Chapter 11

The growth

"Teachers may teach us the skills. Friends may keep us in shape. Enemies may test us. But time and experience are the true measure of fighters level."- Nekokage Kuromaru

Ten days past since the encounter with Sasuke in one of Orochimaru's hideouts. When Tsunade heard the mission report, she could tell that Sakura and Naruto were feeling down. And she understood it well. After all, they have found their old teammate after so many years, and now they lost him again. What pained them most was him siding with Orochimaru. Could he not understand that the former Leaf ninja was just using him? Or did Orochimaru manage to poison his mind that much? Either way, the mission was a failure. She would expect them to be blue. But she was wrong, big time. They were even more determined. They were going to get stronger in order to bring him back. Tsunade was glad to see that. And a bit confused when Sakura punched Naruto in the head when they were leaving.

Naruto was making his way to his favorite spot. The one where he prepared for his fight against Neji during the Chunin Exams. He wondered if that spot was still vacant. He wouldn't be surprised if someone had actually found it during his absence. Surely many genin or academy students wondered the forest in their free time. Someone was bound to find it. Weren't they?

His train of thoughts seized when he sensed something being very wrong. He simply raised his right arm and… something hit it. Naruto had no need to tell what hit his fist.

"Hi, Kiba." He said with in a bored manner. He looked down to face the Inuzuka clan member, who was holding his face in pain, as another figure, the hooded one, approached. Naruto looked up to find Shino approaching along with a very tall and slim person following him. The said person had black hair long enough to reach the base of the neck, though his head was shaved on the left side, exposing the seal-like tattoos on his face. "Ganju?" the blond asked.

"Hey, Naruto. Whazzup, man?" the tall man greeted him, fixing his white coat.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking. And you." Naruto asked.

"I'm working for the Special Project Bureau. And boy it's just what I like. I get to do research every day. Too bad I don't get any people to experiment on. Lady Hokage just won't let Ibiki give me those whose lives are already damned."

Naruto sweat dropped at the guys complain. He was still a mad scientist. He wanted to ask something else, when he felt the need to sidestep. As he did, a familiar shade of purple flew pass him and hit the ground, hard. "You never change, do you, Anko?"

"Nope. She'll always stay a number one hyperactive kunoichi." Ganju commented, earning himself a slap to the back of the head.

"Honestly, you're all grown up, Anko, and yet you tackle Naruto here like you used to back in your child days." Shino commented.

In response, the Mitarashi woman jumped onto the blond, hugging him tightly. "Oh, I just can't help it. Naru just makes me wanna pet him and all."

"Naruto?" a new voice got everyone's attention. When they turned around, they found a teen with spiky brown hair and a long, blue scarf staring at Naruto. The blond recognized the young man immediately.

"Konohamaru." He smiled, giving the young Sarutobi a high five. "Look at you. You're no longer a squirt I remember stalking through the streets."

"You bet I've grown. I am the best Leaf ninja there is." the teen smiled.

"And yet you're the only one not to be promoted chunin yet." Ganju commented, making Konohamaru glare at him.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" Konohamaru shouted in fury, making a ram seal and quickly building up chakra. Then there was a small explosion of white smoke, from with a beautiful, naked woman came out, blinking at the tall man. "Take that. Sexy Jutsu!" 'she' said with a sweet voice. The tall man bended backwards, until his head hit the ground, turning his nose into a geyser. Then Konohamaru broke the jutsu. "Did you see that, Boss. I've mastered your creation."

Naruto said looked bored. And turned around, making his way. "Seen it. Done that." The young Sarutobi fell to the ground in disbelief. This sure was the running gag of theirs. As the teen was to comment on it, Naruto turned to face him with his eyes blazing. "Besides, THIS JUTSU IS A MERE CHILDPLAY! SO WHAT IF YOU MASTERED IT, IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED TO IMPROVE IT?!" he yelled with determination.

And before he noticed, he, Konohamaru and Ganju got beaten up by passing Sakura. "We're sorry." They all said.

"You perverts. All of you should be ashamed." Sakura commented, As Tsunade joined the group.

Then Anko looked at the pink haired kunoichi with a disbelieving look. "That's a weird thing to say. You did seem more then pleased to see the male version the pipsqueak pulled last month." She commented, revering back to the incident by the hot spring. Konohamaru was about to get beaten due to some misunderstanding, when he transformed into a nude Sasuke. Sure enough, Sakura fainted with a face as red as a tomato and smiling like mad.

She blushed and tried to look professional now. "W-what are you talking about? I would never fall for such a childish trick."

"Oh, really?" Konohamaru asked, daring her. "Then you won't let me use the improved version of that jutsu?" he asked, perking Sakura's interest.

"MACHO VERSION?" She asked, clearly wanting to see it. Tsunade just face palmed.

"Sexy Jutsu: Macho Version!" Konohamaru shouted, transforming into… Gai with Jiraiya and Orochimaru's features, wearing nothing but a towel. No need to tell how everyone reacted to the sight. Although, Sakura clearly suffered an absolute mental destruction. After Konohamaru dispelled the jutsu, the village leader made her presence known.

"Sorry to interrupt this… whatever you're doing, but I have a message for Naruto." Tsunade said, eyeing the blond. "I'd like you at the training ground 7 tomorrow at 900 hours. Clear?"

"Um… crystal." Naruto answered, confused. But as he expected Tsunade to either hit him or tell him what was this about, she simply vanished. And he just stood there, wondering if he perhaps just did something to get on Tsunade's bad side.

"Interesting. Perhaps I'll get some samples while she's tearing you apart, Naruto." Ganju wondered, making everyone sweat drop.

The next day

The field was just as he remembered. Even the three posts in the middle seemed unfazed by time. Naruto felt nostalgic. To think it has been nearly seven years since he graduated from the ninja academy. He returned to reality when he saw Kakashi appear along with Lee, Neji and Kiba.

"Yo!" the silver haired jonin saluted.

"For once you're on time, Kakashi." Naruto commented. The fact he did not address him 'sensei' didn't escape Kakashi's notice. Apparently, Naruto still wasn't over what happened after Sasuke's defection 'til their fight a year after. Kakashi was upset about it, but understood it. After all, who wouldn't lose their trust in their sensei after that? So here was his chance to fix it.

"Well, I was on my way here, but there was little old lady who needed help carrying the groceries. So asked Sakura to do it for me." He excused himself.

"LIAR!" Naruto shouted with a smile, glad that the man at least was on time. "Seriously though, what's this about? Why'd you call me?"

"Well, I heard from Lady Tsunade and Sakura about your mission." Kakashi started, scratching his cheek. "So I thought I'll help you train."

At that, the blond looked at the jonin skeptically. "Why?" he growled. "You weren't there when I really needed you. If were to actually train the team properly, instead of focusing just on Sasuke, perhaps I would've been able to at least slow him down enough for you to stop him. Instead, you left me and Sakura in favor for Sasuke. Then, at the Spine of the Ancient, you looked down at me, as if the pain of losing my sister was just. The only reason I was even able to beat you then was because Pervy-sage taught me and you underestimated me. Why should I trust you after all that, Copy-ninja?!" he nearly shouted out the last sentence. Kakashi looked down in shame. He knew that Naruto pointed out the truth. His failures.

"Naruto, your anger towards me is more than just. And no matter what I say is likely nothing convincing enough for you. So I'm not going to say anything about the council pushing me to train Sasuke, or how upset I was for losing him. I admit I failed as your sensei. But I failed as my sensei's student the most." Hearing Kakashi say that perked Naruto's curiosity. He turned to face the jonin. "Sensei taught me how important comrades are. Though it was my teammate, from whom I got the sharingan, who made me understand what it really means to be comrades. And your father taught me how trust can be easily shattered after the death of my other teammate. I failed you, your father and my sensei when I said I'll go with the council's wishes, just to get them off my back. I failed, because I ended up going with their wishes. I cannot say you should trust me. Nor do I expect you will take this training as a way to trust me. But I ask you, Naruto… Will you give me a chance to undo my mistake? Will you let me train you and, hopefully, make up what I can for these six years lost?"

Naruto stared at the jonin. He stared at him for a good long while. What Kakashi said to him seemed shocking. The only reaction the jonin got from the blond afterwards was a growl. An angry growl, clearly letting him know that Naruto found his words insulting. As he thought about it, he was right. Now that Naruto travelled the world and learned many things, which made him a stronger ninja, how dared he come with this? Actually, how dare he come with this when he just wants to get on Naruto's good side? The jonin's head dropped in shame.

Then he felt something hit his head. As took a look, it was a pebble. He looked at Naruto, who was smiling at him.

"If you want my forgiveness, you'll have to beat me." He said taking his stance. Kakashi just eye-smiled.

"Well… I did had a spar in mind for starters. Though, these guys pressed me to have a rematch with you." He said, pointing at the three. Naruto eyed them all.

"Bring it." He challenged them.

As he said that, Kiba dashed forward, while Akamaru transformed into him. The duo decided to go first. "I've been waiting for this a long time, Naruto. This time, I'm taking you down."

He tried to punch the blond, who simply sidestepped. Then Akamaru tried to kick him in the gut. But Naruto jumped away from them, swirling in the air. From what Kakashi could tell, this wasn't any taijutsu stance taught in the academy. But he recognized the way Naruto moved. His sister taught it to him. And it belonged to… him. The Inuzuka and his partner performed the Piercing Fang, hoping to get him with speed. And they were really close. Naruto had to perform substitution every single time to avoid them. By the time they 're preparing for another try, Neji took his chance and attacked the blond. Naruto really had it though with him. The Hyuga prodigy was accurate with every blow. Uzumaki parried or blocked every incoming hit, but couldn't counter. And he could tell that Neji was trying to make him dodge to force an opening. Finally, Neji stepped back, as Lee jumped in, delivering a strong flying kick. Despite being able to block it, Naruto still was send flying. As he struggled to stop and find his footing, Kiba and Akamaru hit him. Naruto hit the tree 50 feet away with a thud. He was on his knees for a short while, aching, before he collected himself and rose back on his feet, only to parry another relentless assault from Neji and Lee. Lee was stronger and faster, while the Hyuga was accurate. Then there were Kiba and Akamaru, who were ruthless. Naruto was completely on the defense. And just when he saw an opening, he got hit. The blond just didn't seem to keep up. Well, that was the point. Within the Leaf 13, Kiba, Neji and Lee were the most destructive trio. There was not a single ninja who could match these three. Even Kakashi had to admit he would've been in a rough situation if he was to fight them. And now, Naruto was being destroyed before his very eye. After another blow to the face from Gai's double, Naruto hit the ground, completely bruised and breathing heavily. It would appear he reached his limit.

"I have to admit, Naruto, fighting you is something I was looking forward to." Lee commented.

"Although it appears that we were training harder than you, deadlast. I finally got to beat you." Kiba said with pride. However Neji seemed annoyed.

"Why are you holding back?" He said, surprising the other two. "You barely even tried to do anything. You did not you any jutsu aside substitution. What was the point of this?"

Hearing this made Naruto smile. So Neji saw through him. He jumped back up on his feet and stretched himself. The sound of cracking bones echoed through the air. "I needed some warm up." He said. "But, hey, you guys really did grow strong. I actually felt those punches and kicks. I'll need to go to the hot springs after this one to relax." he blinked. Then his expression darkened as he took his stance. But now, I'll show you that I have also grown. And considering that I was actually fighting for survival every day, rather than taking missions once in a while, you guys might find my growth extreme."

As Lee and Kiba took their stances, Neji reactivated his byakugan. But as soon as he did that, he was shocked. "GUYS! TAKE YOUR DISTANCE!" he called to them.

But it was too late.

Naruto dashed forward so fast, Neji barely even noticed when he moved. But he was not the target. No. Lee got punched right in the nose and send flying. Then the blond kicked Akamaru while elbowing Kiba. Afterwards, he dashed at Neji, delivering powerful blows. Neji was able to parry and block them, delivering his own. But this time, Naruto was able to counter and strike back. The Hyuga prodigy was right- Naruto was barely even trying at the start. Neji had to admit it. Fighting Naruto now was more difficult than years back. Naruto made some distance between them, reaching for his pouch, when Kiba charged in. He was going to knock him out from behind. He could've succeeded, but Naruto farted in his face, causing the Inuzuka to suffer the unbearable of smelling the toxic cloud that was now in the air.

As Kiba was struggling for the life-giving air, the greatest gift of the gods, Naruto jumped at Neji. As the two were about to make contact, Naruto pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it into the ground, engulfing the two in the black smoke. Neji was able to see his opponent, of course. This smoke wouldn't blind the Hyuga. However, that wasn't what Naruto was counting for. With this smoke, Neji had to focus on the surrounding more, which made his attacks less accurate. The two engaged in another exchange of blows. Naruto tried to kick him, but Neji dodged, trying to hit Naruto's legs, only for the blond to jump up. While the Hyuga thought he caught him where he wanted him, Naruto caught his arms and head butted him. Then the blond tried to elbow him in the face. Neji decided to go with his defense. He performed rotation. And repelled his opponent, who proved to be a shadow clone. Neji was dumb struck. If this was the clone, where was the original? He performed rotation again, when he caught sight of the incoming kunai from the trees. As he was deflecting them, he was hit from above, the only side which worked to his disadvantage. Naruto was standing victorious over him. He wanted to move on, when both Lee and Akamaru charged at him. Naruto disappeared before them and appeared behind Lee, performing.

"Leaf's Ultimate Taijutsu: Secret Technique: 1000 Years of Pain!" he stuck his fingers in Lee's… Okay, we know what that jutsu does. As Lee disappeared, Naruto was sucker punched by Kiba, who was finally able to breathe. Then Akamaru punched him. And then both Kibas kicked him in the gut. Naruto hit the tree hard. He took a few deep breaths and looked at Kakashi, who pulled out a purple book title 'Icha Icha Warfare", saying:

"They've been bugging me for a chance to fight you again. So I said it might be good." Naruto glared at him for a moment, before dashing at Inuzuka and his transformed dog. The three were now trading blows again. Then the blond got punched in the face by Kiba. Naruto used that to rotate his body and hit him with the back of his fist. As he send Kiba to the ground, he kicked Akamaru in the gut. Then kneed hit in the face. Afterwards, he caught him by the face and hit him to the ground, hard. As Kiba saw this, he was furious. He charge at Naruto, ready to deliver a strong punch. But Naruto caught his fist without even looking at him. Then he turned to face him and kicked hit three times in the stomach. He finished his attack kicking him in the him. Kiba fell to the ground. Naruto was now panting. And there was still Rock Lee to deal with. And speaking of the devil, the taijutsu expert was about to kick him.

"Leaf Whirlwind!" he called, delivering a kick, that got barely blocked. As Naruto made his distance, Lee looked at his friends, who were out cold. Lee was shocked at first, but then he glared at the blond. "You are really strong, Naruto. Only the Enforcers, Lord Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade, Gai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei were able to advance this far. But, I am glad to be the last one standing. This gives me a chance to fight you one-on-one."

"The order to take you guys out was rather good." Naruto commented, as he started to explain. "First off had to be Neji, who was not only the strongest of you three, but was also the most observant. Taking him out not only ensured you lost your strategist, but also the most dangerous member. Then it was you or Kiba and Akamaru. You are stronger when it comes to taijutsu, Lee, but Kiba has his partner. So he could take advantage of numbers. Not to mention he can perform ninjutsu. Now it's just you and me now."

Lee was a bit surprised hearing that. Naruto was able to state their position in power so fast and update what he knew about their skills. Then he went for them, starting from the greatest threat. Even Kakashi was amazed. This was quite a risky tactic, as now the blond was worn out. But the jonin had confidence in him. He was certain the jinchuriki wouldn't go for it unless he could take down Lee in the end. The taijutsu expert wasn't going to go down that easily however. He shouldn't be doing this, but he felt he had little to no choice. He opened four gates. And turned completely red. Naruto was taken back. He forgot Lee could do this, truth be told. Lee saw the surprise on the blonde's face and took it as a chance to strike. He was about to hit, when he disappeared. As Naruto tried to process what happened, he got kicked in the left side and send flying into the river. Lee got the advantage. He charged towards the river, while Naruto was getting out and delivered a strong uppercut to his jaw. This time, however, Naruto landed on the water surface. Lee decided to finish this. He charged again. And was about to hit. Naruto decided not to fool around as well.

"Raiju Keitai…" he whispered. And his body electrocuted, turning his arms more muscular. As Lee was about to hit, his punch got caught. Naruto surprised him with the sudden increase in speed and strength. Naruto raised his head. And as Lee looked him in the eyes, he felt a strange sensation. It wasn't fear, but it felt just as overwhelming. Naruto kicked him in the gut, sending him some distance away and ran through a sequence of hand seals. "Storm Style: Eight Point Circuit!" as he called, eight small orbs shot forward. Lee managed to dodge those most of them, as some didn't even reach him.

"You missed, Naruto." Lee said, not noticing the blonde's smirk.

"Didn't had to hit you directly." He said. "You're within the field." Rock Lee wondered what he meant by that, when he noticed he was surrounded by senbon-like poles. Then he got electrocuted. In the end, he was knocked out by a powerful blow, that send him flying by Kakashi. The jonin was so taken by the sight his book fell to the ground. But he quickly regained his composure and walked over to Naruto.

"I say this is over." Kakashi said. At that moment, Naruto reverted back to his original appearance. "Gotta say, Naruto, this is surprising you didn't go with this at the very start."

"I'd rather not to rely on it. Better to save things like that for when you're in a tight situation." Naruto replied.

Kakashi smiled warmly. 'He grew not only in body and skill. But also in wisdom.' He thought to himself. "Alright then, tell me how you feel you'd do against me this time?"

Naruto rose a brow. He didn't expect this kind of question. "To be honest… hard to say. I know I'd last longer than back then. But now…"

"It's fine. I won't do any test now. You're worn out. Try to rest." Kakashi said.

"What have you planned, Kakashi." Naruto asked.

"I thought of a special training for you." He said. He could see Naruto had stars in his eyes. "We'll start tomorrow at the same place and hour." He said, disappearing. And Naruto collapsed.

"That guy just keeps annoying me." He murmured to himself.

Elsewhere

Nine figures were standing in the cave on the fingers of a humanoid statue. Most of them were just projections, while at least four of them were actually there. One thing for certain, they were wearing black robes with red clouds. Yes, the Akatsuki have gathered. They were gathering quite often lately. A necessity as they started their plan.

"Things are finally in motion." The shade with ripple eyes said. "The One-tail has been caught. And the Nine-tails is out of hiding. Now we can go with everything without delay. Deidara will be back into action within a few days."

"Well, I gotta HAND it to you. He is quite a HANDY man to be with." Tobi spoke. "But then again, he did need a helpful HAND. Get it?"

"Tobi. Quit joking." Leader said. "Deidara is of much more use then the likes of you. And since he's your superior, show some respect."

"Yes sir, sir! After all, Tobi is a good boy." the masked man saluted.

"Now, let us continue the operation. Kakuzu, Hidan. Your target is the Two-tails. It's jinchuriki is a Cloud ninja by the name Nii Yugito. Find her and bring her in."

Two shades bowed. "It shall be done, Leader." One of them spoke. Then all the shades disappeared.

The man with ripple eyes turned around, making his way somewhere, when he sensed something- or someone. "How long have you been here?" he asked.

"Long enough to hear you sending those two after Two tails. I thought you'd save them for Seven and Eight-tails." The newcomer said from the shadows. The Akatsuki leader just faced him.

"They will get the job done faster."

"I have no doubts about it. Still, do not just send them randomly. We should not waste them so carelessly."

"Tell me, why are you here after so many years? Where were you hiding? Are you even here, or are you just Zetsu transformed?"

The man just chuckle. "My dear boy, don't you know by now? I exist in places you cannot find. That is how I am able to contact you and only you, without others knowing of my existence."

"Yes, indeed."

"But never mind that for now. Kakuzu and Hidan are the most ruthless members… And unstoppable. You may have been right to send them after Two-tails. She is quite a… naughty kitty. I must make my leave. Inform me should anything happen." He said, vanishing like dust in the shadows.

Hidden Leaf Village, training ground

Naruto did some stretching while waiting for Kakashi. He was waiting for him for two straight hours. And was losing his nerve. How could it be that someone who wanted a second chance didn't seem to be serious about it. He was sitting on the pole and waiting, growing inpatient. Then finally the jonin appeared before him, surprisingly panting.

"You're late!" Naruto accused him comically.

"Sorry I'm late. Needed to drop my pants at the dry cleaner's." he answered.

"Liar!" The blond shouted. But then he chuckled. "You just never change. So what's this training all about?"

"Well, the training involves this." Kakashi said pulling out a small piece of paper. Naruto's eye twitched at the sight. This must've been a…

"ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME OR SOMETHING?!" he shouted, shaking the jonin like a mad man.

"Calm down, calm down. Let me explain." The Copy Ninja managed to say, convincing the blond to seize. "This is not a simple piece of paper. It's made of special wood that reacts to chakra." He explained.

"Reacts to… chakra?" Naruto was dumbfounded. Seeing his confusion, Kakashi started to explain.

"Every ninja has a specific elemental affinity in their chakra. I, for example, have lightning affinity. And most, if not all, Uchiha have fire."

"So, in other words, every ninja can perform elemental ninjutsu. But their chakra can allow them to perform some better than other." Naruto deducted.

"Correct. Now this paper will allow us to determine which element is your affinity. The mechanism is rather simple. If it burns, it's fire. If it splits- wind. Wrinkle- lightening. Dust- earth. Soak- water." He gave the paper to Naruto. "All you have to do is focus some chakra into it."

"But… isn't my affinity obvious by now. I mean… Storm Style."

"This is an advanced elemental transformation. Meaning the ability to fuse your elemental affinity chakra with other element. There are rarely ever any people with dual affinity."

Naruto nodded. He decided to skip the rest and just focus on what he had. As he channeled his chakra into the paper, it split in two.

"So… it is wind. It's rare, but expected." Kakashi commented. No take this." He pulled out an orb. "It'll let us see if you have a secondary affinity. Depending on what we'll see in it, we'll get to see the other element."

"How will that tell us?"

"Simple. This orb is made of special glass, that blocks the elemental energy. To put it in more details: Chakra is a mixture of physical spiritual energy, as you already know. However, this is NOT a pure mixture. There is up 40% of that mixture that becomes responsible for the elemental affinity. Don't ask how that works. However, for those with dual elemental affinity, that balance is different, as 30% of it is one element, and 20% the other."

"And the rest is pure chakra." Naruto finished. "So this orb will block that 30 %, yes?" As he saw the jonin nod, Naruto focused on the orb. After a minute or so, something started happening. The orb was filled with electricity, which soon engulfed the outside of it.

"Lightening." Kakashi whispered. "You are really an all offense type, Naruto."

"I still fail to see how're we going to train."

"This is where your greatest jutsu comes in." Naruto was confused. Kakashi sighed before answering. "The shadow clone jutsu. That's the key to your training."

"Excuse me?"

"You mean you never noticed?" Kakashi asked in disbelieve. " The shadow clone jutsu was designed to gather information. It's main feature is the ability to transfer all the experience and memory gathered back to the original upon dispelling. Don't tell me you did not notice."

Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Well… I think I was more focused on the fights and didn't really notice it." He answered, making Kakashi fall.

'Figures. He's still dense and a dimwit.' The jonin thought. This was going to be a long training session.

A.N.: Hope you're enjoying so far. 'Til next update.

My cast:

Uchiha Sasuke- Neil Kaplan

Sarutobi Konohamaru- J.B. Blanc