FF8cerberus – Thank you for your review. I personally love the Naruto/Jiraiya relationship. Something I love about how I have this relationship is that after his death Naruto did learn to respect him. My story shows just a little bit more respectful Naruto than some would think.
Rose Tiger – It seems everyone wants Matsuri. I might have to learn a bit more about her character.
Sacchiance – I thank you for your input, but personally, I prefer a more mature Naruto. I know that everyone loves the fun loving immature Naruto, but he is a bit OC. Personally I love I love Sakura/Lee, in my opinion they compliment each other. In "Naruto" Sakura never seemed to know when to shut up either, that is until she grew up. I like her in Shippuden (?).
Maaka oro – I haven't decided if I am going to do the filler episodes, if the character seems important enough in my opinion I might introduce them in a different way.
Hot dog285 – Chapter 5: I think that this review was the hardest to receive. I know that my story needs editing but if you had continued to read I think I have improved. I am working without any beta. If anyone would like to beta let me know. It can be very difficult to do it alone. Chapter 1: I only have one thing to say about this: They are NINJA; they don't give into exhaustion very easy.
BlackKristin – Thank you. I hope you voted on the poll as well.
Reader-anonymous – This was another hard review. So I am going to try and answer as many questions as possible. How can your hands manage to so many signs without mistake? Naruto & Gaara are trained Ninja. In my opinion, they could do as many hand signs as they want. It is a complex jutsu that had a lot of hand signs. Will Kakashi figure out what the tattoo means or will he be too lazy to even try? Kakashi will figure it out. He doesn't ask questions because he hasn't really been alone with Naruto, but he is watching. Iruka & Hokage OOC? The Hokage might be a little OOC. However, Iruka is completely Cannon. Check episode 6. As for the Hokage giving Naruto the mission, it was because up until his graduation Naruto wasn't very smart. The Hokage gave team 7 a C rank mission because the Hokage was impressed that Naruto had retained some of the information pounded into him in the academy. Anyway, the Hokage was only thinking for a C ranked mission, Kakashi could have done a C ranked by himself if need be. He didn't know it was going to turn into an A ranked mission. Naruto reciting society structure? That was meant to impress Kakashi and give him a little hint towards the secret Naruto is hiding. Sasuke & Sakura taken out easily? This was because in the beginning neither Sasuke nor Sakura were very strong. Nor did they have the will to really fight. Haku, Neji, & destiny? I can preach my opinion all I want and for my story to work both Haku & Zabuza had to die, they didn't have a place in my story As for Neji & destiny, Neji had thing with fate. They're different in my opinion. Besides Naruto is a firm believer in people's ability to change ones fate. Polite Sasuke? Like everyone, even Sasuke can be polite. Besides what's written doesn't always reflect the tone used. What is the five-pronged seal? Sealing off the Kyuubi's chakra? No offence but do you know anything about Naruto? If you did, you would know that the five-pronged seal doesn't seal off the kyuubi's chakra. The fourth put even numbered seals on Naruto to seal the kyuubi (Eight trigram & four something, I think). Putting the five-pronged seal on top of Naruto's other seals disrupted the flow of chakra between the Kyuubi and Naruto. And what are you talking about it wasn't removed before the prelims. Naruto didn't use any chakra in his fight with Kiba. Naruto just used his superior speed and an old-fashioned karate chop to the back of the neck. Orochimaru & Jiraiya equal? The 3rd Naruto Data Book says that Jiraiya has as follows… (Ninjutsu – 5, Taijutsu – 4.5, Genjutsu – 3, Intelligence – 4.5, Strength – 4.5, Speed – 4.5, Stamina – 5, and Hand Seals Speed – 4.5.) That's a total of 35.5 points. The 3rd Naruto Data Book says that Orochimaru had as follows… (Ninjutsu – 5, Taijutsu – 3.5, Genjutsu – 5, Intelligence – 5, Strength – 3.5, Speed – 4.5, Stamina – 3.5, and Hand Seals Speed – 5.) He has a total of 35 points. And just to see who is the best let do Tsunade. Tsunade has as follows… (Ninjutsu – 5, Taijutsu – 5, Genjutsu – 3.5, Intelligence – 5, Strength – 5, Speed – 3.5, Stamina – 4, and hand seals speed – 4.) Total of 35 points. Although all three are well, round Jiraiya is the best. In my story, he will be improving making him better than Orochimaru. Tsunade will also be improving. Orochimaru afraid of death? Yes, he is afraid to die. Even in the canon, he was terrified of death. However, that being said doesn't make him a coward. Being afraid to die doesn't make them a coward. Orochimaru weakling? I don't recall anyone calling him a weakling. He has been called power hungry but not a weakling. Orochimaru boasting simpleton? I don't think he is a boasting simpleton and I don't think anyone called him that. He doesn't yell his intentions out foolishly. He may create enemies but that is because he doesn't make friends.
KawaiiIsa-chan – It seems everyone wants Matsuri.
Zorua – Thanks for your support.
RiaChan – Sorry about the spelling. Everyone seems to want Matsuri. However, I don't agree with your statement about her being the only one to truly see Gaara there were many.
Champion of Justice – Thanks. Hope you like this chapter.
God of all – Thanks. Here is the next chapter. I am try to update consitintly but I have run out of pre written chapters and it takes me a while to write them. Even the short ones.
Vivi239 – Yep, everyone loves Matsuri. I can tell you if I decide to go with her she won't play a real big part. Thanks for your input.
WeirdGothGirl – Thank you for the review. I don't know about the well written part but thanks anyway. I live smart and strong Naruto. I am a major Naru/Hina fan so of course he is in love with her. It's not that he can't stand Sakura; it's just that she sometimes has that, (excuse the Harry Potter reference) Hermione attitude. She is always right and always has to know everything. However, with Sakura it's that she thinks she's always right and can't shut her face to two seconds. Don't worry Tsunade's going to beat it out of her sometime after the exams.
Main Characters: Naruto, Gaara, Shikamaru, Kakashi, Tsunade, Jiraiya
Pairings: Naruto/Hinata, Gaara/? Shikamaru/Temari, Sakura/Lee (Later), Neji/TenTen
Chapter 16
Conversations
The next day Naruto gathered Jiraiya, Tsunade, Gaara, and Shikamaru at his home to discuss their plans for the upcoming finals.
Shikamaru was lying on his back looking up at the clouds as they drifted past. "So Naruto want do you have planned for the attack?" he asked.
Naruto sighed he had been thinking about it a lot. With Gaara here that was one thing he didn't have to worry about. He turned to Gaara. "What does the Sand have planned exactly?" Naruto asked.
"The same as it was last time. When my fight with Sasuke comes up I am to lure him out of the ring signaling the start of the attack," Gaara said. "Is that what you want me to do or do you want me to hold off and wait for the exams to end."
"No, I think it would be best if you were to lure Sasuke away and follow Orochimaru's plan of attack," Naruto said.
Gaara nodded. Naruto turned to Tsunade and said, "Tsunade I want you to take control of the medical forces and make sure the medics are distributed correctly." Tsunade nodded.
"Jiraiya, you get to deal with Kabuto. I want him dead by the time this invasion is over," Naruto ordered. Jiraiya pouted a little but nodded.
Now, Naruto nodded and turned to the remaining member of the group. "Shikamaru?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah," Shikamaru said.
"Do you know the hand signs to reverse Orochimaru's summoning technique?" Naruto asked and Shikamaru nodded. "Good you are with me. Our job is to eliminate Orochimaru and save the Third Hokage. If Orochimaru gets a chance to summon the past Hokages you are to catch him in your shadow and force him to reverse the jutsu."
"It a drag, but what ever," Shikamaru said.
Naruto grabbed Shikamaru in a headlock and said, "What was that? It's a drag is it? Well guess what you had better train hard this next month because you are to win. Do I make myself clear? There is no reason that you should lose. You are smarter and stronger than Temari."
Shikamaru nodded.
After that, they began to smooth out everything. Soon it was only Jiraiya and Naruto left. "You want to spar?" Naruto asked his godfather.
"Sure."
Before they could begin their spar, they both disappeared in puffs of smoke. They appeared in front of Shima, Fukasaku, and The Great Toad Sage. Neither spoke they just kneeled down in respect.
"Jiraiya, it is our understanding that you and your apprentice would like train in the way of the sages," Fukasaku said. "You have already began this training and did not to complete it as of yet."
"I would like to try and finish it and Godson, Naruto would like to begin." Jiraiya spoke with as much respect as he could. He knew it was uncommon if not unheard of for there to be two sages at one time.
Fukasaku turned to Naruto and spoke. "And you young one what is your reason for wishing to undergo the training of the sages. Why do you wish to take on such a challenge?"
Naruto looked at the three toads and said, "I choose to undergo this training so that I will have the power to protect my village and my precious people. I choose to do this so that I will be able to uphold the honor of the Toad Sages."
Two of the toads seemed to be thinking his answers over however; The Great Toad Sage looked at Naruto and spoke for the first time. "You young one will meet a giant snake in battle. The Will of Fire will burn even brighter as flashes appear throughout your home. Four shadows do battle, two on each side," The Great Toad Sage said. "You will need this power both the near and distant future. You will train in the ways of the sages."
Naruto nodded to the Great Toad Sage and smile.
"What about me?" Jiraiya asked.
The Great Sage did not say anything so both Jiraiya and Naruto looked over to Shima and Fukasaku. The two started to discuss Jiraiya and then nodded. "Fine, Jiraiya we will allow you to continue with your training."
The next few weeks Naruto and Jiraiya spent getting the natural energy knocked out of them. About a week in Naruto was almost at his breaking point when he finally managed to achieve Sage Mode with out having any toad characterizes.
Unfortunately, Jiraiya wasn't fairing as well. He still struggled with completely balancing the natural energy with the physical and spiritual. Shima and Fukasaku had tried to merge with Naruto even though he had told them that it wouldn't work.
As the final week was coming to a close Jiraiya's mastery of the balancing had drastically improved. Now he looked almost human. There were still some undesirable features but nothing to embarrassing.
On the day of the final exam, Naruto and Jiraiya were found meditating on top of spikes. When they opened their eyes, they were both in Sage Mode.
"It's almost time," Naruto said. "If we don't leave I'll miss my fight."
Jiraiya nodded and said, "Go and prepare yourself. I will be ready soon."
A/N – Sorry this chapter is so short. Next chapter will be the start of the finals. Naruto vs. Neji is first up and if I have time I feel like it, I might put Shikamaru vs. Temari in the same chapter.
P.S. – Gaara did kill Dosu during the mouth break. Hayate was not killed but will be in the hospital during the finals.
Poll Update
Masuri – 13 votes
Ino – 4 votes
Original Character – 4 votes
Hana – 2 votes
Ayame – 1 vote
Hanabi – 0 votes
Shiho – 0 votes.
I am going to be honest with everyone. I know you all want Matsuri but as it stands in my head it's between Matsuri and an Original Character. I hope you all wont hold it against my story if in the end I don't choose Matsuri. Either way it would be a very minor pairing. Maybe one or two scenes.