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

20. Return to the Homeland

AN: I'm back, finallly after a month of no internet I'm back. Well, here is a new chapter that I hope you enjoy. Remember English isn't my native language so I apologize beforehand.

From now, Read and Enjoy!

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Chapter 19

Return to the Homeland:

Hitsugaya-taichou and Shikamaru-taichou

- Seireitei, Soul Society. Tenth Division Barracks-

For the last three months Naruto had been trying to get use to the life inside the Tenth Division. It certainly was different to the life-style he was used to back to the Kuchiki Manor and even the Sixth Division. This time around he was a low ranking officer instead of the Honorable guest back at the Sixth.

It was difficult.

Naruto's time inside the Tenth had been anything but easy. He had to face the fact many of his comrades thought of him as a spoiled, stuck-up noble boy. Someone who was born with certain privileges, with a silver spoon on his mouth used to getting away with everything he wanted.

As time passed by and Naruto kept being part of the un-seated officers inside the Tenth, some of his mates started to re-evaluate what they knew or thought about Naruto. Because the boy, even though he could use his name and his noble position, he never took any of those advantages. For some he was something different, nothing like what they thought a young, spoiled brat should behave. Some others were still doubtful, waiting for the blond to put his last name to obtain a seat position.

Some others were just jealous.

"Come on! Come at me as if you mean it!" The loud voice of the first officer Tomoi could be heard inside the training hall. He was standing in the middle of it along with the Third Seat Fujimaru, both of them with wooden swords on their hands. It was late in the morning, the last moment for the Rookies to tune their abilities while fighting in teams.

Hitsugaya Toshiro was watching from his spot as both, Tomoi and Fujimaru, trained with the Team number five. It was a routine training, a moment in which Toshiro would figure if the rookies of the Tenth Division were ready for Hollow Patrol. So far he had been doubtful, but hadn't seen anything that would make him hesitate to send them out there.

"No, you're approaching this all wrong." Tomoi took two of the wooden swords from his opponents, two young men who were looking at him with a certain frightening and defeat expression on their faces. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Is this how you want to be kept alive?"

Toshiro frowned beside him Matsumoto huffed fidgeting in a gesture Toshiro recognized as disapproval. Tomoi had been inside the Tenth Division for a year, but Toshiro had decided the man needed to be transferred. He was more trouble that was worthy for the young Captain. And Matsumoto, of course, didn't like the man.

At first the man had asked for a transfer to Toshiro's Squad. He had been in the First Division as a Fourth Seat and had asked for the transfer applying for the Third Seat Position. Toshiro had rejected the application but had agreed to the transfer, Tomoi would start from the lowest of ranks to proof himself worthy of a seat position.

The man hadn't been too happy but he accepted. It had been three months since his arrival and he had tried to take over the Fukutaichou position. Toshiro hold back a grin as he followed the movements of the rookies trying to overcome both, Tomoi and Fujimaru. Rangiku had made it clear to the man why she had been chosen as a fukutaichou and the man knew that moment it hadn't been for her looks, as he thought from the very beginning.

Eying said woman out of the corner of his eye Toshiro shook his head. The woman, even as lazy, laid-back, as flirty and annoying as she was, there was no one Toshiro trust more to protect his back than her. Tomoi had tried to move her of her position by doing paperwork and trying to do some of the duties she usually forgot while going out drinking.

"Taichou? Are you okay?" Toshiro turned to see Matsumoto smiling amusedly at him. The young taichou frowned confused while nodding curtly.

"Yes, why?"

"Well, you're kinda glaring at the newbies and they're all nervous because of it." Toshiro turned his head realizing Matsumoto was right. He growled lowly tilting his head to the side slightly flustered by what had happened.

"Well, continue!" The team, startled, went back to the exercise while Rangiku giggled softly teasing the young man.

"Now, Taichou, what were you thinking back there? You certainly look annoyed." Toshiro evaded his fukutaichou's eyes shrugging.

"It was nothing. Look, Tomoi is calling for another team." Rangiku raised an eyebrow but decided not to press the matter.

Lately, Hitsugaya-taichou had been behaving quite strangely. If Rangiku had to bet when this strange behavior started she would say it was the day after he spoke with the Central 46. It had been almost two months ago, right after the Shino Academy graduations. Whatever had happened inside the Central 46 her taichou didn't say anything but Rangiku hadn't been beside him for this long without learning to read some of her taichou's moods.

There was a gleam of interest in the teal eyes as they focused on Naruto. The same gleam they held when Rangiku commented to her Taichou she had spoken with Naruto the day he had been accepted to the Tenth and that Naruto had shared with her and the others some stories about his life back in the Shinobi World. Rangiku had been astonished as her taichou invited her tea and made her tell him everything Naruto and Haku had said.

Strange, indeed…but some things happened in between and Rangiku forgot that until recently. Just after the strange meeting Toshiro had with Kazama Arashi.

"Very well, Uzumaki, Hikaru, Tanaka, Okuda and Tamaki. You're next." Tomoi sent a half-mocking sneer Naruto's way, not being able to hide his clearly animosity against the blond. "Let's see…Tanaka, you'll be Team Leader."

"Tanaka?" Fujimaru tilted his head, a contemplative frown on his face. "Um, no offense Tanaka but I think Uzumaki would do just fine."

Tomoi snorted shaking his head, "I'm sorry, Sir. But, you know for this exercise we need real shinigami, those who had been trained in the Shino Academy and not someone who may have not been exposed to the same thing as them."

Fujimaru frowned glaring at Tomoi, "There are more than tests to be named a Team leader, Tomoi-san. And you know it. However, for today, I will humor you."

Tomoi bowed his head to hide his smile while Tanaka smirked sending a victorious glance Naruto's way. The blond merely snorted, he was used to Tomoi's attitude against him and Tanaka's idiocy.

"Well, this ought to be interesting." Mumbled Toshiro wincing as the pink-haired girl resting near Matsumoto sat up cheering at full voice at Naruto.

"Go, Kitsu!"

"Kusajishi! What the hell are you doing here?" The girl giggled looking at Toshiro as if the answer was pretty obvious.

"I'm cheering on Kitsu." Toshiro twitched caressing his temple.

"Shouldn't you be back to your squad or something?" Yachiru shook her head giggling once again.

"Nu-uh, Ken-chan is asleep. Baldy is missing and Yumi is making the paperwork."

"Doing, doing some paperwork…and, shouldn't be you the one doing the paperwork?" Asked Toshiro to the girl who waved away Toshiro's words.

"Too boring, this is better. Kitsu-kitsu hasn't been around much, I thought I could come and visit him.

Toshiro opened his mouth to reply when Matsumoto interrupted, "Taichou, you're missing all of the action."

Once he turned around he saw as Naruto evaded, blocked and attacked. Two of his teammates had been left unarmed while Naruto still held on tightly on his wooden sword. He had position himself in front of those unarmed, protecting them while fighting Tomoi. Toshiro raised an eyebrow, the blond was moving with experience, his hand moving gracefully to give direction to the sword, his body moving with decision to give strength to the strike.

Tomoi was fast engaging his sword with Naruto's and doing a series of twirls before taking it with a single thrust. The movement made Naruto lose some balance, Tomoi smiled triumphal but his smiled didn't last long as Naruto gave a twisted with the balls of his feet and hit Tomoi straight in the abdomen sending the man staggering backwards. Tomoi's wooden sword hit the floor with a long pang.

"What the hell was that, Uzumaki?" Naruto blinked innocently at the outrage Tomoi.

"Uh, it was a…kick, Sir." Several of the presents including some of Naruto's teammates snickered at the response, making Tomoi flustered with anger and embarrassment.

"I know it was a kick! What I mean is why you used it instead of your sword?"

Naruto shrugged looking directly at Tomoi, behind the man Fujimaru was watching with interest while Toshiro and Matsumoto had stood up approaching the group. Both high officers paying close attention to the blond's words.

"In a fight you have to be prepared for everything. If you lose the sword, like I did, the next thing should be hand to hand combat." Fujimaru raised an eyebrow impressed; Tomoi wasn't looking impressed at all however.

"You just want to show off, but I…" Tomoi's rant was stopped by a slightly raised in Rangiku's reiatsu.

The man turned around to see Toshiro and Rangiku were just behind him, the woman looking ahead of him to Naruto. Toshiro turned his attention to Tomoi sighing as he nodded with his head for the rest of the men to drop their weapons.

"While unorthodox and not part of the training session," Started the young man looking at each and every single present people in the room. "Uzumaki does have a point. What if you lose your weapon? What if you don't have your zanpakutou?"

"We can use kidou, Sir." Toshiro turned his teal eyes to Tanaka who merely shrugged as if that was the most obvious choice.

"That's true; say…you're in a situation in which kidou is not possible? Do you think you have what it takes to go hand to hand against a hollow?"

The room remained silent; some of the recruits were looking at Tomoi mumbling between them while others were concentrating their attention in Naruto and Toshiro. Matsumoto indicated with a gesture for Fujimaru and Tomoi to leave the main stage, with some reluctance Tomoi followed Fujimaru leaving the taichou and fukutaichou facing the team.

"I do, Sir." Replied Tanaka putting his chest out, puffing with proudness as he lifted his head. "I know I'm ready for everything."

Toshiro smirked amused; he arched an eyebrow nodding his head. "Well, let's see if that's true. It's the five of you against Matsumoto and me. Only hand-to-hand combat."

The five of them glanced at each other; Naruto turned his eyes to the only woman in the group. Tamaki glanced back at Naruto shrugging, the other two dropped into a fighting stance while the blond readied himself. Tanaka directed himself and the other two to the right surrounding both the Captain and Lieutenant. Naruto frowned knowing too well Tanaka was ignoring him and Tamaki, he felt the corner of his mouth lift when Tamaki shrugged and went off to attack.

Hitsugaya had a little bet running in his head with Hyourinmaru, half of the new recruits tend to hit on Matsumoto the very first week inside the Tenth. This year Hyourinmaru had been the winner when he said there was one stubborn male who wouldn't take no for an answer. Tanaka was said male who was now facing Matsumoto and concealing his wandering eyes and his appreciative glances. Well, Toshiro had to give it to the man; he knew how to hide his emotions. The young Captain merely shook his head as he blocked Tamaki's attack, males tended to be distracted by Matsumoto, and the woman didn't feel any shame in using that to her advantaged.

Oh, Toshiro, don't speak as if you haven't been distracted before by those bouncing…

'Shut up, Hyourinmaru!' Toshiro felt the warm sensation of embarrassment growing on his face. He cursed lowly, stupid pervert dragon.

"Very well, Tamaki. But you lack strength behind that strike. Go again." Commented Toshiro to the young woman who nodded curtly going at it again.

Naruto stood behind watching for a moment the fight, Toshiro wasn't even moving from his spot. He blocked while telling Tamaki and occasionally Hikaru what was wrong or what they had done well. He was teaching while letting his officers go all out with him. Rangiku from her part was merely toying with Tanaka and Okuda, both of them seemed to be paying attention to other things and just like Toshiro, Rangiku didn't have to move from her spot to teach the other males a lesson.

Naruto could heard the others mumbling behind him, he could even feel the mocking glance from Tomoi on his back. Naruto knew they were wondering why he hadn't moved why he was still there, as if frozen in place.

Naruto's blue eyes lit up, there it was.

The attack was so unexpected Toshiro had barely the time to stop the punch direct to his face. The young man felt the burning sensation of something hard hitting the palm of his hand. But Naruto wasn't over, he impulse himself with his left leg up in the air which gave him the leverage to send a high kick to Hitsugaya.

Once again Toshiro could only block, out of the corner of his eye he saw Tamaki advancing towards him. The young man felt the corner of his lips lifted up a little. Well, who would have thought Uzumaki and Tamaki would work together.

The young woman launched a punch directly to Toshiro's abdomen while Naruto tried to aim, once again, to his head. Toshiro blocked one making Tamaki staggered backwards. Then Naruto noticed something, it was brief and if he hadn't been paying attention he didn't think he would caught up with it. But Toshiro actually brushed his leg against Matsumoto's one.

That moment of distraction cost Naruto a hit straight to his face by no other than Rangiku. The woman chuckled amusedly at the blond dumbstruck expression.

"Why do you look so surprise, Uzumaki-kun?" Naruto's blue eyes noticed the young Taichou finishing off what Matsumoto had started with Tanaka and Okuda.

Naruto shook his head stood up and went directly to attack. Matsumoto was actually surprised; the first thing she noticed was those blue eyes focusing solely on her face and not on her chest. The second thing she noticed was Naruto was fighting her as an actual opponent. He wasn't being soft or delicate, as if Rangiku could break at any moment. Just like most males would fight her.

Rangiku smiled at Naruto stopping his leg with one hand while turning him around. The blond found himself face to face with Toshiro who didn't lose any time to pin him to the ground.

"Very well." Toshiro stood up stretching his hand to the blond and helping him up. "That was a great team work you did with Tamaki, Uzumaki."

Both, Tamaki and Naruto smiled sheepishly at the praised. Tanaka looked confused still lying on the ground after Toshiro's attack.

"What do you mean?" Rangiku snorted while placing her hands on her hips.

"Tamaki and Uzumaki-kun just looked for an opening to attack Taichou." Replied the woman. "They actually cornered him."

Toshiro nodded his head, "Indeed. Still, Uzumaki had something Tamaki lacks."

The girl looked down but Toshiro called her attention glancing directly into the young woman's eyes. "Don't get me wrong. You fought well, but your strikes lack determination and strength. You weren't fighting with everything you have."

"But, Sir…I mean…not that I can actually hurt you but…"

"You didn't even try." Replied Toshiro. "None of you with the exception of Uzumaki here. You have to try that's why you're here. To improve and to become stronger to be capable to protect"

"Still, I'm slightly disappointed." Toshiro turned to his fukutaichou, eying her suspiciously.

"Why?" Naruto suddenly felt cornered when the grey eyes of Rangiku pinned him to the spot with their intensity,

"Well, Uzumaki-kun doesn't seem to like them." To prove her point she fixed her breast knowing too well half the males in the room were looking at her. Naruto felt a blush spreading out on his face while Toshiro felt a huge headache coming his way.

"Matsumoto!"

---

Naruto sat down at the table, his tray of food was totally full with some of the tastiest dishes they were offering that day. He readied himself to dig in when he felt two familiar yet unknown presences sit right in front of him. He lifted his head and noticed Tamaki and Hikaru sat in front of him.

"Hope you don't mind." Hikaru smirked at him, lifting his head while eying the blond.

"Uh, no…not at all." Tamaki was about to speak when a pink head appeared from under the table sitting beside Naruto.

"Yachiru-chan! Did you bring your food?" The girl nodded her head putting a pink bento box on top of the table.

"Yep, Yumi had it ready for me."

"Uh, Kusajishi-fukutaichou!" Both Tamaki and Hikaru tried to bow awkwardly to the girl who barely glance their way. "What…what is she doing here? Isn't she supposed to be in the Eleventh?"

Naruto chuckled shaking his head, "She comes here sometimes. Mainly when Zaraki-taichou is napping, Ikkaku is slacking off and Yumichika is doing paperwork."

The girl nodded her head putting a huge dango inside her mouth. Both, Tamaki and Hikaru glanced at the girl then at Naruto.

"Well, I guess the rumors are true, eh? And I betcha you're gonna make it to a seat officer in no time." Naruto blinked confused as Hikaru kept eating. Tamaki smiled apologetically at the blond.

"What rumors?"

"Oh, you know? That you fought Zaraki-taichou and since you're a noble man well…"Tamaki shrugged taking a bite of her own food. "…being a seat officer is going to be as easy as the test you did back at the Shino Academy."

"Mate, if I can say it that was one hell of a fight."

Naruto took some of his own food before replying, "Well, thanks but…you now that's not true?"

"Uh, which part?"

"Me, becoming a seat officer because of…being a noble man as you put it." Naruto shook his head while slapping Yachiru's hand away before she grabbed Naruto's drink. "I have to work just as hard as all of you. I don't have any special privileges."

Tamaki and Hikaru looked unconvinced; the young woman shrugged playing with her food before speaking again.

"Actually, Uzumaki-san, I want to ask you something." Naruto nodded his head with his mouth full, Hikaru chuckled while Tamaki couldn't hide the annoyed glance at the lack of manners from not only Naruto but Yachiru who seemed to have put inside her mouth something bigger than she could chew properly.

"While at the training session, those movements…" Tamaki sighed tilting her head contemplative. "Those aren't taught back in the Academy. I don't know if you're allowed to teach them but…"

"The reason we're here is 'cuz we know you're a good fighter." Started Hikaru. "And we were wondering if…"

"If you would help us…you know? Like teach us some of those moves and all." Continued Tamaki. "You could actually fight Hitsugaya-taichou and that's not something you can do easily."

"As long as the Noble's club allows it, of course." Tamaki hit Hikaru making the man's laugh to die.

"Look if you help us we can …mm, help you with your social relations around the Tenth."

Naruto blinked confused, "My social relations?"

"Yeah, you know how half of the squad considers you a stuck up noble."

"Gee, I didn't know I was so love around here." Replied Naruto dryly.

"Humph, don't even get me start with everything we've heard." Replied Hikaru. "They all think you're just as arrogant and as much as an asshole as Omaeda-fukutaichou or some of the other seated officers that come from some noble families."

"The only difference is you came from the real thing." Said Tamaki Naruto looked dryly at her. "Yeah, like you're almost royalty since you're part of the Four Noble Clan's and you were raised by Kuchiki-taichou to top it all."

"You know? I was about to say yes to your request…" Naruto rolled his eyes. "I didn't need the encouragement."

Tamaki and Hikaru looked at each other smiling before turning to Naruto. "Really? You were?"

"Yeah, I don't have any trouble teaching some Hakuda." Replied Naruto. "And with the encouragement you just gave me…I feel this is going to be awesome!"

"Well, who would have thought you can be sarcastic." Hikaru actually looked impressed; Tamaki rolled her eyes smiling at the blond.

"Thank you, Uzumaki-san. You know? For a noble, you're not so bad."

"Gee, thank you, Tamaki, I really feel appreciate."

---

Toshiro was actually surprised to see Ukitake was there as well. He thanked Ise-fukutaichou and took the seat Kyouraku was indicating with a lazy smile on his face.

"Ah, Hitsugaya-kun, I was wondering when you will come to me." Toshiro frowned, his teal eyes taking in the man in front of him.

"Why?" It was a simple question and, in the context of their meeting, it had so much meaning, it was asking for everything that they wouldn't dare to voice for fear of praying ears.

Kyouraku served some of the warm liquid on a saucer with his name on it. Ukitake thanked his friend when the man filled his own cup. Toshiro shook his head accepting instead some of the tea Nanao was drinking. Outside, Toshiro could make the sound of the members of the Squad eight, all of them working and mindful of the private reunion inside their Captain's office.

"I think the best way to explain what the Central 46 told you and what Arashi-san has shared with you would be with an explanation of who was Naruto's father. Right, Hitsugaya-kun?"

Toshiro took a sip from his tea, lowering his eyes to some spot on the floor while his mind wandered back to the meeting with the Central 46 almost two months ago. The room had been packed, some of them were murmuring but they felt silent when the man behind the number five started talking. To his voice joined others and each word was as confusing and as intriguing as the other. In the end, Hitsugaya Toshiro Captain of the Tenth Division only learnt two things. Uzumaki wasn't the son of Kazama Arashi, as he initially thought. The second thing, Uzumaki Naruto was born in the shinobi world, he had been alive and his father had been a traitor to the Soul Society.

If he thought a reunion with the now Captain of the Kidou Corps would clarified something about the blond in his division he was sorely mistaken. The only thing Arashi's file on the boy, and some words here and there, did was add to the confusion and wariness Toshiro felt for the blond.

It was one of the reasons why he had been watching the boy closely.

'He is dangerous'

'Son of a traitor. Once a traitor always a traitor'

'Watch him carefully, Hitsugaya-taichou…at the single sign of danger coming from the boy…well, as a Captain I trust you know what to do.'

'There is something inside him…ask for the complete story and don't forget, Hitsugaya-taichou…'

'Watch the boy closely.'

Some of the other reasons were unclear for Toshiro. But the words and warnings given by the Central 46 kept running inside his head. Now, Kyouraku was the last piece in the puzzle, whatever the man was about to tell him would make it easier for Toshiro to deal with the boy.

"I think I would like to know more about him. About Uzumaki, I mean." Started Hitsugaya choosing his words carefully. He knew the slightly mistake would make Kyouraku close off and tell him only whatever he felt like telling.

"Naruto is now under my command. He is one of my men and as such, I think my duty as a Captain is to get to know him."

Toshiro was well aware of the eyes in the room focused solely on him, "But, I really want to know why everyone seems to have such a special interest in him. Why they all sound so…concern."

Kyouraku sighed lowering his head while his expression turned from laid back to one of complete seriousness. The man took off his hat, Toshiro didn't miss the glances he sent to Nanao or the short nod the woman gave him.

"Very well, I think you have earned the right to hear the complete story of Naruto's life." Kyouraku gave a bittersweet smiled to the young taichou in front of him. "Whatever you do with the information you have gathered on him is something you would have to decide on your own, though."

Toshiro nodded understanding what wasn't being said. Whatever he learnt should be kept secret, whatever he learnt Naruto deserves the benefit of the doubt. Just like Toshiro once had the same chance when he met Rangiku back in Rukongai or Kusaka at the Academy.

"Well, it was just a normal patrol back in the shinobi world. We were ordered to look over sector D-36. Which was a place called Fire Country." Kyouraku chuckled. "Nanao had lost a piece of paper and Naruto called for us, to give it back…"

---

Time kept passing and Naruto's live inside the Tenth had gotten a little better. Byakuya and Rukia would eat silently while Naruto narrated whatever he had done so during the day. Rukia would usually share her own stories and between her and Naruto kept Byakuya entertained.

It was obvious now after almost six months of being inside the Tenth that Naruto wasn't what everyone knew about a member of one of the Four Noble Clans. Naruto was loud, impulsive, and funny; sometimes he was kind of an idiot but always kind with others. Tamaki along with Hikaru and other of the new recruits usually enjoyed the company of the blond who, loyal to his word, started teaching Tamaki and Hikaru some Hakuda moves.

There were others times in which Naruto would just leave on his days off; no one but Matsumoto knew exactly where he went when he wasn't in the Sixth or the Kuchiki Manor. Naruto would meet Renji, Ikkaku and Yumichika in their personal training grounds, just outside the walls of Seireitei. Rangiku would sometimes escape along with Naruto; it was the perfect place to hide herself from work and her taichou while watching the four men training.

It was also the perfect excuse to develop a dangerous curiosity towards the way Naruto fought and the way his reiatsu would feel sometimes.

All in all, Naruto had spent half a year in the Tenth Division and in all that time Hitsugaya Toshiro could only watch and obtain information about the blond. What he had gathered from Kyouraku and Arashi had been…more than a little bit informative. At least, Toshiro now understood what Byakuya had meant with his comment about Toshiro being the only one able to understand Naruto. If what he had found out about the boy was right then…

Monster. Look is thatboy. Don't go near him.

Demon. He is a freak. Look at him. He is not like us.

…Toshiro did understand.

The sky was getting clearer as the day took over the night. Toshiro was walking down the hall in front of the backyard of the Division making his way to the kitchens to make himself a cup of tea before going to his office. There was a strange fluctuation calling the young Captain's attention. He turned his head and his teal eyes fell on a shadowy form straight ahead of his line of vision.

Naruto was breathing hard; he felt the warm drop of sweat falling down his forehead, cheeks and neck. His eyes looking directly at the target as he threw another kunai directly to the red circle he had drawn early on the tree. It went directly to the target and Naruto smirked, pushing his arm back he pulled making the kunai returned to his hand.

"A net made of kidou? Impressive." Naruto screamed out turning around with his hands grabbing a couple of kunai ready to attack.

"Taichou! Damn! You scare the hell out of me!" The boy screamed out making Hitsugaya winced a little.

"It's really not my fault you aren't paying attention to your surroundings, Uzumaki." The boy grabbed one of the kunai Naruto had dropped, eying it with curiosity before turning his eyes to Naruto.

"Easy for you to say, you weren't like …all concentrate training."

Hitsugaya actually smiled a little showing the kunai on his hand, "Training with this? What were you trying to accomplish with this kunai and the kidou line?"

Naruto played with the kunai on his hand giving a small demonstration to Hitsugaya as he spoke, "Well, I just was thinking on missions we used to miss so many of this, and they were expensive, you know?"

Hitsugaya listened carefully watching Naruto as the boy suddenly became serious, concentrated in what he was trying to accomplish.

"I just thought if I made something like Haku did, trying to tie my chakra or reiatsu to the kunai I would make them come back to me with a pull."

Naruto pulled another one before rolling it on his finger, he grabbed expertly from the hilt showing the three pointy parts of the weapon.

"Besides, according to Sakumo-sensei, these are special" Naruto grinned widely his features softening. "They look just like the ones my…my dad used to have."

Toshiro eyed Naruto carefully before throwing the one on his hand. It was a perfect hit, and Naruto actually gasped surprised.

"Excellent hit, Taichou."

"Hn, let me see your idea again, maybe I can help you with it." Naruto's blue eyes lit up.

"Really? You think you can?" Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes, pursing his lips.

"Of course I can!" Naruto chuckled sheepishly; Hitsugaya grabbed the kunai again and stood beside Naruto. "I didn't become a Captain for nothing. Let's start."

Hitsugaya Toshiro rolled his eyes. Beside him his fukutaichou was giggling madly while eying the young man with a hint of mischievousness in her eyes. Behind them was Naruto who was trying pretty hard to hide his own smile at the whole situation. For more than a week Naruto had been joined by Hitsugaya every morning. The both of them would practice with Naruto's kunai until the rest of the squad started getting up and Naruto had to leave to start his duties for the day.

That day Matsumoto had caught the both of them in a pretty childish game, competing to see who aimed perfectly to the moving targets. It was even more amusing to the woman the Naruto had decided to replicate himself and Hitsugaya with some Kage Bushin.

"Would you stop it." Toshiro growled out making Rangiku giggled again. "Really, this isn't amusing anymore, Matsumoto. And you? Wipe that smile off of your face!"

"Sorry, Taichou!" Both of them exclaimed at the same time, in the same sing-song tone. Naruto and Rangiku looked at each other before laughing loudly; the squad members nearest to them would turn their attention to them with some curiosity.

"Okay, you two stop it!" Toshiro turned around glaring at both of the blonds the temperature of the room dropping drastically.

"Ma, ma…why so serious, Hitsugaya-han? You're makin' me shiver here." Ichimaru Gin was leaning against the wall in front of Toshiro's and Rangiku's office. He was smiling at the group even after receiving a glare from Hitsugaya.

"Ichimaru-taichou!" Naruto moved forward smiling at the man who put his hand up, Naruto chuckled high-fiving him, Gin didn't stop there, he went to ruffle Naruto's hair while the blond tried to move away.

Matsumoto and Toshiro were dumbfounded at the interaction between Naruto and Gin. Gin turned his head to the young Captain and his smiled only grew.

"Aw, don't make that face, Hitsugaya-han; I can ruffle your hair if you want to." Said Gin moving closer to Hitsugaya who reacted almost immediately glaring at the man.

"Don't you dare!" He growled out eying Ichimaru one last time before crossing his arms. "What are you doing here, Ichimaru?"

Ichimaru shrugged placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder, his head tilting to one side. "I just came here to visit, Naruto. He seems to have forgotten all about me since his under your command."

Naruto looked up sheepishly at a reproaching Ichimaru. Ichimaru could only shake his head, this time he directed his attention to Matsumoto, only briefly, before turning back to Hitsugaya.

"It seems you have that effect on the people I know pretty well, Hitsugaya-han."

Those words were followed by a very uncomfortable silence between the presents; Toshiro could only frown as he turned to open the door leading to his office. Naruto eyed Gin who followed Hitsugaya with his constant smile on place, apparently, ignoring both Naruto and Rangiku. Naruto's blue eyes moved to Rangiku who had a strange look on her face, the woman noticed the blond looking at her and as soon as she faced him the expression was replaced by a more cheerful one.

"Uzumaki, could you please bring us some tea?" The question startled Naruto who eyed both Captains and then at Rangiku.

"Uh, sure…I mean, yes, Sir. Be right back." Naruto bowed lightly turning around and leaving the office.

Gin snickered sitting down on Toshiro's sofa, "That was mean. Getting' ride of your new best friend like that."

Toshiro felt a growing headache approaching, his left eyebrow twitching at the sound of Gin's voice and Rangiku's laugh.

"Excuse me?" He mumbled glaring at the man; Rangiku shook her head while leaning over her taichou sending a playful stare his way.

"Oh, come on Taichou! You have to admit it's kinda cute." She started making Toshiro fidgeted with a flustered expression on his face. "You finally had a friend your age."

"What it's that supposed to mean, Matsumoto?" Rangiku gulped when she felt the sudden change in the temperature. Her taichou was sending a cold stare her way as he continued. "Besides, he isn't even my age!"

"Oh, but he is near your height, right, Hitsugaya-han?"

"Ichimaru! Again, what the hell are you doing in my division? Don't you have some work to do?" Exclaimed the boy raising his reiatsu to freezing proportions while Ichimaru grinned at him. "And what exactly did you mean by that?"

Matsumoto waved her arms to Gin trying to keep the man silent, but Gin just chuckled waving away Toshiro's questions.

"Ah, right, he ain't your height; Naru-chan's actually taller." Replied Gin with a contemplative stare.

Toshiro sent a wave of killer intent Gin's way, ready to freeze the man to dead until someone arrived to his office.

"Excuse me, Hitsugaya-taichou." Both Captains along with Matsumoto turned to the newcomer who was kneeling in front of the three higher officers with his head bowed.

"Yes? What is it?" The man lifted his head looking at Hitsugaya.

"There's been a situation, Sir. Your presence is required back at the First Division Barracks."

"Very well, I'm on my way." Toshiro turned to Gin glaring at the man. "I hope you're not here to distract my fukutaichou and Uzumaki, Ichimaru. When I'm back I expected you to be back on your division."

Then he turned to Matsumoto who smile tentatively at him, "You stay here and do your work. I'll be back in a few."

Matsumoto pouted as Toshiro left the office leaving behind him the two old friends. Gin shook his head tsk-ing as he place a hand on Matsumoto's arm. "Nasty temper that Taichou of yours has."

Matsumoto shifted backwards letting go of Gin's hand as she turned to the sofa, "It's your own fault. You shouldn't have said that."

Gin observed Rangiku with a softening of his features, making sure his smiled never falter he moved to sit beside her.

"So, how is it going with Naruto? I hope he is giving you a nice time." Rangiku actually laughed at the comment nodding her head.

"He is. He is a good boy." There was a sudden softening in Rangiku's features that wasn't missed by Ichimaru. "He is quite energetic. Did you know he was helping some of the rookies that entered the division with him?"

Rangiku leaned back against the sofa, "He is teaching them to fight. Hand-to-hand combat. And just a week ago, I guess, he and Taichou started this weird…thing, I think is a boy's thing."

"A boy's thing?" Rangiku rolled her eyes hitting Ichimaru on his shoulder.

"Don't be mean. Taichou is actually enjoying those training sessions, I guess there isn't anyone who would do that with him." Gin snickered while Rangiku rolled her eyes. "Stop it. You know what I mean. Everyone seems to enjoy giving Taichou a hard time, but Naruto is actually helping a lot. Taichou really did a friend his age."

"And Naruto?" Rangiku frowned turning her grey eyes to the man sitting beside him.

"Why are you so worried about him?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Asked Gin shrugging. "Naruto is special."

It was the tone of voice; the sudden changed in Gin's behavior what set the alarms off on Matsumoto. She was about to question it when Naruto entered the office with the tea and two other Narutos behind him.

"Here is the tea." He said grinning widely; suddenly his smile dropped a little. "Where is taichou?"

"Oh, he had to go to the First."

"Well, then, I guess is Gin, Ran-chan and me, right?" Rangiku chuckled at the boy's enthusiasm as he put the tray with tea and candies on the table. Whatever she was about to ask Gin forgotten as she heard with amusement the conversation between Gin and Naruto.

---

"Okay, people! Listen up!" Fujimaru was trying to get the whole squad organized. "I want you to line up and be ready. Now!"

In no time the whole squad was silent and formed in the backyard of the Division. All of the presents looking up front where Hitsugaya was standing up observing some papers before directing his attention to his squad.

"I've called you today because we were asked to do the next patrol round." Toshiro let his eyes wandered around. "This is merely routine, nothing out of the extraordinary but as you know we will take care of the patrol in Rukongai and here in Seireitei."

Naruto could actually feel the humming of excitement going through his body. He knew this would be the first patrol in which the newbies would participate actively.

"Since the new recruits have been here long enough to learn team work and had tuned their abilities I think it's time for them to try their luck in the Rukongai."

Toshiro waited until the excited whispering died down, "Matsumoto-fukutaichou along with Third Seat Fujimaru, Fifth Seat Megumi and the officer in charge of the new recruits formation, Tomoi, would be Patrol Team leaders."

The fourth officers were standing just behind Toshiro, all of them looking serious as the young Captain continued with his explanation of the situation.

"Like I say, this is routine but you will probably have the chance to fight so be careful and good luck."

Rukongai was divided in four different sections: North, South, West and East. Each one of them with divisions all numbered from 1 to 80. The higher the number the further the divisions and the rougher and dangerous they were. Naruto had just gotten to the place where he and the others were assigned.

"Man, this is…sad." Naruto watched the place for the first time. Division 64 in the North part of Rukongai wasn't a nice sight for the eyes. Naruto could see the conditions in which some people leave outside of Seireitei.

"This is your first time out, isn't it?" Naruto turned to Tamaki nodding his head. The young woman smiled sadly at him. "I grew up around here, it isn't pleasant. You usually have to work hard to get some food."

"I didn't know." He mumbled lowering his head. Now he understood why so many would glare at him when they thought Naruto had grown under better circumstances. If only they knew the true about Naruto's upbringing.

"That's okay; I'm in the Gotei 13 now. A shinigami. The only thing I can do is try to become a seated officer, maybe a fukutaichou to help some of the people I know are still here."

"Stop all chit-chat over there." Tomoi stood behind Naruto and Tamaki staring down at them. "This part is dangerous, fill with hollows that would eat poor souls with spiritual pressure."

The man moved past Naruto and Tamaki, "You better pay attention, Uzumaki or else…you can be in a nasty accident."

"Yeah, Uzumaki, little princess like yourself shouldn't be out here fighting like all the real warriors and heroes like us." Tanaka pushed Naruto before sneering back at him. "You know? Real shinigami who actually work hard to get this," He grabbed the hilt of his zanpakutou then he grabbed his uniform. "And this."

Hikaru grabbed Naruto before he did something that would get him into trouble. The blond was clenching his fist, huffing as he fell into step with Tamaki and Hikaru.

"Ignore him, he is just jealous because the only good thing he did back at the Academy was get the name of his zanpakutou." Whispered Tamaki. "I don't even think he can control it properly."

"That and your fight was so much better than his."

"It's been almost a year! He is still hanging onto that?" Tamaki and Hikaru shrugged, Naruto shook his head crossing his arms while glaring at Tanaka and Tomoi.

Behind them was Okuda watching with curiosity the interaction but deciding against being an active participant. He had learnt the hard way to not cross Tanaka or even Tomoi's paths.

The night was pretty clear; people were all inside their homes or watching the shinigami pass through their streets attentive to their every move. Naruto found it strange and a little sad, but he kept his attention on the mission. There was a soft breeze reaching Naruto's nose and calling his attention. Naruto stopped turning his head to left then to right.

"Uh, Naruto? You okay?" The blond lifted his head trying to smell again but he only found the same smells he had perceived around. Dirty, sweat and misery.

"No…I thought…" He grinned shaking his head. "It was nothing. Let's go before Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum realized we're not with them."

"Who?"

"Oh, just some twins from a book I found on Byakuya-nii's library."

Whatever else was about to be said was stopped by a scream behind them, the six people walking ahead turned around to see the shinigami watching the rear being attack by a huge figure. Naruto felt the spiritual pressure just as he turned to catch up one of his teammates, bleeding profusely from a wound on his chest.

As Naruto lifted his head he saw the hollow, the form of his mask marked by a mouth showing sharp teeth and a mocking smile. His body was slightly rectangular; it was big with some tentacles coming out from his back. Beside him Hikaru and Tamaki were frozen feeling the reiatsu coming from the hollow overwhelming the atmosphere around them.

There was a loud howl and Naruto realized there were three more to their right. His eyes moved sharply to the other man who was holding his zanpakutou with a trembling hand waiting for the monsters tentacle to make contact with his body. Naruto moved fast putting the man away from any harm while putting his zanpakutou out parrying the strike.

"Tamaki, Hikaru…take the wound guy and the other one aside!" Naruto slashed the hollows tentacle away jumping back while putting Okuda along with him. "Quick! Let's make a formation protect these two!"

The blond turned to the still astonished shinigami, "Move it! Quick, a circular formation back to back!"

Tamaki was the first one to react she place herself to Naruto's right facing the other side of the street, Hikaru did the same as well as Okuda who was grabbing the hilt of his sword hard enough to hurt himself. As they moved back surrounding the one guy hurt and the other recovering, they sense and saw a whole pack of hollows closing on them.

"Where the hell is Tomoi and Tanaka?" Asked Hikaru trying to locate the men but not being able to.

"We'll think about them later for now we have to fight." Said Naruto taking up his sword with determination. The hollow in front of him was moving forward pretty slowly his reiatsu rising with each second.

Master, there are too many.

'I know, I know…but we have numbers in our favor, don't we?' Naruto smirked making a cross hand-sign raising his ow spiritual pressure before mixing it up with his chakra.

"Taiju Kage Bushin no Jutsu!"

"What the hell?" Exclaimed Okuda and Hikaru. Naruto turned around grabbing the shinigami wound while Tamaki turned to grab the other one.

"Guys! Let's go!" Hikaru moved slowly as he saw multiple Narutos all of them engaging recklessly with the hollows that moments ago were surrounding them.

"What…what was that?" Naruto turned to smile at Hikaru, his blue eyes however where wearing a worried gleam in them.

"It's a trick I learn back home."

Naruto turned right moving through an alley leading to another street, there in the middle of the street were Tomoi and Tanaka both of them resting lazily against a wall. The blond frowned angry holding tight the man leaning against him.

"Well, well, well…look at this…what did you guys did? Trip all over your feet?" Tanaka chuckled while sending a disgusted sneer to the wound man.

"You asshole!" Naruto went to grab Tanaka but, again, the spiritual pressure from a hollow reached all the presents.

Tomoi's eyes went wide opened as he moved from the wall taking his zanpakutou off of the sheath. He eyed Naruto then at the two wounded cursing softly while moving forward.

"Hollows." The man eyed his group and snorted. "Leave the guy with the nasty wound somewhere around here. They're going to get in the way." Said Tomoi. "Put your swords out and be ready to fight."

"Sir, there are too many, we can't…" Started Naruto through clenched teeth but Tomoi cut him off.

"If you're afraid Uzumaki then stay behind, scaredy-cat."

Naruto narrowed his eyes putting the man he was holding down gently while standing in front of him. The first of the hollows was making his appearance from behind the nearest alley and Naruto could already sense three other's behind him.

"We can't leave them here, Tomoi-san. These hollows are going to come for them. Let's just make a formation…"

"Don't you dare to think you can order me around or even pretend you can come up with a better strategy, brat." The man glared at Naruto. "You may be a noble but you're still merely an underling under my command."

The sound of a dry, deeply amused laughed reached their ears. Naruto growled while Tamaki, Hikaru and Okuda moved to stand beside him making a U formation around the wounded. Tomoi pursed his lips; Tanaka was moving closer to him his sword raise while his hand moved from one side to the other in a nervous gesture.

"Shinigami fighting shinigami…how amusing."

Tomoi looked around him his face betraying the fear he was starting to feel as hollows surrounded them from everywhere. Then, the owner of the laugh and the voice made his appearance from down the street. It was a hollow of a considerable height, with bird-like hands and feet. He had a tentacle-like limb that hang from his forehead his mouth twisted in a mocking smirk.

"Damn it!" Mumbled Tomoi. "A grand fisher."

"Now, shinigami," The hollow moved forward sneering at the group while forming a red ball from inside his mouth. "Let me taste your flesh."

"Hakudo # 33 Soukatsui!" Naruto fired his own blue ball to the hollow while raising his reiatsu. His eyes were gleaming brightly while his sword cut at the closest of his enemies.

Tomoi frowned but didn't stop to fight the boy who had just engaged directly with the Grand Fisher. Tamaki watched while the Naruto beside her put some strange weapon from inside his kosode. Naruto's eyes moved from one side to the other, he threw the kunai to different directions. The hollows coming at them from the left and the right explode as Naruto activate the kidou spell he had attached to them.

"Okay guys, are you ready?" Naruto turned to show an excited smile to Tamaki and Hikaru. "Okuda, please take care of these two. Come on, Tamaki, Hikaru. Like we've been training."

Tamaki and Hikaru looked at each other nodding briefly while following Naruto. The blond guide the attack, one by one as Tamaki and Hikaru back him up. Tomoi and Tanaka meanwhile were engaged with another huge hollow, the hollow was playing with the shinigami as they tried to get in a fatal attack.

This was the first time Tamaki saw Naruto fight, even though the blond had asked them to join him Naruto was more than capable to do it on his own. His movements and reactions in battle were almost professional, as if he had done so before. The way he fought and reacted on time, the strikes of his sword and the pressure behind his punches, it all spoke of experience.

But even as they started killing hollows, as Tamaki and Hikaru got their first kill and realized they could fight the hollows kept coming. Suddenly there was a scream, Tamaki turned to see Tanaka crashed against a wall blood pouring from his head.

"Damn it! Tamaki, Hikaru…"

"Go, we can handle it! We're shinigami as well." Replied Hikaru smirking at the blond before returning his attention to the hollow in front of him. "Hakudo # 31 Shakahou!"

Naruto nodded his head grabbing the hilt of his zanpakutou he placed the blade against the palm of his hand. "Make our enemies bleed. Ryuujin Raikaze!"

The grand fisher evaded another attack his mocking laugh making the shinigami in front of him moved recklessly, ready to bite the bait. He stretched out his paw trying to get the shinigami when a sharp breeze moved past him. Suddenly he felt only pain his right paw flying away from his body.

The red blade of Ryuujin gleamed into the night; Naruto's eyes were bright narrowing and focusing on the Grand Fisher. The creature gave a scream of pain focusing his strength and attack on the newcomer.

"Curse you! Curse! Die!" The creature launched himself against Naruto who readied himself to counterattack.

It wasn't necessary though.

"Unare, Haineko!"

Naruto's eyes went wide open as a grey cloud formed in front of him engulfing the hollow. Screams came from inside then everything stopped and was replaced by a nasty sound of bones crushing, tender flesh being ripped then…nothing.

Naruto turned around to see Matsumoto Rangiku and the rest of her group helping out the others. Fujimaru was tending to the wounded while their fifth seat deal with some of the other hollows.

"Naruto, Tomoi, are you okay?" Asked Rangiku eying both shinigami. Naruto nodded shortly breathing hard while Tomoi huffed turning his head to the side. "Good, then let's finish this."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Naruto ran to the left grabbing Ryuujin's hilt with both hands, jumping up he direct the blade of his zanpakutou to the ground falling with speed and forced, his reiatsu leaking all over the place.

"God's stroke: Raikaze Mjolnir!"

Sound of thunder and lightning filled the place and the hollows coming from down the street fell victims to Naruto's attack. Behind him Matsumoto jumped forward, her zanpakutou dancing around her, the woman raised her arm before striking it down; the ashes from Haineko took over the reminding hollows. Breathing hard Naruto stood up grinning at Rangiku who smiled back.

"Matsumoto-fukutaichou!" Fujimaru kneeled beside her. "The hollows had been dealt with. The Relief Team has arrived, Ma'am. "

"That quick?" The man lifted his head.

"Apparently they were out as well, Ma'am. Training the new recruits." Rangiku sighed relief as she saw members of the Fourth Squad helping out the wounded.

"That's a relief. Well, let's see what happen and how are the others." Rangiku turned to Naruto who was putting Ryuujin back on his back. "Come one, Naruto let's have someone treat your wound."

"Uh? What wound?" Naruto looked at himself, turning his head and touching his body trying to locate the wound. Rangiku chuckled lightly standing beside the blonde.

Naruto looked at her, she moved her hand up tracing the path of the blood falling from Naruto's head, down his forehead, his cheek and finally his chin. Naruto gulped when the warm from the woman's hand mapped out the blood he couldn't see.

"This wound, it looks nasty. Come on."

"Haku?"

"Naruto?" Both boys looked at one another before Haku's eyes moved to the wound on Naruto's head. "Well, it's good to see you again. Here, let me clean that."

"Thanks, it's good to see yo…ouch! Hey!" Naruto moved back narrowing his eyes to Haku who had some kind of cream on his hand. "What's that? It burns."

Haku rolled his eyes trying to get a touch of Naruto's wound again while the blonde started moving his head to evade the contact.

"Stay still. This is a special ointment it would help the wound heal and stop the bleeding." Naruto shook his head with a stubborn pursed of his lips.

"No, it burns badly." Haku felt his eyebrow twitched while the blond started putting some distance between them.

"It only burns for a second and it barely hurts." Replied Haku. "Stay still."

Naruto sent a cocky smile to Haku shaking his head while trying to move away, the young healer narrowed his own eyes before moving fast. Kneeling down he stretched out his left leg making a turn using his right foot as a base. The movement made Naruto trip and gave Haku the opportunity to try and pin the blond down while he leant in to apply the ointment.

Both of them were still struggling for a few seconds before Naruto felt two soft but firm arms wrapped around his shoulders holding him in place. Haku opened his eyes at the figure, a soft blush forming on his face when the woman winked at him, her assets hitting the blond straight in the head.

"Okay, Haku-san, maybe now you can apply that on this one."

"Fukutaichou!" Naruto whined biting his lower lip as the burning sensation spread all through his head from the wound. It left him numb for a moment but as the burning passed so did the pain.

Isane approached the group smiling hesitantly while eying the scene; Matsumoto actually tilted her head with amusement dancing in her eyes at the expression on Isane's face.

"Ano, Haku-san, we don't…we usually don't hit, knock down and pin our patients to attend their wounds." Mumbled Isane.

"I'm terribly sorry, Isane-fukutaichou." Haku lifted himself from Naruto with a victorious grin in place. "This one was being kind of stubborn."

"And, Rangiku-san…you know, we don't…I mean, you shouldn't hold…"

Matsumoto laughed lightly letting go of Naruto, "Oh, don't worry Isane. I'm just here to help."

"That's what I'm afraid of." Mumbled the woman, Rangiku turned to her confused.

"Uh, did you say something?"

"Eh, no no…let's…let's watch the rest of your squad."

The two women left leaving behind them Naruto and Haku, Haku shook his head eying Naruto then back at Matsumoto. He helped the blond stand up his eyes taking in the rest of Naruto's form satisfied there was only one pressing wound on him.

"You're a lucky bastard." The declaration caught Naruto by surprised; he turned his eyes to Haku who was examining him.

"Why?"

"A woman like her holding you down like that?" Mumbled Haku to Naruto's ears only. "Half the guys in here would kill for that."

"You know? I just notice how weird that sound coming from a guy that still looks like a girl."

Haku rolled his eyes, but couldn't help the 'accidental' elbow that collided with Naruto's sides. Naruto snickered while pushing Haku playfully looking around as the rest of the shinigami finished their reports to Matsumoto and the members of the Fourth finished their healing.

"How is it going over the Fourth?"

Haku tilted his head contemplative for a few seconds, "It's nice. Everyone is kind and always ready to help others. I didn't think it would be such a hard work for every single member."

Haku watched Naruto cross his arms and nod, "How about you? How's life in the Tenth?"

"It's fun. I have some troubles at first but," Naruto shrugged smiling softly his eyes moving to Tamaki and Hikaru along with Matsumoto. "Now everything is cool."

Naruto turned to see Haku watching him closely, the boy was unusually quiet, contemplative. Then, he smiled lowering his head to hide his frown, before Haku could say anything else Rangiku started calling the rest of the Tenth division shinigami all getting ready to go back to Seireitei. Isane was doing the same with her own division, getting ready and picking up everything before leaving.

"Looks like we have to go back."

"Yeah, it was nice seeing you again,Haku." Naruto punched Haku playfully on his shoulder. "We really need to talk, but for now let's go back."

As the shinigami from the Tenth and the Fourth division left a shadowy figure appeared from behind one of the buildings. There was a gleam coming from the figure's eyes before it disappeared back to the shadows.

---

- Three years after Naruto disappearance-

~ Shinobi World, Border line between the Hi no Kuni and Kaminari no Kuni. ~

"Kagemane successful." Nara Shikamaru appeared from behind the tree he had been hiding in. The group of unsuspected shinobi watched with shock as they were being surrounded by a huge group of Konoha shinobi.

"Bastard! What the hell do you think you're doing?" There was an exclamation done by the youngest member of the four-man cell. "Let go!"

"Konoha? Humph, shadow technique? I guess you must be a member of the Nara Clan." Shikamaru shrugged in response to the oldest man inquiries, the man let his eyes wandered around him trying to locate the enemy.

"My, so many Konoha shinobi…what are you trying to do by trapping Kumo shinobi?" Asked the man while his eyes fell, once again, on Shikamaru. "Are you so eager to start a war?"

"Ugh, you speak too much." Yamanaka Ino stepped forward her hand moving to the kunai holder attached to her back. She pulled out two small balls smiling sweetly at the man who was eying her with growing anxiety, the young boys behind him were struggling against Shikamaru's hold on them.

"Why don't you and your Genin go to sleep like good little boys." Ino dropped the two smoke bombs at the Kumo nin's feet moving out just in time as a cloud of green smoke came out of the gas bombs.

"Are you sure it's gonna work?" Kiba came down from the tree he had been standing on. "We really don't want them to wake up so soon."

Ino frowned hitting Kiba on his arm, "Of course it's gonna work, Dumbass! Are you saying I don't know how to do my part of the job?"

"Hey! No need to hit me!" Exclaimed Kiba facing Ino, behind them Akamaru barked excitedly. "I'm just askin' 'cuz it wouldn't do us any good if they wake up before time! I don't know how trustworthy your bombs are!"

Ino hit Kiba again ready to answer him back but was cut off by Shikamaru, "Knock it off you two. So noisy, you're gonna make others come here and investigate what's all the noise about."

Ino and Kiba glared at each other one last time before crossing their arms turning their backs to the other. Shikamaru sighed placing a hand on his head leaning his head down.

"Troublesome bunch…" The young man opened one eye to look at the now sleeping group of ninja.

"We better leave. Shikamaru is right, someone may come this way and sense us." This time it was Neji the one to talk kneeling down to pick up one of the shinobi beside him Shino and Hinata did the same.

"Okay, Kiba…"

"I know, I know…" Kiba picked up the oldest one placing him on top of Akamaru who raised his head to Kiba. "Let's go, Akamaru."

"Shikamaru…" Shikamaru stopped, his back turned to Ino who was standing just behind him. "Are you sure…? If someone finds out this could start a war."

Shikamaru's shoulders dropped, he tilted his head so his left eye locked with Ino's one. "I'm pretty sure. That's why you're here…I know, once this is over, you can do it."

Ino nodded her head, dropping her arms while following the group.

---

The sound of pouring rain filled the small cave the group had taken refuge in. Shino had set up the fire successfully; the prisoners were all tied up, two to the left and the other two to the right. For two hours they stayed there, Kiba and Ino were back to their constant bickering while Shikamaru and Neji were guarding the entrance of the cave.

Neji eyed Shikamaru who had his arms crossed, his back resting against the wall and his eyes close. Whoever saw him in that position would think he was fast asleep but Neji had had enough missions with Shikamaru to know he was alert, thinking about the situation at hand.

The atmosphere was perfect for them to hide away and have a discreet conversation, "There is something I've been meant to ask you for a long time."

Shikamaru opened one eye, lazily directing his attention to Neji. The young Hyuuga had his own eyes directed outside the cave even if his mind was focused on the conversation.

"What is it?"

"Why are you trying so hard to find Naruto?" Neji turned his head to Shikamaru. "Ino is right, what we did today could start a war. Then, why would …"

"He is a friend." It was a short, direct to the point answer. Shikamaru opened his eyes, narrowing them lightly while elaborating his answer. "You only met Naruto for a few days but we, Kiba, Chouji, Ino, me and the others…you could say we grew up together."

Shikamaru fidgeted on his spot resting his head against the wall, "Naruto was kind of a loner back at the Academy. Now we know why, but back then people and even kids our age would alienate him. He was always alone."

Neji was listening carefully while Shikamaru's tone of voice changed to one of remembrance, a soft tone as he described the situation.

"Then, one day, I saw him protect Chouji. Some kids, older than us…I think they were the same ones that had bothered Hinata before." Shikamaru turned to Hinata who was speaking with Shino. "Naruto would usually act before thinking, this time he did the same. They were making fun of Chouji, taking his lunch from him…Naruto just stood there and insult them back while making sure Chouji was left alone."

Shikamaru actually smiled before continuing, "He was really fast and his taijutsu…" By this point Neji noticed the slightly gleam that crossed Shikamaru's eyes only to disappeared in a blink.

"That was the strangest thing, Naruto suddenly started improving and that time he could fight back without so much as a black eye." Shikamaru shrugged while Neji felt his lips twitched upwards. "He recovered Chouji's lunch but Mizuki ground Naruto for starting a fight. They never gave him the chance to defend himself…"

"We kind of hang out with him after that, right? If he was ready to face five kids older than him to protect Chouji…Naruto shouldn't be the idiot we all thought he was." Kiba sat down beside Shikamaru scratching the back of his head. "That Naruto knew all the coolest places where we could train or escape Iruka's watchful eye when we skip classes…"

"Yeah, he also knew the perfect place for cloud sighting." Shikamaru noticed the glances he was receiving from Neji and Kiba and shrugged. "It is a nice hobby."

"A hobby for lazy asses like you." Replied Ino sitting beside the rest of the guys. "What are you talking about?"

"Neji wants to know why I'm so ready to do this to get to Naruto." Ino frowned it was something she had been asking herself.

"So, why do you do it?" Asked Shikamaru eying Neji with curiosity.

"Naruto is…special." Neji lowered his head furrowing his brows as he spoke. "I only met him briefly but…there was something in him…I'm grateful I got to fight him and I…I just owned him, his words reached more than I care to explain."

Kiba chuckled placing his hands behind his head resting against the cave's wall, "Join the club, Pal. Naruto has this…thing around him, he can actually make you think you're the only one capable to save the world."

"You guys speak as if Naruto was the most amazing person in the world." Commented Ino skeptically.

"Hn, I wouldn't go that far…" Replied Kiba glaring at Ino. "But he was okay. You just never noticed because you were following Sasuke's ass around."

"Well, he did have a good ass." Shikamaru and Kiba rolled their eyes as Ino continued. "Besides, Naruto was so weird back at the Academy. Talking to his cat and being an idiot."

"See? This is what Naruto had to deal with all the time."

"So, the short answer," Replied Shikamaru before Ino and Kiba could start another discussion. "It's that Naruto is a friend. He is a Genin of Konoha, a comrade even if the elders in the village don't think of him that way."

"Besides," Started Neji turning sharp, clever eyes to Shikamaru, "There is something strange in all of this, isn't it?"

Shikamaru snorted straighten himself up, "Disappeared without leaving a single trace behind it? Three years and not even a sighting of Naruto? They guy may have improve but he couldn't be discrete even if his life depend on it."

"I thought the same thing." Replied Neji frowning openly. "We even heard rumors about Sasuke, Orochimaru and even that Gaara guy, Suna's Jinchuuriki. But nothing from Naruto."

"It's as if he just…vanished."

The group went silent for a moment all of them thinking over what they knew and what they had discovered in the three years since Naruto left. Shikamaru had already shared his worries with Chouji, Kiba and Neji, the way Naruto suddenly vanished without leaving a clue. The constant silence from the blond was something strange.

Then, there was the incident that had made the Konoha 11 took some kind of action. While Shikamaru didn't doubt Anko's story he did have some doubts about some of the contents. Overall, the part in which she spoke about Naruto. It wasn't the fact she mentioned she hadn't felt anything like it since 'Naruto'. That in itself could mean that someone was using Genjutsu or there was something in the attacker that could be familiar…another Jinchuuriki, perhaps?

"How can you guys be so sure he didn't betray the village? Why do you think something bad happen to Naruto?" All eyes turned to Ino who suddenly felt it would have been better to keep silent.

"He would have said something to anyone." Replied Shikamaru nodding. "Naruto would never leave without saying good-bye or maybe letting someone know about it." The young Nara kept his eyes on Ino trying to evade Neji's stare, they both knew of someone who may know something about Naruto but, that via of information had been closed for them. After all, Yugao would never say to anyone if she did in fact knew anything about Naruto.

"Like I said, Naruto can't be discreet one way or another we would've heard from him."

"Do you really think he has been captured or something? Maybe he was captured form those Akatsuki guys."

Shikamaru frowned lowering his eyes, "It's a possibility. We don't know what they do with the Jinchuuriki or what exactly they want to do with them."

"So, for all we know, Naruto may be trapped inside one of their hide-outs or something, not being a traitor and actually being in trouble." Said Kiba eying Ino.

"Either way there is something that doesn't fit in all of this…" Shikamaru trailed off, their search for Naruto wasn't the only thing that didn't fit. The recent shinobi disappearance, what had happened to Hidden Dragon…Something inside Shikamaru was sending off alert signals but the young man wasn't sure how he should read them.

Ino huffed crossing her arms while looking down, "Anyway, what are the odds that we could came across Naruto when no one else had done so? I mean, even Jiraiya-sama is looking for him."

"You may be right but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try." Replied Neji who lifted his head to see Hinata approaching the group.

"Shikamaru, they're waking up." Hinata approached the group looking at Shikamaru for directions. Shikamaru sighed standing up with the others.

"Well, let's find out about our mysterious Nii Yugito."

---

Morning was arriving with a fresh smell of wet grass and blossoming flowers. Birds around would sing cutting off the silence in the forest. Of course birds weren't the only ones disrupting the silence.

"You guys never told me these things itched."

"Oe, where the hell are we? I thought you say we will in danger the moment we arrived."

"This is kind of nice…it smells better than half the things I have to smell back at home."

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

Hitsugaya Toshiro was twitching, his hands clenching as the ruckus made by the shinigami with him grew in intensity. Matsumoto eyed her little taichou bouncing back and forth waiting for him to lose her patience and freeze the guys behind them.

"Naruto, stop scratching yourself…"

"Ugh, I can't help it."

"At least don't scratch anything…embarrassing."

"Shut up!" A cold breeze brushed against their faces as Toshiro turned around to glare at each one of them. "One more word from any of you and I'll freeze you to the spot and don't come back for you until the mission is over."

The whole group stood there silent while Toshiro sighed in relief at the welcoming silence. The young Captain fixed his clothes and the sash holding Hyourinmaru on his back. His teal eyes wandered around the place taking in everything surrounding them.

"I think we should start moving, we have only five days to conduct the investigation and get back to Soul Society with something useful."

They started walking making their way through the undergrowth while mindful of their surroundings. It wasn't two hours later until they finally got to a well-build road; the road was empty but had fresh marks of footsteps on it.

Hitsugaya was the first one to make himself visible, his teal eyes sweep the place, narrowing lightly to protected them from the now burning sun. The rest of his team followed close behind him, Naruto just like Haku went on ahead. This was the land they once belong to, even if they weren't sure where they were this was, a long time ago, home.

"Kurotsushi, do you know where are we?" Nemu put a map from under her blue kimono handled it to Hitsugaya who spread it out on the ground.

"Mayuri-sama made them open the Sekaimon at this point." The fukutaichou of the Twelfth squad signaled a red point that was near to two different roads. "According with the time it took us to get to a road and the direction we took…we are here, Hitsugaya-taichou."

Hitsugaya observed carefully taking in as much information as he could. According to the map there were two cities nearby; however, to get access to one of them they would need to leave the main road and entered what seemed an almost impossible path. No, the sure bet for them to start asking around would be the town directly to the north, the one were the road lead to.

"Why did Kurotsichi-taichou think this would be a good spot?" Nemu started pointing different dots all with different colors. Some of them were bigger while some others smaller or they colors weren't as flashy as others.

"These are the spots where we get the strange reading from." Answer the woman in her monotone voice. "This village over here apparently was where the incidents start almost a year ago."

Toshiro pursed his lips, arms against his chest while he contemplate their next move; turning his attention he nodded to Naruto and then to Haku.

"Uzumaki, Haku, what can you tell us about this place?" He asked pointing at the town Nemu had signaled.

"Whoa, you have the whole freaking world in here!" Naruto approached the map with eager eyes turning from one point to the other. "How did you do this? I mean, I think I can even see my old house. Even places I didn't know they exist."

"I'm sorry, the map isn't finished yet." Naruto was astonished at Nemu's declaration.

"It isn't finished yet? What else do you wanna put in here?"

Haku from his part was looking at the village Hitsugaya had pointed out earlier, the place itself was big but it seemed to be far away from other ninja's villages. The black-haired boy's eyes rolled to the other village, a place well-hidden between the mountains, the forest and some kind of river. He tried to remember but, as time passed by and Haku's needs started turning to his duties inside the Fourth, something about the shinobi world started looking blurry, some others weren't even there anymore.

"I think…this over here, the one you point, Sir its Iron Country." Cocking his head to the side he narrowed his eyes. "This other…I think this one is Hidden Dragon."

"Hidden Dragon?" Naruto watched Haku before turning his attention back to the map. "I don't remember hearing a village with that name."

Haku furrowed his brows, "Well, that's strange."

"Why?" By now all the group was paying close attention to Haku.

"As far as I remember…uh, Hidden Dragon is a shinobi village. A neutral point." He let his fingertip circled the village in the map. "Only shinobi had access to it, there are more than mountains, rivers and forest to get to it. A common villager couldn't access it even if they want it."

"What about this Iron Country? Is it a ninja village?" Asked Toshiro, Haku shook his head but it was Naruto who answered.

"No, it's actually another neutral point." Haku sent a surprised look to Naruto who smile cockily at him. "Hey! I know things too, you know? I did go to classes once in a while. I remembered to be interested in this one because the village was rule mainly by samurai."

"Then, I guess we better start here." Toshiro picked up the map putting it inside his vest while straighten himself up, it was a little hard to get to use clothes different than his shinigami gear. "Remember, we're here to gather information. Ask before you try to obtain information by force."

The last part was said with an emphatic glare towards Ikkaku and Yumichika, "Try to be discreet." This part was said with a glanced to Naruto. "And no sake!"

"But, taichou! Men usually speak more if they had a little alcohol on their systems." Replied Rangiku, behind her Ikkaku, Yumichika and Naruto where all smiling while nodding their heads. Toshiro didn't look amused though and he made sure Rangiku was looking directly into his eyes the moment he spoke again.

"I said no sake, Matsumoto." The young man crossed his arms taking the lead with his fukutaichou following beside him. "And, if I discovered you disobey this I'll freeze you to your seat back in the office for the next century, understood?"

"Meany, taichou."

Naruto chuckled while following behind Toshiro with Haku by his side. "Ne, Haku, aren't you excited to be back?"

"Yes, of course. But things look different than they did a long time ago." Haku lowered his eyes. "I guess it's only natural."

"Hey, don't look so gloomy!" Naruto wrapped his arm around Haku's neck putting the boy closer to him. "We're gonna get lots of fun out of this! After all, this is our first official mission outside Soul Society!"

"You're sounding really excited, but nothing exciting has happened yet." Naruto turned to Ikkaku who narrowed his eyes at the blond. "I'm startin' to think you trick me about this trip."

"I did not such a thing." Yumichika rolled his eyes when Naruto narrowed his own blue eyes back to Ikkaku. "You didn't really thought the moment we got here we were gonna get jump by ninja, did you?"

Ikkaku huffed cocking his head to the side, Yumichika fixed his hair with a smirk dancing on his lips.

"Actually, that's exactly what Ikkaku thought."

"Oe! Yumichika! You traitor!" Yumichika raised an eyebrow at the bald man shrugging.

"What? It's true, that's why you're so ungracefully gloomy and upset." Ikkaku pointed towards Naruto with his sword.

"He said I would have really good fights if I join in." Ikkaku threw his head back grunting. "But, so far, so boring."

"Did it ever occur to you, Ikkaku," Started Naruto raising his hands while shaking his head, a playful smiled on his face. "That I just tricked you so you wouldn't protest so much when the order came for you to come on this mission."

"Ugh, why you little…" Ikkaku's hand went to the hilt of his zanpakutou, Yumichika just moved aside, Ichinose narrowed his eyes as his hand went to his own sword.

"Oe, Uzumaki! Madarame! Stop it right there!" Toshiro turned half way to glare at both shinigami. "You're making so much noise I wouldn't be surprised if someone comes here! Remember why we are here, let's keep going."

"Yes, sir."

It was after one hour of being on the road everyone started noticing something strange. They didn't stop walking or acting the way they had been doing so far for the last hour. The changes in their behavior weren't visible unless you knew what you were looking for.

Naruto looked out of the corner of his eyes at Haku who was whistling happily away with a hand hidden inside the pocket of his cargo pants. Toshiro and Rangiku were discussing about work, who should be doing her work instead of leading poor unsuspected victims to one of her infamous parties. However, both of them seemed to have practice the conversation before (which wouldn't surprise Naruto because he had heard that discussion before) their movements were matching the other, both ready to react.

"Humph, I bet taichou would have exploded already." Mumbled Ikkaku resting his head on the length of his sword, both hands to each side of his zanpakutou.

"Yes, that's why he and the fukutaichou are not allowed in this place." Replied Yumichika. "So unnecessary mess."

"But, it would be fun, you know?" Yumichika lifted his lips nodding his head.

You really haven't noticed yet?

Oh, look at this, furry ball does speak! Both, dragon and fox growled at each other making Naruto rolled his eyes.

You idiots! You really have no realized this is a Genjutsu?

Naruto's footsteps faltered the moment he heard Kyuubi's words, beside him Haku grabbed his arm steadying him while making him walk. The moment Naruto turned to the young man beside him Haku shook his head, there was a frown on his face.

"Not here, keep moving."

"You feel it?" Whispered Naruto composing himself walking beside Haku. The young man nodded his head slightly, lowering to speak only to Naruto.

"Kind of, it feels…strange…"Haku shook his head. "I don't…I haven't felt this before. I don't think I have."

Naruto opened his mouth to reply but Kyuubi stopped him before he could say anything.

He doesn't feel it the same way as you. Remember your friend over there left behind his life as a ninja and became a shinigami.

'I don't get it. he should be able to sense this, right? I mean chakra…'

Master, Haku doesn't use chakra, remember? Only reiatsu. For him and the rest of the shinigami what you are feeling it feels strange. Different. That's why they are so alert.

Because Genjutsu uses a concentration of chakra to change the reality around the victim.

Even after all this time, Naruto had realized he never asked training for his Genjutsu. If he was honest he never thought he would need it again, now he realized how stupid he had been. Genjutsu was always his weak spot and right now it was proving to be troublesome.

Can't you really tell? Naruto could swear he felt (and saw) the kyuubi's smirk. There was a mocking tone behind his words, something that made Naruto wary.

'Tell what?'

Who is behind this Genjutsu? Did you already forgot how it feels the chakra of those you call friends?

Naruto's eyes opened wide the moment he registered Kyuubi's words, the blond stopped so suddenly the ones around him stopped all pretense and followed the blond's example.

Naruto turned his head from left to right trying to sense the chakra causing the Genjutsu, trying to see if the Kyuubi was messing with him or not.

"Uzumaki, what is it?" Toshiro's own eyes turned around, "Do you know what is this feeling? Can you stop it?

Come on Naruto; let me help you dispel this Genjutsu.

Why you are so interested in helping my Master? The Kyuubi chuckled smirking widely as he leaked some of his power to Naruto.

Because, it's been so long…And now, we're back.

"I don't think that's…" Started saying Naruto but just as he spoke the vision around them changed. All hands went directly to their swords, legs separate and fighting stances at the ready.

"Uzumaki, can you or can you not do something about this?" Toshiro looked from left to right then back to Naruto. "I've been trying to sense if this is a normal hollow or something but…"

"It's not, sir." Naruto pressed his hands together in a hand sign for a ninjutsu incantation. Naruto wrapped his left hand around the right one while the right hand extended his middle and his index finger upwards. He tried to gather the information Sakumo sensei had taught him about the gathering of his chakra and reiatsu, concentration on both of them.

Haku turned to Naruto his own eyes wide in realization, "Genjutsu! Is it right? This is a Genjutsu!"

"I've never been good with these things." Said Naruto smiling apologetically. "So, I'm gonna need a little help. Don't get to scare, okay?"

"What do you…" Started Ikkaku but was soon shut as reiatsu filled the place.

Naruto's eyes started gleaming bright red and blue while an orange spiral started forming around his feet. The blond could hear it, the mocking laugh coming from the Kyuubi just as he felt the demonic chakra filling his own. There was something different, though.

But Naruto didn't have time to think about it because what he had done was enough to dispel the illusion around them. It broke like a thousand mirrors all around Naruto's group.

As soon as the illusion was over Haku saw out of the corner of his eyes several kunai on the ground, all of them tied up together with some kind of rope. As he tried to move Haku realized he couldn't do so. Turning around he noticed he wasn't the only one.

Naruto lowered his hands slowly his blue eyes looking directly into another pair; the familiar face in front of him was looking back with some surprised in his eyes. But, most of all, there was determination.

"I didn't believe it at first, not after three years of absence and silence but…there is no mistaking it." Naruto snorted as those words and that voice reached his ears. He let his head fall with a smirk dancing on his lips. "What are the odds indeed."

The figure hid his own smirk as he continued, "It's really you, right? Naruto…"

---

AN: And this is it! What do you think? Who do you think had just found Naruto? Who do you want to be the first one to find Naruto is back? Do let me know. Before I forget, about the time line, it's only been three years since Naruto left the Shinobi World, Naruto is oficially 15 years old when he is back to the shinobi world, much like in the anime and manga.

For now, this is it, hope you like it and enjoy it.

Don't forget to comment!