A/N: "Thank you for the reviews guys. And shame on you guys who read the story but didn't review. It breaks my heart you know. ((SOB)). Seriously though, without the reviews I don't even know how many guys appreciate my awesome writing and whether I am doing a good job or a great job."

"Or a piss ass job" "SHUT UP TEME". "Hnn"

Kedo: Interesting start, a somewhat refreshing take on on the whole Naruto story. Hope you give us some flashbacks later on to show what happened between Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi and Jiraya, Hinata and Neji. Continue your work, I am waiting for the next chapter. Don't worry, it'll take quite a number of flashbacks to explain everything. But I WILL explain everything. ((Flashes the good guy pose))

Shinobi of Life: I like that you don't bash on sakura and gave what a normal person would feel if that happened to someone they care and trully believed that he wouldn't done that. NaruHina and SasuSaku ! I really don't think bashing a character would do any good. Every character has it's history and reasons. Let understand and respect the reasons. Unnecessary basing gets us nowhere.

guest 7: great so far...
I would like info on the age of characters & how neji is not a part of team 9 & how uchiha clan is still intact despite itachi getting MS or shisui is also faking death like naruto..!?
& who are the people who know naruto is alive as jiraya does'nt know as he could'nt figure out those two on the bridge...?
Everything is piquing my curiosity & i hope you don't bash any character much.
All in all very good & interesting work, want next chapter ASAP.

Sir yes sir, the next chapter has been presented ASAP, sir! Lots of questions, and I'm happy to answer them all. :)

I am following the canon age, so Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, Sakura, Kiba, Shino are all 13 years. Neji is a year older than them as is Rock Lee and Tenten, so they are 14 years. As for the rest of the questions you have ... Ku Ku Ku Ku, all will be revealed in time. No seriously, I will. Hope you like this one. Although, I am doing a very poor job in revealing the secrets just yet. He he he. ((Mischievous Grin))

"Normal speech"

"SHOUTING/YELLING"

'Thinking'

Flashback begin and end

"JUTSU"

CLANG. Raijin met Kisame's Samehada with his Katana. He had tried to funnel his lightning chakra into the katana, but Samehada simply absorbed it, cackling maniacally. It was quite unnerving to hear a sword laugh like that. Ninjutsu had no effect, and Kisame matched Raijin blow for blow. The battle didn't seem to be going either way. Arashi didn't seem any better. With Zabuza's other hand free, he was able to block blows from Arashi while also being able to perform hand seals for Ninjutsu. Arashi kept using high-speed Shunshin to jump all around Zabuza; Kakashi could easily see the battle through his Sharingan, but for the rest of Team 7, all they could see was a blur that kept attacking Zabuza. The problem was Zabuza was more than a match for that speed. And every other block by Zabuza would be followed by a Suiton attack. Instead of using any jutsu, Arashi simply dodged the attacks. He simply dodged the jutsus as best he could any launched a tirade of punches at Zabuza. Kakashi noticed that. 'I wonder why he is not using Ninjutsu. Maybe he can't like that student of Gai, Rock Lee.' "Suiton:Great Shark Bullet"; a humongous shark made out of water leaped into action gnashing its teeth as it made its way towards Arashi. 'He can't dodge this', though Kakashi. To his surprise, Arashi made a couple of hand seals; 'Kage Bunshin! So it seems he can use Ninjutsu'. Ten Kage Bunshin appeared in front of Arashi. Using the other clones as leverage, the original Arashi swerved out of the path of the destructive jutsu. Kiba and Shino looked on in wonder as the battle unfolded in front of their eyes - they knew they were seriously out of class here. The only one who could even keep up with these monsters was Kakashi Sensei.

Kisame looked like he got bored with the Taijutsu fight, so he made a couple of quick hand seals "Suiton: Exploding Water Colliding Wave". As a huge surge of water seemed to appear from KIsame's mouth, aided with the water surrounding the bridge, Raijin jumped back to break away from the massive waves crashing down on his position . "You know, its been a while since I fought anyone as good as you. And one look at Zabuza tells me that he is having fun with your friend there as well. But thats beside our mission. We were sent to kill Tazuna. And that's what we'll do." Kisame smirked and yelled out. "Zabuza! Water Clone". Zabuza gave a curt nod. They both created a water clone and sent it after Team 7 and Tazuna. As soon as Raijin and Arashi understood their plan, they jumped to intercept the clones, but were blocked by their opponents. It was all up to Kakashi now.

Kakashi watched as his unexpected backup was blocked by the Swordsmen duo while their water clones charged at him and his team. He stood up and prepared to face down with the two monsters. "Kiba, Shino. Stay behind me and protect Tazuna." He brought his Kunai; little help that would be against those massive Zanbato his opponents were wielding. Samehada, a massive Zanbato that sapped the opponent of any Chakra on contact. Kakashi had experienced this before during his battle with Zabuza. And Kubikiribocho. It truly lives up to its name. Kakashi steeled himself from the inevitable. Moments away from clashing with them, Kakashi noticed a chakra signature arrive via Shunshin. The two swordsmen must have noticed it as well, as they cranked their heads slightly towards the dense forest. Almost on queue, a flurry of Senbon needles rained down on the duo. The Kisame and Zabuza clones jumped back to avoid becoming a pincushion. As they steadied themselves, a figure jumped from the trees and landed in front of Kakashi. It was a she; Kakashi had read enough of the Icha Icha series to figure out a woman's curves. She wore the same Haori as the other Yoinokuchi members with the writing Koorihime on her back; her hair was knotted up in a bun, and she carried a small pouch on her hip - possibly for storing the Senbons she had just thrown at them. Koorihime noticed her partners engaged in their respective fights; she took up a fighting stance, her left foot in front of her, right foot behind her; her arms were raised in front of her with open palms. Kakashi noted that this was a defensive stance; she wasn't really interested in engaging the clones, but if push came to shove, she would defend Tazuna and Team 7. Kakashi smiled inwards knowing that they had friends in the strangers who took up arms against the swordsmen duo.

Raijin jumped back from his fight with Kisame to create some space between them. "You took your sweet time to get here, Koorihime. Was there any problem?" asked Raijin.

Koorihime relaxed a bit. "Well you were right; Gato sent a couple of thugs to kidnap Tsunami and Inari - they wanted to hold them hostage. Although I made short work of them, Inari surprised me with a sudden boost of confidence. After that I raced as fast as I could to get here" She cocked her head and said with a sarcastic tone, "I would think you were better than wanting help from me".

"Shut up Koorihime. I don't want your help."

Koorihime tensed up. The clones were about to make their move. She was waiting for them, Senbon needles in her hand, ready to strike her opponents. Kakashi stood up alongside her and gave a short nod of approval; his manner of saying 'You've got me by your side'. Kakashi glanced at Koorihime features. He wouldn't go as far to say that she was well endowed, but he could make out the curves from within the black vest in her Haori. Her Hitai-ate was on her waist, kind of like a belt. Also she seemed a bit taller than her other members, she seemed to be a bit older than the other 2. Koorihime saw Kakashi glancing at her. "Stop ogling me and focus on the opponents in front of us". He quickly straightened up, trying to hide his guilty lecherous smile from Koorihime (all that Icha Icha … shame on Kakashi and Jiraiya); although it was doubtful she could see anything from under his mask.

But before anyone could make their moves (other than Arashi and Zabuza, who were still at each other), a large pop was heard and smoke filled the bridge; Arashi and Zabuza jumped back from each other to make more sense of the newest arrival. Kakashi thought it was another Yoinokuchi member, but noticing their tense stance, he figured that they weren't expecting anyone. It would mean that either they didn't have any more operative in the area, or that these 3 members were all that was of Yoinokuchi. The last thought disturbed Kakashi, since he knew that there were far greater trials and tribulations in front of them, if the 3 were all of Yoinokuchi. He glanced up to watch the clones reaction; it seemed they didn't expect anyone either. With bated breath, they waited for the smoke to clear. The smoke dissipated to reveal a white spiky haired guy atop a toad. Jiraiya.

Seeing Jiraiya, Kisame straightened up. He slung Samehada over his shoulder, never taking his eyes off his opponent.."Zabuza, taking on a Sannin alongside these guys is a bit too much even for us. Looks like its time for our retreat. I'll have to talk to Gato about the mission later again." The clones dispersed into water, while the two swordsmen sprang to action and fled into the forest.

"Get back here Kisame. I have a score to settle with you" Raijin sprang into action, starting to tail them, but Jiraiya jumped in front of him. "I don't think chasing after them would be such a good idea. They have the advantage for ambush. Besides, I think your work here is not done." Kakashi noted a bitter tone of resentment in his voice. He knew that Jiraiya must have had some knowledge on this mysterious group and their leader Raijin, that caused him to grimace like that. However, Jiraiya was a Shinobi; he knew to place the lives of others over his personal feelings. Raijin turned back towards the other end of the bridge. Arashi and Koorihime had fallen into formation behind him. He looked past Arashi into the mist, and noticed something. Something others couldn't. "Arashi, it looks like Gato is back with his army. Get rid of them".

In a blink, Arashi was on the other end of the bridge, his Kodachi in hand, slashing mercilessly at the army. His speed coupled with his movements turned him into a storm of blades as the bandit army turned into a gory mess of blood, guts and dismembered limbs. All that was left was Gato. Gato had soiled himself seeing the ferocity of the masked man; he would offer anything for his life - but before he could do so, Arashi had sliced his head off his shoulders. He caught the head by the tuft of its hair and Shunshin-ed to Raijin's side. By the time, Tsunami and Inari managed to gather a couple of villagers and arrive at the bridge to take care of the bandits only to be faced with one of the most brutal scenes they had seen in their lives. Inari tried hard, but wretched himself, while Tsunami closed her eyes and turned around, covering Inari from the horrendous sight. Raijin took the head from Arashi's hand and tossed it towards Tsunami. "We have completed our deal."

Kakashi raised his eyebrows are looked deep and hard at Tsunami. Raijin noticed that and spoke up "Tsunami wasn't confident in your team; the way you returned after your encounter with Zabuza was more than proof of that. She needed someone who could actually protect the geezer, so a couple of days ago she approached me and my group to help in disposing the threat of Gato. Naturally we accepted. We had an inkling that these 2 would make their move today, so we asked Koorihime to protect Tsunami and the kid while we dealt with the threat Tazuna was under. The rest is as you know."

He turned towards Tsunami. "I will send someone over to collect on our payment. Kakashi and his team will assist a group of villagers to raid Gato's outposts. Hopefully, the money and food there should cover for any damages that he had caused during his tyrannical reign." He cocked his head towards Kakashi. "You will help, won't you?" Kakashi made an eye smile. "Of course"

With that, before anyone could say anything more, the three Shunshin-ed away. Jiraiya looked slightly angry and pissed. Kakashi had never seen him like this. He approached the team, "You two brats, accompany Tazuna and the other villagers back to Tazuna's home. Stay put until Kakashi comes to get you. Kakashi, you're with me; I need your assistance in something." The team complied. Kakashi followed Jiraiya as he left from branch to branch to a higher vantage point. As soon as they reached the point, Jiraiya spoke up "Kids, get out of there." Kakashi looked in astonishment as two Hyuuga kids moved out of their hiding place and stood in front of Jiraiya. What was even more astonishing is that these were the missing Hyuuga kids - Hinata, the heiress of the Hyuuga Main Family, and Neji, the prodigy of the Hyuuga clan. Both had gone missing nearly 2 years ago. Neji hadn't changed that much, although his countenance looked less … hateful. He still had his Hitai-ate on his forehead, since he had from the day he joined the Ninja academy - to hide the Caged Bird Seal. The most shocking change was in Hinata. She had let her hair grow, and it almost reached her shoulder blades. But what shocked Kakashi the most was the fierce determination in her face. 'Is this same timid Hinata, who used to stutter and fumble' There was kindness in her eyes, but no sense of hesitation of sadness in them any more. Looked like 2 years away from Hiashi had its perks. Both of them wore baggy khaki pants and a white t-shirt. Jiraiya turned to face Kakashi, "Due to circumstances, these kids are under my guidance and tutelage. I wouldn't want you to make their existence known just yet." Kakashi nodded. If anything he knew that Jiraiya was a Sannin as well as the spymaster for Konoha. If anything, he loved Konoha more than anyone; and if he wished to keep something secret from them, it must be a delicate situation. So he decided not press things any further. "So, what did you need from me."

Jiraiya's countenance turned grim. "The Yoinokuchi. They are a group of Ninja, whose identities are unknown. They have been taking missions, but haven't done anything to cause alarm. One of missions is to establish contact with them and understand their motives." Kakashi was a bit worried. "The Yoinokuchi helped us with Kisame and Zabuza; and as you said they haven't done anything to cause alarm. So why do I get the feeling that you're pissed with them."

Jiraiya stood still for a moment before replying. "It is rumored to have been founded by Itachi Uchiha, and the leader is none other that Sasuke Uchiha." Kakashi's face fell. He immediately made the connection. The oddly familiar hair; he could now see it as clear as day. "Raijin is Sasuke Uchiha." Jiraiya nodded. He turned towards the Hyuuga siblings, "You kept a watch over the battle. Where did the 3 go? Can you find them?" They nodded in unison, "Hai Sensei". With that they took off after the Yoinokuchi.

Kakashi was seething inwards. Sasuke Uchiha. He hated that name. He had no proof, but he was certain Sasuke had killed Naruto to gain the Mangekyou. And if that was the case, he would personally kill him. He didn't care what the council would do to him for killing that last Uchiha (Itachi had been officially disavowed), but he wouldn't let the murderer of his Sensei's son to go scott free.

The 3 Yoinokuchi members had just reached their makeshift base. Arashi took his seat on a moss-covered log, while Koorihime was just sitting on the ground in front of the extinct fireplace. Her mask was by her side, and as the scattered light from the forest top fell on her face, one could see sadness and loss. She looked deeply into the fireplace, as if trying to find something. Raijin was standing in front of him, with his back to her. He had his mask in his hand. Arashi, jumped off from the branch and headed to his sleeping tent.

"Going off so early" asked Raijin. Arashi gave a small grunt, turning around waiting for him to say something more. A few moments later, Koorihime spoke up "We were severely outmatched today. Zabuza matched Arashi blow for blow, and he is not even a member of the Akatsuki. And based on the fact that Zabuza was using Suiton attacks, Arashi couldn't do much other than Taijutsu. And I have my doubts that Kisame was actually fighting. More like toying with you. And with that god-awful blade, Chakra based attacks would be as close to harming him, as a bit of dust harms a rhinoceros."

"Haku, I am sure we will find it in ourselves to improve. And once we do, Akatsuki will fall. Have faith in I…" Raijin snapped his neck to the right; Koorihime, or Haku, could make out his sharp features. And his Onyx eyes. "We have company". They placed their masks on their faces and stood up

Hinata and Neji sped up towards the Yoinokuchi output. It was a makeshift base in a ruined warehouse. They had set up a couple of tents, built a fireplace for the night, though no fire was started, and was preparing to sleep the rest of the day off. Neji noticed some movement from their location and realised. "It seems they have been alerted to our presence. They are masking their faces, and getting ready for a fight." Jiraiya nodded, "Alright, you guys have done your part. We'll handle the rest". Hinata shot back, "No! If Sasuke has killed Naruto, I will not let him live. We helped you track this group for a long time; I will not let them get away." Jiraiya was stunned at the viciousness of the gentle Hinata. Neji nodded and said, "I will stand by and fight for my sister." Kakashi sadly smiled, 'Naruto. Why did you have to befriend that Uchiha when you had such true friends.'

As they landed in the opening, the Hyuuga siblings settled in the Jyuuken pose, while Kakashi and Jiraiya landed in front of them to face down the Yoinokuchi.

"Take your mask off Raijin, or should I say Sasuke". The Yoinokuchi members were a bit shocked that the identity of one of their members was out in the open. Sasuke smirked as he took of his mask to reveal his all too familiar face, but with one noticeable difference - his eyes were red in color and spinning in place of his pupils was the Mangekyou Sharingan.

For Kakashi and Jiraiya, this was the last straw. Their fears were true, Sasuke had killed Naruto for the Mangekyou. Kakashi charged his Raikiri. Jiraiya yelled out at Sasuke, "YOU BASTARD! YOU KILLED YOUR BEST FRIEND NARUTO FOR THE MANGEKYOU." He got into a fighting stance as did Sasuke. But before anyone could make a move, Arashi stepped in between them. For the first time, Kakashi heard him speak (he had thought Arashi was mute, unable to speak) "Raijin, stand down. It is unwise to challenge a Sannin. Let us try and solve this peacefully."

"Hai Arashi-Taichou" Sasuke deactivated his Sharingan and stood back.

"So, you're the true leader of the Yoinokuchi." Jiraiya's voice was calmer, but he wasn't happy either. The change in demeanor from Jiraiya ruffled the silver haired Jounin. Kakashi wasn't sure on whether he should stand down or not. Hinata seemed confused 'That voice ... Why does it sound so oddly familiar. Why do I feel so much at ease, so much calm'. Although she didn't notice, her arms fell from the Jyuuken pose.

"Yes Jiraiya-sama, I am the leader of the Yoinokuchi, but before this turns into a bloodfest, why are you here?"

In a collapsed cave, a pink haired girl woke up. Her head was spinning and paining like hell. She slowly combed her hair with her fingers; something fell from her hair, like a headband, but she was more concerned about the warm wet feeling on her head. She brought her hand out to see it bloodied. 'Must have hit my head pretty hard', she thought. She gingerly got up and noticed that the thing that fell down was a Hitai-ate, with the symbol of a swirling leaf on it. She looked at it intently, brows furrowed. She placed it in her pocket and closed her eyes; her furrow deepened, as if trying to remember something. 'What happened to me? How the hell did I hit my head'. Suddenly her eyes flew open. She realised something terrible as she voiced her thought "Who the hell am I?"

A/N: Again, a little bit of explanations

Katon - Fire style

Suiton - Water style

(Not used in this chapter. I though it would be good to complete the set)

Doton - Earth style

Futon - Wind style

Raiton - Lightning style

I decided to go with FemHaku; having a male Haku with female features, although hilariously funny, is something I thought not to use in this fanfic. And, yes one more thing. REVIEWS. REVIEWS. REVIEWS. REVIEWS. REVIEWS. REVIEWS. REVIEWS. PLEEEAASSEEEE!