Note: Slanted text means it is either a memory, inner thought, or there is emphasis on that word.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

0o0

The rain fell from the heavens, opening up and swallowing all. It fell, leaving what would be reminiscent of tear tracks in it's wake.

Tsunade couldn't help but think how appropriate the weather was. For this was not a day of happiness, nor joy. No, this was a day of broken hearts and tears. The rain scattered and fell above them, little dirt puddles forming, and a misty darkness spreading out across the village.

Hands behind her back, she observed the village from her view point. The window in which she looked out from was fogged over with mist, distorting the image. But even without the clarity of sight, Tsunade knew what she would see.

A dirt road running from the Hokage's tower in which she occupied, stretching out across the village. Tiny stalls dotting the side of the road. People bustling about, scrambling for cover from the rain. Shinobi darting out across the rooftops, heading towards their next mission. The Hokage mountain to her left, marking herself and her predecessors.

Oh Sensei. Was it like this for you as well, back then? Did you feel this insistant knot in the pit of your stomach? Did you feel like you had just taken multiple punches to the gut?

But the stone edifice that was the Sandaime's face did not answer her. With a small, choking sob, Tsunade threw the scroll which she had been clutching tightly in he hands across the room. But the flying projectile lacked the force that it usually would have possessed, bouncing harmlessly off the wall and falling to the ground, unraveling as it did. Three signatures were scrawled across the bottom of the page. Two blank spaces remained. But it did not matter. The majority had already signed off on the order.

Tsunade's only solace was that they would be hating themselves as much as she did at the moment. But deep down, she understood why they had to. Their hands had been forced, and Tsunade knew that if they had only given it a few more months, she would've signed off on the order as well.

What he had done, what he was continuing to do. It couldn't be alowed to go on. With a flare of her chakra, three figures appeared in the room, steady and ready. Aching tiredness rested in their bones, something that had become more and more common among her soldiers these days.

With her back to them, hands once more clutched behind her back, she addressed them. Her breath may have caught for a second, but if it was it was instantly disguised by a steely, bitingly sharp edge. Unwavering and determined, Tsunade spat out what she wished were not true.

"The Five Kages have decided. The vote was split, but in the end, a decision was made. His actions throughout the past year and a half have left us with no choice."

The soldiers behind her tensed at her words. They knew that it had been a long time in coming. But the until now, the reality of the situation had failed to sink in.

"The united shinobi nations recognize that there is only one solution. The extermination of one Uzumaki Naruto."

A cold silence settled over the room. No one spoke. No one dared even breath. Then, one by one, all three men flickered out of the room.

If they had stayed any longer, they would have witnessed their fearless leader fall to the ground, and cry.

0o0

Hope you enjoyed the prologue. This story is based heavily on the manga "A Record of a Fallen Vampire." I just added my own touch to it. If you've read the whole entire manga, then you'll no doubt be able to guess what this fanfic will be about. If not, then enjoy the ride. Its going to be a long and sad one.

Please review! I am really in need of them lately!