H'okay. I know that there's another story out that is also loosely based on Phantom of the Opera, but I did not steal this idea from it. Honestly, I've been working on this thing for like...months and months now. It's just that my writer's block is has been so bad lately I decided I'd postpone any chapters until I knew this thing was gonna get done. So again, not copying anyone! :D

Also...This story is not going to be posted weekly like my last one. I was gonna do two weeks, but I felt that was a bit strenuous. So it will be about one and a half weeks. Today is Monday, so next week it will be updated on a Friday. Then a whole week will pass after that, and be posted on a Monday once more. If that makes sense.

Also, I hope that you all enjoy this. I re-read it many times and gone through it enough to make many changes. I've also stopped production and doubled the word count of every chapter. Yes, so these chapters have at least 4,000 words in them, NOT including my author's notes. I'm only up to chapter 8 completely done, and we already have roughly 32,000 words, my longest story yet, and I'm still only halfway done with chapters (I'm hoping we'll hit about 15 chapters in all). So I hope you enjoy this a lot, because I've been suffering from serious writer's block, but have been pushing past it to make this my best.

Also, since these are not weekly updates, I shall not only post the exact date of the next chapter release, I shall give a tad snippet of the chappie as well. To...feed your curiosity. Anyways, enough of my talking.

And now, the curtain is drawn.

--

Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera, A mystery never fully explained.

We are told, ladies and gentlemen, That this is the very chandelier which figures in the famous disaster.

Our workshops have repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light,

Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen?

November 14th, 6:30 PM

Outside, the evening seemed to be alive as any other creature on Earth, thriving and breathing with warm air and a blissful mood. It was serene with the stars shining down and the summer air silent and thick, a heavy blanket to cushion the beautiful city. It was the end of fall, and the season was aged and ready to begin into the next. No one could deny that this time period held a certain magic to it. Everyone seemed much more tranquil and ready for the year to be over.

Although nothing could be audible from outside in the quiet night, it was a different story entirely down at the town square, where the most aristocratic of companies were stationed. But it was inside the voluptuous building of art and life that was really alive and prospering. You could easily tell by the expensive luxury that decored the walls and rooms. No, it rather was a part of the entire spirit that made up the atmosphere of theater. And at the moment, if you traveled its lush carpets, leading you to where the atrium of plush viewing seats aligned with each other, many rows leading down to a finely polished stage, that was where the hushed voices of the performers of Opera Konoha were currently stationed. They were practicing, rehearsing themselves into fine tune that night, inside the cool walls that gave birth to imagination and pleasure to its audience.

Although it was a group effort, if you sat aside and really analyzed each individual, you could not tell any similarities. There were simply so many different talents that were displayed on the stage. Dancing, singing, and of course, the acting, and many varieties of them all. But the themes of each stretched widely as each person had their own rhythm, adding their own soul to the arts. It was simply not a job for these people. It was a way of life. And as they partook in their talent of illusions, an older gentlemen stepped up to the front row from a side hallway, slow and stiff in posture but watching them all with proud eyes and a soft smile. He did not preform a perfect skit, or ballet, or even symphony. But he was still of vital importance, and the evidence of this was that he knew of everyone here, by name, by heart, by personality. Simply because, he was their manager, of course.

Although the correct term might be, once their manager. "Everyone, please, may I have your cooperation?"

It took a few seconds, for the elder's words to echo into the room and draw the attention of everyone, but no one would dare think to continue on, even though there was so much work to be done. All of the performers slowly stopped what they were doing, quieting down and listening with respect to what their employer had to say. He waited patiently, his best trait, until he knew that everyone had gotten the message. And soon the silence grew until nothing could be heard throughout the hall. That was when he started to break the news. "My dear friends and children...I have been here for many years, and I am very fond of this place. Unfortunately, and I would love to soften this blow- I think it will be better if I just get it out...as you all know, my age is slowly leaving me." There was a pause as the words sank in, and then the final nail to the coffin was hit. "Unable to go on much more, I must regrettably inform you that I am retiring from the opera house."

Shock clearly ran over everyone's face; no one had suspected this to be his big announcement. Murmurs rushed through the crowd immediately, tones of confusion and anguish lacing the rushed words. This was indeed unexpected. Every single person in that room knew of how Sarutobi had watched over the cast and house for nearly forty years. And although they knew of his failing health, it seemed impossible in their minds that he would actually ever retire. It was as if they were taking away the very building from them as well, it was that much of an impact. But it was happening, and it was indeed a hard blow.

The elder man waited patiently with a hand held up, not needing to raise his voice. They would notice, and they would listen, because that is what he taught them. And yes indeed, the crowd was slowly ending its voice once more, eager to hear him out. Clearing his hoarse throat, he spoke out loudly, "You do not need to worry, any of you. I would never leave this place without knowing it would be taken care of. So, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to the new owners of this opera house, Miss Tsunade and Mister Jiraiya."

There was a brief confusion, but nevertheless polite claps erupted at the news. Two figures that made their way from the same side hallway stepped forward with a haughty grace about both of them; the blonde busty women in an elegant but simple outfit, and the tall, white haired man in formal attire as well. As they neared, they both nodded at the introduction, patient as well and waiting until it grew quiet again to speak.

"We are honored to have such a crew working here. I hope that we can keep the spotlight going for each and every one of us," Tsunade said, gaining more applause from the words, calming at the words that were being given to them. Nodding and bowing her head politely, her eyes suddenly caught a figure approaching them. Their accountant, truly the sense of a businessman, and turned to introduce the newcomer to the others.

But though most of the crowd was listening politely and absorbing all of this sudden information, the words she was saying didn't quite reach the ears of one blue eyed boy, way in the back behind the others. He was too busy staring intently at the young man, who seemed as stoic and unemotional as a rock, maybe even more so. The blue eyed boy, with hair of fine golden sun rays and distinguishing scars resembling whiskers upon his cheeks, was hypnotized by the sight, silently wondering if it was fate or chance that had decided this meeting.

A gentle hand shook him from his musings. Those crystal eyes turned towards the black haired figure beside him. Hinata, a dancer and his friend since they had ever been together, whispered quietly. "I can tell from your face that you know him...who is he, Naru?"

Of course, nothing went past those deep lavender eyes of hers. "...Sai." Naruto, as his actual name was, sighed and glanced away from his new managers to stare at the questionable look upon her delicate face. As he stared at that visage, memories danced across his mind, although they weren't exactly good ones. Despite this, he spoke with a small smile. "We used to be..friends when I was young. My father took him in as an apprentice, and so he visited often to our house. It was years ago when we had last seen each other...and by some miracle we are working underneath the very same building now."

With a small hum of acceptance on her part, he turned back to hopefully not get caught and seem rude to the newcomers, but suddenly the first thing he noticed was those those dark eyes were staring at him. The gaze surprised the young male for a moment, almost in a trance by the deep rich color of coal and smoke. He was so captivated, and almost missed the curious female's next words. "He is quite a handsome gentlemen, isn't he?"

The word rang through his mind clearly. It was almost painful to listen and shrill, resembling a bell, a siren even. "Handsome," Naruto repeated, sighing with a sudden relief as those eyes were gone from his own. "Yes...that's one way to put it."

"-An honor to work with everyone, especially the star of the Opera Konoha," Sai's words caught the blond's attention once more as the dark haired man bent down to kiss the hand of a flushed and smug looking dancer girl, who had moved from the front of the stage to stand next to the superiors. Sakura Haruno, lead opera singer and main attraction. Her beauty was undeniable, at least the outside of her. She tended to be snobbish and vain, even around her co-star, Ino, who by this point seemed heavy with anger towards the attention her partner was getting from the handsome accountant.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen," Sai spoke quietly, bowing once more, stiffly because of his obvious need to stay in perfect role. "It seems I am keeping you from your rehearsing. I shall be here tonight though, to relish in the beauty of you all." Quietly the dark eyes moved away with the turn of his body, the man walking off to most likely attend to work; what he did best.

With a firm nod, the three elders turned towards each other and started speaking very quietly to themselves, signaling to the others that this meeting had been adjourned. And like that, their own conversations and practices started picking up again, until they all fell into the rhythm once more. Although the conversation between the blonde and pink haired star seemed to be the loudest, as Sakura gloated with air about her, "He loves me...that man loves me the most."

"Yes..I once thought that too," Naruto replied under his breath.

November 14th, 7:16 PM

He stayed focused on his cues and movements, lost in his own world that was created by the dance. Although the gaze was uncomfortable, he did not break even as he knew those those eyes were silently judging him.

The three could have been focused on the star, or even on the more major roles, but they seemed enraptured. "That boy...he has a lot of potential," Tsunade spoke softly, watching as the blond twirled graciously, pivoting and then pressing his hands together to complete the arch. Although male, the body and movements he had were limber and distaff. There was no denying the beauty in what he did and what he was. With a curious eyebrow raised, she turned towards the now formally retired man. "What is his name?"

Sarutobi never took his eyes away from the dancer, smiling a bit. "That's Naruto Uzumaki...a young prodigy of Polish descent, arriving here on our doorstep when he was eight, about twelve years ago. He was orphaned and had no where else to go, and so he's lived here at this opera house ever since." The twinkling eyes turned towards his successors. "Although his talents far exceed many others, he seems to enjoy the minor roles we place him in."

"That might have to change," Jiraiya murmured, captured in the moves as well.

As all the performers held a note, signifying the finish of the encore, their small audience clapped for the excellent display, murmuring about how the show would be a success. There was no regrets of buying the opera house; they would receive their investment tenfold with such talent.

Their conversation quieted as they noticed Sakura, flush from the long mock performance, walking up to them with a smile on her dolled up face. Something was amiss though in the air around her.

"Did you enjoy that..?" She asked cheerfully, jutting her hip and setting a hand on it, waving her palm towards herself in an attempt to quell the sweat created from the extravagant outfit she wore. But before they could respond to the question, her gaze hardened, and she sniffed and threw her head to the side. "Because that is the last you'll be hearing of me for today! I will not be singing!! Goodbye.." she flaunted away, in a huff as she yelled at random stagehands to go retrieve her dog, intent on leaving. The other performers seemed to have a universal sigh as they went back to business, used to such outbursts. Both of the new managers raised a brow and glanced over at the other man, silently asking what to do.

He merely sighed, a wry smile on his lips in a tease. "The only thing to do is grovel to her."

Without hesitation, they followed the pink haired woman as she ranted, her movements sluggish but graceful as ever. The male decided to take the first step and stood in front of the fuming singer, ready to intervene with her tantrum. "Please, bella diva, Goddess of Song...you are the star of the show!" he murmured, taking her hand and bowing to place a kiss on the back.

"True..." She muttered, flushing at the compliment but not moving an inch, merely turning her fiery gaze to the other. "Miss Tsunade, there is a melody for Elisa in Act Three of Hannibal, yes?" At the slow nod of acceptance, she spoke louder. "Well, that is precisely the problem! My outfit for the scene is not finished because of certain incompetent people!" She cried out, and if possible the flush of anger was growing on her face even more. "And the headdress I wear...I do not like it!"

"Please, Miss Haruno," Tsunade spoke this time, glancing at her partner and then back to the angry diva. "As a favor to us, for our first performance...will you do this?"

The pink haired girl stared, almost incredulously at the two, as if not believing the request. But then her face smoothed a bit as she seemed to mull it over, torn between leaving and staying to preform for later tonight. It was a tough decision. Finally sighing in defeat and calming herself, she smiled with a soft look that completely opposed the one that she wore merely seconds ago. "If my new managers wish it...I shall not deny their request..." Officially ending her ranting, she turned briskly, walking off to the stage once more with a, "Someone get my dress done, immediately!!"

Normality returned to the room and its inhabitants at once. Relief rushed especially through the new owners. With weary expressions, they walked alongside the elder retiree, wondering exactly what they had gotten themselves into. Watching hesitantly as Sakura stood at the front of the stage once more, she was clearing her throat and preparing to practice the solo. Humming in a brief preparation and flashing a dazzling smile for all, she softly began her rendition of 'Think Of Me' with a bit of a high voice. Onlookers winced a bit at the pitch level.

"Think of me, think of me, fondly...when we've said goodbye..."

Unbeknownst to them, another spectator was watching, high above where only two or so people were stationed. This person was not a part of the cast though, and they were observing the scene through the eyes of a porcelain mask. The figure stood there, in the shadows beyond the naive onlookers, staring at this so called "bella diva" with no sort of positive thought running through his mind. Some people didn't mind her voice, even enjoyed it. That was not so for the shadow. To him, she was more like a joke...a spoiled, pompous whore not fit to sing for Hannibal... or any play for that manner. It was an insult, for such poor acting to be tolerated simply because of the fake beauty a person wore.

An insult, that would be fixed this instant. Silently, he approached the rafters and walked along them with ease, carefully brushing up against the ropes that held up the various props. With another glance down with at the pitiful excuse for a singer right below, the mouth twitched with a low sneer. And with no hesitation or remorse, pale and dexterous fingers tugged at one of the ropes, letting it unwind slowly.

"When you find that once again...You long to take your heart..."

Sakura continued to sing with her head held high, not aware the danger she was facing. She only seemed interested in showing off, but then she tilted her head up, and all sounds ceasing in her throat as her eyes fluttered open to the sight of a backdrop banner falling rapidly towards her.

Yells and gasps erupted through the room as they all caught sight of it, voices shouting and screaming. But it was too late for warnings, and they all watched in horror as the large prop fell to the floor with a loud noise. Fortunately, the star was lucky the only thing that hit her was the cloth tapestry, the heavy bar supporting it crashing inches from her body. She screamed at the near experience, the heavy weight of the material falling over her causing her to topple over onto the polished wood floor. All was in a silent bedlam, the event left everyone confused and too incoherent to even think about looking above, to notice the culprit above them slinking back into the dark shadows. Ino ran over to her, helping her up, worried and taking clear notice of the anger and fright on her partner's face.

Seeing that no one was injured, Jiraiya looked up at the loft, eyes narrowed in anger, and hollered, "Who was responsible for this?!"

Other people glanced up as well, wondering what could have happened. "I-I don't know," a man's voice came from above, a dark brown head of hair looking out from next to one of the spotlights, face as white as a sheet. "I...I was over here working on the lighting...I swear didn't see anyone." Soft murmurs ran through the crowd at this, judging the man and wondering if that was really the truth, but the next words he cried caught everyone's immediate attention.

"It must have been the phantom."

The murmurs escalated immediately, no longer soft indoor tones but rushed words escaping everyone and combining into a frenzy jumbled voice. A certain blond remained quiet quiet at this news, ignoring the echo of voices around him. The phantom...?

"Y-you..." A shrill voice cut through everyone else clean as a knife, and attention shifted back to Sakura. Her eyes flashed dangerously as she cried out, pointing an accusing finger at Sarutobi, "You promised these things would stop happening! Three years, and it still happens!" Shaky and unnerved, she turned away from everyone, wiping away at angry and fearful tears that prickled from the corners of her eyes. "I...I will not preform! I do not want to die for a show!!"

This time as her footsteps echoed, none of them followed. There was nothing to be said this time, no excuse or reason they could muster up to make up for this event, and so they let her leave without argument.

Sarutobi, by this point, looked uncomfortable, frowning and mulling over this turn of events silently. Glancing at everyone in the room with a long, hard gaze, he murmured quietly, "I think...it'd be best, if I left now." He didn't wait for anyone else to speak, turning and walking away from the two very confused and doubtful owners without another word. He left down the side hallway, away from his passion and fruits of forty years, exiting the lavish main area through the front doors, not once looking back at the place he had founded and gave birth to. And just like that, as if a phantom himself, he disappeared into the night air, and no one ever saw the man again.

Though the two new owners were left shaken, and confused about this whole ordeal. It seemed simple enough when they first applied, but this place seemed to hold more secrets than they were told. Just who was this phantom everyone was talking about? Surely they weren't referring to the haunted legends surrounding this theater...at the sound of brisk walking, Tsunade glanced over as the conductor made his way over, a tall man of length and short, silver hair, that went by the name of Kakashi. With a deep breath, she spoke to him, knowing he was probably the second senior of this place. "Miss Haruno will be back...won't she?"

"I doubt it," said the man, looking unconcerned, letting his weight balance on to one leg. But with a jerk, he seemed to realize something, as if forgetting his entire purpose of showing up. He was raising his arm up and flicking his hand towards them, obviously pointing out his delivery was for them. What looked like an enveloped closed with a wax seal was held tightly in his grip that he presented. "But this is probably more important though. It's a message...from the phantom."

The talking got louder if even possible, and Jiraiya rolled his eyes at the absurdity at it all, not believing what he was hearing as Kakashi opened the letter, carefully pulling out the aged parchment and clearing his throat to read aloud the finely written calligraphy.

"My dear new guests, welcome to my opera house.."

"His opera house?" Tsunade muttered under her breath to herself.

"I trust you will continue to leave Box Five open for my personal use. After all, I myself have always enjoyed a good show from Opera Konoha. I must also, with uttermost respect, remind you that my salary is due-"

This time, her voice was louder. "Salary..?" She questioned, eyes sharp and demanding answers.

The tall man glanced up from the parchment, his eyes and expression clearly showing that he wasn't phased by this news and was even used to this kind of demand. "Yes...Mister Sarutobi has paid the phantom about 200,000 dollars in yearly salary."

"200,000?!" Jiraiya looked absolutely flabbergasted at the ridiculous amount of money. Of course he would be upset, considering how much profit meant to him. But his blonde partner didn't seem to care much about that fact. She held her chin in thought, processing everything that had occurred. Money was the last thing on their list of worries, she felt.

"That doesn't matter at the moment" She finally spoke with a firm voice, hazel eyes sharply trained on to the cast. They were new, yes...but if they didn't prove strong at the beginning, they would never get respect. And so that's what she was. "We have a show tonight, but without the lead role, we will have to cancel the performance."

They were silent, obviously discontent with the idea of not performing. Kakashi suddenly cleared his throat, glancing over as well, but having a smile on his face instead of a worried look. "What if...Naruto does the lead role."

The blond's head shot up as his name was suddenly spoken. He was careful not to tense at all eyes turned to him, and the silence wrapped around the room in an instant. What Kakashi had just gotten him in to, he wasn't sure he wanted to partake.

---à suivre---

Feedback is ALWAYS welcomed. I don't see how this story can get any flames, but if you were..angered somehow by this, please keep the comments to yourself. I hope you enjoyed this enough to stick around and hold out until the very ending.

Next Chapter: December 12th; Hannibal

Sing a solo? The words seemed to echo in his mind like a foreign cry trying to translate itself into something intelligible. He had never taken a solo project...on anything before. He had always been a minor character, that was his role and that was his fate. Always working in a group or building on teamwork, he was used to that. When your whole life revolved around such roles, the habit of following the lead and using cues by others; that was simply second nature to the blond.

But this time, there would be no teamwork or partners to back him up. And this time, he had to rely on no one but himself.

To say he was nervous was a bit of an understatement.

Stay tuned. R/R.