Chapter 5: Grief

It would be the day Naruto would be out of the hospital, as well as Hiruzen's funeral, nearly the entire village would be attending. After being released from the hospital Naruto went straight to his apartment, picking out some black clothing for the funeral before sitting down on his bed, crying into his knees silently, mumbling to himself about how he failed to protect Hiruzen, that he had failed himself. After spending around half an hour crying, Naruto looked to the clock realizing it was time about time for the funeral, undressing himself before redressing in the clothes he had chosen for the funeral, he pushed his door open, setting out for the Hokage Tower, his head bowed in grief. Nearly the moment he arrived, the area was called in to order, Naruto squeezing his eyes shut for a moment before lining up with the others, standing beside Konohamaru who was crying in silence beside him. Naruto would quickly turn his attention to a man on a stand before Hiruzen's coffin when he began to speak "We've come here today...to honor the name of our Third Hokage..Hiruzen Sarutobi was kind to all in his village, all that he wanted was to protect them, and he did all that he could for us in our lifetime, and we should all thank him very much for that…" Naruto would take a deep breath before breathing out, looking around him, everyone had a grim look of sadness on their faces, Naruto was hardly able to control his tears, forcing himself to look upon the man upfront. As the man ended his speech, everyone began dispersing from the site, quiet chatter being heard across the area, mostly people were crying, all of Team 7 grouped up, going to their homes, sort of dropping each other off until Naruto was alone, walking to his apartment in silent agony, trying to push himself out of it, he decided to visit Ichiraku's Ramen Shop. When he showed up he was disappointed to find that the store was closed for the day because of the funeral that had just recently happened. Defeated, Naruto sighed and began walking back home, trudging past the people in the streets before finally arriving at his home, going up the stairs, he'd reach for the handle before stopping just short of it, thinking to himself "Maybe I could go see Hinata…" before moving away from his door and heading for the Hyuuga Compound.

After walking for a good twenty minutes he finally arrived at the Hyuuga Compound, scanning the gate silently, heading towards the gate, he would be stopped at the gate, asked what a 'demon' wanted here, before speaking "I want to see Hinata." The guard would laugh before speaking "Ha! Like I'm going to let a demon into here! I'm not an idiot, you just want to corrupt her so that you can take over our clan!" Naruto would sigh softly before turning in defeat and walking back towards his apartment complex, taking in a deep breath, trying not to retort to the guard's comment. After walking another twenty minutes he'd arrive home, slamming his door shut behind him before going and laying on his bed, tracing his forehead slowly with his finger or a few minutes before rolling over and pulling his blankets over himself after taking his shirt off and tossing it into a corner, sobbing quietly in his bed before slowly drifting off to sleep.

Naruto would wake up the next day, tear stains covering his cheeks as well as feeling tired even though he got nearly a full night of rest, stretching as he yawned, still saddened slightly over Hiruzen's death, though he had gotten most of it out of his system over the night. After waking up Naruto would walk to his bathroom, turning on the sink and splashing cold water over his face before looking into the mirror and stretching again before returning to his room and dressing in his signature orange and blue jumpsuit. Stretching yet again, Naruto would walk to his door, unlocking it before stepping out into Konoha, the light causing him to step back for a moment before he continued out into the streets, walking towards Ichiraku.

After walking for around five minutes Naruto would finally arrive at his favorite ramen shop in the entire village, Ichiraku Ramen. Approaching the shop he'd push the fabric overhanging the shop out of the way before taking a seat on a stool and ordering a bowl of ramen, waiting for a few minutes before beginning to eat, smiling as he chowed down on his favorite food. Sliding his fourth bowl away before setting down the money, Naruto would stand, walking out of the shop before heading towards training ground 7.

As soon as Naruto arrived, he was greeted by the sound of an explosion as well as fighting, tilting his head before realising what was going on, he'd smile slightly before putting his hand in the cross symbol before shouting "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" creating six clones and then charging towards the training ground.

Naruto would arrive to Sakura flying past Kakashi as Sasuke readies a Great Fireball, trying to beat Kakashi in a fight, Naruto, realising six shadow clones won't beat Kakashi, would enter Sage Mode, before walking up to the area yelling "Hey! Why'd ya get started without me?" Sasuke replying, "You took too long dobe! We didn't want to wait anymore." Naruto would sneer slightly before launching himself towards Kakashi, whom had dodged the fireball. Realising he needed to move, Kakashi would roll to his right, still receiving a hit to the leg that sent him spinning off track, retorting "What?! How? You didn't even hit me." Naruto smirking slightly before responding "Frog Kumite, Sensei, I can utilise the energy around me to fight you...now…" Naruto would flash throw a multitude of hand signs before slamming his hand on the ground, yelling "Summoning Jutsu!" Two small puffs of smoke appearing, two bickering voices appearing as well "Pa! How'd we end up here? Jiraiya didn't enter Sage Mode, did he?" "No Ma, he didn't...which makes me wonder…" "Fukasaku-Sama, its good to see you, I need you to merge with me." Naruto would say, the frog turning towards him before speaking "And who would you be boy?" Naruto would shake his head before responding "No time, just merge, we will talk later!" Fukasaku and Ma would let out a puff before jumping onto Naruto's shoulders, using the Amphibian Jutsu to merge would Naruto pumping their Natural Energy into him, Naruto would smirk before taking in a deep breath, launching himself at Kakashi, faster than before, catching Kakashi off guard as a fist smashes into his stomach, Naruto looking to Sasuke before yelling "Great Fireball! Now!" Sasuke would roll his eyes before going through the seals, shouting "Great Fireball Jutsu!" Kakashi would widen his eyes as he realised he was unable to move, in the direct path of the fireball, surrounding himself with a weak barrier quickly, though the fireball would go right through it, but it would be weakened slightly, causing the fireball to not nearly kill. Naruto would smirk before shouting "Alright! Nice teamwork Sasuke! We destroyed him!" Sasuke would nod, smirking slightly, though he wouldn't show it. Kakashi would cough before standing brushing some dust off himself, his clothing charred as well as his flak vest having several holes in it. Kakashi Would clear his throat and then speak "Well...I suppose you have gotten better, Naruto, you especially, you progressed very fast, how'd you get that weird golden chakra cloak?" Naruto's face would contort for a moment before he would respond "Uh….I...uhm….I defeated and befriended a guy named Kurama. I'm not allowed to tell you where he is though." Kakashi would look at Naruto skeptically before nodding and speaking "Right…" Nodding in triumph Naruto would walk over to the log where he was tied up during the Genin Exam, sitting down in front of it, stretching before motioning for Kakashi to come over, Kakashi obliging as Naruto waiting patiently before starting to speak when Kakashi sits down "Do we have any missions yet Kakashi-Sensei?" Kakashi would shake his head signify no as Naruto sighed in disappointment before standing and waving to his team "I gotta go do something, so, later." Naruto would run off before anyone could protest, going to find Jiraiya within the village.

After spending around an hour searching for Jiraiya he eventually found him leaning against a railing below the Hokage Tower, a solemn look over his face, noticing Naruto approach he would smile slightly, waving a bit "Hey brat, need something?" Naruto would sneer at Jiraiya for a moment before smiling softly "Well, I assume the council wants you to be the Fifth Hokage and you're going to go find Tsunade?" Jiraiya would tilt his head, obviously surprised that Naruto knew all of this "How do ya' know that?" Naruto would smirk triumphantly "Well, I have my ways, just like you have your own." Jiraiya would stare silently at Naruto before reaching over and putting his hand on Naruto's head softly, smiling. Naruto would step back, moving out of Jiraiya's grasp before looking up to him. "So...when are we going after her? I think I know where we can find her."

Jiraiya and Naruto would spend the next few hours planning out their journey to find Tsunade, Jiraiya questioning Naruto about how he knew these things occasionally, Naruto quickly changing the subject or interrupting Jiraiya when asked.

After ironing out all of the details the two would part, waiting a few days before leaving after telling everyone and getting the supplies they'd need.

Naruto and Jiraiya would be at the gate leading out of Konoha, checking their equipment before leaving for the village Tsunade is in, spending several days traveling there, they eventually arrive, searching all types of gambling dens before calling it a day and heading to a nearby restaurant to get some food. After entering Jiraiya and Naruto would both spot a head of blonde hair, both of them looking at each other before nodding and walking over towards the person "Tsunade?" Jiraiya would say, the woman turning around to show that it was indeed Tsunade, a surprised look on her face "Jiraiya? How'd you find me? And who's the brat with you?" Naruto would glare at Tsunade for a moment before smiling "Naruto Uzumaki's the name! Rember it! I'm gonna be Hokage someday lady!" Tsunade would snort sneering at Naruto "Hmph, you? Someone like you Hokage? Ha! In your dreams kid!" Naruto would glare at Tsunade before shouting "Lets take this outside ya old hag!" Tsunade and Naruto would be comically close, staring into each other's eyes before they both walked to the door, smashing it open and walking into the street, the two squaring off, Jiraiya walking over to Tsunade, whispering, Tsunade snorting, pushing him away a bit. Naruto would lower his stance, closing his eyes before opening them again, his eyes containing the subtraction symbol like pupils, staring Tsunade dead in the eyes, who was surprised that someone so young could master Sage Jutsu, thinking to herself that he wouldn't do well with it since he was so young. Much to her surprise when Naruto nearly flew at her, smashing a fist into her stomach, using Frog Kumite before spinning his leg around and smashing it into her side, sending her off to the side. Tsunade would let out a small puff before pumping chakra into her fists, charging at Naruto with good speed, Naruto barely managing to dodge it, forming a Rasengan in his right hand, Tsunade's eyes widening at the technique, bracing for the impact. Naruto would smirk as he slammed the lowly powered Rasengan into Tsunade's side, sliding to a stand, staring at Tsunade's crouched form "So, enjoy the fight lady?" Tsunade would look to Naruto, rolling her eyes before standing "Yeah...I suppose, so, Jiraiya, what do you want?" "Well, Tsunade, we came here to recruit you as the Fifth Hokage, so, what do you say?" "No, never, only idiots become a Hokage, dying for someone else….it's stupid." Naruto would visibly twitch at this, his face redding in anger. "DON'T YOU DARE TRY TO BACK TALK THE HOKAGE! YOU SHOULD BE HONORED TO BE OFFERED THE SEAT AS HOKAGE! AGH!" Tsunade would be surprised at Naruto's sudden outburst, rolling her eyes "Yeah, well, I'm not."

-One Day Later-

Naruto, Jiraiya and Shizune would be going to the place that Tsunade was to meet Orochimaru, finding several destroyed walls, they realised something must've gone wrong, Shizune having her pig sniff Tsunade's jacket to find her trail, all four of them rushing off in Tsunade's direction.

After walking for around twenty minutes the four would arrive at the scene of a battle between Tsunade, Orochimaru and Kabuto. Tsunade would be getting utterly screwed by the two. Naruto would smirk, knowing exactly what to do, he would smash his hands together, a massive amount of chakra building up, his golden chakra cloak appearing, the seals moving around his body, both Jiraiya and Shizune shocked by this, they would be nearly still as Naruto shot off, the dirt tearing up behind him as he flew towards Kabuto, both Orochimaru and Kabuto having noticed Jiraiya Shizune and Naruto. Orochimaru would instantly recognise Naruto, ordering Kabuto to move as a golden arm flew past his head, a leg would come up, kicking him in the side, sending him spiraling away, looking down to Tsunade, Naruto would rest his hand on her shoulder, her wounds healing near instantly. Naruto would remove his hand from her shoulder, looking to Orochimaru and Kabuto "You should leave before I decide to kill you." Orochimaru would smirk before sprinting to Kabuto, going through a multitude of hand signs before shouting "Reverse Summoning Jutsu!" Naruto would growl quietly, watching the duo go up in a cloud of smoke, looking to Tsunade, who would be panting heavily, staring at Naruto in silence for a moment "Were you...holding back when you faught me?" Naruto would look to Tsunade before realising she was talking to him and nodding "Yeah." Tsunade's jaw would drop before she would shake her head, looking to Jiraiya "You've trained one well of a Shinobi." Jiraiya would shake his head in response "I didn't train him, he could do all of this when I first met him, I think at least, he's a strong kid, probably stronger than you, Orochimaru and me put together." Tsunade would sit there stunned, before standing and walking over to Shizune "I'm...gonna go back to the leaf to become the Hokage, it's probably safer there anyways." "Ah, so you've decided to come back with us and you want to be the Hokage, Tsunade? Well, I'm glad to hear that." Naruto would say, smirking in triumph.

A/N:"I believe that the human spirit is indomitable. If you endeavor to achieve, it will happen given enough resolve. It may not be immediate, and often your greatest dreams is something you will not achieve within your own lifetime. The effort you put forth to anything transcends yourself, for there is no futility even in death." - Monty Oum.

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Monty Oum of Rooster Teeth because they asked rather than send gifts or flowers, that people do something creative.