Normal speech
Thought
Nine-tails/Other big voices
InnerSakura
A/N:
Disclaimer
I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely for my, and hopefully everyone else's, enjoyment. Thank you!
Recap:
The 3rd pulled back and in one swing of his blade, the Death-god cut off the arms to Orochimaru's soul. Right away the 3rd sealed it away within his body, leaving Orochimaru incapable of performing hand seals and ninjutsu…
Orochimaru could no longer move his arms. They soon turned a grayish color signifying this as they fell to Orochimaru's sides, like stone. He was livid about this and tried to give the 3rd a great piece of his mind as he sweared and cursed his name… but it fell on deaf ears as the 3rd slowly faded away…
3rd: We will meet in another world, my apprentice… where the leaves dance… and the fire burns… and… a new leaf sprouts…
Naruto arrived just in time to see his "grandfather" topple over. He rushed to check on him. He got to him just in time to see Enma pull out the sword that was in his back and the one responsible fleeing…
Enma: … I'm sorry, Naruto… I… couldn't save him…
Enma soon left, leaving Naruto's "grandfather" in the care of him and the ANBU. Orochimaru and his four barrier shinobi leapt away as quickly as they could. Naruto ran to the edge of the tower and charged his chakra. His horns began to grow, his tail transformed, and his hair flashed, as did the entirety of his eyes. The ANBU were astonished as he reared back with a great deal of red chakra in the palms of his hands and…
Jiraiya: Whoa!! Hold it Naruto!
Naruto: *holding his form & attack* …Why should I?
Jiraiya: This isn't your problem… The 3rd saw to it that Orochimaru would no longer be a threat to this village…
Naruto: What are you, blind!? That bastard is still alive, and he will be unless I eliminate him here!!
Jiraiya: Like I said, this isn't your fight… If things get out of hand with Orochimaru, I'll step in and put an end to it…
Naruto stopped his build of chakra… not really because he wanted to, but mainly because he had very little left. As he began reverting, he turned his back to Orochimaru and his escorts and walked towards Jiraiya…
Naruto: If you're gonna handle this problem, then you better… because if I ever see that bastard Orochimaru, I'll see to it myself that he's no longer around! *hair turns blonde, eyes blue*
As he tried to walk away, Naruto could feel his strength leaving him. He took one step past Jiraiya and… blacked out from chakra exhaustion.
The Return
The funeral for the Hokage was being held atop the Hokage Tower and many came to pay their respects, villagers and shinobi alike. As it progressed, Konohamaru appeared to be taking it the hardest. From the very beginning he hadn't stopped crying. Iruka did his best to console him as the rain began …
Naruto: … Iruka sensei… why do people… sacrifice their own lives for others?
Iruka: When a person dies, they lose everything… the past, the present life, and future will all be lost. A lot of people die in battle or while on a mission, and might also die because of a simple reason… Among all those who have died, there are some who had dreams, goals… but everyone has something that is most important, most precious, to them… Parents, siblings, friends, lovers, people of the village, these are very important people. We trust each other and help each other… We come in contact with these bonds from the day we're born… As we grow, so do these bonds as they become stronger. This isn't a complex idea, anyone with these bonds would be like this… because they cherish it…
Naruto: I understand what you mean… You're a pretty wise man Iruka sensei… but, death is a really painful thing…
Kakashi: The 3rd didn't die for nothing… He left us some important things indeed. One day you'll understand…
Naruto: I think… I do, if at least a little, but I feel the same way. I just… I wish I could have done more to save him...
When the funeral service finally ended and everyone began to depart, Naruto walked to the edge of the building and looked out over the village…
Sakura: Um… Sasuke…… I wanted to thank you, for saving me…
Sasuke: You shouldn't… Naruto's the one you should be thanking…
Sakura: Really… Well… then thanks Naruto…
Naruto: Sure, anytime… *smiles* … I should have been able to do more than just save one person though…
Jiraiya: You're still on that, kid!
Naruto: … I could have taken him out in one shot if you hadn't stopped me… *peeved*
Jiraiya: Let it go, will ya…? I told you that I would handle it myself, so there's nothing you have to worry about…
Sakura: Who is this guy… and how does Naruto know him?
Naruto: If I were stronger I would have been able to stop him myself… My grandpa wouldn't have had to…
Jiraiya: Then get stronger…
Naruto looked out over the village and noticed something…
Naruto: Maybe I just will then…
He left, jumping from rooftop to rooftop…
Sakura: Um… Excuse me… How do you know Naruto?
Jiraiya: … I met him a while ago, also… I gave him some one-on-one training.
Sasuke: This guy trained Naruto…!? Is that why he was so strong when he fought Gaara?!
They continued to watch as Naruto continued on his way to God knows where…
Sakura: I'm beginning to worry… Should we really leave Naruto alone…? He dyed his hair red, that can't be a good thing…
Sasuke: He didn't dye his hair… In our fight with Gaara, it just changed…
Jiraiya: It changed, huh…? Looks like he has a lot more power than I realized, but how? Is it because of the Ninetails?
They all looked on in the direction Naruto had run off in and noticed that a lot of lightning bolts seemed to strike…
Sakura: There's something strange about this storm… It looks as if lightning is striking the same place a number of times… It isn't supposed to do that… is it?
Jiraiya and Kakashi soon realized what was going on and headed towards the lightning. Curious about what was happening, Sasuke and Sakura followed. When they arrived in the forest of "touchdown" the earth, trees, rocks, and ground, had been scorched and destroyed. Amidst it all was Naruto who looked as if he had been through the same thing…
Jiraiya: NARUTO!! YOU IDIOT!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!
Naruto: I think I figured out the secret to this transformation thing… It started when I fought Lee… I was pushed to my limits but something in me made me keep going. Before that, I don't think I would have won…
Sasuke: He beat that Lee guy too!?
Naruto: Then when I was fighting Neji, I had the same funny feeling… like I was stronger than I thought, but I couldn't draw it out. Once he cut off my chakra, I felt as if I had no chance of winning, but I didn't give up. I finally managed to pull it all the way out in my fight against Gaara, and this transformation happened… *pointing to his new features (red hair & eyes)*
Kakashi: That's good and all, but messing with lightning is dangerous…
Naruto: The way I figure it, those times I knew that I couldn't win but my determination was able to summon more power in my time of need…
Jiraiya: And you think that the lightning will force another transformation…? You idiot!! The only thing you're gonna succeed in is getting yourself killed!!
Naruto: I have that same feeling again… I have ever since I saw my grandpa die in front of me… I know I got it in me!
Jiraiya: I know what you're talking about but you just underwent your first transformation a couple of days ago, there's no way you can undergo another so soon. If you stop then I'll explain to you how you can go through the next one in a few years. It may take longer… but it's definitely safer… *beckoning Naruto his way*
Sakura: Naruto… this is foolish. If you continue like this, you'll…
A lightning bolt shot from the sky directly at the group. Kakashi and Jiraiya hurried to save the young ones' but… Naruto jumped in and intercepted it…
Before their eyes Naruto was being charred and burnt. Kakashi acted as quickly as he could and jumped into the air to save Naruto while there was still hope. He was planning on using his "Lightning Edge" to cut the bolt in half, but…
As he was about to slice through the bolt, a surge reflected it away, saving everyone. Naruto landed on his feet with his back to the others… *
Sakura: … Na… Naruto…?
Naruto: …… I… I… told you… Heh… (Coughs)
He turned around and flashed a smile. The group was relieved and surprised that he had managed to do it and survive. His hair and eyes were no longer red but gold. He seemed to shine… right before he fell onto his face.
Sakura rushed to his aid and to check and see if he was still alive. His new state reverted back to a more familiar one as his hair changed from golden to red to blonde. That wasn't really important though as Naruto appeared to have third degree burns all over…
A few days after the end of the invasion, the Leaf Village was doing their best to move on with their lives. After the funeral of the 3rd Hokage and many more noble shinobi who sacrificed their lives, as well as innocents that were caught in the middle, the village commenced its recovery and reconstruction…
Things seemed to be slowly going back to normal. People were out and about getting on with their lives and doing what they could for the village. The shinobi of the village were either lending a hand with the rebuilding, or making sure that they were in top shape for whatever else may happen… like Sasuke.
Naruto saw Sasuke running through the village with a mob of fan-girls behind him like before the Chunin Exams. It was a great workout because, even if he tried to make his escape by running to the tops of buildings, the kunoichis in the group would continue to give chase. Sakura even joined in with the workout every now and then as she tried her best to keep the boy-crazy mob away from her Sasuke.
Two figures donned in black cloaks with red clouds silently made their way into the village…
"They were able to escape annihilation, but it seems that they've taken a lot of damage," one stated.
"Once a prosperous village… What a pity," the other said.
"This isn't like you… You must miss your hometown, don't you?"
"No…… I don't feel nostalgic at all," the smaller of the two replied.
Jiraiya was on the roof carrying out his usual "business" when he was approached by two elders of the village. They informed him that the situation with the Sand had come to an end since they discovered it was all Orochimaru's doing disguised as the Kazekage. He killed the Kazekage and constructed the invasion of the Leaf which resulted in the weakening of the village's forces… and the loss of the Hokage.
They offered him the title of Hokage, but he declined it outright. He felt as if he wasn't the right "type" for the job, someone that sits back and orders others to do what he could very well do on his own. He then offered to find a suitable replacement and they agreed to his proposal, otherwise, he would have no choice…
The two cloaked strangers made their way further into the village and stopped for a bite to eat and drink. Outside the very place they stopped at, stood Kakashi. He was waiting for someone when he saw Kurenai and Asuma…
Kakashi: Hey! You two look good together… Are you dating?
Kurenai blushed as they danced around the question…
Kurenai: What? D-Don't be silly Kakashi… we're just good friends. We just ran into each other a little while ago and happened to be going the same way…
She then asked why he was in a place like this if he hates sweets. He replied that he was waiting for Sasuke and one of the two cloaked strangers fidgeted. Sasuke finally arrived and the two mysteriously disappeared without the slightest sound… or finishing their meal.
Naruto was in the forest alone. Even though his body was in bad shape he went through with his training anyway. He was determined to reach that next level… but he heard some rustling in the nearby area…
Hinata: Naruto? Are… Are you here?
Jiraiya: Ah… there you are…!
"Looks like I found him… but… this is more trouble than I like…" the smaller cloaked stranger thought…
Naruto: … Did you want something… with me…?
Jiraiya could see Naruto through his binoculars… but he wasn't alone…
Jiraiya: Who is that?
"This entire thing is troublesome… All of this for some little brat," the bigger one stated…
Naruto: Is there something you want… princess?
Hinata: Um...! *pokes her fingers together* …I… I… wanted to see… if you were ok…
Naruto: I'm perfectly fine… just a few burns and bruises, but I won't let that stop me…
Hinata: Tha-That's good…
Naruto: … Is there something else?
Hinata: N-No… n-not really… *silence* …Well… I was wondering… what you… were doing for lunch…
Naruto: *confused look (one eyebrow arched, one lowered)* … Huh?
Hinata: I… I was hoping… to fix you something… *Blushes* … s-since you're injured and to cheer you up because… you know…
Naruto: Oh… really? Thanks a lot Hinata! How about we get started on it once I'm finished here…?
Jiraiya had arrived at the site he saw Naruto at but when he got there…
Jiraiya: Damn! I must have just missed him…
Naruto was in the kitchen of the Hokage Tower watching as Hinata did her thing. He watched in awe as she seemed to be extremely competent when it came to cooking. On top of it all, he didn't even have to do anything but eat the results of her hard work. This was the life…
Suddenly, there was a knock at the kitchen door. Naruto expected it to be one of the many aides coming to pester them again, but it wasn't as he thought…
The two cloaked strangers had been cut off by Asuma and Kurenai…
Asuma: You guys don't look like any of the locals… Why are you here?
The smaller one spoke up acknowledging Kurenai and Asuma. He also mentioned that it had been a while since they had seen each other. He then lifted his straw hat and revealed his eyes… his sharingan eyes…
Asuma: You…! You're… Itachi Uchiha!
There was a knock at the door and Naruto got off his seat to see who it was…
Naruto: Jeez… Why is everyone coming around just when I'm about to eat…?
He opened the door and…
Naruto: Hm… It's the pervy sage!!
Sakura: Pervy sage…? The man from before…?
Sakura and Hinata were sitting at the table enjoying lunch when Jiraiya walked in. Right away they heard what he had called him and wondered why. But before either could ask, Jiraiya got to the point…
As Asuma and Kurenai recognized Itachi, his partner introduced himself as Kisame Hoshigaki…
Kurenai: I know who you are… Kisame Hoshigaki… a former shinobi of the Hidden Mist. He was suspected for the murders of the Daimyos, as well as planning the destruction of other countries… Because of that he is a Missing-nin that the Water Country is looking for along with other countries.
Asuma: There's no need for any of this… I'll just have to take care of you both!
Jiraiya: How many times do I have to tell you...? Stop calling me that!
Sakura: He's right Naruto, calling people names is wrong...
Naruto: Like she's one to talk...! She's always calling Ino a pig or me an idiot...! *notices a glaring Sakura* ... May-Maybe you're right Sakura, it could hurt someon's feelings... *nervous chuckle* ...So, what are you doing here perv-, I mean old sage?
Jiraiya: What are you kids up to?
Naruto: Lunch...!!
Jiraiya: Is that so?
Most of the surrounding area had been either destroyed or drenched. This was a big problem because…
Kurenai: What kind of a monster is he? This Kisame guy is giving us this much trouble and Itachi hasn't even joined in…
Asuma: You… are S-rank criminals on the Criminal Booklet. Itachi, you have some nerve showing your face in this village after the incident you caused!
Itachi: … Asuma, Kurenai… please don't interfere… I don't want to have to kill you…
Asuma: I never thought a person who murdered his own clan would say those words… I know that unless you have a purpose you wouldn't dare show yourself here… Why are you here?
Kisame: This guy is so annoying… I should just go on and kill him…
Itachi gave the go ahead and in one swift swing of his "sword" he punctured the ground as he missed his targets by a hair. Asuma and Kurenai had separated dodging his attacks and he focused his attention on Kurenai. He swung at her again but this time it was blocked by Asuma using his chakra knives…
She took this opportunity to target Itachi with…
Itachi: This is… genjutsu…
A tree sprouted from the ground and restrained him from behind. Meanwhile, Asuma and Kisame were still struggling with each other when Asuma realized that his opponent was only using one arm…
Asuma: He's easily overpowering me with one hand and the tip of his sword… What power!
In one smooth motion, Kisame pulled his sword back. As he did it shredded its way through Asuma. He fell to his knees from the pain as his wound began to heavily bleed…
Kisame: My sword "Samedhade" isn't the cutting type… but more the type that shreds people to pieces!
Asuma: *looks up*… You're pretty slow, Kurenai…
*Kisame lifted his sword above his head but before he could swing it, he began to sink into the ground. Out of the tree binding Itachi, Kurenai popped out with a kunai in hand, ready to put an end to this…
Itachi: This level of genjutsu is useless against me…
Itachi had countered her genjutsu and now she was the one bound to the tree. She had to quickly free herself or she'd be dead for sure.
Kurenai bit her lip and the pain from it forced her out of the genjutsu. It happened in time for her to see Itachi swinging with a kunai and duck it… but a kick soon followed and knocked her across the pond. She got her bearings in time to find Itachi standing right behind her…
Asuma was busy ducking and weaving everytime Kisame took a swing. Once he saw an opening, he took it and left behind a cut on Kisame's face. This really riled him up and caused him to take this more seriously…
Kisame+Kakashi: "Water Style: Water Shark Jutsu"!!
In the nick of time Kakashi intervened and countered Kisame with his own attack. He also saved Kurenai from Itachi by holding a kunai to his neck. Kisame gave one look at Kakashi and noticed his sharingan. Going by that, he figured that he was "Copy Ninja, Kakashi"…
Kisame: Heh… Looks like it's a real opportunity to do some shredding here…
Itachi: Kisame, quit messing around! You'll take too long if you fight with him… If you take too long, then other shinobi will come… Don't forget our mission…
Kakashi: So what's this mission you speak of?
Itachi: …… We… are looking for something…
Sasuke was reading a scroll in the Uchiha hideout. He was determined at figuring out the secret of the "Secret" scroll hidden there. Since he was having such a hard time deciphering its true meaning, he decided to take a walk and clear his head…
Jiraiya, Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura were enjoying lunch when Jiraiya mentioned how delicious it was…
Naruto: Isn't it!? It was all made by Hinata, and I didn't have to lift a finger. I'm sure that someday she'll make a good wife…
Jiraiya heard this and looked at Naruto and then at a blushing Hinata. Naruto noticed that Jiraiya was looking Hinata up and down and that he was thinking something. Naruto assumed the worse and spoke up…
Naruto: Knock it off ya pervert!! Don't even think about doing anything perverted to Hinata… I won't let you!
Sakura-Hinata: Per… vert…?
Jiraiya: I told you not to call me that! Anyway, what are you talking about…?
Naruto: I see the way you're looking her up and down… You're probably thinking of perverted things to do to her! You should be ashamed of yourself, you lecherous old man!!
Hinata: P-P-Perverted things…? To me?
Jiraiya: Wait a minute, you've got it all wrong! I was checking her to see if she was suited to be your little girlfriend! To be honest… I think she's too good for you. I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't get one anyway…
Hinata blushed furiously at the thought of even being considered Naruto's girlfriend…
Naruto: … Girlfriend…?
Sakura: Wait a minute! Hinata isn't his girlfriend! He focuses all of his attention on me so he probably wouldn't even notice if some other girl liked him…
Jiraiya: … *takes a long hard look at Sakura* … Is she your girlfriend?
Sakura: NEVER!!! *crosses arms in a big X*
Jiraiya: … I see…
He dragged Naruto outside the room to have a little chat with him…
Jiraiya: You sly fox, you… You've got not one but two girls fawning over you…! My boy, you do indeed have what it takes to be my pupil…
Naruto: *blank look* …… Huh? Pupil? What are you talking about?
Jiraiya: Well…
Kakashi: What are you looking for?
Itachi: …… Unlike Kisame… I won't waste any time…
Itachi quickly pulled some shurikens out of nowhere. Kakashi saw this and used the water of the pond as a buffer. When the water fell back into the pond, Kakashi was immediately stabbed in the back by Itachi… but Itachi was still standing right in front of him…
Kakashi melted away into the pond. Kurenai pulled her kunai to assist Kakashi in this fight but he quickly emerged and dragged her away. The Itachi she was close to was the clone, but not any regular clone. As they tried to escape, the clone exploded…
Water splashed through the air and Asuma noticed that a little blood was in the mix of it. He quickly jumped onto the pond to see if they were alright and found that they were just fine, aside from some pain and blood trickling from Kurenai's mouth.
Kakashi: Stay on your toes…! This guy became an ANBU captain at 13… We haven't even seen his true power yet!
Itachi: It's impressive that without any Uchiha blood relation, you can use the Sharingan to such an extent… However… your blood isn't like ours so that eye doesn't suit you…
Kakashi: He's right… I'm already exhausted…
Itachi: Why is the Uchiha clan known as the strongest clan…? I'll let you… experience our clan's true power…!
He closed his eyes for a moment and slowly opened them. Kakashi knew that something bad was coming and advised Asuma and Kurenai to shut their eyes. He figured that the only way to counter the Sharingan was with another…
Itachi: That is correct… As long as one has Sharingan… some resistance could be made to this… "Mangekyo Sharingan". However, this is a special eye jutsu… Genjutsu, "Tsukuyomi"… Only another sharingan user with the same blood flowing in me could possibly defeat me!
Kakashi: … Sasuke…!
Kakashi found himself in a weird dimension nailed to a crucifix and surrounded by Itachis. The place was pitch black with only the light of a blood red moon. The Itachis began to poke and prod Kakashi with katanas. As they did, the Itachis explained that in this dimension they had control of space and time and that this act of torture would continue for another 72 hours…
Back in reality, Kakashi collapsed to his knees. Kurenai and Asuma heard this and wondered what had happened. In the middle of Itachi's speaking they heard Kakashi collapse…
Kakashi: I… I see… Although it felt like three days… it was only an instant… Why didn't he just kill me?
Kisame: Hehe… That jutsu is used to cause a breakdown in the spirit. I'm surprised you're still alive… However, Itachi, you should be careful since that "eye" is harmful to you as well…
Kakashi: Hmm… You're… looking for Sasuke?
Itachi: …… No… We are after… the 4th Hokage's legacy…!
Kakashi: They're after Naruto…?
Naruto: *eyebrow arched, fox-squinted eyes, arms folded* … So… you want me to go with you… but… why?
Jiraiya: It's not any ordinary trip, I have to find someone and I figured that I'd take you with me…
Naruto: *questioning look* …You have to… find someone…? It's a woman isn't it?
Jiraiya: Yeah… so what?
Naruto: Why would I want to go spy on women with you, ya pervert!? I have things to do… I want Kakashi sensei to teach me that Chidori technique like he did with Sasuke… He's been showing favorites again lately …! Not to mention that I have to get that transformation down…
Jiraiya: Don't you like pretty girls? This one is very pretty so I'm sure that you'd want to meet her! Besides, I don't think you'll be able to learn that jutsu and I'm sure that it's gonna take you a while to get that transformation down…
Naruto: I don't care how pretty she may be…! I won't know if I can learn that jutsu unless I try, and if it does take me a while to get the transformation, then I'll just have really focus on it!
Jiraiya: Really…? That's too bad because I know a jutsu that's even stronger than the Chidori and I was planning on teaching it to you… Oh well… *starts to walk away while looking out the corner of his eye*
Naruto: THEN I'LL GO! I just have to pack my things so wait here!
Naruto quickly ran upstairs blowing past and knocking over anyone that happened to get in his way…
Jiraiya: Hehe… What a cute brat… It figures that the only way to get him to do what you want is to bait him with increasing his strength. What a simple guy… right, girls…?
Sakura and Hinata had been listening at the door and sheepishly stepped out of the kitchen…
Sakura: Hehe… So… is there a catch to him going with you?
Kakashi: You're after Naruto, the Ninetails sealed inside his body… aren't you? I know… that you two aren't the only ones… your organization is called… "Akatsuki", right?
Itachi and Kisame looked surprised that Kakashi knew so much about something that no one was expected to. Itachi told Kisame to grab Kakashi before they left and he rushed forward…
Gai: DYNAMIC ENTRY!!
In one fell swoop, Gai appeared and kicked Kisame back across the pond. He got up in a tiff asking who this "guy" was…
Gai: "Leaf's Proud Beast"... Might Guy!
Kisame: What a funny looking guy… Are you like some exotic beast?
Itachi: Don't take him lightly…
Kakashi couldn't take it anymore and succumbed to his weariness. Before he could drown however, Gai grabbed him and handed him to Kurenai as she and Asuma opened their eyes…
Asuma: Gai, whatever you do… don't look into Itachi's eyes or you'll be affected by his genjutsu like Kakashi…
Gai: I know… In order to beat my rival, Kakashi, I used to train to fight against the Sharingan. When fighting someone who possesses the Sharingan, just don't look into their eyes and it should be alright! Look at their feet and predict their movements.
Kurenai: What you say makes sense…
Asuma: Yeah but… you're the only one who could possibly pull something like that off…
Gai: It's true… A method is needed when fighting someone just by looking at their feet, but… in this situation, I don't have time to teach you. You'll have to get used to it quickly.
Gai then informed them of his plan. Kurenai was to rush Kakashi to the hospital while Gai and Asuma fought and maintained the two until the ANBU back up arrived. Kisame was game but Itachi decided that it would be better to retreat for the time being.
Jiraiya and the girls were standing outside the Hokage Tower waiting for Naruto to finish packing. They heard one of the many windows slide open and Naruto jumped through it, closing it shut as he went. He was now rapidly flipping through the air at about 10 stories, which would hurt even if he did stick the landing…
It seemed like he was falling in slow motion to the rest as Naruto was only a few more feet off the ground before he ended up as a street pizza. Before that could happen, Naruto used his tail to grab a hold of a tree branch and, like an Olympic gymnast on the bars, spun on it and made a perfect landing…
Naruto: LET'S GO!!! *punching into the air*
Hinata was ready to pass out as all that had her heart racing. She was worried that he had gone overboard and was in serious trouble… but it was Naruto and even if he does do something as crazy and dangerous as jumping out the window from 10 stories up, he'd figure a way to come out of it alright.
Sakura: …… It-It's so… big…!
Sakura and the others were baffled at the overstuffed bag on Naruto's back. If that wasn't enough, he was actually moving around as if it were nothing…
Jiraiya: Uh… kid… I think you're being a tad overzealous… We aren't gonna be gone for too long so you don't need all of that stuff… just the necessary items...
Naruto: Oh… alright…!
He looked over at Hinata who was holding a tray of cookies and asked what they were for. She explained that she wanted him to take them with him as a snack and that there was still much more food she prepared that she didn't want to go to waste. Naruto agreed and grabbed a cookie before going back upstairs to repack…
Jiraiya: Heh… She's still showing great concern for that knucklehead… that clueless numbskull… It's good that there's someone like her in his life, not to mention that she's fixed enough food to keep us happy for a couple of days… You know… it's a shame that you can't come with us little lady… that food you fixed will probably only last a few days with that kid's appetite and once we're out… He'll probably eat me out of every cent. Hopefully this search won't take too long…
Hinata turned and handed the tray of cookies to Sakura and ran off…
Sakura: … Huh? HINATA… WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Jiraiya: Huh…? Did I say something to upset her? I was just trying to hint at her that she should go back in the kitchen and make a little more for the trip… Naruto isn't the only one that likes food!
Naruto came back to Sakura and Jiraiya looking in the direction Hinata went, but since he didn't know what happened he had no idea of what was going on…
End of chapter...
Itachi appears with the intention of kidnapping Naruto who is all set to travel with Jiraiya...
What will happen on their journey? Will they meet friend or foe?
Next chapter: Their paths cross...