Katon: Gyuki no Jutsu: Jutsu

"Naruto!": Bijuu talk

'Naruto!': Bijuu thoughts

'Naruto!': character thoughts

"Naruto!": Regular speech

[Expectation: n.a belief that someone will or should achieve something.]

Monday

12:09 AM

Sasuke, Naruto, and Kakashi found no trace of their kidnapped teammate when they returned. They only returned to a shaken and bewildered family complaining about their damaged floorboards. Of course that discouraged Kakashi greatly. To the point where the man decided to stay alert throughout the following night. Planning the next step for his students while keeping watch at all times. Hatake would be damned if another one of his students perished on the battlefield again.

So now we find the rest of the genin squad gathered around in a forest clearing not too far from the house. Gray clouds painted the sky as the early morning dew glistened on the grass below. Kakashi stood in front of the two with straight posture and a serious gaze.

"Alright team seven before I instruct the both of you I need a full report on what my team is capable of so far." Kakashi instructed. The dead last and rookie of the year shared a look. Afterwards Naruto smoothly pulled a brush with ink already coating its bristles from his weapons pouch. Drawing a seal on a piece of paper on his person, Naruto slammed the piece of art to the ground. Immediately a dome of chakra formed from the ground and encased the trio. Then it faded out, becoming undetectable.

"Privacy seal set! Any outsider out of our radius should not be able to sense, hear, or see us." Naruto proudly exclaimed his sealing capabilities.

"Your intuition has certainly improved Naruto. Glad you know how important it is to protect village secrets. Alright Sasuke you're up first." Kakashi pointed to the last Uchiha.

"Hn, so far I've only managed to master my sharingan in my left eye. My right eye is only on its second stage. I'm also adept at using genjutsu to the point I can perform B-rank techniques without the use of my dojutsu. I excel in taijutsu, high chunin would be around my level. My elemental affinities are lighting being my primary, and fire my secondary. Although I currently have one jutsu for my fire release: Katon: Gyuki no Jutsu." Sasuke paused his explanation as he unsheathed his tantō.
"I tend to favor imbuing my sword with my lightning affinity to create a literal lightning blade. My kenjutsu definitely needs improvement, but I am confident I can defeat any experienced chunin level swordsman. Even if they were taught the sword arts at a young age. I also favor using ninja wire whenever I can." Sasuke finished his report with his usual stoic face.

'He doesn't slack in any of the jutsu departments–good–but unfortunately his lightning affinity can only be accessed with the assistance of his weapon. For now I'll teach him Raikiri. Let's see what his imagination can do with it. ' Kakashi once again gave an approving nod before he pointed to Naruto.

"Well.. let's start with Fūinjutsu, at the moment I'm only a level five seal user. The highest stage I could obtain is level ten so I'm halfway there onto becoming a seal master! As you already know my favorite mastered technique is the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. I can perform it with no hand seals now and I've also managed to learn its other variants such as explosive shadow clones, and shuriken clone technique. I cannot use genjutsu but thanks to my tenant I'm immune to any regular type of illusion.." Naruto strained the regular part in his last statement as he casted a glance over to his Uchiha teammate.

"My primary element is wind and my secondary element is water. I only have one elemental wind jutsu so far: Fūton: Daitoppa. Haven't had any luck with water release so far. I've been struggling with dampening a leaf so I've been putting it off for a while. I've also been training with my bijuu chakra! I can safely use up to three tails so far. If I were to give a rate on my taijutsu I'd say about chunin level." Naruto finished his self analysis with a forced smile. His cheerful attitude failed to fool not only his sensei but his teammate as well.

'He has no water it might be best if I teach him the rasengan. He should theoretically create his own water jutsu by combining his elemental nature with the rasengan…eventually .' Kakashi thought to himself as a million ideas started to run through his head. But for now he settled with plan A.

"Alright you two, after that quick evaluation I have decided what's the next appropriate step for the both of you."

000

Seven days passed by. The winds blew outrageously wild on this particular afternoon. Cumulonimbus clouds painted the sky gray. Blocking sunshine from shining through. It was raining and the shower was not letting up. Raindrops cascaded downwards Sasukue's arm all the way down to his singed fingertips. His hands were covered in burn marks but the damage to his body was nothing compared to the surrounding clearing.

Potholes the size of cars littered the ground, the trees weren't fairing well either. Some trees were littered with fist sized holes. Some were completely thrashed as if a tropical storm hit their trunk head on. Naruto mirrored the Uchiha's sluggish movements. But Sasuke knew his teammate would recover faster than he could snap his fingers.

Panting heavily the redhead stared at his dominant right hand, which was covered with scratches, bruises and cuts. The cuffs of his long sleeved orange shirt imitated that of a piece of paper going halfway through a shredder. But despite the clear fatigue that showed on both of the Genin's faces they were practically ecstatic.

"You ready Sasuke!" Naruto yelled out a war cry as he stretched his arm out to the side of him. Chakra started to visibly swirl in on itself in the palm of his right hand. Eventually spiralling in control to form a dense ball of chakra in the middle of his hand.

"Bring it dobe!" Sasuke mirrored his teammate's actions sporting a wide grin of his own. His left hand started to crackle and pop with electricity as bolts of lighting covered his palm and shot out from his fingertips. Chirps of a thousand birds battled with the sound of falling rain. Then they shot off, meeting each other in the middle of the field.

"Rasengan!"

"Chidori!"

The sheer power behind the two techniques clashed for dominance. Both of their chakra now visible danced like flames from a bonfire. A silent agreement commenced between the two as they never broke eye contact. Both techniques came to a calming end. Flashing lights and swirling chakra disappeared only to reveal the Uzumaki and Uchiha fist bumping.

"Wow I can't believe it took my father three years to create the rasengan. It only took me a week to learn it!" Naruto cockily boasted as he shot his fists up into the air. Striking a champion pose.

"Hnn. All that matters is that we get stronger...so we can find Sakura." Sasuke's normally blank face held emotion for once. An emotion that was very foriegn for the Uchiha to express. And even rarer for Naruto to witness. Regret. After the calm seven days that followed the climactic battle Naruto and Sasuke agreed that Sakura must be still alive. Of course Sasuke had his doubts. But after a long conversation Naruto persuaded his teammate with a convincing speech.

Naruto observed the sky, the rainfall started to fall even harder. "I can't tell if the sun is about to dawn or not. Let's rendezvous with Sensei before he searches for us just in case." Sasuke agreed, the duo then marched back towards their humble cabin. Going over ideas on hwo to use their new techniques in future battles.

000

Hiruzen stood gravely still in front of his bay view window. According to an Anbu sighting report Team seven did not return with their female fourth member. Anxiety coldly hugged the old man's neck and chest. A rip from his pipe to wash away the worries. Milky clouds banshing the cold jitters of fear. Responsibility frowned upon the Third Hokage today. The door opened; entering the incomplete team.

"Report." Hiruzen sternly demanded.

"C-rank mission to escort Tazuna was successfully completed. Unfortunately there was a major casualty." Kakashi said in the best monotone voice he could muster.

Kakashi then went on to explain the events that transpired on their mission. A looming shadow layered over the old relics' eyes as he listened intently. After Kakashi finished speaking, a long pause gave birth.

"So Kakashi…what you are telling me is that I lost one of my upcoming kunoichi for a bridge named in her honor and the pocket money of a drug dealer? Not only that but the whereabouts and status of Sakura Haruno is also unknown?" Hiruzen's grave voice sent shivers down Naruto's spine. Sasuke felt uneasy but the look of guilt was subtle upon his face.

"Hai Hokage-sama." A disappointed sigh was exhaled by the old man. Naruto had to admit, failure in front of his grandfatherly figure did hurt indeed.

"Sakura Haruno will be deemed deceased until further evidence of her status comes to light. Kakashi, you are suspended from your ninja duties for three months. You will still be allowed to register as acting jounin for your team in the upcoming chunin exams but nothing else. Normally a more severe punishment would be needed for Jounin showing such incompetence and reckless behavior. But you're a special case Kakashi. I know this punishment will act more as mercy than anything else. You might be able to fool your students but I've been your acting commander since you were in the academy. I know my soldiers Hatake and I cannot have you as a risk for your fellow shinobi until you've healed from this loss. Team seven you are dismissed."

Sasuke and Naruto left with no words as they calmly walked outside of the office. Kakashi removed his headband to place it upon Hiruzen's desk. Leaving in a swirl of leaves.

Hiruzen exhaled slowly. Carbon mixed with tobacco smoke polluted the office air only slightly. The responsibilities that came with the title Hokage were never forgiving.

"Anbu! Inform operative Tanuki that his services for the organization are no longer needed. He will be demoted back to genin rank and starting tomorrow he will be the official new member for team seven."

'It hasn't even been a year yet and already the graduating class has started to dwindle. Maybe I was wrong?' The Third Hokage sighed as he pressed a button on his intercom.

"Akari, may you please send a messenger ninja to the Haruno household."

"Right on it lord third!" Dire news had to be dealt with, but the village still needed to be governed. If Hiruzen had to personally inform every family their loved one had passed away on a mission then he would never be able to finish this paperwork. And to be honest he would rather stay seated in his office chair than break the hearts of mothers, fathers...children.

000

"Shikamaru, let's go back to the village. I need more chips." Choji Akaimichi, the muscle and heart of team ten, was currently starving. His fellow teammate and self proclaimed brother, Shikamaru Nara. Lay next to him as he analyzed the sky.

The young Nara continued to stare at the sky. Tuning out Choji's plea for food. A practice that has become more of a second habit at this point. Currently team ten were waiting for the sensei, Asuma Sarutobi to arrive. The seasoned jounin was never this late usually though. An uneasy feeling came over both Shikamaru and Ino.

"Shikamaru I swear if you corrupted sensei and turned him lazy. I'm kicking your ass!" Ino accused as she pointed towards her childhood friend.

Shikamaru scoffed and rolled his eyes. Troublesome blondes. The ever so subtle sound of grass being stepped on quickly alerted the Genin. Asuma Saruto finally arrived at training ground ten. He walked slower than usual, alarm bells now started to go off between all three.

"What's with the down look sensei?" Ino asked, this had been the first time witnessing her tutor this serious since their graduation exam.

"I have been informed of some terrible news recently…. Sakura Haruno has fallen on the field." Ino stood rigid.

"You must be kidding Asuma sensei." Ino accused with a nervous smile. The bearded jounin face held no amusement. His silence was enough to confirm her nightmare.

"H-HOW! How did she die, Asuma-sensei?" Ino practically yelled her question.

"I was told she perished in an explosion." Asuma regretfully informed his genin.

"Oh..my. If you don't mind, may I be pardoned?" Asuma didn't dare to deny her. It was important for soldiers to grieve properly. The chances of her becoming a cold murderer with no emotions drastically decreased if done correctly. Shikamaru and Choji watched as Ino bolted from the training ground worriedly. Chouji was about to give chase but was held back by Asuma.

"It's best to let her handle this on her own. For her own sake."

000

Ino's mind was a blur as she raced through the streets of Konoha. It didn't take long for her to reach her clan compound. The first thing she did after she arrived home was decide to pack a gift basket to show her condolences.

Rummaging through her kitchen, Ino retrieved two bottles of her clan's famous ale. She then took a generous amount of money from her personal savings and placed it into the basket also. The blonde then searched for items that reminded her of the deceased Haruno.

For example a shuriken painted pink, courtesy from Sakura who made it in arts back in the day at the academy. Ino forced down a pained sob when she spotted Sakura's ridiculous pink bow that she used to wear in her first year. A memento given to her after Ino made one too many crude remarks about it. Words Ino wished she could take back. She placed the bow into the basket.

After finishing prepping the basket and making sure nothing was out of place she then headed off towards the Haruno residence. Ringing the doorbell she waited for an answer. After quite some time Ino contemplated leaving her basket at their doorsteps but alas the door opened.

What greeted her was a tired looking Mebuki who looked as if she had just survived a battle. The woman looked a total mess. Her bloodshot eyes held pain. Her unkempt hair seemed as unruly as the tissue that poked out the box she was holding.

"Mebuki-san..It's been a while." Ino awkwardly greeted the grieving mother with a bow.

"Ino-chan..I'm so glad to see you again, please come in." Albeit slow, Mebuki ushered Ino into the kitchen where Kizashi sat. Never taking his eyes off the newspaper.

"Good evening Kizashi-san."

Flip

"I've brought you both a basket that's filled with my memories of Sakura and fine delicacies." Finally then did Kizashi disregard his daily literature. The old man stood tall as he inspected the basket. The first item he picked up was his baby girl's pink bow that she used to love to wear so much.

"All it took was Sakura to die for you to visit us old folk again huh?" Kizashi offhandedly said as he traced his fingers over the texture of the bow. Ino bit her tongue. She couldn't dare look the man in his eyes. At a loss for words all Ino could do was stare at the ground.

"Kizashi, there was no reason for you to be so out of line!" A stern glare from Mebuki barely affected the hurting father.

"No reason? I encourage my only child to go and play ninja. I can't believe I sent my daughter out into that cold world like that. Not even a body to recover. I...WE didn't even get to say goodbye to our little cherry blossom." Kizashi popped the cap off the bottle with his thumb and took a swig.

"But no worries dear wife. Here we are gifted with such fine sake for our troubles." The amount of passive aggressiveness that laced Kizashi's voice was practically lethal. Deep down Ino knew Sakura's dad meant no harm. She knew everybody grieved differently. Some lash out their feelings upon others. Some keep their grief bottled up inside until one day they explode with emotion. Learning about human emotion was something her father made sure she studied if she ever were to become clan head one day.

Mebuki placed a gentle hand on Ino's shoulder. "I'm sorry sweetie. Kizashi is not himself right now. Thank you for the basket but I think you should be on your way home before it gets dark."

"Ah alright." Ino went to the door and opened it. "Sorry for your loss, the both of you. Sakura was a great friend to me. It pains me to know that this is what her faith came to be." Ino then finally closed the door. The sound of glass shattering made her flinch but the poor girl refused to investigate.

000

"See you later Naruto. I'm going home." After Naruto and Sasuke left the Kage tower, the Uchiha decided to immediately isolate himself. Naruto wanted to reach out to his self-proclaimed brother but couldn't even bother to himself. Instead the redhead watched the Uchiha leave.

'I guess I'll see him tomorrow.' For the first time in a long while Naruto could confidently say that he was tired. Without wasting time the Uzumaki made a b-line straight home. On the way there he managed to be caught by Ino.

"Whiskers!" Her loud greeting brought a smile to Naruto's face. The blonde ran into the jinchuriki and clobbered him into a hug. Civilians passing by gave crazy looks towards Ino as if she was insane. Openly sparing affection to the kyuubi incarnate was sure to garner some looks.

"I haven't seen you in weeks. Come on, let's catch up." Ino grasped Naruto's hand reassuringly.

"I was just on the way home actually. I guess you could tag along" Naruto replied calmy. Ino gave a nod as she fell in line with her whiskered friend.

The walk to his apartment had been silent but comforting. Albeit Naruto's knuckles had turned ash white due to his iron grip on Ino's hand. She must admit that his iron-like grip was a tad bit painful, but she would never complain to him out loud. It kind of warmed her heart to know how reluctant he was to let her go.

But Ino knew whiskers better than anybody else in the village. His saunter that held confidence did a great job concealing the regret his posture emitted. The boy refused to show weakness in front of the villagers.

Finally the duo arrived at Naruto's studio apartment. He adorably held the door open for Ino, as he does every time, never failing to forget.

"Alright Ino-chan take a seat. I'll whip you up the Naruto special just for you! We have to celebrate my first A-rank mission after all!" Ino forced a smile on her face as she accepted the chair he pulled out for her. She didn't say anything as studied her favorite redhead as he tied his yellow apron.

White characters printed boldly on the front claiming Ramen Chef decorated the piece of fabric. Naruto retrieved an assortment of vegetables from his refrigerator for the stock of his famous ramen dish. Rolling up the sleeves of his blood stained shirt Naruto began to slice the vegetables. Noticeably avoiding the onions.

Chop

"Naruto I'm not really hungry right now." Naruto turned his attention to his closest female friend, his now only female friend, with a slightly raised eyebrow. Confusion written all over his face. He had always been such a good actor.

"Nonsense Ino-chan it's been almost three weeks since I last saw you! Tonight should be our special reunion, y'know?"

Chop

"Your cuts are getting sloppy Naruto-kun." The jinchuriki ignored Ino's jab blissfully as he kept focused on the task at hand.

Chop

A frown slowly marred itself upon Ino's face as she watched the tragedy unfold in front of her. To a stranger Naruto would seem quite alright. But to her, that boy was nothing of the sort.

"Naruto...I heard what happened on your mission."

Chop

"You know I vividly remember you boasting about an explosive seal tag project before you left. Please don't tell me that had anything to do with her death." The sound of Ino's chair scraping against the cold hard wood as she scooted out from her chair reverberated throughout the one bedroom apartment.

Chop

Her light footsteps sounded heavy to the distraught redhead.

Chop

Ino then slowly wrapped her arms around his torso, bringing him closer to her. Soft petite fingers intertwined with his agitated rough hands. Smoothly disarming the kitchen knife that was covered with vegetable acid.

No words were shared between the two. Only actions that spoke thousands of words. Ino knew Naruto didn't need a speech of encouragement but a hug.

Drip

A teardrop fell onto the cutting board.. and then another.. and then another. This was now the second time he had broken his vow. But even with all of Naruto's strength he couldn't help it.

"It wasn't supposed to be my fault, Ino-chan. That tag was supposed to protect her." The amount of despair in Naruto's voice almost forced the Yamanaka heiress to create her own tears.

"Turn around Naruto." And that he did. Ino then grabbed the sides of his face as she connected her forehead with his.

"It wasn't your fault Naruto-kun. Let it all out. I'm here." Sobs that evoked hiccups that branched into trembles came upon Naruto in an instant. Losing a best friend is hard, but believing you're the reason why they're gone? A delusion Ino prayed to never experience. Her purple kimono shirt had then been stained with tears. But she did not dare pay attention. Fashion will never come before her loved one.

'The shinobi world is cold and cruel Naruto-kun.'

000

Hakkeshou Kaiten!

Training logs were ripped from the ground as they were sent flying by a spinning dome of chakra. Hinata's breath ran ragged as she rested her hands upon her knees. Nonetheless she turned around with a smile, anxious for the reaction of her sensei and parent. Hinata's mother, Hitomi Hyuga, slowly gave her a round of applause as she bore a small smile.

She was proud that her daughter finally managed to perform the revolving heaven technique flawlessly. A right of passage that her firstborn indeed passed. As a mother she couldn't be prouder.

Hitomi only started to train Hinata after she graduated. Never finding the need to oversee her training progress in the academy because she firmly believed Hinata should have been having fun and spent that time as a kid to the fullest.

"Alright Hinata-chan it's time for a break. Hanabi, why don't you show mommy your practiced Gentle fist stances." Hanabi, her second child, looked up at her with a determined smile. Previously the little ball of energy was clinging onto her mother's purple kimono as she observed her older sister train.

But now the academy student bolted to the last standing training log. Fixing her stance she palm striked the log repeatedly as she breathed out 'kai' in between strikes. Hitomi then split her attention as she decided to address her little clan heiress.

"Are you participating in the upcoming chunin exams princess? More power in your strike Hanabi-chan!" Hitomi called out as she stood calmly on the wooden deck. Hinata, who had recently taken a rest upon the stairs, looked at her mother with rapt attention.

"Yes mother, Kurenai-sensai informed us yesterday that she planned on enrolling us this year. Truthfully I am kind of excited for it. Maybe the exams will be a chance to show father how capable I really am." Hotmi agreed wholeheartedly as she placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. In the distance Hinata noticed her cousin passing by.

Neji walked by with a sour face. Hitomi knew exactly why Neji despised the main branch so furiously. Not only had the boy been marked with a cage bird seal. But the kidnap situation only fed fire to the flames. Hitomi strongly felt that the Kumo incident was partly her fault. Only if she buckled down on being a good mother back then. Even with her byakugan, Hitomi couldn't foresee the kidnapping of her daughter that night.

Neji's father, Hizashi Hyuga, had to pay for the consequences of her incompetence. Ever since then Hitomi wanted to lend out her hand for the orphaned Hyuga but she couldn't. Not only did the reputation of being the wife to clan head restricted her, but the elders themselves forbid her from helping any side branch member in that type of matter. They deemed it as 'unbecoming', a joke if one asked for her opinion.

"Hinata-chan please promise me this." Hinata's attention was solely on her mother. "In the upcomings exams there will be a chance that you'll be tasked with fighting Neji. If so please remember that he is family. That boy is lost in own sorrow. All he needs is a helping hand. And since you're his cousin it should be your duty to save him." Hinata stared forward, unsure of the nonsense her Mother was spouting.

"But mother Neji hates me. I don't see how I could ever get through to him." Hitomi stood up and approached Hinata. Intertwining her wrinkled hands with her daughter's delicate ones.

"Yes all you may see is his hate but even with your byakugan you surely could easily miss his pain. Neji is suffering Hinata-chan. And as his aunt it pains me to know my nephew is fighting this battle alone." Hinata's eyes widened at the sadness that shone in her mother's pale eyes.

"Alright Kaa-chan I'll do my best to save Neji… I promise."

000

Root Anbu Headquarters.

Shino stood front and center. The blank mask he used to hide his identity was perfectly stuck to his face. Danzō was sitting in his office chair. The desk in front of him had paper sprawled out on top of it.

"So how do you like your new gear so far?" Danzō asked.

"My outfit suits me well lord Danzō." Underneath his root mask Shino wore another mask with built in glasses. The mask did not cover a small area around his nose and mouth. Aburame dawned a skin tight black shirt with red straps on his shoulders. An open sea-green jacket with a high upturned collar covered his upper body for the most part. Black gloves clung tightly to his hands. For his lower body attire he wore ankle-length black pants with black shinobi sandals. A shinobi pouch connected to his belt.

"That's good to hear. Now onto more pressing matters, have your sensei informed your squad of the upcoming chunin exams yet?" The old war hawk questioned his soldier.

"Yes lord Danzō-sama, both of my teammates wholeheartedly agreed to participate." Shino replied in the same monotone voice he usually addressed Danzō with.

"Hmm. Shino, you will have a very important mission while you're participating in these exams. Make sure that not one Sunagakure ninja leaves this year's exams alive. It is crucial that none of those foreign ninjas escape these walls." Danzō commanded with a grave tone. If rumors got out that Konoha did indeed steal the Ichibi jinchuriki from Sunagakure that would just spell trouble for the village.

"Yes lord Danzō-sama. Mission understood."

000

Wednesday

11 AM

There sat Naruto on a grassy field. Winds blew through the grass softly as he meditated. His unruly unkempt crimson hair reached all the way to the back of his neck now. Recreating his late fathers haircut to a T. Now he only wore a dark orange shirt with black anbu pants completed by bandages wrapped around his ankles and black sandals. A style of fashion that he decided to keep from now on. It has now been an entire week since he returned from the land of waves. Since then the Genin had been training like a madman. Forcing himself to improve so that none of his comrades would perish in the upcoming exams. Naruto decided to mainly focus on his secondary affinity. The jinchuriki managed to replicate two water style techniques he witnessed that day.

Suition: Suiro no Jutsu. A water style prison technique that traps his foe in a bubble of water.
Kirigakure no Jutsu. Naruto's personal favorite new jutsu because it worked insanely well with his shadow clones. Due to his massive chakra reserves he could create fog that could cover a small village. Not only that but Naruto also managed to combine his water chakra with his rasengan to create a new jutsu.

Suiton: Rasengan. The redhead basically compresses a whole tsunami into a rasengan and when successfully hit, releases waves that could uproot trees. Not only that but the Uzumaki mastered three tails worth of bijuu chakra and can now utilize up to four tails worth of chakra. Albeit four tails worth of Kurama's chakra was very difficult to control.

Thanks to the help of his shadow clones Naruto improved his fuinjutsu capabilities and is now a level six seal master.

Currently the redhead was supervising his new apprentice,who was failing miserably at attempting to tree walk. "You're using too much chakra Konohamaru!" Naruto bellowed as he laughed at the academy student who was sent flying off the tree.

"I think I'm getting the hang of it now, boss!" He was not. His ridiculously long scarf was tied around a branch that he tried his best to retrieve. How did it come to this you ask? Well it all started after Sakura's funeral.

Flashback

His possibly deceased teammate's funeral was peaceful. Her burial happened on a sunny day. It was kind of nice to have his graduating class all reunited once again. Although it was under such unfortunate circumstances. The highlight of the ceremony was the Third Hokage's speech. His words of wisdom boosted the morale of the crowd only a little.

"Today we all gather here to give blessings to our fallen kunoichi. She gave her life for this village therefore it is only correct that we as Konoha immortalize her memory. Sakura Haruno's name has been added to the Memorial Stone. May her will of fire be passed on to each and every one of us. Now let us give silence for her precious soul." Not long after Naruto decided to take his leave. Sakura shall always remain in his heart but right now he needs to get stronger. She could still be out there and he needed to be on top of his game if he dared to try and bring her back.

On the way home he noticed he was being followed by a child. A child who was complete shit at stealth. Naruto hoped that whoever they were wasn't aiming to be a shinobi with skills like that.

"Oi brat I know you're following me! That rock disguise you're using isn't even in a natural shape! What type of boulder looks like a box!" Naruto yelled as he approached the perfectly cut boulder.

Whoever was under the makeshift boulder faltered before throwing off their disguise. Revealing a kid with short spiky brown hair, blue eyes, and a small chip in his tooth. He wore a grey helmet with a hole at the top for his hair to stick out of. A long blue scarf that was way too big for him hung loosely around his neck.

"Behold for I am the great Konohamaru Sarutobi! Future Hokage of the hidden leaf!"

"Huh?" Konohamaru's eyebrow twitched before he retrieved a couple of dull shuriken.

"You must be Naruto Uzumaki!" The child pointed towards Naruto as he addressed him.

"The one and only."

"I overheard my grandfather talking highly about a genin with red hair. He claims that you're an excellent shinobi even though you are only four years older than me. So here I am to challenge you to show him that not even his top shinobi is no match for me!"

"Neat." Before Konohamaru could even throw his dull weapons, his view of Naruto was flipped. His ankle was now in the hands of a clone as he was now held him upside down. The academy student's attitude did a complete one eighty as now stars were shown in his pupils.

"Woah there's two of you know, that's so cool! How'd you do that!" Naruto chuckled at his childlike wonder.

"Ninja secret." Responded Naruto.

"Alright change of plans. Instead of being my rival you are now my boss. Teach me your ways, Naruto-sensei!" Konohamaru pleaded as he clapped his hands together. Naruto dispelled his clone as approached Konohamaru.

"Are you sure you want to learn under me? It will not be easy being my student." Naruto informed him in a deadly serious tone. The academy student took a pause before he shouted triumphantly.

"I can handle whatever you got!" the next thing Konohamaru knew he was falling to the floor. Naruto dashed behind the child and sweeped his legs. As Konohamaru got up he was kicked lightly sending him to the floor again. Naruto was not allowing him to stand.

"Before I teach you anything I've got to toughen you up. Life as a ninja isn't a safe one, you need to understand that there are monsters out there. A strong body used to pain will only help you." It was a good thing Konohamaru caught Naruto near a training ground. Who knows how the villagers would react to the 'Demon brat' kicking around the Third Hokage's grandson.

Flashback End.

Naruto watched as Konohamaru fell a third time. This time the kid managed to fall into a roll. At least he's learning how to fall properly now. The displacement of air next to him alerted the redhead. Sasuke now stood next to him sporting a bored expression. It seemed he was about to say something until the sound of exploding bark interrupted him.

"Boss did you see that I got up six steps that time!" Konohamaru yelled as he enthusiastically threw his hands into the air.

"Keep up the good work! Soon you'll be able to get your scarf back." Naruto chuckled as he encouraged the youth. Sasuke scoffed at the scene.

"You're babysitting children now?" His remark was overheard by Konohamaru who wasted no time addressing the Uchiha.

"Oi I'm not just any brat! I'm going to be the Hokage one day so you better respect your future village leader!" Sasuke refused to indulge in the academy students' antics and swiftly ignored him.

"Kakashi wants to meet us at the bridge in five minutes. Come alone, do not bring your charity project." Sasuke then left using shunshin.

"What's his problem boss?" Konohamaru questioned.

"He's my teammate, don't take any offense to him. You see he's usually like that to everybody. Keep working on that exercise while I go meet up with my squad. See ya later Konohamaru." The Hokage's grandson was left dumbfounded as Naruto popped into smoke.

'So cool!' Konohamaru then brought his attention to his scarf that was still tied loosely around the branch that was thirty feet in the air. Konohamaru sighed as retrieved a real kunai, a gift from Naruto, as he planned to scale the tree the old fashioned way. Before the kid could even stab his kunai into the bark he was kicked off the tree by a Naruto clone.

"Remember Konohamaru there are no shortcuts into becoming the Hokage. Now get up and scale that tree with chakra this time!" The clone smugly announced as he sat upon the same branch his scarf was located.

'Wow boss wasn't kidding when he said he was not gonna be a pushover.' Releasing a sigh Konohamaru attempted to tree walk once again.

Yay new chapter! Spent days proof reading this one. Let's hope here not too many grammar errors. The next chapter will the official start of the chunin exams. I can't wait to finish that one also.