himself to Sand as the new Kazekage. He had some slight anxiety about it, but he had more or less resolved his hesitations. Although none of his friends from Leaf would be in attendance (since it had been a secret matter, mostly) it felt good to know that his siblings and student would clap for him front and center.

Kankuro was more nervous than he was.

"That's the outfit Temari put out for you, right?"

"It is." Gaara assured him, adjusting his sleeves. It was long-sleeved and black, as always. Temari said that he looked like a real man in it, but she had expressed her dislike of the white ceremonial robe he was told to wear over it. It just chipped away at the "cool factor".

"Okay and you brushed your teeth…"

Gaara gave his brother an annoyed look, "Yes."

"You bathed too?"

Gaara shook his head in disapproval, tired of the flighty behavior, "Kankuro…you need to calm down."

"Well fine! But you put deodorant on too?"

"Shut up."

"It's going to matter when you get up there, you'll see! Everyone is going to be watching you and then you'll just start…" Kankuro gestured at Gaara's face, "Perspiring. All over."

Gaara turned and exited the main door of the mansion. Too bad Temari had not stayed behind for his pep talk; her nerves of steel would have come in handy. Instead she had gone ahead to save seats at the ceremony and pick up Matsuri so she would not be mobbed by younger, admiring trainees.

Kankuro walked beside Gaara down the road and managed to keep it together. Gaara was trying to purge his brain of any thoughts that may distract him during the ceremony, but he could not stop thinking about Naruto and Haku. 'They should be here. I want them to be.' He also knew they would have come if they had the ability, and also that the timing was quite bad, 'While I was in Leaf I never thought about something like this happening. Naruto has always wanted to be Hokage, but I just wanted…'

He could see a crowd gathering in the plaza ahead.

'I just wanted to be someone respectable. I wanted to become a jounin and then I didn't care what else I did. I wanted to serve and be trusted by others.' He wanted to be liked, even if he made it difficult for people to do sometimes, 'Being a Leaf shinobi would have been most satisfying. Sand is my home, but…I want different things now. I want things now that I won't be allowed to have while I am here.'

His thoughts were racing as they took a back entrance into a small building that was attached to an observation deck. The platform would overlook all of the villagers gathered below. Kankuro motioned for him to go up the stairs first.

'Naruto and Haku are probably as strong as I am.' Gaara thought, 'I don't really know if I am as strong as any other village's Kage. It turns out that this position has very little to do with that.' He had finally come to understand that it had a bit more to do with political matters and what was best for the village.

What it had boiled down to, Temari had once told him, was that Hidden Sand desperately needed a dependable leader. If a shinobi was wise, experienced and had some degree of strength he or she had to be considered. Though young, Gaara had been an obvious choice.

Once on the platform, Gaara could see a small group of councilors standing in the hot sun. He felt a little bit of anxiety that manifested as heartburn. He stifled a painful burp.

He and Kankuro crossed over to the robed elderly folk in charge of the proceedings. They were greeted formally and then Kankuro stepped aside to stand by Baki near the railing.

Soi Masateru, the oldest prune-of-a-councilor present, addressed Gaara.

"Gaara of the Sand…we are all so very pleased that you have accepted the title of Kazekage. However, before we continue, this is the most appropriate time for any objections to be made." The man cleared his throat, "Is there anyone here who would speak out against this nominee?"

A silence washed over all gathered. Some hushed sounds of agitation came from the crowd when a man approached the platform and ascended the stairs. Masateru had not noticed the individual (his eyesight was shot) and so another village elder by the name of Chiyo slapped his arm, directing his attention to the stairwell.

"There's your objector." The kunoichi grumbled, "Did you plan at all for someone to challenge this young man?"

"No, actually." He was contrite.

Chiyo groused, "This is going to mess everything up, you damned fool. I warned you to prepare for anything!"

"Please, Chiyo-sama…this so rarely happens."

"I'll never have time for a nap today…I'll be behind schedule…"

Their whispered exchange was embarrassing Kankuro, who stood beside an equally mortified Baki.

Gaara stood patiently, not very surprised that at least one person was not happy with him as the selection. The man who arrived on the platform was, as expected, a veteran jounin. He looked to be somewhere in his forties; fit, handsome, and aging well. His eyes were narrowed angrily.

Another councilor spoke, announcing the shinobi, "This is Shigenori. He is a cousin of the Heroine of Hidden Sand, Pakura. He and his son are the last wielders of the Shakuton blood limit."

"Ah, yes, but I thought I already spoke to you some months ago, Shigenori." Masateru was surprised, "I was under the impression you were not interested in becoming the Kazekage."

"Initially I wasn't…" Shigenori admitted, "But to see you bring a child up here…a jinchuriki who is supposed to be a weapon for our village! This is utter foolishness! How could you even think that this boy is going to aid our village in any way?"

"He is stronger than all of us." Chiyo spoke up, "He is wise for someone his age…and he also has better self-control than many can boast."

"He was a Leaf shinobi." Shigenori asserted, "He doesn't care about Sand! He's probably just waiting for his chance to kill us all!"

"I have a name, you know." Gaara pointed out innocuously. So far he had not taken offense to any of the impersonal talk or idiotic accusations. He was tuning it out.

Masateru disagreed, "Gaara was kept in Hidden Leaf by the Third Hokage. Some claim it was for his safety and some claim it was for military gain…but no matter what the reason, he was well trained by the Toad Sage and prospered. He obviously still has love for Sunagakure; otherwise he never would have left Konoha, the place he called home. He is a very worthy choice, in the council's opinion."

"He also doesn't whine or complain like the rest of you." Chiyo added.

"This jinchuriki-!"

"Gaara." Gaara reminded him.

"Gaara is not trustworthy!" Shigenori insisted, "His own father tried to get rid of him! He even turned on Leaf and attacked during the Chunin Exam!"

"Orochimaru orchestrated the entire invasion of Leaf." Chiyo deadpanned, "Gaara was a victim."

Shigenori looked incredulously at the elders of the council, "You can't actually be serious about this?"

"Why did you wait until the last minute to be outraged so? It was common knowledge for weeks." Chiyo countered, "We may be old, and I may like to joke around, but this village needs leadership and we will not make phony decisions."

"If that is so…then I challenge this nominee!" Shigenori declared, "Should I defeat him, I will accept the position of Kazekage."

The elders looked ticked off but could not deny the right of an eligible shinobi. Kankuro was steaming mad as he watched the ignorant posturing, but was simultaneously delighted to see Gaara did not give much of a shit about what this jounin had to say. 'He's obviously an idiot.'

"Very well then," Masateru looked to Gaara, "Will you accept this challenge or forfeit?"

"I accept it."

The old man grumbled but then continued, "Let me outline the rules of a title-duel. This particular battle may be observed by villagers as it has never been, in the tradition of Suna, a private matter. You will face each other at the Buddha statue. Spectators may not be approached or harmed in any way, which would result in disqualification and punishment," He cleared his throat, "You may forfeit at any time. You may kill your opponent without penalty. You may use any technique, forbidden or otherwise, provided that it complies with the spectator-stipulation."

Gaara was surprised that he was given permission to kill his opponent. He had never needed permission for it before, but these days he was growing more and more accustomed to having restraint. Why be excessive if he was going to win anyway?

"If you are unconscious for ten or more seconds you will forfeit the duel. If you are unable to continue fighting because of physical impairment you will forfeit the duel. You may show mercy to the opponent and still be judged the winner." Masateru concluded, "The council's determinations are final and the council will declare the winner based on fair judgment. Do you have any questions?"

Neither opponent was unclear on the rules. It was common-sense stuff.

"Well then, please proceed to the statue." The old man told them. He then asked another elder to make the announcement that a challenge had been made and that spectators were permitted.

Shigenori stormed off after the exchange and Gaara gravitated back towards Baki and Kankuro. Just in case, it might be good to have some parting words before a potentially fatal battle.

"What an asshole…making a scene like that…" Kankuro growled, "How the hell could he be surprised? The council is not going to pick a candidate and then say just kidding!"

"Not everyone in this village is open-minded enough to accept it." Gaara replied, fully aware of what the problem was.

"A word of caution to you, before you face Shigenori…" Baki said in a low voice, "He is very powerful. He is not famous like Pakura was…but there is a reason he is respected in Suna. He has mastered his fusion-type blood limit."

"Haku has a Kekkei Genkai like that." Gaara was catching on, "What is the Shakuton?"

"It combines Wind and Fire elements for some very nasty jutsu. I've seen people boil in their skin and die by getting too close to him." Baki warned, "He will freely control fire orbs, most likely, and be able to attack you, near or far. His specialties are Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. I suggest you bide your time and stay on the defensive until he reveals a weakness…and you'll probably need to kill him to stop him."

Gaara was silent. He was unsure if he wanted to kill anyone today. He had overheard that this man had a son, and he did not want to incite the boy's hatred by killing his father over a title.

"He will not show you mercy. He does not view you as a trustworthy person." Baki added, "Be careful, Gaara."

"Do what you have to do." Kankuro told his brother solemnly, "This is your day, not his. Don't feel sorry for him."

The crowd below was beginning to get rowdy after the announcement. A good portion of villagers were moving on to the Buddha-statue battleground. Baki and Kankuro followed the slow-moving elders to the next site and Gaara took off on his own.

'Kankuro said that I should not feel sorry for this man…' He thought, 'But I do. His ignorance may cost him his life today. It may cost me mine. I don't want to be the Kazekage that his son will hate for the rest of his days.'

Gaara was mentally forcing himself to push this moral dilemma aside. After all, Shigenori was asking for it. He had to keep a level head if he was going to prevail. 'I will fight defensively as Baki advised. That's the only smart way to handle an opponent I know almost nothing about.'

He did start to get butterflies in his stomach when he spotted Temari and Matsuri joining Kankuro on a rubble-ledge to watch. He bit his tongue, combatting the nervous feeling, and then squashed it.

Gaara held his head high when he came to a stop in front of the giant, sunken effigy of the Buddha. Shigenori was already there waiting, looking as hostile as ever. Gaara half-expected Masateru to make another announcement to spectators when he raised his hand, but the elder only said, "Begin."

Thank goodness his sand shield was prompt, because Shigenori charged without hesitation. Gaara was subconsciously adding a thicker layer of sand to his body's sand-armor. His shield was stopping some impressive close-combat assaults that, by Gaara's estimate, were a bit shy of Maito Gai's strength. He was just not quick enough to get past Gaara's defense.

The moment a fire-orb manifested beside Shigenori, Gaara retreated. He could feel the air around him heating up to a sickening temperature. Another orb appeared, circling around Shigenori as he pursued Gaara past the statue. Gaara hoped that he could avoid that body-boiling issue that Baki had mentioned.

He countered effectively with bolts of sand, trying not to engage offensively. When an orb of fire shot out and connected with his sand, even with his impeccable protection, Gaara felt his skin pucker. They danced around each other for a few decisive minutes, sizing each other up. Gaara fortified a large sand dome that was thick enough, by his estimations, to stop those pesky will-o-the-wisps.

Shigenori had forgone taijutsu entirely, realizing that Gaara was not going to get hit. He had been too meticulous with his defense. Instead, Shigenori elected to use one of his most powerful jutsu. The orbs he had created came together and he then released the concentrated ball of elemental chakra over Gaara's dome, "Incinerating Flare jutsu!"

It took about half a second for Gaara to realize his sand was changing state. During the explosion his sand was superheated into glass, making it essentially useless. Gaara fled and replaced himself with a shadow clone while still obscured by smoke and steam. The shadow clone ran in the opposite direction and distracted Shigenori, going on the offensive with sand. Shigenori took the bait and began harassing the clone with intense Fire techniques.

Tucked away behind the back of the Buddha, Gaara took a moment to think about his predicament. He could hear Shigenori roaring as he attempted to incinerate the doppelganger.

'There is no way I will come out of this unscathed unless I stop him from using his Ninjutsu…' Gaara conceded, 'It didn't take much to melt my shield…and we cannot get too close to each other or we risk being killed immediately.' They were two bona-fide death-traps. It was just a matter of who could strike first.

His problem solving skills kicked in and he began to hatch a plan, 'Flames burn in the presence of oxygen. If there is none around, that technique of his won't work.' It was going to take some serious effort to smother Shigenori, but Gaara guessed the element of surprise would help. He created two more shadow clones to help him coordinate.

Shigenori was still preoccupied with ransacking the area in an effort to toast the shadow clone. When the shadow clone dissolved at Gaara's command, a classy screw-you gesture, Shigenori rounded on the real Gaara with a flaming howl. He and his shadow clones synced their sand techniques and folded a tsunami of sand over the man and his flame orbs.

It appeared to have worked and Kankuro wooped happily from his perch. A hole was punched through the sand with a fiery torpedo and Shigenori rocketed out. He took a swing at Gaara and after the boy dodged him Shigenori superheated the sand protecting him. It only destroyed a shadow clone, but Gaara was dreading when Shigenori would guess correctly and discover him among his replications.

Gaara could hear his brother's distant voice, Aw shit!

Shigenori had been hatching a plan as well. He had heated much of the sand in the area to form glass, knowing Gaara could not manipulate it. He was doing his best to deprive his opponent of resources, which was not far from Gaara's own strategy. Another incineration-ball came too close for comfort. Gaara was able to evade and was not shy about drawing on Shukaku's chakra. It bolstered his energy-reserves, making him faster and lighter on his feet.

After the blast, Gaara snuck some blood and hand seals to form a summoning matrix on the ground. He then tried to feign stress so Shigenori would pursue him. He stumbled around as if injured and, once again, the man took the bait. Shigenori rushed for him confidently and ran over the top of Dosojin's hidden head. He was completely blind-sided when the gargantuan scorpion shimmied up from beneath the desert surface. With a hefty pincer, the summon creature flipped Shigenori like a pancake.

Shigenori hit the ground, gasping in shock, and Gaara's sand swarmed at the opportunity. Shukaku's additional chakra allowed Gaara to condense a tight and super-dense sand dome around his opponent. Shigenori had not acted quickly enough burn through it. With his air-supply depleted he was unable to use any Shakuton Ninjutsu to free himself. Silence filled the next few seconds.

Gaara let the sand make full contact with Shigenori in an attempt to choke him out. He could hear the biju demanding that he crush his competitor, but Gaara was surprised that this time the demon's influence was not as oppressive as it used to be. He resisted it successfully.

"Was he bothering you, Gaara?" The scorpion boss asked.

"Not really. We're in the middle of a contest."

"Oh. Have you won yet?" Dosojin was curious.

"I think I have." Gaara was starting to feel smug.

He released his grip on Shigenori and his sand withdrew. The man was unconscious. One of the elders shouted down from their observation spot, "Is he down?"

Gaara nodded. Chiyo descended, rolling up her sleeves, "Now it's time for my official duty: corpse check."

She kneeled down and checked for a pulse. She found one. The old woman stood and then dusted her hands, "This fellow is probably not going to be up in ten seconds. Well, I'll start a count now." Chiyo closed her eyes and began to count.

Gaara had not been keeping track himself, but he was quite sure that more than thirty seconds had passed. Chiyo had still not called the duel. He came to stand beside her, concerned, 'Did she just…die?'

There was no other explanation. She was so still and silent that it looked as if the octogenarian had bit the big one on her feet. Curious, he poked her shoulder.

Gaara jumped in surprise when she awoke instantly, batting her lips together, "Oh I am parched…"

"Chiyo-sama…"

"Yes?"

"Shigenori…"

"Oh." She glanced down at the unconscious man and then looked back to Gaara, "You've won."

He sighed, a little embarrassed and also relieved. Chiyo asked him to wait a moment so she could go report it to the other council members, "And I promise I won't fall asleep again." She laughed hysterically as she returned to the observation ledge.

"You've won the contest." Dosojin pointed out, "Congratulations."

Gaara chuckled after listening to the sincere and naïve words, "Thank you. This means that I am the Kazekage now."

"Oh! That is something that doesn't happen every day." The scorpion told him, "I am glad I could drop by for this occasion."

"So am I."

Dosojin bid him farewell before departing in a mammoth cloud of smoke. A raucous of excited shouting erupted amongst the council members and then it spread like wildfire to the villagers. Gaara quailed, hearing the deafening cheers that were all for him. He could see his siblings and student hollering, much like he had expected them to.

And though Shigenori did not deserve any semblance of sportsmanship, Gaara lifted the man and leaned him on his shoulder. His son might appreciate him being returned in one piece.

---

After the duel no other challengers came forward. In fact, everyone seemed to approve as Gaara donned his stupid, white ceremonial-robe in the village square and was sworn in by the council. He didn't think the hat fit properly and Chiyo muttered to him that they would get it resized within the week, "You don't need to wear it much, thank goodness."

He gave a short speech about how he wished to put the village first, honor comrades and risk his life for his responsibilities. Although Gaara felt he had bumbled over his words (he was most nervous about public speaking) he was met with incredible fanfare.

When the main event had ended Gaara did not get the chance to speak to his apprentice. Matsuri had been swept up by a wave of screaming, enthusiastic Academy students who needed to know what Gaara's tutelage was like. He hoped she would forgive him later for being the cause of her harassment.

Temari and Kankuro had whisked Gaara away to a restaurant, in the darkest most private corner the establishment could provide. They ate in relative peace, but the owner had insisted that the new Kazekage and his family eat for free.

"That was awesome." Temari decided, picking bones out of her filet of mackerel.

"Yeah." Kankuro agreed, still a bit dazed by it all.

Gaara was inhaling his food. His frayed nerves had given him a bit of an appetite.

"I was starting to think you were growing up too fast, but maybe you have just been adapting for this role, Gaara." Temari speculated, "You truly deserve it. I don't think I've ever been prouder. You did so well!"

"Thank you." He said, losing a few grains of rice when he spoke.

They munched contentedly, managing to keep a low profile. While Gaara was topping off three platefuls of the daily special with a cup of tea the euphoria began to fade. He'd had a rather tame yet gratifying victory. He sorely wished his best friends could have witnessed it.

He also acknowledged that his position in Sand meant that he would never again join them as a team in Leaf. Of course they would forgive him and even be happy for him, but it still did not feel completely right. Gaara intended to do everything within his power to be in frequent contact with Naruto and Haku. He got the feeling he was going to need their support more than ever.

The next stop was the administrative building where Baki guided Gaara to a dusty office. Baki pointed to a tall stack of documents on the desk, "That's about a day's worth of paperwork mixed in with forms and liability releases you need to sign. I know you'll enjoy it."

"What a glamorous job…" Gaara muttered.

"But before you look at any of that, here," Baki handed him a scroll, "This arrived a little while ago."

Gaara peeked open the beginning of the scroll and saw it was addressed to him and sent by Tsunade.

"This is from the Hokage."

"She's a peer of yours, now." Baki said it with great amusement, "Read that first and if you need anything feel free to send for me."

"I will. Thank you."

Once Baki exited the office Gaara continued to stand as he read the message.

Congratulations, Gaara, on becoming a village leader.

I have never doubted that any of Jiraiya's students would become top-notch ninja. I am proud but I cannot take any credit for your success. That was entirely your endeavor. Sakura is happy for you as well and will soon gain her own bit of fame here, so please treat her well. There is one last thing you ought to keep in mind: I have reason to believe that Uchiha Sasuke may take time out of his busy schedule to assassinate you. The gist of it is that he recently learned of your relationship with his former teammate and did not take kindly to the news.

Be on your guard. As you know, I would prefer if he returned to Leaf alive, but should you encounter him and have absolutely no other option, I will not condemn you for killing him in an act of self-preservation. Again, you have my sincerest congratulations. You'll be hearing again from me soon.

Tsunade, Fifth Hokage

Just when he thought things were going to smooth over.

Gaara closed the scroll and then pulled off the ceremonial-robe. He crossed over to the desk and mopped the dust up with the garment before tossing it on the floor. Some spare scrolls and ink were in the top drawer and he retrieved them before sitting down.

He had some letter writing to do.

---

A/N: Give me some love, because I love you.

Chapter 16- Obito's Dream