Shikamaru was walking home after eating at the grill with team 10. He was passing the academy as he watched the clouds. Man, what a drag, he thought, why'd I get stuck with Ino in my team? Though I guess there was no way around it considering our parents. Shikamaru looked utterly bored as he continued walking. He then looked over and noticed Naruto sitting on the swing watching the clouds. Oh look, Naruto's hanging out by himself again, but he doesn't look depressed this time, He thought.

Just as he was going to look away, he saw Naruto get up and then collapse onto the ground. Oi, oi, he thought, are you serious? He ran over to where Naruto was wide eyed. After seeing Naruto's condition, he noticed that he was completely bruised and injured, and his breathing was ragged. Damn, this doesn't look good, Shikamaru thought. He then picked him up and carried him on his back as he ran towards the hospital. On the way there, Shikamaru ran into Choji who was busy snacking on a bag of chips.

"Oh, hey Shikamaru, what are you-?"

"No time to talk Choji, I saw Naruto collapse back at the academy and he's in pretty bad shape too." Shikamaru interrupted as he continued running past.

Curious about the situation, Choji decided to follow after Shikamaru. As they ran, they got several curious looks from people. Choji seemed unbothered by it all while Shikamaru was getting a headache over the whole situation.

Sakura was at one of the many ninja stores, looking through different equipment. She had decided that she was going to get serious about being a kunoichi, and she wasn't going to let Naruto show her up all the time. But that meant she had to start doing some serious training in order to catch up to him. As she left the store, she saw Shikamaru and Choji run by.

"That's weird, I never see those two running like that." She said to herself.

She then looked over at their backs and saw an unconscious Naruto lying on Shikamaru's back. Sakura immediately knew something was wrong, as Naruto had been full of energy just earlier to today. So she began chasing after the two to find out what happened.

After a few minutes, Shikamaru and Choji finally arrived at the hospital.

"Excuse me, nurse, I have a patient that needs to be admitted!" Shikamaru announced loudly.

The nurse looked up from her paperwork and saw Naruto on Shikamaru's back. She got up from her desk and quickly inspected Naruto's condition. She then called in for more assistance and several other nurses quickly got a stretcher and layed Naruto onto it as they began checking his vitals and wheeling him away. Shikamaru sighed as he sat down on a bench nearby.

"Man, this is such a drag" He complained.

Choji just sat next to him eating his chips.

Sakura burst open the doors as she ran inside, then as she spotted Shikamaru, she bolted straight for him. Shikamaru could only see a pissed off Sakura make a beeline towards him. She then grabbed Shikamaru by his collar and lifted him up.

"Shi-ka-mar-u! She said angered, what happened to Naruto?!" She shook him over and over as she asked her question.

Choji then raised his hand as he tapped Sakura on the shoulder.

"You know Shikamaru can't answer if you keep shaking him like that." He said while munching on chips.

Sakura then breathed out and calmed down before setting Shikamaru down on his feet. Shikamaru grabbed his neck and rubbed it. Man, this chick is crazy, why do I have to get involved with her? He complained internally.

"I don't know much more than you, I only saw Naruto collapse at the academy and carried him here." Shikamaru explained.

"Just what exactly did you guys do today?" He asked, he couldn't think of any other explanation besides extremely intense training. But seeing how Sakura looked completely fine made him rethink that theory.

"We just did a survival training exercise with our sensei this morning, and he was fine when we finished." Sakura answered.

Shikamaru rubbed his temple as he felt a headache coming. So if Naruto was fine during the exercise, that means one of two possibilities he thought. He was either faking it in front of his team, or something happened afterwards when they seperated. From what I know about Naruto, he doesn't seem like he'd be good at faking his condition, so I'm inclined to believe the later possibility. Man, this is really such a drag.

While in thought, a nurae called out to the group.

"Excuse me, are you guys the ones who brought in the patient Uzumaki Naruto?" The nurse asked.

"Yeah, we are. is our friend alright?" Shikamaru sighed.

"Please pardon me, but the head doctor wishes to see you all and ask you some questions regarding his condition." The nurse replied.

This shocked the group, apparently, Naruto's condition was a lot worse than they first thought. The trio were then brought to the head doctor. He was a simple man who wore the standard medical-nin attire. He had a clipboard in hand as he sat at his desk.

"Please be seated, I must ask you three questions regarding the condition of the patient Uzumaki Naruto." The doctor said.

The trio nodded and sat down. Then they waited for the doctor to continue.

"Now, who know what the patient has done today?" The doctor asked.

Sakura raised her hand and began recounting the events that happened earlier in the day. While listening, Shikamaru couldn't help but get surprised at what he heard, according to Sakura, Naruto lead their team to winning against their team's sensei. He thought about his own team, and his ability to plan. He thought about their team's sensei, Asuma, and wondered if he could do the same if placed in the same position. He knew he could come up with several plans as long as he was prepared, but he wasn't sure if his team had the ability to pull it off.

Which meant that Naruto not only was good at coming up with a strategy, but he was strong enough to back it up as well. Shikamaru could shake his head and sigh. He was too lazy to try and keep up with someone like that. After Sakura finished, the doctor nodded his head and jotted down some notes.

"That explains some of the injuries we identified on his body. On his right hand all the way up to his elboy we had discovered third degree burns as well as several lacerations across his palm. The doctor commented, according to the jutsu you described at the end, it was most likely the cause of those. His body has also been diagnosed with severe exhaustion, which based on our information, we can attribute it to his shadow clone technique."

Sakura was shocked. "Wait, I can understand the dangers of that jutsu he used, but what's the danger of using shadow clones?" She asked.

"You see miss, the shadow clone technique was created by the first Hokage, and thus we have done extensive research on the jutsu. From our archives, the jutsu has been known to transmit the accumulated knowledge and exhaustion back to the original, and from your description of how he used the technique to create that many clones and to use them in such a manner, it's no wonder his body is as exhausted as it is." The doctor explained, shocking Sakura even more.

"But that still doesn't explain how we discovered traces of soldier pills being consumed by him." The doctor said to himself.

The trio looked up at this, Sakura had no idea what the doctor was talking about. That's when Choji spoke up.

"He got those from my clan, He came by yesterday and bought some. But he never said why he needed them." Choji explained.

Shikamaru thought to himself for a moment. Naruto had bought soldier pills from Choji's clan, but Sakura never saw Naruto eat anything, which means he must have consumed the pills prior to this morning. But the only reason someone would consume soldier pills is if they were completely spent lf their chakra and were worn out. The pill would allow them to recover their chakra and strength to keep going before collapsing as a side effect. That's when it all clicked inside Shikamaru's mind. Naruto must have been training himself to death the night before, and while he was in need of something to recover quickly for his morning survival training exercise, he consumed the soldier pill. Add on Sakura's story on what took place and everything fell into place. It was only a matter of time before Naruto would collapse and he had just happened to be there when the time was up.

Shikamaru then decided to explain his theory to the doctor who nodded his head in agreement.

"I see, that would explain everything we've diagnosed the boy with. Alright, thank you for your time, you three may go." The doctor gave them a farewell.

Sakura looked stunned as they left the room and soon the trio was back sitting inside the waiting room. Shikamaru felt awkward sitting by Sakura and wanted to leave, but he couldn't find the right opportunity to. So he just sat there trying to think about anything else. Choji seemed unperturbed as he kept eating his chips.

Shikamaru then got up and decided to leave, then he turned around and saw Sakura still sitting there.

"You know, he probably won't wake up today, why don't you come back tomorrow and check up on him?" He suggested.

Sakura seemed to snap back to reality from his words, and after thinking for a moment, nodded her head. The trio then left the hospital and went back to their respective homes.

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

Naruto was sitting in front of a set of large caged doors, as a pair of large red eyes glared at him. Though Naruto didn't pay them any mind, he was focused on plans for the future. He knew that after a few missions, his team would get sent to the land of waves. After that, they would come back and then participate in the chuunin exams. Then the sand would attack, Lord third would pass away, and he and Jiraiya would go search for granny Tsunade. Before that though, Itachi and Kisame would make an appearance and cause trouble too. Then once they get back from searching for Tsunade, she would heal Lee from his injuries, and then Sasuke would leave the village. After failing to bring him back, he would recuperate and then go on a journey to become stronger.

Those were the most immediate events that would take place in the coming months. So he had to make sure he trainee accordingly. For starters, he needed to learn some other jutsus besides the ones he already knows. That way he can increase his ways of dealing with situations. He also definitely needed to create a summoning contract too. He then glanced up at Kurama he was silently glaring at him.

"You know, your face will get stuck like that if you keep glaring at me." Naruto said grinning.

Kurama was silent as he continued to stare at Naruto, he'd started paying closer attention to the brat ever since he first entered his mindscape and they met for the first time. Kurama knew that Naruto had changed somehow, and it was too sudden to be a natural occurrence.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Naruto asked. He then began touching his face to make sure nothing was there.

"Naruto." Kurama growled.

"Yes?" Naruto answered.

"What happened to you? you're different now." Kurama asked.

Naruto grinned and thought for a moment. Then he replied. "Nothing has happened to me, I'm perfectly fine, and if I've changed so much, maybe you weren't paying close enough attention then."

Kurama became irritated after Naruto's comment. But there wasn't anything that he could do while stuck inside this damned cage. So he could only narrow his eyes in anger. Naruto just continued to grin and laugh like an idiot. He enjoyed spending time with Kurama, even if this was the past version who was still bent on destruction. Nonetheless, he enjoyed the company of his soon to be friend.

"Hey, hey, someday, you and I are going to be friends. Just sit tight until then alright?" Naruto said.

Kurama just looked down at him silently. He was reminded of his past when he saw Naruto. He then turned around and faced away from the cage doors.

Naruto grinned as he stood up.

"Well, I'll see you around!" He shouted. Then he turned and left.

Kurama just ignored him as was leaving.

Naruto opened his eyes slowly, he then groaned because of how sore his body felt. He sat up and stretched and looked at his surroundings. Hmm? Where am I? Am I at the hospital? He thought. Suddenly, the door opened and in walked Sakura, Shikamaru, Choji, Sasuke, and Kakashi on crutches. They all blinked as they stared at each other. Suddenly, Sakura screamed and ran at Naruto and grabbed him. Then, while shaking him, began to speak.

"Na-ru-to! What kind of training have you been doing?! Don't scare us like that!"

Naruto had swirls in his eyes as he was shook around. While Kakashi and the others could only facepalm in disbelief.

"Calm down Sakura, you're only going to make Naruto's injuries worse." Kakashi said, trying to persuade Sakura.

She stopped shaking Naruto so much and put him back down. Then the group gathered around Naruto's bed and looked at him.

"So, Naruto, what did you do before yesterday's morning exercise?" Kakashi asked.

In the back of Kakashi's mind, he couldn't help but cry, not only did he lose against Naruto, but he lost to a Naruto that was already exhausted. Just how worse would it have been had Naruto been in top condition. He could only shake his head and sigh at the thought. But he still was curious about the kind of training that pushed Naruto so much.

"It was nothing too serious, Naruto began, I was just practicing my chakra control since it was feeling off lately, then I created some clones to spar against, and I also had trained to master the rasengan I used against you Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi looked wide eyed at Naruto, he did all that at night and still completed the survival training afterwards. Naruto's stamina was unbelievable, and to top if off, according to Naruto, he had mastered the rasengan in less than a day.

"Well, why don't we let Naruto get some rest. How about you guys give him some space?" Kakashi suggested.

The group then left, leaving Naruto alone with Kakashi. Naruto looked over wondering what Kakashi was up to.

"Naruto, you're currently hiding something, I can tell that much. So I won't ask you how you learned the rasengan. But, do you know who created the technique?" Kakashi asked.

Naruto gave Kakashi a deep look before grinning. "It was the fourth's technique!"

Kakashi smiled back towards Naruto.

"I heard about your injuries, from now on, I don't want you training alone." Kakashi said.

Naruto looked conflicted when he heard Kakashi say that. He knew he meant well, but Naruto couldn't stop his training just because of his injuries. Kakashi also noticed Naruto's conflicted expression.

"I'm not saying you have to stop your training, someone else just has to be with you whenever you do train." Kakashi mentioned.

"But who can I train with Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked, he really couldn't think of anyone really suitable, unless they were a jonin. Naruto particularly wanted to train with Guy and Kakashi. Guy could really help improve Naruto's taijutsu, while Kakashi would be a great help when it came to helping him learn new ninjutsu.

"Well, I was thinking I'd personally oversee your training. While you guys did win, I had held back quite a bit, but I guess I did underestimate you guys a little too much." Kakashi smiled.

Naruto looked up surprised, he hadn't expected Kakashi to help him with training. But he couldn't have been happier, Kakashi had been as much a father figure towards Naruto as he grew up as Jiraiya was later on. Back when he did the chuunin exams, he had always wanted Kakashi to train him, but things hadn't gone as he wanted. But now, he had a chance to get that wish he had as a kid.

"You mean it Kakashi-sensei?!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Heh, of course. Afterall, I felt like I learned a lot myself from you Naruto." Kakashi smiled back.

"When can we start training!?" Naruto asked excitedly.

"Calm down Naruto, lets both recover first and get out of the hospital, then we can begin training." Kakashi responded.

Naruto nodded his head, he really couldn't wait for it.

"Alright Kakashi-sensei, it's a promise!" Naruto said sticking his fist out towards Kakashi.

Kakashi looked down and smiled. He then waved goodbye and left. When he opened the door, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Choji fell in as they had been listening through the door.

Sakura smiled sheepishly, but Kakashi didn't mind them eavesdropping.

"Later." He said, leaving the group behind.

Sakura then bombarded Naruto with questions on what was going on. She wouldn't stop bothering him until he finally answered all of her questions. After she was finally satisfied, she left, leaving Shikamaru and Choji.

Naruto looked up at Shikamaru and smiled. "Thanks Shikamaru, you really are a good guy!"

Shikamaru just scratched his head. "Nah, it just would've been a drag to leave you there."

Choji just grinned as he ate his chips.

"Well, get better soon man." Shikamaru said as he waved goodbye.

"Hey shikamaru!" Naruto called out.

"Hmm?"

"Let's play some shogi some time!" Naruto said grinning.

Shikamaru smiled to himself as he kept walking out. "I'm good, you wouldn't make much of a challenge for me."

Choji followed after Shikamaru, after leaving a bag of chips for Naruto. After the two left Naruto just grinned as he layed back down. He looked at the ceiling and vowed to himself, that he really was going to change the future. He already decided it, but this time he promised himself, and he would never break a promise he made.