"Today we are here to mourn the loss of three outstanding shinobi." As the Third Hokage looked out over the crowd he noticed Naruto, Sakura, Kiba, Nabitora, Kakashi, Hinata, Shino, and Sasuke near the front. In the back, he seen a very beat-up Asuma flanked on either side by hospital personal.
"The names of the three shinobi are: Kurenai Yuhi, Kotetsu Hagane, and Izuma Kamizuki. We were all blessed to have the pleasure to know them as friends, comrades, even as family." Throughout the crowd tears were being shed and sobs could be heard. The sorrow was almost tangible and it threatened to over take Hiruzen as he gave his speech, though he was fortunate that a member of the crowd wanted to say something.
Naruto was overcome by such an extreme sorrow. He could hear Sakura beside him crying. Nabitora was unable to attend the funeral due to his injuries reopening but he gave his condolences to Asuma as he was limping to the service. Naruto, for the first time ever, had nothing to say. He was consumed by grief and rage. He glanced towards Kiba only to see his friend looking at him, concern written on his face. When the two met eyes Kiba nodded towards an inconsolable Sakura. Naruto gently wrapped his arm around her and was somewhat surprised when she hugged him, a fresh torrent of tears leaving her eyes.
It was then that Naruto promised to avenge the three friends in front of him. They will not be forgotten. It took Kiba and Naruto another hour to get Sakura to finally head home.
Several months later...
Sakura flopped down next to Kiba, Nabitora, and Naruto. They were all exhausted from their 4-way sparring match which, much to everyone's surprise, Sakura won.
"Damn Naruto, what is that legendary pervert teaching you! You're so much stronger than a week ago!" Kiba was shocked at the incredible rate of progress Naruto was making.
"There's an awesome technique that I'm waiting to use for the Chunin Exams next week. It's gonna blow your mind!" The blond was seriously excited, as he started giggling so hard that he fell onto his back.
"Oh i can't wait to see THIS." Nabitora stated, sarcasm oozing out of every word.
"I'll show you!" Soon Naruto and Nabitora were back at it.
"Next week is going to be interesting." Sakura thought to herself.
"Wow Naruto. When did you learn to tell stories like that?" By this time, Naruto and Sakura had moved away from the road and sat around a fire.
"Well I guess you can thank Pervy Sage for the story telling skills. He also taught me what stories I should and shouldn't tell." He rubbed the back of his head in the age old sign of nervousness. Sakura just rolled her eyes at his statement.
"Well Naruto, you've got to tell me all of these stories now I think it's my turn to tell you about the the Chunin Exams." She laughed as he started to protest.
"But Sakuraaa, that's the best part of this story!" Naruto continued to whine and complain as she just laughed at him. When she finally stopped laughing, she looked at her blond friend to see him sporting a broad smile. Before she knew it, she found a smile had grown on her face too.
"Damn it Naruto" she said playfully "put that thing away. Its bright enough to blind someone!" They both sat laughing at her "angry" comment.
"Ok Sakura, now I wanna hear how the Chunin Exams went." She yawned a little too loudly causing Naruto to add, "First thing tomorrow, ok?"
She nodded tiredly, sleep already overtaking her.
Naruto couldn't sleep. He was just plain happy. For the last four years, Sakura and himself had been out on the road training their ninjutsu and taijutsu. During that time, him and Sakura had become immensely strong ninja and had become well known through their excellent teamwork. They also became very close friends during this time. About three years ago, Naruto met the Eight Tails Jinchuuriki, Killer Bee, had had developed a friendship with him. With Killer Bee's help, and Sakura's support, he was close to becoming the second perfect Jinchuuriki. The only thing stopping him: the Kyubi still refused to become friends with him.
"Stupid Fox" Naruto muttered to himself.
"Stupid boy." Replied the Kyubi with a slight grin. The Kyubi was constantly enjoying himself by finding different ways of rejecting Naruto's proposals although he had begun to respect the child's skill and determination. The Kyubi hated to admit it but the child was starting to grow on him. Again he would probably never acknowledge that though.
Also during this time Sakura had become a very skilled genjutsu user. Some say that she is on par with their former friend and mentor, Kurenai Yuhi. The skill the two of them developed during this time put them ahead of nearly everyone, even the legendary Sannin. Naruto recently remembered the words of the cloaked man that fateful day
"You have 10 years, Naruto. I hope for your sake that you're ready."
Well now Naruto was positive he was ready for whatever came his way. The 10 year mark was next week. He suddenly detected another presence. An impossibly strong presence.
"Come out I already know someone's out there." Naruto instantly stepped in front of Sakura's sleeping form when a familiar cloaked figure emerged. "YOU?!"
"Shut up! Do you want to wake your friend?" The Sage was pleased at taking Naruto off gaurd.
"What do you want?" Naruto questioned as he lowered himself into an attack position.
"To talk" the Sage simply said as he sat down, patting the ground next to him. "Come, sit."
Naruto stared at the man in front of him. He had just been told all of the Sage's abilities and plans by the Sage himself.
Naruto watched the Sage get up and start to leave, but was too shocked to do anything but ask his name.
"Just refer to me as the Chakra Sage." The robed figure barely turned his head but as he did Naruto caught a glimpse of his third eye, the Heavenly Eye. He remembered the Chakra Sage's words.
"Only three of these eyes exist in the universe at one time and i own two of them." It was the only ability he was left in the dark about, yet it terrified him.
"Well" he muttered "next week, it all begins."
AN: Another chapter and blah blah blah you know the rest. Enjoy!