Naruto: Path Of Legends

(As I've promised, I present you with the prequel to my "New Era" one-shot & "Day By Day" series & hopefully, it'll explain how everything came about in those stories. It takes place directly after Gaara was rescued from Akatsuki so you won't be seeing Yamato or Sai in here. Nonetheless, I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I'll enjoy writing it for you)

Book One: Chapter 1: Bittersweet Homecoming

The remnants of the old Team 7 namely Sakura, Kakashi & Naruto as well as Team Gai were on their way back to Konoha after their successful mission in Suna. They had completed their mission to rescue Gaara from the hands of Akatsuki & even managed to take out 2 of it's members.

But it had come at a terrible price.

An eldery yet feisty retired shinobi from Sunakagure Chiyo, whom Naruto & Sakura had come to admire & respect, had used a forbidden jutsu to save the lives of Sakura & Gaara.

After which, the party from Konoha had stayed to attend the state funeral of the brave old kunoichi where Gaara, in his capacity as the Kazekage, had declared her a hero of the village.

Team 7 & Team Gai left to return home soon after & the journey had started boisterously enough with Gai running off while carrying an injured Kakashi on his back (the sight of which was disturbing enough for Naruto & Sakura) & Lee attempting to do the same with Neiji (much to the pale eyed warrior's horror) But in the middle of the trip, the reality of recent events had begun to sink in. The group continued on in solemn silence before Naruto spoke up.

"Sakura-Chan, you were the one who stayed with Chiyo Baa-san for most of the time. How was she as a person?" Naruto asked.

Sakura had hoped that nobody would bring up the subject of Chiyo Baa-Sama so soon since the memory of her death was still fresh in everybody's minds. Hers in particular since she had fought alongside her. But she nonetheless obliged her teammate.

"Well, she was old, cranky & frankly speaking seemed bitter about Sunagakure in general since she originally didn't really care what happened to he own village..." She answered, reflecting back on her conversations with Chiyo Baa-Sama thoughtfully. "Maybe because of her long experiences that she decided the everything else didn't matter. But in the end, I guess her belief in people was restored because of you. Seeing how badly you wanted to save Gaara, her own Kazekage whom you've had reason to hate because of his attack on Konoha, probably rekindled her faith." She added, looking at Naruto.

"Ultimately, she had made the supreme sacrifice for her village by forfeiting her life to save the Kazekage's. And nobody could ask for anything greater then that. She's a hero however you look at it & she will not be forgotten" This statement came from Neiji who at the time had unintentionally read the dying woman's lips when she had told Naruto to become the Hokage that everyone wanted. "A dying premonition perhaps?" Neiji thought privately.

"Yes she did." Naruto said solemnly. "Just like our old Sandaime."

The mention of the old Sandaime Hokage had sobered the group once again & they continued on their trek home, each person lost in his own private thoughts.

Soon, the walls of Konoha came into view. As they entered Konoha, Gai turned to Sakura & Naruto. "Since you two were the ones assigned this mission, it should be you who'll report back to the Hokage-Sama. We'll take care of my rival here. Count on it." Gai said with a thumbs up & a sparkling smile, gesturing to the sleeping Kakashi who he still carried on his back & was still asleep or passed out (either from his use of the Magenkyo Sharingan or from the incredible burst of speed from Gai while he carried Kakashi or even both).

"Don't worry. We'll complete this mission even at the cost of our own lives." Lee chimed in with a matching thumbs up & a sparkling smile of his own.

"LEE!"

"GAI SENSEI!"

"LEE!"

"GAI SENSEI!"

The 2 nearly identical men (despite the fact that Gai still carried Kakashi on his back) embraced with tears streaming down their face amidst a conjured background of a sunset (you guys know the scene :D )

"Sigh Those 2 never change." Tenten said aloud. But secretly, the weapons mistress was grateful for the odd pair's unintentionl attempt to lighten up the mood even though it did not appear to be having any effect. "Listen you two. Like Gai Sensei said, we'll take care of Kakashi San while you guys report back to Tsunade Sama. After that, get some rest ok?" Tenten told Naruto & Sakura, feeling like a protective big sister.

"Tenten's right. You two have been through a lot & you need to rest up." Neiji seconded.

"Thanks Tenten, Neiji. We appreciate your concern." Sakura managed to answer with a small smile which Tenten & Neiji felt was a little forced but nonetheless had let it slide.

As the two members of Team 7 walked away from Team Gai, Tenten looks at the pair with a sad face. "I wish there was more we could do to make them feel better." She said.

Shaking his head, Neiji gave his own opinion. "I disagree. This is something that they'll have to work out themselves."

Lee nods his agreement. "Neiji's right. All we have to do is always be there to support them."

"They're my rival's students after all." Gai said with a sincere smile. "They'll bounce back fro this difficult time in their lives stronger then ever."

(The Hokage's office)

"I see. So Chiyo Baa-San died during the mission eh?" Tsunade said, looking at Naruto & Sakura who was standing in front of her. "That's... regrettable." Tsunade personally knew Chiyo. The old hag was one of the finest kunoichi who had ever lived & she would be missed.

"Yes. I'm sorry we were not able to save her." Naruto said, sadness evident in his voice.

"I was with her Naruto. If anyone is to blame, it should be me. If only I was stronger, this wouldn't have happened." Sakura hasn't felt this helpless since Sasuke's defection to the Sound.

It hurt Tsunade to see her adopted little brother & favorite student like this. Fatalities were a common occurrence in their line of work but both Naruto & Sakura seemed to be taking Chiyo Baa-San's death rather hard & it showed in their youthful features.

"Nonsense, neither of you had any control over the situation." Tsunade said standing up from her chair to go over to the two teenaged shinobis & placing a hand on their shoulders. "I know I may seem heartless for saying this but it was simply Chiyo Baa-San's time to pass on. And nobody could ask for a more noble death then that."

"I suppose…. You're right Tsunade Baa-San." Naruto said after a lengthy silence. "She died a true hero's death. We should all be so lucky to go out the way she did."

"Yes. We were fortunate enough to have known such a courageous soul like her." Sakura adds before falling silent again for a few moments. Then Tsunade broke it with a pronouncement of her own.

"In any case, the leader of our allies was saved thanks to your hard work. Team 7 should be commended for that." Tsunade said then turns to Naruto with a broad smile. "On a positive note, I'm also pleased to inform you Naruto that due to your completion of this dangerous mission, I have decided to promote you to Chunnin." Naruto was about to say something but was stopped short by Tsunade. "Now before you say anything, even though you didn't take the Chunnin Exams, your 3 years of hard training under Jiraiya plus your participation in this mission is sufficient proof for me that you have matured enough to be a Chunnin. I've talked to Jiraiya & Kakashi about this & they agree with me. I don't think it'll be a problem for the other Jounins either so congratulations."

At first, Naruto did not say a word. But he soon shook off his initial surprise at his sudden promotion & summed up his reaction with one word.

"YYYYYAAAAAHHHHHOOOOO!"

Author's Note: Alright, my 1st chapter is done. You guys know the drill. R&R please. I also accept any suggestions you may have 