Chapter 38 - Chapter Thirty-Seven: "Calmness Before Dawn"

The Previous Night; At The Uzumaki Mask Temple)

Naruto and Minato spent the next few hours talking about each other's lives and past experiences. Hearing his father's life from Minato's own mouth made a huge impression on Naruto. Though it didn't make up for the lost years because of Minato's death, it gave him some peace of mind knowing he was given the chance to get to know his father even though time would be very short.

"By the way," Naruto inquired, "You sealed away the Yin half of Kurama within yourself while I have the Yang half. Why didn't you just seal Kurama in his full form into me like how it was done with my mother?"

"So you found out the that, huh?" Minato deduced.

"I was bound to sooner or later but Kurama was the one that told me about it," Naruto revealed.

"Kurama?" Minato asked, "Who's Kurama?"

"That's Kyuubi's actual name," Naruto said.

"You two are now on a first name basis?" Minato asked incredulously.

"More or less," Naruto shrugged.

"Don't flatter yourself you goddamn human!" Kurama retorted with a beastly growl.

"Jiisan told me from his perspective what happened before and after the night Kurama was sealed into me," Naruto said, "Why do you tell me from your side the circumstances surrounding my birth that led to Kurama's release from my mother's seal?"

Minato agreed and started, "Kushina and I were always looking forward to your birth and becoming parents. I'm sure Sandaime-sama explained why you had to be born far outside of Konoha."

"Yes he explained the reasons as to why," Naruto assured.

"Under those circumstances," Minato continued, "I posted special ANBU guards outside the cave where Kushina was to give birth. Kakashi believe it or not was Kushina's personal bodyguard while she was pregnant with you."

"That's news to me," Naruto confessed, "He never mentioned that fact to me, not that it would have made a difference in the life I lived through. So what else happened?"

"Moments after your birth I started making preparations to restore the Kurama's weakened seal. However I was interrupted by the arrival of a masked man who killed the ANBU guards and midwives before taking you hostage, threatening to kill you if I didn't back away from Kushina. I immediately took you back from him by way of Hiraishin, yet discovered explosive tags had been planted on you. I was forced to teleport away to keep you from harm, allowing the masked perpetrator to escape with Kushina. I found a safe place for you and teleported to Kushina in time to save her from being crushed and killed by the Kyuubi, extracted from her body by the culprit. I reunited her with you before heading out to protect the village.

"I returned to the village in the early stages of Kurama's assault on Konoha, arriving in time to teleport away a Bijuu Dama (Tailed Beast Ball) before it destroyed the Hokage Monument. I attempted to reach Sandaime-sama so that I could explain to him of what happened. However I was interrupted by assailant, who tried to warp me away. I reacted in time to escape, but he pursued me. Because the assailant was controlling Kurama's actions, defeating him was of prime importance in order to save Konoha. I initially struggled to successfully strike him because of his ability to become intangible through his Mangekyō Sharingan. After several failed attacks, I realized that in order for him to grab and attack me, he had to become tangible. With one of my dimensional kunai that I carefully timed in my throwing of it, after it went through his face before he grabbed me, I instantly teleported to that kunai and finally struck him with a Rasengan before branding him with a Hiraishin seal, allowing me to teleport to him whenever I wanted. I then used a Contract Seal on assailant to release Kurama from his control, forcing him to flee.

"No longer being controlled, Kurama started retreating from the village, though it continued to attack the Konoha ninja that pursued it. As it prepared another Bijuu Dama, I again arrived in time to stop him, this time by dropping Gamabunta on top of him. I had Gamabunta keep it restrained while I gathered the chakra needed to transport the Kurama to your and Kushina's location, the farthest from the village I could get. After I teleported myself and Kurama there, Kushina restrained Kurama with her chains and erected a barrier so that he couldn't escape while we decided what to do. Already dying from Kurama's removal, Kushina offered to have it sealed back into her so Kyuubi would die with her. But I rejected that suggestion, believing the Kurama's power would be needed in the future if and when the assailant struck again. During that moment, I remembered Jiraiya-sensei's words about the "Child of the Prophecy" that he would someday save the world. I decided at that moment that you are promised child and prepared you to become the new Jinchūriki so you could make use of its strength.

"Because the Kurama's chakra was too immense to seal into you as an infant, I used the Shiki Fūjin (Dead Demon Consuming Seal) to cut Kurama's chakra in half, sealing the Yin half into myself. Realizing what we were planning, Kurama tried to kill you the moment he saw Kushina momentarily weakened, allowing some of her chakra chains to loosen. However your mother and I used ourselves as shields to protect you and stop Kurama. While drying, I summoned Gerotora, gave him the key to the seal he would use on you, and sent him to Jiraiya.

"After sending Gerotora off, your mother used her last breaths to express how much we as your parents loved you and wished for you to find love in your life despite the hardships you would face. I then sealed Kurama's Yang half into you before weaving Kushina's chakra into the seal so that she could someday assist you with learning to control Kurama's chakra. I weaved in some of my own chakra too, programming it to activate if ever the seal holding Yang Kurama was about to break so that I could restore it.

"When I saw Sandaime-sama nearby, the barrier had deactivated allowing him to hurry over to us. With my remaining strength, I communicated to him my final request for the villagers of Konoha: to think of you as a hero and not the container of the monster that caused so much death and desolation. With that, my soul was consumed by the Shinigami. But you found a way to free me from it leading us to where we are now my son."

Naruto, after listening to Minato, remembered dreaming about a prophecy regarding the promised Child of Prophecy on a couple of occasions. He remembered in those dreams how his father Minato was once believed to be the promised child because of his natural genius and later he dreamed about how the youth named Nagato with the Rinnegan was believed to be the possible Child of Prophecy because of fables about the Rikudo Sennin having the Rinnegan.

"So what is this Child of Prophecy supposed to save the word from?" Naruto inquired.

"To be honest," Minato admitted sheepishly, "I really don't know."

"But Jiraiya believed you were that promised child before you decided I would become that child," Naruto replied, "Basically no one has a clue who this promised child is supposed to be or if he will ever exist."

"Jiraiya-sensei told me that the Elder Toad Sage told him about this prophecy and that he himself would teach and train that child," Minato explained, "And in all of his predictions, the Elder Toad Sage was never wrong. The only thing is that like you said, we don't know who this child will be, and the only lead Jiraiya-sensei can go with is that he'll teach and train that child. However, I have faith that you'll become the Child of Prophecy and save not only Konoha but also the rest of the world."

"Thanks for having such faith and confidence in me father," Naruto replied, "I won't disappoint you, and that's a promise I won't ever go back on! It's my nindo!"

"I'm very happy to hear that proclamation my son," Minato smiled.

"By the way," Naruto continued, "There's something I've been meaning to explain to you."

Naruto then went on to explain how he had been investigating the circumstances between Kyuubi's attack and who was responsible. On hearing this, Minato had Naruto give him a scroll so he could document everything he explained to Naruto about the night the perpetrator attacked and used Kyuubi as a weapon. Minato even went as far as to henge into the men so Naruto could easy identity him. Naruto had a picture of Minato in that henge appearance taken and placed with Minato's report.

After the report was done, Minato rolled it up and gave it to Naruto.

"I'll make sure to give this report directly to jiisan," Naruto assured as he placed the scroll inside his vest.

"There's something I like to show you Naruto," Minato said, "It's a new ability I'm sure you'll benefit from if you learn to master it with much practice."

"What ability is this?" Naruto asked curiously. Minato grinned as he focused his chakra. Soon his entire body and face changed and flared up with golden colored chakra with black seal designs around his body. Naruto stared in awe at the sight of Minato's new appearance as he felt a very strong power radiate from it.

"That power!" Kurama easily recognized, "It's my Yin chakra! He managed to utilize my Yin chakra to access Kyuubi Chakra Mode!"

"Kyuubi Chakra Mode!?" Naruto repeated after hearing what Kurama said.

"I'm assuming that the Yang half told you that," Minato figured. Naruto confirmed, "He did. But I had no idea that such a mode exist. I'm practicing and training to become a full-fledged Toad Sage and how to use Sage Mode."

"Speaking of Sage Mode," Minato replied before gathering nature chakra and changing his eyes' appearance to that of perfected Sage Mode.

"You learned how to use Sage Mode also?!" Naruto asked in surprise.

"Jiraiya-sensei believed that I would become the Child of Prophecy so he trained me as best as possible while I was alive," Minato said before his eyes changed back to normal, "Unfortunately I can only maintain Sage Mode for a short time before I'm forced to revert back."

"I'm in the same boat also and I'm working on overcoming that obstacle," Naruto revealed, "But tell me please, how were you able to use Kyuubi Chakra Mode?"

"Unlike most Bijuu," Minato explained, "Yin Kurama offered no resistance to cooperating with me, granting me immediate access to Kyuubi Chakra Mode. I also used this form while I was doing away with the Suna and Oto ninja armies that were outside Konoha walls after combining this with Hiraishin."

"Now that's overkill!" Naruto marveled, "Too bad I wasn't there to watch you in action!"

"Oh but there's more to Kyuubi Chakra Mode," Minato revealed, "Let me show and give you some demonstrations!"

Minato took hold of Naruto and teleported with him to a distant training ground. There, Minato went on to demonstrate his newly acquired abilities by forming chakra arms, entering Bijuu Mode, creating Bijuu Balls, and performing stronger versions of his usual techniques. By the time he was done, Naruto could do nothing but look at his father in awe.

"You have the capacity to learn and master these techniques also Naruto," Minato decreed, "Because you'll be the one to surpass both me and your mother, and I'm sure you'll surpass Jiraiya-sensei."

"Thanks father," Naruto thank and added, "Though Yang Kurama and I don't always see eye to eye and sometimes he's rather stubborn in cooperating with me, but I'm working getting him to see things from a better spectrum."

"That's a troubling dilemma," Minato acknowledged, "But seeing that you got that far with the Yang half of Kurama, perhaps now I can pass on this responsibility to you."

"What responsibility?" Naruto asked.

"Lift up your shirt and show me my your seal," Minato instructed. Doing as advised, Naruto raised his shirt from the bottom, exposing his abdominal. Minato went over to it and performed a set of intricate hand signs before placing his hands on Naruto's abdominal. Suddenly Naruto felt a massive rush of power entering his body as Minato's chakra started disappearing until it was entirely gone. Naruto felt like a huge weight was just placed inside of his body.

"What happened?" Naruto asked while feeling a little drained.

"I sealed Yin Kurama into you," Minato said, "Though in a separate confinement from Yang Kurama. You now have both halves sealed within you though I didn't let them combine back into the original one."

"You were able to do that?" Naruto asked.

"Since Yang Kurama refuses to work with you willingly, allowing him to combine with his Yin half will only cause more trouble for you," Minato said, "Only when both halves learn to work together with you peacefully, will they be allowed to fused back into the original Kurama."

"I'm surprised you chose not to hold on to Yin Kurama any further after what you show me," Naruto said.

"You have to capacity to hold both halves now," Minato pointed out, "Furthermore, I'm dead and can no longer function as either Hokage or the once believed to be Child of Prophecy. That's your responsibility now. Understand?"

Naruto nodded his head with Minato giving him a fatherly smile. Minato placed his hand on top of Naruto's head and ruffled it before they teleport back to the Uzumaki masked temple via Hirashin. Upon their arrival, the supervising kage bunshin dressed in clothes fit for a monk came out of the temple with a particular mask in his hand. Minato was looking at the Naruto kage bunshin as he approached him.

"What's with the mask in your hand?" Minato asked. Raising and extending his right arm that held the mask, the Naruto monk clone replied, "This is the Phoenix Mask, which I would like for you to put on."

"Why do wish for me to put that ugly looking mask on?" Minato asked.

"For someone who's alive," the Naruto monk clone explained, "The penalty for the use of this mask is that the user will lose his or her physically body upon the removal of this mask and be turned into a spirit that will wander this world alone being unable to be seen or heard for eternity. For someone summon through Edo Tensei, the rules are different. The summoned loses his body and is returned to the grave. The mask will also make it impossible for the person to be summoned through Edo Tensei again…unless they know this mask's secrets in unlocking that restriction which I have heavily guarded."

"I understand," Minato said, "Naruto, I'm so sorry for all of the cruel hardships you were forced to endure because of my blind and foolish optimism in believing my last wish would be honored by everyone after my death. I always wanted to be there to raise you just like your mother wanted to raise you."

"I already forgave you father," Naruto assured with a smiled, "And rest assured that I will find the true culprit responsible for instigating and forcing Kurama to attack Konoha."

"I'll leave that to you then," Minato said as he reached out and took the mask from the Naruto monk clone.

"By the way, Naruto, I have a scroll that I've kept secretly sealed away in my safe house concerning how I upgraded and improved Nidama-sama's original Hiraishin."

"You actually documented how you made Hiraishin your own signature jutsu?" Naruto asked with a surprised tone, "Where in the house is it sealed away?"

Minato reached into his green Jounin vest and retrieved the said scroll he was talking about.

"I went back for it after I took care of Suna's and Orochimaru's forces," Minato revealed before gave the scroll to Naruto. The young teenager took the scroll from his father and said, "You're giving me the scroll to your jutsu?"

Giving a Naruto a fatherly grin, Minato said, "Besides my private journal which you found much to my embarrassment, I can at the very least give you this and all of my tri-pronged kunai as your inheritance, you being my only son and heir. As your father, I want to say that I love you Uzumaki Naruto and that your mother would be proud and happy to see how you turned out and how you've been finding and gathering your brethren Uzumaki. I wish you the best and that you fulfill your dreams and continue protecting Konoha and all of your precious people. Goodbye Naruto, myvson."

"Goodbye father," a teary-eyed Naruto said, "And give my love to my mother when you see her!"

"Will do," Minato said before he placed the mask on. Upon doing so, his body ignited into flames and took on the formed of a fiery phoenix equal to his size. With a loud screech, it spread its large majestic wings wide open and flew high into the skies where it eventually burned out about the clouds, allowing the mask fall to the ground. Naruto walked over to the mask and picket it up off the ground. There was no sign of burns and remaining heat from the mask.

"Rest in peace, father," Naruto said soberly.

(Present Time; At The Hokage Tower)

Hiruzen was sitting at his desk with Shion and her entourage standing in front of his desk.

"You're presenting an offer that you feel would benefit the Uzumaki clan?" Hiruzen asked carefully.

"Yes," Shion replied, "But before I can present this offering, if it's possible I would very much like for Naruto-kun be present here so that I may properly discuss what I wish to him. It would be rude of me to go behind his back to make my offering without him first being here to listen to what it is I want to say."

"And you wish for me to be an eye witness to this?" Hiruzen asked.

"I am a foreigner Sandaime-sama," Shion respectful replied, "And though I have diplomatic status, I don't want to presumptuously act own my own accord within your village without your authorized consent, considering that my special offering is to one of clans of your village."

Hiruzen saw how Shion was meek and shrewd in not stating what her offering was before having an audience with Naruto while wanting him, Hiruzen present. The Hokage wasn't ignorant about priestess' powers and her future-telling abilities as he had heard reports about her from his spy master, Jiraiya. He could only guess what her interest in the Uzumaki was but he decided he'd keep his thoughts to himself until he hears all the facts first, and he would rather have Naruto present also before further questions on the topic could be asked so as to not arouse uncalled for grounds for suspicions.

"How long will you be staying in the village?" Hiruzen asked.

"For another four days," Shion said, "Five at most if needed. That should be enough time to schedule an audience with Naruto-kun with your presence serving as an eye witness I hope."

'This must be something gravely important to her if she wants my presence in this audience with Naruto she's personally requesting,' Hiruzen contemplated, "Very well then, I'll schedule an appointment between you and Naruto with my presence. I'll inform on which day we'll have this meeting."

"Thank you very much Sandaime-sama," Shion said thankfully with a respectful bow before leaving the office with her entourage. Hiruzen leaned back on his chair while wondering what Shion wanted to offer to the Uzumaki clan. He had a number of speculations but he figured that he'd see what Shion's intentions are when the meeting happens. While sitting back on his seat…

"Sandaime-sama," his secretary requested respectfully as she knocked on the door, "Koyuki-hime from Haru No Kuni is here for an audience with you."

'…Just when I thought I had some time to spare for some good reading…,' Hiruzen sighed as he thought about reaching for his secretly hidden Icha-Icha Paradise back, "Yes. Send her in please."

(Later At The Hyuuga Compound)

Hanabi was inside her room sitting at her desk reviewing one of the scrolls on earth manipulation Naruto gave her. As hard as she tried, she had a difficult time focusing as her mind kept thinking about Hinata's match with Gaara. The young Hyuuga, along with everyone else in the Hyuuga clan made no mistake that what Hinata did in that match went beyond anything they had ever seen from any proclaimed Hyuuga prodigy in their clan's entire history. And those seals they saw appear on Hinata's body added to Hinata's incredible strength, speed and stamina. From where it stood, Hinata was clearly the clan's strongest Elemental Juuken fighter and prodigy, and no one questioned or challenged that.

Deciding to clear her head, Hanabi got up and left her room. While walking through the hallway, she overheard one of the clan elders talking to Hiashi about something. Wanting to know what they were talking about, she quietly moved closer to the door and cracked it open marginally, enough for her ears to hear. From what she was hearing, she deduced that there were three elders talking with her father.

"Hiashi," the first elder, Hiashi's father spoke, "For years, we have misjudged and underestimated the Uzumaki whom you've allowed your two daughters to befriend and associate with. We admit that we didn't see the potential that Uzumaki Naruto possesses and witnessing Hinata's flawless victory against Gaara went beyond what we witnessed in her match with you a month ago."

"Yes," Hiashi agreed, "My eldest daughter admitted that she held back a significant amount of her true abilities and refrained from showing me all of her newly acquired strengths and skills; something Naruto had instructed her to do. Hinata threw the fight and lost to me on purpose just like how she always used to do with Hanabi. I don't know whether to feel proud of her accomplishments or embarrassed to realize that she allowed me to win that match so she could hide her real caliber up until yesterday.

"And Hinata's water Juuken and her blood manipulation technique which she learned from Naruto, it was unlike anything I've ever seen. It was amazing how she combined both her water Juuken and her blood manipulation technique to create her new Long Range Hakke Rokujūyon Shō. In truth, Naruto is an even better teacher than I am when it comes to the way of the ninja and he's also been training my younger daughter secretly for some time also."

"Hanabi too has been training under the Uzumaki in secret?" the second elder inquired with the other two elders being just as surprised.

"I figured this out on my own considering the amount of time my daughters spend with the boy," Hiashi said.

"Regardless, Hinata's performance during the Chuunin Exams Finals is living testimony that Naruto's ways of teaching come with great benefits as she defeated Gaara, whom I've heard was Suna's trump card in their attempted invasions against us, strategically and cunningly," the third elder said.

"This new Juuken we witnessed, Elemental Juuken," Hiashi's father said, "The power behind it was incredible; along with those ancient-looking seals we saw appear on Hinata's body.

"Those seals seemed to be some form of restraint seals that are undoubtedly used for training purposes and Hinata clearly pointed out that it was Naruto who gave her permission to unlock and release them. Judging from that, I wouldn't be wrong to state that Hinata received those seals from Naruto even though judging from those seal's intricate design it would require a seal master to come up with such a seal."

"The Uzumaki has been playing us and the Hokage for fools all these years by hiding his true talents," the third elder said, "He was even able to summon the late Yondaime and have him wipe out the invading forces that threatened our village. I even heard that Jiraiya-sama has taken interest in the boy and if he takes the Uzumaki under his wings with what he already knows…"

"He'll become more than a force to be reckoned with than he is now," the second elder said, "Someone we wouldn't want as an enemy if what befell Suna and Oto yesterday isn't testimony enough to what Naruto is capable of."

"We need not worry about where Uzumaki Naruto's loyalty lies in," Hiashi replied, "I've seen personally how far he'll go to protect this village and those he cares for; just like how his father and mother before him did…just like how my younger twin brother before him did."

"Yes," Hiashi's father agreed, "It didn't escape our notice how far Naruto went to protect those of our clan too. Protecting and ensuring the survival of the clan heiress and Hanabi is no small matter we would take lightly. You mentioned earlier how Naruto has also taken Hanabi under his wings to train just like how he did with Hinata. Having both of your daughters trained in Elemental Juuken will make them standout significantly amongst the younger and older generations of the Main House."

"As their father and clan leader," Hiashi remarked with a grin, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Seeing the power behind Elemental Juuken combined with the seals Naruto gave Hinata," Hiashi's father suggested, "Hiashi, is it possible you can convince Naruto into taking other members of our clan to train and give those seals to, considering that Naruto is dating the clan heiress?"

Hanabi almost blew her own cover when she nearly gasped as she covered her mouth after hearing what they asked of her father.

'They can't be serious!' Hanabi thought indignantly.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Hiashi calmly replied, "I'm sorry but that's not a request I can make of Naruto."

The second elder reasoned, "Hiashi-"

"Naruto is from the Uzumaki clan," Hiashi calmly reminded and continued, "Who he trains is his choice and not my or anyone's decision to make. The reasons why Naruto has been training my daughters have nothing to doing with me or anything I said to him."

"Don't you realize the possibilities that can be achieved through Naruto if he trains other members of our clan besides your two daughters?" the third elder reasoned.

"It's only now after seeing his true powers and intellect do you and others seek to exploit him," Hiashi replied just as calmly and patiently, "And knowing Naruto he won't agree to your request anyway and I can't force him to either."

"How can you be certain of that?" Hiashi's father asked.

Hiashi explained, "Because Inuzuka Tsume once related to me how her clansmen once tried to exploit Naruto's cousin Uzumaki Honoka after seeing the power and influence her chakra has on animals, even going as far as to consider getting the girl to be married into their clan. The Aburame clan also saw how their kikkai bugs and other insects are affected and influenced by her chakra. Even animal summons are influenced by it. Naruto became very protective of Honoka more than before as a result and made it sternly clear to Tsume's clansmen that he won't allow them to exploit Honoka for their clan's selfish benefits. She also related how Honoka doesn't completely trust everyone in Konoha because of how Naruto was treated by the majority of this village for most of his life."

"Did Naruto make such restrictions against the Aburame clan?" Hiashi's father asked.

"I know of no such restrictions since the Aburame clan made no attempt to exploit Uzumaki Honoka," Hiashi replied, "The Inuzuka clan lost out because they selfishly sought to use Honoka for their own benefit with no regards her familial ties to Naruto."

"I see," the third elder carefully contemplated, "So long we don't try to push and manipulate Naruto, he would be willing to possibly choose others in our clan to train besides your daughters."

"As I said before," Hiashi said, "Naruto trains who he chooses and he won't give those special seals to just anyone as those seals belong to his clan, not Konoha. He didn't even give them to Hanabi as she didn't know of those seal's existence until Hinata's match with Gaara."

The three elders nodded their heads while carefully giving thoughts to Hiashi's words.

"Perhaps we can persuade Hinata into training our brethren in the arts she learned from Naruto," Hiashi's father suggested.

"As humbling as that would be for many in our clan after all the heartaches they gave my eldest daughter throughout her life," Hiashi replied honestly, "I doubt she'll comply and agree. If I recall correctly in our last clan's meeting with both houses a month ago, Hinata told all of us that she made a blood oath not to reveal her learned secrets behind Naruto's training and that she'll take them with her to the grave. Hanabi recently started training under the Uzumaki and her prowess and caliber is nowhere near Hinata's. However, I'm sure that Naruto, like he did with Hinata, will help Hanabi into developing a new form of Juuken which will be revealed in time."

"Very well then Hiashi," Hiashi's father concurred, "Seeing the fruitages Naruto's training has brought forth with Hinata because we didn't interfere, we'll wait and see where Hanabi's training with the Uzumaki takes her and see if by then or sooner if he'll take members of our clan to train."

Hiashi quietly nodded his head and replied, "As I said before, that'll be entirely up to Naruto."

Hanabi quietly closed the door having heard enough. She slipped away and left the area and ultimately, left the compound to search out Naruto. While on her way, she replayed everything she heard and remembered from her father's private meeting with the three clan elders. She saw where the elders were coming from and where her father stood in not agreeing with what they sought to gain from Naruto. But one factor stood out to Hanabi…

'Those special seals I saw on onee-sama's body,' Hanabi thought, 'I wonder if Naruto-kun would give them to me too. The question is: what would I say to convince him to allow me to be given those seals? Father wishes for me to train more with Naruto-kun but he only gave those seals to onee-sama,' an optimistic smile formed on her lips,'What could it hurt to ask?'

Hanabi ran off in her search for Naruto.

(All The While)

Kakashi, Kurenai and their teams were making their way into the Hokage's office. Before long they arrived and entered his office and found Hiruzen sitting at his office desk with his smoke pipe in his right hand.

"Team 7 and Team 8," Hiruzen greeted, "It's great that you both have arrived here in a timely manner."

Kakashi knew Hiruzen purposefully emphasized "timely" as a reference to his infamous tardiness with regards to his Genin team.

"I believe I should inform you of the reason I have summoned you all here," Hiruzen stated as he looked at the Genin and smiled, "I am here to announce promotions to the rank of Chuunin."

"Promotions?" Sakura with a confused expression, "But the Chuunin Exam Finals was interrupted; how could promotions be possible?"

"The Kage of every village has the right to promote whoever he sees fit at any time," Kakashi informed. Sakura turned to the Hokage and asked, "But what about that whole speech you gave us about friendship between the villages and maintaining balance and all that?"

"That was all true," Hiruzen enlightened, "The exams do foster friendship among the villages and help maintain a balance; a balance of the elite of each village, which is what's on display. To be promoted through the exams is considered the highest honor and achievement. As the Hokage, I have the authority to promote worthy Genin to the rank of Chuunin and offer qualified Chuunin the opportunity to take the Jounin Exam. And today it's my great pleasure to give three of you promotions to Chuunin."

From behind his desk Hiruzen pulled out a familiar green flak jacket like the ones Kakashi and Gai wore. Hiruzen came out from behind his desk and stood in front of Naruto holding the vest out to him.

"This one is yours Uzumaki Naruto. I hereby promote you to the rank of Chuunin," Hiruzen gave him a pleased smile, "Congratulations, I'm proud of you."

Naruto's hands reached out and took the vest from the Hokage.

"Thank you jiisan!" He exclaimed happily while Hinata smiled happily. Sakura cheered for him, being really happy for him. Kakashi applauded while Sasuke smirked, but he didn't hold Naruto's promotion against him. The Hokage retrieve the second vest and handed it over to Hinata.

"This one's is yours Hyuuga Hinata. You've earned it. Your performance as a ninja and way of handling Gaara assured me that you have what it takes to be a capable Chuunin," Hiruzen praised.

"Th-Thank you Sandaime-sama," Hinata said happily as she accepted the vest.

"Congratulations Hinata-chan!" Naruto gave her a huge hug.

"Way to go Hinata!" Kiba said happily.

"Your promotion is both well-deserved and most fitting; it gives me profound satisfaction to witness your well-earned achievement," Shino expressed before he gently patted her left shoulder in a display of raw unbridled emotion.

"I am very proud of you Hinata," Kurenai said and gave her a hug of her own, "You've done great!"

"Thank you Kurenai-sensei," Hinata replied. A moment later, Hiruzen went and got the third and last vest.

"This one is for you, Uchiha Sasuke," Hiruzen said, surprising not only Sasuke, but the others in the room also.

"What!?" Kiba replied in disbelief and outrage, "That arrogant prick is getting promoted also!?"

"It's not like I was expecting it!" Sasuke retorted before turning to Hiruzen with a confused expression, "Sandaime, I forfeited my match to Naruto and lost by default."

"That you did," Hiruzen acknowledged and continued, "But that's not why I'm promoting you."

"What reasons could there be for his promotion?" Kiba asked, while Naruto, Sakura, Hinata, and Shino were just as curious. Even Kakashi and Kurenai were interesting in hearing Hiruzen's explanation.

"If Sasuke's character was what it was a month ago I would have denied him his promotion without question," Hiruzen made clear and continued, "But his performance and mannerism during his match with Naruto demonstrated that he made profound changes in his demeanor as both a ninja and person. Also, he demonstrated good judgment in dealing with a stronger opponent and knowing when it was a good time to pull back. Actions like these can mean life or death for both the team leader and those under his or her charge.

"Had Sasuke continued his match with Naruto merely to prove his strength and skills against Naruto in an effort to protect his ego, I would have denied him his promotion on those grounds also. And yes, I was very well aware of the issues that were going on between Naruto and Sasuke with regards to Hinata over the years. But then again, who in Konoha wasn't?"

"You don't have to rub it in," Sasuke remarked with a frown.

"My point is that you made significant changes that didn't go unnoticed and while you and Naruto had major issues with each other until recently," Hiruzen explained, "You were still willing put your grudge against him aside and work with together with him, even if it meant him taking the role as team leader when Kakashi wasn't around."

"I never considered or thought about it that way before," Sasuke admitted, "I don't know what else to say but…thank you."

Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke placed their vests on and bowed to Hiruzen. As soon as the three of them stood in attention, Sakura was the first to pull Sasuke into a tight embrace.

"You did it Sasuke-kun! I knew you could do it!" Sakura cheered shamelessly.

"Get off me!" Sasuke said with an annoyed demeanor.

"It's rather ironic that the three Genin who were in the most controversial and fierce love triangle since our early years in Konoha's Ninja Academy are the first three of our class to be promoted," Shino remarked.

"I'm still finding Sasuke's promotion hard to swallow," Kiba replied.

"It just means that both you and Shino-kun will make the effort to become Chuunin the next time around," Hinata encouraged, "You both still can make Chuunin even without the Chuunin Exams as Sandaime-sama said earlier so all is not lost."

"Forgive me if I'm out of line in asking this Sandaime-sama," Kurenai asked, "but, why isn't Shikamaru getting promoted seeing that he forfeited his match like how Sasuke did?"

"That's a good question you asked Kurenai and I'll explain why," Hiruzen replied as he walked back to his chair and sat down to face everyone in his office. Hiruzen explained, "If all of you remember the riddle at the end of the Second Test of the Chuunin Exams, it stated that Chuunin must have both power and mind. While it is true that Shikamaru has the mind of a Chuunin, he lacks power and the rest of the qualities necessary for the rank. His refusal to fight until he was literally pushed over the balcony by Naruto to do so affirms this. If he lacks the motivation to be a Chuunin then he shouldn't receive the rank until he feels ready.

"There's also Shikamaru's decision to forfeit instead of winning his match he was about to win against Temari. He gave a foreign kunoichi the opportunity to keep advertising her village. What he should have done was win his match against Temari and then forfeit at the beginning of his next match which would have been with Naruto, Shino or Hinata. Shikamaru basically let Konoha down because he was too lazy to keep fighting. That's not Chuunin material and it spoke badly of my ninja with important dignitaries and foreign diplomats watching the event.

"That's way I'm denying Shikamaru's promotion to Chuunin."

"I understand," Kurenai expressed, knowing Asuma would be disappointed after he learns why his Genin failed to make it to the rank of Chuunin.

"Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata, Uchiha Sasuke," Hiruzen decreed, "The three of you have been promoted and are officially among the rank of Chuunin. As your Hokage, I expect the three of you to live up to your new roles and carry out the new responsibilities your position as Chuunin calls upon. As Chuunin, you'll be given higher ranked missions and be called upon to lead a team of Genin on missions if the situation or mission requires it. You'll exercise your authority as Chuunin within its proper decree and abuse of your authority will be met with disciplinary actions. My promoting you three to Chuunin demonstrates the amount of confidence I have in you three and I trust that you'll live up to serve as examples for your fellow ninja. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sandaime-sama," Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke said simultaneously before giving Hiruzen a respectful bow in acknowledgment of his authority as Hokage.

"That's good to know. And Naruto, I would like for you to stay here for a moment to talk to you in private," Hiruzen said before looking over at the rest of the people in the office, "Kakashi, Kurenai, you both may take your Genin and newly promoted Chuunin."

"Naruto," Kakashi said "We'll be making our way to the training ground where we first began the bell test. We'll wait for you there as I have words of my own I'd like to share with all three of you."

"I'll be there," Naruto said.

"Seeing that we still have time," Kurenai suggested, "Let's go out to a restaurant and celebrate Hinata's promotion to Chuunin. My treat."

"Free food!" Kiba cheered enthusiastically, "I'm in! What do you say to that Akamaru?!"

Akamaru barked just as enthusiastically.

"I too am willing to share in the merriment in honoring Hinata's well-earned advancement in the ninja ranks," Shino said in his same vocal tone. Kurenai turned to the Hyuuga heiress and said, "C'mon! This is your time to shine and for us to be happy for you."

"Thanks you guys," Hinata said happily as she left the office with her sensei and team. Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura followed in exiting but journeyed to another location. Naruto was now left alone with Hiruzen.

"So jiisan," Naruto inquired, "What did you what to talk about?"

"Shion the priestess whom you rescued and saved has requested to have a meeting with you," Hiruzen said.

"She wishes to have a meeting with me?" Naruto asked, "Did she say why?"

"No, but she was insistent that I be present with you both during this meeting," Hiruzen explained, "It must be something important if she wanted me to arrange this meeting with you while having my presence there also. I can only speculate what she wants to meet with you about but I'm keeping my thoughts to myself until we hear from her own mouth what she wishes to meet with you about."

"I understand," Naruto said, "So when are we meeting with her?"

"I figured the sooner we meet with her the better," Hiruzen said, "I'll arrange for us to meet tomorrow an hour before noon."

"Sounds good to me," Naruto said, "I'll be there," and just then Naruto came realize something, "By the way jiisan, since I'm officially a Chuunin now, doesn't that now entitle me to legally have a seat on the Shinobi Council as the head of the Uzumaki clan? Since I'm a Chuunin, I don't need Honoka to be there as my spokesperson."

"That's true Naruto," Hiruzen confirmed, "I already took care of that and you will have your place on the council. Now I believe your team is waiting for you."

Naruto nodded his head and shunshin'd out of the office and started out on his way to his next destination which was the training ground where Kakashi and the rest of his team were. It wasn't long until he arrived at his destination where the rest of his team was waiting.

"Naruto," Kakashi acknowledged, "It took you even less time than I originally estimated."

"Unlike you I make it a habit to try to be as punctual as possible," Naruto replied.

"If you say so," Kakashi remarked.

"So what happens now?" Sasuke asked his sensei. Kakashi smiled behind his mask and answered, "We go back to training and performing missions of course until we can have Sakura achieve the rank of Chuunin like you both. I have to confess to all three of you…I'm most pleased that up to this point you guys have done something that all the other Genin I had in the past failed to do."

"And that is?" Sakura asked.

"You three have proven me wrong, repeatedly," Kakashi said.

"Care to explain?" Sasuke asked.

"At first I had no faith in this team surviving as we all started off completely dysfunctional and at each other's throats and I believed at first that you guys would be the next bunch I would add to my growing list of Genin I failed and sent back to the academy for remedial training," Kakashi explained, "Yet despite what I initially believed about you three and the rough times and violent differences we had with each other at the start, you guys managed to pull through and stick together and in time trust each other with your lives. Naruto, Sasuke, you both have made me as your sensei very proud, especially you Sasuke. I had my doubts about your character and obsession with Hinata, but the changes I've seen in you along with the amount of effort you made in correcting your mistakes did not go unnoticed by me. And your performance during the Chuunin Exam Finals was looked on with admiration and respect amongst my fellow Jounin. Well done, Uchiha Sasuke."

"Thanks, I guess," Sasuke replied.

"There isn't anything worth mentioning that I've done Kakashi-sensei," Sakura remarked, "All I've been from the start of this team is a liability and the fact that I had to be rescued and saved by my teammates multiple times proves this. Out of everyone on this team," a few tears fell from Sakura's eyes as she continued, "I'm the most useless with nothing to contribute. Even Karin, a foreigner and fellow Genin proved to be far more useful during the invasion. For what it's worth, I'm a failure as a Konoha ninja."

A few sobs escaped Sakura's mouth as several more tears descended down her face. Kakashi was about to say something when…

"Sakura," Naruto spoke up, "After I was swallowed by the giant viper Orochimaru summoned leaving you and Sasuke to battle Orochimaru on your own, you were immobilized by snakes Orochimaru bound you with. Why was that?"

"Sasuke-kun told me to run and escape after Orochimaru captured him," Sakura said while wiping her tears away, "But I refused and despite knowing how helpless the situation was, I still tried to do something against Orochimaru hoping it would help Sasuke-kun break free of his hold on him."

"You risked your life for a comrade Sakura despite knowing you were facing a deadly S-class criminal, a Sannin no less," Naruto pointed out, "Is that something someone useless or a coward would do?"

Sakura thought for a moment as she gave Naruto's words careful consideration. Naruto continued, "Kakashi-sensei said that those who abandon the mission are trash. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash. Even when Sasuke himself pleaded to you to leave him and save yourself, you didn't regardless of how dire the situation was. Despite your flaws Sakura, you demonstrated true team spirit and showed that you have what it takes to become a Chuunin if pointed in the right direction with the right training and education. Isn't that right Sasuke?"

"If she focuses more on her training and being a ninja and not a fangirl then yes," Sasuke simply replied.

"Thanks you guys," Sakura said with honest appreciation as she felt more optimistic and sure of herself while wiping her tears away.

"Well said Naruto," Kakashi complimented, "Encouraging your teammates and maintaining team morale are essential qualities needed not only in teammates but in team leaders, especially those aspiring to become Jounin and higher. Your words were carefully chosen and nothing you said served to point out whatever flaws she's working on correcting. Your speech was honestly better than what I was thinking of saying."

"So what happens now?" Sasuke asked.

"Now I'll let you guys have the rest of the day off and do whatever you want," Kakashi said as he pulled out his orange book, "And please don't let your promotions go to your heads. Ciao."

Sasuke was about to give a reply with Kakashi shunshin'd and departed from the scene.

"That good-for-nothing cheapskate!" Naruto complained, "Kurenai-sensei treated Hinata and her team to dinner for their accomplishments and all we got were a few cheap words and a "see you later"!"

"Why did you expect anything more from him?" Sasuke asked.

"I didn't," Naruto replied, "I was merely voicing the obvious. I'm going to Teuchi to treat myself to a ramen buffet as a prize for my promotion."

"While you're doing that," Sasuke said as he turned to leave, "I'm going back home to take care of some things."

Sakura was about to ask Sasuke if she could accompany him back but she refrained from doing so after recalling his comment about not acting like a fangirl. She watched Sasuke leave until he was out of his sight. By the time she turned to ask Naruto something, he was long gone, leaving her alone at the training field.

"I might as well make my way home also," Sakura figured with slumped shoulders before starting on her way there.

(Meanwhile)

Kakashi and Jiraiya were walking through the streets of Konoha together. Kakashi's enjoyment of his reading was interrupted when Jiraiya decided to bring up the topic for Kakashi to listen to.

"Kakashi," Jiraiya said, "There's a dangerous organization that's after Naruto."

Kakashi stopped reading and looking over at the older man, "An entire organization after Naruto?"

"Yes," Jiraiya confirmed, "They're known as the Akatsuki. Based on the reports given to me through my spy network, this organization is composed of nine missing-nin, all of them S-class criminals. Orochimaru used to be one of them but left for reasons my spy network was unable to discover. But what my network was able to find out is that they're going after not only Naruto but other Jinchuuriki."

"You mean Naruto and Gaara," Kakashi stated as a matter of fact.

"I mean all nine of them," Jiraiya replied, "From what I found out, they're trying to harvest all of the nine bijuu for an unknown reason. Their primary goal is completely top secret."

Kakashi now gave Jiraiya a curious look and asked, "Were you able to learn of their identities?"

Jiraiya let out a sigh as they continued their walk, "Beside Orochimaru who's a former member, their identities are being tightly kept in secret. However I did manage to discover two others, these being Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame."

"A former Konoha ANBU Captain and a former member of Kirigakure's legendary Seven Swordsmen," Kakashi deduced, "Quite a formidable team."

"Don't underestimate any of the members of the Akatsuki," Jiraiya warned, "If Orochimaru was once part of their organization that should be a clear indication of how dangerous they are."

"I understand," Kakashi said.

(At Ichiraku Restaurant)

Naruto was sitting at his favorite seat with Hanabi sitting next to him. She was able to find him after checking all of the other usual places Naruto would spend time at before finally finding him making his way to his favorite Ramen stand. The eight-year-old was sitting quietly while trying to think of how to approach the subject of asking Naruto to give her the gravity and chakra restraint seals he gave to Hinata years ago. Soon though, she decided to turn to a different subject.

"So you and onee-sama were promoted to Chuunin?" Hanabi asked.

"That's right," Naruto replied, "I saved the village from a deadly invasion which would have resulted in more casualties and the most likely loss of jiisan's life."

"You pulled out some amazing jutsu to use against our village's enemies and forced them to retreat," Hanabi said, "It's only right that you be acknowledged for your heroism."

"…It's too bad Hinata-chan isn't here now," Naruto sighed, "Kurenai-sensei took off with her and the rest of their team to some restaurant to celebrate her promotion while my team dispersed to do their own thing after Kakashi-sensei's so-called words of wisdom."

"Well I know I'm not onee-sama, Naruto-kun," Hanabi encouraged with a bright smile, "But you can still celebrate it with me. I'm happy for your success and accomplishments as they will bring you closer to fulfilling your dreams of becoming Hokage and restoring our clan's prestige."

"Our clan?" Naruto teased after catching Hanabi's blunder.

"Your clan!" Hanabi blushed with a cherry red face as she looked away after realizing her mistake, "You knew what I meant!"

"Did I really?" Naruto continued to tease, "You know that's the second time you said a statement similar to that."

"You're still a pain even as a Chuunin!" Hanabi snorted though her blush was still on her face when she realized, "I can't believe you actually kept count of that!"

"I strive to have an immaculate memory my Little Nighttime Firecracker," Naruto remarked.

"…Whatever," Hanabi mumbled.

"So then," Naruto asked deciding to change the subject, "Is there anything you want to share with me?"

Hanabi recalled the discussion she heard between her father and the three clan elders before giving her reply.

"A whole lot," Hanabi replied lowly only for Naruto to hear, "Much of which concerns a complete change in how you're viewed by many from the Hyuuga's perspectives?"

"Really?" Naruto replied lowly.

"But I can't discuss them so openly," Hanabi whispered, "My father and the higher ups in my clan don't know I was spying on them."

"You can tell me more in details after we leave for a more private location," Naruto assured. Hanabi nodded though secretly she was looking forward to being alone with her older sister's boyfriend again.

"Here you go Naruto!" Teuchi said enthusiastically, "A double size pork ramen with extra pork!"

The size of the bowl was rather large of a common ramen bowl but Naruto was infamous for his ravenous appetite. Hanabi looked at the bowl in question.

"And a second one waiting for you on the side," Teuchi said as he placed the second double size bowl in front of Naruto.

"Can you actually eat all this?" Hanabi asked as she looked at the two large bowls placed in front of her object of affections.

"I can eat far more than this if I'm truly starving," Naruto said as he got his chopsticks ready, "Itadakimasu!"

Hanabi watched as he scoffed down the food in the bowl as if he was a child that was deprived of food and sustenance. A moment later, a third and normal size bowl of ramen was placed in front of Hanabi.

"This one is for you young lady," Hanabi turned to the meal set before her.

"This is for me?" Hanabi asked.

"Yes," Teuchi confirmed, "You can't train with Naruto under an empty stomach so eat up. Naruto already paid for this one for you."

"You know I train with Naruto-kun?" Hanabi asked in surprise.

"He mentioned a few things here and there about you and his girlfriend's progress and how hard you both work to get better," Teuchi revealed, "He'll teach you well I'm sure so don't slack off."

"You think I'll let onee-sama stay ahead of me in everything?" Hanabi remarked, "I won't lose to her!"

Hanabi grabbed her own pair of chopsticks and started eating up her bowl of ramen alongside Naruto. Before long, Naruto was eating up his second serving. By the time Hanabi was done with hers, Naruto was already done with his two larger bowls.

"Well Hanabi-chan," Naruto suggested, "Let's go and head to one of the training grounds."

"Alright," Hanabi smiled and followed and walked alongside Naruto to their next destination.

(Back At The Uchiha District)

Tayuya was currently in the Uchiha Library reading some books and scrolls to pass the time. At the moment, she was in the section of the library that was once forbidden for younger and less senior ranked members of the Uchiha clan to enter. Soon though, she heard footsteps of someone entering the library and approaching. Already knowing who it was, she didn't bother to face him.

"So this is where you were," a masculine voice spoke.

"So what of it Numb Nuts?" Tayuya replied.

"What are you reading?" Sasuke inquired.

"Just trying to learn more about the clan of the Genin whose dick I've been riding," Tayuya crudely replied. Sasuke frowned and corrected, "You should keep yourself up to date more often, seeing that I'm a Chuunin now."

That reply caused Tayuya to stop what she was doing and turn to Sasuke. True to his word, he was wearing his official Chuunin vest.

"What?" Tayuya asked in surprise, "But…you forfeited. How…?"

"I asked the same thing myself," Sasuke said, "However my performance and demeanor during the Finals made a huge impression on the Hokage and others, and he felt that I earned my privilege to be promoted and join the ranks of Chuunin. Naruto and Hinata were also promoted."

Sasuke expected a rude and callous remark from Tayuya. But what he heard next wasn't what he expected.

"I'm happy for your accomplishments, Sasuke," Tayuya said sincerely, "Seeing your promotion to Chuunin reflects well on me as your teacher and the woman who had to whip your ass into shape."

"My ass isn't all you enjoy seeing," Sasuke remarked as walked over to Tayuya and pulled her into his arms. Tayuya embraced and kissed him hotly as their tongues danced together. A moment later, they pulled their lips away from each other to catch their breaths.

"It's soothing to know that a Genin won't be boning my ass anymore," Tayuya joked.

"Hn, funny," Sasuke remarked, "So what were you reading?"

"Something about this Uchiha Madara guy," Tayuya answered, "He must have been a shitty asshole for his whole clan to hate and turn on him."

"He was once the strongest member of my clan possessing the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan," Sasuke stated, "Sadly he fell from grace and was ostracized from the clan for his actions against the Shodai. With his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he was able to control the Kyuubi and use him to do his bidding like a servant."

"What a kickass power!" Tayuya remarked.

"Regardless of that," Sasuke interjected, "He still lost to Senju Hashirama the Shodai in their last fight and was killed by him. I will admit though that the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan was a most powerful dōjutsu achieved by Madara but it was no much for the Shodai. Itachi achieved the level of getting the Mangekyō Sharingan and for a time I've been looking for another method in achieving that without resorting to Itachi's method."

"What method did he use?" Tayuya asked. Sasuke sighed lowly and released Tayuya from his embrace before he turned away. Tayuya frowned at this and persisted, "Don't pussy out in telling me what it is Numb Nuts!"

"His method is one I don't approve of which is why I'm seeking to find another way of achieving Mangekyō Sharingan," Sasuke replied.

"So what was Itachi's method?" Tayuya asked again while trying to stay patient.

"I don't want to talk about it," Sasuke retorted.

"Why are you hiding this secret from me?" Tayuya argued.

"What does it matter to you?" Sasuke shot back.

"It matters to me because I'm the one who's training and teaching you goddamn it!" Tayuya retorted. Sasuke's back continued to face her as he remained silent. Tayuya walked over and stood behind him.

"We agreed that we'd be honest and open to each other and not keep secrets from each other," Tayuya reasoned, "Up till now, I've always been honest with you and hid nothing from you. Don't hide this from me Sasuke."

There was calm silence between the two as Tayuya waited for his answer. Just as she thought she wasn't going to get a reply, Sasuke sighed and reluctantly revealed, "…On the night Itachi slaughtered every member of my clan while sparing me, he told me that if I ever want to achieve awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan like he did…I'll have to kill…my closest friend."

Tayuya remained silent on hearing what Sasuke revealed to her. If anything, that secret was anything but what she was expecting to hear. There was an uncomfortable silence that flowed through the library as both Sasuke and Tayuya contemplated what to say or ask next. Soon though, that silence was broken by a dark inquiry.

"Does that mean that my death by your hands will get you to achieve having the Mangekyō Sharingan?" Tayuya asked and reminded, "I gave you my sworn word that I'd help you get stronger and avenge your fallen clan Sasuke. Would killing me help in this regard?"

"Killing you would achieve nothing and I would lose more than gain," Sasuke replied, "Even if I did gain the Mangekyō Sharingan, all it would mean is that I'm no different from Itachi in every way," Sasuke turned to Tayuya and said, "and I will not live the rest of my life knowing that I gained power by following his pattern. I've gotten stronger without resorting to Itachi's methods therefore there must be another way to achieve the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"Why is this so important to you?" Tayuya asked.

"I can't fight Itachi without it!" Sasuke explained, "He's a seasoned ninja and his Sharingan is stronger than mine! As much as I hate to admit it and wish it was otherwise but if I fight him now, I'll lose! I know this because Naruto is stronger than me!"

"If you're looking for another method of getting stronger than you are now," Tayuya said, "Then perhaps we can see what possible ideas we can come up with together. Weren't there any scrolls or books that pertained to how your ancestor Madara achieved the Mangekyō Sharingan?"

"I checked through them," Sasuke answered, "There isn't a single scroll that talked about it. Madara was clearly someone that my clan wanted to forget about since his actions against the Shodai shamed the Uchiha clan."

Tayuya thought about other possible methods and strategies they could resort to. So far, very little came to mind.

"To be honest," Tayuya admitted, "I'm not sure if the Cursed Seal could aid in your endeavor considering that it's a bloodline limit ability," Tayuya then considered a possible thought, "Wait a minute, you said that there's no mention of how Madara achieved that level of the Sharingan. So, on the same token it's possible that the reason for this is because there's no story of Madara killing anyone that allowed him to achieve gaining the Mangekyō Sharingan. Perhaps something severely traumatic happened to him that allowed him to awaken that level of the Sharingan. At least that's my possible theory, though I could be completely wrong."

Sasuke took Tayuya's words into consideration. After careful consideration, Sasuke came to a conclusion.

"Come to think of it," Sasuke replied, "It would serve to make complete sense if that theory of yours is true Tayuya. It's true that in special cases from what I've read in my history studies that severely traumatic events have triggered dormant powers of certain ninja to awaken, granting them amazing abilities and powers they previously didn't have before or weren't aware they had at all. And when I link that with your theory, Itachi killing his closest friend was severely traumatic enough for him to awaken his Mangekyō Sharingan."

"Quite a fucked up price for power if you ask me," Tayuya remarked, "But that's the only plausible theory I can think of."

"That's the only explanation there is," Sasuke stated, "There is nothing else to it."

Sasuke looked at Tayuya and said truthfully, "You've been a great help and asset to me, and helped me to solve this puzzle that I've been at a complete loss in solving. It would have been perhaps another three to four years before I realized this truth behind awakening the Sharingan's dormant capabilities."

"So what now?" Tayuya asked, "You're going to look for someone or something to severely traumize your ass into awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan?" Tayuya then gave Sasuke a twisted smile, 'I'll be more than happy to help you myself you know."

"You're a sadist," Sasuke remarked with a frown.

(Meanwhile)

Hanabi was walking next to Naruto as they traveled further into the forest. All the while she was thinking of how to ask Naruto for the seals he gave to Hinata. She knew that her explanation had to be valid and based on facts besides fairness in level of training.

"Well My Little Nighttime Firecracker," Naruto declared, "We're here; out of sight and hearing range. So what was it you wanted to share with regarding what your father and clan elders were discussing about me?"

"It goes like this," Hanabi said before started her lengthy and detailed explanation about everything she saw and heard between her father and the three Hyuuga clan elders. Naruto listened to every word and only asked questions when needed in order to clarify what he thought he heard. After a while Hanabi was done, leaving Naruto to contemplate and momentarily meditate everything that was conveyed to him.

"Your clan elders first looked down on me as Konoha's trash and a worthless pariah," Naruto stated, "Now they look at me as a tool fitted to advance their clan."

"My father didn't readily agree with them as I told you," Hanabi said, "He doesn't see things the way they want him to in regards to you. Plus the elders later consented in not trying to see if they could pressure you into training more members from my clan."

"I understand," Naruto assured and continued, "And your father was correct to deduce that I wouldn't just give those seals to just anyone nor would I just simply train anyone."

"But you personally chose to train both me and onee-sama," Hanabi replied, and then snorted, "And in some respects you're even training Konohamaru who proclaimed himself as your rival; tch…The wannabe calls himself your rival yet he has you training him. It doesn't make any sense."

"Konohamaru has some hidden potential just like you and Hinata-chan," Naruto said, "He just needs guidance and proper training like all of us do. I'm still training and working to improve myself to become better."

"After all the things you did yesterday during the invasion," Hanabi remarked incredulously, "You still believe that you need to improve?"

"Even my father," Naruto enlightened, "Konoha's late Yondaime, worked hard to improve as there were certain styles and jutsu that even he wasn't able to master and perfect. My point Hanabi-chan is that no one is above improvements and working harder to become better, wiser and smarter than before."

"Speaking of working harder to become better than before Naruto-kun," Hanabi asked nervously, "You gave those very seals to onee-sama quite a while ago no doubt during your time training her. I along with many others saw the amazing feats she pulled off after you allowed her to release those seals."

"I know," Naruto remarked proudly, "Hinata-chan proved to be the lion-hearted Hyuuga I always see her as. I simply helped her to bring out that confident and determined side of her while the rest was entirely up to her."

"With that said Naruto-kun, if it's not too much to ask of you," Hanabi requested humbly as she went and got on both hands and knees in front of Naruto and bowed her head till it touched the grass, "May I have the privilege of being given the very seals you bestowed onee-sama with? I would feel completely honored to be given those seals as they will greatly improve in my training under your watchful eyes."

Naruto thought about this seriously as he acknowledged that Hanabi actions were no small gestures. Coming from a noble clan, what Hanabi was doing was one of the meekest and most sincere acts and to brush it off like it was no big deal would cause her to lose face and be disgraced.

"Naruto-kun," Hanabi petitioned, "I humbly beg you to allow me to have the seals you gave onee-sama. If I must prove myself in order to be awarded with those seals then please tell me what to do. I'll even swear a blood oath like onee-sama to never reveal secrets behind your training if that will make you happy."

Hanabi pulled out her kunai and got ready to slit her right hand to prove her words true. Just as she was about to run her right palm across the blade...

"I see your guts," Naruto remarked as he grabbed her right arm and stopped her to going that far to prove herself, "You're a whole lot like my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit when she was your age, my Little Nighttime Firecracker. Now rise."

Hanabi stood up and placed her kunai away.

"Very well then," Naruto agreed, "I'll give you the chakra and gravity restraint seals I gave Hinata-chan."

"You will!?" Hanabi asked excitedly, "You really mean it!?"

"I do," Naruto assured before Hanabi bowed gratefully to him and thanked, "Thank you Naruto-kun. I appreciate the privilege very much."

"You're most welcome Hanabi-chan," Naruto said, "However, there's something you must know first."

"What's that?" Hanabi asked as waited for his explanation. Without saying another word, Naruto removed his vest and shirt standing in front of Hanabi bare-chested. The young female Hyuuga blushed hotly seeing Naruto standing in front of her in the manner that he placed himself in, not to mention he had a strong battle trained built for his age that helped Hanabi to see more about Hinata's attraction to the blonde haired son of the late Yellow Flash.

A moment later, Hanabi saw glowing seals appear all around Naruto's face and entire body, from the top of his head to the sole of his feet. Within those seals, she saw chakra circulating through them like blood flowing through veins and arteries.

"As you can see," Naruto explained, "These are my seals and it's central source…," Naruto then pointed the exact spot where his heart is and said, "It's this spot where the core seal must be place at. My heart serves as the power core for my gravity and chakra restraint seals. So long my heart continues to pump, my seals continue to work and I can regulate the level of difficulty to whatever degree I see fit, and Hinata-chan is able to do likewise with her seals."

Naruto returned the seals back to their invisible status within his body and placed his shirt and vest back on. He then took out a small scroll from within his vest and released the contents that were sealed within it, which turned out to be a small bottle of special ink and an ink brush. Looking at Hanabi, Naruto told her, "I'll need for you to remove your shirt if I'm to place the core seal directly over your heart, unless you're too embarrassed to go through the procedure."

The blush on Hanabi's face grew darker. She never imagined standing shirtless in front of Naruto. But he made it very clear, with visuals, where the core seal had to be placed and why. She also realized that…

'Onee-sama went through the same procedure also in the past,' Hanabi contemplated, 'And knowing her shy character, I'm sure that wasn't easy for her. Still, she went through with it and put her full trust in Naruto-kun. If she was able to do it then…'

Naruto waited patiently to see Hanabi's decision and next actions. After further internal deliberations, Hanabi came to her decision. She shyly reached for the bottom hem of her shirt and took hold of both sides of the hem of the shirt with her hands. Taking a deep breath with her face dark red, she pulled her shirt up and over her head standing for the first time in front of her crush without her shirt on. She felt both scared and excited all at once.

"I'm happy you were able to overcome your fears," Naruto said, "Don't worry, Hinata-chan felt the same way you're feeling. And now that we got passed the hardest put, I'll need for you to place you shirt neatly down flat open on the grass and lie on top of-"

"Hey Naruto-kun!" a feminine voice called out, shocking both Nauto and Hanabi. The pair turned to the unexpected and uninvited intruder that was quickly approaching them.

"Honoka-nee!" Naruto exclaimed with a shocked look, "What are you doing here?!"

"Must you ask? Karin and I were looking for you after we heard about your promoti-" Honoka stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the scene in front of her. Hanabi felt her heart race and beat hard inside her as though she got caught doing something very naughty. She even started shaking a little while her mind was racing for a way to explain herself, but she kept coming up with blanks. Honoka looked at the pair with a baffled expression while wondering what on earth was going on before her eyes soon saw the ink bottle and ink brush in Naruto's hands. Naruto groaned with a dragged sigh after seeing the bizarre and awkward situation he found himself in with Hanabi and Honoka.

"This is not what it looks like," Naruto remarked.

"Naruto-kun," Honoka asked, while trying to hold herself back from pulling out her chakra chains on him, "I'm hoping you have a very good explanation for why Hanabi is with you half dressed!"

"Before you foolishly jump to wrong conclusions Honoka-nee," Naruto replied, "Let me explain."

Honoka listened to Naruto's explanation after Hanabi placed her shirt back on. The fact she got caught with her crush without her shirt on unlike Hinata gave Hanabi a major sense of embarrassment and fear of her and Naruto possibly getting in trouble.

'I hope she doesn't go and tell my father about this,' Hanabi thought and then rationalized, 'But if father heard how I had to be given the seals and why, then I'm sure he would overlook this.'

It wasn't long before he was done clearing away all of Honoka's misunderstandings about what she saw moments ago.

"Naruto-kun," Honoka chastised, "I understand that you're a high level seal master, but I think it would be more appropriate if you have a female like me administer those seals to Hanabi."

"I'm sorry but that's not possible," Naruto stated.

"What do you mean?" Honoka retorted, "You can teach me how to draw and activate those seals!"

"No!" Naruto stated firmly, "Those seals aren't something that can't be taught but passed down to the next male heir! It was the official decree of the first Uzumaki patriarch, Uzumaki Susanoo, the founding father of our clan, that only the next chosen Uzumaki patriarch who's to become the new clan leader can master those seals and administer them to whomever he chooses! It's Uzumaki law that was respected and strictly adhered to by our ancestors. Those seals can only be pass on to my future male heir of the Uzumaki. And it's impossible for anyone within our clan to learn those seals if they're not the next heir. The way those seals were designed and created was in such away that only the chakra of the current or future male clan leader can activate it. This was done so that its secret stays within our clan. I'm sorry but teaching you or anyone how to make those seals would be impossible."

"How disappointing but I suppose this is beyond your control," Honoka remarked, but then realized, "Wait! How do you know about such a decree?"

"It's a long story and I rather not talk about it," Naruto replied, "In any case, I'm a Chuunin now and as much as both you and Karin will love to celebrate my promotion it'll have to wait as I've lost much time talking."

"I'm sure there can be an exception for you make a little more time to talk with us instead," a masculine voice stated. Naruto, Honoka and Hanabi turned to see two unwelcomed ninja, one taller and the other shorter than his partner, standing not too far from them. Both figures were dressed in black long sleeved cloaks with red cloud designs around the cloak with a large collar the hid the bottom half of their faces. They also wore gray pants, white ankle bandages, black sandals and straw hats the hid their eyes.

"Uzumaki Naruto," the short of the two greeted, "We've heard much about you and your exploits. "

Naruto looked at the two missing-nin as they stared back at him; the shorter of the two looked apathetic while the other looked at Naruto with blood lusting excitement.

"Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame; two very feared S-class criminals of the Akatsuki standing before me," Naruto mused aloud calmly, "I knew it would be a matter of time before you guys sought me out."

Though they were surprised that Naruto knew who they were and the name of their organization, they did well to hide it. Itachi stepped forward as he continued to stare at Naruto with his cold dark eyes. The infamous prodigy spoke again, "Then you know why we're here."

Kisame picked it up where his partner let off and stated, "It's up to you, boy. We can do this the easy way, or…," Kisame grinned and placed a hand on Samaheda's hilt, "My way. I heard about your connection and history with Zabuza and how he regards you as someone whose skills with the sword are on par with the Seven Swordsmen of Kirigakure. I'm tempted to see this for myself."

"Kisame," Itachi said, "We've already drawn more than too much attention to ourselves with our earlier encounter with Kakashi and the others."

"Perhaps," Kisame replied, "But they had it coming to them for not minding their own business. Plus, the red haired girl and the little Hyuuga over there have already seen too much as it is. Why don't I dispose of them so we can leave here with the boy?"

Naruto made a kage bunshin and had the clone pick Hanabi up bridal style.

"Protect Hanabi-chan while Honoka-nee and I deal with Itachi and Kisame," Naruto instructed. The clone nodded and leaped to one of the nearby trees.

"Naruto," Itachi advised, "You can make this less difficult by simply complying to surrender peacefully and be brought back with us."

"Within a month," Naruto retorted, "I fought and lived through things far worse than both you and Kisame. So here are my options: you both can either surrender or die."

"You got guts threatening us like that brat!" Kisame grinned darkly as he moved to grab his Samahada. With speed Kisame barely caught, Naruto had closed half the distance between them with his custom katana already ready to swing. Kisame unable to unsheathe Samaheda in time, ducked fast just before Naruto could decapitate him as his katana flew over his head cutting off a few shards of his hair. Naruto jumped back with one leg, managing to do so in time to dodge Samaheda as it came swinging across him. Wooden splinters flew as the blade hit the tree nearby.

As Naruto quickly moved back to build space between him and Kisame, Itachi unsheathed his wakizashi that was on his back and rushed forward intent on catching up to the newly promoted Chuunin. Naruto however swung his katana to his left and deflected Itachi's attack before engaging in a fierce kenjutsu bout with the renegade prodigy. Kisame rushed to ambush Naruto from the side with his Samehada when Honoka ran towards the swordsman and threw a kunai with an explosive tag tied to it at the missing-nin. Kisame leaped out of the way to a safe distance before kunai hit the ground and detonated, blowing off a large chunk of the ground in the process. The blue skinned swordsman held his Samehada and snarled venomously at the female Uzumaki standing several yards in front of him.

"As long as I'm breathing," Honoka warned, "No one harms Naruto-kun!"

"Therefore I'll deal with you first before taking care of that blond hair Kyuubi brat over there!" Kisame threatened as he aimed his Samehada at the young female.

"Oh I have something special for you!" Honoka challenged and then quickly raced through a set of hand signs and clapped her hands together in prayer form. A second later, there was a large burst of white smoke around her and the region surrounding her. When the smoke cleared, out from it was a fearsome group of vicious predators from the Forest of Death ranging from wolves, grizzly bears, tigers, lions, crocodiles and king cobras, all of which were three times the normal size of their normal cousins and twice as fast. All of the summoned abnormally large predators had seal writings written on their foreheads with the Uzumaki clan insignia drawn at the center of the seals. Honoka then jumped and straddled herself on the back of the red and brown wolf which was the largest wolf of the pack and the alpha male that was roughly the size of a mountain horse.

"Kill him!" was the order Honoka gave the predators under her command before they howled, roared, hissed and stampeded together in a hurry through the grassy forest to tear and devour Kisame with Honoka riding on the back of the large wolf leading the attack.

"Bitch!" Kisame growled loudly and angrily seeing that not only did he had a fight of his own to deal with but he had to first run from Honoka's pack of bloodthirsty predators hot on his trail seeking his grisly demise. While that was happening, Naruto was still fighting it out with Itachi.

The young Chuunin turned and blocked another strike from Itachi. Twisting the blade around he made an opening in Itachi's stance and took it with his wind chakra coated kunai that entered the Uchiha's stomach just as he burst into ravens, which scattered black feathers all over the place. Naruto pushed his blade down and leapt out of the way as dozens of kunai, thrown by Itachi hit the spot he had previously been occupying.

As soon as Naruto landed down he was forced to block Itachi's strike with his katana while he used his wind chakra coated kunai to take a swipe at him but Itachi managed to block that with his wakizashi. Naruto and Itachi continued to fight, their moves fast and precise, a flurry of metal and sparks was all a normal individual could see.

Slash marks were formed on several trees as the exchange continued. Naruto side stepped as Itachi came in with a downward swing, slashing a boulder in the process. Naruto suddenly appeared behind Itachi at a speed the Uchiha failed to catch and delivered a brutal kick to the Uchiha's gut, sending him clear across the field before making a painful landing on the ground. Naruto assumed his battle stance with his katana in hand.

'That's the first hit I managed to land on him without revealing too much of my secrets,' Naruto contemplated, 'I'm pretty sure he's trying to gauge and study me, before he can come up with a way to take me out.'

Itachi got up off the ground with his wakizashi in hand. He ignored the pain he was feeling at his side and remarked, "You managed to land a blow on me; an impressive feat for a Chuunin."

"You flatter me Itachi," Naruto remarked back while keeping himself alert, "But we're still not equals."

"Something I truly agree with you on," Itachi replied as he got ready to step up his skills by activating his Sharingan. Naruto saw this and moved in for his next plan of action.

"Let me show you something Itachi," Naruto said.

"This being?" Itachi inquired calmly while planning his next attack in hopes to put Naruto into a genjutsu. But suddenly a large army of clones appeared all around him, both on the field and in the trees. The number of them was clearly over a thousand clones all possessing their wind chakra coated katana in their hands while a number of them had not only that but also a Rasengan or a Fūton Rasengan in their free hand while holding their katana with their other hand.

"Naruto…truly you are most…," Itachi remarked lowly as he was now forced to activate his Mangekyō Sharingan, "problematic!"

"Itachi," Naruto stated with an arctic tone, "Allow me to show you…"

All of the clones went charging at Itachi from all directions from all around him as Naruto finished his proclamation, "A Thousand Ways To Die!"

The Akatsuki has appeared and a fierce battle between Naruto and Itachi is taking place as Honoka is having her fair share dealing with Kisame. How will the battle between the Uzumaki and the Akatsuki turn out? Will Sasuke and Tayuya find out that Itachi is back in Konoha and fighting Naruto? What will Hiruzen and Jiraiya do when they learn that Naruto and Honoka are battling the Akatsuki on their own with Hanabi eye-witnessing the battle? Find out next time.