(And I got the next one all set.)
A few weeks had passed since the preliminaries, and Naruto had once again been training with Jiraiya in taijutsu and ninjutsu skills, while at night he would train in improving his spider abilities and reflexes as well. Occasionally he'd drop in seeing Ino and Tenten, but Temari had to spend her time with her team and Baki to go over the so called invasion.
Soon it was the night before the finals and Naruto was lying in bed thinking to his 'roomies', 'Well guys, tomorrow's the day.' Naruto thought.
'Yes the day where you not only, fight against Neji, but possibly a whole army of Sound and Suna ninja.' Kyubi thought back.
'Yes, and then there's Orochimaru. Guarantee he's attempting to kill Jiji.' Naruto thought.
'Not if we kill him first.' Catastrophe thought with a chuckle.
'That's the basic idea,' Naruto thought to the symbiote. 'And its better that we're able to learn those other elemental jutsu because of the DNA you took from Brock and Kassady. Imagine if they knew how to use chakra, Venom would've been capable of using water and lightning jutsu, and Carnage would've been able to use earth jutsu.'
'Yeah if they had that kind of power Spiderman would've gotten his ass handed to him right from the start.' Catastrophe chuckled in his thoughts.
Soon Naruto fell asleep knowing tomorrow was going to be a long day. When morning came, Naruto was up and getting ready before he started web slinging off for the stadium where the finals would be held. At the stadium people were filling the stands eager to watch the matches and were even placing bets.
Meanwhile in the stands were Kiba and Hinata sitting next to Hiashi and Hinata's little sister Hanabi. Sakura saw Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji sit beside her, "Good to see you guys made it." Sakura said.
"I wanted to sleep in, but Ino dragged me here," Shikamaru started, "I don't know why I had to come if I didn't make the finals."
"Hey the rest of us didn't and you don't hear us complaining." Ino shot at him.
"Yeah Shikamaru, we should at least root for our own comrades." Chouji added.
"I already know who I'm rooting for." Ino put in.
"I know I got a feeling Sasuke's going to take it all the way to." Sakura replied.
"Actually Sakura, I wasn't thinking of Sasuke." Ino admitted.
"What then who else?" Sakura asked until they looked down seeing the participants gather into the arena.
Soon Naruto, Shino, Tenten, Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara stood in the arena with Sasuke nowhere to be found. 'Sasuke where are you?' Naruto thought as the proctor started talking.
"Welcome. My name's Genma Shiranui; proctor for stage three of the Chunin Exams," He began, "Before we begin I must show you all once again the final match ups as a reminder." He said pulling out the tournament graph seeing it was still the same.
Naruto glanced at Neji feeling eager to fight him until Genma continued, "Now listen up the opening contestants for the first match must remain down here while the rest of you are to wait in the balcony above until it's your match. If one of you fails to arrive when your match is called then you will be disqualified. Now then the first two competitors remain here."
So the other contestants minus Naruto and Neji left for the balcony. Naruto and Neji stood on opposite ends as Genma stood between them, "The first match of the Chunin Exam Finals Naruto Uzumaki vs Neji Hyuga." He announced which got the crowds roaring with excitement.
Naruto thought to his roomies, 'We can't kill him and we can't use too much of our strength, we'll need it later.'
'Just so long as we can knock him around for laughs.' Catastrophe thought back.
"Pardon while we change into something more appropriate." Naruto said as he transformed into Catastrophe which put shocks on the civilians, and feudal lords.
Catastrophe stood in the arena and looked around at everyone; "Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Catastrophe!" he let out a maniacal laugh.
"It makes no difference what form you take," Neji started, "Fate has already dictated me the winner and it's your destiny to lose."
Catastrophe looked agitated, "If we have to listen to you rant on and on about damn fate and destiny crap, we will cover your mouth with webbing that cannot be removed, just to shut you up!"
The crowds were surprised to see someone actually talk that way to a member of the Hyuga clan while Neji came back a prideful smirk, "I shall take great pleasure in crushing you in front of everyone here and show them that no one can change."
"We have only one response to your stupid claim," Catastrophe said as he flipped Neji off making him irate, "Do not blame me when you lose." He activated his Byakugan and charged for Catastrophe who thought.
'Here we go.'
Neji was ready to strike with his gentle fist art was aiming to block one of Catastrophe's chakra points, but before he could land a blow Catastrophe back flipped back, "We know all about you Hyuga's and your style, your good at close range fighting so you can disable chakra points and stop the flow of chakra. So all we have to do is keep our distance from you and wait for the right moment." Catastrophe said as he fired web balls but Neji using his Byakugan managed to avoid the shots.
"It's useless nothing gets past my eyes." Neji reminded him.
"You know webs aren't the only thing we're capable of now Neji," Catastrophe started some hand signs, "Fire Style: Endan!" he called emitting a jet of fire from his mouth at Neji who jumped out of the way before getting caught in the fire blast.
"Since when did Naruto know how to use fire jutsu?" Sakura asked in surprise.
"I don't know." Ino admitted.
Neji frowned as he continued running for Catastrophe in hopes to strike him with the gentle fist but the symbiotic shinobi kept jumping and dodging away firing whatever webbing he could, but Neji kept avoiding. "How about we call in some help?"
Catastrophe asked as he summoned five Kage Bunshins that all started jumping around Neji firing web shots at him as he tried dodging but ended up getting his wrists restrained and two clones forced him to spread out.
"Brace yourself because this is definitely going to hurt!" Catastrophe called as he ran to deck Neji in the face but was taken aback when Neji started his next move.
"Rotation!" Neji called as he was encased in chakra and spun around like a top sending the two clones that were restraining him to crash into the real one and they poofed away.
"Good move Neji, but we're not finished with you yet." Catastrophe called.
"Don't you get it? No matter how hard you keep coming at me nothing will change you were not meant to win this fight!" Neji continued accusing him while he remained unaffected by the claims.
"You know just because you've had family traumas, doesn't mean you have to take it out on the innocent." Catastrophe answered.
"What did you say?" Neji asked with a frown.
"We learned about your family crisis with Kumo years ago. Just because your father posed as Hiashi-sama and died to satisfy the Raikage who had his one ninja killed, doesn't mean you have to take your frustrations out on every Hyuga or non-Hyuga."
"What would you know?" Neji challenged him.
"We know plenty about suffering!" he shouted and dashed forward nailing Neji in the jaw sending him skidding across the arena, "Be grateful you had a father and still have family! Our parents died the night we were born!" black and red tendrils were emerging from his body and wiggling in response to his anger which horrified half the audience, "The night our parents died was the same night the Yondaime Hokage stopped the Kyubi no Kitsune from destroying the village. Since then the villagers have made thousands of attempts to have us killed at their own hands. A mere infant!"
"What does the attack on our village have to do with the villagers hating you?" Neji asked not getting it.
"Because the Yondaime didn't kill the Kyubi like they said he did. He sealed it inside us turning us into a Jinchuriki!" he screamed shocking Neji and nearly everyone in the stadium, "And the worst of it is the Yondaime thought the village would actually see his own son as a hero for keeping the bijuu at bay! But they didn't!"
"Son?" Neji asked.
"Correct. Minato Namikaze the Yondaime Hokage is our father!" Catastrophe announced.
'Naruto.' Sarutobi thought while Jiraiya who was hiding in the stands thought the same thing.
'The poor guy?' Tenten thought in disbelief.
Neji was actually shaking while the other shinobi around were in shock that he would publicly announce it, "And now Neji, we shall show you fate and destiny do not determine our lives!" he called as Kyubi's chakra encased him in a protective layer as he dashed for Neji tacking him sending him flying back but before he could even hit the wall Catastrophe dashed further ahead appearing behind him and launched webbing at him and swung him around a few times before releasing him.
'I can't keep up with him!' Neji thought as he was getting his ass handed to him even more than before.
Catastrophe jumped ahead of Neji and slugged him right in the face by morphing his right hand into a hard sledgehammer and nailed him. Neji crashed on the ground looking bruised beyond explanation and felt nervous as the symbiotic ninja grabbed him by the collar lifting him up high.
"We could have you killed here and now if we wanted to, but for the sake of the Hyuga's and our friendship with Hinata, we will spare you if you stop acting like a child and grow up, because the truth is shinobi who house demons are said to be doomed to be alone and unloved for the rest of their lives. But not us, we've found people who've accepted us who we were and hope more will continue to, that's why we shape our destiny, and so can you." Catastrophe gave Neji his advice which he really was taking to heart and not ignoring it.
"I-I will, Naruto." Neji said shedding a tear seeing he had lost and was defeated by a guy who proved to him fate and destiny do not shape a person.
"Good answer." Catastrophe smiled before powering his face down back to Naruto's as he lowered him gently so he was closer to the ground.
"Proctor, I forfeit." Neji claimed as Naruto placed him on a medic stretcher for the med nins.
"Winner of the first match of the Chunin Exams is Naruto Uzumaki!" Genma announced, as he saw the shocked looks on the people in the crowd over the fact that Naruto had won, and that he was in fact the legacy of the Yondaime Hokage.
Suddenly a female cry came from Ino, "Way to go Naruto!" she cheered prompting her own team and even Sakura to applaud which in turn led to other people in the crowd being either civilians or ninja to join in. Sure many were still skeptical about this or still shocked at Naruto's symbiotic form, but chose not to voice their opinions.
Up in the challenger box, Tenten was also applauding louder than Temari's which the Suna girl noticed and felt a little jealous that she was trying harder to gain Naruto's attention than she was. Naruto seeing no reason to be in the arena now shot webbing to the challenger box's railing and pulled himself up to join the others followed by morphing his symbiote form back into his clothes.
"Naruto that was amazing!" Tenten said as she and Temari went over to him.
"Yeah you really showed him." Temari added.
"Arigato, but we now hope that Neji will find out the truth about his family." He said motioning to the crowd where Hiashi got up from his seat and headed for the medic room.
"I also hope he'll change too Naruto, I really do." Tenten said hoping her teammate will be a better person after this.
They looked down seeing Genma ready to call the next competitors; sadly one of them was still a no show. Another shinobi appeared by Genma and whispered something before vanishing, "Due to conditions, Sasuke's and Gaara's match will be postponed until further notice. Until then the match ups will continue following the next match.
"Sasuke's still a no show huh?" Shikamaru asked.
"Where could he be?" Sakura asked.
"Will Shino and Kankuro please come down?" Genma called up to the ninja.
"I forfeit the match." Kankuro called which got everyone confused.
"Well then since Kankuro forfeits the match goes to Shino Aburame." Genma called.
Then Temari and Tenten looked at each other seeing their match would be next but Naruto put an arm around each of them, "The best of luck to both of you."
"Arigato, Naruto." They said together as they made their way to the arena.
Temari spoke first to Tenten, "Since when did you start getting chummy with Naruto?"
"I could ask you the same thing." Tenten replied.
"Never mind that. Right now let's focus on the match and give our best for him." Temari said.
"That's fine by me." Tenten smirked.
"If you're ready you may begin!" Genma called and the match was underway.
Tenten grabbed one of her scrolls and unsheathed a katana, "I learned from your fight in the prelims you excel in wind element, therefore my usual art of launching weaponry would be useless. So I'm taking you head on!" Tenten called as she started striking at the Suna kunoichi with her katana but Temari whipped out her fan that was still closed and used it to block and parry the sword strikes.
Naruto watched amused and felt surprisingly hot as the two gorgeous genin kunoichi fought, 'Look at the way they exchange blows with such form and grace. They truly are amazing.' Naruto thought to his roomies.
'Yes, we agree they truly are amazing fighters.' Catastrophe thought back.
Naruto watched as Temari started fighting back with her wind element but Tenten kept jumping aside to avoid getting caught while she continued fighting Temari at close ranged with weapons used for up close fights. However, Temari eventually took control of the match and started striking back with her wind jutsu and caught Tenten in her wind vortex that started putting cuts in her skin but the Suna girl looked at Naruto giving her a glare signaling to not overdo it so she stopped the vortex as Tenten fell to the earth but was surprisingly caught by Temari.
"Why?" Tenten was confused why she caught her.
"Let's just say Naruto would hate me if I let you drop to your death." Temari said and sat her on her feet but was too weak to stand alone. Tenten looked to Genma, "Sorry, but I forfeit.
Genma then announced, "Due to Tenten's forfeit Temari is declared the winner and will move onto the next round.
"Come on." Temari said helping Tenten up to the stands as they reached Naruto.
"Well done ladies. You both did great, and we're proud of both of you. However Tenten will you be all right by the time the invasion starts?"
"If I rest for a moment I should be able to." Tenten said as she rested against a wall.
"Good, now if only…" Naruto started until he and the crowds looked down at the stadium as a breeze blew and in a swirl of leaves stood two people back to back, one was Kakashi, and the other was Sasuke wearing a black shirt with his family emblem on back, black shorts, and the bangs in his hair grew past his chin.
"And your name is?" Genma asked the genin.
Sasuke answered, "Sasuke Uchiha."
The crowds started cheering while up with Sakura and Chouji, Guy and Lee on a crutch finally made it to the stands. Lee was finally admitted out of the hospital but had to use a crutch for another week or two until his legs were healed.
Naruto sighed in relief as he watched, "Sasuke yo better not pick up Kakashi-sensei's tardy habits because of that."
Seeing Sasuke arrive, Gaara shunshined down in sand as Kakashi left to join the others. Genma called the match that took off with Sasuke using speed and Taijutsu against Gaara's ultimate defense. Gaara after taking multiple hits from Sasuke had sand surround him and encased himself in a dome.
"Ok this is." Sasuke said as he started a few hand signs and started charging electrical energy in his hand.
Naruto, Tenten, and Temari watched as Sasuke dragged his new jutsu across the ground of the arena, "Chidori!" he thrusted it forward and pierced the sand sphere
"He broke it." Baki and Kankuro gasped.
Gaara who was inside the dome felt Sasuke's hand poking his shoulder and saw something red drip on his finger, "MY BLOOD!" he screamed. Suddenly the sphere exploded as Gaara emerged as a miniature sand demon and was going on a rampage against Sasuke who was struggling to fight it.
Everyone in the audience was getting scared as a cloaked Anbu released multiple features while using a jutsu. Suddenly the audience was falling asleep except for the ninjas who used the release jutsu to block the jutsus affect
"Temari, we need to begin the plan, and help with the invasion," Kankuro said as he had moved to use his puppets, but was webbed up by Naruto, "Hey what're you?!"
Naruto shushed him, "You'll thank us for this later." He turned to Tenten and Temari, "Let's go for it girls!" he ordered as the three took off helping the other Konoha shinobi fight the Sound ninja and Suna ninja.
On the stadium floor of the arena where the fights had begun, a new one started but wasn't an official one as Sasuke Uchiha was trying to hold his own against Gaara who had transformed into a small demonic raccoon dog made from sand.
"Naruto," Kyubi began, "Gaara's gone into a partial Shukaku form. If he goes full Shukaku then everyone's in danger."
"We'll deal with him." Naruto said as he web slinged down and snatched Sasuke before Gaara could crush him. Naruto landed up on another balcony setting Sasuke down.
"Naruto." Sasuke gasped.
"You rest up, leave the rest to us," Naruto ordered as he went into Catastrophe and jumped from the balcony landing on demon Gaara's back wrestling with him, "You looking to spill some blood, Gaara?"
"Do not stand in my way, Naruto Uzumaki! Or I'll kill you!" Shukaku Gaara roared as he extended his arm pinning Catastrophe to a wall.
"Leave him alone!" Tenten cried as she launched paper bombs at his arm and blew it up making it crumble into sand.
"I'll kill you for your meddling!" Shukaku Gaara continued only to get knocked away by Temari's wind jutsu, "Temari!"
"I'm sorry Gaara, but this is for your own good!" Temari said choking back tears for what she had to do.
"I'll kill you all!" Gaara roared only to get kicked away by Catastrophe who got free.
"Gaara you're wasting your time on us. We only want to help you…"
"By letting me spill your blood over this arena?"
"No, by finding you a worthy opponent," Catastrophe began as he motioned up to a roof where he saw Sarutobi and Orochimaru going at it to the death, "And he happens to be right up on that roof top."
Gaara looked up seeing a battle going on the roof as Catastrophe continued, "Orochimaru of the Sannin, one of the strongest ninja there is. If you defeat him you just may be able to prove your existence to all."
Without responding Gaara concentrated his hand to boost him up to the roof where a group of four Sound guards were waiting and projecting a barrier to keep Sarutobi and Orochimaru in, and anybody else out.
"Don't let that thing near the barrier!" a two headed guard said.
"I shall destroy you and then your master!" Shukaku Gaara roared as he caught the four guards in his giant Shukaku claw, "Sabaku Kyuu (Desert Coffin)!" he called surrounding the four with sand from his palm and cried, "Sabaku Sousou (Desert Funeral)!" and then the four were crushed in his palm leaving only their blood.
Naruto had Tenten and Temari hang onto him while he web slinged up to the roof to join in the battle now that the barrier was gone. While up on the roof Orochimaru and Sarutobi dressed in battle armor was engaging in combat against his former student.
"It seems old aged has caught up with you, Sarutobi-sensei." Orochimaru mocked him.
"I may be old Orochimaru, but my heart remains as young as always." Sarutobi replied looking determined.
"If I had even an ounce of humanity left in me this would be where I'd die of laughter." Orochimaru responded as the two engaged in combat until they got surprised as Shukaku Gaara descended, "Orochimaru of the Sannin, I shall kill you and prove my existence!"
"What? This was not supposed to happen you're supposed to be destroying the village!" Orochimaru called.
"Why kill a weak village when I can kill someone as strong as you!" Shukaku Gaara called as he started fighting Orochimaru who also had to dodge and avoid attacks from Sarutobi until he started a giant wind jutsu to blow the sand Jinchuriki away making him crash into a wall where he was too weak to move.
Soon Catastrophe, Tenten, and Temari landed by Sarutobi's side, "You ok Jiji?" Catastrophe asked.
"Better now Naruto, but Orochimaru's still breathing." Sarutobi said frowning at his former student.
"Oh well, this will be the day you taste defeat Hebi-teme!" Catastrophe declared.
"So sure are you Naruto? Well then allow me to give you a real show by bringing back your father before I use him to kill you." Orochimaru said going through hand signs, "Kuchiyose no jutsu; Edo Tensei!"
"No! Naruto, you must cancel out his Forbidden Jutsu!" Sarutobi called, as he didn't have the strength needed to cancel it, but knew that Naruto did.
"It's too late Sarutobi, it's already started! And soon all of you will know true defeat at my hands by using your precious Yondaime as my weapon!" Orochimaru declared with a twisted grin as a large coffin with the kanji for '4' written on it rose from the ground and the lid fell open exposing Naruto's old man, and the body looked gray and lifeless while the Yondaime's face looked like he was half asleep before walking out of the coffin to see where he was and those before him.
"Sarutobi, did Orochimaru actually use the forbidden jutsu and bring me back from the dead?" Minato asked.
"I'm afraid so Minato." Sarutobi answered still in shock seeing Minato stand before him once again.
Catastrophe stepped forward, "Father, it's really you." He said as he removed his symbiotic face revealing his real one which put a shock on the deceased Hokage's mug.
"Naruto, my son. Is that you?"
"Yes, it is." Naruto answered.
Minato smiled, "My son, you've really grown up. Even thought it's probably been years since I sealed the Kyubi inside you it feels as if it were only moments ago. Judging from your appearance you've acquired more power aside from the Kyubi's. Tell me has the village been treating you like a hero as I hoped?"
"No father. It hasn't." Naruto replied and saw shock and concern grow on his father's face.
"I see. I know no amount of apologizing can fix what I did to you, but believe me when I say this, Naruto. I am sorry." Minato said.
"Whatever the reason father, you did what you thought was best for the village, we… 'I' would do the same thing if ever put in the position." Naruto said fighting the urge to address himself as plural.
"Naruto." Minato smiled.
"Enough of this sentimentality! Soon you both can spend all your time catching up in the afterlife!" Orochimaru said but before he could plant the seal tag into the Yondaime's skull, glowing marks appeared on Minato's body and the said man quickly summoned a Rasengan that made contact with the shocked Sannin's stretched out hand causing it to obliterated.
"What but how? You're supposed to be under my command!" Orochimaru shouted.
Minato smirked, "You're such a baka. And people actually call you a member of the Sannin? When one sacrifices himself to the Shinigami he is bound to him for eternity, because you summoned me from inside the Shinigami's stomach you've made the guy very angry. He should be with us momentarily when he realizes I'm gone."
Orochimaru not wanting to stick around made an attempt to escape but Minato threw his special marked kunai and suddenly poofed before him, "Take this!" he slugged the Sannin in the face and he crashed on the roof.
"Why you little! Senei Ta Jashu (Multiple Hidden Shadow Snake Hands)!" he extended numerous snakes from his sleeves to attack them, but Tenten threw up her summoning scrolls releasing her weapons that struck the snakes.
"Our turn!" Naruto called jumping for Orochimaru turning his right hand into a large sharpened claw before extending the tendril to slice the snake's leg off making him scream in agony.
"Hurts, doesn't it teme?" Naruto asked with a chuckle.
"I'm not finished with you yet!" Orochimaru attempted to make a single hand seal but felt his left arm pinned down by one of Tenten's swords.
"And now Orochimaru the Shinigami will take you now." Minato said as the glowing marks on Minato's body left him and took the from of the Shinigami itself making Orochimaru so frightened it looked at if he shit himself.
"Is that thing the Shinigami?" Orochimaru cried in fear.
"Orochimaru! For your crimes against death I shall devour your soul where you shall never pass on!" The Shinigami called floating toward Orochimaru gripping his face as the creature's tongue extended out and he started sucking out Orochimaru's soul while the rogue Sannin screamed in fright but soon the soul was completely devoured and the corpse became dust and ash leaving only his clothes behind.
Minato smiled at the Shinigami and turned to Sarutobi, his son, and the girls, "You all did great. Especially you Naruto."
"Thanks dad." Naruto said as his body turned back into his clothes.
Minato approached his son and for the first time he finally got to embrace his son in a fatherly hug, "I'm so glad I finally got a chance to see you."
"'I' feel the same way, dad." Naruto said still fighting the ability to refer to himself as 'we'.
"Minato, its time." the Shinigami said.
"All right I'm coming," Minato answered, "Sorry I have to go so soon son, but that's how things are."
"Don't worry dad we'll manage." Naruto replied.
"Try and find happiness, Naruto." Minato added.
"Well we won't have to look too far." Naruto said motioning to Tenten and Temari who were blushing and Minato chuckled, "That's my boy."
"Farewell Minato, sorry you were almost used." Sarutobi apologized.
"Don't worry about me Sarutobi. Worry more about yourself," Minato chuckled as he walked up to the Shinigami, "I'm ready."
The Shinigami then took Minato's soul out of the resurrected corpse and swallowed it back up into him where he would continue remaining before the Shinigami disappeared.
Naruto looked around at the rubble on the roof and spotted something. It was Orochimaru's Kusanagi sword that was said to be able to cut through almost anything.
"That sword was once used by Orochimaru. It's is now yours, Naruto." Sarutobi explained.
Naruto picked it up looking at it before smiling, "We know someone who deserves this more than us." He said turning to Tenten and passed it onto her.
"Me?" Tenten asked in surprise.
"Think of it as a reward for your part in helping us win." Naruto smiled.
Tenten who was wrapped in happiness jumped Naruto, tackling him to the ground and locked lips with him engaging in a true passionate kiss that Naruto was enjoying to no end. When they parted Naruto was panting before responding, "Wow!"
Tenten giggled as she lied on top of him until they heard someone clear their throat. They looked up seeing they were surrounded by the Jonin including their senseis, Anko, Ibiki, Genma, Hayate, and Jiraiya who was scribbling notes.
"Kids today have no shame." Kakashi chuckled.
"Tenten, such a youthful display of passion and in public no less." Guy was crying waterworks feeling proud of his student thinking this was because of the flames of youth.
The two teens got up blushing a storm and Naruto looked to Temari, "Sorry we don't have a reward for you Temari."
"You've already given me my reward when you'd promise to help Gaara into a better person." Temari replied planting a kiss on Naruto making him blush more.
Watching from afar from the village was Kabuto looking a bit roughed up, "Great the invasion failed and Orochimaru is no more. Looks like it's time for more strategizing." He said taking his leave heading back to Sound with whatever was left of the sound ninja that weren't captured or killed.
Within the course of the day, every injured ninja was rounded up and brought to the hospital for healing. With help from Jiraiya, Gaara's seal was corrected ending the insane behavior that he once had. Naruto offered him his friendship which he gladly accepted now that he was no longer being overly tormented by his bijuu.
The day after the invasion was cloudy and rainy. Naruto was crouching on a railing of a building watching in the distance as a memorial was being held to honor the various shinobi who lost their lives in the invasion. He chose not to attend feeling it would only make him sad and wasn't in the mood to cry at the moment.
"It's not easy is it?" a female voice asked him as he saw Anko stand beside him wearing a black robe.
"Shouldn't you be there?" Naruto asked.
"I was just on my way until I saw you." Anko answered.
"Well it's not easy." Naruto admitted.
"First experience with war never is," Anko admitted as she put an arm around Naruto while resting her head on his shoulder, "But war does push us to become stronger for others and our village. You can learn from this Naruto. When you become Hokage you'll have to guide the future generation into battle like the others that came before the Sandaime and your dad."
Naruto smiled, "You're right, and we'll make sure next time there's a war we'll be just as stronger to protect more of our special people."
Anko smiled and kissed him, "That's my little spider fox." She said before taking off.
Naruto then thought to his roomies about the latest, 'Well you guys we did it, Orochimaru lost, Konoha's safe, and we're ok.'
'Yes, plus with Orochimaru gone, the village has one less threat.' Kyubi thought.
'So does this mean we can relax now?' Catastrophe asked hopefully.
'Let's not be hasty Catastrophe, even with Orochimaru gone. I doubt we've heard the last of the Sound village, after all remember what we heard from the Jonin? Kabuto got away."
'Is he really that much of a threat without his boss?' Catastrophe thought.
'He was Orochimaru's best spy. He has access to all of the snake's work. Who know what he could do.'
'So what now?' Kyubi asked.
'We stay strong and focused. After all who knows what lies ahead for us?' Naruto thought as purple mist surrounded him as a familiar female voice replied.
"I couldn't agree more, Naruto."
"That voice," Naruto said as he reappeared in that other place like before, in his symbiotic form save for his head, "This place again, meaning..." Naruto turned seeing the old woman herself; Madame Web.
"Welcome back Naruto. I see you've been through much the last month." Madame Web said.
"You're not kidding Madame W. Training a whole month and learning new jutsu, plus this invasion was brutal." Naruto explained.
"Brutal yes, but it did help strengthen you physically and mentally yes?" she asked.
"It sure did." Naruto admitted.
"But remember Naruto, one war will lead to another, and another in a never ending cycle, can you truly conquer them as you did for this one?"
"You bet we can."
"Good. After all this isn't even a fraction of what the true war for you lies ahead."
Madame Web said as Naruto was transported back to his own realm.
"Madame Web's right. More wars will eventually come, and we need to be stronger for them. But what will the stakes be? Guess we'll have to find out when the time comes." Naruto said as he started web-slinging off into the village.
(And that's the chapter readers.)