Chapter 3

"Ok student's... Step forward when I call your name." Iruka called as the young ninja in training chattered to each other.

Naruto was slightly bouncing on his feet.

Why you may ask? Simple.

Today was taijutsu lessons. Normally the physical lessons were just running.

Now, they get to actually practice fighting in hand to hand combat. Naruto was itching to see how well he had improved.

True... He may not have learned any fighting style yet... But with what he's been learning, he could clearly see his body was improving. He could clearly see that when he noticed the muscles in his arms were more notice able than the others around him.

"Okay." Iruka spoke up. "As I explained before the break. We will be trying a new technique to teaching you."

Naruto with the student's nod. The academy decided to put classes in groups of people on their level.

There was group level five who had trouble with the class. And level one who learned at a higher level to others. They used this to help student's excel, by showing their improvements as they go up a level.

Everyone was going to be tested in each set and moved with a group of people to a teacher to learn more skilled techniques of their level to the slow learners.

Naruto's hand twitched. If there was one thing he knew he was good at. His strength was at the top. And he'll use it to his advantage to get him up in the class.

"So let's go from a-z in last names." Naruto sighed as he sat down and watched Shino step forward.

The task was simple. Iruka would spar one on one with a student and see what level they worked at. True not everyone is going to be great at all skills. But one's who are skilled in more classes have better chance at being long lasting shinobi.

Naruto watched as Iruka spared with each student. And studied his movements. But Naruto wasn't alone and it helped as he watched others prepare for the same move and go for a counter only to fail.

Iruka wasn't a chunin for a reason. He's a skilled shinobi and Naruto shouldn't hope to outdo the older male. But with what he's got for knowledge he may be able to surprise the chunin for a small bit before being beaten.

Naruto also took note to study his sensei. Iruka was going to be faster and stronger. But how much was what Naruto was trying to gauge. And also added to the fact Iruka was longer than Naruto. All this had to be gauged if he wanted to get better grades.

As Iruka finished with Sasuke, Naruto grinned. His turn as he made his way over Iruka spoke up.

"Seeing as we are getting short of time. Ino will fight with you Naruto. Seeing as you're the last two in the class."

Naruto blinked, Ino... Naruto watched a blond girl walk by and Naruto remembered her as one of Sakura's old friends and Sasuke's fan-girl. Naruto stood beside the girl. Naruto watched as Iruka got ready.

"You may start when you wish." Ino rushed forward and Naruto followed.

'Let's see what you're made of sensei.' Naruto burst sideways and pushed forward as Iruka blocked Ino's strike. Naruto rushed Iruka from his side.

The chunin twisted his feet and dragged Ino to his side as a shield. Naruto flipped up and over the pair before rotating in the air and kicking out. Iruka ducked and pushed Ino aside and moved to counter Naruto.

Naruto pulled his body backward, dodging the fist and gripped Iruka's arm. With a tug he went for a double kick, which the chunin blocked.

"Gotcha!" Ino yelled going on the attack. Iruka stepped back and released Naruto into the air. The blond landed as Ino's footing went. Naruto stopped her fall and helped her back up.

"Steady... No point rushing him when he's got more skill." Naruto muttered.

"And what do you think we should then?" Ino muttered back.

"It's about reading his movement, we time our actions it will improve our chances in the future. I have an idea if you're willing to listen."

Iruka smiled as he watched Naruto and Ino plan their next move. Iruka could clearly tell what they were saying. One of the things you learn as a ninja. Is lip reading. 'Let's see what you two can do.'

"Go..." Naruto said looking full at Iruka. Both rushed out to the side and Iruka glanced to them both. Ino twisted and went for Iruka's upper body and Naruto rushed the lower. Iruka sidestepped backwards as Naruto smirked. Naruto gripped Ino's right arm and with a rotation in his foot threw the girl at the chunin.

Iruka blocked the double kick as Naruto rushed forward with Iruka's arm's blocked.

But Iruka wasn't about to give up the game yet as he pushed Ino off of him and went for a kick at Naruto. Naruto tilled back dodging the kick and slid his feet at Iruka's feet kick. The chunin hopped Naruto.

But where he thought he was safe vanished as Naruto's hand gripped ankle and pulled him forward. And landed with a thud.

The bell rung and the student's began to leave. Each muttering over what they just saw.

Naruto panted as he stood. Ino groaned as he sat up. That push from Iruka had shaken her up a bit. But a bruise was maybe all she would get.

"Well done..." Iruka breathed as he got up.

"Yeah... Well we should be lucky you had to spar with all the others. You were bound to tire." Naruto said walking over.

"Still... You two did well. I hope to see you improve in the future to come." Naruto grinned.

"Thanks sensei. I best be going I'm going for ramen!" Naruto said taking off. Iruka smiled as Naruto raced out the room and a tired Ino walked off.

Iruka pulled out his note pad and made note's on it.

Though Ino showed skill... level three suits her standard of skill. Naruto on the other hand... four maybe five. Hm...' Iruka rubbed his chin.

Naruto was something he going to enjoy watching improve.

XXXXXX

'Focus...' Naruto closed his eyes as he stood in the centre of the set of wooden poles. Naruto's eyes snapped open. 'Now!'

Naruto gripped his weapon's hilt and in a one slash, Naruto's blade rested to the back of him. Naruto waited a second before sighing. 'Still not enough.' Naruto mussed as he noted the wooden poles.

Each were set at a point around him so that it could be useful that if he was surrounded. How much damage could he do from one draw slash?

The pole's showed that Naruto wasn't hitting well enough. Mainly for the fact is that the blade weighed as heavy as him.

When he had gone to see Goku to thank him. Goku had offered to help him by weighting his sword. Making it harder to swing, but will improve arm strength and when it comes to using the blade without it. He could attack in a blink of an eye.

Naruto believed that for the fact when Goku cut wood, the axe never seemed to move when Goku cut. Sure he heard the noise. But no movement. And it was so controlled.

This made Naruto determined to meet that standard. He was determined to cut all these wooden poles with the heavy blade in his hand. But he to work slowly. Doing broad swings and keeping his control so that the blade doesn't throw him off his footing.

This also... Would take time. But luckily he has just over a year to get is skills to a standard Goku would be pleased with. And he was determined to do it to a T.

Naruto sheathed his blade and returned to his spot. And began to repeat the same attack again. He would keep going till he cut all the poles or had to go back to Goku's for his little odd jobs.

'....' Naruto's eyes snapped open and he unleashed a wide swing. Naruto waited for the sound of a broken pole hitting the floor.

But nothing.

XXXXXX

Slowly time rolled by as Naruto's training went up step by step. His running seemed near endless. And Naruto's skills of techniques in everyday things improved as well.

In this time Goku slowly teach Naruto proper training. Mainly such with the sword fighting. Goku also began to teach Naruto in hand to hand. Even if it wasn't much.

All Naruto was taught was stance and movement. How to get the best of a strike from places it would be hard to make an attack. And what to do when on offensive and defensive.

But unbeknown to Naruto. Goku was preparing to begin teaching Naruto.

Over the month's, Goku had watched Naruto's skill's increase at a good pace as he had expected. And more so. But he also knew Naruto had a lot of hidden potential still needing to unlock before Goku is sure it will be time to tell Naruto the truth.

So as Goku packed his bag. Now being into the 6th month of the year. Naruto had a summer break and Goku was going to give Naruto a boost that will put him beyond what Naruto could ever believe to reach.

Slowly the saiyan stood and walked to the door. After making one last glance he shut the door and walked off from his small home in the forest.

Elsewhere, Naruto was pondering as he looked at the shougi board. Shikamaru was watching and waiting in a tired state.

"You going to make a move some time this year?" Naruto grunted in annoyance before moving the knight forward.

"Check." Naruto said with a grin. He's been hoping to finally get Shikamaru...

"Checkmate." Shikamaru spoke up taking Naruto's knight and leaving the king nowhere to go or be protected.

Naruto groaned and hung his head in shame for poor tactics. The sound of foot step's echoed but Naruto didn't look behind him. Shikamaru glanced up. Being as this was his family house, he would like to know the person walking round.

"And you are..." Shikamaru asked looking just behind Naruto.

"I'm here for Naruto." Naruto blinked and looked up to see Goku. Naruto grinned.

"Oji-san." Naruto said turning and standing. Goku smiled.

"Get your things." Naruto blinked. "Time for your real training to begin."

Slowly as it began to register. Naruto's face broke out into a large grin. "Yatta!" Naruto yelled as he jumped. Goku chuckled as Naruto raced off. "I'll see you at the gate." Naruto said running round the corner.

Goku chuckled before walking off. "I still don't know who you are." Goku stopped before glancing to Shikamaru. "Normally it would be troublesome. But as I've never seen you in the village are around. It would not be right to see a friend run off with a stranger to the village."

Goku smiled.

"Kakarotto. That's my name." Goku said turning and walking off. Shikamaru sighed rubbing the side of his head.

"Weird guy."

XXXXXX

Naruto's grin never faded as he raced up to the gate. Goku stood some distance off to the side watching people leave and enter before looking at Naruto. Goku smiled before Naruto stopped before him.

"Where we going?" Naruto asked. It was easy to tell with Goku's backpack that they were going somewhere far.

Goku smile before putting his hand on Naruto's head. Goku's hand glowed before Naruto could blinked Naruto along with Goku wore brown cloaks with brown basket hats. String tied under the chin.

"Out to the land of iwa. That's our first stop." Goku said waking off. Naruto blinked and followed.

"Iwa... But that's like really far out from Konoha. If the old man knew I was missing."

"Don't worry... Just relax and focus on your training." Goku said as they continued out the gate and into the forest.

"So... Why we going to the land of earth." Goku smiled to Naruto.

"I'm going to be teaching you three different thing's on our travel." Goku said with a smile. "The first, is hand to hand combat. You and I will fight in lots of different locations. Places where you have to think fast or you'll get hurt quickly." Goku said as he rolled out a second finger.

"Two... I'm going to be teaching you an energy you'll be able to tap into thanks to my training and three, I'll be teaching you the fundamentals of it all."

Naruto looked at Goku in confusion. Goku smiled.

"Don't worry. You're the sort who learns from doing thing's more than listening to it. So just enjoy the fact you'll be learning more of the lands up close. And as a future shinobi. Learning terrain is extremely useful for future fights." Naruto nods.

"So where in Iwa we going?" Goku glanced to Naruto.

"That's a secret till we get close. So don't worry." Naruto sighed.

As the pair travelled Naruto enjoyed the travel from the forest to open land as they passed farming land Goku stopped by the fence and glanced out to the farmer.

"Oji-san?" Naruto blinked as Goku hopped the fence and made his way across the field. Naruto watched as Goku talked to the man on the horse and plow. Goku turned to Naruto and waved him over. Naruto rushed across the field as the man on the plow was pulled away. Naruto looked from the farmer to Goku.

"....." Goku glanced to Naruto.

"I have a training exercise." Naruto blinked.

"Doing what?"

"Ploughing the field. With only your hands."

Goku watched Naruto blink, glance to the wide open field. Then cleaning his ear's out. "I'm sure I didn't just hear you say that."

"Yep. You heard me." Goku looked out to the field. "I want you to dig the trenches with your bare hands. And you have all day to do it. And the faster you do it... The quicker we can move onto our location." Naruto sighed.

"Ok... I best get started then..." Naruto handed his bag to Goku. Goku smiled as Naruto got to work.

'On the way Naruto. You'll be doing a lot of tasks like this. I know you're annoyed that it stops you from getting closer to training fully. But we have enough time.' Goku watched as Naruto began to dig.

It was slow and by the end of lunch time, to Naruto's amazement. He was done. He now sat with Goku in the shade as they drank cold milk.

"Good work." Goku said as he put his hand on Naruto's head. Naruto grinned.

"I'm surprise I got it done so quickly." Goku took a sip.

"I'm not." 'After all... I know more than you do.' Goku mussed.

"Thank you for your help you two." The farmer said. "It would have taken me all day at my pace. You can stay for some food if you like. It's the least I can do."

"No... That's ok." Goku said putting his glass down. "We best be going." Goku said standing.

"Can I at least know the names of the ones who helped me?" Naruto opened his mouth.

"My name is Son Goku... This is my grandson Gohan." Naruto blinked looking at Goku.

As the pair left Naruto spoke up.

"Err..." Goku sighed.

"Naruto, you can't have people finding out your away from the village. My name is not heard of as much. But you're from a village where everyone knows your name. It's only a matter of time before a blond boy named Naruto comes up and they'll be searching for you."

"Oh..."

"So try to remember, your name around other people unless I say otherwise. Is Son Gohan."

"Was that really your grandson's name?" Goku glanced to Naruto.

"My son's actually. But it's more believable because of our appearance and age difference. Uncle and grandson. That's how we'll represent each other on our travels." Naruto nods.

"Ok... So where we stopping tonight?"

"We'll visit every town we come to. Seeing as we're not travelling that fast. So you may as well relax and rest easy with the fact that you'll be ten times stronger than you are right now if we play our cards right."

'Ten times...' Naruto pondered at the thought. 'Is that really possible?'

From one day to the next. Goku and Naruto travelled. Helping in odd jobs that Goku would have Naruto do with means of making him stronger.

But not only was there work. They made friends also in places. Some from being an old couple having trouble with shopping. To young children, one of such young girl had been cornered by some older men and with Naruto's swift work, tackled and ran with the girl to Goku who made short work of them in less than ten seconds.

But slowly they left the lands of fire and reached the boarder. This boarder connected to the lands of wind, fire and earth.

The land of rain...

XXXX

Thunder cracked over head as Naruto and Goku walked the marshy water's. Naruto was busy with teaching himself a jutsu from the academy.

"Bunshin!" Naruto called only for an ill looking clone to appear. Naruto grumbled as they continued to walk. "How long does it rain out here?" Naruto asked as they walked.

"A lot... It's near constant. Hence the reason it's called the land of rain." Goku said as they continued to walk.

"Still can't believe we have to cross through here to reach iwa... Makes no sense."

"You shouldn't mind the rain Naruto. It's supposed to be calming."

"Not very help for me and this blood bunshin."

"Watch that language Naruto-kun. But don't worry Naruto. You'll do it, promise. You'll make a bunshin." Naruto smiled.

"Thanks."

"No problem." Goku said as they continued to walk quietly. As they walked the water behind the pair rippled and pulled into the air.

Naruto's body stiffened as he heard something and acting on an instinct his blade was drown and he blocked the blade that connected.

Naruto was pulled off his feet and flung across the water.

Naruto groaned as he stood. He blinked as he saw a shinobi standing there. He was a large muscular man wielding a huge axe. The symbol for water with a scratch across it. The man growled.

"Hand over your money food... Otherwise you're next old man." The nuke nin said looking at Goku.

Goku glanced in his direction. "It wouldn't be wise to threaten an old man." Goku said with a mild glare. "Leave before I force you two." The man smirked.

"Your... Dead!" The axe slung down and crashed into the water. The man panted and blinked as Goku stood back from the blade.

"That it?" Goku asked with a smile. The man growled and twisted the axe with the point at the end and swung up. Goku flipped backwards dodging the blade.

"Die..." The man roared turning to Naruto in his momentum. "You brat!" Naruto, who had been watching the two blinked as he realised the axe was going to be thrown at him.

"You know..." Goku spoke in front of the man as his right hand rested out. The finger's pressing against the blade with a light glow. "You should always listen..." Goku spun pushing the blade into the air. The man stumbled as Goku faced him and put his left hand out. "To your elders..." Goku said as a circle of white energy appeared and hit the man. Naruto watched in awe as the man was blown from sight into the vast open marsh.

"Stand up Naruto." Naruto blinked before quickly standing. He would be complaining about the water if he wasn't awed by what he saw. Goku walked his way.

"Let's fetch your blade." Naruto nods as they turned to the spot the blade dug in.

"That was amazing Oji-san." Naruto said as he flicked the dirt from the blade. He was about to sheath it when Goku took it from him.

"It's not very impressive." Goku said drying the blade on his cloak. He handed it back to Naruto.

"Why did he attack?" Goku sighed.

"We sort of made it easy for him. Seeing as were off from the path and crossing open marsh in the dark rain. Plus he's a missing ninja. He was bound to not have supplies and attack an old man and boy. Nice work with that instinct of yours."

Naruto grinned as the rain began to stop.

"It was nothing, but I don't know what happen... It was as if I'd moved like that before." Goku smiled.

"Maybe it's just basic instinct." 'His subconscious still holds a lot of memory. I didn't expect it to be that close to the surface.' Goku turned as he waved Naruto to follow. 'Best be careful... It's not time yet for that... Not for a few more years.'

"Let's get going Naruto. Let's get to the boarder before the rain comes." Naruto quickly ran up beside him.

"Why can't we stay in rain Oji-san?"

"It's not a safe place. So no more questions." Naruto nods.

'I wonder why?'

XXXXX

It took a day to full pass rain and into the borders of iwa.

It was a fresh new morning for the pair as they were jogging up the stone path that cart's and travellers took through the mountains to reach iwa and its many small towns. Both blinked as a cart passing waved to them. They stopped as the cart stopped to the side of them.

"Best turn round you two..." The old man spoke. "The tunnel through the mountain had a land slide. Iwa ninja will be hours before you can get through.

"That's ok... We'll be fine. We're heading to the earth temple." Naruto blinked as Goku told him of their location. "And don't worry. I'm sure we'll be able to sort out. Later..." Goku said as they walked on. Naruto glanced back to the old man before back to Goku.

"Earth temple?" Naruto asked. Goku nodded.

"We'll be spending time at all five main element temples. Earth is the first one. Fire will be our last. It's up in the mountains... But let's see if we can't do something about the cliff... Who knows you might learn something here." Naruto blinked in surprise.

"Really? What?" Naruto asked in excitement. Goku chuckled.

"Wait and see." The pair continued to climb and passed cart's returning downhill till the path was clear or to find another way round. It wasn't long before they reached the line of carts and made their way to the front. When they got to the front they found people trying to use makeshift explosives to destroy.

"Let it rip!" One yelled as they pushed the trigger.

There was an explosion. But the rock's hardly moved.

"Jeez..." Goku smiled walking.

"Please... Allow us." Goku motioned Naruto to put his bag. The two walked forward and Naruto turned to Naruto.

"What I'm going to teach you a technique known as the Kamehameha. Though you may not know how to control it. It's about focusing your energy and firing it out at the rocks. I'll demonstrate." Goku stepped forward and Naruto watched.

"Ka..." Goku said cupping his hands forward. "Me..." Goku drew it back. Naruto blinked as something like blue chakra gathered in Goku's hand.

"Ha.... me..." The light shone brightly. "Ha!" Naruto watched in awe as a blue beam fired at the rock slide and a huge explosion whipped up. Naruto covered his face as the wind rushed passed. But when it cleared. Naruto looked at the now clear path. Only for a rock to fall on the path. Goku smiled.

"This will be your target. Now don't call out the technique. Just do as you saw me..." Naruto nods.

'Ok... Like he did...' Naruto cupped his hands forward and drew it back. Goku stood off to the side.

'Let's see how you do...'

Naruto thrust his hands forward and a beam as thick as Naruto's head shot forward. It blew a hole in the rock and Naruto looked in awe and surprise. Goku clapped.

"Good... It's beginning to flow. That proves you can begin the use of chi." Naruto blinked.

XXXXXX

"What is chi?" Naruto asked.

"It's... The life force in every being. You have to train to use it. It's the only way to be able to control it."

"Oh... So is that why you've been making me do all those odd jobs?"

"Pretty much. Watch your step." Naruto's foot slipped and Goku's hand shot out.

Naruto looked down the side of the mountain as the rock fell. "You sure climbing up the side, was better than walking up?" Naruto asked. "I know this is training but I want to live to be as old as you oji-san..." Naruto said as Goku pulled Naruto up.

"Where's your sense in fun... Besides... After this, you will no longer need that weighted clothing."

"Really?" Naruto asked as he climbed.

"Honest. You can finally begin to fight free of that weight." Naruto grinned as they looked to the top.

"What are we waiting for? Let's get to the top!" Naruto yelled as he began to climb faster.

"Steady... You go to fast you'll slip. Then all that training will be for nothing." Naruto stopped.

"True..."

Slowly they reached the top and as they stood on flat ground. Naruto looked at awe at the sight before him.

The view was the sight of the rest of iwa. Just below was a large stone temple. Naruto looked at the sight of men in monk's robes fighting in hand to hand combat.

"What they..." Naruto muttered as Goku began to the walk down. Naruto quickly followed.

"The temples are different to ninja. They work on focusing their powers in hand to hand combat with their element. Earth is the main temple for hand to hand combat because earth is a strong force. So this is why I picked here. You will learn with the monk's and train with me as well. When I believe you are ready. We will move to the next temple."

"Woah..." Naruto glanced about as the monk's sparred. Goku and Naruto stopped before an elderly male.

"Greetings... Welcome to our temple."

"Hello... My name is Son Goku, this is my grandson Gohan. Do you mind if we had a word sir." Goku asked.

The man nods. "Please follow me." The three entered the temple.

"Huh..." The old man blinked as he looked at the pair. "Live here and train?"

"I know it's not a rare thing to hear. But were travelling from temple to temple to learn new skills. Gohan's planning to become a ninja in future and I believe that training here with the monks will help him for the better."

"I don't know... But I guess I can't say no to such a young person willing to learn. You will have to go by the temple rules and wear the temple clothing. And take part in the temple activities." Goku nods.

Goku nods. "We can do that. Thank you." Goku said bowing his head. "Right Gohan?" Naruto looked over and nods.

"Hai."

And so Naruto's training will begin properly. And for the next weeks to come. Naruto was going to find out more about himself than he ever new possible.

XXXXXXXXX

As we can see, I'm finally going to begin Naruto's true training. This may cover two to three chapters. Not long before I finally begin Naruto's ninja tale.

Now with the start of chapter three here. I will also be doing the start of part two to saiyan reborn. Which I shall call, Saiyan reborn: A change in tail.

Why you may ask? You'll soon read find out right?

Anyway I'm going to take a break and plot my next chapter. I don't know why but I always see into the future of a fic. Never what is needed?

Well enjoy reading.

I still need to find a true ending for this story... (Music theme.)