A/N: Hey guys I'm back. Sorry for taking so long but I've been playing the shinobi striker beta and it is honestly amazing. I got an interesting message yesterday and I have been given permission to use someone's OC. Calm down it isn't that serious, I just think he could come in handy later on. He also gave me ideas for weapons and summons and I've never been more excited to write. Well lets get busy.

I do not own Naruto.

Three weeks later.

The day was finally here. The sun was out and shining bright, the birds were singing their songs from the trees, and the clouds casting shade on those below. Yes, today was a good day to kill. Today was a good day to die.

All the genin from the various villages were gathered together and ready to begin the final part of the exams. They all stood and waited nervously, but a few were a bit more nervous.

Temari knew what was coming. Naruto knew what was coming. Temari knew that Naruto knew and He knew that she knew. Whenever possible nervous glances would fly towards the slightest movements. Once the stadium was full the Hokage spoke from the kage box.

"Welcome all to the Chunin exam finals. I'm glad you could join us here today. Now let the show begin!"

A roar of applause burst from the crowds and the fighting began. Today's chunin exams would be the bloodiest in the history of the event. For once though, most of the deaths wouldn't involve the participants.

Suddenly the audience's cheering stopped and the stadium was quiet. Every civilian and even a few shinobi were slouched over and sleeping. That was not good. That meant it had begun. The invasion of Konoha was real and it was now. A huge explosion rocked the ground as the sleeping shinobi were roused by their comrades. All eyes looked to the giant dust cloud and horror took the place of their previous confusion. A giant snake was pushing its way through the gates of Konoha.

Then a blur passed over their heads and a hat emblazoned with the kanji for fire dropped to the ground. Every shinobi present knew this was bad. Sand ninja were openly siding with these new unidentified ones and there was mass panic in the Leaf's ranks. Anyone who could fight was currently engaged in the most ferocious battle of their lives. A battle for their home. One they could not lose.

Unfortunately for Naruto he couldn't join in the fight. His mission was to take Temari away from danger and then guard her with his life. He knew the Hokage was not joking when he assigned him his duties and believed that the old man could beat Orochimaru. The only thing that bothered him was that nobody else could. He didn't know who would survive and who wouldn't and it was eating away at him thinking some of his friends might die. Sure he knew that danger was the way the Shinobi earned their living but still death was not something that had no effect on any one but the deceased. Death came for all and never lost, losing someone was only a reminder of that fact. A reminder faced every day by millions.

With Temari slung over his shoulder he made his way towards the Hokage monument. He knew the perfect place to hide her and maybe then he could find a way to help the others. It was quicker with him carrying her though it was also clear she did not like it. So to stop her from attracting trouble Naruto stopped and placed her down. "The only other way we could good time would be much weirder for you I promise but if you don't want to be carried like that we'll have to improvise."

This drew a curious look on her face and she cautiously approached the situation. "What does that mean? What other way co-" She never finished that sentence as Naruto scooped her up bridal style and dashed off to safety. Temari wasn't uncomfortable anymore and this was definitely better than his hand on her ass, but this position was a bit too... intimate? Yeah that was the word. She decided to just be quiet lest he switch back and within five minutes they were on top of the Hokage monument.

"Naruto what are we doing here? Is this really the safest place you could think of?"

Naruto shook his head and pointed. "That building over there has been standing strong since the founding of the village. You can stay there with my clone until I get back." Temari followed his finger to an old stone building on top of the cliff housing the heads of the previous Hokage.

"Then I'm going to help the others protect the village. I'm sure you'll be fine." Temari nodded and was then escorted inside by a clone. She was a big girl and could take care of herself. The clone was just so he wouldn't be lying to the Hokage.

Once they were safely inside Naruto dashed off to help. The first thing he noticed was the huge sphere of sand floating above the village. 'That was a sand ninja in the exams. What was his name? Oh right thats Temari's brother Gaara.' Naruto decided he would take care of Gaara. After all they were both jinchuruki. It would be better to keep other ninja away from him.

In fact several leaf ninja had him surrounded at the moment. Or they did, before sand shot out and pierced them all through the chest. Most of them would probably die from their injuries but right now that was not the biggest issue. No, that would be the sand rushing towards Naruto while his eyes lay on his fallen comrades. Right before it hit him though he used a substitution and appeared right behind Gaara. He threw a quick punch that would do hardly any damage. Sand rose immediately and blocked it allowing Gaara to counter attack. 'Well now.' he thought. 'If I can't hit him then how do I beat him?'

He then noticed the tendrils of sand coated in blood. Compared to the dry ones they moved much slower. 'So I have to get his sand wet to do some damage, huh?' Naruto only knew water jutsu but it would do just fine for this situation. Kakashi had taught it to him after the wave mission. Naruto had practically begged for it and the man reluctantly complied, that would be the last time he used his sharingan near Naruto. He couldn't use it perfectly just yet but he had a way to cheat it.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu." He shouted. A huge deformed dragon made of water rose from a koi pond in a nearby yard and barreled its way towards Gaara. Technically speaking it was the same jutsu just... a little less refined. Instead of a bad ass dragon it looked like an earthworm erupting from the water. He was only able to control it like this though. He hadn't had time to finish it before the exams, but he might not need the full scale attack for this fight. As the giant watery noodle made contact with Gaara's sand it fell to the ground taking the wet sand with it. Naruto pumped chakra to his feet and ran at the young red haired sand ninja before him. There was no fear, no worry, only murderous rage was in his eyes. At least, before a fist connected with his face and sent him flying over the city wall and into the forest. He flew for nearly a minute before descending rapidly into a clearing. Naruto was not far behind him and he smiled as drew a giant shuruken out of nowhere. He threw it forward and the poor jinchuruki of the shukaku attempted to dodge it. Nearly as soon as it passed a poof and a loud shout could be heard.

"Rasengan!" Came from the lips of two Naruto's as they ran towards Gaara. If they hit he would lose. If he lost his mother's love may fade away. That was not going to happen. Gaara jumped up and used the gourd of dry sand on his back to create several shuruken that he promptly threw straight down. The pair of blondes below crashed Rasengan against Rasengan and awaited the coming explosion. In order to try and deflect the blast away from their faces they angled their palms upward and a bright beam of light shot out. It hit Gaara hard in his chest and completely obliterated his projectiles. As he sailed higher into the sky Naruto created several clones and sent them into the air. Four of them uppercut Gaara in his back pushing him even higher before the orginal appeared above him and delivered a kick to his stomach sending him down to the ground. Naruto was about to use his clones to catch him when a sandy rope caught him and threw him down. Both boys crashed to the ground hard and lay there staring at each other.

"Why. Why won't you just die?! If you don't die I can't validate my existence. You have to DIE!" Gaara said as he tried desperately to stand. Then he noticed that the blonde was squirming his way over to him and a new feeling washed over him. Was this fear? Of what? This fool in front of him? "Stay away from me!"

But the boy didn't stop. He spoke through gritted teeth as he crawled over to the red head. "Let me ask you a question, Gaara. Do you know what you have inside of you? I doubt you know exactly what it is. Its not your mother. Its a demon. The One Tailed Biju. Shukaku. Right now you think I'm lying. You're wondering what I know and how could I understand your pain. I'll tell you. I'm the host of the Nine Tailed Fox. The strongest of all the biju. Not only can I feel your anger, your hatred, and your despair. I can feel your love, your compassion, your desire. You are a good person, but you are weak. A strong person does not fight for their relevance or well being. They fight for their beliefs and their comrades. That is why I will win this fight no matter what. I respect and trust my fellow ninja even when they don't return those things. I've been looking after your sister. I know about your past. I want to help you find a better future. Let me."

Tears bubbled up in the sand ninja's eyes as he used all of his remaining strength to nod his head and push himself up. Everything he thought was a lie. He was valid. He did exist. He had nothing to prove. He was weak. In this case he was clearly out matched. He had lost and that was it. No more. But the killing blow never came. His and sister ran upon the scene and grabbed him. Leaving Naruto behind and retreating with the rest of the Sand village forces. Naruto was shocked. How'd she get past his guard clone? Then he slammed his head to the ground as the very embarrassing memory surfaced. While he was fighting Gaara his clone had found some cigarettes. Thinking it would be cool he promptly shoved one into his mouth and used a small fire jutsu that shot a small flame through his thumb to light it. Now it seemed that he had enjoyed it as he then proceeded to literally smoke his way out of existence. On a different note it seems he could definitely use a bit of tobacco now. Since he could hardly move, however, it would have to wait.

On top of the Hokage Tower

A large purple barrier enclosed two men on the roof of the Hokage tower and only one would be leaving. They stood opposite each other with maybe twenty feet between them. There was definitely more than twenty years between them as well. On one end now without his Kage hat and cloak stood Hiruzen. On the other the spineless snake Orochimaru. While from the outside it was unclear what was going on the inside was actually already a fierce battle. A genjutsu war was being waged between the old Hokage and his one time student. A war which was being won by the old man. As he finally broke his enemy's three layered jutsu he smiled realizing his four layered one was still in effect. He raised his hands and very quickly created several hand seals. "Summoming Jutsu" A large monkey appeared beside the old man and after a quick glance towards the enemy a nod was shared. Within a second the monkey king Enma was transformed into a bo staff and the battle hardened Kage charged forward. He pole vaulted over his snake summoning enemy and used the expansion of his unbreakable staff to deal a hard blow to the man's back followed by three to the head that sent the pale weirdo flying. Now thoroughly aware of the situation Orochimaru's neck stretched forth and spit out a new body. This one held a sword in his hand at the ready and the old one wilted like an old snake skin.

"Do you like the odds Sensei? This is the Kusinagi blade. It can cut anything. And you hold the unbreakable staff in your hands. I wonder which weapon will be proved truly unbeatable."

Not even a flinch from the old Kage as Orochimaru shot forward swinging frantically. The old man narrowly dodge a few more wild swings before one split open his left arm. He raised Enma and hand shot forth and punched the snake sannin into the barrier his ninja created.

"That hurt a bit, you know."

A smirk passed Orochimaru's face before a slight flickering noise came from behind him. Then the giant box around the Kage and himself disappeared. Leaving him and his ninja completely open to an attack from all the gathered Jounin, Anbu, and... Jiraiya?

What was he doing back in Konoha? Oh wait those reports said he was nearby. He must have been stopping by to resupply. Or maybe peep on the bath house like he used to. Of course the one man that could disarm his barrier seal jutsu in the entirety of the elemental nations would just happen to be here now. Oh well a fight is a fight. A hard kick hit Orochimaru courtesy of the toad sage. Each of his hands held a Rasengan as he shoved his palms forward. The contact was enough to literally cut through Orochimaru who had a look of pain on his face and two large holes where his stomach should have been. A gurgle escaped his throat as the blood that wasn't pouring out of his abdomen left his mouth. His corpse slouched back and lay still as the rest of his ninja all lay dead nearby. His treachery was now over for ever. Jiraiya looked over to see his sensei lying down and breathing heavy. This was not a job for an old man. Jiraiya might actually have to take that hat soon.

Or...

Konoha's Eastern Gates

"Hey! We got another over here. Bring the stretcher I don't think he can walk."

The voice was clearly referring to Naruto who had now used his chin to crawl all the way back inside the village gate and was headed home to rest.

"Wait that kid took on that sand ninja and won? How? He barely hung in the Chunin exams. Oh well just get him some help."

'Who the hell was that. The voice came from a blonde woman in a green jacket. Holy... look at those... how does her back take that kind of strain? Uh oh. She looks mad. Was I staring?'

"What do you mean you won't treat him? Why not?... SO? I'M STRONGER THAN HALF THE SHINOBI ALIVE AND YOU AREN'T LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO US IS THAT HE HASN'T KILLED YOU ALL YET AND I'M CONSIDERING IT. NOW GET THE DAMN STRETCHER, I'LL HEAL HIM MYSELF!"

That was all he could hear before he blacked out. He would be fine. He always was.

"Boy. Wake up. Get up you fool. You have overstayed your welcome now leave."

Naruto sat up awake and sweating. He hated being in that damn seal world. It always left him feeling weak. Wait a second was he... oh no. The white room, the clothes, the beds. He was in the hospital again. This time though instead of Temari he looked over to see that same blonde woman from earlier whispering with Jiraiya-sensei. He was the first to notice his apprentice awake and gestured to him for the woman.

"Oh good you're awake. Now why are you such an idiot. You could have died you know! What has Jiraiya been teaching you? Oh whatever. Nobody ever listens. I'm Tsunade. I was Jiraiya's teammate back in the day. I was passing by when I saw the smoke and rushed over to see what was happening. I saved your life, you know."

"Hey brat long time no see. How are you?"

"Ero-sannin? I thought you left just before the finals. What are you doing here?"

Jiraiya's eye twitched and Tsunade laughed a bit before he explained. "The Hokage filled me in a while ago. I stayed nearby to help with Orochimaru. He is a bit angry about the Suna girl though."

"Never speak about it again and it would be too soon."

"What happened? Ohh did she flash you? Was it nice? What did they look like?"

Jiraiya's face was suddenly through the floor as Tsunade lifted her fist back up and sighed. "Keep talking and I'll kill you."

"I really don't want to talk about it. On the bright side I beat Gaara and the sand retreated. How is everyone?"

"Well all your friends are fine. All our casualties were chunin and above. Unfortunately I doubt your exam performance will earn you a promotion. Or anyone for that matter. I'd be suprised if the Hokage has time for them anyway with how he has to try and fix all the political issues between all the villages present."

Naruto let out a deep sigh at his masters words and for once he actually felt nervous. He still might get the promotion for his actions against Gaara, but he also might be charged with treason for disobeying the Hokage's direct order. This could either be great or absolutely terrible. The only way to find out was to get it over with. So as soon as he was checked out of the hospital he went over to the Hokage tower and knocked on the door to Hiruzen's office.

Normally he would just walk right in but if Naruto thought he was busy he would knock first and with the recent events he was undoubtedly busy. "Come in." came the sound of the old man's voice through the door. "Ah, Naruto I was waiting for you. I heard about your actions during the attack. Don't worry I'm not going to chew you out over it. I'm actually very proud of you. When you went after that sand ninja you protected the village and freed up some responsibility for the others."

Wait what? He wasn't in trouble? He did a good job? Hell, Naruto had come in ready to offer his head and he wasn't even in trouble. "Uhh, yeah of course. I couldn't just leave them in danger. What kind of ninja would I be?" This caused a smile to form on the Hokage's face while he readied himself for the news.

"Unfortunately, I feel like I'll have to retire soon, my boy. I'm too old for this kind of thing anymore. I'd like to give you this hat, but I think its too soon for that." This actually made Naruto a bit sad seeing how his only goal in life was to be the best Hokage ever. Seeing this Hiruzen continued. "But... I suppose I could get you closer to your dream. I'm promoting you to Chunin. Effective immediately you are a full fledged Konoha Chunin. I've arranged for your vest to be delivered to your home and I expect you to continue the good work."

Now Naruto didn't know what to say. He had been on a rollercoaster of emotions since he stepped into the room. First it was fear, then relief, a small bit of dissapointment, and finally happiness. He was the first of his friends to reach Chunin so this was a big deal. Naruto smiled before speaking to the Hokage. "I will, thank you Hokage-jiji." Then he grew curious. "Hey wait, since it isn't me who would be the next Hokage?"

Hiruzen thought for a moment before he smiled and answered. "Since Jiraiya won't do it Tsunade would be the best option. I taught them both and trust either of them to carry on the will of fire."

Naruto nodded as he thought about his words. That doctor lady would be taking the seat before him. Oh well, that just meant he could get even stronger before he became the Hokage.

Meanwhile in Suna

The council was in a fuss. They had had quite the time recently. They had been tricked by Orochimaru, their Kazekage Lord Rasa was dead, and they lost several good ninja in the invasion. On top of that they still had no Kazekage and relations with the other nations were not looking good. The only way out of this mess was to make amends with Konoha and reinstate their treaty.

"I'm not a damn politician, I can't figure anyway to get them to overlook the fact that we just attacked them. Even if we were tricked and following orders they won't just leave us alone. We need a new Kazekage to help us with this."

"Who could do that? Our strongest ninja is still recovering from the invasion and he isn't the most stable person..."

"We don't need stable. We need scary. Besides he's too young to deal with politics yet so we could handle that while his power scares our enemies away. As for Konoha, they had a ninja capable of beating Gaara before he could even use the power of the one tail. The only possible solution to our problems would be to apologize and give them all the aid they need before they sick him on us."

"Speaking of 'him' do we know who it was?"

"Reports say it was a ninja matching the description of one Naruto Uzumaki. He was a participant in the exams and has quite the mission record for one so young. Of all his C ranks he was the determining factor in their success and it seems his first one was no different, in fact it was actually revealed to be an A rank. This kid is pretty impressive."

"Sure, but how do we keep him off of us. We can't afford to lose more ninja for any reason. If he attacks we might not be here much longer."

"Silence." All heads looked to the new speaker who stood in the doorway. Gaara stared all of them down and spoke. "Naruto Uzumaki. He... changed me... I no longer mean any harm to anyone deemed my ally. I feel like this monster inside me is just a burden now. I do not wish to be like I was. I will take the Kage hat like you have said and I will negotiate peace with the Leaf myself. Once peace is official you all may decide whether or not I stay in power."

Well that was an interesting thought but not one of those present wanted to test how true the first part of his statement was. For now that would do. Gaara had hoped they would listen. He had a plan in place to help both the Leaf and Sand, and it involved Naruto especially. His fellow Jinchuuriki was also his best friend whether he knew it or not.

Back in Konoha

Naruto lay on his bed clutching his new chunin vest to his shirtless body and thinking about what would happen tomorrow. The council had agreed with Hiruzen and Jiraiya had refused the position leaving Tsunade to accept and become the new Hokage. Plus with Orochimaru dead the Leaf didn't have to worry about him, leaving the more pressing matters of diplomacy to be dealt with. Naruto would not be there for the coronation, however, as he had a mission the following day with his team. They would be traveling to some small village to capture a group of theives.

Naruto thought back to last night as the rookie twelve all sat around at their favorite meeting place listening to Naruto talk aboht his new promotion. Apparently Shikamaru had also been promoted to the next rank and the other members of the group were happy for the two of them.

Well all but Sasuke that is. The usually moody teen was actually even more gloomy than usual. He had been like that a lot recently. Ever since the second phase of the exams come to think of it. He was even more distatched than usual and was never seen outside of his compound aside from missions and training. Now he even started having little moments where he'd space out and hold his shoulder like there was something there. He never talked anymore and it bothered everyone.

Suddenly a loud banging came from Naruto's door and he moved to open it. He walked to the door and turned the knob before he pulled it in to see a very urgent look on the face of one Shikamaru Nara.

""What's up Shika? Is there something wrong?" Naruto asked before Shikamaru grabbed him by the shoulder and spoke quickly. "Yes! Something is very wrong. Sasuke just left the village. We found Sakura knocked out near the gate and when she woke up she told us. Naruto he's trying to take over Orochimaru's old village. I'm going to get the others meet us at the east gate. "

Naruto couldn't even process all of that information before he was sprinting down the street pulling his vest on over his bare chest. He hadn't had time to grab his shirt or jacket but he would not need them anyways. He sprinted through the gate without stopping and made his way to Sasuke following the trail of destruction he left behind. He caught sight of a large log barreling towards him and jumped away to avoid it.

Sasuke was standing in front of him in no time.half his body covered in black markings and slowly turning grey all over. In less than a minute his whole body was grey and a large hand like appendage had sprouted off his back. Naruto could feel the killing intent coming from the boy in front of him and it almost made him nervous.

Sasuke's fist shot for Naruto's head and nearly made contact before Naruto caught his arm and tried to push him back. It made Sasuke stumble back but he smiled as he did so. "Seems you think you're stronger than me. I can't wait to prove you wrong." He said as he charged at the blonde again. The duo exchanged blows for what felt like an hour before Sasuke took a familiar stance.

"Chidori!" He yelled as he dashed forward. Naruto noticed this and gave his own shout of,"Rasengan," as he too ran forward. The two clashed in the middle and the chidori arm ripped into Naruto's vest and hit his chest as his rasengan slammed into Sasuke's. The two collapsed in a heap on the ground before they both tried to stand again.

Movement could be heard nearby which meant the other teams were nearby. Sasuke tried to run but Naruto jumped at him again. Bleeding from his wounds he tackled Sasuke to the ground. He tried his best to keep him down before help came, but he couldn't.

He had no choice but to head butt Sasuke in the hopes of knocking him out. The first hit broke his nose. The second was the one that put him under and Naruto soon also passed out. Before he faded he could hear his allies approaching and he knew he would be safe. He closed his eyes and welcomed the rest. He was tired and it was time to sleep.

"Hey there they are!" Someone yelled.

"Quick someone head back and tell them to get a medical team on standby." called another faceless shout.

"I'm on it!" Answered a third.

"Hurry they're losing blood!" The second called.

"Sasuke-kun..." Came a worried cry.

"Naruto-kun..." Came a quiet murmur.

Today was not a peaceful day. It was only twelve and they had already been scouring the woods looking for their friends for nearly an hour. When they found them they were both bloody and beaten unconscious.

Hopefully they'd be okay. All they had was hope. Hope that Sasuke would stay in Konoha this time. Hope that Naruto would survive his wounds. Hope that this was all a terrible nightmare that they could wake up from soon. Hope that it was over.

A/N: And over it was. Sorry if this seems rushed but I stitched together the exams, invasion, and the rescue in order to establish my next piece. I'm not great with fights but this chapter had a couple and I don't think they were too bad. Orochimaru is gone for now and both sannin are home. I really hate that snake freak and didn't want to use him as an enemy for the story, but he's impossibly hard to kill. He will be back eventually. Don't get mad at me please but next chapter might include some uhh... heavier stuff? I don't know how to say it but it isn't that bad at all. Just more serious. Leave a review if you have anything to say and enjoy your day.