Chapter 12: Anticipated Advent

Chapter 12: Anticipated Advent

Sighing Naruto stared at the seal in front of him. Trying to think of what he was doing wrong he couldn't find a reasonable solution. He had completed the third week of his training and was sitting in his training ground attempting to understand how he could perform the Hiraishin No Jutsu as he had been unsuccessful throughout the week. Practicing the technique for the whole week had not gotten him further than he was when he started. At the moment he wasn't using the special kunais since he decided that he would have to, first, be able to perform the technique whilst the seal was stationary. He had pinned a seal on one of the many trees and had attempted to summon himself to the seal. However the simple sounding process was a lot more complicated than he initially thought.

Fortunately, his training as a whole was progressing well; he had now finished learning all the techniques within the Futon scroll and was close to completing the Doton and Suiton scrolls. His development with the Raiton and Katon techniques had been steadily improving once he figured out how to manipulate the two elements. He was sure that he would finish learning all the techniques inscribed within the scrolls over the next week.

He fell back from his seated position so that he was lying down on the grass. Staring at the clear blue sky, he felt some comfort enter him which was infrequent since his date. The sound of the waterfall was soothing to his ears as he closed his eyes to relax. Over the past few days, his concentration had dwindled since he found himself constantly being drawn to his thoughts of Sakura. He had not been in contact with the medic-nin since their date, afraid of meeting her. He believed it was better to avoid her for the time being since he had already hurt her however he was hoping that she wasn't too angry with him.

Brushing away the painful thoughts, his mind focused on the significance of this day. It had been 16 years ago today that the Kyuubi had attacked Konoha and ended up sealed within him. The anniversary of Kyuubi's defeat had always reminded him of his loneliness, and the reason why once he was told of the demon fox being inside him. Usually he would draw determination from this occasion strengthening his resolve to become Hokage. He inwardly smiled dejectedly at the fact he didn't know what to think, as he wasn't definitely going to become the leader of Konoha now.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as he felt a familiar presence land a few feet away from him. A smile graced his visage as he opened his eyes to see a figure looming over him, "After I'm out there working hard in order to find out about Akatsuki, I come back to see you lying around, doing nothing." The large white haired man sat down next to the jinchuuriki.

Naruto rose to a seated position and brushed away the grass from the back of his blonde hair, "The seals not activated."

Jiraiya nodded understanding that he was taking his required rest from the seal training, "That means you've been capable of having the seal activated over the past two weeks while I've been gone."

Naruto laughed proudly, "Yeah, it hasn't been that hard." He ended by folding his arms and a smile across his whiskered face.

The perverted hermit turned to his student before slapping him across the back of his head, "Don't become over confident gaki, it's most likely due to the Kyuubi's healing abilities that you're not as fatigued as a normal person would be."

The leaf-nin rubbed the now sore spot on his head before replying, "There's no need to slap me over it, Ero-sennin."

Jiraiya shook his head, "Here I was hoping you would have developed some respect while I was gone." He sighed over dramatically, "Guess I was wishing for too much."

Naruto laughed as they proceeded to sit in silence enjoying the bright day with the sun shining spectacularly. "So…did you meet with your informant?"

Jiraiya was sitting cross legged with his chin resting on his hands, "No…but he left me some information."

Naruto looked at the legendary sannin waiting for him to continue, "And?"

Jiraiya coughed, "Right. Well from what it seems, all the members of Akatsuki are currently out hunting down the other bijuus. Since the death of Itachi and Kisame, they have delayed trying to capture you."

The blonde absorbed the information, "I see."

The Icha Icha author continued speaking, "Apparently their plan at the moment is to infiltrate Konoha whilst the chuunin exams are occurring."

Naruto's eyes widened, "Nani? But they're starting next week."

Jiraiya shook his head waving away the jinchuuriki's worry, "They will wait until the finals. Infiltrating Konoha at the beginning of the chuunin exams wouldn't be a wise decision on their part as the shinobi populace isn't as occupied as it would be during the final matches."

Naruto, slightly embarrassed from his outburst, reddened a bit, "Oh…"

The frog hermit still had a serious demeanour, "Whilst the finals are occurring this time, there will be extra preparations as the Kazekage will be making an appearance alongside the several feudal lords."

Naruto nodded in understanding, "Gaara…"

Jiraiya rose and brushed off the dirt from his clothes, "I need to see how far you have grown. Next week, it will have been a month since you have undertook this training, as a result I m going to test your abilities whilst the seal is inactive."

Naruto understood his sensei's reasoning. He rose from his position before standing next to his mentor. "I'll make sure I'm ready…I plan on beating you."

Jiraiya laughed before his face turned solemn, he waited for a few minutes before addressing the younger shinobi to his side, "Naruto…"

Naruto noted his sudden change in mood, "Yeah?"

Jiraiya stood still in an uncomfortable silence before speaking, "About that jutsu…"

The hyperactive ninja removed his jacket slowly prior to showing his left forearm to the older ninja. Jiraiya looked at his defined forearm but his attention was solely on the complicated pattern that was entrenched upon his skin. Naruto spoke, "It's still there…"

Jiraiya nodded before speaking, "Have you talked to Kyuubi about this since you found out about…your condition?"

Naruto put his jacket back on, "No…I thought everything was alright since it hasn't disappeared. Now that you mention it, I probably should."

Jiraiya looked away from the genin, instead staring at the sun which was at the highest point in the sky, he sighed before continuing "I know that I can't forbid you from using it now. But try not to utilize it unless you absolutely have to."

Naruto noticed the genuine request from the sannin, "I understand…Jiraiya-sensei."

The author of the infamous Icha Icha series had a smile on his mature face, "Hopefully, after this training, you won't have the need for it." He turned to leave, "Guessing from my assessment, you have 5 weeks left until Akatsuki arrives. Even if I'm wrong and they come sooner than expected…we're here to help." The frog hermit made his leave in order to inform the Godaime of his discoveries.

Naruto stared after his teacher who had now left the training ground. His eyes held fortitude, 'This is something that I have to do with my own strength…I can't rely on others…not this time.'

XXXXXXXXXX

Deidara and Tobi were situated in the mountains of the country of Lightning having finally tracked their designated target. The trek to the high peaks of the Lightning country had gone trouble free as the blonde Akatsuki member used his capability of flying to transport himself and his partner to encounter the Rokubi. The S-class criminal found himself amidst a thunderstorm as he dodged the lightning bolts shooting from the sky.

Looking towards his clumsy partner he found him confronting the wild bijuu they had to capture. Tobi leapt aside as the aggressive Rokubi flew past him in a flash of tremendous power which would have injured him severely. The appearance of the bijuu was intimidating and fit its status as the master of lightning. Its yellow fur stood on end as its six tails looked dangerously like thunderbolts. It snarled viciously as it opened its mouth.

Deidara observed closely trying to find a weakness that he could exploit as a sizzling sound protruded from the weasel like creature's mouth. Tobi took a step back as he realised what the 6 tailed demon was about to execute, "Eh?"

The orange mask wearing criminal jumped out of the way as a ball of sparkling lightning impacted on the ground where he was previously standing, resulting in a large explosion. Quickly regaining his fighting stance he looked at the Rokubi which had once again begun to charge its deadly manoeuvre. Deciding against attacking him head on, the black haired man ran across the rugged terrain as consecutive attacks were shot at him. Looking towards his comrade, who was busy avoiding various lightning bolts from the sky, he screamed "WHY WON'T YOU HELP ME?"

Deidara heard the newest member of their organization's plea of help. Turning around in the air on his transport, he rushed towards the Rokubi which was obsessed with attacking Tobi. Quickly forming one of his explosive artworks; he pushed some chakra into it adding to its destructive nature before launching it at the preoccupied bijuu. It connected as the formidable creature wailed in pain, "The most powerful force is art, yeah."

The Akatsuki members prepared to capture the Rokubi as they launched their final attack.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto passed through the streets of Konoha deeply engaged in his thoughts whilst holding both his hands behind his head. He recognised the mournful atmosphere as people were obviously remembering the fateful day from 16 years ago.

"Oi, Naruto!" The leaf-nin snapped out of his thoughts as he turned to face the direction from which he heard his name being called.

"Iruka-sensei?" His eyes widened as he saw the chuunin run up to him before stopping a few feet away from him.

The academy teacher looked at the younger ninja, "I've been looking for you all day. Where have you been?"

"In Konoha." His simple response didn't satisfy Iruka's question.

"Baka! That's not what I meant." He crossed his arms across his chest, "Anyways, come on, I'll treat you to some ramen."

Naruto instantly smiled upon hearing of ramen, "Heh heh. Don't complain when I eat too much."

Iruka laughed at the genin, "Of course not. This is a special occasion."

Naruto's face displayed his curiosity as well as his confusion at the older mans statement, "It is?"

Iruka grabbed the boy in a headlock before ruffling his hair, "Eh? Don't tell me you don't know. Baka, you turned 16 today." He let go of the younger boy.

Naruto straightened with a large smile plastered across his whiskered face as well as a sense of gratification towards the academy teacher. He was happy that Iruka had remembered such an occasion and decided to treat him even though his parents had died in the Kyuubi attack.

Naruto looked up to Iruka as a father since he had been the only person apart from the Hokage to truly understand him when he was alone during his childhood. He owed the academy teacher a lot more than the older man knew due to the fact that he had ultimately been the main factor in stopping Naruto from breaking. Being with him made him forget his recent troubles as he began to appreciate the company, "Arigatou…Iruka-sensei but you don't have to do this."

Iruka looked towards the younger boy whom he considered as the only family he had left. He laughed embarrassedly at the unusual characteristics the blonde was displaying; rubbing his scarred nose he spoke, "Don't worry about it, I want to. I haven't seen you since you left the hospital. You're hard to find lately."

Naruto scratched the back of his head nervously, "Well, I've been busy."

Iruka grinned mischievously, "I know." Naruto turned to the chuunin with a puzzled face, "I heard about the dance. Looks like she's finally recognising you, eh?" He slapped the jinchuuriki's back in a friendly manner.

Naruto grimaced upon being reminded, as his mind instantly reverted to thoughts of the pink haired girl and his last encounter with her, "Yeah…she is."

Iruka raised an eyebrow as he noticed the solemn mood of the Uzumaki which he found abnormal since he thought that he would be jumping for joy. Deciding not to pry any further, he walked in silence until reaching Ichiraku's Ramen.

During Naruto's spree of eating, his demeanour returned to normal as he talked with the academy teacher. They caught up with each other as Naruto remained careful of not revealing too many details of what he was doing. Iruka stood in shock as he nearly emptied his wallet of its contents when the time to pay came. Leaving the ramen stand the two shinobi walked towards the Hokage monument.

"I told you not to be upset if I eat too much." Naruto laughed as he spoke.

Iruka merely spoke in dignified tone, "You said not to complain. You didn't say anything about me being upset." Naruto laughed harder at the chuunins brooding as he enjoyed himself to an extent which was very rare as of late.

Iruka snorted, "Seriously, Naruto, 20 bowls of ramen in one sitting. I've never seen you eat that much."

Naruto spoke proudly as he wore his trademark foxy grin, "Gomen, Iruka-sensei. But I think I've set a new record."

Iruka waved off the genin's pride in himself as they arrived at the bottom of the Hokage monument. Naruto looked at the stairs which led to the top of large monument, "How about a race?"

Iruka wore a confident smirk, "You may be stronger than me Naruto but I've been practicing quite hard lately. Don't be surprised if I beat you in speed."

Naruto inwardly scoffed since he knew that his current speed was tremendous due to his seal training. Deciding he would take it easy he replied to Iruka, "Whatever. First one to the top is the winner."

Both ninjas began to run up the long staircase as they tried to run past each other. Naruto smirked before jumping off the staircase and onto the side of the mountain before proceeding to run upwards whilst holding his grip with chakra. Iruka, shocked by his actions, quickly shouted "Oi! Naruto!"

Slapping his forehead at being tricked so easily, the scarred man jumped onto the side of the mountain following suit. Naruto merely laughed as he reached the top leaving Iruka glaring behind him. A few seconds later Iruka reached the top staring daggers into the leaf-nin.

Naruto wore a victorious smirk, "Well, I guess your training didn't help that much." He rubbed his nose.

Iruka took a seat on the ground muttering, "Baka! You cheated!"

Naruto walked towards the edge of the mountain looking over the astounding village of Konoha. Silence consumed the two as the blonde continued looking over the village captivated by the amazing sight before him.

The large sun in the distance was easy to the eye as the sky was tinged with red. He stared at the setting ball of fire as a flock of birds flew overhead; their whistling was calm as he enjoyed the undisturbed ambience of the environment.

Iruka broke the silence in a composed voice, "It's been a while since we came up here."

Naruto nodded, "I can still remember Ojiisan's funeral so clearly." Iruka knew that he was talking about the late Sandaime, "That day it rained so much, I thought the sky was crying." He closed his eyes as images of the deceased protector of Konoha came to his mind.

"I felt like that on the inside…my heart hurt like never before." He kept his eyes closed as he reminisced. "A ninja mustn't show his emotions in any situation…a ninja must prioritise his mission first and must not show any tears…" He tried his hardest to stop his voice from breaking or failing him, "…Those teachings don't take away the pain a person feels."

Iruka was surprised with the usually optimistic and cheerful genin act so remorseful and concerted. He felt a jolt inside him warning him of something terrible. Naruto continued, "Do you remember what I asked you that day?"

Iruka replied, still curious as to why the younger ninja was talking about such things, "Hai, you asked why people risk their lives for others?" The scarred male listened attentively as his heart panged for an unknown reason.

Naruto opened his eyes admiring the peaceful view, "When one person dies…he disappears," his heart throbbed with pain as he said this, "…along with his past, current lifestyle and his future."

Iruka rose from his position as he heard the young ninja utter those words, his heartbeat increased rapidly as he began to dread what he was going to ask next, "Why? What are you trying to say?" He stared at the blonde's back waiting for a reply as his throat began to dry, "…Answer me, Naruto."

The Kyuubi vessel turned to face the man he considered a father, the tears showing in his clear sapphire eyes. The eyes that were normally vibrant and full of life answered Iruka's question however he still held hope that his dire assumption was wrong. Naruto spoke ignoring his itching throat as he stood facing one of the most precious people alive to him, "…Will you forget me…Iruka-sensei?"

The last threads of hope that Iruka held broke as he heard the genin ask him that question. He felt a great deal of pain entering his heart and hurting him. His eyes began to water as the tears trickled down his face. He found himself incapable of speaking as his throat blocked his voice from coming out. Walking forwards he pulled the boy into a hug tightly. Trying his hardest to speak, he managed in a broken voice, "Why…Naruto? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Naruto let a few tears escape his eyes as he responded, "The worst feeling…is when you hurt those dear to you…"

Iruka felt his heart being torn to shreds as his tears fell onto the younger ninja's shoulders, "I would never forget the boy…who is like my son."

Hiraishin No Jutsu - Flying Thunder God Technique