Chapter 5

X X X X

"Someone talking"

'Someone thinking'

Flashback/Dreaming

"summon/kyubi talking/jutsu"

'summon/kyubi/jutsu thinking'

X X X X

'Blast From the Past and Home at Last.'

Special thanks to my beta, mineng101, for his help in making this chapter possible.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and may the odds ever be in my favor. AN at the bottom.

Zabuza looked at the person who blocked his slashed and widen his eyes, and then he grinned under his mask, "My my, Uzumaki Naruto, it's been a while. Glad to see you're still being a nuisance. How long has it been, a year, year and a half."

Naruto smirked. "About that I guess."

FLASHBACK: ONE YEAR OR SO AGO

Naruto sighed as he waited for his turn to enter the office of the Hokage. He had been summoned and the Anbu didn't mention for what. After fifteen minutes he was getting very impatient and he wasn't one for patience. About fifteen more minutes of waiting, finally the door opened and a group of Jonin walked out, probably just giving their report from their mission.

He breathed out and walked in the room. They were expecting him so he saw no need to knock, figuring it was okay to go in and he was not one for tact...in certain situations. As he entered the room he suppress a long groan as he saw its occupants. The Hokage he expected, but not his advisers, and especially not Danzo.

'This is going to be one hell of a day.' He thought as he closed the door behind him.

"Hokage-sama..." Naruto bowed politely, he turned to the advisers, "Koharu, Homaru...Danzo." He said blankly, not even worrying himself to bow to them. He turned back to the Hokage. "Is there a specific reason why I was summoned?" He asked. Hiruzen opened his mouth to answer, but Danzo interrupted.

"You should learn to respect your elders' boy!" Danzo exclaimed, stomping his cane on the ground. Naruto didn't even acknowledge him, he just kept on looking at the Sandaime, waiting for an answer. Danzo opened his mouth to say something else but Sandaime cut him off.

"Enough Danzo." The Hokage said sternly, he then addressed Naruto "Yes Naruto-kun, we have a mission for you." Naruto straighten up at hearing that. He wondered what kind of mission and why him, seeing as he was on his summer vacation from school. Also, why the Hokage said we and not him.

Oh well, no need stressing over something you would soon find out about.

"You are to rendezvous with a team near the border with Iwa, from there you will get further instructions." It was Koharu who had spoken. Naruto nodded. He found it a bit fishy that he wasn't been told anything other than meeting with some other group, also why all of them had to give him this mission and not just the Hokage himself. Hiruzen handed Naruto the scroll containing the coordinates.

Naruto opened the scroll and read down. He raised an eye-brow at the information. "This is really close to the border. Do you think it is wise to send me of all people so close?" Naruto asked. He was completely confused now.

"You will get it done boy, no questions asked, even if it kills you!" Danzo said while looking sternly at Naruto. Naruto spared him a side-ward glance then turned back to the Hokage. Naruto sighed, he might as well get this over with. The sooner he accepted, the sooner he can be out of there.

"So...how long will this mission take? I didn't see any duration on it." Naruto asked, hoping it will last a few weeks or less.

The Hokage choose this time to fix his hat on his head, bringing it down a little, blocking out his eyes and nose before he spoke, "The mission supposed to last at least six weeks." Naruto deflated at that. That's three quarter of his vacation. "But if everything goes according to plan, you should be back in one month's time. Just meet at that coordinates and the other team will update you on the specifics."

Naruto nodded and turned to exit the room, as he was about to walk through the door, Danzo stopped him. "And boy...failure is not an option." Naruto just grunted and walked out the room, on his way home to pack.

Meanwhile, as Naruto left the room, Danzo close back the door. The Sandaime raised his head and breathe out deeply. "When this is all over Danzo, make sure that nothing is traced back to me. I would hate to think of the repercussions that would befall me, you and your...soldiers." He said looking Danzo straight in the eyes. Danzo just nodded, turned and left the office, the other advisers following closely behind.

The Hokage just turned around and looked out his window, "Forgive me Naruto-kun... (sigh)...but it is for your own good." He turned back around and continued his paper work.

X X X X

Naruto was currently jumping through the forest on his way to the checkpoint. It had been a few hours since he received the mission and it had been a few hours since he broke the news to Hinata. That was the hardest part about going on this specific mission, seeing her tear-stricken face made his heart drop. She literally had a list of things for them to do during the vacation, but all that went down the proverbial drain.

Naruto had a bad feeling in his stomach that something was off with this mission, but he just couldn't put his finger on it. The thing about being paranoid is that when you are a ninja, it fits the criteria. He just cleared his mind, and hoped that this mission would run without a hitch. He was wearing standard Anbu clothing and armor with a back hooded cloak over that. His fox mask was strapped at the side of his face, a small backpack on his back; he just didn't feel like sealing it away.

TWO DAYS LATER

Naruto was currently sitting in a small bar, somewhere near his destination, how near, he didn't know. He was eating lunch, which consisted of two dango sticks and two cinnamon buns with some sake. He had been running non-stop for two days, only stopping to get some sleep and something to eat. He didn't realize how far he had to go since he had never been to these parts before. The bar was located in a small town between Grass and Waterfall, which had about a few hundred or so persons residing in it.

After a few minutes of eating, he sensed two individuals, or ninjas to be precise, who just entered the bar. Both were suppressing their chakra, but they couldn't fool him. One was at least jonin level, tall and well built a stature for carrying or handling heavy objects, judging by the long sword handle sticking out of their gray hooded cloak. The other was chunin, smaller build and had no sort of weapons on them.

Naruto paid them no mind as they sat next to him and ordered something to eat. It was another few minutes of silence until Naruto sensed some other ninjas entering the bar, about seven of them and these ones were doing nothing to hide that they were Anbu level. As they got a table to sit at, Naruto took the time to 'familiarize' himself with them.

From what he can see, they looked to be Kiri nin and Anbu as well judging by the masks all of them were wearing. Naruto saw they were looking directly in his direction and he turned to the taller individual next to him. It was then he saw who was sitting next to him. Even with the cloak on, he can see a silhouette of the person. He chuckled, looks like he was in for some fun in a few minutes if he got caught up in this mess.

The Kiri nin were waiting patiently for the right time, it was then that it presented itself. The two cloaked figures got up and was about to leave the place when they were surrounded by the Anbu team. "Zabuza Momochi of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, you are under arrest for the crimes against the Mizukage, you will face the penalty for your actions, which is death." One nin said, supposedly the leader of the squad.

Everyone in the bar froze, some people already left a long time ago. Ninjas around these parts always meant trouble. Others stayed just to see where this would lead to. Naruto downed his last glass of sake, preparing himself for the clash that was inevitable. What he didn't expect was to be picked up roughly, and thrown at the group. Fortunately for him, he got his bearings under control and was able to substitute with the stool he was sitting on, nearly missing the kick that broke the chair instead of him.

With that being done, all hell broke loose in the bar. The broken parts of the chair flew and hit some guy, who in turn spilled his drink on the guy next to him and so on. It was your common western bar brawl. Meanwhile, with Naruto and company, things were not so civil. Weapons were drawn, and Naruto was looking for blood for that last move pulled on him, swords-man or not, someone had to pay in flesh for it.

Naruto had kunai in each hand, Zabuza had his sword 'Kibikiribocho' and his accomplice had senbons in their hand. The Kiri hunter squad had their kunai and swords drawn as well. They stared off against each other for a few seconds, the team decided to make a move. Three went for Naruto and four went for Zabuza and the other person, who was unmasked and looked like a girl.

Naruto blocked the first nin's slash with his kunai and ducked under the swipe of another. He jumped high, nearly getting tripped by the third one. He groaned as he continued to avoid attacks from the perfectly in-tuned individuals. 'I need more space.' He thought as he made a mad dash for the door, hoping to get more space to fight freely and not have to worry about civilians.

As he made it outside, a nin was blasted through the wall and landed roughly on their back with a large gash, courtesy of Zabuza, on his chest. He looked dead or soon there. Naruto didn't have time to admire the work of a fellow swordsman as he was immediately bombarded by the three nin. He created two clones to help even the playing field. He increased his chakra output, causing him to glow blue for a second and the ground to crack a little. The three nins paused briefly wondering where he was getting all this power from. He smirked deviously. "Well then gentlemen...shall we?"

He disappeared and reappeared in front of the first nin, crouching low, his elbow stuck in their side, which broke two ribs in the process. Naruto spun around on the spot, a moved taught to him by Hinata, and kicked the man in his stomach, knocking him away and unconscious in the process. The other two were shocked at how quick he dispatched their partner, but quickly snapped out of it. They continued to fight with their opponents; none of them saw Naruto smirking at them. He raised a hand-sign, which they saw but it was too late. "Katsu!" (BOOM)... An explosion rocketed the area, kicking up debris and dust, clouding the area in thick smoke.

Naruto use his wind element and cleared the area of the smoke and dust and saw that both ninjas were unconscious on the ground, a series of cuts and bruises covered their bodies, head to toe. His eyes shone like the stars as if he was a kid that found a new play toy. Itachi had taught him the 'Exploding Clone' jutsu and he never got time to utilize it fully. "Awesome...!" He shouted in awe as he looked around at his handy work. "I gotta use that jutsu more often."

He looks up just in time to see another hunter nin get blasted through the wall of the bar, out into the open. The only difference with his one was that he had a few senbons and...Ice? sticking out of him. Naruto raised an eyebrow at that. He thought the Yuki clan was extinct because of the civil war that was going on in Kirigakure. He looks at the door of the bar to see Zabuza coming out with a dead nin on his shoulder, who he tossed on the ground in front of him.

The other individual came out as well, with some bruises here and there but all in all fine. Naruto got a good look at the individual and wondered how Zabuza ended up with such a beautiful young woman. She looked to be a few years older than him.

As Zabuza look around he whistled, impressed with what he saw. "You really did a number on them gaki, I'm impressed." He said placing his blade on his shoulder and his other hand on his waist. "Not many people can go up against three of Kiri hunter nin and live to tell the tale, what your name kid?"

Naruto just straightened up and dusted himself off, while checking to see if there was any damage to him or his clothing. After a while then he answered. "Well it's a good thing I'm not just anyone. The name's Uzumaki Naruto and I was wondering if this is what became of the 'Seven Swordsmen of the Mist'. You all go rogue, kidnap young girls, then are hunted like dogs. Really pathetic to me." He said casually while picking his nails.

Zabuza took offense to that, so did the girl. She was about to rush Naruto but Zabuza stopped her. "Wait Haku, don't be rash, we don't know what he can do and besides...he took out three Anbu level nin."

Zabuza walked forward slowly while taking his sword off his shoulder with relative ease, despite its size. "You know brat, you got a lot of talk, even knowing who I am, and I hope you can back up that talk."

Naruto chuckled and cracked his knuckles. "I would be more than happy to entertain you for a few minutes, besides...I have to repay for that stunt you pulled back in there."

Zabuza stopped and put a finger under his chin taping it a few times as if thinking or trying to remember what he was talking about. He then snapped his finger in realization, "Oh you mean back in the bar, my bad." He said scratching the back of his head while grinning under his mask. "I was just throwing out the trash. Funny thing...I missed a spot."

Zabuza gripped his sword tightly and was about to charge but stopped when he saw Naruto summon a sword, one he had only seen once in his life. "T-that sword, where did you get it from?"

Naruto looked at his personal sword, inspecting it, "Huh, oh this?" Naruto fake ignorance while motioning his sword. "I can't really remember...hmmm...I think I remember it being in a letter saying it was a gift from my Kaa-san." Naruto just shrug nonchalantly. Not seeing what the big deal is about a sword. Even though this sword was very precious to him, since it was his mother's.

"You, ha, don't make me laugh. Son of the 'Red Death'... like if." Denial was written all over the swordsman's face, even though it was covered. He was silently hoping the kid was joking, so he can beat the snot out of the kid and take the sword. A sword like that was priceless, even more so than the seven of his village.

Naruto smiled and accepted Zabuza's silent challenge. "Alright then, you don't believe me. What was the name of the 'Red Death'?"

Meanwhile, Haku was wondering what it was about this sword that had her master so worried. By the way he was behaving; the sword had to be very powerful or valuable.

Zabuza didn't have to think for an answer to that question, it was like second nature to any true swords-man. "It's Kushina Uzu...ma...ki." Realization dawned on him, but he still refused to believe it. "Whatever gaki, you look nothing like her. The hair is suppose to be red not yellow."

Naruto sighed in defeat. It looked like words would not reach Zabuza, so action was needed; besides, he was running out of time. He is after all, on a mission or going to the mission. "Look, I don't have time to play twenty questions. I have places to be, where I am welcome, and if you don't mind I will be taking my leave. If you try to stop me, there will be repercussions. For you and your...female companion." He said looking at Haku as she took up a defensive stance, ready to defend her master if it called for it.

Zabuza chuckled darkly. "Boy, they don't call me the 'Demon of the Mist' for nothing. Don't think because you have that sword, you can scare me or even wield it like its original owner. You are nothing. And you are not leaving here with that sword."

Naruto frowned, now wondering if it was a good idea to use the blade in the first place. "Have it your way then, but it is I, who is the real demon. But seeing as you want the sword so badly here...have it..." Naruto said, and then he threw the sword in the air towards Zabuza. Zabuza watch the katana spin and fly in his direction, he stretch out his hand to get it, soon as it was about six feet away from him in the air Naruto appeared right under it, coming in with a downward slash. "...over my dead body."

Zabuza was caught off guard and barely had time to react. He lifted his sword with his right hand just in time to block the strike. The impact of the clash created a cloud of dust in the area. As the dust cleared, Zabuza could be seen on one knee, within a two foot diameter indent in the ground.

His left hand was bracing his right hand, helping it pushed against Naruto's effort. He gritted his teeth, but then slowly he got up of the ground, pushing back Naruto in the process. "Not bad gaki, you surprised me there for second but that will not happen again." With one final push he got Naruto off of him.

He swiped horizontally at Naruto in a circle and Naruto jumped over his blade. As Naruto landed back on the ground he didn't see the kick that was aim at his head and he went tumbling away. Zabuza straightened himself out and walk slowly over to the now recovering blonde. Naruto was shaking the cob webs out of his head.

He got up and looked directly at Zabuza, his eyes were no longer the blue they use to be. He was pissed at everything; the mission, the weather, the stupid rock he hit while tumbling, but most of all he was pissed at getting kicked in the head. Zabuza was wondering what's with the change in eye color.

Zabuza looked over his shoulder to Haku. "Hey Haku, I think I made him angry." He shrugged and looked back at Naruto. But the mistake he made was taking his eyes off Naruto. When he looked back, what greeted him was a right fist in his stomach. He doubled over. "S-shit..." He wheezed out, while coughing a couple of times.

Naruto pulled away his hand and tried to step back to get a aim at the swordsman with his sword, but he found that he couldn't move and he was suddenly feeling cold from feet up. He looked down and saw ice covering his feet and then remembered that he was actually fighting two opponents. He looked at his foe in front of him and saw the missing nin smirking under his mask and then burst into water.

The feeling of dread suddenly washed over him when he heard Haku shouted. "Ice Release: Thousand Needles of Death!" He felt or saw rather, something shadowed him and looked up. He whistled in awe. "Whoa...that's a lot of ice needles." He exclaimed in disbelief. He gripped his sword tightly in his hand and it pulsed.

Naruto patiently waited until they were almost upon him, then he said. "Blitz!" Zabuza and Haku looked on in fascination as the Naruto in front of them blinked a couple of times as if he was a projection or holograph, then he just faded away. Zabuza gasped and raise his sword horizontally above his head, just in time to block a downward slash from Naruto.

The impact created a hole where Zabuza is standing. Haku jumped back, surprise clearly on her face. She didn't even see or hear him until her master and he clashed, and she prided herself in speed. She went to take out some senbons but didn't get the chance.

"Not bad at all brat...almost didn't see you. Your speed is really impressive. I can tell you are a lot stronger than you let on. But it takes more than just speed to defeat me." said Zabuza. He was actually startled at first but quickly masked it. (No Pun intended).

"Oh I wasn't trying to defeat you...even though I can. It was more of a distraction." Naruto was getting tired of this needless fighting. He was supposed to be on some god-forsaken mission, if that wasn't enough to give him a headache, then this will. Before Zabuza could ask what he meant, he heard Haku call his name and he looked at her only to see she was held hostage by one the blonde's clone.

"So what's it going to be 'Demon of the Mist'? Are you going to let this pretty young woman die because of your stupidity, or...are we going to settle this like civil people." In all honesty, Naruto didn't want to do this, especially to this young girl, he felt like the bad guy. But he was on a schedule and had to get out of this mess whether or not he liked it.

Haku was sweating bullets, she didn't even sense the blonde before it was too late. She knew she was a weapon for her 'master' and if he sees fit her life was forfeit, but she hoped that he would save her. She really didn't want to die like this.

Not here...not now.

Zabuza was having an internal debate with himself as to whether or not to save Haku. He really wanted the kid's sword; even if he said it's his mother's, which Zabuza didn't believe for a second. But then again, Haku, his self proclaimed apprentice, the one whom he saved from being slaughtered by her village, the one whom he trained with blood, sweat and tears.

The one whom he secretly called 'His daughter'.

Naruto watched patiently as the emotions run through Zabuza's face like a roller-coaster. After a few seconds it looked like Zabuza had made a decision. Naruto was relieved to see Zabuza lower his sword, but that didn't mean the 'Demon of the Mist' didn't have anything else up his sleeve. He tightened his grip on Haku's clothing and held his sword tighter.

"Seems like you've made up your mind. So what's it gonna be Momochi?"

Zabuza glared at the blonde, but reluctantly lowered his sword till the tip was touching the ground. He really wanted the 'Red Death's' sword, but not with the cost of losing Haku. He might be called a demon but he wouldn't allow her to die for something so insignificant-well insignificant in terms of life.

"You get off easy this time gaki, but next time I see you, that sword is going to be mine. So you make sure you get all the quality time you can get with it." The missing-nin said before flicking his sword around a few times then sticking it to his back. The Naruto clone relaxed and slowly released Haku from her captivity, which she immediately reappeared at her master's side, then he dispersed.

Naruto sighed in relief and sealed back his sword then dusted himself off. All his injuries were completely healed, not that he had many or felt anything, and his childhood had given him a high tolerance for pain.

Naruto estimated he was somewhere between Grass country and Waterfall, which got him wondering why the hell was Kiri hunter squad doing all the way out here. He looks in the direction where he was to be headed and saw it was behind his pseudo-enemies.

He nodded the stuck his hand in his pockets and started walking. As he was about to pass them he stopped and turned to Haku who was on the other side of Zabuza glaring at him with everything she had. He sighed and took his hands out his pocket and did something that surprise both of them- he bowed.

"Forgive me beautiful for the way I acted. It was unjust and un-called for. I sincerely apologize. I was not having the best of days and this was just the icing on the cake. So...forgive me." Naruto said sincerely. If he had looked up at that moment, he would have seen both Haku and Zabuza with wide eyed, the former sporting small red hue on her cheeks for being called beautiful. Naruto rose up and saw Haku still glaring at him, though it was to a lesser extent.

He made eye contact with the Kiri missing-nin and saw for a split second respect in his eyes, but it quickly vanished. He straightened up and continued walking. As he was about to enter the forest, he heard Zabuza call out.

"Hey gaki, don't think this changes anything, I will take that sword from you."

Naruto just grunted and disappeared, not leaving any trace that he was there but the destruction of his previous fights. Zabuza looked back at Haku to see she was still looking in the direction the blonde left with her cheeks still slightly colored. He snorted and folded his arms.

"And what are you blushing at? You nearly got yourself killed." That snapped her out of her trance and she bowed her head dejectedly. "Whatever, let's go. I will have to increase your training."

END OF FLASHBACK

Kakashi was very thankful to the blonde for interrupting his student's demise. All the while thinking where the two knew each other from. Yamato was on the same lines as Kakashi, excluding the student part. Sakura almost fainted from what would have befallen her one true love. If there was any time she was glad to see Naruto, it would be now.

"So Zabuza, why are you all the way out here? Thought you were still running, or you finally decide to turn yourself in?" Naruto asked while still holding back the slash from the missing-nin. Sasuke was there lying on the ground, blades inches away from him. If this was any other situation, he would have tried to rebuke the blonde for saving him, but he was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. He quickly scrambled away to safety and was immediately bombarded by Sakura asking if he was okay.

Zabuza jumped back and prepared himself for the inevitable clash that would soon follow. Naruto straightened up while glaring at Zabuza. He really didn't care about Sasuke, but he would be damned if anyone else got the privilege of beating Sasuke but him.

At least for now.

Zabuza was wondering what the blonde was waiting for, it was then he was alerted by a shadow hovering over him and he looked up only to immediately jump to the side barely missing his death from a downward slash from one the blonde's clones.

The clone that made an indent in the ground rushed the missin-nin. It slashed horizontally at Zabuza, which he somersaulted backwards. They both clashed a few times. Zabuza forgot that he was fighting two opponents and was rewarded with a kick to the head which sent him skidding back on the water, away from the genin team. Zabuza groaned as he shook the cob-webs out of his head. That kick really hurt.

He knew the blonde would have obviously gotten stronger, but this was insane. He hasn't even laid on solid hit on the Uzumaki. Zabuza growled and started running through 40 hand-signs faster than the genins can blink. "Enough playing around gaki, (Water Style: Water Dragon.)" A huge dragon formed behind Zabuza from the water he was standing on. By this time, Kakashi, who was already freed from his water prison by the original Naruto when Zabuza was occupied with his clone was wondering what the blonde would do. He looked over to his used to be his colleague, Yamato, to see if the man was worried about his student, only to find out that the man was calm as an Anbu or ex-Anbu.

Kakashi changed his perspective back to the battle just in time to see Naruto cut the dragon in half with his sword. It had Kakashi wondering where his sensei's son got such a sword from. He didn't ponder over it long as Zabuza was hit with two senbons needles in his neck rendering him in a near-death state. Not that Kakashi knew that.

Naruto raised an eye-brow as the change of events unfolds. He was internally glad that Haku, who was disguised as a hunter-nin, had come and taken Zabuza away. Yep, he knew it was her, he couldn't forget her chakra signature, even though he was not a skilled sensor. He knew he would have had to kill Zabuza if the fight had prolonged.

Haku appeared right beside Zabuza. "Thank you shinobi-san for weakening him, but I will take it from here." She said as they both stared at each other in the eyes. Naruto nodded and sealed back his sword in his palm- where the seal vanished afterwards. Haku collected both Zabuza and his sword then disappeared in a shunshin.

Naruto ran his hand through his hair then turned to address the others. "Well it seems everything is fine now. Although you guys look like shit." He said chuckling at the last part. He didn't care for them at the moment or ever.

"I'm surprised to say at least. The Hokage giving a genin team an A-rank missions, the old man must have finally gone senile."

Kakashi glared at the blonde for that last remark. Yamato was about to reprimand Naruto but Kakashi intervened. "I will have you know this was supposed to be a simple C-rank escort mission, but due to some minor roadblo..." Kakashi fell unconscious. Naruto sighed in defeat, but on the plus side, there will be more time to spy out Uzushiogakure, his home.

X X X X

Naruto watched as Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter tended to Team 7's sensei. The leaf village had gotten utterly pathetic. The famed 'Kakashi: The Copy Cat Ninja' was defeated by a missin-nin. For all Naruto knew, Kakashi was supposed to be an S-rank by now. That train of thought was laughable.

Kakashi spent most of his time by the memorial stone from what he heard, drowning himself in regrets and self-pity, being late for almost everything but important missions. Naruto wonder what it would have been like to be on that team, he would have probably killed Kakashi by now or quit.

Naruto was broken out of his thoughts by Yamato, who motioned him outside the house where Tazuna and his family were living. As they rendezvoused outside, Yamato spoke. "So it looks like we will have to watch Team 7 till Kakashi-sempei is awake. Sakura told me that their contact gave them wrong info and, even knowing that it would be more dangerous, they didn't want to discontinue the mission. Also they sent for back-up."

"Personally, I think Kakashi-sempei should have aborted mission and gone back home or waited for backup." Yamato continued. Naruto nodded his head as he listens to his captain speak. He agreed with Yamato that it would have been sensible to abort mission, seeing as it was a brand new genin team who had no prior experience outside their village. It could have been their first and last mission. But if they had declined the request to continue onwards, Konoha's reputation would be on the line if other villages learned of it.

"Fine...I think we can spare a few days. And also give me some time to find Uzushiogakure." Of course he didn't say the last part out loud.

X X X X

Two days have passed and everything was running smoothly. It was currently night, Kakashi had woken up a few minutes ago and they were now seated at the table that Tsunami had in her kitchen. It was Naruto, Yamato then Kakashi. Opposite them was Sasuke, Sai and Sakura, the latter glaring at Sai for sitting next to her crush, oh how she will get him back for this.

The place was quiet, everyone minding their own business, when evil chose this time to rear its head, or not. "YOU ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!" Naruto paused from eating, raised his head and look around, after seeing nothing he continued eating. "IT'S USELESS WHAT YOU ARE DOING, YOU CAN'T DEFEAT GATO!" He raised his head again; he must be paranoid, because he could hear voices but could see no one. He leaned over to Yamato.

"Pst...hey Taisho..." Yamato turned to him with a raised eyebrow. Naruto's strange behavior caught the attention of everyone. "...I-I think this house is haunted, I can hear voices. It's loud and kinda…kinda girly."

Kakashi chuckled while putting away his book, "It's not a ghost Naruto, it's Tsunami's son, Inari." Kakashi said pointing to the edge of the table. It was then Naruto look to where Kakashi was pointing and barely make out the top of someone's head. He peered over and saw a boy about Hinata's sister's age, wearing baggy pants and a green t-shirt, he was also red in the face for being called girly.

"Ohhh..." Naruto said in disbelief. He wondered how he had never seen hide nor hair of the boy since he was here for the two days. He shook his head, no use stressing over non-important things. Just then there was a knock on the door stopping all conversations and trains of thought? Naruto, Kakashi and Yamato had already known who it was or were since they sensed them, the reason why Kakashi put away his book.

Meanwhile, the other residents were wondering who it was, so Tsunami went and answered it.

Team 7 was very surprised to see it was Team 8 with their sensei, Kurenai Yuhi. Tsunami gasped when she saw it was more ninjas that showed up at her door-step, but was relieved to see the Konoha head band on them. Kiba, Shino and Hinata entered, the latter who smiled brightly at seeing her boyfriend, but quickly frown when he didn't return the gesture. She was about to go see what was the problem with him when someone she didn't see when she came in decided to speak or in this case shout.

"AHHHH, WHATS WITH YOU PEOPLE. IT'S USELESS, YOU CANT BEAT GATO. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO FEEL PAIN, HAVE EVERYTHING TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU. YOU...!" Tsunami was about to scold her son but everyone froze as KI washed over the house.

Naruto chuckled darkly while glaring at Inari, "Suffer...Pain...such words are insignificant coming from you, child. If you want to know suffering, then get thrown out by an orphanage as soon as you can walk and talk. If you want to know pain; then get beaten, stabbed, burned, pelt at, every injurious thing you can think about and for what...something you had no control over. And all these things done by the same people you wanted to protect."

"Have everything taken from you, hmph, please. You have a roof over your head, a warm bed to sleep in at nights and a mother and grandfather who love you unconditionally. I never had any of that, and the only person I ever would have considered a grandfather has tried killing me not once, but twice. But you know the difference between you and me...?" Naruto's glare intensified as he stared at the kid who was trembling.

Meanwhile, the woman in Hinata's body was telling her, no, screaming at her to be at her man's side, trying to comfort him in any way possible but she refused if only for a little while. She knew he had to get this of his chest and after that she would try to cheer up the love of her life.

"The difference between me and you is that I don't BITCH ABOUT IT AND WHINE AND CRY. I GET BACK UP AND DEAL WITH IT!" He shouted and banged his fist on the table he was sitting at. Everyone flinched. Tsunami had tears streaming down her face as she heard the treatment the blonde went through in his village, all the while worrying for her son's safety.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata said as she took a step forward wanting approach her love. Naruto heard her and looked in her direction and saw her looking at him with compassion and love. Sometimes he wondered what he did to have such a...a, words can't describe what Hinata is to him, but he did know he loved her unconditionally.

Naruto just sighed and looked down at his food, which consisted of some fried vegetables and rice. The country was poor after all, so anything more would have to wait till they got rid of the tyrant. "I'm not hungry anymore." And with that he left the house via the back door, making his way to the shore side, under the moonlight that was out.

There was complete silence in the house until footsteps of Hinata going after Naruto were heard.

OUTSIDE

Naruto was sitting on the beach a few meters away from the gentle waves that were crashing onto the beach as he was looking up at the full moon. It always reminded him of Hinata's beautiful pupil-less silver-lavender colored eyes. How they could show so much innocence and peace yet could brighten his day just by looking into them. He heard footsteps coming in the sand from behind him and smiled softly. Hinata sat right next to him resting he shoulder against him.

She looked out into the open ocean and marveled how it looked so beautiful, how the water would sparkle every now-and-then under the moon light. It was, after all, her first time being out of the village officially and this is her first time seeing the ocean. No words were exchanged for a minute or so, just enjoyment of one another's company.

Naruto turned facing Hinata, was about to say something and was halted by a kiss on the lips. He took about a second to register it in his mind and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her onto his lap which she straddled him. She sucked on his bottom lip, biting and nipping as if it was her favorite sweet she hadn't had in months. This wasn't far from truth.

"Mmmnnnmm..." She moaned in his mouth as Naruto massaged her lower back while she ran her hands through his hair. No tongue was used...as yet. After a minute they broke apart breathing softly. It was not meant to be ruff, just to show that 'I'm here for you' or 'you're not alone anymore.'

"About earlier..." She started. Her eyes were still closed as if trying to memorize the kiss.

"NO." He stopped her. "J-just forget about it...all. This moment is about me and you." He said softly. She nodded slowly and opens her eyes only to see him looking intently into hers. "...I do really love your eyes. It's like ... my light house in the darkness of Konoha. And your love is like the sunshine on a cloudy day. It's...refreshing." At every single word he said, her love for him only swelled to unimaginable heights.

A lone tear fell out of her left eye. She tried to wipe but he beat he to it and kissed it away. "Even when you're crying you're beautiful." And that was it. She kissed him with the all the love and appreciation she could have muster in that moment. The initial attack on his lips made him fall back onto the sand with her on top, which he wouldn't want any other way.

She forced her tongue into his mouth, loving the taste of him. Her tongue battled with his for a while until his swirled around hers, pushing hers back and invading the confines of her mouth. She moaned as he started to massage her butt in a circular motion. She stopped the kissing for a second and sat up straddling him, she was really getting turned on by this and she wasn't planning stopping just yet. He stopped his ministration and watches her as her cheeks were red.

"I love you so very much Naru-kun and I can think of three more ways for my love to increase to the maximum. Even though I will love you more every day." She stated breathlessly. Naruto just raised an eye-brow and motioned her to go on.

"Indulge me, please." He said in a sultry tone, which made her giggled a bit.

She bent down inches away from his face. "One is when (kiss) I give myself to you; second is when (kiss) we both get married and thirdly...;" She kissed him then sat up and closed her eyes smiling fondly. He wondered what's gotten her so happy as he can see the blush spread across her face, "...thirdly..." She puts her hands on her tummy. "...when I carry and have your child." Now that last one certainly caught his attention, not that the others didn't but this last one of the things that was on the top of his things to do in the future list.

Naruto sat up kissed her gently, arms wrapped around her waist protectively. He then moved to her cheek kissing them softly, then to her ears kissing, sucking and biting them. Hinata was torn between moaning and giggling, but she chose the former, which was music to Naruto's ears. As he moved towards her neck, her voice began to get more and more erotic. And even though the wind was blowing he can smell her arousal as clear as day, which meant she was clearly enjoying his ministrations.

Hinata ran her hands up and down his covered chest and abs, loving what his training and maybe time away from home did. She moaned loudly as he hit a very sensitive spot between her shoulder and neck junction. Fortunately for them the house was a good way away from the beach so they need not worry.

Naruto snaked his hand under then up the tank top that she wore under the lavender jacket that was now open. Not too long after, his right hand met with destination, one soft but firm C-cup breast which he squeezed softly, which got another loud moan out of the heiress.

"Ohhhh...Naru-kun, they hurt for attention...please...more." Naruto would have chuckled if she hadn't grabbed his head and pulled him in for a fierce tongue battle. He kept on massaging her breast, alternating between squeezing and pulling, never touching the nipples. She whined in his mouth as he wasn't doing what she wanted. Her nipples were really hard and aching to be touched, but her boyfriend was not doing that.

She pulled away from him, removed her jacket and used it as a make shift mat to lie on as she pulled him down with her into a fierce kiss, her legs firmly wrapped around his waist keeping him from getting away, not that he would. He unlatched from her mouth and pulled the tank top off her, leaving her in her purple bra, which was to one of his favorite colors.

He kissed and sucked on her neck as he tried to get her bra off. The cool night airs making her shiver every now-and-then. When he finally got it off he wasted no time and latched onto her left breast while his right hand snake its way into her shorts. "(gasp) Oh...GOD, that feels so good." She half shouted, trying to keep her heartbeat in check which was beating out of control. His fingers massaged her folds between her legs while he sucked on her breast, biting the nipple softly and leaving love bites all over her two lovely mounds.

As he was about to slip a finger into her depths, the unexpected happens. (SPLASH) A huge wave came and crash down on them without warning, dousing the flames that were ignited between them. Now a thoroughly soaked (no pun intended), cold and angry Hyuga heiress glared out into the ocean, while her boyfriend lying on top of her was laughing uncontrollably.

X X X X

An angry and wet Hinata walked into the house halting any conversation that was going on at that moment. She passed everyone who was still seated at the dinner table, walked up the stairs and paused half-way up. "Naruto-kun will be unavailable for the remainder of the night. So if you cherish your life, you will let him be. And also, can someone direct me to the nearest room for me to change?" There was silence before Tsunami instructed her and she continued up until she was out of sight.

Now that left a bad taste in a few people's mouths. For Kakashi and Yamato, they had wanted to go and console the boy, with Kakashi probably putting in a few more words, but that thought quickly flew out the window. Kurenai was not so happy; she wondered what that boy did to her student to make her angry. If he did something unforgivable, she shook her head, the worst genjutsu in her arsenal and he will have a meeting.

Tsunami was on a different train of thought, she was worried about the house that got messed up with all the sea water that came off of the indigo haired girl. It was then she heard from upstairs the voice of Hinata saying she will be back down to clean up the mess made by her, after getting a change of clothes.

X X X X

Naruto walked through the forest, destination in mind, until he came upon a peculiar sight, a young girl picking herbs, unaware of his presence. He was pretty sure she didn't know he was watching her; after all you have to be a very skilled ninja to be able to sense him, like the person currently following him.

He decided to say hi. He walked into the clearing, the person following him staying with the safety of the forest. "Hello, Haku..." he said with a small smile. Said girl stiffened a bit but then went back to picking her herbs. After a while of not speaking, Naruto decided to say something again.

"So what are you doing out here this late at night?" It was pretty obvious what she was doing but he wanted to play dumb and he couldn't think of anything to talk about at the moment.

"Well as you can see Naruto-san, I am picking herbs for Zabuza-sama." She decided not to lie as he would have already found out. "His fight with those ninja's and then you, plus to add on to the fact that I rendered him into a near-death state, he would be out for at least a week." She stated.

"I also want to thank you for not killing him. I have no illusions that you could, but thank you. I don't know what I would have done without my precious person." She said solemnly, looking Naruto in his eyes.

"Yeah, well I am going to be honest with you; I might need Zabuza's assistance in the future, so he will not be dying in this land at least. By the way, why are you trying to kill the bridge builder and his family?" He asked, slightly curious.

Haku paused from fixing the basket she had in her hands, she contemplated on telling him, and maybe he could help them. "Well we are trying to raise funds to support the rebels in Kiri..." She didn't get to continue as Naruto intervened.

"Well I hate to break it to you but the war is over. It has been for a month now. The rebels have won and the old Mizukage has died. How come you never found out about it? The first week alone it hit the small villages, then after that the elemental nations."

Haku couldn't believe what she was hearing, the war was over, the rebels won, and a new Kage had been chosen. Maybe they could go back and have a normal life. But one thing plagued her mind.

"How do you know so much?" She inquired.

Naruto sighed and ran his hand through his hair, war was never a pleasant thing. "I know so much because I was there. I was there since the starting of the war. I helped the rebels fight against Kirigakure and I … killed the Mizukage." Not his best moments of his life, but one will have to deal with it. He never did tell anyone but he has nightmares sometimes. The only person that knew was Kurama, and he was thankful she has been very considerate in keeping it to herself.

Haku was completely stymied now, the person who had killed the Mizukage, the young man, was standing right in front of her. She never felt so small in her life. She couldn't believe he was so powerful. If she was any other person they would have probably had a hard time believing him, but something was just telling her that this young man was telling the truth. Maybe it was the look in his eyes that showed regret and sorrow.

"You are very powerful indeed and I will bet that you will only grow to get stronger, but what are you going to do with that much power?" She suddenly asked, looking directly at him with a blank stare. Naruto didn't have to think for an answer, he said the first thing that came to mind.

"I will use my power to protect those precious to me and fulfill my dreams for the future." He said with conviction. Not an ounce of doubt found in his voice.

Haku smiled warmly at him. "Anyway Haku, just tell Zabuza that I have a proposition for him, where he wouldn't have to worry about being hunted and what not. And I would disapprove if he declines." He said then continuing on to his destination. She just nodded, happy to hear to about Kirigakure and hoping for a better future.

As he was about to leave the clearing, she said in a low voice. "I hope to see you soon Naruto...kun." Hoping he didn't hear her, but he did.

"As do I Haku-chan."

X X X X

Naruto stood on top a huge hill overlooking the ocean. The wind blew through his hair and ruffled his clothes every now and then. He looked down the hill and saw a small port, probably the only working one for the country. That port was where he would get transportation to take him to his destination. Where?

Uzushiogakure.

But first, he needs to get rid of the tail. "Can I help you... … Jiraiya?" after a few seconds said man walked out of the woods behind him.

"Well gaki, you helping me might be overkill with everything I'm hearing about you." Jiraiya said coming to a stop alongside the blond. "Not that I am disappointed, on the contrary, but isn't that like painting a bulls-eye on you for the Akatsuki." It came out more like a scolding parent.

"If you have to know Tou-san..." Naruto said sarcastically. "...I thought a show of my strength will have my enemies thinking twice about coming after me...at least they would have to reevaluate their strength. And in effect give me some time to deal with some issues that have popped up." It was a half-ass excuse and Jiraiya could tell that but he wasn't gonna call the blonde on it.

"Besides, I've been taking care of myself since I was a boy, a few more enemies wouldn't hurt." Jiraiya frown at the jab, but he made no comment of it.

"Anyway, how have you been gaki? It's been a year and a half since we've last seen each other. And as I can see, you are not slacking on your training." Jiraiya ask seriously. War was not a pleasant thing and for someone so young to experience it was another thing.

"I'm fine Jiraiya, no need to worry. Seeing as you are here, I would like you do something for me." Jiraiya raised an eye-brow at that. He motioned the blonde to continue. "I want you to take a letter to Mifune for me. I would think you haven't had a chance to do research there as yet."

Jiraiya glared at the blonde, it was not that hadn't got a chance, but Mifune was just that paranoid. Jiraiya never had any breathing space whenever he went there. Naruto took out a white envelope and handed it to him.

"Tell him the envoy will be there in about one month from now. And please be prompt about it. Think of this as a way of atoning for your past mistakes in life. Or part of it." Naruto finished.

Jiraiya silently inspect the note, he shook it, smelled it and was about to open it but looked at Naruto to see he was still looking out at the ocean. He opened it and started reading. After finishing he looks at the blonde. "What makes you thinks he will agree to something like this?" He asked. If Jiraiya wasn't aware that Naruto was going to leave the village at a later date, this conversation they were having would have been different.

Naruto just stayed quiet for a few seconds, and then he spoke. "Let's just say if he doesn't, you will be branded as a traitor of your village for conspiring against them. So if I was you, I'd be very convincing and make sure that he doesn't disagree with its content." And with that Naruto jumped off the mountain.

Jiraiya glared at the spot the blonde was at all the while grumbling how he was tricked and this had to be some sort of test. Which wasn't far from truth, just that he didn't know that?

X X X X

Naruto glared out at the whirlpools that created a protective wall around the island he could see in the distance. It had been two days since he left wave, one day of traveling on sea. If he was anyone else, he would have been intimidated by the magnitude and velocity of the whirlpools but it actually had to opposite effect on him. If was as if it was calling out to him, like being one with nature or being reunited with a long lost friend. It makes him wonder how the village was invaded. Off in the distance he could also see other smaller islands surrounding it in the distance.

Naruto jumped off the boat, but not before thanking the captain for the drop he got. Many persons on the boat wondered if the blonde was insane, but Naruto just waved them off. Many persons wanted to see how he would have gotten passed the whirlpools, but seeing as the boat was on a time schedule to the Hot Spring country, they could delay no longer.

Naruto waited until they were out of sight then made a dash to the village on water. After running for a few minutes since the boat dropped him a long way from the whirlpools, afraid of being caught in them. He stopped not too far from the first one and saw that if he continued on foot, he will definitely get swept away.

He nodded then got down on one knee, both hands rested on the water. He close his eyes then took a deep breath, after a minute his eyes shot open and he shot up into the sky, breaking the sound barrier with the speed as he ascended.

After a few hundred feet of going up he stop in mid-air, hovering. Arms spread out, as if balancing, which couldn't be more accurate. Nature manipulation was a tricky thing, especially if trying to do it on a level like him and the Nidaime Hokage. But with the right chakra reserves and a really high affinity for the element, it can be done. And after many trials and errors, he finally got it, though not perfect, as he can only keep at it for half an hour before losing control.

He had to constantly have wind chakra shooting out certain points from his body, kind of like a rocket pack, adjusting periodically in which direction he wants to go. Maybe later on in the future, he would be able to control this type of manipulation in such a way as to make other things fly, like human beings for one.

He continued soaring through the air, enjoying the breeze through his hair. Then is when he got to see Uzushiogakure more closely. A large river running through the village splitting it in half, giving it the appearance of a huge snake, by the curves. He also saw huge trees and hills that were surrounding the center of the village, where the inhabitants supposedly lived.

He landed on the beach a bit rougher than he had expected, but it would have to do. He looked back out at the ocean and saw nothing but whirlpools and water for miles. He smiled then said. "Home at last."

He made his way to the center of the village. Preferring to walk to familiarize himself with his surroundings, and soon to be home. After a few minutes of walking through the forest, he came upon brick road as wide as Konoha's, which led to an equally large gate or larger, with one side still intact. The other half had fallen off.

He frowned as he walked passed the gates and got a good look at the village. Buildings were demolished; skeletons of men, women and children lay about the place. Bridges that connected the two halves were damage. A lone tear dropped out of his eyes as he stared at the destroyed village –his home.

Thoughts as to how things were and could have been for him if this wasn't the outcome of his home. If his mother wasn't dead and if … if, NO! He couldn't, he wouldn't go so far as to wish Kurama gone. She was one of the best things that happened to him and he would not trade her for anything in his life.

Kurama who could hear his thoughts was silently pleased that he enjoyed her company, and by having a better relationship with him, she can feel some of his emotions being leaked in, one of them being anger, which was never a good thing for him.

He looked up and saw that he could no longer see the sun and decided to find somewhere to set up shop and rest for the night, tomorrow would have it own adventure.

Next day, Naruto was currently in the Kage tower, top floor, and sitting in a surprising intact chair behind the desk belonging to said person. In his right hand he had a small diary, while in his left was a ring, ocean blue crystal in its center with the kanji for whirlpool written upon it. The diary belonged to the previous Kage, who so preciously sealed it into his desk along with the ring, only accessible to an Uzumaki of royal blood, which Naruto found out he was the long lost prince of said clan since his mother was heir to the throne so to speak and was the daughter of the last Kage.

The diary was basically about every day happenings in and about Uzushiogakure, and a life of a Kage. It was very awesome if the details given by Saito Uzumaki were anything to go by. What really got his attention were the months prior to the destruction of the village.

Entry #**** January 31

Konoha has become very persistent in its greediness for power. I couldn't believe they would inquire of such things from us. To have us give them our secret to the whirlpools as well as some forbidden fuinjutsu. Saying it would increase village ties. I don't see them giving us any of their jutsus or giving us the secrets of their village's defense. How could they? We were the ones that created it in the first place. If the old monkey thinks we will just roll over for them just because Mito-sama was married to their Kage, well they have another thing coming for them.

I am pretty sure if Mito was alive, she would never agree to such insolence. If my daughter wasn't in that village I would raise hell for asking such a preposterous thing. The audacity on them, it's almost laughable.

Entry #**** March 27

Reports came in that, Hanzo the Salamander, is dead. It pains me that one of our long time secret ally had died. Death truly is a frighten thing, one could never know when it is about to strike. Just like a viper waiting in the bush for any unsuspected person –it then strikes silently and mercilessly.

The first attempt at rescuing him was the time we saved him with a reverse summoning during a battle with a mercenary group called 'Akatsuki'. We at first didn't agree to his partnering with Danzo, who we later found out was operating in the interest of his village or so he made us think. The War-Hawk Danzo, very crafty man, does whatever it takes to get the job done. Admirable qualities yes, just being used in the wrong way.

Entry #**** May 4

War, something that had plagued mankind since the beginning of time, will it ever end? I have just gotten reports that three out of the five nations have made an agreement, temporary truce, so as to destroy the Hidden Village of Uzushiogakure.

As of now, both Water and Lightning villages have mobilized and are making their way here. Iwa will most likely hold off Konoha for as long as possible so that the other two villages can make their move. If they think two villages are enough to destroy us, well we will have to show them why we Uzumaki are feared throughout the entire world. After all, we are descendants of the Sage of the Six Paths' son.

Naruto stopped his reading for now, least he destroyed this building. He can honestly say he was disgusted with the display of Konoha. He also learned a lot more about the Akatsuki and Danzo having dealings with them in the past.

Naruto got up and was about to leave the room when something caught his eyes. On the wall to the far corner of the room was a symbol of the Uzumaki clan. To any normal person, that is what it would seem but to a fuinjutsu expert, it was a sealing matrix. Very, very small sealing matrix, weaved together to create the symbol of his clan. Which he had to get very close up to see properly, so close up that his face was practically scraping the wall.

As he studied the seal, it wasn't very complex to him. He knew he could solve it any time but a thought came to mind. He cut his palm with a kunai and placed it in the middle of the symbol and pumped some chakra into it. Nothing happened for a second; he pulled away his hand only to find it wasn't budging.

Now that alarmed him, then suddenly the seal started drawing chakra from him, all the while turning red—the natural color of his clan. After one second, enough chakra to supply a Kage was gone. Naruto wouldn't have been alarmed at that, it was when three times that amount was pulled away then he started sweating, all the while his hand was not budging from its spot.

After a while more, the sealed let go of his hand and he dropped to the ground. Vision blurred and weak in the knees, hands barely able to carry his weight which he was using as leverage to stay upright, if barely.

Now he knew why the seal wasn't very complex, it wasn't about solving the sealing matrix but supplying the seal with the amount of chakra to open it. He wondered what would've happened if he tried to solve the seal matrix. Probably something worse that this he thought.

Unbeknownst to him, Kurama had given him some of her yoki, in fear of his health. This would have been easier for him, if he was accustomed to having enough chakra compatible with the Ichibi being pulled from him in a span of five seconds, leaving him with enough chakra, to fight off an Anbu.

As he looked up he saw the spiral opening up in a circular motion showing a dark room inside. He stayed on the ground for a few more minutes getting his bearing in order. After that he rose up (CRACK) or tried too. "Itai...my back." He whined as he desperately tried to sooth the pain.

"Hehe...are you ok Naruto-kun...?" she asked all the while trying to hold in the laughter that so desperately wanted to burst forth.

"I'm fine Kura-chan. Nothing lil ol' Naruto can't handle." He said finally getting up. She nodded, not that he can see her but he felt it. As he walked in the room, the opening closed behind him, and then the lights came on, long 3ft bulbs placed 10 ft apart in a 100 ft room. Where this was located in the tower he had no idea. The room was completely empty, with the exception of a stone tablet near to something Naruto couldn't make out, no thanks to the distance.

He walked over to the tablet, which took longer than he would like to admit, he look on it only to see it was blank. Now that was puzzling, why have a blank shrine in an equally blank room next to an equally blank door.

He stood there thinking of a reasonable explanation to this bizarre happening. It was then he got an idea, activated his sharingan and was surprise to see that it cleared up a bit, just barely showing the heading which he still couldn't make out. He activated his Mangekyo, only to gasp at what it said, "The Testament of The Third Son of The Sage." He read out loud.

It was then that the whole room came alive. Rows upon rows of book shelves containing sealing scrolls rose from the ground, with one of them being all black with Kinjutsu marked at the top and was decked with protective seals which pulsed every second to show that it was off limit to those not worthy.

He then turned back to the blank door behind him, only to gasped and stumbled backwards falling on his rear, not caring of the pain.

"T-thats t-thats a …"

X X X X

I apologize for the Naru-Hina centric part, couldn't help it. Hehe. So the mission that changed Naruto's life some time back has finally begun its tale, what to expect? Don't look at me, it has not been written yet but as the story goes on it will reveal itself. Everything will be revealed by the time of the invasion.

Now, I guess you all saw some new plot devices have shown up, which will have a major effect on the story in the future. That's all the spoilers I will give, if you be good and review, I might reconsider. Also, the first two persons who can guess what startled Naruto at the ending; I'll let you choose two girls to be in the Harem. And no it's not Kushina. I'm surprise no one had asked for her as yet. No Sakura cannot be picked, as well as Ino and Ten-Ten.

So thanks again for reading and I apologize for the wait.

Now onto the harem, and whose it gonna be? Hinata, Kyubi, Kushina, Anko, Mito Uzumaki, Shion, Kuyuki Kazahana. Those are the pairings for now. There will be more as the story unfolds. I'm also contemplating adding that Kurama girl.

Also, this story is suppose to have a grey Naruto and I'm going to start working on that, as you saw in this chapter with him and Jiraiya. Four more to make 1,000 followers. A milestone for any writer and I'm happy and touched that you guys love my story so much. I will continue to entertain you guys as long as I can.

Thank you all for the support.

Please R&R

Uzumaki Kitsune9 out.