Rise, Son Of Rome

by Young Napoleon22

After Naruto makes a discovery on a diplomatic mission to Wave country, he begins to question his current place in life. Then, after being banished for "roughly handling" Sasuke in the retrieval mission, Naruto sets off to bring honor to his ancestors and rebuild the Roman Empire...and no one is going to stand in his way.

4. Secreta Coniurationesque

Ch. 4- Secreta coniurationesque

( secrets and conspiracies)

xxxxxxx

Naruto and his squad stood at the entrance of Wave, all packed and ready for their return to Konoha.

"We thank you again for your hospitality Tazuna-san, you made our stay here most enjoyable." Kurenai said with sincerity. The quartet had stayed with Tazuna and his family for a week after arriving, but they each knew that after so long away, it was time to return home.

"Think nothing of it, we were more than happy to welcome our hero back-" Tazuna's response was cut off by shouts of "Naruto-sama!"

Looking to the crowd behind them, the huddle of five could see a man pushing his way through the mob of villagers. Naruto noticed that it was Tsuichi.

"Naruto-sama, I-I have the last part of your request," at this, the blacksmith removed a cloth bundle from around his chest and presented it to the blonde that stood before him, "Please, I humbly ask that you accept my apology for being so late with the completion of your order. I h-have no excuse."

Naruto looked down at the man who bowed before him before taking a quick glance at the crowd. Knowing that his reaction would set the pace for his plans for Wave, Naruto decided on how to handle this.

"Whether or not your lateness will be forgiven depends on the quality of what you've brought me. Unfortunately for you, my inspection of your work will be done back in my home. But rest assured, you will be hearing from me soon." With that said, Naruto wrapped the cloth bundle around his chest, tying it in the front and turning away from the man to face Tazuna.

"Where do we stand in regards to what we spoke of the other night?" Naruto questioned softly, so as to avoid letting nosy Jounin overhear.

"It's been started, Naruto, when the first section is complete I will have a messenger bird send word of its completion."

Nodding is approval, Naruto gave one last look at the crowd of people that looked upon him with loyalty and respect.

'And so it begins'

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The journey back from Wave was significantly faster than the arrival. This was due to the fact that, instead of walking, the squad of ninja were tree hopping.

Upon orders of its Jounin commander.

Kurenai wanted to return to Konoha as soon as possible. After a week of strange behavior including disappearances, secret talks, a complete 180 of attitude, and other strange things, Kurenai had gotten extremely weary of her male charge. Even stranger were the items he now carried with him.

'When we get there he's got nothing, but when we leave he's got a rucksack and a bundle of cloth; both holding something suspicious no doubt.'

The problem was, Kurenai couldn't just order Naruto to show her what he'd picked up. She had to have probable cause before commanding another ninja (no matter the rank) to reveal their personal effects on a mission. Which she unfortunately did not have.

She glanced behind her and took stock of the blonde male currently under her care.

Naruto's eyes held a different, sharper light than they had before the trip to Wave. Where there was once warm, sky-blue gems now set two calculating, cobalt stones. Where there was once always a ghost of a smile, now sat...not a scowl, but more of an ever-concentrating look. As if its wearer were in constant thought or observing the world around him. This Naruto Uzumaki Kurenai was bringing back to Konoha was most definitely not the Naruto she'd been joined by in the Hokage's office when they'd been assigned their mission.

Naruto, who had been in deep thought over his final talks with Tazuna, sensed someone watching him and brought his mind back to the present. Without letting her know, Naruto did his own analysis of her.

She'd been weary of him since the first night they'd spent at Tazuna's home, he noticed it during dinner when she'd tried to subtly interrogate Tazuna, as well as himself. While Naruto wasn't sure why the female Jounin was so interested in his affairs he was sure about one thing: He didn't like it.

'I'll have to be careful for the time being. There's no telling what kind of trouble could be caused if I don't exercise a bit more caution with my plans.'

Although, Naruto wasn't the only blonde on the team in deep thought. Ino stared at the male who ran ahead of her, her thoughts on the subject a swirling mass of confusion.

'I just don't know what to make of all this! Naruto's acting way weird, Kurenai-sensei's acting weird about Naruto acting weird, and even Hinata's acting weirder than usual! Oh man, it's times like these I wish I had Shikamaru's brain.

Resolving once again to seek out her slacker-genius team-mate upon returning to the village, Ino did her best to push the cluster-fuck of confusing thoughts to the back of her mind and focus on the journey home. It was harder than she thought.

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When the quartet of ninja reached the front gate of their home, three of the four ninja had to reign in their anxiousness to enter the village and begin their personal "missions." Hinata was not one of those three.

Hinata had dreaded coming home, because that meant going back to the Hyuga compound and dealing with the harsh, cold mannerisms of her "family." Her depressed thoughts were broken by her sensei's words.

"Alright team, I'll go and give the mission report to Lady Tsunade, the rest of you are free to go." Hinata, seeing no way out, drooped her head and began to walk in the direction of her home. However, her departure was halted when another voice, a male voice, called out to her:

"Hey, Hinata, do you have some time to talk with me tomorrow? There are some things that I really want to talk to you about. Is that okay?" Hinata almost couldn't believe her ears! Her Naruto-kun wanted to talk with her.

But this didn't sit well with Kurenai.

The genjutsu mistress didn't trust having this new Naruto around her student. Hinata's frightening level of feelings for the blonde, coupled with Naruto's new silver tongue were a dangerous combination.

"Hinata, don't forget we have team training tomorrow. Don't you think afterward you should relax, because it sounds like Naruto wants to have a pretty deep discussion and I'm not sure you'll have the energy for such a thing once we've finished." Kurenai hoped that her words would cause the girl to consider turning down the offer.

Her hopes were dashed.

"I don't see the problem Kurenai-sensei, are you saying Hinata doesn't have the fortitude to handle team training as well as a discussion with a friend?" Naruto ended his rebuttal by staring directly into the woman's ruby-red eyes with his own cool, cobalt pair.

A staring contest ensued, but it wasn't just a game, it was a test. Whoever blinked first failed...and Kurenai could feel her eyes start to sting.

She was saved though when Hinata had came to her decision.

"Kurenai-sensei, I-I'll be fine. N-Naruto-kun wouldn't ask to speak with me if it w-wasn't important. And besides, I-I'm not some feeble little girl, I can h-handle team training and then having a deep discussion." Hinata's response started off docile before sounding like someone who'd been offended.

Kurenai picked up on her tone and winced, by trying to protect her student she'd inadvertently hit upon her insecurities and made her feel that to turn Naruto down would make her seem weak. Something Kurenai knew Hinata never wanted to have happen.

'Damn it, I was so intent on blocking Naruto that I wasn't watching what I said to Hinata. I only hope this doesn't turn out as bad as I think it will.'

"I'm sorry Hinata, I didn't mean to come out that way. I just want to make sure you're not over doing it." With that, knowing there was nothing else she could say, Kurenai left in a swirl of leaves to report to Tsunade.

Naruto bid Hinata goodbye, with a reassurance that they would talk the following day after her training. Hinata, with nothing left to distract her, finally began the journey home.

None of them noticed that the fourth member of their squad had left immediately after reaching the gate.

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After being dismissed by Kurenai, Ino swiftly walked off in search of the rest of her assigned team. She first went to their homes, but when she found they weren't there she decided to check the only other spot she knew they frequented.

Upon arrival at the grassy field Ino spotted both of her male team-mates laying in the shade of a big oak tree. 'Well, Shikamaru's laying, Choji's sitting up eating chips.'

Pushing that thought aside, the platinum-blonde walked over and greeted her two longest friend. "Hey guys, I'm back from my mission. Did anything interesting happen while I was gone, or did the two of you just lay around everyday?" What started off as a polite greeting ended in a snarky accusation.

Shikamaru never sat up, he simply glanced over at the lone female on his team and said:

"Actually Ino, something interesting did happen while you were away", the girls eyes widened in anticipation, "it was so quiet in that me and Choji actually managed to relax while you were gone."

The look of anticipation fell away and was replaced with annoyance at the shadow-manipulators jab. Ino was ready to explode on her team-mates, w had begun to laugh at her, when she suddenly remembered what it was she really wanted to speak with Shikamaru about.

"Hey, Shika, there's actually something I was hoping I could talk to you about. See, while I was on the mission, I started noticing something strange going with Naruto. I talked with Kurenai-sensei about it, since she noticed it too, but I didn't really get an answers from that conversation. And obviously I didn't talk to Hinata about him, she would've been even less help. I figured I would talk to you, and maybe you could help me figure it out."

While Ino stood there waiting for him too reply, Shikamaru was already wondering what Naruto, of all people, could have done to make his female friend so intrigued.

"Well, why don't you start by telling me just what it is that Naruto was doing that's got you coming and interrupting my cloud watching with your troublesome question?"

Ignoring Shikamaru's trademark use of "troublesome" to describe her question, Ino began to tell her two male friends what she'd observed over the trip to Wave: the strange, secret conversations between Naruto and Tazuna(even throwing in the weird talk they'd had in the middle of the street), the way Naruto spoke to Kurenai and how he'd managed to dodge her probing questions. Hinata's increasingly strange behavior, and finally the items Naruto had brought back from the trip.

Throughout Ino's entire retelling of the mission, Shikamaru's mind had been spinning it's wheels trying to come up with an idea of why the things she mentioned had happened. He had a hunch based off what Ino had told him of their first night in Wave, but he didn't want to jump to any conclusions...especially if his hunch proved correct. His thoughts were broken by Ino's shouting.

"Shika, are you even listening to me anymore!"

"-sigh- Not really Ino, I was too busy trying to figure out the answer to your troublesome question. So unless you don't really want my help, I'd appreciate you being quiet for a bit okay?" Ino's mouth clicked shut and her cheeks gained a pink tint to them after hearing Shikamaru's tone.

Shikamaru sat up and entered into his traditional thinking pose.

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While Ino was working on the "Naruto mystery" from her own angle, Kurenai was currently standing in the Hokage's office speaking with her about it. "The diplomatic mission was a success, we arrived without issue and our time there went smoothly."

Tsunade sat at her desk, fingers steepled in front of her face, and eyebrow raised as she listened to Kurenai report their mission.

Tsunade was a woman who, while in her 50's, was considered on of the most beautiful women in the Elemental Nations. Her straight, blonde hair was tied in two loose ponytails, with bangs framing both sides of her face. She wore a green haori with the kanji for "gamble" on the back over-top a gray, sleeveless, kimono-style blouse which she held closed with a dark-blue obi. Instead of traditional ninja sandals Tsunade wore open-toed, black high heels. On her forehead sat a violet rhombus mark. However, her most recognizable feature was her breasts, Tsunade was owner of one of the largest pair in the Elemental Nations.

"You say everything went well, and yet I can sense the tension in your body. Heck, I can practically see it; what's got you so wound up?"

Kurenai visibly flinched at being called out on her anxiousness, she thought she had done well at hiding it. While she had intended to speak with the Hokage about Naruto, she had hoped to do so in a more relaxed state. 'I guess that's not happening.'

"Well, Lady Tsunade, there were some strange incidents that took place during the mission and I was hoping to speak with you and get your opinion on them. However, considering the subject involved in these incidents I wasn't sure how to broach speaking with you." At this Tsunade raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Am I correct in guessing that this...subject is Naruto?" Seeing the Jounin flinch was all the answer she needed. "Kurenai, if it involves Naruto in any way don't ever be afraid to come to me. If there's a problem with him I would want to solve it immediately, because even if I don't say it, that knucklehead's important to me."

"Actually, Lady Tsunade that's part of the reason I found it so hard to discuss this with you," Kurenai began, "Naruto was acting very...strange during the entire length of the mission. He was a complete 180 from what one would expect from him, he was like a totally different person Milady."

"So, what you're telling me is, instead of being hyperactive, loud, and everything else we know the shrimp to be, Naruto acted like a competent ninja should?" Kurenai could hear the underlying question in her Hokage's tone-

'Why are you questioning a miracle?'

"Lady Tsunade I know how it sounds, but you didn't experience it, this Naruto wasn't just acting as a competent ninja, he was acting...like a leader." This sparked Tsunade's interest, and she asked her Jounin to explain herself.

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While Kurenai and Ino tried to decipher the "new Naruto", the subject of their mystery was on his way home.

'If I'm right, Ino and Kurenai-sensei should be talking with Tsunade-bachan about my change. Ha, well go ahead and let her, she has no real understanding of what's really going. Nor does she have the foresight to see what's coming. But I can't do it alone, I'll need help, and I'll start tomorrow with Hinata.

Coming out of his thoughts,Naruto realized he'd made it to his apartment building. Walking up the steps the blonde traversed the familiar, silent halls of doors until finally coming to the room he'd been given.

Entering into is apartment Naruto took notice that nothing had been defaced while he was gone, 'This time', and made his way to his bedroom.

Naruto walked over to his bed,and sat the rucksack down on the mattress before removing the cloth bundle from around his chest and setting it beside it on the bed. First, he opened up the pack and began to pull out the first part of his order—his armor.

Naruto's armor was an almost exact replica of the armor he'd seen in his dream and in the temple, only this set was fitted to his smaller stature, 'Something I'll have to rectify quickly'. Piece by piece he removed the armor: the steel grieves for his shins, the leather Pteruge for around his waist, a steel Cuirass with leather lappets at the shoulders and leather shoulder-pads, the last piece of metal he pulled from the pack was an officer's helmet with red horse-hair running from front to back.

After setting aside the armor, Naruto reached back inside and removed: a set of leather wrist bracers, a blood-red tunic to be worn under the armor, a focale(scarf) to be worn so he could avoid chaffing from the Cuirass rubbing against his neck, and at the bottom,sat a pair of leather boots. These were all hung up in his closet and his armor was left on the bed until he could get a mannequin to set it up on.

With his wardrobe pulled from the rucksack, Naruto opened two other pockets and pulled out a set of books from each; Caesar's military journals. And finally, from out of his jacket pocket, he pulled the lineage log.

After stashing his books in his dresser Naruto turned to the bundle of cloth still wrapped up on his bed. This was the second part of his request to Tsuichi.

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Ino and Choji had been watching their third team member for over twenty minutes, after the first five Ino had decided to sit down. They'd almost assumed he'd fallen asleep,and were about to shake him, when Shikamaru's eyes flew open. Ino was the first to react.

"So, what'd you figure out?"

"...nothing" Shikamaru grumbled out, obviously upset he wasn't able to solve the mystery.

"What do you mean nothing!? How can you have no idea about why Naruto's acting so weird?" Her accusatory tone irked the Nara.

"I have no idea because not only did you not give me enough information, I wasn't there to experience this "new" Naruto, okay?"

Ino was definitely not okay. If her brainy team-mate couldn't tell her what was going on, then she felt she was doomed to never know. And Ino Yamanaka hated not knowing something.

'I may just have to take a more hands-on approach to this mystery.' She thought. But her idea was quickly put to grass.

"Ino don't even think about it. If Naruto's really just done a complete 180, I don't think it'd be a good idea for you to go snooping around. There's no telling how he'd react...I'll do it." This caused the Yamanaka heiress eyes to widen.

"You!? Since when do you do recon Shikamaru?"

"Well normally I don't, but considering the circumstances, I'm the only one who can. This new Naruto sounds like he's got some skill I wordplay, so the person investigating him as to be able to keep up. And out of the three of us I'm the only one who could...no offense Choji." The aforementioned boy threw out a "none taken".

With that said, Shikamaru stood up, dusted himself off, and walked off in search of Naruto.

xxxxxxx

"So you see Lady Tsunade, I'm not sure what to make of this new Naruto. Normally his change in attitude would be considered a good thing, but the suddenness as well as the secretive way he's been acting, even towards comrades, is a little off-putting Milady."

For the past few minutes Kurenai replayed all of Naruto's strange behavior to the women who sat in front of her, in hopes of making some kind of sense out of the blondes strange behavior.

"Well Ms. Yuhi that's some interesting information you've given me. However, again, I can't give my sound opinion because I have yet to witness Naruto's change first hand. But rest assured, I plan to call him in, as I have things I need to speak with him about and after I get a read on his new attitude I will let you know my thoughts. How does that sound?"

Kurenai, although not entirely happy with the outcome, understood that it was the best she was going to get. So with a "Thank you", Kurenai turned, and exited Tsunade's office.

Tsunade sat in her chair, fingers once again steepled in front of her face, and asked her ANBU hiding in the shadows to leave her to her thoughts. Once they were gone, she spoke:

"So, what do you think about what Kurenai said...Jiraiya?"

Out from the shadows a tall man with a mane of white hair fazed into sight. Jiraiya was, like Tsunade, a member of Konoha's 'Legendary Sannin'. He was a tall man, standing about 6ft tall. His snow-white hair was as long as the man was tall, the majority of it being held in a ponytail. He was dressed in a short-sleeved, olive-green kimono top with matching pants. Underneath this he wore mesh body armor that showed out of the sleeves of his shirt and legs of his pants. Over-top of this he wore a red haori. Instead of a traditional forehead protector, his had a horn on either side and the kanji for "oil" in the center. Also, instead of traditional ninja sandals, the Sannin wore red geta.

"Well Tsunade-hime, I'm in the same boat as you in this matter. I'd have to experience it firsthand. But from the tone of your Jounins voice this change in attitude should be watched closely, do you know where the kid is now?" Tsunade shook her head.

"Unfortunately no, at the moment I have no idea where he is. I guess the first place to look would be his apartment, and if not there then the ramen stand he frequents...other than those two places I'm not sure where else he'd be."

Jiraiya took all this in and told Tsunade he'd personally keep an eye on their godson. Then, silently, he made the decision to have some of his spy network go over to Wave country, and see if they could find .

(I know this wasn't much of a conversation) I just wanted to open the door for Jiraiya to come in to play for later)

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Naruto slowly unwrapped the bundle of cloth, his heart beginning to pick up speed at the anticipation of seeing his final gift. He was not forced to wait long. Once fully unwrapped, Naruto stared down at the weapon nestled on the bed of silk. His very own gladius.

The blade itself was only about 2ft. in length, its body double-edged with a triangle tip. Along its outer edge was the inscription: VENI, VIDI, VICI. Which Naruto learned meant: I came, I saw, I conquered. 'And conquer I shall.' Naruto thought as he turned is eyes down to look at the hilt.

The hilt was made of ivory, with indents for the fingers for better grip, while the pommel as well as the guard were made of hardwood. It truly was a masterpiece. Next his eyes landed on the smaller blade next to it: the Pugio(dagger)

The Pugio's blade held more of a curve than the gladius, and was about half its length, but that didn't make the side-arm any less dangerous. Naruto remembered when he'd first decided to have them fashioned.

FLASHBACK-

Naruto stood staring at the blacksmith in front of him. After making his request Naruto had returned the very next day to check on its progress. He was unprepared for what awaited him.

He walked into Tsuichi's shop, the sound of hammer meeting metal the first thing to greet is ears.

He walked to the back of the shop, behind the bamboo curtain-style door, and was then greeted with the sight of his chosen blacksmith pounding away at a slab of hot metal laying on top of an anvil, 'How stereotypical' Naruto thought to himself.

Naruto waited patiently for the man to finish, so as not to distract him from his work. Once Tsuichi placed the metal into the tub of water and placed it back on the anvil the blonde spoke up.

"It's nice to see you hard at work Tsuichi-san." The sudden extra voice visibly startled the man.

" Ah! Imperator, forgive me for not noticing your presence earlier, if I had, I would have surely stopped to attend you."

"Your apology is not needed, I stood by so as not to disturb you while you worked. After all, how would you be able to finish on time if I interrupt you in the middle of your work? Speaking of which, how are you coming along?"

Tsuichi swallowed the lump in is throat before answering.

"I-It's coming along rather quickly Imperator, I have no doubt that I will be able to finish it all in the allotted time."

Naruto took these words in with great satisfaction and was unable to hide it, 'Something I will no doubt need to work on' he thought. Naruto had come to the conclusion that he'd need to learn how to keep his emotions in check if he wanted to bring honor to the name 'Caesar'.

Naruto had been so deep in his self-beating tat he almost missed Tsuichi speaking with him.

"Excuse me, Imperator-" Naruto stopped him, "Naruto-sama, that is how you will address me for now, I do not yet have the standing to be considered your Imperator."

"Ah, f-forgive me. As I was saying, Naruto-sama, do you have your weapons forged yet?" This threw Naruto for a loop.

Naruto had not actually given thought to weapons, but thinking about it now he realized something. If he wants to resurrect the Roman empire, and honor his ancestor, Naruto would have to do it right. That meant no jutsu, just pure military might—and that meant weapons.

"As a matter of fact, no, I hadn't even thought of weapons Tsuichi. But now that you've informed me, would you be up to the task of making those weapons for me?"

Tsuichi again saw the underlying meaning behind this request. The weapons he would forge for the blonde in front of him would be the same one's used to carve out the first steps of the new world.

"O-of course, Naruto-sama, a-although it will take me considerably longer than two days due to the wait that will come with ordering the necessary metal, as well as material for the hilt."

Naruto stood there,arms crossed in front of his chest, and thought of what he'd just been told. On the one hand he did require the weapons, but on the other hand he wasn't sure of how long he would be staying.

"About how long would these materials need to get here, and then how long would you take to make the weapons?"

"Well, the materials would take about three to four days after I've ordered them, and then to craft the weapons will be about another two days Naruto-sama."

Seeing no real way to speed up the process, Naruto was forced to accept to terms and allow Tsuichi to return to his current task of forging Naruto's armor.

With the placement of his unexpected addition to his order finished, Naruto turned and exited the shop and returned to Tazuna's home where he would go up to his room and read through the first military journal.

-END FLASHBACK

When Naruto had arrived at the bridge ready to depart from Wave, he'd almost thought Tsuichi had been unable to finish his request on time. But now, looking at the craftsmanship of the weapons, and the ornate design of his daggers sheath, Naruto managed to forgive the blacksmith for his tardiness...this time. Quickly writing a letter that he'd send back to the man later, Naruto then contemplated how to spend the next part of his day.

Deciding he wanted to get a feel for his new tools, Naruto removed his thick orange jacket, leaving him in his blue shirt,and strapped the blades to his body, the gladius strap going across his chest with the blade hanging off his right hip, and the Pugio sheathed at his left hip; its strap around his waist like a belt.

After finishing getting ready, Naruto set up some clones to watch his house, and set off on his way towards the training fields.

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Naruto calmly made his way to the training field, practicing his "Roman swagger" as he went. His right hand rested on his sword pommel while his left, clutched into a fist, swung lightly as he walked; his strides holding purpose as Naruto held his head high, back straight, and chest out*. While the blonde made his way through the village streets he began to feel like he was being watched.

Turning a corner Naruto stopped, turned around, and waited for his "shadow" to follow after him. He did not have to wait long, within minutes a small body collided into Naruto's chest. Looking down the blondes cobalt eyes were greeted by a head of spiky, brown hair held back by a set of green goggles.

It was Konohamaru.

Konohamaru looked up and, to his surprise, was greeted by the face of his "boss". The academy student had thought he was doing well in tailing his mentor...but apparently not well enough.

"Uh, hey boss, I-I see you're back from your mission. How'd that go anyway?" Naruto, on the other hand, was not amused.

"What do you want Konohamaru? I'm about to head to the training field, so I don't have time to play today."

Konohamaru shook his head, "I wasn't gonna ask you to come play boss, I was gonna see if you had any time to train me. Maybe show me another jutsu?" The boys eyes held a look of hope, as well as fear that his idol would decline.

Naruto thought about, and at first was going to decline, but then saw the possibilities behind teaching his "student" the way of the Roman, as well as the new "way of Naruto".

'This has the potential to be very rewarding.'

"Alright Konohamaru, you can come to the training field with me, but only if you're willing to take this seriously. If I feel that you aren't trying your hardest I'll send you home, understand?"

So the two continued their trek to the training grounds, this time side by side. As Naruto continued to practice his "Roman swagger" the young pre-genin at his side took notice, and tried to imitate his idol. Said idol took notice and smirked inwardly to himself.

'This is already looking promising.'

Soon they arrived and Naruto began some basic stretches. Once again, Konohamaru copied his teacher and attempted the stretches.

After loosening up Naruto decided it was time to begin. First, he unsheathed his side-arm and tossed it at the young boys feet. Then he drew his gladius and spoke.

"Pick that up, I'm beginning to learn kenjutsu and I figure it wouldn't hurt for you to have another skill under your belt before you graduate."

Konohamaru did as instructed, although with the Pugio being heavier than a standard kunai, it was accomplished with difficulty. Once it was successfully pulled from the ground the boy looked to his mentor for further guidance...what he saw confused him.

Naruto had settled into a bizarre sword stance. His body was turned, with his head turned towards his opponent. His arms were raised to the side of his face and his blade was directed at the opponent in front of him.*

"I hope you're ready, because my first lesson is: Don't ever hold back, you must press attack until you've won."

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A/N: Well there it is. I've brought in new players to the game who will soon either join Naruto in his conquest, or be put to grass by his sword. Speaking of swords, Naruto is beginning his training to become a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Jiraiya's spy network will open up another door that will lead to more rules to the game. What side of the board Tsunade will play on isn't certain yet, but Jiraiya's is.

Not a whole lot of Hinata in this chapter, but she'll have a decent part next chapter.

Ino has introduced Shikamaru's piece into the game, and his first play will be done next chapter. His part in the story will be particularly fun.

1st *_ War of the Damned episode 3 has the best example of the "Roman swagger" I can think of. It's about 1/3 of the way into the episode, you see Caesar walking through the Roman encampment. While he's holding his helmet in that episode just imagine the hand on the sword.

2nd*_ Again, the best example of this can be seen in an episode of War of the Damned, this time episode 5 basically at the very end of the episode.