Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto Dragon Champion ❯ Two Choices ( Chapter 19 )

Naruto - The Twin Swords

Disclaimer: I own nothing in relation to Naruto or any related media to the series.

Chapter 18

( ): Thoughts

((“ ”)): Holy Talon's voice

((( ))): Kyuubi's voice

/” ”\: Faldren's voice

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`We all make choices…simple ones and complex ones…faced with what some would call the choice of two paths…one can save us…and the other can damn us.'

`Sometimes the choices seem so simple…sometimes, they can be truly difficult to understand. But I say that we must not just choose blindly…think the decision through before making the choice…for there is one truth that is certain…'

`When the choice is made…there will at times…be no going back.'

`The real test is not just to live with the outcome…but to decide with is truly best for those around you, for those close to you…and for yourself.'

`Choose wisely and choose well…for everything may hang on that simple but life altering answer.'

A diplomat's memoirs…

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Gai looked at Naruto and Jiraiya as he had Sasuke on his back to carry him back to Konoha for medical treatment. The three had managed to gather the funds to pay the hotel owner for all the damage that was the result of the battle waged by them when facing Itachi and Kisame. The hotel owner wasn't very happy with the mess…and Naruto had grumbled at having to lose a good amount of his time in helping with the repairs but decided not to worry about it too much. It was also when Gai told Jiraiya about the incident in the Council room and the Sannin was laughing at the thought of the Council Elders being threatened and losing to a kid Genin…it made him smile a great deal…

“Well Jiraiya-sama…Naruto-kun…I bid you both the best of luck and bring Tsunade-hime back to us as soon as you can.”

“We will Gai-sensei…make sure that Sasuke's going to be all right.”

“You have my word on that!”

Gai then spoke to Naruto about Lee's condition and his hopes that Tsunade's healing prowess will be enough to fully restore his student to full form and how lee had expressed some interest in learning some moves from Naruto's combat style as well…namely his hand to hand combat skills. Naruto thought about that and replied that it's only if it was okay with Gai and Gai nodded his approval..stating that Lee saw Naruto as a fellow friend and his flame of youth was as bright as Lee's. Afterwards…Jiraiya forbade Naruto from wearing the green body-suit handed to him by Gai and they moved on…however. Naruto began to wonder about several things as they moved onwards to locate Tsunade..

“Hey Pervy Sage…”

“What is it?”

“Just who is that guy Itachi and Shark face working for…and why of all people do they want me?”

Jiraiya sighed…he had hoped to keep Naruto out of knowing his destiny of being hunted by those who coveted the power of the Kyuubi until he was ready…but Itachi and Kisame forced his hand and they did reveal themselves to Naruto…so there was nothing to be gained by hiding the truth from the boy now.

“Those two work for Akatsuki…as you've heard…and it's not a guy…but a band of S-ranked ninja criminals…Orochimaru was once part of the same group before he broke free from them. And they are not after you for YOU Naruto…they want the Kyuubi inside you.”

“What?! Why the heck would they want the Kyuubi?”

“I don't know for sure…but considering the power that the Kyuubi has within itself and how much destruction it can accomplish whenever it appears, and it has appeared many times in history…then you can bet that it can't be for a good reason. And since the Akatsuki are all S-ranked criminal ninjas…then you can bet whatever they have in mind for the power of the Kyuubi will certainly be destructive. And that means bad news for everyone in the world…but if they get it.,..then…”

“Then I die…right Pervy Sage?”

Naruto asked as he touched the area where the seal that held the Kyuubi in his stomach was located and was deep in thought. Jiraiya sighed and wished that he didn't have to burden the kid with the knowledge that there were those who were trying to kill him for the demon and to use it to do whatever plan they have. Naruto remained silent and he then replied with confidence and conviction.

“I won't let them take the Kyuubi from me…”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean it…the Kyuubi might be the reason my life has been hell…but that won't stop me…I will be stronger than them all Pervy Sage. The Kyuubi's power will never be in anyone's hands but mine, because I would rather carry the burden of being the container of the Kyuubi and using it's powers and chakra for my own reasons and to protect others who I care about than to let some band of roving criminal bastard ninjas use it to do whatever plans they have. The power in my body will be used for the right reasons this time, and no matter what happens…I will not back down from this…if that is my destiny then I will do whatever I can to surpass it.”

Jiraiya smirked at that…

(Naruto…heh…if only the Fourth could see you now…)

“That's a promise I will make and keep…and besides…I have to be ready for my…other destiny as well…”

“What do you mean?”

Naruto then told Jiraiya all he learned and about the existence of Death Fang…the only sword that can rival and match Holy Talon's powers…and the pure evil of that sword and who created it…and Lord Faldren's warning that the time would come that Death Fang would find it's own Master and it would soon be inevitable that he would have the face Death Fang and it's master in combat. As he finished telling Jiraiya…the Sannin had to look at Naruto and wondered how the heck Naruto will handle this new part of his life as Dragon Champion…

The idea that a totally evil version of Holy Talon existed in the world and was waiting for it's own Master…and Naruto being the one destined to face that said master in battle was very uncomfortable to say the least. After seeing some of what Naruto could do with Holy Talon's powers and the abilities it gave him…the idea of a totally evil being having the same power was not something he wanted to imagine…he then thought of what could happen if his old team-mate Orochimaru were to find Death Fang and he shivered at the thought.

(That guy getting his hands on an evil version of Holy Talon is the last thing I want to see before I bid farewell to this world. To think Naruto's got both the Kyuubi to deal with and this…man I've got my work cut out for me…I don't even want to guess the results if any Akatsuki members hold that sword…with Death Fang and the Kyuubi in their hands…this will be a nightmare come true for the whole world…)

“So are you ready for it?”

“Honestly Pervy Sage…I don't know…Holy Talon did say I am still a novice Dragon Champion…but I have to do it…I am a Dragon Champion too and I have to fight Death Fang and it's Master someday…so I have to be stronger until that day comes.”

“Well then…both you and I are going have our hands full then…”

“By the way Pervy Sage…what's Tsunade like? I mean, like I've said I don't know much about her so since you do…what is she like?”

Jiraiya thought about it and replied.

“Well…she can be annoying, lazy, and very reckless…but she's smart, very smart, and tough…she had even super-human strength due to her chakra control being the best among us back in the day…she also loved to gamble…a lot. She's famous for that…”

“Exactly how famous is she?”

“Well she has this one name that sticks out like a sore thumb…and the name is…”

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The men in the most expensive gambling den in the town smiled as they recognized just who had entered the room and placed a wager, one asked his comrade just who the new arrival was and he whispered the name as Tsunade sat down and said that she wanted the case of money turned into chips.

Shizune was giving off the usual look of fear and anxiety she had when Tsunade gambled as she held the pig familiar named Ton-ton.

(Oh no…they're giving Tsunade-sama the look again!)

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“The Legendary Sucker? Is she really that bad a gambler?”

“Oh yeah…she loved gambling ever since she was young…but Tsunade's got the worst skill and luck in gambling, she's always losing, and she's always in debt to a lot of people.”

“So how does she manage to keep on gambling and avoid all the collectors? From the way you say it Pervy Sage...she's probably got a mountain of debt the height of the mountain face the other Hokages are carved in.”

“That's true…you see Tsunade's got a jutsu that allows her to look in her 20s despite the fact she's actually in her 50s at the moment.”

“So she uses Henge?”

“Not exactly squirt…from the way I understand it…she doesn't use any jutsu to maintain the Henge…it's permanently on and I've seen her take a LOT of punishment in the past and the Henge doesn't fade off. And she can disguise herself to be at any age she wants to avoid the collectors…that's how she manages to avoid all the company.”

“A permanent Henge and can be altered whenever needed eh? That's pretty darn useful now that I think about that…so how do we track her if she's able to maintain that Henge and change it whenever she wants?”

“That's easy…she's always using the default 20s look and she's…well a very attractive one at that age and considering the nickname she's got…all we have to do is go into a gambling den or find a gambler and ask them if they've seen her recently.”

“Okay…so that means you've got a picture of her in her 20s…mind if I take a look?”

Jiraiya grinned at that and teased Naruto.

“You sure about that kid…I'll tell you that Tsunade was a looker back in the day and even if it's Henge…you'd admit that she's quite the super babe.”

“A picture's a picture Pervy Sage…besides…she can't be THAT attractive…”

“Wanna bet on that Naruto?”

“Yeah...I'll wager…a hundred of my allowance.”

“A hundred? All right…look and weep kid.”

Jiraiya took out the picture and showed it to Naruto who had a rather calm and slightly untrusting look…mainly because he was still not sure of this Tsunade was actually attractive as Jiraiya said she was…but the very second he saw the picture…his eyes widened at the sight as he saw a tall woman with blonde hair, deep brown eyes and had a very attractive face in par with some of the women back in Konoha, there was that strange purple diamond shaped tattoo on her head and she had…what appeared to be the largest bust he had ever seen on her chest…he'd seen a lot in his time…peeking at magazines back in usual hangout store and using his new and heavily improved Sexy No Jutsu…but he had admit…this Tsunade lady was well…endowed to say the least. He turned and grumbled as he took out his wallet and took some bills and handed it to Jiraiya who grinned as he took the money…and he laughed.

“Cheer up Naruto…it's not the first time this happened when I showed this picture to some young guy.”

“Yeah I'll bet…so she's currently in THAT form?”

“Knowing her, yes…but let's put that aside for the moment…for now…training begins!! I said I would teach you a powerful jutsu that would make the Chidori pale in comparison and I keep my promises…but before that…you need to relax and take a break…and we're close enough to a town I know which will really help!”

“All right! Does that mean I get to wear this?”

Naruto asked as he took out Gai's gift to him and Jiraiya gave him a shake of his head and a glare…as he was not liking the image of Naruto dressed up in THAT for the next few days of training for the jutsu.

“No way are you wearing that disaster of a suit Naruto…I'd rather be tarred and feathered and beaten to death by a mob than be seen anywhere near a guy who'd wear that horror suit.”

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Later…

“Wow…this town is great….I wish Konoha was this lively in the day…”

Naruto said as they were looking at the town that appeared to be having a full day festival..there were stands everywhere with games, toys, prizes…food and more…and there were street performers, clowns, and the like…it was a veritable sea of fun and excitement…some of the things that he wished were in Konoha more often.

“Take it while you can Naruto and shop for what you need…cause after all this…the training will begin…in the meantime have fun while I go pay a few bars a visit…”

Naruto glared at the Sannin…

“Please tell me you're not going to get drunk Pervy Sage… I may have dragon enhanced strength but there's no way I can handle hauling you're butt out of the bar and heading back to the hotel…”

“Kid…I've been drinking since I was 14, so I'm all right with a few bottles…besides that…gamblers usually take the day off with a few drinks at this time of the day…so that way…if we don't hit the jackpot and meet Tsunade here in a den now…then we'd at the very least know the best place she'd go to next from someone who saw her. And besides…the time we spend here will be for your training on that jutsu I promised to teach you.”

“Oh…all right then, now to take out my wallet and party!”

Naruto took out his favorite frog wallet and smiled as he held it as it was bulging from the amount of money he had saved up over the many missions he undertook, along with some work on the side…as Teuchi would pay him small amounts for hauling groceries from time to time and a few odds and ends work as well.

“Nice collection…you saved up a lot of money Naruto…”

“Yep…you'll never know when you'll need it…and all the money here will really be worth it!”

“Not so fast Naruto…hand me that wallet for a moment…”

Naruto didn't know why but decided not to argue with his teacher and handed Jiraiya the wallet and Jiraiya took out a number of bills and handed Naruto back the wallet and Naruto was not happy with the amount as it was pitiful compared to the amount he had IN the wallet.

“Only 50?! Come on Pervy Sage…I gave you a hundred before…at least let me have my allowance…”

“That is your allowance…there are some weaknesses to ninja Naruto…one is alcohol, two is money, and three is women…these are a ninja's vices…the less contact you have with them…the better off you will be ninja wise…now go and use that money wisely. I'll take your gear and you take mine…use the toads to track me and just in case…make sure to be on your toes.”

Naruto grumbled and walked away and spoke to himself.

(Vices of a ninja…yeah right…more like those three are YOUR vices Pervy Sage…I'll wager a bet that he's going to use my money for those three things…ah well…what can I do…he's my master after all…though how the Fourth dealt with that perverted old man as a sensei…I'll never know…but how am I going to have fun with only 50 bills?)

((“Master Naruto…would you like to know a spell just for this occasion?”))

(Sure…)

Naruto listened and Holy talon told him about Transmutation being used to make objects from basic materials and realized that he could make something that was valuable to others so he could have some extra money for himself to use when the time came and he decided to take a shot at it and headed off to the town and along the way took a spot and made sure no one was looking and he quickly took out a well made kunai from his pouch and with a good application of Dragon Fire…made something else entirely…

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A nearby weapon-shop in town…

“Hmm…this sword looks brand new…perfect balance…good weight…not too heavy or too light, very keen edge…and high quality metal construction too. Where exactly did you get this sword kid?”

Naruto sighed and spoke…

“I had that sword with me when an old swordsman visited my home and taught some sword moves and gave me these two swords…one's mine and the other is something he wanted me to use whenever I wished and in any way that I wanted…so sir…is it all right I give that to you?”

The shop keeper thought about it and recognized a high quality blade when he saw it…he had seen many fine weapons in his day and this one was the finest he had ever seen and worth top money too…he took out a piece of wood and cut it as a test and the sword cleanly sliced through it…and no signs of damage either…he then tried hitting it on another blade and was impressed that it didn't chip…showing the quality of the metal used. He looked at Naruto and saw Holy Talon and was impressed…

(Whoever made this sword knew his stuff…this could really be a collector's item and quite the weapon too.)

“All right then…how much do you want for the sword?”

“How much you willing to give for that?”

“I'll give you 8000 up front kid…I've never seen this kind of quality work in my entire life so it would be a disservice not to pay top cash for such a weapon…this okay with you?”

“You bet!”

Naruto later smiled as he held the envelope filled with bills as he was paid the exact amount by the shop owner and he now had more money than he ever had on any mission he took as a Genin. But he decided to keep the envelope hidden and made sure that he kept his spending to a minimum to make sure the Pervy Sage didn't notice his new way of rebuilding his funds. He bought some food and bought a few other materials that he could find of use. He managed to enjoy his day and decided to go and see just what sort of nonsense his perverted sensei got involved with. He found out that his sensei had more money than he ever did when he looked at the bank book.

(That guy's got more money than I have kunai…humph, and he takes MY wallet…but he is a Sannin so I guess letting him be himself is okay…well…time to find him and see what sort of nonsense did he get himself into this time.)

And sure enough…his suspicions were right on the money as he spotted his sensei in a bar and surrounded by women and he had alcohol in his hands. He couldn't help but sigh at the sight as he spotted his wallet empty…telling him that all of his savings were down the drain.

“I should have known I'd find you here Pervy Sage…”

“Hey Naruto…how was the festival?”

“Don't give me that you pervert…considering my wallet is as empty as I've ever seen it…you're breaking all the rules you just gave me…some advice you gave…”

“Heh…well…there's a lot to life too…and right now we've got company to deal with.”

Naruto was surprised and turned to see a number of thugs…led by one dressed in a suit harassing one of the stall owners and it was getting his anger up that there were guys like them who were causing mayhem on a good day. Naruto turned and got ready to fight…but Jiraiya smirked and talked to him…

“Let me handle this…”

Naruto wondered what the Pervy Sage was going to as he approached the small group…after trading some insults…the Sannin then did something that totally caught Naruto's eye as he spotted a small but powerful glowing ball in the palm of the Pervy sage's hand and the Sannin then sent the leader flying backwards a fair distance away. The thugs looked like they were about to wet their pants and after Jiraiya spoke once more…they all humbly apologized to the store owner as the Sannin turned to face Naruto who was wide eyed at what he saw…

“What was that you just did Pervy Sage?!”

“That…is the jutsu I plan to teach you…now come on…training begins now…”

Naruto grinned as he thought of the possibilities and he followed the Pervy Sage without complaint.

(Man…that jutsu was awesome…I am going to learn how to do that soon…this is great, I know I can master that jutsu soon enough!)

----------

Naruto woke up in the forest for the moment and groaned as he shook his hands a bit to loosen them up and relaxed as he looked at the number of burst rubber air balloons that he had managed to put holes in…but he was not satisfied with the results…the new set of balloons were much harder to break than he thought than the first. He thought back on how this all started…

After witnessing the technique first hand and seeing how Jiraiya burst the first water balloon he had spent days figuring it out, he decided that he had to learn on his own after Jiraiya told him that he'd only teach the steps…the rest was for him to learn on his own. At first he was not very happy with the suggestion, but didn't challenge the test and worked hard on the first step…which according to the Pervy Sage was rotation and that was key in the first part of the training.

He learned about his natural rotation and of chakra and learned to improvise when he saw a cat playing another water balloon and breaking it using it's paws. Jiraiya gave him a look as he showed the cat that helped him make his improvisation…along the way he learned about the pain involved with the jutsu but pushed that out of his mind.

Which led to his latest test…he had even higher difficulty with this jutsu's power training…and he was getting more pain but pushed it aside…and when he did burst one the balloons…Jiraiya commended him for trying. He was then taught concentration and here he was now at the moment…placing holes in balloons when they should have gone bang.

He got to his feet and sighed once more.

(There's no way I'm giving up just yet…I've made it this far and I won't lose again.)

(((Hey brat…I need a word with you.)))

Naruto then concentrated and he was now before the cage of the Kyuubi and as soon as the Kyuubi appeared…Naruto spoke.

“What now Kyuubi?”

“You had an encounter a few days before with some ninja…one had the Samehada and was no doubt a Mist Seven Swordsman…and who was the other one?”

“The killer of the Uchiha Clan…Itachi Uchiha.”

Kyuubi growled in a very irate tone and bristled with undisguised hatred.

(((Uchiha…the same cursed clan that I loathe more than any other.)))

“What's your issue with the Uchiha anyway Kyuubi…you sound like you want to rip them all to shreds.”

(((Brat you no idea…I have a special place of hatred for that clan and the Sharingan in my demonic heart…I hate that clan more than I hate even you…)))

“Why's that?”

(((I'll tell you some other time…but suffice to say…one of that wretched clan pulled a fast one on me a LONG time ago…and I have never forgiven nor forgotten that event for a long time. Now what exactly led them to you?)))

Naruto then filled the Kyuubi in on the details and the Kyuubi seemed silent and then after Naruto said his reasons for not allowing the Akatsuki to have his powers for themselves, the demon fox began to laugh out loud and spoke.

(((You've gotten more gutsy than I ever thought possible…to actually be shielding ME of all things…heh, you are an interesting kid and you are not boring to say the least. Tell you what…I have a proposal…)))

(Go on…)

(((I'll loan you my chakra for free so no need to come barging in here all the time and on demand no less and I will make sure to keep my power away from your mind…since you are protected by that sword after all…so even if you were to use my full power…your mind will be fully intact and you can use all my strength.)))

(And how am I sure you won't back out of your word?)

(((Listen brat…I am a demon and a deadly one at that…but I keep my word and I have a code of honor…if I say I will allow you my full power but let you be free of my influence…then I will do just that…when I make a promise…it's not just my honor at stake…but my pride as well and those two things are of great value to me…if I break them…then I am humiliating myself and I will NOT allow that to happen…so do we have a deal?)))

(Fine…)

Naruto got back to his training and tried even harder as he got ready to try again…unknown to him Jiraiya was watching from a distance and smiled as he saw the gust and determination of his new pupil as Naruto grabbed yet another balloon and went back into the training with greater gusto.

(You've got the potential to surpass the Fourth Naruto…you might not have his brains…but you've got his heart and will to succeed no matter the odds…and that is good enough for any shinobi.)

But there was not much time…he had encountered a gambler who told him of Tsunade's location…Tanzaku-Gai… and now was the time to be on the move…he had a feeling that as soon as he would meet Tsunade…things were going to get VERY hectic from here on out. He stepped out and walked over to his student and called his attention. But before he did…he spotted Naruto cut his hand and make a motion on it and then to his surprise…Naruto tried again and had exploded the balloon and had actually thrown himself backwards…

He ran up to Naruto and saw that Naruto had concentrated so much chakra in his hand that he blew himself away and even burned his hand.

(Impressive…he was able to concentrate that much chakra into his hand that he burned it at the same time…he's come a long way since that first demonstration.)

“I guess the third stage is next…eh Pervy Sage?”

“Normally yeah…but we've got no time to waste…I've located Tsunade…we'll move there and I'll explain the third stage on the way to where she is…you up for it?”

“I made it this far didn't I?”

----------

Orochimaru smiled as he was also on his way to meet Tsunade to finally have his arms healed. Kabuto then spoke about his own knowledge of Tsunade…namely in his time in the Medics…long ago Tsunade had requested that a Medic-nin was to be assigned to heal the injuries of all ninja squads to prevent losses and while it was a good idea…the casualties would be enormous. And this was going to work well for him…

After all…two tragedies existed that gave him an edge over Tsunade

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(I've got a very bad feeling about this…)

Tsunade thought as for the first time in her life she was able to win a large bank roll in the gambling casino…Shizune was pleased and so was Ton-ton…but the blonde Kunoichi and legendary Sannin knew one thing…the only time her luck in gambling changed was when something major and bad was going to happen. But she had no idea just how bad it was going to be.

----------

Elsewhere…

POP!!!!

“Darn it…here we go again…”

Naruto took out another empty balloon and blew it up again with air and tied it up and then tried again with the third step of the jutsu…it proved to be a real challenge since this time he had to keep rotation, and power…and keep the balloon from bursting. No wonder the Fourth took 3 years to master and make the jutsu the Pervy Sage used before. He had seen it in a field demonstration by Jiraiya and admitted that this part was going to be even harder than the first two.

“Another one?”

“Yep…but don't worry about me Pervy Sage…I've got this one in mind now and I'll master it like the others for sure…”

(Heh…keep at it Naruto…you've done the first two steps well despite the efforts…and now you've gone this far…it'll be hard but you'll do it…of that I am sure of.)

Once they arrived at the area…they began looking for Tsunade…but Naruto then decided to try his luck at gambling at a lottery…and oh did he win first prize…and his wallet was now full…that and his hidden stash of funds from selling the sword before made him even happier. Jiraiya gave Naruto a look.

(He won that much on his first try…I guess Kakashi wasn't kidding about Naruto's luck streak, and he actually has a sharpness for gambling…if only he was this lucky in jutsu training…that and his drive to succeed would make him a hell of a ninja…and if Tsunade had his luck and skill in gambling, then she'd be luckier at least and win more often.)

Naruto then placed away his wallet and went on with the training…and grumbled a bit as his balloon popped at the wrong time but didn't give up as he took out yet another one and tried again.

----------

Later…

Tsunade was drinking her butt off and called for another bottle and while Shizune wanted her to stop..part of her couldn't blame her sensei for being this drunk at the very moment. They had gone sightseeing despite Tsunade's attempts to leave…and then Orochimaru showed up and spoke to Tsunade about healing his arms…and when she learned that the Third was killed…she was not very happy…but when she was taunted by Orochimaru about two people she loved and cared for being dead…she lost it and came was about to attack…despite Kabuto's attempts to settle things diplomatically and her own attacks to finish them off with her needles. But Orochimaru gave a powerful offer…to use a forbidden jutsu to bring her master's little brother and boy-friend back to life…and when that happened she halted her attack…and he said that if she did cure his arms…he would level Konoha to the ground.

She tried to convince Tsunade to attack Orochimaru and end his threat…but that was proven to be a bad idea as Orochimaru…knew about Tsunade's weakness…her fear of blood and used it to paralyze her…after that the two left and Tsunade was still reeling from what she had been offered. And here they were now…

(Tsunade-sama…)

“Come on Pervy Sage, let's find a decent ramen shop…you know I'm not in the age to be here in the first place…”

“Listen shorty…we came here for dinner and get more data on where Tsunade is since people usually drop by places like this…besides…there's good food here so don't worry about getting drunk or anything.”

Tsunade turned and sure enough she spotted someone that looked familiar to her despite her alcohol laden mind telling her otherwise. Jiraiya likewise looked more closely when he spotted a certain blonde woman that looked very familiar to him…and it was then that the light bulb finally clicked on.

“TSUNADE!!!!”

Tsunade got off her chair and gave a shout of recognition of her own.

“JIRAIYA?! What…what the heck are you doing here?!”

“Finally…you have any idea how hard it is to find you? I nearly thought I have to turn this entire town upside down and go to very gambling den in the town. I should have guess ed you'd be here.”

Naruto said nothing as he looked at Tsunade and sure enough…she certainly resembled the picture…though the picture did no justice…she might be in Henge and was about the same age as his Pervy Sage sensei, she certainly didn't look like it…he had to admit that she's got the biggest pair of breasts he'd seen yet.

(The Pervy Sage was right for once…despite her age…she is a babe…I wonder if the Pervy Sage had the gall to try anything on her when she was younger?)

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Later…

Naruto happily munched away at the food as he and Jiraiya was sitting before Tsunade and Shizune were, it was then after finishing her drink that Tsunade spoke…

“All these old faces…here at once…I swear if I wasn't in a drunken mood…I'd think this was a reunion party…”

Jiraiya poured her yet another round from the sake bottle…and Naruto stopped eating his fish and he looked at the two as he already had an idea on who Tsunade was referring to as he knew the three Sannin and since there was one more.

“So Orochimaru's here too…what exactly happened here?”

Shizune was about to speak, but Tsunade gave her a warning glare…however, Holy Talon sensed something and spoke it's master.

((“Master Naruto…I have a feeling that Tsunade was offered something that had truly grabbed her attention by Orochimaru…and it is a very serious thing as well.”))

(What did that bastard offer her?)

((“I can't be sure…but she's considering it very heavily.”))

“Nothing…just catching up on old times…”

Jiraiya knew better…he had seen the look Tsunade gave Shizune…a warning look, that look from Tsunade to Shizune easily told him that Orochimaru had far more interesting things to talk about to Tsunade than reminiscing about the past. That told him that he had to hurry before things got even worse.

“the reason I got here is the fact that the Village Council had sent the request that you become the Fifth Hokage.”

Naruto knew about it firsthand before back in Konoha so he ignored it and continued eating…while Shizune was shocked and Tsunade was stunned slightly by the announcement. Jiraiya was about to say that the Third was dead…but Tsunade beat him to it.

“I know about the Third…Orochimaru told me himself that he killed Sarutobi-sensei.”

Naruto then looked at Tsunade and spoke.

“And you just stood there as he said that? You did nothing to at least kill that traitorous bastard who tried to destroy your home village and killed your sensei? You had a chance but never took it…why is that?!”

Tsunade turned and looked at Naruto…wondering why he seemed somewhat familiar to her somehow…as if she had seen him before…despite the rather off looks that he had…not that they were ugly or anything…but just a bit off for someone so young.

“Who's the loudmouth Jiraiya?”

“You know him well enough Tsuande…even though you two never officially met…he's Naruto Uzumaki.”

(So he's the Kyuubi container…I never he'd look more like a young adult than a adolescent…)

“So what's your answer Tsunade?”

“What your asking me is impossible Jiraiya…I decline..”

(This is not looking good…)

“Funny you should say that of all things Tsunade…that was the exact same phrase you said when I asked you out a long time ago…”

“Hey Pervy Sage…we're supposed to be asking her to come back to the village and heal Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei, and even Bushy brows Lee, and to be Hokage…not going on a date of all things…and she already said no.”

“I'm aware of that Naruto…but don't forget…I'm not cut out to be Hokage…Tsunade's own grandfather was the First Hokage and like I said…she's got the abilities and intellect to be a better Hokage…plus she is not a Sannin for nothing…her battle skills were legendary and her healing skills were unmatched…and she still has them.”

“I'm aware of that Pervy Sage…you told me on the road remember?”

“Jiraiya…this young kid accompanying you is a lot louder and more different than your last apprentice.”

“If that was a running joke on me Old Lady…then I'm not laughing.”

“Well it's tough being compared to the Fourth…he had the talent, the skills, the jutsu, the looks and the compassion to go with it all…he was a genius and the best Hokage the village had then..”

“But he died young didn't he?”

Jiraiya looked on silently and so did Naruto as Tsunade continued to speak.

“He gave up his life for his village…Life is not the same thing as money…you can get money back…but a life is one time thing…you can never gamble it or win it back…anyone who throws his life away was a fool.”

Naruto gritted his teeth in growing anger as Tsunade spoke onwards.

“My grandfather and my grand uncle focused so much on making the village peaceful and prosperous…but in the end…they died in the middle of their dreams…they lost everything…and ended up dead…”

“I'm surprised at that way of seeing things Tsunade…you have changed a lot, and you've said all you've thought and had on your mind.”

“I'm in my 50s Jiraiya like you…age can do that to people.”

“it's no wonder Sarutobi-sensei died…he was already too old to live his dreams.”

Jiraiya glared at Tsunade and wondered just what made her like this…though a part of him already had a clear idea of what happened to her long ago.

The title of Hokage is a foolish and worthless thing …anyone who wants it will be nothing but a fool…”

“I'VE HEARD ENOUGH OF THIS GARBAGE!!!!”

Naruto rushed up and was about to draw Holy Talon out of his sheath when Jiraiya stopped him…

“Keep your shirt on kid…we're in a public bar for Kami's sake…”

“I don't give a rat's ass if we're in the middle of a frozen wasteland with only our undies at this very moment Pervy Sage! I am not going to stand by and let this old hag insult the Fourth, and all the Hokages and the title!!!”

Naruto glared darkly at Tsunade's smirking face and he cracked his knuckles and looked even more enraged while Jiraiya and Shizune looked on.

“You have the audacity to not only insult the Third who was among the very few people I ever cared and respected…the man who was like a Grand Father to me…but your own Grand Father The First Hokage and even the Fourth?! I don't know what kind of incident in your life made you in a cold and heartless ice woman Old Lady…but if you think you're going to get away with those remarks…you're dead wrong…for all those who died living their dreams…I'll make sure to rip that smirk off your face with my bare hands…even if you are a woman!!!!”

Tsunade stood up and glared back with a smile.

“Oh yeah? You've got guts and gall to be saying such things in my face kid. Then let's take this outside.”

----------

Outside…

“Tsunade-sama…”

“Oh boy…to think it came to this…”

Jiraiya and Shizune…along with Ton-ton saw the whole thing as Tsunade and Naruto faced one another and Naruto's cold glare was focused right at Tsunade.

“I'm one of the three Sannin…I don't have to be serious in front of a young upstart kid who's a Genin…one finger will be enough…”

“Oh yeah…you're going to regret those words Old Lady.”

Naruto slammed his hand into the ground and his hands were covered in flame that glowed brown…catching the group off guard.

“EARTH WAVE!!!!”

A massive wave of earth came right at Tsunade that resembled a wave from the ocean…surprising the blonde Kunoichi as she moved back and dodged the wave and Naruto made his move as he came right at her with a pair of revolving kicks aimed right for her head, she blocked them and struck at Naruto…but discovered that it was not Naruto…but a Kage Bushin…

(A Kage Bushin?)

Tsunade turned in time to avoid a punch to the face from Naruto that appeared…but Naruto turned in mid strike and lashed out with an elbow strike with his right arm in spin motion…Tsunade blocked it and attacked with her finger…Naruto however grabbed her arm and planted his feet on the ground and rolled..taking Tsunade with him and he introduced his right leg in a kick to her stomach…however, Tsunade was not a legendary Sannin for nothing as she managed to avoid the attack and lift Naruto up and quickly tossed him aside…Naruto however recovered and attacked once more…only this time with Holy Talon…but Tsunade kept her cool and slammed her foot on the earth and sent a cracking tremor at Naruto…making him slow down and break his attack as he quickly struck with her finger…sending Naruto backwards…

Naruto got up and shock his head as his headband fell…he looked at with some surprise.

(Only one finger eh…I guess Pervy Sage was right about her strength…so that means head on attacks are a bad idea…okay then…let's see if we can try another approach…)

“Hey Kid…”

“The name's Naruto Uzumaki you Old Lady…use it…”

“And the name's Tsunade…you use that…before you pass out from that strike…tell me something…why are you so determined to be Hokage?”

“Humph…dumb question… If you really want to know…the reason is simple…unlike you…I have long wished to be Hokage…and I will become Hokage no matter what…and you know why?”

“Why's that…”

“Because it is my dream to be Hokage!”

Tsunade was stunned because at that very moment…she saw two other faces on either side of Naruto's…and those were the faces of both Dan and Nawaki…Dan was the uncle of Shizune and her boy-friend from so long ago, and Nawaki was her only brother…both died…but they said the very same thing that Naruto did.

Jiraiya saw that and so did Shizune and in a moment…Tsunade was in a state of loss and Naruto himself saw that as well.

(She's distracted…I know this is risky…but I have no choice…that jutsu is not yet complete…but I have to try it!!!)

Naruto placed aside Holy Talon and quickly focused his chakra and managed to unleash the technique…incomplete as it was at the moment…and charged…Tsunade however saw it and while she was surprised that he had attempted the Rasengan…she was able to hit the ground and cause a chasm to appear and stop Naruto….

The blonde however was not the kind to give up as he leaped upward, pulled out and attacked with Holy Talon and brought it down towards Tsunade…but stopped in mid strike when Jiraiya stopped him with a shout.

“That's enough Naruto…cool your jets…”

Naruto nodded and re-sheathed Holy Talon, and Tsunade spoke once more…only this time she directed her question to Jiraiya…

“Jiraiya…was it you who taught this kid the Rasengan?”

“Yes…I am his teacher…both in principle…and necessity.”

“You should know full well that only you and the Fourth could truly master the Rasengan…he might have accomplished the first two steps…but he's still lacking the third step…what's the whole point of teaching a jutsu like the Rasengan…a high grade level A jutsu to a kid…to give him foolish hopes of being Hokage and you as his Master? Its better he gives up now and stop dreaming foolish dreams…”

“Quit trying to talk about me like I don't have the ability to learn the Rasengan Old Lady…all I need is three days to master it and I will master it…and when I do…then I'll wipe that arrogant smirk right off your face with it!”

Tsunade gave Naruto a look while the blonde looked right back at her with the same intensity and a part of her vein twitched at the look the boy was giving.

“You're serious aren't you?”

“Serious enough to do just what I said…because I don't take back what I say no matter what others think…and that includes you…you Old Lady.”

”You've really got some guts to be saying that still…all right then, how about this little bet…I'll give you a week to master the Rasengan and if by some miracle you do…then I'll give you my necklace and acknowledge you as the next Hokage.”

Shizune was stunned at this while Jiraiya raised an eye-brow…

(Tsunade-sama…what are you doing? You've never been the kind to give that necklace to others…especially considering it's…sad history.)

(Hmm…what the heck has gotten Tsunade like that? It's not often that she'd allow a kid to get under her skin…the only kid she'd ever allow to pester her and anger her that way is…oh…I see…I guess that's yet another reason why I made the right choice to have him along.)

“What the heck would I do with a strange looking necklace like that? I'm not a jewelry type of guy to being with!”

“Naruto…that necklace is not a weird piece of jewelry…that is a necklace handed down by the First Hokage…the ores that make that jewel are VERY rare and there are only two like it in this world. In fact that necklace can buy you at least three lucrative gold mines, and both the towns and mountains to go with it.”

Naruto was surprised at that and looked at the necklace still wondering if it was really that valuable…he then gave a curious look to Tsunade and asked.

“On the chance I don't complete the Rasengan…then what?”

“Then I take your wallet and all your life savings….and that sword of yours.”

“WHAT?! NOW YOU'VE REALLY CROSSED THE LINE OLD LADY!!!! NO ONE BUT ME CAN USE HOLY TALON!!!”

“Either that…or you'll still be a weak kid in my eyes and you'll never be Hokage material…so how about it?”

Naruto thought hard and gave his answer.

“Fine…one week it is… I will master this Rasengan in a week you old lady…and when I do…that necklace is mine!!!!”

Shizune walked over to Tsunade and spoke to her sensei and long time teacher.

“Tsunade-sama…you can't be serious about this…the necklace is a precious thing…and most of all…”

“Don't worry Shizune…it's not like he's actually going to accomplish the bet in one week…let's go…I need to have some privacy…”

Shizune however knew something was up…because the amount of time that Tsunade gave to Naruto…was the very same amount of time Orochimaru and Kabuto had given Tsunade to consider her answer on whether she would heal his arms.

Jiraiya however decided that it was time he had a more private discussion with his team-mate from the past.

“Tsunade…come and have a drink with me…Shizune…can you take Naruto and find a hotel and stay there the night?”

“Okay…”

(Please Master Jiraiya…please try to reason with Tsunade-sama…you're the only one who can at this point.)

----------

In the hotel…

Naruto was not in the best of moods as he packed up some supplies while swearing loudly to himself about how callous Tsunade was after all he had heard. And he was irate at the thought of that woman being Hokage…

“Damn crazy old hag…first she wants to take all my hard earned pay to do Kami only knows what with it…and now she wants to take Holy Talon from me?! She insults the Third after all he did for the village…and even her own blood…damn it…no way am I ever going to agree to her being the Hokage…damn that cold dead heart and soul of hers to the darkest pits in the hells!”

“Excuse me…Naruto-kun…”

Naruto turned and saw Shizune as she walked into the room. He decided not to get angry with her, she wasn't the enemy here anyway…and tried to calm down his emotions.

“Shizune…I don't want to sound rude or anything…but I need a good night's sleep for me to train tomorrow so I can finally win that darn bet.”

“That's exactly why I want to talk to you Naruto-kun…before you do this…you have know more about the necklace…and about Tsunade-sama…”

“I know she's your mentor Shizune…I understand…but after all I've heard from that callous and cold hearted ice lady and all she said about the Hokage title and those who died for their dreams…I don't want to hear about it…I'd rather be roasting in the fires of the underworld than hear more about her…that heartless old hag…”

Shizune got angry and shouted at Naruto…

“STOP CALLING TSUNADE-SAMA THOSE NAMES!!! SHE”S NOT A HEARTLESS AND CALLOUS PERSON!!!! AND DON'T SAY THOSE THINGS LIKE YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HER!!!”

Shizune looked at saw Naruto was silent and realized that she couldn't afford to lose her own cool if she wanted to at least explain why Tsunade was like this now…she knew Tsunade for a long time…longer than Naruto and Naruto deserved to know why her mentor was like that.

“I'm sorry…sorry for that…but please hear me out before you jump to any conclusions about Tsunade-sama….you see…she wasn't like that…she was kind, compassionate…and dedicated to the village…more so than anyone back then…but she's suffered a lot and lost so much…hopes and dreams…and more…that necklace is not a trophy…it's a cursed necklace…it only accepts Tsunade-sama to wear it…anyone else…will die…it already claimed two people precious to her…”

“Who?”

“Her only brother who was killed when he was only a Genin like you…and on his 12th birthday no less…she gave him that necklace as a present…and he was the first to die, when they brought him back… the enemy had so desecrated the body…she hardly recognized him…and the second person she lost was her first love…who was my uncle who raised after my parents died, the only man to stand by her when she wanted Medic-nins in the ninja teams…and the only man she loved…and she also couldn't save him from death…even if she was there in the battle…and there she feared blood ever since…after that…she took me with her and left Konoha…and all the pain. That necklace is a host of sweet and bitter memories for Tsunade-sama and ever since then…she's grown cynical and bitter…but can you blame her…for all that she had to suffer and how the people she loved died so young? Please Naruto-kun…please tell me you understand why I wanted to try and make you understand…”

Naruto sighed and replied.

“Yeah…I do…so that means I won't be here for a long time…”

“What do you mean?”

“My training starts now…because I am going to prove to her that dreams come true…no matter the odds…and I carry my own burden as well Shizune…”

“The Kyuubi?”

“No…the destiny of facing my sword's only known rival and it's own soon to be chosen master…Death Fang.”

Shizune was surprised and before she could inquire more…Naruto left.

----------

In a bar nearby…

“You've never changed a bit Tsunade…even if it's Henge…you're still as attractive as ever…”

“And you haven't changed either Jiraiya…you're the only guy I'd never date…”

“Don't think I'm interested or anything…I'm not really into women who are at my age.”

The two Sannin drank their sake as they were lost in their own thoughts, Tsunade thought about what she had learned and what she thought about that kid Naruto…she had to admit that he was an attractive sort…despite being way younger than her by nearly 38 years. But for now...she recalled how similar he was to…

“Is Naruto on your mind all of a sudden?”

“Not really…”

“You're wrong…I can't believe you let him goad you into that bet of yours…I mean…when did you suddenly become so childish?”

“What?”

“Betting your necklace and making him learn the Rasengan in a week? You know he can't do that all in a week…you're being unreasonable again.”

“Maybe…”

“So when will you meet Orochimaru by the end of the week?”

Tsunade froze and looked at Jiraiya who shrugged.

“I'm not a complete fool Tsunade…I saw that look on Shizune's face and that told me enough hat like me…Orochimaru offered you something to help him, and your considering it…but you had better slow down and think it over very carefully and realize what you are going to do if you agree.”

“Don't forget all the Hokage who have come before and all their sacrifices, their hopes and dreams…they always thought of the safety, happiness, and prosperity of every villager of Konoha…they gambled everything to ensure the survival of the village and it's people…and yes…they gave everything for that goal and dream…even their lives. Those decisions have helped Konoha to survive and prosper…even in the times when things were their darkest. If you help Orochimaru in whatever mad plans he has and no doubt it involves the destruction of Konoha…then you have betrayed and killed the dreams and made the sacrifices of the Hokages and those who died meaningless.”

Tsunade looked at Jiraiya evenly and so did he…with all serious intent.

“I wish you are not that kind of person Tsunade…but so help me…if you betray Konoha…in any fashion…then I will kill you with my own hands if it comes to that.”

“This has nothing to do with me…”

“Don't fool yourself…a person who cares or feels nothing at the deaths of those to him or her is nothing more than a raving beast…and I know that you're no monster…you cared more for the village and felt it's pain and sorrow more than anyone…I recall that day…”

“Stop it right now!”

“That kid, coming in here and making things even more confusing…why on earth did you bring him with you?”

“I see…so he reminds you of…him…they are alike indeed…almost the same age I believe…”

“You have no idea…they're more alike than you know.”

Jiraiya then sighed and drank another shot as he decided that it was time he told her about how much Naruto had changed from what she knew of him.

“I never told you yet…but that kid Naruto came this close to killing Orochimaru in the Chuunin Exams.”

Tsunade gave Jiraiya a look of disbelief as they drank another round.

“Are you pulling my leg Jiraiya?”

“I'm not…before he passed away…Sarutobi told me about how Naruto had fought Orochimaru in the Forest of Death and how he had nearly killed Orochimaru and forced him to leave…and in Kenjutsu no less… and you and I both know how good Orochimaru is with Kenjutsu…he even broke the Kusanagi in half with one strike with that sword he was carrying.”

“He used that sword and broke the Kusanagi?! Not even the Monkey King Enma can do that…”

“But he did…I think he even made quite the impression on Orochimaru…that guy was after Sasuke Uchiha for the Sharingan but he's supposedly have a plan to kill Naruto himself… or even try to take the sword from him. Naruto said so himself. He tried to take the sword…but the sword nearly incinerated him…though the flames didn't harm Naruto in the least when he held it. That's one reason why Naruto's not keen on letting others hold that sword…after what I've heard…I even have doubts on whether your strength can carry that weapon of his since it never lets anyone but Naruto command it's powers…it's the same as your necklace now that you think about it.”

Jiraiya sighed and spoke.

“But that's nothing compared to the other destiny awaiting him…ironically because of that very same sword.”

“What would that be?”

“He will have to face the evil form of that sword…Death Fang.”

“What are you talking about now?”

“I'm not all that familiar with the details…but according to Naruto…the sword he has is called Holy Talon and is a living sword…both he and the sword share a bond and he is what the creator of the sword called a Dragon Champion, kind of a warrior order dedicated to peace and justice…but like all things…there is a dark counterpart…and that is Death Fang…like Holy Talon, it too is a living sword…but instead of being used to help others, it is a weapon of mass carnage and terror…and the ones who carry the sword had the same title…but were of pure evil and destruction, and they would not hesitate in bathing a place in blood…And Naruto told me that since he found Holy Talon in the Land of the Waves in his first mission as a Genin…it will be inevitable that someone will find Death Fang and be it's master…and sooner or later…both he or she and Naruto will face one another in combat…and from I've heard about this sword Death Fang from Naruto…this is one weapon that would make even the Kusanagi look like a child's toy knife.”

“Naruto admits that compared to the past users of Holy Talon…he's an utter novice…but he has no choice…Ironic really now that I think about it…he's cursed with a demon inside of him since after birth…blessed by a sword that shields him and aids him in battles…hunted by renegade ninja because of said demon, and now has to face the evil version of said sword. But he's tough that brat…you know what he said to me when I told him about the Akatsuki being after him?”

“No…what exactly did he say?”

“He said he'd rather have the Kyuubi inside of him and using it's powers for his own reasons…and the right ones than let some band of renegade ninjas use it for their own plans…he's accepted being the container of the Kyuubi but he is never willing to be labeled like that for the rest of his life and he was going to use the Kyuubi's chakra for the right reasons…he even had the gall to challenge those in the Council back in Konoha who dislike him to a one on one fight if they have issues with him…and he even asked them if they preferred him to be an ally of Konoha and a loyal citizen and ninja there or an enemy of Konoha…I was laughing my head off when I heard about that from Gai…and even old man Homura was unsettled by that…I would have given top money to see that for myself…he's the only Genin I know who not only stood up to the Council…but threatened them and got away with it…he's something all right.”

“You're certainly happy with him…”

“Oh yeah…he's got the goods to be a ninja all right…not the brains I'll admit…but the courage to go with it.”

“He's going to die young if he keeps that up…”

“You never heard much about him have you…until he's Hokage…he refuses to die…and even if he's not the best ninja…he's no fool…he managed to face both Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki in combat and even if he didn't kill either of them…even they admitted that he was no simple target.”

“He fought Itachi Uchiha…and lived?”

Tsunade knew full well how deadly a ninja Itachi was before and after he left the village after killing his clan, to think Naruto has fought with Itachi and survived told her that there was a chance Naruto was exceptional.

“He did more than live Tsunade…he managed to fight Itachi evenly, blow for blow and move for move, and you know how nearly impossible it is for a mere Genin to defeat a highly trained ninja…and we're talking about Itachi, who was the greatest member of the Uchiha before and after he killed his entire clan, here…even he admitted right in my sight and hearing range that Naruto was exceptional…and coming from Itachi…that goes a long way.”

Jiraiya then spoke as he finished his drink.

“He's going to be a very interesting ninja someday…and he will be a fine Champion. He's reaching for two dreams now…to be Hokage…and to become a Dragon Champion worthy of Holy Talon's powers…and the legacy of every Champion who used the sword. Their spirits reside in that sword and give their power freely to the new Champion”

With that…Jiraiya left and allowed Tsunade to her thoughts

----------

The time passed as Naruto continued to try and master the Rasengan…but he was struggling as he still had not been able to master the third step in order to complete his use of the Rasengan…even as he pushed his body forward…he was still not yet able to master the technique fully…but he was not giving up as Holy Talon gave him encouragement and so did the other spirits of the Dragon Champions…he needed their encouragement to push him through...

Unaware of the fact that Tsunade was secretly watching his progress…but this time not to antagonize him…but to look and see so much similarities between him and her little brother…and sometimes of Dan himself…and saw his grit and determination. She then looked at Holy Talon and wondered if it was true what Jiraiya told him about Naruto and that sword…she found it hard to believe that such a thing had such power…but decided to wait and see just what would happen in the future…she too spent her time thinking about what she had been offered…both by Jiraiya and Orochimaru…to be the Fifth Hokage and help protect and lead Konoha or to heal Orochimaru's arms and let him destroy the village of her birth and the very place that her loved ones wanted to protect and died protecting…she saw Shizune, Jiraiya, Naruto, Orochimaru's faces…each saying the words they said to her about which path she should take. She saw Dan and Nawaki's faces and there in those visions…she saw them with the necklace on them and what they had done in their lives…as she recalled seeing her brother's body and then saw the body of Dan covered in blood and rain…

She saw Naruto fall down in utter exhaustion as he had been doing the same training for nearly six days with no stopping…she looked at the utter devastation he had wrought in the field but yet she never saw the indication that he had gone to the third stage and mastered it. She thought about her decision and realized that it was time for her to make the most desperate gamble of her life…but first..she had to make sure that she was not going to be interrupted by certain people as she left to prepare part of her plan…all she needed was an opening to deal with.

----------

In another hidden base…

Orochimaru smiled as it was going to be the day for Tsunade to decide…however…he had other plans just in case Tsunade changed her mind…and with Kabuto's help…the plan could very well work out well.

----------

The next day…

“I see…damn that Orochimaru for using Dan and Nawaki as bargaining chips to buy Tsunade's support…he knows that Tsunade would do anything to see them and hold them again. And that kind of offer is really something that she would have a very hard time in resisting.”

Jiraiya said as he moved along with Naruto and Shizune while Ton-ton was with them…he had been able to move well enough despite being drugged by Tsunade that night when he tried to remind her of the last day…however his chakra was certainly in a mess and he doubted he could be able to face Orochimaru at this stage.

Naruto growled as well.

“That damn sick freak…I am going to finish what I started in the Forest of Death today for this mess.”

“Be careful…Orochimaru's not alone…there seems to be an underling with him…a man with silver hair, wore a Sound headband, had white and purple as his clothes and wearing glasses…and he was skilled enough to catch my poisoned needles…I think he might be Orochimaru's Medical-nin…from what I can sense…he is a dangerous foe.”

“He sounds familiar Shizune…I know only one person with that dress style…and that is Kabuto…”

“You know him Naruto-kun?”

“Yeah…let's just say I met him in Konoha when he was wearing the headband of the village…if worse comes to worse…let me deal with him….Holy Talon and Sasuke said I shouldn't trust him…all I need to see is him working for the other side and I know that they were both right.”

Shizune was really hoping that they were not too late to stop Tsunade from making the wrong choice. The whole thing started as she had brought Naruto in after seeing him flat on his back exhausted in the throes of his training, Tsunade looked him over and said that he had used up all his chakra and burned his hand badly in using that much chakra and he would be up the day after tomorrow and she said that Jiraiya was right about him being foolish and over passionate to make that bet…she realized that tomorrow was the day…she tried to reason with Tsunade one last time and even tried to stop her…but her sensei was more talented that she was and she was easily disabled…the next day…she was roused by Naruto…who to her initial shock was fully recovered…he explained his recent agreement with the Kyuubi and that since he was the container…he had a remarkable healing gift that required only a day of rest for him to be ready for battle. They then meet Jiraiya and along the way …they tracked Tsunade…hoping that she didn't agree…but as they arrived in the area of the meeting…they saw something else entirely…

“Whoa…this place looks like a war was fought here.”

The place was covered in debris and chunks of the walls were everywhere….Jiraiya quickly understood what had happened and he couldn't help but smile a bit.

“I guess those two said something to piss Tsunade off…”

Shizune was filled with hope as she knew that if Tsunade had helped Orochimaru…then they would be dead or worse…

“She said no…she must have…”

Ton-ton gave a squeal and the three arrived to see Tsunade's jacket on the ground and as soon as they were sure that the pig familiar had the scent…they quickly moved in…though the sight of all the craters…destroyed trees, and shattered boulders with cracks and holes were more than enough to tell them just where exactly Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Kabuto have gone…

“Let's not waste time…Tsunade can be deadly in battle despite her age…but since Orochimaru knows about her fear of blood…then there's a big chance they'll use it against her!”

“RIGHT!!!”

----------

In the ruined valley…

Tsunade tried her best to move but her fear of blood held her fast as she was rooted right on the spot. Her plan had nearly worked…she had attempted to get close enough to use her jutsu…the one designed to kill…she had long since accepted that she was a fool for wanting to see Dan and Nawaki alive again and in exchange…destroy the very dreams and hopes they had in life…all for the sake of the past. That kid Naruto reminded her so deeply of them and their hopes and dreams, that boy…and the memories of those two she loved in the past reminded her of what she had once held dear like them. All things fade and break down…but the feelings remained…and those feelings and memories were enough for her now…and she would never let that happen.

But Kabuto ended her plan as he had seen through her chakra and saved Orochimaru…she then decided to take the fight to them physically and attacked…and here they were in the field after the two had moved away from their meeting place…she was not as fit as she was in her youth and she was getting tired…however Kabuto proved to be a formidable opponent with his skills in Medical Jutsu…he had nearly defeated her with a strike to her lungs to cut her air supply…but her breasts actually saved her life as they had stopped the full strike and allowed her to use Ranshinshou to disable Kabuto and buy her time to recover…even if healing herself would drain her chakra…but that crafty and intelligent Medical-nin of Orochimaru figured out how to attack with that on with some trial and error on his part. And he then cut his own wrist and allowed her fear of blood to stop her…and he attacked and used that time to injure her further.

And then when things were not looking good…the others showed up…she was still in her catatonic state as Shizune tended to her. Naruto however looked at her with a new look…not the same hatred and anger…but understanding and pity.

Jiraiya then spoke to Naruto.

“You and Shizune stay close and protect Tsunade until she can recover from the shock of what Kabuto did…if he attacks…you and Shizune have to protect her…Shizune…can you do something about that damn drug that Tsunade spiked me with?”

“No…I'm a skilled Medic-nin to be sure…but I'm nowhere near the level of Tsunade-sama, all I can say is that it will take a few more hours for that poison to fully leave your system.”

“Darn…I guess I have to fight as I am…oh well…you can't be choosy…Naruto…you know what you have to do just in case four eyes tries something?”

“Oh yes…”

“Good”.

----------

As Jiraiya and Orochimaru fought one another…even though both were still in handicaps, Naruto turned and faced Kabuto with a glare as he was before Tsunade and Shizune was nearby as well, still trying to help her mentor recover. The blonde ninja strode forward and took out Holy Talon and pointed it right at Kabuto who smiled at Naruto.

“Long time no see Naruto-kun…”

“So…Holy Talon was right all along and so also was Sasuke about me not fully trust you …you were a spy…”

Kabuto looked at Naruto who was glaring at him and he smugly replied.

“That's correct Naruto…I am a spy…I have been for years and I've been observing the village for a very long time. What do you intend to do about it?”

“What else…I'm going to beat the holy hell out of you!”

“Don't be so sure about that…you may have improved a good deal…but I am still a more capable ninja then you are Naruto-kun…you however are a different matter…I think that sword you have has changed you…and you rely on it too much, the same could be said for the demon inside of you…can you beat me without both around? Compared to Sasuke…you have no talent of your own.”

Naruto grinned as he placed Holy Talon back into it's sheath and cracked his knuckles and replied.

“Why don't you spare me the speeches and we find out if I really am talentless?”

Kabuto barely had time to block as Naruto faded out of sight and then struck with a powerful kick that sent him back a few feet and Naruto closed in as he leaped into the air and brought a kick downwards…Kabuto attacked from behind and tried to use his Chakra Scalpel…but Naruto quickly spun about and kicked Kabuto right in the face and sent the Medic-nin flying…Naruto quickly stood up and so did Kabuto as he wiped the dust off his face…Naruto then spoke.

“I don't need to use Holy Talon all the time and just so you know…the Kyuubi and I came to a little agreement a few days before Kabuto.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The Kyuubi gives me ALL of his power and I don't become the monster itself…that means…that I and the Kyuubi have become one…not in the literal sense…but close enough…besides that…I wonder if YOU have the guts to actually fight me IF I was using the power of the Kyuubi…or are you going to be the one to do the running?”

Kabuto smirked and flexed his hands.

“You've got some backbone…and I guess you have grown well…now then, let's see how tough you really are!”

“BRING IT!!!”

Kabuto charged right at Naruto intending to kill him in one strike..but Naruto dodged and introduced a powerful elbow strike in the stomach and moved Kabuto back…Kabuto came close to Naruto from behind…Naruto however leaped upward and fired several kunai right at Kabuto, which he blocked and Naruto came down with several high level punches that Kabuto avoided…but when Naruto missed with one punch…he was surprised to see massive cracks and a hole in the boulder where he was before.

“What the?”

(He has a level of strength that is similar as that of Lady Tsunade herself…it seems that this fight is not going to be simple as I thought it was…)

That assumption was proven to be truer as Naruto landed at kick on a boulder and left a hell of a hole in it with one strike…as the two ninja traded punches with one another at full tilt. Kabuto was able to block the punches and kicks Naruto fired out…but they seemed to grow in speed, power, and intensity as Naruto continued to attack him with ever increasing speed and at unpredictable angles.

(This is unexpected….even after I saw him fight the Byakugan user named Neji…he didn't have this level of power then…wait…does that mean that he's using a totally unrestrained form of that fighting style from before?)

Naruto turned and charged right at Kabuto and suddenly made several hand signs…

“KAGE BUSHIN NO JUTSU!!!”

Several clones charged at Kabuto and he was able to beat the first band of clones…but one managed to kick him up in the air and then Naruto slammed his hands into the earth and called out a spell that he had practiced.

“DIAMOND SPIKE FOREST!!!!”

Spikes made out of pure diamond suddenly came out from the ground and jabbed right at Kabuto…surprising him quickly as he managed to dodge them as best he could…

(That was unexpected…and he's not using any hand signs…this is not right…no jutsu I know can be able to work without hand signs…)

He managed to evade them but Naruto was far from finished as he leaped into the fight as three more of his originally summoned Kage Bushin came into the battle as they quickly revealed more kunai and attacked…Kabuto found himself being attacked on all sides and while he blocked the attacks and defeated the clones, Naruto came in and summoned yet another spell…

“IRON SKIN!!!!”

Kabuto attacked at the throat and was stunned as the kunai broke in half when it contacted Naruto's skin as it was in the hue of grey metal. Kabuto moved away as Naruto lashed out…but there was a swirling vortex of fire on his right arm that lashed out like a whip as his body returned to the normal shade.

“FIRE WHIP!!!!”

The flame lashed Kabuto right in the face and sent him flying…Kabuto managed to recover and looked at Naruto who looked back with clam rage and the blonde spoke,

“You wanted a fight Kabuto…you've got it…not against the Sannin for sure…but either way…I'll be your foe…let me see how tough you really are.”

Kabuto nodded as he healed the burns on his face…

“I guess that I've got me a fight then…let's get at it!”

Kabuto then attacked with a wane kunai and Naruto dodged them and charged right at Kabuto as they began to trade blows with one another as Tsunade watched as Naruto was fighting a talented Medic-nin like Kabuto who was even better than her at her own youth…and he recalled Jiraiya's words.

Jiraiya: He did more than live Tsunade…he managed to fight Itachi evenly, blow for blow and move for move, and you know how nearly impossible it is for a mere Genin to defeat a highly trained ninja…and we're talking about Itachi, who was the greatest member of the Uchiha before he killed his entire clan, here…even he admitted right in my sight and hearing range that Naruto was exceptional.

(Jiraiya might be right…but still Kabuto is no mere ninja…he was able to counter my techniques…and exploit my fear of blood…Naruto…be careful.)

Naruto traded several more blows with Kabuto and he then realized that now was the time to finish this fight and quickly relied on that jutsu once more…and hope that he could strike him and take Kabuto out of the equation…

“Now we finish this!!!”

Tsunade saw it and her eyes widened at the sight and realized that this was not the right time for the Rasengan…Naruto had not mastered it yet and here he was now…using it in it's incomplete form…

(Don't do it Naruto! You still haven't mastered the Rasengan!)

Naruto missed and Kabuto quickly made his move and attacked with the chakra scalpel…hitting both Naruto's chest and leg…and then kicked him right towards her and Shizune. Naruto coughed and managed to get to his feet but he couldn't move well enough.

Shizune came in and tried to defend the two…but Kabuto managed to neutralize her and attacked Naruto as he taunted him…

“You think you can accomplish dreams Naruto? You're still a kid…you can't accomplish anything if you're dead you know…you think life is so simple? You have gotten stronger…I'll admit that I underestimated you previously…but not this time…now you are in a bad state and I will give you a chance…to live…leave this battle…”

Kabuto blocked Naruto and began to land several blows to Naruto…but as he was about to strike with another blow…

Naruto blocked the attack and pushed Kabuto backwards… and spoke.

“Don't bother…I am a ninja and I follow my own path…I will not run because it is my way of doing things as a ninja…you want to kidnap Old Lady Tsunade…you'll have to get past me!”

Tsunade couldn't help but gasp as she tried her best to move…and she spoke to him…

“Naruto…get away…stop this…you're in a bad way…stop trying to protect me…”

Naruto however didn't stop as he summoned another Kage Bushin and spoke…

“I will not run…I will stay here and protect you because you are the one chosen to be Hokage…and I know what that bargain Orochimaru gave you was…Shizune told us on the way here…”

“I…”

“I understand…”

“What…”

“You wanted to hold them close to you again…you're little brother and that man you loved…I can understand that…and I know that it must have been tempting…you loved them for a long time…and yet… even though you would do anything to hold them…you knew that if you agreed…then you would betray them as you would help destroy the dreams that they fought so hard to protect and nurture…”

“Naruto…”

“And even if they were revived…they would not be the same people you loved in the past… they would be nothing but ash and sacrificial bodies…they will be nothing but imitations of the people you love Old Lady Tsunade, they don't have the same light in their eyes…only the dull shine of death, none of the warmth, or the emotion s you knew were in them…and in truth…they are not alive anymore…but living dead…and they will be used by that bastard Orochimaru to control you for the rest of your life…and the village that they loved in life would be in ruins because of that bastard…you did the right thing Old Lady…I can't say I speak for them both…but they would be utterly proud of you this day…because…you would never let their dreams die and be betrayed in such a way.”

Tsunade was silent as she realized the magnitude of what Naruto said…it was true…Orochimaru would have used Dan and Nawaki as his tools to control her and she would betray them in the end…she loved them both so much and to betray their hopes and dreams was the ultimate crime she would ever commit to them and their memories.

Naruto then spoke once more and this time to Kabuto…

“That bastard Orochimaru used the same technique to kill the Old Man…he brought Old Lady Tsunade's own flesh and blood, the First and her uncle, the Second Hokage to undead life and used them to kill the Third…and you now intended to do the same to the only two people she loved?! I will never let you do that…for the sake their dreams…and my own to be Hokage…I will kill you and Orochimaru!”

Kabuto took out a kunai and gave a growl…

“Bold talk from a still crippled ninja! You threw away your life for nothing but stupid dreams! Now you're dead!!!”

Naruto held his ground and looked on unafraid and defiant…Tsunade tried in desperation to move…but her body was still frozen…and she tried to beg Naruto leave before Kabuto killed him for sure.

“Naruto…run now…”

“I will not…watch this Old Lady Tsunade…I will win that bet!!!”

Kabuto attacked…and Naruto blocked with his own hand….even as the kunai pierced through his unprotected hand…he gave no cry of pain and quickly gripped Kabuto's hand…holding him in place…Tsunade gasped at this and so did Shizune as she recovered and saw the whole thing.

----------

“What the?!”

Kabuto tried to get away but Naruto's grip on his arm was strong…far stronger than he had thought possible as the blonde ninja spoke with authority.

“Oh no…you're not getting away scot-free this time…you're staying right here.”

Naruto and his Kage Bushin then got their hands together and then recreated the Rasengan but this time…it was in absolutely perfect form and didn't fragment or burst like before…it was the full form Rasengan…

“What…this isn't the same technique as before!”

“You're right…there was one part about the Rasengan jutsu I couldn't master no matter what I did…and that was how to compress the chakra while keeping it at full power and rotation…because my control in terms of chakra was very poor. So I figured…if I can't do it by myself…then have another to do it for me…hence the Kage Bushin before you…and since due to the Kyuubi's power and influence, I have extreme levels of chakra and stamina, and that means that I can have the same level of chakra in a Kage Bushin than even normal ninja couldn't handle…you thought I was going to attack you head on like before with the incomplete form of the Rasengan like some idiot? You're the real idiot for coming to attack me in the first place…and now you have nowhere to run.”

Tsunade was stunned as she saw something she thought was impossible…the Fourth took 3 years to master the technique and so did Jiraiya, though the Pervert took longer, but before her was Naruto using the same jutsu in it's full form…and it took only a week to discover how to counter his weakness in the third step…despite the unorthodox way to do it that he found.

(Impossible…but I can't deny that it's genius in action…the Kage Bushin isn't a distraction…but the means on how to compress the chakra…he now knows he can't completely control the chakra shell needed to hold the chakra because of poor chakra control…so in this case…he handles the rotation, concentration, and power, while the Kage Bushin does the compression…very clever…and he's only done it in a week! Jiraiya was right…he is exceptional…)

Flashback…

Naruto: I will master this Rasengan in a week you old lady…and when I do…that necklace is mine!!!!

End of Flashback…

But Naruto was about to do one better…

“You are going to get something very unique Kabuto…something I had hoped to reserve for that bastard Orochimaru…but for insulting me and mocking my dreams and attacking a defenseless person like her…and using her own sadness to turn her into a tool…you're going to be the first to feel it head on!!!!”

Holy Talon glowed deep silver and gold…and soon the silver flames moved towards the Rasengan and covered it completely and as soon as it was covered in the silver and golden flames then it took the form of a Dragon head in flames. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were stunned…the two male Sannin were dumbstruck at this while Tsunade was even more surprised.

(What?! What is going on…what is he doing to the Rasengan?! Is he…fusing an elemental affinity to it?! No…that's no elemental chakra nor is that the Kyuubi's chakra…but something else entirely…could it be the power of that sword?)

(Hmm…it seems Naruto's come up with a totally new version…and with Holy Talon's aid no less…this will be good!!!!)

(What is that brat doing now?! The Rasengan is being fused with that same flame…the same flame that nearly consumed me before…what is this?)

Naruto grinned as the silver flame covered his arm and the dragon's eyes glowed golden as he spoke…

“This is a first….the first fusion of Chakra with magical Dragon Fire…and you're going to get it right where it hurts!!!!”

The Kage Bushin faded and Naruto slammed the flame covered chakra sphere and Kabuto screamed as the technique struck.

“FIRE DRAGON RASENGAN!!!!!!!!!”

Kabuto was sent rocketing backwards as a the Rasengan sent him slamming backwards and the flame that followed but he had managed to hit Naruto properly as he was sent right into a boulder and through another one and the ground below him was reduced to glass. The smoke cleared and Naruto was a bit surprised to see Kabuto still standing though his entire torso was covered in massive wounds and burns. Naruto was surprised to see him standing…but he felt a pain in his chest as he fell back and coughed a bit.

Tsunade moved quickly and rushed to Naruto's side and turned to see Kabuto coming from the smoke…his wounds healing.

“You're still up?”

“I focused all my chakra at the point where Naruto-kun was going to strike…and now my body is healing rapidly…this is why Orochimaru-same finds me useful to him…not for just my skills and medical abilities…Naruto-kun however isn't gifted like that…he relies too much on the sword and the beast in him…he's finished.”

Kabuto was about move forward…but suddenly his once fully healed stomach bled once more and then to his horror…the healed burn wounds came back to his body as charred flesh and skin began to fall off the returning wounds…and to his increasing horror…a massive surge of burning pain filled his nerves, his organs felt like they were on fire…and blood flowed out of his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears…and the blood was hot…like it was boiling hot. He felt as if he was being cooked alive internally…

He fell to his knees and hot blood flowed from his wounds freely…and he realized that even his healing gifts were pushed to breaking point and beyond by the magic enhanced Rasengan…his entire body had been utterly ravaged by the attack and not just his stomach…

(Impossible…even my healing powers…were pushed beyond their limits…my chakra's barely enough and the wounds…are…so painful, I feel like my nerves…are being hit by scalding water…and my flesh…it's being eaten by fire…and my blood has been super heated, I'm literally being cooked alive… Naruto's powers…are…stronger than I thought…and he's not using the Kyuubi's chakra…what has that sword done to him?)

Tsunade likewise was shocked by the effects of the Dragon Fire Rasengan…

(Incredible…whatever power from that sword, Holy Talon, that Naruto infused into the Rasengan has truly injured Kabuto…even after recovering from the blow before…the damage was enough to make Kabuto bleed all over himself and his wounds to reopen…and to make him bleed from the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth must mean the internal damage to his body is enormous, and the fact that the blood is boiling hot means that the flame must have super heated all the fluids in Kabuto's body to boiling point. He's literally being cooked alive by the heat of his own fluids …)

(That is an utterly alien and deadly form of the Rasengan…even Jiraiya and the Fourth didn't have that level of damage strength with their version of the Rasengan…if Naruto had been able to use both the perfected Rasengan and this new version on me a week before…even I would have found it nearly impossible to recover fully after that…but I can't think about that now…no matter what…I have to save him…)

Tsunade wasted no time and used her medical jutsu to save Naruto…she removed the jacket and managed to remove the chain-mail underneath and began to heal Naruto to the best of her ability and fought back the fear of blood to save him.

(Stop shaking…I can't focus on that now…he has to live…I won't let him die…I won't lose him the same way I lost Dan and Nawaki…I won't…please…don't die before me now…please don't die…don't die…)

“No matter what you do…he will die…his heart is damaged and nothing can heal that wound, not even the Kyuubi or that sword…he's finished…”

“SHUT UP BRAT!!!! Trust me when I say that if you somehow recover from that Rasengan he used, I'll personally reduce every bone in your wretched body to fine power when I'm done here!”

(Please don't die…I'm sorry…I lost so much and I have been angry for all I've lost…but you…you are so much like my brother and my boy-friend…I see them in you…you've made me see how much their dreams mattered…and the dreams of the Hokages and my grand-father…if you die now…I…don't think I can keep on living anymore, seeing another die so young…DON'T DIE!)

Tsunade focused and tears fell from her eyes as she tried her best…unaware that Naruto's hands were moving and when she saw it…her eyes widened as Naruto opened his eyes and smiled at her with the same goofy expression.

“Told you I'd master the Rasengan in a week…I guess that means that you lose and I win our bet…thanks for saving my ass also…I guess I should apologize about…what I said a week before…you do have a heart and you are the one to be Hokage…but don't forget…I'll be next in line for that title…I need a bit of rest.”

Tsunade looked on and smiled…not the cynical type but the smile she normally gave to either Nawaki or Dan as she reached behind her and released her necklace and then placed it on Naruto's neck and spoke to it.

(Please…one more time…let the bearer of this necklace accomplish their dreams…)

With that, she kissed Naruto on the forehead…just like she did Dan and Nawaki…so long ago…

“You've earned it Naruto…you've earned it…and don't worry…you'll be Hokage someday…you have my faith…and my blessing as well. Be a good man.”

Naruto smiled a bit and closed his eyes to rest a little…but not before he replied.

“Thanks…and thanks for the nice kiss too.”

Tsunade smiled a bit more and laughed at that.

----------

Kabuto was in shock at what he saw…he swore that his attack would kill Naruto…but Tsunade saved him at the last moment…and while he was able to barely recover on his own…he had been beaten severely and while his chakra was coming back…he doubted he could stand another fight if both Tsunade and Naruto attacked him at once…especially if Naruto was to use such a deadly attack like that Fire Dragon Rasengan again. That high level attack…for once in his life…terrified him to face it again.

Orochimaru was looking at the battle below while Jiraiya and him stopped their attacks with one another…he was able to match up with his old team-mate and had the advantage as his long time of surgical alterations had helped him before…however…what he had witnessed was truly something of great concern for him.

(That kid…mastering the Rasengan…and then using that sword's power to further amplify it's lethality…even if Kabuto survived it…he's been severely injured…and even traumatized by such an attack from what I can see…if he gets Akatsuki's attention…then everything is going to be even worse off for me…)

“If you think he's not going to make it…you've forgotten that Tsunade's more than talented enough to heal him and get him back on his feet…you're better off facing me Orochimaru…”

“I'm aware of that Jiraiya…but I wonder how would he fare if Akatsuki catches him…I will not let that happen…so I might as well…”

“KILL HIM MYSELF!!!!”

Orochimaru leaped off the snake summon that Jiraiya had disabled and readied his Kusanagi…but Jiraiya pursued him and he was able to stop Jiraiya and knock him down…and he readied his sword…and tried to reach Naruto before Tsunade would come to his aid…though he hoped her fear of blood would stop her in her tracks…

His hopes were proven false as instead of being stiff as a board…Tsunade used her own body to block the sword and took it right in the chest…above the heart…stunning everyone.

“TSUNADE-SAMA!!!!”

“I don't believe this…”

Orochimaru was stunned at this sight…Tsunade was not his target…Naruto was, and yet she saved his life with her own life…it made no sense to him why she would do that.

“Tsunade…what are you doing…you are not the one I wanted to kill…”

“You…'cough'…won't hurt him at all Orochimaru…I won't let you.”

“Why? You have no idea how much trouble he will bring if Akatsuki claim him…and how much trouble he will be to me and my goals. Step aside so I can finish him off…”

“Never…I will never let any harm befall him.”

Orochimaru moved away and couldn't help but show his confusion and contempt.

“You're still trembling in fear of blood…yet you…one of the Sannin would willingly shelter and protect a worthless Genin brat like him? Why is that?”

“To protect the future of Konoha…and this world itself.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“This boy…he will be the new Hokage soon…and there are things that are beyond you or I…and only he can face them alone and win…and until he is ready to face them…I will protect him.”

“What utter nonsense are you spouting this now? That title of Hokage is meaningless…worthless and nothing more than a useless thing…only fools willing to die would want it.”

Tsunade recalled her own words not long ago…insulting and demeaning that title herself and the words of both Shizune and Jiraiya…she recalled them all and how fervently Naruto defended the title he wished to earn one day. She also thought about the destiny awaiting him as master of Holy Talon…and if she could help him in any way that was possible…then she would be even more happy with what she was going to do.

“Hmph…Today…I am betting my life…you want to kill Naruto? then kill me…because the only way you can kill him is over my dead corpse.”

“Very well then…if that brat's life is worth more to you than your very own…then you will be the first to greet him in the afterlife when I kill him!”

Tsunade was struck once more and was sent down to the ground…and Orochimaru attacked the still resting Naruto…and everyone was stunned once more as Tsunade shielded Naruto with her own body and managed to knock Orochimaru aside…and to his surprise…Tsunade was no longer trembling at the sight of blood.

(What?! She's conquered her fear of blood?!)

Jiraiya saw this and grinned.

“Now this is getting interesting!”

Shizune was happy beyond words as she saw the fire in her master's eyes…

“Tsunade-sama…you've done it…you've broken free!”

“You want to know what's going on right Orochimaru? Then don't bother…know that I am going to beat the holy hell of you. Because I am the Fifth Hokage of Konoha from this day onwards.”

Shizune saw the seal appear and so did the others…but only she knew what that mark represented and she tried to stop Tsunade…saying that she would treat her wounds…but Tsunade didn't acknowledge her as she made some hand signs and a deep red chakra filled her body…

“Souzou Saisei!!”

Orochimaru recognized that jutsu and remembered that being the only jutsu he envied as he had no idea how it was done.

“So that jutsu is your own secret…”

“That's right…the seal on my forehead has been gathering all my excess chakra for years and building it up in my forehead. And I've used it to help stimulate the various enzymes n my body to allow rapid cellular restoration..and in that respect…I can easily repair and restore all damaged parts of my body and organs as well…this is no mere jutsu…but regeneration…so in simple terms…no matter how many times I am wounded…I can still keep on fighting.”

Shizune however knew that such a technique had risks…any person…even Tsunade could only produce an certain number of cells in their bodies…speeding it up would shorten their lives…meaning that while Tsunade only used it now…she would lose some years of her life. However…she then saw that Holy Talon was in deep green and silver flame and it had covered Naruto…she was wondering what was going on until the flame faded as quickly as it came and Naruto was getting up once more…not a single hint of injury on him.

“NARUTO-KUN!!!”

Everyone turned to see the blonde ninja and Dragon Champion back on his feet and looking at Orochimaru and he smiled to Tsunade.

“Told you I needed a little rest…and now that I'm here…it's time I get into this fight.”

----------

Naruto got up, placed back on his chain-mail and held the necklace…he sensed that Tsunade was now back on her feet and smiled at both Jiraiya and Tsunade.

“Here's something for you both since you guys need a full tank of chakra.”

Naruto chanted in the same archaic language and Holy Talon glowed deep silver and emerald green and the flames of the same colors came to his hands and then he aimed his hands at both Jiraiya and Tsunade…

“REVITALIZING FLAME!!!!”

The flames moved out and covered both Tsunade and Jiraiya and in a moment the flames surrounded the two Sannin…but to their surprise the flames didn't harm them…but did something else to them…filling them with power and more…

Orochimaru saw this and was stunned as he felt the power flowing from the green and silver flames…he had seen the flames before in the Forest of Death when he went after Sasuke and Holy Talon…but they were never this intense and deep colored before.

“What the devil is this jutsu?!”

Naruto turned and smiled as he finished using the spell and had to admit that this was the first time he had used such a high level Life Spell. But the effects were worth it as the deep emerald green and silver white flames that covered Tsunade and Jiraiya began to seep into their bodies. The two Sannin felt as if their bodies were alive…more alive than anytime they had felt and they were seemingly at full power…

Tsunade was stunned as her body was fully revitalized by the deep green and silver flame as it faded, she felt…younger and more alive…and more than that…she felt her chakra reach levels that were at the zenith of life, as if the chakra she had spent in her secret jutsu…the Souzou Saisei was fully returned to her to use in battle, along with all the chakra she had used before… and there was a sense of youth that she had not felt since she herself was younger…

Jiraiya grinned as the effects of Tsunade's drug had been totally removed from his blood stream and he felt like he could fight a whole army of ninja by himself. His chakra was almost like overflowing and strong and he felt that his body was more limber and stronger than before. The two turned at Naruto who smiled as he placed his hands down.

Orochimaru's eyes were widened as he backed away and tried to figure out what had just happened…the same was said for Kabuto as he managed to recover slowly from the Fire Dragon Rasengan as he sensed the power radiating from the two Sannin…it was as if they had been reborn as the chakra in their bodies was overwhelmingly stronger than before.

(What is this…the two have far more power than I have ever sensed in them…what sort of jutsu did Naruto-kun use on them to have them at this level of power?!)

“What was that you did Naruto?”

Tsunade asked as she looked at Naruto, and he decided to explain to her.

“Revitalizing Flame…a rejuvenation power I had to use…but that was taxing as that is a high level technique and I don't have…that much skill with it…but now you two are at full tilt."

“What do you mean? I've never heard of that jutsu before…”

“The Revitalizing Flame does exactly what it says Old Lady. It revitalizes body cells and rejuvenates them to their full power…that means the muscles, nerves…organs…stamina…, strength …everything is filled with revitalizing energy…energy that actually allows those affected by it to fight as if they were at their prime yet again…regardless of age and body…in simple terms…both you and the Pervy Sage will be fighting as if you were 30 years younger than you are now.”

Naruto turned and sneered at both Orochimaru and Kabuto and gave them looks of contempt.

“And if you both think you can learn that technique…forget it…only I am the only one who can cast it…you want it so badly…then try and kill me…”

(How is this possible?! How?!).

“I am no mere ninja…and not just the container of the Kyuubi! I am Naruto Uzumaki of Konoha! My Dream is to be Hokage! And I am a Dragon Champion, the very first in this world, and I will never be defeated by the likes of you! And Kabuto…if you think my Fire Dragon Rasengan was torture…that is only going to be the very first of many variants of the Rasengan I will create…and the next time you and I meet…you're going to wish that I took you down here today…”

The blonde ninja then moved forward…as the energy still surrounded him in a halo of green and silver light. He strode forward and took Holy Talon into his hands and un-sheathed it and held it in both hands as he stood next to Tsunade and he smiled at the blonde female ninja as he moved forward…however…Tsunade stopped him and spoke.

“No Naruto…this fight is between me, Jiraiya and Orochimaru…you've done more than I thought possible…now let us deal with this.”

Tsunade and Jiraiya quickly summoned their own allies and with Kabuto's help, Orochimaru summoned his own…the giant Snake Boss Manda. After a discussion between the three…Naruto was called by Shizune who had recovered her full strength and countered Kabuto's jutsu attacks on her body…she reached out and held Naruto. The blonde ninja and Dragon Champion turned to Shizune and she spoke.

“Tsunade-sama is right Naruto-kun…this is between the three of them…”

“I know…but I have my own score to settle with that snake bastard…he got away from me once in the Forest of Death in the Chuunin Exam…but he won't get away from me now! I'm sorry Shizune…but I will not stay behind!”

With that…Naruto ran towards the battle and the three Sannin turned and saw him but before Tsunade could tell him to back away…Naruto spoke out in a clear voice as he spoke directly to Orochimaru…

“You have a LOT to answer for you snake bastard…”

“And what do you want now Naruto-kun?”

“You killed the Third…the man I considered to be a Grand-father…you desecrated my home village, you defiled the graves of the First and Second…you used others as pawns for your own desires…and you corrupted my team-mate Sasuke…all because you want the Sharingan…and you think I will let you walk away?! You managed to evade me back in the Forest of Death once…but here and now…I will finish what I started…”

“I will kill you traitor…you will DIE here…”

“Even with all those words Naruto-kun…you can't mean to take me on at this stage and time…besides…you have no Summon of your own.”

Naruto however took out Holy Talon and replied as he began to summon the energies once more into his body and focused them.

“You have no idea how utterly wrong you are you snake bastard…I have my own summons…but since you all have high level ones…I guess I'll have to bring out someone to truly stand out in this battle!”

Holy Talon quickly guessed Naruto's intentions and was very worried…it had warned his Master about using high level spells of any branch at his current skill level and such a spell was very risky and costly…the Invigorating Flame spell was not that high a level power…but invoking it was taxing and was draining it's own power…but for what Naruto had in mind…it was truly going to be very risky.

((“Master Naruto…this is not wise…you are not yet strong enough for this level of Summoning…and I have warned you how much this will drain you and I…you have already used up a powerful portion of your reserves of Dragon Fire in the first spell to restore both Jiraiya and Tsunade…this will utterly drain us both…and leave us vulnerable until we recover.”))

(I know…but this is the only option we have now...you once said this was only as a desperate move to be done only if the circumstances are utterly dire…and now they are…I will do this…and you must trust me on this Holy Talon…)

((“I do trust you Master Naruto…if that is your wish…then so be it.”))

Naruto's body was engulfed in an intense golden light that blinded everyone in the area from a massive distance away…the golden light was so bright that it resembled the sun as if the sun itself was being formed right in the ground. The three Sannin couldn't see through the light and neither could their summons…Gamabunta closed his eyes and so did Manda…as the three Sannin also closed their eyes and with the same arcane language as before…but only in a tone more powerful and brimming with authority did Naruto speak.

“FALDREN…LORD OF THE HOLY DRAGONS!!! COME FORTH AND FIGHT WITH ME IN THIS DARK HOUR!!!! I…YOUR CHOSEN CHAMPION AND WIELDER OF HOLY TALON ASK THIS OF YOU!!!”

The light exploded as a massive gust of energy enhanced air filled the space and then a massive golden form appeared through the white mist that seemed to fill the area that Naruto was in and then there was a trembling in the ground…almost like massive feet as the ground seemed to shake…as soon as the light faded…everyone looked and there from the mist appeared Naruto who looked on as power coursed in his being and his chakra flowing around him. Then from the sides of the mist came clouds that seemed to rise…but the mists faded as two massive wings appeared and then a massive tail appeared…covered in golden scales with silver edges...and then a massive growl was heard as two eyes appeared in the mist below Naruto along with a diamond on the feet of the blonde ninja. Naruto smiled as the mists faded…and revealed…

Faldren…Dragon Lord of the Holy Dragons…but he was massive…larger than both Gamabunta and Katsuyu. The Dragon Lord was not in his Lore Form…but his true form…his Combat Form and he was bristling with massive power as his scales glowed golden like the sun and balanced by silver…plumes of fire came from his mouth as he faced Manda…and then he spoke.

/”I have come as you asked my Chosen Champion and Master of Holy Talon…my blood…my power...and my skill shall be with you in this dark hour.”\

“I thank you…”

Naruto then pointed Holy Talon at Orochimaru and spoke…

“You were saying something about me not having my OWN Summon you snake bastard…what have you got to say now?!”

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Orochimaru and Kabuto who were on top of Manda were stunned, as well as the King of all Snake Summons as they looked at the fourth arrival. Tsunade also was surprised as she could feel the power radiating from the newly summoned creature…if the energy Naruto had in the form he had in fighting Kabuto before was astonishing…the energy coming from this creature Naruto was on was beyond powerful. Jiraiya grinned as he recognized just what or rather who Naruto had summoned personally.

“This just got good!!! I never thought you'd summon HIM of all the Dragons you can summon.”

“What is this?!”

Orochimaru shouted as he gazed at the creature Naruto was currently riding on. The blonde ninja was wearing his normal jacket unzipped and his Orchaelium chain-mail underneath and Holy Talon in his hands, he was smiling as he rode on the head of the massive golden Dragon as the blonde smiled and shouted.

“You had better bow down and cower you snake bastard…because before you stands none other than Holy Talon's creator and father…meet Dragon Lord Faldren, undisputed leader of all the Holy Dragon Flights!!!!”

The Dragon Lord looked squarely at Orochimaru and roared out and the sound was enough to make the very air shake and tremble and the trees seemed to sway and bend at the sound…the roar was loud enough that Shizune had to cover her ears and so did Tsunade and Jiraiya and the same could be said for Kabuto and Orochimaru. The Dragon Lord then spoke to Orochimaru as flame appeared from his maw which was filled with a VERY impressive set of teeth.

/“It has nearly been a thousand years since I have been summoned in my Combat Form…but if you think that I am weak you callow, and dirty wretch…then you are truly foolish…I have not gained my place as leader of all the Holy Dragon Flights and retained it for 24,000 years by being idle and complacent. I know your mind Orochimaru…you attempted to possess Holy Talon and covet it's power…know now that it is forever denied to you and I will never make another like it for someone as evil as you…now let me see this vaunted immortality that you claim to have and we shall see if you can match me!!!!”\

Naruto smiled at that as he and Faldren were now between Tsunade and Jiraiya and their own summons, Gamabunta and Katsuyu. The Holy Dragon Lord bristled with power as white flame and golden lighting seemed to appear all over him. The Boss Toad turned and spoke to Naruto.

“You've impressed me yet again Naruto.”

Manda then spoke.

“I don't know who or what you are…but I'll kill you regardless!!!”

Faldren then turned his gaze to Manda and snorted.

/“You intend to kill me? You must be either very brave or very foolish you little snake…the only one who can truly harm me is my counter-part and rival…Chorvax, undisputed Dragon Lord of the Chaos Dragon Flights…you are nothing but a wretched and foolish parasite in my eyes…a parasite that needs to be crushed…and crushed you shall be.”\

“HOW DARE YOU?! I AM MANDA!!! KING OF ALL THE SNAKES!!! YOU WILL DIE FOR THAT INSULT!!!”

/”Then show me what you can do instead of making all that noise.”\

Tsunade had to admit that she was impressed...even Gamabunta was as well…no one had ever made Manda that angry before. Naruto then smiled at this as he spoke to Orochimaru.

“I'm going to settle an old account Snake face…I might not have had the ability to kill you back at the Forest of Death and prevent the whole invasion…but I've grown since then as you've already seen and now I intend to take off your head and rip you into a bloody mess…this is now a three on one fight!!!”

Faldren roared and unleashed a spring of silver-golden flame as the Dragon Lord and his Dragon Champion got ready for a serious fight….and so did Tsunade and Jiraiya as Manda tensed up for the battle soon to come. Either way…it was now a true battle as for the first time in 1000 years…Faldren was going to fight in battle.

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To be continued…

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Author's notes:

Man, my fingers ache yet again in putting all those episodes in the anime together for this one chapter alone…but this chapter is at least finished…not the best…but I hope that it will do for now, and it does the previous chapter justice…And Naruto has mastered the Rasengan…as many have asked him to…but with Holy Talon's powers…the Rasengan has undergone a seriously powerful upgrade…and this is just the first among many forms Naruto can use in conjunction with Holy Talon.

And Naruto has summoned none other than Faldren in his Combat Form for battle with Jiraiya and Tsunade against Orochimaru, Kabuto, and Manda, alongside Gamabunta and Katsuyu…what's the outcome of this titanic clash as the Snake King Manda faces off with not just the Boss Toad Gamabunta, and The Mistress Slug Katsuyu…but the Dragon Lord of the Holy Dragons, Faldren?

That is on in the next chapter.

Send reviews and comments since I really need to hear how the chapter goes and if any corrections are needed.