2/2

"It matters not how fast you can finish a race, as long as you complete it the end result is the same." Fú rattled off in a robotic voice, though the quirk of her lip told her she appreciated the reminder.

"Exactly. As long as you improve each day, no matter how big or small, It IS improvement. That is all I can ask of you as your teacher." She squeezed the girls hand and then sealed the fish into the scroll it rested upon. She burned the useless scroll and rose to her feet. "Now, take five minutes to compose yourself, get your mind focused on the task at hand. I need to grab reports from the 2nd and 3rd floors and grab another fish. Be back soon."

Shizune walked out the door of her office and Fú collapsed into the chair behind her. Despite her frustration Fú smiled widely. For the umpteenth time since moving to Konoha, she couldn't even begin to describe the joy she had found. The three months she had lived here had been better than the 14 years she had lived in Taki. It was miracoulous. Fú could remember bawling into Kenta's chest for hours, heartbroken for being kicked out. Those old, cowardly bastards did her the biggest favor of her life. She would forever be greatful for Big Bro Shibuki. Fú realized how hard he fought for her, but in the end he did his best. Working out the deal to make her a Konoha shinobi? Fú would go to the ends of the earth and back for that man.

Fú now had friends. She was in a village that treated her with respect. Fú was slowly forming a family of her own choosing. Blood didn't matter when you cared for someone. Most importantly, Fú had a boyfriend. The 14 years of loneliness, pain and heartache all seemed worth it. Fú was convinced that had she not had to suffer those trials, her heart wouldn't be so open and full of love to give. Fú could admit it, to herself at least, that she was madly in love with Kenta Yamanaka. He was funny, kind, dorky, strong, handsome, and loyal. He doted on her and made her feel like no one else mattered in the world. Where others saw a cocky, sometimes cruel and heartless bastard, Fú saw his strength of character. To throw yourself into the art of breaking an opponent's mind, Kenta always came back to her his usual sweet and loving self. Without Kenta, Fú wouldn't be where she was today. He was her rock, and she would go toe-to-toe with anyone who tried to come between them.

Fú giggled suddenly, remembering last week the poster Kenta had showed her. It was a list he was making of all the men and women he admired and wanted to surpass. Right now though, it only had three names on it. All strong men. So he referred to it as "Kenta's Man-Crush List." Fú burst out laughing. She remembered his dance of joy when she assured him she would support his man-crushes, as long as she was always at the top of the list. He immediately put her name at the top with a note that read "The only crush that matter."

Kenta was one of a kind that was for sure. His absolute confidence in himself was infectious. It was hard not to start believing in yourself when your boyfriend could scream out, in front of 100,000 people to include their newest military and village leader, his undying love for the man. Scream that out, then shrug it off when he got every look imaginable. Yeah, Fú's boyfriend was the best man on the planet.

"Oh? Are we thinking about a certain blonde haired young man again?" Shizune's teasing voice called out, causing Fú to jump a mile in the air.

"I, uh, no master, I was… thinking about butterflies!" Fú lamely stammered out.

"I'm sure. Here's the scroll, focus like I told you and get to work. Do better than last time or we'll be doing extra suicides this evening." Shizune lightly threatened her. Fú nodded, annoyed at her master slightly.

"You don't see ME commenting on you always sneaking away with Genma when you think no one is looking." Fú muttered under breath, forgetting that the office was small and shinobi by their very nature have better than average hearing.

"What was that, dearest Fú? You want to join Tsunade's apprentices when they do their next session of dodge training? Great! I'll make sure Tsunade informs me when and where to meet." Shizune's falsely cheerful reply came directly behind the girl.

Fú silently cried while she unloaded the supplies she needed for her training. Her life had been short, but at least she was loved at the end. Tsunade's dodge training was absolutely deadly.

********************************Run Fú Bae, RUN!***************************************

Tsunade Senju – Bae

Tsunade sneered down at her three students over the glass of sake in her hand. Haku was working on a paper cut, girl and boy were working on reviving a fish. Exciting times. Not. Time to spice things up. She downed her glass and cleared her throat. Her own personal signal to take a breath.

"Well, looks like I will be taking the cursed hat after all. I told Itachi that I would punt him across the village if he picked out three useless apprentices that would only waste my time. Haku! It took you nearly five minutes to finish healing this paper cut!"

Haku held his tongue. The "paper cut" was 8" long and just shallow enough that it wouldn't require stitches on the field.

"Girl, your reserves are pitiful, you're nearly on empty and you haven't even come close to reuniting that fish with his long lost lover!"

Hinata huffed. This was fish number 3 and they had been working for nearly 5 hours, of course she was running on fumes.

"Boy! I'm almost positive you've fallen asleep more times than your dead fish! Get some damn sleep at night!"

Shikamaru… Shrugged. It was probably true.

"Listen here you three, I need you to step it up. You were personally recommended by Lord Fifth. I filled out the paperwork and you've been approved as my official apprentices. That means your failures not only drag Lord Fifth's name through the mud, but more importantly, MY NAME!" Tsunade glared at each of her students. "You signed up for this. You knew my expectations. I will NOT be associated with mediocre or failures. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Master Tsunade!" Hinata and Haku cried out eagerly. Shikamaru simply rolled his eyes at his master's dramatics. Too bad for him Tsunade's eyes were as sharp as any Uchihas. She smiled evilly.

"What's that, Shikamaru? You and your fellow students need a break? I agree, you've been at this for hours." Three hopeful faces met her wicked smirk. "I think some dodge training is in order, don't you? Yes, that's the perfect distraction to take your minds off a day of failure! Now, meet at the normal grounds in 30.

"Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered. The boy was either a masochist, or he genuinely thought Tsunade would let his attitude fly.

"Troublesome? You know what would be troublesome? 100 suicides WHILE we do dodge training. 28 minutes, go!" Tsunade barked.

Haku glared at the shadow user, Shikamaru felt a chill crawl up his spine. He could also swear he saw his breath mist for a moment, but it was over 60 degrees outside, that was impossible. He turned to his right and felt his spirit momentarily leave his body. Hinata was also glaring at him. Byagukan on full blast, bulging veins writhing like hidden vipers. Shikamaru swallowed audibly. Maybe he would save his complaining when he was alone where no one could hear him.

***************************Shika, Stop being so lazy or you gun dieeee***********************

Shino Aburame

"Are you absolutely certain, son? You know the risks. Logically, your decision is completely irrational. This is a dangerous decision. Please, think carefully." Shibi Aburame stared impassively at his son. For anyone not intimately familiar with the workings and social interactions of the Aburame clan, it would seem that Shibi was simply going through the motions of what a father should do. Those people would be dead wrong. Anyone who knew the Aburame would show that the single tremor in Shibi's voice was showing his worry. The second though, Shibi was absolutely terrified for his son.

Shino nodded. "I have thought about this decision since the preliminary matches, father. I cannot shake the words of warning from Naruto's ancestor. It is completely illogical, but I cannot ignore the feeling I have in my gut. I know that we do not consider such a superstitious belief evidence enough to make a logical decision, but it is what I must do. Lord Itachi has also expressed his worry for the future, his words of warning to be prepared mirrored Lady Korinna's. It is there, not a logically deduced answer, but more of an educated guess, that I made my decision."

Shibi broke eye contact with his son and stared down at the sealed jar in their lab. For generations, the Aburame had bred and cross bred their kikaichū to near battle perfection. Always seeking to improve the breed, they dedicated a clan compound lab where members could share notes and genetic material.

"Trust me, father. This will work. Danzo wanted me for a reason, but settled for Torune. I will not let Torune down, father. I will master the insects only he and his father were able to. Torune, if he is alive or not, will look after me as they assimilate into my body. Have faith. I know that is completely illogical and that faith as no impact on decisions we make. However, I sometimes have to agree with some of my more boisterous peers. Sometimes, you just have to take a chance and let fate decide." Shino stood in front of his father now, urging him to believe in him.

Shibi nodded. "I will not have faith in an unknown variable such as fate. I will have faith in my son's strength. Once this process starts, you are on your own. We cannot touch you, for fear that they infect us. We have no masters of the Rinkaichū, so if they reject you, you will die."

Shino placed a hand on his father's shoulder. Shibi did likewise. An Aburame bear hug for those that knew them.

Shino stepped forward and took a deep breath. He unsealed the jar with the microscopic predators. With a last deep breath, he plunged his hand inside, and for the next agonizingly slow hours, he knew nothing but mind shattering pain. The Rinkaichū began to assimilate, the tore through every single one of his cells, piece by piece. They were tearing him apart little by little. Shino held onto what little clarity he could. The hours drug on and on, the pain was finally starting to fade. And then he felt it.

One by one, his kikaichū began to die. Each death, a small stab of pain and guilt as the invasive Rinkaichū could not share one host. They began to die, faster and faster. Shino thought the assimilation was painful, that was nothing compared to the sheer agony of losing his entire colony one by one. Shino's mind began to break, the agony of his friend's lives being snuffed out rapidly was too much. His brain couldn't take it, he was too young, he should have waited a few years.

Tears poured down the boy's face. Shibi and Shino's Mother stared on hopelessly as their son thrashed around. Shibi caught himself time and again reaching out to comfort his son. His wife, his beautiful wife was the one keeping it together. She smiled that warm smile and Shibi felt his faith in his son renew.

Seconds, Minutes, Hours, DAYS seemed to pass ever so slowly. Just as Shino was about to give into the pain, let himself go and embrace the Shinigami's cold embrace, he felt it. In the center of his chest, where his queen had claimed her domain. The partner he had carried with him longer than even his oldest memory. He felt her thoughts. He felt her anguish at the loss of all her children. But he also felt hope. Hope for her species. For her master, her friend, had tamed the most dangerous of her kind. They would help him become strong. He would lead the charge to protect the hive. The only thing that mattered was the hive.

As Shino felt that last of her consciousness fade, a peace seemed to settle over his soul. His new family, his new friend, had accepted him. The Rinkaichū were vastly different from his old kikaichū. The Rinkaichū were so small, so vast, that they formed a true hive mind. They thought as one, moved as one, they were one. Shino smiled as he heard the thoughts of his new friend.

'Your enemies are my enemies. We will destroy them all'

'Your friends are my friends. We protect them all until death'

'Your family is my family. We live only for them. We live only for the hive'

Shino slowly raised himself into a sitting position. His parents were there, hovering close but never touching him. They knew the dangers he possessed until he mastered his new friend. The voice spoke again.

'Your family is my family. I will not hurt them. Believe me, Master. I have waited so long for you. I will not jeopardize that by hurting your loved ones.'

Shino blinked in surprise. The level of intelligence his new partner possessed was… It was unheard of. It was actually communicating, and not with just thoughts and feelings as his old friends had, but with coherent sentences. Shino's leap of faith had paid of once, he would trust his newest partner. He would have to if he wanted to continue down the path he was forging. He looked at his father and held out his hand.

"Trust me, one more time father." Shino simply said. Shibi nodded, and without hesitation grabbed his son's hand firmly. His friend hummed its pleasure that his master believed in him. Shibi was astounded. Shino truly was his clan's greatest treasure. Shino's mother, Kaho, was not from the clan, so she was much more open with her affections. She grabbed her son in a tight hug. Whispering words or love and comfort that Shino was alive. Shino's smiled widened, for his Rinkaichū were enjoying the love and contact just as much as Shino was.

Shibi cleared his throat. "I'm proud of you Shino. You make our clan shine. You will be an incredible clan head in the future. Now, you must rest. Your body has been through an ordeal. I will leave all the scrolls your uncle left in my care. Once you have those studied, we will begin your training. You will need to work twice as hard as before. You must learn an entire new fighting style. Are you ready, son?"

Shino nodded as his felt his eyes grew heavy. Just the mention of sleep was enough to send his thoughts drifting to his comfortable bed. If he were lucky, he may have another pleasant dream of a certain purple haired beauty. His last dream involved a stroll through the woods, documenting and categorizing all the different insects, after that, they….

********************************Shino, Where you at boy?********************************

Kiba Inuzuka

Kiba scowled at the ceiling of his bedroom. He was laying on his bed, thinking over the last few weeks. He had been absolutely humiliated by Kenta. Not only did her lose his temper, but Kenta outclassed him in every way possible. Kiba spent the month that the finalists had to do his own training. Kiba had entered the stadium ready to cheer his friends on, once again his confidence was back. He felt his month of training had seriously paid off. He was sure he had closed the gap that had built since graduation.

Oh how wrong he was. Every single Konoha finalist would destroy Kiba in a one on one fight. Kiba was forcefully humbled enough to admit that to himself. He wouldn't admit it in public of course, an Alpha can never let the public know he doubts himself. However, watching the finals, was yet another wake up call. Ami Kogure, Mega Fan Girl, beat his own teammate handily. Shino was no pushover either. It seemed to Kiba that no matter how hard he trained, the gap between himself and his peers never closed, only widened further.

A knock on his door pulled him out of his internal pity party. "Come in," he called out.

A wild and feral looking woman poked her head in and smiled at Kiba. Tsume Inuzuka, Clan Head and Kiba's mother was possibly the most terrifying woman in the entire village. Her brash personality coupled with her no nonsense attitude was the perfect recipe for a woman who takes absolutely zero crap from anyone, her family included.

"Hey, Pup. There's someone here to see you." Her nose wrinkled in disgust. "I know you most likely don't want to see him, but this, coming from me, I think you should hear him out."

"Who is it, Ma? Don't tell me it's that Yamanaka bastard." Kina growled. He may respect Kenta as a warrior, he could even appreciate the humiliation and dirty tactics he used in their fight, it still didn't mean he liked the guy.

Tsume Smiled. "No, son. It's… Well… It's him."

Kiba snarled and leapt out of his bed. He pushed past his mother and stalked into his families living area like an enraged beast. He spotted the man, the man he absolutely loathed more than anyone else in the world. He was a tall, broad-shouldered and barrel chested man. He had the same wild look that all Inuzuka possessed. His brown hair was smattered with grey. The dark circles under his eyes coupled with his unnaturally pale skin gave him a sickly look.

The stranger opened his mouth but Kiba wasn't letting this bastardget a word in. His chakra flared, his nails lengthened, and with a fluid motion raked the man across the face. Blood splattered on the walls and on the floor. Kiba sneered at how pathetic he was.

"You have a lot of nerve showing up after all this time, Dad." Kiba spat, chest heaving and pupils constricting until they were barely visible. "I thought you had done our family and clan a favor and had just died like you should have all those years ago. Get out of here. Whatever you have to say, I don't want to hear it." And with that Kiba marched back out of the room but Tsume stopped him before he made it too far.

"Kiba, I know how you feel, but please. Let him talk and then he'll leave for good if you want him to. What I told you and what actually happened… Well it wasn't the entire truth." Tsume admitted with a frown.

"What do you mean?" Kiba turned narrowed eyes on his mother.

"Just listen to him, please, pup." Tsume requested quietly.

Kiba took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine, but if I hear one word I don't like, I'm out." He turned back and marched over to the couch and plopped down unceremoniously. "Well. Get talkin'. I'm meeting my teammates in an hour for lunch.

Kiba's father nodded and turned questioning eyes to Tsume.

"Go ahead, Okami. Speak freely. He's your son too, he needs to know. I won't interrupt." Tsume said. Pleased her ex-husband still deferred to her as Alpha 9 years later. Though that was to be expected. Okami may have been at one time the strongest of their clan, but he had always been a Beta. Another mistake that Tsume made. Hopefully they could resolve all these issues and put them to pasture.

Okami took a deep breath. "10 years ago I was assigned as team captain for a tracking team to Hunt down Orochimaru. He had been out of the village for two years at this point, but we finally had a good lead. I tracked him down, my team and I engaged. I was embarrassingly incapacitated as soon as the fight began. When I woke up, I was alone and my entire team was either dead or missing. The trail was gone. I returned to Konoha as a failure."

Kiba growled lowly. "I know this. Everyone knows this. You were so embarrassed you locked yourself away for a month. You and Mom fought every day. You then left and abandoned your village instead of being a fucking MAN and facing your failure head on. You abandoned your family! You abandoned Hana and I!"

Okami shook his head. "That's not what happened Kiba. That's just what Tsume told you and your sister. Yes, I was embarrassed and yes, your mother and I fought. She wanted me to be someone I wasn't and I couldn't handle it on top of my failure."

Tsume spoke up. "You're right, Okami. I did want you to be someone you weren't. I was still new to my seat. I had won the Alpha position a year ago. I was convinced I needed an equally strong Alpha as my mate. You were too passive, too submissive. You did what I asked without so much as a sigh of annoyance. It grated on my nerves. I couldn't have a weak husband, I had to show the clan I was the Alpha without question and that my husband and I were strong enough to protect them." She smiled sadly at Okami.

"It wasn't until I almost lost the relationship with my daughter that it hit me. Our clan needs a strong Alpha, but being a Beta is just as equally important. I nearly pushed Hana away by trying to force her to be more assertive, be more abrasive. I wanted her to be just like me. It hit me then, Hana was your daughter through and through. She's kind and quiet. She loves her clan and is there for everyone. She prefers peace to war, and would happily spend her days at the clinic taking care of animals until she grows old."

"Our clan needs the Hana's just as much as they need the strong leader's like myself and Kiba. There's a balance that must be kept meticulously for the pack to remain harmonious and strong. You, Okami, were the perfect balance to me. YOU kept me calm when the situation called for it. YOU were the silent support I didn't know I needed until I didn't have it anymore. I lost who I was in the struggle to be the strong leader our clan needs. Okami, I'm so sorry for how I treated you. I do not expect you to forgive me, but know that I see you. I see your strength of character. I see that you are needed in our clan just as much as I am."

Tsume bowed her head, causing Kiba to gape and Okami to tense up.

"Do not ever bow your head to me, woman." Okami growled, the first sign of fight he'd shown the entire time. "You bow your head to no one. You are Tsume Inuzuka. Alpha and Clan Head to the proud Inuzuka clan. I never once hated you, I only hated myself for not being able to be the man you needed."

Tsume shook her head. "You were though, you ARE. I need you Okami, more now than ever."

Okami smiled and placed his hand on Tsume's cheek. "We will discuss this later in private. I need to finish talking to Kiba." He said in a low voice causing Tsume to shiver. She nodded then stepped back, granting permission for Okami to continue. Okami turned towards his son.

"9 years ago I abandoned my village, my wife, and my son and daughter, it's true. I did not do it though because I couldn't handle my shame. I did it to gain my honor back. I've been tracking and trailing Orochimaru this entire time. I was recruited by Lord Jiraiya himself to keep tabs on the snake and report my findings. Lord Jiraiya recalled me after the invasion after I tracked Orochimaru to his last known location." Okami reported.

Kiba was shocked. He was still mad, yes, but a mission of that caliber would need to be kept secret. "The only thing I don't understand is what happened on your mission? Why were you the only survivor? You said everyone else was dead or missing. People whispered, they said you conspired with Orochimaru." Kiba asked suspiciously. He wasn't going to just let the bastard off the hook that easily.

"I was betrayed. Orochimaru didn't knock me out, one of my own men did. Orochimaru didn't need to take me alive, he only need blood samples for whatever twisted research he wanted to conduct on our families bloodline." Okami growled out, Anger radiating from him in waves.

Kiba's own anger resonated with his father's. "Speaking of bloodline, did you know I got your curse?! I have it, and have had no one to show me how to even use it!"

Okami's anger faded and he stared at his son with sorrowful eyes. "Your mother told me. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you. I'm here now though, and it is my one and only goal now to help you master the beast within. Kiba, will you let me train you? I know you can't forgive me over night, but at least let us start over and try to start again?"

Kiba glared at his father for a few more minutes before grunting. "Sure. I was just wondering what I could do to get stronger. My peers all seem to be getting further and further away from me no matter how hard I train."

Okami's brown eyes flashed gold momentarily and he grinned wolfishly. "Then prepare yourself, my son. I will push you harder than you've ever been pushed. When I'm done with you, you will not only have complete control, but you will close that gap and make your own."

Kiba smirked at his father's declaration. Ok, maybe this wouldn't be that bad. Being trained by his clans only S-Rank shinobi had to have its perks, right?

*****************Kiba, Aello will show you the love you deserve. YOU ARE NOT YAMCHA!**********

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto's critical eyes scanned the scroll he had finally finished. This was his most ambitious project yet; he couldn't afford even single mistake.

"I think… I DID IT!" Naruto cheered in his apartment. He ran to the window and threw it open, letting the fresh breeze finally enter his small apartment. "I DID IT! IT'S DONE!" Naruto screamed out his window, letting the entire village know his success.

"Hey! Shut up! Some of us are trying to sleep!" A random person yelled out angrily.

Naruto blinked, realizing that it was indeed pitch black out. He checked his clock, showing that it was 2 in the morning.

"Welp. Guess I should get some sleep. I'll test this guy out tomorrow!"

Naruto made his way to the bathroom but then turned around sharpyly.

"Yo!" Jiraiya called from Naruto's windowsill. "Mind letting me in?"

Naruto grinned and released the barrier from his window. Jiraiya hopped into the room and his eyes immediately fell on the scroll at Naruto's desk. A gust of wind blew through the small living space and another white-haired man appeared.

Yo!" Kakashi waved.

"Cpt Kakashi, what are you doing here?!" Naruto asked in confusion.

"Oh? Hmmm. That's a good question." And he sat down on Naruto's couch and pulled out a small book.

Naruto waited for the rest of the explanation, but after a minute realized one wasn't coming. He sighed and turned back to Jiraiya. "So. What are YOU doing here, Pervert?"

Jiraiya glared at the boy. "Super-Pervert," he corrected. "Right now, I'm eyeing this seal and figuring out what you plan on using it for. Once I do that, then we can get started on why I originally came here."

"Whatever, I'm going to shower and get ready for bed. You two just… do whatever," Naruto grumbled.

Twenty minutes later Naruto stepped back into the living room, damp hair clinging to his head and dripping down his back still.

"Oh-ho! So that's what you have planned, you little sneak." Jiraiya grinned at the boy. "Too bad you won't be using it any time soon!"

"What?! Why?! I took me weeks to come up with that plan and make the master seal! I will have my revenge!" Naruto snapped in irritation.

"Revenge? On whom?" Kakashi finally spoke up and tore his eyes away from his precious.

"The merchant's guild," Naruto snarled. "They kicked me out of 4 of their stores last month. I'm going to show them why you don't mess with me! I'm sick of them treating me like dirt. I'm a damn Chunin now! Things had been going so well recently too! Kenta hasn't had to threaten anyone with his clan name in months! I don't know what happened?"

Jiraiya snorted. "Nothing you did, kid. Itachi embarrassed them a few weeks ago and they're still salty about it. Ok, you can set this up before we leave."

"Leave? Where are we going? Are we going on a super cool mission?!" Naruto's anger vanished and his excited energy poured off the boy in waves.

"Naruto, before Lord Jiraiya tells you where you're going, explain to me what this seal does. If it's too dangerous, even I can't let you go through with it, even if they deserve it. I have a duty to protect all the citizens, even the shit heads."

"Huh?" Naruto turned his attention back to Kakashi. "You're still here?"

Kakashi's shoulders slumped. "No one loves me anymore."

Naruto laughed and pat him on the back. "It's OK Kakashi, you'll find someone some day! Now, my seal. I place the main matrix in the market. I then place these tags above the entrance to all their shops. Whenever someone enters, the seal will activate and send out a certain pattern of vibrations. When it hits the person, it will irritate their stomach and BAM! Crap their pants." Naruto cackled madly. "Pretty soon, no one will ever want to go into their shops again and they'll go out of business!"

Kakashi sighed. "I don't even. Whatever, I won't be around to hear the backlash. Go for it."

"Hell yeah! Wait, why won't you be around? WAIT!" He whipped back around to Jiraiya. "You! Explain! Where are we going?!"

"Well, I have to get back out on the road. I've been back in Konoha longer than expected. We need information more than ever, so I need to get reports from my contacts, you'll be coming with me."

"Seriously?! That's awesome! Are we going to train?! Yes! I can't wait! I need to get stronger and stronger! I can't become Hokage if I don't get stronger!" Naruto cheered excitedly.

Jiraiya nodded. "We leave in 3 days. Pack what you need and say your goodbyes, we're going to be away for at least 2 years, maybe longer."

Naruto's excitement dimmed at that. "Two years?"

"Probably longer," Jiraiya confirmed.

"Oh. Well then I better get to sleep. I have a lot to do!"

"Again, I'm forgotten." Kakashi's sad voice spoke up.

"Wait, you're still here?" Jiraiya asked.

Kakashi glared at the man. "Yes, Lord Jiraiya. You didn't tell him everything."

Jiraiya scratched his chin in thought. "Nope. Pretty sure that's everything."

"I'M GOING WITH YOU!" Kakashi bellowed in frustration. He cleared his throat and composed himself. "You were there, Jiraiya. Lord Fifth ordered me to accompany you. Your network is too important to put it to the side to dedicate full time training for Naruto. I'll help with that and also provide additional protection."

He then looked Naruto in the eye and gave the first real genuine smile to him. "I owe your dad more than I could ever repay. Politics and my own mental health kept me from being there for you when you were young. I hope to make some of that up with this trip, if you'll let me."

Naruto gazed at his father's last remaining student. Sure, Naruto could be upset. Kakashi should have tried to be there. But Naruto knew that a lot went on behind the scenes than he'd ever know. He also didn't know what the man had been through, but if he was willing to try now, Naruto would open up. Besides… Kakashi was legendary in his own right! He could definitely teach Naruto something.

Naruto held his hand out. "Naruto Uzumaki, Chunin. Pleased ta meetcha."

Kakashi stared at the hand, realizing for what it was. A fresh start. "Kakashi Hatake, Jonin."

"Alright, kid. Bed. Three days, meet at the gate at 0800." Jiraiya interrupted, walking towards the window. Kakashi followed after him.

"Gotcha! Seeya later!" Naruto called out and waved the two men out. Naruto stretched and yawned. He made his way to his bedroom. Three days. In three days he'd start a journey to become stronger than all the kage to come before. Even stronger than his father.

*******************************Plans Plans PLANS***************************************

Kenta Yamanaka

I hugged my blonde idiot tight.

"Be safe. Train your ass off. Ami and I aren't stopping, so you'll officially be removed from Team 11 if you don't keep up." I grinned at Naruto.

He smiled back even wider. "Psh. I'll be taking you both on without trying when I get back. It's you two who better keep up with me!"

Ami shoved me out of the way and grabbed Naruto in a bear hug. She squeeked in surprise but soon was laughing at Naruto's customary hug.

She stepped back and blinked away a few tears. "Time will go fast. We'll be team 11 again in no time. Work hard, Naruto. You two!" She glared at the two older men standing in the back. "If Naruto so much as gets a scratch on him because you two were goofing off, you'll be my new test subjects for my poisons, got it?"

Both men shook their heads vigorously. Neither men wanting to test Mini-Anko over there.

Naruto laughed and stepped back. "Well, it's time. I'll write to you guys when I can! But don't give away any training! I want to be completely surprised by what you guys can do when I get back, k?"

Ami and I agreed. Naruto gave us another quick hug and then took off after the Sannin and Jonin who had just passed through the gate.

"Welp. Let's go see Lord Fifth. We're still doing this, right?" I asked Ami.

"Yes. It will be the best way to get stronger and experience. I'm excited. Anko is out on a mission for the next few months anyway, so doing it now will open up my schedule for training when she returns." Ami replied.

We flashed away from the gate, both sad to see our friend go but happy he was getting the training he needed.

********************************Ending COMING UP*************************************

"You two are sure? Your paperwork is complete and has been approved. This is your last chance. Once you commit, it's until I decide you're done." Lord Fifth told us seriously.

Ami and I glanced at each other and smirked. "I'm ready" we said simultaneously.

I froze, a hand landing on my shoulder.

'He literally appeared from thin air. I couldn't sense him until I felt his hand on my shoulder. Who is this? He's dangerous' I thought to myself with a chill.

"Glad you two didn't back down. You've passed your first test. Only a dozen more to go." A gravely voice sounded behind me. "I'm ANBU Commander Bear. Let me be the first to welcome you into the shadow ranks." His hand vanished and Ami and I turned to face the man. "You have three months, children, to prove you belong among the elite. Three months. Welcome to ANBU, hope you last longer than the others.

FINALLY FINISHED! THIS CHAPTER TOOK LONGER TO WRITE THAN LAST ONE AND HAS HALF THE WORDS.

I've been planning Ch1 for Part 2 for days now so getting the focus to finish this chapter was a nightmare, but I did it!

So a few things:

Part 2 will be a NEW STORY. I will post a tiny little chapter at the time of posting new chapter to remind you.

Secondly I have a GAME FOR YOU TO PLAY WHILE WAITING.

I'm super disappointed in you all! Shame on you! Just kidding, but for real, not a SINGLE person has mentioned the SEAL THAT KORINNA PLACE ON KENTA'S SOUL?!

It's been working this entire time, but even Kenta doesn't realize it. Can any of you guess what it does? If you can, you get the honor of naming my next OC for a story I'll be writing after Kenta's finishes.

With that, I'll see you all in Part 2! Thanks once again for your support the last 2.5 months. Here's to many more!