Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Tail of Two Bijus ❯ Kakashi's Face & the Trip ( Chapter 15 )

A/N: Yo! This episode, Naruto is going to begin his two and a half years training with Jiraiya. Don't worry, Yukiko's going with him.

 

The thing you'd never hear somone say from the Naruto world for this chapter: 'KAKASHI : "BE FREE, MY LITTLE ONE. SWIM WITH YOUR FAMILY!" *throws Iruka off the dock, crying*'

 

Saiyan prince1, to answer your question, Yes Naruto was at 60 percent power and yes Shukaku is nine times weaker than Kyubi, but Naruto at that stage had only unlocked about 50ish percent of Kyubi's total power. His body couln't handle the rest of it. It's like that in the official story too.

 

As always, I hope my creativity give you some semblance of pleasure to read.

 

Legend:

 

'...Thoughts...'

 

“...Speaking...”

 

“...TWO PEOPLE CASTING THE SAME JUTSU...”

 

'...Biju Thoughts...'

 

“...Biju Talking...”

 

&&&&&&&&&...Scene Change...&&&&&&&&&&

 

A Tail of Two Bijus:

 

Chapter 14:

 

Jiraiya's Proposition:

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&

 

Three Days After the Finals, at the Konoha Hospital:

 

Naruto felt warm and confortable. He slowly opened his eyes to see sunlight streaming in through the windows. He slowly let his eyes adjust to the bright sunlight, before opening them to see Yukiko by his side. Naruto smiled and put his hand on Yukiko's. Yukiko noticed this, and smiled at Naruto.

 

“Welcome back, Naruto-Kun.”

 

“Thank you, Yukiko-Chan. Say, how long was I out for?”

 

“About three days.”

 

“EH?!”

 

Yukiko clapped a hand over Naruto's mouth.

 

“Naruto-Kun, keep it down! This is a hospital!”

 

“Eh heh heh, sorry Yukiko-Chan.”

 

“The doctor said that as soon as you woke up to go and get him. I'll be back in a second, ok?”

 

“Ok.”

 

Yukiko walked out and began chatting with someone, before continuing to go down the hall. The person Yukiko was talking to stepped into the room. It was Jiraiya.

 

“Yo, Naruto. I see you've finally woken up.”

 

“Ah! Ero-Sennin!”

 

Jiraiya looked at Naruto, ignoring the comment.

 

“Naruto, the Sandaime is expecting you in his office when you get out.”

 

“Eh? Did I get Chunin?”

 

Jiraiya turned and walked out the door.

 

“Meet me when you get out of the hospital. I'll be waiting out front.”

 

Naruto grumbled, but accepted what Jiraiya had just said. Yukiko took that moment to walk into the room, followed by a doctor.

 

“Ah, it's good to see you're awake, Naruto-Kun. After a display of power in the main matches like you put on, I'm surprised that you didn't wake up in several weeks, not several days. Anyway, I have to perform a few more tests to determine if you need to stay for longer or if we can discharge you immediately.”

 

Naruto smiled at the doctor and nodded. The doctor began with a blood pressure test. After that, the doctor removed Naruto's bandages and checked the wounds to find they were gone. The doctor inspected Naruto's eyes before stepping back.

 

“Amazing, simply amazing. I have no reason to hold you in here any longer, Naruto-Kun. You're free to go.”

 

Naruto jumped out of bed and found he was wearing hospital clothes. Yukiko smiled in understanding and pointed to his clothes that were sitting on the bed next to him, freshly cleaned.

 

“I washed your clothes for you, Naruto-Kun. We'll leave you to get dressed.”

 

“Arigato, Yukiko-Chan.”

 

Yukiko just smiled, turned around and walked out of the room. The doctor smiled and also left the room, closing the door behind him. Naruto got dressed quickly and walked out the door to meet with Yukiko.

 

“Ero-Sennin is waiting for us. Let's go!”

Yukiko smiled and let herself be led by the hand. Naruto noticed something different. Some people weren't staring at him with cold eyes. They were... Smiling at him? Naruto couldn't believe it. Most people were still giving him cold stares, but some of them were smiling at him. Naruto smiled back and let Yukiko to the front desk, where they could both sign out. Once they did, they walked out the front doors to see not only Jiraiya, but Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke there as well. Naruto smiled and waved. Sakura smiled and waved back. Sasuke smiled and raised a hand in greeting. Kakashi just smiled. Jiraiya turned and motioned for everyone to follow. They all took off over the rooves towards the Hokage's Tower.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&

 

Inside the Hokage's Office:

 

Naruto, Yukiko and Sasuke had arrived to find Shikamaru already waiting with Asuma. They turned when the door opened. Naruto was the first to respond.

 

“Hey, Shikamaru! You were asked to come here as well?”

 

“It seems so. I don't know why though, I'd rather be watching the clouds.”

 

Once the four Genin lined up in front of the Hokage with their teachers behind them, the Hokage looked up.

 

“I would like to say that all of you put on a fine display during the main matches, especially you, Naruto. Our client numbers have increased substancially since the finals, it seems that the power of the leaf village and it's shinobi is clear, however that's not exactly why I summoned you here.

 

Naruto looked confused.

 

“Then what did you summon us for?”

 

“After confering with the other judges, we have all agreed. The four of you display the qualities necessary for a Chunin, as so we have decided to promote the four of you to the rank of Chunin. Now, there are responsibilites-”

 

The Hokage didn't get to finish, as Naruto was leaping into the air shouting.

 

“YATTA!!!! I'M A CHUNIN!!!! HA HA!!!”

 

Everyone just smiled. The Hokage waitied until Naruto had calmed down again before continuing.

 

“As I was saying, there are responsibilites you must take care of as a Chunin. The rank Chunin makes you a team captain, meaning you are responsible for your team's lives. There is one golden rule that you must adheare to at all times. And that is that the lives of your team are more important than any mission. It's no good coming back from a dangerous mission saying 'I completed the mission, but my team is dead.' You are required to do the best to take care of your team and also to hand out intelligent commands in battle. That is what it means to be a Chunin, although it seems all of you have taken all of those qualities to heart. I would now like to present you with your Chunin jackets.”

 

The Hokage got out of his chair and went to the wall where four Chunin jackets were hung. He removed them and gave one to Shikamaru, then one to Sasuke, Yukiko and finally Naruto. The four Genin now Chunin put their jackets on and looked over themselves before looking back up at the Hokage, who smiled at them.

 

“Once again, congratulations on your promotion. Do Konoha prowd. You are dismissed.”

 

Naruto smiled.

 

“Don't worry, old man. We won't let you down.”

 

Everyone just smiled at Naruto. They filed out the door, leaving the Hokage to do his work. Jiraiya turned and pulled Naruto and Yukiko to the side.

 

“Guys, as much as I hate to do this, I'm going to do the main part of your dad's request, Naruto. I'm taking both of you for four years on a training mission.”

 

“EH!? FOUR YEARS?!”

 

Yukiko was also shocked.

 

“But didn't Naruto-Kun's father say we would only go for two and a half years?”

 

Jiraiya sighed.

 

“Currently, neither of you could stand up to a member of Akatsuki. Two and a half years just sin't enough. By the time I'm finished with you, you'll be able to at least hold your own against one. Sarutobi-Sensei has already agreed, ranking this as an S class mission. However, I'm not so cruel as to drag you two out of here without being able to say goodbye to your friends. I'll give you guys two days to do what you want. At 9 am in three days, I want you to meet me at the north gate. Got it?”

 

Naruto and Yukiko looked despondent.

 

“Hey, at least I'm allowing you to bring your girlfriend, Naruto. It's not all bad.”

 

Naruto smiled.

 

“Heh, you're right. Ok, Yukiko-Chan! Let's go and see our friends!”

 

“Yeah.”

 

They walked hand in hand out into the sunlight to say their farewells to all their friends.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&

 

5 Minutes Later, On Some Non Descript Street in Konoha:

 

Naruto and Yukikio were walking through town waving to the people who smiled and waved at them. Eventually, Naruto caught sight of one black haired lavender eyed Hyuga genius walking towards him. Naruto smiled and waved.

 

“Yo! Neji!”

 

Neji walked up to Naruto and smiled faintly.

 

“Good morning, Naruto. I see you made Chunin, as did you, Yukiko. Congratulations.”

 

They both smiled. Yukiko bowed slightly while Naruto scratched the back of his head.

 

“Ah, thanks Neji.”

 

“You're welcome. By the way, Naruto I have to thank you for removing my seal.”

 

“You're welcome.”

 

Neji smiled.

 

“Hiashi-Sama has no idea what to do with me. He won't put the seal back on, because he knows you will remove it straight away, yet technically a Hyuga without a caged bird seal is a member of the Head Family. The entire Hyuga main family is in an uproar that you removed my seal. I fear that if the Hyugas become any more unstable, they might collapse.”

 

Naruto smiled.

 

“I kind of hope they do. They're too arrogant for their own good, and I think they need to be taken down a peg or two.”

 

Neji laughed.

 

“For once, I have to agree with you. After our fight, I reviewed my entire life, and I saw that the Hyugas weren't as great as I thought they were, and also that I had been waiting for life to hand me things, and not activly seeking them myself. I have already appologised to Hinata for the preliminaries and I'm trying to start living my life as I want to now. Naruto, you have eyes that see much more than mine ever could.”

 

Yukiko and Naruto smiled.

 

“Good job Neji. Oh and I wanted to tell you something else.”

 

Neji raised an eyebrow in interest.

 

“And what would that be?”

 

“Ero-Sennin is taking the two of us on a four year training mission.”

 

Neji looked at Naruto quizzically.

 

“Ero-Sennin?”

 

Yukiko laughed and answered for Naruto.

 

“Naruto-Kun means Jiraiya-Sensei. He has a nasty personality which makes him a super pervert.”

 

Neji laughed.

 

“To think the great Jiraiya-Sama is a pervert... How amusing.”

 

Naruto tried to get the point across to Neji just how bad he really was.

 

“Pervert is an understatement! He peeks into women's baths claiming it's for 'research'!”

 

Neji stopped laughing and made a disgusted look.

 

“That's disgusting. Naruto, if you come back after four years and you turn out like him, I will lose all of my respect for you.”

 

Naruto smiled and gave Neji a nice guy pose.

 

“I won't let his bad traits rub off on me! That's a promise!”

 

Neji smiled.

 

“It was nice saying goodbye to you two, however I am expected back at the Hyuga household soon. Naruto, I expect you to keep your promise and return far stronger than you are now. I'll see you later.”

 

“I expect you to become stronger too, Neji. I might want a rematch.”

 

Neji stopped walking away.

 

“A rematch? I'll take you up on that. We'll sort out the details when you get back. Goodbye, Naruto.”

 

“Later, Neji!”

 

Yukiko smiled and took Naruto's hand and they continued trying to find their other friends. After another few minutes of walking, they saw Shino and Kiba. Kiba sniffed the air as Naruto and Yukiko approached. He turned towards them and smiled.

 

“Yo! Yukiko! Naruto!”

 

“Hey Kiba, Shino!”

 

The four of them stood facing each other. Shino was the first to break the silence.

 

“I see you two made it to Chunin. Congratulations, you deserve it.”

 

“Thanks Shino.”

 

Kiba smirked.

 

“After your matches, I don't think anyone will be messing with you two. Geez, Naruto, you said you were holding back in your fight with Lee? How powerful are you really?”

 

Naruto smiled sadly.

 

“Not powerful enough.”

 

Kiba looked confused.

 

“Eh?”

 

Yukiko replied for Naruto.

 

“You know that we are both demon containers. There is a group of above Kage level ninja somewhere out there called Akatsuki who's goal is to caputre all the demon containers and drain them of their Bijus, thereby killing the container. We have to become much stronger if we want to live.”

 

Shino covered up for his team mate's remark.

 

“I see. Just know that we we always be by your side, demon containers or not, you are still our friends who we will help in any way we can.”

 

Kiba smiled.

 

“He's right. If you ever need help, just give us a yell and we'll be by your side in a flash.”

 

Yukiko smiled.

 

“Arigato, Kiba, Shino.”

 

“No worries.”

 

Naruto looked back up, telling them the real reason they waed to talk.

 

“Shino, Kiba. The reason I wanted to talk to you is that in thee days, Yukiko-Chan and I are leaving the village for a four year training mission. It's for our own good. We need to get as strong as possible.”

 

Kiba smirked.

 

“Who's the lucky sensei to get the two of you for four years? Kakashi?”

 

Yukiko shook her head.

 

“No, Jiraiya-Sensei will be teaching us.”

 

Shino raised an eyebrow.

 

“Jiraiya-Sama? You two have got possibly one of the best teachers alive. Don't waste any of your time with him.”

 

Naruto gave a 'hmph' before replying.

 

“I'm sure he would be good... If he didn't spend most of his time looking into the girls baths...”

 

Kiba choked and Shino remained motionless.

 

“He does WHAT?!”

 

Yukiko just sighed.

 

“It's true. He peeks into the women's bathing area, claiming its for 'research'.”

 

Kiba suddenly got angry.

 

“Oi, Naruto. Don't let that guy make you into a pervert too!”

 

Naruto laughed.

 

“I intend to be anything but a pervert when I come back.”

 

Shino extended his hand.

 

“I sincerely hope you keep to that intention, Naruto. It was nice for you to say goodbye to us.”

 

Naruto smiled and took Shino's hand.

 

“I hope to come back and find you guys all to be at least Chunin. Four years is plenty of time, don't you think?”

 

Shino just nodded and pulled his hand back to his side. With that, Naruto and Yukiko waved and continued off to find everyone else. Kiba turned to Shino.

 

“They make a cute couple don't they?”

 

Shino just nodded in agreement. Both of them continued walking to their training grounds.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&

 

That Evening at the Uzumaki Residence:

 

Naruto and Yukiko walked up the front path to their house. They had said goodbye to nearly all of their friends. Only three remained. Naruto turned to Yukiko and gave her a hug.

 

“Only Sakura-Chan, Sasuke and Kakashi-Sensei are left. We'll say goodbye to them tomorrow, neh Yukiko-Chan?”

 

“Sounds good to me. Why don't we go inside? I'll start making dinner.”

 

Naruto nodded and opened the front door. Yukiko walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge to see what she could make with the ingredients she had available. Naruto decided to go up and look in his father's box while he waited. When Naruto got up to their room, he went to the desk and took the box off the desk. He was just about to turn around when something caught his eye. Naruto turned and saw that one of the desk's draws was slighly open, with something shiny inside it. Naruto opened the draw to see a picture frame. Naruto almost dropped the picture.

 

“This... This is...”

 

Naruto looked down sadly at the picture. It showed a very tired, but smiling Yondaime Hokage who had his arm around the shoulder of a very beautiful looking woman. In the woman's arms was a small child, who had whisker marks on his cheeks. Naruto put the box on his bed and went back to the desk, sitting down and just stared at the picture. Naruto was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Yukiko announce that dinner was ready. After a whike, Yukiko got worried and went up to the bedroom. She saw Naruto hunched over the desk, a picture in his hand.

 

“Naruto-Kun? Is something wrong?”

 

Yukiko approached Naruto, who didn't seem to notice her approach. She leaned over his shoulder, looking at the photo. Now she knew why Naruto hadn't heard her. She smiled sadly, and put her hand gently on Naruto's shoulder. Naruto seemed to notice Yukiko's presence.

 

“This is...”

 

“I know, Naruto-Kun. It's your real family. Why don't you leave the photo for a minute and come have something to eat? I hate wasting good food.”

 

Naruto finally tore his eyes away from the picture and gave a fake smile to Yukiko. Yukiko knew this had affected Naruto deeply, so she lent in and gave him a kiss. Naruto seemed to wake up a little bit. Yukiko finally drew back, smiling at Naruto.

 

“Naruto-Kun, your real family may have passed away, but your new family is still alive. You can't keep looking at the past, thinking 'what if'. You have to accept the fact that most if the time 'what if' will never be and look forward into the future, concerntraiting on what you know you can achieve. Now come down and eat dinner with me.”

 

Naruto smiled and pulled Yukiko into a bear hug.

 

“Thank you, Yukiko-Chan. Let's go eat dinner.”

 

Yukiko smiled and led Naruto by the hand downstairs to eat the stir fry she had cooked up. Once they finished, they sat looking through the box for a while before going to bed.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&

 

Next Morning:

 

Yukiko was the first to wake up, being closest to the window and having most of the morning's light shining onto her face. She groggily opened her eyes and looed out the window. It was a beautiful morning, only a few clouds in the sky. She heard snoring next to her. She rolled over to see Naruto snoring and muttering to himself.

 

'He's dreaming. How cute.'

 

Yukiko smiled with her face inches from Naruto's. Suddenly, Naruto got a pained expression on his face, and he started thrashing about in bed, moaning. Yukiko looed worried. Naruto suddenly wrapped his arms around Yukil and pulled her into his chest. Yukiko froze when she heard the words escape from Naruto's lips.

 

“No... Yukiko-Chan... Don't die... I can't go on... Without you...”

 

Yukiko smiled sadly and put her arms around Naruto, attempting to comfort him through his nighmare. Naruto slowly clamed down and went back to snoring. Yukiko decided it was time to wake him. She covered his mouth with hers and kissed him. Naruto found he couldn't breathe, and so he woke up and pulled back, gasping for air. Yukiko pouted.

 

“Didn't you like that?”

 

“No! I just... Couldn't breathe...”

 

Naruto looked sad. Yukiko pulled him back into a hug.

 

“Naruto-Kun, I heard what you said. I died in your dream, didn't I?”

 

Naruto stiffened and then slumped.

 

“Yeah it was horrible. You were having Nibi drained out of you and I was being held back by two members of Akatsuki, forced to watch you die infront of me. I.... I never want to see you die like that again...”

 

Yukiko smiled.

 

“As long as I have you by my side, I won't die of anything but old age. There's no need to worry, Naruto-Kun.”

 

Naruto smiled and was about to lean in for another kiss when something thumped against the window. Naruto and Yukiko started, and looked at the window. Sure enough, a clump of dirt struck the window again. Naruto let go of Yukiko and stomped to the window. Naruto opened the window just in time to cop another clump of dirt in the face. Naruto looked down to see who had done this. His anger melted away when he saw Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi looking up at him. Kakashi was the first to speak up.

 

“Yo, Naruto. We heard you'll be leaving the village for four years with Yukiko tomorrow morning. We were thinking of spending a day together as a team. Get Yukiko and meet us at Ichiraku in half an hour, ok? See you there!”

 

With that, Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke walked off towards Ichiraku. Naruto began thinking.

 

'It's been ages since I've been to Ichiraku... I wonder how the old man's doing?'

 

Naruto leaned back inside and closed the window. When he turned to face Yukiko, she burst out laughing.

 

“Nani? What's so funny?”

 

“Your face Naruto-Kun. It's covered in dirt. Go and take a shower, I'll go make breakfast.”

 

“Uh, actually, Kakashi-Sensei invited us to Ichiraku's for a final team bonding session before we leave. I'll go take a quick shower, then you have one and then we have to go. We have less than thirty minutes to get to Ichiraku's.”

 

Yukiko didn't mind. In fact, she wouldn't mind a break from cooking. She got out of bed and started stretching, and decided to meditate. Naruto walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on. After a while, Yukiko noticed in the back of her mind that the shower had been turned off, so she brought herself out of her meditation and opened her eyes in time to see a still partially wet bare chested Naruto walking out of the bathroom. He noticed Yukiko starting at him and he blushed, which when she noticed blushed and got up, going for the bathroom. Naruto shook his head and got dressed, putting on his black cargo pants, red shirt and putting his Chunin vest over the top. Naruto went to the desk and looked at the picture of his real family, before opening the box and taking several things out. He took out his dad's set of three pointed obsedian kunai and a few scrolls on seals and the 'Seal Eye' By this stage, Yukiko had finished her shower and had come out of the bathroom. Naruto desired to avoid a repeat of what had happened when he had come out of the bathroom, so he smiled and walked out of the bedroom. Yukiko quickly got changed and went downstairs to see Naruto biting his thumb. He formed some hand seals and slammed his hand into the ground.

 

“Kuchiyose no Jutsu!”

 

A three tailed black kitsune appeared and lowered itself to the ground. Naruto hopped up and held a hand out to Yukiko.

 

“Come on, Yukiko-Chan. We'll get here on time this way.”

 

Yukiko jumped up behind Naruto. Naruto saw that Yukiko was ready and patted the kitsune on the head, who got up and began running down the street towards Ichiraku.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&

 

10 Minutes Later, at Ichiraku's:

 

Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi had been waiting for several minutes when they heard a patter of feet coming towards them. They turned to see Naruto and Yukiko atop a three tailed black kitsune, who stopped out the front of Ichiraku's and laid down, letting Naruto and Yukiko hop off before dissapearing. They came into Ichiraku's and took a seat. The old man looked surprised.

 

Ayame was the first to notice Naruto.

 

“Naruto-Kun! It's good to see you again!”

 

“Ayame-Neechan! It's good to see you again!”

 

The old man came out of the back of his store and saw Naruto and instantly brightend.

 

“If it isn't my number one customer, Naruto! Where have you been? I haven't seen you in a long time!”

 

Naruto smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

 

“Ah, sorry old man, I moved into a new house with Yukiko-Chan. She's a really good cook, and I found that I really like her cooking! It's about as good as your ramen.”

 

The owner of Ichiraku smiled.

 

“I see, that's good to hear. I've always thought eating nothing but ramen would make you unhealthy. You seem to be looking well.”

 

“Ha ha! Thanks, old man.”

 

The old man smiled.

 

“Now, what can I get for my number one customer and his friends today?”

 

Naruto was the first to answer.

 

“Could I get a big bowl of miso-pork ramen with a boiled egg please?”

 

Yukiko, Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi took a bit more time with their orders.

 

“Could I get a bowl of miso-beef ramen please?”

 

“Could I have the same thing as Naruto-Kun please?”

 

“I'd also like to get the same thing as Naruto, please.”

 

Everyone waited for Kakashi to order. When he continued deciding, they turned.

 

“Aren't you going to order something, Kakashi-Sensei?”

 

Kakashi looked at Naruto and smiled.

 

“Yes, I'm just deciding.”

 

After another twenty or so seconds, he looked back at the old man.

 

“Could I get that new item on the menu? What was it...”

 

“The ledgendary recipe?”

 

Kakashi smiled.

 

“That's the one.”

 

“Sure! Three big bowls of miso-pork ramen with a boiled egg, a bowl of miso-beef ramen, and one bowl of ledgendary ramen coming right up!”

 

Naruto suddenly realised something.

 

'I've never actually seen Kakashi-Sensei's face before... This is my big chance!'

 

Naruto could obviously tell the other three were thinking the same thing. They were all staring at Kakashi intently as their bowls were served. Kakashi turned to his students.

 

“Hmm? What's with those faces?”

 

They all flinched anime style, shaking their heads rapidly.

 

“N-Nothing's wrong, Kakashi-Sensei!”

 

“Well then, time to eat.”

 

Everything went in slow motion. Kakashi picked out a pair of chopsticks, split them and reached up for his mask. Sasuke, Sakura, Yukiko and Naruto's eyes bulged as they saw Kakashi hook his fingers under his mask and begin draging it down. The tension was litterally thick enough to cut with a knife. Just as Kakashi was about to pull the mask past the half way point of the bridge of his nose, Ino jumped onto Sasuke, forcing the other three to lose sight of Kakashi. Sasuke tried desperately to peer at Kakashi from underneath Ino, but couldn't turn his head.

 

“Sasuke-Kun!”

 

“GET AWAY FROM HIM, INO-PIG!”

 

“WHAT WAS THAT FOREHEAD-GIRL?!”

 

“BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP AND GET OUT OF THE WAY! I CAN'T SEE!!!”

 

They all stopped as Kakashi spoke.

 

“Thank you for the meal, it was delicious.”

 

Sasuke went bug-eyed.

 

“That was fast.”

 

Naruto noticed Ayame and the old man's expressions. The old man had a face of envy, while Ayame had hearts in her eyes. Naruto slumped.

 

“Now I'm even more curious...”

 

Kakashi looked at everyone's expresions with confusion.

 

“Hmmm?”

 

Kakashi obviously wasn't going to eat anymore, so the others resumed their meals. Half an hour later, Sakura had finished one bowl, Sasuke three. They turned to Yukiko who had just finished her 19th bowl. Naruto was just finishing off his 21st. The other three looked at them in shock.

 

“How can you two eat so much?!”

 

Naruto and Yukiko gave a fake smile, which the others saw through.

 

“Naruto, Yukiko, really, how do you manage it? It's ok to tell us...”

 

“Being a demon container requires a lot of food. Our metabolism is much bigger than a regular person's. Most of our money goes towards food. It's an unfortunate price to pay for having this kind of power...”

 

They all looked down at their empty plates. Naruto broke the downcast mood.

 

“Neh, Kakashi-Sensei. Do you have any other plans for the day?”

 

Kakashi looked up and smiled.

 

“Well, not really, but if you four want to come up with something, I'll be happy to join in. Oh, and I think Hokage-Sama wanted to say a final word to you two.”

 

The four of them put their heads together. Apparently, they all wanted to see Kakashi's face. They turned back to Kakashi and smiled.

 

“Nah, we'll go and do our own things. Thanks for treating us, Kakashi-Sensei!”

 

With that, they all sped off. Kakashi looked at the bill and sighed.

 

“This is going to take a fair amount of money to pay for...”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&

 

5 Minites Later Somewhere in Konoha:

 

“Ok, we have the rest of today to see his face. Anyone got any ideas?”

 

Naruto thought before replying.

 

“I suggest we tail him.”

 

Yukiko though about this.

 

“He's got to show his face eventually!”

 

“Ok, let's go!”

 

They all body flickered off to find Kakashi. They eventually saw Kakashi walking down the street with a bag of shopping. They hid behind a billboard. When Kakashi walked past them he stopped. The four froze. Kakashi turned away from them, dropping his shopping bag and put himself up against the glass window of an adult book store. Kakashi was giggling like a school girl and moving across the glass like he was glued to it. The four of them looked disgusted.

 

“What the hell?”

 

“I've lost respect for him.”

 

“Pervert...”

 

At that moment, Kakashi whipped his head around and gave a 'Hmm?' The four of them ducked low trying to hide themselves behind the billboard. Kakashi looked at the billboard in awe.

 

“Shit! He noticed us!”

 

“We should have been more quiet!”

 

Just then, Kakashi spoke his mind.

 

“Come Come Paradise the Movie?! I'm going to reserve my ticket!”

 

Kakashi picked up his shopping and began skipping off in the direction he was originally headed. The four of them poked their heads back up. Sakura announced the obvious.

 

“He's moving!”

 

Sasuke responded.

 

“We're going after him!”

 

“Ok!”

 

Just as Kakashi turned the corner, the four of them jumped down and skidded to a halt turning the corner.

 

“He's gone!”

 

“Shit! He got away!”

 

“Where did he go?”

 

Kakashi loomed up behind them, scaring them badly.

 

“What are you guys doing?”

 

When they didn't answer, Kakashi leaned over them.

 

“Do you have business with me?”

 

They all shook their heads rapidly.

 

“Not really...”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&

 

Half an Hour Later:

 

“Ok, so we failed tailing him a a group. Should we try individually?”

 

“If we tail him properly, numbers shouldn't matter.”

 

“Let's just try individually anyway.”

 

“Naruto, you go first.”

 

“Whatever.”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&

 

An Hour Later:

 

Naruto had spotted Kakashi walking through the steets of Konoha. He follwed Kakashi, taking cover behind any buildings he could. Eventually, Kakashi body flickered away, leaving a pissed off Naruto behind.

 

“Damn...”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&

 

Shortly After, At a Little Drinks Stand:

 

Sasuke, Yukiko and Sakura were all sitting, chatting. When they saw Naruto approach, they gave him a questioning look. Naruto hunched over and sighed, the other three following suit.

 

“Yukiko, you go next.”

 

“Hai.”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&

 

A Few Minutes Later At the Hokage's Tower:

 

Yukiko was waiting outside the Hokage's Tower, peering into the Hokage's office. Kakashi and the Hokage appeared to be talking. Kakashi reached up for his mask.

 

'This is it! The moment I've been waiting for!'

 

Just as Kakashi started lowering his mask a voice called out to Yukiko.

 

“Oi! What are you doing up there?! Get down from there immediatedly!”

 

The Hokage and Kakashi turned to see what the disturbance was and noticed Yukiko there. She body flickered away.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&

 

Shortly After, At a Little Drinks Stand:

 

Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura turned to see Yukiko there smiling shyly.

 

“Well?”

 

“Almost...”

 

The three sighed.

 

“You next, Sakura.”

 

“Hai.”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&&

 

About Two Hours Later At the Ninja Memorial:

 

Sakura had been watching Kakashi stand infront of that memorial for two hours now.

 

“Kakashi-Sensei hasn't moved an inch in two hours... WAIT! Don't tell me he-”

 

Sakura burst out from the trees and ran infront of 'Kakashi' to see that he was a carefully dressed scarecrow. Sakura slumed and trudged back to the others.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&

 

Shortly after at a Little Drinks Stand:

 

The others noticed Sakura approaching. Sasuke asked the question.

 

“Well?”

 

“Eh heh heh heh... He got away...”

 

They all slumped. They turned to Sasuke. Sasuke however had another idea. He discussed it with them and they all agreed.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&

 

That Evening, at the Konoha Hotsprings:

 

The girls were unfortunately going to have to rely on Sasuke and Naruto's description, as they wouldn't be able to see it first hand. Sasuke and Naruto came out of the water, breathing through their noses.

 

“This is a really good plan, Sasuke.”

 

“Thanks. Quiet! He's coming!”

 

They both looked as the door of the men's hot spring opened. There was the sillouette of Kakashi, walking towards them. Both of them got up and waited in anticipation. Finally Kakashi got close enough for Naruto and Sasuke to see him wearing...

 

Another mask. They both facefaulted. Kakashi smiled and sat down in the bath.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&&

 

Late That Evening Out the Front of the Uzumaki Residence:

 

Everyone had had enough, except for Naruto who had one idea left.

 

“The only thing I can think of is to actually ask Kakashi-Sensei what's under his mask. I'm sure he'll see us off tomorrow, so meet us there.”

 

“That'll never work...”

 

“We've tried everything else. Might as well try this...”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&

 

9 am The Next Morning:

 

Naruto and Yukiko turned up to the gate for a nice suprise. Not only had Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke turned up to see them off, the whole of the Rookie Nine as well as Lee's team and their senseis had come to see them off. Even the Hokage was there. They all took turns to give Naruto last words of advice or pat him on the back, or give him a hug, depending on what gender the person was. The same treatment applied for Yukiko. Finally, it was just Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura. They nodded and Naruto spoke up.

 

“Neh, Kakashi-Sensei?”

 

Kakashi looked up.

 

“Hmm?”

 

“What's it like under that mask?”

 

“Nani? You wanted to see what's under this mask?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Then you should have said so.”

 

“So, you're going to show it to us?”

 

“I don't mind.”

 

Suddenly, EVERYONE was crowded around, trying to see what was under Kakashi's mask. Kakashi sweatdropped before reaching up for his mask.

 

“Here goes...”

 

'Is it... Fish lips?'

 

'Or horse teeth?'

 

'I have to know!'

 

Kakashi hooked his hand underneath his mask.

 

“Under this mask is...”

 

Everyone's hearts were pounding. Finally, Kakshi ripped off his mask to reveal:

 

“Another mask! Surprised?”

 

Eveyone screamed their reply in unison.

 

“NANI!?”

 

The whole village heard it, they turned for a moment towards the north where it had come from before turing back to get on with their lives. Everyone at the gate just facefaulted. Kakashi just scratched the back of his head and laughed. Naruto was the first to recover.

 

“WHAT THE HELL?!”

 

Finally, everyone recovered. Jiraiya came up to Naruto and Yukiko.

 

“Alright you two, we're off!”

 

Naruto and Yukiko looked back as they gave their final goodbye waves to everyone else. Jiraiya went with a spring in his step while Naruto and Yukiko walked beinhind him despondantly, rising over the crest of the hill and dissparearing from view.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&&&

 

A/N: Heh, I love this issue. I got inspiration from episode 101 for this. I think it was probably the funniest episode out of all of them, but then again that's just my opinion. As for why I extended the training from two and a half to four years? If you think about it, you might figure it out. I'm not telling you what the reason is until the last chapter of their trip. And I am most certainly not going to write about everything they do in those four years, as I would never finish. I will put about... 25 to 50 percent of it in, namely the most important parts. Oh well, until next time my avid readers!

 

Ja ne,

 

Specula.