Last time on ThunderCats Ho!

A shiver ran down Naruto's back concerning the mention of the Snake sanin. He shook it off and nodded his acknowledgment of Tsunade's warning. He then held up the Sword of Omens and spoke to the sword, "I don't know if you are partly alive, really alive, or just a magic item that can tell things about people. I just know that you have helped me and changed my very world. I ask for your help once again, not as a boon, but as a way to help in creating a new union. A great and hopefully everlasting friendship with the descendants of the former Mutants of Plundarr. The noble Toads of Mt. Myoboku."

The sword's eye glowed for but a second. Naruto smiled as it felt unfamiliar, but if he were to give it a name... it was almost like what he imagined love love in the form of pure energy felt like. It was warm and welcoming. He then raised it up toward the sky and yelled out, "Thunder, Thunder, Thunder. ThunderCats, Ho!"

Now, On ThunderCats Ho!

Naruto called forth the power his his predecessors had. As before the force was too much for Gamabunta, but thanks to the sage empowered elders, they managed to put up a sizable defensive barrier made of natural energy. A power never before used in such a fashion. To turn enemy factions essentially into ThunderCats. The Eye of Thundera left the sword, but did not fly into the sky as expected. It transformed into a what appeared to be an actual titanic black lioness who took off toward the toads.

"Treachery!" The elder male toad called out. He tried to move out of the way before now mountainous sized great cat reached Gamabunta and went to draw his sword, but the large cat was too fast. It placed its retracted claw on top of Gamabunta's grip. He noted no anger or hostile actions from the cat. The giant cat merely purred. Then Gamabunta realized he was now wearing a belt buckle with a symbol similar to what Naruto had on his shirt.

Gamabunta no longer felt the natural fight or flight instinct which came with cats in general. And the energy which even now emanated from the sword no longer caused him even the slightest discomfort... although he could still feel the power. He actually felt slightly comforted by it.

"Whoa," Bunta said slowly. "That was wild. The power no longer feels so oppressive. Not oppressive at all actually."

The large cat looked to the elder toads as if asking for permission to proceed. With a few moment's consideration, Fukasaku and Shima, with Gamabunta's nod of approval allowed it. This time without even touching them, Gamabunta's jacket showed the ThunderCat insignia, the black lion on it's back, as well as on the back of the Elder Toads jackets.

Gamabunta then asked, "Will this have to be done for each toad individually?"

He didn't ask anyone specifically, but the large cat glanced over to where Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Shizune was. Tsunade and Shizune stepped away from him going in opposite directions. Jiraiya realized what just happened and asked, "What did I do?"

Naruto was just as lost, but then Tsunade said, "Um... You are the holder of the Gama contract, correct Jiraiya?"

"Yeah, so?" he asked, still confused.

"Pull it out lame brain. That is the only thing they could possibly want from you." Tsunade chastised. Jiraiya was annoyed at being chastised by his alcoholic, super gambling failure of a teammate, but complied as he was tired, and just wanted to go home. He pulled out a scroll and laid it out flat. The scroll flew over to Gamabunta who was the acknowledged current ruler of the Gama clan. He sighed, but drew a prick of blood and allowed it to touch the scroll. It nearly covered the names of those who signed it, but the black cat's paw hovered over it, then stamped the page. It was dangerous to entrust anyone with the usage of a summoning scroll, as Scrolls held great power. It was foretold that Naruto was the Child of Prophesy by Gamamaru, the eldest toad. And to trust in him. The prophesy never changed despite Naruto having recovered the Sword of Omens. Gamabunta had to consider many things before allowing this to happen. The blood was drawn up into the black cat, and the replaced by a ThunderCats insignia at the top of the scroll. Jiraiya's eyes widened for a moment as he felt a rush of energy flash through his body. He felt terrific if he was being honest with himself, but he didn't understand what was going on entirely.

The black cat started walking back toward Naruto and stopped in front of him and knelt. Naruto could almost hear the words, 'Well done young lord,' before 'she' vanished and the sword returned to it's miniature size. The eye of Thundera once again present on the sword. Jiraiya's eyes locked on to the large toad boss and asked, "Um, why do you have a big cat on the back of your jacket?"

"You're one to talk pervert." Tsunade added. "Take a look at the back of your own."

Jiraiya took his jacket off and blinked twice as his eyes traced the new ThunderCats symbol on his jacket. After a few more seconds he raged, ":What the blazes is going on?"

Naruto's eyebrow rose as he gave it some serious thought, then with a smirk implied, "Um? Welcome to the ThunderCats?"

"The fuck?!"

Fukasaku thought for a time before intervening and stated, "As the acknowledged leader of the gama summon clan, Bunta entered into a new contract with the ThunderCats. As you Jiraiya-chan are a member of the Gama clan via contract, you are now allied with, and seemingly made a full ThunderCat as you got that jolt I sensed hit you a few seconds ago."

"I never asked to be a ThunderCat. I will not be forced into some organization I know so little about, and I am a member of Konoha forces. So are YOU for that matter," he pointed at Naruto.

"Bwahahaha. You know good and damn well if that gaki is really the true heir to the power of the power of old... The sage of the Six Paths would be trying to work with him and keep him on his good side." Tsunade teased.

Naruto was starting to feel a knot tense up in his stomach. He had no idea there was so much involved with being noble, or a lord of any kind. 'Maybe I should give this power up... to someone with more experience. I am just a kid after a...'

'YOU FINISH THAT SENTENCE AND YOU ARE GETTING THIRTEEN YEARS OF BACK SPANKINGS! NO SON OF MINE IS A QUITTER YA KNOW!' Naruto froze at those words. Those were the first words that rang like a bell, crystal clear. He remembered the beating his Kaa-chan gave him when they first met and shivered. He would rather take on the world than deal with that scary woman again when she was pissed.

Naruto then realized his parents could hear his thoughts. His own anger rose and he replied mentally, 'KNOCK IT OFF! You are my parents but I have been here without you for nearly fourteen years. I don't need that right now, nor you yelling in my head. I am happy you are here, truly, but I will not be driven crazy because of it. I am going to have to set some limits to what you all can see/here. Maybe speak to the Yamanaka head.'

This shocked Kushina, and even hurt her a bit, but she could not help but be proud of her son as well. He stood up to an overwhelmingly more powerful force that where he was as a ninja and refused to back down.

Naruto took note that his Kaa-chan sent out a quick, 'Sowwy,' which he almost found cute. He tried to send out a mental hug, though he didn't know if she received it or not. Naruto sighed and looked back to his godfather and said, "Look Ero-Gama Sennin. If you give me five autographed copies of all of your books and your next five, six months before publication, I can get on a lot of peoples good side, starting with my current team captain who can be seen with a copy of your Icha Icha Paradise daily. He is obsessed with it. As the new head of the ThunderCat...order I guess, I release you to do what you need to for Konoha... as long as it doesn't bring harm to the ThunderCats, nor her allies. Make me that vow... IN BLOOD, and I will try not to interfere with your... research again unless you are training me. Plus... allying with the potential ThunderCats might make Konoha much stronger."

It was the last thing that Naruto said that really caught Jiraiya's attention. If nothing else, he was a staunchly loyal member of the Konoha shinobi corps, and anything to make Konoha stronger without becoming a fanatical zealot like Danzo, he would do in a heartbeat.

It was going to be a long walk back to Konoha as no one was willing to trust Naruto and a completely unfinished Hiraishin again. The Toads returned to Mt. Myoboku to determine the potential changes since allying with Naruto. An hour later Naruto received a message from a small monkey that Kakashi was made aware of the sword prohibition, but he already made plans to start Sasuke on Kenjutsu if he managed to finish another technique for the chunin exams so he was within his rights to instruct Sasuke in the art.

'Damn,' Naruto narrowed his eyes, but smirked and realized he still had a little over a week to harass his current sensei, and maybe the other Sanin.

Four days later, A ragged Naruto walked up to the gate and presented his I.D. and explained his temporary rank increase and asked Kotetsu and Izumo, the gate guards to keep that to themselves for the time being until, after the exams as it was a different shift when he left.

Upon arrival the first thing that was heard once past the gate was, 'Uzumaki did it. Master Jiraiya is healed.' and 'Wait, is that Tsunade-sama? Uzumaki managed to bring her back, even to visit the village,' and the rare, 'Naruto! Naruto!' Said Uzumaki's new appearance was chucked up to a new Kekkei genkai by the brass for the time being.

The group immediately made their way to the Hokage's office. His secretary who usually gave Naruto a bit of a hard time took note of who was with him. Naruto could do nothing but smirk arrogantly. He was rolling with 'big money,' and there was nothing she could do about it.

"Come in, come in. It's good to see you well Jiraiya, but to have my wayward student Tsunade home? I must be in a genjutsu," the old man jibed happily. Said student scowled slightly, but then smiled and gave her old sensei a hug.

"So, did you come back to lighten my back by taking this hat from me Tsunade?"

"Ha! Like hell I would sensei. You'll have to find another sucker for that job." to which Hiruzen laughed out loud at that.

"I'll take the hat old man. Just give me a few more years to learn a bit more about diplomacy and up my skills a bit more," he joked lightly.

Tsunade rolled her eyes then said, "I am just here to be the one to perform Danzo's execution. And I don't care how long the list of people who want to do it is... I 'will' be the one. Also, I should beat the living hell out of you for not telling me about Naruto. That I have family left?"

Hiruzen felt a cold chill run through the room.

Naruto looked to him, but Hiruzen said, "Don't look at me like that. Even Jiraiya couldn't find you for the first six years. After that, I took it on to provide an aparment etc. Plus there are other things you just don't know, which he just learned," he reminded Naruto of the hidden seal on him.

"Um... family left? So you really are a member of my clan, or vice versa despite the name Senju. You are an Uzumaki as well? Shweet!" Naruto cheered slightly. "Now I have a baa-chan!" to which Tsunade grew a tick mark, Shizune fought back tears of laughter, while Jiraiya and Hiruzen trembled in nearly uncontrolled amusement.

Hiruzen then stated warmly after regaining the rest of his composure, "Uzumaki Naruto... Due to your excellent work in getting one of our most powerful shinobi the medical help he needed, and even getting our most heralded medical hero to return home, even for a visti and I suppose building a stronger relationship with the Gama clan... as sandaime hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, I hereby grant you a field commission to full chunin with all of the rights and responsibilities that come along with it."

As Hiruzen pulled out a chunin vest and prepared to hand it to Naruto, he was surprised as Naruto shook his head and stated, "I am sorry hokage-sama. It's not that I am ungrateful. Truly I am... but I trained long and hard to prove my worth in the Chunin exams... and I can't let my team down... despite the fact that I doubt we are cohesive enough to make it through as a team... but that's exactly what we are. A team. And as such, my will of fire won't allow me to do anything that will harm them. Kakashi might not have taught us much as a unit, but I do believe him when he says, 'Those that break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends/family and comrades in arms are worse than scum. Please keep it warm for me old man, and let me and my team prove our worth together... somehow."

Hiruzen felt pride bursting at the seams. He took a deep breath and said, "You are really going to have to screw up bad in the exams to convince me not to promote you regardless."

Naruto smiled and deadpanned, "I'll do my best not to disappoint. But thanks to this mission, I've only got a few days left before the exams start!" Naruto realized. "I need to find my team."

Naruto looked to Jiraiya and said, "Oh, and pervy sage, in case you had any doubt about my dad's spirit being inside of me...Through the power of OP mode Kage Bunshin, Rasengan!" he called as he lifted his less dominant (my guess) left hand up and showed him a blue orb forming.

Jiraiya winced slightly. This kid mastered the Rasengan in the time it took him to find the sword, and Tsunade. Naruto would become dangerous if he was not watched.

"So, do we have a deal on the scroll full of what I requested godfather?" Naruto played the one care Jiraiya was not too keen on ignoring as it was his duty to keep Naruto safe and to be there for him, but he didn't and Naruto finally decided to call in one of those favors.

Jiraiya had secretly been sending correspondence back and forth to Konoha for the last few days concerning Naruto's new power and status among the summon clan. He didn't fully understand or trust it. But his Toad allies seemed to, and while that was not enough for him... it seemed to be enough for the hokage after a brief sit down with his own summons who hoped one day to make peace with the ThunderCat camp as well due to their descendants came about from one of the Mutant monkeys of old. And if the ThunderCats were willing to make a true and lasting peace with this new lord, they would be more than willing to listen.

Jiraiya acted as if he thought long and hard on Naruto's request, although he'd already agreed mentally. If the brat was willing to leave this ThunderCat Business out of his own for Konoha, he'd help the runt, but he didn't really like Naruto using his works of art to leverage people. That said, he felt a bit of pride over the same thing.

After getting his scroll of 'goodies' from Jiraiya, he went home and rested up for a few hours, showered, and put on his normal ninja gear as he needed new outfits made as he approved of his new ThunderCat Black. He then made his way to the training ground where he and his team usually met up. Fortunately, his team didn't seem to have been training long by the time he arrived.

"Ah, the prodigal son returns," Kakashi deadpanned. "Be nice...sensei, or you don't get the present I brought back for you from out of town."

'Ooh... 'goodies,' an inner Kakashi lamented. "I see you are back in your standard gear. What happened to that really cool looking gear you had on before your journey. And more importantly, how is 'he' by the way?"

Sasuke and Sakura were getting annoyed at not knowing what Kakashi and Naruto were going on about, but Sasuke let it go thinking it might just be 'below' his worth to ponder. Sakura however caught Naruto's attention. He couldn't not stare. A few weeks and she filled out a bit. Naruto realized the ANBU Neko must have shoved food down her throat.

'Can't look at Sakura like that. Can't look at Sakura like that!' Naruto chanted like a mantra. Sakura's curiosity got the better of her, so she asked, "Not that I am complaining, because you seemed to have gotten over your little crush on me a while ago, but why can't you look at me? Is it because... I've gotten fat?"

Naruto blurted out a boisterous laugh and retorted, "Fat? Are you freaking kidding me? You finally have something to look at. And no, I am not saying it to be a jerk. The reason I am trying to resist looking at you, especially now," he gave her another once over which made her blush a bit, "is because after a bit of research... you and I are like tenth cousins or something like that."

'What?!' was the general consensus. Nobody even bothered to ask why Naruto had a claw like holster holding a new 'knife.'

For the rest of the day Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto worked on team formations, and how to set traps. Naruto and Sakura picked up on it rather quickly, while Sasuke wanted to keep practicing solo. Fortunately, Sakura's new diet came with a touch of anger. And this anger didn't discriminate. She was made to eat four meals a day which included lots of protein. The only thing that kept her from going on a murderous rampage was that she was allowed a sweet after dinner. But seeing as it was not dinnertime yet, Sasuke started to miss the completely doughy eyed girl who was a nuisance. This one didn't bend to his will on command. It was... annoying him a bit. The fact that she now also used a longer, thinner, and more sturdy Kunai only annoyed him more as she would not reveal where she purchased such a good quality blade. Probably on the threat of death, Sasuke figured.

At the end of a pretty easygoing session, Naruto pulled Kakashi to the side and sighed. "Okay, look sensei. I can feel the annoyance coming off of you a mile away whenever you are near me, so I have come with a peace offering. You gave me a survival pack to ensure I could leave on my mission relatively quickly, and I made sure to inform Master Jiraiya of that. He is grateful, but not as much as I. Before you scoff, let me ask, because I am too young to know this stuff, and this is an important question believe it or not. What is the next book in pervy sage's series that you read. I saw you reading Paradise, but what's next."

Kakashi blinked his one exposed eye a few times before stating simply, "Romance."

Naruto nodded, pulled out a small storage scroll that he sealed that particular hardback autographed in gold ink, pre-pre release. He handed it to Kakashi. Kakashi didn't understand, but Naruto pointed at the scroll again like Kakashi was an idiot which only served to piss him off slightly. But he unsealed the scroll and a black book appeared. It did not have the usual picture stamped on the front. This was not an orange book either. This was a black hardcover book with gold painted cover art, embossed title that said, "Icha Icha: Romance," By the Master of Echi, Jiraiya.

Kakashi tried to dispel a horribly cruel genjutsu three time and then he held the book in his hands and raised it to the sky and said, "Oh great log, how generous you have been to me." He then rushed over and entangled Naruto in a brutally manly hug, and a castle appeared behind them with a flag pole and fireworks. Even a small fanfare. Sakura and Sasuke were still within range of the massively powered Genjutsu but neither could seem to break it... though it wasn't too bad. Just a bit weird. They just let it fizzle out on it's own.

On the other side of the village, Another such display was being overpowered by this castle and fanfare. "Such youth!" A man wearing green and his apprentice cried out in joy.

A few days later. Naruto in his black ThunderCat gear with the logo hidden under his new jacket walked alongside Sakura toward the Chunin Registration office.

Naruto and Sakura heard a scream. A very familiar scream.

"Not again," Naruto complained lightly. He and Sakura took off. Stopping a few away from what appeared to be a shinobi in nearly all black wearing a great deal of makeup who had a small boy gripped by his lapel, held midair.

To Naruto's surprise, it was Sakura who spoke first upon seeing the foreign shinobi's hitai-ite. "Release him this instance." Her voice was fierce, yet not screeching.

Naruto made a note to send Neko a dinner voucher to the most expensive restaurant in town for that particular change. She pulled out one of her new kunai immediately and prepared for an offensive attack.

Naruto drew a kunai as well and said, "You've waited five seconds already, you won't have another."

Even in the midst of feeling his life was in danger, the young boy found the strength to smile as he said, "Naruto-nii and Sakura-san."

"Release the boy Kankurou. Even I know who he is. He is related to the sandaime hokage, and one of the former ten guardians of the fire daimyo. Do not cause an incident." a disembodied voice stated as sand started to form beside said black cloaked bully. And while it was true, Naruto's training with Ebisu and Kousuke made Naruto's sensing abilities far more attuned, it startled him that he barely detected this new player.

"But...but he ran into me." he tried to defend, though it was obviously a lie.

"Release him... or you won't have to worry about these Konoha shinobi. I will save them the trouble, and kill you myself." the newcomer with red hair stated with an eerily terrifying calm.

Kankuro lowered the younger boy gently and apologized, "Forgive my transgression. I will not allow another incident to harm the reputation of my village do to behavior not fit for a shinobi of Suna."

Once the boy, Konohamaru was safely behind Naruto, he and Sakura re-sheathed their kunai. The third of the Suna shinobi who was with the cat suit adorning, make up wearing teammate finally spoke up, "I really wish you'd stop making trouble Kankuro. You didn't even notice there is a third person keeping an eye on us from that tree back there."

As if signaled to do so, Uchiha Sasuke appeared in silent gust of wind beside his teammates.

Sakura, while calming from her usual fan girl-isms was still slightly more than impressed as resisted the urge to scream out, 'So cool!'

Naruto smirked and said, "A little late teme. But better later than never."

Sasuke had a reply on lock as he stated, "The star always arrives just in time."

Naruto had practiced quips with Ebisu as well, so he replied, "Good to know as I'm the star of this story."

This went on for another few minutes. The Suna team stood there stunned at the interactions between this team and their own.

Gaara didn't even bother asking there names. He felt they were too laid back to be serious shinobi after all. Although he knew not to underestimate the red haired boy in black and orange. It was something strange about him.

Shinobi Academy, Konoha

Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura met up where Kakashi appeared and took their forms. His very aura screamed 'pride,' but his students didn't quite understand why he was giving off such a feeling. He then decided to speak for the first time that day.

"Initially I didn't think any of you were ready for this. I was not happy that you, Naruto, dead last in your academy class would dare to call me, a jonin with years of experience out. Sakura, you also felt that I was, and perhaps am a lackluster instructor and went off on your own too. Sasuke, while you are an arrogant little prick, you are like a sponge and pick up new techniques like no other I have seen in a long time. I find I cannot be angry at any of you. You Naruto found your own way to get stronger. And the book was a dirty, and low blow... like a ninja should use. Well done. Sakura, I took note of your speed, and chakra increase. For only having a few weeks with Neko, that alone is impressive. She would not tell me what else she taught you... I look forward to seeing it in the finals. Sasuke, again, you are a little prick, but here's my concern. It's not that you are unskilled. You are a bit of a bad ass for being a rookie genin, but that means nothing if you don't get through the... things that you need to as a team. It's up to you to not let that big head of yours stop you all from becoming Chunin. I find myself believing in you all more than I thought possible. Oh, and while I can't give anything away... Naruto was offered a promotion a few days ago. I was informed a few minutes before I arrived which made me double time it here. Naruto did some stuff... that showed his worth. But for you two... he turned his promotion down so that you could take the exams together. Because if one of you didn't show up... none of you could have entered."

Sasuke's sharingan flared up from a quick burst of anger that the dead last was offered a promotion. He didn't care why. But even more so that he now owed Naruto big time. Otherwise he would not have been able to showcase his skills to other villages. After a moment, his sharingan receded and he decided to throw the 'dobe' a bone.

"So, you managed to get a promotion offer hm? Good. Then that tells me you are worth my time." to which Naruto's eyes narrowed.

"Meaning what?" Naruto's voice carried the same edge it had when he warned Sakura off from harming Konohamaru all those weeks ago.

Sasuke heard this and almost shivered. He hadn't expected to feel a touch of killing intent... much less such potent intent from Naruto. He did something unexpected and smirked. "You are one of those I am looking forward to fighting most."

"Patience you two. You might just get your chance," Kakaashi hinted to which all three smirked. They wanted a chance to really show off their new skills.

Kakashi departed, team seven made their way inside. Once up the first set of stairs Naruto tapped Sakura's shoulder lightly and asked, "Doesn't something feel off? I am not the best at genjutsu, but..." he hinted quietly as two chunin blocked the entrance.

Sakura, being the best at genjutsu detection nodded, and silently motioned her team upstairs. Sasuke activated his dojutsu and took note of it as well, but a firm hand was placed on his shoulder as Naruto whispered, "I knew what you were about to do. It's not wise. Why give away what this is. That is less competition for us, and it will only leave strong opponents for us to fight. Nobody who's actually not ready for this exam."

Sasuke wasn't happy that Naruto had the logic to figure that out, while he, an Uchiha was about to rush in without a plan of attack. He decided he might be being just a touch arrogant and needed to slow down just a bit.

A boy in green spandex walked up to the group and his eyes fell upon Sakura and he almost lost his footing. This was not lost on the now burgundy wearing Kunoichi. Normally such reactions were reserved for her former best friend Yamanaka Ino. But there was no doubt in her mind that his weirdly dressed boy was taken with her. She blushed slightly regardless of his odd attire and even more odd hair style.

The boy finally found his voice and asked, "You are Haruno Sakura?" to which the girl gives a small nod, not knowing where this was going. The next sentence from the boy answered her question. "The rumors of your beauty pale in comparison to seeing you in person. A beauty the world is unworthy of. A beauty worthy of only being dreamed of. Please allow me the honor of courting you mistress, and I swear upon my Hitai-ite, I will bring you nothing but happiness and show you nothing but respect and honor."

While the gathered group fought back laughter, and others outright laughed, Sakura did something unlike herself. She stepped forward and placed her hand on the newcomer's shoulder and stated, "You honor me kind sir, but you do not know me, nor I you. I cannot allow even your kind words to sway me. My heart is fickle and even known to be unkind. I am even persuing someone else at this time, but should that not work out, and you manage to prove your words true, AND not have found someone else... I will not be opposed to considering your request. But it might help if I knew the name of the boy... no, man who seeks to win my heart."

The young man smiled slightly, unlike his normally loud and ostentatious self. He bowed and kissed the pink haired maiden's hand and stated, "I am the Apprentice to Konoha's taijutsu master Maito Gai, and a member of the esteemed Team Gai. I am Konoha's noble young beast, Rock Lee."

Rock Lee's teammates who had arrived a moment before were nearly floored at Lee's calm behavior. But Lee's intelligence was then called into question when he turned to Naruto and Sasuke and asked, "Is it one of these two who hold your heart?" to which Sakura blushed slightly. "Fear not noble maiden, I do not wish to do them harm per se," he said with a small smirk. "I only wish to test their meddle. To see if they are worthy of protecting your honor and virtue.

Ten Minutes Later, Sasuke AND Naruto where panting while Rock Lee stood panting as well. Naruto avoided using his newer techniques, nor his Kage Bunshin, but soon found that this Rock Lee was no joke. He was the real deal. They all stood and bowed in respect in a triangle formation. They managed to keep from going too far and even found a mutual respect in each other's skills.

Sakura was impressed by the fact that her teammates would fight for her honor. She almost teared up, but settled for a small smile and offered, "Remind me to buy you two some Ramen and that really rich Tomato stew you like too Sasuke."

Naruto and Sasuke looked to each other for a moment, shrugged, and let Sakura place her arms around both their shoulders, and they made their way over to the area with the rest of the genin outside of a designated classroom.

"So you guys made it too huh?" Naruto's long time lazy friend Shikamaru stated. "And Naruto almost looks like a nin now. The world is coming to an end, And what's up with the red hair?" Naruto's old class skipping Buddy Kiba of the Inuzuka noted.

"He..hello Naruto-kun," the shy member of Kiba's team found the courage to say to her long time crush.

"Um... In order. It's Kakashi sensei's fault that all of the rookie genin teams are involved this year, but your sensei likely agreed to it to show off how good you guys are. As for the hair... let's just say, my heritage has finally been revealed, and my hair is part of a kekkei genkai. Don't ask what it is. It's S-class in the book of 'none ya buswax.' But seriously, clan secrets. For whoever's about to go on some idiotic rant about me being a clanless orphan, I am an orphan, but believe me when I say I most assuredly come from a clan of note. But I am not going into it. As for you Ms. Hinata." He smiled, "I missed you. You were one of the only girls in the academy that treated me worth a damn. It's good to see you are doing well."

Hinata didn't faint, but her face turned an unhealthy shade of crimson. But the small smile on her face shone like the sun.

A silver haired genin who looked to be about eighteen then spoke, "Will you guys quiet down. You're drawing attention..."

Five minutes later,

"And finally Uzumaki Naruto. It seems as if he was recently offered a field promotion, but turned it down so that he could take the exam with his team. An honorable thing, if not a bit foolish as you could fail the exam."

Naruto's eyes Narrowed, as only a very select few should have that information, and a random Konoha genin should not be one of them. The silver haired genin known as Kabuto continued and stated, "He hail's from... what's this. The ancient and powerful Uzumaki clan of Uzu no Kuni. A nation, and clan so powerful, it took the combined might of three elemental nations to defeat his clan alone, not to mention other clans on the island. It was primarily his clan that was the most feared. His clan's red hair was one of the prominent features." Naruto placed his hand underneath his jacket, and gripped his sword.

Kabuto then stated, "He also seems to have came across an artifact of some kind, but even my sources are unable to determine what..." before Kabuto finished that sentence, Naruto was upon him, his sword drawn and the word, "Ho!" all but whispered as a now full length sword at Kabuto's neck. His speed nearly double what it was during his spar with Rock Lee and Sasuke.

A puff of smoke appeared and a bandanna wearing man in a black trench coat stepped out of the smoke with a dangerous look which immediately demanded answers. "I believe this genin who he identified as Yakushi Kabuto is a spy. He had information on me which is reserved for the Hokage and very few others. I would take him to the old man myself if I didn't have an idea you would feel insulted I didn't turn him over to you as you are from T and I aren't you?"

The man placed a paralysis seal on the silver haired genin and a chakra suppression seal to be safe. "What gave me away?"

"You carry an aura similar to that bat shit crazy purple haired woman that interrupted my stealth training with the red jacket wearing pervert."

The fact that he met Anko was not that big of a deal, but he immediately knew who he was speaking of as Anko told him about the run in with Jiraiya and his bratty apprentice. "So you're the one who poured got her back for beating up your sensei, but you managed to get Honey in her bra!" he laughed a bit. "Oh kid. I might just hire you for T and I for you managing to not only get into her apartment, but to pull that off. If nothing else, you know how to piss people off. Pissed off people make mistakes. That could be useful when getting info away from people. Now put away that toy sword and get inside. That goes for all of you maggots too." Naruto took note of his eye lingering on the sword for an extra second than needed, and realized he knew the significance of it, if for no other reason than the proctors needing to know in case the hokage needed to be notified. But he kept information on the sword hushed. Naruto was grateful.

One hour later, A blur crashed through the window and much to the approval and amusement of the previous proctor and the new arrival, every genin drew a weapon, or placed their hands in a seal in preparation for battle.

The newly arrived special jonin glanced at the genin, wound up tight and ready to strike. She turned to her co-proctor and stated, "Ten teams. Not bad."

"Would have been a lot more, but I told Uzumaki Naruto, the one who is studying with Master Jiraiya that you were the next proctor... and we happened to mention how bat shit crazy you are... and a few teams nearly peed their pants and opted to take the exams again next year.

"You have an hour to get to training ground forty-four. If you can't find it, too bad. You fail. That's what being a nin is all about." Mitarashi Anko ordered the chunin candidates.

Morino Ibiki, the bandanna wearing bad ass grumbled slightly, "I would have liked to see a few more with heart this time... Though he, Uzumaki looked at the Hyuuga heir with a look that said, I dare you to raise your hand to leave. No, that's not right. It was more like... 'If you leave, I will be disappointed in you.' Maybe he sees something the rest of us don't."

Despite her obvious annoyance at the boy, she respected his heart and developing skills. "Perhaps," she admitted.

A short while later, all of the groups arrived in front of the first gate of the designated training ground. Naruto took note of a member of Rock Lee's team. The white eyed, long haired male who shared a resemblance to Hinata. Hinata whom seemed to flinch whenever he glanced in her direction.

Before Naruto could ask anything, the purple haired force of Nature appeared. Naruto's will nearly vanished when said woman placed her hands on his chest and whispered in his ear, using a directional jutsu to ensure others didn't hear her words even with chakra enhancement. "You think you're hot shit now don't you gaki? I heard about the promotion you gave up too. I don't think it was just for for your teammates. I think you want to get in a certain Hyuuga girl's pants. I caught you trying not to look at us after your return from wave at the hot spring pool. Hm... Maybe I should let you sample the goods since you were a good boy and tried to resist being a perv."

Naruto turned a shade of red that Hinata didn't know was possible. The purple haired Kunoichi then said, "Remember that I have seen this and could very easily have ratted you out to Hinata and her sensei Kurenai who was the other with us out there."

Naruto felt a chill go up his back and fell to his knees overly dramatically as he said, "Oh thank you great goddess Mitarashi-sama. I will forever remember your clemency."

Anko rolled her eyes, but could not hold back the laugh that was dying to erupt. She knew Naruto was over playing it for the crowd, but she was tempted to pay him to ham up her parties. A nin from grass snuck up behind Anko and held a kunai to her throat. The later had a fearless grin on her face as the grass nin said, "I do believe you dropped this Kunai proctor-san."

"I appreciate that Taki-nin, but it might not be wise to place a kunai to the neck of one of your proctors. It might be viewed as slightly disrespectful."

"Oh?" the Taki nin asked though 'she' already took note that six genin had already surrounded her, and two, including the one in orange and black had a kunai of his own to 'her' neck.

The 'Taki' nin realized that messing with Anko at this stage in the competition with two Hyuuga, one who was so shy just an hour prior, an Uchiha: confident and poised. A possible Uzumaki who's glance promised death to anyone who hurt those dear to him. He opted to avoid making any noise this early on in the competition, but now realized the meek little Hyuuga girl had fangs if one of her loved ones was threatened, along with the elder Hyuuga male who stood beside the younger, though reluctantly. The taki nin lowered the Kunai and handed it to Anko who took note that it actually was one of her customized blades. It was slightly disconcerting, but not something she would ever allow to show.

"Come sign these disclaimers maggots. If you die in the forest Konoha is not responsible. Before anyone ask about food, you are ninja, find food in nature. If you happened to bring food with you, I'd better not see if before you make it into the training ground. If you manage to get food past me, good for you. You are a better nin than I gave you turds credit for."

A few moments later the male Hyuuga walked over to the younger and snarled as he said, "What were you thinking? You are weak. You have no business being a shinobi you spoiled little bitch..." He knew he could get away away with saying such things as the current heir was to kind to punish him, or report him to her father. That said, A certain red haired young man stepped forward and his elbow bashed into the elder Hyuuga's gut once Anko deliberately turned away.

"What the hell's your problem peasant? Don't like that fate has declared my cousin a weak little girl?" the white eyed boy's tone arrogant.

Naruto's voice was low and even dangerous now. No longer was this the prankster the village came to know. "I normally wouldn't pull this card, but let me break it down for YOU peasant. I am son to Uzumaki Kushina. Konoha's Red Hot Habanero. Yes her. She was also of the royal line, although a bit further down, but guess what? She became the adopted daughter of Uzumaki Mito who was one of the two princesses of Uzushiogakure no Sato who married the Shodai Hokage. And I won't even go into who my Otou-san is as it's classified, but you might shit your pants. So who's the peasant now bitch?!"

Neji took a step back, but Naruto grabbed his shirt. Neji tried to activate his byakugan, but Naruto punched him in the face which forced it back. "Oh no, you're not going anywhere. I see how you rolled your eyes when your teammate and I along with my teammate had that innocent spar. I was holding back a great deal, and I am sure they were too. If you hope to talk shit about me,you'd better be able to back it up. Now as far as Hinata-chan goes. I don't know what your problem with her is, but she is a friend of mine, and if you say one more disrespectful thing to her again in my presence, I will fucking obliterate you!"

The proctor 'returned,' before Neji could really do anything. Neji's teammates considered stepping in, but found the sky really interesting when Naruto defended Lee's honor as well. Naruto gathered up the group's scroll and map and called out, "Team's 7, 8 and Ino-Shika-Cho, join me for a moment please."

"What do you think you're doing gaki?" Anko asked, as she'd already explained the rules. "Nothing in the rules said we could not form alliances." Naruto replied with a smirk. Luckily no one else heard what he said except the groups which joined him.

"Guys, we all are here to prove our worth, I get that, but we also want to get out of this forest alive right?" Everyone looked around then nodded. Ino then spoke up, "Why are you calling us together Naruto. Someone said that promotion was a prank you made up to make yourself look better than Sasuke."

Naruto rolled his eyes and stated, "The promotion opportunity was very real. If you want to ignore the person the hokage," he emphasized, "has already seen has what it takes to be a chunin, be my guest. Hell, he said, this exam is only because I refused to leave my team behind. I want us all to pass to be honest. If we unite and pool our resources, we can crush it, and hopefully all pass together. Plus this forest is dangerous. We can be killed. We just signed a waiver for log sake. We are being forced to go in through different entrances..." Naruto explained his plan of action... one of them, in case a team betrayed them. By the end, things turned out far smoother than Naruto expected. "Troublesome, but workable," Shikamaru offered. After a few moments, the teams went to their respective gates and prepared on their journey as to the agreed meeting place.

But the journey was not to be as uneventful as the group initially thought. Within twenty minutes teams ISC and eight were attacked. But this is where Naruto's plan kicked into action. He asked Sasuke, "Hey Teme, you have the best visual acumen on our team, can you tell us what's going on from this far back?"

"Yeah, barely, but I can" Sasuke replied, wanting to go off on his own and get the rest of the scrolls, but he saw the wisdom in Naruto's plan, but more importantly, he would not let Kakashi's words come to fruition. He was larger than his ego and would not let it get his team killed. "Three o'clock west."

Naruto nodded and said, "Okay, I'll send a group of clones to help team ISC as well. On your order." to which Sasuke nodded in appreciation of how Naruto ceded authority in this instance.

"It's team eight. They are facing a team from Taki. One is using an umbrella which shoots out needles, likely poisoned. So far team eight has managed to avoid being hit. I we should hit them hard and fast. I can release a fire jutsu which will throw off their balance. Naruto, send in your clones to overwhelm them to avoid being hit or poisoned. Sakura," he considered. "I don't really know what to do with you as I don't know what new skills you've acquired."

"Don't worry about me, but wait a few seconds before shooting off your fire jutsu. Just trust me."

Sasuke and Naruto glanced at each other then to Sakura and nodded. They arrived at the scene , staying hidden in the trees. Sakura closed her eyes and ran through a quick group of hand signs. She opened her eyes and pointed at the three Taki genin on the ground. They stopped their attack and started looking around as if lost. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke called as his technique erupted. A blaze flew from the tips if his pointer fingers as he blew the technique forward. The three Taki genin were set ablaze. Naruto then sent a group a kage bunshin in who beat the Taki team senseless. One clone grabbed the scroll and tossed it to a dumbfounded team eight.

"Team ISC is on their way here instead now. It seems like they ran across one of the Oto teams. That team is starting to get a little uppity. ISC escaped, but the sound is making sure it's known that they are no pushovers." Naruto informed.

Shino was not so easily convinced. "How do you know that Uzumaki-san?"

Naruto shook his head and in an equally bored tone, "Always the skeptic eh Shino? Okay. Kage Bunshin's memories return to me once they dispel. A few of them dispelled and are on their way with ISC team."

A massive burst of wind blasted the genin apart. Only Sasuke and Sakura remained. Sasuke and Sakura stood slowly, surprising the assailant. "What in the blue he..."

"Language Sasuke-kun," the nin from Taki which they took on a few moments past stated. Sakura recognized her and said, "That's the same nin who tried to intimidate the proctor.

The nin sent out a powerful burst of aggression. Killing Intent the likes of which neither had ever felt before. Sasuke found he wanted nothing more than to kill himself. He couldn't find the will to live much less to fight.

"Sasuke," Sakura's voice grunted through her own mental torment. "Fight it! It's only killing intent. It's just chakra pressure being pushed down on us. Where is that Sasuke who was going to kill his older brother. The one who would let nothing get in the way of his ambitions. Are you really this weak? Itachi's own killing intent is probably at least twice this." to which the Taki nin scowled.

"Watch what you say you pink little harpy."

"Hit a sore spot did I?" Sakura stated, despite knowing her life was likely about to end.

"Itachi and I have... unfinished business!" He stated before he raced forward and sent a kick out toward Sakura's nearly catatonic form. Before he knew what happened, Sasuke appeared before his leg, drew a kunai and slashed down, giving the Taki nin a deep gash. Sasuke then stated with a smirk, "Using my ego Sakura? I didn't think you had it in you."

She tapped her hitai-ite which she wore proudly on her head, "Shinobi," she said simply. The both turned back toward their enemy who stood slightly shocked. Sasuke then said, "You made two mistakes here today. One was mentioning you know something about my brother Itachi. Two, you fucked with my teammates and ugh... friends. Messing with Konoha shinobi... you must be suicidal." Sasuke said with a dead serious disposition.

"Oh? Looks like the little Uchiha has found his fire."

"You have no idea how hot my will of fire burns bitch. Now lets rumble!"

"Let's see how strong your disposition after this. Summoning, Kuchiyose!" A giant snake appeared in a puff of smoke. What the snake did not expect was upon it's appearance, Naruto called, "I thought so. Do it now!"

Kiba and his dog Akamaru tore through the folliage in duel swirls as a loud, "Fang over Fang," was heard. "Eight trigrams, 32 palms!" Hyuuga Hinata called out as she used her clans dojutsu to help her locate the tenketsu, chakra points on the large summoned snake. After shutting down a good number of tenketsu, "Kage mane no Jutsu... Surprisingly a success." Shikamaru's not so bored voice called out. Naruto then called, "Shino, finish it!"

"Consider it done." Shino said in a way that could only be considered bad ass. Naruto approved. Shino sent out a group of his Kikaichu who surrounded the snake and within seconds the summoned snake vanished. The group of three teams then stood together as one and gave out a roaring "Hyah!" as they went into battle stances.

"It's obvious you are the snake Sanin Orochimaru. We don't stand a chance against you. We are not stupid, but we can make a lot of noise and bring down the entire might of Konoha upon you. Leave now, and you might just make it out of this forest alive before help arrives." Naruto said with as much authority as he could muster.

But he was as scared as the rest of the group. Naruto then thought for a second and mentally asked, 'Why did the Sword of Omens not warn him of this threat. 'Because the Sword Recognizes this as a Trial of some sort. To prevent you from cheating. But seeing as it allowed me to answer you, I think the time for challenges are over, and it's time to show this overgrown snake why you were chosen as the new Lord of the ThunderCats, eh Naruto?'

'Lion-o, you beautiful, beautiful Cat you...' but before anyone could react, Orochimaru's neck extended and fans protruded from his mouth. His approach made it look as if he was going to attack Sakura, but he changed his vector and bit down on Sasuke's neck. Naruto used a kunai and sliced down through the grey cretin's neck, thus cutting it off. That did make it release Sasuke, but it was too late by then. Sasuke fell to the ground screaming out in pain. Naruto's concern was overshadowed by his rage as his anger exploded when he heard the maniacal laugh of the man who'd just given his teammate a hickey from down under.

The body which Naruto handily cut off he head grew back as if it were a regrowth of skin. The now fully reformed Orochimaru bit his own finger and quickly performed hand signs before anyone could conceive of stopping him and called out, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

"Everyone, get back!"

No one argued and trusted Naruto as he'd led them well so far.

"Orochimaru, you've gone too far." Naruto drew his sword and in a very smooth motion called out, "Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats, Ho!"

The two massive snakes hissed at the powerful beam sent into the sky and slithered backwards, but did not retreat. Even Orochimaru found himself feeling slightly sick under the Sword's power.

Mt. Myoboku

Ma and Pa's home, "It's Naruto-chan. I don't know why he didn't summon us, but he seems to be danger. I felt a burst of energy surge through me. It definitely woke me up Pa," Ma toad said. "And I am sure Bunta's up too now. He did offer us power from his summons. I think we should summon ourselves as he already supplied us with extra strength. What say you pa?

"I'm with you ma. Don't worry Naruto-chan, we're coming!"

With Jiraiya, Hokage's office, "Um... Sensei, I think your little red haired brat's in big time trouble. He used the big red signal."

The hokage sent out a legion of ANBU to investigate.

Back with Naruto, "Not that-that didn't look completely and utterly awesome, what was that supposed to do?

"Send for massive amounts of help I hope. I am new to this whole thing. As for these guy, ThunderCats Ho!" He aimed his sword and shot lightning at the two snakes who surged in opposite directions.

Two seconds later, Two large puffs of smoke appeared and revealed Gamabunta and Gamaken with the elder toad sages who looked around and took note of Orochimaru first. Then the two large snakes who appeared again at his side. Naruto yelled out, "This snake Bastard attacked my teammates and my friends. He is also endangering the lord of the ThunderCats. I ask of you now to stand by my side and to help me vanquish this evil once and for all."

Naruto didn't know how, but he found himself suddenly atop Gamabunta's head. Jiraiya also appeared via reverse summon. "Damn it gaki, you said, I could avoid this for now." Jiraiya complained, but with little actual venom upon seeing his former teammate.

Naruto pointed ordered, "Jiraiya, I need you to get that seal off of Sasuke's neck before it has time to really grip onto his chakra system. As for the rest of you, follow Jiraiya-sensei's lead. He is just as powerful as this prick who started this. If he can focus on Sasuke, he can rejoin the battle and help protect our village."

A long white Jacket with blue flames appeared on top of his normal attire. Similar to that of his father's own, with the change in color. The group below stared in awe as Jiraiya appeared in a body flicker in front of them.

Naruto then addressed the Toads and said, "Thank you for coming at my call my allies. I will not forget this. Now, let us skin some snakes."

The Toads and Naruto's hearts fell into beat as one as they all roared out, "ThunderCats Ho!"

To Be Continued. I got bored, so you got a chapter early. PS. This is a reminder. THIS IS A PARTIALLY CRACK FIC. Some things are meant to be ridiculously silly.