Chapter 15: Heaven's Blade

4 a.m., Konoha

One week has passed since Tsunade sent Senzairu and his squad on their mission. As she rested her head in a hand and tapped the desk with the other, she thought about her son and Naruto. Tsunade was disturbed from her thoughts when the door to her office opened, "Hey Tsunade-sama, I figured I'd get you some coffee to keep you awake."

Tsunade smiled at Shizune's kindness, "Thank you Shizune."

Shizune sensed that her sensei was worried, "Tsunade-sama, are you sure that you are okay?"

She nodded, "I'm fine, just worried about Senzairu. Maybe I shouldn't have sent him on a mission so soon."

Shizune sat at the edge of Tsunade's desk, "I think what you did was right. You gave him a mission with a low risk so he could get back into the swing of things."

"I gave him the mission, because I didn't want him to have to fight and possibly…" Tsunade couldn't bring herself to think about the last part. She forced herself away from her thoughts, "Yes, I guess you're right. Oh! I almost forgot, are those the records for the genins that passed the exam? I might as well assign the squads right now." Shizune handed Tsunade the folder she was holding.

Tsunade opened the folder and started to look at the genins and their special abilitys. She came across the rookie of the year, Hyuuga Ranpu. She gave his sheet a once over then turned to the next page to see the other students. Tsunade continued until she reached the last student. From what she could see, the boy had the lowest scores, which meant he was the dead-last. She already knew that he would be teamed up with the Hyuuga without question. After looking at the all of the candidates, she had an idea on who would be assigned to the teams that she selected.

Shizune gazed at Tsunade curiously, "Tsunade-sama, do you have an idea of the squads and their jounin instructors?"

She looked up from the book and nodded her head, "Yes. Hold on, let me write it down so you can take it to Iruka before his class meets."

Tsunade handed Shizune the list. She then stood up to stretch her arms, followed by a yawn, "I'm going home; I will be back in my office at nine. Tell all of the jounins to meet me there."

Shizune spoke before the Hokage could take another step, "What about Senzairu? How will he know what squad he will be assigned to?"

"Don't worry about it. He should be back here by noon, which is around the time the squads meet their instructors. Tell whoever is on guard duty during that time to tell him to get to the academy, ASAP. Also, have them relay that his squad is squad four. Since that is all, I'm going home; you should come as well. The class doesn't start until eight, so you have four hours to kill. I suggest you get some sleep too." The Hokage suggested hoping that her hardworking assistant would take her advice.

Shizune thought about it for a second. It was a fact that she was up since six yesterday. Add that to the fact that she was at the hospital from three in the afternoon to about nine at night; she definitely had a long day. Tsunade exited the office with Shizune in tow; both heading home, with sleep on their brain.

Fire Country…

Senzairu and his squad went to bed around eight last night and were now speeding towards Konoha. The week went by rather quickly and uneventfully. Other than the missing-nin that they encountered, they encountered nothing else. The awkwardness between Kurenai and Senzairu disappeared, but he couldn't help but wonder if it would return when they got back to Konoha.

Izumo, who was now traveling on his right, spoke "Hey Senzairu, are you ready to become a jounin instructor?"

"Well, I don't know. I guess I will find out." Senzairu answered honestly.

"You should be fine. It's not that hard at all, in fact it is rather easy." Kurenai said to assure him that it would be okay.

Senzairu gave Kurenai a skeptical glance, "Some how I find that hard to believe."

Since they were talking about jounin instructors, Hanabi wondered who Kurenai-san's instructor was. "Kurenai-san, who was the instructor for your squad?"

Senzairu answered before she could, "Nara Shikaku."

Hanabi gave him a questioned look, "How do you know that?"

Kurenai responded, "Because he was my team member along with Asuma."

Konohamaru snapped out of daydreaming when he heard Asuma's name.

He listened as they continued their conversation.

Kurenai spoke again, "Asuma, Senzairu, and I were under the tutelage of Nara Shikaku. He was a good instructor and he prepared us well."

Hanabi spoke again, "Nara Shikaku…he's on the council with father, and I believe his son was under Asuma-san's tutelage. Am I correct?"

Senzairu eyes widen, "You're the daughter of Hiashi-san?"

Hanabi gave him a look as if it was the most obvious thing, "Yes, you didn't know that?"

He just shook his head, "No. Honestly, I thought Hiashi-san only had one daughter by the name of Hyuuga Hinata."

"Well, just so you know…he has two daughters and the one you just mentioned is my elder sister." Hanabi informed him.

Senzairu glanced at Kurenai, who looked sad at the mention of the Hyuuga girl. "Is there something wrong, Kurenai?"

"No, everything is okay." She said hoping he would leave it alone.

Hanabi continued, "What made you think he only had one daughter?"

"The Hokage never mentioned that you were his daughter, I guess that's why. By the way, I haven't seen your sister yet, where the heck is she?" Senzairu asked.

"She's in the hospital recovering from an injury. Under the special orders of the Hokage no one is to visit her unless the Hokage says so." Hanabi informed the jounin.

Kurenai decided to add more, "Also, Tsunade and Shizune are her personal physicians. I don't know how bad it is, but the Hokage only does that when no one else is qualified. That usually means that it's serious."

Konohamaru sensed that Hanabi and Kurenai were going down a dark path, so he decided to lighten up the mood, "Don't worry, I'm sure Hinata-san will be okay. She is the nicest person you could ever meet and bad things don't happen to nice people, isn't that right Udon?"

The glasses wearing chuunin nodded in agreement. Moegi also nodded. Kurenai smiled, grateful that Hinata had people who thought she was nice. Konohamaru spoke again, "I'm sure you will get to see her soon Kurenai-san, you too Hanabi-chan."

Hanabi looked at him then back to the front of her, "I hope you're right, I hope you're right."

Konoha Academy, 5 hours later…

Iruka walked into the classroom with a clipboard in his hand. Shizune gave him the list an hour ago. He looked at the genin; who got quite as soon as he walked into the room. He started to speak, "Okay everyone, I will start assigning teams, so listen for your name and your squad number. Squad 1…"

Iruka continued until he got up to Squad 4, "Squad 4: Hyuuga Ranpu, Mogami Akuru, and Sueshijuu Makeinu. Squad 5…"

He went one until he reached Squad 8, "Squad 8: Funkanzan Yougan, Chobo Niiro, and Kashira Yasumi. Squad 9 will consist of Kabe Taishita, Jiseni Futeki, and Nentou Kiseki."

Once Iruka finished calling the squads, he addressed the group for the final time, "I just want to say that I am proud of you all. This is the day you will begin your training to become a ninja. This is only the beginning and you all have a long way to go before you reach your goals. I hope all of you succeed and strive to be the best; not only for your sake, but also for the sake of Konoha and those you hold dear. All of you become great Shinobi and serve the Leaf proudly. I would also like to inform you that the jounin instructors will be here to pick you guys up this afternoon, so you guys have three hours to eat or do whatever it is. I expect you back here no later than noon to meet your instructors. I will see you all at noon."

Iruka left the classroom and headed to his office to do tedious paper work.

Tsunade was now fresh and ready for the rest of the day. As she sat at her desk with the crystal ball, the gathered jounin were there looking at their perspective students.

"I can't wait to see how my team will be. That Futeki reminds me so much of myself, I'm kind of looking forward to this." Anko said with a smile gracing her lips.

Yamato was looking at his group, "That Yougan kid doesn't interact with his classmates much from what I've seen."

"In Iruka's notes it said something about him liking quiet time or something like that." Tsunade informed the jounin.

Genma switched the toothpick in his mouth to the other side, "They don't look like they're ready for what's to come, if I must say."

Taking her eyes off the crystal ball; she looked at the toothpick chewing jounin, "That's why I expect you guys to get them up to speed."

"Is that why you placed the rookie of the year in Senzairu's squad?" Aoba asked the question that everyone wanted to ask, but was afraid to.

The stare she gave unnerved him. Tsunade held it for a couple of seconds before responding. "Well, the reason I put Senzairu with this squad is because I feel he is capable of teaching it. The Hyuuga specializes in taijutsu; Senzairu's skills are as exceptional as mine. I know this, because I've been training him in taijutsu since he could walk. Also, the boy with the lowest grades will benefit and the kunoichi, who at best, had average taijutsu skills will benefit from Senzairu. I grouped the teams based on who would be the perfect fit. For example, Anko has a female in her squad who has slightly above average ninjutsu as well as a fiery attitude. Under Anko, I think she would benefit, as well as the other team members. Does that explain why I did what I did?"

He nodded, "Yes. I don't want you to think I was accusing you of favoring Senzairu, I just was wondering how the teams were selected."

"I know Aoba. The way you ask the question illustrated that you wanted to know why I selected the teams the way I did and now you know. You guys have about three hours until you meet your squads. Report to me tomorrow and give me the status on whether they passed or failed. You all are dismissed." The jounins turned around and exited her office. When they did she leaned back in her chair to relax a little.

Shizune came in with a stack of papers in her hand, she moved to the side so the exiting jounins could pass her by. "Tsunade-sama here is some more mission requests."

Shizune put the stack on her desk. Tsunade looked at Shizune and could see the girl was still tired. Shizune was one of the few people who deserved a break. "Shizune, I want you to go home and go to sleep. Return back to my office at 1pm. I will be assigning you a mission."

Shizune decide to speak her concerns. "But Tsunade-sama, who will run the hospital and who will check on my…"

"Sakura is more than capable of handling it. Also, I'm still here if anything gets out of control for Sakura to handle, which I highly doubt. Shizune, don't worry. Now do as I said and go home." Tsunade ordered nicely.

"Fine, I will come back here at 1 pm for my mission." Shizune left the office. Tsunade shook her head with a smile on her face, "That girl works too hard sometimes. I wish she would lighten up."

Noon in the Leaf Village…

Iruka walked back into the class to see the genin's sitting in their seats; he sat on the edge of his desk. The first person to walk in to his class was Aoba.

Aoba waved to Iruka, "Hey Iruka, I'm here for Squad 3."

Iruka looked to the group, "Squad 3, your instructor is here."

Squad 3 got up and followed Aoba out of the class. As they left the class, Iruka saw two more familiar people enter his room. One he recognized as the blood loving jounin Anko and the other was the laid back senbon chewing jounin known as Genma.

Iruka greeted them both, "Hey Anko. Hey Genma."

Genma nodded his head to signify his greeting. Anko gave Iruka a big smile, "Still teaching these brats, eh Iruka? I'm surprised you haven't tried to become a jounin."

"I like it here. Besides I like to think I'm helping the youth understand what it is to be a ninja." Iruka said to Anko with a firm belief in what he said.

"You can prepare them with all of this text book stuff, but we both know that five minutes in the real world adds up to all of their time here." Anko said with her hands on her hip. She was hoping that Iruka would one day decide to put his skills to better use then just being a teacher. She knew Iruka would do well as a jounin.

Iruka looked at the ground knowing she was right about how majority of the stuff in the academy that they learned would only help them a little in the real world. "I know." He then looked up and smiled at the konoichi, "However, knowing just a little is better than knowing nothing at all."

Anko closed her eyes and smiled. "You are just as optimistic as ever, Iruka." She looked at the students, "Squad 9, get your asses down here. Let's go and show them we are the greatest squad, yeah!" Anko pumped her fist in the air. Everyone looked at her as if she was crazy.

Genma rubbed his ear, "Geez Anko, could you be any louder?"

She ignored him and waited for her squad to come. Anko and her squad then left the room. Genma turn to the students, "Squad 2, lets go."

The squad got up and followed him as he left the room. Iruka watched as more jounin came into the classroom and collected their students. Ten minutes passed… then twenty and he noticed that Squad 4 was still in the room, waiting.

Southern gate…

Senzairu and his squad had just arrived back in Konoha. As he and his squad were walking through the gates, the guard on duty came up to him. "Senzairu, the Hokage has ordered that you head to the academy to pick up your genin squad. The squad you are to pick up is squad…" He went his pouch to get a piece of paper, "4. Izumo, Kurenai, the Hokage has requested that you two brief her on the mission."

"Hey, what about us?" Konohamaru asked the guard.

He shrugged, "She didn't say, I guess the rest of you are dismissed."

Senzairu looked at the group and then disappeared in a poof of smoke. Kurenai, Kusushi, and Izumo did the same. Konohamaru turned to Moegi and Udon, "Let me treat you guys to ramen. After all, it is my fault that we got patrol duty."

They both looked at each other, than at Konohamaru and nodded. Konohamaru turned to his right to ask Hanabi if she wanted to join; she was no longer there. He scanned the area to see that she was about 20 feet away from him and the group.

"Hanabi-chan, wait." She turned around when he yelled out her name. He ran up to her and spoke, "I was treating Udon and Moegi to ramen, do you want to come?"

"No thanks." She turned to walk away but he grabbed her hand causing her to turn around to see a smile on his face. She looked down at her hand then back at him with a frown on her face, "Let go of my hand."

He continued to smile at her, "Nope, I'm not listening to you this time. You're coming and I won't take no for an answer."

Hanabi tried to think up of an excuse to not go but she was hard pressed. She always wondered why Hinata would eat that stuff, when it was clearly a poor mans' meal. Giving into her curiosity; she decided to join them. "Okay, I will go. Now let go of my hand."

Konohamaru was glad that she finally decided to come along with him and the others and it showed in his facial expression. He put his arm around her shoulder, "You are going to love this Hanabi-chan, and ramen is good with you here; this going to be so fun."

"Why is your arm around me?" She said in an aggravated voice causing him to remove his arm. He smiled then put his hands behind his head. She just shook her head, "What have I gotten myself into."

At the academy…

Iruka was sitting on his desk looking at the clock in the room. He could tell that Squad 4 was a little annoyed and restless. Iruka noticed that a jounin with a black vest walked into the room. The jounin gave him a smile, "Hey Iruka, longtime no see."

"It's been a while Senzairu, how is everything?" Iruka asked.

"It could be better, but I'm not complaining. So, that's my squad?" Senzairu looked at the group as he asked the question.

"Yes, I think they are a bit upset at having to wait on you." Iruka informed Senzairu.

"I know, but I just got back from a week of patrol duty." Iruka understood his reason for being late. For a minute he thought that he had another Kakashi on his hands.

Senzairu then turned back to his group, "Squad four meet me on the roof." Senzairu disappeared leaving the squad behind. They got up and headed to the roof. Iruka was getting hungry. Ichiraku Ramen was his next stop.

On the roof, Senzairu was sitting on the metal gate. His students were sitting on the steps. He looked at his students, "Okay everyone, introduce yourselves and tell me something about you."

The female of his squad raised her hand, "Sensei, care to give us a demonstration."

"Sure, why not. My name is Senzairu. My likes are…well I have a lot of likes and only a few dislikes. Dreams for the future…well I achieved the dream and the jury is still out on the second one. Hobbies… I like training and reading about different jutsus."

The brunette whispered to her teammates, "All we learned was his name and his hobbies." They both nodded in agreement.

Senzairu turned to the black-hair blue-eyed girl, "Let's start with you miss."

"Okay. My name is Mogami Akuru. My likes are…" She looked at the Hyuuga and blushed. "My dislikes are people who are annoying and Makeinu." She glared at the boy on the left of the Hyuuga, who was in the middle of the two. She then looked back at Senzairu, "my hobby is gymnastics. My dream for the future is to be a great konoichi like Hokage-sama."

Senzairu mentally sighed, "Girl likes the best student but hates the worst, what a cliché."

He looked at the boy with brown-hair and brown eyes, the one the girl she claimed she hated, "Your turn."

"My name is Sueshijuu Makeinu and I like dango and rice. The only thing I dislike is people who act like they are better than everyone." The boy narrowed his eyes at the Hyuuga. He then turned back to look at his sensei, "My dream for the future is to be a good ninja and someday make jounin. My hobby is looking at the stars."

"A rivalry between the two male members; how original." Senzairu thought to himself.

He looked at the black-haired Hyuuga boy, "It's your turn."

"My name is Hyuuga Ranpu. I like some things. As for what I dislike…I don't care to talk about it. My dreams for the future are to become the best ninja I can and surpass the strongest Hyuuga. My hobby is training."

He smiled at the group, "Okay, I know all that I need to know about you guys. I want you all to meet me at the training ground near the memorial stone tomorrow at eight. We will have survival training. Don't eat breakfast; you will throw up if you do. You guys might want to get know each other, so use this time to do so. Have fun guys. I'll see you tomorrow, later." Senzairu disappeared leaving the team behind.

The team looked at each other. Makeinu was the first to begin, "Um…where should we start."

The other two looked at him without a clue either.

Hokage tower…

Tsunade was in her office talking to Kurenai and Izumo. "So, you guys encountered Kihouin. If I knew that his group renegades were in Fire Country I would have sent an ANBU unit to dispatch them. Either way, I'm glad you guys are alright."

Kurenai and Izumo turned around when they heard a poof sound behind them. The group saw it was Senzairu. "Did you meet your squad already?" The Hokage asked.

"Yes, I met them. They're interesting to say the least."

Kurenai, feeling more comfortable and a little less awkward around him asked, "So, what test do you have in mind for them?"

"The bell test, of course." He answered as if it was the most obivious thing. He decided to change the conversation, "Did you guys tell her about the missing-nin we encountered?"

Both jounins nodded, giving him his answer. He looked at his mother, "So, are we getting paid for an A-rank or a B-rank?"

"A-rank obviously, anyway you all are dismissed, except you Senzairu." The jounins filed out of Tsunade room. She looked at her son and told him to sit and he did. She continued to look at him for moment before speaking, "How do you like your squad?"

Senzairu answered honestly. "I don't know. They seem ok and the female said she wants to be a great konoichi like you. They share the dream of becoming good ninjas and if they pass my bell test, I'll help them do just that."

Tsunade was happy to hear that a girl from the younger generation wanted to be like her, "The girl wants to be as good as me well she's going to have to work for it. You should tell her that, because I worked damn hard to get to the level that I'm at."

Senzairu stood up, "I would do well to remember that."

"Okay, go get some rest. You look tired." Tsunade said.

He put up his hand as he walked out of the office. Tsunade returned to looking at the mission requests that were on her desk. After an hour and a half of reading through mission requests, Shizune came into her office. "Tsunade-sama, I'm reporting for my mission."

"I know, but I'm waiting for the rest of your team members." When Tsunade finished saying what she said Tenten, Konohamaru, Asuma and Hanabi walked into her office.

Tsunade spoke again, "Okay, now I can give you your mission. Your mission is to patrol the southern border of Fire Country. I know you" she pointedly looked at Konohamaru who sighed, "and Hanabi just came back from there; but it's because of what you guys encountered there that I'm sending you along with this unit."

This caught Asuma's attention, "What happened that would warrant patrolling of the southern border?"

"Call it intuition. Senzairu's group ran into the A-class missing-nin, Moretsu Kihouin and his group of bandits. Something about that just bothers me."

"It seems kind of suspicious, if you ask me." Everyone turned around to see Kakashi leaning against the wall, reading his book.

Tsunade just ignored his tardiness and continued, "Exactly, which is why I'm sending you guys to patrol that area. Konohamaru and Hanabi here can tell you where they encountered the nins, from there you can formulate a plan. Kakashi, you are in command. You guys will be patrolling for two weeks. If you see any missing-nins, or potential enemy threats eliminate them."

Everyone nodded. "Okay, your mission will start tomorrow. Be at the gates at six tomorrow morning. You all are dismissed."

Everyone left her office leaving Tsunade to her thoughts. "Missing-nins usually try to avoid patrol squads for fear of having hunter-nins discover their location. It might have just been coincidence, but I learned that coincidences in the world of a ninja are few and far between." Tsunade looked at sky outside of her window and wondered what the hell was going on.

Sea Country three hours later…

Naruto was now looking at his younger-self being impaled by a Chidori, courtesy of his best friend, Uchiha Sasuke. That had hurt Naruto a lot, because Sasuke had said just moments ago that he was his best friend. Naruto continued to look at the fight until it finally ended. When Kakashi carried him on his back into the hospital he was unaware of the glares that he was receiving from the people who heard about the mission. "Bastards probably blamed me for Sasuke's defection."

"Of course they did, you did get banished and the failure of the mission was blamed on you." Naruto heard the voice echo throughout the room.

Naruto didn't answer because the voice in his head was right. He just continued looking at the memories. The scene flashed to him in his room. Kakashi came by to see him before a mission and Tsunade and Shizune came by everyday he was in the hospital. The one person he thought would visit never did. He waited for Sakura to visit but after four days, he was healed and discharged. This was the day that he would be forever broken. To him, Sasuke's Chidori didn't feel as bad as what Sakura said when he caught up to her. Naruto recited the line at the same time as Sakura, "Save your promises for someone else. The only thing that I want you to do is to never speak to me again. I wish it was you who left and not Sasuke."

That stung his heart more than anything. Sakura was a person he cared for and yet she rejected him. The dark Naruto appeared next to him again, "That silly bitch had no idea what you went through just to try and bring that traitor back. Well, it doesn't matter, because I'm sure you remember the meeting with the council."

Naruto found himself in front of his younger self and the council of Konoha. "Uzumaki Naruto, it is because of your actions that members of your team were heavily injured. From the notes that we have collected from Shikamaru's mission report and reports from one, Rock Lee, you deliberately left them behind to pursue Uchiha Sasuke, who you failed to return to the Leaf safely. Many were injured because of your actions." Koharu gave him a smug look.

Shikamaru spoke, "It is true that my statements said that Naruto left to go after Sasuke, but it was because I ordered him to do so. Naruto isn't in the wrong here; he followed the orders of his superior officer."

"That isn't the issue here, Uzumaki's disregard for his friends safety is the issue. We have been discussing this for sometime and we have only one solution." Hiashi stated.

Younger Naruto sighed, "I guess I won't be going on missions for quite some time."

Tsunade was trying to hold back her emotions, "Naruto, the council has overridden me and has come to the decision that you are to be exiled indefinitely."

Naruto was in complete and utter shock. Jiraiya blew up, "This is preposterous. This kid was a major contributor in the victory of the Sand/Sound invasion. He is still saving your lives now as we speak, he is a hero and you want to kick him out of the village that he has saved. I thought I'd never see the day."

Homura gave Jiraiya a disdainful look, "It also because of him that the last of the Uchiha Clan made it safely to the Sound. There is nothing you can do Jiraiya, this boy is no longer a citizen of Konoha or a ninja of our village. He is free to do what he likes."

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade who put her head down. He then turned to look at the council members. He was about to say something when twelve year-old Naruto spoke in a soft low voice, accepting his defeat, "How long do I have before I have to leave?"

Koharu and the rest of the council smiled, "You have two days."

Younger Naruto got up and walked out of the room leaving behind everyone with tears brimming in his eyes.

Naruto looked his young self, "I told myself that would be the last time that I would ever cry."

"And it was. You have become strong off of your hate. If anything you should thank that village for making you into what you are today." The voice echoed again.

Naruto found himself flashing forward to the day he had to leave. He saw himself walk into the Hokage Tower and give Tsunade back her necklace. He saw the sad look on her face. He also remembered Ero-sennin giving him some scrolls and telling him to find him when he wanted to train. Before he even stepped foot in Tsunade's office, he went to the academy and placed Iruka's headband on his desk. He decided it was better to leave this way.

Naruto felt the glares and the looks of satisfaction on the faces of the citizens he passed. They were getting what they wanted. He on the other hand was losing a dream and a reason for fighting.

Naruto continued to look at his younger self until everything faded away. He found himself back in the white room with his darker self. Dark Naruto stepped forward. "Tell me Naruto, who do you hate more? Who really makes you angry?"

Dark Naruto transformed into the lady at the orphanage, "Is it me?"

He then transformed into the ninja who tried to kill him on his tenth birthday, "Kill me if you can, demon."

He transformed into one of the parents holding their child away from him, "Don't get any closer demon."

He then transformed into Hiashi, "Pathetic."

Koharu followed, "You will talk to us with respect."

He then morphed into Homura, "You will not bully us."

Then he transformed into Kakashi, "I have to help Sasuke."

He quickly changed to Sakura, "You are so annoying."

Naruto clenched his fist when he saw her face. His clenched it tighter when he transformed into Sasuke, "Don't get in my way, dead-last."

The final person made Naruto clench his fist so hard that he drew blood.

He transformed into the Yondaime.

He was officially about to lose it.

On the outside, Ryuho and a large portion of the clan were looking on. Ryuho got nervous when noticed that Naruto's left hand let go of the sword. Ryuho continue to look at Naruto's right hand. If that hand fell of the sword then this test was over. Naruto would never wield the blade. "Come on Naruto don't give in. Fight whatever it is."

Hayami saw the concern on her fathers face. She looked at him for a minute before turning back to look at Naruto. Everybody gasped when Naruto dropped to one knee. His right-hand was on the sword but his grip was loosening. Only his fingertips were on the sword now. Ryuho couldn't believe it. Naruto was so close and didn't want to admit it, but Naruto was about to fail.

Naruto was in his mind holding the Yondaime by his collar with his left-hand, while his right-hand was balled up into a fist. The darker Naruto in the Yondaime's form gave a sinister smile, "Do it. I'm the reason why the village hates you and the reason that no one will ever care for you."

Naruto swung at his head.

On the outside, the tips of his fingers were moving off of the sword. His pinky was the first off, followed by his ring finger, which was proceeded by his middle finger. His index finger was the only finger touching the sword. It was slipping but just when it was nearly off of the sword it stopped.

On the inside, Naruto fist stopped inches away from the face causing the smirk on the face of dark Naruto to drop. His eyes narrowed, "Why did you stop? Don't you want revenge for what I did?"

Naruto dropped him. He looked at his darker self before speaking. "Yes, at one time I did want revenge. But I no longer do. I use to think that no one would ever care for me, but I was wrong then and you are wrong now."

"Oh really, tell me who would ever care for you?" Darker Naruto said in a mocking tone.

Naruto smiled and answered, "A simple swordsmen from the mist."

On the outside his middle finger went back on to the handle.

"Granny Hokage and Ero-sennin."

The ring finger returned back to the handle again.

"The academy teacher who almost died protecting me from a windmill shuriken."

The pinky touched the handle once more.

"A bridge builder, his daughter, her brave son, and everybody in Wave Country."

His hand closed around the sword with a loose grip.

"The mother and father that I never had but always wanted" Ryuho and Kaori were standing next to each other looking at Naruto.

His grip on the sword tightened slightly.

"My little sister who helped me more than she'll ever know"

Hayami was gripping the bar never taking her eyes off of Naruto.

The grip tightened some more and he started to stand up.

"But most of all, the woman that I love with all my heart, who loves me equally, is one of the many people that care for me."

He was now gripping the sword as hard as he possibly could.

He stepped towards his darker self, "You were right about one thing. You are apart of me, which is something I can't, nor do I want, to change. You are one of the many parts of my heart that gives me the strength necessary to protect my loved ones. The demon sealed inside me is a monster and if I give into you completely I would be no better than him. I'm not a monster, I am Uzumaki Naruto, big brother, husband-to-be, grandson, student, son, friend, and hero in a land that once had a hero. I am grateful for the people that allow me to hold these titles and for them; I will bring my wrath on all those who bring them harm."

Evil Naruto smiled at him, "Well said."

Naruto noticed two things: 1) His darker side faded away and 2) a white light engulfed the white room around him. Naruto didn't know what was going on but before he could do anything he was engulfed in the light. The white light faded and Naruto found himself back in the throne room still holding the sword. Naruto gripped the sword tighter realizing what just happened. He then started to pull the sword out of the center of the pillar. He felt the sword was coming up slowly.

Naruto continued to tug, but since it was putting a strain on his body he let out a howl. His body started to glow white. In one final scream the bright light radiating from Naruto and the sword lit up, effectively blinding everyone in the room.

Ryuho looked to see what had happened. Everyone was on the balcony waiting in anticipation. When the light cleared, everyone saw Naruto.

He held the sword in his right hand.

Ryuho and Kaori smiled. Shinji nodded acknowledging Naruto's accomplishment. The room was completely quiet. Everyone was still absorbing the shock of it all. Hayami broke the silence with the sound of her feet hitting the floor as she ran down the stairs towards a fatigued-looking Naruto.

She finally got near Naruto, who had a thin white outline glow over his body and the sword. When he looked at her the glow died down. He smiled at the girl then placed his left hand on her head, "Piece of cake."

Naruto eyes rolled in the back of his head, he fell backwards landing hard on the floor. Hayami got nervous and dropped down right next to him. Ryuho, Shinji, and other members of the family appear around him in an instant. Ryuho knelt down next to his daughter and looked at Naruto from head to toe.

He put his hand on her shoulders causing her to look at him with worried eyes, "Don't worry honey, Naruto is okay. He just passed out, because he went a week without water and food." Ryuho looked up to one of his clan members, "Go into town and bring the doctor here immediately."

The man ran out of the room and did as Ryuho said. Ryuho looked at Shinji, "Shinji, take him to his room." He grabbed the sword, while Shinji grabbed Naruto. Everyone started to follow Shinji as he left the room with Naruto over his shoulder. When everyone was gone, Ryuho and Kaori were the only ones in the room. He was holding the sword in his hand giving it one last look over. She put her hand on his shoulder and gave him a warm smile. He returned the smile; then he returned his gaze back to the sword, "This sword has been at my side for 20 plus years. I remember my trials like they were yesterday. I'm glad that Naruto is the wielder of the sword, the blade has found a great successor."

He looked back at his wife, "Who would've thought that the kid that I met four years ago would become my successor?"

He looked up to the sky, "Minato, I only wish you were here to see the man that your son has become. You would have been proud."

Ryuho looked back at his wife and grabbed her hand. He led her out of the room with the sword in his hand. His next stop was the room of a certain blond, who was now the blade's wielder.

4 hours later, location unknown…

Hinata and Naiya were sitting on a large rock in the backyard. The sun had set, revealing the ocean in the sky that was inhabited with stars and distant planets. Their day was done. It was eight o'clock and the two women were exhausted. Naiya looked over at Hinata, who was looking into the vast phenomenon that was space. "Hinata, this sparing session was a great one. You are getting better. I can't really judge your Jyuuken, but I can judge my style and I must say that you are adapting to it rather quickly."

"Thank you, Naiya-sensei. Your style has made my movements more fluid, making my Jyuuken more effective. I just wish father and the council would see that incorporating other styles into the Jyuuken would make it more effective." Hinata said, while looking at the woman.

"A good ninja masters what they have and uses it to their fullest. That is the category that your father, your clan, and most clans fall in. However, great ninjas master what they have and look for ways to improve it and add more to it. You Hinata fall into the category of potentially a great ninja. The potential is there; the only thing holding you back is your confidence. I can see that it has improved during your week here, but you are still hesitant and that is never good. Once you start believing in your abilities completely, there is no doubt in my mind that you will be one of the top ninjas in the Leaf."

Naiya stood up, "Well we're done for today. Let's go get dinner. We have another long day ahead of us." Hinata got up and followed her sensei. Both women entered the house, leaving behind a tattered yard.

In Sea Country…

Naruto eyes opened slowly adjusting to his surroundings. He sat up slowly and was greeted by a smiling Hayami, "Naruto-niisan, you did it! I told father you were going to do it, I'm so glad."

Naruto looked at the little girl for a moment then at Shinji who leaning against the wall. "Where is Ryuho-sensei?"

Shinji spoke, "He's in a meeting with the council. He should be here soon. How are you feeling Naruto?"

"Weak." Naruto answered honestly.

"Well, you have been down there for a week. You must have had a lot of anger and hatred in your heart to be there for that long." Shinji stated.

Naruto smiled, and then looked at Hayami. He then placed his hand on her head, "I did, but thanks to certain people it didn't consume me."

Shinji pushed off of the wall he was leaning on and walked to the door, where he stopped at the exit. He turned and looked back at Naruto, "Congratulations on passing the test. Maybe if I didn't give in to the hatred I would be the wielder. It wasn't meant to be, but if I had to pick anyone instead of myself, you would always be my number one choice. Get some rest so you can get your strength back."

Naruto nodded. He then looked at Hayami, "He said I was down there for a week, was it really that long?"

"Yes. Father stayed the whole time. Mother and I came by everyday, as well as a large number of the clan. Everyone was rooting for you. I didn't have to, because I knew you were going to do it." The girl informed him.

"Of course I was going to do it. I never go back on my word that is my nindo." Naruto said in a cocky and slightly elevated voice.

The girl quirked her eyebrows and asked "Nii-san, what is nindo?"

Naruto leaned back using his hands as support. "Nindo is your way of the ninja. It's basically the path in life that you choose to follow. My nindo is to never go back on my word. If I say I'm going to do something, I will do it or die trying. Do you understand what nindo is now?"

The girl put her hand on her hip, with her eyes cast to the side, thinking about Naruto's question. "Yes, I think I understand it is similar to Samurai's bushido. I like your nindo Naruto-nii-san, I will have the same nindo as well, but it will be my bushido."

Naruto stopped leaning on his hands and sat back up, "Hayami, when it comes down to it bushido and nindo are the same thing. It's what you make of it. However, I don't want you to make my nindo yours, not until you have experienced life more and find a path that you truly wish to go down. If you chose the path that I have chosen, then its fine but try to see if you can find a better path to follow."

"I think I can do that, but I really like yours. Okay, I got it. My bushido will be to never give up, no matter what. Yep, that will be my way of the warrior." The girl said, sure happy with her new found bushido.

Naruto rubbed the girl head, "That is a fine bushido Hayami. I still think you're too young to be worrying about that sort of thing, but it is still a fine bushido."

Kaori interrupted the two by saying, "I see you're up."

The two looked at the door, "Kaa-san." Hayami said with excitement.

She walked up to her daughter, "Yami-chan, mommy needs to speak to your nii-san for a bit in private. Would you mind giving us some time alone?"

"What am I supposed to do then?" the girl complained.

"Well, your cousins are practicing in the dojo; you should go practice with them. You can show off the moves you've been working on with your father." The mother baited the girl, hoping she would take it.

"That's true, but they're older and better than me. They would just beat me." The girl's shoulders drooped.

"That doesn't sound like the person who just claimed that her bushido was to never give up. What I'm hearing is person who already gave up and is accepting defeat." Naruto gazed upon the girl with a smirk on his face.

She returned the grin with a Cheshire smile, "That's right, I did say that. We'll I guess I will go and give it my all. Later Naruto-niisan."

Her mother ran to the door and yelled out to the girl who was running down the hall, "You only have an hour to practice. I want you preparing for bed in another our young lady."

The girl waved her hand acknowledging what her mother said. She then turned the corner, disappearing from her view. She then turned away from the door and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm glad to see you're up. When Shinji told me you were up, I had a meal prepared for you. Someone should be here with it in twenty minutes."

"Thanks, Kaori-san." Naruto's expression showed his gratitude.

She gave him a concerned look. She moved closer, "From hearing Ryuho's story about what the third test was like for him, I can only imagine how hard it was for you, considering your past and all. He said most lasted two days, but yours went on for a week. Was it really that bad Naruto?"

Naruto gave her a sad smile, "Imagine the worse thing that has ever happened to you and multiply that by a hundred. I had to relive the worse experiences in my life. Now that I hear you say that the test was supposed to last two days max, but mine went on for a week, and that is enough proof to say that my life story isn't for the faint of heart. There is no denying that I had it rough, but it made me who I am."

She looked at the bed, avoiding eye contact. She couldn't bring herself to look in his eyes; she knew that they were filled with pain and sadness. But she needed to know. She slowly looked back at him, "How did you deal with that? A lot of people would have given in. I can only imagine what life was like for you, you had every reason to give in and be angry. Why didn't you? I know I would have probably sought vengeance."

Naruto eyes closed and his lips curved up. He then opened his eyes. "Yes, I did want revenge. In fact, I'm still not too fond of the village. I wanted to prove to everyone in the Leaf that I was worth something, that tossing me aside was the biggest mistake ever. But, then I met Kaito-sensei, you, Ryuho-sensei, Hayami, and Yumi. Hayami, even though she doesn't know it, she helped me more than she'll ever know. She helped me realize that it was okay to lower my guard and let people in. The only people I trusted before I met you guys were Jiraiya and Kaito-sensei. I was betrayed and hurt much in my life and I didn't want to be hurt again. So, I started to become cold and emotionally closed off. She helped me learn how to open up and care for others without worrying about being hurt. I realized that I didn't need revenge, just to prove a point. Do you remember the night I told her about my life story?"

"Yes, I was outside the door."

"After I finished the story, she said she would be my friend, despite my tenant. She also hugged me and told me she loved me. She was the first to say that to me. I realized that being loved by one person was a better feeling than anything revenge could offer. I remember her saying that she wished he found happiness, well Kaori-san, I did that night." Naruto said letting Kaori understand him a little more than before.

Naruto continued, "She wasn't the only one that accepted me, you know. You also accepted me. For the first time, I felt like I belonged. You and your family gave me that, and for that I am grateful."

Kaori gave Naruto a genuine smile. "My fiancée and her mother were the next to accept me for who I was. When I told her about the fox, she cried you know. I knew her tears weren't of disappointment. She was crying for me. She also said it changed nothing. During the trial, memories of my past were conjured up and the dark side of me was trying to convince me it would be better to get vengeance on everyone that ever did me wrong. But it's like I told you, I've found something that revenge couldn't and wouldn't offer. I found people who loved me and accepted me."

Kaori was moved by Naruto words. She knew the boy was physically strong, but she had no idea that he was mentally and emotionally strong as well. She also saw that under all of his over-confidence, rudeness, and horrid manners was the heart of a good person. She leaned forward and gave him hug. This caught him off guard, but not as much as her next move. She kissed him on the cheek. She pulled away and smiled at the boy, "I'm proud of you, Naruto.

She stood up causing his eyes to follow hers, "I also want to meet this Yumi. I have to see if this woman is good enough to marry my son."

Naruto's eyes widened at the statement. Seconds later, his lips curved up forming a u-shape. He nodded, "I will be sure to bring her to meet you guys." Before she walked out of the room, she told him to get some rest after he ate. Naruto was sitting up thinking about what she said, "I have to see if this woman is good enough to marry my son."

"Did she really say that? Does she see me as a son?" Naruto knew that if she said it, then she meant it. Kaori-san always meant what she said. He was torn from his thoughts when a young female came by with some rice and chicken with broccoli for him to eat. The girl handed him the food, with a blush on her face. She then hurried out of the room. Naruto paid her no mind; his mind was on the food before him. The Kyuubi container wasted no time in disposing that food into its mouth.

In Konoha…

Senzairu was standing on top of the Hokage monument, looking down at the citizens as they went about their daily routines. When he was in the village, he almost never did this, but he liked it. For some reason, it was calm and relaxing up here. He heard light footsteps coming his way. He didn't even need turn around to know who it was, "I heard you got patrol duty."

Asuma pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He lit his cigarette and after a deep pull, he exhaled all of the smoke. "Yes. Tsunade-sama believes that it wasn't a coincidence that you guys ran into Kihouin. She's sending Kakashi, Shizune, Konohamaru, Hanabi, Tenten, and me; she wants us to patrol for two weeks."

After the exchange of words, the two stayed quit. Both wanting to say something to the other, but couldn't find the words to say it. Asuma wanted to tell his friend that he was glad he was back, but he had no intentions of letting Kurenai go. Senzairu wanted to tell Asuma that he still wanted to pursue Kurenai, but how could he? He didn't want to ruin what they have, but he wanted to recapture what they had. Both men were torn.

Asuma was the first to break the ice, "You met your genin squad today, what was it like?"

Senzairu, glad that his friend freed him from his thoughts, begin to answer. "They were interesting. I really can't say for sure how good they will be, but only time will tell. I just hope they pass the bell test."

Asuma laughed at the memory of his own bell test. Like many before him, he failed to realize the true purpose of the test. "You know that they are going to fail, right?"

"I know. I just hope they pass the second test I give them to redeem themselves. But you never know, they might pass the first test, though I'm not very optimistic about that." Senzairu said truthfully.

The two became quiet again. Senzairu decided to speak; he just had to, "Look Asuma, I know about you and Kurenai and I'm happy for you guys. The truth is I still have feelings for her. However, I won't come between what you two have now. I don't want any bad blood between us over this."

"I feel the same way. I know how much you care about her, but I care about her too."

Staring at the night sky, the sole signer of the Phoenix contract responded in a low voice, "I know. This is why I'm backing off. She deserves to be happy and if it means not being with me, then so be it, just take care of her."

Senzairu touched his friend's shoulder before walking off, leaving the cigarette-addicted jounin by himself on the monument. Asuma looked at Senzairu's back as he walked away with soft eyes, "It must have hurt you to do what you just did. Don't worry friend, I will take care of her." Asuma continued to watch his friend walk away, until he faded into the shadows of the night. Asuma took one more puff of his cigarette, then flicked it to the side. He decided to go see Kurenai. He hadn't seen her all week and it would be the last time he would see her for about two weeks. The jounin walked off, heading to the home of the women that he loved.

Senzairu headed to the shop that he and his mother were at about a week ago. He needed something to drink. He was so deep into thinking about what he just did, and he was trying to convince himself that what he did was for the best, that he didn't notice a beautiful woman with purple hair was tapping him. He looked up to see who it was. "You're Senzairu, right?"

He nodded. She gave him a warm smile, "My name is Uzuki Yuugao." She instantly realized that something was troubling him. Yuugao usually kept to herself and tried to stay out of peoples' business. The only reason why she came over was because she just wanted to say hi to her fellow Leaf-nin and introduce herself, but her curiosity got the best of her and she wanted to know what was troubling the man. "Mind if I sit?"

"No, I don't mind." She could hear the sadness in his voice.

"Is there something troubling you, if you don't mind me asking?"

Senzairu took his eyes off his drank and made eye contact with the girl. "Have you ever been in love with someone, and you didn't want to let go, even though you knew it would be for the best?"

She knew all to well. Sorrow flashed into her eyes giving him his answer, "So, you do know. It's hard isn't it?"

"Yes it is." She responded with her eyes downcast. Suddenly, her eyes made contact and a smile graced her lips, "But it hurts less with time. I used to believe for a long time that I would never find someone like the one I lost, and it's true I won't and neither will you. However, that doesn't mean that there isn't someone out there for us. It's that hope that allowed me to move on, but to never forget what I had. They say it's better to love and lost then to have never loved at all, you know."

"So I hear. Would you like something to drink, Yuugao-san?" He asked.

Being polite she turned him down. She stood up, "Thanks for the offer, but I have a mission tomorrow morning."

Senzairu decided it was time he head out as well. He also had a long day ahead of him. He decided to do what a gentleman would do, "Let me walk you home."

The girl waved her hands in front of her, "I couldn't let you do that. The Hokage's mansion is in the opposite direction."

"It's not a problem. Shall we?" He asked waiting for her response.

She nodded, "Okay, if it isn't a problem for you."

The two walked out of the restaurant heading in the opposite direction of the Hokage tower. Senzairu was definitely feeling down, but what Yuugao said was true. He loved Kurenai and still did , that much he knew. But believing that there was someone else out there for you wasn't a bad way to look at things. He looked at Yuugao who was oblivious to his gaze; he then turned and looked ahead of him. "Not a bad way to look at things at all."

A/N

Naruto has finally succeeded Ryuho and has dealt with his inner turmoil.