Go Go Naruto: Destiny

OV: Parallel to Sasuke's thoughts, but in Naruto's actions.

AN: A bit more in depth on Naruto and how things have traversed for him since he reached his dream…only to find that it had changed over time.

:FLASHBACK:

Naruto sat behind the desk in his new office. He was Hokage today. This was his first official day as Hokage. He should be excited and overjoyed. He really was quite excited that this thing he had dreamed of for so long had finally come to pass, but his joy was short lived.

This just didn't feel quite like he thought it should. All his life he'd only dreamed of being Hokage; of being acknowledged. Today the majority of the Village Hidden in the Leaves had finally acknowledged him as a superior and excellent Ninja. He was the elite Ninja, the Hokage. So why didn't that fill him to overflowing with assurance and happiness???

He didn't think it had much to do with the detractors. There would always be dissention; it is impossible to make everyone happy, after all. But there was something deeper; something he just couldn't put his finger on. There was still this huge gaping piece in his soul that wasn't satisfied. It was like going to the store to find you'd forgotten your list and when you got home to check realized you'd neglected to buy the most important thing on it.

He pondered this feeling for a while, until someone knocked on his door. He sighed and called for whomever it was to enter, figuring it was probably just Shikamaru with more paperwork that just couldn't wait. For someone who was always such a lazy 'don't do anything I don't have to', Shika could be a slave driver to Naruto. He obviously took his position as Undersecretary very seriously.

Naruto glanced at the kneeling figure before him and was surprised to see an elite Jounin there. "I have a report, Hokage-Sama," the Jounin stated. A simple sentence which would start a chain of events that would change Naruto's life forever.

It was after the Jounin had made his report and left Naruto to his thoughts, and after the expected visit from Shika, that things had been put into motion. The grave in the Uchiha district and prisoners in the high security underground cells had set his mind alight with possibility. He had in an unHokagelike fashion jumped to a conclusion without checking facts.

When he had heard the Uchiha name he had assumed Sasuke would be somehow connected. He had a bond with the Cimmerian man like no other. Not even Orochimaru, if he had succeeded in taking the youngest Uchiha's body, would have been as connected to him.

Naruto had known Sasuke was near.

It was as simple as that. This feeling he had caused his irrational chain of thought which had led to him disregarding normal protocol and rushing off to see for himself just who was buried in the grave he had fought so hard to protect.

The council had approached Tsunade about demolishing the Uchiha district. They called it an eyesore and a danger. They feared the abandoned buildings would collapse and injure children or vagrants who might choose to be inside them. Tsunade had deferred the decision to the next Hokage, knowing her time was quickly approaching its end. The council had reluctantly concurred, and had refrained from taking any action.

When Naruto had been chosen the council had plagued him with orders to tear down the district, beginning with the home of Fugaku where the traitors Itachi and Sasuke had been born. If nothing else in their argument had made any effect on Naruto this order alone would have incited him to rebellion. Naruto was, however, completely against the idea. He stopped their protests and orders with three little words. 'Konoha is growing.'

The elders had been forced to pause and consider his implications. He had elaborated that the district was old and valuable to the city. They should revamp it and allow a new generation to take up residence there. Homes were at a premium, and the abandoned buildings, shops, and buildings would be of great use to alleviate the shortage without having to resort to entirely new construction.

They had agreed, and Naruto had set a task group to hire contractors to rebuild everything, and keep intact the Uchiha symbol proudly emblazoned everywhere within the gated compound. He had also made special provision to have the Fugaku house not exactly completely restored, but renovated. Naruto knew Sasuke would come back someday. Konohagakure was his home, and he would return.

Naruto wanted him to have somewhere to return to. He planned it so that the families who moved into the surrounding homes were elite Ninja, and would be able to allay any misgivings and fears the council might have when Sasuke did return. They could 'guard' Sasuke from the comfort of their own homes. It was the greatest struggle to keep Sasuke's home unoccupied. When people saw the finished product they were envious and wanted the grandeur for themselves. Naruto finally 'admitted' he had fixed the place up as a second home, and this stopped anyone else from inquiring over it.

Naruto didn't mind that once in a while he would have to spend time there; he knew he would feel close to Sasuke when he slept in what he knew had been Sasuke's room once. He wondered if Sasuke would sense someone in his home, and hoped he wouldn't mind that Naruto was there.

Everything had changed when Naruto had stood in the compound and looked at the grave. Construction had been newly started then, and he had been surprised to find no workers around. One look at the headstone and the name carved there and all thought had been wiped from his mind.

He had resorted to instinct and action, two things that had always served him well in his life. He had sped to the underground prison, not entirely sure what he would say or do once he stood in front of his most important person.

:End Flashback:

Amazing how life had changed for the blonde Hokage. Cobalt eyes surveyed the Village from atop the Hokage building. He looked toward the copse of trees surrounding his home. A broad grin lit his features as his heart swelled with love for the occupants residing there even now. Sasuke and he had been forced to hire a Nanny, as Sasuke still had missions to complete, and Naruto had duties as Hokage which kept him away from home for long hours, and sometimes days at a time.

A flash of gold racing through the trees caught his attention. He scanned and soon found the two dashes of black following it closely. He grinned and receded from his observation perch back into his office to await his energetic visitors.

He had no sooner sat in his chair then his door burst open and three lively bodies came hurtling through. "Otousan!! Otousan!! Look!!" Squealed the blonde, pointing to her forehead.

She quickly regained her composure and fell into position beside her brothers who had stood stoically at attention as befitting newly minted Genin. Their immense excitement could be read in their flashing blue eyes, while she still practically hummed with it.

Nari had obviously forgotten in her great excitement that Naruto had presided over the event that day. Naruto stood and addressed the newest Genin to have graduated from the Academy. "Uchiha Nariyaku, Uchiha Shunsuke, Uchiha Ryuukin," he began, looking at each child as he said their name. "I am very proud of you. I am, thrilled and surprised they chose to separate you. I know you will each work hard to be a good team member, but never forget that you are a part of a team. I have always tried to teach you that lesson. You are always a part of something bigger than yourself. While I wouldn't ever want you to recklessly place yourself in danger, I do want you to always do whatever you can to protect your teammates. Because…"

"Completing a mission is important, but unnecessarily abandoning a teammate is worse than failure. Those who fail to complete their mission are considered trash, but those who allow a teammate to be harmed are worse than trash," They all finished together.

Naruto smiled at his progeny. Outside his window a silver haired man also grinned with contentment. Well his one visible eye crinkled up in a smile anyhow.

Naruto presented each child with a small parcel, and an invitation. Nari's package was silver and the wrapping had little fans all over it. Her invitation card had a little frog in the corner. Suke's wrapping was blue and had storm clouds and lightning bolts decorating it. His invitation had a snake in the corner. Ryuu's wrapping was orange and gold and had flames covering it. His box was larger than his siblings, but still flat and thin. His card had a little dog on it.

Each child looked at Naruto before tearing into the presents one at a time. Naruto watched with a mixture of happiness at the occasion and sadness that Sasuke was not here to witness it.

Nari took two curved blades out of her box. Tucked below them was a certificate to redeem from a shop in Sunagakure. It didn't say what the certificate was for; just that she had been presented with the item of her choice. She squealed when she read who her invitation was from. "Aunt Temari!!! I get to train with Aunt Temari!!" Naruto knew each child's Chakra Nature type. He'd gotten some of the Chakra paper from Kakashi and had tested them at a young age.

Nariyaku was a wind nature Manipulator, like he was. He and Temari would take turns helping her learn how to use her Nature Manipulation. The blades he had given her were a special gift; they were copies of Asuma's Chakra Blades that Naruto himself had used. Temari had planned to take Nari to Suna for training; she would be able to redeem her certificate there. Naruto also planned to teach her frog summoning, and have her name added to the scroll.

Suke was next. He carefully opened his present, ever cautious not to tear it, just like his Otousama. This drove Naruto crazy! Finally he pulled the top off the box to reveal a leather glove. He was left handed, and it was a left handed glove. He looked at Naruto with a look of 'What the Hell?' in his eyes. Naruto admonished him to look beneath the paper as there was something else in the box, and to open his invitation. Suke pulled the paper back cautiously. Inside he found a type of dagger that had a peculiarly shaped handle.

Naruto smiled at Suke's look of understanding. "I get this!?!" he whispered in awe. An heirloom also, one of Konoha's own Yellow Flashes' special kunai. Suke showed the greatest potential for Shunshin no Jutsu. He opened his invitation slowly, "I'm not sure I want to know who will be training me," he mumbled.

Kakashi took that moment to pop into the open window. "Hi!" he said cheerfully grinning at Suke.

Suke looked at his card and smiled weakly, "Well, it could be worse."

"I'm actually only standing in until your Otousama returns. He and I will be training you to use chidori. That's what the glove is for."

Suke turned the glove over in his hand; it was very thin and light. He slipped it on and it was like he was wearing nothing at all. "Okay, but you better be on time tomorrow!!"

Naruto interjected, "If he's not I will be. I'll be training you to use Shunshin no Jutsu."

Ryuu stepped forward, "Me next!" he cried. He pulled the wrapping off his box and ripped through the paper. The packaging fell to the floor and he held two objects, one in each hand. One was a dog collar; the other was a Demon Wind Shuriken. He looked at Naruto for explanation.

Kakashi stepped forward and presented Ryuu with a small dog. "I can summon my Nin dogs; they are all the dogs I have ever had through my life. They are excellent trackers, and great aides. This one is yours now, and will give you his loyalty. Train him well, but most of all be his friend."

Ryuu looked at the dog. He was a little older than a puppy, but he looked strong and smart. "I'll call you Yuudai, because I know you will be a great hero."

Yuudai licked Ryuu's nose, at which everyone laughed. Naruto was a little sad for a moment when Ryuu looked up and grinned, "Oh yeah, my invitation! Who do I get to train with?"

Naruto forced a smile onto his face. You should be training with the old Ero Sennin, but that's not possible. It was hard to find another fire user; don't get on this Jounin's bad side!

Ryuu read the name with disbelief. "I'm training with Anko!?" He looked at his father to make sure he had read it correctly. Naruto nodded.

"You'll also be training with your Otousama. You are an Uchiha after all. I expect most of you will be able to teach each other a lot of your Jutsu's and create new ones. Suke, you will get to see some new concepts with Chidori I don't think even Kakashi could have imagined!"

Kakashi's eye crinkled into that bow again, and everyone laughed. "It's true, you are a real Sharingan bloodline; the abilities you can possess are great. I only realized that after Sasuke and Itachi. Itachi used his for terrible things; Sasuke may not have intended his to be used for good either at first. Now, however, he surpasses me."

The general atmosphere in the room was happiness and anxiety. Naruto smiled and said the words his children were all waiting to hear, "Well, go try out those new weapons!"

The words were barely out of his mouth when three bodies rushed out the door. Kakashi looked at Naruto and with a look of understanding followed the eager Genin.

Naruto sat down in his chair again. He pushed himself back to prop his feet up when he noticed a book on his desk that hadn't been there before. He picked it up and was greeted by a blurry image. He wiped the tears that had come unbidden to his eyes and ran his finger across the author's name. Kakashi must have left this today. Nothing I'd really read, but I'm glad to have it all the same. Jiraya, I miss you sometimes, you old Perverted Hermit.

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The next two weeks were spent in training sessions as the twins and Nari learned to work with their teammates. Konohamaru was Ryuu's teams Jounin leader.Tobitake Tonbo, was Nari's team's Jounin, he had been an elite Chuunin during Naruto's Chuunin exams. Suke was under Kamizuki Izumo, who like Tonbo had been a Jounin for a while.

Naruto liked Tobitake Tonbo, and thought he would be a good Sensei for Nariyaku. She had a lot of his enthusiasm and loudness, but had Sasuke's insightfulness. Tonbo was blind, and therefore good at thinking out of the box. This would help him with Nari, who could be unpredictable, just like her Otousan.

The following morning Nari would be leaving for her trip to Suna with Temari. Naruto had prepared a gift for Gaara, and planned to send it with her. It was a thank you present for their renewed friendship, and he knew Gaara would appreciate it.

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The morning dawned clear and sunny. The boys said brief goodbye's to their sister before heading to their respective training grounds. Kakashi still came around to train with them every couple of days. He would be going on a short mission soon, and the boys tried to monopolize his time. What they failed to realize was that Ayame and their impending arrival had almost all of his attention now.

Naruto packed his gift in Nari's pack. He had given her a new Kimono and obi that Temari would teach her how to tie to hold her weapons. He hugged her and wished her a safe trip. He also ordered his undersecretary to enjoy himself and not worry over whether Naruto was working. He reassured him he would send a message if he needed anything.

Temari smiled behind Shika's back at his mother hen antics. Soon she stood up straight and commanded that it was time to go. Shika and Nari as well as the other travelers all formed into a line and began their journey. Two days and they would be in Suna.

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Time-skip…

Nari looked around her with awe. She had never been to Sunagakure before, and she was astounded at the austere beauty of the sandy landscape. Temari led them through the Village and to her childhood home. They unpacked and were soon catching up on all the latest news with Kankurou. He apologized and informed them that Gaara had been called into an unexpected meeting; otherwise he'd have been there to welcome them himself. This reminded Nari that she had a gift for Gaara. She was reassured that he would be there later in the evening, and she could give it to him herself then.

Temari suggested they go shopping, and cash in Nari's certificate. Nari was excited about this prospect, especially as she had no idea of what she was getting. They were soon standing inside a beautiful shop. There were hand carved weapons of every shape and form.

Nari felt herself drawn to a wall covered with large fans. There was a blue one that looked like water and air. It had four stages of moons across its wide berth. There was the waxing crescent, the full moon, the waning crescent, and the new moon- represented by an unfilled circle outlined in the same orange the moons had been done in. Nari reached out a trembling hand to touch the finely wrought frame.

Temari approached her with a knowing look on her face. "That is an excellent choice, Nari," Temari commented, causing the entranced girl to jump.

Nari looked at Temari who had her own oversized fan strapped to her back. Her eyes went back to the beautiful fan hanging on display. The shopkeeper approached and greeted them warmly.

He looked at Nari, and smiled widely. "I see your weapon has chosen you!" he exclaimed.

He reached up deftly and slipped the fan from the straps that secured it to the wall. Nari's arms were stretched toward it before she even thought to do so. The man slipped it shut and handed it to Nari's awaiting hands. As soon as the wood touched her fingertips she could feel something. It was as if the fan were alive.

Temari just stood and watched the girl. She remembered all too well her own reaction in this very shop when she had encountered the white fan with the three purple moons. It was also here that Kankurou first met Crow. The shopkeeper claimed that in here you would not find your weapon, your weapon would find you. So far he'd been right.

Nari exchanged her certificate for the fan and could barely contain her excitement. She carried it like it was a precious treasure. Temari and she talked about wind manipulation and fighting style all the way back to the house. Temari promised that the very next morning she would get out some of her old practice fans for Nari to begin to learn with.

They soon reached the house, and still talking about Jutsu's walked in the door. Nari was in the lead and had turned to reply to something Temari said as she pulled the door open. As a result she collided with something solid. Her head whipped around to see what she had run into.

She was met with a tall man who had darkish rings around his eyes, and shocking red hair. "Kazekage-sama!" Nari cried out, "I'm sorry, I should have been watching where I was going."

Gaara looked down at her impassively. "Kankurou said you have a gift for me," he commanded.

Temari looked at Gaara carefully, was that a hint of anticipation in his voice? She could see a faint smile creasing just the corners of his cheeks, yes, he was excited!

Nari blinked up at him a couple of times before she found her voice, "Yes, Otousan sent something for you. It's in my bag, I'll go get it." She ran out of the room and into the bedroom she'd be using.

"Gaara!" Temari admonished, "You have her scared stiff!"

Gaara looked at his sister, and grinned. Temari's jaw went slack. Kankurou had said Gaara had changed, but Temari was still shocked to see her little brother showing genuine emotion. Not just feeling it, but it clearly visible on his face!

She grinned back at him and shook her head. Nari rushed in with a small box. Gaara opened it carefully and saw a golden chain inside. He picked it up and dangling from it was a small golden charm. It was a simple thing really, but Temari swore she saw a tear in Gaara's eye for just a second. She looked at the necklace closer and realized it was a golden circle with a kanji for friend engraved into it. When it spun in the light a faint blue glow emanated from it.

Gaara clasped it around his neck and closed his eyes. "He infused it with his Chakra." He said to no one in particular. Nari could see a smile of happiness on his face, and that's what she would later relate to Naruto on her return home.

The next week and a half passed by in a blur of training, eating, walking around Suna, visiting with Shika and the others, and more training. Nari was very tired on the return home, and they took an extra night and morning because they slowed their progress for her. Naruto was waiting in his office when Nari rushed in.

She could tell from his relieved smile that he had been worried for her. She rushed in and hugged him. He looked at her and nodded to Temari, who bowed and retired home with Shika.

Nari related her story about the fan and arriving and literally running into Gaara. She told him about the necklace, and Gaara's reaction. She admitted that he hadn't taken the necklace off the whole time she'd been there. Naruto smiled contentedly and listened to her tales of training. She spun around and showed him her practice fan Temari had given her. Eventually she got around to revealing her own fan to him.

He appropriately ahhed over it. Nari soon excused herself and walked home where she flopped onto her bed and didn't wake up until the evening brought her brothers boisterous entry into the house.

Nari jumped out of bed and dashed out her window. She wanted to surprise her noisy brothers with one of the new Jutsu's Temari had taught her. She heard her door crash open and the resulting cry of astonishment at her disappearance. Ryuu noticed the open window and stuck his head out it. He just caught sight of her rushing around the corner of the house, just as she had planned.

Both boys raced through the house to crash out the front door followed by Sasuke who was calmly reminding them that the house was not to run through. His words were clipped short at the sight of his daughter hovering atop the practice fan at the level of the roof.

Nari flipped softly off the fan and landed lightly in front of the boys. "I'm home!!" she shouted, and they laughed.

Sasuke watched her deftly grab the fan as it floated to the ground, flip it closed, stand it on its edge, and lean nonchalantly on it. Her brothers were also excited to show off what they had learned in her absence. Ryuu wanted to show her the Goukakyuu no Jutsu, he'd learned from Sasuke. Suke was more reserved and waited until she turned her attention to him before he did a Shunshin no Jutsu and appeared behind her.

Sasuke reminded Ryuu that he needed to be near water until he had better control of the fire, and the three rushed off in the direction of the lake. Sasuke sighed and walked back to the kitchen to begin the evening meal and wait for Naruto to come home.

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Yoshi!! I have another chapter finished. The kids are growing up!! LOL I decided it would be too boring to go through too much, so I skipped to their graduation from academy. As you probably guessed, Nariyaku has Wind manipulation, and fire… but she hasn't learned fire yet! Shunsuke has fire and lightening just like his Otousama. Ryuu has fire and water. He hasn't learned water yet, but it's his second. Ryuu is a contradiction!

-Kneise

As usual unproofread… two chapters to go!!