Hinata's True Strength II

[Kaden]

Naruto stood on the balcony of his apartment looking at the setting sun. “Another day fading away. Another day fading away into the eternal darkness.” Naruto said. He slumped and rested his elbows on the rail of the balcony.

“What a beautiful night. Too bad that long face of yours doesn’t reflect the peacefulness of the setting sun.” a voice said. Naruto smiled without turning around.

“Always find the silver lining in the clouds my love?” Naruto said. Small gentle hands rubbed across his back and shoulders.

“Of course. How else am I to keep this household warm and cheery?” the voice said.

“Ah, my dear Hinata, this household is warm and cheery thanks to you. I fear I bring the dark bitterness of the outside world into our home. Forgive me.” Naruto said. He lowered his head and shook it sadly.

“Naruto Uzumaki, you do no such thing. Tell me what has caused this sad spell to be cast upon you. It isn’t the ANBU trials is it?” Hinata said. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his back.

Naruto raised his head and looked out towards the horizon once again. The last glimmers of light were casting their iridescent glows across the horizon, making the landscape and buildings look burnished.

“These ANBU trials are very sacred and important to our village. The politics that happen in these trials can change a person’s life. The choice I make changes my life forever, but it also affects your life and our daughter’s life Akina. The decision is not an easy one to make, and I do not know which one to choose.” Naruto said. He turned around and pulled Hinata close to him, hugging her tightly.

Hinata laughed a tinkling laugh against his chest. “The choice is an easy one for you, and has been chosen for you since the day you became a Leaf Village shinobi. Go ahead and sign up for the exam, and show the proctors what extraordinary talents you bring to the battlefield.” Hinata said.

“But what will you and Akina do when I’m gone? I can’t leave you here all by yourself. You know if I join the ranks of the ANBU that I will be gone for days at a time. I can’t do that to you Hinata; it is too hard a burden for you to bear.” Naruto said. He involuntarily tightened his embrace on Hinata, as if fearing she would disappear.

“Baka, you speak nonsense. I knew when I married you what type of lifestyle I would have to live. I knew that with your talents and sense of duty that Akina’s childhood would be a little different than normal. Take the exam Naruto; make your women proud of you.” Hinata said. She pulled away from him slightly and looked into his eyes.

Naruto looked down into Hinata’s eyes. Although they were a pale, seemingly cold lavender-grey, her confidence in him made them seem on fire. “I am a lucky man to have a wife such as you.” He kissed the top of her head gently.

“Tomorrow I will go down to the Hokage’s Council room and register for the ANBU exams.” He kissed her forehead. “I might die in the process, or be kicked out for being to weak…” He kissed her eyes. “…I’ll win. Believe it.” Naruto said. He kissed her gently on the lips.

“I have faith in your abilities my love.” Hinata said. She kissed him back with equal passion.

~_*_~

Naruto stood before the door to the Hokage’s Council room. This is it. This is where I show the maturity I’ve gained over the years. Jiriya-sama, Kakashi-sensei, be with me. He reached out and rested his hand on the door, hesitating. Sweat formed on his forehead

“Naruto! What a surprise to see you here!” a voice said. Naruto turned around. Shikamaru Nara stood before him with his arms crossed across his chest and his head tilted to the side.

“Shikamaru, hey, guess you’re here to take the exam too?” Naruto said. He tried to lean against the doorframe as if nothing was wrong.

“Idiot, why else would I be in the Hokage’s palace right now? Of course, I’m here for the exam; Temari wouldn’t let me rest until I handed in my application. What a drag, women are so tiresome…” Shikamaru said. He walked up to the door and pushed it open causing Naruto to stumble into the room.

The Council room was a buzz with noise and filled with several respected and powerful shinobi.

[Tohno Takaki]

man you have done it again, its great

[HyuugaHinata]

Really great so far!

[graceluvsnaruto]

more!! more!!!

[Kaden]

more!! more!!!

haha, thanks. Yeah I have pages written, but I need to connect them. It'll be up in a couple days, that's a promise!

Really great so far!

Thanks. I tried to play the hinata part for you. Theres more to come on that. She actually fights this time. And if the idea I have for her comes to pass, she'll be the number one kunoichi in the Hidden Leaf.

man you have done it again, its great

Thanks man. More to be posted in a couple days

[Crimson]

Wow, great RPer and a great writer.....is there anything you can't do? ^-^

[Kaden]

Wow, great RPer and a great writer.....is there anything you can't do? ^-^

haha, words are a language I have a grasp on, but thank you.
Heres the latest:

Everyone turned their heads and looked at the pair. Naruto and Shikamaru weren’t that interesting however, because conversations resumed and people turned around. The pair walked over to the Leaf Shinobi that were clustered together.

“Shikamaru you actually showed up!” Ino said. She tilted her head to the side and crossed her arms across her chest.

“Yeah…..”Shikamaru said. He dragged out the word and sighed at the end.

“Hey Naruto, maybe you’ll have to fight me again. This time I’ll be the one who lays you flat on your face on the arena floor!” Kiba said. He grinned wolfishly.

“Heh, as if! I’ve got new moves that’ll be the best around and really wow everyone!” Naruto said.

The door at the other end of the room opened with a bang. Lady Tsunade stood with a malicious grin on her face in the doorway. “Good morning.” Tsunade said. She walked evenly across the room and sat down lightly behind her desk with her hands clasped underneath her chin. Sakura rushed forward and handed Tsunade a folder, thick with information and papers. She quickly fell back in line with the other shinobi.

“Gooooooooooood. Everyone is here. Listen up, you were all nominated by the Council and a special group of Jonin. You will repeat the Chunin Exams, except solo, by yourself. Good luck!” Tsunade said. She got up and walked back out of the room.

A short man entered the room. “Proceed to the Forest of Death and enter any gate you wish. Find the completing scroll to the one I will give you.” The man said

~_*_~

Naruto ran through the woods straining his eyes to catch any glimpse of another shinobi. There is no sign of them. Now how am I supposed to complete the first part of the exam? He paused and closed his eyes, trying to remember everything his sensei’s had taught him. Okay, now I have two options. I can keep on the move and keep looking for someone, or I could lay a trap and wait. Baka! Both take time!

As fortune would have it, Kankuro passed by underneath him. Aha! Kakashi-sensei was right! Naruto made several shadow clones and twirled some shuriken on his fingers. “Always travel alone puppet master?” Naruto said as he and his clones threw shuriken at Kankuro from all sides.

Kankuro reacted without hesitation and disappeared into one of his puppets. The shuriken made several thonking noises on the outside armor of the puppets. Naruto grinned and dropped to the ground with a grin.

Kankuro twitched his fingers and his puppet released a cloud of purple hazy gas. It slowly enveloped the area, swirling and twisting in between the trees. Naruto Uzumaki. Several years have passed since he became chunin, and he still attacks head on. Kankuro blew open the hidden door of his puppet with a twitch of his finger, causing the gas to blow in the direction of where he thought Naruto was. “How do the fumes taste? Is it searing your eyes?” Kankuro said.

“Man you’re pathetic!” Naruto said. He and his shadow clones charged in from every side, kunai pointed at Kankuro. Kankuro countered by summoning his other two puppets and beating away the clone attack. He pulled the puppets in, forming a defensive pattern.

“Is that all you have? Ever going to go on the attack?” Naruto said. Kankuro whirled around looking for Naruto. “Too late and too slow! Naruto 2-K, Uzumaki Barrage!” Naruto said. Kankuro didn’t even see Naruto coming, he felt him. Feet, hands, elbows and knees pummeled him high up into the air. Through quick, spastic glances, Kankuro saw orange and yellow everywhere. His prized possessions, his puppets were being shattered to pieces.

“And to finish, I’ll use both legs, for a barrage of four thousand kicks! You don’t have a monster inside you either, so you’ll feel this tomorrow!” Naruto said.

Kankuro’s body felt like an anvil. The final blow came and he wilted, shuddered and finally dropped to the ground unconscious. Naruto released his shadow clones and landed on a branch. “Sorry Kankuro. I hope you make it out of this ok.” Naruto said as he put the scroll into his leg pouch.


~_*_~

Hinata walked down the market street, holding Akina’s sleeping form close to her. The town was tension, and had been for the past couple of days. Lady Tsunade, the Fifth and current Hokage, had decided to hold ANBU selections alongside the biannual Chunin Exams.

“Come now, don’t you see the purpose? By getting some more of our excellent Jonin into the ANBU, which frees up spots for Jonin and so on and so on down the ranks. Konohakurgure will become, as it was in the era of the First Hokage. I promise you that…” Tsunade said.

Hinata shook her head. The thought of change, it scares me. Konoha has just fully recovered from the attack by Orochimaru several years ago. This notion, this push for military might, is it healthy? Baka, who am I to question? Naruto is in there, fighting for his dream. I believe in you Naruto-kun!

~_*_~

Naruto crept through the underbrush, hardly making a sound; no easy feat in the 26th Battle Zone. He pushed a vine out of his way and peered into the clearing. Pale beams of moonlight filtered through the trees, casting ominous shadows on the ground. Man, this is creepy. He took a deep breath, held it for a couple of seconds and let it out slowly. With deliberate slowness, he moved forward into the clearing. A slight tick went off causing Naruto to look down. His foot had dripped a thin, near-invisible wire. “Uh-oh…” Naruto said.

Shuriken blasted out of trees and headed in on Naruto’s exact location. He jumped straight up into the air and was tangled in a net coming down on top of him. He crashed to the ground, struggling to break free of the net.

“Ah Naruto. Haven’t changed in the least have you?” A voice said.

Naruto stopped struggling and looked up to see Ino and Choji dropping down from the upper tree branches. One landed at his feet and the other at his head. Ino had her arms on her hips and Choji’s were across his chest.

“Hehehehe…hehe…hehe. What makes you so sure?” Naruto said. Naruto’s body poofed out into a big puff of smoke with numerous shuriken flying out towards the pair.

“Whaaaaat?” Ino said as she jumped back.

“No way!” Chouji said as he blocked the attack with the greaves on his arms.

“C’mon already!” Naruto said. He backhanded Ino causing her to crash into a tree. She struggled up but Naruto kicked her across the face sending her crashing back into another tree. “You’re next! Kage Bushin no Jutsu!” Naruto said while facing Choji. Fifty Naruto’s appeared all around and on many levels of the forest.

“Leaf Village Taijutsu: Expansion Jutsu!” Choji’s whole body expanded, and he became a small giant. “Bring it on Naruto!” Choji said.

“Heh, not bad.” Naruto said. Okay, stop and think this out. He’s a taijutsu expert, so I can’t him directly head on…wait that’s it! Naruto jumped back to dodge a blow. I remember now! I’ll do what Sasuke did to me! “Okay, here we go!” Naruto said.

Numerous poofing sounds were heard, but Choji couldn’t seem to keep up with Naruto’s shadow clones. He started slowing down, getting hit more and being rocked back and forth. “What? How can you keep creating them?!” Choji said.

“Easy, when you’re a super cool ninja like me, this stuff comes easy.” Naruto said. He swirled chakra in his hand while a clone shaped it. Swirling lights of blue and white reflected off the leaves, and Naruto’s eyes. He ran forward to a worn-out tired looking Choji and slammed his fist into Choji’s chest plate. “Rasengan!” Naruto said.

Choji’s huge form went spinning and crashed through a tree and cracking a second. A poof blew some leaves off their branches as Choji shrank back to his normal size.
Naruto walked over and looked down at Choji. His eyes were rolled back into the back of his head and he was slumped, in a dazed state. “Sorry Choji, guess you weren’t made for it.” Naruto said. He searched Ino and Choji and found the scroll in Choji’s scarf.

~_*_~

Hinata walked over to a fruit stand, singing softly to Akina. She selected a soft fruit, paid the merchant and continued her walk through the village. She sliced the fruit with her Byakugan needles and gave a small piece for Akina to chew on. A loud explosion came from the Forest of Death area, and Hinata looked up worried. “Naruto-kun…” Hinata said.

“I’m sure he’s alright.” Hishashi said. He slowly walked up to Hinata’s side and gave her a sideways hug. “After all, he had to pass my test to even have a chance of marrying you. And pass he certainly did.” Hishashi said. He smiled down at Akina and waved.

“Yes…yes Father, you are right.” Hinata said. Hold on Naruto-kun!

~_*_~

Naruto perched on a tree branch and laid out the two scrolls carefully before him. With caution, he opened both and spread them out fully. Okay, what does all this mean? One scroll had the same diagram as the ones the Chunin received and the other had all the shinobi rules on it.

“Aaaaaagh come on! Why can’t it sai go here and beat a really powerful and mysterious ninja?” Naruto said. He gave a long exaggerated sigh, laid his head back against the tree and closed his eyes.

“Okay, so, these two diagrams are the basics of being a Leaf shinobi. Maybe that’s what they want us to figure out, how to be completely in tune with the fundamentals.” Naruto said.

A sudden poof came up from the scrolls and Iruka-sensei appeared. “Hello Naruto. Looks like to me that you are on the right track to pass in the test. And you don’t look to shabby either…” Iruka-sensei said.

“Heh, what did you expect Iruka-sensei?” Naruto said. He shifted his headband and laughed.

“Indeed. Head toward the tower next alright?” Iruka-sensei said. He disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving Naruto alone again.

Naruto stood up on the branch, put the scrolls in his leg pouch and gave an exaggerated stretch. “Ha, this will be easy!” Naruto said. He jumped down onto the ground and started running towards the tower.

~_*_~

The tower in the center of the Forest of Death is a haven to some weary shinobi and the focal point of other shinobi’s apprehensions. The tower stood tall and unfettered with undergrowth. It was a literal symbol of peace and security in the unpredictable nature of the forest.

Naruto crept up to the tree line and carefully looked around. When he saw no one, he made a dash for the tower. A Hidden Mist Village shinobi jumped out of the underbrush and tackled Naruto.

“Give me your scroll kid. Or you die!” the shinobi said. He spun a kunai on his finger and stabbed it down on Naruto’s shoulder. “I said give…what?” the shinobi said. Naruto’s form gave a big poof and disappeared. “A shadow clone?!” the shinobi said.

“Too slow and too dumb.” Naruto said. The Mist shinobi looked up and saw Naruto on a balcony on the tower. Naruto waved goodbye and entered the tower.

~_*_~

“So Hinata-san, how does life treat you?” Hishashi said. He nodded a hello to a passerby as he and Hinata continued their walk down the street.

“I am happy with my life Father.” Hinata said. She looked down at Akina and smiled.

“How does your training go then?” Hishashi said.

“I spar quite frequently with the other Jonin. Naruto-kun watches Akina when he comes in from his missions or training.” Hinata said.

“Care to go a round? Neji is busy with the ANBU trials and does not come around quite as often.” Hishashi said.

“Oh Father would you? It would be wonderful to spar with you!” Hinata said.

“Yes that would be wonderful. Hmmm…the ANBU trials are not supposed to end until early tomorrow morning.” Hishashi said, nodding towards Akina.

“Maybe I can get one of the Jonin to watch Akina for a little while.” Hinata said.

The pair stopped by the Genin training field and Hinata walked over to a group of Jonin. Her request was readily accepted, for Akina was a crowd favorite.

~_*_~

Hinata squared off against her father and made rapid hand signs. “Byakugan!” Hinata and her father said in unison. Her vision suddenly accented and she saw the chakra points of the Jonin and Genin in the surrounding area. She turned her head and focused her gaze on her father. Her father’s chakra network was diverse, his physical chakra was waning but his spiritual chakra was immense.

Hishashi nodded and charged in, starting an unprecedented taijutsu battle. Hinata blocked a punch and sidestepped a kick. Too fast. He has not slowed down at all! Her father trapped one of her punches and put her in a wristlock forcing her to be bent over backwards. The crowd groaned, anticipating the fight to be over and dismayed it happened so fast. Hinata closed her eyes, relaxed her wrist and back flipped up and over her father’s arm. She landed on the outside of her father’s stance and behind him.

~_*_~

Naruto dropped down to the ground and walked to the center of the arena in the tower. A group had already gathered and was split into three groups. A proctor came forward and asked to see his scrolls. Naruto handed them over; the proctor looked them over and nodded. He pointed towards a group and Naruto walked over.

Man, look at all these people. Gaara, Neji, Rock Lee, Sakura, Shino, Shikamaru and Temari. They all passed? Naruto looked over to the second group and saw several scared and worn out shinobi nervously standing together. He moved his gaze to the third group and saw Kankuro, Ten-ten, Choji, and Ino along with different shinobi from different villages standing together and looking dejected. Oh, I get it now, those are the Chunin and those are the shinobi that did not make it to phase three of the ANBU or Chunin Exams.

A resounding boom echoed across the vast arena. Dust and pieces of debris flew across the room, followed by a hearty laugh. The debris and dust settled and a pale white figure in billowing robes stood before them.

“Ninja Art: Gravity Pull Jutsu!” the figure said. Naruto’s muscles strained with the effort of standing and he knelt down. He heard cries of surprise from the other shinobi.

“Too easy. What is going on here? Isn’t this supposed to be the Chunin Exams?” the figure said.

“Naruto…psst….Naruto…” Shikamaru said. Naruto nodded to show he was listening. “We need to trap this guy. Be a distraction while I put him under wraps.” Shikamaru said. Naruto nodded again.

Several more explosions resounded through the arena as three more shinobi appeared. “About time you guys got here.” The first figure said.

“We had a slight nuisance to deal with…” a second figure said.

“Yes we had an unwelcome visitor…” a third figure said.

“Not only one, two my friends…” a fourth figure said.
The second figure that had spoken dropped a body onto the ground.

“Kakashi sensei!” Naruto and Sakura said. Both leaped to their feet and made to move toward their fallen sensei.

“I don’t think so. Gentle Fist Art: Rotation!” the third figure said. A whirlwind of chakra blasted Naruto and Sakura back.

“Leaf Hurricane!” Lee said. He kicked aside the Hyuga clan member.

“I thought you had them under your control Jatari!” the fourth figure said.

“Quiet Kasumi!” Jatari said. He made the same rapid hand signs. “Ninja Art: Gravi…” Jatari said.

“Naruto now!” Shikamaru said. He was in his classic kneeling position with his hands in the chakra molding position.

“You. You touched my sensei. I’m going to kill you!” Naruto said. He got up and fixed his headband, his eyes ablaze with Kyuubi’s chakra. “Gwaaaah!” Naruto ran in, head on towards the three remaining shinobi.

“Foolish boy. Ninja Art: Earth Burrow!” Kasumi said. The floor of the arena sank beneath Naruto’s feet, causing him to pitch forward. Kasumi threw a barrage of kunai at Naruto. Naruto’s form exploded and kunai shot back at Kasumi.

Sakura kicked the ground and made a crack in the ground towards Kasumi. Kasumi dodged both attacks and made some more hand signs. “Earth Style: Bull Rush Jutsu!” Kasumi said. The floor fractured and earthen bulls formed and charged Sakura. Sakura grinned and ran into the attack, smashing bulls left and right. She reached Kasumi and flipped over her. She slammed her feet into the ground and pushed off again. Kasumi felt rocked to her core from the vibrations and shockwaves of the blow. Sakura landed and made several hand signs.

“Ninja Art: Altered Body Sequence!” Sakura said. Kasumi’s body shook violently, as if in a spasm, and she fell to the ground.

“Stupid little girl. I’ll show you who the better is!” the fourth figure said. He activated his Byakugan and charged Sakura.

“Gentle Fist Art: Air Blast!” Neji said. A powerful blast of air hit the figure and knocked him back. “You should have never shown your face Riku.” Neji said.

“You know this person?” Sakura said.

“He is a banished member of the lesser branch in the Hyuuga household.” Neji said.

“Hey you two, quit your jabbering! That gravity person got loose and is toying with Naruto. Gaara and Temari will deal with earth freak and then we’ll come back to this one.” Shikamaru said.

“Sakura, can you get me close enough?” Neji said.

“Sure.” Sakura said. She ran into the middle of the fight with Naruto and Jatari. She dodged the kunai, punches and kicks but was getting slower and slower.

“Now! Do it now! He has infused gravity chakra with his taijutsu! I can’t…” Sakura said. Jatari connected with a kick and sent Sakura flying.

Neji ran out and back in, coming in behind Jatari. Baka, I was not fast enough! Jatari had just hit Sakura and turned back to Naruto but sensed him coming. Neji took a deep breath and set up his attack. “Gentle Fist Art: 128 Palms!” Neji said. Jatari turned around to meet him and Neji’s barrage hit him straight on. His body spasmed as Neji’s onslaught shut down his body systematically.

~_*_~

Gaara faced Kasumi with Temari at his side. This will not be an easy fight. She has the look of a seasoned veteran. Gaara crossed his arms across his chest.

Kasumi ran in while making rapid hand signs. “Earth Style: Earth Wave!” Kasumi said. A giant wall of earth came up behind her and bore down on the pair.

“Wind Style: Giant Whirlwind!” Temari said. She created a huge gust of wind and hurled it at Kasumi and the earth wave. The wind hit and a terrific clap was heard but the wave rippled and kept coming.

“Earth Style: Fast Strike!” Kasumi said. The wave picked up speed and became a wall of spikes.

“Ninja Art: Desert Avalanche!” Gaara said. His hand signs were precise and deliberate. The sand spiraled out of his gourd and formed a massive sand wall that challenged Kasumi’s jutsu. Gaara held out his hand as the two waves struck, seemingly to mangle each other. Gaara’s proved the stronger and sliced through Kasumi’s.

Kasumi dodged the exploding walls and let them settle down. “Impressive. Very impressive.” Kasumi said. He is a cool, suave opponent that one. He destroyed my jutsu. I should get rid of him. “Earth Style: Earth Army!” Kasumi said. As phoenix’s rising from the ashes, earth clones appeared from the fallen earth.

“Ninja Art: Desert Requiem!” Gaara said. The sand covering he battlefield came alive under Gaara’s manipulative hands. Powerful vibrations rumbled across the battlefield and blew apart the earthen army.

“Well now aren’t you the crafty one?” Kasumi said.

“Just one more. Ninja Art: Shukaku’s spear!” Gaara said. The sand gathered and formed an intricately designed spear. Gaara threw it at Kasumi.

“Wind Style: The art of summoning!” Temari said. She summoned a weasel from her fan and the weasel blew powerful gusts of wind. The spear picked up speed and shot at Kasumi. It caught her, propelled her backward and slammed her into a wall on the battlefield. The wall cracked, but Kasumi stayed where she was, pinned to the wall by the spear in her chest.

~_*_~

“Riku pull out. We are leaving.” one of the remaining figures said. He had a cloak and hood on, shrouding his form. Gaara looked up when he spoke as did the others. Riku had just laid Rock Lee, Naruto and Shikamaru.
“Come on, let me kill these halfwits and then we can go.” Riku said.
“No, he is getting closer!” Kaden said.
“What could he possibly do?” Riku said.
Kaden looked up and shot a look at Riku. Riku shook and quickly released his Byakugan. He walked over to where Kaden was standing, casting a furtive glance at him.
“My apologies to all. I am afraid we cannot stay. Keep training those eyes Sasuke, I want a real fight next time.” Kaden said as he disappeared in bright flames, taking Riku with him.

~_*_~

A pair of keen red eyes blinked. That will be soon. You have no idea how soon. And next time our positions will be reversed!

~_*_~

Naruto stood panting in the medical wing. Jatari had cut him up severely with kunai that had been used to attack him. Riku had then laid a sound beating on him, striking at all his chakra points, sealing it away. I couldn’t access the Demon Fox’s chakra! It felt like it had been blocked. He sat down on the edge of the bed and closed his eyes in meditation. Naruto looked like he was in a deep trance as red chakra swirled around him. His wounds began to heal and color came back into his face. Naruto opened his eyes and walked out of the medical room.

~_*_~

Sorry for keeping you guys waiting. There will be more soon!

[HyuugaHinata]

That was really interesting. I can't wait to read what happens next. You did an amazing job on this piece :).

[Always0shooting]

Dang man, you got some tallent, make a book! You seem to have the gift of long hand writing, im short hand. Keep it up!

[Kaden]

Dang man, you got some tallent, make a book! You seem to have the gift of long hand writing, im short hand. Keep it up!

Took me a while to understand that but thanks. Any ideas you want for the next piece?

That was really interesting. I can't wait to read what happens next. You did an amazing job on this piece :).

Well, the story is written for you and Hinata Cuddle. Any ideas you want for the next piece?

[Tohno Takaki]

really when is the next chap coming?

[Kaden]

Pretty soon. Tonight I'll type it up and post it. I'm in school right now. Any ideas you want to see in the next piece?

[Kaden]

Naruto walked over to Kakashi-sensei's room in the hospital. Kakashi was laying down on his bed, eyes closed with labored breathing. His mask still covered his face, his shirt was removed and bandages covered the lacerations across his upper torso.

"He'll be alright. Lady Tsunade came in and checked on him a couple of minutes ago." Iruka-sensei said. He was sitting in a chair beside the door.

"What happened?" Naruto said. He still stared down at the battered form of his sensei.

"Those four shinobi you fought in the Tower tried to come in via one of the southern gates. Kakashi fought all four of them. He survived only because Sasuke-kun was there also. He..." Iruka-sensei said.

"Sasuke was there?! Which gate?! Where did he head off to?!" Naruto said.

"The gate by the river but....HEY! Naruto no!" You're in no condition to go after Sasuke!" Iruka-sensei said.

Naruto stopped, perched on the window and looked back at Iruka-sensei. "Iruka-sensei, this is my promise of a life time." Naruto said. He smiled a big smile and disappeared into the night.

~_*_~

Hinata raced down the street, heading towards the hospital. She stopped short when she saw a shadow drop out the window. "Naruto-kun!" Hinata said. She crossed the rooftops and landed next to Naruto. She grabbed his arm and looked up at him with questions in her eyes.

"Hinata-chan. Sasuke is here, I must find him." Naruto said. His gaze locked with hers.

"Your promise of a life time, I know. Your first mission of the ANBU Black-Ops. Here, Tsunade-sama asked me to give these to you." Hinata said. She handed Naruto the black, ominous cloak and a tiger striped mask traditional to the ANBU.

"I was accepted?" Naruto said. He took each item and felt it admiringly. You are the first and last line of defense. You are the elite, the few that were chosen. Your duty is hard, your missions impossible, but you must always find a way. For your are among the ranks of the Leaf Village ANBU/

[Kaden]

Naruto walked over to Kakashi-sensei's room in the hospital. Kakashi was laying down on his bed, eyes closed with labored breathing. His mask still covered his face, his shirt was removed and bandages covered the lacerations across his upper torso.

"He'll be alright. Lady Tsunade came in and checked on him a couple of minutes ago." Iruka-sensei said. He was sitting in a chair beside the door.

"What happened?" Naruto said. He still stared down at the battered form of his sensei.

"Those four shinobi you fought in the Tower tried to come in via one of the southern gates. Kakashi fought all four of them. He survived only because Sasuke-kun was there also. He..." Iruka-sensei said.

"Sasuke was there?! Which gate?! Where did he head off to?!" Naruto said.

"The gate by the river but....HEY! Naruto no!" You're in no condition to go after Sasuke!" Iruka-sensei said.

Naruto stopped, perched on the window and looked back at Iruka-sensei. "Iruka-sensei, this is my promise of a life time." Naruto said. He smiled a big smile and disappeared into the night.

~_*_~

Hinata raced down the street, heading towards the hospital. She stopped short when she saw a shadow drop out the window. "Naruto-kun!" Hinata said. She crossed the rooftops and landed next to Naruto. She grabbed his arm and looked up at him with questions in her eyes.

"Hinata-chan. Sasuke is here, I must find him." Naruto said. His gaze locked with hers.

"Your promise of a life time, I know. Your first mission of the ANBU Black-Ops. Here, Tsunade-sama asked me to give these to you." Hinata said. She handed Naruto the black, ominous cloak and a tiger striped mask traditional to the ANBU.

"I was accepted?" Naruto said. He took each item and felt it admiringly. You are the first and last line of defense. You are the elite, the few that were chosen. Your duty is hard, your missions impossible, but you must always find a way. For your are among the ranks of the Leaf Village ANBU/ Naruto smiled and donned the appearance that he was chosen for. He hesitated before he clicked the mask into place.

"I am sorry Hinata-chan. I am sorry I can't spend this night with you. I am..." Naruto said. He hung his head and tears rolled freely down his face. Hinata smiled and pushed him towards the gate. Naruto clicked the mask into place and disappeared into the night once more.

Hinata stood on the roof top and hugged herself. Tears welled up in her eyes and she shook them away with a violent shake of her head. New tears flowed down freely.

~_*_~

Sasuke moved a couple of steps to the right and stood atop the head of the statue of Madara Uchiha at the Valley of the End. No need to keep me waiting Naruto, I know your coming....

"Uchiha Sasuke. S-Class missing nin of Konoha. What a mistake it was for you to come back." An ANBU shinobi said.

Sasuke turned and stared at the ANBU. "Where are your other teamates for you squad?" Sasuke said. The mask of the tiger. Fierce, reckless, but powerful. Sasuke activated his Sharingan. And looks like this is a clone. "Show yourself, the real you." Sasuke said. The clone gave a poof and disappeared.

"Still as sharp as always I see. But it doesn't matter. You couldn't break our bond the last time we fought. You haven't become completely cold hearted. Besides, it's my promise of a life time to bring you in!" a voice said.

"Only you would say such foolish and childish things Naruto." Sasuke said. He pushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. "I already told you, you're no match for me." Sasuke said.

"He may not be, but I am." Riku said from the bottom of the waterfall.

"So arrogant. So over-confident. Shall I bring you to your knees again?" Kaden said from behind the pair.

Sasuke tensed up. "You...." Sasuke said.

Naruto moved beside Sasuke. "We're teaming up. We'll destroy them both. And then I'll bring you in." Naruto said.

"Teamwork. Whatever." Sasuke said.

Riku leaped up near Kaden. The teams stared at each other. The board was set and all that was needed was the first move.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright, time for my little speal.

1) I know Naruto isn't this strong and smart in the series or manga. But, I had to make him equal for this fight and the next one. Plus I had to give a little something for the Naruto fans....lol.

2) And sadly, I had to bring Sasuke down. He can't be all powerful, that would be godly. So that's where Kaden comes in....

3) I'm sorry if you liked Jatari or Kasumi. But I was requested to bring in other shinobi from the series/universe. And I didn't want to keep up with all those names and characters. Plus the story was starting to slow down. So I had to cut them out. Sorry if that was a bone-head move.

4) Hinata will come into play. I just haven't found the specific time event that I wanted her in on yet. I tried to show her skill level with the fight with her father.

As usual, if you want something added, write here or PM me.

[Masterofdeath]

Why don't we do a thread on Sakura's true strenght?

[Kaden]

Because at the time i wanted to write about naruto and hinata's relationship. an i just kept writing and writing about it.

[Kaden]

Hinata walked back to her house from the hospital. It was around noon, an hour after Naruto had departed. The pain is already too great. How am I to handle him gone?

"Well, well well, a kunoichi walking home alone. Not a wise move, especially on our turf." a voice said. A pair of eyes gleamed in the shadows. Several shadows moved in the buildings darkness. "Tis such a pity." the voice said.

"Show yourselves." Hinata said softly. She stopped in the street with her head down and her eyes ablaze. Six men dropped with kunai's in hand and smiles on their faces.

~_*_~

Naruto stood tense atop the statue. This guy beat Sasuke. I gotta be careful. He gripped a kunai tightly and stared down Riku and Kaden. Neither team moved, even as it began pouring rain.

"Well, I didn't come all this way to watch the rain fall! Byakugan!" Riku said.

"Too easy! Sharingan!" Sasuke said.

"So eager! Dosu Odori!" Kaden said.

Naruto stared in amazement. Their eyes, all their eyes have changed. And what's up with Kaden's? Naruto closed his eyes and reached deep inside his chakra core. The Demon Cloak shrouded his body and two tails appeared along with his red demon eyes. Hinata-chan! I will protect you!

~_*_~

Kakashi opened his eyes slowly. A white room swam before his vision. I was rescued? By whom? How? He closed his eyes again and tried to feel his chakra network. It's all intact somehow. I wonder how that can be. That man...who is that man? There was four of them. Sasuke! Kakashi sat upright in his bed and tore all his bandages.

"You know, the more yo struggle, the more time it'll take to heal." Tsunade said. She leaned forward in her chair with a smirk on her face.

"Where is that group? Kizuke. Where are they?" Kakashi said. He ran a hand through his hair.

"Naruto and his squad are after them. A couple more squads led by Shikamaru, Sakura-chan and Neji Hyuuga are there for back up." Tsunade said.

"Naruto made it huh? That's good. And Sasuke?" Kakashi said.

"Battling alongside Naruto as we speak." Tsunade said. She smiled at the thought.

Kakashi closed his eyes. They're battling together? I wonder how they'll fare against him. I need to get out there!

~_*_~

[kaasuten]

hey, i love how you put sasuke into the story and everything..but since i am a huge sasuke fan..'why cant he be godly!!!!???'

but i love it so far!!! i can't wait to read more!!

[Kaden]

Because i can't do that. it'd piss off to many other ppl who like to see there characters kick some butt. but thanks

[Crimson]

That long one you posted took me a while to read (A few days ^-^'), but it was really worth reading ^-^ I love the story so far....Keep it up! ^-^

[Kaden]

Thanks kid. Yeah, I'll keep at it.

[HyuugaHinata]

I really love where you're going with this story. :)

[Kaden]

Its for you.

[Kaden]

Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu: Ninja Hounds!" Kakashi said. Nine ninja hounds appeared. "Find Naruto and Sasuke....now!" Kakashi said. He was answered with a symphony of howls and a single flash as the hounds disappeared. Kakashi turned and looked towards the forest. Again these two meet in confrontation. Again their fates are intertwined.

~_*_~

Naruto got up unsteadily from the ground. Riku had just sent him for a loop with a single but well placed taijutsu move. Man this guy....

"Face it Naruto Uzumake. You can't win this fight." Riku said. His chakra exuded from him and the grass blew as if in a heavy wind.

"Don't count me out." Naruto said. He performed his classic handsign. "Multi-shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto said. Inumerable amounts of clones appeared and surrounded the area.

"Doesn't matter. A failure is always a failure." Riku said. He crossed his arms and tilted his head grinning.

"Heh. I've been told that before." Naruto said. *flash back to chunin fight* He knelt. "Naruto-2k, Uzumake Barrage!" Naruto said. Flashes of orange and black attacked from all directions.

"It's time I showed you why I am king among the Hyuuga's..." Riku said. He spun. "Rotation!" A humungous amount of chakra erupted and Naruto and his clones flew backward.

"Too easy. This fight has been prolonged, and the longer it goes, the more pitiful you become. Give up." Riku said.

"You're quite sure of yourself aren't you? I never give up. That's my nindo, the way of the ninja." Naruto said. His eyes were strained and blood red. Chakra swirled in his hand. He charged Riku as the ball got bigger and bigger. "Believe it!" Naruto said.

"Rotation!" Riku said. Chakra energy sickled and cackled arcing out and striking the trees. Under that much focus, that density and ferocity, the trees exploded and burst into flames. Both combatants painfully got to their feet, and like runaway trains charged each other again.

~_*_~

[kaasuten]

amazing again kaden, keep it coming.
-applauds-

[Kaden]

Haha. I was just about to send out a pm to everyone saying it was updated.

[Dark Naruto]

That was awesome!

[Kaden]

Thanks!

[Dark Naruto]

Your welcome.

[kaasuten]

Haha. I was just about to send out a pm to everyone saying it was updated.

psychic powers

[silver]

Loved it..hope you write mmmmmooooooorrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kaden]

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I write it while in class and try and post it during study hall. Some ppl....*cough* complained about the posts being long so I'm trying to make them shorter *cough*

[ritsu sohma]

*blush* its aw-some!!! it made me so happy! long live hinata n naruto!

[Crimson]

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I write it while in class and try and post it during study hall. Some ppl....*cough* complained about the posts being long so I'm trying to make them shorter *cough*

hm...One of those people...would'nt happen to be me....right? XD :D.....

BTW, awesome work ^-^....and uh...Not to pick out a mistake...even though I kinda am...But uh...You do know Naruto's last name is spelled Uzumaki...right?....^-^'

[Kaden]

*blush* its aw-some!!! it made me so happy! long live hinata n naruto!

thanks. i'll keep at it

hm...One of those people...would'nt happen to be me....right? XD :D.....

BTW, awesome work ^-^....and uh...Not to pick out a mistake...even though I kinda am...But uh...You do know Naruto's last name is spelled Uzumaki...right?....^-^'

Oh you're such a nit-picker. jk. alright, I'll fix it in the next one. *mumbles and grumbles*

[HyuugaHinata]

You're awesome at writing fight scenes. I could never do that. ^_^

[Kaden]

Its not that hard. Just gotta find one sentence and one image. Once you got that, it all flows

[Tenshi-Chan]

This is a really good story! Keep writing, you're really good!

[Kaden]

Thanks.