I Win (Naruto Abandoned / Betrayed Fanfic)

3 Years Later

A/N: As the chapter title says, there has been a 3 year time skip. A big, actual criticism in my last story [I have to say actual because some of the 'criticisms' on my last story were pretty ridiculous] was that my pacing was WAYYY too slow so I'm trying to cut out the filler. Anyway, hope you enjoy :)

--------------------------------------

"We're finally back in the village, huh Sasuke-kun?" Sakura chirped happily as she walked through the gates of Konoha. Kakashi and Jiraiya both smiled. Sasuke still wore his same frown.
"I have to go talk to the Hokage," he said and began walking away.

"Alright, but remember to meet us back in the training ground," called out Kakashi after him. Sasuke showed no indication of hearing. Kakashi sighed. Jiraiya turned to him.

"Well it was fun my friend. I'm probably going to relax here a while before making my way out again," he smiled. Kakashi held onto his shoulder.

"Don't you think you could stay with us for just a little longer? Don't you want to see how much stronger Sasuke has gotten in these past 3 years?"

Jiraiya smirked, "Well when you put it like that it's an offer I cannot refuse."

"Wow," Sakura turned back to the village, "Kind of crazy to think it's already been 3 years. I wonder what's changed."

"So do I. But I bet not much. Anyway, let's head to the training ground."

Naruto sat down by a tree in the Team 7 training grounds, panting profusely. He had just beaten his previous record of 9 press-ups but it had drained him of a lot of his energy. Slowly but surely he was getting better. Maybe, if he tried hard enough, he might be able to perform a jutsu soon. He lay his head back against the tree and continued getting his breathing under control. Even though it had been 3 years, Naruto didn't look like he had changed that much. The seals on his body had prevented much of his growth. They did allow him to grow just at a much de-accelerated rate. They were designed specifically though that he would still feel the growing pains. He was significantly paler and skinnier and his back was slightly hunched. His head slightly perked up when he heard footsteps and voices growing closer.

"He is growing to be a very strong shinobi," one voice said.

"Well he did say he wanted to become Hokage," said the other.

"I think he could become the Hokage," said another voice, higher pitch than the others. Naruto's eyes slightly widened. He knew those voices. He pulled himself up and turned to where the sound had come from. His heart skipped a beat. Kakashi, Jiraiya and Sakura were entering the training grounds. Naruto began to have trouble breathing again. His nervousness was beginning to show.

'I-I never thought they would come back!'

He ran as fast as he could toward them.

"G-guys! Hey!" They all looked up to see him, "You came back!"

The group looked at each other, all confused.

"Do we... know him?" Sakura whispered to Kakashi.

Suddenly Jiraiya's face lit up with understanding, "Ah! You're Naruto! Of course!"

"Ohh," both Kakashi and Sakura said in unison. Naruto didn't care that they'd forgotten him. All he cared about was that they were back.

"I knew you'd come back to me!" he managed to pant, "I-I missed you so much!"

"Ok creep, no need to get weird," Sakura smirked. She once again turned to Kakashi, "Who's Naruto?"

Kakashi, thinking that Naruto couldn't hear him, turned to respond, "He's your old teammate, remember?"