Hey ya'll! I adopted this fic from a good pal, RamenLoverNaruto. They told me they killed the fic, and I stepped in. Vola~ My new fic.

Pairing:
NaruHina
SasuSaku
ShikaIno
?(Surprise Pairing later! x2)

'Kurama talk'

'Naruto thoughts to Kurama'

"Inner conversations"

Chapter Six: Unexpected Encounters!

The following weeks, Naruto and his friends both grew stronger and bonded even more so with each other, even Sasuke learning to joke around with Neji, whom he used to hate with a passion. Naruto figured it came down to Sasuke rebuilding his bonds with everyone and reverting to a Sasuke they hadn't seen in a longtime: childhood Sasuke. He felt his best friend was back, and he was right as he looked over his friends while they camped out one day, just taking the day off from training.

"Yo. You remind me of Kakashi with all the thinking." Sasuke commented, bopping him on the head like old times.

"Can you blame me? I need something to get my mind off the fact that we're pending war against the very organization that wants the Nine-Tails from me." Naruto said as Hinata and Sakura joined them. "It's almost surreal that I'd be the cause for a war. Just because I have a damned Tailed Beast inside me doesn't make any damned reason to start a war over it!" He looked ready to tear his hair out at that.

"It was bound to happen, Naruto-kun." Hinata said. During the past weeks, she had gotten comfortable around everyone, including Naruto, almost becoming a different Hinata, but everyone saw how she still stuttered when Naruto was mentioned by anyone else.

"I know..." He frown and fell back on the grass to stare at the sky.

'Hey, kit. I still don't know why you bother training with them.'

'Oh, goodie... You finally talk to me...'

'Don't get used to it. I just needed something to do. After all, I am SEALED in a the strangest kit known to Beasts.'

'If you're gonna act like that, why bother? Don't tell me you actually are BORED?'

'No. I'm not bored! I am the strongest Tailed Beast! I do not get bored!'

'Ahh, but don't forget that you happen to be sealed. So, I understand getting bored. But, hey, I'd be willing to talk if you were a stickler.'

'Hmph. This comes from someone who used to be ignored by a girl he likes, blind to another girl liking him and getting ranked below a Uchiha in terms of strength?'

'Touchy.'

Sasuke and the other two figured he was thinking to himself, so they just waited until he wanted to talk to them, Hinata going and leading the others to their location to bring some entertainment.

'I am not touchy, kit! I am the Nine-'

'Yeah, yeah. You're the Nine-Tails. I get it! But, you're not the Nine-Tails. Pervy-Sage told me your real name, Ku-Ra-Ma.'

'...'

'Kurama... Can I ask something?'

'...What is it?'

'Why are you so angry at others? They aren't judging you. They actually accept you, you know that too, don't you?'

'I don't care if they accept me. You are a strange kit, that's for sure... Tell me you felt that just now?'

'Felt that chakra? Yeah. It's almost like...'

'Another Tailed Beasts' Chakra.'

'Exactly. Now you can simmer or help me and my friends take out the Akatsuki. I'm fine with either choice.'

Leaving his mental conversation with Kurama, Naruto jumped to his feet and looked around, guard up as he scanned around them, startling everyone there.

"Naruto? Something up?" Neji asked.

"I felt some other chakra." Naruto stated.

"I don't see anything, dobe. I think you've been staring at the sky too long." Sasuke replied, showing he had his Sharingan activated.

"Perhaps it has to do with the Nine-Tails?" Shikamaru asked, standing up.

"Yeah. And he's not Nine-Tails. Pervy-Sage told me all Tailed Beasts have names..."

"And what's Nine-Tails'?" Sakura asked.

"Kurama... I was just talking to him in my subconscious... Which he never had done before... Who are you?" He asked as a dark skinned, muscular man with blond hair and a goatee showed up, getting his friends to jump in shock at how silent the guy was.

"The Eight-Tailed Beast's a killer bee rockin' the melody! OH YEAH! That's me, Killer B!" The man, Killer B, rapped. Naruto and his friends all had the look of both wonder and annoyance at the introduction. "You see, I am a fellow jinchūriki."

Naruto's eyes looked ready to pop out of his head before he shook his head. "You're a jinchūriki? Weird!" He snapped out of his confusion and laughed. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. These are my friends." He introduced all of his friends before seeing Killer B hold his fist out. Shrugging, he bumped his fist against B's and was face to face with, what he assumed, was the Eight-Tails. "You look like an octopus."

"Hush up. I am Gyūki." Gyūki said. "You have the Nine-Tails and an odd change drew me and B here."

"Ahh. It's just that, out of the blue, Kurama just started talking to me. He hasn't done that for the 15 years he's been sealed inside me." Naruto explained.

"B. You heard that? Kurama actually talks." Gyūki joked as B disconnected his fists.

"What happened? You zoned out for a minute, dobe." Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just met Gyūki... That's Octopop's Tailed Beast." Naruto explained. "Wait. That headband. I know you felt the change between me and Kurama, but why come all the way here?"

"Why is not a question I like to deal with, yo. It's just a thing I know, ya know?" B replied.

"Erm... Yeah." Shikamaru stated. "What's with you and rhymes, by the way, B?"

"It's my rap, fool ya fool." B said. "Wait, Naruto. What is with the name, yo?"

"Oh. That's how he calls his friends." Kiba announced.

"Yeah. I call Sasuke teme, Lee Bushy Brows, Tsunade Granny... I could go on forever. It's just how I am, I guess." Naruto said, rubbing his head and having his tongue poking out just before him and his friends quickly jumped back, avoiding a person covered in lightning crashing where Naruto had just stood. "What the heck!?"

"B! There you are! What are you thinking?" The man demanded.

"Bro, chill, yo. I just found a fellow jinchūriki." B stated.

"Did you have to come all the way to Konoha?" Came the order.

"Raikage. Been a while. I see you met Naruto and the others." Tsunade said, approaching. "You have to relax. Even though there is impending war, you have to realize that you're not the only one fighting. Naruto, everyone, meet the Raikage, A."

"Granny! What kind of Kage nearly does that to someone?" Naruto pointed at the ground where the Raikage landed, showing a small crater.

Tsunade ignored the comment and walked up to the Raikage. "I have to wonder why you'd attack Naruto? He was just talking to B." She asked before turning around. "Just what, by the way, are you twelve doing outside the village, anyway? You're supposed to be training!"

"We've been training for the past weeks, Grandma Tsunade. We need a little break!" Naruto said before flinching at how angry Tsunade got.

"NEXT TIME, TAKE A BREAK INSIDE THE VILLAGE! NOW! GO TRAIN LIKE YOU WERE ORDERED TO!" She demanded, getting them to flee like the hounds of hell were on their heels.

"I. have. never. seen. Lady. Tsunade. so. mad." Sakura panted as they reached the training fields.

"I. need. to. remember. that. next. time." Naruto said from his spot on the ground as he stared at the trees.

"Naruto, why does it look like you ran like the hounds of hell were on your feet?" Kakashi asked as the four Joinin looked over the group.

"Dobe got Tsunade ticked." Sasuke answered.

"Ahh." The four sighed.

"Well, shall we continue the training?" Kakashi asked, getting everyone, including Naruto to groan. The only one who didn't was Lee.

"YES! I shall continue training!" Lee announced before getting kicked by Naruto.

"Bushy-Brows... You even make me tired!" Naruto complained before sitting under a tree. "I need to have a little talk with Kurama... So.. Go on and train." He joked.

"Kurama?" Asuma, Kurenai and Guy asked in unison.

"Kurama is the Nine-Tails." Tenten explained.

'You had to tell everyone my name, kit?'

'Yeah. Cause, like I said, you're my friend and apart of Konoha. Now, what is with Octopops?'

'All I know is that Gyūki has been around that bad rapper for too long, he's soft.'

'And you're not? Gee... I wonder who it was that gave in as soon as I said we were friends?'

'Watch it! I didn't give in right away, don't forget.'

'Sure. You were stuck up when I first met you, and you still are. When will you get out of the past and look at what we have? Friends, family... People who love us.'

'You are really-'

'I know, strange.'

'... You little kit! I suppose after 15 years, that annoyingly upbeat personality of yours kinda rubbed off on me. You are just like Kushina.'

'Kushina?'

'Yeah. My host before you. Also known as your mother.'

As if, summoned by Kurama's words, a woman with fiery red hair and violet eyes appeared. Slender, she was very womanly. "I thought I'd get to meet you.. Naruto.. Do you mind?" She asked Kurama.

'Don't take too long. He's mushy enough as is.'

'Sorry bout Kurama... He takes getting used to, ya know?'

"'Ya know'? Oh dear.. You got my quirk.. I'm sorry bout that. I used to say that a lot, ya know, when I got excited." She said.

'So... You're my mom?'

"Yes. I'm Kushina, Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze." Kushina said, introducing herself to her son.

While all this was going on, everyone noticed how quiet Naruto got. Hinata tilted her head. "I never thought I'd hear N-N-Naruto-kun so quiet."

"Must be a serious talk. I would normally think it's weird talking in your head, but, it's Naruto." Sakura agreed, dodging Tenten's punch and jumping to avoid Sasuke's slice. Due to the 'talk' with Kurama, Sakura had agreed to see how she faired against both Tenten and Sasuke, proving she could manage them. "But, if he doesn't end the talk soon, I'll really let him have it." She grunted, sending Sasuke sliding towards Tenten with a roundhouse kick. "Or I could take out my frustration some other way."

'... Geez. Sounds like you and Dad really loved me. Even though I have to deal with a very downbeat fox-'

'I heard that, kit.'

'That I grew used to, I have friends to help me. Even Hina-chan seems to like me. I mean... She's sweet and funny when she stutters..'

"Oh dear. You're in love... Just what I feared." Kushina joked. "Well, I don't have much time left, but remember to be nice to her and treat her right. Though, I think you remember what I told you in my story."

'I plan on it. After all, I did take her out to Ichiraku on... Erm.. I think she called it a 'date'.'

"Yup, she loves you! My little boy! Ya know, I kinda wish I was alive to hug the daylights out of you!" Kushina said, smiling.

'You're getting excited again, ya know!'

Kushina laughed and hugged Naruto. "Thanks for being born. For making me and your father parents. For being our son. I love you, Naruto.." She said as she faded to join her husband in the afterlife.

'Bleh. What is with you humans and being so sappy?'

'It's called having emotions. You have 'em too, ya know.'

'She was right when she said you got her annoying tick.'

'Yeah, yeah. But.. I just wanted to let you know, if I'm ever in danger, I wouldn't hesitate to any offer you have.'

Kurama stared before putting his paw through the bars. 'Bond our chakra, then. I can see your determination and will help you out.'

Naruto blinked and stared. 'Bond?'

Kurama nearly rolled his eyes. 'Yes, bond. Like with B and Gyūki, but don't foolishly use it.'

Naruto chuckled and bumped his fist to the fox's larger paw.

Everyone stopped mid-stride when they saw Naruto's appearance change. Even the four Joinin nearly fell over at the amount of chakra coming from him. Naruto looked around. "Something up?" He asked before standing up and heading to the stream to see what the looks were for. He saw that a chakra shroud with six magatama around his neck and two distinctive pieces of hair-like horns surrounded him, along with swirl design that resembled the design on the back of his old uniform. He noticed his eyes changed from blue to orange.

"Dobe.. What the heck?" Was all Sasuke could get out, sharing the same stunned look as the rest.

'This is what you meant? What happened?'

'This is Chakra Mode. That's all.'

Just as quickly as he changed, the form vanished. "Geez." Naruto muttered before sighing and meeting the confused faces of his friends. "Oh.. Erm.. How can I explain this..." He began, rubbing his head. "Kurama and I bonded our chakra, something Octopops and Gyūki have done.. And that was Chakra Mode..."

"Well, interesting..." Kakashi managed, coughing to cover up the fact he knew what at least half of what Naruto said was true.

"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei. I'll only use it in emergencies!" Naruto promised. "And Sakura, do you mind toning down a little? Even Kurama could hear you."

"Erp... Sorry. But you were too quiet." Sakura apologized.

"Alright... Keep the hot-bloodedness going!" Guy said, getting everyone to wonder if he was mentally sane.

Naruto grinned and joined in the spar, making it a free-for-all now. No one held back, except when given a slight look from their guards, having fun training.

Meanwhile, Itachi and Kisame were in Iwagakure, locating the Five-Tails, sealed inside a man named Han. However, Itachi paused and looked to the south-east at a surge of chakra. When it vanished, he quickly resumed helping Kisame capturing Han, who had gone into Stage One of his forms. On the way back, Kisame brought it up.

"You looked distracted, Itachi... Something happen?"

"I won't lie. I caught a strong chakra coming from the south-east. But it vanished too quickly to let me see where." Itachi replied as they entered the hideout, Kisame tossing Han's unconscious body on the ground and joining the others on the fingers of a statue. "Where's Two-Tails?"

Kakazu hmph'd and pointed to the ground. "Right there. We had a little trouble with her. Hidan went on his little rant and I caught her."

Hidan took immediate offense. "You heathen! You do not believe in Jashinism! Divine judgement awaits heathens ignorant to the pain of others."

Pain opened his eyes. "Hidan. Shut up. We're about to begin... Something wrong, Itachi?"

Itachi shook his head. "I saw some strong chakra coming from the south-east when me and Kisame were in Iwagakure. But it vanished before I could locate it."

"Hmm. Interesting. I'll have Deidara and Sasori go look that over after we finish sealing these two." Pain said as the group began their six-day sealing ceremony. [Three days for each jinchūriki. My math skillz FTW!]

Whew. That was long. Now, I know it takes longer in the show for Kurama to open up to Naruto, but, I needed to kinda 'kick-start' it... xP I spoil so much in this chapter, it's not even funny! See, Deidara-koi? I made you be mentioned! And I try really hard to keep them close to their characters... SORRY FOR OOCness of some of them!

Deidara: Hm. That'll suffice. *Glomps*

Me *Blush*: Dei-senpai! Who'll do the disclaimer and stuff?

Naruto *Poofs from somewhere*: I will, 'attebayo! I am owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Otherwise, Skittles here would have Deidara be hers, teme and Sakura make babies, make me not dense... WAIT! What's 'dense' mean?

Me/Deidara *Faceplant*

Deidara *Explains with teacher glasses on what dense means*

Naruto: Oh... I don't get it.

Me/Deidara *Double faceplant*

Me: Review while me and Deidara-senpai inform the blonde knucklehead between chapters, what dense means.

Me/Deidara/Naruto: Arigato!