He is 17 as of now

Temari is 16, Kankuro is 15 and the Rookie 9 plus Gaara are all 13 years old

Team Gai 14 years old

Everyone will be stronger than they were in cannon so that means even Tenten, Sakura and Ino will play crucial roles in the story

Naruto's abilities:

Fire, lightning, and earth chakra nature

Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu specialist

Signsture jutsu- purple lightning (not like Kakashi's from cannon)

Excellent sensory and espionage skills

Does have a summoning contract

(And no, Itachi does not have ninja aids in this)

"Do you find it funny that we aren't allowed to see the Kazekage but foreign shinobi are?" he asked.

The question in itself was relatively simple and straightforward but was one that even with all of her smarts, she couldn't answer. "I don't know. He has been very secretive about things lately. I don't even remember the last time I seen him" she replied.

"Baki Sensei said that he will be coming to the finals" he said. She nodded at that and thought back to what Naruto said. 'Could Orochimaru be behind this?' she thought. Kankuro seeing the look on her face, chose to speak. "Hey sis, what are you thinking about?"

"It's nothing" she said. "I've been thinking about that anbu we ran into" Kankuro said. She looked at him with curiosity. "Why?" she asked. "He gave me an uneasy feeling. Like the whole joker persona is a facade. I don't think we should go anywhere near him."

Temari couldn't reveal that she she actually knew him. She didn't know why. She has to loyalty to the guy and she doesn't even know him that well but she just couldn't tell. 'Damnit' she mentally cursed. She turned back to her brother.

"I can tell he's strong, he's an anbu after all" she said. "Do you think Gaara can take him?" he asked. She paused for a moment, trying to figure out a way to answer the question. "I-I don't know. I have never seen Gaara even get hurt."

"Well if push comes to shove and he gets in our way, Gaara will crush him" he said. He then got up and made his way to the door. She didn't respond as she was conflicted with her thoughts. "This is wrong" she whispered.

At anbu HQ

"So Naruto, so you mind telling us what you've discovered?" asked Tenzo. He nodded. "Orochimaru is planning to invade Konoha along with Suna during the chunin exams" he said. Everyone in the room tensed up. That man was a Sannin, one of the strongest shinobi Konoha has ever produced. But above all, he was the number one traitor in The Leaf.

"Do you have any proof?" Tenzo asked. "I did my own information gathering just as you all did. You should know Kabuto is a spy. There is no way in hell that he should have that much information on any genin in Konoha without infiltration." Yugao nodded. "Speaking of Kabuto, it appears that he has taken a interest in my brother. I will have to question Sasuke on this before I take action" Itachi said.

"Yugao, do you have anything to report?" asked Tenzo. "Baki seems to be moving a lot more carefully now. Almost as if he's paranoid and afraid of being caught" she said. "Well we have a probable cause to take action and the Hokage has given us permission to do so. I say we eliminate the problem before it becomes a much bigger one" he said.

"Why don't we just let it play out. Obviously Orochimaru and the sound think they can just plan things right under our noses, so why don't we prepare for the ambush" Naruto stated.

"That is a foolish idea Naruto. We have a prime opportunity to eliminate the enemy now and foil Orochimaru's plans!" yelled Tenzo. "I know that man better than all of you. He was my sensei at one point. I know what he is capable of and so do you 'Captain' or are you forgetting who we are dealing with?"

Tenzo narrowed his eyes and Yugao stood in between the two. "Look, Naruto does make a good point. Even if we take out Suna's team and Kabuto, there's no telling what else Orochimaru has planned."

"Don't tell me you're agreeing with this fool" Tenzo said. "Captain, Naruto is right. There is no telling what Orochimaru will do, especially if we eliminate our only source of intel" Itachi said. Tenzo eyed the group for what seemed like an hour before sighing.

"I will inform the Hokage of this plan and we will go along with it" he said. He then turned directly to Naruto. "But if anything happens, you will solely take blame" he finished. Naruto glared at the man but nodded nonetheless. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a meeting with Lord Hokage" Tenzo said as he flashed away.

Once he was gone, Naruto spoke. "Why did you both agree with me?" Yugao wrapped her arm around his shoulder and grinned. "Although the plan is stupid as hell, you tend to have very good luck when it comes to things like this. Besides, if we kill the Kazekage's kids before they technically do anything, Suna may want to start a war" she said.

"You have also taken an interest in the daughter of the Kazekage, first a spar and now a date? You've never taken an interest in a female before, she must be special" Itachi said. Both Naruto and Yugao looked at Itachi like he had grown a second head. He gazed back at them with a curious expression. "What?" he asked.

Naruto waved him off. "It's nothing. But as for Temari, she's cool, nothing more nothing less. I wouldn't have found out about the snake if I hadn't interacted with her" he said dismissively.

"Ah, who would've thought that you would use your good looks on a woman who just so happens to be your enemy" Yugao said sarcastically. Naruto shrugged. "I used them on you too" he said but quickly flashed away when a sword pierced the wall right where his jewels were. "That idiot" she muttered. Itachi just shook his head and bid her farewell.

Time skip

Sasuke was panting and bleeding from his mouth. Sakura was unconscious laying next to a tree and Sai lay beaten and battered not too far away from her. A man was standing over him with a devious smile. He had pale skin and eyes with yellow slits. His presence was nothing short of unnerving. He was Orochimaru of the Sannin.

He chuckled evilly. "You have great potential Sasuke but you are not strong enough. You are certainly not on Itachi's level. But fear not, I will bestow a gift to you and you will come seek me out for power."

"G-get the hell away from me you freak" Sasuke said backing up out of breath. "I don't think I can do that Sasuke, you are too valuable to let go." Sasuke began coughing violently as his mouth started to open up. A black bird began to make it's way out of his mouth.

'Black bird?' Orochimaru thought confused. His eyes then widened as Sasuke dispersed in a murder of crows. He was then sent flying curtesy of a brutal kick by an enraged Itachi. The Sannin rose again with a laugh. "Ah Itachi, it's wonderful to see you again. I would love to stay and chat with you but I don't think that would be wise" he said.

Itachi pulled out his katana and dashed at the man. Orochimaru quickly pulled out the Kusanagi and blocked the oncoming assault. Itachi was visibly enraged and for even someone like Orochimaru, he felt uneasy. Itachi hardly ever showed emotion, let alone anger. He did not fear much in this world but those eyes that the Uchiha possessed was one of them. He had to make an escape or else he would be done for.

He went through hand signs and spewed out a massive fireball which the Uchiha merely sliced through and continued the assault. He couldn't draw the fight out or he'd risk being discovered by Hiruzen. He already knew that the squad of anbu were near and if there was one person he didn't want to ever face, it was his former student.

No not Anko, the other one. He knows more about him than he should. With that being said, dozens of snakes shot out from his mouth at the enraged Uchiha and he easily slashed through them but that was more than enough time for the Sannin to reverse summon himself to the land of the snakes.

Itachi didn't even spare the spot the man disappeared in a second glance. He made his way back to Sasuke and his team. Sasuke was still panting heavily but was much more relaxed at the sight of his brother. He checked on Sakura, she was fine just knocked out. Sai who was regaining consciousness saw the older Uchiha and relaxed.

That's when 3 more anbu appeared. Sasuke immediately recognized the one with silver hair. The other two with the tiger mask and cat mask not so much. He just sat back and watched the squad interact.

"Are they okay?" asked the one in the cat mask. "They are fine, thankfully I got here in time. Otherwise I don't know what Orochimaru would've done."

Ghost who Sasuke knew was Naruto walked up to him and crouched before him. "Did he tell you what he wanted?" he asked. "He said he wanted to give me a gift so I would eventually come to him for power" the boy replied. Naruto's white eyes seemed to go dark if that was even possible.

He turned to Itachi and gave him a look that said "we will talk later". He then flashed away as did the tiger masked man and the cat masked woman. Presumably to the tower in the center of the forest to inform the Hokage of his rogue student returning. Itachi spent a few more moments checking over his brother and making sure his team was okay before vanishing as well.

Sasuke and Sai then carried Sakura as they continued to slowly make their way to the tower.

The masked man sat on a cliff looking over a valley he knew all too well. The valley of the end, a place that he and his long time rival created many years ago. A plant like figure appeared from underneath the ground next to him. "Have you located Naruto Hatake?" he asked.

The figure nodded. "I have. He's currently in Konoha but there's something else that you might want to know" the figure responded. "That is?"

"Orochimaru is planning an invasion."

The month break for the chunin exams passed quickly and Konoha was buzzing with excitement. Today the future of Konoha was to be on full display. Prodigies like Neji and Hinata Hyuuga and Sasuke Uchiha. Geniuses like Shikamaru Naara, and fairy tale stories like Rock Lee. All of the genin were present in the stadium, their sensei's were in the constant box along with their teammates who didn't make it pass the preliminary round.

Hiruzen sat in the Kage box along with his personal guard. Crow and Cat were flanking him. Tiger was at the entrance gates of the village laying in wait.

The Kazekage came walking in the booth not long after that. Face covered by his vail which was something unusual, considering Konoha was nowhere near as hot as Suna but he left it alone. He knew that there was an invasion to take place and while the Kazekage was strong in his own right, he'd leave his personal guard to handle him while he deals with Orochimaru.

Had Hiruzen payed close attention, he would've noticed the flicker in the Kazekage's eyes. "Greetings Hokage-Dono" the man said. "Greetings Lord Kazekage, I hope your journey was pleasant" he said. The man chuckled. "A bit bothersome but pleasant overall" he replied. Hiruzen nodded going along with the conversation.

"I look forward to seeing the future generation display their skills, don't you Kazekage?" " Ah, yes I do. My son Gaara is no doubt my favorite to win but Sasuke Uchiha is another candidate that I'm interested in" he replied. Crow, the ever stoic Uchiha bore a hole into the back of the head of the Kazekage.

In the arena, an anbu with silver hair appeared. Everyone had different reactions. Temari tensed and bit her lip, Sasuke just grunted, Neji ignored him, Hinata smiled softly at him, Shikamaru sighed, Gaara gave him a bloodthirsty smirk, Lee was babbling something about youth and Kankuro looked startled.

He eyed the contestants before he turned to the Hokage booth and made a discreet hand sign that only the anbu and Hiruzen understood. They made no outward reaction but inside they were seething. He then turned to the audience and spoke.

"Welcome to this years chunin exams. My name is Ghost and i will be proctoring the finals of this tournament." He then turned to the genin participants. "I want to make myself clear, if I see fit to stop the match i will, and if you disobey my orders you will be dealt with accordingly.

The first match is between Temari Sabakuno and Shikamaru Nara, will the rest of the contestants make their way back to the booth" he said. Sakura saw the mysterious anbu once again and turned to her sensei. "Hey Kakashi-Sensei, do you know who Ghost is?" she asked.

He looked up from reading his book with a curious gaze. "Hm, what makes you think i do?" he asked. "The hair is similar and he told me to ask you about him" she replied. "Yeah, now that you mention it, he does sorta resemble you" a female with platinum blonde hair spoke.

Kakashi shrugged. "He's my younger brother" he said. The genin in attendance were surprised at that. He never mentioned he had a brother before. The jounin sensei's hardly reacted though. "You had a brother this whole time? How come you never introduced us to him?" Sakura asked. "Well that's because he's been in anbu since he was 10 and he never really was a people person so I never pushed him to be" he said.

"That sword on his back is the sword that belonged to the White Fang" Tenten said with stars in her eyes. Kakashi nodded. That's when the other contestants made their way back in and everyone turned their attention to the match below.

Naruto looked between the 2 contestants. Shikamaru looked annoyed and really tired and Temari looked on edge. Which was completely understandable, considering the situation she was being put in.

"Why do i always have to fight a girl? This is so troublesome" he muttered. "What was that?" Temari asked getting a bit angry. Naruto had to stifle a laugh that was about to escape.

Jiraiya sat atop of the building that contained the kage. He knew of the invasion and he already prepared to halt anything Orochimaru had planned. He was watching the match take place. The blonde was very feisty but was cunning but it seemed like the Nara was just letting her tire herself out. He was literally not attacking back, just dodging.

He knew the boy had a plan, if he was anything like his father then he would be a few steps ahead of her already.

In the kage booth Hiruzen and the Kazekage observed the match. "It seems as if Shikamaru is waiting for the right moment to attack" Hiruzen said. "While he is smart, my daughter is no fool and she will defeat the boy" the man replied.

Naruto observed the match taking place with keen interest. He never actually witnessed Temari fight to her fullest capabilities and the mind of a Nara was something to behold. He saw Temari about to blast another gust of wind at the boy but she quickly found herself unable to move.

"Shadow possession compete" the boy said with his hands in a ram seal.

"What? H-how?" came the reply of the immobilized kunoichi. "You fell into my trap. I planned the entire situation out, all i had to do was execute it" he said.

She grit her teeth in frustration. 'How could she be so reckless!'

Naruto was thoroughly impressed, as was everyone else in attendance. Shikamaru then held his hand up and released his jutsu. "I give up" he said.

"What? Why?" the female asked. "I'm running low on chakra and it would be too troublesome to fight someone else in the next round."

Naruto sweat dropped. The boy was really lazy.

In the stands, Asuma groaned in disappointment and Ino pulled her hair in frustration. "That lazy bastard had the match won and he just gave up!" she said.

Chouji laughed at his teammates antics. "Come on Ino this is Shikamaru we're talking about, I'm surprised he even showed up" he said. She grumbled something about lazy teammates.

In the Kage booth, the Kazekage spoke. "While my daughter did technically win, the Nara boy had a splendid plan and executed it to near perfection. I still think he should be promoted to chunin despite the loss" he said. Hiruzen nodded in agreement.

Naruto declared Temari the winner and sent the two back up to the constants booth but not before pulling her to the side. "What is it?" she asked confused. "I need you to keep your calm okay?" he asked. She nodded but her face displayed confusion. "That man up there is not the Kazekage" he said.

"What? How do you know?" she asked. "I used my byakugan and I recognize that chakra signature. That's Orochimaru" he said. Her eyes widened but he gave her a look. "I'm assuming your father is dead, considering he's impersonating him. I need you to leave with your brother's once the invasion starts" he said.

She nodded hesitantly and walked away.

Naruto then turned back to the crowd and announced the second match.

"Will Sasuke Uchiha and Neji Hyuga make their way down?" he announced. This got the crowd pumped. Two of the most promising genin from their respective clans. No doubt this match will steal the show and people started placing bets.

A man with medium length black hair and black eyes sat next to a woman with long black hair and black eyes. These were Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha. Itachi and Sasuke's parents. They were excited to see just how far Sasuke has come. Fugaku trained the boy even more than he had trained Itachi, there was no way the boy would lose to that damn Hyuuga.

Hiashi, Hitomi and a small girl with long brown hair and white eyes sat in anticipation. "Hanabi watch as your cousin displays the true might of the Hyuuga" he said.

In the arena, Sasuke and Neji squared off and they both waited for the other to move. Sasuke immediately activated his 2 tamoe sharingan and Neji activated his Byakugan.

"Your eyes pale in comparison to fine. Fate has deemed me the victor in our match already Uchiha" Neji said confidently. Sasuke scoffed. "Your eyes can't do half of the stuff the sharingan can and I will show you" he said with a smirk. Neji dropped into the gentle fist stance and ushered him to come forward. Sasuke obliged.

Naruto was the most excited for this match. He knew both of them well and always wanted to see how they'd match up. Last year's rookie of the year versus this year's rookie of the year.

The taijutsu battle was fierce and even though Sasuke could predict Neji's attacks, he was not fast enough to dodge all of them. Engaging in hand to hand combat with a Hyuuga was suicide after all.

In the stands, Hiashi had a smirk on his face. That arrogant Uchiha didn't stand a chance. Not too far away from the family sat Fugaku and Mikoto. Mikoto and Fugaku were both frowning.

Sasuke snarled as he jumped back. He pulled out a handful of kunai and launched them at Neji. He blocked all of them effortlessly but was sent back by a kick to the gut. He didn't have time to nurse the bruise as Sasuke was on him in an instant.

With a kunai in hand, Sasuke was slashing away at the Hyuuga. Neji had to be careful when he blocked the attacks so he wouldn't get cut. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't block all of the swipes and he was cut numerous times.

Knowing that he needed to pick up the pace, he noticed a log not too far away from them and he substituted with it. Sasuke's kunai pierced through the wood and it cracked violently. He turned around only to be hit by a gust of wind. He got up quickly and winced. Condensed air was as dangerous as they come.

He pulled out another kunai and threw it in Neji's direction. Neji caught the weapon but his eyes widened when he noticed the explosive tag on it.

BOOM!

In the stands, Tenten looked over the railing in worry. "Have no fear Tenten, an attack as unyouthful as that will not defeat Neji" Lee said. Hinata looked worriedly at her cousin, they weren't the closest but they were still family.

"Father will Neji be okay?" Hanabi asked. Hiashi didn't bat her an eye. "Neji is not finished. Fugaku had an approving smirk on his face.

Naruto activated his Byakugan and peered into the smoke. He was thoroughly surprised when he saw what Neji pulled off.

"Rotation!" he yelled. The smoke dispersed and a spinning dome of blue energy could be seen.

He soon stopped an panted slightly.

Orochimaru watched on with great interest. Side branch members typically didn't learn main house jutsu. 'Maybe a Hyuuga on my side wouldn't be so bad' he mused mentally.

Sasuke growled when he noticed that plan didn't work. He went through hand seals and spewed out a massive fireball and sent it straight at the teen. Neji dropped in a stance and began spinning again. When the attack collided with him, he just split it in half. Sasuke was shocked at that, nobody has ever split his fireball in half before.

Hiashi was surprised. 'How did Neji learn the rotation?' Hanabi voiced his question. "Father, how does Neji know the rotation?" He turned to his daughter with a frown on his face. "I myself don't know the answer to that" he said.

Itachi who was guarding the Hokage was impressed by the Hyuuga teen. Sasuke was no push over and his fire was extremely hot. Neji did look winded after the last rotation so it was Sasuke's chance to capitalize.

Sasuke did another set of hand seals and spewed out a stream of lightning. The lightning shocked Neji and he was electrocuted. Sasuke wasted no time and appeared in front of him. He sent a punch to the face of the teen but upon impact, he disappeared in a poof of smoke.

Sasuke's eyes widened. 'A clone' he thought. "You're now in my field of vision" Neji's voice said from behind him.

"4 palms, 8 palms, 16 palms, 32 palms, 64 palms" Neji stuck Sasuke quick and precisely in his back. Naruto even winced. Sasuke fell over unable to move. Neji stood breathing heavily.

Naruto walked over to see if Sasuke was fine. He was okay, just exhausted and immobilized. He raised Neji's hand and declared him the winner.

The audience and several reactions. Hiruzen was very impressed having seen what the Hyuuga pulled off at the very end. "Impressive might i say Hokage Dono, I believe the Hyuuga deserves a promotion to chunnin" the Kazekage said.

Hiruzen nodded. "I think so as well. Also Sasuke put on an impressive performance too, don't you think?" he asked. Hiruzen and the anbu noticed the look in the man's eyes immediately when he agreed.

In the stands, Fugaku was very displeased. His boy should not have been caught off guard like that. What made it worse was that it was by a Hyuuga of all people. He looked to his side and saw Hiashi giving him a knowing smirk. He grunted in annoyance as he went to go check on his son.

In the contestant booth Tenten was smiling. She knew Neji would win. Lee was with Gai celebrating like their lives depended on it. All of the other genin were impressed at the display of strength between the two combatants. Gaara was growing increasingly tired of waiting for his match. Hinata wished to visit her cousin and congratulate him but she heard her name being called.

Kakashi just sighed. Sasuke got too confident and it costed him but he did well. Sakura was worried for her teammate and Sai didn't make it any better with his sarcastic remarks.

"Proctor I forfeit" said Kankuro. Naruto didn't need to ask why he did that because he knew already. Temari gave him a nod. Hinata frowned and turned to Naruto. "That's odd, why would he make it all the way to the finals just to forfeit?" she asked. Naruto chuckled behind the mask and patted her on the head.

"Just be glad that you'll still have chakra. Now go on and get ready for your next match" he said.

"Why the hell would that guy quit? It makes no sense" Kiba said. "I agree, him giving up is quite suspicious" Shino said beside him.

Kakashi shot Naruto a look and Naruto went through hand seals that only he understood. He narrowed his eyes and the jounin sensei's noticed. "Everyone be on guard" he said. They looked at him confused and he noticed Temari and Kankuro tense.

"Will Rock Lee and Gaara make their way down" Naruto announced. Jiraiya who was still on the roof perked up at this. He had to keep a close eye on the jinchuriki, just in case he decided to let the biju take control.

Gaara disappeared in a swirl of sand. Lee beamed in excitement. "Lee, it's time to show your flames of youth!" Gai screamed. Lee had fire in his eyes. Tenten sighed but wished her teammate good luck.

In the Kage booth, Hiruzen looked over at the Kazekage. The man said nothing at the mention of this match. Oh he was no fool, he knew exactly who this man was. Which was why he was so relaxed. He and his anbu were prepared now. The real Kazekage was dead, which meant he was one less thing to worry about.