Hey guys! Did you miss me? *bricks and other various objects are thrown* Hey, hey! Why are you guys throwing things at me? It only been what…8…months since I updated? Hehe…yeah. Life is busy for me.

Anyway, let's get this chapter rolling! By the way, I'm in desperate need of a co-author. I don't own Naruto…and I don't want to after Kishimoto pulled a JK Rowling. Comment if you get the reference.

Chapter 6: The Hidden Truth Revealed

The three Jonin stares at Naruto intensified, while each of them tensed, ready for whatever Naruto threw at them. Naruto just gave a devilish smile and slowly started to cackle before it grew into a full blown laugh, echoing throughout the room. Everyone in the room could then feel the killing intent increase, not only from Naruto, but from some of the older ninja in the stands. Some of the normal ninja nearly crumpled beneath the KI. Naruto ceased laughing before turning to face the silver haired scarecrow.

Kakashi narrowed his eyes at Naruto while said boy kept his gaze steady. "Naruto…" Kakashi muttered. Naruto just grinned at him and said, "Kakashi Hatake…it's been a while since I have seen you in person," Naruto paused before his grin widened, "Do you miss your mother?" Naruto slightly tilted his head while asking the question. Kakashi stared at Naruto before his eyes suddenly widened. Even with his mask on, all of the ninja could see him grow angry at the question. "Don't you dare insult her!" Kakashi shouted and instantly generated a Lightning Blade, before jumping at Naruto. Already sensing the incoming attack, Naruto simply leaped over Kakashi, before turning around and facing the three Jonin once again.

Naruto then grinned before glancing over everyone in the room. His gaze settled on Gaara for a moment, before shifting to Hiruzen's position. Naruto broke his gaze and stared at the three adults before him and said, "Can I tell a story?" That ultimately killed the mood Naruto had established as everyone looked at him incredulously. "A story?" Gai questioned. Naruto just looked at him and grew annoyed with the green Taijutsu user. "Yes, you idiot human. I said a story. Do you not listen?" Naruto berated Gai as he continued to stand there. All three Jonin were about to leap at Naruto before hearing a single voice.

"Stop…let the boy speak."

A majority on the ninja turned to look at the elderly Hokage, while Naruto flashed a smile. "Are you sure, Pop? We could probably take him down right now," Asuma asked his father. Hiruzen stared at the three before shaking his head. "I want to hear this story that Naruto-kun said he would tell us. I have a feeling that it would be rather important. However, if anything gets out of hand, you three can step in. Until then, stand down but remain on guard," the Hokage replied. The Jonin were unsure of the action, but they heeded the Hokage's command. Naruto just had a victorious grin on his face. "So, shall I start?" Naruto aksed, after seeing the Jonin relax slightly. Kakashi simply said, "Go on. But make this quick." Naruto smirked before replying, "To me, I have all the time in the world." "Now, where shall I begin?" Naruto mused for a few seconds before snapping his fingers. Naruto then grew solemn before saying, "Let us start…from the beginning."

"It all started with a woman by the name of Kaguya Otsutsuki. This was before the birth of the Hidden Villages and chakra. The world was torn apart by war and other disasters. Kaguya wanted these to vanish so she ate the Forbidden Fruit of the Shinju." Naruto looked around for a second to see who was paying attention. It seemed that everyone was. Naruto continued, "This fruit contained chakra and only came around once every millennium. Kaguya then ate the fruit, making herself the first human to ever have chakra. With her newfound powers, she put an end to all the wars that had plagued humanity for such a long time. She was worshipped as a goddess and people called her the Rabbit Goddess."

Naruto took a breath before continuing. "After a while, she settled down with a human, and bore two sons. They too, had chakra running through their veins, just like their mother. However, Kaguya slowly started to grow mad due to the power within her, along with the fact that other humans had also gained chakra. Due to that, she decided to merge with the tree that gave her power, ultimately transforming into the Ten-Tailed Beast… otherwise known as the Juubi, the first Tailed Beast." Every ninja in the room was shocked to learn that there was a ten tailed beast. Naruto continued, "She went on a rampage, trying to reclaim the chakra that was taken from her. However, her two sons thwarted her plans. They fought their mother, ultimately winning the fight." Naruto looked down for a moment, before he looked up with a serious look on his face. "In order to defeat the Juubi, they had to seal it away. The older brother took it upon himself and sealed the Juubi inside himself with the help of his brother. He then became…" Naruto paused for a moment, creating suspense as all the ninja were now entranced with the story. "The first Jinchuriki, otherwise known as the Sage of Six Paths," Naruto finished.

Every ninja's eyes widened at the mention of that. The Sage of Six Paths was a legendary shinobi, who was widely regarded as a myth. He was said to be the one who spread chakra all over the continent, bringing this new power to everyone. However, Naruto wasn't finished. "The Sage was the founder of chakra and spread it and its teachings all throughout the continent. However, the Sage grew old. As he grew older, the Juubi's power raged inside of him. Yet, nevertheless, he resisted. He then decided to do something so drastic it would change the course of history forever," Naruto paused before continuing, "He separated the Juubi into nine separate beasts, with tails one through nine." All the shinobi were once again shocked at the new revelation. Naruto looked up seriously before concluding, "This is the origin of the Tailed Beasts." The room was silent for a couple minutes or so, before an unexpected voice asked a question.

"How do you know this?"

All the shinobi turned toward Gaara, before turning to their own comrades and started whispering. As whispers filled the room, Naruto slowly chuckled, before laughing, eventually getting everyone's attention. "You ask me how I know this?" Naruto asked just as his laugh died down. A smile then appeared on his face. "Because I'm the Jin-'' Naruto started before Kakashi, Gai, and Asuma were next to Naruto, each one aiming for a vital point. Naruto glanced at them with an annoyed expression on his face. "Why did you interrupt me?" Naruto asked. Kakashi just looked at him before answering, "You were about to reveal an S-class secret to some foreign shinobi and your own comrades." Naruto stared at Kakashi before questioning, "Why are you aiming to injure me?" Kakashi quickly urged back, "We were going to knock you out." Naruto just laughed before saying, "Knock me out? Ha, the only reason why you won't do more than knock me out is because I'm the son of your sen-''

In a flash (ironically), the Third Hokage stood there in front of Naruto. His eyes were deathly serious, knowing what Naruto almost revealed. "Naruto…that is enough. Relax…now." Naruto just grinned before questioning. "Or what? You'll punish me? You couldn't hurt your grandson," Naruto said with a smile, knowing this was true. Hiruzen glared at Naruto before making a very subtle nod toward Kakashi. Kakashi's eyes widened slightly, before nodding subtly back in response. Hiruzen focused on Naruto again. "Naruto, I will stop you for your on good," Hiruzen said. Naruto just 'tsked' before regaining his smile. It was silent for a while, before Kakashi spoke up. "Naruto, face me. I will not allow you to fight Hokage-sama," Kakashi stated.

Naruto gained an annoyed look on his face before turning to Kakashi, with the question of, "What do you…" Naruto started before gazing into Kakashi's eye. Naruto then grew fearful and angry, with a shout of, "No! I will not be stopped like this!" Naruto struggled to turn away from the eye, but as it spun rhythmically, Naruto started to calm down. He soon grew a passive look on his face, just as the eye slowed down. Naruto said one last thing, "Damn…it…" before collapsing on the floor. After this Kakashi quickly pulled his headband back over his eye.

The conflict was finally over. The beast had been caged.

It stayed silent for a while before the Hokage returned to his seat, along with Gai and Asuma returning to their places before the outbreak. Kakashi looked toward the Third before asking, "Hokage-sama, may I take Naruto to the hospital?" The Third gave a tired nod, and Kakashi disappeared, Naruto in tow, with a Body Flicker. Hiruzen gave a tired sigh before announcing, "Now…let's pick up where we left off. Hayate, begin the matches again." Hayate nodded before the screen went through random names once more.

At the Hospital

Kakashi arrived at the hospital entrance before walking through the front doors. The receptionist looked up, before asking a question. "Hello, how may I help you?" she asked and Kakashi just pointed at Naruto. The receptionist gained a knowing look in her eyes, before nodding and replying, "Take him to room 210; his doctor will be there shortly." Kakashi nodded before starting to walk through the hospital hallways, getting some glares and confused looks from some of the patients and doctors. After a minute or so, Kakashi found room 210 and quietly opened the door before laying the unconscious boy on the bed. Kakashi sighed before saying out loud, "What am I going to do with you?" Kakashi shook his head before he Body Flickered back to the arena.

At the Arena

Kakashi appeared in the Hokage Box just in time to see Sakura win her match. Kakashi was slightly surprised at that. He would've expected her to double knockout or lose against her opponent, but to win? That was impressive.

Although, her opponent was Ino…

Kakashi shook the thoughts from his head before turning to Hiruzen. "Yes Kakashi, what do you want?" Hiruzen asked with age in his voice. "Hokage-sama, may I watch over Naruto till he is mobile again?" Kakashi asked wanting to make sure his blonde student was okay. The Third paused for a moment before answering. "You may…but his godfather will be there soon," Hiruzen said and Kakashi's eye widened. Hiruzen continued, "Make sure you stay there to explain what happened, and once Jiraiya is there, you may be dismissed." Kakashi nodded before returning to the hospital with a Body Flicker. Hiruzen just sighed before wondering, "Naruto, what should I do with you?" He saved the question for later as he was supposed to be observing the fights.

At the Hospital

Kakashi arrived back in Naruto's room before gazing at said boy. Kakashi simply sighed before spotting a chair and sitting down in it. He looked at Naruto again, before pulling out his book and begun reading.

Three Hours Later

Kakashi had just woken up from a quick nap, before hearing knocking on the door. Kakashi simply said, "Come in," before a certain figure came into the room. "Jiraiya-sama…you're finally here," Kakashi said while staring at the Sannin. Jiraiya gave him a nod before looking at Naruto. "How is he?" Jiraiya asked quietly. "He is perfectly fine. He suffered some injuries but…his tenant already healed them for him," Kakashi responded. Jiraiya was just about to say something, before they both heard a groan.

Both Jonin and Sannin looked toward the source of the groan, seeing Naruto slowly sit up while rubbing his head. He blinked a few times before finally noticing the two ninja in front of him.

POV Change

Naruto didn't know why, but he was rockin' a severe headache. He felt a softness below him that could only be described as a bed. He waited for another moment before getting up, pain dancing though his body like a chaotic dance. Naruto blinked rapidly for a moment, trying to clear the stars from his eyes. He soon realized that he was not alone in this room. He looked towards the characters, before recognizing one of them.

"Kaka…shi…sensei…? What are you doing here?" Naruto paused to look around before continuing, "Where… am I?" Kakashi sighed before replying, "You're at the hospital, Naruto." Naruto blinked again, before saying, "The…hospital?" Naruto looked at his hands, realizing that they were all bandaged up. "What happened?" Naruto asked, still gazing at his hands. Once again, Kakashi sighed before continuing, "Naruto…you don't remember?" Naruto shook his head, eyes still looking at Kakashi. "Kiba…insulted you…and you lost control," Kakashi said, watching Naruto for a reaction.

He got one.

Naruto's eyes widened before he fell back into the bed, his body convulsing. Both adults' eyes widened before calming down, seeing that he stopped. Kakashi turned to Jiraiya before asking, "Do you think he is okay?" Jiraiya nodded before replying, "He's probably fine. I could only guess he went into a short term state of shock." Kakashi nodded back before turning his attention back to Naruto, surprised to see that he was rising back up from the bed. "Damn fox," Naruto said, a hint of anger and frustration in his tone. He looked back up at the two people before him and sighed. "Okay Kakashi-sensei…tell me what happened…" Naruto asked with a slight underlying tone of guilt and sadness.

10 Minutes Later

Naruto sat there silently, gripping the bedsheets. He sat there and absorbed what Kakashi had just told him and silently contemplated what he had just heard. Kakashi worriedly asked, "Naruto, are you ok?" Naruto looked up and nodded solemnly, before replying, "Kakashi-sensei…did I win my fight?" Kakashi blinked in surprise before replying, "You did; which means you are going to the final round." A small smirk grew on Naruto's lips before vanishing. "Am I disqualified?" Naruto asked. Kakashi sighed before explaining, "No Naruto, you're not disqualified. Hokage-sama gave you an official pardon, meaning you got off scratch-free." Naruto looked down again, his hair covering his eyes.

"Well, I'm going to take my leave then, if you don't have any more questions. See ya around," Kakashi said while exiting the room. Naruto stared at the door for a moment, looking down and gripping the bedsheets once again. He couldn't believe what he did…maybe he should… "Oi, brat! Did you completely forget about me?" the white haired man asked. Naruto's gaze quickly snapped up to the white haired man, before looking him over.

He was a tall man with waist-length, spiky white hair that was in a ponytail. Naruto also noticed that he also had red lines that ran down from his eyes and wore a horned forehead protector with the kanji for 'Oil.'. The man also had a noticeable wart on the left side of his nose. He wore a green short shirt kimono and matching pants; Naruto also noticed the mesh armor that showed out of the sleeves and legs of his outfit. He also had hand guards, a black belt, traditional Japanese geta (wooden sandals), a red haori with two simple yellow circles on each side, and a scroll on his back.

Naruto blinked in surprise. When did he get so good at analyzing and observing people? Naruto just shook his head before his eyes glazed over still mulling over what he had done. Jiraiya blinked in surprise. From what the old man Hokage had said, Naruto would have shouted something at the hermit, but he didn't do anything. Jiraiya understood that what happened to the boy must have disturbed him, but it couldn't have shocked him that much. He simply looked at the boy, contemplating what he should do. Jiraiya decided to take the friendly approach, and asked, "Hey champ! What's wrong? Why are you moping? You won your match!"

A small glint of pride made its way to Naruto's eyes, before it was quickly smothered by some other emotion; probably guilt. He still looked at Jiraiya, and the man responded with another question. "Kid, you won your match. What's the problem?" Jiraiya asked, a semi-serious look on his face. He didn't know why the kid was sad, he should be ecstatic. "Because I…" Naruto paused, making his choice, "I broke my promise." "To who? Jiraiya questioned, already having a guess at who he was referencing. "…Myself," Naruto responded, before receiving a look from Jiraiya to elaborate. Naruto bristled before answering Jiraiya's look, "You want to know? You really want to know? FINE, I broke a promise and oath to myself to never use the Kyuubi's chakra ever again, but look what happened! I broke my promise, almost killed Kiba, and could've hurt Kakashi sensei!" Naruto stopped to take a breath as he ran out of oxygen to keep his rant going.

Jiraiya just held a steady gaze directed towards Naruto. Jiraiya took a deep breath, before shrugging and saying, "So?" Naruto stared at him incredulously. "So? SO? I broke an oath to myself," Naruto paused, looking down before continuing, "…I don't think I want to be a Shinobi." Jiraiya blinked. He was honestly surprised. The Third Hokage had told him that Naruto always talked about being a Shinobi, that he loved it. This… was evidently not Naruto then. Jiraiya decided to see if he could shock Naruto back to the way he was.

It was long shot, but it might work.

Jiraiya soon formed a grim look on his face before directing some Killing Intent (KI) towards Naruto. Said boy's turned and looked at the sage, before looking away again, a slight look of fear and worry in his eyes. Jiraiya narrowed his own eyes before increasing his KI twofold. Naruto's breath hitched and he soon started sweating furiously. Naruto managed to shift his head towards Jiraiya with a pleading look in his eyes. Jiraiya cut off the KI finally allowing Naruto to get some deep breaths. "What the h***, old man!? Why did you do that? You could've killed me!" Naruto ranted out loud. Jiraiya just shrugged before replying, "I was trying to get you back to your old self." Naruto just gawked at the man before Jiraiya continued, "Anyway gaki, get out of the bed." Naruto tilted his head slightly before asking, "Why?" Jiraiya gained a large smile on his face before answering, "It's time for training!"

Time Break – 1 Month

It was a beautiful day outside. White, puffy clouds with a vivid blue background. A gentle breeze caressing your hair. The sun shone brightly but not too brightly. It generated heat, but not too much. These settings just improved the mood of everyone in Konohagakure. The majority of the town was at the arena, preparing to watch the final fights in the last round of the Chunin Exams. There was a slight tension in the air as many people, civilians and shinobi alike, have gathered to watch the fights. There were also foreign ninja and daimyo's there to observe.

Down on the arena floor, only eight out of ten participants were there. Each genin stood there, waiting for the other two participants to show up so they could start. The majority of the genin had not changed their attire, although, one person stood out.

Sakura Haruno was rather nervous. Naruto nor Sasuke had shown up yet, and there were three minutes left till the first match was scheduled; and Naruto was in the first match. Sakura glanced around, suddenly spotting her opponent. He was the leader of the Sound nin who attacked them in the forest. He hadn't changed anything about him, but there seemed to be some dark rings around his eyes, indicating he had stayed up late. Taking her gaze away from her opponent, she glanced around again, looking for her two teammates. They had yet to arrive.

Genma Shiranui sighed while looking at the brats in front of him. All of them had been waiting here for the last two contestants to show up, but they had two minutes to get here before they automatically forfeit. He really didn't want to see his sensei's son go down without a fight. He glanced behind his back to look towards the Hokage box. He could see the Third Hokage and the Kazekage sitting in their chairs, gazing down at the arena. Genma sighed again before checking the time. There was one minute left.

In the Hokage Box

"Ahh, Hokage-dono," the Kazekage started, "It seems that all your genin are not here yet. Will they forfeit?" The Hokage shrugged his shoulders before answering, "They should be here any moment now." Just at that moment, a certain toad sage walked in. "Ahh Jiraiya-kun," the Hokage said, "I'm glad you're here." Jiraiya smiled before answering, "Can't let you be by yourself old man. Still have to be your bodyguard." At the mention of a bodyguard, the Kazekage tensed and his eyes narrowed. This will be a lot more complicated than I originally thought, he…thought. The Hokage blinked before asking, "So, where is Naruto? He has not appeared yet, and if he doesn't soon, he will have to forfeit." Jiraiya just grinned before answering, "He's just waiting." Hiruzen simply raised an eyebrow, but decided to leave it at that.

In the Arena

Genma slightly bit on his senbon, before sighing and announcing, "This is the last call for all Chunin candidates. If you are not on this floor in the next 30 seconds, we will start without you and you will automatically forfeit your match." The crowd soon shout at the fact that their beloved last Uchiha wasn't there. The crowds continued to increase in volume before one, solitary voice spoke out.

"Why would you guys start without me?"

The voice echoed throughout the stadium hitting everyone's ears. Everyone's attention turned toward the figure. The person was standing at the top of the stadium, with the sun to his back, casting his shadow on the ground. The only thing that was noticeable was the person spiky, golden locks, slightly swaying in the wind. At the show of this feature, a small smile made its way to Sakura's lips. He was here. Said figure jumped from their position and fell through the air for a few seconds before hitting the ground. Many people's eyes widened at the landing, while others were shocked by the person's appearance.

The person had landed on the ground in a rather graceful manner. There was no sound of breaking limbs, the only notice that he landed from great heights was the slight unsettling o the dust on the ground. More people were focused on the character himself.

Naruto Uzumaki stood in the arena, a smile on his face and ready to fight. The blonde was wearing black sandals and ANBU pants with white tape keeping down them down on his ankles. His kunai pouch was strapped to his right leg, attached to his mid-thigh. His pouch was still attached to his left hip, more towards his back. He was wearing a normal red shirt, and a layer of chain mesh. On top of that, he wore a slightly baggy, black jacket with red lines running from the hand cuff to the shoulder seam. Naruto also wore black fingerless gloves with a metal plate with the leaf insignia on it. His headband also seemed to be longer now, with some of the cloth floating in the wind. Naruto's face was more angular and his hair had grown a little bit, causing him to have small bangs framing the side of his face.

These details, combined with the new outfit, made everyone blink twice. He has certainly changed, some though, while others…thought something else. Let's just say that the female populace had suddenly set their eyes on this new piece of fox meat.

Naruto turned toward Genma, before pulling out a senbon, inserting it in his mouth, and cracking a smile. "I assume I'm not late," Naruto said, an air of confidence in his voice. Genma shook his head before replying, "You had ten seconds left…Also why the senbon?" Naruto just shrugged before Genma left it at that. Genma looked around before announcing, "Now…if Sasuke Uchiha we please come down here so we could begin." Just then, an ANBU appeared beside Genma before whispering something, and Shunshined away. Genma simply sighed again before saying, "Alright guys. We are starting without Sasuke due to…unforeseen circumstances." Everyone just seemed to accept the fact and went with it.

"Will everyone except for Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyuuga please move to the participant stands," Genma asked. All the participants complied, and moved to the stands. Sakura was the last one up the stairs, but stole a last glance at Naruto with some pink on her cheeks. Naruto saw her looking and just grinned at her. In response, Sakura shook her head and continued up the stairs.

Genma looked between the two Genin before saying, "The rules remain the same from the preliminaries. I assume you remember them?" Both the boys nodded before Genma asked, "Neji Hyuuga, are you ready to fight?" Neji's eyes steeled and he nodded in response. Genma turned to Naruto. "Naruto Uzumaki, are you ready to start?" Genma asked. Naruto smiled and shouted, "I'm ready to go, dattebayo!" Genma nodded before raising his hand up. "The first match in the finals: Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuuga. 3, 2, 1…"

"Hajime!"

Wooh! Finally done. I hope you guys appreciate the longer chapter. Again, I need a co-author and I hope you guys drop some nice comments. Next chapter: Naruto vs Neji – Sakura vs Dosu!

Ja ne!