Naruto: Another Road Chapter 4: Potential, a naruto fanfic

Author's Note: "AHHHHEEE!"

"Ah, Bender! This IS a surprise! For you! Finding me in the refrigerator!"

...

So, how is everyone doing? Good?

...No?

Uh, heh, why is that?

...

Oh, you've all been waiting for me to update for a year?

Yeah, about that...

...

I'M SORRY!

Seriously. O_o

Long story short, things are starting to pick up since the decline that happened right after I uploaded chapter three.

There has been so much shit, but so far, it's all steadied.

I'm now making fifteen bucks an hour, so about 1400 each paycheck, but I'm helping my mother with her bills, so even with that much money, I'm not getting anywhere.

SPEAKING OF WHICH, I UPDATED MY PROFILE!

If you want details as to what's been happening, check it out.

For now, I just want to say I'm glad to be back, and starting next chapter, I will begin making Review Responses at the end of each chapter from then on.

So right now, read on, and at the end of this chapter, you'll get some info.

Enjoy! :D

I hope. :3

Naruto

Another Road

Chapter Four

Potential

...

Naruto was never one to take anything for granted.

Through the twelve years he's been on the beautiful planet earth, all he's needed is just the right amount of advice and discipline to get by and see things through. That's why it's common for anyone who respects him to automatically, if asked anything about him, to say that he's incredibly friendly. On the surface, Naruto is known for being carefree and very observant on the moods and behavior of the people around him, which is why it never seems to be difficult for him to interact with anyone.

For almost every single person he meets, that's all that matters about him.

However, for certain kinds of shinobi, a question that many should be asking themselves in terms of what he's capable of always seems to make itself apparent: Just how efficient of a shinobi was Naruto really?

Less than a handful of people actually knew, including one powerful Biju.

One of them happened to be sitting down in a relaxed manner alongside Sakura as Naruto Namikaze continued to do his morning stretches.

"...Bout time you started your stretches again loser." Sasuke commented offhandedly, a half-smirk accompanying his pleasant mood. Beside him, Sakura gained a mischievous expression and cackled maniacally. "Yeah Naruto, it's about time you started working your fat butt off!"

"Yer just jelly cuz my butt's bigger than yours Sakura." Was the snappy comeback from the blond wonder.

"Whatever pervert! Heheheheheh!"

"..."

As Naruto and Sakura shared witty banter with each other, Sasuke relaxed more against the tree stump behind him and began to think on what was to come. For the past two weeks now since coming back from Wave, their training regimen was increased noticeably. Kakashi didn't outright say that he was planning something major for them, but the three genin still had their suspicions.

Sasuke was charged with working on his trap-placement skills because he had enough of a diversity of ninjutsu and kenjutsu skills in his arsenal. Sakura had been charged with working more on her taijutsu and genjutsu, along with medical jutsu, since she had been training lately in the stamina department.

What was not a surprise to Sasuke, yet a bewildering factor to the bubblegum girl, was the fact that Naruto hadn't been told to do anything specific, mainly because Kakashi wasn't fully aware of Naruto's arsenal. The scarecrow had said it right in front of all three of them: Naruto's well-rounded according to the Hokage, so he didn't need to work out kinks in one area or the other, he just needed to push all of it forward.

Sasuke was the only Genin in the village that actually knew why, and every time he thought about it, it felt as if his Sharingan was eager to go up against and test Naruto's own unique...abilities.

"Uh, Sasuke, hello?"

Sasuke turned his head to face his grinning rival. "Who now?"

"I asked if Sensei mentioned when he would be here. Duh." Not that the question was that much of a matter, Naruto simply knew that he would have to guesstimate this or that if Kakashi said he would be arriving at a 'certain' time. "Yeah, I don't think it really matters. He said he'd be here by seven, so he'll probably get here by eight forty-five or something."

"So we go eat somewhere maybe?" As Naruto asked the question, he gained a villainous expression and started rubbing his hands together, as if he was planning something unholy. "I guess that gives us two hours. How about it Sasuke-kun?" The pink-haired girl actually liked the idea. Thanks to the constant insistence of Naruto, she started to like going out to eat more often.

It was also the fact that Naruto always knew which places were effin amazing here in Konoha, and the fact that he always paid for them and never wanting them to spend their money on him. "Alright..." Sasuke commented, beginning to stand up. "...Where to?"

"Sliced meats sound good?" Naruto popped his back one final time and looked up to the sky.

"Haven't had medium cooked flesh in a while. Alright, let's get outta here." With a shrug, Sasuke walked up to his rival, along with Sakura.

Naruto wheezed at the word 'flesh.'

It was getting more and more common for Sasuke to use humor in his statements nowadays.

OOO

In The Belly Of The Beast...So To Speak...

In order to get an operation as large as the one he wanted going, Orochimaru knew he would need much more firepower. He knew he was one tough son of a bitch, but trying to kill the old buzzard and fight off the Yellow Flash wouldn't exactly work. It didn't help that the Kazekage was good friends with both the other two Hokage.

After the supposed 'attack' of the Nine-Tailed Fox, Orochimaru was a little irritated that neither one was killed.

So, when Tayuya passed by the open training ground he had built into this particular hideout, he waved her over. "Tayuya, come over here for a second." He crossed his arms and was watching Kimimaro spar against Dosu's team. The room was one huge rectangle, and with all the tube lamps on the ceiling, it could almost be considered the average school gym.

He almost smirked when she seemed apprehensive. "Yes?" She stopped in front of him. "I've been speaking with Kimimaro and Kabuto about the prospect of invading the Leaf Village. Do you remember what I told you?"

Without even thinking, Tayuya answered him. "You said you were planning to attack during the Chunin exams."

The Sannin finally did smirk when Zaku was slammed against the wall. "Correct. However, we do not have enough manpower without the help of another village. Kiri is still in turmoil, and Iwa would be hesitant about facing the Fourth Hokage again. I also admit that fighting both him and my former Sensei would not exactly end in my favor. Unfortunately, my mastery with Edo Tensei isn't at its peak, and also, as powerful as Kimimaro is, he is not skilled enough to best either of the Hokage. Survive against them, yes, but defeat them, no."

Tayuya held her breath. What did this mean?

"That said, I was thinking that simply watching the Chunin exams would be more appropriate. I was interested in sending you and Kimimaro on a joint mission." When he said this, he licked his lips. "But, Kimimaro has told me some interesting things, such as how the both of you met Naruto Namikaze."

At first, Tayuya felt eager, but at his latter words, she froze.

Oh shit.

She didn't know if she was in trouble when he started chuckling. "Is it true that the boy has become infatuated with you?"

"..."

In her mind, Tayuya was cursing Kimimaro like no other. Of course the bastard would tell Orochimaru something like this. The Sannin trusted his subordinates, but he was aware of the fact that some of them could still be swayed in many ways. "He was much more polite and friendly than I thought possible for a human being. For some reason, he found Kimimaro and I to be really 'unique.'" She made a motion with her hands to emphasize what she was saying.

"..."

She couldn't help getting more nervous when he smirked in amusement.

When he was amused, somebody usually got thrown into a world of hurt. "You didn't answer my question." He looked at her patiently, and she had the distinct feeling he was testing her. "From the way he talked to me, I would guess that he likes me. I don't know how exactly because of how open he was with us." She found it harder to keep her cool, and she could feel a bead of sweat running down her face.

It wasn't as bad as it normally was, because right now, Orochimaru was wearing the Jonin outfit issued to his subordinates, and with the headband proudly showing on his forehead, he looked normal. Well, as normal as an albino person could look with dashing, black silky hair. Tayuya idly remembered hearing other Kunoichi talking about how they very much liked their Kage's 'Suave' appearance.

"Hmm..." The Sannin hung his head to the side, a look of contemplation on his face. The redhead waited in apprehension. Without knowing exactly what Kimimaro told him, there was no telling how he was going to react. "Well, as nice as it would be to capture him just to spite my enemies, the fact remains that the Yellow Flash isn't my concern, it is my former Sensei. I'm assuming that if I send you to the Leaf, you will be able to do what I ask?"

"Hai."

No way in hell was she going to give him the impression that she was smitten with Naruto in any way, shape or form.

"Good. Along with acting as Dosu's squad leader, I may have the urge to go on another endeavor. You and Kimimaro however would be simply going about the village strictly for gathering information. Now, because there is the possibility that you might be distracted by Naruto in the instance he somehow finds you..." He watched the girl cringe in fear. "...I will send the other four as well. Sakon and Ukon will find Naruto and keep an eye on him, Kidomaru and Jirobo will keep tabs on my other target."

{He thinks I'm fine with hooking up with a Leaf shinobi...great.} It wasn't uncommon for individuals on either side of two opposing forces to leave said factions for each other. It made sense that being a girl that hasn't known anything a girl her age usually experienced by this point, Orochimaru would think that such a charismatic boy could make her feel lovey-dovey.

"Can I trust you with this mission?" He looked at her with an even stare. "Hai." She answered strongly.

She wouldn't dare admit that the idea of being able to see Naruto again was the reason she suddenly gained strength.

"Very good then. You can go on your way now." He giggled in that strange way of his, and Tayuya bowed respectfully.

{He really needs to stop doing that...} Regardless of what she thought, she would admit that only he could pull of that strange sound.

However, that wasn't on her mind when she started to walk away.

No, what she was thinking about was why she was to be paired with Kimimaro again. Granted, he was much more approachable and wasn't actually irritating in comparison to the others, and he was quiet, but he was also the most devoted one to Orochimaru in all of Sound if not Kabuto.

Most likely, he was paired with her to keep an eye on her in the same way Sakon and Ukon would be with the job of keeping Naruto away from her. That is, if they were given orders to detain him. It was unlikely though, considering the fact that they would probably all be sent as civilians...since you know, this mission was all about stealth.

Or at least her part was.

Whatever the case...she had the feeling that things would get interesting, especially since the Chunin exams would start soon. Which reminded her, would Kin make it through the Chunin exams? Before she completely left the area, she looked back to see said girl hanging on Dosu's shoulder. From the way she and the two males looked, it seemed they were all going to keel over.

Back to the subject of Kin, Tayuya felt that the girl was the only sound ninja she didn't hate from first sight. They didn't talk much because of the difference in their ranks, but Tayuya still did not think negatively about the girl.

The chocolate-eyed girl then caught sight of Kimimaro, who for some reason was looking at her.

To Orochimaru's amusement, she flipped him off.

If anything, it was all that bastard's fault that she was now in a difficult situation, and with no more reason to be here, she turned and exited the room, unaware of what Kimimaro was probably thinking. Originally, she was going to try and find a way to speak with him about Naruto. But, now after having spoken to Orochimaru, she was in a shitty mood.

{Well there goes the idea that he could actually see life through a different lens instead of the tar-covered looking glass he was given. What a fucking tool.} As it stood, the only thing about Kimimaro she respected was his unreal abilities. They made him so strong that she wondered why someone as powerful as him was wasting time following anyone around.

The sound of her footsteps echoed throughout the hallway as she walked.

Eventually, her thoughts went to whatever this mission was going to be about. More accurately, Tayuya began to think about what would happen on the mission. Orochimaru was right in thinking Naruto would be a distraction...because how long would she last there, trying to ignore Naruto's chakra? She didn't lose the fact that her 'Naruto Radar' had a wide range.

Knowing he was around but not being able to go find him thanks to the fucking circumstances Kimimaro put her in would eat away at her. Well, at least she would see the place she might be able to call her future home.

"...Argh..."

She grumbled to herself, thinking how silly it was that she was so easily swayed by Naruto. For the life of her, she wondered why he was so prevalent in her mind.

Then again, the answer seemed obvious.

Head tilted forward, she remembered the fact that Naruto had done much for her just by spending time with her. It was no secret to anyone she knew that she preferred to be left alone. The fact that she had actually enjoyed hanging out with someone would probably be too much for the others to believe.

But at this point however, Tayuya found that she didn't care what the others would think on the matter...she just wanted to get on with the mission already.

OOO

Further Within Konoha...

"Dah, dah-dah, dah dah dah, dah dah dah dah dah dah, dah dah dah, dah dah dah, dah dah dah dah daaaahhhh!"

Sasuke and Sakura exchanged glances.

Here was Naruto once again, continuing to 'sing' and hum a signature jingle he had come up with years ago when he was still a little rascal. It was well known to all by this point that Naruto always seemed to be in a good mood, even if it was in the worst part of town. Whatever the case, it still did not draw Sasuke's thoughts any further from what he had been thinking on earlier.

"..."

The Uchiha silently watched Naruto in slight amusement. {Don't know when you're planning to show everyone what you've got, but I'm still gonna get that rematch fucker.} He thought in anticipation. As was stated before, there were literally less than a handful of individuals who actually knew of the extraordinary amount of power that Naruto was able to hide under the surface. A huge part of Naruto's strength was the enormous amount of chakra he had within his body, but it was how he utilized it that caught Sasuke's attention long ago.

"...Dah dah dah dah daaaahhhh..."

In terms of jutsu, Naruto knew less than twenty. A certain amount of them however were what Sasuke was most eager to face off against. Having matured his Sharingan to the maximum, the Uchiha knew that he was on par with Naruto, because the blond, as powerful as he was, wasn't exactly fast enough to outmaneuver the raven-haired teen just yet.

"We should come up with some sorta nickname for him."

Sakura turned to him with a giggle. "Is 'knucklehead' not enough?" While the word was most appropriate for Naruto's demeanor, Sasuke was referring to something else, namely Naruto's new talent for 'singing'.

Today, the weather was a mix of cloudy and warm, with just enough of a breeze to keep anyone from heating up too much. Up in the sky, the gray blotches of water vapor continued to block the direct sunlight in many angles, which Naruto thought was always 'cool.' Said blond was walking about four feet ahead of his teammates, trademark grin in place and hands behind his head. As he walked, he lightly leaned to the left and right, making it clear to anyone around to see that he was just as glad to be alive today as he was yesterday.

Unlike his teammates however, who pretty much were content with the way things were in their lives right now, Naruto still had some unresolved things he wanted to get to, though no one could tell, thanks to his jolly good mood. "..." His eyes beginning to zero forward, his grin turned into a small smile. {It's been a long time since Wave...} As anyone can guess, the very subject, or more accurately, person he was thinking about was one that made an enormous impact on his mind.

Even after all this time, he couldn't stop worrying about her.

Though he was doing well in training with his teammates, when he was alone, he went far off on his own to utilize and further enhance the control he had over all his abilities, and it was only then when the Biju within him ever showed a remote amount of respect.

"..."

"Hmm..."

Sometimes the human mind can experience inner turmoil. When it does, it usually happens over a disagreement, a confrontation, actions of disrespect, and so on.

Whenever inner turmoil is caused due to the sudden endangerment of another human however...an entire new level of complications can arise. In the case of Naruto especially, who can easily be seen as a holy Samaritan among his peers, caution and much more attention must be given. While no one else on the face of the earth could ever even remotely feel a sense of impending doom for a random stranger they met at a crossroad, the same could not be said for the son of the Fourth Hokage.

As can clearly be seen, Naruto is right to feel worry for one of many people he's randomly met. Truthfully, it's because of the fact that there seems to be some sort of connection between him and the crimson-haired girl that he should be even more alert.

As the days have gone by, nothing ominous has been coming up in any reports to the Hokage, as Naruto himself was told by his father.

Or at least, nothing around Konoha has been strange.

{I still don't get why pops didn't ask me to go with Anko-chan.}

While normally a genin never went on any B-Rank missions unless times were rough, Minato Namikaze was completely aware of Naruto's strengths, but under the simple fact that even if Naruto's abilities classed him as very much above Genin level, he was still the man's son, and the reports that have been coming off the mainland weren't exactly so huge that Naruto's services were needed...at least, that's what the young blond had been told.

Sasuke and Sakura noticed how Naruto was no longer humming, and more tense looking than before.

{I looked at the frickin files too! 'Boats and even huge ships disappearing out at sea.' That's not gonna be some random ninja dudes or pirates, especially if all the ships and stuff were found with huge bite marks on the ocean floor. Geez, it's gotta be some sort of animal...or animals. It wouldn't be that hard for me to figure it out and put some kinda 'Stop attacking humans' sign down there or something...} The blond wasn't usually sarcastic in this sort of manner, but for the record, he had been pretty bummed out when he found he wouldn't be sent out to investigate.

As it would seem, things were not exactly going Naruto's way. In terms of his career, he was doing an excellent job, never complaining about even the most stagnant of missions, or should it be said, chores known as D-Rank missions.

It was his personal endeavors that were not being met, the most significant one being to help a simple and troubled girl known only as Tayuya.

The blond, for once in quite a while, frowned angrily and inhaled once in a harsh manner, which surprised his two teammates, even the closer civilians that the genin were passing.

How long would it be, Naruto wondered. How long would it be until he found a clue as to what he was supposed to do?

Every single day, the nagging feeling he had in the back of his mind continued to grow, and no matter what he did, he couldn't shake the horrible feeling that festered within. Even for someone as positive and carefree as himself, this sense of dread was starting to get to him. On top of that, the reports of strange happenings in all Five Shinobi Nations and even beyond were what further increased Naruto's anxiety. A sixth sense could be anything by anyone's guess, and in Naruto's case, it seemed to be the ability to sense danger.

If he could JUST settle the most pressing issue, his mind would be less troubled. Come to think of it, it wasn't until after Tayuya and he met that he began to feel troubled, but now, as he looked up at the Hokage faces, it seemed to click, and his eyes slightly widened in final realization.

He was...just being himself.

As odd as that seemed, it was the most basic answer. {I know I can't hope to fix everything at the same time...but I can at least try and get it done fast. I have to start with Tayuya-chan first. I've been so worried about her that anything bad I find out about is just adding to my bad mood...okay, take a deep breath.}

{YOU CERTAINLY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO THINK THINGS THROUGH, DO YOU?}

Naruto flinched with a start, and started chuckling sheepishly when he saw Sasuke shaking his head in concern and Sakura looking at him strangely. "Uh, heh, I've been kinda thinking about some stuff lately. Nothing to worry about guys." He said weakly. {For crap's sake Fox Man, don't scare me like that.} He thought in accusation towards the Biju within him.

It had been a while since the creature spoke to him.

{HN, IF YOU WERE COMPETENT, THEN PERHAPS I WOULD HAVE NO NEED TO POP IN AND OUT AT RANDOM INTERVALS LIKE THIS. YOUR INCESSANT JABBERING HAS IRRITATED ME FOR THE LAST TIME, SO I'VE DECIDED TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE ADVICE, AND IT STARTS WITH TWO WORDS.}

"..."

Well, this was certainly new. The most malevolent of the Tailed-Beasts deciding to basically help out it's host? This made Naruto smile. {Thanks. So watcha got for me?}

Within the boy's mind, the beast's eyes narrowed.

{SHUT. UP.}

"!"

Naruto's eyebrow twitched.

{WHAT?!}

{YOU HEARD ME PRECISELY. NOW, KEEP YOUR DAMN MEAT HOLE SHUT AND LISTEN CAREFULLY.}

As the beast spoke, Sakura pointed with a ravenous expression. "Look! Let's go there!" Sasuke and Naruto looked at the restaurant and immediately knew they wanted to go in. "Looks like I'll be getting my cooked flesh after all." The Uchiha spoke with a smirk, and led both his grinning comrades inside.

{I AM WELL AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF, ESPECIALLY AFTER WHAT HAPPENED ONCE I WAS SEALED WITHIN YOUR WRETCHED BODY. WITH WHAT YOU HAVE NOW, I KNOW THAT IF SOMETHING SO UNLIKELY HAPPENED TO YOU, THEN IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE TO SAY THAT SIMILAR EVENTS TRANSPIRED IN THE GIRL'S LIFE.} With each word, the demon's voice became more and more stern, something that caught Naruto's attention as the blond and his teammates found and sat at a table.

{WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HER AT ALL, BUT HER AURA GAVE ME A HINT AS TO WHAT MYSTERY SEEMS TO BE BINDING YOU BOTH.}

"..." Naruto's brows furrowed ever so slightly, but he kept his composure so as not to draw unwanted attention. {What exactly do you mean by that?}

He could hear the beast lightly hum and exhale through his nostrils. {AT THE MOST BASIC LEVEL, IT IS ONE'S BLOOD THAT DEFINES WHO THEY ARE. IN THE SAME WAY THAT MEMBERS OF A CLAN ALL SHARE THE SAME CORE CHARACTERISTICS, IT IS MORE THAN POSSIBLE THAT DOWN BOTH YOURS AND TAYUYA'S HERITAGE, THERE IS A KEY ELEMENT THAT HAS ALLOWED FOR A STRANGE...SOMETHING TO OCCUR. I KNOW NOTHING OF WHAT HUMAN SCIENCE CALLS 'GENETICS,' BUT THROW IN THE JUICE KNOWN AS CHAKRA, AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.}

"Hello! An order for all three or would you each like something unique?" The waitress asked as she lit the fire in the center of the table.

"We'll all have beef." Sakura chirped with a big smile.

Naruto was only partially listening to the chatter of the outside world. {Okay. So what you're saying is, chakra is the main ingredient, and then it's basically some sorta hereditary trait that's acting like a beacon for me and Tayuya-chan?}

{IT MAY ONLY BE ONE OF YOU, THOUGH CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT YOU CAN SENSE EACH OTHER, I WOULD ASSUME IT IS BOTH OF YOU WHO HAVE SOMETHING HIDDEN IN YOUR BLOOD VESSELS.}

Naruto nodded just once, making it look as if he was popping his neck. {Yeah you're right about-wait a second!} He restrained himself from letting everyone know he was shocked from a sudden revelation. {Tayuya-chan can sense me also?!}

{I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT YOU KNEW THAT ALREADY. WHY DO YOU THINK SHE WAS NOT NEARLY AS HOSTILE TO YOU AS SHE MOST CLEARLY MADE EVIDENT THAT SHE IS TO OTHERS?} The beast snorted in amusement.

Leave it to the knucklehead to not see the obvious.

{Uh...yeah that makes sense...how did you know?}

{HN. I KNEW THE INSTANT I SENSED HER WATCHING YOU SING YOUR PATHETIC SOUL OUT TO THE PEOPLE OF WAVE. REMEMBER THAT DAY?}

"-and I just wish Sensei would be a little more, I don't know, not so prone to reading that stupid book when we're on missions!" Sakura whined with a childish pout. "That would be like telling Shikamaru not to sleep during the day. Not gonna happen." Sasuke replied with a half-smirk, looking around at the lavish environment of the restaurant.

{Yeah. How long was she watching?}

{FROM TWO MINUTES BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY STARTED UNTIL YOU FOUND HER OUT. NOW, I BELIEVE I'VE GIVEN YOU THE INFO YOU NEED, SO PERHAPS YOU CAN START RELAXING, HMM? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOU BABBLING ANYMORE. BESIDES, I HAVE A FEELING YOU WILL BE SEEING YOU SOONER THAN YOU THINK.} The beast's tone became one of knowing, and Naruto almost sighed in exasperation because he knew the Biju wasn't going to give him that little sliver of knowledge that he had. {Thanks for the help, but why do you have to be like that?} He asked in annoyance.

{YOU NEEDN'T WORRY ABOUT WHY I DO THINGS THE WAY I DO. YOU NEED ONLY TO START PAYING ATTENTION MORE THAN YOU ALREADY DO, AND THE FIRST STEP IS REFINING YOUR SENSES. SO, THERE YOU HAVE IT. I'M TAKING A NAP, KEEP IT DOWN.}

Naruto rolled his eyes and chuckled just at the right moment, when Sakura made a joke to be specific.

{Thanks a million doc!}

{DO NOT GO THINKING I CARE ABOUT YOUR RIDICULOUS HUMAN EMOTIONS. SOMETIMES I JUST HAVE THE URGE TO POINT THINGS OUT.}

{Heh, yeah yeah, you know you love me.}

{IF YOU MEAN I WILL ENJOY THE MOMENT I GET TO CRUSH YOU BETWEEN MY TEETH AND GET TO YOUR MARROW, THEN YES.}

OOO

In Training Field Titled 'White Tail,' Main Grounds For Orochimaru's Elites...Later In The Afternoon...

"..."

Out in the open with the treeline far away, Kimimaro stood tall, waiting for the inevitable. Usually it was him who made the first move, mainly because his comrades were too chicken to try anything against him. {Perhaps they do not think they can touch me...they would be right. They never take their training seriously enough.}

The teen was not one for any human emotion, even arrogance. That said, the only reason his train of thought was the way it was, was because he knew his stuff. As the Fifth of The Sound Five, he was by far the strongest. In fact, it was to the point that the other four, when together, could not best him. As such, Kimimaro soon figured out that the other males saw him as 'Alpha-Male,' that one truth being the reason they never seemed to try and improve in order to actually give the Kaguya a reason to fight seriously.

Well, he always did, but he never had the need to heighten his guard very much.

No, if any one member of the squad always did what they could to try and best Kimimaro, it was Tayuya, which made the former actually respect the girl. Come to think of it, it wasn't until their return from Wave that Tayuya began to really put her nose to the grindstone.

The Kaguya's eyes trailed to the left. "...Hn." His senses obviously picked up on something. But back to what he was musing about as his eyes trailed forward once again, when it came to Tayuya, he couldn't help but think about a familiar blond shinobi. {Such a strange character, that Naruto.} He thought, for once in a long time, with curiosity. Even Tayuya was unaware of the fact that meeting Naruto had...altered Kimimaro's perception of things. To date, the bone-wielder had yet to reveal his new thoughts to anyone, even Jugo.

"..." His expression did not change when he sensed movement.

{There is still much for me to consider...Orochimaru-sama has not shown any malicious intentions towards myself or the others...but perhaps...I have misjudged...} Of all things, certain words that Naruto had used were what had brought a new light within Kimimaro's mind.

He abandoned her, leaving her to die.

"..."

There was not much that could actually strike a cord within Kimimaro, but when he was told that long ago, someone who had been in the same circumstances as himself, and then taken in by Orochimaru, only to be later discarded after they were promised new hope, was something that unnerved him far more than he cared to admit.

Luckily, he was a master of the poker face, so no one could tell, and further more...he began to see something.

It was in part due to Tayuya.

"Too predictable."

With speed unprecedented, he leaned backwards, and lo and behold, Sakon was in mid-air, right fist extended, Ukon nowhere in sight. In slow motion though the Kaguya's eyes, Kimimaro watched as his teammate's expression began to turn into one of shock. {Too slow...} The bone-wielder waited for Sakon to travel just a little farther, and then grabbed him by his right leg.

To the other's predictable surprise, he was immediately thrown into the thickest tree nearest the two of them.

BAM

With a loud thud, Sakon made contact. "AGH! FUCK!"

"Hn..." Once more, Kimimaro waited and extended his senses again. As he suspected, he sensed another not too far away. {More likely than not, they're trying to divert my attention as a team, rather than attacking separately like they usually do. No doubt there are some traps being prepared...and they seem to realize that fighting me together is the better bet. They should do this more often...at least until...}

Yet again, his thoughts drifted to Tayuya's words.

There's something that you and I both know because of Naruto. I don't know why the fuck you decided to tell Orochimaru what you did and make ME look like a traitor, but you should at least talk to Naruto yourself if you really wanna know why I suddenly have faith in another person.

Earlier that day, he approached Tayuya, much to the girl's annoyance. Though he only reported to Orochimaru all the details because that was his job, Tayuya had been under the impression that he was trying to get her in trouble. Somehow he had managed to convince her that he never intended to do something so underhanded, and from there, they had spoken more than they ever had before.

They had actually conversed in a civil manner, making today the first day in years that Kimimaro had spoken so long with one individual. It had been enlightening to say the least. Never before had he sensed so many changes in a person's aura, and it became apparent that Naruto had made a deep impression on Tayuya. That in itself was the second real reason he started to question the way things were right now.

If someone as emotionally unmovable as Tayuya could be affected to such a degree, then perhaps, there was more going on than Kimimaro realized.

Perhaps there was more he needed to learn. As it were, there was little for him to ignore.

All of a sudden, he started to see better through the faces of the people he either spoke to or witnessed. With the little knowledge he gained from hearing Naruto tell the story of someone he cherished, Kimimaro began to see more clearly, or more accurately, he began to perceive things better. Where as before, what looked like common laughter from the more experienced shinobi in Sound, he now began to see as disrespectful amusement towards whoever they were clearly mocking, be it an inexperienced beginner or even someone of higher level who had made a simple mistake.

Where as he once saw Kabuto's smirk as a natural thing of the world, he now saw as a sinister beginning to something unholy.

Where as once he saw Orochimaru's praise as genuine and righteous...he now began to see as the telltale signs of a ruse.

In that instant, his eyes narrowed, and he took action.

Sakon never knew exactly what hit him, but he knew it had to have been Kimimaro.

CRACK

What would have been a surprise to the average person that had managed to see it, it wasn't Sakon who broke in half, it was the tree, and the unconscious sound ninja barreled right through it, traveling about fifty feet in the process.

In a blur, Kimimaro vanished.

...

In all the other hiding spots except for one who wasn't very close, the others began to get nervous. They completely lost any trace of Kimimaro that they had.

"Uh-oh..." Jirobo whispered, already beginning to sweat.

The others were silent, each one beginning to quietly scan the area.

Kidomaru had done the smart thing and put the thinnest of spider net that he could in his blind spots and at least in a twenty foot radius of his position.

Ukon hid himself underground.

Jirobo could only find the thickest bush around and stay put.

The only one who's position was not known, was Tayuya's, not anymore at least.

"..."

The rustling of leaves was heard somewhere north of everyone's general position.

{Shit!} All three males practically crapped themselves at the same time.

Their eyes turned northward simultaneously, and each one readied themselves.

Further away in an unseen spot, Tayuya was relaxed against the tree that was her hiding spot, and her narrowed eyes scanned the area. {Looks like the douche bags are getting psyched. Don't that beat all...} Right as she finished her train of thought, her senses immediately went off, so she casually turned her head forward to see Kimimaro standing there, bone-dagger in hand and looking at her expectantly.

"...You have been improving very much lately, Tayuya." The Kaguya kept his eyes on her, wondering when she would get out of her relaxed position. "Maybe I decided that using only genjutsu wasn't gonna get me that much farther. The fact you only ever need Taijutsu to beat me and the faggots was enough of a fucking reason for me to start taking shit more seriously. It would be kinda nice if I had the same kinda speed and power that you do, as much as I hate to admit it." As she spoke, Tayuya stopped leaning against the tree, but kept her arms crossed.

"..."

Kimimaro became curious when the signs of a smirk began to appear on the girl's face. "I am blessed with the Kekkei Genkai of my extinct clan. I only reached this level of strength because Orochimaru-sama knew how to get my abilities to come forward."

The smirk that was about to make it's way onto Tayuya's face, retracted. "Orochimaru this, Orochimaru that, fuck, why don't you just marry the guy?"

For some reason, that insult actually bothered Kimimaro, and his brow furrowed. "I am not a homosexual."

Tayuya's eyes widened.

Seeing her reaction, Kimimaro's left eyebrow rose. "What is it?"

At first, she kept staring at him for a good long time.

Then, the unexpected happened.

"Heheheheheh...hahahahahaa..." Tayuya grew a very amused expression, and just like that, Kimimaro saw her guffawing like never before. "HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHHHHH!" Grabbing her belly, she ended up bending forward and tried to steady herself, eyes shut and tearing up. "OOOOHHH FUCK! THAT'S FUCKING RICH!"

Usually, nothing ever bothered Kimimaro, but being more aware of social quirks here and there, he became more sensitive to Tayuya's laughing at him than he thought he would be.

His mouth made a strange movement and he blinked. "Are you going to fight me or not?" He asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

This response just made Tayuya laugh even harder, and she became so loud in fact that the others were wondering what the heck was going on.

OOO

6:00 PM...Hokage's Office...

"...Hmm, hmm hmm hmm...and once again we play the waiting game." A certain blue eyed Hokage spoke with a chipper tone, looking at his documents.

Naruto looked at his father with a bored expression. "ANYWAYS..." He began loudly, so as to get everyone's attention. "You said something important was coming up? Sasuke and I were in the middle of a spar you know." And the young Namikaze was right. Both him and Sasuke were full of dirt, twigs, small rocks and the like. "Heheheh, you guys were trying so hard even though we all agreed it was just a friendly spar. You guys always act like yah gotta kill each other every time you practice." The bubblegum girl giggled as she once again took in the tattered forms of her teammates.

"That's nice." Minato spoke with a big smile on his face. "But anyway, I thinks it's time we get down to business. Kakashi if you please."

From behind the three sitting genin, Kakashi walked forward with a spring in his step. "Certainly Sensei. Now as you three may not have noticed, you have all improved a lot since you became Genin." He noticed how the three of them gave him mixed expressions. "I think after all the time that's passed, and under Hokage-sama's advice, I believe it would be my honor to give you three these..." With the very recognizable eye-smile that he liked to give when he was glad, he took out three...papers.

"Don't mind if I do." Though Naruto found it odd, he took the paper and looked at it.

His reaction was different to Sasuke and Sakura. "The Chunin exams?"

Kakashi and Minato exchanged glances, having expected Naruto to be absolutely thrilled. "This looks like fun." A chance to achieve a higher rank and look good doing it even though that was up more Naruto's alley? Sasuke thought it was a good deal. "Yeah but it does sound kinda scary... don't Genin usually split from their team when they become Chunin?" Sakura asked, okay with the chance they were receiving but not liking the idea of being split from Naruto and Sasuke, even if it had been quite some time since they became ninja.

"Yes ma'am, but for your career, it'll give your reputation a lot of merit kiddo." The blond Hokage said with a smile.

"Seems legit. When does it start?" Asked the Uchiha.

"Not interested."

All four individuals looked at Naruto with surprised expressions.

Did they hear him right?

When they just looked at him, he grinned. "I was thinking about what Sakura said too. I don't really like the idea of splitting up right away, but also...I just don't feel like it." He sat back in his chair. "I mean, I saw the past Chunin exams. It was cool, but uh, I don't think whatever they had to go through just to be put on display like that was worth it. If I can become a Chunin just by doing better in missions and getting more of em done, I'm purty sure it would be more fun than trying to get myself killed just for a promotion. Plus..."

The others waited as Naruto gave a dramatic pause. "I don't feel like it."

Sakura rolled her eyes but giggled nonetheless. "You already said that."

Kakashi was a little more bothered. "You don't want to get a promotion already?" He knew Naruto was one to always strive to do his best and fulfill his goals so, why was going through the Chunin exams not something on his radar?

"Nope. Can't make me either."

Sasuke looked at him. "..." With a shrug, he put the paper on Minato's desk. "From the looks of it, only teams of three can get in, and if Naruto doesn't wanna go...oh well, maybe next time. Anything else you guys got for us?"

Sakura was about to speak, but Naruto beat her to it. "Yeah that's what I kinda wanted to ask. Why'd you ask us to come here to yer office if Kakashi-Sensei coulda just told us about this earlier?"

Minato gave a grin. "Well personally I thought it would look more grand to be in the Hokage's office, considering the fact that people don't normally get offered this chance, but okay. In other news, Kushina wanted to have a picnic this coming Sunday and she wanted to invite Sasuke and Sakura. How about it?"

"..."

"Sounds like a plan. You guys wanna go?"

"Can you confirm that your mom isn't gonna treat me like she does you?"

This made Sakura, Kakashi and Minato snicker.

"Well it's no different to how your mom is with you." Naruto replied offhandedly. "Also you know for a fact she's gonna be like that. She always says you're the brother I never had. That's pretty deep." He grew a goofy grin.

The Uchiha was just making small talk, and everyone in the room knew what he would say. "Alright, whatever. Anything else Hokage-sama?"

"Heh." Deciding too look the part of a busy businessman, Minato looked at all the files on his desk and nodded to himself. "Nope. You're all free to go. See you in the morning no?"

From the vantage point of the window, the sun was at the same level as the four individuals, and the orange rays of the sun began to fill the room.

Naruto stood up and walked to the window as the others spoke.

{Chunin exams...meh, some other time.} He thought with a smile. So what if there was a more direct means for promotion? Naruto felt that having an adventure through his career was the better choice, rather than being given a simple, 'Here yah go, your test you need to pass for promotion.'

In reality, Naruto knew of individuals who had already reached Jonin at his age. Most of them however came from an era in Konoha where shinobi simply had to improve fast to survive the turbulent times. As it was now, he knew as far as rank went, he could more than meet the rank of Chunin. His father had simply been lazy and wanted Naruto to grow more with his friends, which the young Namikaze didn't mind, because he was in no rush to become Hokage.

He smiled.

{No...I think I'll just see it happen and hope for the best for everyone else that goes for it.}

OOO

Author's Note: FINALLY.

I now own a Chromebook, so now I no longer have to be annoyed with trying to type with my PlayStation Vita.

Why a Chromebook you say?

...

Well uh, it has an IPS panel instead of a TN or whatever the other type is called, and all I'm gonna use it for is typing, AND it was the cheapest and most reliable thing I could find based on reviews on Amazon. Maybe later I can customize it, or, if you guys have suggestions, I can get a more efficient laptop or just wait to build a gaming rig.

ANYWAYS, about this chapter: It was always my intention to get things going, the main thing being to get Naruto and Tayuya back together in some way.

But, let me give you info regarding where this could all go since I've been gone for a while.

When I made the first chapter of Another Road, I knew exactly where I wanted it to go.

As I stated a year ago(Eesh), Naruto gains something. Remember that.

Now, I've been getting a lot of awful suggestions for what Tayuya could do and become.

You know what?

My intentions are still exactly what I wanted, but I believe a good deal of you are going to like what she learns.

I already have the info on my profile but I'll write more here for Naruto and Tayuya since I'll most likely end up wording it differently.

As we know in the canon, Tayuya's strengths were in genjutsu. In this story, in this universe I would gladly like to make of Naruto, this is going to change. For what I have planned for Tayuya, she needs to become strong in taijutsu, increase her chakra capacity and learn more ninjutsu.

Ah, ninjutsu.

There is one Jutsu in the Narutoverse that I daresay is the most destructive power in the entire canon and most terrifying, second only to the abilities wielded by anyone who happens to be the container of the Ten-Tails. As far as I know, anyone like that could stop this jutsu, or second, it would be to absorb it through the power of the Rinnegan.

Even a tailed beast could be eradicated by it if I know what I'm talking about.

I really, REALLY want to give you a direct hint or outright tell you, but UGH, I want it to be a surprise. So, if you can figure it out what it is by what I've said so far, good for you. If not, be prepared for awesomeness beyond anything any Tayuya in any Fanfiction I've read has ever had.

If Naruto is going to be the strongest male in this story, Tayuya will become the strongest female, and damn right they will become equals.

Now, let's get to Naruto.

As you are aware, Minato and Kushina are alive. What has transpired to make this happen and what has happened because of it?

For beginners, it wasn't Minato who sealed the Nine-Tails, otherwise he would be dead and only half the creature would be in Naruto. In this story, someone, or should I say, something else sealed Kurama within Naruto.

Remember when I said Naruto would be able to summon multiple creatures?

Well, his most powerful summon was the one who sealed Kurama.

You may not be aware of it, but the Naruto series has officially ended.

You know what? After seeing it, I just wanted to continue even harder with this story. In my eyes, this isn't Fanfiction, it's just another universe with Naruto in it, if you want to consider something like String Theory and all.

I believe for what I originally wanted for Naruto, it's there, but after seeing it all through, I want something else.

That's why, when or if you go to my profile, you'll see that I've been wanting to get an art program. I want to eventually start illustrating this story.

Now, after analyzing everything I could in Naruto, I decided to introduce this new creature that is Naruto's most powerful summon.

Hint: He was created in the same way the Tailed Beasts were.

How did it happen and what does it have to do with this story? You'll find that out.

Basically, due to this creature being able to seal ALL of Kurama(Say it with me, ALL, not HALF) in Naruto, much has been able to change.

So, I want you all to analyze the episodes and manga when Kurama was taken from Kushina. What could happen now that Minato was able to live?

Think about it, because there was A SHIT-TON I HAD TO CONSIDER.

Lastly: Kimimaro.

Along with Tayuya who is in first place, there are other characters who I wanted to live, and the last of the Kaguya is one of them. For what he can be, for what he is capable of, for what he could learn about truly being a human being, I could not just let him die again. You can bet that much is going to change, because at this level, he's already a powerhouse.

What do you think he can achieve?

Heheh.

So there you have it.

The Chunin exams are not my interest because I don't have much of an intention to go hardcore along the lines of canon, and besides...Tayuya and Kimimaro are coming to town. Why should I have Naruto in the exams when so much time could be spent with THEM? HMM.

New things are going to come and go.

New environments, new characters if any, etc.

Now looking back at this chapter, I think it's weak, and I fully believe Chapter one is still the best introductory I've ever done, though it could use some touch ups, and so far, people really seem to like chapter two a lot.

Here's to getting more chapters out with more conversations and interactions between characters, because that's what I want to focus on and what I believe is the strength of this story...unless you guys say otherwise. :3

Anyway, like I said at the top, starting next chapter, I will begin posting Review Responses.

I've seen quite a few of you give me a lot to think about, and you all deserve to hear my thoughts on your input, so you damn well can be assured that if you ask a question or give some statements, you will be heard and get a response starting chapter five.

Let's see...I believe that's all for now, so goodnight, and I can't wait to dish out the next one YO!

Time of posting, around eleven o'clock on Saturday night, the 14th of March, 2015.

Posting of last chapter, March 4th, 2014.

Eesh.

LATER GUYS!