Chapter Three: New but still the same

~A/N~ Here's chapter three enjoy. For you polling knowledge Yugito is in the lead with 13 votes followed by Samui with 8 and Kurai with 7. I will announce the winner at the beginning of Chapter Four. But the relationship won't start until later.

For three years he worked himself to the bone. Every day he would train both mind and body. Whether it was speed training with Yugito, strength training with Killer Bee, Academic studies with Samui, or 'Kenjutsu' with Karui and Omoi. He didn't really train with a sword since his weapon of choice was now Death's Fang, the Naginata he was given by Jaken.

His training only stopped for a short time with Jiraiya visited and gave him the Key to his seal, only after they had one hell of a sparring match, after he gained that it was thanks to the combined help of Yugito, Killer Bee and the surprise appearance of his mother that he defeated the Nine-tailed fox and took the great fox's chakra for his own.

Now he stood before the Raikage ready to accept his next mission. The years had been kind to Naruto. He now stood at six foot one making him only slightly shorter than Bee. His blonde hair now rested on his shoulders or tied into a short pony-tail. His clothing hadn't changed in the years. When outside of a mission he chose to keep his deep crimson Kosode and black Hakama. He had taken the time to adorn the Uzumaki Crest on the back of the Kosode. When he was sent on a mission he would gear up in his battle armor. Just as Jaken had said the armor grew with him. The only change that happened to the armor was he had engraved the hidden cloud emblem onto the helm.

Naruto's head turned to see several people walking in. The first was Yugito and Bee both of them full geared and ready to go. Bee was wearing his usual attire in a white single shoulder strap flak jacket, a dark grey pair of pants, and his white scarf. Yugito like bee was in her usual attire of black pants, and her black and purple blouse.

The next was a younger man with blonde hair and overlong shirt with a hood, dark pants, his hands were wrapped in red bandages and he had black shin guards. He was one of few Kumo Shinobi that wore black hitai-ate. Like most Kumo Shinobi he had a long sword on his back with a white sheath and handle. He had become one of Naruto's closet friends, he was Omoi.

Then there was a younger red headed woman with amber eyes and milk chocolate skin. She was dressed in a short sleeved dress with frilly edged adorned with a flak jacket. Thought it couldn't be seen she had a pair of fishnet stockings under her dress. And her hair was kept back by her bandana style hitai-ate. She too had a long sword sitting on her back. She reminded Naruto heavily of Sakura except she was infinitely more terrifying. She went by the name of Karui.

The next was Samui and she was dressed in her basic attire. Clad in a dark grey tunic with a white corset that helped show off her ample cleavage. A short skirt stopped just before her mid-thigh. Her wrists were wrapped in red and unlike other Kumo Shinobi she had a tanto sitting over her back.

"Good you all made it," A spoke.

"This better not be a waste of time," Yugito said.

"Yeah I need to on my rhymes," Bee said.

"Stop that," A said quickly. Stopping Bee before he could get his rapping started.

"So what's this mission Raikage-sama?" Omoi asked.

"I'm sending you to Kirigakure. Their Mizukage needs to be brought down," A explained.

"He's a Jinchuriki," Naruto said getting a nod from A.

"Of the three tailed turtle," A replied. He saw Naruto, Yugito and Bee all tense up slightly. He knew that none of them really wanted to kill a fellow Jinchuriki.

"I have a request Raikage-san," Naruto said with a bow.

"No," A replied quickly.

"You didn't even hear my request," Naruto said with a slight grin.

"You want me to let you follow that gut feeling you have," A said with a blank look.

"Maybe a little," Naruto replied with a foxy grin.

"Yo bro let him go," Bee said.

"I'll think about it after the mission," A said.

"As you say," Naruto said looking to the others in the room. He figured either Bee or Yugito would be in charge since they were Jonin and Jinchurikis.

"Now then Naruto you're in charge," A said.

"In charge of what?" Naruto asked.

"The mission," A replied.

"Which Mission?" Naruto asked his mind was simply not connecting the dots.

"THIS MISSION!" A shouted before he took a long breath. "Naruto I'm putting in in charge of this mission to see if you are ready to become a Jonin. The rest of the group will follow your orders and report back to be on your leadership," A explained.

"Oh… bad ass," Naruto said.

"Now take the reins and command your team," A said. With a nod Naruto turned to face the other five Shinobi in the room.

"Right. You guys have a half hour to get your supplies together and meet me at the south gate. I want to be in the land of water by tonight," Naruto said.

"Yes sir," Karui grumbled. She didn't like that he was getting a chance to be a Jonin before her.

"This could be bad. If we rush ourselves we'll get there and be tired then we won't fight good enough and we'll die," Omoi said.

"Omoi… shut up," Naruto said shaking his head. "Half hour go," Naruto said as he made the ram seal and vanished in a swirl of what seemed to be a red mist.

"Bee, Yugito stay for a moment," A said.

"Yo whatja need bro?" Bee asked.

"How'd his training go?" A asked.

"He hasn't mastered it but we've gotten it down," Yugito answered.

"I guess that will do… make sure he doesn't fuck this up to much," A said. With a nod from both of them the two were gone.

It had been three years and he was the last one to become a Chunin. Some said he did it to spite the council. Others said it was to prove that he wasn't power hungry. But if someone asked him he would tell them he simply didn't pass the tests.

"Hey Sasuke you ready to go?" said raven haired Shinobi turned to see Sakura and Kakashi walking up.

"Yes I am… but why are we stepping out of the way to help Kiri?" Sasuke asked as he hoisted his pack over his shoulder.

"They've asked for help… would you see them die?" Kakashi counter asked. Even when they argued his nose never came out of that damned book.

"Ugh… no," Sasuke said slowly.

"Good everyone's waiting," Sakura said with a grin.

"Let's just go," Sasuke said. Team seven reached eastern gates to see the rest of the Konoha eleven, their old Jonin senseis, and many many more Shinobi. He could see Shino trying to ignore Hinata and Kiba… there were at each other's throats again. Which surprised quite a few with how passive Hinata had once been; What ever happened between her and Kiba had really opened her up.

Ino, Shikamaru and Choji were all simply waiting. Another surprise Ino wasn't talking everyone's ear off about some useless subject.

Then there as team Gai. Neji ever the stoic Shinobi, Lee and Gai both shouted about the flames of youth. Sasuke had to admit he felt bad for Tenten.

"Not a bad force," Sasuke said as the group readied to move.

"Alright Konoha we move to free Kiri from the clutches of their tyrannical Mizukage. We will be meeting up with forces from Suna along the way from there we will meet up with the rebel leader Mei Terumi," Kakashi stated getting the forces to move out.

It took a week for all of the forces to settle in at the main base for the Kirigakure rebel forces. Suna had sent twenty Shinobi along with the sand siblings. Most of the rebel forces were in shock that the Kazekage himself would come to aid them.

Iwa sent no troops claiming they were too far away.

Konoha sent fifty troops including the Konoha eleven, their former Jonin sensei, and key Shinobi like Anko, Genma, the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Shizune, to head up the midnin.

Finally Kumo sent only six Shinobi but they claimed they were far more than necessary. To their knowledge it was their two Jinchuriki, Killer Bee and Yugito Nii, Killer Bee's Team in Karui, Omoi, and Samui and finally their newest Shinobi the man clad in armor that never showed his face. But he had earned the title 'The Crimson Shinobi' after he single handedly slaughtered a group of fifteen, Chunin level, Nuke-Nin.

Currently Kakashi, leader of Konoha's forces, the Kazekage Gaara, Mei Terumi the woman that the Rebel forces wanted to make the next Mizukage and the aforementioned Kumo Shinobi stood at a table with their most trusted advisors. In Kakashi's case it had many more than the others; with him was their Konoha Eleven, Kurenai, Gai and Asuma.

Gaara only had his siblings with him, Kankuro to his left and Temari to his right. Kankuro had a crow draped over his shoulder ready and waiting for the untrusting Kumo Shinobi to make a move. Temari was just at ready her hand never left her hip giving her ample opportunity to grab her fan. This of course was pointless. Gaara was still the Jinchuriki of the Shukaku and easily one of the strongest people in the tent.

Then of course there were all six of the Kumo Shinobi lead by the bloodied nightmare that was the hidden guise of Naruto. Through his helm he looked to each of the Konoha and Suna forces remembering them and seeing how they looked now.

His eyes found his former flame first. Sakura had grown her hair back out, while not as long as it once was, it now sat on her shoulder kept out of her eyes by her hitai-ate. She wore a red shirt with black shorts and a pink apron. To him she had hardly changed but he could tell she was immensely different from how she used to be. Now she was a force to be reckoned with and he could tell with how she carried herself.

His eyes next found his other ex-teammate. Sasuke stood stoically clad in black pants, a grey shirt, and black sandals. His hair was also longer and had lost some of its duck like appearance. What annoyed him the most was that his eyes were locked on him. He obviously didn't trust the Kumo Shinobi.

Naruto's 'red' eye moved to the next person was the woman that had confessed a desire to be with him the day he left. Her eyes were on the map rather than the other Shinobi. Hinata now wore a pair of blue pants and an open purple and blue hoodie. Her chest caught Naruto's eyes it was only covered by a black shirt.

"So that's my plan," Mei said.

'Shit I was not paying attention,' Naruto thought as he looked to the field.

"I wouldn't suggest putting two Jinchuriki together," Gaara spoke. "I would be better to focus one per gate," he added. Naruto turned and looked at Samui then nodded to the table. Samui nodded back and took a step forward.

"I have a plan if you wouldn't mind hearing it," Samui said.

"By all means," Mei said.

"See the Northern gate has the most land behind it. So I think it would be best to send Suna in that way. Gaara can use in Bijuu state and not have to worry about any massive pools of water. While the western gate is actually a dock so Bee's Bijuu state would be best since it's part octopus he can swim very quick. Then eastern gate has the biggest opening before it… that would mean the fastest Shinobi need to go this way. So Yugito's state would be perfect," Samui explained.

"And what of the southern gate?" Sasuke asked.

"That's what he's for," Samui pointed to the ironclad Naruto. With a slight nod Naruto acknowledged her plan.

"What forces will go with him?" Gaara asked.

"Well we'll keep Suna with you, the rebels with Bee, and Konoha with Yugito. So myself, Karui and Omoi will join him at the south gate," Samui replied.

"Is everyone ok with this plan?" Mei asked liking her plan more. There were no objections so Mei gave a nod and dismissed everyone so they could get ready.

"What's up with that guy?" Kiba asked looking to the armor clad Kumo nin.

"What are you talking about?" Shikamaru asked.

"He's nothing like the others he hasn't said a word since they arrived," Kiba said.

"And this is a problem?" Ino asked.

"It's just weird usually people say one or two words," Kiba said. "Maybe he's a mute,"

"You're reading too much into it," Hinata said deciding to prove Kiba wrong she moved towards the Crimson Shinobi. His red eyes instantly locked onto her when she moved towards him.

"A Hyuga… I'm honored," His voice was far deeper than Hinata was expecting.

"Hello my name is Hinata," Hinata smiled.

"A pleasure," the armored Shinobi replied.

"So do you keep your name hidden for a reason?" Hinata asked.

"I only tell those I trust," Naruto replied he wanted to tell her who he was but it was too soon. "That being said I don't think your boy-toy over there likes you talking to me," Naruto's 'red' eyes moved to the fuming Kiba.

"He wishes. We tried that and he screwed it up," Hinata replied. "But in the end it was for the better I used to be really shy," the pale eyed heiress added.

"Good to know… I like this out going girl," Naruto grinned from behind his helm.

"Hands to yourself big boy," Hinata smiled.

"Everybody get ready to move out!" a voice echoed out.

"Until the next time my dear," the armored Naruto said before he vanished in a swirl of red 'water' to gather with his party.

The attack started. The Shinobi of the hidden mist were in panic as they saw three massive creatures moving towards their city. From the north they could see a large force of Shinobi moving alongside what appeared a raccoon made of sand.

To their west eight massive tentacles burst from the water and crushed part of the docks. The civilians ran screaming about the kraken. Shinobi trembled unable to believe that they were under such an attack.

The eastern gate wasn't any better. They were in complete panic seeing a giant blue cat made of blue flames charging at them. With the other two gate the civilians screamed and ran for their lives praying the south gate was safe.

"Civilians!" a thunderous voice echoed from the southern gate. "You may leave though the southern gate. Shinobi lay down your arms and you will be spared," the voice echoed out over the entire village. To no surprise many of the Shinobi chose to fight.

~The Northern Gate~

Sand ran over the walls as Shinobi poured into the gate. Temari, Kankuro and Gaara stood atop the massive sand construct. Temari's fan wiped around sending sharpened waves of wind at the opposing Shinobi. Kankuro's fingers danced around as he controlled his three puppets. Crow had been shattered and flew around with its poisoned blades cutting all comers. Black Ant crushed and rolled over Shinobi after Shinobi while Salamander protected their long range fighters.

"Sand burial," Gaara spoke as he trapped droves of kiri Shinobi in his sand. To the surprise of his siblings he didn't kill them. He left them trapped in the sand.

"This is Suna, North Gate is secure," Temari called into a com line.

~The Western Gate~

Eight massive tentacles smashed and crushed making paths for the Rebel Forces to burst forth. Mei lead the charge spewing waves of lava at the defending forces.

"Cower in fear, the Eight Tails in Here!" Bee's voice thundered. Mei smiled as his thunder voice still did make his raps sound any better. It took them little time to lock down the western side of the village thanks to Mei' Y oton and Bee's Bijuu state the enemy forces quickly surrendered.

"New Kiri has taken the western gate," Mei spoke over her com.

~The Eastern Gate~

A massive cat cloaked in flames smashed through the eastern gate followed by the Konoha forces. The cat's claws raked a crossed the ground leaving deep gouges and bodies of Shinobi. Several spinning pillars shot passed her as members of the Inuzuka clan launched their attack. The sound of chirping echoed out as Kakashi and Sasuke came in with Chidori's charged. Like the spinning pillars several large balls of flesh rolled passed, the Akimichi clan members, joined in the assault.

"Secure the gates! Watch out for civilians," Kakashi called out as the Shinobi were pushed back with little difficulties.

"Konoha Forces here, East Gate is ours," Sakura said as she and the other med-nin entered.

~The Southern Gate~

Four figures stood at the gate. One stood in front of the others. The Armored Shinobi of the Hidden Cloud. He held his naginata in his hand and looked over his shoulder to his friends. "Let's go wild," the deepened voice said as he shot into the village cutting down any shinboi foolish enough to attack. Samui, Omoi, and Karui followed him in their swords, and tanto all drawn and ready to strike. Omoi and Karui took to the alley ways checking for hiding forces. Samui followed Naruto through the village watching his back.

Naruto's naginata cut through three men with little difficult thanks to his wind Chakra enhancing its sharpness. His armor became stained in their blood making him the truest form of his title. The Crimson Shinobi, the grey of his arm dyed red from his enemies blood.

Naruto narrowly leapt back as a massive hand crashed into the ground in front of him. He looked to see a gigantic turtle before him. "I should be honored that the Mizukage comes after me rather than one of the others," Naruto grinned under his helm.

"Mizukage! The Mizukage's defending the south gate," Samui called into her com.

"I know what you are," the deep voice of the great turtle replied.

"Then there's no hiding it," Naruto said. The blood boiled off his armor as it became golden. The mixture of his Nine-tails cloak mixed with his armor was truly immaculate.

"I'll crush you!" the turtle shouted as he lashed out. Naruto side stepped the much slower beast and lashed out with his naginata slicing up the turtle's side. The blade cut through flesh and hardened shell like butter. An echoing shout of pain rolled out as the turtle collapsed and the form started to shrink. Naruto grinned as the turtle disappeared and a wounded Mizukage stood in its stead his side gushing blood.

"I didn't think the Nine would be so much stronger," the young looking Mizukage spoke.

"Now you've learned," Naruto took a step forward before a set of golden chains came flying out of the darkness and grabbed the Mizukage.

"What is this?" the mizukage screamed as Mei and a young red haired girl walked forward.

"Terumi? What are you doing?" Naruto asked. Mei looked solemnly her eyed filled with pain as the chains started to pull at Yagura but his body remained. Naruto's eyes widened as he saw what was happening. The golden chains were pulling the three tails out of him. Yagura dropped to his knee as the power was pulled out of him. He could hardly move much less prevent this from happening.

"I wish it didn't have to be like this… but Kiri must keep its Beast," Mei said as the red haired girl grabbed the chained and yanked fully pulling the beast from the Mizukage.

"You're releasing the beast," Samui shouted.

"No… he will be sealed," the red haired girl said as the beast started to move towards here.

"How?" Naruto asked.

"An Uzumaki sealing technique," Mei said. "With the use of her Chakra Chains young Karin here has chosen to become the Jinchuriki of the Three-tails," Mei added. (You don't like it… deal with it)

"She chose this life?" Naruto asked.

"Yes… I was ready to simply kill him and let the beast reform in the vast waters of the lands of water," Mei said as they watched the weakened beast be sucked into Karin's body. Once the beast was completely absorbed a chain link seal appeared on Karin's stomach signifying the beats successful sealing. Naruto looked to the girl then gave a sigh.

"Then she must be trained to control the beast," Naruto said.

"And what would you know of controlling a beast?" Karin asked.

"Plenty," Naruto said as he removed his helm showing his face. His blue eyes locked on Karin as he walked forward.

"You're one too," Karin said.

"Of the Nine," Naruto said.

"N… Naruto," Naruto turned to see Hinata, and most of the Konoha eleven, the sand siblings and his fellow Kumo Jinchuriki.

"Been a while eh?" Naruto looked to the Konoha Shinobi.

"Naruto… is it really you?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah… I'm with Kumo now," Naruto said.

"Let's finish up here. I think there's a lot we have to talk about now," Mei said as she looked down at the fallen body of the ex-Mizukage.

"Is he dead?" Sakura asked.

"His beast was pulled out of him… he's dead," Mei replied.

"Kirigakure is ours!" the Rebel forces cheered. Naruto could tell one hell of a black lash was bound to happen now that his identity was known. He mentally yelled at himself for taking off his helm.

~End Notes~ I hope you liked the chapter. Let me know what you think. And keep the flames to yourself. Since Sasuke never went to Orochimaru I chose to repurpose Karin.