AN: Things are going to be heating up after this chapter. Expect some major changes. if you have any suggestions be sure to throw them in the comments I would love to hear them.

Start

Morning bathed Training Ground 7 in a golden hue as Naruto, Hana, Sasuke, and Sakura engaged in their morning training. Hana, adept in genjutsu, was imparting her knowledge to Sakura, guiding her through the intricacies of illusionary techniques.

In the heart of the training ground, Naruto and Sasuke sparred vigorously, their movements a dance of strength and strategy. Amidst the exchange of blows, Naruto inquired about Sasuke's teammate, Shin, whom he hadn't seen since the preliminary exams. Sasuke explained that Shin was honing his skills with his family to acquire new techniques.

The spar continued, each clash of fists contributing to the refinement of their abilities. The camaraderie between Naruto and Sasuke was evident as they pushed each other to their limits.

As midday approached, the team took a break to rest. Suddenly, Kakashi appeared with his trademark poof. Sakura, startled, exclaimed, "Sensei!" Kakashi, with his eye smile, greeted them casually. Sasuke, more serious, demanded to know where Kakashi had been, asserting that it was time to train. Kakashi, ever calm, gently chided him, "Sasuke-kun, patience is a virtue."

Approaching Naruto, Kakashi delivered the news, "The Hokage wants to see you." Hana, intrigued, rose to follow Naruto, but Kakashi clarified, "Sorry, Hana, only Naruto is needed this time."

With that, Naruto and Kakashi departed.

Naruto walked with Kakashi to the Hokages tower. He had his hands in his pockets a relaxed expression on his face. What could the old lady call him to the office for? He shifted his eyes to Kakashi for a moment receiving a eye smile that dropped the tension in his body. Probably not a mission if our leisurely pace is any indication.

"Kakashi-senpai, why are you accompanying me?" Kakashi eyes dropped in a display of false sadness for a moment. Naruto rolled his eyes at his dramatics.

"Ma ma Naruto, you don't like being escorted by your senpai?" Naruto sighed already exhausted from his antics.

"You don't do anything without a reason too, why are you escorting me? Be serious." Naruto said with a frown on his face. He didn't trust many people. Kakashi, was a good mentor so far but he couldn't shake years of abuse and distrust that easily. He wanted, no he needed a straight answer from him. He was an extremely skilled jounin, he practically looked up to the guy, he needed to know that this wasn't some kind of loyalty trap the village was employing against him. He wanted to believe in Kakashi.

Kakashi put his book away for a moment, Naruto had slowed to a stop. He turned to face him. He could see the indecision on his face, the desire to bolt consequences be damned. The abuse his suffered was still exacting its toll. Kakashi vowed then to guide him as he should have, to be the older brother Minato-sensei wanted him to be.

"I see, you've worked extremely hard since you've became a genin, first the skirmishes in Kusa and now defeating Gaara, the Ichibi during the Konoha crush. It's time you were recognized. I volunteered to escort you for one simple reason." Naruto tilted his head up, the sun seemed so bright, it put a genuine smile on his face.

"What reason is that?" He asked resuming his walk to the Hokage tower. Kakashi did not immediately follow him.

"I'm proud of you for how much you've overcome Naruto." Kakashi said. Naruto froze, his face in shock. Did he really say what I think he did? He turned around quickly to stare at Kakashi's face searching, he received an eye smile in return. A gentle breeze blew through the area swaying their hair. Unbeknownst to Naruto a big grin threatened to split his face. For once someone was proud of him! A small blush grew on his cheeks and he hurriedly turned around to continue his journey, Kakashi to the side of him reading his orange book giggling.

In Tsunade's office, Shikamaru stood before her desk, Asuma standing supportively behind him. As Naruto and Kakashi entered, Kakashi assumed a formal stance behind Naruto. Tsunade, adorned in her Hokage attire, offered a nod of acknowledgment.

"Congratulations, Team 10, on your performance in the Chunin Exams," Tsunade began, her tone carrying a mix of pride and authority. "Shikamaru, your tactical brilliance and strategic mindset during the exams have earned you a well-deserved promotion to Chunin."

Shikamaru sighed, a characteristic response, "Troublesome, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade continued, undeterred, "Asuma, your guidance and mentorship have undoubtedly contributed to Shikamaru's success."

Asuma gave a nod, expressing his acknowledgment.

"Now, Naruto," Tsunade turned her attention to the orange-clad ninja. "Your approach in the Chunin Exams displayed exceptional leadership and strategy. Taking down opponents like Gaara and Kabuto showcased not only your combat skills but also your ability to adapt and lead."

Naruto's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and determination.

Tsunade elaborated further, delving into the intricacies of Naruto's strategic decisions and the impact they had on the outcome of the exams. The room buzzed with the weight of the recognition Naruto was receiving.

Kakashi, standing stoically, added, "Naruto's growth and performance in the Chunin Exams reflect the qualities of a true leader."

Tsunade concluded, "Therefore, Naruto Uzumaki, it is my decision to promote you to the rank of Chunin. May you continue to inspire and lead."

Naruto's expression shifted from surprise to genuine gratitude as he bowed respectfully, accepting the honor bestowed upon him.

Tsunade gestured to Shizune, who approached carrying two freshly tailored Chunin vests. She handed one to Shikamaru and the other to Naruto, the intricate leaf symbol proudly embroidered on each.

Shikamaru examined the vest with a nonchalant expression. "Well, it looks like I'm officially a Chunin now," he mumbled to Asuma, who clapped him on the shoulder.

Asuma grinned. "Not bad, huh?"

Naruto, on the other hand, held his vest with a mix of awe and excitement. "This is awesome! I'm a Chunin!"

Tsunade chuckled at their contrasting reactions. "Go on, celebrate. You've earned it."

Shikamaru, with his hands casually in his pockets, raised an eyebrow. "Celebrate? That sounds troublesome."

Naruto, ever exuberant, elbowed Shikamaru playfully. "Come on, Shikamaru! We're Chunin now! We should do something!"

Asuma chimed in, "He's right, Shikamaru. It's a rare occasion. Let loose for once."

Shikamaru sighed. "Fine, fine. But nothing too troublesome, okay?"

The group exited Tsunade's office, and Naruto couldn't contain his excitement. "Let's hit Ichiraku Ramen! My treat!"

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Your treat? Why not."

Naruto grinned. "Lets go!"

They headed towards Ichiraku Ramen, the vibrant atmosphere of Konoha welcoming its newly promoted Chunin.

Inside the ramen shop, Teuchi and Ayame greeted them warmly. "Congratulations, Naruto!" Ayame said with a smile.

Teuchi added, "You too, Shikamaru! What can I get for you guys?"

Naruto excitedly shouted, "Give us the works, Teuchi! Extra pork!"

Shikamaru shook his head, chuckling. "Troublesome. But yeah, I'll have the same."

As they sat down at the familiar ramen counter, surrounded by the comforting aroma of simmering broth, Naruto couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought him here. He was a Chunin now, he could he called upon to lead genin and possibly even chunin on missions, it was time to take his training more seriously. He remembered reading about elemental nature training in the library with Hinata when he first beginning his training to become a genin. Maybe Kakashi-senpai is the person he should talk to about it.

Naruto turned, slurping down the rest of the noodles in his mouth quickly.

"Hey Shikamaru, do you know anything about elemental nature training?" Shikamaru looked even more tired for a second it that was possible. He let out quiet Troublesome.

"I've heard a little about it, it's a jounin level skill that is required to advance from chunin rank. It has something to do with learning a elemental affinity."

"Hmm, that's quiet a lot for a guy who only heard a little bit about it." Naruto said pointing his chopsticks at Shikamaru who swatted his hand muttering about bad manners.

"Kakashi-senpai would be the best person to talk to about it." Naruto muttered outloud.

"I've been meaning to ask, is Kakashi-sensei your jounin leader? I thought he took on team 7?"

Narutos expression turned pensive as he worked to collect his thoughts mentally. Should he open up to Shikamaru about what happened to his teammates when he first became a genin and how Kakashi showed empathy and understanding? Shikamaru eyed him from the side as Naruto continued to grapple with his thoughts. Would sharing now lead to betrayal later? What if It didn't? Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something when Naruto held up his hand.

"Please give me a second." Shikamaru stayed quiet staring at his noodles, showing him respect. The sounds of pans clanking, steam wafting through the air of Ichiraku provided a sense of peace calming the turmoil that built within Naruto.

"When I first became a genin, I was assigned to a squad as a reserve. I had a chunin leader Kaito, and two teammates. During a mission, I lost my chunin leader and my teammate Ryu." Shikamaru eyed him with surprise, he was the same age yet he had already been through the toughest part of being a shinobi. Shikamaru stared in to his bowl of ramen for a while unsure of what to say. Sure he was a slacker, unmotivated definitely but he understood the dangers of the shinobi world better than most, his father being the jounin commander guaranteed that.

Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something, anything! When has he ever been the one to comfort anyone. He ranked his genius brain to find the right words, Naruto continued talking his voice wss low and solemn but contained strength from perseverance.

"Hana and I reported the completed mission, it was only because Ryu sacrificed himself to kill the Cloud kunoichi that we even survived. She was out of our league. I've never felt so weak before. After the mission I felt lost, how could I go on living when they were not allowed too? I asked myself that question so many times."

Shikamaru looked more sullen. This wasn't just a conversation, Naruto was trying to impart something on to him. He looked up and over to analyze him only to find Naruto doing the same. Naruto seemed to have found what he was looking for and smiled.

"Sometime after I went to visit them at the memorial. That's where I met Kakashi-senpai. He gave me guidance when I needed it most. Hear my words Shikamaru. We're comrades now, I'll protect you even if it costs me my life! That's what it means to be leaf shinobi!" Naruto boisterously declared with a large smile on his face.

Shikamaru's eyes widened in complete surprise before narrowing in recognition. He sat up in his seat looking at Naruto in a new light.

The king, so this is what you mean Asuma-sensei.

"I heard you have a crazy dream you're trying to accomplish."

"To be Hokage is my dream. " Naruto said firmly.

"Hokage huh. Thanks for the Ramen Naruto, I have to get back to training."

"I'll see you later Shikamaru, let's do some missions together." Naruto said to him as Shikamaru left the ramen stand waving goodbye over his shoulder. He had a lot to think about as he slowly walked home with hid hands in his pockets. He walked passed Ino completely ignoring her lost in thought until he arrived at his house. His dad was outside on the front porch enjoying some tea when he saw him. He watched his son slowly trottup the path barely paying attention to hi surroundings.

"Son." His call seemed snap him out of his thoughts.

"Dad?" Shikamaru asked confused about when he got home. Shikakus frown grew more pronounced at his son's state of mind.

"Everything OK Shikamaru?" Shikamaru looked his dad in the eyes with determination he's never seen. Shikaku was taken a back for a second,

"I need more training Dad."

Shikaku had to kill the urge to ask how this change came to be. He brought his left hand up to rub his chin in thought. He closed his eyes reflecting on the steel reflected in his soms eyes.

He'll talk when he's ready, more training is something I've always wanted him to ask for.

"Of course, I'm always here to support you."

Naruto walked down the market of the village, hands I'm his pockets with a bored expression on his face.

"Days off are boring."

"That's because all you do is training or missions."

"Senpai? When did you get here?"

"Well I had to help an old lady with her groceries, then a black cat crossed my path so I took the long way, got lost on the road of life and well here I am." Kakashi replied with an eye smiled to a bemused Naruto.

"That slipped out easy enough, you mist drive tons of people crazy with statements like that." A smiling Naruto replied. Kakashi winked knowingly.

"Kakashi-senpai, I need more training. Could you teach how to train my chakra nature?"

"Hmmm." Kakashi hummed. He's certainly grown. His chakra presence burns as strong as most jonin now. He looked at him and for a moment he saw his sensei staring back at him with the same smile before the image faded away. He had his book in his left hand but he paid it no attention. Nature chakra was a jonin level skill but the blonde Uzumaki was certainly ready to learn it. Jiraiya had entrusted his care to him while he was off gathering information about the Akatsuki. Akatsuki, if they were after his little brother in all but blood he would have to do some serious training himself. Kakashi bit back an internal sigh, his body stressed yet nothing showed on his face. The expectant look on Naruto's face almost made him chuckle a but.

He snapped his book shut, stowing it In his pouch.

"Alright. I can teach you the first level."

"When?"

"Now. Let's head to training ground 7."

Naruto and Kakashi stood facing each other in the training ground. Kakashi pulled out a slip of paper from his right pouch. He held in between his two first fingers, presenting it to Naruto to grab. Naruto grabbed the paper turning it over to find it blank on both sides. Question marks appeared around his head as he squinted his eyes to figure out the paper.

"This isn't a test. To attempt chakra nature training you must first find out what element your chakra is aligned too. The way we leaf shinobi do this is by refining this chakra paper from a special tree grown by the first Hokage. " Naruto's eyes grew big. Kakashi continued before he could open his mouth to ask a ton of questions.

"Mold your chakra and coat the paper in a small amount. If it burns your fire aligned, if it's wet your water aligned, crinkled lightning aligned and crumbles earth aligned. Ill demonstrate. " Kakashi pulled out a second chakra paper coating the paper in a small amount of his chakra. The paper crinkled, before catching on fire then crumbling into dust.

"Woah... senpai do you have three chakra Natures?"

"Not exactly, my original alignment was lightning but through intense training you can refine your chakra to align to multiple Natures, that's why Sandaime-samas jutsu were so strong. You also don't need a chakra nature to use jutsu from different elements."

"Then why undergo nature training at all?" Naruto asked taking a seat to listen to Kakashi's explanation. He remembered reading about how the old man had mastered all the elements. Was a shinobis chakras true nature that of a receiver? To change and adjust depending on the mind? Or were the talented the only ones capable of that?

"The reason is the change in chakra nature strengths the jutsu beyond the normal limits. When you focus on releasing a jutsu, your using the handsigns to correctly mold your chakra and direct its flow for the desired output. Following me so far?"

Naruto nodded his head. He only utilized jutsu instinctively through repetition, he trusted his handseals to do the heavy lifting.

Kakashi pointed one finger up, "now what would happen to the same jutsu if you focused on molding your chakra to the desired element prior to releasing the jutsu? To put in a simpler term, what if you primed your body with that element before going through the handseals for the jutsu?"

Narutos eyes widened at information he had never even considered. If he could charge his element, it would be the same as the nature slash he used against Gamabunta. He primed his body with his budding nature energy. He felt his hands shake in excitement. Kakashi noticed, smiling under his mask.

"You catch on pretty quick."

Your parents would be proud. I know I am

Naruto body went ramrod straight as a crazy thought went through his head.

"Would you be able to control the elements in their pure form then!?" He blurted out unable to contain himself. Kakashi felt his own mouth drop behind his mask.

This kid

"The first and Second Hokage, second Raikage were able to, its the pinnacle of what a shinobi can do with elemental control. Jutsu aligned with your element will always be easier to lesrn and utulize then those further away on the elementsl slectrh. First let's start here. Mold your chakra and coat your paper."

Naruto held out his paper, he molded a small amount of chakra coating the paper in a barely visible yellow outline. He focused on Kakashi, "what do you mean by elemental spectrum?"

"I'll explain it, Fire beats wind, wind beats lightning, lightning beats earth and earth Beats fire. For a shinobi who's element is lightning, wind or even earth jutsu are harder to learn." Naruto nodded his head vigorously as his paper started to slowly glow. He held it out in front of him, before his and Kakashi's eyes the paper cut in half before catching fire, Naruto quickly dropped it on the ground.

Wind and fire, two affinities that complimented each other. It made sense why he could always learn fire Style jutsu easier than lightning. Could he combine both affinities to create something stronger? His mind churned from the endless possibilities. He couldn't wait to master this training but he needed to know more about his chosen affinities.

"So fire and wind huh."

"Senpai, how can wind be more devastating then just pushing people away?" Kakashi hmmmed walking away from Naruto facing the training dummies.

"Your a hands on guy, I'll demonstrate what wind can do."

Kakashi slowly went through handseals allowing Naruto to follow them. He ended with bird

"Wind Style: severing gale." Kakashi opened his mouth releasing small blades of wind that left cuts all over the training dummies.

"I'm not good with wind but you understand it's potential now right?"

Naruto closed his eyes to process the new information. Kakashi-senpai's jutsu were multiple wind projectiles shaped into blades. If wind has the power to blow you away like a breeze, cut like a Tornado, then wouldn't you be able to create a vacuum to collapse an enemies lungs? Then fire can dehydrate as well as burn! Naruto's eyes sparkled with evil intent, letting out a few foreboding chuckles a nervous Kakashi walked back with two leaves in his hand.

That evil laugh reminded me of his mother a little too much. She always visualized what her seals would do to the enemy and could not but let out evil laughs freaking out Minato-sensei and I. Obito would laugh with her.

Kakashi held out a leaf for Naruto, he stood up grabbing one.

"To master your wind chakra, the first step Is to cut a leaf in half with your chakra converted into wind nature. Remember to visualize what you want your chakra to do. A shinobis chakra responds to the mental visualization Yin that we employ. Understand?'

Naruto furrowed his brow in thought holding the leaf. "I think so." Kakashi waved him on.

"Give it a try."

Naruto held up the leaf. He closed his eyes visualizing his chakra. He remembered the training dummy and the cuts Kakashi-senpai's jutsu left on it. He focuses on changing his chakra into a cutting force. He concentrated, his chakra fluctuating out of his control, he coated the leaf in the chakra he molded but no change.

2 hours went by went a small tear was heard. Naruto flipped the leaf around to see a tiny cut on the bottom. He wiped the sweat off of his face, exhausted and bemused. He panted looking at the smallest cut in the world.

"Senpai, do you have any advice you could give me?"

Kakashi hmmmed flipping a page in his book.

"I'm not the best at wind style, team 10 sensei Asuma Sarutobi might be able to impart some wisdom."

"Sarutobi?" Naruto asked questioningly.

"Ya, he's the Sandaime's son."

"Shadow clone jutsu. "

POOF* a shadow clone appeared dashing off back towards the village.

Kakashi was impressed, he already knew the secret to the shadow clone jutsu and employed it well. Although he took off without even asking about where Asuma would be. Definitely a hot-headed Uzumaki at his core. Kakashi peeked above his book for a second tonl regard the blonde before him refocused on his task of cutting the leaf. He could feel him trying to rein in bus fluctuating chakra.

"Not going to ask me where Asuma is?"

Silence, absolute silence. For a few seconds nothing in the training ground moved. Then a bird flapped a way followed by a hand smacking a face.

The shadow clone had reached the village when it realized it had no information on where Asuma Sarutobi could be. It almost smacked itself before it remembered it was a clone and would dispell. I the Naruto clone rubbed it's hair furiously trying to remember anything that would help when a light bulb went off.

"He's team 10s sensei! Shikamaru's teacher." The shadow clone formed the ram handseal molding the chakra to perform his sensory ninjutsu. The shadow clone could distinctly remember what Shikamaru's chakra felt like. Chunin level, with a strong yin chakra. He concentrated on picturing that chakra in his mind, extending his chakra out into nature, it became one with the wind merging with the light breeze, it traveled through the earth traveling through the small tremors. Naruto, shadow clone or not always felt the most at peace when delving deep into nature. His chakra seemed to resonate with something strong, he wanted to venture out and explore what the connection meant.

"Gotcha." The clone muttered, Shikamaru's distinct chakra presence showed itself in his range. Clone Naruto stood up its eyes focused. He took off, roof hopping until he reached the forest leading to the shinobi training grouunds. He jumped into the trees heading toward where he sensed Shikamaru's chakra and judging by the other chakra hes sensing, team 10's training ground. He jumped down from a tree onto the edge of the training ground.

He took note of Ino yelling at her teammates about training harder for the next chunin exams, An Akimichi laying In the grass eating chips, Shikamaru playing a board game against an older man, Ah that must be their sensei. Clone Naruto focused on the man's chakra presence, it was strong, stronger than a lot of Jounin in the village. It radiated refined wind and a roaring fire. So that's what mastering your affinity felt like. Feeling his chakra, it felt like there was no limit to the potential of chakra. Clone Naruto walked up to the team getting Asumas attention first, He turned around to see him entering from the edge of the clearing.

Asuma mused to himself. Naruto huh, Konohamaru won't shut up about him, Kakashi has also had a few favorable things to say considering he's not his student. Asuma could see his confidence and potential just from the way he carries himself not to mention his scary amount of chakra.

Clone Naruto walked up to them getting a curious look from a silent ino for once and a friendly wave from Choji. Shikamaru paused his move to regard his fellow Chunin curiously, what could he be at his training ground for?

"Hey Shikamaru and teammates! I need to ask Asuma something."

"My name is Ino!" Naruto turned around with an apologetic smile on his face.

"You're right, I was too excited and forgot my manners. My name is Uzumaki Naruto chunin." Ino and Choji both looked surprised at the revelation, they had assumed that Shikamaru was the only one to be promoted.

He's the same age as us!

Ino directed the most beautiful smile she could at clone Naruto hoping to make him blush since Sasuke never pays attention to her.

"Yamanaka Ino, be sure to remember it." Clone Naruto rubbed the back of his head at her aggressive introduction. I barely met her, is this one of the fangirls I watched Sasuke run away from the other day? No wonder.

"Sure sure, nice to meet you."

"Hey nice to meet you, I'm Akimichi Choji, would you like some chips? " Choji introduced himself sitting up, offering the bag of chips he was munching on.

"Nice to meet you as well Choji, no thank you. "

"Naruto." Shikamaru called out getting the clones attention. Shikamaru studied him intently. He still did not know much about his fellow chunin but his leadership during the invasion was something he kept close to his heart. He oddly enough believed in this person. If he was here it had to be for a reason.

Clone Naruto turned around waving at his fellow chunin.

"Yo Shikamaru."

"You said you had a question for Asuma-sensei?"

"Yeah!" He turned to Asuma, "I have a wind affinity and I need some advice, Kakashi-senpai said you were also a wind user and would be able to better help me."

Asuma eyes widened in surprise.

"Elemental nature training this young?" He muttered outloud. Shikamaru heard him and closed his eyes in contemplation. Is he that talented already that he would be working on the jounin level skill we just talked about?

"Soooo Asuma-sssssensei, I'm having trouble visualizing the element of wind as well as how to use it offensively besides jutsu."

"Alright but in return I want you to spar against my team. They need to experience what it's like battling shinobi of various levels."

"Sure!" Clone Naruto knew one good hit would dispel it, it would have to stay on its toes If it wanted to learn the technique before it dispelled. He sized up team 10 who all stood before him. He only had about half as much chakra as the original, he couldn't use to many high level jutsu or it would also dispel. This would be a good time to try the new jutsu Naruto was developing.

Asuma walked over to stand between team 10 and Naruto. Asuma eyed his team intently before switching to look at clone Naruto. He raised his hand, splashing down.

"Begin!" He poofed away immediately after.

Clone Naruto to the side dodging the shuriken into threw at him. He finished his handseals.

"Water style: Uzumaki steel." Water flowed out of his mouth coalescing around his body forming a inch long barrier of water.

Ino and Choji turned to Shikamaru for a game plan as he extended his shadow toward clone Naruto.

"Ino! head toward his left flank, push him to the right! Choji! Use your jutsu in tandem with Ino to attack him when he's off balance!" Shikamaru shouted commands to his team as his shadow zipped toward the Uzumaki who smirked heading right towards Ino, she retaliated throwing a hail of ninja tools in a wide net to force him to back off only for him to go right through the ninja tools that reflected of his armor without any damage. Ino tried to retreat when clone Naruto landed right in front of her. He threw his arm out to his right throwing a punch that target no one only for it to smack Into Chojis enlarged fist, neither side budged. An observant Shikamaru noticed that water had receded from parts of his body. He went to call out to ino when clone Naruto had already engaged her.

She threw a few punches he weaved his head back and forth dodging them, she threw a right side quick he slapped away with his left palm, Ino twisted with the deflection throwing a left side kick toward his head that he ducked under, wide open he threw a hook into her raised thigh, followed up with two punches to her chest that knocked her to the ground. He quickly retreated as Shikamaru's shadow tried to ensnare him from behind. Clone Naruto backflipped over the shadow tossing two kunai at Shikamaru to force him to move, Choji intercepted them with his giant hand smacking them away.

The Uzumaki clone landed and had to immediately roll to avoid Choji in ball form being thrown by Shikamaru's shadow like a giant Yoyo. His Uzumaki steel aqua field dissipated, Shikamaru three Choji twice as fast, clone Naruto went through handseal, jumping back "Water style: Syrup starch field!" He sprayed the area in front of him just as Choji landed. Caught in the trap Choji was unable to move.

Ino regrouped with Shikamaru, his brain racing to find a strategy that would work.

Ino and Shikamaru briefly made eye contact, Ino circled clone Naruto's left, she put her hands in a weird seal aiming at him.

Clone Naruto formed the ram handsign in response.

"Uzumaki style: capture seal." Ino fell unconscious immediately. He eyed her unconscious form for a second then slowly stalked toward Shikamaru who froze in shock. He out played me, he knew basic information about us because of our families but because of our limited intel he was free to play defensive Utilizing the weakness in out jutsu. Then another thought occurred to him and he felt his will to fight shatter. He's only used three techniques and one he was testing. Actually he was testing himself the entire time! He could have immobilized Choji and Ino in the first encounter.

"I see you've figured it out. Yeah, I need to test my current strength. This was as much a good barometer for you as it was for me. I hope I wasn't too rough on your team Asuma-sensei. "

Asuma who had appeared out of nowhere patted Shikamaru on the shoulder signaling the end of the fight.

"Not at all. Thank you for doing this, Shikamaru, not all fights will be against normal opponents. Learn from this loss. You too Choji, and Ino... uh when you wake up." Asuma finished.

"Yes sensei."

"Yes sensei. "

Asuma walked over to Naruto pulling out his trench knife.

"To form wind chakra, you have to think of cutting potential. Visualize two sharp blades rubbing against each other. " Clone Naruto watched Asuma's trench knife to see a light white sheen surrounding the blade. He pulled out another trench knife handing it to clone Naruto.

"Let's perform a test, we'll both throw our trench knives at the tree at the edge of over there." He pointed to a tree to their right. They both nodded tossing them. Clone Naruto's hit the tree sinking in deeply, while Asuma's when right through four trees and a Boulder before losing momentum sinking deep into the ground.

"I held back a lot, does that help? "

"Yes it does! Thank you Asuma-sensei!"

Clone Naruto's eyes sparkled at the piercing power of wind chakra. Clone Naruto ran to the tree grabbing the first trench knife, he followed the path of the destruction, his eyes widening at the Boulder being pierced straight through. He crouched down grabbing the trench knife.

What intense destructive power, Is there a limit to what wind can cut? With the Kusanagi no defense could stop me. What about a cutting barrier? The Uzumaki steel is great at dispersing blunt force but it can be pierced easily. A barrier of rotating blades could deflect anything, you would be unable to enter my range hehe.

Clone Naruto retrieved the second knife, headed back to the training ground. He handed them to Asuma.

"Thank you very much."

"Anytime."

POOF*

"A clone huh."

"Are you saying we were defeated by a clone!" Ino yelled frustrated. She stomped her foot, fists clenched.

"That guys intense. " Choji said aloud laying back down to munch on some chips. Shikamaru was silent his thoughts on the spar and how he could improve.

Naruto working on cutting the leaf with Kakashi received his clones memories, using the visualization Asuma-sensei taught him, he focused on the leaf cutting it halfway. He held it up examining his progress, "Not bad." an observing Kakashi said.

"It will take some practice and refinement bug you are well on your way."

Naruto bowed at the waist uncomfortably, he's never bowed before but it seemed fitting, Kakashi-senpai had taken time out his schedule to teach him. He was immensely grateful. It was almost like having an older brother.

"Thank you Kakashi-senpai, if there's anything I can do to repay you please let me know " Kakashi chuckled, rubbing Naruto's head with his free hand .

Naruto straightened up with a happy smile at the affection. A frown crossed his face as unexpectedly and he turned his head to the right sensing an approaching chakra signature. Kakashi after a few seconds felt it himself causing his eyes to widen.

A sensory ninja huh. Not bad at all

A chunin messenger shinobi entered the training ground.

"Uzumaki Naruto, you are to head to the chunin mission office immediately." Naruto and Kakashi both looked surprised at a formal mission request being sent for Naruto so soon after his promotion. Naruto looked at Kakashi who gave him a nod of approval.

"Roger." He replied to the chunin messenger. forming a ram seal, he dissapeared In a shunshin.

Hokage office

"..what is this!?" Tsunade yelled reading a green mission scroll. She slammed her fist down on her desk.

"ANBU! Bring elder Homura and Koharu here immediately!" 3 anbu appeared in her office, bowed and departed immediately. A few moments later both elders reappeared in her office in leaf shushin.

Tsunade stared then down, if they did not have a good enough answer for what they did, she would execute them on the spot. She held up the mission scroll for them to see.

"What is the meaning of this?" She asked in a calm voice that hid the Volcano that would soon erupt.

Homura gave her an odd glance, that increased her ire, how dare this old fogie act like he had no clue what she was talking about.

"That looks like a regular B rank mission scroll to me. I hope you have not wasted our time by bringing us here Tsunade."

It looks could kill, Homura would be dust in the wind from the look Tsunade leveled at his response.

Tsunade took a deep breath, placed the scroll down to interlock her hands in front of her face. She narrowed her eyes onto their scheming wrinkly faces. The longer she stared the closer she came to seeing eight through them. The frown on Koharu's face was much deeper, her hand trembled and while she was old she could still fight most jounins. Homura had a visible sheen of sweat on his face droplets trailing down his jaw every so often. They knew her feelings on the subject, they knew her personality. No thr trepidation she could feel wafting off of them was not because of her or Naruto, yet why send hun out before he was ready?

"This is about Naruto'."

Of course Koharu finally opened her mouth to say something in that creaky voice of hers, always smug, always prim and proper, always needing to be right.

"Ah the legacy, I see. Well you know that mission assignment Is our duty. We assign on a need basis he is a chunin after all."

There it is, the old bitch talks down to like I haven't been a shinobi for 40 years, I'm the damn Hokage! I know how the missions are assigned.

"Investigsting? Search and destroy? Data collection of Orochimaru's hideouts in the hidden sound!?" Her voice gradually grew with each question.

Homura didn't bat an eye at her tone.

"With his sensory abilities, finding the hidden base will be elementary."

"HES NOT READY!" she exploded, her patience completely eroded. She slammed her fist down splitting her desk in two. Neither elder budged.

"He has already departed for the mission. Removing him know when put the entire operation at risk." Koharu said her arms behind her back.

"Damn you both!"

"Your both scared of something, why else would you go out of your way to make sure he's out of the village after the debacle of Itachi easily infiltrating the village."

Neither Homura or Koharu did anything to indicate she was right, but Tsunade could tell something was off. First they want to secure him to the village then they flip that script to send him in Orochimaru's territory? It made no sense.

"Grow up Tsunade, he is a shinobi of this village and must do his duty, just like anyone else."

"He's done more than his share already! Get out of my office before I throw you both out!"