Chapter 2: Renewed Courage

The Godaime sat at her desk doing the paperwork required of her position contentedly; with the recent victory she felt good enough to do the generally harrowing task. She was still feeling the after effects of the party the night before with her headache far from gone. However what she didn't realise was that her day was about to get a lot more interesting with the unusually silent arrival of a certain perverted hermit.

"Well isn't this a rare sight, you're actually awake and doing work."

Tsunade looked up as a vein began to throb in her forehead, "What the hell do you want pervert?" Tsunade looked around to face the Sannin with an angry glint in her eyes.

"I needed to talk to you about something important. It is concerning Naruto."

Tsunade felt the urge to strangle the author of the infamous Icha Icha Paradise fade while her mind got interested at the mention of Naruto's name. She put her chin on her hands while her elbows rested on her desk before asking a question "Is it to do with why he wasn't at the party yesterday? After all it is a little bit strange for the most hyperactive ninja to be absent from one of the biggest celebrations this village has had since I became Hokage."

Jiraiya walked over to the seat across from her and sat down making himself comfortable before he voiced his answer, "No." He lied with a simple yet firm response.

Tsunade sat back, "Well if you say so, but do you know why he was absent? I mean it's not everyday that a super pervert like you gives up the opportunity to see women dancing in drenched clothes."

Jiraiya's eyes showed a hint of sadness then perverted ness at the last part of the busty blonde's words as he tried to imagine what he had missed. He quickly shook the thoughts away, "Ahem, I was absent because I had some personal business to take care of and Naruto went home to rest as he was tired." Jiraiya hoped that his partial lie had worked as Tsunade raised one of her eyebrows questioningly before he continued,

"Even for a person with a high healing rate a battle can be tiring. That's the last question I'm going to answer as this is beginning to turn into some sort of weird interrogation and I'm the one who came to ask you something."

Tsunade looked at him as if to say 'well, what the hell do want?'

"I wanted to know what Naruto's diagnosis was after he left the hospital 2 weeks ago after all I'm his sensei and I needed to know whether he is fit for training." Jiraiya was quick to add a reason to hide his true motives.

Tsunade simply began talking in a professional tone losing all informalities, "His diagnosis showed that medically he is at full health. He has made a complete recovery and his injuries have been healed. However due to the fatigue he had experienced from the battle, his body may have needed a couple more days to become fresh again. However he was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks ago which gave him the sufficient time required to return to 100 percent efficiency. But from the fact that he left early yesterday to respite is a possible indicator that he needs more time."

Tsunade explained thoroughly yet simply for Jiraiya's benefit showing her rare moments of calm and collected knowledge and also why she was chosen to be the Hokage of Konoha. Her eyes turned protective like that of a mother before she said her final statement, "I personally think it is best for him to take a little break from training. I believe it is in your best interest as well." She sent Jiraiya a threatening glare.

Jiraiya got up and walked to the window, "That's all I needed to know and don't worry about the training. I'll let him rest, he's earned it. But before I leave…" Jiraiya looked back the sitting blonde woman with a perverted glint in his eyes, "How drunk were you yesterday?" As Jiraiya started to fantasise about a drunken Tsunade he failed to recognize the said person move from her seat and deliver a painful punch to his wrinkled features which sent him soaring through the window rapidly to an unknown destination.

As Tsunade managed to control her fuming anger she began to think rationally finally reaching the conclusion that she wasn't told the entire truth by her perverted ex-team mate. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up as she began to wonder how well Naruto actually was.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto was sitting at Ichiraku while eating his second helping of ramen relentlessly while the old man and his daughter Ayame carried on working not staring at the normally bewildering site that was Naruto eating ramen. However the slightly frightening spectacle was interrupted by a silver haired jounin with the all too familiar orange book in his hands.

"Yo," he casually waved whilst walking in and sitting next to Naruto completely ignoring the coughing from the blonde genin who was desperately trying to stop choking. The former Anbu waited for his student to stop choking and the eventual outburst but it never happened. Naruto simply collected himself before asking him what he was doing here.

"I was just a little worried about your absence yesterday so I thought I'd come check to see if everything's okay."

The whisker marked boy looked at him quizzically before realising that the jounin wanted an answer, "Oh, yeah I'm great. I was just tired so I thought I'd rest up a bit." The blonde boy finished paying for his meal leaving his sensei wondering whether everything in actuality was all right.

Naruto carried on walking towards his destination whilst remembering the earlier discussion he had with his residential demon in the morning.

Flashback

Naruto found himself walking uncomfortably down the all too familiar pathways towards the Kyuubi. He surveyed the area through which he was walking through as it seemed even darker than usual since his last visit. He finally reached his goal as he stood in front of the large towering gates which separated him from the humongous chakra radiating evilness.

He sighed as he contemplated how to appropriately start his conversation with the proud demon. However he never had the chance to say anything as the familiar presence hidden by the gates walked towards him to become visible to the young ninja, "Well if it isn't the foolish mortal. I wonder what could be so vital that I'm annoyed with your pathetic presence once again." The towering Kitsune waited as if expecting some sort of response however none came.

"What's wrong brat, run out of gas to fuel your weak insults."

Naruto looked at the demon fox with blue eyes devoid of their usual energy and life, "I came to ask you why I'm not healing?" He kept on looking into the large eyes of the fox for a few minutes before he got a reply.

"You unleashed more of my chakra than your body could withstand. You're still developing your chakra coils so they are weaker and more susceptible to damage. Unlike others, due to the seal placed onto you by that imbecile who sealed me, your coils are developing so they will eventually be able to withstand the power of my chakra. The seal was made so that your body would adapt to the state required in order to control my chakra before your and my chakra would finally begin to merge into one. However you stayed in your transformed state for too long which resulted in your insides being damaged beyond recognition. I'm using my chakra to keep you together but eventually the inevitable will occur."

"I will die." Naruto said sadly before he suddenly began to laugh, "Even though you don't show it I know you're hurt by this as well. After all it's not everyday that you realise you've not got long left to live. You're meant to be immortal but now you're going to suffer the same fate as a pathetic mortal like me." Naruto looked at the Kyuubi whose eyes were filled with unbridled anger. "Do you feel weak or maybe even helpless now?"

"At least I haven't given up."

"Maybe you should, after all there is one destiny that everyone shares and that is death." As Naruto said this he felt his heart pang with hurt like never before.

"Listen to yourself. Since when have you ever believed in destiny?" the demon spat out in disgust.

"Since destiny dealt me the death card!"

"You're pathetic! You always go on about never going back on your word and never giving up and here you are in front of me like the helpless child you were all those years ago. Have you forgotten your way of the ninja already? Have you forgotten your dream?" The demon Kitsune looked at the broken shinobi in front of him awaiting a response.

"How am I going to achieve a dream that seems farther now than ever? I haven't forgotten my dream but I now realise its something that's not supposed to happen."

"You believe that you don't control your own destiny. After all these years you're going to lose faith in yourself and give up on living. Is this what you want? To prove to everyone that you are what you've tried your whole life to avoid becoming, a failure."

Naruto looked up at the Kitsune as the word failure gripped his undivided attention.

"Your dream may seem unreachable now but do you want to be remembered for nothing at all. You want to give up on what time you have left and wallow in your misery. You may die but at least die with honour."

Naruto looked into the Kitsune's eyes as the demon showed him a side that he had never seen before or even know existed. The demons chakra flared before he continued.

"Remember one thing that may have passed your mind. The enemy is still out there and they're still after my power. They won't stop and they will come for you. Akatsuki may have been wounded with the loss of another three members but they're still more than capable of unleashing destruction on this dismal village. They will kill all who get in their way, even your precious people. Are you going to sit idly by like a coward and let that happen?"

The demons chakra stopped flaring as he turned and began to walk in the opposite direction delving deeper into the dark confines of his cage until he was out of sight leaving a shocked and guilty Naruto contemplating his words. Naruto snapped out of his trance as the 9 tailed beast addressed him for the last time.

"You always seek acknowledgment, and you have gained that from few. You are hated by many yet you desire to protect all…I've never believed a human to be worth my respect…Yet…I have acknowledged you, however I am now beginning to think whether that was a mistake. Was it?"

Naruto looked in disbelief at the words of his dweller which he was noticeably hesitant to say from the tone evident in his speech. Naruto found himself being thrown from his mind as he regained consciousness.

End Flashback

Naruto kept on walking deep in thought about the Kyuubi's words. He walked through the bustling market of Konoha where all the people were deep in converse or executing business. There were also people who were quite obviously still feeling the effects of the big celebration. He couldn't help but smile at the peace the village was experiencing after such a long time.

He stopped for a moment looking at the monument to the Hokages in the distance before he made his way inside the Yamanaka's flower shop and found his nose was instantly filled with various pleasant fragrances. He looked at the counter to see a previously bored Ino look up in amazement not believing who had walked through the door. "Naruto? What are you doing here?"

The blonde genin looked at her as if she was stupid, "You sell flowers don't you?"

Ino just nodded her head before she asked, "But why do you need flowers? Is it to impress a certain forehead girl?" Ino playfully teased Naruto.

The blonde replied with a plain answer, "No." He began to walk around the store observing various types of flowers, "They are for someone I have lost."

Ino's face revealed a saddened expression at Naruto's words before she decided not to ask who it was bearing in mind his abnormally serious demeanour. She had never seen Naruto like this and she knew Naruto had been acting differently around his team mates as her best friend Sakura told her. She didn't think it was possible for the usually glee filled prankster to act like this but now that she saw it with her own eyes she felt remorseful for him as to what might have made him become like this. She asked a serious question in a professional tone "Was the person really important to you?" Naruto looked at her quizzically before she continued, "It'll help pick out the best flowers."

He sighed, "He was my first friend, the first person to believe in me." She nodded and made her way to the assortment of flowers. She picked up some flowers before she headed to the counter wrapping them up with Naruto waiting courteously.

She placed the packaged flowers on the desk, "I gave you luxurious, white lilies, simple yet elegant. They surround the orchids accentuating their effect. They're perfect for you."

Naruto paid her and gave her his thanks before he turned to leave. Ino quickly spoke before he left, "I'm really sorry for whatever's happened but your friends miss you Naruto. The celebration yesterday wasn't what it should've been without you."

Naruto realised the care and genuineness in her statement before he turned to address her one last time, "I'm sorry for making you guys worry. It's just that I've been really tired since the fight but I'll be better in no time, I give you my word." Ino felt better at his reassurance before she continued with her work.

Meanwhile Naruto continued walking until he arrived at Team 7's training grounds. He began to think of all the memories he shared with his team. They were mixed feelings of positive and heart-rending moment but he had never let anything bring him down before.

The wind silently blew making its presence felt by ruffling the petals of the flowers he carried in his hands. He took in the beautiful sight of the sparkling river running under the bridge where his team would meet. He crossed over the bridge ultimately ending up at the grave of the first person to give him acceptance. He lent down on one knee, placing the flowers in front of the grace before running his hand over the name carved into the stone which read 'Sarutobi' as more memories of his teachings rushed his mind.

"You want to be strong Naruto. But remember one thing, learning all the ninja techniques in the world will not give you true strength."

Naruto closed his eyes as tears threatened to spill while he remembered his first friend's words.

"When you fight to protect those who are precious to you; that is when your true strength will manifest."

Unexpectedly his mind was invaded by the earlier comments of Kyuubi.

"…They will come for you…"

He felt fear rush through his heart quickly being overshadowed with remorse.

"…They will kill all who get in their way…"

He felt regret running through his veins as his head began to ache and his blood began to boil.

"…Are you going to sit idly by like a coward…?"

He felt a warm substance protrude through his closed eyes running slowly down his cheeks as the tears of pain finally broke through. He braced himself as the final words of the Kitsune ran throughout his mind.

"…You may die but at least die with honour..."

He rose and lifted his eyelids with determination carved in his eyes as he felt the fire within him burn with newfound desire of proving himself. He looked at the memorial of the Sandaime whilst the tears previously running down his face had long since dried while his body gave off a boost of chakra filling him with confidence.

"…As a Hokage you shoulder a heavy burden with the task of protecting your village."

He finally spoke with coolness etched in his voice, "You gave your life to protect everything that is important to you. You understood the risk and you fought with everything you had until the very end. You never gave up."

"I have always accepted you for what you are…"

"I promise you old man…"

"…a hero to this village."

"…I will prove myself to be the hero you have always believed me to be. I will die protecting what I cherish most. If I am to die, I will die with honour."

From a distance an onlooker looked on as he felt himself more emotional than he was used to being. He spoke with pride in his voice, "It is time Naruto. You are finally ready."