Author's Notes: InfamousAnimeAssassin here just wanted to thank all those who have read this story.

I'd like to take this time to reply to a review I received about Naruto's strength. First they are 13 years old. In the manga Naruto (in my opinion) has displayed a natural talent for learning jutsu. Example: finishing Kakashi's training for an original jutsu. If I'm correct he mastered something that takes years to perfect in a matter of a week through Kage Bunshin. Same applies here. Minato trained Sasuke and Naruto to be at the level they are. I think Naruto had great potential to begin with so since he has his parents in this fanfic I figured it makes sense to have a stronger, smarter Naruto. Plus though unstated they've been working on those jutsu for awhile but they mastered them that night. But believe me Naruto will not be on God status any time soon or maybe even at all. So to this person I hope this cleared up your questions and concerns.

Please leave a review once you've finished reading.

'Jutsu'

'Bijuu'

"Regular speech"

'Thoughts'

On with the story...

As Team 7 reached the gates that lead into the village Kakashi spoke up "Okay in an hour meet me at our training grounds"

"Okay" the four teens chimed in at once.

"Sakura please come with me to the Hokage Tower in order to explain what happened" their sensei advised the girl. Sakura slowly nodded. As they left the three remaining teens looked at one another. Not sure as to whether or not Sakura could continue as a kunochi.

At the Hokage Mansion...

"Hokage-sama, Hatake Kakashi is here to see you" his assistant said plainly.

"Let him in" Minato replied, looking up slightly from the various papers he had to stamp or hand sign. 'I wonder how Naruto did on that mission?' he asked himself.

"So Kakashi let's hear the mission report" Minato said noticing the pink haired girl. "Uh why is she with you?" he questioned raising his brow.

"Well about that..." Kakashi paused before going into a lengthy explanation of everything that happened. Ranging from the fact that Naruto was able to injure an ex Anbu from Kirigakure, to what happened to Sakura, and even how the mission should have been at least an A rank.

Minato turned his attention to the young girl. "Sakura, do you still want to be a ninja?" He questioned with a smile that gave hope. The pink haired kunochi shook her head no. "Well in that case you will receive your payment for this mission then be free to do as you please as a regular civilian of Konoha. You're dismissed Sakura" he said with another smile. Sakura bowed and left.

"Kakashi do you remember Orochimaru's failed experiment with the curse mark from about 10 years ago? Ihara Takaru?" Minato mentioned.

"Yeah, the boy was crazy until we sealed the curse mark into his right arm" Kakashi replied shuddering slightly.

"Yeah well his team mates were killed in their latest mission save for his sensei" said Minato softly. "I was wondering would you be interested in being his sensei?" the Yondaime asked of his one time student.

Kakashi hesitantly accepted figuring that the boy had to be somewhat stable seeing as he was a shinobi. "Thanks Kakashi" the hokage said with a smile one that Naruto often used. 'Like Father, Like Son' Kakashi thought. "And since you used to use a sword and so does Takaru, I was thinking of giving Naruto one he has a basics down but still needs work" Minato suggested.

"Yeah I could teach him a thing or two but Takaru would be a better teacher than me in that aspect, by the way I'm recommending my subordinates for the Chunin Exams" the silver hair Jounin said with his signature eye smile.

"Then it's settled" Minato stated. "Go find Takaru, you're now dismissed Kakashi" he added.

At the Training Grounds...

The three teens were waiting patiently. "It's 1:55pm" Naruto said. Sasuke just nodded.

Ino suddenly punched Naruto in the stomach. Before he could ask what was going on she spoke up "You were going to get yourself killed just for my sake; that has got to be the stupidest thing you could do" she scolded.

"But that's my duty as a boyfriend, I could never forgive myself if something happened to you" he tried to argue.

"You didn't let me finish, Thank you for what you were willing to do for me" she said planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Enough of the mushy shit you two; I'm getting tired of this" Sasuke said anger lacing his voice.

"Well dealing with you is no cake walk either" Ino spat.

"Hold on you two, Sasuke don't be an ass right now, Ino you just leave the snide comments to me" Naruto said trying to mediate.

"Cool it you three" came an all too familiar voice.

Naruto looked at his watch it was 2:00pm "Wow Kakashi-sensei is on time for once" he announced completely oblivious to the teenager that was with him.

"Everyone this is Ihara Takaru" the Jounin announced.

"Hello everyone" the teen said in a rather plain tone.

"Sup? My name is Namikaze Naruto; this is my girlfriend Yamanaka Ino. The black haired boy is Uchiha Sasuke" Naruto said introducing everyone. As Naruto was talking both Ino and Sasuke were taking in the appearance of this teen named Takaru.

He had short black spikey hair, and black eyes. He had a vertical scar that ran down his left eye, and a toothpick hanging from his mouth.

Takaru wore a black hitai-ate, a high collared short-sleeve shirt with the collar flipped up, the shirt had a reddish-orange tinted kanji that read 'Fire' on the back. He also wore a thin crimson red belt like sash (a/n: think Trunks from DBZ) that made an X shaped pattern on his torso, attached to it were the two katana on his back in a similar X pattern. Takaru had on dark grey pants that stopped short of his ankles, and black Konoha style sandals. His index and ring finger on his left hand had a layer of bandages around them.

His right arm was wrapped in several layers of bandages, hiding his secret power. A violent power that he was slowly gaining control over.

He also took in their appearance he noticed the raven haired boy wore a high collared dark blue shirt with an Uchiha crest on the back or so he assumed. The boy wore beige shorts that stopped below his knees, and very standard blue shinobi sandals. And finally a blue hitai-ate.

He observed Ino's fashion statement. She had platinum blonde hair that ran down midway down her back, with a bane that covered her right eye partially. She wore a purple sleeveless shirt that showed off her stomach. She had on arm warmers. She also wore black pants that stopped at her shins, black sandals and a purple hitai-ate tied around her waist.

Just as he was about to observe what the son of the Yondaime had on but Kakashi spoke up.

"He will be our replacement for Sakura. His team mates were killed in their latest mission they accepted except for his sensei. Anyway why don't you introduce yourself" Kakashi stated, urging the new member of Team 7 towards the end.

"Well as you know my name is Ihara Takaru. I'm 14 years old. A year older than ya'll. I like training and a certain brunette kunochi we might see at the Chunin Exams. I dislike those who are conceited and would kill for fun. I am also a master with swords" he said with slight malice towards Sasuke when he said conceited.

"Well Takaru spoiled the surprise... the Chunin Exams start 2 weeks from now. I have recommended you all for it. Along with the other Jounin who have recommended their teams" Kakashi informed them. "Meet me here at 9 o' clock in the morning for some intense sparring " Kakashi said. The Genin nodded "You're dismissed" Kakashi said before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Naruto's stomach growled loudly. The young ninja scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Let's go get something to eat, and since Takaru is our new team mate he should choose." Naruto suggested.

"Could we go to the Barbeque shop?" asked Takaru.

"Sure, my treat" the jinchuriki replied

'Kit I want you to keep an eye on this newcomer' Kurama advised.

'Why? He seems cool' the young blonde replied as he walked hand in hand with his girlfriend.

'Why do you always have to question me? Just fuckin' listen for once why don't ya. But if you must know he seems to have an evil aura emitting from that bandaged arm of his. That's why' Kurama said evidently pissed at his host.

'Oh okay, sorry Kurama-san' he apologized.

Ino was slightly worried about Naruto because he seemed to have zoned out as they were walking. Then she remembered that he had the Kyuubi sealed in him and that he could hold conversations with it.

Meanwhile Sasuke was taunting Takaru.

"Why did we have to get a new team mate especially this loser" he said coldly under his breath.

"A loser huh? You have no idea what I can do you fuckin emo prick" Takaru spat with malice.

Sasuke cocked back ready to punch his team mate. Naruto quickly grabbed Sasuke's fist and applied slight force causing the Uchiha's face to falter obviously getting the point "That's no way to treat our new team mate" Naruto said in a serious tone letting his fist go. "Takaru please forgive Sasuke he has a bad temper"

"Okay whatever" Takaru said focusing his attention on the restaurant they were approaching "Maruyaki (Barbeque)" the sign outside read.

xxx

After their meal the four said their goodbyes to one another with the exception of Naruto and Ino. "Ino-chan? Do you wanna come over and just chill for a little while; I don't think you've met my parents yet have you?" he questioned with his signature fox like smile.

"No I haven't" she replied timidly which was unusual for her. Naruto just smiled taking her hand into his own and lead her to his house.

As they approached the door her nervousness was increasing, hundreds of questions ran through her head. 'What do I say? How do I act? What if they don't like me? What if...' her thoughts were cut short when Naruto gently nudged her.

"Snap out of it Ino-chan" he said softly.

She laughed nervously. "Calm down, they already know a lot about you I'm sure they'll like you" he said trying to release some of her anxiety. He turned the key to the right, causing the locking mechanism to pop. Opening the door he exclaimed "I'm home!" He was greeted by his mother. Kushina smiled as she noticed him holding his girlfriend's hand.

"H-Hello Miss Namikaze" Ino said nervously; bowing respectfully.

"No need to be so formal Ino" both Naruto and Kushina said in unison. Ino blushed furiously, at her own formalness.

"Minato come on down, we have a guest" Kushina yelled in the direction of the stairs.

Minato swiftly descended the stairs. "Ah, seems we have a Yamanaka in our presence; nice to finally meet my son's girlfriend" he said with a smile. It became obvious to her where Naruto got his mesmerizing smile from.

"Nice you meet you too, Hokage-sama" said Ino bowing once more. Minato smiled faltered he hated being called that. "No need to call me that, just address me as Minato" the yellow flash said.

Ino apologized once more. "Anyway Naruto why don't you give her a tour of the house" suggested his dad.

xxx

Within 20 minutes Naruto had somehow managed to show her a majority of their mansion like house...all except for his room. They were now at the top of the staircase. "Uh where's your room?" Ino asked softly.

"Oh it's kinda messy, but I guess I'll show you it anyway" he answered, scratching his head. He led her downstairs and then down the hallway to the left of the kitchen, stopping in front of his bedroom door. He for whatever reason cautiously opened the door. Ino's eyes widened in surprise at how neat the room was especially after Naruto said it was messy.

Naruto had several shelves that held categorized scrolls. The scrolls ranged from health all the way through several 'A' rank jutsu. To the right of the shelves was a small open box filled with kunai and shuriken. His bed was located diagonally to the left of the door. Finally a medium sized closet to the right of the bed. Inside the closet were several copies of his outfit.

"Naruto come to the living room, I've got something for you" Minato yelled.

'I wonder what this could be about' he thought. He grabbed Ino's hand and proceeded to make his way to the living room area. As he walked into the living room he noticed a summoning scroll on the coffee table…

"Okay son, pump some chakra into that scroll" Minato said trying to contain his excitement. Naruto did as instructed and with a small poof he was now holding a family heirloom, a katana to be exact. Naruto looked unimpressed to say the least.

"Now, I know it doesn't look like much but this is actually a pretty unique sword it will never get dull and is made of special break resistant steel" Minato revealed. "Plus it could potentially be used for training, because it helps knead chakra" he added, piquing his son's interest.

"That's actually kinda cool dad" he said gratefully grabbing the sword and sheath. Taking a closer look at the sword he noticed that blade had a thick black line running the length of it. The handle was black with several red kanji engraved into the wood along with a small link of chain coming from the end. Finally the sheath was black with Kanji that read 'Namikaze Clan'

"Does the sword have a name?" Ino asked with slight curiosity.

"Yeah" Minato replied. "Its name is Yorukaze (Night Wind)" the hokage added.

Naruto laid the sword back down on the table and wrapped his arms around his father. "Thanks dad!" he said excitedly, ready to do some training with his new weapon.

"You earned it kiddo. Kakashi told me about the fight with the water clones" Minato replied with a smile hugging his son back. "And since Takaru is an expert in Kenjutsu I figured now would be an appropriate time to give you the sword, he could teach you to be proficient with it; In addition it may come in handy during the Chunin Exams" the blonde haired hokage of Konoha said...

A short while later...

"Ino-chan it's getting late. I'll walk you home" Naruto said with a smile. "Are we gonna actually walk or are we gonna use 'that' jutsu?" Ino questioned. Naruto grinned slightly "I was thinking we actually walk" he said mock offended.

As they were leaving Kushina yelled "I want you back here in the next hour, and be careful."

The two teens walked hand in hand down the still lively streets of Konoha. "It's almost 10pm" Naruto said calmly.

"My curfew is 11 pm so don't worry so much my dad trust me and he apparently trusts you also" she stated matter-of-factly, before kissing Naruto's whisker marked cheek. After another few short moments they were at the door steps of the Yamanaka residence. "Well, I guess we're here" she said stating the obvious.

"Yeah guess so, well anyway I'll see you tomorrow morning. Goodnight and sweet dreams beautiful." Naruto said in a soft tone of voice, leaning forward he gently pressed his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her. Naruto licked her lips asking for entrance. Ino parted her lips and let her lovers tongue slip into her mouth. Their tongues gently wrestled one another for dominance. Both of the teen's hormones were raging at the moment. 'Kit, get a hold of yourself, don't do anything perverted yet. Her dad may be watching the two of you' the Bijuu known as Kurama said in a warning tone interrupting the passionate moment.

'I know' Naruto replied mentally.

He broke the kiss. A strand of saliva came from their parting lips. Ino was blushing heavily, it was evident she wanted to keep going. Naruto was doing his best to control his urges. He was the first to break the awkward silence between them. "Night Ino-chan, I love you, see you in the morning" he said turning on his heel. Ino smiled. In the blink of an eye he was gone. 'That jutsu of his and his father is something else' she thought before heading inside and preparing herself for bed...

xxx

Naruto flashed to the front door of his home. Ignoring his parents and he quickly showered and proceeded to lie down in his fairly large bed. 'Kit next time ya'll get that serious I won't intervene. I have a feeling you two will be mating soon. Just make sure you treat her right I'd hate to see you lose her' Kurama lectured his host. 'Okay whatever can we talk about this another time I'm kinda sleepy' the blonde jinchuriki answered.

Next Day...

Naruto's alarm went off at 7:30am; he immediately woke up and jumped in the shower. After approximately 20 minutes he emerged from the bathroom. He then got dressed putting on his fishnet undershirt and throwing on his black hoodie with orange flames at the bottom; black pants and sandals and finally his pitch black hitai-ate. He was excited to show off his new sword. He attached the katana horizontally across his lower back. Luckily for him he had no trouble because the sheath was made with a little notch in it so it can easily be attached to a belt loop. He then clipped his tactical pouch to his hip and his kunai holster to his leg.

'Time to go get Ino-chan' he thought noticing it was almost 8:20 he decided that he would skip breakfast. He formed a single hand seal and began to focus chakra to the familiar location of the Yamanaka residence, where he placed a seal on a couple weeks ago. In a blinding yellow flash of light he appeared in front of the house of his girlfriend.

xxx

Ino walked out the house a few seconds after Naruto flashed there. She jumped slightly at the sight of him. Her face turned bright red as she remembered their make-out session from last night. She quickly shook those thoughts from her head "Morning Naruto-kun" she greeted softly.

He walked up to her and took her hand in his bringing it to his lips, he let them gently brush against the soft backside of her hand, causing the platinum blonde girl to blush intensely. "Good morning beautiful" he said after the sweet gesture. Naruto then kissed her forehead.

Once more within the blink of an eye they were now at their training ground. Naruto greeted his other team mates that were already there. "Morning Sasuke-teme" he greeted extending his fist for a fist bump which was recognized by Sasuke who fist pounded his friend, rival and adoptive brother. "You haven't been mocking our team mate have you?" He asked his longtime friend, waving to Takaru who bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Sasuke noticed that Naruto now had a sword attached to his lower back. "Hey, where did you get that sword?" He asked with a questioning face.

"Oh...Dad gave it to me for doing so well in our mission in the Land of Waves" he bragged.

"Do you even know how to use it?" asked a curious Takaru.

Naruto answered honestly "Yeah but I'm not proficient with it"

"If you promise to do exactly as I say I'll teach you what I know. Your clones will help a great deal considering the fact that whatever the clones learn goes back to the user" Takaru said

"Making friends already I see" Kakashi said from atop a nearby tree. Jumping down he greeted his students. "Well today we will be sparring" the masked Jounin said. "Takaru spar with Naruto I need to gauge your abilities. Just don't get too crazy, Naruto is the strongest fighter of our squad besides Sasuke" Kakashi instructed with a warning tone towards the end. "Okay begin!" their sensei shouted.

Both teens took their stances. Takaru pulled one of the swords from the sheath on his back. "Naruto! To start off show me what you can do with that sword of yours" the boy yelled.

Naruto gulped he was nervous for the first time in a long time. He drew his own katana from its sheath and shook the negative thoughts from his mind. 'Kit, mark him with that seal so you can teleport to him' the Kyuubi growled. 'Not yet'

Naruto held the sword firmly with both hands; Takaru saw that his newfound friend was not going to make the first move. He charged at his blonde team mate making a vertical slash towards Naruto's shoulder. Thinking quickly he maneuvered so that the Yorukaze took the hit. "Good, seems you can think quickly when necessary" Takaru praised with a small smile. 'Poof'

Takaru was taken aback slightly 'when did he?' he thought.

"Over here Takaru" Naruto said from a couple of feet behind his sparring partner. Naruto charged at Takaru with great speed, trying for a slash of his own with his sword. Takaru dodged it easily; it was a very sloppy attempt. 'Well I tried' Naruto thought. Takaru seizing the opening punched his comrade in the stomach as hard as possible. It knocked the breath from Naruto. While trying to recover he received a punch to the face from Takaru. It was enough to bust his lip open. Blood trickled from the wound. Naruto chuckled after spitting the blood out. "Not bad sir" he said with approval. "But let's get serious shall we?" Naruto said placing his blade back in its sheath.

Pulling out a three pronged kunai Naruto threw it at his team mate. Takaru mostly dodged it by tilting his head to the side. The kunai however did manage to leave a faint cut on his cheek. Takaru well aware of Naruto's abilities prepared for the impending attack from behind. Just as he predicted, in a yellow flash of light Naruto appeared behind Takaru going for a roundhouse kick.

Takaru quickly spun around blocking Naruto's kick with the back side of his fist. Everyone was shocked including Naruto. 'How the hell did he block so quickly, well I better mark him now' the young jinchuriki thought sending an unnoticeable seal down his leg and onto Takaru.

"Gotcha" Naruto muttered under his breath. Cutting a back flip Naruto prepared his jutsu. Making a cross with his fingers he began to channel his chakra. 'Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu' he announced as at least 100 clones appeared. They all charged at Takaru who was taken by surprise slightly at the volume of clones. 'This is going to be trouble' he thought spitting at the ground.

He jumped up into a nearby tree; and proceeded to weave several hand seals. 'Katon: Housenka no Jutsu' he said mentally spitting out several fireballs. Eliminating the clones where they stood.

'Hiraishin no Jutsu' Naruto said flashing in front of his sparring opponent slamming his fist into the face of Takaru; sending the black haired boy to the ground below.

'He must have marked me' the boy thought. As he finished his thought he hit the ground, it was hard enough to knock the breath out of him. He picked himself up from the ground. Naruto stood a few steps away from him panting heavily. "Takaru...you're pretty good...I commend you" he said trying to catch his breath. Offering his hand to his team mate Naruto helped Takaru up.

"Thanks you're not that bad yourself" Takaru said bowing. "I'm also honored that the Yondaime's son thinks I'm any good" he said showing respect.

Naruto was slightly flustered "No need to be so formal and respectful" he advised. Before Takaru could answer Kakashi intervened.

"Good job you two, I see that ya'll are around the same level as far as fighting goes, and I think you could have sparred a little longer but ultimately I'm quite impressed" their sensei said with his signature eye smile. 'Their amazing, I had to use my Sharingan just to follow them. I wonder how Takaru predicted Naruto would try to kick him, after performing his dad's jutsu' Kakashi asked himself.

Sasuke and Ino stood their dumbfounded by Takaru's ability to fight on par with Naruto. 'Damn seems I was wrong about that guy' Sasuke thought with a chuckle.

'Naruto-kun beat him but Takaru sure did give him a run for his money' Ino thought to herself.

"Well that concludes our training session for today. Takaru, Ino, Sasuke meet at Naruto's house tomorrow at noon for Jutsu training" Kakashi said.

"Uh, why my house?" Naruto asked with confusion.

"Simple I want ya'll to dominate the Chunin Exams so I'm going to teach you all some new jutsu if it works out ya'll will have at least one or two A rank jutsu; Jiraiya will also be assisting me so make sure to rest up tonight" their sensei advised...

xxx

Author's Note: That is it for chapter six, I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this chapter and are ready for the beginning of the Exam arc. I'm still finalizing some of the details in my head and on paper. I'm constantly with the help of a friend thinking of new ideas for this story since it an AU. Plus next chapter will skip to where they start the exam.

Thanks for reading we have reached over 4,000 views! That makes me feel pretty good about this fanfic. Apparently you guys enjoy reading it just as much as I like writing this fanfic. Thanks for the support and please don't forget to leave a review. Peace!

Jutsu Mentioned:

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu-Shadow Clone Technique

Katon: Housenka no Jutsu-Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Technique

Hiraishin no Jutsu-Flying Thunder God Technique