AN: Hope everyone doing well.

as always, thank you for the follows, favs and comments. it does help me improve.

Start

As Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, Sakura, Sasuke, and Shin descended from the trees back into the training ground, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of tension and anticipation.

Tsunade fixed Naruto with a serious gaze, her eyes scanning him with scrutiny as she mentally processed everything she had witnessed. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke with authority, addressing Naruto directly. "Naruto, your performance today has shown that you possess the skills and mental fortitude required to retain your rank as a chunin," she stated firmly. "For the time being, you will join Squad 7 for training, with Kakashi as your direct commander."

Naruto nodded attentively, his expression serious as he listened to Tsunade's instructions. "Understood, Hokage-sama," he replied respectfully.

Tsunade's gaze softened slightly as she continued. "However, due to your recent absence and the circumstances surrounding it, you will not be assigned any missions for the next month," she explained. "During this period, we will conduct psyche evaluations to ensure that you are mentally prepared to resume your duties. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Naruto affirmed, his voice steady and resolute.

With a nod of approval, Tsunade turned to Jiraiya, instructing him to meet her in her office later. Jiraiya offered Naruto a reassuring smile, his concern evident in his voice as he spoke. "Take care of yourself, Naruto. And don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything," he said kindly.

Naruto returned Jiraiya's smile, his gratitude evident as he responded, "Thanks, Ero-Sennin. I'll be fine."

As Tsunade and Jiraiya departed, Shin wasted no time in issuing a challenge to Naruto for a spar. "Come on, Naruto! Let's see what you've got!" he exclaimed eagerly.

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Not today, Shin. I've had enough excitement for one day," he replied with a grin.

Sasuke approached Naruto next, his expression unreadable as he extended an invitation to train at the Uchiha compound. "Meet me there tomorrow morning. We'll work on your technique," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Naruto nodded in agreement. "Got it, Sasuke. I'll be there," he promised.

Sakura approached Naruto with a warm smile, her eyes filled with genuine happiness. "I'm really glad you're back, Naruto," she said sincerely.

Naruto's smile widened at her words. "Thanks, Sakura. It's good to be back," he replied, his gratitude evident in his tone.

Meanwhile, Kakashi approached Naruto with his usual laid-back demeanor, his injuries wrapped in bandages but his eye crinkling with amusement. "Feel free to ask for training anytime, Naruto. I'll be happy to help," he offered casually.

Naruto nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Kakashi-senpai. I'll definitely take you up on that," he replied with a grin.

With their interactions complete, the group began to disperse from Training Ground 7.

One week had elapsed since Naruto's return to the Leaf Village, and he was gradually finding his footing once again. Today marked his weekly visit to the hospital to meet with Yamanaka Inoichi, the esteemed psychologist known for his expertise in mind-related jutsu. With each step, Naruto's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming session and the delicate topics it would entail.

Entering the hospital with a determined stride, Naruto navigated the familiar corridors until he reached Inoichi's office. As he settled into his seat, he greeted the psychologist with a nod, his demeanor guarded yet composed.

Inoichi wasted no time delving into the heart of the matter, his probing questions hanging heavy in the air. "Let's start with Akatsuki," he began, his voice steady. "What can you tell me about your encounters with them?"

Naruto's brow furrowed slightly as he formulated his response. "Well, you know how it is, Inoichi-sensei. They're a tough bunch to deal with," he replied, his tone casual yet evasive. "But I've managed to hold my own against them so far."

Inoichi nodded, his expression unreadable as he moved on to the next topic. "And what about Hana?" he asked gently. "How are you coping with her loss?"

A flicker of pain crossed Naruto's features, but he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "It's tough, no doubt about it," he admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I'm doing my best to stay strong for her sake."

As the session continued, Inoichi probed further into Naruto's experiences with Orochimaru and his current goals. With each question, Naruto's responses became increasingly guarded, his words carefully chosen to conceal the truth.

By the end of the session, Naruto felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that he had successfully navigated the delicate interrogation without revealing too much. As he bid farewell to Inoichi and left the hospital behind, Naruto knew his time in the hidden leaf was fleeting. Once he had enough strength he would kill Guren and Orochimaru. Being a shinobi of the Leaf didn't hold any meaning to him anymore.

After Naruto's session with Inoichi, he stepped out of the hospital, only to be greeted by the sight of Jiraiya waiting for him outside. The legendary Sannin approached Naruto with a determined look in his eye, his voice carrying a sense of urgency as he spoke.

"Naruto, I have a proposition for you," Jiraiya began, his tone serious yet tinged with excitement. "I want to take you on a training trip outside of the village."

Naruto's interest was piqued at the prospect of furthering his training under Jiraiya's guidance. He nodded eagerly, sensing the opportunity for growth and improvement. "That sounds great, Ero-Sennin. When do we leave?" he inquired.

Jiraiya's expression softened as he explained the logistics of their journey. "We'll be leaving in six months," he replied, his voice calm but firm. "I need some time to gather intel and clear it with Tsunade."

Naruto nodded in understanding, a sense of anticipation building within him at the thought of the adventures that lay ahead. With a parting nod, Jiraiya took his leave, leaving Naruto to contemplate the months of training and preparation that awaited him.

Determined to make the most of the time before their departure, Naruto made his way to the library to delve deeper into his studies of fuuinjutsu. He spent hours poring over ancient scrolls and texts, eager to improve his understanding of barrier seals and other advanced techniques.

In between his studies, Naruto continued his rigorous training regimen, alternating between sessions at Training Ground 7 and his weekly visits with Inoichi. He also made time to train with Team 7, occasionally joining forces with Teams 10 and 8 for specialized exercises.

After one grueling day of beating on each other Naruto and Sasuke laid on their backs in the Uchiha compound training grounds heaving.

Sasuke smirked to himself. His training partner pushed him beyond his limits everytime, he could feel himself getting closer to Itachi's level.

"Not bad this time Dobe."

"Dobe? I beat you so badly the first five fights your sharingan had to evolve to save you from further embarrassment."

"Hn."

"Hn? Sounds like an Uchiha who get destroyed agreeing to me."

Sasuke slowly went through handseal ending with tiger.

Naruto panicked a little, flaling his arms to try and scoot away.

"Hey asshole! You're too close and I'm tired!"

Sasuke dropped his arms with a small smirk.

"Did you just prank me?!"

"Hn."

Naruto laughed, holding his sides in pain.

"You bastard."

"Naruto."

Naruto stopped for a moment dead silent. He's been training with Sasuke everyday since he came back. The amount of times he's used his actual name could be counted on one hand. Naruto turned to regard Sasuke seriously.

Sasuke held his fist up towards Naruto who was laying to his right.

"To the top of the shinobi world."

Naruto stared at his hand seriously, he knew was Sasuke's goal was, yet the only thing keeping him sane since he returned to the village was these spars with Sasuke. He vowed to help him get his revenge no matter what.

Naruto bumped his fist with his own.

"To the top."

As the weeks passed by in a blur of intense focus and determination, Naruto found himself growing stronger both physically and mentally. And before he knew it, the month had come to an end, and Inoichi cleared him to resume his duties as a shinobi of the Leaf Village.

One month later

As the sun bathed the training ground in its warm glow, Naruto and Team 7 were in the midst of a rigorous training session, honing their skills under Kakashi's watchful eye. Suddenly, a messenger hawk swooped down from the sky, alighting gracefully on Kakashi's outstretched arm.

Kakashi carefully untied the message attached to the hawk's leg, his eyes scanning the contents, modeling chakra two mission scrolls appeared. He turned to Naruto and team 7 with a serious expression,"Team 7 you have a mission to the land of tea." he announced, passing the mission scroll to Sasuke. "I expect absolute professionalism from all of you. Your client is at at the east gate."

Sasuke stowed the scroll into his pouch giving Kakashi a nod.

Sakura spoke up confused that Kakashi said you and not us.

"What about you sensei?"

Kakashi gave her an eye smile.

"Naruto and I have another mission."

Sasuke paused at that, giving Naruto a side glance that contained some envy.

Shin huffed crossing his arms.

"Sensei, why is Naruto going on a mission with a Jounin?"

"Shin, Naruto is a chunin, you are a genin" Kakashi remarked amusedly.

"Are you going to miss your sensei?"

Shin turned around ignoring Kakashi.

Sakura waved to Kakashi cheerfully.

"Be safe sensei!" She quickly jogged to catch up with Shin and Sasuke who were leaving the training grounds to head back to the village.

Naruto watched them go quietly. They were a good bunch and so different. It was nice hanging around them. He spoke up hesitantly,

"Are you sure it's ok for them to go on a mission without you?"

Kakashi sighed. Was it ok? He was worried already, but the village was weak. The Sand-Sound invasion during the chunin exams, the blitz into the Land of Rice paddies left their forces stretched thin. For the village to look strong, Jounins and Chunin would have to pick up a lot of slack.

"They'll be fine."

Naruto gave him a side-eye, "Has anyone ever told you that you're a terrible liar."

Kakashi sighed again.

"Let's head out, our clients at the north gate. Grab winter gear and meet me there in an hour."

"Roger."

their client. Their client was an older guy wearing glasses and a business suit. He had short brown hair with a beard and mustache.

He bowed to the two who awkwardly bowed back.

"Hello, are you the team that's escorting myself and another to the Land of Snow?

"Yes we are, I'm Hatake Kakashi, next to me is Uzumaki Naruto the client nodded to them which they returned.

"This team looks capable, my name is Sandayuu, I've heard great tales of the hidden leaf shinobi. I'm counting on you." Sandayuu spoke gravely at the end.

Naruto threw Kakashi a confused glance that was ignored.

Sandayuu spoke again as his earlier statement settled.

"We'll need to grab one more person along the way. She's-, Sandayuu was cut off as a horse blistered past them heading for the leaf Village market. Over there."

Kakashi patted Naruto's shoulder grabbing his attention.

"Grab the second client, remember, no damage."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I know."

Naruto propelled himself into the air to roof-hop after the horse. He narrowed his eyes on the figure riding the horse. His first thought was blue hair? His eyes widened, visions of another beautiful woman with blue hair assaulted his mind as he missed a step and fell into an alley.

"Get a grip, Hana's dead!" Naruto yelled at himself smacking both cheeks. Naruto stretched out his senses to find the woman riding the horse.

"Got you." He body flickered away.

A few moments he reappeared on the back of the horse startling the woman and the horse. That stopped to neigh.

"Hey! Get off my horse!" She pulled a kunai out of her top and swung it back trying to stab him. Naruto caught her arm, halting her kunai. He took the reins from her other hand and jumped off the horse giving it a good kick to make it run off. Someone else can chase the horse.

They landed on the ground and the mysterious client pulled out another kunai from her blouse with her other hand, since Naruto was behind het she tried to backstab him in the gut.

Naruto gripped her arm to her side, restraining her movement. He disarmed her of both kunai then let her go. She turned around and immediately began to yell, cuss and scream at him about taking her weapons. Naruto tuned her out subconsciously, her blue hair captured his attention, her beautiful blue eyes were like the ocean. He was mesmerized, then a vision of a sadistic Guren standing over another blue haired girls body assaulted his mind.

She took a few steps and Naruto realized he was leaking Killing intent. He took a breath, letting the tension fall off his body. She had a nervous expression on her face and Naruto sighed at himself for already making the mission harder. She was around his age with a curvy body, blue eyes like the ocean and blue hair in a Hime cut.

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto, One of the shinobi escorting you, and you are?"

She held out a hand for him to kiss like a weird princess. He made a face and shook her hand. She frowned.

"Fujikaze Yukie, its a pleasure. "