Prologue: II

Aight so I'm very grateful for the response I got on the first chapter! I know it was a bit rushed (especially with Kurama), but trust me when I say that I struggled a LONG time to get it to a point were I was comfortable with releasing it. And I did not want to have a love/hate relationship with Kurama, nor to have them constantly arguing.. They work towards the same goal so ultimately it would be best to just have them cooperate. Anyway I figured that I could answer to some of the reviews so that you can get a better view in were I plan on going with the story :)

RadioPoisoning: I know that it changed way to fast and I am sorry for that. However that is the only way I managed to write it and still be happy with the outcome of the chapter.. I tried many times to do it differently to make it 'slower pace' but ultimately the chapter I posted was the one that I personally felt was the best and could read without cringing.. As for the pairing I will not make this a romance story. I just felt that it would be good to have a 'voice of reason' that he would listen to.. The reasoning behind me wanting Haku (Besides that I really like the character) is that she would be one of the few that he still considers precious to him, I will not have him form new emotional bonds on that level it would be to far out of character.

Draven32: I know that you have waited for this, and sorry for the long wait! But I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter :) I have explained my reasoning for it being rushed and I wish I could say it was more to it than me being to inexperienced as an author.. :P Fu is a good suggestion, but it would be too far out of character for him to get in a romantic relationship with her or anyone really.. Even if they are both jinchūriki. I will see if I can't find a place to use her in the story though, I know she is a popular character :)

KyuubiFan325: Nagato does not posses the Rinnegan. I am not even sure if him and Yahiko will be in this story at all. I guess all I can say is read and find out, however I can say that Tobi/Madara will not be left out I have plans for their role in the story. Do not worry I will limit the use of OC's to an absolute minimum.. I do not like it when it's to many of them in a story and very few authors manage to write them in a good and believable way, I do not think I am one who could do that.. :P

Other than that I would again like to say thank you very much to all for the nice response! It helps motivate me to work on this story! :)

"You think you're the only ones who matter. You think you can put off death. But that peace made you foolish and thoughtless. If you kill someone, someone else will kill you… this hatred binds us together. I want you to feel pain, to think about pain, to accept pain, to know pain."

- Nagato Uzumaki / Pein

Border town to Hi no Kuni – Amegakure no Sato

Naruto stood in the bathroom of the small hotel room that he had been staying in for the past four days. His escape from Konoha had gone according to plan, there had not been sent any squads to retrieve him, so he assumed that he had been declared dead without to much investigation.

He studied his reflection in the mirror. The face that would normally be full of joy or childish curiosity was now dull and emotionless.. His gaze now held an aura of boredom and superiority, as if he was looking at someone far beneath him. The Rinnegan that had replaced his previously kind baby-blue eyes only helped to enhance that effect.

A single tear dropped from his left eye. He thought about the man that he so affectionately had called Ojiisan only a few days ago, he was dead now. News had spread fast about the legendary Sandaime Hokage's death, the man was still regarded as a legend throughout the world even if he was far past his prime. The news had surprised him, Ojiisan had always seemed so untouchable. He had not even taken into consideration that the man might have been killed during the invasion.. Not before words reached him.

Still it only helped to steel his resolve on what he had to do, besides it took away the only person left in the village he still held any qualms about having to fight in the future. Not because he feared the man, he would just rather not fight the one person that had done so much to try and lessen his pain during his younger days, when he could not defend himself..

Naruto wiped the thoughts from his head before his mind started to wander down potentially dangerous paths. It would not do to start doubting the path he knew he had to walk already the first week.. Besides it was only the Sandaime and Iruka he had truly cared for, and with them dead there was no longer any bonds tying him to that village, no reason to ever look back..

He looked at his reflection once more and frowned slightly at the sight of the single tear mark running down his cheek, he wiped it away with a lazy movement of his index finger. After all crying was not something befitting of a man claiming to be the second coming of God..

Having managed to push the part of him that still possessed fragments of his former self even further into the back of his brain he reached up and untied his headband, the one he had been given by Iruka on the day of his graduation.. Ha studied the symbol for a few seconds and ran his thumb over the Konoha insignia that he used to display with pride, things were different now. He took out a Kunai and made a deep horizontal gash through it, it would be a sign worn by him and his future followers, a sign that they had severed all former bonds or connection they had to their former homes.

Having done that, he placed his Hitai-ate back on his forehead were it belonged. He walked into the tiny living area and fastened the scroll of seals on his back, not like he would leave that lying about in his hotel-room while he attended to business. Lastly he grabbed a straw-hat decorated by bells and torn pieces of white cloth, it was excellent for keeping the Rinnegan away from prying eyes.

X

The streets of the town he was currently residing in stood as the perfect picture of the current situation that Amegakure no Sato was in, Dark and silent as the grave. The constant rain and dark clouds that plagued the land hindered all but the most scarce of sun rays to break through, the streets were full of mud and dirt and if you did see another person on the street you best prepare for a mugging.

However, these things did not really bother Naruto. In fact, it was perfect for him, made it all the easier to keep a low profile while he got things sorted out. There had been a few attempts to rob him, but those with ill intentions had quickly learned that they should stay away from him, if they valued their life that is.

He made his way through the streets towards his location. A couple days prior he had visited the local tailor to commission some new cloths, the ones he had stuck out too much. The shop itself would be described as unpleasant at best, run by an even more unpleasant man, but that did not concern him he was only there for what he had ordered.

While passing one of the residential areas he spotted a few children in the streets having fun playing with a home-made football, it was an uncommon sight and seeing their raged and dirty clothing didn't help to brighten up the mood that had settled over most of the land.

They had stopped their games when they saw him approaching, deciding to move out of his way. He glanced over at them from the corner of his eyes, he felt a strong amount of compassion for them, they would grow up knowing what true pain is. Just like him. So he did what he always wished someone did for him, he showed them kindness.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a scroll and made small showing of unsealing a small bag of fruit and some leftover dried meat for them. Understandably they were amazed at watching the 'magic' as he unsealed the items.

"Share it" And with those parting words he continued walking towards his destination. He would rather not spend more time than needed in this place, so the sooner he picked up his wares the faster he could initiate the first task on his to-do list.

At last he arrived at his destination, it looked as gloomy and run-down as the first time he had been there. Walking inside he was greeted with the sight of the store owner Chōhan, a most unpleasant man standing at only 5,2ft he was never one to boast about his height. He had long brown hair tied up in a ponytail and a gold-ring pierced in his septum. There was no doubt that he was deeply involved in the criminal underworld that had sprung to life in this region of Amegakure…

Chōhan smiled sardonically when he saw who it was that entered his shop. "Ahh, Pein-sama it's good to see you again! You are here for your wares I assume? I just made the finishing touch this morning"

Naruto bowed his head briefly as a sign of greeting before pulling a small purse with coins from his pocket. He threw it to the man whom caught it and started counting the coin. When he was done he looked up at Naruto, this time a much more serene yet greedy smile gracing his face. "A man of your word I see! A fine quality, one not many people posses" Naruto felt inclined to tell the man that he did not believe him to be one of those possessing that trait. But he caught himself before he did.

"Do you have it here? I would like to ensure that it is of desired quality before I leave" Even though the man could not see his eyes behind the hat he was wearing he did seem to shrink under his gaze. He was starting to like this feeling of power.

"B-but of course Pein-sama! I have everything right here" He pulled out three identical scrolls and threw him one of them. "Here, this is the one that is fitted for you, everything is how you described it"

Naruto nodded his gratitude "I will go and change then.. I would not like be seen in this abomination of a jumpsuit any longer than needed.." With that he turned and went into the dressing room leaving Chōhan standing there with a slightly revealed look on his face. The man would never admit to being afraid of this boy, yet there was something about him that told him to thread lightly around him.

Konohagakure no Sato – Hi no kuni

All of the Jōnin sensei to the newly dubbed 'Konoha 12' due to their valiant action in defence of the village during the recant invasion by Suna and Oto was gathered on training field 7, with them was the respective members of their teams.

"Yosh Guy-sensei why have we been called here when we could be helping with rebuilding the village to its most youthful glory?" Lee's ever loud and excited voice broke through the comfortable silence that had settled over the group gathered. Even now that he was in a wheelchair he never lost his good spirits, something he was admired for by many of his peers.

For what was the first time for most Might Guy did not join his student in his 'odd' behaviour, but rather he was calm with an odd seriousness about him and he quietly calmed his student down much to the shock of everyone there.

The silence settled once more while the Jōnin's were discussing amongst themselves, however it would not last for long before it was broken again. The group had started to notice the missing presence of a certain loud mouthed individual.

"Kakashi-sensei, were is the dobe?" Sasuke's bored/broody voice broke through, once more interrupting the Jōnin from their hushed conversation.

Kakashi winced slightly when asked. "well you see…." He trailed of slightly casting his gaze down in shame while mumbling something to himself, it went unnoticed by the genin, but his peers could make out what he whispered to himself 'I failed you again Sensei… Obito'

Gai put a comforting hand on Kakashi's shoulder while Asuma took over the explaining. "Well you see the reason Naruto is not here is because" He paused and studied their faces briefly, most were looking up at him with curiosity but his own student Shikamaru was sitting at rapt attention, his eyes widened slightly in fear and foreboding. Too his surprise Uchiha Sasuke also had the same look of foreboding on his face. He had not expected anyone else than his own student to catch on.

Before he could finish what he was going to say however he was interrupted by Inuzuka Kiba. "Ha, the dobe probably overslept or got himself hurt during the invasion. I'm sure he will be here in five minutes complaining about undercooked ramen or something" He finished with a boisterous laugh, something that was quite common for members of his clan. This earned a round of laughs and words of agreement from the other genin, well except for two of them…

Asuma fired up a fresh cigarette and took a deep drag while the chatter calmed down, then he steeled himself before continuing "Naruto is not here, because Naruto is dead... He died together with your academy teacher Umino Iruka during the fighting" He could see a few tears escaping from Shikamaru who had bowed his head slightly in grief, again surprising him the same happened to Sasuke, only he wiped them away before anyone could see them.

Again it was Kiba that broke the silence, only this time sounding much more subdued "W-what? He can't be dead.. I mean he is a dobe and all, but he always managed to get back up.. Y-you sure this is not a mistake?" The sound of chocked sobs and crying started to fill the small clearing as Naruto's piers finally understood that this was not some cruel joke.

Chōji, Ino and Shikamaru was comforting each other as best they could. Neji was standing completely still with a distant look on his face, Tenten was trying her best to make contact with him but he did not even seem to notice anything, meanwhile Lee was being comforted by Gai..

Hinata had fainted upon hearing the news, Shino.. Well you could not really tell what he felt from under that trench coat, but if the sound of furious buzzing coming off of him was anything to go buy he was obviously upset, meanwhile Kiba was still in total denial over his friend's death.

Haruno Sakura looked over at her last remaining team-mate with pleading eyes "It's not true is it? I mean you were there with him right Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke looked over at her, a few tear stains visible on his cheeks "I'm not sure.. I don't want to believe it, then again I was not unconscious like you, I was there when he sent me and you away for the hospital.."

Sakura looked down in shame "He sacrificed himself for us..?" Naruto had always been impulsive, it did not exactly come as a surprise that he would do such a thing, yet when he had done impulsive and stupid things like that in the past he had always gotten away with it. The thought of Naruto dead did not feel right.

It was at this moment that Kakashi had calmed himself enough to confront his student's. He calmly put his hands on each of their shoulders, making them look up to his somber face. "Naruto died protecting Konoha and all those precious to him, you two included. The best we can do is to try and move on and honour his memory.." He pointed his finger towards the memorial stone, were the name of all those that had died in service to the village was etched in "His name will forever be carved in that stone, a reminder of who and what we have lost.. Don't make my mistakes, move on from this and instead of being consumed by your grief, train, train so that you can on day avenge him"

Sakura wiped her tears away and looked up with determination etched on her face. She had been playing at ninja for too long, this was her first true experience with the harsh life of a shinobi, she would not be unprepared the next time.

Sasuke was having similar thoughts, only he realized that his status as a genius did not mean anything in the real world, he would have to train himself harder. Especially now that he had two people that he had to kill.

Kakashi gave his genin a sad eye-smile "Training will start tomorrow at 5am no delays, not even from me! Go home and grieve, because tomorrow we will start your training towards avenging Naruto, it's about time someone took care of that snake"

Sasuke looked towards the memorial stone and activated his Sharingan, however instead of being in the primary (Right) and secondary (left) it was now a fully matured three tomoe Sharingan. The memory of Naruto's name there and his motivation for seeking vengeance not only against Itachi but Orochimaru as well would forever be burned into his memory. 'Naruto, Kaa-chan, Tou-san.. I will avenge you!'

Amegakure no Sato

Naruto stood before Chōhan dressed in his new black cloak. It was decorated with red clouds, to symbolise his goal; to bring upon this world a new dawn, a new era. He had gotten a new pair of black ANBU style pants that was bound with bandages at his ankles. He was happy with the new uniform all in all. Chōhan was held against the wall by his throat while Naruto stared intently into his eyes, the Rinnegan blazing.

"I'm afraid you have served your purpose to me Chōhan… Please understand that this is not personal"As he finished the last part the black chakra-receivers whom he could manifest started to grow out from his face, taking the shape of some rather gloomy piercings.

"B-but Pein-sama I can still be of use t-to you! I-I have powerful connection, I can be of g-good service to you" The man was at the edge of soiling himself, he knew that his only hope of survival was to offer something that this 'Pein' found pleasing.

Naruto released his grip and allowed the man to fall on his knees before him. The man started sobbing uncontrollably muttering his gratitude and giving away promises of money and women. It was all lies, Naruto knew that, it was not as if he was going to let the man live anyway…

Naruto looked down at the man kneeling before him, a frown marring his face. "Look at me" Chōhan looked up at the boy -Kami he could not be more than 12 perhaps 13 – tears still streaming down his cheeks. However, there was a small flicker off hope in his eyes as he looked up at Naruto.

That hope was replaced shortly afterwards a black-rod materialised in his right hand. The spark of hope that had been in Chōhan's eyes was replaced by a defeated look. At least the man knew how to die properly.

He raised his hand in a lazy movement, he carefully took his aim, curiously studying the man's face as he awaited his fate. He was not struggling or prying in fact the spark off life had completely left him as he starred up at his executioner with dead eyes.

He did not prolong it for too long. In one swift motion he drove the weapon forward, it penetrated him through his throat, his eyes widened in pain and a few gurgling sounds filled the room as blood leaked out from the wound in his throat and from his mouth.

Naruto stood completely still while looking at Chōhan's dying form. He realised that life was nothing but a fleeting thing, one moment Chōhan had been alive and happy to do business, the next he was dead at his feet. Deep down he knew the man did not deserve to die like this, but the part of him that might have hesitated was gone now.

Now it only gave him a sensation of power.

Before turning to leave the building he took a moment to study his new appearance, more specifically the piercings he had manifested. They would serve both as an easy way to disguise himself – until he found a more desirable solution – but also as a reminder of his own pain, and to everyone else it would be the face of pain itself, in its physical form.

Konohagakure no Sato – Hi no Kuni

The day had turned into night yet Hatake Kakashi could still be found standing in front of the memorial stone. He had not move ever since the rest of the genin had been dismissed. With Naruto's death all his past mistakes had returned to him. Obito, Rin and now Naruto.. His sensei's legacy was dead because he was not there to protect him, because he had sent him away to fight Gaara.

The name was now forever carved into this stone to stand as reminder to his failure as a sensei. It had been his duty to protect and nurture his genin so that they could one day stand on their own two feet, maybe even have students of their own one day. Yet he had sent them unprepared into the lion's den, and now because of his action's Naruto was dead..

This was something he could never forgive himself for and he doubted that Minato and Kushina would forgive him either... However, there was one thing he could do before he was sent to face their wrath, he could bring a certain snake with him.

"Do not blame yourself for what happened to Naruto, Kakashi" He tilted his head to the side and was not surprised in the slightest to see the Gama Sennin himself standing there.

"How could I not? I am the one that gave the order that eventually got him killed..." A few tears rolled down his cheeks as he for the first time admitted to anyone but himself what his action had done.

"Orochimaru is the one we should turn our hatred towards. Not ourselves" Jiraiya fixed him with a stern glance "I was his godfather. A title I did not deserve; I never once came back here to spend time with him or tell him about his parents. Or protect him from the villager's wrath, you were the one that protected him during his childhood, you, Itachi and Sarutobi-sensei" He added the last part with sad undertone to his words, he knew he had been a lousy godparent to Naruto.

"I could not protect him all the time. Sometimes we were too late to stop those that meant him harm before they got to him… Some brother I was."

Kakashi looked down at the ground sadly when remembering his past failures. "But what I can do is help train my remaining genin to one day avenge him. Both Sasuke and Sakura seemed greatly moved by Naruto's passing. In Sasuke's case I think this might be what was needed to ignite the will of fire in him, now it is my job to make sure to keep those fires alive, and then one day when I have to faces Sensei and Kushina-sama's wrath at least I know that I did all I could to honour his memory"

Jiraiya smiled sadly "You are not the one that should fear facing those two. I am the one that did not do my duty as his godfather, no Kakashi I say train your team and prepare them as best you can, but when the day come I am the one that will face their wrath" He glanced over at him and smiled once more "Besides we are not sure if it was Naruto's body. While you prepare your team to do what neither Sensei or I could, I will work to find Naruto. As long as there is even the tiniest fragment of hope that he still lives I will not give up searching. Until that day comes killing Orochimaru seems like a good start, né?"

Haku & Zabuza's graves – Nami no Kuni

Naruto stood before the graves of his former enemies. He would be completely unrecognisable if anyone from his past were to see him now. With the piercings he had grown out to help cover his identity (Tendō/Yahiko) coupled with the high collar cloak and straw-hat he was in no danger of being recognised.

And with no witnesses except for a group of kids that knew that he had been in Amegakure he felt rather safe that his tracks had been covered, poor Chōhan was but a necessary sacrifice for his ultimate goal to be completed.

He looked over at the graves that stood before him. He had been contemplating this for a long time and he was not yet sure if he had made the right decision, but he did feel that both Zabuza and Haku deserved a second chance. He would leave it for them to decide what to do with that.

He looked over at the graves and took a deep breath, Kurama had told him about this jutsu and the Rinnegan had already granted him most of the knowledge already. This was going to suck for him..

Gedō — Rinne Tensei no Jutsu (Outer Path — Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique) Out of the ground next to him the 'King of hell' appeared, or rather his head. Naruto also realised that he could see through the eyes of the 'King of hell' it was a strange sensation to see through more than one pair of eyes at the same time.

Naruto collapsed to his knees panting, the chakra drain for using this technique was insane! Had it not been for Kurama he was sure he would have been dead already.. He coughed a few times and couldn't help but notice that some blood came up..

Meanwhile the creature he had summoned opened his mouth wide and out of it two green light shot out and into the ground were Zabuza and Haku's bodies were. The earth started to split open and not so long after he could see the bodies of Zabuza; the man whom had died avenging the person he cherished the most, and Haku.. Haku whom had died because she could not bear the thought of living as a broken tool.

A green light appeared in their chest, where the heart was located, it started there but soon it spread out until they were completely engulfed in it. Then the colour started returning to their skin, the wounds they had received started closing and healing and then they started coughing and gasping for air. Zabuza was the first that came back to life and not long after the same happened to Haku.

For a few minutes they were both laying on their back greedily swallowing air. Zabuza was again the first to come to his senses, he looked up at Naruto whom was standing above the graves looking down at them. "Who are you, and how in hell am I still alive?"

Naruto stared intently at them with curious eyes. It would appear that the jutsu had worked as planed. He was about to answer, but Haku who had managed to calm herself beat him to it "Zabuza-sama what is going on, did I not die?"

"I'm not really sure yet Haku.. However, you were dead last time I saw you, and I was not far behind myself" He looked up to Naruto who had remained silent, watching their interaction "I believe you owe us some answer, let's start with what the fuck is going on and who the hell are you, né?"

Naruto nodded and took of his hat allowing them to see his face "We have met once before Momochi Zabuza and you Yuki Haku.. When we last met you battled against me and my team on a bridge here in Nami no Kuni, a battle that claimed both your lives. You will know me by the name Uzumaki Naruto"

Haku was the first to connect the dots and she looked up to Naruto with wide eyes. He was nothing like she remembered him. "Naruto-kun, what happened to you?"

"Heh, so you are the blond brat with the big mouth? I see you have undergone quite the makeover" Zabuza finished the last part with a playful smirk. He sat up straight and the sound of his joint cracking could be heard "Ah shit.. My body is all stiff (pun not intended) I can barley even control my arms.."

"The answer to why you are here is quite simple really.. I brought you back using the power I can wield with the Rinnegan" Naruto regarded the two people he had brought back to life, soon he would know if they would follow him, or if they would continue to live as they previously had..

Zabuza frowned and looked up at him studying his eyes, they were indeed changed into what he could only assume was the Rinnegan. But that was a legend wasn't it? "Lets say that the Rinnegan is not a myth and that you actually do have it, what does that have to do with Haku and I? Why revive us? The only interaction we had was when we tried to murder each other.."

This is were Haku decided to re-enter the conversation "Uhm actually Zabuza-sama I met Naruto-kun in the forest when I was gathering herbs for you. But that was only a brief meeting"

Naruto managed to push himself up to his feet again, still a little shaky after using so much chakra. "I revived you because I feel that you deserved a second chance, that your time had not yet come.. However, what you do next is entirely up to you. I left Konohagakure to become a missing-nin much like you, you can either come with me or you can continue to live like you did before you died. It is for both of you to decide"

For a long moment they both seemed to be deep in thought considering his words. Then Zabuza managed to find the strength to climb out of the grave and then help Haku do the same. When they were both back above the ground Zabuza looked over at Haku and she nodded back to him with a small smile gracing her lips. Zabuza then looked back at Naruto with a serious face "And if we follow you, on what path would that lead us?"

Naruto smirked and fished out two identical scrolls from his pocket. "It will take some time to explain everything.. In short I seek to bring peace to this world, these eyes have showed me many things among them is how the Rikudō Sennin intended for this world to be, I seek to restore that, to bring his will.

Before that can happen I will need more followers so that will be our primary focus for the time being.. We will call our self Akatsuki, and that together with the red clouds we bare on our cloaks stands to symbolise that our ultimate goal is to bring a new dawn" And then as an after thought he added one last thing "When we travel you will refer to me as Pein. Everyone think that I died, and I would prefer to keep it that way until I'm ready to reveal myself completely.. The rest I will explain as we travel, right now I need to rest"

Naruto coughed once more into his arm, he was starting to feel the full effect that this jutsu had on his body and he would need a good and long night rest.. He threw the two remaining scrolls over to Zabuza and Haku "I took the liberty of getting your uniform before receiving answers on whether you would be joining me or not, I'm happy that it was not a bad investment"

And so the Akatsuki was born. With it's first official members being the Kirigakure no kijin and Hyōton no Haku no less.

And that wraps up the prologue!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and even if you did not please do leave a comment telling me what I can do better in the future! Also if you have any questions either DM me or leave it as a review and it will be answered in the next chapter (if I have an answer to it ofc)

Anyway I hope you have a good day, and I will see you in the next chapter!

Ja né! :D

Edited: 21.11.2016 – Changed the way the confrontation with Cohan turned out to allow different options further into the story.