Welcome back to my little tale. I'm glad you guys are enjoying it. And I'm truely surprised how many of you are dying to know what happened to Torune of all people. Ok, so first off I'd like to say that i don't own Naruto. But I have saved $67.35 towards the purchase of the rights to Ino. ;)

Thanks to all the reviewers of last weeks' chapter: Bikiluf, Weaponx178, GravenImage, Maxslayer 10, Darkwaffle, Air Naruto, MikedZ, Hotsreak's crossover stories (Ok, really this name is too long.)

Replies:

Bikiluf: Patience Grasshopper.

Weaponx178: All your questions will be answered in time. I truely appriciate the method by which you review material. Thanks for the effort.

GravenImage: I'm glad you (and many others) liked the scene. I really wanted to make it romantic, heartfelt yet "light" I wanted you to see the emotion of it without beating you over the head with it and I'm glad it worked. Most of all i wanted the scene to play out in a way that the characters still acted close to normal. I didn't want either to seem so emotional that it wasn't believeable.

Maxslayer 10: Thanks for the praise. As for what's to come and Danzo's fall. If that's going to happen then it will happen in due time.

Darkwaffle: Thanks. Many of the things you've referenced will be happening soon in future chapters. You really won't have to wait too long.

Air Naruto: Well (spoiler alert) if you're hoping to see Danzo's fall any time soon I wouldn't hold my breath. Danzo is a slippery snake and is known for having backup plans for backup plans. Don't be surprised if he get's away yet again.

Ok so thanks again everyone and I hope you like this chapter as well. Please don't forget to tip the waitress on your way out. And between you and me she really likes to be paid in Reviews. Know what I mean? ;)

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter 9: Naruto's New Path

Konoha – Office of the Hokage

"Alright," Danzo said to the advisors sitting with him, "I think that will be all for now. Send additional men down to Shikamaru and keep me apprised of the situation." With that all of the advisors rose to their feet and made their way out of his office.

As the last advisor left and closed the door behind him, Danzo leaned back in his chair and smiled. Looking at Fu he said, "You know Fu, sometimes great opportunity rises from great strife. At first I thought Torune overdid things with the level of explosion earlier but that big blast has thrown everyone into panic. I'll be able to step right in and settle things down and everyone will praise me for my leadership. My hold upon Konoha will be ever more complete."

"So," Fu said, "How do you want me to handle the search and rescue attempt for the Nine Tails. With Shikamaru at the lead things could get problematic."

"Not at all," Danzo said, "I'll just inform Shikamaru and the others that due to the war I am unable to commit a large force to Uzumaki's search and that I'll have you personally head up the investigation. Then, after about two days, I'll inform them of Torune's location and send a small group with Shikamaru leading the way. But by the time they arrive Torune will have long since handed Uzumaki's body over. This will be too easy." It was then someone knocked on the door. "Come in," Danzo said.

And then a shinobi ran breathlessly into the middle of the room and fell to one knee. "Lord Hokage, I bring amazing news regarding Uzumaki Naruto."

Still smiling Danzo leaned forward in his chair. "Oh really," he said, "And what news could you possibly bring me that would be amazing at such a time?"

"He's alive my Lord," the ninja said excitedly, "They have found Uzumaki Naruto alive and well atop Hokage Mountain. Not only that, but he is awake my Lord! It a miracle!"

For a long moment Danzo and Fu stared at the shinobi in shocked disbelief. Then smiling weakly Danzo replied, "Well….this is…excellent news. Tell me, where is he now?"

Smiling broadly the shinobi responded, "Sakura-sama wanted to take him back to the hospital to make sure he was fine but he insisted on going to Lady Tsunade's compound."

"I see," Danzo replied, "Thank you. You may take your leave now." As the shinobi closed the door behind him Dazo rose to his feet in a fit of rage and knocked everything off his desk. "Damn it," Danzo screamed. "How could this happen!? Where the hell is Torune?!!" Fu remained silent as Danzo turned to face the window. "Madara is not going to be happy about this," Danzo said.

Meanwhile – Konoha – Home of Lady Tsunade

Standing in the bathroom and leaning over the sink, Naruto sighed as he felt the cool water splash on his face. Naruto opened his eyes and looked into the vanity and could barely recognize the person in the mirror. Four weeks in a coma had not been kind to him. His face was drawn and pale. He had grown a semi think blonde beard and his hair was long and un-kept. Looking at his body he was thinner due to the lack of food.

Despite that however, he felt stronger than ever. With only a small bit of concentration a small wind began to emanate from his body. It was barely noticeable at first but it began to grow in force until the windows and mirror began to rattle and the items in the room fell over.

Naruto breathed in deep and suddenly the hidden force disappeared as quickly as it came. "I'm going to need you to help me with better control you know," Naruto said, while in his mind, he heard the response from the Kyubi. "Of course," it said, "That will come in due time boy."

Naruto again splashed water on his face and picked up a nearby blade and began to shave his face and then cut his hair back to it's usual length. Once done he left the restroom and went back into his room where his clothes, freshly tailored and clean where laid on the bed. As he pulled his pants on he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Sakura left them for you," Tsunade said as she leaned on the doorway smiling.

Smiling Naruto responded, "I figured that. Since when did Sakura become interested in doing this kind of stuff?"

"Oh she isn't," Tsunade said as she entered the room, "It really doesn't suit her any more than it does me. But women do a lot of things that are out of character sometimes for guys they care about. It's just how it is sometimes."

Tsunade walked up to Naruto and placed her hand on his face. "I can't believe you're up and about already. You really gave us all a scare Naruto."

"I'm sorry Granny," Naruto said while laughing, "I'll try to try to dodge attacks more next time. Maybe I can learn some sort of shield jutsu."

"That's not funny Naruto," Tsunade said sternly causing Naruto to take what she was to say seriously. "Look," she continued, "I know you feel like you have to handle certain things alone. Most men do. But you also need to consider those you leave behind. When you fight recklessly like that…..it's like you don't even care if you live or die."

Tsunade looked away from Naruto, tears welling in her eyes. "You remind me so much of Jiraiya. You are so wrapped up in your goals you seem to neglect the effect it has on those who care about you. Poor Sakura was nearly broken by seeing you that way Naruto."

Naruto looked off at nothing in particular as he considered Tsunade's words. Sadly he turned to her and wiping a tear from her cheek said, "You really miss that old Pervy Sage don't you Granny?"

"Everyday," she said, "I miss him. And I regret not telling him things I should have said long ago. And I don't want you to forget that fighting for a cause is an important thing. But it is equally important to remember the value of your life to others and to have a desire to protect your life for the sake of others. I just don't want to see you die needlessly or see Sakura have to deal with that pain."

Naruto hugged Tsunade tightly as he said, "Thank you Granny. And don't worry. I have no intention of dying any time soon. Not again anyway."

"All right, all right," Tsunade said pulling away smiling slyly, "enough of that. You keep hugging me without a shirt on and you'll give an old woman some impure thoughts."

Naruto quickly picked up his shirt and covered his chest as he recoiled in horror. "Granny," he screamed as he turned bright red.

Tsunade laughed a deep hearty laugh at how easily she had made him uncomfortable. "Just kidding silly boy," she said. "You're not my type sweety. Besides you've got enough ladies to deal with anyway. Now finish getting dressed you have a couple of guests who came by to see you." Tsunade then turned and left the room.

Meanwhile – Konoha – The home of Sarutobi Konohamaru

Konohamaru sat on his chair by his window as usual when he heard someone enter. "Penny for your thoughts," Moegi said as she strolled in. Konohamaru turned and smiled at Moegi weakly and returned to looking out the window. Walking over to Konohamaru, Moegi threw some of his clothes on his lap. "Get dressed," she said as she turned to walk out the door.

Konohamaru sighed deeply. "You know Moegi," he said, "I'm really not in the mood to go to physical therapy today."

"Good," Moegi responded, "Because that's not where we're going. I have something to show you. I nice little surprise." Konohamaru turned to look at her. "Oh really," he said questioningly, "So where are we going if not to therapy?"

Moegi looked back as she was leaving the room and smiled lightly and said, "I'm going to show you that some miracles come true."

Meanwhile - Konoha – Home of Tsunade

Naruto slowly closed the bedroom door and made his way to the living room. The closer he got the more the sound of people talking grew. When he stepped through the entrance way into the living room he found himself in shock. The entire living room was filled with his friends, comrades and acquaintances. This is a couple of guests, he thought.

Smiling faces greeted him as Shikamaru, Hinata, Ino, Iruka and all of his closest friends walked up to welcome him. It was like his return all over again. It was then, looking over Iruka's shoulder that Naruto was able to see outside to the front lawn and scattered about were dozens of citizens who also come to welcome him.

For a moment Naruto was left in awe at the turnout of people. Some were cheering as they saw him, others crying. But the overall outpour of emotion left Naruto breathless. "We're all happy to see you safe Naruto," Sakura said as she came to stand next to him. "Word got around pretty fast that you had cheated death, so many wanted to come see you."

Naruto then spent the next hour greeting the well wishers who had come to see him. Men greeted him with hearty handshakes; children assaulted him with a million questions regarding his recent adventures and what death felt like and even some of the young women pestered him about dates before Sakura would run them off.

After about an hour Sakura yelled over the crowd, "Alright everyone, Naruto still needs his rest. So everyone head on home so he can relax now." She then grabbed him by his arm and led him inside as the crowd slowly began to disperse leaving only a few stragglers, mostly children, behind. Inside, only Naruto's closest friends remained. Sakura led him to a chair and said, "Here let me help you sit."

Naruto placed his hand softly on hers and smiled. He then removed her hand and said, "Its ok Sakura, I'm fine really. I think I can sit down on my own." Sakura blushed and let him alone as he sat down in the chair.

"My, my," Shikamaru said with a playful smile, "All this fuss just for one guy. I wonder what I'd have to do to get half this kind of reception. Oh well, I wouldn't let this go to your head Naruto."

Everyone laughed and as that passed Naruto moved in the chair uncomfortably. Sakura instantly rose from where she was sitting. "Do you need a pillow Naruto," she asked.

Before he could respond Hinata asked, "Or how about something more to eat? You haven't eaten in a month. One meal can't be enough. I could get you more."

Again Naruto attempted to answer when Choji asked, "Maybe you are in some pain. Sakura is there any medication you can get for him?"

Naruto then raised his hand and said, "Hold it, hold it guys! I'm fine really. In fact, to be honest I feel better than I have in a long time. Right now all I need is for you guys to tell me everything that's been going on for the last month. I need to know about this war and any news you have regarding Akatsuki and Sasuke."

For a long while Naruto sat and listened patiently to everything everyone had to say, from Sakura's retelling of what happened after his fight with Sasuke to Shikamaru's report on the state of the current war. While everyone spoke Naruto would interrupt them to ask a question and again remain silent.

Once everyone had said their piece Naruto was again silent as he stared out the window. Everyone just sat silently and waited for him to speak. After a moment had passed Naruto turned and smiled. "Damn," he said, "I leave you guys alone for a minute and everything goes to hell." His joke seemed to break the growing tension in the room as everyone smiled.

Meanwhile – Just outside Tsunade's home

Konohamaru and Moegi made their way passed Tsunade's front gate and was on their way up to the compound. Konohamru had asked Moegi several times where they were going and each time she just told him to be patient. Konohamaru had also taken note that for whatever reason Moegi had chosen to take an off beaten path instead of the main road. Because of that he had seen only a few people who all to seem excited over something.

As they arrived near the front Konohamru saw about six little kids hanging out front trying to sneak peaks through Tsunade's door. Confused at to what they were trying to look at Konohamaru went around and as he peered through the screen door and into the living room he came to a dead stop.

For what seemed like and eternity Konohamaru stared slack jawed at the young man sitting on a chair, surrounded by familiar faces, as he laughed. Suddenly, the man saw him and quickly rose to his feet and walked to the door and opened it. Coming outside he walked up to Konohamaru who had yet to move or blink. "You plan to just stand there and stare at me all day Konohamru," he asked as he placed his hand on Konohamaru's shoulder.

"Naruto-neesan," Konohamaru said in utter shock. "How? When? I mean I can't believe this! You're awake and up and about!!"

Konohamaru could feel the tears run down his cheeks as he looked upon Naruto's smiling face. "C'mon Konohamaru," Naruto said, "You didn't think a little thing like a coma could keep me down did ya?!

Naruto placed his arm around Konohamaru's shoulder and led him into the house with a beaming Moegi in tow. As they entered everyone smiled as they saw Konohamaru smiling for the first time in a month. Turning to face him Naruto then said, "I'm glad you're here now Konohamaru. It wouldn't have been much of a welcome without you. And Sakura told me everything."

Konohamaru's smile faded from his face as he heard this and he took a quick look at Sakura, who was looking directly at him seriously. "She did," he asked.

Smiling Naruto responded, "Of course she did! She told me that your cast comes of next week and you should be cleared to continue your training a week after that. She told me how happy you were to hear that!" Placing both hands on Konhamaru's shoulders Naruto smiled contentedly. "That's great news Konohamaru. I had faith that you'd be back and ready to go in no time."

Surprised, Konohamaru glanced at Sakura who had a small smile on her face. Turning back to Naruto, Konohamaru smiled back. "Yes," he said, "I will be back….soon."

Naruto then made his way back to his seat and Konohamru sat down nearby. "Ok," Naruto said, "It looks like things aren't going that great for us. But it's not a problem. The way I see it, before we can take down Akatsuki we first have to end this war. And I know just how to do it. First thing tomorrow I'm leaving for Suna. I'll speak with Gaara and get him to end this war. This is all just a big misunderstanding anyway and I should be able to handle this easily."

Everyone stared at Naruto in disbelief. Sakura leaned back in her seat, arms crossed and head down. Finally Hinata spoke up. "Naruto-kun," she said, "you can't be serious. I mean you were just in coma for a month. You just came out of it today. You should stay here and rest."

"Hinata is right Naruto," Iruka said, "This isn't very wise. You might feel fine but there's no way your body is ready for full action so soon after waking up. You should rest for a few days."

"Besides," Shikamaru continued, "Times are different right now. We've tried contacting Gaara but we keep getting cut off by one of his elders. A guy by the name of Krolik who claims Gaara has no interest in speaking or negotiating with Konoha. He says Gaara's decision is final. If you go to Suna, as the one accused of killing the emissary, you'd be attacked on the spot. Not to mention the land between our two countries is unstable and full of threats."

Looking hard into Shikamaru's eyes Naruto responded, "I hear you Shikamaru but believe me when I say I'm not concerned with any of those threats. And I don't really care what this Krolik has to say. I will leave for Suna and I will speak to Gaara in person. He'll listen to me."

Sighing heavily Shikamaru closed his eyes and shook his head disapprovingly. "Damn Naruto," he said, "Why can't you ever sit still for once? You always have to be a bother." Opening his eyes Shikamaru smiled and said, "Fine, have it your way. We'll leave in the morning .The team will be you, myself, Choji and Sakura."

Naruto smiled and shook his head. "Thanks Shikamaru," he said, "But I'll be going alone." Instantly Naruto was assaulted with the protests of everyone in the room. Only Sakura and Tsunade remained quiet as they watched as everyone pleaded with Naruto to reconsider.

Raising his hand Naruto said, "Guys, guys, look I hear what you're saying but I can take care of myself and with Konoha in the middle of war we can't afford for you guys to be away. Shikamaru, you're too important to helping with strategy and Sakura is one of the leaders of our medics."

"But," TenTen said, "Naruto you can't possibly think you can make it all the way to Suna alone. You heard Shikamaru, going in a group is risky. Going alone would be suicide."

"Sorry guys," Naruto said, "But I've made up my mind. I'll head to Sunagakure alone and speak to Gaara. I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"Don't worry," Sakura said as she turned to Naruto. "How can we not worry when you keep insisting on handling things alone and putting yourself in these situations?"

Naruto looked at Sakura and in the most understanding tone he could muster said, "Sakura-chan I know what I'm asking, but…."

"Shut up Naruto," Sakura screamed causing everyone to be silent. "For once just shut up and listen! You have always placed everyone ahead of your own safety. And all of us in this room have been guilty of allowing you to continuously make the sacrifices for our benefit. The truth is we rely on you too much. We always think that you'll find away, and I think that sometimes instead of waiting for you to find the way, we need to find our own."

"I know what you must feel," Sakura continued, "knowing that it was our actions that may have caused this. You feel like you have to make things right. But you don't have to do this alone. This isn't a war between Suna, Kumo and Naruto. It's between those lands and Konoha. And together, as shinobi of Konoha we will win."

Naruto smiled and responded, "Sakura-chan I understand all of that. Really I do. But I can't just sit around here and do nothing. I have to help put an end to this. But at the same time I can't allow any of you to get hurt."

Sakura sighed deeply then said, "You just don't get it Naruto. You think your doing us a favor by keeping us out of it but your not. You don't get it. But maybe eventually you will. Uzumaki Naruto, I am placing you under indefinite suspension as of right now. You will be unable to assist or take part in any missions until I see fit."

Naruto rose to his feet, "Whoa," he screamed, "you can't do that Sakura! You don't have the authority to suspend me."

"Actually I do," Sakura said as she stood and faced him. "By rejoining Konoha you are subject to its rules and regulations. And since you are still technically a Genin, as a Jonin I outrank you. Also, six months ago I was promoted to a senior medical advisor position with the authority to suspend shinobi, who for medical reasons, I deem unfit to carry out a mission, such as yourself. The truth is, even though I hate to bring it up, only two people outrank me in this room and that's Shikamaru and Lady Tsunade and neither one of them disagree with me."

Naruto stood with his mouth open as he stared at Sakura. He could see the seriousness in her eyes and knew there would be no convincing her to change her mind. Looking at everyone in the room Naruto then asked, "Do you all feel this way?" One by one they all responded in kind saying that he should wait and rest. Looking to Tsunade Naruto noticed that her eyes were closed and she had a small, pleased smile on her face. It was then he remembered what she had said to him earlier.

Suddenly Naruto's body relaxed as all tension flooded from him. Smiling he looked at Sakura and said, "Ok fine doc, you want me to rest then I'll rest, whatever you say."

Finally Sakura seemed to relax and calm down. "Good," she said, "So it's settled. You will remain here under my supervision until I decide you're well enough. And if you still insist on going to Suna then you'll go with a team."

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen." Everyone turned to the rear entrance in surprise to see Danzo, flanked by Fu, standing there. "Uzumaki," he said as he entered not waiting for Tsunade to invite him in, "I'm glad to hear that you have recovered from your injuries so quickly. And I'm glad to hear that you seem so ready to return to Konoha's service. However, we cannot overlook the errors of the past for the hope of the future, which is why I have come here today. Uzumaki Naruto, as the Sixth Hokage of Konoha I hereby banish you from Konoha. You are to leave this village immediately and never return."

End of Chapter Nine

Next Time: The Fourth Hokage's Legacy