Disclaimer: I don't own either Naruto or Dragonball Z.
Notes: Thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter!
Dialogue:
"…" - normal speech.
'In italics' - thoughts
-: Flashback :-
Chapter 4 - Return of the Forgottten
Gohan had been pondering over what to wear for the last 15 minutes. The people of this world had kept giving the pair funny looks ever since they arrived and right now, he didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention to himself and Naruto. The heavy muscled teen finally decided on a deep green full length shirt, a black training shirt to put over the top and matching pants as he pulled them out of the wardrobe. Once dressed, he picked his favourite boots and slipped them on. They were a perfect fit and tight enough so that they wouldn't fall off in battle. He took a quick glance in the mirror and was satisfied with his appearance; it was simple and would look 'normal' to the villagers.
At that moment Naruto, who had been out gathering a few 'items', came in through the door carrying two light-cream coloured bags in each hand. Gohan turned to greet him, "Hey Naruto, so... what did you get?"
The spiky blonde was busy stuffing his face with what appeared to be a loaf of bread. "Hfm, iah ustl roth usth sumfth footh anth equifmenth foth tuth ripf." he managed whilst chewing on the bread.
Gohan raised an eyebrow but understood. Since they had become accustomed to talking with their faces full after eating so much all the time, the two, along with Goten, had learned how to interpret each other after so much practice. "So what food and supplies did you get then? I see you're already tucking in... and what time are we going to leave, isn't sooner the better?" he questioned.
Naruto finished off his loaf, "Yeah you're right, we better get going." He looked at Gohan's attire. "Ah, good thinking on the clothing. I guess it would raise a few questions... like before." as he remembered his encounter yesterday with the Mizukage. Quickly he dropped the bags by the door, venturing to his part of the wardrobe and looked for something suitable to dress in. Taking out a simple blue shirt, a set of black pants and the same boots that Gohan had put on, he headed to the bathroom. Roughly 5 minutes later he came back out sporting the outfit he had chosen. Throwing his previously worn clothes in the wardrobe he took out a pair of white wristbands and put them on.
After waiting patiently the Z warrior grumbled, "Are you finished now?" he asked, eyeing Naruto.
"Yeah, yeah i'm done, keep your pants on." Naruto responded slyly.
Rolling his eyes, Gohan hit a button on the side of the wardrobe and a large poof of smoke appeared in its place. Catching the capsule as it exited the smoke; Gohan slipped it in one of his pockets. "Right then, what's the plan?"
"Well first we have to quickly visit the Mizukage to tell him we're leaving. Then, we're headed to Konoha."
"Ok then, lets get going." as they each grabbed one of the cream bags that Naruto had brought back, putting them over their backs and headed out the door.
Some time later the two brothers had once again found themselves back in the Mizukage's office, without the guards on this occasion. After a few moments of silence, Naruto broke the tension. "So, err.. once again we thank you Mizukage-sama for letting us stay the night and providing that information on the upcoming war. We just came to tell you that we will now be departing." bowing slightly the duo turned to leave when the Hidden Mist Kage stood up from his chair and walked around his desk to them to stop them going any further, Naruto on the left, Gohan on the right.
"I'm sorry, but i need to ask you a few more questions and then i will let you leave the village." he told them.
Giving him a puzzled look, they acknowledged his request. "Alright.." the taller teen accepted and they moved back into the room. "So.. what do you want to know?" he queried.
Slightly relieved that they agreed the Mizukage relaxed a little, "Firstly i want to know how you can fly, such a feat is not possible for humans!" the Kage claimed.
The two looked at one another, trying to decide who would be best to answer. Gohan knew that he had more experience in this area and thought he should give the explaining a go. "Uh.. well you see..." He put his hand to his chin, "... think of it this way. You know how you use your, uh... chakra to walk on water and stick to solid objects by focusing it on a certain point?" The Kage nodded as Gohan did a few and hand movements to explain better, "Well basically you take control of your chakra letting it out of your body. Then, you put it underneath you and let it hold you up." He finished with a smile.
The Mizukage could hardly fathom the idea. Concentrating your chakra to a certain point in your body was one thing, but actually releasing it outside was an entirely new concept. "I see.. i've never looked at chakra manipulation that way before. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with me young man." Gohan nodded. "And the other thing i wanted to ask was directed to you." the Kage said, turning to Naruto.
"Me...? What do you want to know?" Naruto asked, confused as to what the Mizukage wanted.
"I would like to know who your parents are. You bare so much of a resemblance to a man i once knew, that it's uncanny." the man blinked again and did a double take of the blonde teen before him.
Naruto looked down with a sad face, "I'm sorry sir, but i never knew my parents. My father died before i was born and my mother too is dead, I was told she died giving birth to me." he ended in a heartbreaking tone.
The Kage's eyes widened, 'So it maybe true after all. But why hasn't he been told? The Fourth Hokage did have a lot of enemies and if they ever found out... maybe that's it.?' questioning himself.
He was cut out of his daydream by the other person, "If that is all Mizukage-sama, then we really must be off."
"Yes, thank you for co-operating and again, thank you for rescuing little Relia." They nodded and slowly walked out of the room leaving the Mist-Kage deep in thought.
Arriving at the West Gate, the two took one last look at the village before walking out. After a few metres, Naruto looked to his companion and spoke. "Do you think it was the right call in giving the Mizukage that kind of information, if they do learn to utilize their ki, even if they just got as far as learning to fly, it would give them a huge advantage over other Villages." Naruto asked slightly worried.
Gohan wasn't fazed by this in the least, "Nah i don't think so. The people of this world wouldn't be able to achieve accessing their ki, or at least anytime soon, since they are based to heavily on using Chakra which is using energy inside the body were as Ki is bringing it out as you know. They would most likely have to dedicate their whole life to have any success in releasing their ki without the proper training. Remember how hard it was for you, and even then you had huge advantage since you held quite a large power within you and had released it a few times previously." He explained confidently. "The way jutsus are performed shows that they need to use hands signs in order to tap into a part of their chakra to bring it out, though i am interested in seeing some of these techniques."
Naruto's nervous expression drained away as a small smile dawned on his face, "Oh i remember the training like it was yesterday. I had a hard enough time releasing even a tiny amount of my ki, let alone controlling it." he laughed. "Anyway, i think its time we reached Konoha, we've had enough detours as it is and we need to be there today if my plan is to succeed."
"Ok then, lead the way." Gohan replied and with that the two exploded from the spot they had just been standing, racing high into the air in the direction of Konoha.
Soaring through the clear blue sky the pair noticed a small bordered city below, it was Konoha. Naruto could never forget that place even if he tried. They set down a few miles away so they wouldn't be seen. Gohan had a puzzled look on his face, "Hey i've been meaning to ask you Naruto, why do people refer to Konoha and that Mist place as 'Villages'? They're as large as small cities, though the buildings are still relatively tiny in size!"
"Huh, well uh.." scratching the back of his head, ".. now that i think about it i really don't know. The shinobi villages have always been the Hidden Villages of whatever, i guess its just been like that since the first one was created. But compared to The West City it's still minute, the buildings in that place are super huge!" waving his hands over his head.
"I guess.. so what now are we going to go in and see your friends?"
Naruto grinned again, "No, i've got a much better idea. Give me your bag." he motioned and Gohan un-strapped it from his back and gave him the bag. Opening it up the blonde rummaged through it until he found what he was looking for. He pulled out two forehead protectors and two sheets of paper. Raising an eyebrow, the taller teen waited for what was in store this time.
"Here, take this and strap it on you somewhere." he said as Gohan took it and tied it to his upper left arm. Naruto continued, "It's a forehead protector, like the one i used to wear, but this one is from one of those Grass Ninja we stopped yesterday, i snuck in and got it this morning. And these.." He gave his friend the sheets of paper, "..are the Jounin exam papers we found off them, i also snatched them too."
Gohan was still confused at this point as he put them in his left pocket, "Uh ok.. so what are we going to do with them?" he asked.
Naruto fastened the other protector to his forehead, "Well it's simple really, well pose as Grass Ninja for the Jounin exams, that way no one will suspect anything. Plus i want to see how much everyone has improved and not give myself away. I'm Inuzu and you're the leader of the group Teliac, so we'll have to call each other by those names in the village when near others. Also, because there is supposed to be a third Chuunin with us we will have to come up with a cover story to explain it." he smiled.
A bit worried by this Gohan responded nervously, "Don't you think it would be best to just go and see them and be on our way? I don't want to cause any trouble."
Naruto sighed, it was typical Gohan; always worried about things going wrong. He'd been that way ever since he started High School, having to conceal his powers from others. The blonde had some convincing to do.
"Oh come on Gohan, we've got all summer off and its not like they can hurt us or anything. If they don't want us, we can go back anytime. Besides... it'll be fun!" he ended with a huge smile.
The Z warrior groaned, he now resented coming with Naruto on this trip of his. 'Why didn't i leave him to go on his own... oh thats right, to make sure he wouldn't do anything like we're about to do!' he frowned. 'At least Gotens not here, that would have been far worse!' He looked up at Naruto who was still smiling, "Ok Naruto, but please, don't cause any trouble."
"Aww come on Gohan we both need some R and R time and this will be a great vacation!"
"Alright, alright i get it." he paused a moment, "Don't you think you should henge into someone else so that they don't recognise you?" he suggested.
"Of course, since i'll be using my Ki they won't be able to see through it either as it's more a powerful energy source." He put his hands together and whispered, "Henge!"
A poof of smoke later stood a jet black haired figure that was a tad taller than Naruto, but roughly the same height. His hair was just longer than Gohan's and had a paler skin complexion. He kept the same attire however.
"Right then, let's go" the new Naruto said. With that, they turned and walked side by side on the path to Konoha.
A gentle breeze brushed passed the duo as they spotted the Konoha's North Gate on the horizon. It seemed like an eternity since he last saw it, the place where he grew up as a child. He'd always had the mixture of both love and hate for it's very being.
Gohan tilted his head to Naruto, "So this is Konoha? Look's just how you described."
The now black haired teen with blue eyes scowled a little, "Well obviously, you know i don't lie. And hey, it wasn't like i was going anywhere at the time." he replied, remembering how he couldn't re-access the giant square machine in Gohan's dimension when he first went through to the other side.
"Heh, i guess your right. A good thing too, otherwise i would never have found my best friend."
Naruto laughed, "Haha, but of course. And learning from you has been the best part of my life."
"Likewise, because of you even i have reached new levels." The tall teen said in an accomplished tone. "But remember, suppress your power at all times, we don't want to attract any unwelcomed attention... just yet, if your plan is to succeed."
The smaller pouted, "Yeah, yeah i know. I wonder how everyone is doing since the last time i saw them."
The Z warrior glanced back at him, "So what's our 'cover' story, since i'm gonna play the leader in this little adventure, i'll need to say it."
Naruto tapped his chin for a few minutes as they kept walking. Finally he snapped out of his thoughts, "I got it; just say she was killed in the last mission we were on, but since we had already signed up we came to take it anyway." Gohan accepted this, but decided he would make a few additions of his own when he needed to.
As they approached the gate, they saw two Chuunin guards were looking down, deep in thought. Suddenly they perked up there heads and one moved forward to block them.
"Hold it right there! Who are you and what business do you have in Konoha?" Asked the Chuunin to the left.
"We are going to need some identification from the two of you or you're not getting in this village!" said the other in an authortive tone, trying to intimidate the seeming shinobi that stood before him.
Naruto raised an eyebrow and shot a glance at the second Chuunin to speak. "Of course we do, theres no need to shout." he simply stated.
Gohan put his hand inside his left trouser pocket to search for the assessment papers. Finding them, he lifted his arm out to the Chuunin, the man took it from him and read the contents carefully.
"So you're from the Village Hidden in the Grass and here to take the Jounin exam eh?" The two gave a slight nod. He continued, "Its not common for Grass Ninja to be so open in their appearance from what we have seen, its quite refreshing i guess. We must also look in the contents that you carry on your backs for security reasons."
The two brothers gazed at the Chuunin who spoke but complied, undid the straps and showed the contents which consisted of the normal ninja clothing and weapons. Naruto gave a simple answer, "We have nothing to hide."
Eying them suspiciously after accepting what he saw the taller Chuunin spoke again, "You do realise that even though it isn't against the rules to have any less members, this Jounin exam is supposed to be taken with three Chuunin to a team?"
Gohan stepped forward and repeated their cover story since he was posing as the leader, "Yes, we are well aware of this. However, at this time our third member had recently been killed on our latest mission, after we had already signed up for the exam. Though it was a success, she died in the line of duty for her village on a mission of great importance. A death any shinobi would be honoured by, wouldn't you agree?" he spoke with such confidence and without any emotion. 'I hope they bought that.' he thought.
"Yes... well your paperwork seems to be in order, you may enter the Village." replied the Chuunin that had been given the identification and handed it back to its owner.
Again, giving the slightest of nods the pair walked onward and into the village continuing at their previous pace. After they were far enough away and out of hearing range the two began to converse once again, "I can't believe they bought that, nice save." Naruto started. "Konoha is relaxed as ever, even with war on the near horizon. Though i got to give them credit for the amount of confidence they have in their ninja's ability, either that or they're just plain dumb. Thankfully my silly dream died on that great day, i'm going to enjoy seeing their faces when i tell them where i've been!" he said with a wide grin.
"Heh heh, well don't get ahead of yourself just yet. We still have a fair way to go because of this 'plan' of yours. Why we couldn't just go and kill'em all right out is beyond me, but i guess you just want to show off eh?" Gohan said slyly, as Naruto looked up. "I mean it would probably have solved quite a few problems if the Sound were destroyed from what i've heard."
"Ah you know me too well. Don't worry, we'll deal with them later." the shorter chuckled. "Now that phase 3 of the mission is complete, it'll become more difficult especially acting as stupid Grass Ninja."
"Just a little.. should be fun.. if you don't get us in too much trouble!"
They disappeared from the street and reappeared on top of the Hokage Mountain.
Naruto laughed, "So they put up Tsunade's face on the mountain after all. I guess it had to be done sometime."
Gohan looked over at the carvings in the side of the cliff. "So who are these people then, i remember you saying something about a Tsunade person, but that's all."
"They're the past Hokage's of the Leaf Village." he explained. "As you see it, from your right to left the faces are the people who have been the head Ninja of this Village and then succeed by another because of such things as death or they have been defeated by another Leaf Ninja in an approved battle by the council."
"Ah i see, so this woman is now this village's Hokage?" he pointed to the furthest left face and looked back at Naruto, who nodded.
"She is Tsunade, one of the people i still care in this place and one of the handful who didn't hate me for what i was." he sighed.
Sensing his depression, Gohan attempted to snap him out of it, "Come on Naruto, let's go and see if we can find a place to stay. We maybe here a long time thanks to you!"
His endeavour to change his friend's mood succeeded as Naruto sniggered. "Alright then, we have to go to the Hokage's office to sign in like at the Mist Village. Follow me..." and with that they blurred out of vision again.
A gust of wind kicked up a concealed ally a block away from the Hokage tower. The posing Grass Ninja suddenly materialised out of thin air. The two walked out and into the street that was full of people going about busy with their daily lives. As the two strolled by, villagers inspected them, head to toe after realising that they weren't from the Leaf. Some gave hated looks, others gave questionable ones and a few were even slightly afraid. Shrugging to each other, the pair headed on until the reached the Hokage tower.
Entering the building, Naruto went over to the receptionist and gave her their details. After a few minutes they where shown to a small waiting area. He was shocked since he never new that there even was one. Then again he always used to just show himself in anyway. Naruto chuckled softly.
"Shimatta, i hope they don't make us wait too long. I'm getting hungry." Gohan whined as his belly growled.
Naruto rolled his eyes, "Your ALWAYS hungry! I mean i like to eat, but sheesh you just never stop! They sat down beside each other on two wooden chairs. Thankfully, there was no one else in the room which meant it probably wouldn't be long before they could see the Hokage and leave.
Some time later, the two were called up to the Hokage's office. Walking along the corridors reminded Naruto of a past he'd tried to forget. New tiles and display items had been put up and the place was much cleaner. Finally, the last corner came up and two big wooden doors stood before them. Naruto went ahead of his friend and pushed them open and they entered the room.
In many ways it was similar to that of the Mizukage's office, though there were elements that were noticeably different such as the desk being near the window and not against the wall and the colour was brighter as more light was let in. The Hokage of the Hidden Leaf was busy in paper work. Gohan and Naruto looked across to one another. 'Is that what Kage's do all day?' the both thought in sync. To Naruto, Tsunade hadn't changed a bit, still wearing the same clothes and keeping up her Genjutsu act.
Finishing off the last paper on her desk she breathed a sigh of relief, sat back and relaxed. Apparently she hadn't heard the two enter the room, "Sakura! Get me some sake.. NOW!" the woman yelled. The two brothers had to shield their ears at her little outburst. After a moments hesitation she felt another presence in the room. As she looked up two Grass Ninja where standing with their hands over their ears.
Slapping her forehead she turned a tinge of red in embarrassment, "Sorry about that, long day." the Hokage managed as she sat back again and folded her arms. Picking up a piece of paper off her desk she looked back and forth at the two infront of her. "So you two are Grass Chuunin here to take the Jounin exams i see." They nodded in unison, "I heard what happened to your comrade from the guards at the gate and i must say that it is brave of you both to still take the assessment, since you are now at a disadvantage to the other participants."
The 'Henged' Naruto stepped forward, clearly seeing Tsunade in her true form with ease. "Thanks for your concern, but you don't need to worry about us. We'll be fine."
She eyed them suspiciously, "You are Teliac, the team leader?" she questioned in a sharp tone.
Gohan stepped forward at this point, "No, I am Teliac. This is Inuzu." he said in character. "We need a place to stay while the exams are on."
"Of course, all Ninja here for the Jounin assessment have special accommodations." She pulled out a piece of paper from inside her desk and handed it to Gohan who looked it over. "That is your required document for living quarters while you are here." the Hokage explained.
At that moment a young woman burst through the side door carrying more papers in one hand and a bottle of sake in the other. She put them down on the desk and Tsunade grumbled in anger, "Will it ever end!"
Naruto instantly recognised the pink haired Kunoichi as Sakura. He had to admit she was even more beautiful than before. Wearing a semi black and pink underneath and a Chuunin vest over the top, along with a pair of tight white shorts, the teen also sported black gloves. She had kept her hair the same length from when he last saw her with the forehead protector in the exact same position, and eyes which still sparkled an endless emerald glow. After his quick glance Naruto looked away remembering all the pain and suffering she had inflicted on him. He only chose to act like he loved her as it made him feel a little normal, even if he was rejected every time.
Gohan on the other hand, started to get nervous, he was never good around teenage girls and would mostly likely say something bad and upset her if asked a question. Videl was a prime example, sometimes she could be the happiest person in the world and others she would be so demanding and mean. Sighing in defeat, he would never know how the female mind worked.
Sakura noticed the two onlookers and turned back to her sensei, "Are these Grass Ninja here for the Jounin exams Tsunade-same?" she asked.
"Yes, they were just collecting their accommodation documents. Has your team been preparing well Sakura?"
"Hai Hokage-sama! We have trained hard; i will not let you down."
All Naruto could do was smile, this would be so much fun. Gohan too gave a small smile, finally remembering the name. Naruto had once told him he was in a team of 3 with a girl called Sakura and a guy named Sasuke, but he refused to go any further into detail on the subject. The duo bowed and left the room without hesitation as the two females watched them leave.
Outside the building once they had got the keys and map to their apartment, Gohan spoke, "So that was the Hokage of the Village. She's not very strong, even less than the Mizukage. Surely there are others who could be a better protector?" he inquired.
"Nope, she's the strongest in the village. I can't believe i was even weaker than her once!" he answered as the two friends laughed together reminiscing at old times.
Suddenly Gohan's stomach rumbled again and they stopped. "I think it wants food now. Have you got any money to pay for things?" Gohan said.
"Oh, did i forget to mention, i also took all the Grass Nins money too... hahaha!" Naruto burst out laughing.
Though he hated people stealing, Gohan let this one slide. 'I guess its not like those 3 were going anywhere right now, so they don't exactly need the money.' he reasoned to himself. "Ok, lets find a good place to eat before i collapse from food deprivation." he said worryingly, which just added to Naruto's outburst.
After searching for an appropriate place, Gohan had been drawn to a nearby restaurant. Walking in, they found the place had barely anyone inside. Making their way to a table in the corner Naruto spotted 4 people at a window seat glaring at them as they went past. He recognised the 3 teens as Ino, Chouji and Shikamaru with their smoking sensei. They all wore Chuunin vests and were tucking into another steak.. well Chouji was tucking into another steak. Inwardly laughing, he turned to find Gohan already at the table happily ordering everything off the menu. 'Damn Sayians! He's worse than Chouji by a mile!' he thought whilst slapping his head. He sat down to listen in on Team 6 to gather any useful information.
Meanwhile, the group of four were most interested in the new arrivals to their 'hangout'. Spotting the slight look the smaller of the two had given them Shikakmaru sat up out of his un-winded state and began, "Hey, did you see that quick glance that Grass guy gave us or was that just me?" he asked in a lazy tone.
"Yeah, it looked like he remembered us from somewhere but i've never seen him before. Have you Asuma-sensei?" Ino said added.
Taking his cigarette out of his mouth Asuma shook his head, "No i've not come across either of them." he responded. Chouji didn't take that much notice and went back to eating. Sighing Asuma changed the topic. "So are you 3 ready for the Jounin exam in a few days?"
"Yeah sensei we're well prepared and looking for to it... right guys?" A chewing of food and a roll of eyes was all she got as an answer. Ino frowned, "Anyway, we are ready and we'll be sure to advance to Jounin level."
"You know that all the other rookie 9 teams are entering too right?" questioned Asuma.
"Of course, we get together alot for old times sake and to train a bit. Especially for Sakura, she's never been the same since Sasuke went away and then Naruto dying... we all haven't." adding sadly. "Her new team-mates are nice, but they can't take the place of those two."
That last statement from Ino made Naruto look up with a piece of chicken stuck in is mouth. 'Did i really just hear right...? Did Ino, of all people, imply that she missed me! Damn i think i'm hearing things again. It'll be amusing to see the old gang again, even if they don't know it's me. I wonder if anything has changed accept their ranks.' He turned his attention back to his chicken and saw Gohan down another plate in mere seconds. 'One thing that won't change is his eating habits! I'll never get used to that!' he laughed as Gohan put away another bowl instantly.
After consuming nearly everything on the menu, Gohan relaxed back in his chair and gave out a large sigh. "Oh man that was some good grub! I'm so full!"
"You better be, you just about ate everything in the place!" Naruto shouted, catching the attention of the Leaf Shinobi.
"Sorry, but you know i can't help how my metabolism works." The tall black teen moaned.
Naruto rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah i've heard that before! Come on we need to find our apartment and get sorted." With that they got up and headed to the counter. After paying for their rather large bill and a few wide stares later, they walked out of the restaurant to find their apartment.
Team 6 had just witnessed something very bizarre. Two Grass Ninjas had waltzed into their restaurant and ordered a humongous amount of food, even by Chouji's standards. Then they had a few laughs as if they owned the place, ate through everything and paid for it and went like nothing had happened.
"What the hell was that! That one guy just ate through the whole menu! He didn't even look big enough to put it anywhere!" Ino said, still star struck.
Asuma had just lit another fag from dropping the other out of his mouth when it went wide a few minutes previously. "Those guys must be the Hidden Grass Village Chuunins that are here to take the Jounin exam. They seem pretty weird and mysterious. Maybe you should follow them to find out all you can." he suggested to his students.
"Heh, too troublesome." Shikamaru managed, relaxing back in the seat.
Chouji went back to his meal, "Yeah... i'm still eating here" he whined.
Ino on the other hand had already decided for them, "Great idea sensei, we could learn alot about our opponents before we go into battle!" she said and with that dragged the two struggling guys out of the restaurant. Asuma just sighed at the sight...
End Chapter Notes
Need to know what you think about the Chakra-Ki thing. I think it sounded plausible..? Tell me what you think.
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Next chapter - Lots of Action!
See you next time!