Night of the Vulpine Moon
*don't own or make money from Naruto or Dr. Seuss*
Chapter 3-"Breaking the Habit"
*Still October 23rd-half moon*
Naruto ran to his house and grabbed his bag as Neji and Hinata did the same at the Hyuuga Manor before they all met up at the gate. "Are you two ready?" Naruto asked as he saw Neji and Hinata nod, saying they were lucky and managed to avoid Hiashi by having Hanabi deliver the message about their mission. Nodding, the trio took off into the trees and toward the border of fire and wind all the while having the feeling of being followed. "I bet baa-chan still doesn't trust me to go alone with you two" Naruto said as his instincts told him that they were being followed and he didn't like it one bit. "It must have something to do with me and Gaara meeting up" Naruto muttered as he fueled more chakra to his legs to give their pursers a hard time in catching up. "Why is that Naruto?" Neji asked as he and Hinata activated their byakugan to try and see who was assigned to tail them as if they wouldn't figure it out. Naruto smiled and said that he and Gaara were cut from the same cloth so to speak as Neji and Hinata were shock to learn that Gaara also had a demon sealed inside him too.
"Is it a nine-tailed fox too?" Hinata asked wondering how many there were in the world but Naruto shook his head and began to explain about the 9 different biju and the eight tails he met on his travels as they jumped through the trees to their destination. After about an hour, the group started thinking about how Gaara also suffered like Naruto but didn't have friends to help him out. "Maybe we should take him to the cave with us when we get back" Hinata thought out loud as Naruto agreed saying that Gaara might like that as that thought led them to try and figure out how to get back. "So Naruto-kun, how are we going to get to the cave without getting caught since it seems Hokage-sama doesn't trust us to go alone?" Hinata said as her and Neji's byakugan activated again, only this time they saw the three sensei that were following them at a fast pace yet tried to stay out of their eye range. "It's a good thing we've been training to lengthen our range of the byakugan, right Hinata-san" Neji said as they jumped through the trees steadily getting closer to the border between the two nations to greet Gaara and his siblings.
"I think we better wait until we met up with Gaara since I know baa-chan might have sent somebody else to check out the cave, too bad they won't find anything unless they have fox chakra" Naruto said smirking as he thought about how upset the cave search party would be when they couldn't even get pass the barrier without his help. "So how will we get back to the cave then?" Neji asked as he looked at the blonde who still had his smile on his face as he said that they would see before leaping further into the trees leaving behind the three instructors. "When has Naruto gotten so fast?" Kakashi wondered out loud as he and the rest fueled more chakra to their legs as to catch up with the retreating blonde. "It might have something to do with the Kyuubi's power but still it's impressive since Hinata is also able to keep up with him. If it wasn't for Neji following slightly behind we would have lost them some time ago. Good for Neji for staying behind to make sure we keep track of them" Gai said managing to do his good guy pose in mid-air making Yamato sweat drop and Kakashi face palm saying that Gai was too flashy and that he would give away their location.
Too bad they were paying attention to Gai and not to Naruto who decided to help Neji out who was having a hard time keeping up with them for some reason. "I confirmed who are following us… Kakashi, Yamato, and Gai, which was super easy since he and Lee are the only ones who do the "good guy" pose." Neji muttered making Hinata giggle saying that his instructor was very interesting while Naruto said at least his wasn't a porn-reading pervert who was always late for everything. "That's true but what should we do-should we let them know we see them or try and lose them?" Naruto chuckled, bringing his fingers into his favorite hand sign and saying, "how about we do both" before he made a whole bunch of clones of himself, two in which grabbed Hinata and Neji before they jumped down from the trees. "That's good and all but Kakashi will still be able to sense us with his sharingan" Neji stated before he noticed the foxlike grin on Naruto's face that always spelled trouble for somebody. "Well, it's going to be very hard for him to use his sharingan if he passes out from blood-loss, right?"
Neji heard Hinata giggle and turned in time to see her pull out a camera where she checked the mode to make sure it was on stealth before telling Naruto that everything was a go. Wondering what the two had planned, Neji watched as the sensei jump down telling them to come out of hiding or he would use his eye on them. The hundreds of Naruto suddenly said that they were going down without a fight in which Kakashi, Gai, and Yamato went into fighting positions ready for action. However, the action they were expecting wasn't the same with Naruto before the hundreds of Naruto made another familiar hand sign before crying out, "Sexy Kunoichi Harem no Jutsu" and they all transformed into the kunoichi from Konoha and Suna. "Well boys, what do you think?" they all said in flirtatious ways as the sensei stood there for a few seconds in shock, which gave Hinata enough time to take some good pictures, before they all flew back and hit their heads on trees as it was too much for their perverted minds.
Neji was speechless as he saw the Sexy Kunoichi Harem no Jutsu whereas Naruto and Hinata were laughing while they continued to take pictures as the girls went over to the knocked out perverts and posed around them. "This will make great blackmail for later" Hinata said before she put the camera away and they started off back in the trees as to put some distance between them and the rest before they woke up. "Dare I ask what was with the jutsu?" Neji said as Hinata and Naruto chuckle saying that their year at the Academy was more interesting with a prankster in the mix. Not wanting to know more, Neji kept silent as they approached the border where they were to meet Gaara and escort him back to Konoha. "Should we wait here for them or go ahead and meet them?" Hinata asked looking behind her while Naruto thought about it for a second said that it would be best to go greet Gaara because he had some questions to ask him about Shukaku. Nodding, the trio jumped off the branch they were on and crossed the imaginary border between the fire and wind nations.
"You know that Kakashi, Yamato, and Gai-sensei are going to be really furious when they noticed we left them behind?" Hinata said softly but a small smile on her face as she continued forward with Naruto and Neji. "Yea but they can't do anything without getting themselves in trouble because they are supposed to be smarter than to fall for my sexy no jutsu" Naruto said smiling widely while Hinata and Neji chuckled at the trick Naruto had pulled earlier. Looking ahead, Neji and Hinata activated their byakugan as to spot the redheaded Kazekage and his team. "There he is" Hinata said as she spotted Gaara and three people coming towards them in which they sped up their movements to greet them first. "I see them too but Gaara has two females with him, one is his cousin and the other is unknown" Neji said as he deactivated his byakugan as the beings came within normal eyesight. "Gaara, Temari, you made it!" Naruto screamed and ran ahead of the Hyuugas to greet his Suna friend and company.
"It's nice to see you too Naruto" Gaara said calmly as Temari greeted the over energized blonde who seemed to be bouncing up and down as he talked a mile a minute. "So he is the host of the nine-tailed fox, you weren't kidding Gaara he really does have a lot of energy" an unknown voice said from beside Gaara as he turned toward the unfamiliar voice. "Who is she Gaara?" Naruto asked as he looked the new visitor up and down taking in her appearance before meeting Gaara's teal eyes. "My name is Yugito Ni'i and I'm a biju like you and Gaara; I'm the host of the two tailed cat demon Nekomata" Yugito said shaking Naruto's hand as Neji and Hinata caught up with the group. "Good afternoon Kazekage" Neji and Hinata said bowing a bit before Gaara said there was no need for the formalities and that they could just call him by his name. "I guess you were excited to see Gaara after so long, huh Naruto?" Temari teased as she saw the blonde scratch the back of his head as he said yea and that it had been a while but that was only part of the reason.
"So Yugito, why are you traveling with Gaara to Konoha anyway?" Naruto asked as they started walking back to the border and then back to Konoha. "The same reason you came out to us instead of waiting for us at the border" Yugito said smiling as she saw the look on Naruto's face before his eyes got big. "You were being followed by three perverts and didn't want to get caught by them when they woke up?" Naruto said innocently making the three Suna visitors stare at him while Hinata and Neji laugh before pulling out the camera and showing them the pictures. "You are a kitsune for real, playing pranks as much as a tanuki" Yugito muttered as Hinata put the camera away while Naruto raised a blonde eyebrow at her words before looking at Gaara who had a slight frown on his face. "Don't worry Gaara, I'll teach you all about how to pull pranks" which earned him a cry of protest from Temari saying that she already had one prankster of a brother and that she didn't need another one. As they crossed over into fire country, Naruto shuddered violently feeling a large aura of rage ahead as he stopped, whimpering a bit as Neji, Hinata, and Temari looked at him with a confused look.
"What's wrong Naruto?" Temari asked as Neji and Hinata activated their eyes before gulping and turning them off again. "It seems that our sensei have recovered and are just waiting to see Naruto and have a little talk with him about the prank I bet. Whimpering, Naruto took a deep breath and said it was now or never (although he preferred the later) as he started walking forward before he stopped at Gaara's words. "Naruto, is there another way to Konoha around them since it seems clear you're not ready to meet them yet" Gaara asked as he watched Naruto turn, thinking about the area before nodding and saying there was but it was a little ways off. Turning to his sister and Yugito he asked if it was okay to go the long way in which Yugito said it was okay while Temari seemed hesitant as he looked at her brother with a concerned look in her eye. "Temari I will be fine if you want to gone and go ahead to Konoha to report to the Hokage that I will meet with her shortly. Also that it isn't Naruto's fault for going the long way and that I was the one who suggested it then you can go find Shikamaru and-"
Temari blushed and said okay as she cut her brother's words off before telling him to be careful before she went on ahead to the three angry jonin while the rest quickly took a different route as they went around. "Thanks Gaara, I really wasn't ready to face them yet since I know they were ready to yell at me for leaving them there after pulling my little prank" Naruto said as Gaara nodded before looking at Neji and Hinata who was jumping alongside them. "Can they be trusted?" Gaara asked simply as Naruto nodded and continued forward before speaking again. "They already know about the Kyuubi and Shukaku and understand entirely although after what happened yesterday I'd said they took it rather well" Naruto said as Neji and Hinata looked at the redhead who nodded while Yugito asked what had happened yesterday. Taking a deep breath, Naruto began to explain what happened earlier that week from the supposed ramen shortage to finding his way to the Kyuubi's den to learning about the Vulpine Moon.
On the last one, Gaara and Yugito exchanged a look and asked him what the Kyuubi said about the moon and he explained everything as they listened quiet while Neji and Hinata noticed their look earlier and wondered what they knew. "So why did you decide to suddenly visit Konoha and with Yugito too? Isn't she from lightning country and how did you two meet up?" Naruto asked as he slowed down, looking back at the two in question who were quiet for a minute before saying that they needed to talk in private making the leaf ninja suspicious as to what was really going on. Naruto blinked and smiled, saying he knew just the place before jumping a few more yards and stopping in a tree that showed the mouth of a cave with an orange barrier in front. "What is with the orange barrier in front of the cave?" Yugito asked as Gaara looked at Naruto, a nonexistent eyebrow raised as Naruto said he would show them before jumping down onto the ground and towards the cave with Neji, Hinata, and the others right behind him.
Naruto went through the barrier along with Neji and Hinata while Gaara and Yugito hesitated outside looking at it before Naruto poked his head through saying that they could enter. Cautious, they slowly entered the "den" where Naruto sat on a bed of leaves with Hinata while Neji sat on the log from before. "So what is it that you two know about the Vulpine Moon?" Naruto asked as he looked up at Gaara and Yugito who were still standing and looking around at the cave before turning to Naruto. "The same as you that it affects kitsune and all that but it seems to be calling out to our biju too because Nekomata has been acting strange lately even having me sneak out of lightning country just to see Gaara and then you" Yugito said as she sat down next to Neji on the log as Gaara continued to stand. Frowning, Naruto faced suddenly scrunched up as if thinking about something important before weird yipping sounds came out of his mouth before going silent. Two minutes later, a large group of foxes were piling in the cave with leaves in their mouth as they extended the leaf bed Naruto and Hinata was currently on to being big enough to house all five of them.
"Wow, you got your own army of foxes that could help you in battle or be your mini servants" Yugito teased before she and Neji moved to the bed of leaves where Gaara watched before he to sat down on the soft blanket. "So what do your biju feel about the Vulpine Moon?" Naruto asked as he got up and went over back to the hidden safe. "Don't worry about me, I'm just curious about a lot of stuff since I learned this was the Kyuubi's den when he was 4 tailed and he taught me how to open everything so…" the others nodded and watched him open the safe while talking about how their biju were getting excited about the moon rising and saying that they would finally be together again or something. All three demon vessel's suddenly blinked and withdrew as they started talking to their inner demons while Neji and Hinata sat there slightly uncomfortable as they wondered what the biju were talking about.
After 5 minutes, the three nodded as Naruto waved a chakra glowing hand over a spot low on the main wall which showed a basin that he asked Neji and Hinata to fill with water from a nearby stream while the others collected some items. Everybody came back with different items as Naruto was sitting down on the bed of leaves a space cleared for the basin as Yugito and Gaara came back each with a flower in their hand while Naruto held one from somewhere as he asked Neji and Hinata to place their hands in the water. Wondering what was going to happen they complied while Naruto, Gaara, and Yugito place their flowers, each the same color as their biju, into the water before fueling their biju chakra which made Neji and Hinata jump slightly but not remove their hands as they felt the chakra seep into their chakra network before they stopped fueling chakra. "There now you to two won't be left out of our conversations" Naruto said as the other four looked at him with surprise before looking down at the water.
Where the three flowers were, a mirror like surface appeared where the group could see and hear the three demons at the same time who said that the flowers they picked were demon flowers and was used to communicate among each other. "So why exactly did you decide to visit Konoha and why did you sneak away from Kumo?" Naruto asked as he went around the den waving a chakra glowing hand over everything that made everything he saw in the Kyuubi's den in his mind to real life. There was a scroll shelf as big as the cave to the left, the main wall held kitchen supplies, while the right wall held the save and a large bed that suddenly made the cave seem bigger as the three demons explained about how they all would made the same wish on the Vulpine Moon for they were blessed by Kyuubi, who was born under the Vulpine Moon, and was able to give away two free wishes to when he was good. "We all decided we are to be reborn and want to apologize for making your lives a living hell although what do you expect when you let power take control of you." Shukaku said making Gaara frown as the cave was filled with an air of awkwardness that Naruto broke when he asked about Yugito.
"Well Nekomata wanted to see her two friends again and I was tired of how they were treating me so I decided to have a "Bee moment" and ditched the lightning country to travel all the way to Suna which took me about a freaking month to get there but I made it and now she will soon be with them both again." Naruto smiled as he thought about the rapping vessel of the eight tailed ox-cephalopod who was always running away from home like a disobedient kid. "Cool now that we are all here what you need us for?" Naruto asked the water as Kyuubi explained to him about personal items that belonged to his friends and all the stuff he would need Naruto to do before the night of the Vulpine Moon. "Hey Naruto did you give Neji the necklace yet?" Kyuubi asked as Naruto snapped his fingers saying he forgot and pulled out another box that held a necklace similar to Hinata's and his only in the shape of a diamond with the usual Uzumaki swirl on one side and a chibi five tailed dog on the other. "Thank you but-" Neji started to say but was interrupted by Naruto saying it wasn't a proposal or anything, making Neji glare at him while everybody else laughed while Kyuubi explained that it was a necklace of friendship and was to prove that he was in his pack.
"Oh, thank you Naruto" Neji said after a minute before he put the necklace around his neck before the group went back to question and answer with the biju. After about an hour they finally stopped with the questions and removed the flowers in which they gave to Hinata to press later. The group then sat down and thought about all that they had learned. "So we need to go to the biju sacred grounds found where the Tanzaku Castle used to be before it was destroyed which makes our job easier since it was built over it and now nothing is in the way of us getting there…except baa-chan who is going to kill me for keeping you from seeing her." Naruto said as he noticed how late it was getting as his stomach started growling. "We'll say we kept you from getting her earlier and I know Temari already informed her we would be late but I need to ask you a favor Naruto" Gaara said looking at the blonde who said sure and waited to see what Gaara wanted him to do. "Can Yugito stay in the cave since she technically left Kumo without permission and the Raikage most likely has a watch out for her which must have reached Konoha by now so-"
Naruto raised up his hand and said say no more and that Yugito could stay in the cave for the week until Halloween and that he would send several clones with food and other things she needed. Thanking him, Naruto and the rest said goodnight to Yugito before leaping onto a sturdy tree branch and taking off towards Konoha. After about 20 minutes they spotted the gates of the hidden leaf village…along with an angry blonde haired Hokage who was looking around for them. Naruto paled as he felt the killing intent radiating from Tsunade before a wide smile came across his face as he looked at the others before making a single hand sign. The others chuckled, knowing what Naruto had planned, before they continued to the gates of Konoha and the angry Hokage. "NARUTO, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!" Tsunade started yelling as soon as the group got within seeing range and made their way cautiously towards her. "But baa-chan, Gaara insisted-" Naruto started but instantly stepped back when he saw Tsunade's fist glowing. "I told you specifically to bring the Kazekage right to my office when you got him, did I not?" Tsunade asked angrily but was shocked silently when Naruto shook his head.
"No, you exact words were 'to meet Gaara and his siblings at the border of fire and wind nation and to personally escort him here', you said nothing about how fast or to directly go from where he was to Konoha besides we sensed danger ahead and took precautions by going around as to insure that Gaara was safe." Hinata and Neji stifled their giggles and laughter as they saw that Naruto had Tsunade in a bad position for he was absolute right and she couldn't argue with protecting the Kage of an ally country. "Fine but what kind of threat was so bad that you had to go around it instead of stealthily avoiding them?" Tsunade asked before she noticed the group was looking pass her and smiling. Confused she turned around to see Kakashi, Gai, and Yamato angry, blushing, and coughing as they avoided the Hokage's questionable gaze while she sighed and said that they were excused but that she wanted them to meet her early tomorrow to fill out the mission's report. Nodding, they went pass her and were heading to the hotel when Tsunade called out to Naruto. "Oh and Naruto…tomorrow I want to see the REAL you and not a clone okay?" Tsunade said as Naruto nodded said he would as the five beings all disappeared in a puff of smoke while Tsunade laughed calling Naruto a smart brat before turning on the three jonin who were trying to escape.
"Now what do you three have to say about Naruto avoiding you hmm?" Tsunade asked as Gai whimpered, Yamato paled, and Kakashi was thinking of ways to get back at Naruto as they tried to explain to the Hokage what happened without telling her what happened. On a nearby building Naruto, Hinata, Neji, Temari, and Gaara were enjoying the site of the three cowering before Tsunade before Naruto suggested they got get something to eat since they managed to skip lunch. Agreeing, they all headed to Ichiraku Ramen where Teuchi and Ayame greeted them asking how he been as they ordered their ramen when Naruto ordered 10 bowls of ramen instantly while Temari and Gaara stared at him like he was crazy. "What, I'm hungry and I haven't had Ichiraku Ramen in over a week although I will have to admit that Hinata-tenshi got you beat oyaji-san" Naruto said turning back the old man as he set the 1st bowl of ramen down in front of Naruto who slurped it up rapidly. "Oh really?" Ayame asked noticing the 'tenshi' part and giving Hinata a look that screamed she wanted details. "Yes really but the reason why he had to submit to my cooking was because he nearly starved to death thanks to a fake ramen shortage" Hinata said picking up some chopsticks and eating the ramen at a slow pace.
"WHAT!" Temari, Teuchi, and Ayame screamed while Gaara looked shock and stared at Naruto who was already on this 3rd bowl. Hinata then began to explain the teams ramen prank to Teuchi and Ayame, who felt extremely guilty that they're favorite customer had to suffer from that, and gave him half off his ramen in which he thanked them before he and the rest continued to eat. After they had all eaten their fill and Naruto paid for the food they all walked around the town before a nagging feeling came over him like he was forgetting something. Looking at the group, he frowned and looked around as if searching for somebody. "What's the matter Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked noticing that Naruto was looking around before he turned his blue eyes toward her. "Where is the rest of the Konoha 13?" Naruto asked before Neji and Hinata blinked before looking around as Gaara and Temari wondering where they were too for they had a few things to talk about with Naruto's "friends". "That is weird I haven't seen them since yesterday. It's almost like they're hiding from us or something?" Hinata wondered out loud as Neji thought about it and came up with the conclusion that they were hiding.
"After hearing about the Kyuubi sealed inside Naruto I bet they're scared that he is going to get some kind of revenge for what they did and are waiting for him to do something." Neji stated as he looked at Naruto and noticed the familiar grin that came onto Naruto's face whenever he had a plan. "What are you going to do Naruto?" Neji simply asked as he heard Naruto chuckle before saying nothing which made them raise a brow (except Gaara) before he softly explained his plan which the others had to admit was clever since only two of the Konoha 13 were really responsible. They had reached the hotel where Gaara and Temari were staying where they said their goodbyes and promised to check on Yugito tomorrow before heading off to their homes, Naruto to his apartment and Neji and Hinata to the Hyuuga Manor. Although all five people went into different directions they all had the same thing on their mind. 'They won't know what will hit them tomorrow' as they all turned in for the night.
*October 24th-half moon*
Naruto woke up extremely energetic as the events from yesterday played through his mind as he grinned and though about what he was going to do today. "But first I need to see baa-chan" he muttered to himself as he got up to do his morning routine before he grabbed his bag and ran out his apartment towards the Academy and Tsunade's office where the others were already waiting. "Hey baa-chan" Naruto said in his usual loud voice as Tsunade growled and told him to stop calling her that before she at the group with a keen eyes. "How did Jiraiya put up with you for 2 ½ years I don't understand but I make sure I ask him when he get back" Tsunade muttered before she looked up at Naruto. "I have excused your behavior from yesterday in taking so long to bring the Kazekage here since Kakashi, somewhat, explained what happened to steer you off course but in the future, please come straight here and not lolly-gag around." Nodding and saying he would she told the group to go wait in the meeting room and that she would be there shortly. Smiling just a little too big Naruto quickly left the office with Neji and Hinata before Tsunade could see the mischievousness in his eyes as he walked to the meeting room an aura of mischief hanging around him. The trio stopped at the door and heard muttering behind the door before he gave Neji and Hinata a side smirk before opening the door and greeting the teams.
"Hey everybody, you miss me?" Naruto said smiling and the room grew quiet, so quiet you could hear the cliché crickets chirping in the background as the three shinobi made their way to their teams some flinching as Naruto passed by. The air in the room grew tense that was only broken when Tsunade and Shizune came in and sensed the tension in the air before looking at Naruto who still had his happy smile on his face. "All of you can calm down, Naruto isn't going to hurt any of you for the prank" Tsunade said the tense ninja in the room before they slowly relaxed as Naruto didn't really change or say otherwise. The meeting went on where Asuma's and Gai team had missions while the rest were dismissed as Tsunade passed out the mission scrolls before stopping Naruto. "Naruto I have a special mission for you, Hinata, and Neji and that is to escort Gaara to Tanzuka Gai in three days for an important meeting" Tsunade said sternly making sure they got the message before she told them that they were free to go and had the next 3 days off until the mission. As they left, Tsunade had the urge to shiver as she stared at Naruto a weird feeling coming over her like she just set something bad in place.
"That should keep Naruto away long enough to figure out more about the Vulpine Moon because I know there is something they're not telling me" the blonde Hokage muttered as Shizune followed her back to her office where Gaara and Temari were looking through books to find out about the Vulpine Moon. 'I just know this week is going to be bad because I keep getting this nagging feeling that something big is about to go down' Tsunade thought as she returned to her desk and try to find more information about the vulpine moon. Naruto exited the room and quickly caught up with his and Hinata's team who were whispering about something before they realized that Naruto and Hinata were behind them. The group started picking up a strange aura that emitted from Naruto as he reverted back to his old self but the aura never seemed to leave him. "So are we going to go spar or something?" Naruto asked innocently as the group looked at each and nodded saying they could use the practice and headed towards the training grounds. Kurenai went home to her child, which Iruka was watching, while she turned to the two teams over to Kakashi and Yamato who were keeping a distinct eye on Naruto who was laughing and joking with Neji and Hinata, trying to loosen up the tension around them.
Slowly the two teams loosened up and went back to joking, sparring, and training forgetting to be worried about Naruto and his immense power while Kakashi thought of a way to get back. 'Too bad Jiraiya is gone to meet his informant and won't be back until later this week" Kakashi thought for he knew the white haired Sennin would enjoy a good prank on his godson. Thinking about ways to get back at Naruto, Kakashi almost missed when Naruto slipped off into the forest with Neji and Hinata a suspicious air around them that the ex-ANBU didn't like. Nodding to Yamato, Kakashi stealthily followed the three until they had made it to a large spacious area in which Naruto started making a whole bunch of clones. "All right, are you two ready?" Naruto asked as he pulled out two scrolls, tossing one to Neji and the other to Hinata before he summoned a larger scroll and unsealed several large piles of scrolls in which all his clones grabbed and begin to read while Naruto meditated with his eyes closed in the middle of the chaos. Kakashi raised a brow as he watched the clones scan the scrolls, make a few hand signs, replace the scroll on the pile before disappearing while Hinata and Neji exchanged their scroll for another one.
'What is he doing and where did he get all those scrolls?' Kakashi thought as he watched the trio continue the process until all the scrolls were back on the scroll before Naruto made a single hand sign, his eyes still close, before saying, "Seal" and the scrolls went back into the larger one before Naruto sent it back to wherever it came from. Naruto then opened his eyes, which was mixed between blue and red before making the same animal calls from two days ago where three foxes popped out of the bush and ran over to him. Naruto then started yipping, whining, and barking which made no sense to Kakashi but perfect sense to the foxes for they all yipped once, got a head rub from the three ninja and back through the bushes. All three took a deep breath and closed their eyes before a small smirk appeared on their faces as they turned their heads in the direction that Kakashi was hidden. "Did you enjoy the show Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto called out as all three ninja's eyes opened to stare directly at Kakashi who mentally cursed before jumping down from the tree he was hiding in. "What was all that about Naruto with the scrolls and foxes?" Kakashi asked suspicious as to what was going through the blonde's mind when said blonde smiled said a ninja never reveal their secrets before disappearing in a puff of smoke along with Hinata and Naruto. Kakashi was shocked, confused, angry, and proud all at the same time.
He was shocked because Naruto and the others had caught him without him even knowing, confused because he didn't see when Naruto switch with this clone unless he was never there, angry because Naruto was harboring more secrets than Kakashi cared for, and secretly proud for Naruto was growing up to be a strong ninja who started to think things through instead of acting reckless. "I got to give you credit Naruto, you actually out bested me this time" Kakashi said pulling out his orange book before walking back to the teams to find Naruto, Neji, and Hinata there as if they never had left. Yamato had a questioning look on his face as he noticed the soft smile and twinkle in Kakashi's eye as he made it back to the teams. "Well I believe that should do for training so go home and get some rest" Kakashi said a signal that he needed to talk to Yamato about something as the group nodded, looked at Naruto, Hinata, and Neji, and left wondering what had taken place while they were sparring. "Well…later Kakashi-sense, Yamato-sensei" Naruto said as he took towards town saying that he was hungry and should find Gaara to join them while the two sensei watched him leave. "So what happened while you were following them?" Yamato asked as Kakashi looked at him and explained all he witnessed as they walked to Tsunade's office.
*October 25th-half moon to waxing crescent*
The next day Naruto, Hinata, and Neji were once again called into Tsunade's office who demanded to see the scrolls Naruto had been studying yesterday which he smiled and said sure before handing them over. "I must warn you though that once you look at it I'm not responsible for anything that happens because it wasn't meant for your eyes" Naruto said calmly, eyes seeming to glow while Hinata and Neji hid a soft giggle with a cough before they waited to see what Tsunade would do. Tsunade's eyes narrowed before she had Kakashi and Hiashi summoned to inspect the scroll before she opened it in which, after they arrived, confirmed that nothing was wrong with the scroll. Still frowning, she looked at Naruto who face never changed as she opened the scroll to find…her face covered in pie while Kakashi and Hiashi stared, shocked, at what just happened when Naruto, Hinata, and Neji started laughing saying that there consequences to nosy ninja in which they made their great escape, after rolling up the scroll, out of the tower. The last thing the group heard was Tsunade laughing saying that the brat got guts and wasn't the Konoha's biggest prankster for nothing as she figured out that Naruto purposely got himself caught by Kakashi who would have reported to her and they played right into his hands.
"I got to give that brat points for cleverly tricking me but it won't happen again" Tsunade said smiling while she dismissed Hiashi and Kakashi who were now to "beware blondes bearing gifts" as they made their way home, hoping that they weren't the next victim to Naruto's pranks. "Baa-chan and Kakashi down, two more to go" Naruto said as the aura of mischief shrouded him before he passed Gaara and Temari on the way to the Hokage's office saying that cream pie really suited Tsunade as they left the building. After making several clones to send food to Yugito, Naruto decided to go train knowing they wouldn't be interrupted as they walked off towards the unknown training ground deep in the forest…and far away as not to take blame for what was about to happen. Two little foxes went unnoticed as they entered the homes of two unsuspecting team-mates leaving behind a wrapped gift before disappearing in the breeze. As the group sparred they all stopped when they heard the distinctive cry of horror and outrage before smirking thinking that revenge was sweet when delivered undetected. "I wonder what's with all the screaming and yelling" someone asked out loud while Neji and Naruto shrugged as they continued sparring with new jutsus they learned from the scroll.
*October 26th-waxing crescent*
As Naruto, Hinata, Neji, Gaara, and Temari made their way to the meeting room they couldn't help but feel the killing intent raging from her door as Temari looked at Naruto who seemed to be ignoring the aura as his own cloaked him as to protect him like Gaara's sand shield. Sharing a look with her brother, they watched as Naruto opened the door, letting them in first, followed by Neji and Hinata before he walked into the now crowded room with his usual energy. "Hey baa-chan, what you call me for?" Naruto said excitedly as the room grew silent before a mass killing intent aimed at Naruto filled up the room making Gaara and Temari stare at the blonde as they wondered what he did to deserve such a look. "Naruto…after you left my office yesterday where did you go?" Tsunade asked calmly trying to ignore the killing aura as she stared at the blonde who blinked and said that he was training at an abandoned training ground he found some time ago with Neji and Hinata. "Why baa-chan, why do you ask and what happened to them?" Naruto asked innocently looking around the room at two angry faces while the rest looked at him curiously.
Tsunade, with a vein throbbing on her forehead, told him that she needed to confirm his location and asked if there was any witnesses besides them three who could confirm their story. "OH COME-ON, HOKAGE-SAMA, WE ALL KNOW NARUTO DID-" Sakura started to yell advancing towards the blonde with a glowing fist before she stopped in her tracks when Gaara said he could confirm it. The room once again grew quiet as they turned their eyes to Gaara who wore an expressionless look on his face as he stared at Tsunade saying that he went training with them after visiting her office with Temari. "They waited outside the building until I came out and I followed them to the training ground where we sparred until late in the afternoon then we went to eat dinner at a restaurant before we all went back to Naruto's apartment and watched the stars on the balcony and caught up on what has happened in our lives." Before anybody could say anything else, Temari spoke up saying that it was true as when she was leaving the office she found them walking from the forest, after they finished sparring, and invited her to dinner in which Naruto was paying so they went home and 20 minutes later met at a sushi restaurant before they all went back to Naruto's apartment at watched the shooting stars.
Tsunade looked at Naruto who looked at the group again, an eyebrow raised, before turning to Tsunade who sighed and said that he was dismissed and that there was some kind of misunderstanding. As Naruto turned to leave, a kunai came out of nowhere in which Naruto easily caught in between his fingers without turning around making some of the teams gasp in surprise. Naruto turned again a bored expression on his face as he looked at Sasuke, who strangely had glitter in his hair, had his sharingan activated and was staring at Naruto, his hand around the hilt of his katana. "I don't believe them because only Naruto would be able to pull that many pranks in such a short time and I'm going to get even" Sasuke said as he ran towards Naruto with his sword drawn. Before Tsunade or anybody had time to do anything they watched as Sasuke swung his katana down at Naruto's head who sighed, gathered chakra to his right hand, made a hand sign with his left, and said almost emotionlessly, "Kitsune Blade", before a sword appeared out of nowhere in which Naruto used to block Sasuke's attack. Everybody in the room were shocked as Naruto blocked Sasuke's attack before they saw said Uchiha go flying back, dropping his katana along the way.
"Nani?" Tsunade said jumping up as she watched Sasuke be thrown back before turning towards Naruto who still held the sword out, swinging it around in his hand before placing the part in the carpet of the floor before leaning on it, a smug look on his face as he saw Sasuke get up and reclaim his sword a frown on his face. As Tsunade tried to ask Naruto where he got the sword from Sakura, let out a growl and once again advanced towards the blonde who didn't even so much as twitch as he watched the pink-haired kunoichi approach him with the words "five-head" written in ink on her forehead. Once again everybody was shocked speechless as Sakura flew back, not by Naruto but by Hinata who suddenly had two sais in her hand in which she blocked Sakura's attack with and then kicked her away. Sakura was caught by Tsunade who was staring at the two weapon wielding ninja in front of her as she growled more than asked what happened and where they got the weapons from and what was in the scrolls. Naruto and Hinata smiled, making the same hand sign, called the demon hand sign, before the weapons disappeared and Naruto summoned the giant scroll again. "What happened is we were protecting ourselves from two unsuspected attacks without fighting back or drawing blood, the weapons are gifts we found in the cave and can only be summoned by us and the scrolls are jutsu we also found in the cave that were gifts."
Hinata answered before she saw Tsunade send a quick glance towards Neji before she added, "and don't blame Neji nii-san for not telling you because we didn't want you to know while they can only be read by us anyway so there wouldn't be any point in you trying to take it." Tsunade glared at Hinata who yawned before turning towards Neji and asked him to summon his weapon to show while Naruto placed the giant scroll on the desk, moving the paperwork off first. "Stand back everybody" Naruto said as everybody did before he unraveled the scroll to show kanji for Fuuinjutsu (sealing), Genjutsu (illusion), Ninjutsu (skill), Taijutsu (body), Kenjutsu (weapon), Doujutsu (eye), and Other. Naruto then unsealed one at a time until all were open and showed a large stack of scrolls in which he grabbed one of each before Hinata and Neji sealed the rest. "Only those that have the blessing of a fox can summon and open the scrolls without receiving a certain type of punishment depending on the person's true intentions for the scroll. Baa-chan, the reason you got a pie to the face because you're were just curious and I felt you didn't deserve anything bad but it was still funny. Anyway each kanji is housed to the type of scrolls you can summon, for example…"
Naruto opened up the scroll that was sealed under "Kenjutsu" and showed them a bo staff sealed inside it along with jutsus written that could be used with weapon in which he threw to Neji who nodded and unsealed the staff before waving his hand over the jutsus that glowed and disappeared. Neji seemed to meditate for a second before his eyes opened and he demonstrated his knowledge of using the bo staff which Tenten watched with fascination. "That is Neji nii-san's personal weaponing, the one he is most comfortable with but he can summon several other weapons to use if needed. By waving our hand over the jutsus the knowledge and stance on how to use them is planted into our minds, similar to using shadow clones and then dispersing them to learn what they learned" Hinata said as she and Naruto summoned their own weapons without the scroll in which Tenten ran over and inspected each one with a giddy happiness making a sweat drop appear on the back of everybody's head. Tenten commented about the animals on the weapons in which the trio held out to the group to show them before explaining what they were. Neji's bo staff had an blue dragon with white eyes that was spiraling around the staff, Hinata's sais each held an small red purple phoenix that wrapped around the handle, and Naruto's held 2 nine tailed kitsune on each side of the blade, one black and the other white with its tails wrapping around the handle.
All three weapons were unique as they each had a creature sealed inside it that could also aid them in battle but they needed more practice learning to summon them as Tenten was asking question after question about the weapons before asking Naruto if it was possible to have one. Tenten squealed in joy when Naruto said yes before glancing at Neji, who blushed, and handed her a scroll from his pocket as they put the weapons up and sealed the scroll back before moving on the others. Naruto then showed them that the others held jutsus that could be used from certain stances in the taijutsu scroll to combining elements along with ninjutsu in the ninjutsu scroll before sealing those two away before holding up the last four scrolls. By now everybody was super curious as to what they would show next since they forgot to be angry about whatever had happened while Sasuke and Sakura were fuming at all the new things Naruto and the others were learning. "What does the doujutsu one hold?" Kakashi asked curious shown in his voice as he saw Naruto look at him before going back into the scroll and summon three more scrolls one in which he handed Kakashi the other two to Hinata and Neji then stepped back while the Hyuugas walked forward. "It seems that we have found powerful information as to how to further develop our byakugan as to improve our range of seeing along with stances that are not the usual gentle fist style that can aid us in battle" Neji said making everybody gasp while Kakashi, Tsunade, and Sasuke's eyes grew wide before Kakashi and Tsunade were ushered over to a corner as not to be overheard.
"There is a scroll that explained how to activate the Mangekyou Sharingan by defeating your best friend in a true battle without assistance from outside help and that once activated how to stop the person from going blind when they use it. There is also some jutsu unknown to the Uchiha clan about what your sharingan will look like depending on the element of the Uchiha and how to fully unlock the deepest sharingan there is- the Rikudou Sharingan which was the the origin of the sharingan." Naruto said as Kakashi's eye grew wider with every passing word before he looked at Hinata and Neji who shook their heads saying they didn't read the scrolls due to that being unfair and make them look weak if they were to in which Kakashi nodded saying thank you before he and Tsunade looked at Naruto. "I will let you see the scrolls later but you have to return them to me because although it's based on the Uchiha clan and should go to Sasuke, they originally belonged to the sage of the 6 paths who then hid it within the Uzumaki clan and therefore is mine." Naruto said making Tsunade gasp before she nodded and said it was only fair and that you wouldn't use the knowledge against anybody unless you had to. They moved away from the corner and turned to the group to see Sasuke cursing and wiping pie off his face while Sakura tried to help but for some reason couldn't get close to Sasuke.
"Pie spring and magnet jutsu which makes it that Sakura can't get close to Sasuke because their bodies are giving off the same magnetic forces that repeal each other. It will wear off in an hour." Neji said as he saw Tsunade and Kakashi raising an eyebrow before going back to the groups who were trying hard not to laugh. Sasuke and Sakura shot an extremely hate-filled look at Naruto who just ignored it and sealed the four doujutsu scrolls back into the main scroll before showing them the last three-genjutsu, fuuinjutsu, and the other. Naruto handed the genjutsu scroll to Hinata who then asked Kurenai to come forward before giving her the scroll saying that it held genjutsu that was once owned by a demon genjutsu master who used the sweet fragrance of flower petals in her jutsus and left her personal rose whip that she wanted to go to a true genjutsu user. Kurenai looked at Hinata and then at Naruto who nodded saying she deserved before she thanked both of them and went back to the group, gasping as she noticed the rose whip and jutsus on the scroll before closing it and putting it away as Naruto pulled out the Fuuinjutsu scroll. "This particular scroll is very important to me for I found out that it was used by someone very special to me and even earned him an awesome nickname for his certain seals" Naruto said smiling as all the instructors, especially Kakashi, paled and exchanged looks as Naruto barely opened the scroll to show just the name of the jutsu. "That's…" Kakashi said shaking a bit as Naruto nodded and pulled out a three prong kunai that was given to him by his godfather before everybody gasped as they recognized the fourth Hokage's personal kunai that earned him the name "Konoha's yellow flash".
Naruto smiled before he disappeared in a flash to stand right behind Sasuke who turned when everybody gasped, shocked that he appeared right behind the Uchiha who had a seal on his sword. "Yes, it's the Yodaime Hokage's person summoning technique that I finally mastered and is currently teaching to Neji and Hinata" Naruto said proudly as he disappeared in a flash before standing next to Gaara and Temari, who jumped as the seal was placed on her fan, before walking right back to Neji and Hinata who were smiling. "Even better, I'm trying to learn how to be summoned just by calling my name but it's not going so good so I'll have it where I can summon the others to me who bare the seal" Naruto said as he took off his jacket and lifted his shirt sleeve to show the seal that was in the form of a spiral. "When did you get that?" Tsunade asked, making a note to send a letter to Jiraiya about all that was happening, as Naruto put his jacket back on saying that it was only ink and that wasn't a real tattoo yet which Tsunade calmed down as Naruto sealed the scroll up and rolled up the large scroll which he carried on his back this time. Naruto was about to leave, promising Kakashi and Tenten he would see them later about the scroll before Sakura spoke up asking about the last scroll still in his hand.
Naruto turned, smiled, and asked them if they really wanted to see what was inside in which they said yes while Tsunade and Kakashi frowned for they recognized the grin on Naruto's face as the one from yesterday before they slowly moved out of the way along with Asuma and Kurenai who saw them move. "Okay, under the 'Other' kanji, there are mostly scrolls from who carries which summoning animal contract to clan jutsus to everything else that couldn't fit in the other four categories. This particular scroll shows how to combine elements with those around you as long as they have something that can connect them with each other." Naruto, Neji, and Hinata lifted up the necklaces around their neck before putting them away as to not get Tsunade suspicious as to where they got them before unrevealing the scroll before all three waved their hands over it. Shutting their eyes, they opened it to show their eyes had taken on a glossy look before they made the same demon hand sign, said "prank style: cold feet", and let out a deep breath as they literally froze Sasuke and Sakura in place before they had time to react. "What the-" Sakura said before she started struggling while Sasuke growled saying he was going to get them when he got out as Naruto, Hinata, and Neji made their quick getaway out the door, laughing at their prank while the group laughed at Sasuke's and Sakura's misfortune before getting back to their day as the trio managed to avoid Sasuke and Sakura the whole day.
*October 27th-waxing crescent*
Naruto woke up extremely happy for in three days was the Vulpine Moon and he was excited for the Kyuubi who would finally be with his friends again. Naruto quickly got ready, grabbed his bag which he filled with clothes for the trip, and checked to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything before he walked to his door before he stopped, instinct kicking in, as he turned towards the balcony, grabbed his father's three prong kunai, threw it as hard as he could toward the Academy before disappearing in a flash as Sakura and Sasuke tried to break his door down from the outside. Naruto managed to land on a rooftop next to the Hokage's office where he jumped through the window before Hinata, Neji, Gaara, Temari, Tsunade, and Shizune entered the office which scared them for a second. "Sasuke and Sakura were outside my door" he simply said as Tsunade nodded saying that she would have a talk with them before asking if everybody was ready to go in which they nodded saying they were. Temari turned to her Gaara and told him to take care before turning to the others and asked them to make sure he got their safe saying they would protect him with their life as they left the office. Going towards the gate, they waved to the Konoha 13 who was watching them go off before Naruto snapped his fingers as he forgot about something before he summoned the large scroll and pulled out several scrolls from the doujutsu kanji in which he handed to Kakashi saying to enjoy and made sure to keep out of Sasuke's reach for now.
Hinata then turned to Kurenai and asked her former sensei if she enjoyed the rose whip and jutsus in which she replied they were outstanding and are greatly appreciated as she gave Hinata a hug then grabbed her hand where she noticed the black mark on her ring finger. Giving Hinata a look, Hinata smiled, nodded slightly, before going over to Naruto saying that he didn't know yet and that they wanted to keep it a secret until after Halloween. Nodding while the others looked confused, Kurenai moved closer to Asuma who was chewing on a pocky as to avoid smoking around the baby while Tenten came forward and gave Neji a hug saying she enjoyed her new weapon making the Hyuuga blush as Naruto made kissing sound behind him. "Uh, you're welcome, by the way what kind of weapon was it since the scroll should the holder their designed weapon they were best suited for" Neji asked as he noticed Tenten blush before she summoned a whip that held a blue dragon with white eyes wrapped around the handle saying that she could send her scrolls higher in the air and used the whip to defend herself from incoming weapons too. Naruto was making some small cat calls that made both Neji and Tenten blush big time while Hinata lightly punched him saying to stop embarrassing them as Tenten sealed away the whip. Naruto then waved to the gang as he quickly made his way out of Konoha saying time was wasting as they quickly jumped through the trees and within seconds were out of site. "That was weird…why did they take off so fast?" Kiba said as Kakashi narrowed his eye and thought about following them when he heard a cry behind him and looked to see Sasuke and Sakura approaching.
"Oh that explains" Kakashi said going back to book as to make sure nobody saw him laughing as he noticed Sasuke had a stuffed duck in his hands with a sign around his neck saying, "Are You My Mother?" and quacking every so often while Sakura had a pink and green cow with a miniature cow wearing her skirt that said, "I like to "moo" it". The group burst out laughing when they saw the stuff animals in their hands while Naruto, Hinata, Neji, and Gaara smiled, knowing their plan had worked as they made a quick detour towards the cave to pick up Yugito who was already waiting for them. Naruto and the others went into the cave where Naruto unlocked the safe and started sealing all the money away along with pulling out 15 more boxes in which he sealed 13 and handed the other 2 to Gaara and Yugito who accepted to be part of his "pack". Gaara's necklace was in the shape of a star like Naruto's with the spiral and a chibi tanuki while Yugito's was a heart with a chibi two tailed cat instead of the tanuki. After Naruto made sure everything was sealed they exited the cave and gave one last look before Naruto made a series of hand signs ending on the demon sign before saying, "demon style: Final Burial" as they watched the cave entrance slowly close until there was nothing left to mark there was a cave there in the first place except the picture of three animal-cat, fox, and raccoon-dog, holding a single flower. Naruto turned to look at the group saying that it was final goodbye to Shukaku, Nekomata, and Kyuubi before they all headed to Tanzaku Gai and the biggest change in their lives.