Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Kyuubi's Gift ❯ The Final Stage of the Chuunin Exams ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Naruto has made it to the tower with time to spare. What's this? Sakura asking Naruto for help? Three days until the preliminaries, is that enough time?

Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Martial Arts / Romance / Sci-fi | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.04.2007 | Pages: 16 | Words: 15.6K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Completed

The Kyuubi's Gift

Chapter IV

The Final Part of the Exam

“Naruto?” I hear Sakura ask from behind.

Turning around, I find myself face-to-face with her. “Yeah Sakura-chan?”

“I was wondering…” She trailed off, shuffling her feet and finding the floor interesting from the way she stared at it. “Could you help train me?”

A small smile makes its way to my face. “Okay. Met me at the indoor training grounds in an hour.” I tell her while walking into my room. “Don't expect me to go easy on you, you train with me, you train until your body screams for the Irikuchi no Makai (Gates of Hell) to drag your soul for endless torture.” I saw her pale a bit when I said that, but she still nodded.

Entering the room, I notice that it's just a bed, bathroom and chair. “Not mush to do.” I mutter to my self before stripping and taking a hot shower. About ten minutes later I exit and get myself some new clothes via scroll.

This new set of clothes consisted of a navy-blue muscle shirt. After placing that on, I reach and grab a pair of pitch-black pants, slipping them on. Taking a quick look in the mirror, I notice that my muscles had gotten more defined.

`Well, that's new.' I thought to myself, puzzled.

“Kit, it seems that you have started the process.” The Kyuubi says cryptically.

`Huh?' The intelligent response comes.

“How do you suppose you became half-demon?” He asks.

Thinking, I couldn't come up with an answer. `Okay Kyu-kun, what is it?'

Kyuubi sighs before explaining. “Normally, to be a half-demon, you have to have been born one. This rule doesn't apply to a select few, the jinchuuriki. Technically they are already at a medium that is balancing the two sides, but leaning more to the human side. Now, to create a half-demon out of a jinchuuriki, the biju must start a process called `Bi Kyuuin' (Tail Absorption). Now, this should cause great pain for the jinchuuriki, but you have absorbed two of my tails, each while asleep, escaping the pain. So, I'm technically the Shichibi no Yoko (Seven tailed Demon Fox) and you're Nibi no Naruto (Two tailed Naruto or Two tailed Maelstrom). Once you have absorb all the tails I possess, I will be nothing more then a mere fox.” The Kyuubi tells me.

`So, you sacrificed your power, in order to help me achieve my goal and become heir to the thrown.' I thought solemnly.

“Kit, I think of you has the child I could never have. You, as you say, are my precious person. I'm helping you because I want to.” I smile, knowing the fox meant every word.

`Thanks, Kyu-kun! But what happens to me after I take all nine tails?' I ask, hoping for a reasonable outcome.

“You become Demon King of my prefecture. You will be all but invincible with all my tails!” Her he pauses for a minute, taking a breath. “You won't be able to absorb another tail for quite some time, by the time you absorb the ninth tail, you'll be around twenty-one. Truly, the only ones that could challenge you would be the jinchuuriki of Hachibi (Eight tails), Yamata no Orochi (The name of the eight tailed demon). Hachibi is a giant snake the size of eight mountains long. He has eight heads and eight tails, and second strongest biju.”

`Sounds like Orochimaru's kind of biju.” I reply sarcastically.

“Kit, you should really get back to dressing. You don't want to be late, do you?” The fox asks, smug lacing his voice.

`Yeah, yeah, I'm getting to that…'

Grabbing a kunai pouch, I tie it to my right leg, filling it to the brim with, well, kunai. Setting a pouch on my left and right arms, I load this full of sonbon. Taking another pouch, I place it on my other thigh, full of shuriken. Walking over to the corner where I placed my new clothes, I bend down and grab the two sandal like boots. Placing them on, the cover my foot, only the heel was visible; the sandals had metal tips, which was very helpful in battle. Reaching for the headband, I wrap it around my forehead, black fabric looking good with my hair. Grabbing the last two things, I place a mask like Kakashi's over my lower face, while putting on a cloak. Now, this cloak looks like the Yondaime's cloak, but there were a few changes. For one, it was black and had dark violate colored flames shooting from the bottom. Two, it had no sleeves and was much more sinister looking with the kanji for death on the bottom, life at the top, order on his right shoulder, chaos on the left shoulder. Last but not least, there was a giant Kyuubi no Yoko (Nine-Tailed Demon Fox) in the background, the kanji for death on his head; life had tree tails crossing under it. Chaos had three under it as well, along with order.

“Not bad Kit! You look more deadly then most Jonin!” The fox complemented.

`Well, with out the damn seal I would be!' I say, followed by a string of wonderful language.

Opening the door, there stood Anko.

“Great.” I drag out, rolling my eyes. “What do you want?” I ask, getting anxious since Anko hadn't once smiled like the sadistic little bitch she was.

“You need to follow me, this concerns you, me, and a certain Sannin.” She states emotionlessly, sending a chill down my spine.

“Well, can I at least tell my teammate that she'll have to train by herself?” I ask, shaking my head. She just stood there a moment before nodding her head. As we walked towards the training grounds, the seal started to sting a little. I didn't think much of it, knowing this happened to Sasuke, but then I felt the pain start to consume my back.

“Hn!” I grunt, falling to my knees, clutching at the curse mark.

“Crap! The curse mark's acting up!” Anko said to herself more then to me.

“Naruto-kun!” Yelled a voice. Looking, I see it belongs to Sakura, she's running out of the training ground. Standing up and ignoring the pain, I face her.

“Don't worry Sakura-chan.” I reassure her. “I'm fine! I have to go with Anko though, so train by yourself for a little bit, okay?” I ask. She nodded before asking.

“Is it the curse mark?”

Anko nodded before walking towards the meeting room in the tower. “

“Yeah, it's the curse mark…” I say, looking at my feet. “I have to go with Anko, so I'll see you in a while!” I call to her while I caught up with the sadist.

Although she only whispers it, I hear it. “You better train me Naruto-kun…”

I chuckled a little, earning a glance from Anko. “What's with you gaki (brat)?” She asks, looking ahead once more.

“Nothing, just thought of something funny.” I answer, rubbing my neck, pain receding for some inexplicable reason.

“I'm not just a mentor and chakra producer, I can help with the pain when it comes to the damn seal.” I hear the fox in my head.

`Thanks Kyu-kun!' I reply, showing my gratitude.

We walked in an awkward silence, not speaking to each other or those around us. We walked up the main staircase, crossing many halls and passing many doors until we stood before a fairly large door.

“Come on gaki.” She calls over her shoulder, pushing open the door.

Following suit, I walk into an extravagantly decorated room. Along the walls they're old tapestries, marked by famous warriors and heroes. The floor was covered in a carpet designed with a dragon and a tiger fighting, inter tangled. At the other end of the room, there's a giant table, people already seated, Anko taking a seat besides Ibiki.

“Naruto, do you know way we wish to speak with you?” Asks Ebisu, sitting on the right.

The people, all Jonin, are seated. They consisted of must of the Jonin sensei. If I were to name them from the left of me, to the right, it would go like this. Starting from the left, there's Genma, Anko, Ibiki, Kakashi, Hayate, Gai, Kurenai, Asuma, Raido, Aoba, and Ebisu.

“Hai. I was summoned in order to discuss the incident with Orochimaru, one of the Densetsu no Sannin (Legendary Three Ninja) and current S-class nukenin (Missing Ninja).” I answer in a monotone voice.

“Naruto, is it true that Orochimaru bit you?” I nod my head before he continues. “Has a strange mark appeared on your neck?” He asks.

“If you mean this,” I say, pulling down my collar and show them the seal. “Then yes, I have.” I finish, pulling it back up.

“Damn!” Mutters Kakashi.

“So, the Ten no Juin (Curse Seal of Heaven) has been placed on Naruto.” Whispers Itachi as he steps from the shadows.

“Itachi, so good of you to show up.” Ibiki sarcastically adds.

“Nice to see you too Ibiki.” He spits back.

“Enough you two!” Kakashi says, raising his voice. “I going to place use Fuja Hoin (Evil Sealing Method) on the Ten no Juin. If there is anything else we need to address?” He asks, scanning the room.

“Actually, yes I do. Why would Orochimaru go after the dead-last at the academy?” Asks Raido.

Kakashi chuckles at this. “Contrary to popular beliefs, Naruto is actually the strongest member of team seven!”

As expected, they all look at me with doubt. “Actually, he is my apprentice, so he likes to hide his abilities!” Heartily adds Itachi, laughing when Ebisu's jaw dropped.

“Well, Naruto, follow me.” Demands Kakashi as he walks to a different door in the room. Doing as he says, we walk into a dark room with quite a few pillars.

“This may take a while, so you can just meditate over there.” He says, pointing to the corner with the most light.

“Thanks!” I respond, stalking over there and sitting in a comfortable position. As I sat there, I felt the tug at my mind, like being pulled out while feeling like a cloud. As I sink deeper into this abyss I call mind, my body fell into a comatose state as my mind exited the conscious and entered the sub-conscious.

“Kit! I was able to hold off the seal while it tried to spread, so after that Fuja Hoin is placed, you should be fine!” Kyuubi greeted.

“Doesn't mean I still won't be here.” Calls out the dark, malcontent voice of him. “I have been released, I will not go back to the abyss of his mind!” The voice yells.

“Show yourself!” I demand, looking to the entrance of Kyuubi's cage room.

“Kit, what is this being? It has a dark aura so strong, it puts Madara to shame.” He whispers, a small bit of fear in his voice.

“So, even the great Kyuubi no Yoko is afraid of me? Ha! This is a day to remember! The Kyuubi no Yoko, in fear!” Mocked the cold voice, dropping with enjoyment.

Now, it would take someone so dense, it would put me to shame in my younger days, not to notice the pure killing-intent coming of Kyuubi in waves. “YOU DARE DISRESPECT ME?! THE KYUUBI NO YOKO?! EVEN IF NARUTO HAS ALL MY TAILS, WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE, YOU ARE DEAD!” Bellows Kyuubi, eyes squinting.

“Whoa, calm down fur-ball!” The voice yells back.

“Just show yourself before I make you.” I sigh under my breath.

I hear a grunt before something enters the room. As it stood in the light, it revealed that it's a carbon copy of me; only difference was we wore opposite cloaks and had opposite hair color.

“I am Naruto no Ankoku (Naruto of the Darkness). If you haven't already figured it out, I'm all Naruto's angry, hatred, loneliness, and sadness formed into one being. As long as Naruto has these emotions, I shall live.” Ankoku explains, pissing me off as well as the fox.

“Ankoku, how do you propose to take over when the Ten no Juin is sealed?” I ask, a smug smirk coming to my face.

Ankoku just chuckled before saying. “I've been released, I don't need that thing. All it did was help release me from my prison, I can do the rest myself.” My smirk fell and he just smiles maliciously.

“How?” Is my short question.

“It's simple really, the seal.” Is his answer.

“What?!” I yell, grabbing Shin'en (Abyss) and charging him. He pulls out his own and parries. After flinging me back a few yards, he draws Youkai Munashii (Phantom Void).

“Do you really think you can defeat me? I am invincible! I can not die as long as you live!” He calls out, charging me and slashing at my torso with Shin'en while trying to stab me with Youkai (Phantom). I blocked the slash and dodged the stab before kicking at his mid-section. It hits, but he takes my foot after dropping Youkai in its sheath and flips me over, placing his hand against the back of my head, similar to Kakashi when he trapped Sasuke the first time.

“I shall not be defeated, in mind or body, remember that!” He whispers in my ear before fading like sand in the wind.

“Fuck! How am I supposed to fight someone exactly like me that is even stronger?!” I yell in frustration at the fox.

“Kit, if you truly want to protect your friends, you must either defeat Ankoku or become a nukenin to distance yourself from this village.” Warned Kyuubi in a foreboding voice.

“Well, Kakashi's probably down preparing the Fuji Hoin. See ya, Kyu-kun!” I call before exiting me sub-conscious and entering the conscious.

“Kakashi-sensei? You done yet?” I ask, standing up to see him walking towards me.

“Yup! Just got done! All we need to do now is seal the Ten no Juin!” He answers, giving his infamous eye smile.

Looking around, I see the large pattern on the floor. Nodding, I make my way to the center, kneeling down and pulling my shirt off.

“Get on with it!” I demand, wanting to get to Sakura-chan to train her.

Walking up to me, he starts flipping through seals. After going through about ten, he places his hand on my shoulder. I almost scream in agony as the pain spreads through my body, like a thousand needles attacking my cells.

`Now I know how Kakuzu felt when I used Rasenshuriken (Swirling Shuriken) on him!' I thought to myself as I felt the pain receding. The only downside to this was I could feel the black consuming my vision. I fought the darkness from forcing me back to my sanctum like mind.

“You're still awake?!” Asks Kakashi incredulously, surprised by my conscious state.

“Well, I am the number one knuckle head surprising ninja, right?” I ask, trying to stand, but the pain crippling me as soon as I do. Pulling up my shirt, I crawl to one of the many pillars in the room and use it as support.

“Kakashi-sensei, think I can get some assistance?” I ask, clutching at my crutch.

“Hai.” Walking over to me, he puts his arm under mine and wraps it around my neck.

We enter the room we came from to find it empty. Strangely, it felt weird, only me and Kakashi, in a room that was filled with Jonin no less then an hour ago. We walked in silence for a couple minutes until I could walk by self.

“Kakashi-sensei, I can do it by self now. Thanks!” I say while untangling our arms.

“See you later Naruto.” Kakashi says in his usual `I-don't-care-even-if-Kyuubi-no-Yoko-attacked-I'm-not-leaving-my-book' tone.

“Damn Kakashi…” I mutter under my breath.

Gaining my bearings, I stalk over to a window to reveal that I am five-stories up.

`Hm, should I jump or run?' I thought to myself, rubbing my chin. `Jump.' I decide as I open the window and jump out. As I was falling, I focus chakra into my feet, damping the impact. Immediately after I landed, I started at break-neck speeds, casual for a Jonin. After about five minutes of running, I see the training grounds in sight. Lowering my chakra and slowing down to a walk, I see her practicing her accuracy.

“Hey Sakura-chan!” I call out as she throws a set of kunai. Turning her head toward me, she smiles.

“Naruto-kun! I was wondering when you'd get here!” She exclaimed happily, running over to me. “So, what are you going to teach me?” Sakura asks, eager.

“Well, first I should evaluate your Taijutsu skills, so…” I trail off, getting into the Shogakusha Kata (Beginner Style) and she follows suit. Charging, I go for a punch, drastically slowing down for the sake of fair game and evaluation. She dodges before grabbing my wrist and tugging me towards her, pulling her other hand back for a punch. Twisting my arm, I get her to release my arm before jumping back. She saw this as an opening and tried for a leg-sweep, which I jumped over before trying to roundhouse kick her in the side. Ducking under my foot, she goes again for a punch. Bending back, so mine looked like an arch, I dodged and jumped back before yelling.

“Not bad Sakura-chan! Although you're only chance of winning right now is against Shikamaru and Ino.” At this she bows her head, looking at the ground again. “But, that's why I'm teaching you!” I finish, giving her a smile.

“Now, since you don't really know any Kata besides the Shogakusha, I'm going to teach you the Ookami (Wolf), Doragon (Dragon) and Ryuutai (Fluid).” I say, giving it some thought.

“Uh, Ryuutai?” She asks, uncertain.

“Oh, it's an old Kata that was normally used with women! It uses the slim build and momentum gained by fighting to force opponents into the defensive! If I can teach you this, you might be able to beat Sasuke!” If I thought Sakura couldn't shine anymore, I was wrong. When I said this, she literally started to glow.

“Now…” I dropped into a stance where my feet were fairly close; I had one arm at my said, and the other out in front, straight. “This is the Ryuutai Kata.”

Soon, she had the opening stance down. “This is the hard part.” I start off. “You must use your body to dodge, using only your momentum.” I continue, showing her what I meant by creating a Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone) and dodging what it threw at me. After a while, I started fighting back, and eventually, I got a mighty blow on it.

“As you know, there are three types of Kata. One, offensive, two, defensive and three, balanced. Often time people neglect the defensive Kata and focus on offensive, leaving it in a battle of who is stronger. Ryuutai is one of the few balance Kata, it has an advantage against both offensive and defensive. I shall also teach you an offensive, Ookami, and a defensive, Doragon, which is also like a balance.” I explain in a monotone voice. “Now, I'm going to teach you, but beware, only a few in the past decade have mastered it.”

For the next hour, I jabbed at Sakura, telling her how to move to get the most out of this style. Although not perfect, by the end of the hour so could be called an intermediate in the style.

“Wow! Sakura-chan, you learn quickly! Probably because you're so smart!” I encourage, earning a smile from her.

“Thanks Naruto-kun!”

“Hm, I think we should work on Ninjutsu now…” I think aloud, pulling out a card from my pocket.

“Naruto-kun, what's that?” She asks while pointing at the card.

“Well, I want you to charge some chakra into this card.” I explain, handing the card to her.

Giving me a weird look, she takes the card and charges chakra into it. To my amusement, see gasp and drops the card when it becomes wet.

“Well, well, looks like you have a water affinity.” I muse to myself.

“Water affinity?” She breathes out.

“You see, water is your element, like wind is mine. With water, it's more suited for medic-nin or balance in some cases; water can heal as well as destroy. Wind is suited for battle, because of its ability to blow past anything and slice things to bits.” I explain. “Now, normally, only Chuunin can be taught this, but seeing as if you can do this your rate of becoming a Chuunin rises exponentially!” I finish.

“So, my element is water?” She asks, obviously excited and confused.

“Yes! Now, I'm going to teach you an advanced way to use chakra control. First though, I'm going to teach you water walking.” I say over my shoulder while walking to the pond.

Instead of asking more questions, Sakura just watched as I walked right onto the water. Looking over, I see her mouth hanging open.

“Sakura, you know how to climb trees without hands, water walking is the same but different at the same time. To climb trees, you need a constant flow of chakra, right? Well, for water walking, it's still has the same principle of focusing chakra to the feet; the only difference is instead of a constant flow, you must fluctuate the flow to match the water, thus giving you the ability to walk on water!” I explain, getting a nod from her.

“Naruto-kun, I know this is prying, but where'd you learn this stuff?” She asks; giving me one of her `Answer-me-before-I-hurt-you' looks.

“Well, I have always had raw talent” I start off. `No lie there.' I thought to myself. “After I was adopted into the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Itachi took a liking to me. He started training me privately, no one in the clan knew, only Ojii-sama. He taught me most of the things I know!” I finish with a false smile, hoping it satisfied her quest for knowledge.

Nodding her head, she did a hand seal before walking up to the water. Taking a hesitant step onto the water, she slowly opens her eyes to find her self on top of it. This did not surprise me in the least bit, knowing her to be the top kunoichi with chakra control, even better then Obaa-chan. She started to weaver a bit so I took a step closer to make sure she didn't fall. Her chakra gave out on her and she started to sink into the water; I grabbed her and jumped towards the shore.

“Not bad Sakura-chan! Better then I did the first time!” I grinned at her.

“Thanks Naruto-kun!” She replied back, blushing a little.

For the next half an hour, I watched over Sakura as she perfected the water walking. By the end, she was exhausted from lack of chakra.

“Okay Sakura-chan, by using this much chakra, it should help your reserves. Tomorrow, we start with the water chakra control. Now, before that, I'd like to try some thing.” I say, walking up to her tired form. “You want to be stronger, right?” I ask, my face to hers. She nods. “Well, I'm going to place weights on you, by doing this, hopefully by the time you wake up in the morning, you should have twice the amount of chakra you do now.” I pull out a scroll and summon four weights, each twenty-five pound. “Put this on and meet me here at six in the morning.” I tell her before walking out of the training grounds and heading for my room.

“You were doing good to hide the one you have feelings for until that little training session.” Cooed Ankoku from the depths of my mind.

`Shut up!' I yell, hoping to shut him out.

“I think she shall be the last one I kill, just to see you break even farther after I have killed your friends.” He mused to himself, angering me to an inhuman extent.

“Kit, I'll block him out, it's not to hard over the mental connection, but it's another story when you're in here.” Kyuubi consoled.

`Thanks Kyu-kun!' I call out in joy as Ankoku's rambling ceased.

“I have a gift for you, I'm going to flash hand seals to your conscious, then call out in your mind `Kiton: Kitsune Yakujou Kuchiyose no Jutsu' (Demon Release: Fox Contract Summoning Technique).” Kyuubi informed.

`Hai!' I respond, and start flipping through the seals that appeared from Kyuubi. `Kiton: Kitsune Yakujou Kuchiyose no Jutsu!' I call out mentally, slamming my open palm again the ground. Pulling my hand away, smoke appears and as it clears, a large scroll makes its appearance.

“The Kitsune summoning contract, the most powerful of summons. I give this to you, to let any sign you think worthy of the Kitsune. But be warned, when letting some one sign; tell them never to summon the boss! I was the boss, but seeing as I'm sealed inside of you, and you are the heir…” He trailed off, hoping I `d pick up the meaning.

`In other words, I'm technically the Boss summon of the Kitsune.' I state.

“Hai. Now sign it before getting some rest.” He advises me, before I sign the contract as Uchiha Uzumaki Naruto.

(Sakura's P.O.V.)

`Damn! Naruto-kun meant it when he said I'd want the Irikuchi no Makai!' I thought as I lay on bed, completely exhausted. `And to add to that, I have an extra hundred pounds on!'

“I agree! But, we want to become stronger!” Interjected my Inner self.

`Yeah, but I can barely move.' I counter.

“Hey, I have an idea! You know how I'm technically you? What if I become one with you? I bet your chakra storage would be boosted!” She offered.

`Actually, that might work! All we'd need to do is for you to-.' I start.

“Give up my conscious so there would be only one! There'd be nothing blocking the flow of chakra!” She finishes for me.

`But then, what would happen to you?'

There was silence for a while, but she decided to say something. “One, I'd disappear forever. Two, I'd still exist, but it would harder to talk to each other. And finally three, are personalities become one meaning you'd be braver and have bigger outburst.” She reasons in a thoughtful voice.

`How do we do it?' I ask, eager to become stronger so I could help Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun.

“While you're asleep. If I don it right now, you might experience a major headache.” She explained.

`I should probably get some sleep.' I think to myself, before pulling the covers over me and entering a dreamless sleep.

(Naruto's P.O.V.)

“I hate nightmares!” I grumble to myself, sitting up in bed.

I had just had another nightmare, just like every other night. Each night I relived one of my friend's deaths, tonight was Kiba's. Kiba was on guard duty that day, but that's when Orochimaru introduced his new Sound Four. All ambushed him, and he had no chance. In the end, he died of sever blood loss and a few broken bones, but he was able to take one of the Sound Four out, the best in Taijutsu in the group, and injure two others. After I got the news of Kiba's death, I so wanted to leave my duty as Hokage and kill the Sound Four; it took Tsunade, Rock Lee and Sakura to keep me from attacking Otogakure by my lonesome.

Looking at the clock, I grumble again about stupid nightmares and getting up to early for my own damn good.

By the time I was redressed in the same thing as yesterday, it was five-thirty. “Might as well check out the Kitsune contract.” I whisper as I exit the room stealthily, pulling the door closed with a quick `click'.

As I made my way to the training grounds, I couldn't help but feel as if eyes were watching me. Turning around swiftly, I find nothing there.

`Must be my imagination.' I try to consol my self. That's when I feel it, a small spike in chakra. Drawing a kunai at lightning speeds, I throw it to where the chakra spike came from.

“Well, well, Naruto-kun, not only are you a good fighter, but you have excellent tracking abilities!” Cooed Orochimaru as he walks out from the shadows with kunai in hand.

“What do you want? Orochi-teme?” I ask, pulling out a few sonbon.

“Oh, nothing, just here to tell you that you'll come to me, rather by force or choice is up to you.” He tells in that strange voice of his.

Throwing the sonbon needles, they hit dead on, revealing a Kage Bunshin. “Damn!”

“What happened?!” Yells Kurenai as she runs down the corridor, probably on night watch.

“You're late.” I voice flatly. “Orochimaru was just here, but it was a Kage Bunshin. That means his inside the tower, you should alert Ojii-sama. I need to stay here and train Sakura-chan so I can't come with.” I speak over my shoulder as I head for the training grounds again.

(About the same time Naruto just got dressed; Sakura's P.O.V.)

BEEP

BEEP BEEP

BEEP BEE-CRACK

“Damn alarm clock!” I mutter as I sit up in bed and head to the shower.

“Miss me?!” Asks my annoying Inner self.

`No, not really.' I answer. `Wait a minute! I thought you'd be hard to contact or would never be able to talk again?'

I hear her chuckle before answering. “Well, it turns out both option two and three are in effect! Your personality has changed, and I am in the back of your mind! Apparently, by fusing are personalities, I can talk to you easily!”

I smiled as I remembered something. `Hey?! How high is our chakra?' I ask excitedly.

“Well, it's about three times what it was! When Naruto said that training to the brink of pain, you chakra increases, that increased it by doubling your chakra. The last bit is the chakra I used to stay alive, but seeing as how we're one now, I don't need in anymore!” She explained as I took a step out of the shower, wrapping a towel around my wet body.

Walking into the living room, I see a scroll in the pockets of yesterday's clothes. “Huh?” I wonder to myself. Pulling it out, I see it's from Naruto. Opening the scroll a note falls out.

Hey Sakura-chan!

You're probably wondering why I gave you scroll, right? Well, in side are some clothes more appropriate for battle! All you need to do is leak some blood onto the seals! I normally bite my thumb, but some people prick their thumb with a kunai!

See you at the training grounds!

Sincerely, Uchiha Uzumaki Naruto!

`I didn't know Naruto-kun could write so well!' I thought happily.

Pricking my thumb with a kunai, I run it across the seal on the scroll. There was an explosion of smoke and when it cleared, it showed a neatly piled set of clothes.

Undoing them, I take a good look at them and find they're actually very beautiful. “Wow…” Is the only word my mouth could make at the moment.

The top part of the suit he gave me was a semi-dark red shirt that buttoned up similar to the dress I normally wore. They're bandages, probably to help them from getting in the way. A red material headband, white guards for the elbows, and a set of gloves. The bottom half consisted of Black biker shorts. More bandages for some reason, and a new kunai pouch. A skirt that had slits in the side to make it more flexible that went with the biker shorts. And a pair of boot like sandals that came up to my knees.

“This looks really good! I wonder how Naruto-kun knew what size I am?” I wonder to myself.

“Does it really matter?” My inner self asks.

`No!'

Exiting my room, I started to make my way to the training grounds in a sprint. As I got to the training grounds, I see Naruto going through hand seals.

“Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!” He calls out, slamming his hand to the ground.

I gasp. `Naruto-kun can use Kuchiyose? Cool!' I thought to myself.

As the smoke cleared, it shows a beautiful fox with bright red fur and streaks of purple against the red, contracting and making a wonderful sight. It had the most enchanting purple eyes you could see, deep and wise. And behind her swing six beautiful, tails?

“Ah, so master has made you our new summoner.” It deduces, looking over Naruto. “I am Rokubi no Zotto (Six-tails Shiver. Like Kyuubi no Yoko, which means Nine-tail Demon Fox, Rokubi is her rank of six tails and Zotto is her name) at your service.” She says with a bow.

“Please tell the other foxes that another will sign the contract shortly, she will be worthy of it.” Naruto says in a soft voice, being respectful to her by bowing.

“I would be glad to!” She responds cheerily, disappearing in smoke.

Walking into the open, Naruto looks at me before smiling and saying. “Hey Sakura-chan! Glad you made it on time!”

Noticing the large scroll on his back, I ask. “Naruto-kun, what is that?”

Looking at me, he grins. “It's the contract of the fox summons! But that's for a later time!” He says while making the scroll disappear.

“Okay! Now Sakura-chan, I am going to teach how to practice chakra control with water nature chakra.” He flips through hand seals again before whispering. “Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hiding Mist Technique).” A light fog then rolls in, engulfing the area. “Sakura-chan, I want you to condense this fog into water again. This is how you train with water manipulation, or nature manipulation in general. Then, I will teach you form manipulation. Watch.” After speaking, a small chunk of fog disappeared and was replaced with water.

“Naruto-kun, if you're a wind element user, how can you train with water manipulation?” I ask, looking to where the chunk of fog was.

“I was using Hyoton (Ice Release).” He deadpanned.

“But! Isn't that Haku's Kekkei Genkai (Blood Inheritance Limit)?” I ask hysterically, waving my arms around for emphasis.

“That's right! I haven't told you yet!” Naruto thought out loud excitedly.

“Huh?”

Dispelling the fog, Naruto walks over to me, asking. “Do you know why I was accepted into the Uchiha clan?” Shaking my head, he restarts. “I have in my command, as you know, a Kekkei Genkai, a Dojutsu. It is known as Zekkougan (Perfect Eyes). It has the ability to copy jutsu and movements, like the Sharingan. Not only that, it can see in a 359 degree angle, like the Byakugan. But, it has something neither has, Kekkei Genkai Souseiki (Blood Inheritance Limit Genesis). Whenever I see a Kekkei Genkai, it activates without consent, taking large amounts of chakra. It has other abilities, but I will not divulge into them now.” He explains.

`Wow…' Was the only thought that came to mind.

“And I thought the Sharingan was powerful…” My inner self whispers

“Now, shouldn't you be training?” He asks with a grin.

I just nodded my as I put all concentration into the water manipulation. As I kept trying, the fog that I was focusing on would grow thick, and would shrink, but not condense. After about three hours of nonstop chakra control, I felt the fatigue starting to get to me because of chakra shortage.

“Sakura-chan, I think that's enough.” Naruto voices, noticing my slightly labored pants.

“Yeah, I need a rest.” I breathe out as I fall backwards, landing on the grass.

Standing up, Naruto walks in front of. “Now Sakura-chan, I'm about to show you something that must not be told to anyone, got it?”

Sitting up, I nod my head. “What is it Naruto-kun?”

“You know of the Yondaime's signature technique, the Rasengan (Swirling Sphere), right?” He asks, receiving a nod from me. “Well, he never completed that technique. He actually never got around to it before Kyuubi attacked. He had the element of wind, and he wanted to add that element to it, but failed. But enough with the history lesson, back to the point. I'm about to show you form manipulation, in the shape of the Rasengan!”

Silence

`WHAT DID HE SAY?!' I scream in my head. `IF HE KNOWS THE RASENGAN, THEN HE COULD PROBABLY TAKE A CHUUNIN! NO! PROBABLY A ROOKIE JONIN!'

Trying the best I could to be calm, I whisper. “How do you know the RASEGAN?!” I yell the last part.

“Oh, you see there's this old guy I call Ero-sennin, and he's a major perv, but he was the Fourth's shishou…” When he said `Fourth's shishou', my eyes instantly widened.

`Fourth's shishou, that would mean Jiraiya no Gama-sennin (Jiraiya the Toad Hermit) taught him that technique…'

“Wow…Naruto-kun has trained with a Sannin, and the Yondaime's shishou at that…THAT'S SO COOL!” Inner me yells from the back of my mind, seeing as we are one. Although that would mean I have two conscious.

“Naruto-kun, you've trained with a Sannin?” I ask in awe.

“Yeah, but don't tell anyone, okay?” He asks a little pleadingly.

Taking a relaxing breath, I nod my head. “Now, you were you going to show me form manipulation?”

Grinning he stepped back and held out his right hand, chakra beginning to form in it. It took only a few seconds, but there it was, the Rasengan, the fabled technique of the Fourth Hokage. My shoulders slumped and I gaping at the sight of it.

Closing his hand, it dissipated. “What I'm going to be teaching you is an branch off of the Rasengan into water territory.” He starts, opening his hand again. This time, instead of wind forming a ball, the water around him condensed so that now a ball of water going at rapid speeds. “This technique is called Rasenuzumaki no Rikujou Jutsu (Swirling Whirlpool of the Land Technique)! It's like the Rasengan except it's formed with water and the water goes at speeds over 120 km/h!” He exclaimed.

As I stood there, all I could do is look on in amazement. “Naruto-kun, you're a genius!”

The Rasenuzumaki soon disappeared and he rubbed the back of his head. “Not really, I just work harder then everyone else.” He tells, which was the truth, as I saw it in his eyes.

“Well then, I guess I'll have to work harder then all the other kunoichi!” I say more to myself then to him, but he looked at me.

“Sakura-chan, do you have the determination it takes to become a Chuunin? Do you want to become strong? If you do, for what propose?” He asks, face as serious as a Hokage's.

Taking a deep breath, I answer. “Yes, I do have the determination to become a Chuunin, and I do want to become strong. As for the propose, I guess it would be not to be a burden anymore to this team and to help this village.”

“Then you deserve this.” He cryptically says as he starts going through hand seals. “Kiton: Kitsune Yakujou Kuchiyose no Jutsu!” As the smoke cleared, I could make out a rather large scroll. Naruto picked it up and opened it before turning to me. “Before you is the Kitsune summoning contract, to wield this power, one must protect their friends or have the heart to do so. Now, sign!” He demands.

Wasting no time, I prick my thumb and sign the contract. With an explosion, the scroll is gone.

“Now before we start with summoning, let me teach you how to use the Rasenuzumaki no Rikujou Jutsu.” He tells me before continuing. “I have been able to make to create a five-step program to making it. Step one is fairly easy, all you need to do is be able to make sure the water stays in your hand long enough to finish it. Step two is a little harder; you must form a ball of chakra within the sphere of water. Now normally, this would be impossible for a Gennin, but you since you have a focus point, it's made easier.” At this, he took a breather from talking. “After you complete those two steps, I'll tell you the next two. Just to let you know, I could make this easier by giving one step at a time, but the way I'm teaching is a little faster.” He whispers in my ear.

“Hai! Naruto-shishou!” I bow to him before walking over to the small pond. Over the next four hours, I train with the first two steps. It took me till eleven to master the first step, but the second step was another thing. I may have been known for my ability to use excellent chakra control, but even making a ball of pure chakra is hard, not to mention draining. Finally, three hours after mastering the first, I could finally maintain control of the ball of chakra for fifteen minutes.

“You're making great progress! Although you won't be able to use it during the prelims because it won't be mastered by then; you might be able to use it during the finals as your signature technique!” I hear Naruto call from behind me. “I think we should work on Taijutsu now.” He says after looking me over.

Nodding my head, he creates a Kage Bunshin and I enter the Ryuutai Kata as it starts trying to hit me. I moved with gracefulness as I ducked a kick thrown at my side. Stopping his foot above my head, he tries for an axel kick. Rolling to the side, the kick misses while I use the momentum to sweep the feet of the Kage Bunshin. As it hit the ground, I palmed its chest, causing it to poof out of existence.

“Wow Sakura-chan, did you practice last night?” Naruto asks, walking over to me.

“Well, I think the weights are helping by giving me more momentum. And yes!”

Nodding his head in approval, he exclaims. “Well, I think that's enough for today! I'll teach you the other two steps after you finish the second step tomorrow.” And with that, he was gone in a burst of flame.

“Forehead?” I hear an obnoxious voice from behind.

“Yeah Ino?” I ask without turning around.

“Was that Naruto just now?”

Turning around, I face her to see a look of confusion. “And why aren't you calling me Ino-pig?”

I sigh as I sat down. “Yes, that was Naruto-shishou and I don't feel like calling you Ino-pig because it's stupid I guess.” I answer, shrugging because I had no idea way.

“Shishou?” I hear the blonde ask skeptically.

“Yes, shishou! He's teaching me!” I yell over her voice as she rambled on about something.

“But he's dead-last!”

“Ino, Naruto-shishou could easily beat Sasuke-kun. I don't think he's as `dead-last', as we claim him to be.” I express calmly as possible, which is clenching my fist while speaking calmly.

“You like Naruto!” She yells, pointing at me. I look up and turn bright red as I would when normally around Sasuke.

“Do not!” I yell back.

“Why don't you admit it?” Inner me asks.

`Because, if people found out I liked Naruto, I'd get chewed out for sure!' I yell at my inner me.

“Whatever…” Ino mutters shaking her head while sighing. “That means not as much competition for Sasuke-kun!”

“Ino!” I warn. “I didn't say I didn't like Sasuke-kun anymore!”

“Damn!”

Calming down, I ask. “And what's so bad about liking Naruto?”

Looking at me like I had to heads, she says. “I don't know, he's dead-last, annoying and, well…” She trailed off.

“Naruto's sweet and kind, he's strong and does anything for a friend, and he'd protect the entire village by himself if he had to!” I defend him.

“HA! You do like Naruto!”

Although I whisper the next part, Ino hears it. “Okay, okay, maybe I do like him…”

(Naruto's P.O.V.)

As I was walking to my room, I fell a chakra signature.

“Sasuke, come out!” I yell over my shoulder.

I stood there for a minute until he came out. “How'd you know I was following you?” He asks in his usual voice.

“You need to learn how to lower your chakra signature.” I say, exasperated.

“Whatever just tell me why you're training Sakura?” He asks quite rudely.

“Sasuke, unlike her, she fights for her friends. You-you fight because you wish to become the strongest in the clan, taking the head position.”

`The Sasuke in this time-line may not be as an ass as the last one, but he's still an ass! Damn the Uchiha's thirst for power! The only Uchiha I know exempt from that is Itachi! And he still searches for power! At least he does it to protect his team!' I thought to myself.

“Sasuke, I'm tired and in a not so good mood, so I'm leaving.” And with those words of parting, I teleport away.

(Next day; training grounds)

I got there early so I could train a little bit, but turns out Sakura beat me to the punch. Right now she was holding out her hand to the side, charging up the first two stages. After watching from a distance, I sneak up one her.

“BOO!” I yell from behind her, scaring to smack the incomplete Rasenuzumaki to my face, soaking it. I just laughed harder when that happened, falling to the ground because I was laughing.

“Naruto-shishou, be serious! I finished the first two steps, so time for the next two!” She says while giving a heavy sigh.

“Sorry! Sorry! Just hadn't had fun in a while!” I say while getting my giggles under control. After about three minutes, I was able to speak straight. “Okay, step three and four are probably going to be easy for you because of your chakra control. For step three, you need to add enough chakra to let the outer layer spin clockwise and going at 120 km/h. Step four is similar, except you make the inner layer spin counter-clockwise going at 180 km/h. The most difficult thing about this is knowing the right amount to chakra to use.” I explain, seeing her nod every once in awhile.

As I step back, she starts the process. After completing the first two stages, she starts the third step. As she starts to spin it, I can't help but notice that it's only going at 40 km/h.

“Sakura-chan, you need to speed up the outer layer!” I call to her from a distance.

Glancing at me, she speeds it up. As it accelerated, it reached 142km/h.

“Sakura-chan, stop!” Hearing my strict voice, she cancels the technique. “Sakura-chan, you're distracted, why?” I ask.

“Just something Ino said…” She explained, and I could tell that's all she wanted to say.

“If you can't concentrate, then rest up! Anyways, the prelims are tomorrow! So training is canceled!” I reason.

“Well, can you at least teach me one Ninjutsu?” She asks, desperate.

Sighing, I answer. “One and only one, got it?” Nodding her head up and down, I make my favorite hand seal before calling out. “Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)!” In the cover of smoke, six Kage Bunshin are revealed. “Basically, you need to focus your chakra so you use as little as possible. Or, if you have the best chakra control, have a lot of chakra. But it's best to have both.”

Nodding her head, she forms the seal and calls out. “Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!” As the smoke clears, it reveals five clones and a slightly panting Sakura.

“Judging by how much chakra you just used, I suggest you don't go over ten until you can use more chakra and have better control.” I advise before helping her up and waving goodbye.

“See you Sakura-chan!”

“See you Naruto-shishou!”

(Final Day; prelims begin)

“Every one understands the rules?” Asks the sickly Jonin Hayate.

“Hai!” We all called out as a group.

Of course Sakura, Sasuke and me are here, being probably the strongest team. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio are here as well, no surprise really. Hinata, Shino and Kiba made it here. Neji, no longer a stuck up brat since his father did not die, Rock Lee and Tenten made it easily. Haku's team backed out at the last minute when they were given the choice, so Haku's the only one. Akado Yoroi, Kabuto and Tsurugi Misumi made it, Kabuto quitting as soon as he was offered. The sand siblings made it with no problem. Dosu, Kin and Zaku made it, Zaku actually able to move his arm because it was early when he tried to tear them off. And then there was unfamiliar team, from Shigakure no Sato (The Village Hidden in Death). Which, from memory, didn't participate until four years from now.

`That's strange, I guess I messed with the time-line.' I kept to myself.

As we got up to the bleacher like railways, the first battle was called.

“Akimichi Choji vs. Kinuta Dosu!” Called Hayate.

“BEGIN!”