DxGRAYxMAN: Yeah things are going to be getting interesting with Danzo especially since I plan to have him with the sharingan arm but I won't say how just yet, I think I'll just reveal it in the story.
The Sith'ari: It is a cool idea and there will definitely be thoughts of betrayal from Menma and Narumi later on, but I can't say whether or not they take action because they are going to get a lot more powerful but they will get relatively smarter as well so I won't rule out that they attack Tsuranabi if he gets weakened. Of course they might not get the chance or they might get the chance, I'll keep it a secret.
Animaman: I plan to have the Shizune flashbacks and thoughts during Yakumo's chapter because that is when I plan to really start to introduce more of the Konoha characters. Jiraiya will definitely come to a certain realization when he finds the twins and it will kind of affect his actions towards the twins when he finds them. During Naruto's training trip, he will realize something and he will have a chat with his parents, Kakashi, Tsunade, etc, when he returns from the training trip. A lot of issues that he hasn't really discussed with his family that have been sort of ignored elephants in the room will be addressed when he gets back.
PinkiePieParty122894: Due to his own actions no it's not because he has been an asshole so far. Your opinion may change later or it may be reinforced with his future actions.
1995hzq: Yeah I didn't want Team 11 to advance too fast because I feel that they need to just enjoy where they are at for now. Danzo is a snake who I hate (hahaha that rhymes) but his ROOT will be quite formidable.
Midnight49: The tone I got from your reviews is excitement so I am happy that you are enjoying the story so much. Quick note about Sakura is that she will be getting more screen time and might even slide in as a fourth member of Team 11, idk yet.
Dustypot: Thanks I'm glad that you like it so much and I hope that I continue to impress.
Wolven Phoenix: Happy late birthday and Happy Holidays etc to you as well.
xXKentonHatakeXx: Just looked up Serafall Leviathan and it was a complete coincidence. I've never seen or actually heard of High School DxD before now.
marek337: I'm glad that you like it and I hope that you enjoy this chapter as well.
(Naruto's Room)
Naruto tossed and turned in his bed as he lay trapped inside a nightmare. Deep within his consciousness, Naruto watched as his parents, Jiraiya, and Tsunade praised his siblings. Shaking his head at the image, Naruto turned away only to see a smaller and younger version of himself standing at a distance. The little blonde boy wanted to join his family and be noticed but as he took a step towards the group, he hit a barrier of some sort that prevented him from joining in. Banging on the barrier, the little Naruto yelled for his parents to hear him, for his godparents to hear him, for his siblings to hear him. Yelling louder and banging harder, the little boy cried as he got no reaction from the people he held closest in his heart.
The real Naruto frowned and clenched his fists at the sight. He knew the pain because he lived the pain that he was witnessing. Everything he saw were simply memories of how things used to be and what caused him to change but things immediately took a turn when the group that ignored little Naruto turned to the real Naruto, all of them smiling. "Such a naive idiot. You really think that we regret what we did? Do you really think that I didn't hear or see your calls for attention? I wanted you gone and I wanted you to stay gone but you just had to come back and ruin everything" said Kushina with a sneer. Naruto looked at his mother with a confused and hurt look. Minato laughed at the sight of his son's obvious distress. "He really thought that we cared about him. We had the perfect family except for you. You were always the one that never belonged, but you already knew that didn't you?" said Minato with his arms crossed.
Menma and Narumi stepped forward with sadistic grins across their faces. "You're nothing compared to us. You're just an insect to be stepped on, you have no one and you'll never have anyone" said Menma with Narumi, their parents, and the two Sannin nodding in agreement. "Soon you will die and our return will be rejoiced. We'll be praised for ending your pathetic existence" Narumi said making the younger Naruto shake in fear, backing away with tears in his eyes. The real Naruto who had looked down at the ground the moment his father made his opinion known started to laugh loudly. Looking at his brother and sister's faces, Naruto smirked. "You can try, but so far I haven't lost to you yet and I don't plan on that changing. So you can plague my mind all you want but it will do you no good" the blonde said standing tall. The little Naruto seeing his older self so confident, wiped his eyes and stood tall as well.
"Oh the lies we tell ourselves" said a dark voice that broke through Naruto's barrier of confidence. A dark pillar of smoke rose in front of Naruto before it took form of Naruto himself. The only difference in their appearance was that the newcomer seemed to be lacking any color. Before Naruto could examine the form's appearance, it spoke. "We both know that behind your bravado, you're still afraid. You've just gotten your family back, but is it real. Were they truly repentant for neglecting you or was it on purpose? Your mother is an Uzumaki, a clan who holds family above all else. How could she neglect her first born unless by choice? And what of your father and his role in neglecting you? What will happen when Menma and Narumi are returned to Konoha? Will you be thrown to the side like before? Don't pretend that you haven't had these thoughts before. I should know because I am the culmination of these thoughts. You are still the angry child that you were when you ran away from home, you've just gotten better at hiding it" the dark form said with a smile.
Naruto awoke from his sleep gasping for air and his heart beating as if he were in battle. Sweat covered the blonde's face and matted his hair. Slowing his breathing and wiping his face with his hand, he repeated to himself that it was only a nightmare. Looking out his window, he saw the source of his power shining brightly upon his village. Shaking his head, Naruto got out of his bed and headed outside.
(Namikaze Compound Roof)
Naruto sat on the roof of his house staring at the moon, waiting for a certain someone to appear to him. "I've gotta say I'm impressed" said the familiar voice of Naruto's teacher Sera. "Taking down a kage, and a jinchuriki at that. You've made me proud kid" the blue haired swordsman said as she sat next to the blonde. Naruto continued to look at the moon despite her appearance. "The leader of the Shinigami's Blade said that he had plans for me. He could have killed me in Kiri but he didn't and I think that you know why" Naruto said needing answers from his teacher. Sera shook her head and sighed. "Naruto, I don't know everything and I'm not everywhere. I'm dead and can only see the world through you. The goal of Tsuranabi is nothing short of world domination which in his twisted mind leads to peace. I was not able to beat him but I know that you can" Sera said in an attempt to answer her apprentice's question.
The blonde swordsman shook his head and clenched his fists. Sera watched her apprentice while preparing for him to attempt to hit her spiritual image. To her surprise, instead of throwing a punch the boy looked at his master with tears in his eyes. Tears that stabbed the deceased woman's heart deeply. "Why? Why did you have to die? Why did you make me kill you? Why did you hold back?" the boy asked as Sera bit her lip to keep from crying herself. "How did you know that I held back?" Sera asked. Naruto snorted at the question. "I was a kid with no battle experience outside of spars with you who managed to take down one of the strongest swordsman in the entire world. You could have killed me at any point of our duel but you didn't and let me kill you" Naruto said causing the blue haired woman beside him to sigh. "I was on a time limit. When I left the Shinigami's Blade, I was wounded fatally by Tsuranabi. The wound he gave me was a slow decay of my insides. I had maybe three years tops after I got away and I didn't know what to do. That's when I ran into you. I saw in you a potential swordsman to pass along my power and hopefully stop Tsuranabi. I put you through the crash course but was not able to completely train you. That's why I am able to stay at your side" Sera said placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder.
Naruto nodded and looked at his teacher. "I need to get stronger fast. Tsuranabi is miles ahead of me so I need to complete my training" Naruto said to which Sera nodded. "I know. You also have to finish your transformation training with the Serpents. It'll take another year of training but the results will be worth it" Sera said looking at her apprentice for any kind of reaction. Naruto just looked at his master and nodded. "If that's what it takes, but can I have a week before I start?" Naruto asked, not feeling great about having to leave so soon after getting into the fold with his family and friends. Sera smiled at the boy's request. "Why? You gonna spend some time with your girlfriend?" Sera said nudging the now blushing Naruto.
Naruto continued to endure another hour of Sera's teasing before getting off the roof and returning to bed.
(Namikaze Compound Next Day)
Naruto sat at the table enjoying a bowl of ramen prepared by his mother for breakfast. Minato sat next to Naruto and was joined by Kushina shortly after and both started to eat their bowls of ramen. As Naruto finished his bowl, he looked at his parents deciding that it was time to break it to his parents about his training trip. "Mom, dad" said Naruto getting his parents attention. "Listen, I've got to go away for awhile" he said causing his mother and father to adopt confused looks on their faces. "I have to return to the realm of the Serpents so that I can finish my training" Naruto briefly explained. "For how long?" asked Minato. Naruto sighed at the question. "It will take a year of training before I return to Konoha" Naruto said trying getting a nod from his father. Minato knew the importance of training with your summons from when he had to take a training trip with the toads. Kushina on the other hand did not have the same knowledge.
"Why can't they come to you? Why do you have to go there? Why do you have to be gone for a year?" asked the red head in rapid succession. "Mom, I have to go to the Serpents' realm because that's where I can best learn the techniques that I have to learn. I have to do this but I won't be leaving until next week" Naruto answered. Kushina looked ready to put her foot down and forbid Naruto from going but Minato interrupted before she could make her opinion known. "Have you told your team?" asked the blonde Hokage. Naruto shook his head in response. "No but I'm gonna tell them today" Naruto said before looking at his mother.
Kushina didn't want Naruto to go. Menma and Narumi leaving hurt her heart enough but having all three of her children out of her grasp was even worse. But as Kushina looked at her son, she realized that her baby boy was growing up and he technically was an adult according to the shinobi code. Reluctantly nodding, Kushina sat up straight. "I expect you to be back in exactly one year after you leave and I want at least three letters a week about how you are doing" Kushina said causing Naruto to chuckle and nod. Minato smiled at his wife's conditions before looking at his son. "I'll put you on for temporary leave. I will need weekly updates on your progress and of course personal updates as well" Minato said. Naruto nodded at his father's conditions. "I was also thinking that maybe we could have a small get together so that I can see everyone before I leave" Naruto suggested getting nods of agreement from his parents. "That sounds great Naruto. Who did you want to invite?" Kushina asked.
Naruto crossed his arms in thought. "Yakumo and Sasuke of course. Itachi and Konan and I suppose Tsunade as well. Maybe Yakumo's parents and Sasuke's parents. I was thinking about having it in two days" Naruto said getting smiles from his parents. "Sounds good Naruto. I'll get to work prepping the house and I'll make sure to make lots of ramen" Kushina said with ramen bowls in her eyes. Naruto and Minato sweatdropped at Kushina's obsession of ramen. Both blondes liked ramen but Kushina was in love with the stuff.
(Yakumo's House Two Hours Later)
Naruto stood at the door of his girlfriend's house waiting on someone to answer the door. His plan was to tell Yakumo and her parents about the little going away party that he was having and give them their verbal invitation. His mother was going to inform Sasuke and his family since she was going over to the Uchiha estate to visit Mikoto anyway. After a few more seconds of waiting, the door opened revealing a dark haired man with a mustache. "Yes, how may I help you?" asked the man. "Hello sir, you are the father of Yakumo right?" asked the blonde getting a slow nod from the man as his eyes narrowed at the boy in front of him. "Um, it's nice to meet you. I'm Naruto Namikaze and I'm-" Naruto didn't get any further as he was lifted up by his shirt by the man in front of him. "So you're the boy who thinks that he's good enough to date my baby girl?" the man asked with a dangerous tone. Before Naruto could respond, he was dropped onto the ground. When the blonde looked up, he saw Yakumo's father holding his head and a woman standing next to the man with her arms crossed.
When the woman noticed that Naruto was still on the ground, she reached out her hand which Naruto took and helped him up. "Hi Naruto, I'm Yakumo's mom, Uroko. And this is my idiot husband Murakumo" she said introducing her husband who was still holding his head. "Why don't you come inside?" the woman said smiling before turning and walking inside. Naruto and Murakumo obediently followed Uroko to the kitchen. Naruto sat in a chair when Uroko motioned for him to sit down. "I'll go tell Yakumo that you're here" Uroko said with a smile before leaving to inform her daughter of her boyfriend's arrival. Meanwhile, Murakumo walked around the kitchen counter so that he was facing the boy that was dating his daughter. Both Naruto and Murakumo were silent for a long moment before Naruto decided to end the quiet awkwardness between the two. "So it's nice to finally meet you" Naruto said nervously but only got a glare from Murakumo.
The man crossed his arms and frowned at the boy in front of him. "They say that you are quite promising as a ninja. The strongest of your generation with the potential to surpass any of the previous Hokage" Murakumo said still glaring at Naruto. Naruto scratched his neck in embarrassment. "I don't know about that. I just try to help out as best I can" Naruto said but got a snort from Yakumo's father. "False modesty isn't fitting for you. I love my daughter more than anything in this world, as a matter of fact I didn't even want her to be a field ninja but that is the road she has chosen to take. I don't want to hear you trying to be the modest hero, I want to know that my daughter is safe around you" the man said looking into Naruto's eyes.
Naruto was silent for a long moment before answering the man. "Mr. Kurama, I will always have the intention of protecting Yakumo with everything that I am. Even if it takes giving my life, I've promised myself to protect her at all cost. And as for the rumors that you've heard about me, I plan to be far stronger than any kage ever because then I want to protect all those that are close to me" Naruto said in a serious tone as he stared down Murakumo. After a short face off to see who would give first, Murakumo smiled at Naruto's answer. "I'll hold you to that Naruto" Murakumo said to Naruto who let a smirk form after hearing the response. Before the two could exchange any more words, a brown haired blur sped through the room and nearly tackled Naruto while Uroko entered the kitchen right behind the blur.
Yakumo was holding onto her boyfriend tightly. "Naruto, I wasn't expecting you but I'm so glad you're here!" Yakumo squealed. Uroko smiled at the sight while Murakumo tried to subdue his fatherly urge to grab a knife. Naruto pat his girlfriend's head as she removed him from her grasp. "I actually came by to see if you wanted to spend the day together and also invite you and your parents to a small party at my house in two days" Naruto announced. Yakumo looked at her parents quickly and upon getting nods from both of them she announced, "We'll be there" before taking Naruto by the hand and speeding out of the house dragging her boyfriend along with her.
Murakumo sighed as he watched his only child go off with her boyfriend. His fatherly instincts made him want to follow the two and make sure his daughter was being treated well by Naruto, but his wife placing her hand on his ended those thoughts. "Murakumo don't worry, Yakumo will be fine" Uroko said in an effort to comfort her husband. "I know Uroko, it's just that she's my little girl. I don't want her to grow up too fast" he said looking at the ground. Uroko chuckled at her husband. "Listen, Yakumo is of the age where we need to let her follow her own path. I know that you are worried about her and you always will be because you're a good father, but you've got to give her the chance to live her own life. And I'm sure that the more we get to know Naruto, the more comfortable you will be around him" she said looking at her husband while smiling. "Don't you remember my father's reaction to us dating?" Uroko asked making Murakumo let out a small laugh. "Of course I remember. I've never been more afraid in my entire life" Murakumo said with a smile at the memories that flashed through his head. Wrapping his arms around his wife, Murakumo said, "Maybe you're right. Maybe it is time for us to let Yakumo make her own path."
(Streets of Konoha)
Naruto and Yakumo walked through the streets of the village holding hands. The streets were busy and full of life like most days in Konoha. Both Naruto and Yakumo were smiling as they enjoyed spending time together. Seeing a bench nearby, Naruto led his girlfriend to it and sat down with her following immediately after. Naruto took both of Yakumo's hands into his own and looked into her eyes. "Yakumo, I have to tell you something that you probably aren't gonna like to hear" Naruto said getting a confused look from the girl. "I have to go away for a year to finish my training in the Serpent realm" Naruto said. "Hmm, no" replied Yakumo causing Naruto to look at her strangely. "Uh Yakumo, I have to go" Naruto said trying to emphasize that it wasn't up for debate. Yakumo shook her head at his answer. "I said no so you are going to stay" she said getting a sigh from her boyfriend. "Yakumo, this isn't something that I can blow off. I have to do this if I want to stand any chance at taking on the remaining members of the Shinigami's Blade. I leave next week but I will make sure to write you every day" Naruto promised making Yakumo look away from him.
Yakumo was silent for a long while before responding. "I don't want you to go but I guess that if you really need to do this, then I'll support you because that's the type of girlfriend I am" she said with an eye smile and stars appearing behind her. Naruto sweatdropped at the response. "So you're cool with it?" Naruto asked as Yakumo looked back at him. Yakumo shook her head. "Not really, but rule 13 of "Mei Terumi's Wonderful Guide to Lasting Relationships" says to always support you're significant other so that's what I'll do and I'll get stronger too so that I can walk by you and be there when you need me. Of course, I expect you too make it up to me when you get back and I plan on spending a lot of time together before you leave" she said making Naruto smile. "Definitely" he said with a smile which turned into a fear filled expression as Yakumo grew an evil smile on her face and what seemed to be the Shinigami itself appeared behind her. "And you better write every single day or there will be hell to pay" she said getting a quick nod from Naruto.
After Naruto's quick and silent nod, the Shinigami vanished and Yakumo went back to her regular smile as if nothing had happened. Naruto sweatdropped and sighed. The consequences of dating a crazy person.
(Two Days Later Namikaze Compound)
Naruto's going away party was in full swing. Yakumo and her family, Sasuke and his family, Konan, Tsunade, Shizune, and Kakashi had all decided to attend. Fugaku Uchiha, Murakumo Kurama, and Kakashi were conversing with Minato. Kushina was speaking with Mikoto Uchiha, Tsunade, Shizune, and getting to know Uroko Kurama as well in the kitchen while the food was being cooked. Itachi and Konan who had started dating just after returning from Kiri were talking about various subjects away from everyone else and Team 11 was talking with each other in the living room.
(Team 11)
"So you'll be gone for a whole year?" asked Sasuke getting a nod from Naruto. "Well you better come back stronger because I don't plan on pulling your dead weight, loser" Sasuke said with a smirk. "At least I don't have a duck's ass for a hair style" Naruto said getting a giggle from Yakumo and making Sasuke's face turn red. "MY HAIR DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A DUCK'S ASS" yelled Sasuke before slowly regaining his composure. "Uh huh, sure it doesn't. You better get stronger too, after all I need my punching bag to give me a challenge every now and then" Naruto said with a smirk causing Sasuke to clench his fists. "Do you wanna take this outside Namikaze?" yelled Sasuke. "Happy too Uchiha" yelled Naruto in response as lightning formed between the two boys. It was interrupted when Yakumo slammed both of her fists down on her respective teammates heads.
Both boys rubbed their heads and looked at Yakumo for an explanation of why. "We are here to spend time with each other, not for the two of you to stroke your own egos. I swear, sometimes I wonder if all boys are this dumb" Yakumo said with her arms crossed. Naruto and Sasuke nodded and looked at each other with tears in their eyes. "Sasuke, I'm so sorry" "No, I'm sorry Naruto" the two said before hugging. Behind the two, a sunset appeared. Yakumo screamed and slammed her fists down on Naruto and Sasuke's heads separating them and destroying the vision of the sunset. "Idiots. My team is nothing but a couple of idiots" Yakumo said shaking her head.
Naruto and Sasuke rubbed their heads once again. "So what are you two gonna do without me?" asked Naruto. Sasuke went to speak and brag about how strong he was going to get but Yakumo spoke first causing his head to fall and begin muttering about not getting the respect an Uchiha deserves. "I am going to work on my fuinjutsu with Kushina sensei and my paper jutsu with Konan sensei. I'm also going to try and get better at using "Graceful Lily" and-" "What is "Graceful Lily?"" interrupted Sasuke. "Oh yeah I never told you guys. I named my scythe. Back in Kiri, Mei told me that I should name my weapon if I want it to be famous" Yakumo explained. "And you chose that name why?" asked Sasuke. Yakumo smiled at the question. "A lily represent death and when I use my scythe, I provide a graceful ending to my victims" Yakumo said still smiling causing both boys to sweatdrop. "There is nothing graceful about cutting someone in half Yakumo" Sasuke said starting to laugh at the irony but was interrupted by Yakumo punching his head once again. "Everything I do is graceful got it?!" she yelled getting a quick nod from both Sasuke and Naruto.
Sasuke crossed his arms. "Well I'm going to improve my sharingan abilities, get some more jutsu, work on my taijutsu, maybe work with the crows, practice with my spear, and come up with a better name than "Graceful Lily" for my weapon" Sasuke said with his usual smirk. Yakumo narrowed her eyes at the Uchiha. "Go ahead and give it a name. Let's see what you've got" she said. Sasuke looked at his teammates who were expecting a name right now. "I haven't come up with one yet, but it will be a name feared by all" Sasuke said laughing evilly. Yakumo snorted and Naruto rolled his eyes.
(Itachi and Konan)
Itachi and Konan were having a conversation as best as they could considering neither were very sociable. "So I guess that you'll be training Yakumo for the foreseeable future" Itachi said causing Konan to smile and pull his cheek. "Aw is someone upset that I'm not spending enough time with him" Konan said causing Itachi to blush. "No, I'm not upset" Itachi responded causing Konan to make a mock hurt face. "So you don't want to spend time with me?" asked Konan in her fake hurt tone. "No that's not it. I love spending time with you, I was just asking about Yakumo's training that's all" Itachi said looking away. Konan chuckled at how easy she could get under her boyfriend's skin. "Don't worry Itachi, we'll still spend a lot of time together. And if you're missing teaching Yakumo, you can always come over and give her some pointers in genjutsu or some ninjutsu" the bluenette said trying to comfort the Uchiha. Itachi looked at his girlfriend and smiled. "I know, it's just that I feel kind of sad seeing my little genin growing up so fast. Their accomplishments are only going to grow but sometimes I feel like their moving too fast" Itachi said sighing.
Konan smiled at her boyfriend. It was obvious how much Itachi loved his team and how proud of them he was. "Don't worry Itachi, they're growing up. Besides, they will always call you sensei and they will always need you for guidance" she said taking his hand into hers. Itachi looked into Konan's eyes and smiled. Pulling the woman into a hug, he whispered "Thanks" with a small smile.
(Kushina, Tsunade, Shizune, Mikoto, Uroko)
Uroko was gathered with Kushina, Tsunade, Shizune, and Mikoto in the kitchen and felt quite nervous. First impressions were very important and she definitely wanted to make a good impression on such high standing women. "So Kushina, your house is beautiful" Uroko said. Kushina smiled at the woman. "Thank you, I try to keep it as tidy as possible. Luckily Minato and Naruto aren't big mess makers so that helps. Anyway, it's nice to finally meet you Uroko, you have a magnificent daughter" Kushina said getting a blush and nod from Uroko. "Thank you for that. And thank you for training her. She has grown tremendously under your tutelage" Uroko said getting a nod from Kushina. "That she has but most of it has been on her part not mine. She's one of the most determined girls that I've had the privilege of knowing" Kushina once again complimented causing Uroko's smile to grow.
Hearing the talk about students, Tsunade felt the need to bring up hers. "Well my student Sakura has been getting stronger as well and soon will be the talk of the village" Tsunade said proudly with a nod from Shizune. Kushina nodded at the proclamation. "Yes I've heard that your new apprentice is making great progress in the medical field" Kushina commented. Mikoto smiled at the discussion of promising kunoitchi. It was so difficult to be taken seriously as a ninja if you were a woman but knowing that there were ninja like Yakumo and Sakura gave her joy and hope that kunoitchi would be taken more seriously in the future. "So Mikoto, what has Itachi got planned for Sasuke?" asked Kushina. Mikoto smiled at the question. "Oh you know, this and that. He'll be starting his advanced sharingan training with Itachi soon so they will be pretty busy" Mikoto said getting nods from each of the women. Kushina looked at the stove and saw that the ramen she planned to serve was done and the beef stew that she had prepared was nearly done as well.
(Minato, Murakumo, Kakashi, Fugaku)
Murakumo stood with the men of the party as they conversed about ninja affairs. At the moment, Fugaku was flashing the Uchiha arrogance that they were so known for. "I'm just saying that my son with his sharingan is perhaps the strongest ninja of his generation" Fugaku said with his arms crossed. Minato snorted at the suggestion. "And who told you that? My son is stronger than yours Fugaku" Minato said as lighting formed between the Hokage and the Uchiha head. "Um sensei, can't we just say that they are both strong in their own right?" Kakashi asked. "NO" shouted both Minato and Fugaku at the same time as they continued to glare at one another before breaking it off. Turning to Murakumo, Minato smiled at the man. "So Murakumo, how's it been?" Minato asked. "It's been well Lord Hokage" said Murakumo but was interrupted by Minato putting his hand up. "Just call me Minato" Minato said to which Murakumo nodded.
"You know, from the reports that I've seen and my son's words your daughter is becoming a very powerful kunoitchi" said Minato with a nod in agreement from Fugaku. Murakumo nodded and rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Yes although I wish that she would have chosen to go into something like T&I rather than be out in the field" Murakumo said getting a nod from Minato. "I understand, but it's good that you are letting her make own decisions" Minato said. "Well your girl should be safe as long as my son is around. After all, the Uchiha are the strongest in Konoha" Fugaku said with a smirk that had been passed on to his youngest son. Minato's eyebrow twitched at the statement and Kakashi sighed as the Hokage and Uchiha head started another heated but friendly argument about who's son was better.
All of the conversations were put on hold however when Kushina called everyone to the table for their dinner. For the remainder of the party, the attendants told jokes, told stories, and took a break from the outside world.
(Naruto's Room Hours Later)
Naruto tossed in his bed as he dreamed. In his dream, he watched a little girl with black hair crying on the ground. The girl slowly looked up at him with tears in her eyes. Before Naruto could go and comfort the girl, he was thrown out of his dream and sat up panting, no longer asleep. Rubbing his arms as he felt cold despite a thin sheet of sweat covering his face, he slowed his breathing. "What the hell is happening?" Naruto asked himself before laying back down to sleep.
(Paradise)
Aiko sat with her mom in the park looking at the different critters. Seeing a bird's nest that held a mother bird and her babies, she watched as the mother flew off to get some food for her children. Aiko looked at her mother who was staring at the sky. "Mom" Aiko said getting her mother's attention. "You'll never leave me right?" asked the black haired girl. Aiko's mom put her hand on her daughter's face as tears were starting to form in the little girl's eyes. "Where is this coming from sweetie?" asked Aiko's mother. Aiko sniffled. "I don't want you to ever leave me, no matter what" Aiko said burying herself in her mother. The mom held her child and rubbed her back in an attempt to comfort her. "Aiko, I'm not going anywhere. And I'll always be with you" said the woman causing her daughter to look up at her and smile. "Now, what's say we go and get some ice cream?" asked the mother. "ICE CREAM!" squealed Aiko before getting up and dragging her mother with her with the strength of any man as the two sped to the ice cream stand.
HAPPY NEW YEARS! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I love the support that you all have given me. Your support gives me motivation and I appreciate it so much. Anyway, the next four chapters are going to detail Naruto's training, Yakumo's training, and Sasuke's training into three separate chapters and Orochimaru searching for Kimimaro as another chapter. I also plan to start introducing the other genin like Sakura along with deepening what's happening secretly in Konoha.