Chapter Seven: A Dark Awakening

(Eight Years Later)

Over the course of eight years, Naruto (age 8) grew up being raised by Tsunade (age 46) and Shizune (age 23), with Jiraiya (age 46) staying around occasionally to guide Naruto's mental development as he gradually adsorbed Yondaime's mental and physical attributes. When it came down to it, what more did one really need? Many things happened during the course of time. Tsunade and Shizune were both medic-nins, obviously therefore, Naruto ended up having a fairly advanced vocabulary for his age complement with what he was getting from his incarcerated father Yondaime Hokage. Naruto however wasn't aware of the fact that Yondaime was sealed inside of him.

Around the time Naruto was about to turn five, Tsunade stopped breastfeeding Naruto. It surprised Shizune and even Jiraiya and Sandaime that Tsunade had been breastfeeding Naruto for nearly five years with the use of her Uetto Togi No Jutsu. And speaking of this jutsu, Tsunade taught it to selected female medic-nins of Konoha who sought become infant nursing-nins.

To say that this new medical jutsu was a mere success would be an understatement as many of females medic-nins from other villages travel to Konoha to learn this new medical jutsu, along with whatever other new medic jutsu they could learn. Tsunade didn't miss the opportunity to charge for the training, which surprisingly wasn't refused since she originated the jutsu. Tsunade's new jutsu and several others she was willing to teach made quite an impact in the medical practice, which helped boost her reputation highly in the medical fields. With the money she was making though, Shizune had to be on her back constantly in order to prevent Tsunade from gambling it all away, and pay off the debts she owes.

Growing up with a family, one's parents naturally pass on what skills they have to their children. A father will gladly teach his children how to play a sport or practice a trade. A mother will teach her children, whether they like it or not, social etiquette and how to deal with people, and so on. Now when you're growing up with a mother and sister who contributed a great deal toward modern medic-nin theory, you pick up some things. Of course it wasn't until shortly after Naruto's fourth birthday that he actually started to actively follow in his mother's footsteps in the medic field much to Tsunade's joy.

Sandaime didn't mind Naruto learning to be a medic-nin. This was in contrast with the time when he was younger when he turned down the idea Tsunade suggested in training shinobis to be medic-nins years ago. His reasons at the time were because during that time Konoha was at war and had little time and resources available to even begin starting up medical training course for shinobis. But now times have changed and things are different now.

If she wasn't teaching medic-nins, healing, performing surgery, or gambling, Tsunade spent large measures of her time with Naruto and teaching him, whether it was in the arts of medicines, jutsu or combat, although she was a bit of a slave driver when it came down to learning healing and medic-jutsus. Even that was a bit of an understatement. It was perfectly clear to everyone how attached and very protective the Slug Sannin was with Naruto. For any mother who cared deeply for their children it was truly understandable.

On occasions, Tsunade took long distance travels from Konoha and journeyed to other villages, whether it was for medical businesses or gambling fun. Naruto was taken wherever she went and Shizune followed of course. Shizune and Naruto became very close as she became a big sister figure to him, thus being called Shizune-neechan by Naruto. To Shizune's dismay though, Naruto did pick up some of Tsunade's habits on gambling. However, to Tsunade's annoyance though, Naruto was actually a little better than her and even won a few games to Shizune's surprise.

Sandaime became like a grandfather to Naruto, although he's rather annoyed at the fact that Naruto constantly refers to him as either old man or old geezer; something he suspects the boy picked up from Tsunade. Once in a while, Sarutobi would pay Jiraiya some visits during his training session with Naruto. From what Sandaime was seeing, Naruto was making impressive progress. The aged Hokage knew of the nickname Jiraiya gave Naruto and found it fitting in some respects; although Jiraiya would call Naruto "Neo Yondaime Hokage" in a surprisingly mocking way since Naruto started calling him ero-jisan (perverted uncle).

In spite of this, Jiraiya did become an uncle figure to Naruto, a perverted uncle nonetheless though. Although he helped in training Naruto in how to control some of what he already acquired from Yondaime without his knowing of it yet however, Naruto grew annoyed at the number of times Jiraiya would get distracted for periods of time in looking at pretty girls and women when he was supposed be training him instead.

One day, during Naruto's training with Jiraiya, Naruto's frustration in Jiraiya repeatedly paying little attention to him and watching a bunch of eighteen year old girls in bikinis play together in a water stream boiled to the point that Naruto ran a punched him so hard with all his strength that Jiraiya literally was sent flying high in the sky before crashing down into the stream where the girls were. Needless to say, the girls welcomed the pervert with anything but opened arms as they inflicted additional injuries on him as he cried for help.

Tsunade laughed her ass off in tears when she found out about the incident; evidently Tsunade's temper also rubbed off on Naruto. However, it shocked and amazed her, Shizune, Kakashi, Sandaime, and Jiraiya, who was on the receiving end of Naruto's fist, that Naruto had also acquired a large portion of Tsunade's raw super strength. Tsunade's researched revealed that her almost 5-year practice and use of her Uetto Togi No Jutsu (Wet-Nursing Technique) with Naruto resulted in Naruto being permanently infused with her strength since her milk was induced with her chakra.

However, it seemed that he was only able to tap into that raw strength in large quantities during a mental or emotional episode of some sort. So even though the strength was there however, he still doesn't fully know how to perfectly tap into the whole thing and use it at will. Even still, he managed to maintain being able to have some of that dormant strength.

Kakashi (age 22), without being reminded, kept tabs on Naruto from time to time, almost as though he was a protective big brother. On occasions he'd stop by and visit Naruto. And speaking of playing the role of the older brother, Naruto started referring to Kakashi as Kakashi-niisan. And like many siblings, the younger one usually looks up to the older sibling as a role model. This however, wasn't without some consequences. Naruto started imitating Kakaishi in the use of wearing a ninja mask like he does, which he started after turning six years old. Also, Kakashi would sometimes spoil Naruto when they hanged out together and sometimes he'd spar with Naruto also.

Kakashi was also known for being a major fan, like so many, of Icha Icha Paradise, a famously known graphic adult series written by Jiraiya the Toad Sannin himself. One day, Naruto managed to get a hold of one of Kakashi's latest and rare edition books and read through it. What he saw and read shocked and at the same time, fascinated him to the point that he had to find out what more. The detailed erotic and sexual images Naruto was studying only served to capture more of his attention. What he learned from that one book inspired him to create a new form of jutsu, one he'd use on perverts like Jiraiya or any other shinobi who'd fall victim to a most sexually arousing and erotic sight. The irony was indescribable.

After Kakashi realized that his new book was missing, he frantically searched all other for it for two days, until he found it with Naruto, who was reading the book for a third time. Naruto apologized but explained that after seeing him read those books so many types, it sparked his curiosity to see what was so interesting about it, so he took his new one the moment he saw that his guard was down and read the whole book through. Rather than being angry, Kakashi was impressed by the boy's ability to outwit him; but then again, Naruto was infused with his master who taught him the ways of the shinobi. Naruto wanted to use and test out his new jutsu on Kakashi, but decided against it since Kakashi wasn't mad at him. He called his new jutsu, Oiroke No Jutsu.

While growing up, Naruto became a major addict for ramen. It was no surprise to Jiraiya that Naruto would unknowingly be like his father, who like him, was a ramen addict. Tsunade had to be on his back about eating healthy foods, fruits and vegetables and not an excessive amount of starch and carbohydrates. Although Naruto did eat the other healthy foods as Tsunade told him to however, he would retort back to his mother about her unquenched love for sake, resulting in them both them hitting occasional stalemates.

(A Month Later)

Tsunade was sleeping on her futon in her bedroom that night when a small figure entered her room. The figure made his way toward her when Tsunade turned and opened her eyes to the young boy stopping where he was and standing in front of her.

"Naru-chan," Tsunade said, "Why are you awake? Shouldn't you be in bed sleeping?"

Nervously, while hold his right arm that seemed be hurting for some unknown reason, he answered, "Kaa-chan, I…I had a very bad dream. Can…Can I sleep here…with you?"

It didn't take a scientist to see that Naruto was very frightened about whatever nightmare he had. Instead of asking about what his nightmare was, she simply grabbed and raised her blanket, granting Naruto access to sleep on her futon with her. Happily, Naruto hurried and climbed in, hugging Tsunade as though she was his only sanctuary and source of protection. She threw the blanket over them and embraced her son as he fell asleep next to her.

(Three Weeks Later)

Naruto's nightmares have been occurring on a weekly basis. A few times he woke up screaming in terror and fear, waking Tsunade and Shizune who'd run into his room to check on Naruto. On a few of these occasions when those same nightmares occurred, they noticed that his right arm reddened a bit. They didn't know what to make of it. They ran some examinations on his arm to see if they could find anything. To their frustration they found very little that could help with Naruto's condition. When asked about what he sees in his nightmares, Naruto told them that he saw a giant red furry monster, viciously killing and destroying everyone and everything in its path with all its fury. He added that the monster was called "Kyuubi No Yoko."

Hearing this story sent a cold chill down Tsunade and Shizune's backs. They couldn't understand why Naruto started having realistic nightmares about the nine-tailed fox and why his right arm would turn red when those nightmares occurred. Thus far, he had nine nightmares of Kyuubi.

(A Week Later)

Naruto was in Sandaime's office that morning after Tsunade and Shizune went to work that the hospital. The present Hokage had called Naruto in, wishing to discuss something with him. Naruto was now standing in front of Sandaime with his now long blond hair that reached down his back in a braided ponytail, with some spiked hairs resting over is forehead. Tsunade evidently allowed the boy to let his hair grow over the years.

Naruto was also wearing a blackish blue ninja mask like the one Kakashi wears and also blackish blue pants and shirt with black sandals and white bandage-like wrappings going about his legs from within the bottle of his pant to inside his sandles. He also wore fingerless black gloves and a gray robe-like vest similar to the one Tsunade wears with a dark blue sash tied around his waist. Sandaime saw how Naruto was taking after Kakashi outwardly and he also knew that Naruto was taking after Yondaime in others ways the boy wasn't aware of as of yet.

"OK jiisan," Naruto said, "What am I here for?"

Sandaime frowned at the name he was called again. He practically lost count on the number of times Naruto called him that.

"You're here to be informed that you'll be starting attendance at the Konoha Academy starting tomorrow."

Naruto's face looked like it fell off upon hearing those words.

"W…What," Naruto exclaimed in disbelief, "Have you gone senile!"

Sandaime was tempted to bop Naruto on the head for that remark but remained calm as he took another puff from his pipe, "…No, I'm perfectly fine, thank you. (Seriously) However it's a mandatory procedure for all children in Konoha, you included. It's essential that you go through the four-year procedures of attending and graduating from the Academy to become a Genin and climb the shinobi ranks from there."

"Four years," Naruto argued in outrage, "You can't be serious! I'm at a much advanced level than those newbies! On top of that, I'm training with two Sannins, being raised by one of them who happens to be my mother, and once in a while Kakashi-niisan spars with me and he's an ANBU captain!"

Sandaime couldn't deny the truths Naruto was telling him, especially since he witnessed how Naruto have been developing over the years. Indeed, Naruto was stronger, faster, and smarter than normal. If anything, Naruto was most likely at Jounin level now, but his development to Kage level was in still in progress and had several more years to go. However, Sandaime couldn't risk compromising Konoha's education protocols because of Naruto's "special" circumstances. He had to protect Naruto's secret although Naruto himself wasn't aware of it ironically.

"You want me to join the Academy, fine," Naruto retorted, "But since my skills and knowledge are at a higher level, at least allow me to be part of this year's graduating class."

"You and I both know that's not a possibility," Sandaime replied, "Something like that would raise one too many questions and many would think that I'm showing unfair favoritism especially since your mother happens to be Tsunade, and your trainer is Jiraiya, both of whom happens to be my former students. I'm sorry Naruto but you're going have to earn your shinobi ranks like everyone else. (Took another puff from his pipe)…If anything Naruto, the four-year experience might serve to humble you."

Sandaime's sense of logic, which was completed with his last statement, infuriated the eight-year-old Naruto. The aged Hokage saw Naruto's indignation and displeasure at what was handed down to him.

"That's it old man," Naruto exclaimed as he stood before Sandaime defiantly, "You asked for it! I didn't want to do this, but you left me with no other option!"

Sandaime took it as though Naruto had threatened him. Before the Hokage could say or doing anything to reprimand him, Naruto formed a seal and said, "Oiroke No Jutsu!"

There was poof of white smoke from Naruto and when the smoke cleared, what Sandaime saw was a very beautiful naked nineteen-year-old girl with a most ideal feminine figure, large breasts like Tsunade's and long blond hair that went down her back reaching her backside with some strands of hair cover her lovely face. She was completely soaked and wet all over with water dripping down her slender body and hair with the light reflecting off her body, adding luster to her appearance. She possessed an alluring smile that showed that she didn't mind being seen the way she was. Her left arm was over her breasts while her right hand was over her haired crotch. There was some steam around the girl's body but it was light enough for Sarutobi to see her in all her lustrous nude glory.

"Please Sandaime-sama," the female asked with a most sensual and erotic feminine tone before licking and sucking her left index finger, "…May I please join this year's graduating class? I promise to make it a decision you'll never regret."

Sandaime screamed before falling off his seat and crashing down to the floor twitching and falling unconscious from a heavy blood loss. Naruto reverted back and looked on in shock after seeing what just happened, before bursting into a fit of laughter. He couldn't believe that Sandaime Hokage, the proclaimed "Professor" of jutsu, easily fell victim to a jutsu created by an eight-year-old. Sandaime regained consciousness in time to see Naruto laughing hysterically at his dilemma. He grabbed some napkins and cleaned the blood off his face and floor. When that was done, he placed his pipe back in his mouth and slowly walked over to Naruto who had then eventually calmed his laughter down.

"How did you like that old man," Naruto asked proudly with a large grin on his masked face, "That was my Oiroke No Jutsu which I personally created a month a ago after reading one of Kakashi-niisan's new Icha Icha Paradise books he likes reading so much. I had no idea my new jutsu would work this good since it effortlessly knocked you out!"

"I see. I must say that new jutsu of your is most impressive, very effective and highly original," Sandaime complimented before he smacked Naruto hard across the back of his head, "DON'T DO IT AGAIN!"

Naruto grimaced while rubbing his head, although he was still feeling the stinging affect from the smack.

Damn! I didn't think he could hit so hard at his age, Naruto thought before grinning, At least I know his weakness. He's just like ero-jisan.

"What are you smiling about," Sandaime inquired, not liking the look on Naruto's face.

"Nothing important," Naruto lied before changing the subject, "If it's that important that I have to attend the academy then I'll attend it."

Sandaime smiled on hearing that, "That's good Naruto. Your instructor will be Umino Iruka and you'll report to him tomorrow morning with your new classmates. And one other thing Naruto?"

"Yeah, old man?"

"What transpired here in this office with regards to that jutsu you used against me will remain in this office," Sandaime decreed seriously, "You are to never discuss that incident with anyone. Are we clear?"

"What," Naruto whined, "Why can't I?"

"Disobey me and I'll pass a law through the entire village and neighboring smaller villages that are extensions of Konoha, forbidding anyone from feeding, selling or making ramen of any sort for you again…Ever."

Hearing those words sent a very cold chill down Naruto's back as his face paled.

Life with no ramen, Naruto mentally mourned in horror, Forbidden from ever eating ramen again! That's just cruel and inhuman!

Naruto knew not to take Sandaime's warning lightly as his shoulder slumped down. Sandaime smiled satisfied with himself, knowing fully well how addicted Naruto was to ramen, just like Minato was.

"Fine you win jiisan," Naruto conceded, "I won't go telling anyone how you were knocked out from my Oiroke No Jutsu. It's not worth forever giving up my privilege for eating ramen."

"I'm glad that you see it my way," Sandaime retorted, "All preparations for you being placed in Iruka's class have already been taken cared of Naruto. But there's no need to be upset about the thought of going to the academy. All in all, I'm certain you'll make some new friends there I'm sure. And a good shinobi knows when and how to make good friends who ultimately make great allies. Therefore more is involved in going to the academy than just learning the ways of the ninja and the history of our nation. Give it a chance I'm sure you'll enjoy your experience. With that said, you can hurry to Jiraiya. I'm sure he's waiting for you."

Naruto turned started on his way when…

"Naruto…"

The boy turned to Sandaime, who now had a look of concern on his face. Sandaime continued, "I heard from your mother that you've been having bad nightmares. Is everything alright now?"

"I'm fine," Naruto assured, "I haven't had one for a week now so I'm OK."

"That's good to hear! We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you," Sandaime smiled, Seriously, we don't need anything bad happening to you…

"Well I better go now! See ya!"

"Naruto!"

The young boy turned again in time to see a small pouch thrown at him. He caught the pouch to find that it had some money in it.

"Won't don't you treat yourself to some ramen later today," Sandaime smiled. With a bright smile of his own, Naruto ran toward the door.

"Thanks jiisan," Naruto yelled happily as he ran out of the office and hurried on his way to Jiraiya. Going back to his desk, Sandaime sighed, Beaten by hentai jutsu created by an eight-year-old brat…Had I not placed that restriction on that boy not to go bragging about how I fell for that absurd jutsu of his, the repercussions on my reputation as the Hokage would have been most undesirable. I'd be the laughing stock of the entire village…(Pulled his Hokage hat down partially)…Maybe I ought to label that absurd hentai jutsu of his as a kinjutsu (forbidden jutsu)…

(The Following Day)

Tsunade dropped off Naruto to school before heading to work. After kissing him on the cheek, she let him enter the building where the other children where heading while being instructed by the Chuunins there where their classes were. Not surprisingly, Naruto still wore that same ninja mask on his face along with his same clothes as before. It wasn't long till he found the assigned class he was supposed to go to. He entered the class to see a man in a standard Chuunin uniform with a scar across his face and a small black ponytail. The room was already filled with students save for Naruto who just entered and closed the door. Naruto saw how all eyes were now on him as he walked over to the man he figured was the teacher.

"You're Iruka-sensei," Naruto assumed. Iruka (age 22) replied, "Yes I am. And who might you be?"

"I'm Senju Uzumaki Naruto, son of Tsunade."

"Wait a minute," asked a girl with pink hair and green eyes, "You're Senju Tsunade-sama's son?"

"Yes I am," Naruto confirmed.

"You're the son of the legendary Slug Sannin," a girl with blond hair and blue eyes asked excitedly.

"Yes," Naruto replied a bit dryly. As Naruto looked around, he saw of the body of students were whispering to each other, possibly about him he figured. He knew how famous Tsunade was by many both within and outside the walls of Konoha, and the fact that he's her 'son' also spread his reputation as well. He also knew that Tsunade sucked at gambling.

"Alright Naruto, you can take a seat up there by next to Hinata," Iruka instructed. Naruto turned and saw a young girl with short indigo hair and pale eyes sitting by an empty desk and fumbling with her index fingers while looking at him shyly. Shrugging, he went up the steps leading to his assigned desk and sat by the girl. He turned to her before she looked down at him with a small blush on her face.

"You're Hinata," Naruto inquired. She nodded, "Y-Yes I am. I'm Hyuuga Hinata."

"You're from that Hyuuga clan," Naruto said, "That's cool. I heard a lot of interesting things about you guys and that really cool bloodline limit you guys have."

Hinata smiled and blushed again from Naruto compliment. Before a conversation could start, Iruka started speaking, thus beginning the first day of class. As the class went on, Naruto, in pure boredom from hearing things he already knew, laid his head on the desk and drifted off to sleep. Hinata giggled a little from Naruto's antics.

(Six Months Later)

During his early days in the academy, many of Naruto's peers, girls in particular, asked him a bunch of questions about his personal life with Tsunade and what cool jutsu he knows. After Yamanaka Ino and Hinata's fathers, Inoichi and Hiashi, both of whom are part of the village council, learned that Naruto was in their class, both of their fathers encouraged their daughters to associate more with Naruto, both fathers knowing fully well that aside the fact that not only is he the adopted son of Tsunade but also the son and sole heir of Yondaime Hokage who's seal inside him. Ino had little, if any, trouble complying with that which was more than what could be said of Hinata who was a bit too shy to be as opened with him as Ino was, as were several other girls; not that Naruto didn't like the attention however, it was starting to annoy him.

During the end of the second month, Naruto, out of boredom and frustration, started pulling pranks on whomever he saw could give him a good adrenaline rush. His first target was none other than Iruka who was given a nice size apple by Naruto after walking into class. Iruka thought it was highly thoughtful of Naruto while others thought he was being a kiss-ass. Those thoughts however were instantly changed after a seal of some sort appeared on the apple, causing the apple to explode in Iruka's face with a small batch of red paint thrown to his face and a sticker tag thrown and instantly fastened to his forehead from the exploding apple that stated, "Watch what you eat! A true shinobi is never too trusting!"

"How did you like them apples Iruka-sensei" was what Naruto said before he and the entire class burst into a fit of laugher, which only added to Iruka's fury towards Naruto's prank, who was made clear when Iruka started yelling and berating him for the stunt he just pulled. Naruto told him that if he truly intended to kill him then he'd already be dead from having needles burst into his face instead of the red paint and sticker tag on his face. The thought that Naruto's prank turned a Chuunin into a live-action joke and lesson within seconds had the class look at Naruto in astonishment.

Since then Naruto started pulling several other pranks on unsuspecting Chuunins and Jounins, and once in a blue moon, a few ANBU. This led to Naruto being occasionally chased around the village by the Chuunins and Jounins he'd pull his pranks on. This in effect gave the villagers some good laughs that were well needed. The idea of seeing the son of the Slug Sannin pulling childish yet cleverly planned pranks on Chuunin, Jounin and ANBU level shinobis and finding ways to evade being caught by them much to their irritation was quite comical.

Of course his pranks didn't go unnoticed by Kakashi, Shizune, Jiraiya, Tsunade or Sandaime. The Hokage himself was given some good laughs from watching some of Naruto's pranks on the Chuunins and Jounins, happy that he wasn't on the receiving end of those well-devised pranks. For Kakashi, Shizune, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Sandaime, not only was the very thought of an eight-year-old Yondaime, namely Naruto, pulling off those well thought out pranks on unsuspecting shinobis quite comical, but it also re-enforced the fact that Yondaime Hokage was indeed an excellent strategist during his younger days before becoming a Hokage.

Though none of his pranks actually hurt anyone, it only served to make Naruto look like a mischievous troublemaker among the Chuunins and Jounins. When confronted by the 'victimized' shinobis in front of Tsunade and Sandaime about his pranks, he told them that it was all in good harmless fun. It annoyed the Chuunins and Jounins to hear Naruto's childish sense of logic, however there was more to Naruto's pulling his pranks than he let on.

In spite of all this thought, it amazed many to see how smart, strong and fast Naruto was for his age with the stamina his possessed, which unfortunately made him the envy and an unpopular figure among some of the guys. One older bully tried to fight Naruto with the intent to prove that Naruto was nobody special just because he was the son of a Sannin. Needless to say, the older bully effortlessly had his ass handed to him after Naruto planted one swift punch into his gut, instantly knocking him unconscious in front of the body of students, some of whom were expecting a long fight. That incident only served to heighten Naruto's reputation among the students who were aware of Tsunade's monstrous strength. They figured that he inherited it from her. Through all this, none of the students or academy teachers for that matter have ever seen Naruto without his ninja mask on, not one time.

Sasuke was another attention grabber among the girls since he was part of the Uchiha clan. However his focus at the time was trying to match his older brother Itachi who was also well known throughout Konoha for his superb achievements. Because of this, he started considering Naruto as his rival believing that Naruto would reach Itachi's level before he does. Naruto though tried to be friends with him, however Sasuke wasn't interested and instead told him that he has to surpass him in order to match his brother and gain his acknowledgement. It saddened Naruto that Sasuke rejected his offer of friendship. Naruto felt that he and Sasuke could relate to each other in that they were both annoyed at how people considered them of any worth just because of whom they were related to or what bloodline limit they had. Still Naruto was persistent in trying to gain Sasuke's friendship in whatever way he could.

In regards to Iruka, it annoyed him to no end that Naruto would use his class to sleep in and yet have the capacity to pass and even ace his tests, but what did you expect when your mother is a Sannin and medic specialist. Some in the class found it humorous, some of the girls found it cute, one Nara Shikamaru found it, troublesome.

During the end of the fifth month, the Uchiha massacre occurred. Men, women and children of the entire Uchiha clan were ruthlessly slaughtered in one night with only two survivors. These survivors were Sasuke and his older brother Itachi, a former ANBU captain who was responsible for slaughtering the clan and leaving Sasuke alive for unknown reasons before leaving Konoha as an S-level Missing-nin. Sasuke was crushed and devastated by the horrific event carried out by the one person he held in high regards and wanted acknowledgement from most. Naruto, after learning about the massacre, tried to console Sasuke in whatever way he could. He had little success at first, but Sasuke slowly started opening up to him, although not as much as Naruto would have like it, but it was a start.

Naruto also started talking a little more with Hinata much to the shy Hyuuga's heiress's surprise. He found being around her a bit more relaxing and calm. Naruto saw how Hinata blushed and stuttered often and was clueless as to why. Like in Sasuke case though, Naruto felt he could also relate to Hinata in that she also didn't like how people considered her or anyone else of any worth just because of whom she was related to or what bloodline limit she who born with.

(Two Days Later)

Late that evening, Naruto was training by himself in a training field outside the village. It was one of the training grounds Jiraiya would regularly take him to teach him there. Occasionally Naruto would train by himself till it was late, and sometimes return home only to be scolded by Tsunade for coming home pass curfew. He'd usually mumble something along the lines about how does it make since for a shinobi to be given a nighttime curfew if they're expected to handle serious missions during late hours. In any case, Naruto was working out some steam after being told off by Iruka for falling asleep in class again.

"Iruka-baka," Naruto snorted still feeling irritated, "As if I'm the only one who falls asleep his class. There's that other kid…what's his name…Shikamaru, who constantly gets bored in class and falls asleep as well. And yet I get yelled whenever I fall asleep!"

Of course, there were other factors that frustrated Naruto. The fact that his right arm would start hurting a lot out of nowhere whether he was sleeping or awake, which has been the case for several months with no satisfying answers to fix the problem added to it. Alongside the fact that on several occasions during the passing months he'd have realistic nightmares of Kyuubi. These factors were also among the reasons for his pranks and intense solo training; it was to distract him from his problems and frustration, and relieve him of his stress, even if only temporarily.

After another tens minutes, Naruto called it a night and decided to head back home. On his way, though his right arm started hurting again, this a whole lot more than usual. The pain was excruciating as he cried out loudly from the pain with tears falling from his eyes. It was as though his arm was on fire, literally. He pulled his fingerless gloves off and that was when a burst of chakra came from his arm, from the elbow down to his fingers. The thing about it was that the chakra wasn't blue; it was red! Adding to the pain was the fact that Naruto felt burning sensations on his masked cheeks as if someone slashed both sides of his face with a 3-clawed gauntlet that was on fire. He pulled his mask down in hopes that the cool breeze would help to calm the pain a little, but it was to no success as three jagged designed whisker marks appeared on both sides of his face.

Naruto screamed louder as the power of the red chakra intensified to higher levels till his arms grew heavier and heavier before a quarter-sized circular tear appeared on his palm with some blood now pouring out from it. Unable to hold up his unnaturally loaded arm, Naruto's bleeding hand slammed down to the ground, causing the red chakra to flow into and through the ground away from him into the opening in front of him. Moments later, a glowing seal of some sort appeared on the ground and a mighty burst of white smoke appeared from where that seal was, covering the scene in front of Naruto, giving off a killer intent filled with unparallel bloodlust.

When the smoke cleared, Naruto's eyes widened in shear fright and terror at what he was beholding before him. It was the very same nine-tailed monster he's been seeing repeatedly in his nightmares.

You're…Kyuu…Kyuubi…," Naruto barely voiced. Indeed, it was the fearsome Kyuubi No Yoko, wagging all nine of his large tails in all their glory. The massive beast, seeing Naruto, leaned in closer to him until they were face to face. Detecting a scent similar to that of Yondaime Hokage radiating off Naruto, the great fox narrowed his red eyes venomously as he looked upon the frightened child whose right was still flared with red chakra. With his deep and inhuman voice, Kyuubi said, "I want to devour you kid…"

This doesn't look good for Naruto, not one bit! How did Kyuubi return and will he kill and devour Naruto and finish what he started eight years ago now that he's back! And what's with that red chakra that's flaring in Naruto's right hand? Will anyone be able to rescue Naruto in time and stop Kyuubi? Find out next time.