The Burning Leaves

by ajd09

Naruto has saved his friend and lead to the destruction of Madara. The nations have prospered. However, twenty peaceful years pass and still someone lurks, waiting to take his mark. Will this new generation get caught in the middle of a rising threat? A long fic, recommended for readers who like the focus on future generation OC . Mostly from canon predictions. Now is Alternate TL.

4. Not Far Off the Tree

-Authors note-

You may have noticed how tough shadow clones are in this fic. My philosophy is the more chakra they have, the less you should be able to slap them away. Also, my spin on combat damage is fatigue to the original. Yuuki complains about them, but it's the first jutsu she's managed to learn.

Also, I love writing fight scenes. There are some instances I can't describe what I'm seeing too well, but hopefully you can get a good picture of it all.

(Chapter 4: Not Far Off the Tree)

Yuuki studied her clones closely as they stalemated blow for blow. It had already been two hours of non-stop training and she opted to observe flaws in her technique. At first it was intriguing, utilizing them this way. However, after a while it became dull. She released them and took a brief intermission. Despite having byakugan and gentle fist brawling, she still felt surprisingly energetic. Maybe she was itching to get in on the action, but this time she needed to step it up.

She summoned two clones and this time observed them as they activated byakugan and faced her. Yuuki smirked, activating her byakugan as well. "Well, you know what to do." Just as she settled her stance, they charged without hesitation. She parried the first blow and noted the second clone flanking around. She used her free arm to parry its incoming attack while thwarting the first clone's second strike. Immediately she began wondering how long she could keep it up. She hadn't been successful in seeing the chakra system and while she retained the majority of her chakra, these two were both quite strong. The pressure Yuuki felt was far greater than before. She was forced to attempt engaging them one at a time to prevent the chance of a double team. She noticed her style was improving already since the fight with her brother, but that also meant her clones were at the same level.

As she attempted another swift jump, she felt her balance sway a little and was quickly punished for it. The second clone quickly jabbed her lower right thigh as it simultaneously attacked her arm. The first clone parried her left arm away and gave Yuuki a palm thrust to the chest. The force threw her several feet back and slammed her to the ground. The clones backed off and waited for her to continue. She felt her chakra closed off to her right leg and the sharp pain in her chest. Both held a numb sensation joined by a burning pain. She attempted to force herself through the hurt and rose a couple inches. Unfortunately, she fell back down to one knee and began panting heavily. Her clones motioned towards her for aid, but they froze in their tracks at the expression she shot them. Despite the pain, her inner will began breathing new life into her. Very slowly, she scraped herself up and noticed her clones. They were faint, but she saw a semi-highway system in them. Every motion they made was mapped out as more of the blue fire concentrated to the point. This is it! "Why are you just standing there?" She snapped, gaining her second wind. "I don't want you to stop until I'm out cold!"

They quickly both attacked from the front. Yuuki watched as the chakra pointed out their movements, easily began to parry them, and even landed a few checking blows. She managed to grab the second one and slung it into the first. A smirk grew upon her on sight of their frustration. "Time to give you two a little payback!" They again charged as the chakra indicated their attack. They both attempted to strike with their right arms. She raised an eyebrow as she dipped to the left. Yuuki pinned the left arm and left leg of the first one and spun. Using the momentum, she also landed her left heel into the first clone's face. The devastating combo forced the clone to disperse. The second clone retaliated with its right hand dropping at her. She parried with her left hand and pinned the clone's left brachial artery. As it winced in pain, it tried to chop at her neck. She simply dipped under the swing and palmed her clones left side, destroying it.

The fatigue caught Yuuki as she collapsed with a smile. "I guess physical contact is risky, but rewarding. Seeing the chakra system was so amazing!" Her thoughts returned to the night before. She remembered seeing everything up to the kunai almost taking her head off. After it released, her eyes just activated by themselves. "It looks like a bit of trauma or courage helps it advance." She groaned at her soreness. "I suppose the pain is definitely one of the side effects of shadow clones to." Yuuki rested her weary eyes. "I'm going to take a well-deserved power nap now."

OoOoOoOo

"Is that really the best a genius can do, Takeshi?" Hitomi danced around his taijutsu with grace in an attempt to mock him. She occasionally struck him to teach him his flaws. Nothing was working: Jutsus, ninja tools, even his speed was useless. She finally landed a kick to his face launching him back. She smiled heartily at him. "Don't forget I used to be regarded as a genius." She stuck her tongue out playfully as he charged right back at her.

"Genius or not, like hell you're going to discourage me!" He had to admit she wasn't any easier to spar even with his sharingan. Takeshi stopped this time, inches away. He pulled back, realizing the waste of energy before smiling. "Care if we step it up a notch?" She chuckled at him, raising an eyebrow. Takeshi quickly made hand signs and spewed his clan's favorite fireball jutsu. As he predicted, she dodged to his right. He launched a couple shurikens as he canceled his jutsu and charged her. He advanced, chucking several kunai straight into the air and began another futile taijutsu assault. She toyed with him as she once again dodged his punches, but not seconds later, the kunai began skimming her skin. She then became distracted and Takeshi landed a strong kick, pushing her right into the last kunai. He instantly panicked as he rushed to her aid. However, before he could reach her, a log appeared in her place.

Takeshi jerked around as quickly as he could, but was greeted sharply with a finger poke to his forehead. "Too slow little brother!" He was quick to rub the agitated area as he laughed. "That was actually a decent move though." She grinned as she rubbed his hair.

"Not like it matters. You didn't even use your sharingan and I still didn't land a single hit." He became a little more somber as he contemplated his inner frustration.

Hitomi looked at him with a more serious face. "Do you want to learn a new jutsu? It would only take a minute with your sharingan."

Takeshi brightened up as he faced her once more. "No thanks!"

Hitomi was shocked, but sighed in relief. "I see." She began to grin again. "I'm glad you are growing into the man you are. The sharingan should be your trump card, not your handicap. Use it only when you need to." He blushed a little, but recovered his concern face.

"But you wouldn't have broken your arm if you had your sharingan activated."

She nervously laughed and rubbed her head. "Actually, I broke my arm when I hit my squad leader. He's my friend, but his perviness will get him killed one day." Takeshi felt sweat trickle down his neck. She lifted a finger to her lower lip in thought. "I almost feel bad breaking some of his ribs, since he healed my arm right up."

He pocketed his hands closing one eye and half looking away. "So I guess you and Isami are getting closer then?"

Hitomi narrowed her eyes. "Nothing will ever happen with a pervert like that!" She then grew a counter-smile. "Did something more happen in the cave with Yuuki-chan, little brother?"

He instantly turned away from her with a flushed face. "N-no, as if…" he couldn't see why he was so flustered, but he just tensed his shoulders and avoided eye contact. For some reason, his heart raced and a nervous sweat ensued.

She laughed as she further teased him, now hugging him. "AH! Kids are moving so fast now-a-days! I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt!" Takeshi's jaw dropped as his whole body turned red. He couldn't bring himself to move a muscle. Surely, he had found his way into hell. A rescuing voice interrupted the fun.

"Hitomi! Quit teasing the kid." Sakura Yelled from the door. "You're not giving me grandchildren until you're thirty, Takeshi!" He didn't know what was more embarrassing, the fact that she heard or the fact that she made it even more awkward. "I have to be going. Dinner is ready, just don't destroy everything Hitomi." Hitomi responded with a simple wave off as their mother left.

"I second that." A voice came from the tree as a figure leaped down. "Don't take your training for granted, Takeshi. You're doing quite well. Remember: The sharingan is not something just any foe should get to see. Once you've mastered it, there is no reason to over use it." Sasuke made his way over and placed his hands on his children. "I had to learn that the hard way, but it looks like you two are far wiser than I ever was. I just wanted to tell you both how proud I am of you. I don't recall saying it enough." He gave them a rare smile as he followed suit with Sakura. That wasn't something either of knew how to respond to.

The feeling welled up in both of them, Takeshi forgetting his previous embarrassment. After a couple moments, Hitomi spoke her mind. "I wonder if dad's been drinking." They both couldn't help but chuckle at the thought, but they knew their cold and calculating father couldn't possibly be the drinking type.

OoOoOoOo

"Let's do this!" Sasuke lined up a shot and challenged Naruto. It was a typical drinking competition between the two, but Sasuke was always the one who started it. They quickly gulped their drink and fought over who finished first.

"Would you act like adults already? We have things to discuss before you two drink each other under the table!" Sakura was quick to snap at them. She began rubbing her immensely large forehead in frustration. Over time, the drinking competition between the two escalated to dangerous points. They both sulked, pointing the finger at one another. Hinata rolled her eyes only to find Sai, Karin, and Kiba approach. Before she could even greet them, Naruto jumped up at them.

"Yo! It's about time you three showed up!" He quickly scanned around. "I take it Kohada was too busy to make it, Kiba?" He nodded.

"Well, seeing as we're going to be talking about shinobi issues, I figured she shouldn't be caught up in the confusion." He sniffed a couple times. "Or so I assumed we were going to talk business. You've had 3 shots already? What kind of Hokage are you?" Naruto rubbed his head with a grin.

"I suppose he'll never learn. Both of you are hopeless!" Karin pointed her fingers to Sasuke and Naruto. "Let's pray the others show up before we have to carry them home." She walked over and sat next to Hinata and Sakura.

"Maybe it's good to lighten up every once in a while. You shouldn't give them such a hard time." Sai came to their defense, but quickly dropped his smile when he saw Karin's glare. "Anyways, who else are we waiting on?"

Naruto thought for a moment. "Well, Kakashi, Shikamaru, Neji, and I think Ino. Lee came too early and had to be escorted home. And I believe Konohamaru had something come up." His eyes narrowed as if something bothered him. "Nah, I think that's everyone."

OoOoOoOo

Shino Sneezed as his nightly walk was interrupted by a troubling thought. He shrugged, deciding it was probably nothing.

OoOoOoOo

Kiba attempted to sniff past the stench of alcohol to search for the stragglers. "Looks like we've got more." He pointed off to the side straight at a group of five. Ino, Ten-Ten and Temari were in front and lagging behind were Neji and Shikamaru. Kiba sighed at the group's size. "Of course Kakashi isn't with them…"

"Hey Naruto!" Ino waved with a smile. "Sorry Choji had something to do." She pouted a little. "He wouldn't tell me what it was."

"That's fine, really!" Naruto looked over to Neji and Ten-Ten. "Glad to see you two could make it on short notice. How's your boy?" Naruto held his hand out to greet him.

Neji shook his hand and smirked. "Just as you'd imagine. He overworks himself and gets stronger by the day." He looked over to Ten-Ten. "He's getting to be a bit too dangerous with ninja tools I'd say." Ten-Ten let out a nervous laugh as she followed Ino and Temari to the other girls.

Shikamaru sighed as he walked up closer to Naruto. "Between my daughter and my wife, I can barely cut a break. At least I've got two more guys to back me up on occasion." He grew more serious and put a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "How's your daughter holding up?"

Naruto held a bright expression. "She's more stubborn than I was. Hinata talked to her, but apparently she's accepting it easier than I expected." He exhaled sharply. "This isn't something she'll completely understand, but she's still as upbeat as ever."

Shikamaru patted him on the shoulder a little as they all took their seats. Sasuke sat impatiently at the extensive reunions, but occasionally joined in on the chatter. After a couple minutes, Naruto sighed and decided to begin. "Alright, let's get business out of the way so we can catch up later."

Naruto went to stand but a hand held his shoulder down. "As eager to start as always. Observe!" His old sensei strummed the strings above his head. As if a signal, they burst into flames and revealed an intricate network of more strings. A small explosion appeared into the table as sparking letters lit up above the culprit.

"The life of the party has arrived! Hatake Anko!" To both of their disappointment, everyone just pointed and angrily reminded them they were late.

"I know you two probably worked on that for a while, but did you really think any of us didn't notice? That's why I said let's start." Naruto's words seemed to send the couple into a depression. They had been choreographing all day for that moment. "Anyways, I'll let Shikamaru explain everything. He's better at these things."

Shikamaru groaned as he got comfortable. "Troublesome as always. So, as you are aware, the forest and two children were attacked. The master mind behind this plot is a man named Guden. According to the reports and interrogations, he's a ring leader of a group called Hell's Phoenix. Their motives appear to be revenge against the Leaf and intentionally attacked Naruto's daughter and Sasuke's son." The group grew quite serious and several were saddened by the news. "He used many of his stronger members to act as a decoy so he could take out the children. We have confirmed that he was slated to attack the village directly in two to three years, but noticed the child's patterns and acted accordingly. This is a man with several side plans and back-up plans, and he is a lava user. That means he can use fire, wind, and earth." Kakashi raised an eyebrow to this. "However, with his attitude towards Naruto and Sasuke, we can anticipate his attack to come behind schedule."

Kiba was quick to ask what everyone was concerned about. "Just how do you know he won't attack sooner? It won't be safe to send our children on missions based off assumptions."

Shikamaru remained neutral in expression. "Like I said, this is a man who was intending on attacking us in two to three years. He has been plotting his revenge for quite some time now, but due to his recent plan catastrophically failing, he will be out resources and pressed to attack on time. Conversely, he was not desperate in his words with Naruto. Therefore, we have agreed that it will likely be in three years or later." Karin was next to attempt to voice her concern, but Shikamaru continued. "The last thing we need to do is terrify the children and scare the civilians. Missions will continue as normal, but inexperienced ninja will have ANBU carefully protecting them from the shadows. Are there any questions?"

Neji took him up on his curiosity. "Is there a chance we're over-hyping this whole thing. He's sly, but does he really have the power to attack us directly?"

Naruto quickly responded, "We have no choice but to believe so. The minute we find their hideout, we will request the nearest countries aid and crush them. All we can do for now is prepare and search." The answer seemed acceptable for the time being. Naruto smiled. "It's been a hard time recently, let's loosen up a little. We've got some rough waters ahead." He toasted to his old friends, stomping on Sasuke's foot so he couldn't finish his drink first.

The women began catching up with one another. It was same old same old. Karin complained about her daughter's lack of personality, blaming Sai. Ten-Ten loved playing with her son, even if others felt 'playing' was too soft a word for it. Hinata had nothing but great things to say for her kids, despite her son's…affectionate personality. Temari was happy with her two boys for not being lazy morons, but even they had their 'troublesome' moments. Sakura updated them on how great Takeshi was and the latest drama with her daughter. This always pushed Ino into a fit, claiming Sakura's problems couldn't hold a candle to her teenage twins. This lead to a typical silence in the group as they quietly sipped their drinks.

The guys never said a great deal. It consisted of watching Naruto and Sasuke get into a drinking contest. "Well, I'm headed home early. Kohada is probably worried." Kiba stood and took one final shot, but immediately showed his disgust. The alcohol stung his nose every time.

"Isami told me to tell you to tell Kochi he said hi." Naruto paused trying to piece back his previous sentence to no avail.

"It's scaring me they're getting along." Kiba showed his concern for his daughter's sanity, knowing all too well how Isami was. He opted to shake those feelings off. "I'm sure it's just a friendly greeting though, so why not. Kochi is always responsible, in front of me anyways."

Neji, Ten-ten, Shikamaru and Temari were the next to drop out. Naruto made his best attempt to see them off, but he soon tripped and remained there for a moment. The group just slowly turned and left while they could.

"Guess it's down to team seven, huh?" Kakashi smiled through his mask. "And of course the lovely ladies who became a part of our family."

Sasuke sighed as heard the comment. "You really have to be an old geezer about everything?" However, he held an uncharacteristic smile. "Is what I'd like to say, but it's true." It was as if a drunken confession was slipping out. Over the years he had truly seen what family could do to a man. "I think about where I would be if Naruto hadn't beaten the shit out of me…" He swirled his drink around before finishing it. "But all I can see is a lonely death." Naruto was nodding as he listened quite intently. "All I can do now is guarantee no one else goes through that self-destructing cycle."

Sakura chuckled at his confession. "I remember you practically begging me for a date without saying the word date. You just wouldn't let me go after I healed you up." He hid his face as Naruto slid him a drink.

"I don't see why everyone over thinks life like you guys did. All you need to do is work hard and be happy." Naruto let another mouthful slide down.

"It's easier when you start out with emotions." Sai added as he showed a true smile across his face. "Karin was really the one who showed me all of them." She blushed a little as she pushed up her glasses. "Speaking of which, we have to go. We need to do this more often than once a month." Sai left some money as he grabbed Karin and made their way into the distance. It was really shocking how Sai and Karin attracted each other so much, but not a single person could deny their love. In the past few years, they seem to be growing a little distant though. Naruto grinned now as a thought came to him.

"Shadow clone shots!" He began lining up several shots as Sasuke began slapping himself awake. "Who's in?" Sakura and Hinata both stuck their tongues out and gestured a clear no. "Well, I guess it's just us then. We all now the old couple can't handle anymore." Kakashi facepalmed.

"Now wait just a second! We're not that much older than you!" Kakashi went to pull her away but she pushed him off. "Count me in!"

Naruto grew a mischievous smile. "It's simple: All you have to do is make five shadow clones and bottoms up! Then just release the jutsu." She made her clones as she gave them a confident smile. Glasses clanked high in the air as they prepared. "Here's to not remembering tonight!" They quickly raced down the drinks, Anko making it a point to finish first.

She slammed the glasses down and released the jutsu. "Haha, who's the old one n-" Her heart began beating faster as her eyes widened. Suddenly, time slowed as her vision was smeared by the uncontrollable sway of her head. Her blinks became longer as sounds became muffled. Finally, she mustered the strength to attempt a step.

Kakashi caught her as she went out cold. "That's my cue to call it a night." He glared at them. "I appreciate you drinking my wife into a drunken coma, but next time, maybe just do normal shots?" He readied himself to take off. "Take it easy, Hokage."

With that he was gone in a flash. Hinata tried to give Naruto a guilt trip about what he'd done. "Was that necessary? Everyone knows she can barely handle liquor better than Lee." Naruto exhaled trying to focus, but he leaned to far back and fell out of his chair.

Sasuke snapped back into reality and saw his friend lying on the floor. "You're not drunk are you? Scaredy cat!" He proceeded to laugh himself out of the chair. Both Hinata and Sakura put their foot down.

"We're done here!" Naruto shot up completely sober now.

"Aww, I was just getting started!" He looked over and saw Sasuke out cold. "Well, I guess he doesn't have clones to diffuse some of his BAC. I'm surprised he lasted this long."

Sakura picked her husband up and glared at Naruto. "Don't tell him about this. I don't think any man's ego could handle it. Have a good night Hinata. Good luck with your 'boy'". As Sakura left, Hinata put her hands on her hips and stared him in the eyes. Naruto grinned acting like he had no clue what he did.

OoOoOoOo

The day started like any other for Yuuki. She rolled out of bed and got ready for a long day of training. The smell of breakfast brought her to the kitchen to find her father rubbing his head and her mother casually lecturing him. "Good morning!" Naruto cringed a little, but they both returned the friendly greeting. "You over did it again, didn't you?" She knew her father liked to drink on these occasions, but this was the result every time. It was more annoying to her than anything.

"It was a long night, Yuuki. We were getting a lot of boring speeches and had tedious planning to do." She glared at him while taking a seat. "Don't worry, I'll be up and running in no time!"

"So you didn't have any alcohol at all?" He smiled to her, hoping she wouldn't press the issue. "I hate when you lie to me. I'm glad you never consider that when you do those 'meetings'." Yuuki's cold attitude struck Naruto worse than his hangover.

Hinata put food in front of them. "I'll admit he goes overboard still, but it's not something we get to do often. It's the few times we get to see the friends we grew up with." Yuuki shrugged, still upset with her father's irresponsible behavior. "To make it up to you, I'll help you train today after your father leaves to his office." Yuuki felt very relieved to hear that as she proceeded to eat. She had never really seen her mother actually fight before, so it would be interesting to see what she knew.

The Hokage gave his wife a tender kiss as he took his leave. Yuuki waved him off and went outside to warm up. Not long after her mother casually walked out, ready to see what her daughter could do. "Are you ready? I don't want you to hold back just because I'm your mother."

Yuuki smirked as she took her stance. "I know better. Just don't take me so lightly." Hinata got in a relaxed defensive stance. Yuuki wasted no time to rush at her in excitement. She led with a couple swift jabs, but they were easily dodged. Yuuki attempted a palm thrust to her chest, but in an instant, her mother gracefully spun around it. She used her hip to nudge her daughter. "Holding back much?"

"Just checking." Yuuki activated her byakugan now and spun back into the fray. This time her attacks were much more precise. After a series of swings, she launched a right hook and followed it by dipping into a leg sweep. Although it was a good combo, Hinata was able to effortlessly dodge every move. "Not even using byakugan I see. I wonder if I'll even land a hit at this rate." Hinata chuckled as Yuuki began to use subtle variations of the same combo. After the third leg sweep, she simultaneously made three clones. They instantly began a vicious onslaught of combinations. Their tempo worked quite well with each other as Hinata was forced to begin parrying some blows. Finally, they tried for a combined team strike. The clone to Hinata's right performed a leg sweep, the left a right hook, the rear went for a palm thrust, and Yuuki herself threw a downward right jab. Barely devising a plan in time, Hinata reacted masterfully: Her right hand pinned the right clone's leg, her right leg parried the rear clone's jab upward, her left leg caught the left clone's hook between the elbow, and she used her left arm to deflect Yuuki's arm down. Then, Hinata pushed off the right clone's leg and flipped out of the dangerous area.

"I see you take after your father." Yuuki smiled as she dispersed the clones and showed some thought. "And you're catching on to their advantages?" Hinata brushed some hair out of her way and activated her byakugan. "I wasn't underestimating you, but I can see I should try harder!" Yuuki was anticipating that moment the entire fight, but seeing what her mother was capable of was already impressive enough. As she gazed into Hinata's eyes, chills ran down her spine and excitement overwhelmed her. This was going to be the most intense spar of her life.

-End-

(Final words: Spoilers for Naruto. Don't read if you don't want spoilers!)

There you have it. This was written a few years before the manga ended. I had no ideas certain characters would die, but when I look back on it, I am rather pleased by the prediction. (Kiba even ended up with someone not among known characters!)

Btw, Kohada technically is canon. No, she's not a shinobi. She was one of the main victims of Jiraiya's "research" after the 3rd's funeral. Look her up on , her daughter looks fairly similar to that (with clothes, perverts 0_O)

The pace is slowly moving faster. Action and more action comes next chapter.

That's all for chapter four. Let me know what you think about this story so far! Keep in mind, there is a poll on my profile for favorite characters and a link to my forum where you can discuss The Burning Leaves with me directly, outside of PMs and Reviews.