AN: So, here I am again with a new fanfiction for all my faithful readers and reviewers! I'm not gonna spoil anything for you in this note, so, if you're interested read on! And as always, no flames please, as they don't solve anything. Constructive criticism and anything else is encouraged. But, enough of my rambling! FORWARD!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Naruto. He belongs to Kishimoto-sensei. I do own my OC's, however.
Chapter 1: Child of the Prophecy?
"How? How are you so powerful, Uzumaki?" Asked the nearly dead Tobi.
"Because… I am fighting for something… change. And I believe the best course lies with Akatsuki. Face it, Izuna. You're time is up and your plan in shambles. I am the new Akatsuki Leader/ And you… are just a footnote." Said Uzumaki Naruto as he plunged his katana into Uchiha Izuna's heart, ending the legend once and for all.
"It is done. Akatsuki is mine." He said as he pulled the blade out of Izuna's corpse and replaced it within it's sheathe. He then turned to the four people standing behind him.
"So, you've gotten control of Akatsuki. What're you going to do now, dobe?" Came the voice of Uchiha Sasuke.
"First of all, I'm not the dobe anymore. Second of all, you're under my command, Sasuke. Don't think for a minute that Taka isn't within Akatsuki's jurisdiction. And thirdly… I will be destroying that monstrocity." Said Naruto as he pointed to the Gedo Mazo.
"Kisame, if you will?"
"Hai." Spoke Kisame as he went through the hand seals for the Suikoudan no Jutsu (Water Shark Bullet Technique) and sent a couple at the Gedo Mazo. Needless to say, it was reduced to rubble.
"Zetsu, go locate Hidan's whereabouts. I think we'll need him."
With a bow to his new Leader, Zetsu sunk into the ground to carry out his assignment.
"And what of me, Naruto-sama?" Came the angelic voice of Konan.
"You shall be with me, Konan. Like you served Nagato, you shall serve me. And our first order of business is to gather recruits for Akatsuki. Sasuke, you shall do the same. Get one of your team members and go to Kiri. Send the other two to Kumo."
"And where will you be going?" Asked Sasuke.
"… Konoha."
(Konoha, Midnight)
The Village was slowly, but surely, being repaired. About a quarter of the Village was already rebuilt and another two quarters more than halfway finished.
"I gotta say, Pein did a number here." Said Yamato as he was walking around, patrolling as it were.
"He destroyed the entire Village, so I'd say he DID do a number. I swear, sometimes you're slow, Tenzo." Said Kakashi nonchalantly as he was reading his Icha Icha book.
"I told you not to refer to me by that name, Senpai."
"By Kami you did, didn't you? Oh well. Mistakes happen."
"By the way, has anyone been able to locate Naruto?"
At that Kakashi sighed. "No, and no one will. When he doesn't want to be found, no one will find him… and that's what worries me."
"Maybe he's taking some personal time. Fighting the person that killed your godfather can really set you back. So maybe he's taking a break to get himself straight once again."
"I hope your right, Tenzo… I hope your right."
"Senpai, you called me that name again…"
"Did you say something?"
"N-N-No… Senpai, you're impossible…"
What they were unaware of, however, was the object of their conversation was standing on a rooftop right above them, his new Akatsuki cloak fluttering softly with the midnight air.
"Infiltration successful… now, to business. We're here to recruit promising individuals. And with me being from here, I know most of the candidates."
"I'll follow you, Naruto-sama."
"No, Konan. You shall remain out of sight. You were a part of the destruction of Konoha, so they would recognize you. They still think I'm loyal, so they wouldn't suspect me. Stay with the shadows and, if you have to follow, keep a fair distance, but don't involve yourself unless you absolutely have to."
"I understand."
"One more thing… hold my cloak for me." Said our blonde hero as he pulled his hood down, unbuttoned his cloak, and handed it to Konan, who slipped it into her pack. (He's wearing the same style of cloak Tobi wore when he announced he was Uchiha Madara, but this one has sleeves, so like Sasuke's). He then took his Konoha Hitai-ate out of his pocket and tied it on. (He has yet to scratch his). Once preparations were complete, he leaped off the building and onto the streets below. Spotting Kakashi and Yamato, he ran up to them.
"Oi! Kakashi-sensei! Yamato-taichou!"
"N-Naruto? Where were you all this time?" Asked Kakashi.
"I was clearing my head. Sorry if I scared you two."
"No, it's alright, Naruto. We understand. But, now that you're here, we'd better fill you in on the details."
"What'd I miss?"
"There's going to be a Kage's Summit in Tetsu no Kuni (Land of Iron) in a few weeks. All five Kage's are going to meet to discuss what to do with Akatsuki."
"No need to worry about them, Yamato-taichou. I had a run in with Tobi while I was out and, well, let's just say he's no longer a problem.
"Wait… you killed Tobi? Naruto, this is very good news! We must tell the Council right away!"
"You know I hate the Council, Yamato…"
I know, Naruto. But we need to get this information through! You've ended the Akatsuki, that's no small feat. You've even made the Kage Summit invalid. It doesn't have to happen now!"
"Naruto, please. Just one meeting with the Council and it'll all be over." Pleaded Kakashi.
"Dammit… alright, let's go."
Both Yamato and Kakashi nodded and turned, as if going towards the Council's tent. Naruto, who was lagging behind purposefully, nodded at one of the dark corners of an alley. Konan, who was hiding there, got the message and rushed out, knocking Yamato to the ground and plunging a Kunai into his heart in one swift move. And before Kakashi could react, he felt something cold and sharp run through his chest. He looked back and saw Naruto there with his right hand grasping the very katana that penetrated his heart. With his last breath he muttered one thing:
"… Why?"
Kakashi went limp on the blade and Naruto tore his katana out of the lifeless shell that was Sharingan no Kakashi, then replaced back into the sheathe.
"Preserve these bodies, Konan. They both have extraordinary tales to tell and a trove of Jutsu to pass on."
"Hai, Naruto-sama." With those words, Konan used her Shikigami no Mai (Dance of the Formula Paper) to wrap the bodies of Kakashi and Yamato up in paper, then sealed them up into a storage scroll.
"With those two out of the way, our operation has become that much easier."
"Do you know of any people who here who stand out when it comes to skill, or people who have potential?"
"Several. Though the problem is their loyalty to this Village. But I think I know a couple who would join me, regardless of what banner I fly."
"Then who's number one on your list?"
"…Hyuuga Hinata."
(Temporary Hyuuga Estate)
There, on her bed, sat the Heiress herself: Hyuuga Hinata. She was staring out of her window and into the starlit midnight sky, enjoying the feel of the cool air brushing against her skin. Wearing naught but a bra and some comfy pants, she felt the scar left by Pein's stab, and remembered back to that day.
'Naruto-kun… where are you? Are you avoiding me? Has the Akatsuki captured you? Oh, Kami forbid that from happening! Wherever you are, Naruto-kun… my love shall always follow you.'
She let out a sad sigh and laid back on her bed. There was a small gust of wind and she shivered slightly, then leaned up to look out her window again. But there, sitting with his back against the wall, his left leg propped up and his left elbow propped on his left knee and with his right leg hanging out of the window, was the object of her concerns and dreams.
"Yo, Hinata." Spoke Naruto softly.
"N-Naruto-kun?"
"Who else wears all this orange?"
She laughed sweetly at that. "No one but you would be that bold."
"Hmm… you seem more confident now, Hinata. Usually when we speak like this, you faint."
"Hai… the Pein incident… changed me, but for the better. I was able to—"
"Tell me you loved me? I remember. And that's why I'm here." At that, Naruto fully stepped into Hinata's room and approached her.
"W-What do you mean, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked, blushing at what her mind was imagining.
"Hinata… take a look at this."
Naruto held up his right hand, the back of his hand facing her. She looked closely, then saw what he wanted her to see. There, sitting on his right thumb, was the Ring labeled 'Rei' (Zero)… the Ring of the Akatsuki Leader, and Hinata knew this. Her face changed from curiosity to horror and she backed away slowly.
"Hinata, please. Hear me out. If your love for me meant anything to you, please, stay."
"I-I-I'll at least listen…"
"That's all I ask." Naruto motioned for Hinata to sit back down, and, of course, she did. He sat in a chair across from her bed.
"I have, indeed, joined the Akatsuki. Not only that, but I am it's Leader now. I joined because I believe the road to true peace lies with the Akatsuki. I realized, during my conversation with Nagato, the true body of Pein, that I can't lead the world to true peace by myself. I needed an organization. I needed power, standing, money… I needed a lot. So, with so few options, I turned to my greatest enemy, the Akatsuki of course. I'll be honest with you, Hinata… I have already killed two former comrades because they were going to get in the way of my plight for true peace."
"Who, Naruto-kun?"
"Kakashi and Yamato. They were going to tell the Council that I took out Tobi. That would have made the call for the Kage Summit null… and I couldn't have that."
"What do you plan to do at the Kage Summit?"
"All in due time. Anyway, everything that I have done, everything that I will do, will be in the name of peace. I will make Ero-Sennin's dream a reality. But, as I said, I can't do it alone. So, I leave you with that speech… and this." Naruto then reached into his pocket and took a small object out and tossed it to Hinata, who caught it. What was in her hand surprised her… it was another Ring, this one labeled Hoku (North), the ring of Kakuzu.
"Naruto-kun… why—"
"That's how much I trust you, Hinata. When you make up your mind, meet me at the Village gates in an hour."
And with those parting words, Naruto disappeared in a shadowblur, headed towards his next target: Haruno Sakura.
(Medic's Residential Tent)
Sakura stepped into her tent after another long day. She sighed heartily and flopped into a comfy chair, oblivious to the other person in the tent with her.
"You know, it's rude to ignore someone, Sakura-chan."
"Huh? Naruto? When did you get back?"
"Just now, and I bring news. Urgent news."
"What is it?"
"I've found Sasuke."
"WHAT? Where is he?"
"He's joined the Akatsuki, as kind of a scout unit. Within the Akatsuki's jurisdiction, but not technically part of the Akatsuki."
"Sasuke-kun… he wouldn't really do that… would he?"
"Why wouldn't he? I did."
"What do you mean?"
She got her answer when Naruto flashed his Ring like he did with Hinata.
"You see the Zero Ring, so that means I'm the leader of the Akatsuki. And I'm telling you right now: we need you, Sakura-chan. Not only will you be building up your skills if you join, but you'll be with Sasuke again. Don't you want that?"
"…Hai. More than anything…"
"Then here."
Naruto tossed another Ring and Sakura caught it. This one was labeled Ao (Blue), the Ring of Deidara.
"When you're ready, meet me at the gates in an hour."
And again, with those words, Naruto disappeared. This time he was heading towards the Residential tents, but on his way, he saw a kid about a year younger than him being harassed by some looters. He stopped to take a look at this spectacle. The kid had black hair that was slightly spiky, and green eyes. He wore what looked like regular civilian clothes.
"Give us all your money, kid!"
"You don't want to mess with me, trust me. I suggest you get lost."
"It's three on one, even if you fight us, we have you outnumbered! Now don't make me repeat myself!"
"Repeat yourself, please. I think I'm hearing things… oh, wait, I know what that sound is…"
In an instant, the kid was upon the man, his hand wrapped firmly around his throat. The other two thugs stepped in, but two clones of the kid popped out of nowhere and did to them what the original did to the ringleader. By this point, the sound of gurgling and choking filled the air.
"Sweet… sweet sounds… music to my ears…" The kid said softly. And with just one flick of his wrist, he broke the ringleader's neck. His clones did the same. Naruto, now crouching over the edge of the building, whistled in approval. The kid dropped the lifeless body and his clones dispelled, dropping their husks as well. The kid then turned his attention to Naruto.
"Impressive if I do say so myself. What's your name, kid?" Asked Naruto.
"Mandou. Kazuhiro Mandou. And you are?"
"Uzumaki Naruto, at your service."
"And what is it you want, Naruto-san?"
"You. I'm gathering recruits for an organization known as Akatsuki and I need new members. And I must say, you'd fit in nicely. What do you say?"
"Your offer intrigues me, Naruto-san… I accept."
"Then here you go." Like the last time, Naruto took out a Ring and he dropped it down to Mandou, who caught it. This one was labeled Shu (vermilion), the ring of Itachi.
"Meet me at the gates in an hour." And, like before, Naruto disappeared again, headed towards the Residential tents once again.
(Residential Tents)
Naruto had spent a goot 15 minutes searching for this particular tent. Now, stopping at the desired tent, he smirked and entered. Inside was the person he was looking for.
"Oi, Konohamaru… wake up."
Konohamaru, who was having a nice dream, turned over and woke up slowly.
"Niichan? What's up?"
"Konohamaru, I need you for something."
"For what exactly?"
"Akatsuki."
"Stop joking, Niichan."
"I'm serious, Konohamaru. I've joined the Akatsuki as it's Leader. And I need you there with me."
"Fuck that idea! Pein destroyed my Village! He killed your godfather! Now you're joining the very organization that wanted to kill you? What the fuck, Naruto?"
"It's for peace. Your grandfather believed in it, Ero-Sennin believed in it, my Tou-san believed in it, and I believe in it. Why don't you?"
"Wait. Your Tou-san? Who was he?"
"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."
"Try me."
"The Yondaime Hokage. Namikaze Minato."
"You're shitting me…"
"I'm not. But my Tou-san isn't an object of our discussion. Will you join me out of either your relation to me, or out of memory of Jiji?"
"… If the Yondaime, my Jiji, and you believe in this… then I can to. I'm in."
"Then take this." He handed Konohamaru a Ring. This one was labeled Gyoku (Jewel)… the Ring of Tobi.
"Now, pack your things and follow me to the gates."
"Hai…"
"I know this is big, but it's for a greater good. Leaving will take some time to get over, but trust me when I say you won't regret it in the end."
"But Akatsuki are made up of S-Rank criminals. I'm barely even ready to take the Chuunin exams." Said Konohamaru over his shoulder as he was packing.
"I'll train you. I'll raise you up to your full potential. And you're not the only Konoha-nin that will be defecting tonight. Sakura, Hinata, and another person are coming with us as well."
"Oh, I feel much better." Konohamaru said snidely.
"Glad you do. Now, hurry up."
(Village Gates)
Naruto and Konohamaru finally made it to the gates, and the other three recruits were waiting for them.
"Good, everyone's here. Now, everyone, we have another person traveling with us… Konan, you can come out."
Obeying her order, Konan stepped out of the shadows and stood next to Naruto.
"This is Konan, my subordinate and my second in command. She will be traveling with us for the duration of our journey."
"And where exactly are we going?" Asked Mandou.
"The Uzushiogakure (Village Hidden by the Whirling Tides) ruins."
"Why there, Naruto-kun?"
"Because Amegakure was compromised and I don't want to take the risk of setting up our headquarters there again. We'll hire contractors and builders to rebuild the Village to its former glory and we'll set up there."
"Sound plan, Naruto-sama."
"Of course, we need to keep the reconstruction effort anonymous and as inconspicuous as we can make it. But we'll worry about that when the time comes to worry about it. For now, we press on to Amegakure, which will serve as our temporary HQ until Uzu can be rebuilt. Any questions before we set off?"
"Can we put our rings on?" Asked Sakura.
"Yes, go ahead and put them on…"
Everyone there did so.
"Now, take your Hitai-ate and slash through the Konoha insignia."
Hinata, Sakura, and Konohamaru did so, but Mandou didn't.
"Mandou, you're a Shinobi, aren't you?"
"I was, but I turned in my Hitai-ate a long time ago."
"Fair enough. Now… with these things done, all that's left to do is to leave. Once we do that, you all are officially Akatsuki members." Naruto said as he started walking, leading the group out of Konoha. Once everyone crossed the threshold and stepped outside, Naruto ushered these words:
"Congradulations… you all are part of the Akatsuki now. Serve well and do your job, for you are now enemies of the Shinobi Nations. They shall show you no mercy should they cross paths with you, so you should show no quarter as well. You have chosen the right side, however. And only time shall tell whether we shall succeed or fail…"
AN: So, what do you guys think? Let me know what you liked about the beginning of this new fic, what I can improve on and everything else. As always, review and favorite! ZeroDivisionRaijin, signing off!