41: A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke!
Suiren Uzumaki: The disclaimer: I do not own Naruto cause if I did then Sakura wouldn't be a useless fangirl in pre-shippuden, and Naruto would have his father's smarts while keeping his mother's personality and knows about seals and how to use to them. I do, however, own Ryurama Senju, Yuki Senju nee Miran, Raika Miran (Senju), & the White Tiger Summoning Contract (A/N: If there is already a White Tiger Summoning Contract…then please ignore the last part). Remember to Read and Review to let me know what you think. Also, if you don't like any twist that I might make then stop reading and find something else to read plus don't leave a review that's a flame or I will find a way to block you. Ja ne!
...My Line...
Within the shadows of the arena inside of the tower, Obito stood watching Konoha's newest shinobi and all, but four of them were just so weak. The four stood out to him was Sasuke Uchiha because the kid managed to fight off the Curse Mark that Orochimaru gave to him…Obito couldn't help, but be impressed…Shikamaru Nara…okay, yeah, the kid wasn't strong or anything, but he was scary smart which does scare the Uchiha…Naruto Senju…and it might surprise everyone, but it wasn't the boy's Jinchuuriki status that got Obito's attention…and finally, Raika Senju. Right now, however, he was watching the last match closely because he had heard from his spy that Yamitsuchi was apprenticed to the Four Tails' Jinchuuriki as the boy's show of strength will pave the path for the Jinchuuriki no Yonbi to becoming the Tsuchikage. The Uchiha knew that if the said Jinchuuriki becomes Tsuchikage than getting to him to take his Buuji will be a pain in the ass though still do able.
...My Line...
"And now let the 10th and final match will begin."
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"YOU CAN DO IT!"
"FATSO!"
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The name that Ino called out just pissed Choji off.
"Okay! I am going to finish this match! It's only going to take about two seconds. And then I am coming after you, Ino!"
"Huh?" Yamitsuchi sweatdropped. "With your teammate calling you, Fatso? It doesn't seem like a nice thing to say to a teammate."
...My Line...
"Am I hearing things?" Kurenai asked. "Or did that Iwa nin in around about way scold Yamanaka-san?"
"You weren't hearing things," Gai answered. "Because I heard it, too."
...My Line...
However, all Choji seemed to hear was the heard fatso to which he turned to glare at the other Genin.
"You are going to go down hard, you rock for brains," the Akamichi growled. 'I don't know how this guy fights, but I do know that Iwa ninjas favor Earth Style ninjutsu. However, if I can knock him out without before he can get off an Earth Style ninjutsu…' "Ninja Art: Expansion Jutsu!" Choji's size grew into a ball. "Now Konoha Style taijutsu!" His head, arms and legs where pulled in his clothing. "Human Boulder! Chubbie's Rule!"
…My Line…
"Yeah!" Ino cheered. "Alright Choji! Squash him good!"
'We know nothing about this guy,' Shikamaru thought as he narrowed his eyes. 'I mean, sure Yamitsuchi is from Iwagakure, but that doesn't mean that he uses Earth ninjutsu…okay, who am I kidding?' The Nara had a sweatdropped. 'Of course, this guy can use ninjutsu related to the Earth, but that doesn't mean that it's his sole element.'
…My Line…
"Earth Style Barrier…" Yamitsuchi called out as he ran through hand signs. "Earth Dome Prison!" A dome made of earth rose up around the Akamichi and caged him in. "Just to let you know! This jutsu doesn't trap an opponent, but also cipher off his or her chakra while transferring it to the jutsu's user!"
…My Line…
"What a pain in the ass jutsu," Raika sighed.
"True," Naruto agreed with a nod. "But, like all jutsus, this one has to have a weakness."
"Very well put, Naruto," Kakashi said with a nod and an eye smile. "
'I wonder if speed is the key with lightening thrown in,' the greenette thought.
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"Proctor call it!" Yamitsuchi called. "Akamichi-san isn't going to make it out of my jutsu before he passes out."
…My Line…
Hayate looked at him and the dome for a moment before clearing his throat.
"The Winner of the last match is…Yamitsuchi of Iwa!"
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The Iwa nin undid the jutsu which showed that Choji really did pass out which made him sweatdrop.
"Sorry," he apologized. "I didn't realize that he was that low on chakra." He bowed to the proctor. "If I had then I would have used a different method attack."
"It is fine," the Gekko told him. "Accidents happen and no doubt Akamichi-san will make a full recovery."
"That's good," Yamitsuchi breathed in relief.
…My Line…
Every Konoha nin watched as the young man from their most hated rival village walked back to his team and sensei in wonder and still awe. It didn't make sense to any of them as to why Yamitsuchi cared about what happened to his opponent and had even APOLOGIZED for the method of attack that he used.
…My Line…
Obito, on the other hand, was openly gaping in shock as he watched the young Iwa nin walk away while the medics ran over to Choji Akamichi. The Uchiha couldn't believe what he was seeing nor what he had heard and actually thought that he was asleep where he was having the most insane dream known to man. Hell, he went to far as to pinched himself on his left arm to make sure that he wasn't dreaming, which only proved that it was real upon the pain he felt from the action. His lone eye looked for the green hair Senju to see that even she was taken aback by the young man's actions before a soft smile came to her face which just pissed him off, He then turned that anger onto himself for caring, who put a soft smile on the greenette's face.
…My Line…
"Hey, you alright?" a medic asked him.
"Meat," Choji managed to get out. "I want to eat some meat."
…My Line…
"That's our Choji alright," Shikamaru stated. "Always with his stomach."
"Yeah," Ino agreed with a sweatdrop.
"Even though he lost," Asuma spoke up. "The least that we can do is to take him out for some BBQ beef."
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The Gekko coughed into his hand as he walked away from the wall.
'It's finally over.'
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Hiruzen had a smile on his face while his two teammates stood behind him talking about a training schedule for both Naruto and Raika and how they should ago about training the last two Senjus in the village to take their place in Konoha.
'At long last we can begin the final rounds.'
…My Line…
"And with that match, the third round preliminaries now finish!" Hayate called.
…My Line…
Back at the Academy, Iruka looked out of the window as he stood in front of his class of first year Academy students.
'I wonder what happened to Naruto,' the Umino thought.
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Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by Konohamaru, who turned to Udon.
"Come on," he whispered. "Let's go outside." Udon smirked slightly. "Iruka-sensei is distracted. This is our big chance."
…My Line…
"Going somewhere, Konohamaru?" Iruka asked as he turned back, which proved that he heard the young Sarutobi loud and clear. "You weren't planning on sneaking out again, are you?"
"Eh, I NEED TO USE TO THE BATHROOM!"
"LIER!"
…My Line…
"I commend all those, who have advanced to the finals for the third level of the Chunin Exams," Hayate stated as those, who were moving on stood in front of him. "Well, there's one person missing, but still congratulations."
…My Line…
"Kakashi-sensei," Ino spoke up. "I have a question for you."
"About Sasuke?" the Hatake asked. "I'm sorry. I don't know much about that I am afraid, but I wouldn't worry to much about that." 'From here on its up to you, Sasuke.' He then looked at Kurenai. "Kurenai, I have to be somewhere, so if you don't mind then I am counting you to get the details about the finals for me."
"Huh?" the Yuhi breathed in shock as the silver hair Jonin left. "Alright then."
…My Line…
'Here including the absent Sasuke,' the Sarutobi thought. 'We have 6 ninjas from Konoha, three from Suna, and one from Iwa.' "And now I will begin the final explanation of the final rounds!"
…My Line…
'Well, it's about time,' Naruto thought.
…My Line…
"The preliminaries are done," Kabuto stated as he was knelt in front of a long hair male. "They are moving on to the final rounds."
"While all these countries are racing to expand their military might, the birds are still singing," Orochimaru stated. "I believe that this country of ours has been at peace for far, far too long."
"Then let me do it," Kabuto said as he stood up.
"Ha, I don't know," the snake laughed. "How much fun would it be to take out an old man like the Hokage anyway?"
"So, that's how it is," the Yakushi stated making Orochimaru to glare at him. "What's the problem? You aren't having second thoughts about it, are you, Orochimaru? From now on each of the hidden villages will clash with each other in a long and violent struggle. Even the Sound Village won't escape that violences." He pushed his glasses up on his face. "And it's you intentions to be the trigger for all that hostility by using Sasuke…and the maybe even the Senju cousins…as the bullet. Isn't that correct?"
"You guess it so well," Orochimaru said. "So well that it's a bit creepy in fact."
"You give me too much credit," Kabuto told him. "I still didn't know about you plans for Dosu, Zoku, and Kin. While gathering information on Sasuke, I still wanted to learn the skills on those three sound ninjas, so clumsily confronted them and let them attack me. I learned a lot. It seems to me that you don't quite trust me, Orochimaru…at least not yet."
"Was it necessary for me to tell you, my right-hand man, about those three ninjas?" Orochimaru asked. "My silences is proof enough of my trust. I trusted in you to act without that knowledge." This made the silver hair male to look at him. "For that very reason…I am planning to leave Sasuke in your very capable hands. The Curse Mark that was given to him appears to have been sealed by Kakashi, but in any event that is not my concern. While there is some darkness left in his heart, we must act…and that's why I want you to abduct him."
"It's unusual for you to act so hastily," Kabuto told him.
"Perhaps, but there is something that is still troubling me," Orochimaru said.
"Is it Naruto and Raika Senju?" Kabuto asked. "Or is it the fact that Konoha managed to hide a natural Wood Style User, who happens to its very own Jinchuuriki?"
'Your quite sharp, aren't you, Kabuto?' Orochimaru thought in question. "Sasuke is driven by revenge. He's burning to bring down his older brother, Itachi, for what he did to their family. He won't rest until he achieves that goal. Yet when we fought each other and even though he knew that he couldn't prevail against me. He came at without any fear of death. I didn't think that he was the type of person to be in such a hurry to die a meaningless death. According to your information, connect with those Senju cousins has altered Sasuke's state of mind. So, much so that Naruto and Raika hold a certain influence over our Sasuke. The thing to do is to get Sasuke away from them immediately because then it would make it so much easier to make him mine forever. Though I can admit that I am curious about a child born with both the blood of the Uchiha and Senju Clan and how powerful they could be."
Orochimaru licked his lips at the thought of such a child while Kabuto looked a bit creeped out.
"Very well," the Yakushi said as he started to walk away.
"Kabuto, wait!" the snake called out making the silver hair youth to freeze. "You know that it is your desire to stop me. I am afraid that your only chance is to kill Sasuke now." Kabuto's eyes widen in shock at that. "You can't possibly hope to kill me even if you did have the courage, it's worthless. You're no stronger then Kakashi." The Yakushi kept looking at him in shock. "I'm just kidding you. You better run along now. Don't forget that I am trusting you, Kabuto." The silver hair teen looked at him for a bit longer before he quickly left. 'Hmm…that face. I wonder what's going on in his head."
…My Line…
"In the final rounds, each of you will be putting your battle skills on display," the Sandaime informed the Genin. "You will demonstrate the power and control that you have achieved in your respected discipline. Accordingly, the final battles will commence one month from now."
…My Line…
"Wait!" Naruto called out. "We're not going to do it right here and now?!"
…My Line…
"This is to provide a suitable time of preparations," the Hokage answered.
…My Line…
"What do you mean by that?" Neji asked.
…My Line…
"Simply this. In addition of announcing the conclusion of the preliminary matches to each country leaders, we much also have some time to prepare and distribute the summons for the final selection. Not to mention that you examinees are going to need time to prepare for something that is this important."
…My Line…
'This old man sure like to beat around the bush,' thought Kankuro. "Looks I don't get what you're trying to say. What's the point in this?"
{A/N: I…can't argue with that, Kankuro. Because I am in 100% agreement with you.}
…My Line…
"I mean, to know your adversaries and to prepare yourselves, you need time. Even though up to this point all the battles have been real battles as I am sure that you can attest. They were conducted on the premise that you were fighting an unknown enemy, but that is no longer the case now that you've battled each other."
…My Line…
'Yeah, seriously,' Shikamaru thought as he looked out of the corner of his eyes. 'I would never have dreamed that this guy can turn sand into a weapon.'
…My Line…
"So, in order to make the finals fair and just, we are giving you this month. Each of you must embrace the opportunity to practice hard and to learn some new tricks. Because by now, everyone here knows your techniques, so using your old, tired tricks is a sure way to lose in the finals and remember to get some rest as well."
…My Line…
Naruto looked over at Gaara, Neji, and Raika before his mind went to Sasuke.
'This isn't some vacation,' he thought. 'I won't have any time to relax. I've got to train harder than ever!'
…My Line…
'I wonder what the villagers' reactions are going to be to both Naruto and I being of the Senju Clan and that in our veins flows the blood of the Senju brothers,' the greenette thought with a smirk. 'Ha, I can't wait for it.'
…My Line…
"I suppose brilliance can sometimes have its disadvantages," Kabuto sighed as he stood in Sasuke's hospital room after taking out the ANBU. "We've failed to avoid Orochimaru's watchful eye and it's most unfortunate for both of us." 'He's so young, but the seeds of evil have already taken root just waiting to be exploited. He'll be ripe for Orochimaru's special ninjutsu.'
…My Line…
"Kabuto," Orochimaru said. "Most interesting. Perhaps Kabuto is going to kill Sasuke after all."
…My Line…
Kabuto pulled out a scalpel and moved it towards Sasuke's neck only to throw it behind him where Kakashi caught it.
"Well, well, Kakashi," the Yakushi spoke up. "Fouling my attack by striking from my blind spot, but now are you ready to take me on? Next you should station at least ten guards."
Kakashi looked at the dead ANBU with narrow eyes.
'The ANBU Black Ops that I selected was defeated so easily,' he thought in surprise. "You. You're not ordinary Genin, are you? You caught a whiff of me and ready your weapon. Quite impressive."
"You overstatement me," Kabuto stated.
"So, what do you want with Sasuke?" the Hatake asked. "Finding you like this; I should have you brought in for questioning."
"What? Just you? I wonder if you could."
"Are you looking to take me on?" Kakashi asked. "I know, who you are. You're the leaf's medical core chief's son. Your name…what was is it…Kabuto Yakushi. What are you? One of Orochimaru's puppets?"
"Even if you did take me into custody, you would never be able to prove that I have any connection to him."
"Just answer my question."
"And if I say no?"
"I am the one asking the questions. Now give me some answers."
"Look. You'll have your answers soon enough even if I am not here. So, why don't we skip the middleman and let me go?"
"You smart aleckie little brat," Kakashi growled as he pulled out a kunai. "I'll teach you to mess around with grown-ups."
"Come on?" Kabuto asked as he pulled a kunai himself though it looked different. "Don't be so arrogant." The Yakushi than took his strange looking kunai and placed it at Sasuke's throat. "The cards are clearly in my favor here."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes as the two of them remained at a standstill for a while before the silver hair Jonin moved to attack just as Kabuto went to kill the Uchiha. The Hatake managed to kick the odd kunai out of the silver hair teen's hand and away from the dark hair Genin before holding him on the ground. However, one of the supposed to be dead ANBU got up and ran towards the door.
"I should have known," Kakashi stated.
...My Line...
While right outside the door stood another Kakashi making the ANBU to stop. He turned back around to see the first Hatake move forward before he started to calmly walk to the man.
...My Line...
However, once again another supposed to be dead ANBU got up, threw some metal balls at the window which creaked them, and then jumped out. Kakashi walked over and looked out in time to see the ANBU remove the mask and fake hair to show Kabuto, who smirked at him.
"I can't believe that I let him escape," the Hatake stated as the other ANBU collapsed onto the ground once again. "Impressive." He walked over the Kabuto look alike body and checked for a pulse. "Just as I expected. The Dead Soul Jutsu. A ninjutsu where a ninja controls and animates a dead body even transforming its face. Kabuto even stopped his own heart and eliminated all traces of his sent in order to impersonate a murdered ANBU Black Ops Ninja." He looked towards the window. "Being raised as the adopted son of the Chief of the medical core is a powerful associate of his. If it turns out that someone as good as him is working for Orochimaru. I've got to work harder."
…My Line…
"Now!" the Sandaime called out. "With all of that behind us! I would like to begin to wrap things up. But, before we can bring this to an end. First there is one more important matter to take care of before the final rounds!"
…My Line…
"Let's get on with it!" Naruto called out. "I mean, come on! How long do we have to wait to start training!?"
"NARUTO!" Raika yelled as she slapped a hand over his mouth. "If you keep quiet than you might find out."
…My Line…
"In a calm orderly fashion, all of you are going to take one slip of paper from the box that Anko is holding," the Sarutobi stated.
"Everyone just stay where you are!" Anko called out. "And I'll come to you!"
…My Line…
They all watched as the woman walked up to Yamitsuchi.
"Just take one," she told him.
The Iwa nin reached into the box before pulling out a piece of paper before she than moved on down the line with all of them looking at their paper.
…My Line…
"Good!" Ibiki called out. "Everyone has one! Going from left to right! Tell me the number on your slip of paper!"
…My Line…
"I've got 9," the Iwa ninja told him.
…My Line…
"Number 1, of course."
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"Number 10."
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"7."
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"5."
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"3."
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"8."
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"2."
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"6."
…My Line…
"And that means that Sasuke will be number 4," Ibiki stated as he wrote on a clip broad.
"Right," Hiruzen agreed. "Very good. Now I am going to tell you how the selection for the final tournament is going to work."
…My Line…
"Huh!"
…My Line…
"Is that what the numbers are for?" Shikamaru asked. "Drawing lots!?"
…My Line…
"Ibiki, you may reveal which ninjas have been paired up," the Hokage ordered.
"Yes sir," the Jonin agreed as he turned the clip broad around to face them.
…My Line…
Naruto Senju vs Neji Hyuuga
Sasuke Uchiha vs Gaara Sabuku
Shino Aburame vs Kankuro Sabuku
Shikamaru Nara vs Temari Sabuku
Raika Senju vs Yamitsuchi Masashi
…My Line…
'So, I am going against the granddaughter of the Nidaime Hokage, huh?'
…My Line…
'Is that all the final rounds are?' Temari thought. 'A tournament.'
…My Line…
'I have to fight a girl?' thought the Nara. 'Oh, man. What a drag?'
…My Line…
'Man, I glad that I am not in the same half as Gaara.'
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'Sasuke Uchiha?'
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'Prefect.'
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'I'm against Neji Hyuuga,' thought Naruto as he looked over. 'Right off the bat?' His blue eyes narrowed. 'This couldn't be any better.'
…My Line…
'Sasuke has to go up against HIM?' thought Ino in shock.
…My Line…
"May I ask you a question?" Shikamaru asked.
…My Line…
"You may."
…My Line…
"Alright," the Nara said. "If this is a tournament does that mean that there is only going to be one winner? I mean, only one of us is going to be able to become a Chunin then?"
…My Line…
"Actually, it is quite the contrary," the Sandaime stated. "There are going to several judges for the final round. Including myself, shinobi leaders, and the Kazekage. The lords from the various countries that will ultimately be assigning your missions to you. Through this tournament these judge will be able to make a thorough evaluation of your abilities. They will decided whether any or all of you process the quality that is required of a Chunin. Even if someone loses the first round, they can still become a Chunin."
…My Line…
"So, there's actually a chance for everyone of us, who competes in the final selection could become Chunin," Temari summarized.
…My Line…
"Correct," the Sarutobi agreed. "But, conversely there is also a chance that none of you will be chosen. The advantage in fighting in more rounds in the tournament is in getting more chances in displaying your talents in front of the judges, who will decide your fate. Does that answer your question, Shikamaru?"
…My Line…
'This is just about the biggest pain ever,' Shikamaru thought.
…My Line…
"I thank you all for you patience," the Hokage told them all. "Now let us adjourn until next month."
…My Line…
'In the second round, is going to be Sasuke or that browless freak?' the blonde Senju thought as he looked at Gaara. 'He's so strong that he took down brushy brow without breaking a sweat.'
…My Line…
"Sand Coffin," Gaara growled as he closed his hand.
This motion completely broke the right arm and leg of Lee, who cried in pain.
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Naruto looked away from him.
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"Your one of the ones that I want to fight the most."
…My Line…
'I need to ask Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-sensei for help,' the Senju heir thought.
…My Line…
Raika stood in the Hokage's Office facing Team Tobirama as all four of them were back at the Hokage Tower after they all had left the Forest of Death.
"So, you three knew that all this time that I had been the granddaughter of Tobirama Senju?" the greenette asked. "Right?"
"Yes," Koharu sighed in answer. "But, it was for your own protection, hime (Princess)."
"How?" the green hair Genin asked. "How was it for my protection!?"
"Look, I know that your angry and you have every right to be," Homura told the angry pre-teen. "There are those still out there would do anything to keep the Senju clan from ever being able to make a comeback." This got him a raised eyebrow. "In fact, there are even those inside the village would use you before killing you when you have outlived your usefulness while making sure that you could never have children." This actually sacred the Senju. "So, we just wanted to make sure that you…in whose veins flows the blood of our beloved sensei…was kept safe."
"We had never intended to keep your real identity from your for your whole life, Raika," Hiruzen added. "We just wanted to make sure that you had time to grow and become strong. Strong enough to keep not only yourself safe, but those that you love as well." He gave her a soft smile. "Of course, with Naruto being the true Senju Heir and having Wood Style, you can give a 100% to your own dreams."
This did please the greenette a good bit, but made her realize that Naruto knew nothing about politics.
"Do not worry," the Utatane spoke up as she knew what the Senju was thinking. "Homura and I are going to make sure that Heir Senju is ready to take his place on the council by the time that he makes Jonin."
"We will have to abused the hell out of his Shadow Clones just to get caught up with Raika-hime," the Mitokado stated.
The Sarutobi sweatdropped at that before letting out a sigh.
"Now for the finals," he reminded them. "You will be training under Koharu and Homura mostly for the month. I will help where I can, but I can't promise to also give you a 100% of my attention. I do have to remain impartial after all."
This got laughs from those in his office.
…My Line…
"Hey, where is Sasuke's room?" Naruto asked as he stood in the hospital.
"Sorry," the receptionist said. "No visitors allowed."
"What!?" the blonde asked in shocked outrage. "No visitors? Are you kidding me?"
"Those are the rules," the woman answered.
"Gah! Come on lady!"
"Naruto, this is a hospital," a voice from his right spoke up. "Keep it down."
This made the Senju to look over before smiling upon seeing Kakashi.
"Oh, Kakashi-sensei!" he exclaimed as he ran over. "Boy am I glad to see you! I've got to ask you for a favor."
"Stop right there," the Hatake told him. "I already know what you are going to ask. I've been looking for someone to over see your training for the final rounds."
This just upset the blonde Genin as a young man walked up behind the upset Senju. He has neck length, spiky, brown hair that is held back from his almond shape black eyes by a happuri that has Konoha's symbol craved into it.
"No need, Kakashi-senpai," the younger man stated.
The Hatake blinked at the sight of him.
"Tenzo?" he asked.
"It's Yamato now, senpai."
"Yamato-sensei," Naruto greeted with a bow.
Yamato smiled slightly at the blonde before looking back at the silver hair Jonin.
"I along with another will take over Naruto's training," he informed the older man.
Kakashi looked surprised, but also a bit relieved as he didn't know how to help Naruto train his Wood Style bloodline.
"Then I leave it to you, Tenzo," the Hatake said as he turned to walk away.
"It's Yamato!"
The Senju Heir snorted in amusement.