Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I bet you all thought; "Ah dammit, he's forgotten again!" Ahem, anyways, enough talk. There's not much to say except enjoy!

Chapter 36: A Sudden Proposition

The calm sea sparkled in the sunlight, its beauty more awe inspiring than of a diamond. Fish could evidently be seen swimming just under the surface. They seemed to be circling the boat resting at the port. A loud noise filled the air, beaming across the village and signalling departure.

"This is goodbye." Hideaki said, shaking hands with the Godaime, "Thank you for agreeing to help us."

"I only did what everyone else would've." Tsunade replied. Giving one last nod to the elderly man, she turned around and began to walk up the steps to the boat.

"Ah, why are we leaving so quickly?" Konohamaru groaned. His shoulders were nearly touching the floor from how down he seemed.

Naruto slapped the boy on his back, "Stop complaining, I'm sure there'll be other chances for you to come back." He grinned, "Or are you really that busy with your shinobi missions?"

The two stopped and faced each other, now feeling almost like brothers. Konohamaru sighed, "You're right, this isn't the end. We'll see each other again!"

Before Konohamaru walked onto the boat, Naruto once again spoke, "Don't forget what I said."

Konohamaru looked back, "I won't; you can count on that!"

Naruto smiled, holding his hands behind his head. He was shortly joined by the rest of Team Seven, who took their places by his side. "You guys are staying huh?"

"Of course, what did you think?" Sakura exclaimed.

"Konoha and the Confederation are going to be together in the upcoming battle. It doesn't matter whether we're here now, we'll all be reunited when the time comes." Kakashi added. "And, we have a task here too."

"Helping you grow stronger." Sasuke finished.

"You make it sound like I'm weak." Naruto laughed, but he soon quieted down, "Wait, that's not a good thing to say."

Sakura shook her head at the blonde, inwardly wondering whether he thought before he spoke.

"It's not that you're weak Naruto." Sakumo's quiet voice only reached the ears of the people next to him, "It's just Hajin is stronger than anyone else here, and you're the one who has the potential to stop him. That's why you need to grow stronger, for all of us."

Before Naruto could say anything, his vision was blinded by the vibrant colour of green. Standing in front of him, with teary eyes, was the enigmatic rival of Kakashi. "It has been a pleasure!" Gai grabbed Naruto's hand, shaking it. He then straightened up pointing towards a certain jounin, "And you Kakashi, don't think your hip ways will save you forever!"

Kakashi was taken aback, slightly confused as to what brought on the threatening challenge. He resigned himself, knowing he'd never completely understand his friend.

Naruto watched the rest of Gai's team arrive and exchange farewells with everyone. Walking past Tenten, he grabbed Lee and brought him to a side so that he could have a private word with him.

Lee was surprised by the sudden action, "What's going on?"

"Take care of Konohamaru." Naruto said with sincerity in his eyes, "He's got a lot of passion, but he can make a mistake just as easily. He hasn't got anyone else to look over him now."

Lee understood, "Don't worry; I'll make sure he becomes a great ninja."

"Thanks Lee." He put out his hand, "You take care of yourself also."

Lee shook the jinchuuriki's hand, "You too. Remember to come to Konoha; you don't just make friends and then never visit." Lee walked onto the boat along with the last of the Konoha ninjas.

Naruto watched the taijutsu specialist board the ship and wave, before speaking calmly, "Yeah…" Naruto closed his eyes, "…I'll say sorry in advance then." His voice turned into a whisper, "Its goodbye from here."

Tsunade stared at the crew of the ship preparing to leave port. Shifting towards the deck, she rapidly came to a halt when she found Jiraiya standing in the way.

The toad hermit grinned, "Tsunade-hime, I'll be staying here for a while."

"Eh? Why?" Tsunade asked.

Jiraiya folded his arms, "Something's caught my interest."

"It's that boy isn't it?" Tsunade said, a knowing smirk appearing across her face, "He caught my interest too."

"He's not really a boy anymore. But then, compared to your age, I see why you would say that." Jiraiya didn't waver for long, instantly jumping over the ship barrier and towards the party below.

Tsunade's head snapped around; she was seething at the comment of the pervert, "You…" She clenched her fist, "…really irritate me." Spitting, she walked towards her room to rest.

The horn sounded one last time as the ship departed into the sea, taking the people on board towards their home.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hajin patiently stood on top of the destroyed building, watching over the land and his army. They had swiftly gotten organised and a route of supplies from Iwa had already been established. It filled him with pride to see his army once again full of power after their near collapse from the war decades ago. He started to laugh; the menacing sound causing the birds next to him to fly away, "Just a bit more time, and I'll change history." His laugh grew louder, "It's exciting!"

"Hajin-sama…" Tenjou appeared next to his leader.

"What did you learn?" Hajin simply asked; his voice back to normal.

"There are people dwelling within the cyclone. Earlier in the morning today, a boat left towards the shore. The Hokage was aboard it." Tenjou informed the Tsuchikage.

"Oh, this is interesting. Is the Confederation asking for alliances?" His eyes remained cold, and sinister, "It's too late to fight back now; let them scurry around like insects in an attempt to try and form a defence. We'll be marching for their homeland in a few days time."

"I'll prepare the army." Tenjou said, disappearing from his spot.

Hajin smiled, "It's too late now Hideaki…too late." His robe fluttered with the strong wind, "Simply standing against someone isn't enough; you require power. And right now, there is none more powerful than me." He started to laugh again, "I'll decide the fate of this world and its future."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Impressive, very impressive." Sakumo said, analysing his former student's technique. He was standing with a slight slant, one of his hands stroking his chin. Team Seven, Jiraiya along with the legendary shinobi himself hadn't wasted any moments after the Leaf-nin left the island.

Knowing that time was of the essence, they resumed with training as that was their only intention for the time being. Sasuke and Sakura were sitting along the grass while Naruto trained alone in a marked area, quite a distance away from everyone else. The blonde was occupied with practicing the teleportation technique he had learnt from Ryutaro when venturing to the summon realm.

"It's familiar." Jiraiya added, keenly observing Naruto, "It sure brings back memories."

"He's made a distance of five hundred metres between the two seals he's placed." Kakashi said, "When he travels into the Void, his chakra vanishes, and he appears instantly where the other seal is. You can't track the movement; it's impossible." Kakashi was in awe, as he had seen the exact same technique utilised by his precious mentor who had died long ago.

"What's so familiar about it?" Sasuke asked Jiraiya, interested to learn the answer.

"The Yondaime's signature technique involved the same principle Naruto is using now." Jiraiya answered, not taking his eyes off the jinchuuriki who was continuously reappearing between his placed seals.

"It's the technique which shifted the tides of war. It's what made the Yondaime a legend and recognised as a potential Hokage." Sakura informed her Uchiha comrade, stunned with Naruto's newly learnt ability.

Kakashi had conflicted thoughts, "I saw Hajin face off against the Yondaime, and this technique didn't work against him as well as it worked against other shinobi."

"Indeed, and Hajin also knows of this technique. Genkei-san informed me and Hideaki about this." Sakumo scratched his head, "This is where the problem lies and why none of us can face him except Naruto."

Sasuke understood quickly what had happened, "The location of the battle with Hajin will be in the ruins of Akatsuki, and that area is advantageous for him alone. Without this technique, you can't face off against him there with a hope of winning."

"Exactly; he's already placed his seals all over that land; this is what Genkei-san gathered from their encounter. If that's the case, then it'll be suicide fighting against him without a strategy. Shinobi rely on their ability to surprise opponents and to gain an advantage. That's impossible to do if you're going against Hajin as he's already prepared the area surrounding him to suit his own fighting style specifically." Sakumo gave a brief analysis of the conundrums facing them, "Naruto was the only one who could learn the same technique, and therefore the most suitable to face off against Hajin."

"That can't be the only reason that you've placed so much faith in him." Sakura said, "It's too much of a responsibility that you're placing the fate of the world in his hands due to that alone. You could still attempt to work out other strategies in order to defeat Hajin; he won't remain in the ruins forever."

Kakashi listened intently, along with Jiraiya and Sasuke, as to what Sakumo's reply would be.

Sakumo laughed, greatly amused by the woman, "You're very perceptive." He adopted a more serious tone, "The mission which led to my downfall in Konoha, I'll never forget it." Kakashi flinched as he heard his father speak, "My comrade's lives were placed in peril, and that moment when I saw them lose hope, I felt more determined than ever before. I felt that I could find the strength and do what was necessary to save them. It wasn't about the mission; it was about saving their future and their dreams." He faced Sakura, "Do you know why that's important when it comes to Naruto?"

Jiraiya smiled, already knowing where the conversation would lead as he understood it very well. He observed Naruto practice his technique while listening on.

Sakura had a confused expression, "Why's it important?"

"The will to succeed no matter what the cost, to protect what's truly important; that determination and ideal is what we call the will of fire." Sakumo's eyes showed his pride for what he believed in, "Though I've seen Naruto come close to breaking after everything he's been through, he never gives up hope in others regardless of how he may feel about his own situation. That way of thought, and the fortitude he's shown; there's no one better to carry such a burden. This is what makes him special."

Naruto breathed deeply; sweat falling from his forehead to the ground below. He was excited, and filled with energy. The new technique that had been taught to him was difficult at first but he was getting accustomed to travelling in the Void and re-entering his own realm. At first, it baffled him as to how he could ever master such a complicated manoeuvre. But he was doing so, with every second that passed by. The technique didn't sap his energy, rather it was travelling in the Void that did. He was still trying to get used to the overwhelming feeling in that space, and he was sure that everything would be made easier when he eventually did.

"Naruto!" Jiraiya walked towards the man, having left the group behind, "I want you to try something for me!"

Naruto turned in the direction of the toad hermit, groaning for a few moments like a child, "What is it?"

Jiraiya spun a kunai in his hand before throwing it to Naruto, "Wrap your marker around this and teleport towards the kunai while it's moving."

Naruto caught the kunai, "Eh, why didn't I think of that?" He hadn't really began exploring the possibilities that the technique had presented, since he was busy trying to master the basics. Pulling out a scroll, he marked his signature on it and tied it to the kunai.

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at the scruffiness, but figured they'd sort that out in the future. Naruto didn't wait and threw the kunai towards a tree nearby. Jiraiya instinctively followed the kunai itself, and the next thing he saw was Naruto reappearing and smashing his head into the tree while the kunai bounced off it onto the ground.

A scream of agony protruded from the blonde, "Damn it! That hurts!" Naruto rolled on the ground, clutching his head.

Jiraiya coughed, having imagined something different to what had just occurred. Shaking his head, he advanced towards his newly acquired protégé of sorts, "What did you do?"

Naruto sat up, rubbing the bruise which had now formed on his cranium, "I didn't do anything! It's different!" He calmed down, "For some reason, my entry is accelerated even more when the seal itself isn't still." He pointed at the kunai, "And it's hard to grip that too!"

Jiraiya tapped his head, his mind racing as he thought of numerous possibilities. A light bulb seemingly lit up as he spoke, "You stay here and continue training. I think I know what might help." Jiraiya ran towards the rest of the group, motioning for Sakumo and Kakashi to follow him.

Naruto had an annoyed expression, "You interrupted my training for that?" He sighed, "Ero-sennin…"

XXXXXXXXXX

Hideaki let the water flow pass him, walking deeper into the sea. He came to a halt, submerged from the waist down. His eyes held a certain gleam which showed his age, and the wisdom he had gathered over the dozens of years. The sky was clear, with no clouds blocking the view to a bright blue colour.

A few feet away from the old man, the water parted and a head appeared. The dragon's scales sparkled as he addressed his comrade, "Are you ready?"

Hideaki smiled, turning to face the island, "Just a few more moments. I want to take this in one last time."

"You don't have to do this." Tatsuyoshi said, "You know that, don't you?"

"We don't have to ever do anything." Hideaki enjoyed watching the beauty of his land, "It's deciding we must which is the battle."

"Very well." Tatsuyoshi smoothly shifted his position, exposing the back of his head to the leader of the Confederation.

Hideaki closed his eyes, "I have hope." Jumping from the water, he landed on the top of the dragon's head, "Let us leave; we have an encounter with destiny."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto dropped to one knee, out of breath. His head was throbbing and he clutched it as hard as he could. Across him, Sasuke's grip loosened and his Kusanagi fell to the ground. The Sharingan faded from his eyes, before he clutched his stomach and also crashed to his knees.

"You thought you had it easy, huh?" Naruto laughed, all the while grabbing his skull, "I can't be beaten that easily."

Sasuke coughed, "You didn't win either." A smile appeared across his face, "Genjutsu isn't your strong point though."

Naruto shrugged, moving backwards and becoming more comfortable on the grass, "We all have our weaknesses."

"That's true." Sasuke also sat down on his rear, "We fought so long…it's already night."

Naruto stared at the stream of stars which sparkled together, "Yeah, I'm exhausted." He turned his head, finding that Sakura had fallen asleep against a tree, "I guess she got tired of waiting for her turn."

"She'll want to go first tomorrow." Sasuke said in an amused voice.

Naruto stretched his arms and fell back onto his back, yawning loudly. "It's been a while since I've had this much fun."

Sasuke had a bemused expression, "You're…" He shook his head, "Never mind."

Naruto grinned, and watched the stars high above. The sky's darkness was counteracted by the bright lights it apparently held within itself. The time seemed to fly by before the blonde decided to break the silence, "Hey Sasuke; what do you plan to do?"

Sasuke was surprised by the sudden question, his eyes resting on the man near him, "Why do you ask?"

"I don't know." Naruto replied, "I was just thinking, you could join the Confederation once this battle's over."

Sasuke was stunned to hear the Uzumaki's words, not expecting such a proposition so bluntly. He hadn't really ever considered such a route, but he was wondering why he was being asked. "I'm a shinobi of Konoha."

"But you're not happy there right?" Naruto turned his head to the Uchiha, "So, it won't hurt to try someplace new."

Sasuke remembered his team, "I can't just leave everything behind." He closed his eyes, inwardly feeling terrible, "Not again."

"More than anything, it's being happy which matters. Even if you're close to your friends now, it probably just hurts them knowing you're not finding what you need." Naruto said, "Besides, I'm your friend now too!" He grinned widely, his sharp teeth showing as he pointed towards himself. "Distance doesn't end a bond, I'm sure they know that."

Sasuke sighed, "Why are you…"

"I'm just letting you know that you're not bound to one path. You still have a choice." Naruto sat up upon finishing speaking.

Sasuke mulled over what Naruto had said; it was weird but he had been more at peace as of late. He still hadn't decided what he wanted or what he was supposed to do. But it would be a lie to say that he didn't enjoy the time he was spending with his new found sparring partner. He felt like he was finally living again. "I'll think about it." Standing up, he picked up his Kusanagi.

Naruto looked at Sasuke's Sharingan activate, "Round two?"

XXXXXXXXXX

"You took a lot of time explaining those details." Sakumo said, "The poor blacksmith is probably pulling out his hair right now. Though I understand why you asked him to be so specific; a thin handle with less overall weight makes it easier to control the kunai when moving fast."

"Of course, I know what I'm doing. Minato went over this same thing with me; what you saw there weren't my words but his." Jiraiya said.

"You did sound a lot like him there; he was very explicit about his techniques. That's why they were so great, every one of them." Kakashi walked down the street with the two older men. "It was also creepy sometimes."

Jiraiya scratched his chin, "It's late now so it's pointless going back to the training area."

"That's only because you took hours explaining everything." Kakashi added.

"Let me finish." Jiraiya said, slightly insulted by what his fellow Konoha ninja had just blurted out, "We should all have a drink together." He stopped, noticing a bar, "This is a good spot." He didn't wait for the others to say anything, walking inside the building.

Sakumo and Kakashi followed him inside and to a table. Jiraiya was already ogling a waitress while they sat down. "I don't drink."

"That's okay Kakashi; you can have a glass of juice or something." Jiraiya quickly responded, not taking his eyes off a busty woman serving some other men.

Kakashi had a blank expression; he could have a cup of tea instead of a glass of juice. It wasn't like the options were limited to only sake, there were various beverages.

Sakumo leaned back in his seat, "This is good; all of us men having a drink together like we should. I still remember the first time I took you, Tsunade and Orochimaru to a bar." He saw Jiraiya eyeing up the waitress and making it blatantly obvious to her, "You were like this then too."

The waitress walked past Jiraiya and slapped him, "Pervert! Keep your eyes where they belong!"

The waitress handed Sakumo a menu before walking off, "This also happened. Hm, things haven't changed much."

Jiraiya rubbed his face, "Ah, but we have Kakashi with us here. He's a man now, and no longer a young child. His first drink with his father, and not to mention the legendary charmer of women the world over, Jiraiya-sama!"

Sakumo started laughing in unison with Jiraiya as Kakashi stared at them. The jounin was inwardly conflicted at that moment in regards to what they were saying, but he knew one thing for sure; it was going to be a very long night.

Author Notes: Naruto has invited Sasuke to join the Confederation, Kakashi is growing a little more accustomed to being around his father and just what the hell is Hideaki planning? You'll find out the answers to this and a lot more soon. All i can say is expect a big shocker next chapter. See you all later.