Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, if I did then I would have lots of money.
Hey guys, thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favourite, alerted etc this story. It makes me so happy and it encourages me to update more regularly; anyways there some things to clear up: first off this is not going to be a Ninja Gaiden crossover as one reviewer has said, it just happens that I chose Naruto to wear Ryu's clothes, secondly there has been some confusion as to the harem part: what I meant was that several girls fall in love with Naruto but in the end Naruto only loves Hinata. So no multi-wives ^^. Anyways please enjoy this chapter and as always leave a review/constructive criticism. Also there's a poll at the end of this chapter.
The next day Naruto arrived at the Hokage's Tower, it was a bright morning and Naruto had a good feeling about the day even if he was going to explain how exactly he sealed the Kyuubi into the Dragon Sword. He entered the Hokage's office and bowed, "Hello Hokage-sama, I've come here as instructed" he said.
Sarutobi looked up from his paperwork and smiled, "Hello Naruto…please have a seat" he said gesturing to the seat in front of him.
"Thank you" Naruto said taking the seat.
"Now…perhaps you should start explaining how did you exactly seal the Kyuubi" Sarutobi asked and Naruto then narrated everything that happened 6 months ago, from meeting the merchant to sealing the Kyuubi within the sword, Sarutobi sat back upon listening the tale a look of disbelief on his face, "so you're telling me that you happen to come across a sword that somehow had the power to seal the Kyuubi within it? You do know how…strange that story sounds."
"I know that you may think that it is unbelievable but trust me its true" Naruto said, "I don't know how but this sword has been keeping the fox sealed properly…perhaps even more so than the seal on me."
"As evident from yesterday when you were able to tame the Kyuubi and ordered him to return to the sword" Sarutobi stated.
"Yes that is correct though I didn't order the Kyuubi as to ask him to return to the sword" Naruto said, "if the Kyuubi ever tries to escape then the sword will intensify the seal and I believe if need be destroy it."
"Then this must be a legendary sword" Sarutobi mused, "good thing I've brought Tenten here…she's a Genin that graduated last year and her family are weapon experts so they may know a bit more about this sword of yours."
"Then I will wait" Naruto said but at that moment Tenten then came in alone.
"Did you call for me Hokage-sama?" Tenten asked.
"Yes I did" Sarutobi said, "come here, have you heard about Naruto? This year's Rookie of the Year?"
Naruto wasn't surprised that he had been made Rookie of the Year; it was a guarantee with his marks and his ability to best even Sasuke Uchiha in anything though he was worried what this meant for his team placement. Tenten nodded, "I have…and is it true that he tamed the Kyuubi no Yoko?" she asked in amazement.
"Not tamed…more like I sealed it in this sword" Naruto said taking off the Dragon Sword and placing it on the floor.
Tenten took one look at the sword and gasped, "Naruto-san…do you know what this is?" she asked with awe.
"Uh…the merchant called it 'The Dragon Sword' so I guess that its name" Naruto said.
"That's right this is the legendary Dragon Sword" Tenten said before explaining, "long ago there was an ancient swordsman who travelled all around the country. He was a mystic swordsman who knew a bit about magic as well, more importantly sealing magic, he went from place to place seeking strong spirits and demons to seal inside his sword which was said to be forged from the blood of a demon lord. He fought with countless spirits and demons and with each successive victory he became stronger and the sword became more lethal to spiritual entities."
"Sounds like a demonic sword than a dragon sword" Sarutobi commented as Naruto nodded along with him.
"Yes well…" Tenten said scratching the back of her head, "in the end his pride got the better of him and he thought he could seal Ryujin, the Dragon Lord, and therefore obtain ultimate power…and as always he lost the battle."
"Figures" Naruto said, "its usually not wise to go after celestial beings."
"True but the legend further explains that the battle left the Dragon Lord badly wounded and he would not be able to survive…out of respect for the only human who was able to injure him this severely he decided to be sealed and rule over the other demons and spirits so that they would not escape from their prison upon the swordsman's death…and the rest is unknown and the Dragon Sword was thought to be either lost or merely a legend" Tenten concluded.
"So a mystical sword wielded by a mystical swordsman…not much information but it is a start, thank you Tenten; you may go now" Sarutobi said.
"S-sure Hokage-sama" Tenten said bowing, "I'll see you later Naruto-san" she said before leaving though she was reluctant to leave the Dragon Sword as she wanted to study it further; its not everyday that you encounter one of the most legendary swords in history but she understood that the Hokage had some things to discuss with Naruto…especially about yesterday's incident.
"Bye Tenten-san and thank you for the story" Naruto said as Tenten smiled at him and closed the door.
Sarutobi sighed, "This complicates matters Naruto-kun…if this sword truly is the Dragon Sword then who knows how many demons and spirits reside within it plus the Kyuubi…if the council hears about this then they may take this as a sign and order your death."
"There is also Ryujin to consider, he may still be controlling the other demons and spirits" Naruto said, "and I'm sure the Kyuubi is being nice to him."
"You sound as though you know the Kyuubi already" Sarutobi said with a chuckle.
"Something like that" Naruto said then he looked into Sarutobi's eyes and he could tell that there was more to this meeting than just knowing about the Dragon Sword and if he had to guess it would be about Sakura and her little outburst, "I'm guessing there's more to this meeting?" he asked.
"Yes there is also the subject of team placements" Sarutobi said as he took out the photos of the graduating Genin and placed them in front of Naruto, he noticed that everyone was present except for Sasuke and Sakura and he made a mental note to ask about those two later, "I understand that you not only aced the practical component of the exam…but also the written component of the exam hence making you Rookie of the Year without any question."
Naruto nodded but remained silent unsure of where this was going, if possible he would like to team up with Kiba and Hinata since he had become close with the Inuzuka heir and Hyuga heiress but he knew of another boy, Shino Araburame, who specialized in tracking using his insects…which coincidently that Kiba and Hinata would also make good trackers and therefore it would be beneficial for all three of them to be together; likewise he knew about Ino's relationship with Choji and Shikimaru in that their fathers made a powerful team and no doubt they want the next generation to be the same. So that left only him left and several other Genins.
"As you may have figured out most of the exceptional Genin have their own specialized team which leaves you without one" Sarutobi said, "I put you in another Genin team but considering your abilities…I don't think they would really be able to bring out your full potential."
"I see…so what do you wish to do with me?" Naruto asked.
"I have two options" Sarutobi said, "the first is create 5 man team, in other words you join a team of your own choice, its never been done before in history and perhaps will never be done again but that is one way. The other way is for a private one-on-one teaching where you are trained personally by a Jounin or someone higher to improve your skills such as Sasuke Uchiha who is now being trained by Kakashi Hatake, my best Jounin."
"Will I be able to go on missions?" Nartuo asked.
"If there is a mission available then I will give them to you" Sarutobi said.
"Who will be my instructor should I agree to the latter choice?" Naruto asked wondering who the Hokage would give to his best student.
Sarutobi smiled, "Jiraya can you please come out?" he asked as a tall man with waist-length, spiky white hair usually tied back into a pony tail, with two shoulder-length bangs that framed both sides of his face. He also had red lines that ran down from his eyes and wore a horned forehead protector with the kanji for 'Oil'. He wore a green short shirt kimono and matching pants; under which he wore mesh armour that showed out of the sleeves and legs of his outfit. His outfit was completed with hand guards, a simple black belt, traditional Japanese geta, a red cloak with two simple yellow circles, and a scroll on his back. He then came in from the window and stood next to Sarutobi, "this will be your instructor…my former student, Jiraya" Sarutobi said.
Naruto's eyes widen in surprise, he had heard of Jiraya of the Sannin, one of the three legendary ninjas that fought in the 2nd and 3rd Shinobi War, and was considered the three strongest ninjas of Konohakagure alongside Tsunade and Orochimaru. He was honoured that Jiraya would teach him should he choose to accept it which he would considering the alternative and he didn't like to break tradition now, "It would be my honour to be taught under Jiraya-sama" he said.
"Oh ho…looks like the boy has some manners after all" Jiraya said cheekily, "are you sure he's as good as you say?" he asked.
Sarutobi nodded, "He is and better…he has the makings of a great shinobi" he said.
"And he sealed the Kyuubi within the legendary Dragon Sword?" Jiraya asked though it was more of a statement, "That truly is impressive…kid let me tell you that my training regimes are not light nor are they for the weak of heart; I'll push you everyday till you sweat and go home exhausted…are you ready for that?."
"I wouldn't have it any other way" Naruto said smiling underneath his mask.
"Excellent" Jiraya said, "I'll give you the day off to prepare yourself…meet me in training ground 7 tomorrow morning" and with that he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"I'm glad that you're training underneath Jiraya, he's one of the best out of all the Sannins and also one of my brightest students" Sarutobi said.
"Thank you Hokage-sama for this opportunity" Naruto said as he wondered when was the right time to ask about Sakura, from Sarutobi's words he figured out that Sasuke was probably being trained by Kakashi but as to Sakura…
Sarutobi took one look at Naruto's eyes and knew that he wanted to ask about yesterday's incident, he sighed and clasped his hand before speaking gravely, "Now there is the issue about Sakura" he said.
"I'm assuming you talked to her" Naruto stated.
Sarutobi nodded, "I had her sent here as soon as you left…she admitted to revealing your true identity as well as called you some words."
"And?" Naruto prompted.
"And as per my law anyone who reveals to the younger generation about your true nature and history is to be put to the sword" Sarutobi said gravely before his words softened, "however I would like your opinion on what should be done."
Naruto looked to the ground as though he was deep in thought; he was on the fence on what he should do with Sakura. On one hand he wanted to see Sakura die for what she had done to Naruto over the years: she took every and any opportunity to insult, demean and abuse him either verbally or physically and she pretty much made his life a living hell and he would be more than glad than to see her die. But on the other hand his other self, his 'new' self would not allow it to pass…although Sakura had broken the law and she had been evil towards him he simply could not allow another life to be taken on his account. Finally after some soul-searching he exhaled and said, "Although my heart would be glad to see her die…my soul cannot allow it for I no longer will take the path of destruction and death…instead I will take the path of pacification and life…that is my new way of the ninja, my new nindo that I will follow" Nartuo said wisely.
Sarutobi smiled and leaned backwards, he was impressed by Naruto's words; in the world of shinobi where life and death were as common as money it was rarely possible for a shinobi to always follow the path of peace in combat, where the enemy is disabled instead of killed, but if he knew this new Naruto then he would be able to follow such a path for within him is not only the power of the Kyuubi but, at least he hoped, also the power of Ryujin and he would be able to overcome any obstacle that stands in his way, "I understand what you are saying Naruto…I will spar Sakura's life but she will no longer be able to become a shinobi of this village" Sarutobi said.
"Thank you for your kindness" Naruto said bowing.
"Think nothing of it" Sarutobi said, "I hope you become a great shinobi Naruto…I can tell that you have the makings of one."
Naruto bowed and left the building deciding to go to his apartment to meditate on all that has happened and hopefully to communicate with Ryujin just like he has with the Kyuubi. Naruto walked upon the streets of Konoha and as usual he received the hostile stares and glares from the villagers, who no doubt have known about Sakura's fate, he could also hear their whisperings:
"There he is…the demon brat."
"It's not fair…how come Sakura has to die for telling the truth…"
"He should be the one put to the sword not Sakura-chan."
"Haruko is going out of her mind…she's devastated about the news…"
Naruto sighed and wondered if the villager's minds would change once he knew that he had spared Sakura's life albeit ending her career as a kunoichi, "Naruto-kun" Ino's voice rang out and he turned and saw the Rookie Nine walking towards him.
He smiled, "Hello Ino-san…you guys having a party or something?"
Ino shook her head, "No we've been waiting for you since you got called to the Hokage's office…so what happened there? Did he talk about the…thing?"
"The Kyuubi? Yes he did" then Naruto narrated everything that happened up to the team placement.
"So you're going to study under Jiraya? The Great Toad Sage?" Kiba asked, "That is so awesome man!"
"I'm starting tomorrow morning for the training" Naruto said, "so I have the whole day off to get ready."
"Ano…Naruto-kun…what are your plans for today?" Hinata asked nervously.
"Hmm…well I did want to talk with the Kyuubi and meditate on what to do next…and perhaps try and reach to Ryujin…why?" Naruto asked.
"Well…ano…uhm…I was wondering if you would like to go have lunch with us?" Hinata asked. However immediately everyone made excuses why they couldn't go with Hinata and Naruto, an obvious ploy to get them together alone, "eh? But you guys promised" Hinata said deeply blushing now while waving her arms about.
"Hahaha…sorry Hinata-chan" Ino said with a wink, "I got things to do" as Naruto internally groaned at Ino's blatant attempt at getting him and Hinata together though he deeply he really wanted to be alone with Hinata.
"Look…Naruto-kun are you okay? Sakura was pretty mean about yesterday" Ino said with a look of concern on her face.
"And as I keep saying I'm fine" Naruto said, "I've known about my heritage for a fair while now and I'm not so traumatised as I was when I first heard about it…please don't worry about me, you guys are the last people to hate me, that much I know and I'm glad I can call all of you friends." The Rookie Nine all smiled at Naruto's words and Ino and Hinata fell even more in love with him while Kiba just grinned like usual; Shino remained quiet though a small smile crept up his face; Choji simply kept eating while smiling while his friend Shikimaru muttered something but then smiled.
"YOU GODDAMN DEMON BRAT!" a loud scream echoed over the area as Naruto turned and saw a tall woman wielding two katanas with pink hair; obviously Sakura's mother, she was looking straight at Naruto and looked ready to kill.
"Oh crap Naruto run" Ino said, "that's Sakura's mom and she's gone off completely off her rockers."
"Naruto-kun run, we'll hold her off" Hinata said tugging at Naruto's hand.
"Both of you calm down" Naruto said, "I can handle her…"
"No, we'll handle her" Inoichi said appearing in front of them, "Hokage has given the Ino-Shika-Cho trio orders to stop Haruko from harming you" then Shikaku and Choza then appeared surrounding Haruko.
"You bastard demon…because of you my precious daughter is going to be executed at dawn tomorrow…you alone have destroyed her" Haruko sneered.
"Stop this Haruko-san" Inoichi said, "its your own daughter's fault that it has come to this…if she had kept her mouth shut then she wouldn't have to be executed."
"Naruto-kun run now" Shikaku said, "we may be renowned but even I don't know if we can stop her."
"Damn…if my dad says he's not sure then it's a good time to run now Naruto" Shikimaru said, "I know a hiding place where Haruko-san won't find us."
"Kagemana no Jutsu" Shikaku cried out as the signature jutsu of the Nara clan activated and held Haruko down but with her immense strength she was able to move slowly towards Naruto.
"Shinranshin no Jutsu" Inoichi cried out as he used his mind jutsu to bring Haruko down but it was evident he was struggling as he fought to maintain control, "incredible…" Inoichi commented, "even with the Shinranshin no Jutsushe can still move…"
"Bubun Baika no Jutsu" Choza cried out as his arms became humongous and he held Haruko down, "now's your chance Naruto-kun…run away while we deal with her."
"Come on Naruto-kun this is serious, she just sliced 10 shinobis who tried to stop her" Ino said.
"10? How do you know?" Choji asked.
"My dad mentioned it while in passing" Ino said making Inoichi groan, he reminded himself not to talk about missions in Ino's presence or else his wife wouldn't be too happy.
Then Haruko released a huge amount of chakra which threw the formation apart, "You can't stop me…he took my daughter, my life…I'm just returning the favour" Haruko said as she then lunged at Naruto with her twin katanas as Ino and Hinata moved to intercept the attack; but Naruto rushed in between them and with a simple flying roundhouse kick that sent Haruko flying to the ground.
"Enough…this is my problem so I'll deal with it" Naruto said.
"Don't be reckless Naruto-kun" Shikaku said, "Haruko was a Jounin before she retired…there's no way you can deal with her."
"Perhaps not…but I must try…for this is my nindo" Naruto said as Haruko got up, Naruto then went to a pre-emptive strike and struck Haruko in the stomach before delivering an uppercut to her chin sending her into the air then he jumped up over her and slammed his heel down sending her crashing back into the ground before he yelled "Sukaidoragonsutairu: Doragonroaringu no kōka" (Sky Dragon Style: Dragon Roaring Descent) and for a brief moment before he came down everyone could see something amazing; floating next to him was a huge dragon, almost as big as the Kyuubi, with golden scales and azure blue eyes, he had four whiskers, two on each side, and razor-sharp teeth while a crown made from various jewels adorn his head. Naruto then quickly descended from the air and gave a devastating punch that shook all of Konoha and creating a sizable crater in its wake.
"D-did Naruto…" Ino asked but her father shook his head.
"No he didn't…" Inoichi said with a smile as it soon became clear that although Naruto did punch the ground, it only missed Haruko's head by a few centimetre, it was obvious he was avoiding dealing a deathblow to Haruko.
"I do not wish for your death" Naruto said to Haruko, "it would not be fair to Sakura-san."
"She'll die tomorrow…what else can you take from me?" Haruko sobbed.
"No…I asked the Hokage to spare her life, she will not be executed but her dreams as a shinobi are over" Naruto said standing up.
"What? You spared her life?" Shikaku exclaimed.
"That is true" Sarutobi said as he, and two ANBU bodyguards, appeared to the crowd, "although my law dictates that any who reveals to the younger generation about Naruto's status is to be executed" he looked at Naruto and smiled, "Naruto-san has asked that Sakura be spared, to which I have agreed, but she can no longer become a kunoichi…perhaps you should've come to me instead of venting your rage against the boy Haruko-san."
"Please Hokage-sama, spare Haruko-san as well, she may have attacked me but that was only out of love for her daughter and I am not injured" Naruto pleaded not sure if he was pushing his luck with this.
"Are you sure Naruto-san?" Sarutobi asked, "She may attack you again and next time you might not be so fortunate."
"I am certain" Naruto said as Sarutobi nodded and told Haruko to go home and await her daughter's return, "thank you Hokage-sama" Naruto said bowing.
"Well…now that this issue is over we can all go back to our normal routines" Sarutobi said as he disappeared again.
"Wow…" Ino exclaimed, "Naruto-kun that was so amazing!"
"You look like an actual dragon for a minute there" Kiba added.
"Even I have to admit that not even Sasuke could beat you in a fight" Shikimaru commented.
"So does that mean Ryujin's out?" Hinata asked.
Naruto gave a nod, "He is…he woke up when my desire to disable Haruko was strong, he agreed for me to wield the Dragon Sword" he said.
"I have a feeling that your path of peace will change the world for the better" Ryujin said in his head.
'I know' Naruto mentally replied, 'thank you for allowing me to wield the Dragon Sword Ryujin-dono.'
Ryujin chuckled, "Please…just call me Ryujin…Ryujin-dono makes me sounds so old…"
"You are technically 50,000 years old you know" Kyuubi interjected.
"And technically so are you" Ryujin retorted.
"Touché" Kyuubi said.
"That's so amazing Naruto-kun" Choji said, "I'm sure you'll make a great shinobi."
"I'm impressed as well…I haven't seen that level of taijutsu since Might Guy came into the scene" Inoichi said, "it's a good thing my daughter is fawning over you then over the Uchiha."
"F-father…" Ino groaned, "you're embarrassing me…"
"Thank you everyone" Naruto said, "I'll try to follow everyone's expectation and I hope to work with you all soon. Hinata-chan, would you like to have some lunch with me?"
"Y-you wouldn't mind?" Hinata asked shyly.
"Of course not" Naruto said, "and anyone else is welcomed to come" but as expected everyone made excuses as Naruto chuckled and dragged a shy and stuttering Hinata to his favourite restaurant.
"I have a feeling that this boy will exceed even the Kages of old" Shikaku commented, "I wonder what history will call him?" he mused to himself.
"Naruto Uzamaki: The Dragon Shinobi" Choza suggested, "that has a nice ring to it." As everyone laughed and made their way home hoping to see more of Naruto in action.
Okay here's a question I want to ask you guys: I have two paths I can take regarding who Orochimaru takes; I can follow the canon and have Sasuke go to Orochimaru and it pretty much follows the canon story, or I can have Sakura become Orochimaru's apprentice since she eventually desires power and I can modify the story from there. What do you guys think I should do? Please leave your answer in the review. See you till next chapter.