Naruto: The Dark Prince Chapter 17, a naruto fanfic

Hello and Welcome to Chapter 17 of Naruto: The Dark Prince, I hope you guys enjoy this.

Before we start, i forgot to add something to Naruto's Character Info.

I forgot to add that Naruto's eyes change from sky blue to a light green color when he transformed into his dark form.

Also, i forgot to add to his abilities. His wings.

Wings/Flight: During Naruto's awakening. Keiran has helped unlock his wings and taught him how to fly in his mindscape. Naruto's wings were red and black feathered wings with the back of the wings being black and the front of the wings being red.

Now without further ado, let's get on with the chapter.

Chapter 17: Strange Dream and enemy encounter

(Naruto's Dream: First POV)

I was above the clouds, flying at full speed towards a certain direction, I had a worried expression on my face.

'Please... Don't let me be too late.' i thought to myself.

I then saw in the distance, an island being swallowed up by darkness and started to fly faster using the wings on my back.

My eye's narrowed as i saw a huge hoard of monsters were in my way.

"Get out of my way!" I yelled at the monsters and swung my sword.

That one swing obliterated a huge number of the monsters with out any difficulty.

I then saw the island started breaking itself apart and a bright light coming from the top of a tower in the center.

"No..." I muttered as my eyes widen and tried to fly faster.

Once I was on the island... Or what was left of it. I didn't stop. My heart was raising as i held on to my sword tightly.

As the island was crumbling, I made my way too the tower in the center as fast as i can, part of the tower was gone and i saw the person i was looking for with her long blue whitish hair as she layed down in the center, unmoving.

"Iris..." I muttered.

I was about to head towards her when the floor cracked underneath and she began to fall.

"No! Iris!" I shouted.

Iris opened her eyes and it widen when she saw me flying towards her trying to catch her.

"Oh no... My prince... I'm sorry." Iris said in a sad tone as we continued to fall. "I gave my word...But I couldn't keep it." She added and held out her hands towards me which I tried desperately to catch her. Tears were forming in her eyes as she stared at me, some of them fell from her face too mine and my heart drop.

Just then, Iris was starting to dissappear within the rubble and smoke, but before she was fully consumed she gave one last smile towards me and said the words.

"I love you... Goodbye." She said before fully being consumed by the rubble.

"Wait Iris nooooo!" I shouted with tears in my own eyes before being consumed by the rubble as well.

(End of Dream: Third POV)

Naruto suddenly opened his eyes and sat up really fast as he started to breathe heavily.

"What... Was... That?" He muttered as he tried to get his breathing under control.

Once he calmed down, Naruto felt some movement below him and saw Catra sleeping on his lap. He looked around to see he was in his apartment room. The walls and ceiling were slightly cracked, along with the windows. He then looked outside to see it was still dark out.

He rubbed his eye and looked at his clock on the table beside his bed.

It was 2:48 in the morning. Naruto sighed and fell back down on his bed and looked up at the ceiling, He tried thinking about the dream he had, but he couldn't remember it.

'I feel like it was something important... But what is it?' Naruto thought as he tried remembering what the dream was about but then sighed in defeat as he couldn't remember.

'It's know use, i can't remember.' Naruto thought and yawned.

'I need to get back to sleep.' Naruto thought and closed his eyes, going back to sleep.

Meanwhile, Keiran, who was floating around, was watching Naruto curiously as he went back to sleep.

'I see... It's already starting huh?' Keiran thought to himself as he slowly disappeared and went back into Naruto's mind.

(Time-Skip)

Naruto woke up a few hours later, and it was now morning. He looked outside and saw it was cloudy, almost like it was going to rain. He then looked at his clock and it read 7:20 AM.

Catra, who woke up on Naruto's lap, began to stretch and yawn very cutely in Naruto's opinion.

"Good morning, Naruto," Catra said and got off of his lap.

"Good morning Catra, how did you sleep?" Naruto asked and got up from his bed and proceeded to get his clothes.

"I slept well. How about you, nya?" Catra asked.

After she asked that, Naruto tried remembering that dream he had but still couldn't remember.

"I just had a dream that woke me up in the middle of the night, but overall, i slept well." Naruto said and proceeded to the bathroom to do his daily routine.

After he was done in the bathroom, he went to the kitchen to cook him and Catra some breakfast.

"What kind of dream was it?" Catra asked as she jumped on the table and looked at Naruto while he was preparing the food.

"... I'm not sure. I can't remember what it was..." Naruto answered as he seasoned the fish and put it on a plate for Catra and a separate one for him.

"You can't remember? Well, i guess it's natural for some dreams to be like that." Catra said as Naruto set down her plate, and she began to eat.

"Thanks for the food." Naruto said and began to eat his own food as well.

After they were done, Naruto put both plates in the sink so he can clean it later.

"So what are we doing today?" Catra asked.

"We are going to train for a little bit and then help with the repairing of the village." Naruto replied.

"Good morning, Naruto, Catra," Keiran said, appearing in front of the two.

"Good morning/ good morning," both said.

Naruto took a glance at the clock and it said 7:58 AM.

"We should start heading towards our training ground now, Yukino said that she'll meet me there for her training." Naruto said as he went to go get his sword. Catra nodded.

"Her training?" Keiran asked.

"Yeah, she asked me if i can teach her how to use a sword and i agreed." Naruto said.

"Hmm... So what are you going to teach her?" Keiran asked

"I'm going start with the basic. And, then we'll go on from there." Naruto said and Keiran nodded.

After Naruto got everything he needed, he was ready to go and walked out his front door with Catra on his shoulders and his sword on his back.

While Naruto was walking to training ground 7, Keiran suddenly stopped and turned towards the village gates and then narrowed his eyes.

'Something is wrong...' Keiran thought as he went back to Naruto.

"Naruto." Keiran called him and got both his and Catra's attention.

"Hmm?"

"Be on your guard today." Keiran said seriously and Naruto nodded.

"What's wrong?" Catra asked.

"I don't know... I just have a feeling." Keiran said. And, they continued to walk.

(Scene Change)

Yukino was at the front door of her house, looking through her bag in case she forgot anything. Once she was done looking she was ready to go.

"Mom, dad, I'm going to be training with Naruto, so I'll be back later." Yukino said to her parents.

Just then, a beautiful white-haired woman with purple eye's entered the living room and smiled at Yukino.

"Okay, be careful now" Yukino's mother said.

"She'll be fine. She's our little girl, after all." A man said with a chuckle. He also has white hair but he had blue eyes.

Yukino pouted at her father but then smiled at them.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Naruto's going to be with me, so you have nothing to worry about." She said, making her parents smile.

"Can you tell him we said hi?" Yukino's mother asked.

"Sure, I'll tell him. See you later." Yukino said and waved at her parents before leaving.

After she left, Yukino's mother suddenly lost her smile as did her husbands.

"I wish we could've done more for that boy." The husband said as he then clenched his fist.

'Damn you... Danzo.' He thought with anger.

His wife looked at her husband and then at a shelf with a picture that showed a man with yellow blond hair and a women with long red hair both had ninja headbands on there foreheads. Too the sides of them were her and her husband. also with ninja headbands.

"... Me too..." She said as tears came from her eyes.

(Scene Change)

While Yukino was on her way to the training grounds, she bumped into her boyfriend on the way there.

"Oh hey Sasuke." Yukino said, smiling at him.

"Hey Yukino, are you doing anything right now?" Sasuke asked.

"I was just heading to our training ground. Why?" Yukino said.

"I was on my way there as well. You want to go train together?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm sorry, but i was going to train with Naruto today. He's going to be teaching me how to use a sword!" Yukino said with stars in her eyes.

Sasuke flinched when he heard Naruto's name, but Yukino didn't notice. Sasuke then remembered how Naruto protected both him and Yukino by reflecting the sand shuriken with his sword with such speed and accuracy.

'... He was skilled with that sword.' Sasuke thought. He then smirked at Yukino.

"Naruto teaching? That's surprising. I doubt you would be able to learn anything if that loser teaches." Sasuke said.

Yukino frowned and glared slightly at her boyfriend for calling Naruto a loser.

"Stop calling him a loser. He is no such thing. Plus, how would you know i wouldn't learn anything if Naruto taught me?" Yukino said, defending Naruto.

Sasuke lost his smirk as he looked at his girlfriend, staying silent. Yukino then looked up at the clear sky as she thought about how strong Naruto had become.

"Naruto's gotten stronger and stronger in such a short amount of time... We may have to step up our training in order to catch up with him." Yukino added with a chuckle as she still looked up at the sky.

Sasuke started to ball his fist and looked down, His hair shadowing his eyes.

"... Naruto has gotten stronger... Hasn't he..." Sasuke said, his tone becoming cold. He then remembered their brief fight they had in the forest of death. He remembered he couldn't even make contact with Naruto, but he was able to get hits off of him easily. He also remembered him cutting his fireball in half with one swing of his sword.

Yukino looked back at Sasuke, worried.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"Yukino... Who defeated Gaara... Was it you? Or... Naruto?" Sasuke asked.

Yukino blinked.

"Naruto was the one who defeated him. Even though half of the fight we were fighting together, Naruto was the one who did the most." Yukino replied as she looked away.

"I wish i could've done more though, i felt like i was holding Naruto back..." Yukino added, as she remembered how she just stood on the sidelines while she watched Naruto take down Gaara without her help.

Sasuke stayed silent as he thought about what Yukino said.

"... I see..." He said

Both were silent until Yukino spoke again.

"We should be going to the training grounds now, Naruto's still waiting for me." Yukino said to Sasuke as she began to walk.

He just nodded and walked beside her.

(Scene Change)

Yukino and Sasuke arrived at training ground 7 and they see Naruto, with his sword in hand.

Yukino was about to call out to him but he suddenly turned around and two clones of Naruto jumped from behind a bush and tried attacking Naruto but he dodged it by back flipping backwards with one hand on the ground.

The clone on the left then thrusted his sword at Naruto, trying to stab him.

He moved his head slightly, dodging the attack. His eyes then moved to the other clone and saw it about to swing its sword. In return, Naruto swinged his sword, blocking the attack before it reached him, but right after, he swinged his sword again, blocking another attack by the clone on the left.

The clone on the right tried attacking again, but Naruto pushed the other clone and blocked the incoming attack once again.

The clone, Naruto pushed away leaped forward and swinged his sword, and Naruto moved back a bit to avoid it and then back flipped away, making some distance when the other clone swinged its sword right after the other one.

Once Naruto landed, he looked at the two clones, and then fire started to surround his sword before the blade glowed red.

Naruto then rushed forward at the clones. The clone on the left tried swinging its sword down on him. But, Naruto was faster and slashed the clone making it disappear in smoke. The second clone swinged their sword and Naruto grabbed the arm of the clone and pulled it down, using the momentum, Naruto elbowed it in the head making it stumble back and then slashed the clone in half, making it disappear in smoke.

Naruto wasn't done, six clones came up from the ground and were now in the air surrounding him. Naruto suddenly thrusted his sword in the ground.

"Sword Art: Fire Style: Scorching Swords Dance.

Swords made of fire erupted from the ground and pierced through all the clones, making them disappear in smoke. They then started to spin around Naruto before disappearing.

Naruto, for some reason, felt like his strength and power increased sharply.

'Weird...' Naruto thought

"Wow!" Naruto turned around to see Yukino and... Sasuke coming up to him.

"That was so cool, Naruto!" Yukino said with stars in her eyes. She watched how Naruto expertly used his sword against his clones, dispite being outnumbered and was getting excited for her training. Meanwhile Sasuke had an emotionless expression as he looked at Naruto.

"Hey Yukino, Sasuke, good morning." Naruto said

"Good morning!" Yukino replied

Sasuke only nodded towards Naruto.

"You ready for your sword training?" Naruto asked and Yukino nodded excitedly.

"Well I'm going, I just wanted to drop off Yukino." Sasuke suddenly said, surprising Yukino.

"Huh? But i thought you wanted to train?" Yukino asked, confused.

"I just remembered that i had something to do today, so i can't." Sasuke said and walked up to Yukino and kissed her lightly on the lips, making her blush.

"I'll see you later though." Sasuke said and began walking out of the training ground.

When Naruto saw Yukino and Sasuke kiss, he felt a pain in his chest and turned away. This wasn't new to him because he felt this feeling before when he saw Yukino and Sasuke together.

Catra and Keiran were under a tree and looked at Naruto with worried and sad expressions as they watched that scene between Yukino and Sasuke.

Yukino, after a few minutes of getting her blush down, forgotten that Naruto was also there as well and turned around fast to face him but was confused and worried to see him turned away from her.

"Naruto?" Yukino asked

Naruto shook his head and turned around to look at Yukino.

"Sorry, i was lost in thought. You ready to begin?" Naruto said, making Yukino forget what happened just a moment ago and have an excited expression as she nodded at Naruto.

Meanwhile, as Sasuke was almost out of the training grounds, he looked back at Naruto and then glared coldy at him, as his fist clenched in anger. He then turned back and left the training ground. Unknown to him, Keiran and Catra watched Sasuke leave with narrowed eyes as they felt hostility directed towards Naruto.

"What's with him all of a sudden?" Catra accidentally said out loud.

"Did you hear a voice just now?" Yukino asked as she looked around.

Naruto looked at Catra as she mouthed a 'sorry' before before looking back at Yukino.

"You probably just imagined it, you ready?" Naruto said and she eagerly nodded.

Keiran stayed silent as he stared in the direction of Sasuke and then looked at Naruto as he began training Yukino in how to use a sword.

(Time-Skip)

Naruto, Catra and Yukino were now walking around the village after a few hours of training. Keiran was still floating alongside Naruto, he still had that feeling from the morning and was now watching if anything happens.

"Thanks for that training session Naruto." Yukino said, turning towards Naruto.

Naruto looked at Yukino and nodded. "Your welcome, I'm surprised that you managed to pick it up quickly."

Yukino smiled at him. "It's probably because of the way you teached."

"Maybe..." Naruto said, scratching the back of his head.

"She's right you know, you would be a good teacher one day." Keiran said mentally.

'I don't know about that.' Naruto replied back.

"Hey Naruto." Yukino said, getting his attention.

"You want to get something to eat?" Yukino asked.

Naruto thought about it before nodding.

"Sure, what did you want to eat?" Naruto asked.

"How about Ichiraku ramen? We haven't been there in awhile." Yukino said.

"Hmm... I would like to... But do you think we can get something else?" Naruto asked, surprising Yukino.

"Huh why? You love Ichiraku's, why don't you want to go?" Yukino asked.

"It's not that i don't want too go get Ramen, but..." Naruto said and looked at Catra on his shoulder. "I have to be mindful of Catra, i don't want to get something she doesn't like." Naruto added.

"Well, can't you just get her something she wants after?" Yukino said.

"Well, i could but-" Naruto said but was cut off by Catra.

'It's fine Naruto, you can get me something after you are done eating.' Catra mentally said.

'You sure?' Naruto asked.

'Yeah, i don't mind.' Catra said, ending the communication.

"Naruto?" Yukino said, getting his attention.

"Huh? Yeah sorry, we can go to Ichiraku's. I'll just get Catra something after." Naruto said, making Yukino smile at him.

"Alright then. Let's go!" Yukino said and began walking in the direction of Ichiraku's with Naruto following.

(Scene Change)

As Naruto and Yukino were on there way to the ramen stand. They looked to see Konohamaru, who was looking up at the Hokage monument.

"Hey, Komahamru." Yukino said, calling out to the young boy.

Komahamru looked to see who called him, "Big brother Naruto and Big sis Yukino?"

"Hey Komahamru, how are you doing?" Naruto said.

"I'm doing good. We have the week off because the school buildings are being repaired." Komahamru replied.

"I see..." Naruto said.

"What about the two of you. How have you been? You started training again?" Komahamru asked.

"We just got back from training actually, and now we're on our way to go eat." Yukino said.

"Ah, I see."

It was silent for a moment before Naruto spoke.

"Hey, do you know about the condition of the old man?" Naruto asked, Komahamru's expression turned sad and he looked down.

"Yeah... they said he was in a coma and doesn't show any signs of waking up." Komahamru explained as some tears fell from his eyes.

Yukino had a sad expression when she heard that but then smiled at Komahamru.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be long until he wakes up." Yukino said.

Komahamru wiped his eyes and smiled at Yukino.

"Yeah you're right. Thanks for that." Komahamru said making Yukino smile once again.

"Komahamru!"

"Hello."

Naruto, Yukino and Komahamru looked to see Udon and Moegi waving at them.

"Well I'm going to go. See you later." Komahamru said and began walking to his friends.

"See ya, Komahamru." Yukino said with a wave.

"Oh yeah." Komahamru said, turning around facing Naruto.

"Big brother Naruto, i heard you have gotten much stronger. You better keep it up or I'll steal the title of Hokage from right under you." Komahamru said with a grin before leaving, completely missing Naruto flinch as he said those words.

Naruto looked down. 'Sorry Komahamru, but that's not my dream anymore.' He thought to himself.

Yukino looked at Naruto and then remembered what he said during the preliminaries of the Chunin exams.

(Flashback)

"The only reason why I wanted to be Hokage is so that I can be respected by the people of this village, that was the only reason why i wanted to become Hokage in the first place, but now that im thinking about it. I was selfish, because it only benefited me and not anyone else, but now, I have a new dream, one that will benefit everybody, and I'm going to make that dream a reality... 'for them' " Naruto said smiling.

(Flashback End)

'Does he really not want to be Hokage anymore?' Yukino thought.

"Yukino." Naruto said getting her attention.

"Huh? Yeah?" Yukino said, startled.

"Shall we continue walking?" Naruto asked.

"Oh um, yes." She said and both continued onwards.

(Scene Change)

After a few minutes of walking in silence, Naruto and Yukino made it to Ichiraku's.

"Hey, old man, Ayame." Naruto said, walking in.

"Hello, Ayame, Teuchi." Yukino said, walking in right after.

"Naruto and Yukino, welcome." Teuchi said, turning around with a smile.

"Hey you two, It's been a while." Ayame said as both Naruto and Yukino sat down.

"Yes It has." Yukino said.

"You two look great in your new outfits. It suits you." Ayame said

"Thank you." Yukino said and Naruto just nodded.

"So, what would you like?" Teuchi asked as he set down cups of water in front of the two.

"I would like Shio ramen, please." Yukino said.

"The same as usual, Miso ramen, but this time i want some fish cakes on the side, please." Naruto said, Teuchi nodded and started preparing.

"You're trying something new, Naruto?" Ayame asked as she started preparing the food as well.

"Well, the fish cakes aren't for me but for Catra here." Naruto said, gesturing to the cat on his shoulder, who perked her head up at the mention of Fish.

"Huh?" Ayame turned around to see who Naruto was referring to.

"You have a cat now?!" Ayame said, surprised as she saw Catra.

"Yes, i do." He said

"Wow, she's so cute!" Ayame said with stars in her eyes.

"Yeah, she is." Yukino said, stroking Catra's chin, making her pur.

'Oh, that's nice.' Catra mumbled mentally.

"She seems to be well-behaved as well. Did you train her?" Ayame asked.

"No, i didn't... She was like this when i got her." Naruto replied.

"Well, either way, Catra is definitely better than that cat Tora." Yukino said with a chuckle, remembering what the cat did to Naruto's face.

"That, I agree on." Keiran suddenly said.

"Don't bring that cat up." Naruto said with a deadpan expression, making Yukino chuckle again.

"Order up!" Teuchi said as he set Naruto and Yukino's food down.

"One Miso ramen with fish cakes on the side and one Shio ramen, enjoy." Teuchi added with a smile.

"Thanks for the food/ Thanks for the food." Both Naruto and Yukino said as they began to eat.

"Meow!" Catra cried out as she began to eat the fish cakes.

'Hmm, this is good.' Catra thought.

'Glad you like it.' Naruto said.

After a couple of minutes of eating, both Naruto and Yukino ordered a few more bowls of ramen with a side of fish cakes for Catra.

'That hit the spot.' Catra thought as she finished all her fish cakes and had her paws on her stomach with a satisfied smile.

While Naruto and Yukino were finishing up, Yukino suddenly asked Naruto a question.

"Naruto." She said, getting his attention.

"Yes?" He said

"Is it true you don't want to be Hokage anymore?" Yukino asked, surprising Teuchi and Ayame. Naruto froze for a moment as he heard this and Catra stopped eating her food as well.

"Yes, it is true... Why?" Naruto said, continuing eating.

"Oh it's... I just remembered that you said you didn't want to become Hokage anymore during the Chunin exams." Yukino explained.

"Hmm." Naruto nodded at her.

"Wait hold on, why don't you want to be Hokage anymore!?" Ayame asked.

"Yeah, wasn't that your dream?" Teuchi said.

"... Yes... it was my dream. But now it's not." Naruto said.

"But why? You basically shouted it out to the village that you were going to be the future Hokage." Ayame said.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders, "Well, things have changed now, I'm not the same little kid you know anymore. Besides, i have a new dream now, 'and it's one that's going to benefit everyone.' He said as he whispered the last part.

It was silent for a moment.

Naruto then pulled out his wallet from one of his pockets and pulled out some money for the food.

"Thanks for the food old man. It was delicious as always." Naruto said and set down the money.

"There's enough money for Yukino's food as well." Naruto added as he stood up.

"W-wait Naruto, i can pay for my own." Yukino said.

"It's fine, i have enough money to pay for the both of us. Plus it would be rude of me if i didn't pay for your food." Naruto said, making Yukino blush.

"W-well then... Thank you." Yukino said as Catra jumped on his shoulder and he left the stand.

Yukino turned to the father-daughter duo and smiled at them.

"Thanks for the food, we'll come back soon." She said, Yukino was about to follow Naruto, but Ayame grabbed her hand, preventing her from leaving.

"Wait." Ayame said

"Huh?" Yukino turned around and looked at Ayame.

"Yukino... What's going on with Naruto? He's... Completely different now. What happened to him?" Ayame asked. Her father also wanted in answer to this question.

Yukino frowned and looked down.

"I don't know, his sudden change happened when we were in the forest of death for the Chunin exams. I don't know what exactly happened to him." Yukino said.

"But... I think... No. I know i have some fault in his sudden change." Yukino added as she closed her eyes, thinking about what she and the team did to Naruto.

"Why do you say that? What did you do?" Teuchi asked.

Yukino's frown deepened. 'Should i tell them? What would there reaction be?' She thought and sighed.

"W-well-" Yukino was about to tell what happened but was cut off by a voice outside.

"There you are Gaki!"

Yukino looked outside to see the white-haired man that trained Naruto. She said goodbye to the father-daughter duo and left but not before saying she'll tell them what happened when she come visits again.

"Huh? oh hey, Pervy Sage." Naruto said, making Jiraiya frown before a smirk replaced it. Keiran then appeared beside Naruto, making it to where only Naruto, Catra, and Jiraiya can see him.

"Hey Gaki, pack your bags, we're going on a trip!" Jiraiya said with the same smirk.

"A trip?" Naruto said and Jiraiya nodded.

"Um..." Yukino made herself known to the two.

"Oh Yukino, this is the Pervy Sage i talked about." Naruto said, pointing to Jiraiya who growled at the name but then smiled at her.

"So you're Yukino, the Gaki's childhood friend huh?" Jiraiya said.

"...Um yes i am, hello." Yukino said.

"Gaki told me some stuff about you and they were good. I hope he told you some good stuff about me." Jiraiya said

"He told me that you were a pervert for spying on the girls in the hot springs." Yukino said, making Jiraiya have a down cast expression.

"Alright so, what's this trip we're going on?" Naruto asked, making Jiraiya perk up again.

"Right, we're going to be conducting some research on someone." Jiraiya said, with a grin.

Keiran and Catra's eyebrows twitched when they heard the word 'research'. Naruto was silent and had a blank expression after Jiraiya explained what the trip was about.

"Bye." Naruto said and began walking away, confusing Yukino as she followed after him.

"Eeeehhhhh!!!" Jiraiya shouted before running after Naruto.

"What do you mean bye!?" Jiraiya said.

"I'm not interested in this trip anymore, now that you said 'research'." Naruto said

"What's wrong about going on a research trip?" Yukino asked, making Naruto look at her.

"It's not the usual research trip. When the Pervy Sage says, 'research,' it's just him peaping on some girls and taking down notes for his book." Naruto explained, Yukino showed an expression of disgust once she heard this and looked at Jiraiya.

"Do you not have any shame?" Yukino said, making Jiraiya have a depressed expression before he shook his head.

"This isn't just any research trip Gaki. There's a certain woman i need to get information on." Jiraiya said.

Naruto looked at him before whispering in Yukino's ear.

"See what i mean?" He said, Yukino nodded her head.

"Who is this women anyway? And do i really have to go with you?" Naruto added as he looked back at him.

"First, she was once a teammate of mine, and second, i would like for you to come with me. Plus you're my student and this gives me a chance to teach you something while we're out of the village." Jiraiya said.

Naruto thought about it for a little bit.

'What do you think Keiran?' Naruto asked his partner.

"... I think you should go, dispite his 'research' this will let you experience more of the outside world and he said he'll teach you something." Keiran said.

Naruto thought about it some more before looking back at Jiraiya, who was waiting for his answer.

"Fine, I'll go." Naruto said.

"Good. Now you go pack your bag, and I'll wait for you at the front gate." Jiraiya said.

"Alright." Naruto said.

"Hold on." Yukino said, Naruto and Jiraiya stopped and looked at her.

"I want to come with you." Yukino added.

"Huh/Huh?" Both Naruto and Jiraiya were surprised.

"I said I want to go with you." Yukino said again.

Naruto was about to say something but Jiraiya beat him to it.

"Sorry, but you can't. I'm only taking Naruto with me." Jiraiya said.

"There's no way I'm going to let you and Naruto be alone. Who knows what you might do to him." Yukino said.

"You make it sound like I'm a pedophile!" Jiraiya said, a little too loud, making people look at Jiraiya strangely.

Catra looked up and down at Jiraiya.

'I mean...' Catra thought

"I just don't want you corrupting Naruto and making him like you." Yukino said. Naruto's sweat drop.

Both Yukino and Jiraiya glared at each other while Naruto was just watching them from the side. He then looked around to see some people looking at them.

'Should i intervene soon?' Naruto thought.

"I think it would be for the best if you didn't." Keiran said.

After a few minutes of Yukino and Jiraiya, glaring at each other. Jiraiya closed his eyes and sighed.

"Fine... You can come with us." Jiraiya said. Yukino smiled at that.

"Yes-" Yukino said but was cut off by Jiraiya.

"But, Naruto is taking responsibility for you while we're out, and when he's training, i don't want you to distract him." Jiraiya added, seriously. Yukino just nodded her head.

"Alright, you two. Go pack your bags and I'll meet you at the front gate." Jiraiya said, Naruto and Yukino nodded.

Jiraiya began walking away from them, leaving Naruto and Yukino alone.

"So exciting, i get to be out of the village again!" Yukino said happily.

"Is that why you wanted to come along?" Naruto asked.

"That's part of it, but i also didn't want him corrupting you like i said, I'm not letting that happen." Yukino said.

Naruto sweat dropped.

"Okay... Well, I'll meet you at the gate. Make sure you tell your parents where you going so they don't worry about you." Naruto said and began walking in the direction of his apartment.

"Alright!" Yukino said and began making her way home.

After a few minutes of walking. Naruto, Keiran and Catra suddenly tensed up and turned in a certain direction. They sensed two powerful presence in the direction they were looking.

"You feel that?" Keiran asked and Naruto nodded.

"Yes... who is that?" Naruto said

"I'm not sure, but... I'm having that feeling from before." Keiran said

"What feeling?" Catra asked.

"This morning, I felt something was wrong. That's why i told Naruto to put his guard up today." Keiran explained.

"Hmm..." Naruto looked down in thought before making a simple hand sign.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

A single clone of Naruto appeared beside him.

"I need you to go too my apartment and pack five weeks worth of supplies and head towards the front gate, then tell the Pervy Sage and Yukino that I'll be a few minutes late." Naruto said and the clone nodded.

"You got it, boss!" The clone said and made its way to the apartment while Naruto was now running in the direction of the two signatures.

"So we're going towards them?" Catra asked.

"Yes." Naruto said and continued running and jumping on top of buildings.

"Are you sure about this? I won't be able to help if they turn out to be enemies. I over extended my time here when fighting 'Orochimaru'. So it's going to take a little while before i can fully fight again." Keiran said

"That's okay, I'm only curious on who these people are at the moment. But, if it turns out they are intruders then I'm not going to stand still." Naruto said, Catra and Keiran nodded.

After a few minutes of running, Naruto felt he was coming up to some familiar Chakra signatures.

"I feel Kakashi-sensei in the direction we're heading, along with Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei." Naruto said.

"That doesn't sound good." Keiran said.

"Nya, we should hurry Naruto. I think we're dealing with an intruder, now that your Sensei is involved." Catra said and Naruto nodded.

Naruto then began running faster towards the location.

(Scene Change)

Kakashi was exhausted. He was breathing heavily while on water.

The Jonin had just been put in a powerful genjutsu. Also known as, the Tsukuyomi.

It made it to where he was stabbed for 3 days with him feeling all of the pain with no rest. But in the real world, it was just a few seconds.

Asuma and Kurenai were to the sides of him with their eyes closed. Not understanding what was going on.

Kakashi suddenly fell on his knees.

"Kakashi!? What's wrong!?" Kurenai asked.

"What happened!? Just as that guy finished talking, you suddenly fell over." Asuma said.

Kakashi then slowly picked himself up to one knee, still panting. He was looking at a black haired man, wearing a black cloak with red clouds on it. What's more is he had the Sharingan with three tomoes in both eyes. The man even had a similar appearance to one of his students. . . Sasuke.

This was Itachi Uchiha. In S-Rank missing ninja of the leaf, and, Sasuke's older brother.

"To think you could still stand after that." A man said, beside Itachi.

He had blue-grey skin with white eyes and a shark like appearance. He had the same black cloak with red clouds as Itachi and had a sword wrapped in bandages.

This was Kisame Hoshigaki. Another S-Rank missing nin and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsman of the Mist.

"What is it... You're after...?" Kakashi said, still breathing heavily.

"Is it Sasuke?" Kakashi added. As he stared into Itachi's eyes. Although he had an idea of who they were really after.

"No... I have no interest in him." Itachi said coldly. The group was silent as the wind passed them.

"I'm after... The legacy of the Fourth Hokage." Itachi said. Asuma and Kurenai both flinched at what Itachi said while Kakashi glared at the missing nin.

"I heard of... An Organization... That has a group of S-Rank ninjas. You're a part of that group... Aren't you?" Kakashi said. Almost losing consciousness. This grabbed the two missing ninja's attention.

You're with the Akatsuki." Kakashi finished.

Itachi twitched, and Kisame's eyes widened a little.

"Akatsuki?/Akatsuki?" Asuma and Kurenai said.

"Kisame! Change of plans, we'll take Kakashi. Erase the other two." Itachi said quickly.

Kisame held his sword tightly and was about ready to strike, but before he could charge forward.

*Clank*

Suddenly, black chains came from out of nowhere and wrapped around the two, making them unable to move.

"What the hell!?" Kisame said and tried breaking free.

'What is this...? This doesn't feel like Chakra.' Itachi thought.

Kakashi was surprised to see the two ninjas being binded by chains. But, he was even more surprised to see who was behind the two on top of a building, looking down on them.

"No." Kakashi muttered, trying to stay awake.

Itachi saw that Kakashi was looking behind him and he turned his head slightly to see what he was looking at.

Naruto was on top of a building with Catra on his shoulder. He was looking down on them with his hand stretched out, a black aura surrounding his arm.

He had gotten there a few moments ago to see the two signatures he felt and his Sensei, completely tired and almost on the verge of collapse. Along with Asuma and Kurenai.

'Who are these guys?' He thought. He looked over at the the shark look alike and then to Itachi and was surprised to see the Sharingan.

'The Sharingan?' He thought in surprise.

"Kisame, that's him." Itachi said, still staring at Naruto.

Kisame looked back to see who Itachi was talking about and then sees Naruto, he then smirked.

"So this is the kid that has the Nine-Tails? This must be our lucky day, to think he would come right to us." Kisame said, still smirking and turned around fully.

Naruto, Keiran, and Catra tensed up.

'H-how do they know about the Nine-Tails?!' Catra said.

Keiran narrowed his eyes as he looked at the two ninjas. Meanwhile in Naruto's mind. The Nine-Tails eyes opened as he heard what Kisame said and then glared menacingly at the Sharingan user as he saw through Naruto's eyes.

Naruto slowly put his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"... Naruto, don't." Kakashi said, getting his attention.

"Naruto is here?!" Kurenai said, surprised. She opened her eyes and indeed saw Naruto on top of a building. At first, her opinion on him was the same as the other jónin sensei's of the academy. That he wouldn't amount to anything if he just kept playing around because he failed the graduation test three times. But, it has improved ever since his fight with Kiba. She thought Naruto didn't stand a chance against her student, but he had indeed surprised her when he beat Kiba, and further surprised her with that mysterious power he showed in the Chunin exams.

" Oh, great." Asuma said sarcastically. He too opened his eyes and saw Naruto looking down on them from a building.

"You... Have to run, and go get help. You can't deal with these two, It's not something you can handle." Kakashi said.

'Run away? This is just like what happened with Zabuza.' Naruto thought as he narrowed his eyes.

"He's right. I can tell these two are on a whole another level. Especially that guy right there." Keiran said looking at Itachi.

"Oh no, you're not going anywhere. UURRRRAAHH!!" Kisame said, He then forcefully broke the chains that were binding him.

Kisame then turned towards Itachi and swinged his sword to cut his chains off.

"Damn!" Naruto cursed.

Kisame then charged at Naruto with such incredible speed until he was behind him and took a swing with his sword.

Naruto Unsheathed his own sword at just the right time to block the swing from Kisame, but, the power from Kisame was greater and it forced Naruto off of the building and into the water along side Catra.

"Oh no!" Kurenai said and was about to charged at Kisame but she felt a Kunai to her throat, making her stop.

Asuma was about to move but he to felt a Kunai to his throat as well. Both Jonin turned around to see Itachi there.

"You're not going to interfere." Itachi said.

Once Kisame landed on the water, he did some hand signs and shouted.

"Water Style: Shark Infestation!"

Four sharks made of water went after Naruto while he was underwater.

Naruto saw the sharks and acted quickly. He grabbed Catra to protect her. He then channeled his darkness to make a Cacoon around himself and Catra.

Once the sharks got close, they circled around it before they attacked. Once they hit the Cacoon they exploded.

*BOOOM!!*

Water bursted up from the explosion. Kisame had a smile on his face as he saw this but it quickly disappeared as he blocked a large sword that was aimed for him.

"What!?" Kisame said, surprised. He then seen Naruto come up from the water.

He then grabbed the Sword of Darkness and swinged at Kisame, who blocked it easily. But the weight of the sword made Kisame jump back in surprise.

"Wow, to think a brat like you can wield that weapon so easily." Kisame said.

"You would be surprised of what else i can do." Naruto said, calmly.

"Oh really? Then show me!" Kisame said and charged at Naruto with him charging as well.

The two were now in a sword fight for a few minutes with Naruto having a little trouble. It was obvious that Kisame had way more experience in sword fighting then Naruto. Which gave him the upper hand, but, Kisame had to admit that Naruto had good skills.

"You're good, kid, but... I'm better." Kisame said and did a heavy swing that sent Naruto flying backwards.

Naruto back flipped on the water, and his breathing started to become heavy.

'Damn...' Naruto thought.

Kisame did some hand signs and shouted.

"Water Style: Twin Water Dragons!"

Two dragons emerged from the water and shot towards Naruto.

Naruto used his sword and slashed the first dragon in half, surprising both Kisame, Itachi, and the jonin sensei's.

'Did he just cut threw chakra?' Itachi said, surprised at what he saw.

With the second water dragon coming, he twisted his sword so that it was going to hit the blade itself. Once the dragon hit the blade, it suddenly went back towards Kisame, surprising him even further.

"What!?" Kisame said, he was shocked that Naruto sent his own Jutsu back at him. Naruto saw that the bandages on Kisame's sword tore apart, and saw a mouth with sharp teeth, it started eating the water dragon once it got close. More specifically the chakra.

Catra came up from Naruto's jacket and saw everything that happened.

'Eww, that sword has a mouth?!' Catra said in disgust.

"Looks like it. And, it also looks like it was eating away at the chakra from that Jutsu." Keiran said.

'Yeah... i wonder what else it can do?' Naruto said.

"You shouldn't let your guard down." A cold voice said behind Naruto, surprising him.

He turned around quickly to see Itachi.

'When did he get behind me?!' Naruto thought. He tried to slash at him but Itachi easily dodged and quickly disarmed Naruto of his sword and tossed it to the side.

His eyes widened at the speed Itachi displayed and tried jumping back. But then he grunted as he felt a blow to his stomach that came from Itachi. He then dodged a swing from Kisame's sword, who was suddenly behind him.

He then turned around and tried to deliver a kick to his abdomen but, Kisame dodged and sent a kick in retaliation making Naruto grunt again in pain as he slide across the water.

'Damn, this is going nowhere.' Naruto thought as he glared at the two.

"You're right. These two are dangerous and too skilled for you to handle." Keiran said with a glare that was directed towards the two ninjas.

"Just try and hold out for a little longer. I sense someone else coming." Keiran added and then looked in the direction where he felt the presence of someone approaching them.

'Friend or foe?' Naruto asked. He was hoping that it was an ally.

"I think it's that guy in the green spandex outfit that's coming, its energy feels similar to his." Keiran said and Naruto nodded.

Naruto took a deep breath and stood straight then closed his eyes.

Itachi and Kisame were confused, along with Asuma and Kurenai.

"Why did he stop moving?" Kurenai said, confused at the sudden action.

"I'm not sure." Asuma said, confused just as Kurenai.

Kakashi who is still hanging on to his consciousness, but just barley. He stared at his student in confusion and worry. He wanted to know why he stopped moving.

Itachi and Kisame were about to move towards Naruto. They thought that he surrendered because he was just standing there, not moving. and so they took this chance to move forward but then stopped.

Dark energy started to surround Naruto until he was engulfed completely by darkness.

Itachi and Kisame were shocked at what was happening. They didn't know what was going on as they saw Naruto get consumed by darkness. Itachi tried using his Sharingan on whatever 'this' was from Naruto, but nothing happened, which shocked and confused him even more.

Suddenly, the two ninjas felt a slight shiver went up their spines. From within the darkness were two glowing green eyes that stared back at them.

Just then, Naruto emerges from the thick darkness, now in his Dark form.

He had an emotionless expression as he stared at the two missing ninjas with his green eyes.

Itachi was still shocked and was now cautious, but Kisame's expression turned into a wide smirk.

"Well, brat, it seems you did surprise me more." Kisame said with amusement.

Naruto didn't reply and just stayed silent.

"I-it's that form again." Kurenai said.

"Yeah..." Asuma muttered.

The Jonin have seen this change in Naruto before when he fought against Kiba in the preliminaries. It was only for a short time, but now they get to see it again and see what else this transformation can do.

Kakashi stayed silent. He wanted to question Naruto about this change, but he left for training before he can get answers. Of course, he questioned the other members of team 7, but he wanted to hear from Naruto himself on what happened.

After a few moments of silents, Naruto stook out his hand, and the Sword of Darkness that was on the ground suddenly flew towards him, and he caught it with ease and then put it behind his back.

"So you're not going to say anything now?" Kisame asked.

Naruto stayed silent and stook out his other hand. Dark energy surrounded his hand, and he shot a black and red energy ball of darkness at Kisame and Itachi.

The two dodged out of the way, which resulted in an explosion when it hit the water. Naruto fired more blast of darkness at the two, which they dodged. Kisame then rushed forward and swung his sword at Naruto.

In return, he swung the sword of darkness as well and they collided together, causing a small shockwave to occur.

Kisame tried to push back against Naruto but only managed to make small movement happen. Naruto stared at the missing ninja and flared his dark aura around himself and the sword of darkness, and pushed back hard against Kisame, sending him flying back this time.

'That was payback from earlier.' Naruto thought.

He then looked over at Itachi, who was just observing him closely. His green eyes stared into the red ones of the Sharingan.

Kakashi, Asuma and Kurenai saw this and panicked.

"Don't look into his eyes./Don't look into his eyes!" Both Kurenai and Asuma shouted at Naruto.

"Too late." Itachi muttered, the tomoes of the Sharingan were spinning rapidly.

Naruto suddenly tensed up and moved his body, as if he was dodging something that was coming at him. This confused Itachi, and it wasn't just him that was confused but the jonin sensei's as well.

'What was that?' Naruto thought.

Keiran then appeared beside him.

"That was your senses you felt." Keiran said and looked at Itachi.

"From my understanding of the Sharingan, they can read people's movements, copy another person's technique , and put people into an illusion." Keiran added, Naruto listened and nodded at his words

'So most likely he tried putting me an a genjutsu. That must be why my body tensed up and felt the urge to move.' Naruto said and Keiran nodded.

"Yes. Plus, i don't think it would have worked anyway, since your body is surging with darkness right now. It's acting like a protective layer around your body. There's no way his chakra could have gotten into your system to affect your brain and other senses by just a mere eye contact." Keiran said.

'I see...' Naruto said.

'How do you know about this anyway?' Naruto added. Wondering how his friend and teacher knew of the Uchiha bloodline and it's abilities.

"Whenever i have time, i go to the village library so i can read about the stuff of this era. There's still so much i need to learn." Keiran replied and disappeared.

Naruto nodded and then charged at Itachi with great speed. He tried to swing his sword at him, but he just dodged and backed away.

Naruto didn't let up and shot some dark blast at Itachi, reacting quickly he dodged every single one with the help of his Sharingan.

Naruto tried to slash at Itachi and send blast at him with him dodging every attempt. Although Itachi noticed something about Naruto.

'He's getting faster.' He thought

Indeed. Every time Naruto slashed at him and missed, he would get faster every time with better accuracy.

Naruto was about to try again with his onslaught of attacks, but Kisame appeared in front of him and swinged his sword. He easily blocked the attack with his own sword and once again engaged in a sword fight with him. This time though, Kisame had some trouble with Naruto's speed and strength. But, like he said before, he was more skilled with his sword than Naruto was, and this gave him an advantage by blocking and dodging out of the way. Kisame decided to take this a little seriously and managed to get small cuts on Naruto's face.

Naruto didn't react to the cuts as he can already feel it healing. Both ninjas did one final attempt at slashing each other, which caused another shockwave to occur when their swords made contact.

After the clash, Naruto landed a swift kick at Kisame, making them distanced themselves from each other.

While Naruto and the missing ninjas faced each other. The Jonin Sensei's were shocked at the display of skill and power from Naruto. But Kakashi was more shocked because he wasn't there to see Naruto's fight with Neji like Asuma and Kurenai did. So he had no idea how much his student had progressed.

However, this caused more questions to pop up in their heads, like, "How did he get this strong?" "What kind of training was he doing?" "What was this mysterious power he is displaying, along with that sword and its capabilities?" "How was he able to nullify the enemies Justus and the genjutsu?"... and "How was he such a badass while doing it?"

Who knows.

After Naruto and Kisame distanced themselves. Itachi appeared beside Kisame and were just staring at Naruto, who also stopped moving and just kept his gaze on Itachi and Kisame, as they waited for each others next move.

Both Itachi and Kisame decided to move and did some hand signs and said.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

"Water Style: Scorching Water!"

As they were about to unleash their respective Justus. Naruto's aura flared up, and he stook out his hand. Itachi and Kisame's eyes narrowed and prepared to move.

"Dark Binding!"

All of a sudden, their bodies tense up, and then they couldn't move anymore. Only the slight movement of their muscles twitched as they tried moving.

Naruto used his dark energy to bind the two ninjas in place, making them unable to move as a thin layer of darkness now surrounded the two.

With his emotionless expression and his green eyes blazing. Naruto pulled back his sword and prepared to strike.

*Slash!*

In an instant, Naruto was now behind the two missing ninjas. There was a moment of silence in the area.

The next thing that happened was both Itachi and Kisame were cut in half! This caused the Jonin sensei's, plus the enemy ninjas, too, have shocked expressions.

Suddenly, the two clones of Itachi that held Kunai's too Kurenai and Asuma's neck disappeared in a flock of crows, setting them free. But they didn't acknowledge it because they are still trying to come to terms with what just happened.

"D-did he just..." Kurenai started to say but then trailed off.

"He just killed two S-Rank missing ninjas... All by himself." Asuma said in awe.

Kakashi just looked on with wide eyes, but then he finally reached his limit and closed his eyes. He started to fall over, but Kurenai and Asuma were quick to react and held him up before he could sink into the water.

Just as they thought it was all over. Naruto felt something was weird when he slashed at the two ninjas and turned around. Just then, the bodies of the two missing ninjas started to change.

Kisame's body turned into water, while Itachi's body turned into a flock of crows.

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he saw this, along with the two jonin sensei's.

Keiran appeared again beside Naruto and watched what happened.

"Substituted with a clone, huh..." Naruto muttered

"It would seem so. You should've known they wouldn't go down that easy." Keiran said, and Naruto nodded.

'Well... I was kinda hoping they would.' Naruto said mentally.

"Let this be a learning experience for you. Dispite your training. There are going to be more powerful and skilled enemies out there that you're going to have to fight in the future." Keiran said.

'Right.' Naruto said.

Itachi and Kisame then appeared a few distances away, looking completely attached and unharmed.

"This will have to end for now." Itachi spoke.

"Heh! I would have liked to play with you a bit more brat, but it seems we don't have any more time left. What a shame, too. I was finally feeling motivated... It can't be helped." Kisame said the last part with an annoyed expression and looked at Naruto.

"Hey brat! Don't get all cocky and say you went toe to toe with us because you didn't. You probably already know this from our fight, but... We underestimated you, and that's why we were holding back." Kisame added.

"He's right. And because we underestimated you, we weren't serious from the beginning." Itachi said this time.

"But know this, next time. We won't make this mistake again." Itachi added.

As they were about to leave. Naruto suddenly spoke up.

"Tell me..." He started. His emotionless tone stopped the two from moving, while the two jonin sensei's flinched when they heard Naruto speak. His expression didn't even change as he continued to speak.

"Why are you after me? What is it that you want?" Naruto said. The jonin Sensei's wanted to know this as well.

Just as Kisame was about to speak, Itachi cut him off by saying.

"What makes you think we're after you?" He asked, dodging the question. Itachi wanted to test something by asking a question of his own.

"I doubt you would waste your time on a Genin. Besides, you already know i have the Nine-Tails sealed inside of me just from the way you first look at me. And, the way you just disregarded Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei and put all your focus towards me, which leads me to guess you wanted to capture me, for something that requires the power of the Nine-Tails, right." Naruto stated. Surprising the two missing ninjas at his deduction.

"Wow, brat, that's a good guess you got there." Kisame said with a smirk, although on the inside, he was confused. The information he got on Naruto was that he wasn't that smart and wasn't a very skilled Ninja. Yet what he just heard and experienced was completely different from the information he was told. He then looked over at Itachi... The one who told him the information.

'Something isn't right here. This is a completely different Naruto than i remember when i was assigned to protect him while i was still an Anbu. Did something happen? While i do understand that people change over time...' Itachi thought as he looked over Naruto and his changes.

'This is different, i can tell. Something must've happened that caused him to change suddenly. He's no longer loud, reckless, afraid. Or if he was afraid, he didn't show it and kept a calm expression. He also analyzed his surroundings despite being in a tite situation. And to come up with this deduction on his own, even though it is wrong. It's still different then how he usually acts, it's almost like his entire personality has changed. But what exactly happened to him. Does this have something to do with this mysterious power he has now...? Well, whatever it is, it's definitely not Chakra. And, for some reason, he wasn't put in my Genjutsu when we made eye contact... I have to think more about this. None of this is making any sense at the moment.' Itachi finished and looked at Kisame.

"We're leaving... Now." Itachi said seriously, and Kisame nodded.

At that moment, before Naruto can say anything else. The two ninjas suddenly vanished without a trace. Naruto closed his eyes and tried sensing where they were, but he got nothing.

They were gone.

Naruto sighed and reverted back to his base form. He then walked over to where he dropped his dragon sword and put it back in his scabbard.

Naruto then made his way to Asuma and Kurenai, who just kept looking at him.

"Are you two alright?" Naruto asked as he got closer to the two.

"Yeah we're fine." Asuma said and Kurenai just nodded her head.

"What about Kakashi-sensei? What did they do to him?" Naruto asked.

"He was put in a powerful Genjutsu by that man named Itachi, the one that had the Sharingan." Kurenai said, making Naruto narrow his eyes.

"I see... Will he be alright?" Naruto asked and both jonin nodded.

"Yeah. Your sensei's strong, so this is nothing. We'll go take him to his apartment so he can rest and have him get checked out. So you have nothing to worry about." Asuma said, as both ninjas held Kakashi's body up so they can move him.

"Okay, I'll leave him in your care then." Naruto said, making both ninjas nod before vanishing away and he began walking away towards the village gates.

(Scene Change)

As Naruto was walking, his mind was still on what happened a moment ago.

'Itachi... Itachi Uchiha. Was that him, the man Sasuke said he was going to kill during our introductions?' Naruto thought as he remembered what his 'teammate' said during their introductions.

Keiran appeared beside Naruto and Catra came out from Naruto's jacket and stood on his shoulder.

"You can worry about that later." Keiran said

'Yeah, like we need to discuss on how they knew about the Nine-Tails being sealed inside Naruto and what they wanted from him.' Catra said, making Keiran sigh.

"Unfortunately, we don't have much information about this. So i say we discuss this with Jiraiya and see what he thinks about it." Keiran said.

'What about what Naruto said? They didn't give a clear answer, but they were there for Naruto and the Nine-Tails since they were focused on him, right?' Catra said.

'No, i don't think that's right.' Naruto said, mentally.

'What do you mean? They were clearly targeting you.You said it yourself that they wanted to capture you?' Catra said, not understanding what Naruto was saying.

'Yes, i did say that. But their actions spoke differently.' Naruto said back.

"So you noticed?" Keiran said, and Naruto nodded.

'Huh? Noticed what?' Catra asked, still not understanding.

'It was true they were focused on me... But i don't think they were really planning on capturing me in the first place.' Naruto said, shocking Catra.

"Why do you think that?" Keiran asked.

"First, something felt weird. Remember what they said. 'We were holding back', which means they could've captured me at any giving time or from the beginning, but they didn't do that." Naruto said.

"Second, and I'm sure you saw what happened. The way Itachi easily disarmed me of my sword. He could've binded me right there, but again, he didn't. Which leads me to believe i was not their target in the first place, and they were just stalling for time or something else." Naruto finished.

Keiran hummed as he listened to what Naruto said. Catra was still shocked but then pulled herself together and asked a question.

'Okay, even if what you're saying is true. We still don't know why those two were here in the first place.' Catra said.

'That's true, I don't have anything to say for that. But i think i gained some information while talking with them.' Naruto said further surprising Catra and this time Keiran.

"Really, what did you find out?" Keiran asked, generally curious.

'Well...' Naruto started, Keiran and Catra both leaning in closer as they listened.

"I'm still working on that." Naruto said, making Keiran and Catra both anime drop.

'Seriously?!' Catra said

'Yeah, sorry about that.' Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head.

'But, i do have a theory.' Naruto added.

'Is it actually something this time?' Catra said.

'I believe so, and its that i think I'm actually going to be targeted in the future.' Naruto said.

"You think it has something to do with them knowing about the Nine-Tails?" Keiran asked and Naruto nodded.

'That actually makes sense, why else would that shark man say that Naruto has the Nine-Tails out loud.' Catra said

'Yeah, although i can't prove it, we still should be cautious.' Naruto said, and Keiran and Catra nodded. All was silent for a moment.

'Aren't we forgetting something?' Catra asked suddenly.

'Forgetting what?' Naruto said, confusingly.

'Oh, are you talking about your food? Don't worry i didn't forget.' Naruto said.

'Well... That too, but i was talking about something else.' Catra said, trying to think about it.

'Can you remember what it was?' Naruto asked.

Catra still kept thinking but then sighed in defeat as she forgot what was said at the time.

'No, i can't remember.' Catra said, sighing. Naruto just petted her and continued walking.

Meanwhile

" Severe Leaf Hurricane- Oh, there already gone." Might Guy said as he landed and looked around for any enemies or his companions but there were nowhere in the area.

"I guess there already at Kakashi's place. If i can't make it there in 3 minutes then i can't call Kakashi my eternal rival anymore!" Guy said and ran full speed to his destination.

(Scene Change)

"I'm telling you, that's not what it was." Jiraiya said.

Yukino hummed as she listened.

"Hmm, sure, you know what, I believe you." Yukino said with a smile.

"Really?" Jiraiya asked hopefully.

"No." Yukino smile disappeared and replaced it was a deadpan expression. she looked up at Jiraiya and saw multiple red hand prints on his face.

Jiraiya had a down casted expression.

Apparently while Jiraiya was waiting on his student and his friend. He saw some young ladys going in the bath house and thought it wouldn't hurt to get some last minute 'research' done and so he climbed on top of the roof so he can spy on them while they were in the process of changing. He was so focused that he didn't hear the cracking of the wood underneath him and so he fell right through the roof and into the girls changing room.

I think it's self explanatory on what happened next right?

"You deserve every single slap on that face of yours." Yukino said with her arms crossed.

"It was worth it." Jiraiya muttered, while still looking down.

Yukino heard what he said and was about to say something else but she noticed Naruto walking up to them, she was about to call out to him but then noticed... a massive yellow bag on his back.

Yukino blinked a few times as she saw this.

Jiraiya looked up and looked in the direction Yukino was looking and saw 'Naruto' who was finally here but then was confused to see a massive yellow bag on his back.

"Uh, Gaki? Why do you have so much stuff in that bag?" Jiraiya asked with a sweat drop.

"Boss told me to get 5 weeks worth of supplies and then tell you he's going to be late." Clone Naruto said.

"You're a clone?" Yukino asked and the clone nodded.

"Do you know where he went?" Jiraiya asked the clone.

"What the...?" A voice said.

Yukino and Jiraiya looked to the side as they heard the real Naruto speak, with Catra on his shoulder eating some fish. He looked over at the massive yellow bag and then to his clone.

"I told you to just bring five weeks' worth of supplies." Naruto said as he got close.

"This is five weeks' worth of supplies." The clone replied.

"This is five weeks? This looks like five months the way i see it... 'sigh' i guess it will have to do." Naruto said and stook out his arm as dark energy coated his hand.

A black and red portal appeared below the bag and absorbed it until it was gone. Yukino seeing this, wasn't surprised but then remembered something that she wanted to ask Naruto about after the invasion ended but didn't get a chance to. She thought this is her chance to ask while they were out of the village together. She wanted to talk about that person who appeared in front of them, while they were chasing Sasuke.

'I'll ask him when we stop.' Yukino thought.

"So, what happened to you?" Naruto asked Jiraiya after he released his clone.

'I think it's obvious, but i could be wrong.' Catra said

"Um, well-," Jiraiya was about to say but was cut off by Yukino.

"Oh, I'll tell you." Yukino said and leaned into Naruto's ear and told him what happened.

Once hearing what transpired, Naruto, Catra, and Keiran, who wanted to hear as well.

Their eye brows twitched in irritation at the perverted sage.

'Yeah... That's too be expected.' Catra said.

"You deserve every single slap on that face of yours." Naruto said, with a deadpan expression.

'Ooo, how i wish i had bigger paws so i can slap him.' Catra thought with a small glare towards Jiraiya.

"You have it easy right now, just imaging what Iris would do if she were here right now would just." Keiran stopped with a shiver. He didn't even want to finish his words as he thought of his beloved, bringing 'punishment' to Jiraiya.

Jiraiya was then seen crouching in a corner, drawing circles on the ground while muttering.

"You would never understand my way of research."

Naruto just shook his head as he saw this.

"So Naruto, why were you late to get here." Yukino asked, making him look at her.

"I... just went to get Catra some food before we left." Naruto said. He wasn't wrong. He did get Catra food, but he just didn't tell her the full reason why he was late because he still needed to tell Jiraiya what happened. Yukino nodded at his words.

After a few minutes, Jiraiya had recovered and was now in high spirits.

"Alright, now that we got ourselves settled. It's time for us to head out!" Jiraiya said to the two Genin, who looked at each other before nodding.

"Now! Let's get this research trip started!" Jiraiya shouted as he posed by pointing ahead in a certain direction.

Naruto, Yukino, and Catra looked at each other before raising their fist up. Or for Catra's case, paws.

"Wooo/Wooo." Naruto and Yukino said with no emotion.

"Meow..." Catra meowed with emotion while Keiran just shook his head.

"At least try to sound excited."

Alright, that is the end of Chapter 17 of Naruto: The Dark Prince. I hope you all enjoyed it.

Let me ask you all something. Would you rather me upload LONG Chapters like i did with Chapter 16: Hard Fought Battles part 2 with 22K words? Of course, it won't take five months to complete. Or chapters like this one, being 12K words. Just because i think if i do the long chapters, then it would speed up the process to the Sasuke Retrieval Arc.

Let me know what you think of that.

Another thing, I'm not the best at describing stuff in detail. So if you want i can add links to photo images so that you can see what I'm referring too when i write my descriptions.

If anyone has any questions, comments, concerns then i would reply too you the best i can.

Once again, i hope you all enjoyed this chapter and keep up the love and support for my story, and I will see you all in the next one.

Bye bye;)