IZOU

PART I: THE PRELUDE TO THE CONCLUDING WAR

Prologue: Peace

Peace. Everything is all at peace.

This is what the people wanted. This is everything the village wanted. This is what the previous Hokages wanted. To fight unnecessarily meant to die in vain. All the shinobis who risked their life in preserving the peace of the village are highly respected. Every one of them contributed a great factor in saving the lives of those they were sworn to protect. Every one of them deserves a great honor in the Konoha Memorial.

The Godaime sighed as she ran her fingers through her chestnut brown hair. It has been years since the big war with the enemy shinobi had ended and there were major casualties. Families lost their homes, blood relatives lost their kin, buildings were shattered and their fields disgraced. It was truly a great tragedy for Konoha.

But it wasn't tragic at all. The Konoha Anbu and Jounin fought bravely until Konoha was spared. The Godaime smiled as she remembered those people, one of them was Jiraiya's apprentice.

He had grown considerably over the past years. Wars molded his personality and skills, enabling him to develop and grow into an efficient and talented shinobi. He was the pride of Konoha, everyone said. Though he still continued his predictable habits like eating ramen nonstop till night, chasing her number one student, telling impossible stories to the Third's grandson and of course, training till night. It was if nothing changed, as if everything was normal.

But not everything was normal. He's still living in the shadows of his past. Even though he looks fine outside, on the inside, he was miserable. There was something in his life that needs attention, an acknowledgment. He was still reaching out to something, something dependable.

The Fifth stared at the big glass window in her office and watched the blue sky. She knew that her limit was getting near and she needed to find a successor soon. She knew deep in her heart that she would pick him. She had all the reasons in the world to explain why she chose him. The answer was simple. He was fit to become a Hokage.

And it was now time.

The fifth pushed a button on the intercom. There was a buzz and a female voice responded, "Hai, Tsunade – sama?"

"Shizune, bring me Uzumaki Naruto. Tell him to come here into my office immediately," Tsunade ordered.

The voice from the intercom seemed to quiet down for a few moments. Tsunade knew that Shizune was also thinking about the same thing. Through all of the years, her first pupil had become an excellent medical ninja, far surpassing her even when she was in her prime. But, as her thoughts drifted to her other student, was a true medical specialist and the one she puts all of her attention to.

"Is it time? Are you sure he, no, they'll be able to do this?" Shizune asked from the other line. Tsunade rubbed her chin in thought. Yes, they are ready. Actually, they're already capable of accomplishing anything, anything even this new task she'll be assigning to them now.

Now is the time to prove their worth.

A messenger eagle loomed high in circles; the way the bird's wings would sway determines the kind of message being sent by its owner. And the one who received the message stopped momentarily from his training. He began to shake his head disbelievingly as he understood what the bird meant.

"What does that old lady want now?" he asked himself wryly. He began to jump away from the training ground and with a few graceful leaps, landed outside the Hokage's building. He passed by several jounins who greeted him while he acknowledged them with a nod. When he was young, they would greet him with a sneer and insult regarding his existence. But, as the years go by, people began to grow on him and finally accepted him.

He stopped in front of a huge door, his hand on the doorknob. He began to become hesitant to open it, he didn't know, he would usually barge in inside and scare the living daylights of the 'unexpectedly young' Hokage. But today, something is wrong.

He could feel it.

Ever so slowly, he twisted the knob and cringed at its squeaking noise. He finally turned it over and silently swung the door open and take a peek inside. His jaw dropped as he saw the Hidden Leaf's advisors, Koharu and Homura and the ever-regal Godaime sitting behind her desk. Her amber eyes went from solid to warm as she took sight of him and began to stand up.

"Naruto, we've been expecting you. Come in." She beckoned him to go inside the room; the two advisors whipped their heads around as they watched Naruto entered the room and closed the door with a soft click. He bowed to the advisors then to Tsunade before taking his seat. The advisors seated themselves as well while Tsunade remained standing.

"As you all know, I summoned you here because I have something to say. And I know this is so sudden, we're still adjusting to the aftermath of the war against the Sound. But, what I'm going to tell you all is important. It's for the sake of the people and of Konoha."

Naruto crossed his arms. It seems like this little speech of hers is worth listening. During the assigning of missions, he would usually make fun of the big – breasted Hokage and he ended up being punched and flew a hundred miles or worse, assigned to a lowly Class – D mission.

The advisors' faces were grim. It seems like they knew what Tsunade will say and the importance of it will change the course of future for Konoha. Koharu – sensei stared at her comrade's student and mused, "I guess it can't be helped. A new generation of fire has appeared and just like Sarutobi said, it will bring prosper to Konoha. We've known you worked hard for these past years, Tsunade, and we praise you for that."

Upon hearing the aged advisor's words, Naruto practically fell of the chair. 'Wha…what? What's going on in here? Tsunade – bachan's leaving?'

"I agree on Koharu's words. It seems we must give way to a new road for the Hidden Leaf," Homura – sensei replied.

He couldn't take it anymore. He stood up abruptly, and faced the Godaime with as much courage as he mustered. "What's the meaning of this, Tsunade – bachan? You're going to leave us? What will happen to Konoha if you're gone?" When Tsunade didn't answer, he slammed his fist down on the sturdy desk causing the documents that were neatly arranged go in disarray. "Are you saying you're going to abandon Konoha and your position as Hokage?"

"My task is done, Naruto. My successor will carry on the flame that the previous Hokages and I had kindled for the past generations. And besides," Tsunade explained, then winked at him, "lately, I'm getting rusty on my gambling skills. I need to focus my attention on them."

Naruto sank back in his chair in shock. "That's not a good reason for you to step down… as always, you're still that cunning granny aren't you?"

Tsunade clenched her fist in frustration at Naruto's comment. As always, the brat still had his rough manners. But since this was important and he's involved she cleared her throat bringing their attention to the topic once more.

"Now, Naruto. You must be wondering why I called you here in this meeting. Starting from this day, I'm going to assign you to a very special mission. It is entirely different from a Class S mission, but I'm going to give you a week to decide if you want to take this or not. This mission is highly classified as a life – and – death situation, meaning…"

"There's a possibility of getting me killed right?" Naruto finished for her. Tsunade nodded. He began to twist his fingers in his lap, unsure of what to say. This was it, his chance of proving his worth as a talented shinobi. After all of those years of hard work, everything is going to be paid off. But, as he stared at Tsunade's steady gaze, he knew that this was an important mission for the village of Konoha. Another thing, why does it have to be him?

He pushed his doubts aside. He's a jounin for God's sake. He could kill fifty ninjas with a single strike of his Rasengan, which he learned from the Perverted Hermit. He can use Kuchiyose no Jutsu to summon Gamabunta, who can destroy mountains and he had the Ninetails sealed inside his body. All in all, he was a powerhouse ninja.

So what if his life was at risk? He had gone several missions with death on the bottom line, fighting the enemies tooth – and – nail and of course ending it all as the victor; sporting gashes, bruises and success. He can do this one. He was sure of it.

"Tsunade – bachan…" he began but Tsunade gave a dismissive wave of her hand. She smiled warmly at him.

"It's still too early to make a decision, Naruto. Go and have a rest, eat ramen at Ichiraku or whatsoever. You need to relax until that big day," she grinned, hoping to raise his hopes up. She gave a sigh of relief as she watched him lighten up.

Naruto grinned back, raising both of his arms and placing it behind his head. "Of course, granny! Anything you say." He laughed out loud when he avoided an almost lethal attack from the Fifth's chakra – filled fist. The advisors shook their head in annoyance as they watched Naruto open the door. But, before he close it behind him he spoke in a serious manner. "Even though you didn't lay the conditions, I will still take it." Seeing the advisors and Tsunade's face in a surprised expression, he added. "It is my way as a ninja."

Hearing the door closed in a firm click, Tsunade gave a wide grin. Very much like the Fourth. Loyalty and duty are the two things that connected Naruto strongly with the known 'Hero' of Konoha. It's not a surprise that he resembled like him, with the spiky blond hair and all.

Homura – sensei coughed, bringing Tsunade's attention to him. He stared at her in the eye, letting her feel the grave situation she had caused. "I suppose you know what this means, Tsunade?"

"More than you'll ever know," she replied back in a huff. Turning to Koharu – sensei, she added, "I have confidence in that brat. He may act like an idiot sometimes, but that will of fire in him, he may be the turning point in the future of Konoha."

Koharu – sensei nodded in understanding. "True, he may be capable of it, aside from being a jinchuuriki and a shinobi. He can show Konoha a new path to peace." She returned back Tsunade's gaze. "Just like Sarutobi had hoped."

Tsunade smiled at Koharu – sensei's decision. She knew she could count on him. She then glanced at Homura – sensei who also nodded reluctantly. "I guess I'm going to agree to this, no matter what the circumstances is. But," he pointed a finger at her, "that brat will suffer the consequences of the mission that you're going to give him. It's not I'm going to bring him down, I just want you to know the effects of the action you've done."

"I know, I know. Geez, for an old man, you sure worry a lot. He can do it, just wait and see!" Tsunade snapped. Homura – sensei observed her determination with ease. Standing up, he went to the door outside the office, Koharu – sensei behind him. Tsunade turned her back away from them, and stared at the glass window at the back of her desk. She stared at the Hokage monument that loomed high in the village, staring at the sculptured faces of the previous Hokages, including hers. His face would be eventually there, that she knew.

"Godaime."

"Nani?"

"I'm sure he'll do good. We believe so."

Tsunade whipped her head around, only to glance at the closed door of her office. Being old, she knew that Homura – sensei was a bit skeptical of her idea and he was actually worried that Naruto might be in danger due to the mission. Damn, ojisan. He would also give in to the end.

Humming softly, she continued to view back the Hokage memorial with relief and lightheadedness. Finally, a week from now, the fate of Konoha will be put to a test. And carrying it will be a young man who was once hated by the village he had sworn to protect.

"Just enjoy your freedom for the last and final moment, Uzumaki Naruto. For the last time, everyone will know you by that name. But, after that and you succeed from this mission, that name will be useless." Tsunade said as she placed her hand on the cool glass, smiling.

Because from that day on, you will be known as the Konohagakure wa Rokudaime no Hokage. The title you've craved for so long will finally be bestowed upon you.

The stars shone brightly like diamonds in the sky as Naruto walked home after eating at the Ichiraku. The ramen stall's owner gave him another free serving because he trained hard again. As always, he promised the old man that he'll work hard in becoming an excellent shinobi and performs his missions well.

Speaking of missions, his thoughts wandered of the mission Tsunade told him about. It was a mission especially for him; it was his chance to be of use to the village. But, the grim expression Tsunade gave him bothered his senses. What could be possibly wrong with the mission that she will give him?

He decided to walk further, exploring the village at night. His thoughts also went farther, farther back into the past where pain and betrayal still existed, to the memories of bonds being broken and parting of intertwined destinies. As the years passed, he managed to bottle it up inside him, keeping a straight face and pretend nothing is wrong. By the time he reached Jounin status, the facade was perfected completed and fooled everyone including himself.

He stopped walking as he stared at the place in front of him. It was the exit to the village, the borderline between the world out there and here. His blue eyes went from warm to steel blue as he remembered the memories that occurred when he stepped out outside the village. His gaze began to soften as he noticed someone was there before him, sitting silently on the stone bench watching the stars. The figure noticed his presence and turned to him, a smile crossed its face.

"Naruto."

"Sakura – chan."

Sakura patted the seat next to her. "Come sit with me."

Naruto followed her simple command, plopping down next to her. Silence followed after a few minutes, spending their time to look at the celestial bodies that were miles away from them yet near to their view. He observed his former teammate and friend, watching the changes that occurred to her over the past years. She still wore her hair short, the pink tresses running along her shoulder and being blown by the cold breeze, her soft pale skin glowing ethereally by the moon's rays. She developed some nice curves that accentuated her body, in contrast to what she said to them when they were younger. She always complained that she didn't have a nice figure, but today, she was the current pin – up girl in Konoha, had many suitors that he could no longer count with his ten fingers including his toes. But what strike him most were her jade – green eyes, those orbs that could melt a person's gaze with just a glance. Unfortunately, that gaze hardened all over the years, ever since she became the famed Medical Specialist of the Anbu.

"It sure is a nice night, isn't it Sakura – chan?" he asked, starting the conversation. She only nodded her head.

"Yes, it sure is. This is the only time in the world I enjoy viewing the stars. They're so vast and bright, as if they never stopped giving light to the village."

"Just like the previous Hokages," Naruto supplied. Of course, why not? The Hokages were the greatest in Konoha, and their superiority is almost the same as the brightness of the stars.

Sakura agreed. "The Hokages were the most powerful shinobis who ruled out peace and order in our village. They contributed their lives selflessly for the welfare of the people they've worked so hard to protect. Yes, you're right, they deserved a place next to the stars."

Naruto stared at the brightest star shining dominantly among the others. Is the Fourth also with them? Shining the brightest of them all?

Of course he was. He was the village's hero, the one who sacrificed his life for the village. He deserved a place higher than the stars were.

The wind grew chilly but neither of them moved. Both were thinking about the same thing but they couldn't bring it out of their mouths. Naruto began to fidget while Sakura ran her hands through her hair.

"Anou saa…" he began.

"What is it, Naruto?"

Naruto couldn't bear himself to look at Sakura in the eye. Saying this would probably tear her heart as well as his. Deciding the best course of action, he didn't prod further on the topic. "Nah, forget it."

Sakura seemed to understand and didn't force the words to come out of Naruto's mouth. She knew what he was supposed to say and upon hearing it, might break the walls she built around herself. She breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't pushed more on the topic.

He decided on another topic. "Anou, Sakura – chan, how are you and fuzzy eyebrows doing? Lately, I see him hanging around with you in the practice grounds. Something that I miss?"

She smiled at him. "Not really. Lee – san is helping me in practicing Taijutsu. It's a good thing he and I are on the same platoon, at least there's someone I can rely on."

Naruto flashed her a lazy grin. "I think you're beginning to become fond of him, Sakura – chan. One of these days, I'm sure he'll ask you out."

"You're beginning to sound like Kakashi – sensei, Naruto. Stop that," Sakura retorted flatly. Naruto laughed. She went along with him as well, their laughter drowned the silence of the night, the sounds served like melodies to the stars.

Naruto stopped laughing then began to grow serious. He glanced at Sakura, noticing that she also stopped and was now staring at the ground. He sighed. He had to tell her. It was now or never.

"Sakura – chan, there's something I need to tell you. I know you'll wring my neck for this if I didn't tell you so I'm doing it now." He watched Sakura's face full of surprise and confusion. He grasped her hand in his and squeezed it tightly. "Today, Tsunade – bachan summoned me in her office. The advisors were there with her, and they were talking about something important."

"What do you mean by that, Naruto? I don't understand what you're talking about," Sakura said in disbelief. She stared at Naruto's eyes and she felt shivers running down her spine as she saw his blue orbs full of uneasiness. She placed her other hand on top of theirs and urged. "Tell me."

"Tsu…Tsunade – bachan's stepping down…from her position as Hokage," Naruto blurted out. The hands that were supporting his seemed to go limp as he caught them and held it firmly.

Sakura tried to steady herself, but her jade green eyes widened in shock at the news. No, this can't be happening. Her mentor, the person she looked up to as a mother and one of the Legendary Sannin, resigning? What's going on? She's going to turn down her responsibilities as the Fifth Hokage, now that the Hidden Leaf is still coping with the effects of war?

"And Sakura – chan, there is something else. Tsunade – bachan…she gave me a mission. She informed me, that this one is highly classified more difficult than the Class – S ones." Naruto swallowed as he continued, "There's a possibility…that I may lose my life in the process."

Sakura stared listlessly at him, her eyes glassy. First, Tsunade – shishou stepping down from being Hokage and now Naruto is going to a mission at the cost of his life? She couldn't take it anymore.

Naruto placed his hands on either side of his teammate's shoulders, pleading, "Be strong, Sakura – chan. I know that this is sudden, hell, we just see each other again and now…"

"Be strong? How can you say that, Naruto? Two out of the most important people in my life are slowly slipping away from my fingers!" she snapped. Tears started to flow from the corner of her eyes. "And I can't even do a single damn thing about it!"

He tried to pull her close to him but she resisted strongly, her tears flowing freely through her cheeks. After a few minutes, she broke down into sobs and muffled whimpers as Naruto managed to hold her, running his hands through her soft hair. The starry night became a witness to this sorrowful scene, breaking the longtime barrier that these two young people built around themselves. Pain was clearly evident, even a curious passerby will be moved with empathy.

Naruto stroked Sakura's rose – colored hair comfortingly. "Sakura – chan, I promised him a long time ago that I'll protect you. I know loneliness can leave a person unhappy and I don't want you to experience it like I did. Like he did." Her sobs slowly began to cease as Naruto rubbed her back soothingly.

She clutched on his shirt as she replied in a muffled voice, "But he's now in darkness. And that's where he'll remain, for a long time." She pulled away from Naruto and began to wipe remaining tears from her reddened face. "He was already dead from the beginning. The moment he set his foot outside this village was the moment my heart died for him." Sakura gave a bitter laugh, her resentment evident in her words. "Solitude can bring a person to absolute darkness. You can't feel any neither warmth nor happiness, but cold and despair. He taught me that."

Naruto placed an arm around her shoulders to stop it from shaking. He shook his head as he spoke, "You shouldn't get affected by his words, Sakura – chan. You are not like him, even in the first place."

"He made me this way. And I thank him for that. Someday, I'll show him what it truly means to be put under endless solitude," Sakura vowed as she clenched her fist. She stood up from where she sat and stared at Naruto. "It's getting late. We'd better get home and rest. You have training tomorrow right?" She put on her façade and gave him a brilliant smile. "Let's not talk about him anymore, alright?"

Naruto stood up, allowing a grin to pass on his face. "Whatever you say, Sakura – chan!" Hooking an arm around her, he added, "Let me walk you home!"

She didn't have any room for argue, so she let him dragged her back to the village. She missed his company for the past years when their former team was formally disbanded, and they began to go in their separate ways. It was good to see him being his usual self, it's as if she was the only one who changed.

Her eyes began to harden at the sudden remembrance of memory. She pushed it aside to provide room for Naruto's whines and ramblings as he told her some of his exaggerated adventures and missions. She knew that this might be the last time she'll see Naruto once he started his new mission that her mentor assigned to him.

The Fifth.

She will have a talk with her tomorrow. But tonight, it will have to wait.

Author's Note: The story is set back 5 years later from the series. In this one, the war between Konoha and the Sound is over and the village is just starting to adjust to the changes. The characters seemed a little OOC, but you'll find out more as the story progresses. This is my first tribute to Naruto and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Note: "Izou" is a Japanese word, which means "Legacy".