Naruto washed his face for the up-teenth time and looked at himself in the mirror. He couldn't believe what the Hokage and Kakashi just told him. He stood with his just his pants on in his small bathroom. His shower was on for what seemed like an hour, the water long past cold. He didn't even make it to the shower. He just kept splashing water over his face, flashbacks of what the people of the very same village has done to him entering his mind. It all started to make sense now, he was the Jailor of the demon Kyubi. Naruto sighed as he stood up straight and channeled chakra into the seal that was located on his stomach. That was when realization hit him, he wasn't the demon. He was the reason the demon was not killing everything in its path. He was the true protector of a village of idiots. Naruto couldn't help but feel a foxy grin come across his face. If they were afraid of him before then he would embrace that. He would show everyone what he was and let them sort out which side they wanted to stand.
"Naruto-kun," Came the soft voice at the door. "You've been in there ever since you got back from the Hokage. You alright?"
"Yeah," Naruto said as he turned off the water and turned to the door. He opened it to see Haku looking down at him with a concerned look. She arched an eyebrow at the half naked teen, then she noticed the seal. "We have to talk."
"And why would you think I would not be with your Naruto-kun?" Haku said with a chuckle. Naruto told her the entire story of how he was the villages sacrifice and how the Kyubi was now sealed inside of him. "Have you forgotten that my father is the Demon of the Mist? Granted he doesn't have a demon sealed inside of him, but I've seen plenty to call into question his humanity."
"Thanks Haku-chan," Naruto said after receiving a hug from the older girl. "Now I want to tell some of the others, then I will tell the rest."
"You mean Iruka and his stalker?" Haku questioned as Naruto got up and put on his jacket only. He was not going to hide the seal, he was going to embrace it. Let the entire village fear him...Anko-nee-san was rubbing off on him.
"No," Naruto said as he tied his head band around his head. "All Chunnin and above have been notified. I want my friends to know, Hinata-hime, Shino, Shikamaru, Choji and Kiba. I want them to know."
"Ok," Haku said as they walked out the door. Naruto had a new air about him that almost seemed to emit a maturity that he never had before.
After rounding all the people they met at training ground 7. Shikamaru was laying on his back staring at the clouds with Choji munching on his chips. Shino was playing with three butterflies that were hovering above his right hand as Haku tried to get a conversation out of him. Kiba and Hinata were off to the side trading small talk as Naruto walked into the middle.
"Talk about showing off Naruto," Kiba said as he looked him over. "Not all of us want to see your body."
"This is mostly for Hinata-Hime," Naruto said with a wink causing the already blushing girl to quickly wipe her nose. "Anyway I called you guys here cause you guys are what I consider my closest friends. I want you guys to know something that has been brought to my attention as of recently."
"Does this have to do that huge power surge you got while we were at the land of wave?" Shino asked as he adjusted his glasses.
"Yup," Naruto said as he chuckled nerversly. "Do you all remember what happened on the night of the Kyubi?"
"The Fourth killed the beast by sacrificing himself," Choji answered his attention away from his chips and staring at Naruto.
"Yes," Naruto said as he started to channel chakra. Everyone watched as the seal on his stomach became vissable. "See the thing about the tailed beast is that you can't kill them. You can seal them away in a Sacrifice."
"You mean," Choji said as he dropped his chips. Shikamaru sat up and rubbed his eyes as if he was thinking.
"You're the Kyubi?" Kiba quesitoned.
"He isn't the Kyubi you dolt," Shikamaru scoffed. "He was the sacrifice. He is the Jailor of the Kyubi. Naruto...
"He is a Hero," Hinata said as she lunged into his arms giving him a hug. "After everything that has happened to you, and you are the reason that those bastards are still alive."
"It's ok," Naruto said with a smile trying to calm the unusual angry Hyuga. Mumblings escaped her mouth as Shikamaru nodded his head.
"I had my suspicions," Shikamaru said as he stood up.
"You knew?" Naruto asked the lazy genius. Shikamaru just shrugged. "For how long?"
"Since we got chased out of the one restaurant and the man shouted demon," Shikamaru said taking a deep sigh. "I did a little research on the side and I started to put the puzzle together."
"And you were still my friend?" Naruto asked as tears stung his eyes.
"Naruto," Shikamaru said with a sigh as he stepped forward. "You're so troublesome. Listen a small thing like that wouldn't change who you are. You are Naruto, still our knucklehead."
"Our true Rival!" Kiba shouted with a grin, as he too stepped forward and Akamaru barked in agreement.
"Our team leader," Shino said as he stepped forward. Naruto looked at him in shock.
"And of course our village's Hero!" Choji said with a smile. Naruto looked at all his friends with tears coming down. Hinata was last to speak as she just slowly tilted her head up and just above a whisper.
"You're Mine," She whispered then snuggled her face into his chest. Nartuo pulled her in closer as his tears slowly fell even more.
"You guys are the best," Naruto said looking up at his true friends. "Thank you."
"Troublesome blondes," Shikamaru said causing the others to chuckle.
Naruto walked the streets with Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba and trailing behind the group was Shino. They were walking to a weapons shop to fulfill Kiba's end of the bargain. It was about a week since he told his friends and they seemed to be as thick as thieves. They approached a weapons shop that Kakashi had recommended. Naruto stood in the middle of the pack with his orange book out flipping another page. His orange jacket was left open for everyone to see his chiseled chest and abs. People stared at the seal that Naruto made sure to keep just enough chakra in to show at all times. He was proud to show it.
Choji was too his right munching on a bag of chips with a new hair cut. He lost a bet with Shikamaru and the loser had to get a hair cut that the others all got to pick. Now Choji had a thick spiked mow-hawk. His headband was now tied on his arm as he looked at the others with angry eyes. Shikamaru was on the other side of Choji as he too flipped a page of an orange book. Naruto smirked the first time that he got Shikamaru to read it. One more follower of the great Icha Icha series. Kiba had Akamaru on top of his head looking eager to get to the store and see what weapon would suit him. Shino was passive as always giving a few people a bit of a scare whenever his insects moved under his skin.
"Quite the gang here?" Said the store owner as they approached the shop. "To what do I owe the Honor of the Tiger of Konoha?"
"HA," Naruto yelled snapping his book together with a clap. "I told you Shino! I'm so awesome."
"Did you say something?" Shino asked as he looked back to Naruto, who grumbled something about finding a fly-swatter.
"We are here to find me a weapon," Kiba said as he stepped forward. "We were told by Kakashi-sempi that you were the best around."
"Well then step right in," The shopkeeper said. The followed the older man into the shop and were amazed at the amounts of weapons that lined the walls. Kiba was awestruck as he looked at each of the weapons, stopping at a giant sword and eagerly grasping it.
"What about this guy?" Kiba asked as he hefted the giant sword and placed it on his shoulder. Everyone shook their head no. "WHAT?"
"That would not suit you well," Shino answered. "You need something that can help with your abilities. Something quick and lethal would be better."
While Kiba and Shino argued about the weapon Naruto started to walk the shop. He made his way over to the Tonfa's and paused. There laying on a large table was dozens of different types, from blunt wood types to similar steel types. Naruto was soon looking at a type that was made with black steel. Above the handle was a diamond spike that looked lethal. The back was rounded and came to a ridge point at edge. It didn't look too sharp, but being hit bit that would certainly do damage.
"Ah so you found the Tonfa's," The man said as he walked up behind him. He took the steel Tonfa's. "These are very special. They can channel chakra to do more damage. Most people don't have the right chakra to use these effectively."
"Right chakra?" Naruto asked as he was handed one of the tonfa's.
"Yes there are different types of Chakra," The man said. "These require wind chakra. The most offensive chakra there is, but very rare."
"Really?" Naruto asked looking up. "How do you use it?"
"Channel chakra into it and it will do the rest," Said the shopkeeper as he stepped away. Naruto looked at the Tonfa and channeled his chakra into it. Nothing seemed to happened but when he swung it forward he cut cleanly threw the table in front of him and half the shelves on the wall. Naruto looked up in shock, he didn't even touch the table and it was cut cleanly in half. The tonfa's that were laying on the table launched into the air causing the shopkeeper to yell out a curse and jump out of the way. Naruto dropped the tonfa as it landed spike side down standing straight upwards.
"WOW!" Yelled Naruto stepping back from the Tonfa as if it was possessed.
"You're telling me," Said the shopkeeper. "There is only one other person in Konoha who has wind element. I tell you what, I will give you a special price on these, the only catch is that you can't use them till you master your chakra control. I can't have you killing people by accident using my weapons."
"I'll take them!" Naruto yelled as he picked up the tonfas. He looked back to see that Kiba and Shino were still arguing as Choji was holding an ax while Shika just shook his head no. "Can you help out my friend he needs something at suits his attacks. He is an Inuzuka, have you ever helped them before?"
"Inuzuka you say," The shopkeeper said as he rubbed his chin. "They don't normally use weapons. But I do have and experimental weapon that I've been trying to get to Ninja. If he uses it in the up coming Chunnin exams to advertise it then I will give it to him for free."
"Deal!" Naruto said as the man walked behind the wrecked table and produced a small box. He opened it and removed two decorative gloves. They had several designs on them and small gems. On top of the gloves extended three bronze blades that hooked down at the tips. They were about a foot in length and looked razor sharp. They seemed to be retractable for quick strikes and also protection from the wrist to the forearm.
"These gauntlets are going to change the way we view standard gauntlets," He said with a weird gleam in his eyes. "I GIVE YOU THE DRAGON CLAWS!"
"That's nice," Naruto said taking the box and walking over to Kiba who was now putting the sword up after Shino won the argument. The man face faulted as he watched the young blond walk away. "Yo Kiba!"
"What ya got?" Kiba asked his eyes widen at the sight of the Dragon Claws. "These are grily looking!"
"They would suit your skill set up well," Shino said after taking a look at them. "They wouldn't endanger Akamaru either."
"Fine lets pay and get out of here," Kiba grubbled as he put the on then his frown slowly turned into a smile. "I want to test these out, you up for it Naruto?"
"Sure," Naruto said as he flipped a page in his book. "You don't have to pay for those as long as you use them during the Chunnin exams."
"Great," Kiba's smile disappeared. "I forgot I got to deal with the Teme. At least Sakura isn't chasing him around anymore."
"Let me pay for mine and we can go and test out your new weapon," Naruto said as he paid and for his new Tonfa's. Having money after the A ranked mission was great.
"Ok so let's get this straight," Naruto asked as he pulled out his old Tonfa's. "We go to first blood."
"Yup," Kiba said as he swipped his claws together emiting an almost bell like sound. "I won't use Akamaru and you can't teleport."
"Got ya," Naruto said getting into his defensive stance. "Bring it Dog breath!"
"Your going down dope!" Kiba yelled as he charged forward.
Kiba swiped with his right hand only for Naruto to parry it away and flip his tonfa around to try and stab. Kiba's second hand shot out and swiped away the stab only to follow up with two swipes causing Naruot to jump back. Naruto looked down and noticed his jacket had a small cut. Taking off the jacket Naruto tightened his gloved hands over his tonfas.
"No one touches the jacket!" Naruto yelled at Kiba who held up a piece of fluff on one of his claws.
"Oh," Kiba said as he too took off his jacket reveling his upper half as well. "I guess I didn't get the memo."
"Grr," Naruto growled as he charged forward again.
"What's going on?" Asked a voice behind Shikamaru after a good hour of fighting. Shikamaru turned to see Haku, Hinata and Sakura had returned to the training ground. Choji was watching the fight and Shino was the examiner of the match. He would step in at the first sight of blood.
"Oh Kiba got his weapon and Naruto is helping him get use to them," Shikamaru said as he laid down. "They playing to first blood."
"Kiba's got some new claws huh?" Sakura asked watching the fight. "He looks like he's enjoying himself."
"Yeah he's trying to get them down in time for the Chunnin exams," Shikamaru answered.
"That starts tomorrow," Hinata said as she watched Naruto dodge the another strike. She always liked when he trained without a shirt. Hinata and Sakura sat down next to Shikamaru and Choji.
"Yup," Sakura said with a nod. "KICK HIS ASS KIBA!"
"Yeah," Kiba said as he jumped back from a strike. "Easier said than done!"
"Hehe," Naruto chuckled. "What's the mater?"
"These are kind of heavy," Kiba said looking down at the claws. "They make me a bit slower."
"Don't worry," Naruto said as he raised up his glove. "You could have an extra seventy five pounds on each hand."
"You got to be kidding me," Kiba said looking at him. "You have weighted gloves. I wonder if I can do the same with these?"
"You might just want to get gloves," Naruto said as he put his Tonfa's away. "It would be better to just never take them off. Using your claws for everyday things would be difficult."
"Good idea, but why are you putting away your tonfas?" Kiba asked confused.
"You lost," Shino said as he pointed to Kiba's ear. "He nicked your ear on that last attack."
"He," Kiba said as he touched his ear. "Well, Let's do this again after the exams."
"You got it," Naruto said as he pulled out his book and tossed his jacket over his shoulder.
"Nice try Kiba," Sakura said as Kiba walked back. "Come on we have a team meeting."
"Great," Kiba said as he threw his jacket over his shoulder. "See you guys in the exams, come on Akamaru."
"Later," Shikamaru said as he too stood to leave. "Choji and I have to get Ino. We have some last minute team training."
"Good luck in the exam guys," Choji said with a friendly smile and left with Shikamaru.
"Well guys I guess we should wait for Kakashi-nii-san," Naruto said as he laid sat down next to Hinata. Shino pulled out his weapon and walked over to the post to get a bit of training done as well. Hinata turned to Naruto.
"Kiba's weapons seem to fit him well," Hinata said as Naruto layed down on his jacket. Hinata's eyes raked his skin causing her to blush.
"Like what you see Hinata-hime?" Naruto asked as she turned away, but shot a Junken shot to his side causing him to wince as well.
"Well it seems that you guys are all here?" Said a voice from behind them. Kakashi looked at them then nodded. "I see you were training for the exams."
"Of course Nii-san," Naruto said with a wince. "Hey Nii-san, can you teach me how to control my wind element chakra? I got some really cool Tonfas that are conductive to chakra. I can't use them yet but I want to."
"We can do that after the Chunnin exams," Kakashi said as he handed them each three forms. "Be sure to report to the academy at ten. You guys have the rest of the day off so use it wisely."
"Thanks Nii-san," Naruto said as he grabbed to form. Naruto turned to the others. "Let's grab lunch!"
The next day the three approached the doors to the academy. They were told to report to room 301 and were currently on the second floor where a group of Genin were waiting in front of a door that said 301. Two larger Genin were blocking the door telling everyone to leave. Laying on the floor was a cowering Genin dressed in green that Naruto couldn't really see. He was kicked by the older Genin a second before they entered. Naruto was about to walk forward when Shino grabbed his shoulder.
"Stop," He said just above a whisper. "This is the second floor. That is not the room. It's a Genjutsu that is set up to stop some of the weaker teams. Lets leave them here."
"You can't be serious," Said a pompous voice from behind them. Everyone turned to see the owner. Sasuke stepped forward to the larger Genin and smirked. "Clearly that's a Genjutsu. I spotted it as soon as I came in."
"Idiot," Said a voice from behind them. There, standing in all the glory of Youth was a mini clone of Guy-nii-san.
"NO WAY!" Naruto yelled out. "Lee-san!"
"Hello Naruto-kun," Said the older boy with a bow. Stepping up from behind him was young girl with twin buns in her hair. She had doe brown eyes and a Chinese style clothing. Next was another Hyuga only he was male and had his head band wrapped around his forehead.
"Neji-san," Hinata whispered stepping forward. Neji looked at her and his eyes harden a bit. He bowed respectfully.
"It seems that they will let anyone in," His comment was directed towards Sasuke as his cold eyes landed on him. "Of course you should have noticed it, it was set to keep the weaker teams from progressing. You just made our job even harder by making the competition larger. Congrats, you fool."
"What did you say?" Sasuke said his eyes spinning into his bloodline. Sasuke charged forward, but was struck twice by the Lee. Sasuke was picking himself off the floor as he turned to see the weakling that was laying on the floor earlier now bowing towards Kiba and Sakura.
"Sorry for striking your teammate," Lee said before he rose and locked eyes with Sakura. "My name is Rock Lee, I would love to take you out on a date! I will protect you with my life!"
"Um," Sakura said with a blush growing on her face. "How about you ask after we finish these exams."
"YOSHI!" Lee yelled as he fist pumped in the air. "If don't ask as soon as the exams are over I will do 100 laps..."
"Come on lover boy," Said the girl of his team as she dragged him away by his ear. Lee screaming in protest.
"WAIT!" Yelled Sasuke. "I challenge you to a fight!"
"Fine!" Lee's answer as he became a completely different person. Sakura arched an eyebrow and a steady blush crept back. Lee stood to his full height and his eyes had a kind of fire in them.
"Good luck Lee," Naruto called over his shoulder as he walked to the stairs. "Try not to beat him too bad."
"Can't make any promises," Lee said back as he turned and they walked away with a group of people following. "May the Youth be with you Naruto!"
"And with you," Naruto said as he and his team walked up the stairs.
After reaching the right room they looked around. There was teams from everywhere and Naruto soon become a bit anxious. He wanted to see where he stood amongst the teams here. His eyes were suddenly drawn to a short red haired boy. He was carrying a large goard on his back and was flanked by a pretty blond girl with a metal fan on her back and a boy who looked like a cat with make up on his face. He couldn't help but pause his eyes on the red head. Something about him seemed familiar but different at the same time. Naruto was shaken from his thoughts as he slugged his arm. He looked down to see a fellow blond who was smirking at him.
"WHERE WERE YOU?" Yelled Ino. Helping Haku get use to Kononha was a bit difficult. So Naruto enlisted the help of Ino to help Haku make friends and learn the town. Soon enough Ino become a little sister to him and he couldn't help but smile down at the blond. "You were going to help clean the shop with me and Haku-chan."
"Well," Naruto said as he scratched the back of his head. Hinata walked up and grabbed Naruto's hand and smirked.
"He took me to lunch," Hinata said causing Ino to squeal and drag the Hyuga princess away demanding every detail. It wasn't really a lie, Naruto treated both Shino and Hinata to lunch the day they were told of the exams.
"He better have treated you right," Ino said as she shook her fist. "Or I will scramble his brain so bad he will think he is six year old girl."
"She can do that?" Naruto asked Shino who looked back at him with a slight grin.
"She could have Haku braid your hair," Shino said in a whisper causing him to shudder.
"So where's Kiba and Sakura?" Shikamaru asked as he walked around the blond gossip and the blushing Hinata.
"Oh Lee-san is kicking Sasuke's ass right now," Naruto answered with a grin. "So they must be waiting on him."
"Who's Lee-san?" Choji asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't worry," Naruto said. "He's like Guy-nii-san's apprentice."
"Great another green clad Tajutsu manic," Shikamaru groaned as the doors opened again. In came a busted up Sasuke who was limping on his own. Kiba and Sakura were snickering the entire time as they walked behind him.
"Wow," Choji said looking at the damage done to Sasuke. "Lee must be strong."
"You bet," Kiba said as Sasuke slumped off into a corner. Ino waved to him but was ignored. She huffed and turned back to Hinata.
"I've never seen someone move that fast," Sakura said fanning her face a bit. "He didn't even use Chakra."
"Yup," Naruto said with a smirk. "He trains almost non-stop and has honed his body to become the perfect Tajutsu fighter."
"Honed body," Sakura whispered as she walked over to Ino and Hinata with a slight blush.
"I can't believe the Spandex wearing fool," Kiba said shaking his head. "Is going to get to go out I with Sakura-chan."
"Don't worry Kiba," Naruto said as Akamaru jumped down from Kiba's head. "You will find some one, who knows, it could be someone in this exam."
"Like that would happen," Shikamaru said as he looked around and his eyes landed on a blond with four pigtails. "Troublesome."
"You should try to not make such a ruckus," Said a voice. Naruto turned to see a tall white haired boy with glasses. He adjusted his glasses and smiled down at the group. "You don't want to become easy targets."
"Who are you?" Sasuke asked as he approached the group. "And why should we even listen to you?"
"Easy Sasuke-kun," Said the boy causing everyone to raise their suspicions.
"How do you know his name?" Naruto asked.
"Naruto-kun," Said the boy. "As astute as ever. Well see these cards have all the information that I've gathered on everyone in the tournament."
"I want to know what you can tell me about Rock Lee," Sasuke said glaring at the boy in question. "And Gaara of the Sand."
"Who?" Naruto asked on the second name. Sasuke just shrugged to the red head that was staring at them with empty eyes. "Oh creepy boy, why him?"
"We ran into him when we met up for team meetings," Sakura said as the white haired boy started to give an explanation of Rock Lee. "His taking the exam with his brother and sister. He was bulling the Hokage's grandson."
"Ko," Naruto said shifting his gaze over to the sibilings. "Why would they mess with him?"
"He ran into the cat boy," Kiba answered. "Cat boy's got a short fuse and he wanted to set an example, we interrupted and then Gaara threaten to kill Sasuke."
"A little disturbed that one," Shino said adjusting his glasses.
"And he has never been hurt," The white haired boy said as he raised his eyebrows. "On any mission. No one has ever recorded a hit on him."
"Ok that's impressive," Naruto said as he crossed his arms. "By the way what is your name? I've never seen you around Konoha before."
"I'm Kabuto Yakushi," Kabuto said as he bowed slightly. "And I've been a Genin for several years."
"Is this your first time as well?" Questioned Sakura. Kabuto chuckled as if it was common knowledge.
"Of course not," Kabuto said as he adjusted his glasses. "I've taken the exams seven times now."
"What?" Kiba asked looking at him crossly. "Seven?"
"These exams must be really hard," Choji said scratching the back of his head.
At that moment three figures charged forward. He middle figure looked like a hunched over mummy with bandages covering most of his face leaving only his left eye open. He wore a gray poncho with long sleeves, a snake pattern scarf around his neck, a straw rain coat perturiting from the back of his scarf, and a large gauntlet that covered his entire right forearm. The second had spikey black hair and dark eyes. He wore a beige shirt with two black stripes and three prints of the Kanji 'Death' down the front. His forehead protector had two metal face guards covering the sides of his face. Like The last was a girl with long black hair that almost touched the ground. It was tied together with a violet ribbon that was near the bottom. She wore a green shirt with the same scarf and printed paints as the others. Kabuto acted quick and spun on his heel pushing the rookies back while blocking the initial attack from the the mummy looking man. Naruto looked up amazed at the older boys reflexes as he cleanly parried the strike from the other ninja. Kabuto then fell over backwards and threw up on the floor.
"You may have blocked the strike," Said the man as he adjusted his gauntlet. "But the sound emited from it hits you on a whole new level."
"What did you do to him?" Naruto yelled as he stepped in front of the older Genin facing the group that chuckled.
"Stand down boy," Said the girl as she crossed her arms.
"Who are you?" Kiba asked stepping in front show his fangs a bit. "You guys attacked us!"
"Shut..." Started the boy with spikey hair. The girl took a step back staring at Kiba with a confused look on her face.
"ALRIGHT LISTEN UP MAGGOTS!" Yelled a voice from the front of the room. There standing in the front was a tall imposing jonin. He had several scars on his face and neck from what looked like old war wounds. The top of his head was covered by a black bandana that was pulled tightly around his head. Over his gray shirts and pants was a large black trench coat that scraped the floor. He wore black gloves that held a file in one hand. Behind him was a line of chunnin that all had their arms crossed.
"I am Ibiki Morino," Ibiki said as he looked around. "Head of Konoha's Interrogation department. You will follow me into the exam room and take a seat assigned by the number you will receive on the way in. I hope you are all ready for the written exam."
"Dammit all," Naruto yelled causing Ibiki to smirk.
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for everyone who took the time to review. I really appreciate the positive comments. This chapter was a bit slow and i didn't want to do the sappy story of how they broke the news. I will more than likely have a flashback to explain that conversation between the Hokage and Naruto. Thanks for all the support guys. and as always, Read, Review, and Enjoy.
Thanks,
Take-It-Easy