It is scary how fast these first five chapters have come. I keep telling myself to write a couple more chapters before releasing one, but I can't so enjoy:oD

Disclaimer: I am just a fan. I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 5: Suna: The Memory Road

The first rays of sunlight bore witness to Naruto and Yoshikawa bidding their Mountain home farewell. It was the first time since coming to be with Yoshikawa that Naruto had journeyed so far from the caverns. He was excited for the change of scenery and the chance to meet new people. Well, new in the sense that he had no memory of anything before being saved by Yoshikawa, and who knew what this journey would reveal. It might very well help him to remember something, maybe he was a member of Suna society. Perhaps when they reach there he might even find someone who knew him. The possibilities made him anxious. Yoshikawa had thought about those things as well, and though he would be saddened to see him go he had decided to leave that decision in the hands of fate.

The one thing Yoshikawa had the power to control was to ensure that the pupil whom he had grown so fond of would be able to handle whatever was thrown at him thoroughly come what may. In the three weeks of travel Yoshikawa would become relentless in his training of Naruto in the art of taijutsu, and with the help of his Kage Bunshin Yoshikawa had gauged that Naruto had accumulated about ten years worth of fighting applications within those weeks. Yoshikawa had made it a point to spend countless hours grilling him on multiple scenarios, fighting tactics, and on the anatomy of the body. Attacking him at random in all hours of the night and day, sleeping or awake; improving his taijutsu, survival instinct and ability to assess a situation tremendously.

"I think you are ready for the final level of your taijutsu training Haguru."

"ALRIGHT!"

"Before we begin tell me what weapons does a taijutsu master possess, Haguru?"

"The taijutsu masters weapons are the environment which surrounds him, his body, and his mind."

"Which is the most important?"

"His mind because if he can't think then how is he to act."

"What are the downfalls of a taijutsu master?"

"The downfalls of a taijutsu master are arrogance, and unrestrained emotions."

"And why are these things his downfall?"

"They are his downfall because either of these things can prevent him from properly assessing a situation."

Yoshikawa smiled at his pupil, thinking "I Have chosen wisely."

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Inside the Hokage's office, Tsunade briefed team Kakashi on their first mission.

"We have just received a letter from Suna requesting help. They were attacked by an unknown force and the Kazekage was taken after defending their village. I am sending you."

"When do we leave?" asked Kakashi

"As soon as you are ready, and remember nothing is to be said about Naruto's disappearance from the village. I am sure that rumors have leaked out in these last six months, but I want them to remain just that, rumors!" Tsunade said forcefully.

Team Kakashi nodded their understanding and left to prepare for their mission.

"Sakura, Sai pack only what you need. We are going to be traveling fast. If my calculations are correct then it took that message a day and a half to reach here and it will take us at least three to get there depending on how quickly we move. Meaning that we are already way behind. We will meet at the front gate in half an hour. " Kakashi said before departing.

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Yoshikawa and Naruto had set up camp for the night. Yoshikawa was testing Naruto on his knowledge of the anatomy of the body and was pleased to find that Naruto had retained the majority of his lessons.

"Haguru I want you to have this."Yoshikawa handed him a scroll.

"What is it?"

"It is my final lesson in taijutsu. I am intrusting you with this knowledge of my taijutsu style. It has taken me years to perfect; it utilizes the knowledge of the body to systematically incapacitate, maim, or destroy your opponent through a series of fluid motion or with one strike."

"Master, I don't know what to say."

"Promise me you will never abuse the knowledge I have given you. Promise me that you will use it only in defense of your life, the lives of your loved ones, or to protect the weak. Never use what I have shown you out of anger or maliciousness. Promise me."

"I promise." Naruto replied solemnly.

"Then there is nothing more you need say."

Naruto attempted to open the scroll, but could not. Yoshikawa donned a mischievous grin.

"I just told you that this taijutsu is the culmination of all my life's experience. Did you think you would open the scroll so easily?"

Yoshikawa taught Naruto the necessary hand signs to dispel and replace the protection seal placed upon the scroll. Naruto then wrestled a promise from Yoshikawa that he would teach him what he knew about the art of sealing. Tomorrow they would be within a day's travel to Suna, and Yoshikawa laid down pondering what was to come.

Halfway into their day's journey to Suna Naruto and Yoshikawa come upon the remnants of a battle. They quickly surveyed the surrounding area to ensure all the trouble had passed and stumble upon a fallen ninja. Yoshikawa checked his vitals and found a weak pulse. Naruto retrieved his canteen from the top of his pack and held it to the ninja's lips. The ninja looked upon Naruto with a face of recognition. "Naruto…..you must…..Gaara…."

Naruto stared through the ninja as memories of a boy with a huge gourd on his back standing by the fallen ninja and a girl flooded his mind. Naruto clung to the images like a life line attempting to call forth more memories, but there was nothing. Yoshikawa and Naruto carried the fallen ninja back to Suna and are greeted by a group of sand jounin guarding the entrance gates.

"State your business." The lead jounin demanded.

"We came here to visit the market, on our way here we discovered this man he is alive but just barely." Yoshikawa replied.

"Kankurou–sama" shouted the guards in unison.

The lead jounin had two of his men take charge of Kankurou. They rushed him to the infirmary to be examined while the lead jounin proceeded to search Yoshikawa and Naruto; as per his orders, he was to search any and all persons passing through the gates regardless of their stature. He thanked them for not giving him a hard time, apologized for the inconvenience and sent them on their way.

"Haguru it is obvious that there is some connection between you and the injured ninja. I think maybe you should see where it leads."

"Thank you Master."

"There is nothing to thank me for. This is your chance to find out who you are; I have no right to interfere with that. I only ask that you tell no one of me or the location of our home."

"Does it have something to do about your past? Never mind, it is not my place to pry, forgive me Master. It is just that I….."

Naruto wanted to tell him that he was worried about where this road would lead him and that he would like to know something more about the man he had come to consider as more than just a Master just in case, but decided it was a selfish request and stopped himself.

"There is nothing to forgive. What pupil does not wish to know their Master? I promise you this Haguru; find out what you need to. You know how to find me. When you're ready we will finish your training and I will share with you my past. Seeing as our paths are about to split take these scrolls with you also. You already know how to open them. They will further your knowledge in genjutsu and ninjutsu as well as teach you the basic theory behind sealing jutsu. Study hard Haguru because when next we meet I will test your knowledge of those scrolls thoroughly."

Naruto had no words to express his gratitude; so he did something hugged Yoshikawa as a son would a father, catcing him completely off guard. Yoshikawa became misty eyed as Naruto thanked him and went his separate way.

"Old fool; what are you crying about?" Yoshikawa mumbled to himself.