Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

quixotism	By : littleolmee Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1304 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Blanket disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Naruto or any characters associated with the anime/manga they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. I do claim rights to any and all original characters that appear in this story.

A/N WARNING: There will be cursing, adult situations including slash pairing (that's boy X boy) and hentai (boy X girl). Once again my portrayal of Naruto's parentage is just my idea, I do not claim if it is true or not. This is just what I'm using for the story. If you are offended by such things, not of age to be reading such material or do not want to read spoilers then please push the back button now.

My deepest thanks to Jaded Lady for her work as beta on this story. I appreciate all your hard work.

'thinking'
"talking"
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Naruto stopped on his trek up the mountain and looked behind him, making sure no one was around then reached up to his forehead and fazed out only to appear on top of Hokage Mountain. 'Geez, wish I would have known how to do that years ago, would have made getting up here loads easier.' He thought to himself, smiling one of his foxy grins as he knelt down placing a hand on top of the mountain. Under where he knelt was carved the image of the Yondaime on his left and Sandaime on his right.

Growing up he had always wondered about what had happened to his family; had they died somehow? Perhaps they had fought Kyuubi when he was on his rampage, or had he been unwanted even as he came into the world. If any good had come from his merger with Kyuubi it was gaining the knowledge of who his parents had been, and how he had come to be alone in the world.

It was a small comfort even if it didn't bring him any closer to knowing them. Being the bastard love child of the Yondaime was better than not having any idea what had happened to his parents. Naruto chuckled at his own thoughts. "And just who taught you such things father?" Naruto asked. In his mind he could imagine Ero Sennin taking his father, the future Yondaime to spy on the women at the bath house.

Since learning the truth Naruto had longed to come home and pay respects to the man who had not only fathered him but, also had entrusted him with Kyuubi. Earlier on in his life, after he had learned the truth about being the container for the fox, Naruto had felt this man had cursed him. He realized as he got older, that he was actually the first to acknowledge his worth by believing in him. Even though he was only an infant the Hokage; the best ninja in the whole village, recognized his worth and believed in his abilities. Because he did, he gave him the responsibility of protecting Konoha by being the container for the great fox spirit.

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Sasuke wasted no time after he heard what he needed to know about the robed figure he had followed around earlier, it was Naruto and he was back. 'Che, it's about time you got back usuratonkachi.' Smirking he made his way through town toward the Hokage Monument. Until his conscience decided it was time to remind him that he didn�t just follow Naruto around. He had also spied on him and his sensei while they were at the public bath.

Jerking to a stop Sasuke's eyes went wide as his face heated up when he remembered what he had done. 'Ah shit . . . his sensei knew someone was looking in on them while they were in the bath. He blocked my view with that summoned frog.'

Clenching his fists as his right eye twitched Sasuke's imagination decided to provide a clear picture in his mind's eye of a small 12-year-old Naruto dripping wet from the hot spring. His normally spiky hair lying flat around his face, giving him the appearance of being defenseless. His imagination's chibi version of Naruto stood clutching a towel to cover his naked body as he pointed to Sasuke from behind his sensei. "Sensei, that's him. He's the . . . the pervert." The small, innocent, childish version of Naruto accused with wide teary blue eyes, adding a sniff or two for good measure. While a larger than life form of Jiraiya stood arms crossed scowling down at him.

Shaking his head to rid himself of his vision, he took a couple of deep breaths taking the time to calm and assure himself that there was no way they could have known it was him. He had concealed his chakra so even if Jiraiya-sama had realized someone was peeking, there shouldn't be any way for them to know it had been him. Having collected himself, Sasuke continued on his way.

As he traveled, he allowed his thoughts to wander back to the time in his life when he had actually had some happy times. His thoughts went back to times he shared with Naruto and Sakura while in Team Seven.

Times Naruto would stand up to him for being a bastard and Sakura would yell at Naruto for yelling at him. The times he had ended up saving Naruto's butt or vise-a-versa. Good times when they worked together to complete missions or had a good spar and Kakashi would reward them all by treating them to lunch.

Of course all those times were far in the past, 'four almost five years in the past.' He reminded himself wishing he hadn't wasted all those lost years with Orochimaru. 'All those years. What do I have to show for them? I lost my chance for revenge, my memories of that time in my life, and I might have lost the only friend I ever had.' Sasuke huffed, 'well no way to know for sure until I talk to him.'

Running up the trail to the plateau above where the Hokage's faces were carved, Sasuke remembered what Kakashi and others had said he'd done to Naruto while under Orochimaru's control. 'Running up on him might not be the best idea.' He realized, the last time they had fought he had injuried the boy terribly. Slowing down to a walk he worked on catching his breath as he went the rest of the way up at a much slower pace. Heading towards where he could sense Naruto's presence, he shoved his hands into his pockets. Sasuke tried to assume a stance that would show Naruto he meant no harm. 'I don't want to startle him.' As he drew closer he could just make out the sound of someone talking. 'That sounds like Naruto.' Pushing through the last of the brush, he came upon the robed figure he had seen earlier. Silently he listened to Naruto as he talked to the stone monument.

Naruto had knelt down above where the faces of the third and fourth Hokage were carved. Bowing low so he was touching his head to the ground he began his prayer to the two powerful men that had a great affect on his life. "I wanted to apologize for all the mean things I use to say about you when I was younger, I didn't know you were my father. I realize now great Yondaime that you put Kyuubi in me because you believed in my abilities, and not to curse me. Thanks for believing in me."

Naruto sighed as he reached down to lay his hand on the ground above the figure of Sandaime. "I miss you old man. I know I gave you a lot of hell when you were still alive, all the tricks I pulled." Naruto laughed a bit thinking of the time he had showed his Oiroke no Jutsu to the old man and made him pass out from a severe nose bleed. That had been one of the funniest things he had ever done to old Sarutobi-sama. Smiling fondly at his memories he assured the Sandaime's spirit. "I have found my own way to be a ninja; I hope you'll be proud of the ninja I've become. Don't worry; I didn't forget the handful of things you told me. They helped me find the reasons to feel how I do about our village and I still dream some day I will walk in the footsteps of the Hokage. I promise all of you that I will strive to protect our village." Sitting back up Naruto smiled under his hood at the figure he couldn't see but, could feel watching him. 'Well it seems the genius Uchiha has found me after all.'

'The fourth is his father?' Reeling from the information for a moment Sasuke looked down at the ground he was standing on above the carvings. 'Hn, what else would I expect from Konoha's most surprising ninja.' He was brought out of his thoughts by Naruto calling out to him.

"Hasn't anyone told you it's not polite to listen in when someone is paying homage to the dead?" He chastised Sasuke while he kept his back to him. Sasuke drew back, shocked that Naruto had realized he was even there; it didn't seem possible for him to have seen him with that hood covering his head so completely. "Even if you are a rude bastard it's good to see you�re all right and back home where you belong." Naruto said as he moved to stand and face Sasuke who had pushed his hands deeper into his pockets. "Hn . . . it�s good to have you back too, dobe." Sasuke replied as he smirked at his long lost friend.

"Doesn't one normally pray at a shrine when paying homage to the dead not a mountain?" Throwing a hand behind his covered head Naruto snickered. "True, true but, sometimes you have to go to where the spirits are so they can listen to you. Not all are willing to stay within the shrine, besides when have I ever been one to do what folks normally do?"

Lowing his head hiding within the large hood of the robe, he continued. "Sorry about Itachi." Sasuke shrugged indifferently looking away, "don�t. . .he threatened your life, you had every right to protect your self." Naruto nodded, "well yes but, your revenge?" Sasuke shook his head, "just drop it okay." Naruto's hood nodded his agreement.

"Che . . . lose the robe." Sasuke commented beginning to be bothered by his friend hiding from him. 'Even his sleeves extended way past his hands, completely hiding him from view. What are you hiding usuratonkachi?' Naruto wrapped his sleeve-covered hands in the front of his robe shaking his head vigorously. "No, no Sasuke I can't take my robe off. Jiraiya-jiji is with Tsunade-baba right now to make sure it is all right if I return. I'm not the same as I was before. . .I've changed Sasuke. . .you've got to understand, I . . . I was the container for the Kyuubi, the kitsune that attacked the village, we've merged." Naruto stuttered through his explanation praying it wasn't going to cost him more of Sasuke's hatred. "I'm as much kitsune spirit as I am human anymore." He explained a touch of sadness in his voice. "Jiraiya is used to me but, I'm afraid of how others will see me."

"Don't be stupid, of course you've changed." Sasuke couldn't see the look of sadness that passed over Naruto's face hiding under his robe before he could wallow too much in his pain Sasuke spoke again. "I haven't seen you since you were 12. You�re what 17 almost 18? How am I going to pick you out of a crowd after Hokage Tsunade-sama welcomes you back if you don't show yourself dobe?"

"Ugh . . . ." Naruto drew back, shocked at Sasuke's reasoning. "You mean you�re not bothered by the fact . . . ." Sasuke shook his head, a smile on his face. "Phf . . . of course not, I can tell you are still you after all." Just like he missed the pained expression, Sasuke also missed the look of happiness that spread across Naruto's face. "You see Sasuke. . .it seems I'm not aging anymore at least not since the merger when I was 16, so you see I don't really look much different since the last time you saw me." Sasuke scrunched up his face in confusion. "Last time?"

"Yeah . . . you know when we had that fight in the Valley of the Ends. I take that back, I have gotten a little taller." Naruto boasted as he bounced on his feet with his hands clasped behind his back. "Oh, and my hair is longer but it helps for it to be longer for some of the defensive jutsu's Ero Sennin taught me. Besides that I haven't changed since then really. Except this time I don't have a hole through my chest from your hand." Naruto causally remarked but unlike Sasuke he didn't miss the look of horror that flashed a cross his face as Sasuke pulling back slightly flinching.

"Sasuke?" Naruto questioned taking a step toward the dark-haired young man. Reigning in his emotions, Sasuke asked. "What do you mean?" Naruto walked closer figuring if Sasuke was going to attack him then it would have already happened. "Yeah . . . remember, it was time for the snake bastard to take a new body. I followed you and tried to stop you from going so he couldn't take you. We fought and I was seriously whipping your ass but I miscalculated. That whole you�re my best friend so I have to kill you thing just threw me off." Naruto explained as he gestured with his hands. "In the end you managed to put your hand through my chest." Reaching up to touch the spot that Sasuke had hit him Naruto sneaked a peek at the dark-haired shinobi, the expression on Sasuke's face clearly showed his discomfort. Trying to sound cheerful despite what they were talking about Naruto laughed, hoping to take away part of the haunted look in Sasuke's eyes. "Boy, you sure did get me that time Sasuke. Thought you had me for sure. I was able to scratch your head band though, and you said I wouldn't be able to. I proved you wrong huh?"

Sasuke bowed his head to hide his eyes under his bangs. "Naruto . . . I . . . when I woke up after Orochimaru was killed, the last thing I remembered was when the three of us had been taking the Chunnin exam and I was bit by him." Sasuke unconsciously reached up to the spot where Orochimaru had bitten him. "It was part of the curse. It took all my memories from the moment I was bit till the curse was lifted. I . . . I'm . . . sor . . . sor . . . ."

He was interrupted by Naruto's happy voice. "No worries Sasuke." He said, waving a sleeved-covered hand at him. Sasuke gave him a questioning look as Naruto reached a sleeve-covered hand under his robe and appeared to be rubbing his nose with it. "Actually that makes me really happy. I always hoped it really wasn't your idea to try and hurt me. I understand, it was that snake bastard controlling you, so don't sweat it, let's just forget it. I'm just glad you�re back." Naruto finished dropping his hand from under his hood.

Sasuke stared at the ground awed by the fact that Naruto would just let what happened go so easily. "Forget it? You forgive me just like that, how? If it were me in your place . . . ."

Naruto�s snorting interrupted him at that moment. Sasuke looked up at his lost teammate; Naruto had wrapped his hands around the back of his hood-covered head and was rocking on the balls of his feet in a carefree manner. "Yes, yes if you were in my place, you'd want revenge right?" Gasping Sasuke realized what he said was true. 'He's right. I wouldn't care about the reasons or why. I'd just want to get back at whoever hurt me.' Once again Naruto's voice brought Sasuke out of his thoughts.

"I agree, sometimes some situations call out for revenge. But still, you know I've gotten to travel a lot with Ero Sennin and we've met all kinds of people. The longer I live and the more I see just proves that there's more to life than just what we can see with our eyes." Naruto explained showing the same intelligence about life he often shocked them with in the past. Sasuke lowered his head to hide under his bangs to think, his friend didn't give him much time to think before he began talking again. "What happens after you get revenge? Hopefully, you live. Living and the connections to others is what makes things okay. Revenge won't ever give you that." Naruto explained, now facing Sasuke, dropped his hands off the back of his head. "Ah, I'm sorry." Naruto said reaching under his hood to scratch the side of his head. A nervous reaction Naruto had often done when they were kids when he was embarrassed. "Jiraiya-jiji says sometimes I just don't know when to shut up. I just talk and talk, just to hear a voice you know and . . . ."

Sasuke interrupted him this time. "Thanks . . . . " Naruto jerked his head up to look at Sasuke, cocked his head sideways. "You've given me a lot to consider." Sasuke answered his unspoken question as he felt his lips pull up into a rare smile. He bowed his head to try and hide under his bangs so he didn't have to face Naruto. It seemed his friend didn't hold anything against him; it was more than he could have hoped for and later when he was alone Sasuke was determined he would think about what Naruto had said.

His eyes widened when he realized Naruto had moved himself beside him. With his right hand up to the left side of his hooded face Naruto leaned in whispering. "Sooo, have you and Sakura gone out on a date since you've returned to the village?" Sasuke could just imagine the lecherous smirk on Naruto's face. Sasuke shook his head no as he whispered back. "Rock Lee and she are a thing these days." Naruto drew back gasping as he threw his hands over where his mouth must have been. "Nooo, bushy brows and Sakura? Really?" Sasuke felt himself smile again; yes he had missed the knucklehead.

Just as Naruto was beginning to rapidly fire out one question after another about others they knew a small cloud of smoke popped up near them, a small frog appeared from within. All thoughts of gossip stopped at the arrival of the frog as Naruto dropped down to grab the frog up holding the small creature up to his cloaked face. "Hey little brother, what brings you here?" The small frog waved off Naruto's question pointing at him strictly. "Jiraiya says to get your butt to Tsunade-sama's office pronto." The young frog brother relayed before disappearing from Naruto's grip. "Hmph, bossy little amphibian." Naruto complained folding his arms over his chest.

Sasuke shook his head, the barest hint of a smile still in place, his imagination provided him with the image of his friend when they were younger pouting. 'Yes, I definitely missed him. I think my face is going to hurt from smiling so much.' He thought to himself as Naruto changed from one emotion to the next, reaching out to grab Sasuke's wrist pulling him down the path away from the mountain top. "Come on Sasuke, let's go see what Tsunade-baba has to say!" He exclaimed leading the way off the mountain with Sasuke in tow.

They made good time from the mountain meeting up with Jiraiya in front of the tower. "I see you've already met up with a friend Naruto." The older man commented as Naruto continued to drag Sasuke by his wrist. "Mhm, the bastard thought he could sneak up on me. So what�s the word Ero Sennin?" Naruto�s words were joking but Jiraiya could hear the tension in his voice. 'He�s still worried about what's going to happen.' He reminded himself as he leaned back and laughed loudly at his student in hopes to relax the mood. "I told you boy, no woman can resist me. You should have more faith in the Great Frog Tamer Jiraiya."

He could almost see the twinkling of admiration in the boy's eyes from under his hood. "Really jiji, the old hag said I could return and I'm still a ninja? Naruto asked, he had released his friend�s wrist and fisted his hands in front of him pumping them in excitement. Jiraiya winked at his student giving him a thumb�s up, "I told you everything would be fine." Flinging his arms up above his head Naruto yelled out in excitement running around. "Yeah! I get to come home . . . I'm still a ninja." His hands now exposed from his sleeves� Naruto posed and gave them both the victory sign. "Watch out Konoha your future Hokage is back."

Sasuke shook his head at Naruto's antics. "Hn . . . I'll be sure to warn everyone." Slumping at Sasuke's chiding remark Naruto pointed at him accusingly. "You just wait teme, I'm going to be Hokage someday and then you'll be bowing to me." He warns him jerking his thumb back to point to himself. 'Che, still with that Hokage business Naruto? You haven't changed a bit have you?' Sasuke thought as he rolled his eyes at the blonde's claim. 'Though he did defeat Itachi. . .if he is capable of that then just maybe someday he could fulfill his dream.' He admitted to himself at last waving Naruto off carelessly assuring him. "When that day happens I'll be the first to bow." Naruto dropped his hands to his sides unable to say anything for a moment. 'Sasuke said when not if.' He realized moving his head just right so the sunshine illuminated him within his hood Naruto looked up at Sasuke and smiled warmly at him.

Finally able to see the face of his long lost friend Sasuke felt his breath catch somewhere inside him as he gazed into the brilliant blue of Naruto's eyes. 'He's worried about how he looks?' Sasuke said to himself, his heart thumping so loud in his ears he was sure the others could hear it as well as he took in the sight of his friend. 'He hasn't really changed much at all.' Sasuke decided satisfied that for once since waking in the hospital he had found something that had not changed dramatically, cocking his head he smiled back.

From his reaction Naruto could tell Sasuke had seen him and it only made him smile more, now giving one of his foxy grins as he chuckled. 'Figures' Sasuke thought shaking his head. 'After everything I finally find a piece of my past that hasn't changed to hold on to and it's him.' Sasuke huffed at his own thoughts but continued to keep his eyes locked on his friend.

Jiraiya snorted at the two boys and shook his head. "Come on; bring your friend with you. Tsunade wasn't too happy that I didn't bring you the first time, let's not keep her waiting." The spell the two had cast upon one another broke at Jiraiya's words; nodding Naruto followed Jiraiya into the tower motioning for Sasuke to come as well, which he did.

Jiraiya lead the way into the tower to Shizune's desk, catching her attention right away, cautiously she checked out the robed figure with Jiraiya. "What's wrong Shizune nee-chan?" Naruto asked from within his robe. "Naruto, is that really you?" She asked standing up and moving over in front of him. "Yep, in the flesh." Naruto happily answered as she examined his swathed figure. Turning to Jiraiya she gave him a look that clearly asked, 'what's with the robe?' To which Jiraiya returned with a look that said, 'don't ask.' Clearing his throat Jiraiya motioned toward the Hokage's office. "Shouldn't we go in? Tsunade wanted to see the brat right away." Nodding Shizune gave Naruto a quick welcome home hug. "I�m glad your back Naruto, we've all missed you." She told him with a warm smile then ushered them into Tsunade's office.

Entering Tsunade's office Jiraiya stood slightly in front of Naruto while Sasuke took up a spot leaning against a wall. "See Tsunade, just like I said, here he is safe and sound." The Godaime stood from her desk, putting Tonton; her pet pig down and made her way over to them using one hand to shove Jiraiya out of her way. "Move pervert. Naruto is that really you brat?" She asked grasping him by the shoulders. Still hiding under his hood Naruto nodded letting her know it was him. Reaching up toward the hood as she leaned in puckering up, she went to lay a welcome home kiss to where she believed his forehead to be. As she pulled the hood down her eyes widened as she jerked back. "Ugh!" She yelled wiping her mouth furiously as she glared at the small frog that was sitting on top of Naruto's head.

Gamakichi put one webbed hand up to his mouth as he turned away slightly; a shy blush adorned his checks. Naruto chuckled as he held out his hands; palms up, giving his ever present adopted brother a place to sit off of his head. Gamakichi made his move and hopped down to sit on Naruto's palms, a slight blush still on his frog face.

"Aaah, Tsunade-bachan I think you embarrassed him." Naruto remarked with a foxy grin. "I wasn't aiming for the frog you baka." She chided him as she shook her fist at him. Gamakichi leaning on his back legs folded his front legs over his chest snubbing his nose at the Godaime. "Well I'll have you know I don't normally kiss on the first date so you should feel privileged." Tsunade covered her eyes for a moment; she should have known nothing can be easy when Naruto was involved. That thought made her smile; not because she really looked forward to dealing with the boy's tantrums and tricks but it meant he was home and that she did want.
"Are there any other animals I should be wary of?" Naruto nodded gesturing with his head to his side pockets. "Just a couple of fox kits in my pockets." He promised as his retainers took this moment to pop their heads out of his pockets.

Shaking her head at his menagerie, she walked back to him and held his shoulders, taking a good look at his condition. Seeing he was in good shape and health she reached up to push his hitai-ate up as she leaned back in, this time was able to kiss his forehead without any interruptions. "I'm glad your back kid . . . things were getting pretty dull with you gone." She whispered drawing back from the kiss.

Blushing from her welcome Naruto smiled his warmest, sweetest smile to her. "I missed you baba-chan, thanks for letting me come home even with what has happened." Tsunade nodded in understanding. "Don't worry about what happened you are still yourself and in complete control, that is all that matters. Don't worry this doesn't need to be common knowledge." Drawing away Naruto huffed at her. "No, I don't want to live life as a lie ever again, I want to be here and accepted for who I am. I deserve that much don't I?" The Godaime chuckled at her precious person. "I should have known you wouldn't make it easy. All right, I'll let the council know. Seeing as you saved the entire group that was sent to help you and we are now free from Orochimaru, the Akatsuki group and Uchiha Itachi I don't think they can hold the merger against you." Sighing in relief at her understanding, the blonde shinobi relaxed a bit. "Thanks, I just don't want this come back and bite me because we weren't truthful. I'd rather have to leave now then get settled in and then be forced out." Tightening her grip on his shoulders Tsunade bent down looking squarely in his eyes. "Listen to me, this is an order from your Godaime. You are staying and you are still a ninja of Konoha. This village is your home as much as it is anyone else�s, you have proven over and over again to be a loyal and capable shinobi. I will not allow the stupidity of a few to infest our home, you are worth more to me then any of them. I want you settle in and reconnect with your friends, that will be your mission for now."

Sasuke had been quietly watching the interaction between their Hokage and Naruto from his place against the wall. When the stupid hood finally came down he was glad to see that Naruto hadn't changed much at all. 'What a relief, if this is what he was afraid would scare everyone away, he has a strange idea of hideous.' He admitted to himself, for his friend's appearance was far from scary. Naruto had unbuttoned his robe so Tsunade could give him a once over, even pulling up his shirt for her to examine his seal. 'Will he ever stop wearing orange?' Sasuke wondered, though it was true the color did look good on him. He still had an orange and blue jump suit on though it wasn't the same as the one he wore as a kid. It was obvious he had done a lot of training while he was gone, from what Sasuke could see when Naruto pulled up his shirt he was well built. Not bulky like Kiba or Chouji but not thin like Shikamaru either, it was certain that while he had grown some he would still be the shortest guy from the rookie nine. 'He's still about the height of the girls. Che . . . I think Sakura might be taller by a hair.' Sasuke smirked at his thoughts remembering how Naruto had always hated being the shortest. What Naruto had said about having let his hair grow was true, his spiky blonde hair reached his shoulders now. 'He said it helped with some defensive moves Jiraiya taught him, that must be why he has left it loose unlike most who tie it up when they have longer hair.' Sasuke reminded himself, continuing to memorize his friend�s appearance. While his face had lost some of the roundness it had held as a child the same three lined markings were there on his checks, all in all his face was still very childlike in a way. 'His eyes are still the truest blue I've ever seen and so expressive. They hold an innocence to them, he comes across almost childlike.' His mind supplied, he was just glad he had been allowed to come with him. 'I wouldn't have had a chance to see him so clearly if I hadn't come.'

Sasuke was brought out of his inner conversation when his view of Naruto was obscured when Tsunade stood up and ruffled Naruto's blonde mop. Naruto dropped his shirt smiling as brightly as a sunny day, as the Godaime went back to sit behind her desk. "So Naruto, Jiraiya says you have received training from many wonderful Sennin during your travels. Have you learned a lot from them?" Naruto chuckled changing his warm smile to a sly grin. "You better believe it, Tsunade-baba. I can't wait to show you."

The conversation was stopped when Kakashi popped into the room out of a cloud of smoke. "You called Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked facing the Godaime. Kakashi's only visible eye widened when he heard his name happily called followed by someone short and blonde grabbing him. Looking down at the unruly spikes of blonde hair Kakashi held his hands out to the side as he blinked at his new attachment. "Hi sensei did you miss me?" Naruto asked looking up at his Jounin leader. "Naruto. . .you finally home then?" Kakashi asked giving the still short boy a pat on the head, smiling through his mask as he relaxed his stance. Releasing him, Naruto nodded with a large smile still planted on his face. "Yep, finally safe enough for me to return and I'm all healed up now too. I'm so happy Sasuke was found but he says he doesn't remember anything that happened to him after he was bitten."

Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets huffing. "I'm right here you idiot. Don't talk about me like I'm not." Turning back to his irate friend Naruto shrugged his shoulders looking sheepishly at Sasuke. "Sorry Sasuke." Shaking his head Sasuke closed his eyes muttering. "Dobe . . . . " Much to Naruto's aggravation, just that one word began the common come back from their past. "What did you call me teme?" He asked shaking his fist at the dark-haired ninja.

Jiraiya interrupted the escalating fight by calling Kakashi's attention to him. " So, Kakashi would you be willing to take Naruto back under you again?" Glancing over to the Godaime for confirmation Kakashi quirked up his eyebrow at her in question. Smiling Tsunade nodded letting the Jounin know that Naruto would be staying. Returning to his normal calm lazy look Kakashi's mask crinkled a little as he smiled. "Well I guess this means I finally get my old team back then."

Sasuke watched as Naruto's expression changed from happy to somewhat sad as he listened to the others talk. "Naruto?" Sasuke tried to gain his attention. Raising his eyes Naruto smiled sadly as he shook his head. The others in the room had heard Sasuke speak to him and were now watching them carefully.

"What's wrong boy? I thought this is what you were wanting?" Jiraiya called out to him giving him a worried look. Bowing his head again Naruto nodded. "Yes, this is what I wanted." He confirmed though he still didn't look very convincing. Huffing Jiraiya crossed his arms and rolled his eyes at his student. "Then what's the matter? Do you not want Kakashi here for a sensei, got someone better in mind?" Jiraiya poked, smirking when the Jounin slapped his chest with his hand as if the statement had hurt. The blonde ninja quickly shot his hands out in front of him shaking them like he was surrendering. "No, no . . . that's not it. I couldn't ask for a better Jounin teacher then Kakashi-sensei and being back on team seven with my friends is a dream come true." He assured them as Kakashi straightened up giving Jiraiya a satisfied smirk. "I . . . I just thought . . . you wouldn't be dumping me off and leaving so soon Ero Sennin." Naruto finally admitted as he twisted the toe of his shoe into the floor.

Jiraiya's ignored the rest of the people in the room for a moment as he made his way over in front of his student, laying his hands on his shoulders and gaining is undivided attention. "Its true boy, I won't always be in the village. You know that I�ve wandered for a long time. It�s in my blood I'm afraid. That doesn't mean you won't be with me." The old Sennin explained patting his chest where his heart laid. "I am not dumping you off." Leaning down so he was looking eye to eye with his student Jiraiya continued. "I'm setting everything up so I know when the time comes and I can't stand it any longer I can leave knowing with whom I'm leaving you with. I want to make sure you�re surrounded by people who care about you, good friends and a competent sensei that will take good care of you. Do you understand now?" Naruto closed his eyes against the sting of the happy tears he could feel in his eyes, he wasn't going to cry he was way too old to do such things. "I understand, thanks Jiraiya-sensei for looking out for me." Opening his eyes, he grinned. "I suppose Kakashi will work out well, he's as perverted as you are so I'll be comfortable with that."

Kakashi huffed, here he had hurried to the Hokage's office and all he was getting were cheap shots. "Ooi, what is this pick on Kakashi day?" The others in the room laughed as Naruto bounded over to him hugging him again. "Sorry Kakashi-sensei sometimes you just make an easy target. I'm very glad to be with you again." Patting him on the head Kakashi admitted. "I'm glad to have all my students finally back as well."

They jerked apart when Tsunade spoke. "Your not going to start spouting about spring time of youth like Gai will you?" Clearing his throat Kakashi admitted. "Well I have been sparring a lot with him, he might be rubbing off on me." Smirking Tsunade continued. "Mhmm, well anyway . . . are you willing to start back where you were by reforming Team Seven?" The Godaime inquired, propping her chin on one of her palms. "You have been unwilling to take on any other students and since it seems all the members are back." She reminded him steeping her fingers in front of her face. "With both Sasuke and Naruto still being listed as Genin and Sakura is Chunnin your team can be brought back together easily enough."

Kakashi nodded to her question. He wasn't going to acknowledge anything else she had said. He knew his refusal to give up on his old team had irked the Godaime. But he simply wasn't willing to give up on them, they had been the first team he had ever passed. "Do you think Sakura would be willing to return to the team?" Tsunade smiled as she chuckled a bit. "I believe she'd enjoy that, she has been mainly working in the hospital and going with other teams since she is a medic-nin now. I'm sure she would be willing to rejoin Team Seven. Anything else before you take your team back?"

Glancing back at Naruto, who just seemed to be thrumming with excitement, gave Kakashi and idea. "Would it be possible for me to spar with Naruto? Just to see how well he has improved during his absence." Smiling Tsunade nodded to Kakashi that it was all right with her. "Well Naruto, are you up to a challenge?" Turning back to his blonde student Kakashi asked as his one visible eye crinkled from his smile.

Jiraiya held onto Naruto's shoulders attempting to keep the boy from bouncing around the room in excitement. "Oh yeah, oh yeah . . . this is going to be great, just me and Kakashi-sensei. Any rules I should know about? Do I have to get a bell again? Huh, huh, huh?" Watching Jiraiya trying to control the wild ninja Kakashi sighed. 'He�s still full of energy it seems.' Shaking his head no, his masked sensei explained. "I thought we could just have a friendly spar, you can show me some of the new techniques you've learned. We'll just see where it takes us . . . . " The Jounin instructor shrugged looking bored as always, but he was beginning to wonder if he should be concerned about the huge vulpine grin Naruto was wearing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

usuratonkachi: total moron (Sasuke's pet name for Naruto)

baka: idiot, stupid

Akatsuki: organization of missing-nin's; name means dawn

jiji: grandfather, old man

baba: grandmother, hag

teme: bastard

ooi: hey

Ero Sennin: perverted hermit (Naruto's name for Jiraiya)

kitsune: fox

dobe: dead last (Sasuke's pet name for Naruto)

sensei: teacher

Godaime: term used when refering to the 5th person to hold the title of Hokage; the 5th leader of Konoha

hitai-ate: forehead protector

Gamakichi: young son of Gamabunta (Narrate calls Gamabunta 'boss') vol. 15 ch 134 Gamabunta agrees to allow Narrate into the family of frogs making him his underling when he is old enough to perform the sake ceremony with him. It is through this idea I've made the frogs have a more involved relationship with Narrate in the story.

Sennin: A wandering hermit or wiseman. Those who obtain this unofficial title are very skilled in various jutsus and have a strength comparable to that of the Kage of a village. I have seen the spelling many different ways for this term, this is the spelling from the web site I used for Japanese terms from Naruto and is also the spelling I got from an online English to Japanese translator. I will use this spelling for the story.

Genin: Rookie/lower ninja. Acquire forehead protector and are grouped in teams of 3 with a Jounin sensei.

Chuunin: After at least 8 missions genins can be nominated by their Jounin sensei to participate in the Chuunin selection exam. Chuunin perform C to B rank missions. Acquire military jacket /vest.

Jounin: Level after Chuunin, elite ninja's, can take on Genin teams, do A and S rank missions. Perform other positions in village.

chibi: child

shinobi: another term for ninja
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