***Super depressing I need to add this... Adding this to chapter one and twenty one for now but this story is not a romance... Have zero idea where everyone got the notion that this was only a romance... Tags clearly say, Friendship/Adventure... Now will there be any romance? Yes, there will be... Are you going to see a bunch of children who were raised into killing machines fucking like rabbits? No, no you are not... Swear I get a headache every time I get a message or review bitching that, 'Oh the story is so slow paced and stale, where are the lemons, the romance needs to hurry up, how many girls will Naruto end up with?' All of these have nothing to do with what I have written so far... The best part? I don't think I have gotten a single one of them reviews by someone I could reply to... Brilliant... You rage quit my story because Tenten isn't being fucked at age 8? Probably need to check yourself into some kind of mental institute...***

I apologize in advance. One of the biggest complaints I got from this chapter is the long intro. I broke it up a little so it reads a little smoother but I couldn't shorten it.

To me, in the shinobi world, comradery should actually mean something. Teammates are going to me more along the lines of family instead of just another ninja around them a lot. The main changing point of my fan-fiction is that Tenten and Naruto grew up together in the orphanage and became friends. This starts Naruto on the path to protecting those he holds close a lot sooner. Tenten affects Naruto more than that but Ill save that for the story.

Graduates from the academy, as their first mission, is to build a three man team that works. This mean no best and worst on the same team because that's balance. They need to be able to build their own team that works well together to be deserving of the title genin. I was not impressed with the plan of having one jonin sensei so I completely scrapped the idea.

Instead, it will be the responsibility of the teams to build relations with the other ninja in the village to find their own mentors and possibly broker apprenticeships on their own. Jonin and high chunin are encouraged to train the newer generation so they will not just be on their own. This would just free up village resources that would be tied down to low class mission with a full genin team and one jonin.

There will be a lot of major changes to the basic world. If I say that Naruto can learn Multi-Size Jutsu from the Akimichi clan for example, this means that I changed how the jutsu worked so that anyone could learn it. There will be some jutsu that seem to be from specific clans but kekkai genkai will be far narrower and will be more based on a clan specialty instead of special bloodlines. Uchiha will have Sharingan exclusively along with the Byakugan in the Hyuga clan ect. Not going to be just handing out those kind of bloodlines, however, mastery of earth and water jutsu could lead to someone gaining the wood release.

I will be sure to keep it toned down so it isn't just "I practiced water style the other day and with my earth affinity I can do S-rank wood jutsu now." Not even close. There will be a lot of training to gain such an ability if it is not your main affinities.

Most ninja will also have the potential to branch out much further with most people having 1-2 strong affinities and 1-2 weaker affinities. This will mostly be genetic but can lead to Kakashi for example, having a more valid reason to have strong affinities with multiple elements. (His own being Lightning, Water would be his mother's side possibly, training an Earth affinity from the ground up, and then a Fire affinity from having Obito's Sharingan implanted. And before anyone asks it doesn't work like that all the time.)

I am 100% open to suggestions and critics. If you think that should wear blue sandals instead of black sandals I would seriously consider changing it up down the road if I feel it would have any impact on the story. (Dumb example but this intro is too long as it is) I will do my best to address any issues I see in the reviews or PMs, let me know what you think and I will go from there. Without further delay, here is Trust By My Side.

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I do not own Naruto

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Naruto Uzumaki, age 5. Naruto had been picked on his entire life in the orphanage. He never managed to fit in the the other kids around him. Many called him mean names, and others ignored him. Nobody had ever shown him even the slightest amount of kindness. They treated him less than human.

It was a hard life. The only thing that kept him alive was the threat of the hokage's wrath upon anyone who dared to harm him. They still kept him just alive. He was never shown comfort when he was sick. He was never show care when he was hurt.

Naruto attempted to run away. He was missing for 16 hours before a silver haired anbu found him hiding in the forest near training grounds 43. Upon finding him, the anbu quickly brought him to the hokage tower.

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"I have located Uzumaki-sanm lord Hokage." The silver haired anbu said with a bow. Under his arm was the Uzumaki in question, unconscious. "No formalities here Inu-san. Everyone else leave the room immediately." Hiruzen Sarutobi, Hokage of Konoha said with a wave of his hand. Immediately three shadows darted across the room and out the door.

Upon shutting the door the dog masked anbu stood up and walked toward the couch in the room and laid Naruto down. "What would have caused him to run from the orphanage." Hiruzen said idly, taking a puff from his pipe.

"I believe I have the answer to that Hokage-sama," the anbu started. "It seems the orphanage has found a few loopholes in your protection over Naruto. The laws prevent the overseers from harming Naruto, but we cannot enforce your law against the children. The woman in charge has been giving more food to the children who abuse Naruto."

"That is unacceptable" Hiruzen said forcefully slamming his fist into his desk. He pulled out a scroll from said desk and started to write in it.

A few minutes had passed and the anbu finally spoke. "What will you do about this Hokage-sama?" Hiruzen stood up, rolled up the scroll he had been writing in and walked around his desk toward his anbu.

"I have a mission for you should you choose to accept it. I am not forcing you to accept it but I believe you deserve the first chance to take it." As he said this he handed the scroll to his anbu who quickly read it.

The mission was S-ranked. The mission said, "Protect Naruto Uzumaki from immediate threat and harm from the shadows. Length of assignment, 7 years. At all times between missions is to be spend overlooking Naruto Uzumaki's safety and well-being. Hospitalize any physical threat to Naruto without prejudice. No mercy is to be shown."

"Hokage-sama I would be honored to accept this mission, however, this is calling for a two man team. Who would you have as my partner." Inu-san asked. "I believe that Neko-chan would be more than happy to take this mission. It also wouldn't hurt to have a woman in Naruto's life. She is also a better medic than you." Hiruzen said after a few moments of thought.

Hiruzen dropped the security seals and called in an anbu from the waiting area outside. "Please bring Neko-chan here as soon as possible." The anbu nodded and vanished.

Replacing the seal Hiruzen continued. "There is one more thing I did not write down in that mission scroll. This will be an S-rank mission but knowledge of the mission is to be considered just as confidential. Naruto will ask questions I am sure, however, please do not tell him why you are protecting him. I will tell him of his mother soon and that will be the reason for the protection. Until then do not give a reason, am I understood?"

"Just his mother, why not tell him about his father?" Inu asked.

"That I will hold off on until he is a full fledged shinobi. A little unfair but I want him to mature before I tell him that. Wouldn't want him to shout it to the world now would we?" Hiruzen said after a moment of thought.

Feeling a slight fluctuation in the seals, knowing it was the equivalent to knocking, Hiruzen lowered the seals and the anbu he send to find Neko returned. "I have brought Neko-san as ordered Hokage-sama." the anbu said with a short bow. "Thank you Kuma-san, you may go." Hiruzen said with a small nod back.

"Neko-chan, I have a long term S-rank mission for you to complete with Inu-san here." Hiruzen said as he offered her the scroll. Neko took the scroll and started to read it. When she finished it took everything she had as an anbu to not jump up and down in joy. "I accept Hokage-sama. Thank you for this mission."

"There is only one more thing Neko-chan. You are forbidden to tell Naruto your relationship with him is that clear?" Hiruzen said in a voice that left no room to argue.

"I, I understand Hokage-sama." Neko said quietly. "Do not worry Neko-chan, I will tell him when he joins the academy at age 8. Until then this is all I can do for you." Hiruzen said in a slightly soft voice. "Thank you again, Hokage-sama." She said bowing deeply.

"To go into further details, you both will be keeping an eye from the shadows. If need be you can intervene in any mistreatment of Naruto. If someone is seen harming the boy, you are to drag then to Ibiki at once, is that understood?" Getting a nod from both of them he continued. "I do not want you to baby him however. If you feel he is sick, lead him to the hospital or better yet bring him here. He already sees me as a sort of grandfather figure and I would very much like to keep it that way. He will actually accept treatment if I am with him. Neko-chan, I am sorry for this but that means your will be his primary doctor as well. Is that alright?"

Neko merely nodded before Hiruzen continued. "I also want you both to carry around a few of these seals." He said pulling out a few tags. "These will completely shut down any demonic chakra in Naruto if it ever becomes a problem. With these, the council has agreed to keep him completely my responsibility and are keeping their noses out of it. I would also like to keep it that way."

Letting out a small sigh the Hokage continued. "Lastly, I would like a monthly report from the orphanage on any injury Naruto receives along with how his studies are going. He will most likely be joining the academy at age 8 and I would like him to at least be able to read going in."

Taking one last puff from his pipe, Hiruzen finished. "This is your mission for the next 7 years. One of you will be in his shadow at all times. If one of you would care to drop him off in his bed at the orphanage then your mission will officially begin. Best of luck, and dismissed." Hiruzen said with authority and a smile on his face.

Neko reached down to pick up Naruto and take him to the orphanage. On her trip their she realized that he was really skinny and was borderline malnourished. She would be looking into that as she listened in on Ibiki and the headmistress later that night.

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Naruto woke up just before the sun woke up back in the orphanage. He looked around and saw a small sandwich on his nightstand. He almost fell out of bed trying to cram the whole thing in his mouth.

Naruto starting to panic when he realized that must have been another one of the kids sandwiches. Getting ready to run away he saw no one else was awake. Sitting back down he tried to figure out why he was back here. 'I thought I got away' Naruto told him self before slumping back down.

It was a few minutes later when some of the kids started waking up and walking around. Soon after Naruto's best friend Tenten tackled him crying into his shoulder.

"Where were you last night. I was so worried I thought you got kidnapped." Tenten said in between sobs. "I'm sorry Ten-chan, I got lost walking around and didn't get back until really late." Naruto lied lamely.

Tenten could tell he was lying but the look he was giving her she just couldn't bring herself to ask what really happened. She decided to drop it and started to walk him toward the dining hall.

After a few weeks of Tenten keeping a closer eye on Naruto he finally broke down and told her that he tried to run away.

"Why would you run away from here Naruto-kun?" She asked. She knew that the other kids picked on him but he always seemed to bounce back and never let it bother him. She couldn't think of a reason for him to leave.

"I, I just wanted to get away from here. Everyone is mean to me and I don't want to get beat up anymore." Naruto said looking at the floor.

"But we are friends right, Naruto-kun. Please don't run away. You are the only friend I have made here." Tenten said with tears threatening to run down her cheek.

Naruto might only be 5 years old almost 6, but he was mature enough to not like it when those precious to him were distressed. "I'm sorry Ten-chan. I shouldn't have left like that. I just couldn't take the hitting anymore. Are you still mad at me?" Naruto asked staring at the ground.

Tenten really did like being around Naruto. He was really nice and fun to play with. She also didn't really have anyone else she could call her friend. "No, I just wish you would have talked to me about all this sooner. I didn't know half of what everone was doing to you." She told him looking at the floor with him.

"Can we just go play. I can't sit still this long." Naruto said hopping to his feet and offering his hand to Tenten. "Sure lets go." Tenten said grabbing his hand and standing up.

When she got up Naruto didn't let go and began running with her to the playground. Tenten blushed just a little bit. No one had ever held her hand before and she was glad it was Naruto.

Their play time was short lived however. After keeping an eye on the swingset for a few minutes, a swing finally became available. Naruto offered it to Tenten and he pushed her on it. Tenten had a smile on her face that could have blinded Maito Gai.

He smile was quickly ruined when a large rock struck her in the head. After getting hit she fell out of the swing and landed on her back. He head bounced off the ground and a small amount of blood pooled behind her head and she wasn't moving.

"TENTEN!" Naruto screamed rushing over to her. He saw the blood and started to panic. He didn't know what to do so he started looking around furiously for an adult. He didn't find any around and started to yell for help.

He spotted a group of boys a few yards away laughing and one of them were juggling a rock. Naruto realized this boy probably threw the rock at Tenten just as he threw the second one.

Naruto threw himself in the path of it getting hit in the chest but protecting Tenten. One of the boys laughed at him for protecting such a stupid girl. The three boys starting to approach Naruto. Two of them had sticks and the third threw another rock. This rock hit Naruto in the head and he started to bleed into his eye.

The boys surrounded him and Tenten and one poked Naruto with his stick and the other boy tried to swing at Tenten's face. Naruto dove over her and covered her face with his body.

"Now isn't this sweet. This idiot is protecting the other idiot. It must be spreading." As he finished he swung and hit Naruto again and again. Naruto wanted to protect Tenten and would not leave her no matter what. It was when one last hit to the head made Naruto's arms give out and he collapsed that he heard a faint yell in his head.

"TO DAMN PATHETIC GAKI! STAND AND FIGHT!" After hearing these words Naruto couldn't feel the pain anymore. His eyes snapped open and all he could see was red. A boy had just kicked him in the side and pushed him off of Tenten and was about to hit her when he lost it.

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Neko was in the office with the headmistress of the orphanage while this was happening. She was gathering her report on Naruto's wellness and education just like she did at the end of every month. As always Naruto had been in good health. The fox made sure of that. What bothered Neko was that he was falling behind in his studies.

According to the headmistress, Naruto constantly fell asleep during lessons. Neko had peeked in a few times and, yes, he fell asleep often. She would tell the hokage but other than that wouldn't be able to do anything.

She was just about to finish up when she felt it. The nine-tailed fox. It had been a few years but she knew that feeling. She sprinted out the door and rushed toward the feeling. Both her and Inu had been given a few demonic chakra seals by the hokage. She needed to get there fast before anyone else made it. Last thing she wanted to see what Naruto killed by a trigger happy chunin.

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Naruto after seeing the stick descending on Tenten he jumped up and grabbed it. With the fox's chakra running through him he shattered the stick on contact. He rammed the jagged stick through the boys shoulder and turned to the other two.

The boy that had the other stick dropped it and fainted. The other boy managed to yell and throw the rock in his hand at Naruto. He caught it and threw it back with enough force to shatter upon contact with his head. The shards of the rock dug into the boys eye and destroyed it completely. He made it three steps backwards before Naruto was upon him again slashing at his face with his claws.

Neko saw Naruto glowing with a faint red glow and saw him tackle the third boy. She flashed to his side and grabbed his wrist and slapped the seal to his forehead. Naruto went limp in her arms and she layed him on his back. After checking him over with Shosen-jutsu he started to come back to the point he could understand what was going on.

His eyes snapped open and he shot straight up and looked at Tenten before screaming for her. He managed to crawl to her before Neko put a hand on his shoulder telling her that she would be ok. Naruto looked at her and started to cry before plopping his head into her lap thanking her until he passed back out.

Stroking his hair affectionately she laid him down on the ground and finished the healing of Tenten and stabilizing the other boys. It was then that a squad of anbu led by the hokage dropped and surrounded them.

"Neko-chan, what is everyones condition." The hokage asked with authority. "Naruto is stable and suffered severe bruising along his back and ribs along with a mild concussion. This girl has a concussion as well and lost a lot of blood for such a small wound. These boys, this one went into shock with the hole in his arm. He is fairly stable now but needs to be rushed to the hospital. This boy just fainted he is fine. However this boy is still critical. His skull has a small fracture just above his left eye. The left eye is completely gone, I stopped the bleeding that I could but if he doesn't get to the hospital in a few moments he will most likely die. I am a combat medic, not a surgeon Hokage-sama."

Nodding grimly he ordered his anbu to transport everyone but Naruto to the hospital. Neko scooped up Naruto and started heading to the hokage tower with Hiruzen.

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Entering the office, Hirzen showed visible worry before activating the security seals. "He will be alright, right Neko-chan?" Hiruzen asked with heartbreak all over his voice.

"Of course Hokage-sama. I deeply regret failing my mission. I was lost in thought over Naruto's monthly report that I let my guard down." Neko bowed deeply, her voice nearly cracking with guilt as he glanced at Naruto.

"Humans are not perfect Neko-chan. You were able to prevent the worst of it at least. The council will be throwing a fit after this however. I fear they will call for the boy's head. I really do not wish to find a new council."

After saying this Hiruzen sat in his chair roughly and pulled out a bottle of sake and two cups from a compartment in his desk. Motioning Neko over he began to pour.

"I could really use some of this and drinking alone is never quite as fun." Hiruzen said taking a drink. Neko followed suit and was shocked at the quality. "Is this from Jiraya-sama?" Neko asked obviously shocked. Hiruzen just chuckled and nodded. He didn't share often but now was one of those times.

It was a quiet hour between Neko and Hiruzen before Naruto awoke in a panic. Shooting up from the couch shouting out for Tenten. He made it two steps before he wobbled and fell to his knees and vomited in the middle of Hiruzen's office.

Neko rushed to his aid and sat him down running her Shosen-justu over his head. He started to relax soon with Neko telling him that Tenten is in the hospital getting treatment and would make a full recovery.

After calming down, Naruto finally realized where he was. He turned around and saw Hiruzen smiling at him. He tilted his head down a little before saying, "I'm sorry about puking on your floor Jiji. I didn't mean to, honest."

Hiruzen chuckled softly at Naruto's apology. "It's nothing Naruto, just take it easy and try to feel better. I understand you stood up to some bullies and took quite the beating. Mind telling me what happened?"

After Naruto told the story, how he tried to protect Tenten and started seeing red before he fainted. Hiruzen sent him to stay the night with Neko.

He thought long and hard on it and decided he would have to get the seal checked by Jiraya, and soon. He did not think the seal was weakened, he knew the jutsu that was used to make it and he couldn't imagine it breaking. However, a second opinion would probably be needed. The council would definitely call for blood if he didn't.

Before heading to bed he left a clone to read over as many laws regarding orphans as he could. Making a note of it as he went, he would need all the info if he was to deal with the council in the morning.

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Morning came way to early for Hiruzen as he gathered the council. His headache was already a mile wide and the meeting hadn't started yet. "What have you called us for this early Hokage-sama" A civilian council member in their early 30s said first.

"I am sure that some of you felt the disturbances that occured late yesterday afternoon." Several of the shinobi council members nodded and he continued. "Naruto Uzumaki and his friend Tenten were attacked by three boys in the playground yesterday."

"Are you telling me this meeting is about a playground brawl, what are we wasting our time here for?" another young civilian council member asked. Hiruzen spiked some killer intent and slammed his fist on the table.

"You know why this is important and yet you think it is of no concern. Get the hell out of here. You are obviously not qualified to be on this council if you do not understand the problem at hand here." The Hokage shouted at the councilman.

The councilman was shaking and tried to open his mouth to reply but before he could he found a kunai impaled into the table in front of him. "NOW!" Hiruzen yelled at him.

After the council man stumbled out of the chamber and the seals were replaced the meeting continued. Hiruzen was already happy with its progress. Getting rid of a member of the civilian side put numbers with the shinobi.

"As I was saying." Hiruzen started. "Naruto and his friend were attacked by three young boys. All from the same orphanage. When the headmistress was questioned, she revealed that she had told the kids to harrass young Tenten. Because she did not tell them to attack Naruto directly she was not beheaded where she stood is instead serving out a life sentence for child abuse. This leads me to the purpose of this meeting."

"There is now an orphanage without a headmistress. This leaves 36 children without a home. Other orphanages within the village are exceeding max capacity as well. I will ask everyone within the council if they or anyone they know would be able to take over the orphanage or even adopt some of these children."

The civilian council just stood there and waited, there were some murmurs between the shinobi council about members that would be willing to adopt. Shikaku, Choza and Inoichi all agreed that there would be couples within their respective clans that would be willing to adopt. They would also call a few members to oversee the orphanage for the moment.

"There leaves only one last thing to address then." Hiruzen said with a sigh. "During the attack on his person, Naruto has tapped into the nine-tailed fox's chakra to protect his friend Tenten." The council quickly turned into chaos on the civilian side. "SILENCE" Hiruzen shouted getting everyone to shut up.

"Inoichi, I would like to ask you to take a look at Naruto's mind and make sure he is not influenced by the fox. Is that acceptable." Hiruzen asked kindly. "Is the seal still fully intact Hokage-sama." Inoichi asked.

"To my eye it is still in perfect condition. However, I have recalled Jiraya to come back to the village within the week. He will be double checking the seal." Hiruzen said.

"With your permission Hokage-sama, I would highly prefer to wait until Jiraya checks the seal before I dive into Naruto's mind. I will however begin simple therapy as soon as you wish." Replied Inoichi after a moment of thought.

"This is acceptable Inoichi and thank you. I would like to have you meet with Naruto later today. He is still resting at this time and I will call for you when he is up for it." Nodding Inoichi accepted.

"You cannot be serious Hokage-sama. This demon just attacked and nearly killed three civilian children. It is obvious that the kyubi is beginning to slip through the seal and the boy must be executed at once." The council woman representing the civilian schooling system yelled.

Hiruzen sighed, civilians really did not know anything about the shinobi arts. "I understand why you would think that but this, however, this is a matter concerning shinobi affairs and the civilian council was not called for this part of the discussion. I had hope that the civilian council would have insight to help resolve the orphanage problem but, again, my shinobi council has already solved that problem. If that was all you had to say then shut up and listen before I eject you all and change this from a council meeting to a clan head meeting."

"He is a civilian, therefore we reserve our right to be involved in this matter." An older council woman said with a grin that showed she thought she won.

Hiruzen merely stated that due to a law that the second hokage put into effect before his death, any orphan that happens to be heir to a clan with no other surviving members will be seen as clan head before he is seen as a charge of the village. Therefor, Naruto is already officially the head of a shinobi clan and not a mere civilian.

Upon reaching the rank of genin he would be allowed to receive inheritance and sit in on the council if he so chose to. And after reaching the age of 18 or reaching chunin, he would be allowed to vote on council matters and be encouraged to produce an heir by any means.

Clan Restoration Act, Hiruzen sighed inwardly. I hope Naruto doesn't hate me for being forced to enforce this law when be comes of age. He pushed those thoughts aside as the head of the Uchiha clan spoke up.

"Hokage-sama, I believe with these recent events that Naruto should be kept under tabs at all times. I believe the Uchiha clan is the best to undertake this task. It is said that our sharingan was able to assist the first hokage in capturing the beast in the first place." He said with a smirk.

"Hmmm, yes you do have a fair point. I know you wished to adopt Naruto at an early age but that was not possible. If memory serves, there was a rather talented Uchiha that was preparing to join the anbu a few weeks back correct?" Hiruzen asked looking deep in thought.

Fugaku smiled inwardly, Itachi would be perfect to get the brat on their side. "Yes, Itachi would make for a great anbu to keep an eye on the boy."

Hiruzen chuckled inwardly, he had already spoken to Itachi and knew he was one of the most loyal people he had at his disposal. "You misunderstand, I would like for Itachi-kun just to socialize with Naruto. He would be in a position to asist Naruto far more than if he were an anbu. I feel that having someone show Naruto any form of kindness would do wonders in keeping his emotions in check. Another strong suit for Itachi-kun. He will also be assisting from the shadows but for now I think he should have a face. During this long-term mission I also believe that Itachi-kun can be training to fill the role of anbu captain within a few more years. Keeping him close to Naruto will give him all the time to train that he could need."

Slightly annoyed that he couldn't get the fox under his control before they betrayed the village, the Uchiha clan head accepted the plan and would send Itachi to the hokage that night for his mission.

With all of their business taken care of and everyone more or less happy about the outcome, everyone left the chambers. Hiruzen had thought hard about having Itachi become close to Naruto. Before he was to join the anbu Itachi had told the hokage about a potential betrayal by the Uchiha clan. It was still a long ways away but the threat was there. With that, Itachi became a double agent for the hokage with the impending anbu promotion being a good thing to the Uchiha clan with potential gains in information from it. Itachi was loyal only to the village however and it backfired.

He would have a lot to think about tomorrow and would have to update Inu and Neko. There was the meeting with Inoichi later that day as well. It was already a long day and it was only going to get longer.

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Well that is chapter one done. I will probably tweak the chapter a hundred times before I am fully in love with it. Any comments are appreciated and if you PM me expect a full conversation. I have enough ideas in my head to probably make this to at least 100k words.

Where my writer block would come from is the little details building the story up. Just debating on how to give Naruto contact with the fox for the first time took me maybe 5 minutes to work out an idea I liked and then two hours to actually write the whole thing out. This chapter felt a lot longer than I thought it would be and honestly the next chapter will be quite a lot shorter if I had to guess.

Next time - Naruto talking to Inoichi and Itachi for the first time. Tenten recovering. Jiraya and Naruto meeting for the first time. Hopefully if I can fit it in, Naruto meeting lifelong friends... Guess who they will be and win the satisfaction of guessing right... nothing else... Till next time though thanks for reading.