The Path of the Dead

by Anki-Shai

Namikaze Minato knew his decisions in life and death would have grave consequences to those he loved. On the eve of the Kyuubi's attack, he made a decision that would shake the foundations of not only the Shinobi world but that of the Spirit World. A world he had left as a traitor and that ignored as much as the shinobi one, of the real darkness and the real danger lurking in the

19. The Turning Point

AN: I want to thank you all guys for the comments and for reading my story. I'm glad, so far, you like it. Right now I don't have easy access to internet so writing and trying to publish this chapter has been kind of difficult. Here is another chapter, hope you like it. Remember English isn't my mother tongue so I apologize for any grammar, spellling or other funny mistake.

So, read and enjoy!

---

Chapter 18

The Turning Point:

The path to the right direction

"Why do you sound so surprise, Naruto-kun?" Haku smiled at the boy while taking a few steps forward to finally stop a few centimeters away.

Naruto hadn't stopped watching the boy, disbelieved and some other emotions flashing in his blue eyes.

"After what happened at the bridge this was the most obvious outcome." Continued Haku while stretching his arms and pointing at himself.

"You're…I mean I never thought…"Naruto shook his head snickering. "How?"

"Ichimaru-taichou. He brought me here himself." Haku lifted his eyes to the Captain's stand before returning his attention to the blond. "I was ready to accept my destiny. The fate of such a person like me…but, you Naruto? What happened?"

There was no mistaking the melancholy in Haku's voice no the sorrow in his eyes as he thought about his life and he thought about Naruto's one. The blond was about to reply when Ikkaku cleared his throat shooting annoyed glares to the both of them.

"Oi! This is a fight not a social meeting." He said pointing his sheath zanpakutou at the both of them. "Either you fight or I make you."

"Okay, okay…Gee…"Naruto smirked as he nodded his head to the Captain's stand and the rest of the people watching them. "I guess we have to fight, ne?"

"I guess we do." Haku smiled as his hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

"How about we teach him how we do it in our world?"

Haku had only a second to react as Naruto launched himself straight forward to him. The black-haired boy couldn't help the open eyes and the shock registering in them as he felt the full impact of the attack. Not only that, Haku noticed he was dealing with a much stronger, faster and calculating Naruto that he had done so a long time ago.

Whereas, Naruto's rash actions had been done for the moment, the glint behind those blue eyes showed Haku this time around Naruto knew what he was doing. A lift of his lip and Haku had to evade a kick to his head while sending his knee up to collide against a foreign thigh.

Naruto jumped back taking a fighting stance his eyes never living Haku. It took but a moment before this time both of them attacked with speed. Before, when Haku was still alive, he could remember the speed behind his movements. It was one of the few things that gave him the advantage necessary to face some of the foes he and Zabuza found on the road.

But now, Haku realized, his speed was being challenged by a boy he could have destroyed the first time he met him. Had they really grow apart in such a short time?

Haku noticed the coordinate movements, the high speed and the strength behind the punches and kicks. He saw the tensing of the muscles and the technique following the side-kicks, the iron-like feeling behind the knuckles colliding with his flesh. It wasn't that Naruto was stronger than Haku. No. It only seemed as if Naruto had finally found someone who could actually teach him and push him beyond the limits of his age.

This time when they separated from the other they were breathing hard. A thin layer of perspiration on their skin and blood coming from their lips was visible to the other.

"My, Naruto-kun, you certainly have changed." Haku smiled at Naruto as he wiped away the blood. Naruto returned the smile straightening up.

"Thanks, you…well, you're just as good as the first time." Commented Naruto stretching the muscles of his back.

Haku raised an eyebrow but said nothing else, he merely chuckled before disappearing. Naruto readied himself for the oncoming attack, his eyes moving around while he tried sensing the boy's reiatsu. Suddenly there was a soft shifted in the air and the sound of whistle behind him. Naruto turned in time to jump several times backwards evading almost successfully the group of senbon thrown his way.

Naruto felt some of the senbon tearing at his flesh as they entered the intended target. The blond gasped looking down to see three different senbon on his chest, thigh and calf.

"Damn, where the heck did you get this from?" Asked Naruto glaring at an apologetic Haku.

"It wasn't easy, but a man down the Junrinan was kind of enough to make them for me." Commented Haku showing another set of long needles on his hand.

Naruto opened his mouth to reply when Haku attacked again, Naruto moved to the side before launching himself forward with another set of Hakuda attacks. Both teens were giving as much as they were receiving, the techniques, while different, were enough to keep the other alert. Haku lowered his head to evade a punch while he threw two different senbon to Naruto's chest.

The black-haired boy felt his lips twitched upwards in satisfaction when his weapons made direct contact with their target. Naruto stood frozen for a moment, eyes moving down at the senbon applying a kind of pressure that had just immobilized him.

"Please, don't try to move, Naruto-kun. You may hurt yourself unless I take them off of you."

"Yare, yare, Haku…you sound so smug and sure of your victory." Haku froze, eyes wide opened as he heard Naruto's voice behind him. "Hadou 31: Shakkahou!"

There was a red blasting coming from Naruto's palm directed to Haku's back. The young man turned around on time to move with Shunpo speed as the blasting coming from the kidou spell exploded. Haku directed his eyes to the puff of white smoke and shock registered his features as he understood what had happened.

'Kage bushing? Impossible.'

"Ne, Haku…you look surprise," Haku turned to see Naruto falling down on him with both arms up above his head and the silver glint coming from his unsheathed zanpakutou. "But you should never lower your guard!"

---

"That was quite impressive." Commented Unohana-taichou looking closely the fight. "To throw those senbon with such accuracy…"

"Humph, please." Zaraki leaned forward, eyes gleaming with excitement, "I'm more interested in what Naruto is going to do next."

"Yes! Go, Kitsu-kitsu!" Yachiru waved her close fist screaming at the top of her lungs making Hitsugaya cringed since the girl was just beside him.

"Oi, Kusajishi, can you be quiet for a moment?" Hitsugaya glared side way to the girl who stuck her tongue out while shaking her head.

"Nu-uh, someone has to support Kitsu-kitsu." Replied the girl. "Make him bleed, Kistu!"

Hitsugaya rolled his eyes and was about to reply when his busty fukutaichou bumped against him to scream alongside with the pink-haired girl.

"Yes! Go, Uzumaki-kun!"

"Matsumoto!"

Kyouraku chuckled while elbowing Ukitake, "It seems as if Naruto-kun has taken our ladies advice by heart, eh?"

"I hope, Sir." Kyouraku winced turning his charming smile to a glaring Nanao. "You're not teaching improper things to Naruto-kun."

"Me? Nanao-chan! It offends me you…ouch, so cruel, Nanao-chan." Kyouraku waved the hand Nanao had hit with her fan.

"Please, sir. Stop calling me so informally and return you attention to the fight."

"Ah, sure, Naruto-kun seems to be an eager fighter." The melodic, deep voice of Aizen raised above the noise Yachiru and Matsumoto were doing. "His grasp of Kidou is quite remarkable. You did an excellent job in raising the boy, Kuchiki-taichou."

Byakuya tilted his head directing his grey eyes to the man sitting behind him. "Not all credit should go to me. Naruto has the tendency to become whatever he sets his mind to."

Aizen smiled politely at the man, "I see. Does this mean you already have an idea for a suitable division for him?"

The question brought silence to the stand, Byakuya turned his head back to the fight before replying. "Yes, I have some thoughts about it."

"Hn, I bet ya want the kid for yourself." It was Zaraki the one who spoke this time. "Make the kid a pansy like ya."

Byakuya looked out of the corner of his eyes at Zaraki, "I'm certainly not thinking in having such a brute like yourself to get the chance to have him under your command."

"Even if the Eleventh seems the most suitable division for Naruto-kun?" Aizen raised a placating hand smiling apologetically at Byakuya. "Please, Kuchiki-taichou, allow me to explain my thoughts."

"Yes, please, Aizen-taichou." This time it was Gin who spoke turning his grin to the group. "Explain how did you reach to that conclusion about Naruto."

"Man, I can't believe Naruto got to fight with such a cutie." Mumbled Renji eying the fight eagerly, beside him Isane smiled sheepishly at the red-head while replying.

"Ano, Abarai-fukutaichou Uzumaki-san is fighting a boy not a girl."

"What?" Abarai turned back to the fight tilting his head while trying to confirm Isane's words. "There is no way someone so cute can be a boy."

"Hn, who would have thought you have such tastes, Abarai-fukutaichou." Renji turned his stunned expression to a smug looking Rukia before his face changed and registered the black-haired girl's words.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

Rukia opened her mouth to retort when the discussion between the Captains called her attention. She turned around to see Aizen-taichou speaking his thoughts about the suitable place for Naruto.

"Naruto-kun seems to be adept at fighting, as far as I've seen he enjoys it a great deal and has not only the ability but the mind for it." Aizen turned his attention back to the fight were Naruto and Haku where now engaged in a sword fight.

"However, that in itself can be a problem considering who the boy is." Everyone was paying close attention to Aizen's words. Hinamori was looking between the arena and her taichou her eyes gleaming with a familiar light everyone who knew the girl associated with her devotion to her Captain.

"What do you mean a problem? You say he was suitable for my division. That's it. The boy was born to be a fighter and to be one hell of a good one." Aizen smiled gently at Zaraki nodding his head.

"Yes, of course. But the boy is not just any Academy student." Continued Aizen. "He is a noble and the future head of the Kazama clan. That's it, of course, if he isn't put under any more surveillance."

Rukia frowned the moment those words left Aizen's mouth half of the Captains in there tensed up, Kyouraku and Nanao shifted uncomfortably while Byakuya opened his eyes to send a cold stare at Aizen.

"What do you mean by that?" Asked Hitsugaya who now was just as confusing as some of the other Captains and fukutaichou. "And, what exactly are you proposing, Aizen?"

"Well, I could take good care of him from now on. Kidou should be next stage in the boy's training. It is, after all, a vital part of his growing and development inside the Gotei 13."

"Naruto has an excellent grasp of Kidou, as you pointed it out early, Aizen-taichou." Byakuya's voice was cold and firm, he didn't even bother to turn his attention to the man who was chuckling lightly. "He certainly doesn't need to be under any kind of…surveillance. What he really needs is someone who can understand and teach him the protocol that doesn't involve fighting."

Ukitake raised his eyebrows turning an equally surprised look with Kyouraku. Had Byakuya just defend Naruto? Well, that certainly was a surprise.

"Ah, please, Kuchiki-taichou, you can't blame me for trying." Aizen's tone was light, almost mocking. "I really can see the advantages of having such an excellent young man like Naruto inside my squad. I bet half of us are thinking the same."

"I agree. I would really enjoy havin' Naruto-kun in my division." Gin's grin grew as he contemplated the possibilities. "Ah, imagine the possibilities…"

"Yes, I think we can imagine and that's why I don't think the boy is suitable for your division." Commented Soi Fong dryly making Gin dropped his smile and turned a mocking wound look her way.

"Why, Soi Fong-taichou, you make it sound as if I am up to no good." Gin chuckled as he heard both, Hitsugaya and Soi Fong snorted at his words.

"Now, now…don't take it the wrong way, Ichimaru." Ukitake smiled at the man. "But, you have to admit, you seem to have certain influence in the boy's actions."

"More like pranks." Ukitake nodded in agreement at Kyouraku's words.

"I don't think it would be a good idea…as I don't think Naruto-kun should go right away to the Eleventh."

"Why the hell no?" Zaraki was caressing the tip of the hilt of his zanpakutou glaring at the room in general.

"Maybe because with only one brute, extremely annoyed and lack of control brat like your fukutaichou over there we have enough?" Commented Mayuri raising his shoulders. "I think we don't want another copy exactly like yourself or the pink menace over there."

Hitsugaya twitched as Zaraki stood up putting his sword out and threatening Mayuri who was bickering back. Stupid adults, really they should be paying attention to the fight, to what they knew about the contestants instead of involving themselves in useless arguing.

"Taichou?" Hitsugaya glanced at his fukutaichou nodding curtly at her. "What do you think about Uzumaki-kun and the other boy, Haku?"

Toshiro tilted his head narrowing his eyes at Matsumoto who seemed genuinely sincere with her questioning. The white-haired boy turned to watch Byakuya who was watching the fight before he too return his attention to it.

"I think the way they're fighting has already given us the answer to that question." Hitsugaya smirked while Matsumoto pouted.

"Meany, Taichou…"

"Watch them, Matsumoto. And tell me what you think." Matsumoto kept her pout in place while she started turning around, suddenly she gasped exclaiming quite loudly.

"They're releasing their zanpakutou!"

---

Haku unsheathed his zanpakutou in record time to receive the full impact onto the blade making sparks out of the collision. Naruto was smirking, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The clash of metal against metal could be heard all around the arena, there was determination behind every slash, there was power behind ever thrust of the sword. The echo of both blades resonated through the spiritual pressure of their owners. But, by now, both of them knew each other's history. Nothing had changed but the fact now they were facing each other under their own terms.

Naruto grunted as he found another direct slash to Haku's head parried by the young man's blade. Haku frowned holding the blade with one hand and the hilt with the other. The blond merely smiled while a surprising foot made contact with Haku's abdomen sending the boy flying away.

Haku twirled in the air falling on his feet and knees, looking up at Naruto while stretching out the hand holding his katana. Naruto's face transformed into a mask of pure concentration as he felt the slightly rise of reiatsu coming from Haku.

'What is he trying to do?'

Master, you better evade the next attack.

Naruto couldn't question Ryuujin's words when Haku was already by his side, the blond opened his eyes really wide as he dodged the slash coming to his arm. He felt the material of his shihakusho rip and then…

"What the hell?" Naruto turned his blue eyes to the now freezing material of his clothes; his arm was starting to feel cold when the blond realized it was better to cut off the sleeve.

"Instant congelation." Said Haku smiling gently a Naruto. It was then the blond turned his attention to Haku's sword.

It had changed.

Haku's zanpakutou hilt was dark blue, it didn't have a guard and the blade was mixture of silver and white. With only twenty seven inches, the sword itself was sharp and made in such a way that strikes would be made precise and at high speed.

"Hey! When did you release it?" Naruto pointed at the now visible zanpakutou, Haku merely smiled in that mysterious way of his.

"That's a secret, Naruto-kun."

Naruto opened his mouth before chuckling lightly, "I see…pretty smart, Haku. Really smart."

"I really don't want to hurt you, Naruto-kun." Commented Haku who slid his left leg in front of his body while positioning his right one behind. He raised his right arm at the height of his head with his elbow slightly bended his sword pointing directly at Naruto. His left arm was positioned it in front of Haku's abdomen with his forearm in a protective stance.

"But, I think it would be an insult to you if I hold back."

Naruto directed his stare to the now frozen sleeve of his shinigami clothes. Then his blue eyes moved to his arm that was unharmed but still have a sense of coldness in it. It didn't take a genius to figure it out, but Naruto had to be sure it was the only ability Haku had learnt from his zanpakutou.

So, he charged again raising his reiatsu just a bit, enough to impress his opponent but now enough to alert him. Haku lowered his arm making contact with Naruto's katana just as his left arm lifted to stop a punch directed to his abdomen. Naruto felt the air leave his lungs just as he pressed forward with his own katana, hearing rather than hearing the cracks and the formation of ice, the blond jumped back in retreat watching his blade before directing a frown to Haku.

"It would make no difference if I told you, so I'm gonna share with you my Zanpakutou's ability." Haku lowered his arm, the curvy end of his sword making contact with the ground.

"It freezes everything it touches?" Ventured Naruto with a smug smile on his face making Haku chuckled sending a mischievous glint Naruto's way.

"Ah, no…that's actually my zanpakutou's main ability, but not the only one." Naruto furrowed his brows but didn't have time to react when he noticed a very familiar dome surrounding him in mere seconds.

"Do you remember this, Naruto-kun?"

The blond watched the ice-like mirrors surrounding him but the image of Haku didn't appear inside them not even once, Haku was still standing on the same point he had been before. Haku's face this time was expressionless watching Naruto from the outside of the dome, the blond frowned and just as he was about to speak he saw it. It was a thin layer of white, clear snow but what made Naruto floated above it was the sudden sound of forming ice.

"A good decision, Naruto-kun. But, not fast enough." Haku was smiling gently at the blond, his hand was stretched out his sword was gleaming and suddenly Naruto felt it. His hands, legs and torso were tangled in a net made of kidou.

"Bakudou # 4: Hainawa." From Haku's sword a group of yellowish ropes emerged tying themselves around Naruto's arms, legs, torso and thighs.

"Damn it!" Naruto struggled against the bindings but it was to not use, Haku dropped his smile pointing his zanpakutou at Naruto before whispering sorely for Naruto's ears.

"Aisu no Kami: Sensatsu Suishō!" Naruto couldn't hide his surprised just like Haku couldn't hide his tiny smiled the moment familiar ice mirrors started surrounding Naruto. From each one of them thousand senbon were flaying Naruto's way.

Master!

'I know! I know!' Naruto raised his reiatsu, his blue eyes gleaming with the sheer leaking of his spiritual pressure as he brought the blade of his katana to his hand.

"Make our enemies bleed, Ryuujin Raikaze!" His words were covered by the air blowing around him. There was a brief moment in which Haku was pushed backwards, his hold on his zanpakutou faltering making the net broke.

Haku watched as Naruto smirked back at him, the mirrors still surrounding the blond. Without giving a second thought the black-haired boy entered one of the mirrors.

"It doesn't matter if you release it, Naruto-kun." Replied Haku while sending a couple of senbon Naruto's way. None of them made contact as Naruto slash his zanpakutou sending a waved of breeze to divert the senbon.

Haku didn't stop his attack there, positioning his hand he started reciting a kidou spell while the net still attached to Naruto's feet started expanding upwards. Naruto placed the blade of Ryuujin in front of him grunting as the full blast of soukatsui hit him straight on. Naruto was breathing hard by now, Haku was smiling at him while putting another group of senbon out. The blond watched out of the corner of his eyes something that called his attention.

"You know? There is something I learnt the hard way from one of my sensei." Commented Naruto while grabbing with both hands the hilt of his zanpakutou while pointing the blade down to the ground. The blond smirked raising his reiatsu once again.

"And, what is that?" Asked Haku ready to slash Naruto with his own sword and stopped any of his movements with a group of senbon.

"Water is a great conductor of electricity. You'll be the first one I'll be trying this." Haku's eyes opened wide but before he could react Naruto was moving towards the ground, towards the puddle under his feet that went directly to the ice mirrors and where Haku was, for the moment, hiding away.

"God's Strike: Ryuujin Mjölnir!"

The sound of thunder filled the whole arena and the rest of the yard in the Academy. The moment Naruto's sword made contact with the ground a series of lightning went off of it sending electrical waves all through the mirrors shattering them one by one until the screams of pain from Haku reached Naruto.

Haku was expelled by the force of the impact, his hair was messy and burn in some places, he was having some difficult breathing while his hand had dropped his sword.

Naruto went to his side immediately, worried attached to his face as he saw the stated Haku was in.

"Oe, Haku! Haku, are you okay?" Haku opened one eye looking directly into Naruto's one.

"I…I thought…" Naruto turned to Ikkaku who was watching with curiosity the scene.

"Ikkaku, can you call someone from the Fourth?"

"Not to worry, Naruto. They're here." Naruto sighed in relief as he saw Yumichika approached with a nervous looking kid wearing the Fourth Division gear.

"Sorry about that." Naruto grinned sheepishly. "I think I overdo it."

Haku shook his head letting the newcomer take care of his wounds. "It's okay…I never thought your zanpakutou was an elemental base one."

Naruto huffed sitting beside Haku shrugging, "Yeah, kinda the point no one knew about my zanpakutou."

"But, even like that your first attack lead me to believe you have a wind-based one, not a lightning one."

"Oh, that." Once again Naruto smiled, this time however Haku could notice the stiffened shoulders and the momentary flicked inside Naruto's blue eyes. "Let me tell you a secret."

Haku eyed the blond curiously as he leaned in, "My zanpakutou has two elements. Wind and Lightning."

Haku stared open-eyed at Naruto, "Two elements?"

"Yeah, but…enough about this." Naruto turned his head to the approaching Captains. "I'm glad I got to see you again, Haku."

"I'm glad as well, Naruto-kun."

"Well, I think Yama-jii is about to talk to all of us; but what do you say if after that you come with me." Said Naruto standing up offering his hand to Haku. The member of the Fourth Division nodded his head in approval and Haku took Naruto's hand.

"I'm really curious to know what happen to you after…well, after the bridge." Haku stood up nodding his head.

"I would like that as well. I'm pretty curious myself to know what happen to you, Naruto-kun"

---

"That was surprising." It was Mayuri the first one to speak. He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes as they watched the two young shinigami sitting on the ground letting someone from the Fourth tend to their wounds.

"An elemental zanpakutou made of two contradictory elements." The Twelfth Division Captain smirked, his eyes gleaming dangerously. "This is interesting. Now, I wouldn't mind having the boy in my division."

"Yes, it is a relief we haven't even considered him to go anywhere near your division." Mumbled Gin. "That and the fact Naruto's special way of thinking ain't made for a place like the Twelfth."

"That and he would allow Yachiru free entrance whenever she wants." Continued Kyouraku making Mayuri huffed and Gin chuckled.

"What about the other boy, Haku?" The question came from Hinamori who eyed the Captains curiously before focusing her attention to Aizen.

Aizen nodded his head watching the arena with a blank expression his brown eyes never leaving Haku and Naruto.

"I know what you mean, Hinamori-fukutaichou." Unohana spoke clearly, calmly as she focused her attention to the young girl. "Haku-san is a very skillful shinigami. His knowledge in a battle goes beyond the simple physical act and…his work with Kidou spells is surprising."

"Ah, I sense a 'but' in that speech, Unohana-taichou." Aizen tilted his head to the woman. "Are you telling me you're interested in the boy? He, clearly, is a perfect match for my division."

"Please, forgive my forwardness, Aizen-taichou." The woman lifted her lips forming a barely noticeable smile. "But, is not a matter about me wanting him to go to my division. Haku-san sent his application two days ago and, I'm glad to say, I accepted."

"Well, I think that was a well-played move, Unohana-taichou." Aizen nodded his head to the woman in a respectful manner. "I guess now I have to push for Naruto-kun to be part of my division."

"Which bring us to the main problem:" Ukitake shook his head. "Where should he go?"

There was a moment of silence before the room erupted in another discussion. The most vocal about Naruto's placement were Kenpachi, Ichimaru, Aizen and even Kyouraku. Each, and every one of them, had a valid reason for Naruto to join them.

Naruto's unique way of fighting made him suitable for the Eleventh Division. It went beyond the ties he had already forged in that division. It was in his love for fighting, for training, for trying and become the best. If you added to those reason the fact the boy was recklessly looking for a fight whenever he felt like it; well, you have a perfect candidate for the Eleventh.

If you were going to be objective and actually think about the boy's future Aizen Sousuke had the best fortified reasons for Naruto to join his division. As a future Clan head, and most importantly, the future head of the Kidou Corps, Naruto would need to learn and improve his kidou technique. He would need to understand how it works, how many spells there are, how could he control them and use them in a unique combination. Much like Haku had done to trap him inside the ice domo. More often than not members of the Fifth Squad asked to be a part of the Kidou Corps. In few words, the Fifth was the open (and main) gate to the Kidou Division.

Tousen, Komamura and their respective fukutaichou along with Hinamori and Isane seemed to agree. It was only obvious, besides, who better to teach Naruto about the bright side of Seireitei than the noble, gentle and kind Aizen-taichou?

Ichimaru's reasons, along with Kyouraku's one were more…mundane and selfish. It was obvious to the rest of the taichou and fukutaichou both, the Eight and Third Division Captains had some sort of attachment to the boy. While some could understand the emotional part of their reasoning, this was about forming a shinigami not having another accomplice in the different pranks they could plan together (Gin pouted at hearing Ukitake pointed out this particular reason) or just because you wanted to teach the boy how to be a 'womanizer' (Kyouraku pouted due to Ukitake's words and Nanao's fan hit on his hand.)

So far, neither Byakuya nor Hitsugaya had expressed their opinions both of them too deep in thought to even interrupt the childish bickering coming from behind them.

"What do you say, Hitsugaya-taichou?" Ukitake shoot Toshiro an interested glance while the boy merely shrugged.

"It's obvious Uzumaki-san already has power and control." Started the young Captain. "As, Aizen said, he has good grasp on Kidou and his Zanpakutou. His Hakuda is almost flawless and he seems quite smart while fighting."

"So, you also think he is fit for the Eleventh or the Fifth?" Toshiro shook his head.

"No, he already is quite…unpredictable as it is." Continued Toshiro, Renji and Rukia actually snorted at his words to describe Naruto. "What he needs is to learn responsibility. A division that teaches him how the Gotei 13 work, how to be a part of something, of a division that can gives him connections and stability to improve other aspects of his life not attached to the fight itself."

It was the silence that met his words what made him turn around with his brows furrowed. The eyes of the Captains were on him, some were contemplative while others were looking at him knowingly.

"I think it is time for us to hear the opinion of the one who knows Naruto-kun better than us." Said Ukitake looking directly at Byakuya. "Please, Kuchiki-taichou, you already said you have a place for Naruto in mind."

Byakuya opened his eyes lowering his head a little bit, beside him Rukia fidgeted in her seat while shooting worried glances to Naruto.

"There is nothing else Naruto can learn about fighting." Byakuya kept his attention ahead of him while speaking loud and clear for everyone to hear. "He needs experience and that's something he can only obtain by becoming an officer inside one of the divisions in the Gotei 13."

This time Byakuya did turn around, "What he needs is to learn how to be a shinigami. Not useless and meaningless fights." This time he shot a glare to a grinning Kenpachi. "Not how to make mayhem wherever he is." This was said while glaring at Gin and then at Yachiru. "And finally not by having someone distracted him from his goal."

Ukitake smiled weakly at Byakuya, "So, who do you propose…?"

"I think he needs someone who can understand his position and actually be of any help." Ukitake followed Byakuya's stare to the white-haired boy wearing a contemplative expression. The Thirteenth Division Captain raised his eyebrows in a surprised gesture.

This was unexpected, he never thought Byakuya would trust Hitsugaya to such extend. Byakuya looked directly into Toshiro's eyes while continuing speaking.

"I believe Naruto would find this in your division, Hitsugaya-taichou." Hitsugaya looked shocked he blinked confusedly before giving a short nod towards Byakuya.

"Thank you, but I don't think…" Hitsugaya never got to finish his sentence as Gin jumped in patting the white-haired boy's back.

"Well, I think we have found the perfect place." Gin smiled at Hitsugaya before dropping his smile. "Too bad, I was really hoping Naruto would be a part of my division."

"Now, wait a minute, I don't think…" Asked Hitsugaya confused.

"You say so yourself, Hitsugaya-taichou." The boy turned to the source of the voice. Byakuya has his head lift, eyes closed as he spoke. "What Naruto needs is someone who can teach him to be a part of a division and by extension part of the Gotei 13. A place where he can learn what being a shinigami really means."

Hitsugaya blinked confusedly for a moment before understanding gleam in his eyes. "No, wait I never said…"

"I think it's perfect, of course I still think Naruto-kun would be well-suited in my division." Said Aizen contemplative. "His kidou abilities would improve greatly. But being part of the Tenth would probably teach him some other skills necessaries to be a seated member or a Captain. And of course, there is the matter of future division transfers."

"And who better than our own young and genius Jubantai Taichou," Kyouraku smiled widely winking at an astonished Hitsugaya. "To teach him those very same things?"

"Oh, taichou! Can we really keep him?" Asked Matsumoto giggling at the stunned expression on her Captain's face.

"His not a pet, Matsumoto." Replied the boy glaring at her. "And…I'm not sure. I don't think…"

"Then, it is settled." Everyone turned to look at the Soutaichou who had stood up hitting the ground with his zanpakutou. "Let's finish this and start the formal process of the graduates. "

All the Captains complied almost immediately standing up and following Yamamoto out of the stand. Hitsugaya however moved as fast as he could to catch up with Byakuya who was waiting for him outside the stand. The boy eyed the man before shaking his head and crossing his arms.

"I don't understand, exactly, why you think Uzumaki is suitable for my division."

"Do you really expect me to let him join the Eleventh or the Third division?" Hitsugaya almost snorted at Byakuya's words but he contained himself. He really wanted to know what was Kuchiki thinking about.

"The truth is Naruto needs stability. Like I said a place where he can learn to be a shinigami." Byakuya locked his eyes with Hitsugaya's. "Don't worry, Hitsugaya-taichou. The decision is ultimately Naruto's. However, I appointed your division mainly because you're one of the few who would really understand Naruto."

Byakuya left before Hitsugaya could question him some more. Toshiro was completely confused by what had just happen. A spark of curiosity and wariness ignited inside his mind and, at the center of this thoughts, was the blond that apparently was about to be part of his division.

---

"Kitsu-kitsu!" Naruto turned in time, arms outstretched to receive inside them the bundle of joy that had just jumped on him. Naruto was laughing as Yachiru grabbed him hard while babbling away.

The girl didn't know the concept of privacy so; she told everything and anything she had heard up in the Captain's balcony while Rukia and Renji tried to shut her up. Haku actually smiled as Naruto's eyes sparkled with happiness something he hadn't seen the first time around. Naruto, just like himself, had eyes hardened by circumstances. They had shared the same eyes and that was the first thing Haku felt drawn to Naruto.

Now, they were different.

"Oh, right. Haku, meet Rukia-chan." Naruto grabbed Haku by his arm and placed him in front of the girl. "And this over here is Abarai-sensei. Of course, I can't forget Yachiru-chan. Guys this is an old friend of mine, Haku."

"It's a pleasure to meet Naruto's friends." Haku bowed respectfully at them while Rukia and Renji greeted him back.

Yachiru tilted her head, looking intently at the boy. "Ne, ne…aren't you too pretty to be a boy?"

Haku turned his eyes to the girl; he felt his left eyebrow twitched while Renji nodded his head in agreement. Naruto actually snickered before he moved to stand beside Yachiru frowning at the girl.

"Wait, you're a boy?" This time it was Ikkaku who had approached the group. His face showed the shock he was feeling as his eyes made a quick sweep to the black-haired man in front of him. "No way! I thought Yumichika was the only weird one."

"What is that supposed to be, Q-ball?" Yumichika glared at Ikkaku while Haku glared back at them.

"Yes, I am a boy. Why is so hard to believe?" Yachiru giggled before jumping up to touch Haku's chest.

"Oe, what do you think you're doing?"

"Fukutaichou! Stop that!" Exclaimed Yumichika taking the girl off of Haku. Naruto was laughing by then.

"Yachiru-chan, why did you do that?" Yachiru shrugged still eying suspiciously at a now flustered Haku.

"If he is lying he should have boobies." Yachiru frowned, crossing her arms. "He doesn't."

"Humph, that a young and fine man like him looks good and it's actually a fine sight to the eyes doesn't make him a woman, Fukutaichou." Yumichika played with his hair before directing his stare to Yachiru. "And, you don't touch people's chest to see if they are women or men, Yachiru!"

Haku eyed the group before directing his attention to Rukia the only one who decided to no enter the discussion.

"Fukutaichou?" He asked Rukia sent him a smile of sympathy.

"Kusajishi-fukutaichou, second in command at the Eleventh Division."

Before anyone could say anything else Renji took a step forward placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. Naruto lifted his head to see the half smirk on his former sensei.

"You gave an amazing fight, Naruto. Every Captain was talking about it." Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Now, we have to go over to the rest of the Captains. Yamamoto-soutaichou is about to give the final speech."

"Okay, you go ahead, I stay here."

"Are you sure?" This time the question came from Rukia, Naruto nodded his head while looking over at Haku and then back at Rukia.

"Yep, I'll be okay." Rukia smiled softly at him before leaning in to kiss the blond's cheek.

"You fought pretty well, Naruto."

Yachiru jumped to Naruto's shoulder before pressing her open mouth to Naruto's cheek giving the blond a sloppy kiss. Naruto watched horrified as Ikkaku, Yumichika and Kenpachi glared at him. Yachiru chuckled with a gleam of mischievousness in her eyes before waving away at Naruto and Haku.

"Bye, bye, Kitsu-kitsu. Haku-hime!"

"Haku-Hime?" Once again the young man felt his left eyebrow twitched at the new nickname. Naruto was beside him shrugging.

"Ugh, perfect now I'm going to have those maniacs after me." Mumbled Naruto while wiping away the trace of spit Yachiru left after her kiss. "Little Evil, she did it on purpose. Anyway, don't mind the new nickname; she gives everyone one or two."

"You certainly have some strange acquaintances." Haku's tone was cold, his eyes were hardened as he directed glares Ikkaku's way.

"Aw, you can't be angry because of what they say, can you?" Replied Naruto shaking his head. "Really, you can't blame them, Haku. You do look like a girl, I actually thought so the first time we met!"

"That was for strategic purposes! It was to my advantaged if someone thought I was a girl back in the shinobi world." Exclaimed Haku making some of the students around them to turn curious glances their way. "Now, I don't have any reason to make them believe that and still…"

"Well, you do look pretty for a boy." Haku slapped Naruto's head while moving past him. "Hey! What the hell was that for?"

---

Yamamoto's speech could be heard all along the back yard at the Shino Academy. At least one hundred students were standing up in the middle of the yard. All of them wearing the black shinigami gear with their respective katana or zanpakutou at their sides. The rest of the students, the ones behind them, were still dress in blue, for the men, and red, for the women.

Naruto eyed the people behind him. Some were pretty interested in what the old man had to say, their eyes to the front chin's up with proud and resolution. Many of them ready to be a part of the organization in charge of exterminating Hollows. It was so much more than that, but Naruto understood many of them didn't know exactly what was waiting for them. Not even Naruto did.

For a moment, the blond saw as a couple of the shinigami behind him sent glares his way. Naruto frowned confusedly; he didn't know any of them. The only one he really knew was Haku and he was paying attention with his head turned to the front. But, as Naruto let his eyes travel around he saw other's glaring at him.

'Well, this is interesting. It feels like I'm back at Konoha.'

Don't mind them, Master. They're just jealous. Naruto raised his eyebrows at Ryuujin's words.

'Jealous of what, exactly?' Ryuujin shrugged slashing his tail playfully around.

Well, for one you have a zanpakutou while many of them don't. And you didn't have to present any kind of written exam inside the Academy. You just were given the chance without so much trouble.

'Without so much trouble?' Naruto snorted, Haku turned a questioning glance to the blond who was frowning. 'Let them train with Sakumo-sensei, Abarai-sensei or Byakuya-nii then we talk about no so much trouble.'

"Stop doing that and pay attention." Haku elbowed Naruto without turning his attention from Yamamoto who had just finished his speech. Now, on stand, was Choujiro Sasakibe instructing the newly graduates to each of the desk representing the different divisions where they could finally get the answer to their applications. Unless, of course, you have been called by one of those divisions in which case you will report to them.

"Uh, now that I think about it." Mumbled Naruto closing his eyes, crossing his arms and tilting his head to the side. "I didn't apply to any division. I didn't even get an invitation to any of them."

"Why didn't you?" Haku asked out of curiosity. Naruto shrugged turning his attention to the rest of the Captains. He saw, once again, the red-head approaching them.

"I don't know. I was just told I was going to participate in this last test for the rest of the future shinigami at the Academy."

Haku nodded his head in understanding; he did know what Naruto was referring to. The black-haired guy had heard the rumors just like everyone else. The crazy shinigami who had challenge Zaraki Kenpachi himself, the newest offspring of some stuck-up noble man. The future Clan head that didn't have to work a single day to get to some official position just show his expensive clothes and his surname and he had a seated spot with his name on it.

Haku never thought the one so many rumors talk about was Uzumaki Naruto. Which brought him back to the question burning in his brain: What had happened to Naruto for him to be in Soul Society?

"Naruto, Nii-sama is looking for you." Naruto turned to Rukia nodding his head.

"Hey, Haku, I really would like to talk to you some more so…" Haku smiled at Naruto waving away.

"I know. I'll be near the Fourth Division stand." Haku pointed in the direction where Unohana-taichou and Isane were now standing.

"You want to join the Fourth?" Haku nodded his head, Naruto looked slightly disappointed but impress.

"Well, I guess, that's cool. Okay, then, I'll look for you there."

Naruto left Haku there with Rukia by his side, the young woman watched with affection as Naruto stood in front of Byakuya wearing a huge grin. She chuckled when Byakuya raised an eyebrow and then his hand to stop Naruto from another long explanation. Rukia turned around to see the boy, Haku, watching her with amused eyes. Rukia cleared her throat before directing her attention to the boy.

"Haku-san, Naruto said you're an old friend, is that correct?"

"Yes, we…" Haku narrowed his eyes at the girl then turned them back to Naruto. "We met at contrary sides of a bridge."

Rukia frowned but didn't ask anything else, "Well, we're organizing a little reunion. For Naruto's birthday and for his integration to the Gotei 13. I was wondering if you would like to go."

To say Haku was shocked would be an understatement. He certainly looked astonished at the invitation. Being one of the best students didn't give him a lot of popularity, but even if he had made some acquaintances they didn't behave in an overly friendly manner. This could be, by far, the first invitation he got to some kind of friendly gathering.

"I would be like it very much." Haku bowed respectfully at Rukia. "Thank you for the invitation."

"Think nothing of it. Here, let me tell you where we're going to meet."

Naruto's blue eyes went from Byakuya to Toshiro then back to Byakuya. It didn't take long for the Captain of the Sixth Division to explain Naruto what had been said among the Captains and Byakuya's thoughts about Naruto's placement.

"But…but…" Naruto lowered his head, settling on a stubborn expression as he lifted his face to look directly into Byakuya's grey eyes. "I've already been thinking about joining a division."

"I know." Naruto opened his mouth and then closed it again.

"You know?" Byakuya raised an eyebrow looking down at Naruto with just a light gleam in his eyes.

"Of course I know." said the man in a no-sense tone. "It is quite obvious where are your main interests; you're not the most discrete of people."

Naruto crossed his arms, closing one eye while narrowing the other. "Ne, if you know then, why are you recommending me to the Tenth? No offense, Hitsugaya-taichou but I just don't think it would be the best division for me."

"And, why is that?" The question came from Byakuya who was challenging Naruto with his tone of voice. "Why do you think that? Because they're not ready to jump on you and start a fighting contest?"

There was an uncomfortable silence between Naruto and Byakuya. Hitsugaya for his part felt uncomfortable, as if he was intruding in a private familiar matter. The young taichou wondered how two different people like Kuchiki and Uzumaki could be equally stubborn or how two people from different families could form such a bond. The only time Hitsugaya had seen Kuchiki in a more relax behavior was near his adopted sister Kuchiki Rukia.

"Well, is just that…the Eleventh is…" Naruto growled in frustration as he pointed an accusing finger towards Byakuya. "That's not fair! You have time to think about any rebuttal to my own reasons!"

"I see, then this means I win." Toshiro blinked not quite believing what his ears and eyes were witnessing. Naruto's mouth hang open for a moment before the boy close it along with his eyes. Once again he took on a headstrong stance.

"Okay, okay…but first, tell me why."

Byakuya lifted a single eyebrow before placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder, "Don't you trust my judgment, Naruto?"

The boy tensed up, lowering his head while replying with an affirmative grunt. "With time you can apply for a transfer. For now, I think this is the place where I think you can find more bonds, where you can proof yourself."

Byakuya's last words hang in the air as the man walked away leaving a pretty confused Hitsugaya and a thoughtful Naruto behind. Naruto turned his blue eyes to Hitsugaya and smiled weakly at the young Captain, bowing down to him Naruto acknowledged him.

"Sneaky, bastard." Mumbled Naruto softly, Toshiro actually choke on his spit turning shocked eyes to the now smiling blond.

"Well, I guess it's going to be nice working under your orders, Hitsugaya-taichou." Hitsugaya cocked his head while eying Naruto suspiciously.

"You're taking this too calmly, Uzumaki-san. Do you know you can just withdraw and go the Eleventh if you so want it?"

Naruto shrugged turning his head to watch the back of Byakuya who was now talking with Aizen and Ichimaru.

"Of course I know." Said Naruto turning his attention to Hitsugaya. "But, you really don't know Byakuya-nii, Hitsugaya-taichou."

Hitsugaya lifted his eyebrows as Naruto continued. "Even if he looks a little up-tight and all devoid of fun…he knows what he is doing. Even if I don't like it…well, I guess I can always trust him. So yes, even if I know I can pressure everything to go to the Eleventh I'm just going to trust Byakuya-nii's judgment…besides, he say so himself, I'll have all the time in the world to ask for a transfer in the future."

Hitsugaya Toshiro couldn't help but smiled softly at Naruto, it was obvious he was determined to do whatever it took to prove himself. It was even more than obeying what Byakuya may have said; it was just that the boy actually trust that whatever Byakuya had said meant something. Hitsugaya had a feeling, if Naruto didn't trust the taichou of the Sixth division he would have fought with all he had and all he was.

"Very well, if you are sure…" Hitsugaya bowed his head Naruto smiled to him, "then welcome to the Tenth Division, Uzumaki-san."

"Thank you, Sir." And with that Naruto was gone. It took a moment for Hitsugaya to shake his head and sighed.

"Perfect. He left even before I could tell him what and where I expected him to present himself at the Tenth." Hitsugaya turned to look for his fukutaichou who had, mysteriously, disappeared after Yamamoto's speech.

Naruto didn't have the chance to speak with Haku that morning. The young man had already fixed everything and was now engaged with the rest of the students who had applied to the Fourth in the arrangements to move to the barracks. If Naruto had stayed he would have find out from Hitsugaya-taichou he had to do the very same thing. But he was actually happy with this new stage in the Gotei 13 he just needed to celebrate.

---

The answer to the celebration came in the form of Rukia and Renji, both of them grabbing the blond while putting a bandaged over his eyes to guide him all through Seireitei.

"Where are you taking me guys?" Renji smirked as he gave Naruto some other twirls before leading him down the alley leading to the more vivid district inside Seireitei.

"It's a surprise, I've been telling you all this time." Mumbled Rukia before she glared at Renji. "Renji! Stop doing that."

"Yeah, Renji, stop doing that." Replied Naruto turning his head to the wrong side Renji merely chuckled poking Naruto form his right.

"I'm here." Naruto pouted but his replied was cut short when a warm hand grabbed his.

"Okay, we're here."

Naruto felt a knot on his throat as his eyes swept through the private room at the back of the restaurant they had just entered. The party had already begun but as soon as Naruto, Rukia and Renji step inside the room all sound stopped. The first one to break the silence was Yachiru who grabbed Naruto's hand smiling at him.

"Congratulations, Kitsu-kitsu!"

"Wow, guys, really? Is this all for me?" Asked Naruto feeling slightly embarrassed. Ikkaku lifted his saucer filled with sake nodding his head.

"You and Haku over there." Replied Yumichika. "We thought it would be nice for you to celebrate your birthday and your entrance to the Gotei 13, Eleventh Division style."

"Humph, I hope you're just sharing wishful thinking, Ayagesawa-san." Nanao sent a glare Yumichika's way. "Naruto doesn't need to go the Fourth for alcohol poisoning."

"Aw, Nanao-chan…don't be a spoil sport. This is a time for celebrating, right?"

Naruto turned to Rukia and Renji both of them were smiling at the blond, "My birthday?"

"Well, our dinner last time had to be cancelled." Rukia led Naruto to the closest chair and sat beside him. "I just thought we should make this a single celebration along with your entrance to the Gotei 13."

"That's right. Now we're equals, I'm no longer your sensei, Naruto." Renji squeezed Naruto's shoulder while sitting at the other side of the blond. Naruto snickered while sending a sly glance to Renji.

"Aw, are you going to miss me that much, Abarai-sensei?" Renji snorted ruffling Naruto's hair.

"Of course! You make quite an interesting training partner."

Naruto smirked turning his attention to the rest of the people around the table. He greeted Nanao with the same enthusiasm as always and the woman returned his greeting with a tender smile Rangiku and Hisagi were surprised to see there. Next his attention turned to the girl he had met last week, Hinamori Momo who was sitting beside a blond Naruto had seen near Ichimaru. The rest were people Naruto already knew and had some kind of friendship with. There was Ikkaku and Yumichika along with Yachiru. Of course he couldn't forget Renji and Rukia and, finally, Haku. The boy was looking at Naruto with an interested gleam in his eyes.

"Well, if you don't mind, I would like to propose a toast." The table went silent almost instantly and all eyes focused on Haku. Naruto gave the boy a half smirk rising his own cup.

"Now that's some words I like." Commented Rangiku lifting her own cup eying the table with a smile of her own. "What should we toast about?"

"How about for Naruto, may he kept growing and aging the way he has been doing so far." Proposed Haku, everyone lifted their cups and shared the same words making the blond looked around sheepishly.

"Another one." Said Rangiku filling cups here and there. "For good luck. Right, Uzumaki-kun?"

Naruto laughed nodding his head, "That's right. I'm betting I'm gonna need it if I keep you guys around."

"But, wait." Ikkaku lifted one hand stopping everyone. "We also had to celebrate that Naruto has finally gotten inside the Gotei 13. Finally we can have more time for our training sessions."

"I don't think my future taichou is going to be thrill about them." Replied Naruto dryly. "But, it wouldn't be fun if I didn't try so, I toast to that."

Nanao pursed her lips as she watched Naruto drawn a second cup filled with sake. She shook her head turning her attention back to Rangiku who was passing the bottle of sake around the table.

"Naruto-kun," Naruto turned to the left and his eyes met those of Nanao. "I haven't asked yet so I'm curious, which division are you in now?"

Naruto blinked his eyes giving Rangiku a quick glance before turning back to Nanao.

"Oh, I thought maybe Kyouraku-jii has said something." Commented the boy ignoring the surprise looks he got at the way he addressed Kyouraku. "I was accepted inside the Tenth division."

Silence met Naruto's words, everyone was looking at him but it was Ikkaku the first one to share his opinion. He hit the table sending a heated glare Naruto's way.

"The Tenth? The Tenth? Why the hell are you going there?"

"Ugly matter really." Yumichika took a sip of his drink shaking his head. "We thought you'll be joining the Eleventh."

"Hey! What is wrong with my division, Ikkaku?" Rangiku hit the table just the same way Ikkaku had done so, glaring at the man in defiance.

"Nothing! I'm just sayin' Naruto is a natural fighter he should be with us."

"Uh, so…you're really no coming to our division, Kitsu?"

Naruto looked like a deer-caught-in-the-headlights, suddenly aware of the unhappiness coming from Ikkaku, Yumichika and Yachiru. He turned for help from Renji who merely shrugged.

"Haku is going to the Fourth!" He suddenly sputtered out pointing an accusing finger to the unsuspected boy.

"The Fourth? Why would you do that?" Now, Ikkaku's indignation was directed to Haku who suddenly found the bald man near his face glaring at him.

Haku smiled apologetically at Ikkaku waving his hand in a placating manner, "I just think it's the best division for me."

"Why? The way you fought Uzumaki-san, the very nature of your zanpakutou…you could be a part of a different division." The comment came from Hisagi who was just curious about this stranger's choice.

Haku turned his eyes to Naruto then back at Hisagi, "I'm not very fond of fighting. Being a medic would give me the chance to take care of those closest to me. It would give me the chance to be more useful if say a war breaks or you need a soldier capable of fighting and curing."

"That's pretty smart, Haku-san." It was Hinamori who spoke this time. Haku nodded her thanks to the girl.

"Well, you do know about medical herbs and you were kinda good at that stuff." Said Naruto eying Haku with a thoughtful expression. "I guess it makes sense."

"There is something I've been wondering since early this afternoon." Interrupted Yumichika. "How do you two know each other?"

Haku and Naruto glanced at each other while Yumichika kept talking, "I mean, when you fought you were already familiar with each other…but, Naruto has never left the walls of Seireitei, right? And you, Haku-san, live in Rukongai before joining the Academy, right?"

This line of questioning was making three people in particular nervous. Nanao kept shooting glances at Naruto while Renji played with his food. Rukia actually moved in a protective way as Naruto scratched his chin.

"Uh, well…we met back when I was on a mission in a country. The Land of the Waves."

Hisagi frowned along with Kira and the rest of the shinigami that weren't aware of Naruto's previous life.

"Wait a second, Mission? Land of waves?" Hisagi titled his head staring at Naruto. "I thought you've never left Seireitei? What kind of mission could you possibly have if you weren't even a shinigami?"

Naruto looked taken aback; he sent a quick glance to Nanao who was sighing in resignation.

"Well, I was kinda alive when I went to the mission. I was a Genin, a shinobi, of my village."

"And, I was actually the enemy Naruto-kun had been sent to exterminate."

"You…you were alive?" Naruto turned to Kira nodding his head.

"And, you were a shinobi?"

Again Naruto nodded, this time he did frown not understanding completely why they seemed so shocked by the revelation. Haku, however, realized something was amiss; there was something in the groups reaction to this news…Haku focused his attention on Renji and Rukia who were sending each other quick glances. Then he turned his attention to Nanao who was looking worriedly at Naruto.

Haku wasn't the only one noticing this but, the black-haired boy didn't share the same knowledge Hinamori Momo had. After all, Aizen had been kind enough to tell Hinamori some things about Naruto and it only made her feel sympathy for the boy.

"Uzumaki-san, you were really a ninja?" The girl asked shyly at first, it was all it took to break the sudden tension and returned the attention of the group to other matters.

"Yeah, I was. And Haku as well." Naruto smiled at the boy. "He was actually the first serious enemy I had to face."

"Okay, we should toast for the reunion of old friends." Exclaimed Matsumoto grinning at the group. Nanao glanced at her with her arms crossed.

"Do you toast for everything, Rangiku?"

"Oh, come on Nanao-chan! This is an old friends meeting!" Replied the woman wrapping her right arm around Nanao's shoulders.

"Didn't you hear Naruto say Haku was his first enemy, not friend?" Rangiku opened her eyes, blinking a couple of times before replying.

"Yeah, but they acted as old friends…we shouldn't pay attention to the semantics."

"What semantics?"

"Well, I'm more interested in knowing how the hell that works." Ikkaku glanced at Haku. "I mean, you look like a good match but…"

"Oh, he was." Said Naruto leaning forward. "Here, let me tell you how it went on our very first meeting…"

The rest of the afternoon both, Haku and Naruto started telling stories about the life in the shinobi world. Sometimes Haku would narrate whatever he could remember, the fights, the places and the people around him would pay close attention to his words. While it was true that all of them, but Rukia and Yachiru, had gone to the shinobi world at least once; what they had been ordered to do was completely different as to what Naruto and Haku did.

Naruto for his part would send looks Nanao way, the woman would sometimes look down, close her fist as Naruto omitted some information about his life in Konoha before the Academy and becoming a ninja.

"Aw, that's so nice." Mumbled Rangiku pouting a little as she bounced forward. Half of the male at the table focused their attention to other bouncing things from her.

"I wish Taichou would let me go a visit, but when we got the chance it was usually to do the surveillance and wait for another team to take over."

Matsumoto sent a puppy stare at Naruto, her lower lip quivering as the boy turned an interesting shade of red while Hisagi and Ikkaku shoot daggers at him. Rukia had crossed her arms, ready to hit Naruto if necessary.

"Say, Naruto-kun, if you join my Division that means you can convince Taichou to let us go the Shinobi world and maybe go visit and go shopping."

"Why are you so sure Hitsugaya-kun would be easy to convince, Rangiku-san?" Hinamori was watching amusedly as Hisagi hit the border of the table when Rangiku's sudden movement startled him.

"Hinamori! You have to have faith!" Nanao rolled her eyes while taking the bottle of sake Rangiku was holding firmly.

"Okay, I think that's enough. You have a big day tomorrow, remember?" Once again Rangiku pouted sitting back.

"Ugh, don't need to remind me, Nanao-chan. I thought I could sleep in." Nanao turned to Naruto who was watching everything happening around him with an amused stare.

"And you, Naruto," The boy jumped turning his blue eyes to Nanao. "You have a big day tomorrow!"

"Uh? I do?" Nanao narrowed her eyes at him.

"Don't tell me you don't know?" Naruto looked at Rukia, Renji and finally sent a sheepish look to Nanao.

"Seriously, tomorrow is the welcoming ceremony at your new division."

"What? No, wait…Hitsugaya-taichou didn't say anything!" Exclaimed Naruto looking at Rangiku for confirmation.

Renji shook his head while eying at Naruto, "You left before he could say anything. Remember? Then you got distract by Kazama-taichou's invitation."

Naruto hit his head to the table while moaning; he had totally forgot to ask anything about it. He just assumed he would go over there and ask what he had to do.

You better no say that out loud, Master. Unless you want Rukia-chan and Nanao-chan angry at you.

"Come on, Ise-fukutaichou, let's hear the last story." Ikakku glanced at Naruto before putting on a serious expression. "I'm curious to know, what exactly you meant by summoning and Hebi-teme."

Naruto straighten up with a half, smug smiled as he wink at Nanao-chan. "Oh, that…well, you see, there was this bastard that called himself Orochimaru…"

---

The night was cold.

Naruto had said good-bye to rest of the guys while Rukia, Renji and he took off in the direction of the Sixth Division. The blond was enjoying the silence while glancing occasionally at Rukia. Once they reached the Sixth division he turned to Renji.

"I want to thank you, Abarai-sensei." Renji raised an eyebrow as Naruto offered him a hand. "I mean, thanks to you I learn a lot of useful things."

"Idiot, no need to thank me." Renji took Naruto's hand and tilted his head to the side. "I did it because it was easy to tell fighting you at full potential would be fun…"

"And let's not forget Nii-sama would take his fukutaichou badge if he so much as complains." Mumbled Rukia slyly making Renji squirmed and glare.

"That's no true!"

"Well, either way it was fun…and, finally, we can have a rematch of our first fight." This brought Renji's attention back to Naruto.

"Ah, now that's interesting." Renji patted the hilt of his own zanpakutou. "Next time is going to be different. Don't worry; I don't think I'm the only one wanting a rematch. I know Ikkaku is looking for one."

"Humph, bring it on whenever you two want. See ya, Renji!"

Once they left Renji Naruto smiled mischievously at Rukia, she could only smiled amusedly at him while nodding her head. It didn't take Naruto too long to have her in his arms and take off running on top of walls and other divisions in direction of the Kuchiki Manor.

"Rukia-chan." Rukia turned to look at Naruto while grabbing his clothes hard.

"Yes, Naruto?"

They reached the backyard of the Manor, Naruto put the girl on the ground before leaning in and kissing her softly on the cheek.

"Thank you for today. I really have fun." Naruto closed his eyes, tilting his head while offering to Rukia one of his rarest honest smiles.

Rukia felt a burning in her cheeks, she let out a gently smile while wrapping her arms around Naruto. The hug was unexpected but not unwanted and Naruto returned it with enthusiasm.

"Idiot, I'll do it all over again if I get a chance to see you as relax as you were today." Rukia moved away while nodding towards his room. "Now, go, before Nii-sama decides to look for you. Remember you have a big day tomorrow."

---

Naruto looked at himself at the mirror. New clothes, new division.

It was Byakuya the one who gifted him new clothes, made of the best material there is. Naruto winced as he noticed his clothes were screaming just that. It wasn't as if he didn't like them or what they represent but he wasn't a fool and after speaking with Haku he understood some of the glares he had received from the other Academy students.

Naruto fixed the obi while tying tightly the scarf Byakuya had put on top of the rest of his clothes. This one was special and, as Arashi-Ooji had told him, since he had just entered to the Gotei 13 he could use it. The scarf was a blood red color; near the tops there was a symbol, the Kazama Clan symbol to be more precise. The same one Naruto had on one side of his pendant. He fixed it so the scarf was tied tightly around his obi falling neatly on top of his thigh while showing with some proud the symbol of his family.

Byakuya had also gifted him a pair of fingerless gloves. The same ones the Captain of the Sixth Division wears all the time. Naruto opted for wearing only one. The one on his right arm, finally Naruto re-arranged the sash holding up his zanpakutou on his back. The blond could see the hilt of Ryuujin, he tightened the hold of the clip holding the sash together. The metal plaque with the symbol of Konoha was shining clean.

"Naruto, what are you doing?" The voice startled the blond who turned around to smile at Byakuya.

"Good morning, Byakuya-nii. Well, I was…you know, trying to look good before going over the Tenth." Byakuya closed his eyes sighing.

"Naruto, you're already late." Naruto's eyes opened wide as he started running to the door waving away and screaming his good bye he left using Shunpo to move around Seireitei.

"I'm sorry! I'm…"Naruto stopped running the moment he almost collided with Hitsugaya. The young taichou looked unimpressed while he pointed with his thumb the different shinigami taking their position in the backyard.

"You're late, Uzumaki. Go there and let's not let this happen again." Naruto smiled sheepishly while nodding.

"Sure thing, Hitsugaya-taichou."

Naruto took his place beside a young man who was looking around with a nervous expression. Yawning loudly the blond turned his curious eyes around trying to take in the new people he was about to meet. Naruto heard his stomach growled, he hugged his stomach looking around while hanging his head. He had woken up so late and then took so much time getting ready he forgot breakfast.

Naruto sighed as the rest of the Tenth took their positions. Naruto thought with certain melancholy he should be fast asleep back at home, maybe waiting for a nice breakfast and some time with Rukia and Renji.

The blond hear some movement to his side and he watched as some of the new recruits stand beside him. All of them wearing solemn expression on their faces. Behind them the members of the Tenth Division were standing at full attention as their Captain and Vice-Captain approached them. Naruto saw with certain envy as Matsumoto Rangiku stood fresh, healthy and overall enthusiastic beside her Taichou.

Evidently, last night party had done nothing to her the same way it had affected Naruto. She didn't even look sleepy or hungry. The woman noticed Naruto's eyes on her and she couldn't help but smiled and winked at Naruto.

'Damn it! Why does she look so good?'

Well, she is a hot woman, Naruto. I'm glad with your election. Naruto had the decency of blushing when he noticed Ryuujin's 'misguided' interested.

'Ugh, I'm not talking about that! I'm talking about the fact she didn't look hangover at all! And she drank more than us!'

Oh, well…practice, I guess.

Naruto rolled his eyes, at that moment Hitsugaya Toshiro cleared his throat and sent a hard but welcoming stare to the group in front of him.

"Welcome to Tenth Division Squad." The young man passed his eyes on each and every single one of the new recruits to finally stop on Naruto. "As so many of you know I'm Hitsugaya Toshiro. The commanding officer of the Tenth Division. Beside me is my fukutaichou and second in command Matsumoto Rangiku."

Rangiku let the corner of her lips lifted slightly as she nodded briefly to the rest of the group. Hitsugaya continued his speech about duty and how work was done inside the Tenth. It wasn't going to be easy but they would find the Tenth Division to be welcoming and friendly, along with hardworking and always ready to serve and protect.

"…There is nothing else I can say to you." Hitsugaya tilted his head, his presence, while short, seemed to demand attention and Naruto was actually impressed by it. "From now on, you are shinigami of the Gotei 13. We proud but fair, be mindful of your goals but never forget where do you come from and where do you want to go. Be the best you can but never try to destroy those you call comrades. Once again, welcome to the Tenth Division, I'm looking forward to work beside all of you."

Naruto let out the air he didn't notice he was holding. His hand went immediately to the hilt of his zanpakutou as Ryuujin stirred in excitement inside him.

Finally, Master. Not more training, no more waiting. We're now officially shinigami. Now…

'Now…I only have to climb in ranks…and maybe, just maybe, get the chance to go back there…I'm really anxious to know how is everyone but, specially, to know how is Yugao-chan and Yoruichi-chan.'

---

- Konoha – Shinobi World-

October the tenth was always a sorrowful date for Yugao. It was usually her day off of duty and she was grateful for Tsunade-sama's understanding. In the last two years since Naruto had gone, Konoha had changed a great deal.

Tsunade had more work she could handle after the reconstruction of Konoha. All the efforts of half the platoons in Konoha had been directed to finding Orochimaru, Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto. Once the shinobi started realizing their efforts should go back to more useful mission, Tsunade took the chance to promote some of the new Genin, those who had been Naruto's friends back at the Academy.

Little by little the attention of the shinobi in Konoha returned to the missions that would bring the power and the money the village needed to complete some of the reparations after the invasion.

As it was, Yugao knew there were two people still in charge of the search of Naruto. Of course, there was Jiraiya of the Sannin and Hatake Kakashi. Their mission was slightly different as those hunter nin, who didn't have a problem with bringing a dead body instead of an alive one. Jiraiya and Kakashi had the mission to bring Naruto back alive.

"Ah, Naruto…"The woman put the single white rose she brought with her every six months to the monument dedicated to those who had fallen in action. It was the only place where Yugao could be sure she could pretend. She knew she was the only one in Konoha who thought Naruto was dead. Yugao snorted, it wasn't much as believe and thinking Naruto was dead. She knew with certainty it was just the true.

"Are you out there listening to me? Maybe…Maybe visiting me without me knowing it?"

Yugao smiled sadly at the monument where she knew Naruto's name would never be written. Life in Konoha, at least for her, hadn't been the same.

"Do you really believe he is dead?" The voice startled Yugao who turned around placing a hand behind her back to grab the kunai she had hidden there.

Jiraiya of the Sannin lifted his arms in surrender; he dedicated the young woman a tentative smiled as he took a step forward. Yugao sent a cold glare putting from behind her the hand grabbing the kunai. Jiraiya's eyes drifted to the weapon making him sighed in defeat.

"I came here to talk to you." Yugao cocked her head to the side giving Jiraiya a once over before walking past the man. She stopped suddenly giving her back to the Sannin.

"You don't have anything to say that I can be interested in." Replied Yugao. "Whatever you could have told me you did so a long time ago and I told you what would happen if you try to speak to me ever again."

Jiraiya turned to look Yugao sideways, he still remembered that day. It had been a month after Naruto had been declared a missing-nin. He and Kakashi had taken advantage of Yugao's absence to search her apartment for clues. Maybe Naruto had left something to Yugao, a clue, an item…anything that would lead them to the blond. The moment Yugao had arrived was to see Jiraiya and Kakashi putting Naruto's goggles back in the place she had for them at her bookshelf.

Yugao, of course, was beyond mad. She had thrown them out of her apartment and told them in clear terms the only way she would ever speak or even work with them was if Konoha was at war and at the brink of destruction.

Jiraiya understood the animosity coming from Yugao, but he clearly thought the woman would be more cooperative towards them. They were, after all, after the same goal. Saving Naruto.

"Look, I know you're still mad…"

"No, sir. I'm beyond those feeling, right now I could care less what you have discovered or whatever…really, like I said to you last time, unless this is a matter of…"

Yugao trailed off just as Shikamaru appeared in front of her. The boy sent a lazy stared at her then at Jiraiya pointing with his head the way of the Hokage's office.

"Yugao-taichou, Jiraiya-sama. There's been a situation." Both, Jiraiya and Yugao frowned at those words.

"What kind of situation?" Shikamaru's expression turned slightly serious.

"It's a confidential one. Hokage-sama has requested both of you back at her office."

---

The atmosphere inside Tsunade's office wasn't an agreeable one.

Every single person inside had their attention focused on the woman sitting comfortably at the chair. Her face was a little dirty, she had bandages on her torso, hands, legs and the wound on her lips was still noticeable. Looking at her no one could believe the woman wearing such a hunted stare could be Mitarashi Anko; this was the first thought filling Yugao's mind as she went immediately to her friends side.

"Anko? What happened to you?"

Anko grimaced leaning back on the chair taking deep breathes while her eyes focused on Tsunade. The Godaime Hokage returned her stare with certain worry.

"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Tsunade frowned at the woman. "You don't look…"

"Yes, I…I can go the hospital later." Interrupted Anko annoyed, Tsunade arched an eyebrow but indicated with a gesture of her hand for Anko to continue.

"They…they came out of nowhere." Anko's voice quivered and the woman hated the fact she was sounding and looking so weak. All around here Yugao, Kakashi, Jiraiya, Shikaku along with Ibiki, Inoichi and Tsunade listened to her carefully.

---

Anko's story

She and the rest of her platoon had been following the same lead for over a week. They need provisions if they wanted to try their luck inside Tea Country. The opportunity present itself the moment Anko realized they were near the Hidden Dragon. A small town near the border of Iron country made completely by retired or even out of action shinobi. Men and women who decided to abandon their lives as shinobi to try for a more peaceful form of life. The village itself was hidden and only those among the shinobi lines knew exactly of his location.

It was a neutral ground, much like Iron Country and the shinobi who entered the domain knew to not cause any trouble. Once inside the Hidden Dragon your position, village or any other form of conflict was forgotten. This was a place to rest and re-filled the empty bags after a long mission.

If you caused any trouble inside the borders of the village, the people of your own country would make sure you were escorted out of it. Since missions usually took most of the platoon's strengths this was an excellent place to rest. There weren't many shinobi out there who would risk to lose such a place where they could rest, trade among other things.

It took them half a day to get to the border of the Hidden Dragon. The moment the step in the road leading to the village Inuzuka Minase knew something was wrong.

"What?" Anko was annoyed, she was tired filthy and in need of a bottle of sake and a warm bath. The young man frown his dog, Kira, growled lowly while backing down.

"There's something wrong." Anko growled nodding at Hyuuga Yue, the young man nodded activating his byakugan.

"Well, what can you see?" By now Anko was taking a fighting stance, looking around with her hand on top of her kunai holster.

The Hyuuga frowned, "Nothing, there is nothing out there."

"Look, the fact you can see anything doesn't mean there isn't something wrong." The Inuzuka pointed at his nose. "This never lies, man."

"I'm not saying you're lying, only that I can see anything ahead." The Hyuuga turned to Anko, the woman had a frown on her own thinking over the situation. She knew Minase and Yue were the best on what they do and she didn't doubt neither of them, but…

"Okay, staying here ain't gonna give us answers. Move it. But be careful."

The three of them entered the village and Anko knew there was something wrong. There wasn't anyone at the gates taking the names of the newcomers; there wasn't any kind of traffic human or animal or any other kind on the streets. What they could see clearly was the clothes. The different shinobi clothes all scattered on the ground.

"What the fuck?" Mumbled Anko moving towards the closest items. Her eyes went as she noticed the clothes not only were intact but they were put in such a way it look as if someone had be wearing them before just his or her body disappeared on thin air.

The clothes had been wore but the one wearing them wasn't there. And, by Yue's and Minase's gasps Anko could tell this wasn't the only case.

"What the hell happened here?" Anko made long, firm strides her eyes sweeping the place carefully while her hand put a kunai out of her holster. "Yue, Minase, with me. Yue focused your vision to those building over there. Minase, you and Kira tried to smell someone alive or something."

As they started moving deeper inside the village they noticed not all clothes were without damaged. There were others that had been ripped and they even found blood on some of them.

"Fuck! Who the hell did this? Who could take on a whole village made of shinobi?"

"Anko, there is a fire…"Informed Yue looking at the border of the village past some trees. "About 500 meters away from the village."

Minase turned to where Yue was pointing, he lifted his head and smell the air before coughing, his face ashen as he realized what had he just smell.

"Crap, that…that…"

"What, what is it?" Asked Anko grabbing Minase by his clothes, the young man lowered his eyes.

"Humans."

It didn't take them long to make one last scanned around them before they decided to move forward. Anko played it safe sending one of her snakes while the Inuzuka boy and the Hyuuga would take the burning fire from different fronts.

What Anko discovered made her shivered, her eyes opened wide as she noticed the big hole filled with some…human remains. All of them burning slowly, some of them with the expression of terror still attached to their faces, some others wearing white, strange masks on their faces while some others had holes on different parts of their bodies.

"Anko!" It was Yue and Anko was happy she could stop on time before slitting Yue's throat.

"Sorry, I just…" Yue glanced at the common grave then back at Anko.

"I know…we need to inform Konoha right away." Suddenly Yue frowned. "Where is Minase?"

Just as Anko was about to propose they were looking for him the Inuzuka appeared from somewhere near the flames. He had a lost look in his eyes; a thin line of blood was coming from his mouth. Anko and Yue took fighting positions while putting their respective weapons out; Yue activated his byakugan taking the stance of his clan.

"Run…" was the last thing Inuzuka Minase said before letting out a blood curling scream as some kind of white mass came from his mouth.

Anko launched a couple of kunai while moving fast to get to Minase, from behind him appeared another figure, the one holding the sword. Anko growled ready to attack when another scream told her Yue had just been hurt.

Everything after that happened to fast, and the only thing Anko remembered before losing consciousness was the young man in front of him. His green eyes staring down at her without any emotion on them, a black three tattooed to the right side of his chest.

Both Yue and Minase screaming in pain just before they disappeared from Anko's sight.

---

"I…I don't know…" Anko clenched her fist hard enough to draw some blood from her palms. She gritted her teeth before continuing. "I just…I lose consciousness I…I felt the pain of the fight, the sharp edge of the sword…but…why them and not me?"

"Do you know what happen to them?" Anko raised her head glancing at Kakashi with fury in her eyes.

"No, I don't! I just know they were suffering and I couldn't do a damn thing about it!" Exclaimed Anko. "Isn't that enough?"

"Anko," Yugito kneeled in front of her placing a soothing hand on top of Anko's. "It's okay, you couldn't have done anything…I mean, you say they were at Hidden Dragon and there wasn't anyone around. They had a huge hole burning bodies…"

Anko locked her eyes with Yugao's and the woman noticed a strange gleam in them, something that made the purple-haired woman wary.

"Anko?"

"There was…there was something else…something I sense and I haven't…"Anko took a deep breath, this time she took Yugao's hand on hers squeezing lightly. "There was this kind of pressure, it felt as if the air around me was being sucked or…just applying pressure, make me dizzy…I've felt Orochimaru's killer intent and then this…I never felt so helpless in my life…"

Anko chuckled bitterly as she sent an apologetic stare to Yugao, "But, behind that pressure I could feel a familiar presence…something I haven't felt since…since Naruto."

Yugao left the Hokage's office trembling in anger and fear.

The whole room was so ready to believe whatever Anko thought she had felt. Yugao huffed in frustration hitting the closest wall while feeling the warm caress of tears falling down her cheeks.

"Yugao, wait." Yugao wiped away her tears before giving her back to Kakashi.

"I've got nothing to do with you Kakashi-sempai." Kakashi approached the woman grabbing her by the arm.

"But I have a lot to do with you." Yugao glared back at the man who stared at her with seriousness. "Hokage-sama has just appointed you as my second in the hunter unit."

"What? Why?" Yugao exclaimed freeing herself from Kakashi. "Why the hell I'm in your hunter unit, Kakashi? I'm an ANBU Captain, my main mission is to protect the Hokage not…no…"

As realization dawn to Yugao's face Kakashi gave her a short nod, "Yes, you're going to assist me in my mission to locate Naruto."

The sound of the slap could be heard all through the empty hall; Kakashi was actually astonished that Yugao had actually slapped him. He turned his wide eye to the woman who was looking at him with anger.

"How dare you? How dare you propose me to…to help you capture Naruto?"

"You're the only one who really know him." Was all Kakashi said, then lowering his voice he tilted his head to the side focusing his attention to the Hokage monument visible from the nearby window.

"I…I know you think I'm searching for Naruto just because he was my student and he is a Jinchuuriki." Kakashi returned his attention to Yugao. "You heard Anko. You heard about the attacks to Hidden Dragon. She is right, a Shinobi village attack that way? There is something fishy here and if Naruto is…"

"Naruto isn't involved in this!"

"How can you be so sure?" Replied Kakashi with frustration. "If Anko really felt Naruto's presence then…"

"It could be a Genjutsu or something else." Replied Yugao. "You just want to believe is Naruto because it would be the perfect moment for you to capture him."

"You're wrong." Replied Kakashi. "You think I want this? You think I want to capture Naruto or even bring him here by force or dead?"

"Why not? It's what you've been trying to do this last two years." Kakashi shook his head.

"No, I've been trying to find him…Naruto, is not only my student but also someone I failed to."

Yugao crossed her arms snorting, "Let me guess: You feel guilty because you failed your sensei and his son?"

Kakashi couldn't hide his surprised which only made Yugao sent a bitter smirk, "What? Surprised? You shouldn't. Sandaime Hokage-sama wanted me to know everything and anything that there was to know about Naruto so I could take proper care of him."

For the first time ever Kakashi caught the tone of voice Yugao used to refer to Naruto. Her tone softened and her eyes actually gleam while her mind took her to the moments she spent with the blond.

"I know about the father that sealed a demon inside him, the mother that disappeared after giving birth to him, the godfather that abandon him and the…" Yugao sighed tiredly before continuing, "And the adoptive uncle, or brother or whatever your role was supposed to be, who couldn't stand the little boy that represent the moment he lost a father figure."

Silence followed Yugao's words both, Kakashi and Yugao stood there without saying anything or even looking at the other. It was Kakashi the first one to break the silence.

"I know I mess up." Kakashi chuckled looking at Yugao. "I can't fix it, but I can make sure I'm the first one to find Naruto and bringing him safely home. But…I can't do that because the only one who knows Naruto really well it's you."

"I don't know where he is." Replied Yugao, her mind giving in the opportunity. Naruto was safe; Naruto wasn't even in the Shinobi World, right? That's what Yoruichi-san had said.

"I know, I know you don't but you can help me find him before anyone else does."

Yugao wrapped her arms around her, lowering her head to the side she took a deep breath. They would never find Naruto unless the blond, suddenly, came from the land of the dead. Yugao shook her head. No, she knew Naruto wouldn't but, if something like that happen, Kakashi was right. She wanted to be the first one to find him.

"I love him, Kakashi." Said Yugao in a soft tone. "Naruto has become someone really important to me. I don't think you understand how much. I'll help you. But don't expect me to betray him over you or anyone else."

The sounds of Kakashi and Yugao leaving finally died after a few seconds. However, the shadow hidden under the open window stood there for another five minutes before moving from its spot.

Nara Shikamaru placed a hand on his forehead letting out the air he had been holding since the discussion between Yugao and Kakashi. Shikamaru had heard enough, not only had he gathered information about the reunion inside the Hokage's office but also from the two people he knew were closest to Naruto.

"Troublesome, Naruto…doing this and that without even letting us know…And now this. Tsk, I guess they all need to know." Shikamaru lifted his head letting his eyes take in the form of the Fourth Hokage. It wasn't that shocking once you tried to match Naruto's face to their former leader.

"Well, let's meet with the others." Commented Shikamaru to no one in particular, disappearing with a soft puff and white smoke.

---

AN: And here it is. As you could see Haku is a boy and will be a boy in this story. Naruto ended up in a good division, in my opinion, but that doesn't mean he won't be in contact with the Eleventh, after all, his division is just around the corner.

I hope you like this chapter, remember to comment and tell me what you think. Next chapter you will see Naruto's first months inside the Tenth, his first mission and you're going to get a glimpse of the Konoha Eleven...and Naruto's return to the Shinobi World.

Thanks for reading!

Don't forget to comment!