Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto Dragon Champion ❯ Discoveries ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: EternalFreedom
Naruto learns more about the powers Holy Talon has and takes his first ride on a dragon's back and is noticed in a more positive way by people....he and his team now take part in the Chuunin Exams and things get interesting along the way.

Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Hentai / Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.21.2008 | Pages: 9 | Words: 17.2K | Visits: 1.9K | Status: Completed

Naruto - The Twin Swords
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, but I do happen to own the Dragon Champions and all things related to them…
Chapter 3
Discoveries…
( ): Thoughts
(( )): Inner Sakura
((“ ”)): Holy Talon's voice
\” “/: Kael's voice
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`The mightiest tree in the forest, was born of a weak seed, and through time and through perseverance against all odds, and all dangers, a great tree, tall and strong is born there and stands proud and defiant before all who face it…Never forget that the greatest champions were mere men and women, who grew into heroes in their darkest times, you have to start small to become something greater.'
An old saying from the memoirs of a former Holy Dragon Champion…
--------
Back in the field…
Naruto still kept his sword aimed right at Kankurou, but his gaze was directed at the new arrival Gaara, something about him seemed very familiar to him for some reason, and when Kankurou directed his attention to Gaara, the Dragon Champion relaxed his stance and went into a neutral position. Gaara then directed his attention squarely on Kankurou.
“You're becoming an embarrassment to the village. Have you forgotten the reason we came all the way here to Konoha, Kankurou? I doubt it involves picking fights with kids at random.”
“I…I know…but they started the whole thing, they provoked us you see…”
“Spare me the excuses, keep that up, and I'll kill you in a heart-beat.”
“Uh, yeah, right I was totally out of line.”
Gaara then directed his attention to the gathered people, including Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto, along with Konohamaru and his friends.
“I'm sorry for the trouble he might have caused.”
Gaara then faded into sand and disappeared from the branch and quickly reappeared on the ground in the same swirl of sand, allowing Naruto to further study this new arrival. He was then called by the voice of his sword.
((“There's something about that one, Master Naruto…I feel a source of evil buried inside of his body…and it might have a connection to his ability to manipulate sand and that gourd he carries.”))
(Hmmm…that's not good, we'll have to keep tabs on him then. What about the other two, what can you sense from them?)
((“Believe it or not Master…they appear to be siblings, from what I can sense, the blonde girl with the giant metal case is the eldest of the three, with the one named Kankurou, carrying that thing on his back to be the middle sibling, and the one named Gaara appears to be the youngest.”))
Gaara then faced both Kankurou and the still unnamed girl and spoke to them in the same manner.
“Let's go, we didn't come here to play games and we've wasted too much time here already.”
“A-Alright, sure, I get it.”
The three then began to leave with the shorter one moving ahead of the other two, showing that despite being around Naruto's original height, he had authority in the team he was working with, and considering the reactions he made the others give out, he was more than capable of being the one to give the orders.
Sakura however was not going to let this matter go off just like that however, it wasn't in her nature to do so in the first place. She moved past Naruto and then spoke to the three.
“Hold it you three.”
The girl in the team was the one who answered for the rest of her group.
“What is it?”
“I can tell that from those symbols you have on those forehead protectors, you're Genin from the Hidden Village of the Sand. While it's true that the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire are allies, no ninja from one village can come to another without a special reason, so why are you here?”
“You really don't know? Have you guys been living under a rock or something? Of course we have a reason for being here in Konoha, and we are Genin from the Village of Hidden Sand, and we're here to take part of the Chuunin Exams. Get the idea now why we're here?”
Konohamaru then spoke as he recalled the things his grandfather taught to him about traditional events being hosted in villages such as Konoha.
“Oh yeah, that's right! This is supposed to be the time of the year for the Chuunin Exams! The Chuunin Exams is a special occasion where all Genin will be able to enter, and if they pass well, they get the rank of Chuunin, which is a step closer to being Jonin…and even better…you can be closer to being Hokage!”
Sakura was a bit surprised, in truth she had heard about the Chuunin exams being held, but she certainly wasn't aware of them being held at this time of the year. She had thought that they would be a few months more from now.
Naruto had to smile at that as he knew that the sound of all that is great news, namely since he was interested still in becoming Hokage, apart from taking his place as a Dragon Champion. However he still needed to know a bit more about just who these three were, namely the one with the gourd.
With that in mind, he moved forward and called out.
“Hold it you three…You might as well tell us you're full names so we'll all know just who you are.”
The blonde turned and gave Naruto a sly and suggestive smile that made him raise his eye-brows at that, and she spoke to him.
“Do you mean me?”
“Why not? After all, it is considered a courtesy for the ladies to go first.”
“Ladies first huh, you're a gentleman…I've never been called lady before. For you handsome I'll be more than happy to give you my name, I'm Temari.”
“Greetings to you then Temari, I apologize for the situation before as well and I guess I should say welcome to Konoha and I hope that you enjoy you're time here during the Chuunin Exams, the food's really great here, namely the ramen! You should try some when you get the chance.”
Temari smiled back slyly at the greeting and invitation and was about to reply to Naruto, until the one named Kankurou turned and glared at Naruto.
“Hey you! Don't get any bright ideas, you're not worthy of attention from my…”
“Kankurou! He was asking for my name, what's with you?!”
Naruto sighed and looked at the bickering pair of siblings.
“It's all right Temari, it's a brother thing…and I take it that the one with the gourd is you're youngest brother?”
The young man stopped moving and turned around and spoke to Naruto while examining the blonde ninja before him.
“That's correct, Temari is my sister, and Kankurou is my brother and I am known as Gaara of the Desert, I'm curious about you as well, you're different for some reason than some of the Genin I've met…what's you're name?”
“Well then you gave your so I shall give mine, I am Naruto Uzumaki of Konoha.”
The two Genin stared each other down, Gaara took a look at the sword that Naruto had in his hand and Naruto looked at the gourd behind Gaara's back. The sand ninja studied the sword and could see a faint but very powerful aura coming from the weapon and his eyes widened slightly at the feeling of energy that was coming from it, the blonde before him, and the tattoo on the blonde's arm…it excited Gaara in a way that he never thought possible as he smiled a sadistic smile, a smile that unnerved both Temari and Kankurou when they saw it…and made Sakura gasp, along with Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi, and even Sasuke was a bit concerned.
Naruto however was not going to back down and smiled right back…making Gaara smile even more.
“You're very interesting Naruto Uzumaki…far more than I thought, I'll look forward to fighting you in the tournament.”
“Same here Gaara of the Desert.”
And Naruto offered a salute with Holy Talon, and to the shock of his siblings most of all…Gaara smiled wider and created a blade of pure sand in his hand and gave the same salute to Naruto. Afterwards, Gaara lost the smile and looked at the two of them.
“Come on you two…we have to meet up with sensei.”
“Uh…right Gaara!”
Temari followed Kankurou and Gaara but the blonde female Genin gave a smile to Naruto and a wink that made Naruto blush slightly…much to Temari's enjoyment. Besides, not only was Naruto the first to call her a lady, but he seemed to be able to stand up to her brother Gaara, and instead of killing the blonde hottie instantly for that, Gaara was excited for the chance to fight him…while that made her worry, she couldn't help but feel that there just might be something different about the blonde.
(This is getting VERY interesting.)
As soon as the Sand siblings left the sight, Sakura walked over to Naruto, a part of her was relieved that the one named Gaara didn't attack, and the other one was a bit more complicated, the very moment she noted the sly and suggestive looks that the blonde Sand Kunoichi, she couldn't help but feel…jealous…
(What?! No! That's a bloody lie! I'm NOT jealous of Naruto getting looks from that Sand Kunoichi…)
((Quit lying girl! You SAW the way she smiled at him! That girl LIKES Naruto! We can't let her get her hands on him!))
(So what? Okay I admit Naruto's cute now…)
((Not cute girl… he's hot…as in smoking hot!!))
(Shut up!)
“You okay Naruto?”
“I'm fine Sakura-chan, are you all right?”
Sakura didn't answer at first as she found herself staring at Naruto's blue eyes which appeared to be in a much deeper and more attractive shade of blue, and tinged with deep silver edges around the irises, despite herself, she was getting herself drawn into those eyes, she managed to rein in her thoughts and actions and spoke in answer to Naruto's question.
“I…I…I'm fine, thank you for asking.”
“Hey you two, are you all fine?”
Naruto and Sakura turned to see Sasuke who walked over and he still managed to keep his now considered normal look. But in truth, Sasuke was seething as he saw how skilled Naruto had become, not only was he able to move with considerable speed, when he tossed the sword, he was able to avoid hitting either the grandson of the Fourth Hokage or the others and he was moving at such a speed, that it rivaled Haku's easily.
“Yeah, we're all fine Sasuke-kun!”
Naruto merely looked at Sasuke and decided not to think about it for now, however, the recent bits of information that were told to him did give him some new things to think about. However he decided that it would be far better that he got all the facts right before he made a decision.
He smiled as he recalled the looks he got in his new garb as he had packed up his older clothes in a bag and left it in the care of the clothing store.
He had managed to get enough money to buy his new clothes and made some mystical modifications to them when he bought the clothes, he was unaware of the fact that the female store clerk had seen his looks, and despite able to recognize him as the supposed container of the Demon Fox, she was awed by his looks and agreed to sell the clothes at half price. A bargain indeed and Naruto smiled warmly at her for that, and she blushed bright red and bade him farewell with the promise to keep his old clothes safe until he came back to pick them up.
“Hey Sakura-chan, do you think there's a chance we could be able to take the Chuunin Exams?”
The pink haired Kunoichi thought about that bit of information carefully and thought about what she had heard about the Chuunin Exams, some of the things she heard were not very appealing, but if that was the way for them to advance to the next rank, it was understandable in her mind why Genin would come from all the world to participate.
“Maybe, but I don't think we can do that right now, from what I've heard, it's all up to the Jonin squad leader and also the team must undergo a certain number of missions before they are eligible to take the exam, and so far we only took on a few missions including the one in Wave Country, despite the dangers we actually found along the way. Either way however, the whole choice is up to Kakashi-sensei if he'll let us be part of the teams in the Chuunin Exams.”
Naruto smiled at the idea and boasted once more.
“Hah! We can do it you know! With you're sharp mind, Sasuke's Sharingan, and my own skills, we can ace the Chuunin Exams and be all Chuunin with no problem whatsoever! Besides, it'll be awesome to meet all the Genin from other countries and villages and see what they've got so we can really test ourselves! I can bet that there's some really tough Genin teams out there, and with them all coming here for the exams…it's going to be one hell of a few days, or a week if we're really lucky, I am so into this!!”
Sakura was surprised at the excitement Naruto had, and even Sasuke was taken aback by Naruto's actions and words as well, and despite his growing dislike for Naruto, the Uchiha couldn't help but smirk slightly at the idea, besides, if what he heard was true, he would no longer have to go out on missions if all the other Hidden Villages' Genin were coming here to Konoha. Plus Naruto did have a valid point, that many opponents would certainly be a good test of the Sharingan he had with him and allow it to grow.
“For once dobe, I agree with you.”
Sakura was surprised at that statement and so was Naruto as the blonde ninja and Dragon Champion looked at his dark haired team-mate with surprise.
(Did Sasuke just AGREE with me?! That's a first…)
Sakura looked at her two team mates and mentally sighed in relief…at least they were on the same page today, and that was a seriously wonderful blessing in her mind, considering how they act towards one another before.
“You do?”
“Yes, the Exams seem promising from the sound of it.”
“Naruto, Sasuke-kun, I know you guys are eager to go in, but we still need to wait for Kakashi-sensei's decision if he's going to let us take the exams.”
Sasuke nodded as Sakura did have a point in that regard.
“Well either way, I'm ready to give the Chuunin Exams a shot if we get the go signal, I'll see you guys later, I've got to go home and deal with some matters.”
As Sasuke left, Naruto then spoke to Konohamaru.
“Hey Konohamaru, can you do me a favor?”
“Sure thing Boss! Name it and the Konohamaru Corps will get right on it!”
“I want you to go by the Hokage Tower and ask your grandpa on when the Chuunin Exams are going to start, I want to know just when it starts so I can have plenty of time.”
“Time for what Boss?”
“Why to train of course, no way am I going to join the Chuunin Exams without an edge, oh yeah, if you run into my Jonin sensei, get the info on where he'll want to meet with us on the off chance he lets us into the Exams.”
“Got it Boss1 Come on guys, let's get going!”
Naruto smiled at Konohamaru as the kid rushed off to do as he asked of him, with Moegi and Udon coming along as well. He then turned and noted a good deal of worry on Sakura's face, he was surprised and worried about Sakura and walked over to his pink haired team-mate.
“Sakura-chan…are you all right?”
“I don't know about the Exams…I don't think I can keep up with you two…”
“Keep up? What do you mean?”
“Look Naruto…you've changed…not just physically…but you're powers have grown…and Sasuke-kun's an Uchiha after all, and sooner or later, he can use the Sharingan. Me? I don't even have a signature Jutsu like you two, you have the Kage Bushin, and Sasuke-kun has the Uchiha clan jutsus…I don't have one… Both of you have far better chances at passing the Chuunin Exams than me…”
“Don't say that Sakura-chan.”
“Huh?”
“Look, I might have the new look, the garb, and the abilities, and well, the sword, but I'm still me okay? We started as a team and we have to end as a team. I'm not lying about you're sharp mind you know, you've got more brains than me, and I can bet Sasuke doesn't have the same intelligence as you, you've got an edge…Keep up you're spirits, cause I like it better when you're fired up and eager, cause that's the Sakura I know.”
Sakura didn't know what to say to that and she couldn't help but smile a bit and nod a little. But before anything else could be said, a growl in his stomach told Naruto and Sakura that he had apparently skipped break-fast, making Naruto blush and scratch his head as he looked in apology to Sakura.
“I'm sorry Sakura-chan, but I haven't eaten a thing since this morning, so I've got to go, besides, just take a break and relax we've got plenty of free time, so just relax okay?”
“Uh…sure.”
Unknown to Naruto and Sakura, they were being watched by three other Genin, but they were not of either Konoha or that of the Sand…but a totally different village. They were dressed in a different manner of dress, one of them wore a forehead protector in a face guard format and had wild, spiky hair, the others wore the usual head band style forehead protectors, but were different, the only female of the bunch appeared to have long hair that reached to her ankles, while the other male had his face wrapped in bandages and had only the right side of his face and his right eye exposed. They appeared to have a set of clothes that were in the scheme of camouflage clothing while the one with the bandaged face had a long sleeved tunic that covered his arms, and a massive fur like item on his back.
The spiky haired one looked at the sight and spoke to the one in bandages.
“So what do you think Dosu?”
“Nothing special today Zaku…just weaklings…however…that blonde kid with the sword, the Uchiha kid, and that rat from the Village of Hidden Sand…they are a far different breed, we're going to have to keep watch on them.”
--
In the Hokage Tower…
“All right then…we need to start the selection of viable Genin candidates for this year to participate for the Chuunin Exams, so to start it off, I would like the current Genin Rookie team leaders of this year's batch to please step forward.”
Sarutobi looked on as the three Jonin in question stepped forward. Naturally this included Hatake Kakashi, Yuhi Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma. The three Jonin were exceptionally gifted ninja, and the elder Hokage knew that to be true for Kakashi, after all, he had become a Chuunin at half Naruto's age, Kurenai was the village's top Genjutsu specialist and a skilled Kunoichi of her own right. And his son Asuma was very talented as well, not only with his trench knives, but his other skills and talents that he honed over the years.
“Now then Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma, what do you say? Do the three of you have any Genin in your respective teams who you believe have the potential to be candidates for this year's Chuunin Exams and wish to recommend, despite their relative inexperience? As you three are aware, any Genin who has officially taken part in eight or more missions is already considered technically eligible for entrance to the Chuunin Exams, beyond that requirement, only you have the authority to decide if they are ready, though most Genin require a longer training period, and twice the number of missions specified.”
Iruka did not really like the situation that much.
(There's really no need to talk about this…it's still too early for their teams to be in the Chuunin Exams to begin with.)
“So, what do you say Kakashi? You being first…”
The silver haired Jonin already had an answer to that, he knew that while others might see his move as dangerous, or insane, especially Iruka, he had a feeling that his team, all of them were going to really shine this year and he was going to let them take this chance. With that in mind, he gave his answer to Sarutobi.
“I lead Squad 7, and it's members are Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sakura Haruno. I, Kakashi Hatake recommend all three Genin to take part in the Chuunin Selection Exams.”
Iruka gasped that statement.
Yuhi Kurenai also took the same stance as she spoke.
“And I lead Squad 8, and it's members are Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame, and I, Kurenai Yuhi recommend all three for the Chuunin Selection Exams.”
“And I lead Squad 9, and it's members are Shikamaru Nara, Chouji Akamichi, and Ino Yamanaka, and I, Sarutobi Asuma recommend all three for the Chuunin Selection Exams.”
The reactions of the Chuunin in the room were very much understandable, as they had not expected this action in a very long time, it wasn't often that Genin who were merely rookies were all sent to the Chuunin Exams. Iruka on the other hand was the only one who was against the whole thing.
“Just a darn minute! Lord Hokage, I must protest on this course of action.”
The three Jonin faced Iruka and so did the Third Hokage, Sarutobi had a feeling that with the announcements that Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma made that sooner or later, someone was going to protest and it made sense that the one who would was Iruka himself. The scarred Chuunin stepped forward as Sarutobi spoke.
“Yes? What is it Iruka?”
“With all due respect Lord Hokage, the names of the three Genin teams are the names of all my former students from the Academy. While I acknowledge that they had potential and promise in their own right, they are not yet fully experienced Genin, and sending them to the Chuunin Exams this early will break them badly if they fail.”
Kakashi then faced Iruka.
“When I was at least half Naruto's age Iruka, I was already a Chuunin.”
“Naruto is not the same as you Kakashi! He is himself and while he may be no longer under my care he is still my student.”
“I understand that this is not what you expected, but the three of them have wanted a chance to prove themselves, and the Chuunin Exams are the best choice at this moment, a little pain, though not too much of course will be a good lesson for them.”
“What?!”
Kurenai was not liking this situation all that much between Iruka and Kakashi and she made that clear as she stepped into the situation.
“You've said enough Kakashi, that's enough for now.”
“Not really Kurenai…I will say this, Iruka, you should know that the day they left the Academy, they were no longer you're students, they are mine, namely Naruto.”
Iruka glared and so did Kakashi, but the Jonin softened a bit and gave a slight smile.
“Besides, considering certain events in their performance in missions, namely IN Wave Country, I have no doubts that Naruto is already ready to participate in the Chuunin Exams, don't you think so?”
Iruka looked on with stunned eyes as he knew what Kakashi was referring to. However, there was another who spoke to Kakashi and it was another person who was a Jonin, though he was dressed in a totally different fashion than Kakashi, Kurenai, or Asuma. The Jonin had a bowl hair-cut, the thickest eye-brows a person would have, he was dressed in a green skin tight body suit and wore large clothe bracer style leggings on his lower legs. The Jonin looked seriously at Kakashi and spoke.
“In that regard Kakashi I have to side with Iruka, I prevented my own Genin team from taking the last Chuunin exams so they could further refine their skills, gain experience, and enjoy their youth. What you're doing is a bit unconventional in my eyes at least.”
Kakashi however smiled underneath his mask and replied to the words of his fellow Jonin.
“I can understand that Gai…but I think my newly formed team has quite a lot of potential this year, and who knows, they might even give you're team a run for their money, or take them on and win.”
The other Jonin gave a look of challenge with a smirk as well at Kakashi.
“Oh really now…”
Asuma then stepped in.
“That's enough you two, we need to get them ready instead of going off the gun on this today.”
“That is correct, however, I would like to have a few words with the both of you, Kakashi and Iruka, there are some matters that have to be discussed. The rest of you will have the time to get ready you're teams, when you are ready, give them the customary application forms.”
--
Later…
As Naruto walked back to his apartment to check the number of days left before he would take part in the Chuunin Exams, he wondered on some things as he hoped he could finally prove himself better than Sasuke and face some really tough competition so he could really grow stronger, not just to become Hokage, but to be ready to face the soon to be chosen wielder of the Death Fang. For now he decided to get his wallet and have some cash to buy him some food.
((“Master Naruto?”))
(Yeah?)
((“I mean no offense, but I suggest you order more amounts of healthier foods as well for you're lunch, you will need proper nutrition and energy to use the powers and essences that you will soon be able to use with the right amounts of time and training.”))
(All right then…by the way, I've been meaning to ask you more questions, are you up for it?)
((“Since Lord Faldren's manifestation has filled in the key details, then yes, I am ready to answer whatever questions you might have Master Naruto.”))
(Well, Lord Faldren, he mentioned that I still need to train long and hard in order to use the higher level essences. Just how many essences do you have in you?)
((Quite a lot actually…there have been many who have ever wielded me in combat. And many of them had exceptional powers and skills, many were talented sword masters and were quite talented in many levels of weapons mastery, though there were just as many of them were…a bit unconventional to say the least.”))
(What do you mean by that?)
((“Well, some of the ones who were chosen as Dragon Champions were spell masters, who used my powers both as a supply and as a booster, while only using me for self defense, others were skilled hand to hand combatants who used me as a last resort or as a form of intimidation to avoid combat when they saw it as unwise, some were powerful healers who used my powers to heal or destroy those who are unnaturally brought back to life…the list would be going on and on Master Naruto…suffice to say, I have been in generations worth of battles and served generations of Dragon Champions in each battle.”))
(So I can call on those essences to boost my powers and skills?)
((“Correct Master Naruto, I will be able to then allow the essence you've chosen to flow into you're body, once that is done, that chosen Dragon Champion essence will then bestow it's abilities and skills to you, such as grandmaster level sword skills, high level hand to hand combat, which in you're world would be referred to as Taijutsu if I guessed right, or high level spell mastery…and the like. However, I can only use one essence at a time and until you are better trained, it would be best that you choose the essence that suits the battle field and the foe. And the essences of those you can use at the moment, which are limited right now.”))
(Wow…there is one more thing I need to ask you.)
((“What would that be Master Naruto?”))
(Lord Faldren mentioned something about me being able to call…dragon allies, what are those?)
((“Ah, well…many dragons who contributed their powers in my creation, as you might have guessed also contributed their own blood into my forging…not only has this given me mystical properties and physical properties, but with the right energy…I can actually create a living, breathing dragon to come to the aid of my wielder, such as yourself Master Naruto…and since I chose you and obey you're commands, those dragons will obey only you in effect and will aid you well. However the only one of my creators I cannot perfectly create or sustain is my `father' Lord Faldren, I can do it, but it is the most taxing of the dragon allies I can call upon, therefore I recommend summoning Lord Faldren's familiar on only the most dire of situations, and I can only summon a handful of dragon allies as well…so I can't raise an entire flight of dragons in a moment.”))
(Whoa…wait a minute?! You can summon a living, breathing Dragon?! You've got to show me how it's done!)
((“You wish it now Master?”))
(Of course I do…this is going to be cool!!)
((“As you wish, but we will need to be at a large clearing for this to work…more than once, people have panicked at the sight of a living, breathing dragon coming out of thin air, and I have no doubt things will be even more pronounced out here.”))
(Good point.)
With that, Naruto moved away from his usual direction towards the ramen stand and headed for the practice field, as much as he was in the mood to finally get a bit to eat after all the things that had been happening to him, this new discovery demanded that he look into it as soon as he could.
--
Later…
Naruto smiled as he was in the practice field and looked about to make sure that no one else was in the area to just walk in and either mess things up, or when he and Holy Talon summoned a Dragon, wouldn't start causing a panic back in the village. As soon as he was sure that no one else was around except him and his sword, he spoke to Holy Talon.
(We're all clear…so how do you actually go about summoning a Dragon?)
((“ That's the real trick Master Naruto, I want you to make these symbols with you're hands and fingers, and focus on me and I will channel the energy, once that's done I can take care of the rest…at least at this stage.”))
Naruto followed the advice and began to make movements with his hands and fingers, they then glowed in a gentle green light and the symbols he made hung in the air and began to move in a unique pattern that resembled a circle that then placed itself on the ground. Once they did, the seemed to create a gentle glow and a humming sound.
((“Now…say this phrase, `Born of Earth, Born of Fire, Born of Air, Born of Water, in Harmony with the world of the material and the immaterial. Servant of all that is good, and kin of the Holy Dragons, I call you forth to me in peace or war, come forth summoned one.' When you do, stab me into the ground I will do the rest.”))
Naruto nodded and did as Holy Talon instructed him to do and when he said the phrase and stabbed the Holy Talon into the ground. The sword glowed brightly and the ground in the middle of the circle formed by the symbols began to turn into a glowing white liquid and from that liquid…
Arose a Dragon…
The Dragon that was summoned was smaller, about the same size as a one story house, but was long, nearly sixteen feet from the tip of the snout and the tail. It was smaller than Faldren, but was no less beautiful as it had shimmering blue scales that resembled a pure and clear ocean and were smooth and in a flowing pattern. The head was shaped in a very unique fashion and there were no horns on the head, but long fins on either side of the head and several whiskers near the nose and upper lips. The wings on the Dragon were the same as that of a bird's and had feather like scales on it and even feather like parts on the edges, it had four limbs that acted as legs and it too had claws, though shaped like those of the hawks used by the village as messengers. The tail end was smooth and well shaped and the tail tip was covering in what appeared to be frills that were shaped like a bird's rear feathers and a small row of bone like knobs lined it's back and neck, all the way to the tail. And to the blonde's amazement…there appeared to a saddle of some sort on the dragon's back that could hold three or four people, along with a harness and reins. The Dragon turned at it's eyes were in the color of melted copper and it also spoke to Naruto as he looked on in awe, showing sharp but small yet no less lethal teeth.
\”Greetings wielder, I am here as you command.”/
“Who are you?”
\”My Draconian name is long wielder…but you can call me Kael Sky-Runner if you wish, or merely Kael if that suits you're tastes more.”/
“Kael…I, well I wanted to see if I could really summon a Dragon, and I guess I can, but why do you have a saddle of some sort on you're back?”
\”I am what you might call a Sky Dragon Mount, young wielder, it is my duty to carry a Dragon Champion to a battle when traveling by land is too dangerous and his presence is direly needed, along with three companions, or if his foes are in the skies above him or her.”/
Naruto was in awe as he walked towards Kael and placed Holy Talon back into it's sheath, his awe got the better of him and after some difficulty, he sat in the saddle and got used to the feeling of it. He then looked at the Dragon who looked back at him.
“Can I take you for a ride Kael?”
\”Of course wielder…though I will only impart one piece of advice for you.”/
“And that is?”
The Dragon grinned at that and seemed to crouch down, as if getting ready leap into the air.
\”Hold on tight.”/
The Dragon Kael then leaped upwards and as if in a split second, the Dragon opened it's wings and flew into the air at high speed, surprising Naruto greatly as he quickly grabbed onto the reins and the Dragon began to move through the sky at amazing speed, Naruto closed his eyes a bit in fear, but as he calmed himself and opened his eyes once more, he found himself in the clouds, looking at the clear blue sky and the sun shining brightly, he saw flocks of birds nearby, and he felt the rush of air all around him, he looked down and saw the village and the lands below as they circled Konoha in the clouds,…it was so new and scary…but instead of being afraid, Naruto was not feeling fear…but excitement, joy, and elation.
“This is so cool!! I'm actually flying in the sky!!”
\”I hope you are ready for some quick aerial maneuvers young wielder…because this is merely the warm-up flight.”/
Naruto was ready this time as the Dragon turned to the left and began to move through the clouds and flew at the mountains a great distance from Konoha, as they came to the mountains, the Dragon moved through the caverns, canyons and ravines at high speed, moving with seemingly no effort, and even as the caverns, canyons and ravines became smaller, the Dragon merely closed it's wings, but even with it's wings folded closer to it, the Dragon moved as if with no effort.
Naruto was in awe and joy, until he spotted the end of the canyon, but before he could warn Kael, the Dragon merely flew upward with now effort and spread out and the Dragon spun itself in a spiral into the clouds, They entered a cloud bank and Naruto only saw white for a moment and then the deep blue sky and the warmth of the sun.
The Dragon then made several zigzag flight patterns, loops, through the clouds, and with climbing runs and dives in between. They then came to the coast in only a few moments and the Dragon flew to the water and the power of it's flight merely feet from the surface created waves and even dolphins leaped out of the water to follow the Dragon as it flew overhead. Kael then flew back to land in a spin and flew to the right and then repeated the same trip through the mountains and Naruto couldn't hold onto his elation anymore as the two of them moved about over Konoha.
He realized that no ninja from Konoha…or anywhere else for that matter was able to ride a living, breathing Dragon and to fly in the skies with absolute freedom like he was at this very moment, and to know that was enough to make the blonde ninja shout out in pure victory as they were once more over Konoha.
“YYYYYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHOOOOOOO!!”
The blonde kid was shouting, whooping, and cheering as the Dragon took him all around Konoha in the sky, and they even did cork-screw climbs and dives every chance they got and the blonde's elation was really getting higher as he shouted out his pleasure at this new dimension of his gifts from the Holy Talon and his status as a Dragon Champion…
Unaware of the fact that his whoops and shouts were already causing quite the commotion in the ground below him as the growing number of Genin coming into Konoha, along with the various officials and leaders were all looking for the noises that were seemingly all over the place.
--
In the Hokage's personal chamber…
“Well, well, well…Naruto is certainly getting into the spirit of things. He's actually flying in the sky above us on a real living and breathing dragon.”
Kakashi said with apparent awe as he, Iruka, and Sarutobi watched from the Hokage's personal viewing sphere. The Jonin and the Chuunin were told by Sarutobi what had transpired then he had spoken with both Faldren and Naruto when he was alone with them. They were stunned at what they were told and it was then that Sarutobi was told of strange shouting noises all over the town that they looked in the sphere.
“Unbelievable…so that's a real Dragon?”
Iruka said with awe at the sight of his student Naruto actually riding one right above his head. The Chuunin looked at the Dragon as if trying to convince himself what he was seeing was the real thing and not some elaborate illusion.
“It seems that Naruto has decided to experiment with the powers of Holy Talon. And from what it's chief maker, Faldren told me, that is just ONE of the gifts Naruto has been given with his being the chosen wielder of Holy Talon and the new Dragon Champion. It seems that Kakashi's arguments have merit…considering that, Naruto is MORE than qualified to be in the Chuunin Exams. Don't you think so Iruka?”
Sarutobi said as he looked at the images before him, and he noted that Naruto was already being brought back to the ground by the Dragon he was riding. The way Naruto acted showed that he was becoming more skilled with his new found powers and abilities…telling the Third Hokage that Naruto was truly changing. They all watched as Naruto got off the Dragon with a warm smile and the Dragon faded back and Naruto went straight to the ramen stand's direction.
“I guess so Lord Hokage, so forgive me for acting the way I did before, I know Naruto is strong and full of potential, as are the rest of his classmates from the Academy, but still…it's not exactly easy on me as I have been their teacher for a long time.”
Kakashi nodded at that.
“No one here's disputing that Iruka…but Naruto is craving a challenge to reach his dreams and the Chuunin Exams are the closest chance he has now, if we deny him that, then he would never be able to grow up to be the ninja he wants to be…and if what the Lord Hokage said is true…he will not be ready if the Death Fang does awaken and find it's own wielder. The same could be said for all you're former students as well, their time to shine has come, and the Chuunin Exams will prove to be the best chance they have.”
Iruka sighed as they watch Naruto get off the Dragon and bid it farewell as it faded away and the blonde went back to the village to his favorite food stand.
“He's really going to be happy when you tell him this Kakashi.”
“Don't I know it.”
--
In the Ichiraku Stand…
Ayame was still looking at Naruto wide eyed as the blonde ninja was gulping down his third helping of ramen. Now seeing Naruto eat ramen like there was no tomorrow was not a new thing, having been doing that for nearly his entire life since she had known him…but now it was different…namely because of the new looks Naruto had.
When he arrived, she gave him her usual greeting, but stopped and suddenly blushed bright red and stuttered as she saw Naruto's new looks. Naruto gave her the usual smile he gave, but with his new looks, Ayame felt her body react in a very unique fashion, she had asked him if it was really him and Naruto replied that it was indeed him. Her father commented on his looks and made both of them blush brightly when he mentioned that Naruto was going to be one hell of a Ladies Man, considering how much Ayame was blushing. For that, he was going to half the price of the entire menu for his favorite customer. Naruto was more than happy and he was eating a lot right now.
(Naruto-kun has changed…he's so…handsome.)
Ayame then blushed bright red as she began to have…impure thoughts concerning her and Naruto, but she couldn't help but smile at them as well
Naruto finished his last bowl and sighed as he was now full as there were already at least three piles of bowls and smiled warmly at Ayame and Teuchi and spoke.
“Man, that hit the spot…I'll see you all later old man! See you Ayame-san!”
“Bye Naruto-kun!”
Teuchi smiled slyly at Naruto and then to his daughter who was still blushing bright red as she had her eyes on the blonde ninja.
“Careful Ayame, Naruto may be a Genin, and an adult in the eyes of the law now…but he is still a kid, though give him a few years and if he gets even better looking… I don't mind at all if you do the mattress dance with him. Just make sure to tell me how he is in bad.”
“FATHER!!”
Teuchi merely laughed while Ayame blushed bright red at the thought of being intimate with Naruto.
--
The next day…
Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto waited for Kakashi once more and they were not happy with the fact that as usual Kakashi was late, Sakura sighed and she couldn't handle it anymore and shouted.
“What is with Kakashi-sensei?! He's always late! Every time he sets the time, he arrives late! I woke up early and had to eat light for this sort of thing!”
“Easy Sakura-chan, I've had it worse, I had to skip break-fast entirely.”
Sasuke sighed at his two team-mates and then looked upward as Kakashi showed up and greeted them in his usual fashion, which once more included another flimsy excuse for his tardiness.
“Hi there you three, sorry I'm late, I ran into a black cat along the way and had to take the long route.”
“YOU'RE LATE YOU LIAR!!”
Kakashi leaped off the archway and got down to business as Sasuke walked over to the rest of the team.
“Well now…I've got good news for you three. I know it's a little sudden and you three do need to train more and get more experience, but I have selected you three to take part on this year's Chuunin Exams.”
Sasuke smiled widely at that…and Naruto's eyes were in saucer shape mode as he was in awe. Sakura gulped a bit, but smiled as she recalled that she had her own talents and kept her cool.
“These are the application forms that officially place you as Chuunin Exam entrants.”
“Application forms?”
“Stop repeating my words Sakura…now listen up, you have to be in room 301 on the third floor in the Academy once you sign them, and just so you all know, this is all purely voluntary, if you feel that you're not ready or qualified to take the Exams, then you can wait for the next year's Chuunin Exams.”
Naruto was happy and made it obvious as he hugged Kakashi.
“You're the best Kakashi-sensei! Now this is a real challenge!”
The Jonin expected that from Naruto, but it was a bit uncomfortable for him. Not to mention the fact that Naruto's enhanced strength, while not that painful, was unexpected to say the least
“Stop that Naruto or you'll start drooling all over my vest.”
“Oh, sorry!”
Naruto released his grip on the Jonin and was laughing out loud.
“Easy there…one more thing, you three have five days before the start of the Exams start…so think long and hard on this choice of joining the Chuunin Exams, this is a serious matter and when you step in, you can't back away from it, so choose wisely. Since that's it for today, I'll see you there at the Academy, you guys are dismissed.”
As Naruto walked back to his home, along with Sakura, and Sasuke, he was having a fun time thinking things over.
(This is so cool! I am going to face some really tough guys, and I can't wait! I might even fight Gaara in combat…not to mention Mr. Attitude himself, this is going to be one heck of a few days!)
Sasuke thought in his own way on the Chuunin Exams.
(This will be a good test of the Sharingan, not to mention fighting those ninja, namely that one with the gourd, and I will finally get to see just what else that sword Naruto has to offer.)
Sakura however thought about what she should do, she was worried, but she wanted to prove that she was a good ninja of Konoha, but she had enough time to get ready for the exams and enough time to prepare herself for whatever the Exams had in store for her, after all she had five days to prepare. So despite her worries, she was ready to back up both Sasuke and Naruto.
As time passed more and more Genin from different villages arrived on the scene and as the days passed, the Genin and their Jonin leaders were all given accommodations for their stay in the village of Konoha. Naruto himself was busy studying a number of fighting styles involving swords, Taijutsu, spells, and refining his use of Kage Bushin, all under the training and advice of Holy Talon along with using the essences of the Dragon Champions that he could access at his current skill level and capacity. Sasuke was busy refining his own skills though he used the Sharingan more often in order to better use it's abilities and to further improve it for battle, while Sakura was busy working hard on what she could in order to support her two team-mates.
--
In another part of the Konoha training ground…
“Did you hear? We're going to have first year Genin from the Academy this year, all of them are rookies. That hasn't been done in five years.”
A training dummy made of straw with was the day's target as it had a large number of kunai and shuriken imbedded in it. A hand wrapped in bandages was near it.
“No way, I bet it's just a bunch of Jonin getting in to boost either egos or get a kick out of it.”
A female voice said and the voice belonged to a woman wielding a kunai in one hand and with surprising skill began to flip the weapon and spin it about without being cut at all.
“No…it's a bit more interesting than that Tenten…three of those students happen to be from Hatake Kakashi's team, and I happen to know that they happen to be the ONLY team that has ever passed in his bell test.”
The first voice belonged to a boy who wore the very same garb as the Jonin named Gai, so much so that he even had the very same hair cut as the Jonin and had bandages on his other arm as well, and wore his fore-head protector which had the symbol of Konoha but in a belt style, similar to Gai…so much so that he might as be Gai's own son.
“Really? Are you sure of that Lee?”
“I'm positive.”
The girl known as Tenten was ninja as well, dressed in a sleeveless dress and wore deep green pants with sandals, she had her forehead protector with the Konoha symbol in the normal style, and had her hair in a style that meant that most of her no doubt long hair was well placed to stop flowing about, and it seemed that her longer hair was made into two buns on the side of her head.
“I see, that's certainly interesting information.”
“I hardly think it's that interesting Neji.”
Tenten wasted no time and threw the kunai in her hand and struck the target, just above the head of the one named Neji, who was dressed in a thick jacket with clasps, and wore his own forehead protector with straps on the sides, he had eyes that seemed to be devoid pupils for some reason and was pure white, yet he seemed to be able to see with as much clarity as the two others who were with him.
“Either way…it's going to be too bad for them.”
--
The next day…
“Where's Sakura? It's not like her to be the late one this time.”
Naruto asked as he looked about for their pink haired team-mate outside of the Academy, he and Sasuke had arrived at least half an hour early to get ready for the Exams, but it seemed that they couldn't go in yet until Sakura was with them.
“I'm not sure where she is, but she'll be here so don't worry about that.”
It was then that both Genin turned to see their pink haired team-mate as she came running towards them, Naruto smiled and Sasuke sighed a bit and looked on, Sakura stopped and gasped a bit as she tried to catch her breath, as soon as she was able to get her breath back, she gave an apologetic look to both team-mates
“Hi Naruto-kun! Sasuke-kun! Sorry I'm late, I had to help my mom with some grocery items when she got back from the market.”
Naruto gave his usual smile and nodded as he spoke.
“That's okay Sakura-chan, you made it here anyway, so let's go!”
As the three of them made their way to the third floor, they noted something odd, Naruto wondered what that was about and so did Sasuke and Sakura, and they quickly figured it out that there must be Genjutsu in the area…they then spotted a large number of Genin who were gathering about in the area before them.
“What's going on here?”
Naruto asked as they got closer, Sasuke nodded and spoke.
“The only way we're going to find out dobe is to see for ourselves right?”
“Quit calling me that!”
“Heh…”
The three of them arrived to see a strangely garbed boy with even stranger hair-cut and bushy eye-brows get knocked back by a pair of Konoha Genin, one of whom appeared to be armed with large versions of kunai, the other had his Konoha forehead protector in the way of a bandana of some sort. Naruto quickly noted something odd about that and whispered to Sasuke and Sakura…
“There's something odd about those two, I can't say for sure why I think so, but I do…”
Sakura looked and nodded at that, she too noted that and quickly analyzed the situation.
“That must mean that they're the ones who's got the Genjutsu set up on this floor, and considering that, they must be Chuunin in disguise. They're usually the ones who handle a good portion of the Chuunin Exams, from what I've heard.”
Sasuke nodded and smiled a bit.
“Good eyes…so I guess it's time we end this test, they must be the ones to determine who`s willing to go far enough to be a Chuunin.”
Naruto grinned as well.
“Then it's their lucky day then…cause here comes Kakashi's Team 7.”
The three stopped whispering as they made their way through the crowd as the two rowdy Genin (Chuunin in disguise) made comments to the Genin they knocked over and his female companion. The two then faced the trio, with Sasuke in the lead, while Naruto studied the Genin on the floor.
(That guy's got the weirdest fashion sense I've seen…makes me happy I had a wardrobe change.)
((“True enough Master Naruto…but I have a feeling that there's more to this Genin, those bruises he has don't match any type of wounds I know of.”))
(So he's faking it?)
((“Quite possibly, either he's also a Chuunin in disguise, or he's hiding his skills intentionally, and it seems he's quite good at that.”))
Naruto had no time when he heard Sakura gasp and quickly turned to spot the disguised Chuunin throw a kick at Sasuke, he reached for Holy Talon and drew the weapon halfway out of the sheath when he sensed movement that somehow got past him, and to his astonishment he spotted the formerly downed Genin in the green body suit grab both Sasuke and the Chuunin's kick with both hands.
((“It seems I was right Master Naruto.”))
(You're right indeed, that guy's fast, I'll give him that.)
Sakura herself was surprised at how fast the new Genin moved and so was Sasuke as Lee released both their legs. The other Genin's apparent team-mates were talking to him and the long haired one appeared to be talking to him. This allowed Naruto to study them carefully, while Sasuke traded words with the apparent leader of the bunch.
(That guy has the same eyes as Hinata…that must mean he's a Hyuga Clan member.)
((“Pardon Master Naruto, but you know this clan?”))
(Not personally…I know that I have a classmate from my Academy days whose name is Hinata, and her clan is supposed to be one of the more powerful clans here in Konoha, something to do with a powerful gift called…what was that again…ah yeah, now I remember, they call it the Byakugan. It's supposed to allow others to see chakra and it serves as the basis of their fighting style. Though I've never met this guy before…he seems kind of…driven for some reason, like he's got this entire mission and burden on his hands or something.)
((“That gift is similar to the Dragon's Eye then.”))
(Dragon's Eye? What's that?)
((“It's a natural gift that allows certain Dragons a limited ability to see the past, present, and the possible future. I know my chief creator and father Lord Faldren possessed a very powerful Dragon's Eye and it helped him call the cease-fire and naturally led to my creation, and I know that certain members of the Chaos Dragons have the same gift, and Chorvax was the most adept to use it…which led to the creation of Death Fang.”))
(Wow, I didn't know that. Do you have something like it?)
((“Not in the pure form, I can only make a powered down version of it that I passed down to you when you first took hold of me back in the water.”))
(Wow…you mean I can SEE the future?!)
((“No, I'm afraid not Master, such a thing is forbidden for mortals, even Dragon Champions, the future in my Lord Faldren's words is something one must make for himself or herself, it means that all beings have the ability to make their own future, as the Dragon Eye only sees a POSSIBLE future, one that can change in a heart-beat under different circumstances and events…personally I find that to be a great boon and lesson, fate's something that beings such as yourself must make with their own hands Master Naruto, just as my Master and his kin allowed the mortal races in their realms make their own decisions.”))
(You're right there…I'm happy you chose me to be you're wielder. All the advice you give me certainly helps loads.)
((“You are welcome Master Naruto.”))
(So how does this version you have of the Dragon Eye work?)
((“It allows you a limited ability to sense attacks and how to best counter them…as I said, it's not perfect, and has it's flaws, but in the right moment, it will be the difference between life and death in a fight.”))
(Good ability it is then.)
((“Very much…ah, it seems you're being studied Master…”))
It was during Naruto's mental conversation with Holy talon that Tenten noted his presence, she had thought Sasuke was cute…but the moment she gazed at Naruto her thoughts of Sasuke being cute were put aside as she gazed at Naruto's features. She was amazed that he looked so mature and handsome despite being a Genin and he was certainly well built for his age, not to mention…She had enough time to note that Naruto was looking back at her, and he smiled in greeting…making the brunette Kunoichi blush bright red.
(Wow, the blonde's hot! That pink haired girl has no idea how lucky she is to have two hot guys in her team…maybe I could ask her if she knows where they live…namely the blonde one. I wonder if he's…stop that Tenten, lest you start thinking the wrong things!)
Naruto himself was getting ideas as he had to admit that despite some initial discomfort with all the staring, he was getting used to it, and found it…nice.
(I guess I can get used to this.)
((“I see you're enjoying all the attention Master Naruto from you're physical changes, good for you, though I would caution you about entertaining thoughts about such…ah, meetings at this point and time…you are participating in the Chuunin Exams after all.”))
(Good point.)
Naruto then spotted Sakura berating the green spandex jump suit wearing guy and felt sorry for him, he had been under the brunt of Sakura's temperament more than once and personally knew the feeling, though she seemed nicer now than before.
“Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, we should head out and find the real room, we've wasted enough time here.”
With that, the pink haired teen grabbed both their arms and began to pull them away, much to their surprise.
Neji glared at the Uchiha clan survivor as he didn't like his attitude, and Lee took notice of that too…however he was also curious about the blonde ninja who was part of the team the pink haired angel was part of, despite his silence, the Genin felt that the blonde was deep in thought. He decided to see for himself the extent of the power of the Uchiha Clan survivor in a match.
“Well now…so those two group of misfits are the ones Kakashi and Gai have been talking about.”
“I believe so, congratulations are in order then for their passing of their application forms.”
The two Chuunin then transformed to their normal forms and one of them smiled.
“This year's Chuunin Exams is proving to be a lot of fun.”
“For us maybe…but I doubt the Genin we're about to test would see it that way.”
Unknown to them all…
“It's here…I can feel the power that I heard so much about…it shall be mine…along with the Sharingan…”
--
 
To be continued…
--
Author's notes:
Well that was interesting indeed. Took me quite a while to set it up. Naruto's already summoned his first Dragon ally, and has used some of the Holy Talon's magical powers. Now what else can be found with the powers possessed by the Holy Talon, and what had Naruto learned from it before heading off to the Chuunin Exams?
That's a surprise for the next chapter as it is also where the rest of the Rookie 9 meet up with Team Kakashi and they will be seeing the differences now between the Naruto they knew to the Naruto now before them. The two other girls in the Rookie 9 especially, since once of them happens to have a king-sized crush on Naruto and how will she react to his whole new look.
On the next chapter, Sakura gents a new and unwanted admirer who shows Sasuke a few tricks that really surprise the Uchiha clan member…and afterwards, all three of them get ready to take the first level of the Chuunin Exams.
But who's the new arrival looking for both the Holy Talon and the Sharingan? We'll have to wait and see now won't you?