131 replies to this topic

[tangerine_fever]

gah..im addicted to this fic! cant..stop..reading!!

[Smiter]

gah..im addicted to this fic! cant..stop..reading!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

*pats you on the back*

You and me both... (I replied to your comment on DA as well!)

We have a LOT of writers and artists for NaruSaku.

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

Thanks for all the comments, guys. ^^ I appreciate all the fanbase. I really do. Hey, anyone here think Masashi Kishimoto would like this fic if he did read Naruto fanfiction? I mean, I just gotta ask outta curiousity.

Bryon

[tangerine_fever]

*pats you on the back*

You and me both...   (I replied to your comment on DA as well!)

We have a LOT of writers and artists for NaruSaku.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i know, I'm in heaven^-^ so...happy...*floats off*

[LoveHinaGuy]

KICK ASS! i missed this fic and i JUST got done rereading and catching up
MAN KEEP UP THE GREAT CHAPS!!!!! can't wait for the next

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

Hey, guys, you want an update!? You got it! And in fact, perhaps you'll see some reference to Kakashi Gaiden #3 in this! You'll see what I mean!

-Chapter 34-
Naruto and Sukai so far had made it about 3 miles outside, Naruto whistling as he had his hands behind his head. "Hey, Sukai... just how good are Dad's last 3 students? I mean, Dad told me they were Jounins at a young age, but... he didn't tell me what they were good at."
Sukai smiled, beginning to reply Naruto's query. "Well, each of them was a specialist in each of the 3 ninja skills. Miroku, the first one we'll look for, was not too strong in Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, but he exceeded in Taijutsu, and was known as Iron Fist Asamiya. He could break stone in just one blow with enough focus of his chakra. He also loved to show off, and from what I have heard, he loves to gamble now."
"So, you're sayin' that each of 'em is skilled in 3 seperate fields? Sweet! That's gonna make the training all more worthwhile! I really need some work in some fields..."
"Before we do see Miroku though... how about a spar?" Sukai asked, dropping his bag to the ground. Naruto stopped to turn around as he said "Huh...?"

"I'm serious. I want to gauge your skill beforehand, to make sure you will be prepared." Sukai slid his mask down, cracking his knuckles, then took a stance. Naruto blinked and shrugged, setting his backpack down then stretching as well. He then took a fighting stance, as Sukai charged, and punched at Naruto, who barely blocked. Naruto then flipped over and kicked at Sukai, who blocked quickly with his right foot. Naruto heard a clanging sound the minute his foot impacted with Sukai's right leg, blinking as he landed down, but that caused him to throw his guard off, as Sukai then came in and punched him. Naruto wobbled for a brief moment, then shook himself off and kicked rapidly at Sukai's chest, then kicked him in the chin, but each attack was blocked as Sukai then stopped as he heard a rustling. Naruto did the same as Naruto blinked, and Sukai did as well.

Both inched up slowly, then out of nowhere, a young woman's head popped out. Naruto and Sukai's eyes shrunk back as both cried out, grabbing onto each other, until Naruto blinked, leapt down and said "Yukina?"
Yukina smiled, sliding out of the bush softly, dusting her suit off, getting up carefully due to her skirt as she said "Naruto! What a surprise to see you out here!"

"What are you doing out here, Yukina?" Naruto blinked, walking up to her. She simply smiled and said "Well, I was visiting another client ehre in Fire Country, Naruto. Don't forget, I'm not just exclusive to Konoha for my therapy skills."
Sukai looked at her and said "Your father... was he named... Yukito?"
Yukina blinked when she looked at Sukai, and softly said "Kakashi...?"
"Nope. Sorry. You must have me mistakened for my cousin, Yukina. My name is Sukai. And how do you know Kakashi?"
Yukina blinked. "How do you know my father?"

"Well, let me explain it over lunch. Naruto and I might as well stop sparring for now, and eat something before we really get moving. So, why not join us?"
Yukina smiled and nodded. "I'd like that." She said, walking past the boys, as they followed her.

Soon, the trio had set up a fire, with Sukai having cooked up a stew, just stirring it, until he pulled his spoon out and sipped it gently. He smiled then said "Mmmm. This is just right." He looked at the bowls he had, taking hold of them, and spooning some of the stew into them, handing one to Naruto, another to Yukina, and kept one for himself. He then set the spoon down into the stew again and began to eat, as Naruto and Yukina followed suit.

Yukina looked on at Naruto and said "Well, what is it exactly that you are going to do, Naruto? You and Sukai here?"
"We're setting out for me to do some training outside of Konoha, at least for awhile, until the Kage Grand Prix starts! We're gonna be looking for 3 people whom the 4th Hokage trained before he died. At least, that's what Sukai has said. And I wanna get stronger, especially after last time."
Yukina nodded, sipping her stew, looking at Sukai. "You said my father's name, Sukai. How did you know him?"

"He... helped me through a rough time." Sukai replied, sipping his stew lightly. "I was in the Kyuubi attack that allowed the 4th, my best friend Kanoi, to bond the demon fox with his son... whom is Naruto." Yukina blinked in surprise to hear that news about the 4th Hokage being Naruto's father! It was something she hadn't known about yet, but she then said "Go on..."

Sukai nodded as he set his bowl down, before he continued to speak. "I was injured badly in that attack... lost a lot of blood, scars over parts of my torso and arms, and..." He stopped, then grabbed his right pant leg, and rolled it up, showing... a metallic leg that looked like it was attached onto his flesh. "A leg lost. I also lost more than just that.. I also lost two dear friends, and the love of my life. It was a painful experience. Your father was there the whole time, helping me through the mental pain I felt from my losses. He reminded me I still had a chance, that I could live again, but my pain was more of a heart-wrenching form. I thanked Yukito for all he had done, and finding a skilled medical nin whom had managed to do an insane method of placing this metal leg on my flesh, I left Konoha... retired as a ninja, and left to find my place in the world. I soon travelled all over, resting in a small place in Kirigakure Village, becoming a fisherman, living off the fishing business until Tsunade-sama had contacted me and asked me to referee the Kage Grand Prix. That is how I knew your father, Yukina.. he was a great man. How is he...?"

"Father retired a few years back. I soon took over his tasks, and I soon came to find my skills in Genjutsu helped with the work I did in the physicatric work I and my family are known for. And Naruto here happens to be one of my clients. He is a great kid, whom has just had a lot of trouble in his life..."
"I know. I... Naruto, do you remember what I said in the In-Between?" Sukai asked, sipping his stew once he was done speaking.
"Yeah. You said you were my godfather. is that true? And how did that come to be?"

Sukai gently set his bowl down then smiled. "Your father asked me to have that honor before you were born. I accepted it because I felt it would be a great honor. But then the Kyuubi attacked and you were barely born when that occured... and I sadly abandoned that responsibility because of what happened with the fox..."

Naruto looked at him and smiled. "Hey... you get to make it up now, Sukai. After all, why else would you wanna go with me besides to train me? Something deep down musta had you wanna come with me so that you could honor your promise to my dad. It's gotta be that, as well as wantin' to see how truly strong I am."

Sukai looked back at Naruto, blinking in awe as he looked at his godson. 'He really is wise beyond his years at times, and others, he can be just slow... Kanoi, your son is really strong, but I am sure you know this..' Suaki soon smiled, then had a tear rolling down his cheek. He chuckled and said "I haven't cried like that in so long... I do remember that pain when I lost almost everything. I couldn't bring myself to cry though... it was so hard..."

"Well, if you ask me, being a ninja just as a tool is stupid!" Naruto spoke up, as the others looked over to Naruto at that. Yukina smiled at that, her hands on her lap as she then said "Well, Naruto, how do you feel a ninja should be?"

"I was told once by Kakashi that ninjas who don't follow the rules are garbage, but those who don't care for their friends are lower than that. That's just how I feel. I was once in a mission where I had to make that decision... my comrades, or the mission. It had come sometime after I had become a Chuunin. And I did what I had to do... and that's do what I felt was right and complete both! So, first thing, was that I set up a way to take out a Sound Ninja camp's forces, plus save my comrades. I knew the risks when I took it, but no way will I ever abandon my friends, no matter how dangerous the scenario is! And if anyone else doesn't like the way I think or doesn't think I am a true ninja... then I'll completely crush the idea of what a ninja should be and is!" Naruto then clenched his fist, breathing heavily.

Sukai smiled, as did Yukina as Yukina giggled. "You know, naruto, that's the reason I like you. You don't care what anyone thinks about you, and that is why I have felt in the times we've met, that you are going to change the world when you do become Hokage."
Naruto blinked, but smiled as Sukai nodded and said "You are going to be a fine Hokage, and I am sure you would change the way a Shinobi is seen, Naruto. I can just see it now... Naruto Uzumaki, the man whom changed the way a ninja should be."

Naruto blushed, but smiled as Yukina and Sukai also did the same. Yukina set down her bowl and said "Well, boys... thanks for lunch. But for now, I must be parting ways with you. I need to get back to Konoha as soon as possible. But... good luck to you both." She smiled warmly, bowed, then took off.

Naruto and Sukai continued to talk over their lunch, as Sukai began to become fascinated by his godson, and how much he had grown over the last 16 years... but unknown to them, Yukina had a notepad with her, and was writing ideas for a title... she didn't know what it was going to be yet... but she knew that the story she had in mind, was just beginning, and she had the perfect lead with someone like Naruto...

=To Be Continued...=

I hope you all enjoy, 'cause with Chapter 35, I got an idea to take a step back and introduce you all to Hyo once more, from way back in Riot in Konoha. Hyo is gonna be explored a bit, and you can see his true nature and character. But anyway, enjoy Chapter 34 like I said! XD

Bryon

[Wrathchylde]

Thank god. I was hoping for something decent to read today. Another great chap Byron.

[Blayze]

Excellent After all the rubbish FF.net's been giving me today, this was just what I needed

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

Thank you very much for the compliments, guys. I am glad to offer something better than some stuff at Fanfiction.Net. BTW, who thinks if Kishimoto-san read this that he'd like it? Anyone? I just ask outta curiousity.

Bryon

[LoveHinaGuy]

HELL YEA HE WOULD! pobly ask to help him out anyway KICK ASS CHAP!!!!and befor i forget*signs the banner*HELL YEA I'M A FAN! keep up the good work i can't wait for the next chap:D

[Smiter]

Nice chapter, Bryon.

Well, I think Kishi would indeed be interested in some of your ideas at least. Hehe, it is a nice dependable story after all the horrors we have to endure at FF.net in order to find readable fics (especially those that are NaruSaku as well!)

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

Well, surprisingly, I just got Chapter 35 done, folks! So get ready to meet Hyo, the Sound Ninja whom we had confronted back at the end of Chapter 23... now 12 chapters later, you get to understand more about him. *bows* I hope you guys will enjoy it.

-Chapter 35-
Elsewhere in the world... in Otogakure Village, the Village Hiding in Sound, sitting kneeled, a young man with a suit of black armor with a white ying-yang on the center slowly took the armor off, with just a dark blue mail underneath it, and slowly, his helmet came off, and he had dark blue hair. This young man was Hyo Fujishima... and he was a part of Orochimaru's elite, the newly reformed Sound Five. However, Hyo had a good reason why he chose to side with Orochimaru. When he was young, he was orphaned, and Orochimaru found him and trained him up until his leaving Konoha... but... he had also learned under others, and developed a sense of honor, a strong one, that at times, clashed with his loyalty to the man whom had practically raised him.

Hyo slowly stood up, grabbing his katana, moving about slowly, doing a kata, slashing the air, slipping his sheath near his side, as he moved his katana gracefully, holding the blade, moving it cautiously. Soon, he heard a voice said "Why do you do what you do, you Konoha scum?"

Hyo stopped then sheathed his sword and said "Do not bother me right now, Tayuya. I was once a Konoha ninja... but I abandoned that once I decided to come here to Oto. My loyalty to Lord Orochimaru is strong... that is why I chose to do so."
The young red-haired girl whom spoke to Hyo, Tayuya, smirked, having mostly white on, with a purple rope tied up like a bow or so and black boots looked at him and said "Pfft. That's bullsh**. I have my hunchs that YOU are just a spy for Konoha, doing this to infiltrate our forces! I mean, you didn't attack that freaky demon when we were in Konoha that time to steal those scrolls for Orochimaru! So, why didn't you do attack him along with the rest of us, you son of a b*tch!?"

Suddenly, as Tayuya stopped speaking, Hyo had the tip of his katana up to her throat and said "Look who is talking. You should be so fortunate that Lord Orochimaru gave you a second chance, Tayuya. Or else he would have left you for dead. You know I am right..." Hyo then sheathed his sword, eyes closed as he said "You are lucky that I have chosen not to use my Curse Seal... or else you would be dead now. But I have more honor than that." He walked past her as Tayuya scoffed, speaking up "a**hole..."

Hyo kept walking, eyes closed then opened them, remembering Konoha Village... almost 10 years ago, when he was 16 years old...

Hyo walked around in his new Chuunin vest, smiling as he looked at it, whistling as he bit onto an apple. He then blinked when he heard a noise. He walked to the noise and looked to see Naruto, whom just sat on a step, looking down. He sat next to Naruto and said "Hey, what's wrong?"
Naruto blinked in surprise then looked at him. "Huh? Someone talking to me... why are you...?"
"I just wanted to do so. I am Hyo. And you are Naruto Uzumaki, right? The young hellion causing all kinds of trouble. Why do you do pranks? I mean... I just want to ask."
Naruto laughed. "Why do I do it!? I DO IT FOR THE HELL OF IT!!"
Hyo blinked at that, then laughed heartily. "Kid, you are funny! You know that..."
Naruto smiled. "Thanks!"
Soon, the two talked, as Hyo spoke of how he felt like an outcast due to being an orphan. And Naruto explained how he felt so hated but didn't know why.

Years passed, as Naruto and Hyo grew to be good friends, as Naruto told of his tales of his work in the ninja academy. However, one day, 4 years ago... Hyo was asked by Orochimaru to join him in Otogakure... and it was the same day that Naruto had become a Genin. Hyo was making his way out of the village, a bag slung over his shoulder, when he heard Naruto say "Hyo!"
Hyo stopped as Naruto panted right behind him, grinning as he pointed to his Hitai-Ate. "Check it out! I finally graduated!"
With that news, Hyo turned and smiled. "That's great news, Naruto! Hey... I hate to tell you this, kid, but I got to get going for now."
"Huh? How come, Hyo? Where ya goin'!?"
"I'm heading somewhere, the same place my master is. But, I want to tell you something. Be strong, and be ready to protect those whom you care about. And... I want you to know that if I am to face you, somehow by a rotten twist of fate, that I will fight you on equal ground, and I will then face you with honor." He then patted Naruto's head, then head off as Naruto blinked and said "Hyo..." softly, as the young ninja walked down the road, as Naruto looked on.

Hyo sighed as he said "I know I will need to do that, to keep that promise I made to myself, Naruto. You and I are friends, kindred spirits since we were both outsiders. So..."
Orochimaru stepped out of his chamber, with black hair, his pale skin, and snake like eyes as he smiled. "Hyo. Why do you worry about the fox child for?"
"I told you before, Sensei. He and I are like friends." Hyo leaned back. "What is it you wanted to speak about?"
"I have heard rumors that Naruto Uzumaki and someone else from Konoha had gone off to look for something. I want to make Uzumaki pay for interfering with my plans for using Sasuke's body as my next vessel! But... I want to wait at least... until the time is right.. then I will annihilate him."

"I will not face him yet, Sensei. Please understand... I know that you may question my loyalty, but I already said I wouldn't fight Naruto yet."
"Fine. I just had to tell you so that you could consider it." Orochimaru said. "Just don't tempt fate, boy. I will let you know this right now."

"Yes, sir..." Hyo said, bowing as Orochimaru headed off. Hyo sighed as he then put his arms around his chest, eyes closed. He leaned back against a support beam and sighed. 'Why does it have to be like this? Why do I have to be torn between my loyalty to Lord Orochimaru and my honor...? I wonder when the day that both will clash and have me make a difficult decision."

Hyo opened his eyes, then stepped back into the room he was in, with Tayuya gone as he strapped his armor back on, then slid his helmet and mask on and said, his voice slightly muffled from the mask "But for now, I am destined to stay here in Otogakure, and do what my master orders... no matter how despicable, no matter how ugly and dishonorable... I must show my dedication and loyalty. And I will do so..."

Hyo then turned and walked out of his chambers, eyes closed as he said "Naruto... we will meet again. Count on it. Then I look forward to seeing you in battle to see how you have grown over 4 years..." Walking off, Hyo then sighed, closing the door to his chambers, and just waiting to see what would occur, and what kind of orders he would receive..

=To Be Continued...=

I know it's short also, but I will try to shoot for a longer chapter soon! Chapter 36 will be a good thing, I am sure. ^^

Bryon

[Smiter]

Short, but quite interesting. I always like seeing people who are unsure of where they must stand in the grand scheme of things.

[Blayze]

Bwahaha... indesicive characters are always fun

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

This next chapter of Naruto: The Demon Within is dedicated to the people behind the scenes... my mom and my dad for giving me life, and my English teachers for giving me a love for writing (among my talents). I also owe this to my friends, whom gave me my inspiration at times, and also Masashi Kishimoto for making such a cool series, to which if it wasn't made I wouldn't have been able to write this series. Now, this quote is said by Juilus Schwartz who breathed new life into old DC Comics characters.

Take something you love, tell people about it, bring together people who share your love, and help make it better. Ultimately, you'll have more of whatever you love for yourself and for the world.

True words for me and the fanfiction I have worked on, you all. Enjoy!

-Chapter 36-
Naruto and Sukai continued to race down the dirt road as Naruto said "So, Sukai, what kinda tricks are you skilled in that I may know?"
"Let's see, I know how to summon Familiar Spirits for one thing. I helped your father in some developement for more power and such to the Rasengan, and I also know the basic stuff, like Dopplegangers, Shadow Dopplegangers, the whole nine yards. I may not have a Sharingan like Kakashi does, but I get the job done just as well. My uncle, Sakumo, Kakashi's father, trained me well before he died. He trained me after taking me in like a father for a time after my father died. I loved Sakumo, and I believe in what he was." Sukai replied, smiling warmly.

"Hey, who the heck is Sakumo?"
"You've never heard of the White Fang of Konoha?" Sukai replied.
"Nope.. I wasn't too good at history during class!"
"Sakumo Hatake was known as the White Fang of Konoha. His chakra was pure white, and he struck with great force. He is also Kakashi's father. That's why Kakashi was such a genius when he was a kid. And he was one of my first mentors. He was a great man." Sukai said, looking a bit... nostalgic for a second.

"You said he died. What the heck happened?"
Sukai stopped, and Naruto stopped also, as the blonde Chuunin looked to his elder. Sukai lowered his mask and said "He was on a mission... and he had a hard decision... to complete the mission or save his friends. He chose the latter, and a war we were in escalated because of that decision. Sakumo was shamed because of that, and after sometime, he killed himself. It hurt me and Kakashi a lot. I felt he was a true hero for his decision to save his friends, where as Kakashi saw him as trash, just because of the rules of a ninja not being concerned with his allies and just completing the mission. So for a time, Kakashi had believed if he didn't follow the rules, he'd end up like his father... dead. But... I kept on living for my uncle, honoring him by having a similar feeling he had. That was that anyone whom didn't care for their friends was lower than trash."

Naruto nodded, arms crossed. "Hmm. Sounds like a good philosophy. This White Fang guy musta been strong. I hope to end up being a ninja like him or my dad or you, Sukai. I hope I can do that..."
Sukai laughed then mussed up Naruto's hair playfully. "Yeah. You can. You got a lot of your father's spirit in ya. By the way... did you know your dad had a nickname during the war too?"

"Say what!? Dad had a nickname? What was it!?" Naruto grinned, arms at his sides, fists clenched as he grinned a toothy grin.
"He was known as the Yellow Flash. It's because Kanoi could practically teleport himself in front of enemy lines and take them out in a flash. In fact, Iwagakure ninjas during the war, I heard, were to run away the minute they saw your dad. And most enemies who came at Konoha were taken down when they heard of Kanoi Uzumaki being around... and Kanoi took down many enemies both as a Jounin and as the 4th."

Naruto began to laugh. "Wow! Now I got a BIG legend to live up to, that's for sure!"
"Well, we'll worry about it AFTER we get your training done. C'mon, kiddo. Let's hurry up! This next town up ahead is where Miroku Asamiya is. Let's hope I am right..." Sukai then began to run, as Naruto followed right behind, both looking ahead, heading towards the sound of... music? Both of them slowly stopped at a ridge and looked at sparkling lights in the somewhat dark sky. Both of them looked downward as Sukai said "Welcome to Kurogasa Village, Naruto. No ninjas save for some Missing-Nins perhaps. It is said that this town has quite a bit of gambling, which is a love Miroku has I heard about recently. Let's just go look around some."

Naruto looked ahead, blinking. "Hey, it looks like there's a festival goin' on here! Sweet!"
Smiling, Naruto's godfather simply had his arms crossed. "How about we go down, check out the festival for a while, and then go looking for Miroku? We have been on the road for 2 days so far, and taking a small break wouldn't kill us."

Naruto smiled, nodding as both then began to rush towards Kurogasa to check out the festival. Both of the Konoha residents looked about the festival, looking at the people who were playing the games and such that was all over. Naruto soon looked on to see a man at one of the strength-testing games, with a hammer, and a small metal cylinder shooting to a bell at the top. The man looked at the little kid trying to play and said "Not good at all, little girl! Come back when you are really ready! Next!"

The little girl sniffled as she stepped back. Naruto slowly stepped up along with Sukai as Sukai whispered "That guy is really taking advantage of people. That's not right. I got an idea. You in?"
"You know it." Naruto whispered also. Both stepped out as Sukai said "Excuse me, sir?"
The man operating the strength tester looked at Sukai and said "Huh? Whaddya want!?"

"I got an idea. Let my godson here try the game. If he wins by knocking the bell, you give me all the stuffed animals you have. If he fails..." Sukai held out his cat-shaped bag of money and said "I will give you all the ryous I have in this bag. I have close to 1 million ryous. What say you?"
The man smiled, rubbing his chin as he said "Alright then. Let's go for it. Good luck, kid."
Naruto walked over to the game and cracked his knuckles, smiling as he grabbed the hammer, holding it up. The man smiled and thought 'This kid cannot handle that hammer! No way can he win this bet!'

Naruto grinned, pulling some of his chakra, then hit the bottom of the plunger, watching as the metal piece shot upward fast, then knocked the bell off the top of the strength tester, as Naruto laughed. "Ta-dah!"
"N-n-n-no way!!"
"That's that. You know the deal, sir." Sukai replied, smiling. The shaken man nodded slowly, grabbing the stuffed animals, with Sukai smiling as he shouted to the kids all around him. "Hey! Who wants stuffed animals!?"

All of the kids cheered as Sukai tossed them over to the kids, as Naruto took one and handed it to the small girl whom went before him. He smiled and said "Here you go, little girl."
"Thank you!" The little girl said, holding it tightly as she smiled, heading off. Naruto and Sukai both smiled as the man began to rush off, panting as he did.

Soon enough, Naruto and Sukai walked around still, as Sukai looked for signs of Miroku. He then said "Well, let us see if the gambling hall has any signs of Miroku."
"Gotcha."

Slowly, Naruto and Sukai entered the gambling hall. Inside, many men and women walked around, some playing the various games, spending tons of yen and ryous in order to try to earn more. Some people spent their life savings there, in order to become richer. However, the first major thing Naruto and Sukai had heard was a kind of boisterous laughter from the back. Both walked downward towards the back, looking around the crowd of people to see a man with messy black hair, almost wild in the back, some stubble on his chin, a grin on his face as he had what appeared to be a toothpick in his mouth, and blue eyes as he said "C'mon! Who else wants a shot at the best gambler this town has seen!?! Anyone else want a piece of Miroku Asamiya!?"

Sukai blinked and thought 'So, it seems he hasn't lost his strength. He feels as strong as he did when he was younger, but he seems a bit different too. I wonder what to do now... we need to get his attention...'
Naruto stepped forward and then took a seat across from Miroku and said "I'll take you on, Miroku."
"Huh? Well, well, I didn't think that they'd allow a kid to do this thing." Miroku smiled, taking his toothpick out, and setting it down. "There's been a shortage of new blood around here, I gotta say. What's your name?"
"Naruto."
Miroku smiled. "Like the cakes found in ramen? Weird. Whoever named you that had an odd sense of humor. Alright. The game is Dice. How we play is simple. We each get 2 dice to roll. We need to see who gets closest to the number the dealer calls, and whoever gets closer is gonna be the winner. If we tie, we roll 1 dice, and whoever gets the highest roll wins. Simple, eh?"
"Yup. You should also hear me out if I beat ya enough times, OK?"

Miroku looked at Naruto's Hitai-Ate and said "You're from Konoha, eh? Good. It's nice to see someone else from home around these parts. It should be good to see what you can do..." With that, the elder of the duo grabbed 4 dice, flicking two at Naruto. Naruto caught them, one in his left hand, one in the right as he nodded. Miroku shuffled his dice in his hands as Naruto placed his left hand on his right, moving his dice arund.

Miroku then grinned and said "Call it!"
The dealer nodded and said "The called number is going to be... 11! Both players ready!?"
"Yeah!" Both of them said at the same time. Sukai, however, had moved about, making a bet at the betting stand as he said "I will place... 5,000 ryou on the new kid."
"You got it, but Miroku hasn't lost a game so far to ANYONE."
"You don't know my godson then." Sukai smiled, turning back to the game, just watching having placed his 5,000 ryou down.

Miroku threw his dice and smiled as the dice rolled, the first one landing on 5, and the second one landing on 5 also! "10. Beat that."
"I can do this! I am sure I can! Let's go!" Naruto then threw his dice, watching them bounce, as the dice both landed on 6. Once Miroku saw the result, he leaned forward and said "What!?!"
"The... young man wins... 12 is his result."
Miroku blinked as he thought 'Who the hell is this kid!?'
Exhaling, Naruto wiped his brow, smiling as Sukai chuckled from the betting stand, arms across his chest as he smiled, as his winnings appeared before him, but he turned to the bookie and said "Let it rise. Let it rise!"

"Alright, let's go again, kid!" Miroku grabbed his dice as Naruto did the same and smiled, both shaking their dice, as they threw them as the dealer shouted. "Let's go with... 10!"
Both pair of dice landed onto the ground, rolling as Miroku's landed on 10, and Naruto's also landed on 10 too! Naruto and Miroku then grabbed single dice, rolling them quickly. The crowd drew silent as did Naruto and Miroku, the dice rolling, with Miroku's landing on 4, and Naruto's landing on 6! Naruto flexed his arm and grinned as Miroku blinked.

Sukai smiled, his winning now raised from 10,000 to 20,000 as he said "What'd I tell ya?"
Everyone in the crowd was cheering, as the bookie looked in shock at Sukai and said "Keep it going...?"
"Yep. Let's see if I can raise this one last time!"

"OK, OK! You got lucky, kid! This time, we'll go one last time! Winner takes all!" Miroku said, grabbing his dice as he shook them furiously. Naruto grabbed his and shook his as well. Both then waited for the dealer's call. The dealer nodded and said "12! Final roll! Begin!"

Miroku and Naruto both threw their dice at the same time, rolling them as Miroku grinned, landing on 12, as Naruto watched on as one dice landed on 6... and then began to spin more on its' side, then finally landing on 6 also, equalling 12! Miroku gritted his teeth as he and Naruto both grabbed one of their two dice, rolling them at the same time.

Naruto watched his dice roll as well as Miroku's, as Miroku's dice landed on 5, and Naruto exhaled carefully, and then it landed on 6! Naruto smiled as everyone all cheered at his victory, Sukai clapping his hands as he looked at all the ryous he had earned, and grabbed half of his ryo, 20,000 of the 40,000 he had earned, and walked over to Naruto, placing it down in front of him.

"Sukai! But..."
"Consider this as payment for a job well done, Naruto. You earned this with your killer luck as much as I did by placing my faith in you." Sukai smiled. Naruto nodded as Miroku then said "Sukai!"
"Miroku, good to see you, lad! Thoughts on Naruto so far?"
Chuckling, Miroku moved some hair from his face and said "He's interesting. He looks a lot like Sensei Kanoi."

"Well, he IS Kanoi's son, except a lot older, 16 years to be precise. Got a place we can talk?"
Miroku smiled, pushing himself out as he dusted off his red shirt, adjusting his black coat some as he nodded. "Let's go back to my place for a bit. Chat up there."

Naruto grabbed his money, placing it into his Gama-Chan money bag, and quickly rushed after Sukai and Miroku, who already got ahead of him. He panted as he ran up behind them. Soon, all 3 of them had come to a small apartment as Miroku sat on the bed and said "So, Sukai, is this about what Sensei told us before he took on the Kyuubi?"

"It is, Miroku. It's time for you to come back to Konoha to help train Naruto. You do owe that much to your sensei by training his son." Sukai replied, Naruto standing beside him as both looked at Miroku.

"Heh. Sorry, Sukai. To be honest... I haven't had a reason to fight for a while. My fists are still like iron, but all I've really done is gamble, or pick fights with Yakuza here in Kurogasa. It's not the easiest thing to deal with, ya know. Ever since Sensei died, I felt an inspiration gone... because I had no real good reason to do so. Every time I fought, I always had a reason.. to protect someone, to better myself, or something else."

"How come?" Naruto asked.
"I guess ever since Sensei died, that I lost my hope to surpass him or anyone else in Taijutsu. I guess I just lost what my Nindo was." Miroku waved his hand as he spoke and leaned back. "So... I guess I won't be going back to Konoha with you yet."

"Well, we are gonna be in town for a while. At least til we get a definite answer, Miroku. And we can wait.. but we have a deadline of 7 months. I just thought I'd tell you why we came here." Sukai began to walk to the door, Naruto sighing, and following him, arms in his pockets. Miroku leaned back still, eyes closed as he thought 'Sensei...'

Sukai looked at Naruto and said "You a bit disappointed that Miroku isn't going to train you, Naruto??
?A bit. But maybe we can do something to give Miroku back his Nindo, or give him a new one to follow so that he can train me and go back to Konoha with us.?
Naruto and Sukai turned to Miroku?s apartment, looking at it as they knew perhaps now, they were here for an answer, and they would have to work to get it. Or try their damnedest.

=To Be Continued...=

Bryon

[Wrathchylde]

Bless ya Byron. I was just about to go to bed when I saw that you updated. Now I can sleep contentedly now that I've read a good story.

[Smiter]

Good story, Bryon. I wonder how Naruto and Sukai will help Miroku get a new Nindo?

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

Thanks, Smiter. I will be working on Chapter 37 soon. But I wanna remind everyone else that 36 is up and at 'em, ready for you all to read and post on as soon as you can do so! I am glad you guys are reading and posting on this, 'cause it's great support that keeps me going at times! So wish me luck!

Bryon

[LoveHinaGuy]

I WANT THE NEXT CHAPPPPPPPPPP!!!!! anyway GREAT chap and i litteraly CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT!!!!! anyway keep it up and i'll keep reading

[Bryon_Konoha_Ninja]

-Chapter 37-
Naruto and Sukai were outside of Kurogasa, just having set up camp, as Sukai stoked a fire, eyes closed.

"Hey, Sukai, what do you think we should do about Miroku?" Naruto asked, sipping some cup ramen he had brought along with them. Sukai exhaled, leaning back, his palms resting on the ground as he leaned back some.

"To be honest..." Sukai began. "I don't know. Miroku once had such a spirit to him, but now, he seems to have lost some of that spirit. I think I will go back to the village to see if I can talk to Miroku, to see if I can change his mind. For you, I'd suggest working on some of your Taijutsu. Lemme see if you can make up a whole new style of your own "
"My own style!? You gotta be kiddin' me!"

Sukai chuckled. "It took some of the greatest Taijutsu masters years to develop a style of their own, Naruto. That is how styles like Drunken Fist, Iron Fist, Kenpo, Shorin-Ryu, kitteno-Ryu, Snake, Crane, Mantis, and other forms of Taijutsu had been formed. What about Jutsus? Have you ever developed your own Jutsus?"
"Hell yeah! Lemme see... one in particular I am proud of is the Ninja Centerfold!"
Sukai blinked at that and said softly "Did you say 'Ninja Centerfold'...?"

Naruto nodded at that, grinning. "Uh-huh! What I do, see, is use the Art of Transformation to change into a voluptuous young naked woman with mist over my naked parts o' course! But it does cause most guys to get bloody noses whenever I've used it! I even did it once with Sensei Iruka, and he just fell backwards with a bloody nose! I also did it with the 3rd Hokage, and he just had a bloody nose like that!"

Sukai blinked, began to put a hand to his lips then laughed heartily, falling backwards as he rolled on the ground, laughing still. "You... you got the 3rd with it!?! BWA HA HAHA HAHAH!!"
Naruto began to snicker as Sukai laughed still. Sukai then wiped his eye as he sat back up, smiling. "Wow. Now that is just wild! Anything else?"
"The Ninja Harem. Just picture me usin' the Ninja Centerfold with the Art of the Shadow Doppleganger to make a whole harem of sexy girls to do more damage!"

Sukai then began to laugh again, this time just as heartily as before, as he then smiled. "Wow. You got some imagination, Naruto. Your dad and I also came up with some creative Jutsus in the day. One of them was the Art of the Glue Doppleganger. Just a Shadow Doppleganger, but when it explodes, it splatters glue all over the vic. Talk about a sticky situation. But we also had the Confetti Surprise. Well, we'd disappear in a burst of confetti, surprising the enemy with it. I'll teach you them if you'd like."
Naruto nodded and said "I'd like that."

The next day, Naruto had taken off to woods nearby to begin his work on the Taijutsu, like Sukai had asked of him. While Sukai himself had gone into town, looking about, before he decided to head to the gambling hall to see if Miroku was there. He headed inside, looking about to see Miroku at the bar, just sipping some kind of alcoholic beverage. Sukai took a seat next to him and said "Hey, kid."
Walking up to the table, the bartender simply said "What can I getcha, pops?"
Sukai nodded. "Just some sake, please." The bartender then headed off, to get a clay bottle of sake as Suaki looked at Miroku.

"So. Come to drink your pain away?"
Miroku shook his head. "No, I always get a drink in the morning, Sukai-sama. It's just a small odd tradition I have made since I was 21."
"What exactly happened to make you lose your will for your Nindo, Miroku? It couldn't just have been Kanoi's death alone that would do that to you, boy."

Miroku sipped his beer, then set it down as he sighed. "Whenever I fought, Sukai, I had always found a good, honest reason. To protect those close to me, to be stronger, that sort of thing. But when I came here, there were no battles needed to be fought. I had no reason to fight whatsoever. And whenever I did, I caused trouble. I almost killed a man to do it... just to fight again. It wasn't a good reason, just a reason... I didn't care what happened. So, I decided to put my fists down once I killed someone... because I had broken my own Nindo just to fight. That's why my fists haven't been risen in a long time. And why I used them for something else."

Sukai looks at him and blinks, before nodding to the bartender, who had set down his sake bottle with a small bit of ice. Nodding, Sukai grabbed it, taking his small cup, pouring himself some sake, then sipping it. "Give Naruto a shot at least, Miroku. He seems to have a good grasp on a Nindo."
"Yeah?" Miroku replied then sipped it. "What if all I do is cause more pain by taking Naruto under my wing?"
"You won't. He wants to be Hokage."
Miroku blinked and said "Hokage...? Why? Is it 'cause his dad was one?"

"Nope. He never even know whom his father was until more recently. All I know is Naruto grew up with no one to love him, to pat him on the back whenever he did something good. So he decided to become strong to be Hokage... so he could prove he wasn't a monster, a dunce, or a loser... to show he was strong. He has worked his hardest all the time. I can tell every time I see into his eyes. He also told me how he had gone up against some of the toughest opponents there were of his age and much more. He has done all he can, and now, he is seen by true friends as a good hearted lad, not a Monster, even when his teammates know that he has the Kyuubi in his body. So, I know he'd use your lessons well. He is working on that right now. His own Taijutsu skills."

"..." Miroku blinked, looking at Sukai. "Are you serious? Is he good?"
"I sparred with him for just a bit. He shows promise. He also believes that anyone whom doesn't care for their friends are trash. He doesn't believe in giving up, and he will do what it takes to show his true strength."
Miroku looked at his beer, blinking in surprise a bit... as he looked at it still, Sukai sipping his sake. Miroku sipped his beer, and stood up slowly. "...Go ahead and lead me to where the kid is, Sukai. I wanna see him in action."

Sukai smiled, just looking at Miroku as he pulled out some ryou, placing them down as he and Miroku walked off...

Naruto, however, had began to work on his own Taijutsu techniques, punching and kicking a tree as he then shouted "PAPER!!", striking the tree with an open palmed attack, as he smiled. "This may be an odd idea for a style, but it might work. Let's see... open palm is Paper... closed fist will be Rock... and an index and middle finger strike will be Scissors... man, what the hell was I thinkin' when I decided to use Janken as a fighting style!? Never mind. Gotta work at it!"

Naruto then striked the tree and shouted "ROCK!" He quickly struck from the closed fist, pushed himself off and said "Paper!", leading into the open palm as Sukai and Miroku looked on from afar, as Naruto pushed off one more time and said "And finally, Scissors!" He then hit the same spot with his index and middle fingers and said "Uzumaki Naruto Janken Special!"

Miroku sweatdropped, blinking rapidly. "Rock-Paper-Scissors!? You... gotta... be... kidding me!"
Sukai chuckled. "The boy has made some odd Jutsus from what he told me, but I believe this will work well if he figures out the one weakness."

Naruto looked at his hands, remembering the style of Janken as he then said "Well. This style's got its' flaws. What the hell can I do to... I got it!" He snapped his fingers and kept on working, but as he twisted in air, about to attack the same spot as before... he shouted "PAPER!!!" but then hit with Rock, cracking it as Miroku looked on in awe, blinking.
Sukai smiled and said "You see what I mean, Miroku? He has the potential to surpass anyone simply because he never gives up. He wants to show that to the world, he isn't the monster people have made him out to be, but a determined young man."
Miroku himself looked down at the ground, just silent after hearing what Sukai said, as he remained like that.

However, elsewhere in the village, the same man Naruto and Sukai had confronted at the festival walked down an alley, a hat blocking the view of his face some as he opened a door. After closing it, he walked forward and kneeled down. A man with a much elderly disposition and appearance, with a bigger build, stood up, smashing the cigar he had into an ashtray as he said "What is it, Kamayuro?"

"Boss Toguro, we got trouble. 2 more Konoha Nins showed up... one a kid, the other some guy in his thirties who looks like Kakashi Hatake, or Copy Ninja Kakashi of the Sharingan. What would you advise us to do?" The one named Kamayuro said.
Toguro smiled and said "You know for years that the Yakuza have tried to keep a stronghold on this small town, since most Konoha Ninjas never would come this far out from their own home. Even with that former one, Miroku Asamiya, around, it won't matter. He doesn't even fight anymore. But I think it's time we took out the trouble at hand and keep these people in fear like we have for a time."

Someone from the shadows stepped forward. This man had a blue wrapping around his mouth, a large scar on his right arm, some wrapping showing part of the scar going up... meaning that he had it further down his arm. This man also had a black mesh mail, and dark grey pants as he said "Shall I move in soon, Toguro? After all..." The man lifted his head, having a cracked mark down the symbol for Takigakure Village. He smiled viciously. "You hired me."

"A Nukenin like yourself needs all the time out he need to prepare himself, Ikukage. You know of this?"
"Yes. I do, Toguro. Just do not waste my time."
"I do not... 'waste time' as you put it. All I want are results. Bring their heads to me, and we'll see about paying you triple the ryou!"
Ikukage sighed, then nodded, disappearing.

Naruto panted, laying back on the dirt ground as he looked at the trees, panting as he said "Man... I am getting better at this..."
Sukai stepped forward, clapping his hands as he smiled. "I saw you working, Naruto. Your Janken style sounds silly, but it can be effective if you use it right. What made you come up with it?"

"To be honest, Sukai... I do not KNOW WHY!" Naruto said, getting up slowly. "Where is Miroku?"
"He's here too. Miroku, you might as well show yourself, so that you can give your own criticism about his new-developing Taijutsu style." Sukai said, smiling.
Miroku heard his voice, and stood up, stepping outward. Miroku looked at Naruto and for the first time in a while... he smiled. "You, kid, got chops, you know? I didn't think anyone was so determined.. I guess 'cause since I lost my own determination, I felt like giving up... especially after I broke my own Nindo, because I found out I loved to fight, even more so than honoring my own Nindo.."

"So? Find a new Nindo." Naruto smiled. "I mean,. I didn't even know what my Nindo was gonna be... until we were on a mission and I faced Zabuza Momochi. He, holding back tears of pain due to how most people see Shinobi and how some Shinobi are 'supposed' to act, made me see what my Nindo should be. I remember just a bit, what he said to me, before he leapt into battle to kill Gato... he said 'Say what we will, do what we will. In the end, we Shinobi are still just people after all... with all-too-human feelings'. That's probably why you felt guilty when you broke your Nindo, Miroku."

Miroku nodded. "Maybe, kid. Maybe. look... about me teaching you... I dunno. Lemme just think on it..." He then turned and walked off, sighing. Naruto looked on and Sukai smiled softly. "I think... perhaps you did somehting not many people could do, Naruto. Reach out to Miroku."

Miroku kept walking, as he then smiled and said to himself. "OK then. It's decided... I'll train Naruto. I can see now that I do have a new path to seek... making sure he is the best Hokage we ever get!" He smiled still, and then blinked when he saw someone leaping through the trees, on the branchs... he looked on then rushed back as fast as he could.

Naruto and Sukai both tensed, feeling chakra of some kind... both looking about as then, the voice of their assassin, Ikukage, spoke. He smiled, heading in the shadows and said "Well, well... you two don't seem like much if you ask me. But then again, a hit's a hit, and the Yakuza want you both dead."

Naruto then turned to the trees as he said "Up there!"
Ikukage revealed himself and said "I am Ikukage, the Shadow of Water from Takigakure Village... I've been sent here to kill you two. Nothing personal. It's just business is all." Ikukage's right hand then began to form water, solidfying it into a sword as he leapt down, and slashed at the two Konoha Ninjas. Both Naruto and Sukai leapt to the side, as the blade smashed the earth. Ikukage smirked, then charged at Sukai, who blocked the attack with his right arm, creating a clanging sound as he said "Pretty slow there, kid.."
"Not so slow." Out of nowhere, Ikukage slashed Sukai across the chest, causing some blood to dribble out slowly as Sukai stumbled backwards. But then Naruto appeared fast, shouting "Janken! Paper!" He then threw a punch, palm open as Ikukage blinked, then blocked with his index and middle fingers like scissors as he said "Rock-Paper-Scissors? What kind of style is that...?"
"Unorthodox... like me!" Suddenly, a blow hit Ikukage in the back, causing him to stumble forward as the Naruto he battled smiled, sticking his tongue out as he then exploded, revealing to be a Shadow Doppleganger as Naruto grinned. Sukai got up and then punched his knuckles together and flicked his wrists, revealing claws. "Come with it then!"

Ikukage smiled as he said "You think I came alone...? No. I brought some friends." He then snapped his fingers... and then thousands of Yakuza stepped out, aiming rifles right at Naruto and Sukai as Naruto gulped. "Oh great... guns! Just what we need..."
"Looks like we're outnumbered here, Naruto... do you think we can take 'em?" Sukai replied to his godson.
"To be honest, not likely, but we can try." Naruto pulled out two kunais, twirling them, then gripped the handles tightly.

Miroku soon rushed up to see the Yakuza from all sides, as he rested his back against a tree, looking from behind it as he examined the numbers. 'Looks like 20, including Ikukage from Takigakure!? What's that Missing-Nin doing here...? Something tells me that the Yakuza are desperate. And Naruto and Sukai are outnumbered... OK! Once more... I'll raise my fist to fight. I know that is what I got to do, if I am gonna insure that Naruto DOES make it to become Hokage...' Miroku cracked his knuckles silently, eyes closed, as he steeled himself for the first time in a long time... then was ready to go into battle, to help Naruto and Sukai, and make sure he could follow his newly found Nindo.

=To Be Continued...=

Episode 37. Enjoy it, read it, post on it, ya'all! ^^ And spread the love!

Bryon