Naruto recovered in a short time flying week. He was back to his feet and ready to go. But one thing was drseing near. The time he would soend training with Jirayah for a two year span.

A month passed by and a lot of events took place. Naruto worked silently with Orochimaru until Sasuke turned against the village and joined forces with the snake to get power to defeat his brother. Sakura was studdying medical ninjutsu. And a strong bond had strengthened between Naruto and Kakashi. Only a fool wouldn't be able to call and point out the constant flirting between the two. Things weren't all bad.

But the topic regarding the Akatuski was only growing more pressing. Tsunade has settled into her roll as the Hokage of the village. She had Jirayah on constant look out for information on any Akatuski member they know about.

"So Naruto you enjoying the food. Kakashi asked.

"More then that." Naruto purred playfully.

They laughed and joked around. Naruto balanced a dumpling on Kakashi's nose. Kakashi looked at it. Naruto placed three more and Kakashi held in laugh.

Minato was watching them from the kicten, makin' sure nothing would happen. Naruto smirked and stood and bit one of the dumplings off the top and there were two left. Kakashi then grabbed the two dumplings and ate them. Naruto crawled off Tue couch and into the kitchen to see Minato.

"Heya dad." Naruto waved.

"Naruto what was that?" Minato raised a brow.

"I dunno." Naruto shrugged and grabbed a glass of water and drank it.

"...is everything packed?" Minato asked.

"Yeah..." Naruto mumbled.

"Tomorrow is the big day. A start of a long training period with Jirayah. I will miss you dearly." Minato sighed.

"Yeah...but Lets save the goodbyes for tomorrow." Naruto mumbled and walked towards the door.

"I'm going to hang out with Sakura. Bye dad. Bye Kakashi." Naruto waved and walked out.

Naruto shoved his hands in his pockets and walked in the direction of Sakura's house. Word spread that Naruto would be leaving for a while and every villager was treating him kindly that day. Naruto found it creepy.

Naruto walked to her house and knocked on the door. Over the month when the events took place Naruto made a promises to Sakura to get Sasuke back, no matter what will happen to him. He failed once already and beat himself up about it. But he was pushing the negativity about away. Half of his training was to bring Sasuke back in Naruto's POV. It ment a lot to him. He never wanted to go back on his word and give up on his promise.

Sakura answered the door and smiled. "Hi Naruto." She mused. "I was wondering when you would drop by and say hello."

"Hey Sakura. Wanna ditch this place and head to the Bbq place?" Naruto askes. "Ya know, nothing special. Just something to do before I leave."

"Sure thing!" She clapped her hands." Mom ill.be out!" Sakura yelled and shut the door.

The two walked to the restaurant and were seated in a good seat. The waitresses were treating Naruto kindly. Naruto still found it creepy but showed them kindness back. They ordered a round of steak and began to grill it. The smell made the two genin hungry to the point they felt like they were starving.

Once the food was cooked they dug in, eating their delicious meat. Naruto hasn't told Sakura anything about the Akatuski. She only knows that two men were after him. She would bug him from time to time but Naruto would brush the topic away, or lie about to mot make her wprry. He didn't want to trouble her more, sense Sasuke was influenced by Orochimaru and left.

"Naruto. When you go off to train with Jirayah...will you come back safe?" She asked.

"Of course Sakura. Nothing bad will happen." Naruto promised.

"Thats relieving." She smiled.

Naruto and Sakura left after they were full and split the bill. Naruto stood and walked to his house and Kakashi and Minato were gone. Minato assigned to a mission and Kakashi left to attend some meetinga with Jirayah and Tsunade.

Naruto walked into his room and drank alcohol. He sat down and read a book. He downed the bottle and threw it outside, it hitting the streets. Naruto laid there and sighed. He turned his attention to a photo. It was himself, Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke. Naruto smiled lightly.

"I'll save you..." Naruto mumbled, looking at Sasuke.

They day turned late and Naruto went to bed. Sleeping until morning. He made sure everything was packed and changed into his clothes. He put his headband on and looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. He grabbed his weapon pouch and put It on and grabbed the bag and walked towards the gate where Jirayah and his friends were waiting. Naruto smiled and gave everyone a hug.

"Be the best Naruto!" Lee gave a thumbs up and a wide grin.

"Good luck." Ten ten said.

"See you in a few years." Neji said.

"B-be careful Naruto." Hinata mumbled.

"Stay safe." Kiba smiled

"Yeah, don't be a bother." Shikamaru said.

"Be respectful." Shino stated.

"We will miss you greatly." Choji frowned.

"Don't let anyone bring you down." Ino chanted.

"Don't get hurt." Sakura said with teary eyes.

"Thanks guys I'll be fine. Dont worry." Naruto chuckled.

"Naruto. Jirayah is going to seriously toughen you up. He didn't go easy on me during training. He won't go easy on you. Be good for him and pay attention to his lessons. I'll see you when you return. I love you." Minato hugged him.

"Love to you too dad." Naruto smiled.

Kakashi hugged Naruto and didn't say anything. He wanted to cry but held it in. "Be careful. I'll miss you. Can't wait to see you again." Kakashi whispered.

"Yeah...I can't wait to see you as well Kakashi Sensei." Naruto smiled softly.

"Come on Naruto." Jirayah said.

"Right." Naruto nodded and walked to his side. "Bye every one! I'll return I a few years believe it!" He gave a thumbs up.

They will be going away for a while. A lot will take place. And alit with change. The future is a mystery for the genin...but life only gets harder from here...his goals are set and stone. Save sasuke. Kill Orochimaru. And put an end to these Akatuski guys. He so be back...for two and a half years.