Uchiha Naruto: The Sage

Chapter Nine: The Nest of the Serpent

2 years, 8 months later

''You are finally going out.'' Zetsu stated the obvious as he watched Naruto walk past him.

Naruto had grown taller over the past two years and 8 months. His spiky blond hair had grown longer, as it was now under his shoulders. His hair parted to frame the sides of his faces covering his right eye, the bangs framing his face reached his chin. He still wore his usual black attire added with a shinobi dress Madara wore in his days consisting of a bright red armour-similar to that of Samurai-worn over a simple black suit. The armour was constructed with numerous metal plates, formed into multiple protective guards along his body, in particular, chest, waist, shoulders and thighs. The chest plate left his back exposed. On his back, there was an Uchiha clan's crest, and the Uzumaki swirl. Black boots accompanied his attire and gloves, with the Konoha forehead protector partly visible on his forehead, as some of his hair covered it. On his back, Naruto had the Gunbai Madara had given him, but the tomoes that were on its face were replaced by the Uzumaki swirl and the Uchiha clan's crest. Naruto also had a belt sash holding a sword.

''Yes, I have trained enough.'' Naruto replied as continued to take giant footsteps towards the exit of the hideout.

''Where are you heading to?'' Zetsu asked following Naruto from behind. He was truly curious, as he wanted to see Naruto fight against someone else. After the training Naruto had put himself through with the help of shadow clones it would take a miracle for someone to beat him. Madara would have been proud if he was seeing Naruto now.

''Orochimaru's secret hideout in the borders of Oto to get the Uzumaki girl you found and the Shinigami mask, if it was Orochimaru who took it.'' Naruto replied his Sharingan eyes gracing the light of the world for the first time in months. While he trained, he never went outside the hideout. He always kept himself busy within the dark shadows of the hideout.

''You might come across Orochimaru if you are going to that hideout. He usually spends his time there experimenting.'' Zetsu warned.

''Orochimaru's presence is nothing of importance. If I find him there, I will make good use of him.'' Naruto replied looking at the sunny sky.

''Now that you are going out there, Jiraiya will be able to get to you. What will you do if he finds you and tries to force you back to Konoha? In addition, there is Danzou and the Sandaime's teammates.'' Zetsu asked knowing that Jiraiya had been looking for Naruto ever since he left the village. Jiraiya could search wherever he wanted to but he could never find Naruto anywhere. Now that Naruto has decided to show himself to the world, Jiraiya would be able to get to him. With the manner in which Naruto left the village, it was possible that he might try to force Naruto back to Konoha. The council of Konoha was also aware that Naruto was not with Jiraiya as they were informed. If they were able to get their dogs near Naruto, they would surely try something. Knowing Danzou, he will surely send his Root Anbu to try to either assassinate Naruto or capture him. It would be amusing to see them try though, since none of the Root Anbu has the strength to kill or capture Naruto.

''I will deal with it then,'' Naruto replied without a hint of worry in his tone, ''Now let's go! You will stay in the shadows.'' Naruto said walking away from Zetsu. Orochimaru's hideout was waiting for him. The hideout in the borders of Oto was the one that was most hidden than the other hideouts within Otogakure. The Uzumaki girl Zetsu had found spent her days at the hideout.

Zetsu sank into the ground without any further word. Things were surely going to be interesting from now on. He could not wait to see how things pended out when Naruto reveals his power. However, he doubted Naruto would reveal his full strength soon.

River country

The grass was burned, trees broken; the landscape seemed to have gone through a reshaping phase. It was what seemed to be the results of a heavy battle, a battle between strong fighters using high level of jutsu's, a clash of titans. The landscape had gone over a makeover. Two battles had taken place over the belly of the earth. The first match was Hatake Kakashi Vs Jiraiya and the second match was Uchiha Sasuke Vs Jiraiya. Despite the impact the battles had on the surrounding area, the fights were just sparring contest.