'Three more steps. Two more steps. One more-Gahh!' An explosion had cut off my train of thought. Scaling the trees in the Forest of Death wouldn't normally be this dangerous. But due to the training regime, courtesy of Sasuke, it had become down right lethal. The objective was to climb the tree successfully while avoiding death. You see Sasuke had taken a knack to genjutsu and had decided to practice the art upon me. If I had known he would be layering genjutsu upon exploding tags beforehand I would of surley decline. I can't lie though, this exercise was proving results for teme. After free falling for about 2 seconds I had flipped my body in the air planting two kunais into the bark of a tree to break my movement in the air. After slowing down for 2 seconds I kicked myself off and landed in a perfect crouch right next to my dear old friend.

"Hah you're gonna have to do better than that to catch me with those illusions." Sasuke scoffed as he brushed off my jab. Of Course I haven't revealed that I'm a sensor to Sasuke yet but god damnit I need some secrets for myself! I'll let him inside the loop one day.

"Hn you're just like a cockroach impossible to get rid of." After sharing a round of laughter we had walked over to the clearing adjacent to us. Kakashi had been running Gaara to the ground with conditioning exercises. Currently the poor jinchuruki was completing a set of pushups in the beaming hot sun. A waterfall of salty sweat was dripping off his silver hair.

"Hey teme I've been wondering what's up with your pursuit of genjutsu all of a sudden?" Without missing a beat Sasuke's sharingan had flared to life.

"After snooping around to find information about him, I've found out that he was a prodigy in genjutsu. Naruto I have to beat him in his own game don't you understand?" Ahh yes, Itachi, it has now been two days after that tragic 'incident'. Getting Sasuke to open up on the first day had been quite difficult but he eventually came around thanks to my Uzumaki charm. Reaching to our destination Kakashi had greeted us with his usual eye smile.

"Sasuke Naruto, looks like you guys finally want to join us for training eh? I wonder what's the special occasion." Kakashi's playful banter mixed with his condescending tone had never failed to get on my nerves. But I knew he never held any malice so it was bearable in the end.

"Whatever.. So what's the plan for today?"

"Join Gaara over here and complete 3 hundred pushups. After that you will complete 20 laps around this clearing." Without another word we proceeded to carry out his instructions. It was quite early in the morning so this exercise should be completed by noon. Our drive to get stronger should help us pass by time.

000

"And that makes three laps!" I exclaimed loudly as I squatted in place, placing my hands upon my knees. The sun was now smack dab in the middle of the sky. Sasuke finished second as he fell down the ground exasperated due to constant running. I guess to him this torture was neccessy for his goal since he hadn't utter not one word throughout the whole course. Finally Gaara came lagging behind in last place. His tan shirt was drenched in sweat, our Konoha leaf proudly imprinted on the front had become glossy. His shaking legs had finally given out as he also fell to the ground. As if Gaara's imbalance was Kakashi's cue, he had appeared using shunshin. An ability that I will soon add to my arsenal if I could only get used to the tunnel vision.

"I see you all have finished the laps, good job. But it seems I have been assigned to a mission. So Naruto, Gaara I'll see you at home, Sasuke...take care. Ja Ne" With a wave goodbye he was gone just like that. I could never follow his movements but I bet Sasuke could with his incredibly unfair dojutsu. Speaking of dojutsu, I had finally come to a conclusion on what exactly happened on that night. Itachi had to have been on a mission! It's the only explanation that makes sense. The Anbu was absent for the whole incident. The Hokage also never tried to detain the missing nin either. Finally why would the man cry after sparing Sasuke? Claiming that the massacre was a mission delivered by the Hokage himself would answer all of these questions in one go. But my speculation would be just that, speculation if I didn't question the Hokage myself. A part of me secretly hopes that my theory isn't correct.

"You guys can go ahead, I need to perfect my fire release." Without another word Sasuke walked to the other side of the clearing where an abundance of trees were awaiting to be turned into charcoal. Sometimes I worry about Sasuke throwing himself head first into training all the time. I guess it's his way to cope with everything.

"Well shall we go home Naruto?" Gaara inquired with his usual monotone voice.

"I have other plans, but I'll race you back to Konoha!"

"You're on!"

000

Jiraiya the Gallant one of the prominent members of the legendary Sannin. Was currently on his way to meet with the Hokage. After receiving a scroll that relayed an urgent return notice signed by Hiruzen himself he had no time to dilly dally. That's why he was gliding through Konoha, hoping from building to building. If he was anybody else the Anbu would have surely been on his tailby now. But that's one of the perks of being labeled as a sannin, immunity to protocall. The man had finally arrived at the kage tower without even breaking a sweat. Scaling the building to go through his signature entrance 'the window.' Much to his sensei displeasure of course if the look of ire he had greeted him with was any clue. But it was soon replaced with his grandfatherly gaze he was commonly known for.

"Sensei it's been a while since I have been inside the village. Everything is going fine I presume?" Jiraiya's jovial tone had brought a smile to Hiruzen's face.

"Jiraiya-kun it is always a pleasure getting visits from one of my students even if most of them forget an old man like me." Student and teacher talks like these always erected a peaceful

setting between the two. But alas all good things must come to an end as Hiruzen hastily created a privacy seal.

"Jiraiya, I'm recalling you from the field."

"Why? What about my espionage branch? Do we not need information anymore?"

"Jiraiya-kun I'm sure you could run your spy network from within the walls of Konoha. There's a threat looming over our village. I suspect a war in the upcoming three years." Jaraiya's eye had widened at that spill of information. War had been the last of his suspicions.

"War? Are you sure sensei?"

"You see three months ago, Jounin Kakashi Hatake had been assigned a diplomatic mission in Sunagakure. He was tasked with renewing our treaty with the Kazekage. He succeeded but brought back a stray."

"A stray? Who could Hatake possibly bring back that would ignite a war!"

"He returned with the Kazekage's youngest child-." Before Hiruzen could finish his ludicrous statement Jiraiya had cut him off.

"WHAT!" Jiraiya slammed both of his hands upon the Kage's desk. It was obvious the news had disgruntled the Sannin.

"Let me finish...now not only does the child contain Kage blood but he is also the Ichibi jinchūriki."

"What was Hatake thinking and why is he not in prison for such incompetence?" Jiraiya had crossed his arms as he eased up upon Hiruzen's desk.

"According to him it wasn't his decision but that of your neglected godson." The sannin had no reply to that as he just stared ahead with a look of confusion and guilt.

"That mission had to at least be A-rank sensei. How could you let him out of the village so early?"

"I trust Hatake's ability to babysit Jiraiya-kun. The good news is that Suna believes that their container had died that night. But in the three years that farce could only hold for so long."

"And all the strings lead back to Konoha. What did you do with the boy?"

"The boy has a name, Gaara is what they call him. I admissioned him into the academy, he will do good for the village. As to the reason why I recalled you from the field is that I need you to bring Tsunade back. I'm certain that you know of her whereabouts." Jiraiya snorted as he rolled his eyes.

"Convincing Tsunade to fight for the village again? We need a miracle for that sensei." The sound of dull stomps and banging in the hallways outside of the door distracted the pair. Muffled complaints from the secretary soon followed.

"Hey what are you doing! I told you Hokage-sama is currently in a meeting!" The door opened as a child with red hair with mixed streaks of orange had barged inside the room, making himself known. It had seemed that Naruto wanted to ask a question, if his raised index finger was any indication towards that. But the child's actions had been put to a halt by Jaraiya's presence. After sharing a look between Naruto and Hiruzen an idea had popped into the Sannin's head.

"I request to bring the brat with me." Leaning back into his chair Hiruzen had released his tobacco smoke.

"I don't see why not." If a sannin couldn't protect a six year old then they should be stripped of the damn title.

"Sweet I'm going on another mission!" Naruto jumped with joy, going alone with the situation he suddenly found himself in. 'Looks like I have to ask Jiji later...great.'

"You bet kid! Adventures with me, the great Jiraiya are worth a lifetime!" Naruto had suddenly found Jiraiya's arm around his shoulder. Raising his scarred eyebrow Naruto had glanced at the man.

"You are Jiraiya the gallant? Master of seals? Konoha's legendary toad sage?" Naruto questioned with wide eyes as he raised his voice to display excitement.

"Also your Godfather."

'One problem at a time Kurama.'

"The one and only kid." Jiraiya had pointed to himself with his thumb. His teeth sparkled as he grinned. It had taken all of Naruto's strength to quell his face into his professional blank stare.

"In class we recently learned about the Sannin and their heroic feats.I must say you're quite disappointing in real life." Jiraiya comically fell to the floor as a hardy laugh came from the peanut gallery (Hiruzen). As quick as he fell, he had risen even faster.

"Come on kid I'll show you the ropes of being a legendary ninja." 'Maybe then I can impress the critique.' Jiraiya grabbed Naruto as he substitued out of the Hokage's office; leaving Hiruzen to himself. Somehow his paperwork had managed to double in height throughout the conversation.

000

Crack crack thump crack crack THUMP. Sasuke had been going through his kata's with nonstop vigor. Only ever taking a break to rewrap bandages around his fists and arms. The pearly white bandages had been stained a brick colored red due to the constant reopening of the wounds across the child's knuckles. Vengeance had been a really good motivational drive for the last Uchiha. But it had also given the academy student tunnel vision as he had not noticed the humanoid figure stalking him from a branch above. The creature had a yin and yang mixture to it, with green hair on the top of his head to complete the monster. The man was stuck inside a venus flytrap plant as he donned a black robe littered with red clouds printed on it. Said spy had been surveilling Sasuke for a good hour; he had been impressed by his dauntless dedication.

"He would be a good challenge for Madara don't you think?" The white half had spoken in a childlike manner, somehow keeping quiet enough to not alert Sasuke. The white half had been entranced by the rhythmic punches and kicks orchestrated by the Uchiha. The black half had stayed silent as he just merely observed. "You're still planning on handing him the scroll right?" The black half had then retrieved a scroll from their garb.

"Zetsu you talk too much. Now let us start my experiment." Sinking into the tree the now named entity, Zetsu, had then sprouted from the ground right behind Sasuke. All without even making a sound.

"Nice form you got there." White Zetsu's jolly voice startled Sasuke as he hopped away from the pair. A drawn kunai for defense had glinted in the grasps of his shaking hand.

"Who are you?" At Sasuke's questioning Black Zetsu decided to take initiative of this conversation.

"Who we are or where we are from has no relevance as to why we are here, child. What is important is that we know what you want: power." Sasuke had been gradually lowering his kunai throughout Zetsu's explanation. Black Zetsu then threw the scroll at Sasuke's feet. Said Uchiha proceeded to snatch the scroll, never taking his eyes off of Zetsu. "Inside that scroll lay the contents of katas and instructions to replicate the legendary taijutsu style that was once used by Madara Uchiha." Sasuke had opened the scroll and true to it's word it contained kata's for a taijutsu style.

"How did you even get this?" Sasuke wouldn't get an answer because as soon as he looked up he was once again alone. Activating his sharingan he had quickly studied the scroll. If this gift was to help him get stronger than no way in hell would he decline it. He knew that defeating Itachi would be in no way an easy task. Sasuke would need all the help he could get to accomplish his goal. But the Uchiha had surveyed the clearing one last time before he hopped back into training. That monster could have easily ended his life there if he had wanted to; and that is an opportunity Sasuke refuses to allow to happen again.

000

"So brat you got all your stuff ready? This mission might last longer than a week depending on how fast Tsunade wants to escape from her debts. A nomad like her can probably skip cities overnight." Naruto responded by showing off a storage scroll.

"Good now let's head over to Tanzaku-gai there should be an annual parade around this time of year. It's a real hot spot for gamblers so that's the best place so search for Tsunade."

"What does gambling have to do with Tsunade?" Jiraiya had chuckled at Naruto's question.

"It will all make sense once you see her brat." With that Jiraiya had shot into the trees, making sure to slow his pace down so Naruto could keep up. Said blonde had dismissed his earlier statement still in awe at the fact that he was on a mission with a sannin.

"Don't praise the pervert too much."

'How come furball?'

"The man spends his better time peeking upon women in hot springs, not really all that impressive."

'So you're saying he is addicted to being a pervert?'

"In a way, yes."

'Makes sense, most powerful figures in his league adopt crutches to keep them sane. Like how Jiji smokes his tobacco. When a man goes through three wars it would be concerning if he didn't have a vice.'

"You should ask that mortal about your father. He must have information upon the man, I can only tell you so much."

'Good idea.'

"Oi Jiraiya." The sannin acknowledged Naruto with a glance as they leapt from branch to branch.

"In the books they claim that you taught the fourth Hokage is that true?" Jiraiya had looked ahead as a fond smile wormed its way onto his features. It's as if the man was overcomed by a delightful memory. But if one were to take a second look they would see a bit of pain dancing in his eyes.

"Minato was my number one prized student. I watched him transform from a snot nosed gennin to a brave man." The somber moment had come to an end as Jiraya quickly switched back into his usual carefree attitude "Is he your hero or something?"

"Yeah, the Fourth Hokage is my idol. I even picked up sealing because of him" Naruto finished by revealing his incomplete storage seal. Jiraiya had raised his eyebrow as he peered at the project.

'For a novice so young his work almost has no flaws! It isn't even complete yet but this seal is so complicated no way a beginner could replicate one.' Jiraiya had went into shock as a memory from The Great Toad Sage Gamamaru came to fruition.

"Jiraiya boy, one day you will have a student with the power to save or destroy the world. It will be your actions that will determine which path your student takes."

'Could he be the prophecy child Gamamaru predicted?'

"Tell you what kid, I'll help you fix that storage seal while I tell you stories about Minato as a genin."

"Yata! Alright!"

000

Danzō Shimura, elder to the shinobi council and advisor to the Third Hokage, had been taking a leisurely walk with Shibi Aburame. Clan head of the Aburame clan. Not many words were shared between the two, as to be expected. Both adults were men of few words.

"I appreciate your sacrifice Shibi. Root needs new soldiers and with your assistance our foundation shall stay strong."

"It's not so much of a sacrifice but a trade of interest Shimura-san. I fear that Shino's predicament might injure one of his peers in the future. I trust that you will train him well enough so that he can control his rinkaichū?"

"Worry not, under my care Shino will learn how to control his rinkaichū in due time." The duo had started to slow down as they had come across two children. Torune Aburame, an adopted son of Shibi. After his father died Shibi had decided to open his doors to Torune. Then there was Shino Aburame, future clan heir.

"Shino this is Danzo. He will help develop your control over the rinkaichū." Danzō crouched down to maintain eye level with Shino. The war veteran had observed the Aburame with a blank stare.

"I've heard you have a rare ability, boy. I shall mend you into a fine shinobi for the village." Shino had glanced at his father, worried about the current situation.

"Shino, go along with Danzō. Joining the root would bring immense honor to our family." With a nod Shino had bid goodbye to his adoptive brother. Torune had been slightly on edge about this transaction. But chose to not intervene; it wasn't his place for clan matters such as this.

"You will see Shino in a week from now. He'll still participate in the academy maintaining daily attendance for clan hier appearances." After Danzō said his piece he and Shino began to make their depart. Torune watched the duo escape as their silhouettes became dots on the horizon as time went by. For some reason watching his brother leave with that man had left a sour taste in Torune's mouth. Shibi placed his hand upon the child's shoulder to catch his attention.

"This is the best option for Shino. Worry not for your brother as he is now on a path to greatness." Shibi's explanation had put Torune at ease somewhat. Hoping that this really was the best decision for Shino.

000

The bustling city of Tanzaku-gai had been quite lively today. Young women dressed in scantily clad kimonos and businessmen alike could be found in abundance throughout the streets. Currently we find our duo having lunch at a random pub by the select choice of Jiraiya. If Naruto were to take a guess as to why he chose this place would probably be the endowed waitresses. Said blonde was chowing down his favorite dish as Jiraiya slowly ate his bowl of noodles. Emptying his bowl Naruto pointed his chopstick at the older man.

"So Ero-Sennin what's the plan on finding Tsunade?"

"Ero-Sennin! Have some respect brat you're talking to a hero here."

"You might be a hero but you're still a perv. You can't even finish your bowl without gawking at the waitress every second." Books on anatomy at the academy had enlarged Naruto's vocabulary. A lecherous grin formed on Jiraya's face as he was distracted by a cute redhead taking orders at a nearby table. But before the man could dish out his rebuttal a green toad had came into existence with flashy smoke.

"Jiraiya-sama I have spotted Tsunade in the far east side of the town. Currently she's in a bar drinking accompanied by another woman with brown hair." The green toad was the size of a cup. He had seemed proud after reporting the spotting of Tsunade.

"Did that frog just talk!" Naruto had been expecting a lot of things today but a talking animal was not one of them. A slimy tongue had slapped the jinchūriki with blinding speeds.

'I couldn't even react to it!' Naruto had been left flabbergasted. An animal with reflexes on par with a ninja? It was such an enigma to the blonde.

"They are toads Naruto, you should learn the difference. They're quite sensitive to that particular misconception. Thank you Girosen." Jiraiya flung a fish on a stick into the air. Said delecassy was snatched out of the air and gobbled into the toads gullet via tongue . After that the summon had vanished in a cloud of smoke returning to Mount Myoboku.

"I have a summoning contract with Toads. And he was one of my summons that I sent on a recon task. It's one of the perks of being so awesome!" Ignoring Jiraiya's obvious flex the child was still in awe at the prospect of summoning talking animals. "But now we have a lead on my busty teammate come on kid!" In quick succession Jiraiya grabbed Naruto and bolted out of the pub. Jumping on rooftop to rooftop to the east side of the town.

000

Behind the Nara household one could find Shikamaru Nara relaxing in his backyard. Shikaku, his father, had invited him outside for today was the day he was finally going to teach his son the basics of their clan's signature jutsu. Shikamaru hadn't been too excited but of course he was intrigued with the idea of learning a new jutsu. What academy student wouldn't be?

"Kagemane no Jutsu." Shikaku's shadow underneath him extended to connect with Shikamarus. After successfully merging, Shikakau raised his hand, his son copying his exact movements. "Shikamaru this jutsu is our family's hidden jutsu as you already know." After releasing his son's shadow the man had approached the child. "But before I even teach you the hand seals we must first start with the basics. Shikamaru, will you explain to me exactly what yin chakra is?" Moving from his spot Shikamaru stood up as he addressed his father.

"Yin chakra the opposite of yang chakra is the physical energy that resides in all human beings." Shikaku smiled proudly.

"Correct, now you see yin chakra is what we apply to our shadows so that we can control it. Shikamaru today you will find your yin energy. Now come on, sit down and meditate." At the end of his order, Shikamaru sat down upon the grassy field Indian style. Beginning his meditation the Nara had searched within himself. First he felt his warm chakra near his stomach region.

"Seperate your chakra into your physical energy son." Listening to his father's advice Shikamaru had done just that. After finally managing to find his yin chakra, what happened next surprised him. His yin chakra had felt powerful; it was on a whole nother compared to his regular chakra. It was an unstoppable force yet easy to tame. Getting a feel of the ambiguous energy, Shikamaru had understood it like it was second nature. Applying said yin chakra to his shadow he had successfully managed to mutate his shadow. Shikaku stared at the phenomenon with wide eyes.

'Did he just perform it on the first try? This is unprecedented! Such talent from our clan might be revolutionary.' A deep frown had started to maw Shikaku's face. As the army general, the man had learned of the repeating pattern of those who earned the title of prodigy. Itachi Uchiha the clan murder, Minato Namikaze the honorable deceased Fourth Hokage, and finally the infanous traitor Orochimaru of the sannin. Each genius destined for a deficiency, Shikaku had not wanted his own son to follow the same beaten path.

"Tou-san...is everything alright?" Shikamaru's question brung the senior out of his musings. The academy student had been worried. He had not expected his father to show such dissatisfaction. Quickly fixing his stature Shikaku smiled fondly once again.

"Good job son I'm proud of you." Approaching his child he affectionately ruffled his hair. Shikamaru had nudged his father's hand off of his head, annoyed by his antics. But secretly relieved that he got his fathers's approval.

000

The duo had arrived at their destination much to the blonde's ire. The child had swirls in his eyes as he was rudely dropped by Jiraiya. "Remember kid, keep it professional. We're on a retrieval mission after all." Jiraiya sarcastically appraised Naruto as he dusted himself off.

'Stupid sage manhandling me all over the village. A prank should teach this geezer a lesson.' Naruto could almost hear his bijuu laughing at his unfortunate predicament.

Displacing the large blue flaps at the entrance of the bar Jiraiya had peered inside the facility instantly finding their target. A well endowed blonde woman with pigtails guzzling down a bottle of sake being barely restrained by a brunette who was failing miserably.

"Tsunade-sama please slow down on the drinking! I don't want to carry you back to our hotel again!" A pink pig could be seen spectating at the sidelines dawned in a red coat with pearls as accessories.

"Neh neh Shizune tonight is the night to party. Join me and have a drink!" At the end of the blonde's gesture she had thrusted her bottle into the air as if she was making a toast.

'Wow Ero-Sennin wasn't exaggerating when he called her a drunk huh.' Jiraiya had leapt towards Tsunade, tackling her with a hug and nestling his face between her breasts.

"Tsunade-chan! I'm so glad to see you." Tsunade had been caught off guard as she let out a gasp muttering Jiraiya's name. But the women must have been bipolar as her positive nature had been switched with that of pure malice.

"Get off me you damn perv!" Her words were followed by a swift but very powerful hook to the face. Launching Jiraiya into nearby flimsy chairs. Said chairs had scattered about like pins getting rammed by a bowling ball. Naruto watched the spectacle with a large sweat drop forming upon his forehead.

'These people are sannin huh?' But Kakashi's motto had replayed in his head. Look underneath the underneath. Yes these people could still kill Naruto before he could even blink. Maybe the more powerful you are the more you have control of your surroundings?

"That's why we need to become powerful Naruto so fools like them have no say in our future." Jiraiya had slowly gotten back up rubbing his face as he signaled Naruto to approach them.

"But seriously Tsunade-chan it's a pleasure seeing you again. Come on lets catch up over a a drink." The group made their way to settle down at the table Tsunade was previously occupying. As soon as they sat down Jiraiya picked up a nearby saucer on the table as he poured sake into it. Twirling the flat cup around Jiraiya set his sights upon the brunette who was sitting besides Tsunade.

"Shizune-chan you're twenty-one now right? Time flies.. how has life as a nomad treated you so far?"

'She is almost the same age as Nii-San.' A plan struck Naruto as he schemed. Shizune smiled as she scooped her pig up, ready to answer but Tsunade had decided to cut her off.

"Cut the crap Jiraiya I know you didn't track me all the way here to ask my apprentice about her life. Also who's the kid?" The woman finished off her question by rudely pointing at Naruto.

"Naruto Uzumaki, future Hokage. Nice to meet you Baa-chan." A tick mark appears on the slug princess forehead as she accessed Naruto with a death stare. Tsunade then leaned into the table as she shared a leveled gaze with her fellow blonde.

"Listed kid Hokage is a fool's job, here is some advice kid. That village will eat up all of those who are precious to you and becoming Hokage won't put an end to that either. If anything chasing that dream will bring death upon you for certain." A sullen look overcame Naruto, the amount of death and insane scenarios he had experienced in the past 4 months testifies to her statement.

"Who have you lost Baa-chan?" Naruto asked with his lids covering his eyes halfway. Tsunade's eyes widened as she shifted her attention to the sake bottle before her. Pouring the alcoholic beverage inside her sake cup.

"Why should I tell you brat?" Tsunade sneered as she took another sip of her alcoholic beverage.

"To help me understand, so I don't repeat the same mistakes you have." Jiraiya had let Naruto steer the conversation for now. More communication could be the key for getting Tsunade to cooperate with returning to the village. The medic nin had set her sights upon the table now, with a nod she had seemingly come to agree with Naruto.

"I once had a lover named Dan at one point. Like you he aspired to become Hokage. But in the third world war he had been killed on a mission. I also had a little brother Nawaki." After taking a sip of her sake cup Tsunade let out a broken smile. "You both share such a vibrant smile you know...he was only a genin when an explosive seal took his life." Naruto had been captivated in Tsunad's story listening word for word.

'Loss must go hand to hand with becoming a shinobi. I must become stronger to protect my friends..'

"She makes it seem as if loss is inevitable. Like a cycle, do you have what it takes to break that cycle?" Naruto had once again decided to not answer the fox. Pondering if he really does have what it takes to break that vicious cycle. A loud cough from the toad sage had brought Tsunade's attention.

"Tsunade the reason why I'm here is because Sensei wants you back in the village." The sake bottle in Tsunade's hand shattered. Shooting up from her chair she stood defiantly, ready to flee at any moment.

"No way in hell am I going back-"

"Sensei will label you and Shizune Nuke-Nin if you refuse to comply." Tsunade's hand shot out and grabbed Jiraiya's collar. Pulling him so close that their faces were only 4 inches apart.

"Sensei would never dare threaten me with something like that."

"Tsunade you can't turn your back to the village forever. We need you, Sensei fears for our future and frankly I do also." Tsuande looked at Shizune, while she herself could handle becoming a Nuke-Nin just fine she worried about her. Tsunade also had not wanted to quarale with her teammate; it was already bad enough Orochimaru defected. Letting out a pained sigh Tsunade had settled down.

"Very well.. shall we head back?"

"Neh Neh what's the rush the night is still young Tsunade-hime." The Senju princess raised her glass to that; actually agreeing to one thing Jiriaya had said today.

000

After the two seniors had wasted the night partying away they had grown tired and needed to rest. So here we were in the hotel room Tsunade and Shizune had rented on the previous day. Tsunade and Jiraiya had been so drunk that they fell asleep instantly. Both Sannin snoring obnoxiously loud. Now it was just Shizune and Naruto. Said woman was grooming Naruto's hair while the blonde was applying finishing touches to his storage seal.

"Your hair is such an exotic color Naruto-kun did you dye it like this?"

"Hehe no my hair is gradually changing to red." Naruto had been slow and steady with his strokes, finding comfort in Shizune's womanly touch.

"Is this a seasonal change?"

"In a way sort of.. earlier Jiraiya mentioned that you were twenty eight. Is that true.?"

"Asking for a woman's age is rude Naruto-kun." Shizune puffed her cheeks as she feigned anger. "If you must know yes I am twenty eight."

"My older brother Kakashi is twenty seven."

"Kakashi-san I remember him. He was a year before me in the academy. But aren't you an Uzumaki?"

"He became my legal guardian." One more layer of ink and the jinchūriki was complete with his makeshift storage seal.

"Oh how thoughtful of him." Shizune had been thoroughly enthralled with detangling Naruto's mop of hair.

"But he's always alone. In my opinion, I think he needs a lover." Shizune accidentally tugged Naruto's hair a little too hard. Naruto squinted his eyes as Shizune became a bright shade of red. The child had clutched in not messing up the sealing array. To him this had been a form of training. In his logic he will always be under pressure in battle so it would be his best interest to get accustomed to it.

"W-Well that's none of my business and frankly it shouldn't be yours either Naruto-kun." Shizune spoke with haste as she stopped playing with Naruto.

"Yeah I guess you're right. Have you found somebody special yet Shizune-san?"

"You should focus more on that sealing Naruto-kun, playing cupid would be a grave misuse of your time." Shizune stood up and went to feed TonTon, refusing to entertain Naruto any longer. But that didn matter as Naruto had finally completed the storage seal.

'Yata! I did it Kurama!'

"You don't know if it works for sure yet."

'Hn' Retrieving a kunai from his pouch Naruto had set it smack dab in the middle of the array. Applying chakra to the seal the kunai vanished with a puff of smoke successfully storing it in space time. Naruto heard clapping behind him, turning around he saw Shizune supporting him from the kitchen with a round if applause. Naruto chuckled as he let out a big smile, proud of himself.

000

The return of Tsunade Senju had set ablaze a sense of celebration throughout the streets of Konoha. Civilians and shinobi alike partied throughout the day as they rejoiced the return of the Senju Princess. Vendors have been working overtime as children littered and played without much supervision. Even the academy had been closed for the day. Paper lamps designed with the Senju clan crest could be seen decorating almost every shop in the village. Some elders had even wept once they heard the news claiming that it was a blessing from the gods themselves. There was no telling how long the party would last as it was lively and it was only the first day she had arrived.

"It seems your return has caused an uproar, welcome back Tsunade-chan." After welcoming back his lost student Hirzuen set his attention upon Shizune "Welcome back home Shizune-san"

"I'm glad to be back Hokage-sama." Shizune blushed as she bowed to the Kage flushing at his praise.

"Sensei can you explain as to why you would threaten me by labeling me as a fugitive in the bingo book? You know how I feel about the shinobi life. I retired for a reason." Hirzuen interlaced his finger as he laid his chin upon the bridge of his fingers narrowing his eyes as he glared at Tsunade.

"Shizune as of today you will be resuming ninja duty, please stand by for future information. You are dismissed." Shizune had bowed one last time as she scurried out the office. With a snap of his fingers all of the Anbu hidden in the room fled.

"Tsunade there is a war on the horizon. Now right now I won't issue you to go back on the field but insist that you run the medic ward."

"War? No Sensei I can't-"

"TSUNADE! I refuse to let the village that your ancestors had worked so hard to create be crumbled to the ground because of your lost loved ones. I lost my wife too Tsunade! The village had taken her but I still stand here protecting it to this day!" A pregnant pause in the conversation drew out the tension between the two. Hiruzen finally let up his pressing aura as he leaned back into his chair. "You have to let go child...Dan wouldn't want you wallowing over him forever. You still have Shizune Jiraiya, and me.. fight to protect us don't let your will of fire extinguish so soon" Standing from his seat he had gone over and embraced the slug princess in a hug. It took a while but Tsunade eventually gave in returning the hug with barely any force.

"But sensei my hematophobia will affect my line of work, it is going to be impossible for me to be medic." Breaking away from the hug Hirzuen went back to his desk and retrieved an empty small scroll.

"You will visit the Yamanaka's first thing tomorrow for therapy." After Hiruzen was done writing in the scroll he walked over to the messenger hawk conveniently perched on the rim of his window. Inserting said scroll into the small pouch wrapped around it's leg. The bird then fluttered off delivering the message.

"Now let us celebrate the Senju festival. It's after all in your honor." A deep rumbling caught both of their attemtion as they looked outside the windows. Below one would see Jiraiya being chased by a mob of women.

"GAKI WHY MUST YOU BETRAY ME SO!"

"THAT'S FOR EARLIER ERO-SENNIN!" One could also see Naruto keeping back hoping from rooftop to rooftop enjoying the fruits of his prank. A large sweat drop simultaneously formed on both if their heads as they spectated the scene.

'It's good to be home I guess.'

Next chapter will officially have Naruto as gennin. Im very proud of this chapter. Leave a review i would appreciate it