Here's another installment of this story that I loved reading in the beginning of my time here on this site. I still love this story just to let you know. That's why I volunteered to write it. And this is the second story I've adopted. I hope you enjoy this. This story is now brought to you by a twenty-three year old Christian.

Ch. 2 Training Begins

Goku and Naruto were bouncing on the balls of their feet waiting for Master Roshi to speak. They were sure he was going to announce some amazing training for them. He had to be! Master Roshi was one of the most famous marital artists in the world, both of them!

'Gah! I need a woman and fast! Turtle is still on vacation… I could just get Naruto to use that Sexy no-what-it again, but that's creepy. Even for me.'

"Uh, Master Roshi, what's that?"

Roshi adjusted his sunglasses. "What's what?"

Naruto leapt up into the lone palm tree and squinted into the distance. "Something's coming."

"It's not Turtle with a suitcase on its back is it!?"

Goku scratched his head. "Looks like a boat. Somebody's on it."

"Is it a woman?" Roshi shouted in an overexcited voice.

"Nah, Kamesenin, it's a guy."The highly visible ninja shouted really loudly.

The boat came to a stop and the occupant leapt the distance and flipped several times. Before landing head first in the sand. Naruto erupted in laughter.

"Goku, help the young man out of the ground."

"Yoink!" Goku pulled the newcomer from the ground with a bit too much force. The new arrival had a shaved head and wore monk robes.

"Master Roshi." The young man bowed respectfully. "I am Krillin and I have traveled from the Far East in order to become your student."

"I must be popular this year. I don't usually take students."

Krillin picked up a sack. "I am aware that you are a man of fine tastes. I have brought gifts."

The bald monk handed over a collection of magazines. Roshi laughed with unbridled glee at the magazines. As he flipped through the collection he found a little orange book. He mumbled to himself in confusion. He read a single page and giggled like an utter maniac.

After Master Roshi had composed himself (a bit), he turned to the three eager young men. "Before I take you as students, I have a test."

"What is it? We'll have it finished before you even realize we're gone!" Goku gave voice to the enthusiasm everyone was feeling.

Roshi cleared his throat. "This is a test of your abilities. I want the three of you to bring a beautiful woman to this island."

Naruto pumped his fist. "We can do this! Heck, this is a simple retrieval mission! You're seeing how well we can handle ourselves on our own!"

Roshi raised an eyebrow. "Uh. Well said." He turned to Krillin and Goku. "Naruto is right on the money. I want to test your abilities. Being a martial artist is more than simply punching people in the face. You have to use your brains as well."

Goku excitedly called Nimbus. Krillin stared wide eyed and Naruto hopped down from the palm tree.

Krillin walked over to Roshi and tugged at Roshi's coat. "Excuse me Master Roshi. If I may guess at your type."

Krillin whispered to the venerable master. Roshi shouted his approval. The monk returned to his peers and tried to leap onto the Nimbus.

He fell right through. "What?"

Goku looked down at the sprawled monk. "Oh, you must be having not pure thoughts."

Roshi helped the monk up. "Why are you here, Krillin?"

"To become strong and pick up chicks!"

'He sounds like me!' "That's what we call impure."

Roshi sighed as he entered the house. He was looking forward to this "Make out Paradise" book. It'd been a long time since he wanted to actually read something.

…

Krillin had to admit that the Nimbus would be a pretty cool way to travel, if it wasn't for the risk of falling through the cloud for simple human failings. The young monk wasn't sure what to make of his new associates. They were both incredibility enthusiastic. Most importantly, they had no preconceptions.

Krillin wasn't 'the weak one' here. Instead, he was simply Krillin to Goku and Naruto. The Turtle Hermit School wasn't a single building like the Orin Temple, but it was his short time traveling with his new comrades it already felt like home.

"Hey, Krillin! Think she'll do?" Naruto had quickly given up on even asking Goku for his opinion about this mission. Where the heck did he grow up to not know the difference between men and women?

"Yeah... Wait! Who are those guys?" Krillin struggled not to shout.

Goku shifted and his two traveling companions struggled not to plummet to an embarrassing death. "They look like bad guys to me!"

The Nimbus landed a short distance away from the group of ruffians approaching a young woman. Naruto began to explain that they were likely just bandits. Goku commented absentmindedly that they smelled bad.

"What are you going to do now lady!" One of the bandits yelled as he spun a kuni around his index finger. He brushed a strand of dyed hair out of they way as the girl whimpered.

"Yeah, not so though now that your fancy henge is gone." Another said brandishing a club.

The three boys nodded at each other. "Obviously, we need to help her." Krillin sighed as he resigned himself to whatever was going to happen. He had to be at peace with himself and whatnot.

Naruto crossed his arms and nodded theatrically. "Obviously. I have a plan."

Goku bit his lip. "What is it?"

I'll cause a distraction. Goku and Krillin, you'll smack them through a wall."

Krillin chuckled to hide his nervousness. "No bonus points for originality."

The tailed boy brushed some dirt off of his gi. "We'd better hurry. On three get their attention Natuto."

Naruto began running through the hand seals and leapt onto a charred stump. Goku, from his position in a tree held up three fingers. "Hey butt-heads, check this out!"

Four very angry pairs of eyes whipped around. "What?"

"Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" There was a flash of steam of smoke, and suddenly there were a dozen screaming Narutos.

The woman squealed at the sight of her attackers being sent flying by a vicious kick from a small child with spiky black hair. The attacker with a club charged wildly at Goku yelling like Bulma after catching Oolong peaking. Goku easily dodged the wild attacks, but was surprised by the strength behind the attack. The dyed haired brigand gripped the kuni and was prepared to throw it at the charging Narutos when he collapsed. Krillin knocked the attacker out with a leaping elbow strike landed on the criminal's back with a victorious grin plastered on his face. Goku was shouting something about Rock-Paper-Scissors as the last bandit was swamped by a tide of orange jumpsuits.

Krillin stomped on the unconscious bandit and walked next to Goku and the real Naruto. The young woman was pretty and even Goku noticed. Naruto whispered to the monk that he'd never seen blue hair before. It took all of their self-control not to gape as Goku mentioned something about the woman's hair looking like one of his friends.

"Hi." Goku and Naruto shouted with a huge grin plastered across their faces. Krillin swallowed a grown, and shock his head.

"What they mean was, are you alright?"

The girl sniffed and chewed at her lip. "They didn't hurt me. What do you want?"

Krillin elbowed Goku before he could say anything. "To make sure you're okay. What's your name? Why were they after you?"

"Launch... I don't know why they were after me..."

Naruto caught on to what Krillin was planning. "Well they were punks. But...they looked like an organized gang or something. We know a safe place we could take you to..."

Launched nodded. "They were really mad... I hope I wasn't rude to them..."

"Naruto leaned towards his bald friend. "Man, she's as naïve as Goku."

Krillin chuckled and whispered back. "I didn't think it was possible."

...

The sun was setting when Roshi finally heard the voice of his protégés. Naruto and Krillin were laughing about something rather loudly. Goku was complaining that he didn't get it.

The Nimbus landed and Krillin practically danced that he was back on solid ground.

"Master Roshi! We're back." The Turtle Hermit peered around a corner and caught a glimpse of the girl they brought back.

'Holy Shnkes! They actually brought a looker!' He rushed back inside and changed into a suit.

"Well done, boys! Get some food!"

Krillin, Goku and Naruto walked into the kitchen and flopped down.

The bald monk broke the silence first. "So, how rough do you think this training will be?"

Naruto slurped down some Ramen. "Probably something like the survival training back… home."

The normally boisterous youth fell silent. Goku cast Krillin a look that asked: 'Should we ask more?'

Krillin shook his head. 'Nah, if he wants to talk, he'll talk. No need to pressure the dude.'

"Think we'll have to fight off a T-Rex?" Goku asked as he caught a bottled water Krillin tossed him.

Naruto looked up. "A what?"

"Huge lizard with lots of teeth." The momentary gloom that descended quickly left and the students exchanged tales of bravado.

…

Master Roshi was surprised by his students. They had taken to his brutal training like fish to water. Granted, he had to lay down some ground rules. Naruto had used a technique to created hundreds of clones to 'win' the rock test. Krillin had tried to create a replacement rock, but in the end had found the second rock on his own merits. Goku had grumbled about going without dinner, but it had been a bit of a blessing. Lunch hadn't cooked the fish quite right. Everyone who ate it got incredibly ill.

Except for Naruto. Kamesenin was sure his rapid recovery had something to do with the being bound within the young Ninja. The creature didn't feel like any monster Roshi had encountered. Naturally, that meant the thing was from the second half of the New World. Master Roshi had taken advantage of the illness, despite his own stomach pains, to inspect the seal. His semi-feigned concern had won him points with Lunch which was a plus. The real bonus was that he got a good look at what he was dealing with. His original impression had been confirmed: whoever had created the seal was a genius. The subtleties and defensive layers were beyond even Roshi's dear sister to achieve.

Roshi returned to his original thought. His students had caught him off guard and it had threatened to retard the growth of their abilities. The ground rules were simple. First, no techniques that would allow the boys to 'cut corners' were permitted. Goku had whined about not being able to use the Nimbus or Kamehameha. Naruto grumbled about not being able to use Kage Bushin no Jutsu. Surprisingly, Krillin had taken it in stride. After Roshi pressed him, the young monk revealed that he had learned a single technique under the table at his temple, but that it wouldn't help him in training. The second rule was that Roshi was the final authority on everything while they were training.

Now, the training was advancing much smoother. Krillin actually was making the most noticeable progress. Goku and Naruto were growing stronger, but the young monk had made a clear improvement. Uzumaki had also made huge strides, but his greatest improvements were not in the martial arts. In the first days of the training, Naruto had been a pain in the butt. He was always pulling pranks or acting the fool. However, as the young man received simple attention, unconditional friendship and acceptance from Goku, Lunch, Master Roshi and Krillin, he mellowed. Roshi made a note to find out more of Naruto's life before coming to Kame House from his bright orange student later.

And then there was Goku. Goku was on a completely different level from the beginning. Perhaps, Roshi should have expected more from Gohan's grandson. But… Goku had mastered the Kamehameha in minutes and shown physical feats beyond the possible for a child his age. The fact that he could ride the Nimbus was further evidence that he was an incredibly unique individual. However, Roshi was proudest of how Goku acted as the glue for the group. The Turtle Hermit never doubted that his students would be respectful of each other or that friendships would develop. It was the speed at which it occurred that had taken the master by surprise.

"Alright, good warm-ups. Your 10k times are improving. I think you all have adjusted nicely to the increased weight."

'They are barely winded. I could get use to these kinds of surprises from my students.'

…

Iruka followed the Sandaime into the Ninja Academy. They did speak around a gaggle of young kunoichi fawning over Uchiha Sauske. Once the fan-girls rushed off, Iruka took a deep breath.

"Hokage-sama, has there been any sighting of Naruto?"

"Unfortunately, there has not been a concrete sighting of our young charge. I do have good news regarding Naruto." The Third Hokage crossed his arms behind his back.

"I welcome any and all good news."

"I have settled the matter with the Council. Naruto will not be declared a missing-nin. The Council relented when I reminded them that the missing jinchūriki would still be safely in Konoha if they hadn't chased him out during the riots."

The instructor nodded. "That is good. So, how are the talks with the new lands coming?"

"Productive." Iruka knew better than to press for more information. "I would like to see the class today, Iruka-sensei."

The teacher chuckled. "Want to see how the children react to this television thing?"

The Professor laughed out loud. The chatting students immediately went silent. Iruka walked to the board and wrote the reading assignment. Most of the students groaned about its length.

"The reason is, today we are going to focus on how the world has changed." The students cast nervous glances at the Hokage; everyone except Uchiha Sauske who maintained a mask of complete indifference.

Iruka flipped a switch on a box and the picture of a woman wearing unusual clothes and facial features. "Thanks, Rodney."

There was a murmur amongst the youth as the woman spoke. "I'm here at the future highway that will serve to connect the Kingdom to the "Land of Fire." This area was especially hard hit by the Storms of Change. Wait… Greg! Turn around! I'm sorry to interrupt my report but that's Master Roshi!"

The picture swung away from the young woman and the construction scene to an old, balding man wearing a turtle shell over a simple tunic. "Keep your backs straight you bums!"

"Master Roshi!" Master Roshi turned around and walked towards the camera crew. 'Jackpot! I was getting tired of the scenery and then she shows up! Heheheh.'

"May I help you miss?"

The reporter smiled at the thought of scoring an exclusive interview with the most famous martial artists in the known world. "May I ask why you have decided to return to the mainland? You have not been seen in nearly two decades."

Roshi appeared passive, but behind his sunglasses he was ogling the reporter. "Well, I am a hermit. I am overseeing the training of my students. Speaking of… What is it, boys?"

Goku was panting. No one had noticed that three young boys wearing turtle shells had appeared behind the Turtle Hermit. "The boss says we've finished ahead of schedule."

The reporter stared wide eyed at the newly cleared region. Her camera man nearly dropped his camera. The studio briefing had said the construction firm was expecting another six weeks to clear this area. The three boys had helped to clear it in three days! Roshi simply smiled. "Well done lads. Take a cool down swim. Oh, don't forget to take off your training weights. Can't have you drowning."

In the Konoha Ninja academy, the image that popped up on the screen was the equivalent of dosing everyone with ice water. "What's the catch Master Roshi?"

Uzumaki Naruto asked nervously as he tossed his turtle shell off. Sandaime shot Iruka a glance that spoke volumes. Several students cried out in disbelief. One mumbled something about losing a bet.

The three students of the Turtle school removed their weights and bulky clothing and jumped in.

Master Roshi snapped his fingers theatrically. "OH! I just remembered! Mind the sharks! Those things are endangered so you can't hurt them!"

"WHAT?" Krillin yelled in shock. Suddenly, a gray shape exploded from the water and nearly swallowed Goku. After a frantic race to avoid being lunch, Roshi's students reached the other bank.

The Reporter dropped her microphone. "Isn't that extreme?"

Roshi shook his head. "Each of my students is fully capable of defeating such a minor predator."

'Minor? What have you been teaching them?' The Reporter was in shock. "Will they be competing in the Tenka'ichi Budōkai?"

Roshi stared into the camera for a long moment. "Yes. All three will be there and I guarantee they will make the finals."

Hundreds of miles away, the Third Hokage rose from his seat and walked over to the television. He turned it off and without turning to the Genin candidates spoke in a harsh whisper. "Class dismissed."

Konoha had found its wayward son. Iruka bowed to the Hokage after the terse, but polite goodbye. The Chunin waited a moment for the last student to file out of the classroom before pumping his fist in an ecstatic, completely undignified and un-ninja like manner

…

Master Roshi wanted to beam at his students. He really didn't believe that he could ever take on students as talented as Gohan or the Ox King, but his three students had surpassed his former students. Krillin, Naruto and Goku possessed a natural talent that was beyond anything the Turtle Hermit had ever seen.

He was fully aware that his students had been sneaking off for some 'supplemental training'. Goku had been attempting to teach his friends the Kamehameha. Turtle had spied on them and reported his shock that Krillin and Naruto had both grasped the basics in a few days. It wasn't the five minutes it had taken Goku to learn the technique.

But compared to the fifty years it had taken Roshi to create and then master the technique, the boys were lightning fast.

Uzumaki had tried to teach the others Kage Bushin. However, neither of the other students could easily control their Chakra flow. These mysterious Jutsus were only about a third as effective with Ki as they were with Chakra. After a few unsuccessful attempts, Naruto had struggled to teach the others the basics of Chakra use. For a hyperactive prankster, Naruto did a half-way decent job.

Krillin's lessons were actually enlightening even to the jaded eyes of the ancient Hermit. Evidently, the technique Krillin had learned 'under the table' was a way to cultivate a sixth sense that judged another person's relative strength. Mutenroshi had nearly been discovered one night when he burst out laughing at Krillin's exasperated declaration that Goku and Naruto were 'too dense for your own good!'

"I told you that if you could move this stone…" Roshi placed a hand on the ancient boulder. "You could participate in the World's Marital Arts Tournament. Prove you are ready."

Goku was the first to step forward. The boy pushed and strained and cried out. And the rock moved. Nearly a full ton of rock was forced to yield to the young man's will. He was out of breath and collapsed to all fours.

"Next." Krillin put his hand out to stop Naruto. The monk took in the enormity of the task before him and sighed. He did not yell as Goku had, but once again the stone yielded to the will of a child.

Naruto Uzumaki looked to Master Roshi for any sign to his mood. The Turtle Hermit stood impassively and the aspiring Shinobi deflated for a hair's breadth. The determination that defined the boy returned and he roared. The ancient stone yielded once again.

It had not yielded easily. In all, the Turtle School students had moved the enormous stone less than six inches.

"Remove your weights and shells." To the boy's credit, they obeyed even in the face of their doubts. "You'll need to take a few days to adjust your balance. It'd be a shame for you to lose in the preliminary rounds because you couldn't stand up straight."

…

The door to the Hokage's office opened wide and Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled as his former student casually took a seat across from him.

"We found him." Sarutobi said without preamble.

The guest grunted. "If Danzo hadn't tried his hand at rabble-rousing, the brat wouldn't be missing in the first place."

"I understand your frustrations, but with the cataclysms I need Danzo to help maintain order. Speaking of, what have you uncovered about the source?"

"Absolutely nothing, but you wouldn't call me back to Konoha to ask about that."

"I'm asking you to enter this World Martial Arts tournament and convince Naruto to return to Konoha."

"We're getting too old for this. I'll bring him back. Akatsuki is growing more active and if they found Naruto outside the Leaf they might start acting openly."

The Sandaime held up the hand. "I am aware."

Jiraiya stood up and nodded at his former teacher. "I wonder how much he resembles his parents."

"We'll find out. I'll be at this Tenka'ichi Budōkai as well. The nations of our newly born worlds will be there to try to maintain a semblance of order."

The Toad Sage stopped at the door. "I'm not sure how easy that will be. I've encountered another faction out there calling themselves the Red Ribbon Army. This new world we are joined at the hip with has some destructive weapons. Might want to kick up production of Explosive Tags."

Jiraiya had left without a further word. The Third Hokage suddenly realized how much everything had changed. He turned and stared out across the village he loved like a second wife. Hiruzen swore he would continue to protect his beloved home. The Hokage's eyes met those on the Monument and he felt the weight of ages.

And that's chapter two. For those who read any of my other stories. I don't think I'll be cosplaying at Katsucon like I hoped. It's too much time, and I don't have it working second shift right now. Yeah, I have a job again. Been that way for almost five months. I hope you enjoy reading this. Please review, and God bless you.