Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishi, Songs belongs to artists I will name. But the story came from deep within,

[A/N:] Suddenly popped up when I listened to this particular song. And it's not going away soon. Might as well put it here.

In this story, Itachi didn't have the time to tell Sasuke about the truth of the massacre. You will find out in further chapters, and Madara isn't involve with Nagato and Akatsuki. Just follow along for answers. :D [Of course it's like this. Sakura head over heels in love with Sasuke and Kakashi and Iruka aren't together here] {There are a lot of differences in this fic from the Manga}


In this fic the ages are:

Naruto and his batch mates = 17

Neji and his teammates = 18

Itachi = 20


Chapter One: Preparation for Celebration


Konohagakure No Sato, a hidden village of Hi no Kuni, located at the center of the Elemental Continent is currently in chaos, not the bad way of chaos but bustling way of chaos. The villagers and shinobis are preparing for the celebration that would happen on the next day. It was formerly known and celebrated as the day the Kyuubi No Kitsune attacked Konoha but was defeated by their beloved hero, Namikaze Minato, Yondaime Hokage. Now they celebrated it as the day that change everybody's lives, not just in Konoha but every village that fought and won the war that Uchiha Madara waged on all of them. The Fourth Great Ninja War.

Whether it was a coincidence with the other events or not nobody knows, but certain life changing events happened on October 10. There were others than the two mentioned before. An example of this was the day Uchiha Sasuke decided to return to the village a year after the war was won. It caused tension and hostility on most shinobis but the civilians were raving that the Sharingan was back to the village. Of course he wasn't welcome by the Godaime Hokage in fact she hated him with everything that she is. Most of his peers didn't trust him, wary of him, even blatantly ignoring or avoiding him like he has some contagious disease. The only ones that did welcome him with opens arms were the head advisers of the council, the Hyuuga clan albeit reluctantly with the exception of Hyuuga Neji, the villagers, his former sensei, Hatake Kakashi and former teammate, Haruno Sakura who never got over her crush and stuck to him like glue.

When he returned, he was subjected to intense interrogation from Morino Ibiki and Yamanaka Inoichi. He was under house arrest for three months, under probation for eight months doing nothing but very low D-rank missions, his chakra pathways were also sealed. Tsunade wanted him to be executed for being a traitor and other criminal acts but the Council stopped it, stating that he was the last Uchiha and the dojutsu must continue on. So instead of death, here he was in the middle of his probation but none of that matters to him. Ever since his return, he wanted to look for Naruto, his best friend, rival, and the person he realizes that he fell in love with. The light to his darkness, the yang as he is the yin. But the said blonde was nowhere to be found, he searched high and low, even asked his peers but none of them answered him, he even resorted to being nice to Sakura only to have her insulting Naruto. It grated on his nerves but he gritted his teeth and kept quiet. He thought that he would see Naruto because everyone was helping in the preparations so while doing his D-rank missions he kept an eye open to spot the blonde. He haven't seen Naruto since he entered his mind so he doesn't know how Naruto looked like now.

Said blonde just woke up. He just opened his eyes but didn't make a move to stand. He did a simple jutsu and the genjutsu dropped. He just stared at the ceiling as tears once again fell from his bloodshot eyes. Even though he was no longer seen as a demon in Konoha and most of the villagers are starting to accept him, some even viewed him as a hero since he was the main reason why they won the fight. His eyes glazed as he remembered what happened on that day.


FLASHBACK:

The fight that was supposed to last for one day is still continuing but it was almost done with the Shinobi Alliance side winning. Though they should be the ones protecting the Jinchuurikis, it was the opposite. Naruto, Killer Bee, and Gaara, who saved by a mysterious pair before the extraction of Ichibi were fighting against Madara and his Zetsu Army. In the midst of the fight Naruto stilled and almost got killed by a jutsu but Gaara saved him just barely.

"Naruto! Focus!" said Gaara angrily while trapping another Zetsu in his sand. The Kazekage went back to his fights but watched Naruto in the corner of his eyes.

Naruto thanked Gaara and continued with destroying the Zetsus. Both of them merged with their Bijuus not too long ago. With the excessive use of the potent chakra, it mixed on their own chakras. Kyuubi and Ichibi's souls were still inside Naruto and Gaara but because of the merge, they lay dormant. With the merge came lots of side effects. Heightened senses and Bijuu dama were some of them. There were also physical aspects that changed them. Making them look ethereal but still dangerous, they also became the best of friends, one of the few that Naruto shared a strong bond with. They considered themselves as brothers thus they keep no secrets from each other.

He sensed that feeling again that almost got him killed earlier. It was foreboding like someone extremely important to him will slip from his grasp. It was distracting him very much that his Sage Mode was fluctuating. Only one person came to mind. It was his anchor in all of the insanity. The only person who saw him for himself and not Kyuubi, the only one he held very dear above others. He had plans on helping that person clear his name and return to the village who owes him so much.

Giving in to his instincts, he asked Gaara to stand firm at the front because he needed to find someone. At first Gaara was pissed at Naruto for being impulsive but when he saw Naruto's pale and worried face. He agreed immediately and told Naruto to be careful.

"I guess something happened to Itachi or is happening. I just hope he's alright. Naruto will really lose it" surmised Gaara. Outside, he still appeared stoic and intimidating yet still beautiful but inside he was filled with worry.

Naruto ran to the direction his instincts were telling him. To him, it felt like hours but it was only ten minutes. He suddenly stopped and gasped "Itachi" was the only word he said. This time he doubled heck tripled his efforts to run to the direction where he felt Itachi's chakra. He should be glad that he found him but because the signature was weak he began to panic inside but pushed on.

Another seven minutes of running full speed, he finally found place, it was a cave like structure hidden in the woods. The place was eerie and it scared the living day lights of Naruto, he was tempted to turn back and run but stood firm especially after he felt the second chakra, it was ominous but still familiar. He followed the chakra signatures, his heart was beating like crazy and the dread he was feeling was back full force.

"..last words murderer?" a malicious voice filled with hatred was heard on the far end of the structure. It was a familiar voice to Naruto and he was scared shitless because of what he heard. He just couldn't believe it so he rushed but masking his chakra so the person on the other side won't sense him.

A sword was embedded near the chest of Uchiha Itachi, blood was dripping from his mouth. But he still stared at his younger brother whose eyes were filled with so much hatred that if he was someone else he would've passed out. Itachi was already weakened thanks to the illness that was eating him from the inside, he was nearly blind. He was also relieved that his brother avenged their clan even if it was against him. The only thing that he needed to do is to let his brother know the truth but before he could do it, he felt someone nearing them. The signature was masked but because it was somewhat familiar he still felt it. Hoping he was wrong he continued what he was about to do when he felt eyes on him. A different one from his brother. So he raised his eyes and carefully looked behind Sasuke.

Naruto on his part, seemed like a part of him died with the sight in front of him. The teme's back on him so sighed silently but that quickly died when he saw the sword embedded on Itachi's chest. He was far so he couldn't see the exact position of the blade. He was about to go and help Itachi when he saw Itachi's eyes on him. Relaying something only the two of them knows. He covered his mouth to stifle a shout and tears fell from his eyes. He debated between going in to kill Sasuke or snatch Itachi and head directly to a medic-nin but the look from Itachi was stopping him. Though they were still emotionless, only those who are close to Itachi could understand them and Naruto is the closest to him.

"Run saiai please. And remember I always love you so live" was what Itachi was expressing to Naruto with his eyes. Naruto shook his head, tears still falling. But Itachi pleaded with him and expressed to him about what they talked about in situations like this. So Naruto couldn't do anything but to abide Itachi. With his heart shattering, mental state breaking and eyes looking dead, he turned his back and ran. He relied on his automatic ninja mode. He came back to the front and saw that Madara gained advantage but he wanted to die but the last request from his beloved stopped him.

What happened next shocked everyone close to the battlefield. A sudden spike of chakra was felt, they all looked at where it came from. What they saw amazed them with a slight fear. Naruto's hair grew longer, his whisker marks seems darker, his eyes fingers turned to claws, his fangs protruded from his lips but what got their attention were his eyes. They turned red and pupils were slit like a cat's but it wasn't that. His eyes looked dead. Naruto made a Bijuu Rasenshuriken. It was so powerful that his surroundings were being minced. People moved away, afraid being caught by a powerful Jutsu. Even Madara became wary and upped his guard, too bad for him Naruto suddenly vanished and reappeared at his back and shoved the Bijuu Rasenshuriken right through the chest.

Madara couldn't believe it. He was immortal thanks to the cells of Senju that was implanted near his heart but the jutsu that hit him felt like needles prickling him. He smirked and waited for the regeneration but to his dismay nothing happened. That was when he realized that the jutsu destroyed every cell in his body and cut his veins eventually stopping his chakra flow. Naruto pulled out and grabbed Madara shoulder to make him face Naruto. Then before Madara could block any attack. Naruto plucked both his eyes.

People gasped and moved far away while some who recognized the jutsu he used muttered Hiraishin and Impossible. Gaara and the rest of Naruto's true friends huddled behind a boulder, all of them worried about Naruto and why his eyes looked dead. They were the only people who weren't surprised by what happened since they have some ideas of how strong Naruto really is and what he really looked like without the genjutsu. They heard a shuddering shout of pain and tried to peek from the boulder but still couldn't see anything except a huge chakra ball spinning and tornado like movements from the wind. It was like a vacuum of some sorts.

Suddenly the Jutsu ended and silence reigned. No one wants to move. From where Naruto and Madara once stood, now became a crater and is desolate. They didn't see Naruto but they saw Madara on the ground, cold and still. They waited for a bit to see if it was a trap, they heard gasps coming from every direction. They checked to see Byakugan users staring at Madara wide eyed. "He's dead" Hyuuga Hiashi announced. Disbelief was first heard but was changed to cheers when the Godaime Hokage along with other Kages went to Madara and was about to check his vitals when they all noticed that he has empty sockets. Shocks and Suspicions were felt.

Tsunade was the first to recover from the shock "Wait a minute, where's Naruto?" that got the attention of the other Kages.

Murmurs about him dying in the cross fire were heard. Then an argument broke out between the remaining shinobis, it became louder when Naruto still didn't reappear. Some suggested to search for him, some said to wait, but there were a few who were still prejudiced of Jinchuurikis shouted "It is better this way, at least the world is rid of one of those abominations!"

Silence once again filled the area, no one dared to break it. There were still foolish shinobis who couldn't distinguish between the sealer and sealed item. Gaara stalked to where he heard that particular statement, and let his sand grab the neck non to gently of the shinobi. He narrowed his eyes at him and the sand became tighter. All the people stilled and Gaara spoke "Naruto, saved your life, our lives and this is how you repay him? We were the ones to protect him but we got protected instead. You're a shinobi yet you still can't differentiate between a scroll and a kunai? You dared comment when you're from the same village of that person who ended this way
?!" Gaara was saying this devoid with emotions, but the killing intent radiating from him was enough to knock the shinobi and made the others step back.

He dropped the pathetic shinobi and turned to the Godaime Hokage "Godaime-sama, I hope after this day, people's perspective of Naruto changes. He already has done enough for Konoha, but the people there instead of being grateful still continued to scorn him, hate him, insult him" then he faced the Konoha Shinobi "Now answer me, did Naruto ever do something to warrant those from the people in that village?" he turned back to Tsunade "I know he is very important to you but if he won't be respected and seen as a hero this time, I will personally take him away" he threatened.

Tsunade wasn't surprised at this, if it was up to her, she would've taken the boy away from the village but the boy's dream and their promise was what made her hesitate. She said nothing back, just nodded. She faced her shinobis and was about to order them to look for Naruto, when said blonde suddenly appeared next to Gaara. Tsunade was about to go to him but his dead look stopped her. Gaara just lent his shoulder to Naruto. He has an idea of this certain behavior so he just stood silently and waited.

It was Sakura who broke the silence first "Where have you been idiot?! Do you know how worried we were?!" she screamed at him and pointed not sensing the tension thicking. But Naruto didn't acknowledge her. He just stood beside Gaara. A professional mask plastered on his face, but his eyes, they are dead.

Sakura was taken aback with the lack of retort or reassuring words, same with a few. She was insulted by this because she felt that Naruto embarrassed her, she was about to stalk to Naruto and smack him when a hand held her arm firmly. It was Ino, her former best friend. She tried to dislodge the hand but stopped, her hand moved on its own. That was then she knew that she was under the Shadow bind of Shikamaru. Ino held her hand tighter and said "Shut up, Sakura. If you haven't notice Naruto is mourning, shouldn't the rest of us too?" she addressed the crowd.

End of Flashback


A sudden knock on his door pulled him out from his flashback, a concerned voice was also heard "Naruto, are you awake?"

At first Naruto didn't answer nor he moved to make known to the other person that he was awake. He just laid there in silence. A couple of minutes passed and the knocking resumed then he heard a "I'm coming in okay Naruto." When the door opened, it revealed the very stressed but sad Godaime. Naruto finally focused on her and tried to smile but it turned into a grimace. Tsunade sat on the bed, opened her arms and waited. Naruto just stayed still but Tsunade wasn't dissuaded, she waited with her arms open. Finally, Naruto moved. He wen't into the embrace ans hugged her. A hug was given back with occasionally rubbing motions on his back.

They stayed like that only sobs and comforting words echoed around the room. Naruto shuddered and looked up to his mother / grandmother figure "Baachan, I don't think I can do this anymore. I'm probably already beyond him. I miss him, I miss him so much. I want to be with -" he sobbed again and went back to the warm embrace.

Tsunade hugged him tighter and rocked him back and forth, like what mothers do to their children when they were upset. She has a pained expression. She still can't believe that her gaki ended up like this. She was lucky that she watched him close and was able to stop the suicidal attempt on himself. He was immediately taken off of active duty. Tsunade gave her full attention to him. Had him moved to her house. The first few months were terrible, he wasn't eating, only staring at nothing. He stopped going out, stopped responding even to her.

The Sabaku siblings were also affected, Temari even let Gaara step down two months after the war and sent a request to Tsunade to let his brother stay close to Naruto. Tsunade gladly accepted the request and was more than grateful for it. When the people who really cared for Naruto found out about his current dilemma, they all agreed to lessen their missions and took turns to take care of Naruto. It was such a heart breaking sight. Seeing their friend lost all hope. They already knew that the obnoxious brat was just his mask. For them, it wasn't a deception but a defense mechanism. They earned Naruto's trust and formed bonds with him. When they got to know the real Naruto, they were all awestruck at how intelligent he really is, and even if he is considered a genius he was still very hardworking. The only thing that wasn't a part of his mask was the emotions in his eyes and his caring nature.

With all the love showered to him by his precious people, he somewhat recovered but the void in his heart couldn't be replaced by anything. So even though he returned a little normal, there were days that he reverted back to this state. It was a good thing that he didn't go and kill Sasuke when he heard the bastard returned to Konoha, there were various reasons but the two top reasons were; One: Even if he killed Sasuke, it wouldn't bring Itachi back and two; He didn't want to be a burden to Tsunade.

Tsunade hummed him a tune, despite his messy face and damaged soul, Naruto smiled, too bad it didn't reach his eyes. Tsunade wanted him to just be here in her safe guard but she knew it wasn't right. She didn't want to see Naruto wasted like this anymore. She already accepted that he will never move on but she still wanted Naruto to live even for the sake of a lost love one so she braced herself and said "Naruto, tomorrow it's your birthday."

Naruto suddenly laughed humorlessly, tried to escape from her embraced but she held firm so he stared at her with a glint of insanity in his eyes "Yeah, thanks for reminding me Baa-chan! It's tomorrow! It's my birthday. My freaking birthday! It's also the day my parents died! The day I am always insulted, hated, and attacked. The day of my misery and most of all the day he died!" he all but shouted, new batch of tears leaked.

Still holding onto him, Tsunade let him finish, from laughing to ranting to crying. She saw the glimpse of insanity in his eyes. It didn't surprise since she knew that Naruto fell apart the moment he lost that person. She still remembers when he threw all those papers at her. Evidences and written report about everything regarding to Uchiha Itachi and the Uchiha Clan Massacre. She was livid that day but because the village was still recovering and Naruto was worse then, she just didn't have enough time. She was starting to hate the very village her grandfather founded and she vowed that once she was free of this duty, she will leave Konoha and she will bring her gaki with her but for now she wants him to stand up again.

"Naruto, please listen to me. I am not telling you to move on. I-" she started but stopped when Naruto was about to protest. She squeezed his back, conveying for him to listen until the end. When he made no other move and she deemed it okay to continue she inhaled and said "I know that you love him very much and that no one can replace him. I am not saying to forget him, all I want is for you to keep him alive within you especially in your heart. Let him be the reason that it still beats. You know that he won't be happy seeing you like this. You have to love yourself again, like how he loves you for you. I also know that it isn't enough but remember that there are people who wants nothing more but for you to stand up and walk with them. Your other precious people are waiting for you. We will be here for you even if you tire of our presence" she smiled at him.

Stunned beyond belief, Naruto just stared at her while still in the comfort of her embrace. When they returned to Konoha, nothing else mattered to Naruto, he holed himself in his apartment and wallowed in depression. He was overwhelmed by the sheer thought of never seeing his most beloved person that he slowly but unnoticed by others, killed himself. It wasn't enough, the pain and longing just intensified so he succumbed to suicide. Fortunately or unfortunately, Tsunade came that night and was able to save him.

"What do I do then Baa-chan? I'm scared that if I go out I really lose it. He was my anchor here, he was the only one who really understood me. He's the only reason I was still sane. But because of this, because of what happened, I don't know anymore" he confessed.

She pondered and weighed her options. It has been five years since she was named Godaime, five long years of protecting the seat to be passed on to Naruto, but because of this prejudiced village, what happened to Naruto, add the fact that they let the traitor return with minimal punishment swayed her. "Gaki, tomorrow marks another year of them celebrating for winning the shinobi war, there will be performances on stage, whether it is singing, dancing or even acting. Can be done in solo, pairs or groups. You will participate-" her statement was cut again.

"Baa-chan are you insane?! This is Konoha we are talking about, aside from my friends, people will attack me, they still see me as the Kyuubi you know" he finished with a pained voice.

Irritated that she was cut off, she rubbed her temple furiously. She badly needed sake, but will have to wait. She sighed loudly and gave him a look which made him shudder and held his hands up in surrender. "Like I said you will participate. It will be your farewell to them, You can sing one song or more, depends on you really. You can also either use a recorder or perform live. I know you can play instruments so don't give me that surprised look."

If earlier Naruto was very against it, now he was slightly interested until he remembered the word farewell "What are you trying to say Baa-chan? Are you driving me away?" although he said it lightly, the abandonment was laced in hid voice.

She smacked him, but not too hard "Idiot!" she scolded which he replied with a "It hurts you old hag" while rubbing his abused head. Normally she would've smacked him again but instead she smiled at the nick name for her. Then she turned serious, Naruto knew that she meant business now. "You know Naruto, I've been thinking lately. It's been already 5 years since I accepted the position of Hokage, In those years, I gave my all in order to better this village that was founded by my grandfather, there were times when I really just wanted to quit and return to my old ways. But because of a promise to a boy who I consider as my son, I held on hoping that the day for me to pass on the robes to you. But now with everything that happened and is still happening. I don't think I can continue with it. I've decided to step down as Hokage tomorrow." she told him.

Naruto, didn't know what to say. He was glad that she is being honest with him, but this, this is too heavy. He already stopped any hopes of achieving the Hokage title, with corrupted councils, selfish villagers and teachers playing favorites, it was a lost cause. He wondered what his father would say to this. The very beloved Hokage of Konoha, sacrificed himself in order to save Konoha and his only request was to have the village view his son as a hero but none of that happened. Especially in the past, it did lessen in the following years but there were still narrow minded people. He got fed up with it, but is still thankful that he found true friends among the village.

Worried that he shut himself again, Tsunade shook him slowly "Naruto? Are you okay?". He looked up to her and said "So you're leaving me." It was a statement not a question. Tsunade shook her head and told herself it was now or never. "I plan on traveling once I retire. So Naruto, want to come with me? I'll really be happy if you do" she said with a smile.

Naruto stilled and kept quiet then words come tumbling out "You - you're telling me to resign? To leave everything? To come with you? I would love to. Why not now? We can go now" he insisted.

She chuckled and said "Now, now calm down gaki, Don't you want to leave with a lasting impression on them? And also show them what you really look like since tomorrow will be the last time."

He liked where this conversation was heading and formulated plans like the greatest impression he'll make. "Heh, I like the sound of that Baa-chan. Since we're both leaving, and I'm showing them what I really look like. Would it be alright to show them what really happened the day dad sealed Kyuubi in me and the truth about the massacre. Dad already consented to it when I met him in my mind. I want to clear Itachi's name too. Please Baa-chan".

"Hmm, then we need a foolproof escape route." she said liking it. "Don't worry about the paperwork, I'll handle it so we can leave legally and be free of this accursed place, but Naruto you have to tell them this plan. They have the right to know"

Naruto faltered a bit, he didn't want to abandon the people who stood by his side in his darkest hours but he is sure that if he stayed any longer, he'll do something he will regret so he nodded and asked her if they could be called tonight and have dinner here.

"Of course, I will tell them, now you better start packing now, bring everything valuable and all the heirloom of this place. You can decide later if you just wanna reseal or destroy this house. We won't be returning here until they change ways. There are storage scrolls in the cabinet, and after that you prepare for dinner. I really miss your cooking Naruto" she honestly told him.

This time, Naruto did smile, albeit a small one but finally, it reached his eyes. Tsunade waited for this smile, despite herself, she was shell shocked when she finally saw it. Without even noticing, she shed a few tears that Naruto wiped with him thumb gently and hugged her "Thank you so much Baa-chan, without you I'd given up easily that time"

She sniffed and hugged back "It's nothing Gaki, to me you are a son, so of course I want you to be okay." she checked the time and detached herself from Naruto and said "I have to go back and over see the preparations. When I leave I will reactivate the seal so no one will bother you. I'll be back tonight with them" she smiled gently and started to leave.

Naruto waited until he sensed the seals activating again, he stood up, stretched his sore muscles and organized his thoughts to what to pack first after his long shower. He also needs to think of a song that'll convey what he's feeling right now. He decided that one song will be enough since he'll be showing them the truth of Konoha. With that in mind, he walked to the bathroom, humming.


[To be continued.]