Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, somebody else, somewhere else, does.

If I make any money off of this I'll let you know.

This story is AU

"Troublesome" Normal speech
'Troublesome' Thoughts (or in speech they're like those pesky 'air quotes' like dr. evil does from Austin Powers "fire the 'lazer'!")
"Troublesome" words with emphasis (or could be looked at as sarcasm or emphasis with a sneer)
"Troublesome" jutsu

firareth3 to assuage the slight fear (for Itachi lovers) that Itachi will go insane, he is talking about the mental instability that veteran shinobi get. Things usually start getting to them in their mid to late 20s. the better shinobi overcome it, though usually with some new quirks. Prime example is Guy, he is an excellent shinobi, but he found something that helps him stay focused and sane. Perhaps he clung to it (just a wee, tiny, insignificant amount) more than other shinobi, and thus seems obsessive. About Itachi questioning his clan…Remember that Itachi is only 11; certain things are 'unquestionable' in 11 year old minds. Itachi is slightly suspicious of the police's actions (since he views them as a separate entity from his clan), but if anything he has (blind)faith in his father's work, so any doubts are quelled by his father's inability for wrong-doing. Even breaking Sadaime's law was the correct thing to do, as far as Itachi could see, and since even the Hokage supported Fugaku in that it only cemented that Fugaku could do no wrong to Itachi.

(I'll put my thoughts on Guy with the bottom AN)


"Banju, it has been how long since your friend has graced us with his presence?"

"It has been many years, although I do not believe that Quartus-sama has come."

"How long do you believe it will be?"

"I believe it will be somewhere within the next ten years," Banju stated nonchalant.

"I think your age is getting to you…You used to know the exact year and month that he would show up…" the other said with a hint of disappointment.

"I do…In seven years, and 3 months, he will show up. I don't forget that ever, he is the reason why I am here."

"Forgive me, I should have known you would take offense. You were never one to joke about Quartus-sama."


A little more than a week had passed, and for Naruto it was the best week of his life.

Not only had he been able to see Ojiisan a lot more often (READ: everyday), but people weren't spitting and cursing at him now. This was because of Itachi being around him all the time.

Itachi-san. To Naruto, meeting Itachi was the best thing that ever happened to him. Granted, Itachi didn't really play any games like the other kids that Naruto watched, but he was still fun to be around for Naruto. On occasion Itachi would make small but funny comments about people to Naruto, but usually he listened. It surprised Naruto at first that Itachi would actually listen to what Naruto thought, something that only Icharaku-san, Ayame-chan, and Ojiisan did for Naruto until now.

Of the games Itachi was willing to play 'hide and seek' was undoubtedly the most fun thing they did to Naruto. Itachi enjoyed it, but to him it was practically training. Finding Naruto was no easy task…ever. And that was before Itachi told Naruto that he could change places once the game started, or run if he was found but not tagged. Itachi severely regretted telling Naruto those aspects of the game. Especially since Itachi had wagered paying for Naruto's ramen for the day if he lost—2 A ranked mission salaries later, Naruto was ready to work up an appetite and bill for dinner.

To his credit Naruto picked up on a lot of Itachi's little quirks. The slight facial expression changes, the way Itachi stood, the way he leaned, and the slight inflections in his voice. Naruto could read Itachi's moods very well, and could tell the difference between when Itachi was very serious about something and the occasional (rare) jokes Itachi spouted, both of which were told with the same tone of voice. It was fortunate since Itachi didn't like to speak too much (and wouldn't have spent the time explaining with words), but he still managed to communicate a lot to Naruto.

To his credit Itachi had gotten used to Naruto's abruptness and moods, and only had mild headaches at the worst, and no pain at all during the best of times. Itachi no longer froze up, when Naruto completely defied every form of logic and protocol that was engraved into most everyone. Itachi had eventually realized that, while Naruto was no genius, he was bright, very bright. Any and everything Itachi would tell Naruto (and most things Itachi didn't "say" but said), he soaked up like a sponge. Manners (aside from ramen) and customs Naruto had become well practiced with since meeting Itachi.

Itachi had explained that since he was around Naruto part of what Naruto did reflected on him. Ever since then Naruto's posture had changed, from the slouchy nervous/ashamed posture, to the upright and proud posture that Naruto (mimicked from Itachi) walked around with at all times now. Also Naruto's voice became more confident (mostly proud), and he would voice his thoughts better and a little more often. Something, again, Itachi have been working with him on.

Prompted by Itachi telling Naruto that Naruto reflected on him, Naruto had learned a lot more reserve. Since he was mostly just copying Itachi's behavior, Naruto started to school his facial expressions, and limit his body language to a few casual movements most of the time. Although, unlike Itachi Naruto's eyes told everything.

Itachi's eyes were carefully guarded and (recently) slightly suspicious of most people. They rarely showed any overt emotion; usually they showed indistinguishable fragments of various emotions. Alternatively, Naruto's eyes were all telling. If Naruto felt sad, angry, scared, worried, alone, or excited, happy, and proud, his eyes displayed for the entire world to see.

Itachi never mentioned this particular difference between them, Itachi liked Naruto this way. Not that Itachi needed Naruto's eyes to figure out how Naruto felt; after being around the boy for several days it was easy to pick up on the little things Naruto did that reflected his mood.

Itachi viewed Naruto's eyes almost as innocence, Naruto wasn't a shinobi…yet, and he shouldn't be dealing with violence, hiding and sneaking around that he had, but despite all of it, Naruto's eyes were still open windows to Naruto's soul. Naruto's eyes, their openness, showed a sense of trust and faith in the world that few people other than children could place in their closest friends, let alone in strangers.

At first, when Itachi realized that, that was the reason why he valued Naruto's open and trusting eyes he felt rather awkward, almost kinda like an old man. Yet when Itachi thought about it, and watched Naruto's eyes change from their open and trusting appearance to the hurt and guarded appearance that Naruto looked at any of villager with, he was glad he noticed it. 'Once Naruto becomes a shinobi he will likely have trust issues with his teammates.' Itachi tried to think up some way to get Naruto to meet kids his age, so that he could learn to trust some people.

A few moments later Itachi criticized himself in good humor, 'Wow, "his age" I'm only 3 years and 3 months older than him.'

Itachi had already thrown out the idea of having Naruto meet his clan's children. Naruto barely accepted that the 'ULTAMATE THUG' wasn't going to attack him. 'When Naruto called Otousan "ULTAMATE THUG-san" to his face…even now my heart skips a beat or two.'

--------------------------------------Flashback------------------------------------

Itachi was leading Naruto through Konoha headed toward the Uchiha sector, "Naruto-kun, I want to show you were I live. My Otousan just gave me my own house to celebrate my becoming a jounin," Itachi said with a hint of pride.

"Otousan? Isn't he the one who sent you to protect me?"

"Yes, he is, and he is also the head of my clan and the police force."

Naruto's eyes constricted, "….The, the ULTAMATE THUG!" Naruto whispered in terror.

"Naruto, what have I told you about manners. My Otousan's name is Uchiha Fugaku," Itachi admonished.

"Hai, Itachi-san…" Naruto said downcast and slightly ashamed.

The two arrived at Itachi's house, in short notice. Itachi had a large house with a kitchen, living room, dining room, dojo, master bedroom, and two guest rooms. Each bedroom had a walk in closet, and its own full sized bathroom. The kitchen was large, and to Naruto's disappointment, not filled up with ramen. To Naruto's surprise, one of every two cabinets Naruto opened was filled to the brim with pocky of a vast variety of flavors. Naruto completely ignored the (normal) foods filling up the rest of the cabinets.

"Itachi-san how come you don't have any ramen? How do you survive?"

"Part of being a shinobi is keeping your body healthy. Eating fruits and vegetables are a key part of that."

"What about ramen and meat?"

"Ramen, since it is a noodle, is good for when you need quick energy. Eating meat is good when you are trying to build up muscles, since the…. 'stuff' in meat helps build muscles," Itachi said trying to keep it simple.

"Then what is this stuff, and why do you have it?"

"That is pocky," Itachi said 'Ambrosia is more like it.' "It happens to be my favorite food to eat." 'If I didn't savor every bite, I would inhale it like you do ramen, Naruto-kun.'

Naruto slowly nodded his head, he could already tell there would be no arguments involving pocky, Itachi got a slightly dreamy/far away look in his eyes the after everything he said. 'It must be like ramen…Itachi-san says that is how I look when I talk about ramen, so…it must be really good.'

"Um, Itachi-san…can I have a stick?"

Itachi glared for a brief second, before his eyes softened. "Sorry about that Naruto-kun…Yes, you may have…" Itachi seemed to be regretting/resistant to say, "a whole box."

Naruto, who was now sure that pocky to Itachi, was like ramen to him…For him to share…that must have felt like giving an entire large bowl at Icharaku's! Naruto started to tear up, and launched himself at Itachi for a hug. Both of them understood why Naruto felt so moved by the act…

Fugaku, who had just walked in to speak with Itachi, had only heard Itachi give Naruto the box, then saw Naruto giving Itachi a crushing hug. Fugaku understood, no accepted Itachi's obsession with pocky, to get Itachi to let go of a single piece was hard enough. In fact Itachi's genin teammates had said that if it came to saving them or Itachi's pocky…they were dead.

How Naruto knew that pocky was sacred to Itachi, Fugaku didn't know. "Ahem…"

Naruto and Itachi looked up, the latter feeling embarrassed, and the former… "AH! Its you! ULTAMATE THUG-san!"

Itachi went pale…very pale, pale like if Orochimaru found the secret to immortality only to find inescapable death staring him in the face.

"Otousan, I extremely sorry about that! Naruto-kun what-"

"IF you're going to call me that boy, it's ULTAMATE THUG-sama to you!" Fugaku said with a dead serious face.

Naruto nodded affirmative, remembering Itachi's brief lessons on san/sama. Itachi almost started choking on the air he was breathing, almost in complete shock that his tousan had allowed Naruto to call him…'such a name.'

Fugaku shortly thereafter broke out in laughter once he looked at Itachi. Itachi's face was passive as always, but very, very pale. His left arm was over his heart, and his right arm was swinging slack since it was used to motion Naruto to be quiet until it just dropped. Itachi's stance was ridged and Itachi's eyes were a maelstrom of confusion, shock, disbelief, and relief.

--------------------------------------Flashback------------------------------------

Itachi cringed a slightly at the memory. Changing his line of thought 'Sadaime-sama says that I will likely have to take on an apprentice or some genins soon. I might be able to convince Sadaime-sama to let me apprentice Sasuke…but that won't be for some years…' Itachi complained to him self.

"What's wrong Itachi?"

"Nothing Naruto. I was just thinking about the duty of a jounin: having to teach younger shinobi."

"Oh, well couldn't you teach me? You and Ojiisan told me that I would be a shinobi and 'a good one at that.'"

"Perhaps I might be able to do so; however you have to go through the academy first. The academy is a four year school, for shinobi-trainees."

Naruto looked to Itachi intently listening.

'Kami-sama! He was never told about the academy?' Itachi took a semi deep breath then said, "The academy is where you learn the basics of being a shinobi. You attend with other children your age. You start off with book learning the first year…then during the fourth year you graduate."

A second later, Naruto flinched. "Eh?" Naruto asked confused. "What about the second and third years…and what do you do during the fourth year?"

"I…….don't know," Itachi said lamely, almost downtrodden.

Naruto's eyes widened. "What happened? How could you forget? You never forget anything!"

Itachi looked a little guilty, "I skipped through everything…I was only in my class for the first week and a half. I demonstrated that I was at least genin level in all skills, knowledge, and tactics, so they promoted me…I never got to see anything of the academy beyond that…"

Naruto's eyes went wide, Itachi couldn't tell exactly how Naruto felt, and Itachi braced himself for what he expected to come.

"That is SO awesome!" Naruto almost yelled. Naruto looked embarrassed from his outburst, but composed himself quickly. Much quieter and far more composed, Naruto continued, "Um, well…that's very co-ahem, good Itachi-san."

Itachi didn't even try to hide the smile on his face. Not the smug little smirk/smile that his clan was (in)famous for, but an actual happy smile. Itachi had been apprehensive that Naruto would say that he was a "freak." Itachi was 11, and he still had his insecurities…and being called a freak was the highest and most pressing of them. That Naruto appreciated and thought him cool because of his skill and being different only made it better to Itachi. "Thank you Naruto-kun."

"But Itachi-san…what are we doing here?"

Itachi belatedly looked around, realizing that he had led Naruto into the forest terrain training field were he practiced his kunai throwing. "We are taking a quiet walk away from the main part of Konoha for now."

Naruto looked up at Itachi seemingly trying to deduct something. "It's ok to get away from the village?"

"No matter what it is, no matter what the reason, people will always need to back away from their normal lives and relax. I relax by enjoying nature, listening to the quiet but constant sounds that come from the forest."

Naruto nodded, then hesitantly asked, "Itachi-san do you want me to go?"

'Where did that come from? Oh, I see.' Itachi shook his head, "No," Itachi said simply, "just like you need to get away from everything, doesn't mean that you physically need to get way from something or someone." Itachi glanced at Naruto to see if he understood everything. "Think of it this way, if you're in your house and running low on ramen, but right now you can't get anymore for a little while, do you want to constantly think of ramen?"

"No," Naruto answered quickly.

"That is what I am talking about. Not that something has to be wrong to cause you to relax, but if you take the time to step away from your normal day and then re-approach it, sometimes your perspective changes a little bit. That might be all you require to figure out a solution to a problem you are facing, or just to take the obstacles that life throws at you in stride."

"When is a good time to relax?"

"Well, at night, after you get home is a good time. During lunch and dinner times are also good. Also when you have free time it's good to relax then also." Itachi hesitated, then said "As I shinobi, you will eventually have missions that will take a few days to some weeks. There is a difference between being unaware and relaxed. You can still be alert, while relaxing, and during missions that is the best way to be usually."

Naruto nodded dedicating everything Itachi said to memory, and likely into practice as soon as possible. "When do I start learning how to become a shinobi like you?"

"Well your birthday is coming up soon, and you'll be eight then, so next summer will be when the academy starts for you."

"When did you start?"

"I started late, at nine years old, since at the time I was with my parents at a diplomatic meeting in Tori no Kuni from late spring until early winter. Instead of putting me in that year, my parents decided to hold me out until next year."

"I thought people started at seven…"

"So you have heard of the academy…"

"I always hear those 'older people' talking about doing shinobi-stuff then…" Naruto clarified.

"Oh," Itachi said surprised. "They likely started the academy during the Second Great Shinobi war. At that time, children started the academy at about five, and the academy was only for two years. Since then, the age was pushed back until seven and became four a year institution. The year when I turned six, they moved the starting age back until eight years old, however it was still optional to enroll children at seven. I was enrolled when I turned seven the next year."

"Why didn't you go during that year then?"

"Although I was enrolled, there was a strict class limit of 30 children per class with three classes at the time. Eight year olds took precedence, and I was left out because of it."

"You said "was" a strict limit" Naruto said accusatively, "there is none now?"

Itachi chuckled softly, as he started walking back toward Konoha, "Quite the opposite Naruto-kun, the restrictions are stricter now then before. They only accept students who turn eight, at latest, two months after the start of the year now. Also there are only two classes of 30 students now, and soon that might be lowered to one."

"Oh!" Naruto said surprised, "….Oi, Itachi-san"

"Yes?"

"Why was the "Great Shinobi War" great? And why did they have two of them?"

Itachi exhaled loudly, Naruto had started the "why" questions again…'Time to head over to Icharaku's ramen. I get the feeling that Naruto would know the academy curriculum by the time he got there at this rate.'


The next day Itachi and Naruto were walking through the Uchiha district, side by side. Itachi had been debating telling Naruto about his mission and the imminent end of it. Being one who disliked surprises and was a meticulous planner Itachi decided to extend the courtesy, which he longed for when he was younger, to Naruto right now. "Naruto-kun, I have 3 days left of my assignment to guard you," Itachi said extremely guardedly. Itachi watched Naruto's reaction, although much less overt than he had anticipated, the shock was still there.

"Itachi-san, are you going to leave me after this…mission is over?"

"Yes, since I will likely be assigned another mission shortly afterwards," Itachi said simply.

Naruto's shoulders slumped slightly, and he eyes lost a lot of their shine. Naruto exhaled and was about to speak until Itachi beat him to it.

"However, as I said when I first met you, I volunteered for this mission because I believe you to be (a) hero (already) material," Itachi said without pause. "Just because this mission will be over soon, does not mean that I do not want to see you again, nor does it mean that I won't see you again either."

"Thank you!" Naruto said quietly, but impassionedly.

"I wanted you to be ready for me not to be here constantly at the end of this week. I always hated it when my sensei would pop missions on us at seemingly random, or announce some form of a test, some seconds before it started."

Naruto nodded listening completely again, having detected another one of Itachi's 'shinobi lessons' in the works.

"I personally dislike surprises; however my sensei made sure that I was able to deal with almost any type of surprise that happens to me." Itachi pause, "His reasoning is something I can appreciate now. As a shinobi, you place your life on the line constantly, the ability to function in changing conditions and situations is critical for your survival. Both for you and your teammates."

Naruto nodded, then asked, "Maybe I can get the same sensei that you had?"

Itachi closed his eyes, and then sighed sadly. "Naruto-kun I want to show you a very special place for all Konoha shinobi." Itachi lead Naruto out of the Uchiha sector, and through the village. "This place is both good and bad. Once your are name is placed here, you should be proud of everything you have done. However you should avoid being placed here for…many years."

"What place would that be?"

Itachi remained quiet for a moment, "When we get there I'll tell you about it. Right now, let me tell you about my sensei: Maeda Nobuhiko. Maeda-sensei was a very wise man, often times looking beyond what most people perceived as the truth and trying to find an objective point of view. This led him to keep his wits about him in most cases when others would panic." Itachi said quietly "Maeda-sensei was 11 years older than me, and showed me the real value behind a calm composure. He explained that it makes the client feel safe, and you appear professional at all times, thus reflecting well both on yourself and Konoha no sato."

Naruto interrupted, "That helps Konoha by word of mouth, bringing more clients, meaning more missions and more money."

"Correct Naruto-kun." Itachi said, secretly glad for the interruption, "Maeda-sensei always strove to show us the value to teamwork, and the value of trust. Often times, the majority of our training was built on developing that trust and allowing everyone to get to know each other. That is not to say that Maeda-sensei didn't focus on our individual strengths and weaknesses and jutsus, but he made sure we all knew to value, and the value of, teamwork."

"Itachi-san, do you think anyone will really ever be teammate for me?"

"Hai Naruto, because only the most stubborn of fools would not be able to accept glaring truths that constantly are right in front of them. Eventually others will see you for the hero you (are) will become" Itachi said evenly. "I'm sure that if you met Maeda-sensei that you two would get along well, for you see, Maeda-sensei is the one who showed me to think with an open mind. To accept that not everything is fair, and desire to change what I can so that it can be fair, and to learn when something is out of my control and I must accept that I can not do anything to change it."

Itachi sighed loudly, "Maeda-sensei also taught me something else very important. In the shinobi rule book, it says that shinobi must forget all emotions as they can cloud up your judgment and make you act irrational. When I first learned of this rule I wondered why they said so, I never understood how much one's emotions could affect a person. Maeda-sensei told me that "A shinobi is a tool to be used for the betterment of its village and country, tools have no gender, no thoughts, no feeling, just a purpose. A ningen is a person who lives, breaths, feels, thinks, decides, and finds a purpose that they choose or accept. Remember to 'look underneath the underneath.'" Itachi smiled sadly, then said "For days I thought about what Maeda-sensei wanted me to figure out. I came up with something that surprised me, but Naruto-kun, tell me what you think it means."

"Um, that only a human could choose to be a shinobi?"

"That is one way to think of it…" Itachi said cryptically. "What I eventually figured out, was two things. 1 All the people who I report to are shinobi, meaning that they all understand the feelings that I have, and they mostly don't begrudge me for having my emotions. But more importantly, is that "Because I am always a ningen before a shinobi, I can choose who and what I will act as. I can choose to be the emotionless shinobi, burying my emotions for a while, and being driven only by my purpose. Then later I can choose to release my emotions, and be a ningen again, that I can care and protect people as I still have my ningensei."

"Ningensei?"

"Hai, the ability to hide something, not always something material or concrete, but anything whether information or an idea, is something that belongs almost exclusively to ningens. Once you become good enough, you can even hide things from yourself. This is both a blessing and a curse, since you are effectively lying to yourself about whatever it is…unless you can manage to always find what you have hidden…you will become a danger to yourself."

Itachi continued, "In this case Maeda-sensei was saying, that as a shinobi you must hiding your ningensei until you can allow yourself to have and use your it again is one part, however the other and most crucial part is always being able to find your ningensei again."

"How is hiding your emotions dangerous to you?"

"It is dangerous because you're hiding them from yourself. The human mind can only take so much, either you will do something that you normally wouldn't do, or you will go insane and few people ever notice either one happening until it is too late. The biggest problem is that it is well within any ningen's ability to hide things constantly, for many ningens this comes as denial…when a truth is presented your mind either rejects it, or accepts it and then hides it away from you automatically."

"Why would it do that?"

"Some have said that it is a self preservation reaction…no one really knows what causes it or what it is, but what is known is that it can be extremely dangerous if you don't take the time to uncover those truths. You may act completely different that what you and your teammate might expect of you." Itachi walked up to a large black stone with carvings in it. "That is what Maeda sensei did for us. On our only mission as a squad of chuunins we were giving an A-ranked mission that turned S-ranked. Our objective was completed, but and S-ranked Iwa-nin attacked us during the mission, and Maeda sensei used a Kinjutsu…"

"Kinjutsu?"

"Hai, a technique forbidden by the Hokage, I didn't hear what Maeda-sensei called it, nor did I see the hand seals he used. But he killed the Iwa-nin, and himself with it. That is why we are hear Naruto-kun. Just to let you know, most kinjutsu do not have such effect on their user, but they are considered too dangerous for them to be unregulated."

"Do you know any?"

"Hai, I know several, though usually the Hokage must personally approve you to learn a kinjutsu. However, Maeda-sensei showed me that emotions can be your most powerful weapon and your most daunting enemy. If Maeda-sensei used pure logic, likely Kor….one or both of my teammates, and myself likely, would have died, for Maeda-sensei to complete the mission." Itachi's face retained his passive appearance, but his voice softened and started to crack, "Yet, not only did Maeda-sensei protect us, he sacrificed his life to kill the Iwa-nin, and allow us to complete the mission."

Naruto hugged Itachi, clearly feeling his regret and anguish at losing such a dear person. Naruto thought 'Would this be what it is like to lose Ojiisan or Icharaku-san or Ayame-chan?'

Itachi inhaled, and steadied his voice, speaking again with the strong solid voice that Naruto was used to, "Carved on this stone, are the heroes who have gone before you and me, Naruto-kun. The only way to get carved is to die for the betterment of the village."

"The sad thing is that, this is the way most shinobi die, much like Maeda-sensei, protecting their village, and those they care for." Itachi sighed, and was quiet for a few moments, "Maeda-sensei said that for a shinobi, and often times a ningen too, the best way to die is defending something or someone precious. Maeda-sensei always said that he was proud to be part of Konoha no Sato, one of the few villages that agreed with him about the future. He said that the future is one of the most important aspects in reality, and villages should do all they can to protect their future."

"What is the future that Maeda-sensei was speaking about?"

"Maeda-sensei was talking about the children, academy students, genins, infants, everyone of them. Konoha has always made sure to protect the children and civilians when under attack, I would like to think that Maeda-sensei was proud of his sacrifice, and proud of us now," Itachi whispered.

Naruto nodded, and hugged Itachi again. Naruto was determined to make Itachi-san proud of him. Not even Icharaku had even shared something painful like that. Naruto could feel Itachi's grief and pain so well that (if Naruto knew what it meant) he would say it was tangible.

Itachi shortly thereafter pulled himself together, and with a great heave of a sigh, motioned for Naruto to follow him again. Naruto let go of Itachi but couldn't stop looking at Itachi was admiration and pride, after learning of the experiences that Itachi had been through.

Naruto wanted to say something, or do something to make Itachi feel better, though he didn't know what to do. Since having been around Itachi, Naruto learned that sometimes just being there, and listening to someone was all they needed and wanted. Naruto hoped that he was doing the right thing by staying quiet, and just listening, since he wanted to help Itachi desperately.

Naruto then got an idea as they were walking away, 'when ever I feel down, I get ramen…so maybe if we got a lot of pocky, then Itachi-san will feel a little better!' Grabbing Itachi's hand and dragging him along, Naruto began searching for the nearest shop that sold pocky that would let him enter.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Since Itachi had his pocky addiction, and he was always around Naruto, Icharaku had decided to start stocking pocky in bulk…Today was the day he had his first pocky sale….It was also the day that Icharaku cried tears of joy for the rest of the day while cooking ramen.

He was completely out of pocky…but he still had every single box in the stand….every one was purchased, emptied, and in the trashcan at this point. That plus, Naruto ordered well over 70 (10 of which Icharaku gave out for free) bowls, as the two just sat in a somber, yet oddly comfortable silence and ate their respective vices.


Utatane walked in his guise's normal path toward his shop in the market street were merchandise was still constantly selling. For nearly the past two weeks "Yoshiro," a Konoha native who left to Tori no Kuni after Kyuubi no Batsu, had been in town. Along his way from Tori no Kuni he 'saw' some strange occurrences in kusa no kuni. He 'reported' such to the gate guards, since the Ame/Konoha valley was rumored to be housing some new group of bandits and to avoid them he went through Kusa instead of completely through Ame no Kuni.

Since Yoshiro's return he had been making plenty of sales. The man had plenty of stories for the locals of the vastly different lifestyle of rural Tori no Kuni. He sold all types of odd trinkets, lockets, charms, and cutlery. Additionally, he sold traditional sprit wards, and demon wards. Due to the location, as Yoshiro explained to one customer, he was very excited that he would be in heavily wooded areas and purchased many different types of traps.

Bear traps, wolf traps, and fox traps. Yoshiro explained that he purchased in haste and didn't ask if a single trap could be used more than once. That aside, even if he caught something in every single trap, he wouldn't be able to get it all back safely without escort. With that in mind Yoshiro found it better to cut his loses and sell the traps to customers at a reduced price. Predictably, fox traps sold the most; inexplicably Yoshiro didn't run out of fox traps, despite running out of wolf and bear traps on the first day (actually Yoshiro did explain it, since a lot more foxes could be taken back since they are much smaller than bears or wolves…inexplicable is not running out after selling 300 the first day).

Yoshiro smiled to himself, both his greed and his thirst for revenge were being sated with this mission. In the scroll that Uchiha-sama gave him were instructions and a lease area for a stall. His given lead was to be a merchant, and plant the idea of attacking animals…particularly foxes (which despite Itachi's influence they still thought of Naruto as both plus a demon). 30 of all the profits from these sales would go to him…'If I ever become crippled, I know my next calling in life!'

Although the traps would be laid all around Konoha mostly by civilians, he noticed a few shinobi picking up a few. Several Inuzuka's got all types of traps, which didn't surprise him as they specialized in hunting and tracking. A few Hyuugas and ……………….'Several' Uchiha's purchased some traps. Exclusively fox traps in many cases. Particularly interesting was when an ANBU with a wolf mask purchased one of each on the first day.

'Fugaku-sama…I do not believe that I understand this…' Chikao thought to himself. 'You assign myself and another to take care of the gaki no Kyuubi, yet then you send Itachi out to guard him. Neither of us will be able to bypass Itachi unless he were to stand down, and the villagers…If Itachi tripped over a stone…they would grind it into dust and boycott the minerals left over…' Chikao continued to think for several moments, 'If what Uchiha-sama said is true, then why have us out here before ANBU starts to shadow the boy…unless Itachi-san is aware of the plan! If that is the case then Itachi is to show that police force and the Uchihas were doing their utmost to protect the gaki. Already Uchiha-sama is making this job easier for us!'

'However, Itachi might not be in on it…or else Itachi would likely be assigned this mission himself.' Chikao smiled in appreciation of Fugaku's plot, finally understanding further layers. 'Itachi-san isn't in on this…In fact, Itachi-san will likely leave the boy just as normal, sometime in the late evening, yet there will still be two to three hours before ANBU is assigned to guard him, and they will almost certainly show up late.' Yoshiro almost laughed out loud once he realized the point, 'Wow even our faux mission fits in line with this. Once we kill the gaki ANBU will be blamed for allowing him to be killed, and it will appear that only the police force was able to secure the safety of the gaki. If we can protect a demon, then it goes to show that all ningens are safe under our care.'

'If either of us were captured, ANBU will look even more foolish since Itachi will have appeared to have repelled and noticed us and passed the exercise, yet ANBU failed at the exact same duty and test…thus resulting in Kyuubi's death. And since the gaki no Kyuubi will be dead its brainwashing will dispel releasing Sadaime-sama and then only ANBU's reputation with the public will suffer, or he will still be affected for some time and thus will cause serious repercussions against them anyway.'

'Either way…once the Kyuubi is dead the police, and myself, will be in such high favor with the council…uncle…Tomorrow is the day that I will make you proud, and you can show your foolish or misguided teammate how much good we did for Konoha!'

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Kenta had an easy but very tiring job to do, requiring only dedication and persistence and repetition. Hundreds of times, per (damn) day. Being good at ninjutsu Kenta had developed a much larger chakra supply than most police force members. The majority, like Utatane Chikao, were taijutsu based…or they used nin and genjutsu only as supplement to their taijutsu. Kenta preferred ninjutsu, and thus found himself in his current mission role. Kenta was Utatane's support, something he was glad for since in most cases he provided the nin and genjutsu support for his cells.

"Yoshiro" would place the "seed" or the idea of killing animals via the traps and tales of heroics, and then Kenta was to use genjutsu to help the ideas take root and grow in the villager's minds.

A simple plan like this was only complicated by the necessity to remain hidden and constantly reuse the same jutsu over and over and over again: Touei Zanshu no jutsu…Kenta was sick of this jutsu. Granted that at first he was worried that a few people might become mentally unstable until he remembered that the chakra flow ebbs when people sleep and would disrupt the genjutsu, now he kinda wanted the people to have the voices and go mad.

Not to mention that he had to maintain, and constantly reapply the only invisibility genjutsu he knew: Karada Inbijiburu no jutsu. It was the last jutsu he wanted to keep using, cause he was suspecting something…a piece of rock, roofing tile…a leaf…anything to come and get caught in the chakra pattern and tear him to pieces. That he had no weapons to defend against ANBU (if the fools found him) since the aforementioned jutsu would massacre him with them, didn't set Kenta at ease.

Sighing to himself Kenta thought, 'If it weren't to kill the Kyuubi once and for all, this would not be worth it!'

Kenta swallowed another soldier pill and began the seals for Touei Zanshu no jutsu. 'I'm sure that I have used this jutsu at least four-hundred times today! How can "Yoshiro" attract that many people daily…constantly?' Kenta bitterly thought, 'Is he doing this purposely? Have I offended him? No, I have never personally met him before, and he probably just doing his part of the mission to the best of his ability…' Kenta prepared to, as he had gotten into calling it, "liberate" (or when feeling mean/angry/pissy/anything not good "Zap") some more people via genjutsu, 'I wanna switch places! This is just waaaaaaaaaaaay too pissy!'

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Chikao partied, knowing that he would soon have to go back to his normal boring life. Being in the police force brought along personal restictions. Not that Fugaku put any on him, not that anyone could with his uncle on Konoha's village council…but the fact was that most women didn't wanna get in trouble with the police. Said aversion for trouble caused many of them to be very shy and extremely proper around him, or bordering on the verge of being curt, while trying to get away from him. Not that there were any other factors or traits that Chikao possessed that most Konoha women didn't like.

Now though, since he didn't have to put up the "Policeman Act," Chikao was determined to enjoy his new found/latent 'charisma' fueled with sake. He was up in his 'meager' living arrangements, with some friends. These particular friends of his all happened to be with the ages of 18 to 18…and their gender ranged from female to fe?male…Chikao didn't really know what particularly attracted him to the specific lady he chose…the sake, the lighting, the sake, kicking down some random gaki in the street, the sake, or picking up random women as he was headed home drunk…but he did.

Chikao was sure that he would have nightmares about what happened for the rest of his life…perhaps he should have taken the hint from the other girls that…'she' wasn't quite the same as the rest. The others seemed almost to exclude 'her.' Unfortunately, in his sake-induced haze, Chikao had exhausted himself with the day's events and settled down early.

Between the two of them this would be the worst night of their lives

Kenta woke up first…after having slept for 5 minuets. He rolled over angrily and cursed the gaki no Kyuubi and went back to sleep. It was 12:01 at night…Kenta woke up 8 times in the next half hour, until he cursed the gaki no Kyuubi again and lashed out, hitting the dresser left in the room. Kenta was unable to get any more sleep for the rest of the night after that as his left hand took up all his attention. Or that is what Kenta would have liked to happen. Sitting alone with nothing to focus on, Kenta's attention wondered over, mundane topics.

Kenta was still wake at 12:53. As it was it was pouring down rain, and due to his' disguise's (non)occupation the apartment he was in was in poor condition at best. At worst it looked like an army mistook it for a feudal lord's castle laid siege to it. 'I wouldn't wish living in this hell hole on my worst enemies!'

If only Kenta knew that he was residing in Uzumaki Naruto's old apartment that he, villagers, and other (non-Uchiha) (Fugaku made Uchihas patrol during last year's festival) police force members participated in reducing to this sorry state. The records of the previous tenant got 'lost (in a fire)' and with the gaki's disappearance most people soon forgot where 'it' used to live.

Rain water was pouring in as though neither ceiling nor roof existed, most of it soaking into the carpet, the rest continuing down the cracks and holes in the floor to the apartment below. Had enough light reached any of the rooms, the rain would appear to be oil or ink. The darkness was pitch black, robbing even the light from the apartment. The color was from all the sediment running down from the roof, and the dark brown and black mold clumps that were constantly exposed to the rain.

The wind was howling through the cracks in the walls, holes in the floor, and the broken windows, causing an almost earsplitting shrieking sound during every gust of wind. The holes in the floor and walls, as well as the crack in the windows allowed the screaming wind to pierce into the bedroom. The rain, which prevented most of the wind from leaving the room, caused the temperature to severely drop and the spray from the rain to continuously soak the entire bedroom, leaving any body in the room to feel wind chill near the freezing mark.

This place was a private hell or a place that Morino Ibiki likely conjured up in one of his nightmares. The wind's screaming carried out, past the rain, of the bedroom into the kitchen and reverberated in the bathroom, seemingly amplifying the suffering of whoever was trapped in this…place.

Not even the walls provided relief for the inhuman squalor that this was; everything was some flat shade of gray. Even the brown of the mold on the walls, which to Kenta's horror was actually dead and decayed mushrooms, the dust made everything else gray no matter what it was. Even when Kenta tried to wipe the dust off, everything was faded and some shade of gray. Everything except the carpet, the wood of the kitchen and bathroom were both so faded that they were indistinguishable from everything else except by its placement.

The bed room was the only relief from the gray, and because of that, it was worse than the passive gray that the rest of the apartment seemed to cultivate. The carpet was black, more precisely…the living thing that grew from the carpet, was black. Mold had over taken every fiber of the carpet, and had become the floor itself, likely testing the already compromised weight limit of the floor, yet securing everything at the same time. Yet even the mold looked beaten and dying. Mushrooms came as close to thriving as anything could here here, none were large or even looked capable of producing spores, yet they were still alive, though even they seemed only to cling to life, drawing in every glance of light and nutrient brought down by the rain.

The moment that even the slightest sliver of a grim hope, for the things here in this apartment might survive came into being, it was filled with the sudden realization that for these things to live…no survive here, they had to decay this place…meaning that just by surviving they were slowly but surely sealing themselves into a slow lingering death. As long as mold and mushrooms survived they would cause this place to decay and slowly destroy them from starvation.

Despite not facing a single threat to his life here, Kenta shivered. He was quite sure that he had never been able to feel death so close to him. Even at time when he was a hostage, or could almost feel that he was to be a scapegoat, death was never this close. It was almost as though a Shinigami was hovering over his shoulder breathing down on his neck and down his arms. As though this place was it's haunt, that the only ones allowed to feel comfortable here are those invited by death, who remain in life. Kenta knew he was not one the aforementioned people.

'I hate myself for being weak! This place means nothing to me! Who cares about old mushrooms and mold? I have a job to do! I've survived this hellish place for almost two weeks now, this isn't new! I can't allow myself to…'

Kenta saw something that made his heart stop. In a brief flash of lightning and during a severe gust of wind, the rain shifted slightly allowing Kenta to see a large gash in the wall that he, much like the rest of the apartment, tried to ignore. However, unlike the other gashes and holes, on the sides of this gash a smooth wall was preserved. Although drenched, the wall was bear of the same grudging life that the rest of the room struggled to keep. The wall was sliced by a Katana, and the sides were burnt.

As the lightning flash ended, Kenta sat up from his mattress—the one left by the previous occupant, and walked over. Kenta tried to see the gash, but with the rain again obscuring the gash Kenta decided to examine it using his hands. Kenta's initial assessment was correct that the cut was a katana, and to further terrify him despite the drenched conditions he could tell that the wall had been burnt to a cinder.

In fact Kenta remembered watching one of the other officers light his katana aflame using a jutsu and dancing around striking everything down in an apartment until he struck this wall and almost burned down the entire building. The gaki no Kyuubi was blamed for it…this hellish place, were the wind's scream seems to rip though every room , basked in loneliness, and cradling death and despair in every corner, almost seemed to be mourning the loss of whatever provided the life that this place once used to not only survive…but thrive.

'That is why this place is so horrid…its like, no this place is alive, and it's dying. Slowly, trying to at least survive until it has nothing more to survive on." Kenta took a shaky breath, "Only a demon could make such a place…and enjoy such a twisted and perverse pleasure as watching others suffer…only a demon could live in such a place! This is what Konoha will become if I fail my mission! I will not let that happen!"

Kenta got up and tried to begin to ready everything he would need to 'carelessly' leave behind as a Kusa nin. His determination was wasted since the night before he had already 'carelessly strewn' stuff about. 'Somehow,' Kenta thought, 'I doubt that anyone will find anything…once they figure out what this place is or was….I could probably leave it all out prearranged with a confession note and no one would still ever know better…'

Kenta now had a chill, which he was not sure whether it came from the wind and rain or the death waiting and lingering in the apartment itself, set out to do something…anything to escape thatthat "place." After this, mission was over he was going to tell Ibiki about that place…that hell on earth…'I may as well start right now, then once this blows over, I'll hand him the letter and just describe that I found this place by some kids mentioning it.'

Packing up his villager's disguise, Kenta left the cursed apartment headed toward Chikao, remembering that he wasn't supposed to be seen, Kenta almost used Karada Inbijijiburu, however he stopped, 'If I used that in this rain either the water current will crush my ribcage and back, or, I'll drown…I'll likely do both…' Kenta looked around the streets, and tried to sense any other shinobis, but couldn't detect any. Deciding that it was safe enough since the rain obscured him and erased his scent, Kenta walked on toward Chikao…determined to get a good night's sleep for once in these past two weeks. And if Chikao or any other called him cowardly, then he could challenge them to sleep in there for 3 nights, and remain in there for 1 hour a day. 'No one could do that…' Kenta thought confidently as he sauntered down the street…at 1:04 in the morning.

Naruto could, and had survived Kenta's "real courage challenge" while he was forced into being a prisoner in his own apartment. The difference was that Naruto would spend 15 or more hours daily hiding, and then the remaining hours would be spent trying to rest, spent in an uneasy sleep, tormented by the fear that another person was about to break in, or had broken in.

Kenta arrived at the 'meager' apartment that Chikao got. Cursing his luck for not being born into a council member's family, then cursing the gaki no Kyuubi for being such a monster as to create such a morbid, sinister…evil, 'place,' Kenta went to a concealed window they had planed to use as an emergency entrance and exit. Climbing in the HOUSE, Kenta walked into the next room to his right, having sensed two sleeping people.

Angry that his partner was enjoy the mission like it was a grand social event they were on, Kenta stormed (yet not quiet as powerful as the one outside) into Chikao's temporary room.

Only to find someone…with dark hair, dark purple hair and golden eyes laying on top of Chikao like they had made love. This person had, very defined legs, long flowing hair, and long yet defined arms to go with there figure. What shocked and scared Kenta was that…that chest!…said person's shoulders were broader than either of the two officers' present, and the 'well defined legs and arms,' were defined by sheer muscle, and the long flowing hair…was everywhere…on the person's head, arms, shoulders, (probably the back) thighs…inner thighs, feet…and from the way the hair spilled over the (scant few) clothes the person was wearing…likely the groin and chest.

Yet it was the chest that caught Kenta…Not even the Taijutsu masters in Konoha had a chest like that…flat as a board…yet probably jutting 8 or 9 cm away from the collar bone…all of it pure muscle.

In short Chikao was stuck in bed…under a manically grinning, muscle bound MAN. For a split second Kenta didn't know what to do, then he thought…'They look like they just made love!'

Vomit spewed forth. For several minuets, verging on 10 minuets later, Kenta regained control of his stomach. Only to look up and see…that MAN's hairy ass waving at him as he (hopefully) shook Chikao awake. Kenta, though, vomited again, having the thought 'That must be what Chikao sees whenever he goes to the public baths…Oh dear Kami-sama! What if he isn't the only one other in the force looking for that? Other men in the forcer often offer to go en mass!'

Kenta woke up in a pool of his own vomit, only seconds after blacking out. The first thing that Kenta thought this time was his undoing this time. 'Kami-sama! My throat hurts!" Kenta opened his eyes to see that man (not even having enough energy to be scared/offened/mortified by him right now) bent over Chikao with his face obsured by his hair…right at Chikao's groin. 'Throat +hurt +me equals throwing up…that…that' Kenta gasped as he heard Chikao give a long moan. Causing the MAN glance at Kenta quickly before returning to…whatever…he was doing with more fervor. Kenta passed out again.

Kenta woke up several hours later, meeting golden eyes framed with a dark complexion. Kenta tried to scream but couldn't as he didn't have any air in his lungs. Inhaling failed to relieve his oxygen deprived lungs from their plight. Until he suddenly felt a strong thrust in his (…….) abdomen, whatever was caught in his throat was dislodged (…….) and Kenta looked down to see it was vomit.

Kenta got a good look at his savior's face, to his gross misfortune, especially at the large…bulbous (fish) lips that graced his face. Kenta nodded in thanks silently, not quiet willing to risk letting the other man know that he was responsible for Kenta almost drowning/choking on his own vomit. Seeing that face scrunch up in rage would probably kill him. Looking at the bed, Kenta breathed a sigh of relief.

Chikao was fully dressed and reeked of sake, meaning that he likely…hopefully, accidentally fell asleep on the person who was carring him once they got to the bed…but that doesn't explain…something's appearance…and dress….and reason for laying on top of Chikao…and grinning.' Well it was obvious that Chikao wasn't dead, as corpses don't go that pale…he likely woke up to…that 'face.'

"Ok I just wanna know what kinda happened ok?" Kenta asked slowly, IT vigorously nodded then launched into IT's life story from before it was born. Kenta interrupted right before IT started, once he realized that it might lead to a (applied) sex-ed class. "Just from last night," Kenta clarified quickly.

IT nodded less vigorously this time. The with a deep and very nasally voice, that grinded on Kenta's nerves even when IT breathed, it started again. "Well, hubby over there—" Chikao started frothing at the mouth while going paler, "was walking down the street with some skanky tiny little things that were clinging on him. I told my self that 'I had to save him from a lack luster night!'" Chikao did a full body twitch and foamed even more.

"Are any of the….'other'…..women still here?"

"Yea, I told those little skanks that I was all he would need, and told them to wait out there…"

Kenta stepped back and looked briefly as said "skanks," doing his best to compose himself as his inner pervert wanted to suddenly pray upon the unconscious ladies in the room. Kenta reeled himself back to the situation at hand. Turing back to IT Kenta motioned for IT to continue.

"Well I told him my nick name and he passed out!"

Kenta cringed, "And this nickname?"

"Fukuhon-Neko Joufu: Kakashi! Hehehe, I anything I see, or a man can describe, I can copy and make my own!" IT said with flourish and a ……'seductive?' wink. "Most of my custom—friends just call me Kakashi."

Kenta went pale and gulped, to him extremely loudly (it was louder than his pounding heart) feeling suddenly very, very uneasy, 'Please, please please please don't let that thing…since I refuse to think that either man or woman, jump on me. Kami-sama if I weren't SO worry about what might happen if I did…I would drop on my knees right now and pray that IT—IT GOES AWAY!' "That is a very 'prestigious' title you have there…That was all I had to ask about…So I'll ask you to leave so that I can question everyone—"

"Well we did have some fun actually, the way I got him to wake up was to pull down his—"….'Kakashi' said.

Kento panicked "Uhm…I can only take one testimonial, I don't wanna have to arrest you for lying while giving a witness account!" 'Kakashi's eyes widened and IT did a quick but low bow…or a bad mockery of one, exposing Chikao to some (well actually a lot of) hairy cheek, before leaving quickly.

Now that the largest threat was gone, Kenta was left fighting off the perverted urges again. 'They're still asleep, and I—I must do my duty…unfortunately' Kenta successfully made it to, revived and woke up Chikao from his self/shock/shame-induced near-death coma after about an hour.

"Did I…do what I might have done…I don't remember anything" Chikao sobbed "…I mean I was really drunk, and—"

"As far as I could gather…" Kenta decided that his partner probably couldn't handle the truth right now, so he said, "the worse that happened was some hugging with IT. But IT is gone now, and there are the other, REAL women…no ladies that you brought. I saved your life, you know that right?"

Chikao smiled his most sincere thanks, not having the words to describe what he felt. Until he looked at the time "Kuso! The time! Kenta, the time!"

Both men almost cried, they had no time to even mess around with the girls, and (as far as they were concerned) pretty girls shouldn't be dealing with demons. Sorrowfully leaving the ladies untouched and left to rouse themselves, the two left out to raise their impromptu militia to kill off the gaki no Kyuubi


Naruto woke up especially early this morning. Naruto whispered to himself "This might be the last day that I get to see Itachi-san for some days…I wanna make the best of it!" Naruto thought to himself, 'I wonder if Itachi-san would let me call him Itachi-niisan? Or would he at least let me call him Oniisan?' Slumping slightly, "No, Itachi-san wouldn't do so…who would want someone else pretending to be family when they already have one, let alone me?"

Despite his depreciating thinking Naruto perked up at the thought of going to see Itachi. Putting on his new clothes that comprised of a dark blue shirt, with dark blue pants, black sandals and no socks, Naruto made his way to the door. He knew that Itachi would be surprised once he saw the clothes.

Naruto had figured that his favorite color was a light red, or a dark orange. As such he always tried to get something with those colors. Naruto never got anything bright or flashy anymore, most of his shirts had dark red, dark blue, were brown, or black. Half of all of his pants had dark green, the rest were split between black, blue, dark brown.

Normally Naruto wore clothes that were designed to be "distinct yet passive," at least that was what Ooka-san said the designs were. The last time that Naruto went to Ooka-san's shop, which was two days ago, he had asked her to look at Itachi's clothes and make him some in the same blue and with a similar design. Naruto had asked for the strange fan symbol to be put on his too but Ooka-san had said something about it looking like he stole from an Uchiha.

Because Itachi was in the store Naruto hadn't put up any fuss about, at the time, since he was trying to keep it a secret. Naruto the placed the pants on the shelf, and asked Ooka-san how much it was. The price surprised Naruto. Ooka-san, who in Naruto's excitement he called Ooka-chan and started furiously apologizing, was the third person in his life to give him a discount, preceded only by Sadaime and Icharaku.

Looking at himself in his bathroom mirror Naruto realized that he looked all mysterious like Itachi did. Perhaps a little smaller, but a blonde haired, red eyed version of Itachi was running around today! Naruto tried doing Itachi's scowl, the one he used on the ANBU that one day. Naruto couldn't figure out what was wrong, he could never quite get that look perfect, he usually got the closest after trying for some hours and getting frustrated, but it still wasn't quite what he was looking for.

Breaking out into a smile, Naruto turned around and ran past his kitchen and into his living room. In his stomach Naruto got this very strange feeling. It felt like there was a slight danger someplace, not that it would harm him anytime soon. In fact it felt like it would be days before he had to worry about whatever was causing his stomach to upset this little bit. Naruto still peeked out the window to see if anyone was out there. Nothing but darkness and rain. It probably was those vegetables that Itachi kept telling him to eat. Naruto walked back into his kitchen and began to prepare his new "Itachi styled breakfast." Naruto knew that Itachi didn't eat this way, but Itachi suggested this, so Naruto was willing to try it.

Naruto finally gave in to Itachi's prodding to eat even a slightly more healthy diet. So as it was every morning Naruto would get up and eat some carrots and broccoli with his morning ramen. However, even if Naruto didn't like the taste of either vegetable he did notice once very good thing about vegetables. They could be eaten raw, so during his three minuet wait for the food of the gods to be ready he could munch on them and not even taste them. Also at this rate he was eating one less instant ramen packet per meal that he did this (which had quickly become all of them). Three extra packets a day, would add up.

Naruto slowly opened the door to his apartment. It was 4:30 in the morning, and a dark gray rain was pouring over Konoha. The rain was so strong that even the older trees with the thickest branches were left bending at odd angles with an occasional branch that would snap off. Since the deepest point of the night the rain had gotten worse. It was almost impossible to see far enough to walk, let alone run for most. Yet Naruto was running through the rain, at his normal speed, with no umbrella, but only the sakkat and dark blue cloak, that Ooka-san had suggested and sold to Naruto during a quick shower that started while he was at her shop one day. For Naruto, the small amount of rain that got through his bamboo sakkat was negligible, as he could see the edge of his nose and there was air to breath.

Naruto thought about using the sewers, but these he wanted to show Itachi these clothes while they were clean, and with the way the sewers were going to flood…nothing down there would be clean for a few days. Naruto decided to take the back alleys until he realized one thing, most people wouldn't be able to recognize him!

Itachi-san had said "A disguise is not always about what you wear, there will be times when you will wear normal civilian clothes and have your guard down, and you can be completely ignored by you enemy. That is because the best disguises require the most effort, the reason is that the best disguise requires that you become your alias, thus allowing you to be that person and continue on undetected. Remember you blend in with your surroundings, simply by your aura, or your manner, yet physically stand out and go unnoticed by your enemy. Being inconspicuous physically is useless if your aura stands out so much that anyone could identify it"

'That means that since people can't see my face, if I act normal like everyone else then they won't know who I am!' So that means I should just walk into the street and walk down just like everyone…I completely forgot that no one else is out here anyway…' Naruto sighed at his oversight, 'I think Itachi-san would agree that it is better to be too cautious than too reckless.' Naruto made his way to Itachi's still new residence.

Itachi came to the door shortly after Naruto arrived on the property. "Itachi-san how did you know that I was coming? Did you sense me?" Naruto asked disbelievingly.

"No Naruto-kun," Itachi said with the slightest upturned corners of his lips, "I simply knew that you would be arriving about this time. This is the reason why teams are important Naruto-kun. I didn't need any from of warning, or signal to know that you would be here shortly. Because I have gotten to know you, and you have gotten to know me, we can make small predictions about each others behavior. With a team, instead of having to send some form of communication, knowing your comrades allows you to function faster and more efficiently since there are small factors that you can count on them to cover for you." Itachi stepped back instantly as a sign of welcome to allow Naruto into the house. Both took off their sandals and remained in silence almost the entire morning. The only sound against the softening sound of rain in the house was the two sipping tea or pouring.

Hours later, after the torrential rains had passed, the two left Itachi's house, and walked around Konoha speaking of only the smallest concerns throughout the most part. Itachi and Naruto eventually made their way to the Hokage's monument. The two climbed side by side up ever step and remained up there for several hours. They watched how the people of Konoha slowly seemed to amble out their homes or apartments to start business for the day… Although it was fairly late in the day Konoha still got up and running. Naruto looked up at the sky, from the looks of the clouds, the rain would be back in the late evening, or closer toward midnight perhaps.

'Perhaps I should just ask Itachi-san. He might be kinda firm, but he isn't mean.' Naruto almost imperceptivity nodded to himself, 'I'll ask him on our way down from the monument.' Naruto looked over at Itachi, who was, like Naruto, wearing a bamboo sakkat with a blue cloak.

The difference was that Itachi's sakkat was decorated with the Uchiha fan, on the bamboo on the edges, as well as Itachi's cloak bore a large fan on back and a small one over the heart on the front.

Naruto jumped over the railing and lay down in the middle of the Yondaime's head. 'It's almost uncanny the connection between the two of them, Yondaime entrusted the village's safety from the greatest of the Biyuu to Naruto-kun. Despite his aversion to the monument, he is always the most relaxed on Yondaime's head."

"Itachi-san, there was something that I wanted to show you." Itachi looked over at Naruto as he removed his cloak. Itachi's eyes widened slightly, as the first thing he noticed were the clothes that Naruto was wearing. The looked like a smaller version of his own clothes, tailored for Naruto.

Naruto didn't know that Itachi had had all of his clothes custom made by Ooka in the first place, designed so that they would distinctly be his. The seams were placed in such a way that allowed weights to be placed in all pieces easily and removed in seconds. Itachi looked over Naruto and smiled broadly, for him. "Naruto, I am honored that you like my clothes so much." Naruto beamed, "But you're missing one thing."

Naruto looked down and started checking everything on him trying to figure out what he didn't have to be just like Itachi. He knew that He couldn't get Ooka-san to make him the green 'jounin' vest for him…but Itachi didn't wear that anyway.

"Heh," Itachi smirked holding back a chuckle. "You have never really had to see them, but," Itachi reached into the pockets of his pants. And removed two long fingerless gloves that extended up to the mid forearm, with dark blue metal plates, along the back, "These are what complete my outfit…So here."

"Itachi-san, but these are yours!"

Well, although I have not yet outgrown them, I already have another pair. Those are the pair that I trained with. The fingers are weighted so that they increase finger strength and speed. You're going to be eight years old soon. And you'll be starting the academy, where you will learn hand seals, to perform nin and genjutsu. These will allow you to become faster and more proficient with them."

"But why give them to me Itachi-san?"

"Don't degrade yourself Naruto-kun. I believe you in, I believe in the hero that you can become (and the one you already are)." Itachi sighed slightly and laid down on top of the fourth's head a not far from Naruto. "To be honest Naruto I feel like I have two otoutos. I remember thinking for the longest time that I would never make friends, that I would always be a "freak" just like they called me."

"Why would they say that about you?" Naruto questioned with an edge to his voice.

"Because they feared me. Some, perhaps many, still do, and the reason was that even without having ever activated my sharingan I have been able to overcome Uchihas who could use the sharingan proficiently." Itachi sighed, "My father has never been anything but proud and strict with me, and my accomplishments. When I activated my sharingan at 10, and mastered it in that same year, I was hailed as a genius among geniuses. I suppose that caused a lot of people to reevaluate me."

"Why?"

"Some people honestly misjudged me, others were still jealous of me, and well most people, didn't know what to think of me. They expected me to be one way, thinking me average, but when I wasn't they way they expected they thought I was strange. Apparently, being "average and strange" is bad, but being a genius allows me to doing things however I desire and not be strange."

Naruto held his breath as he asked, "Oniisan?"

"Yes, Naruto-kun?"

"You said you feel like you have two otoutos, who are they?"

"Well the first otouto would be Sasuke-kun. We get along fairly well, but due to many factors, such as Otousan beginning to train Sasuke, we haven't had nearly as much time together as we used to. And my second otouto, he isn't a blood relation that I know of, but doesn't matter to me…does that strike you as odd?"

"No, Ojiisan is my Ojiisan."

Itachi almost laughed, "Yes, well otouto, I do consider you that second brother to me." Itachi's eyes widened as he suddenly couldn't breathe. Such was the downside of having an otouto who already had such great speed. Itachi was trying to inhale when he was gripped. 'Perhaps I should try to find him a taijutsu style that uses these…'hugs'…coming up under the opponents guard is practically his specialty already. Itachi cringed as he felt Naruto tighten his grip as Naruto sobbed in happiness. 'I don't think he'll ever need strength training if he puts this into everything he does.'

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Hours later and what seemed to be getting awful close to too many hugs (Naruto hadn't hugged Itachi since, but the lingering pain was getting to him. Every time Itachi took a step he could feel that bone crushing sensation all over again). Though in truth it wasn't a pain Itachi really minded when he thought about it. The realization that he, Itachi, the freak, and the genius, could met someone who so willingly trusted him enough to call him his Oniisan, it made Itachi smile. And not that creepy smile either.

Most people, villagers who saw the two, thought that Itachi was smiling to be rid of the demon brat as of today. Something that should not be common knowledge, but was non-the-less. Shinobi, rather shinobi who belonged to clans, also noticed that not only had the gaki adopted similar mannerism to Itachi but now he was actively dressing like him. Though from what they could see (two blue cloaks and two sakkats with clear differences) that could merely be happenchance.

However, Sadaime, having seen the affect that Naruto had on Itachi and Itachi had on Naruto had made a decision. He gather up the shinobi clan heads, and prepared to divulge a lot of sensitive information—information that, thus far, Sadaime had been unwilling to share with anyone. Still allowing the head of the shinobi clans, to know was a calculated risk. While Aburame and Nara could easily be trusted, due to their loyalty to Sadaime's exact letter, Yamanakas were known (within Konoha only fortunately) to have a low sake tolerance, and might let this information slip out. Akimichi would almost always stand by Nara's decisions, and as such before anything was passed from them, Shikaku and Chomaru would be very forward with him about it. Inuzuka could be very brash at times, though loyalty was something that he never had to worry about.

The problems would usually come in with Fugaku and Hiashi…Often times the two were at each other's throat. Right now, the biggest threat was the Hyuuga clan. Because allowing the information to leak would serve no conceivable purpose except to alienate Naruto and Itachi right now, the Uchiha were practically tied hand and foot to holding this information in.

'No, actually there would be one very real reason that the Uchiha's would allow this to leak…' Sadaime sighed. This meeting was scheduled for later in the day, and preparing ways to help control some of the less agreeable clan heads would be trouble enough. At the moment, allowing the civilian council know this information would prove disastrous, considering the way they would handle it. 'I hate having to take such measures against the very people I strive to protect.' Sadaime closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh, feeling his age creep up on him again, 'Yet, it hurts more to know my necessity only proves that Konoha has fallen farther and further from what Shodai-sensei envisioned.'

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Naruto had insisted that he would be alright on his way home, having ignored the growing feeling in his stomach, as he neared the Uchiha district. Naruto had forgotten that everyone knew how he was dressed because was the only person who ever to walked with Itachi. The glares today were unusually bad, but most people were quiet which came as a reprieve to the constant shouts and threats that Naruto usually faced. 'Well not for this time of the year, Naruto thought as he dodged into an alley, thinking that he could escape them that way.

Naruto moved swiftly, until he noticed that the rain had started up again. Few if any villagers would be willing to do anything in the rain, simply because it was far more dangerous to do so, especially in the alleyways, which had slick chemicals coating the surface anyway. This rain reminded Naruto that he was mostly unable to use the sewers to get back to his home. As it stood Naruto would likely have to go back and into some woods and swing around to get to his apartment.

Naruto barely noticed the shinobi who landed on the roof, a Kusa-nin! Naruto turned to run until he felt a clamp and a sharp pain in his left leg. It wasn't the worse pain Naruto had felt, and Naruto only flinched back from it, or tried. The moment that he moved his leg, the trap tore further into his leg, damaging muscles.

Naruto looked down and saw the jaws of a small trap clamping down on his leg, digging into the bone, and muscle. Naruto felt his stomach wrench to the side, and Naruto followed suit. The trap holding he leg ripped through the skin and muscle, and scraping bone the entire way.

Even as Naruto dodged and fell to the side, he could feel the wrenching in his stomach growing stronger. Only for a split second did Naruto see the second and much larger trap just barely hidden underneath the puddle's surface. Naruto twisted to his side barely missing the jaws of the trap, but tearing his ankle and ligaments completely to shreds in his left leg. Then Naruto felt them.

Even with the Kusa-nin behind him and Naruto could feel the villagers starting to descend on him as an angry mob. What brought him the most terror was the small and seemingly benign scraps of paper that were floating down the alley way. Naruto felt as the first note was getting near, lightning stuck illuminating it for a split second, before the Kusa-nin grabbed Naruto by the scalp and drove his kunai into Naruto esophagus, preventing screaming from alerting ANBU. Then he threw Naruto down into the very bear trap that Naruto avoided moments before.

Naruto pushed his hand out to try and stop himself from landing face first in the trap. Naruto watched, seemingly in slow motion as the trap closed around his entire arm. The trap's teeth came far up on Naruto's arm, past the elbow and closer his shoulder. Unlike the other trap this one pierced through and Naruto felt his bone splinter. Naruto's body continued down until it impacted the almost shut jaws of the trap. Naruto fell to the side and landed on his back, the trap flipped to follow, because of his almost severed arm.

Naruto knew he was looking upward, toward the sky, but all he could see was red. His red blood, blood that splattered in his eye from his crushed arm, was all he could see and Naruto couldn't hear anything but the rain. Naruto couldn't feel his entire body, for only a moment, Naruto wondered if he really was sick, and having a nightmare, until the pain came in waves. Naruto could feel ever stone, the bottom of sandals, and knives of the villagers piercing his skin.

'Itachi-niisan! Ojiisan! Icharaku-san!' Naruto couldn't move his lips and his voice wasn't working. Naruto belatedly felt another knife dig into his throat, more pain. Naruto's mind was swimming; the pain was becoming dull until something touched his lower back. Somewhere in his mind, Naruto knew what it was, someplace in his brain was dedicated to just this, he was supposed to know this immediately and then do something. But it wouldn't matter…

The explosive note went off. It was only a concussion note and it scattered the mobbing villagers, while burning off a large portion of Naruto back on his right side. At the same time the note launched Naruto up and onto the roof of a building without killing him.

Naruto crashed against the rough surface of a sloped roof and immediately began to roll down. Naruto slowly was able to feel again, his world stopped swimming and he could think again. The only things that he could feel were a dull to sharp aches and danger. His stomach was throwing a fit; it felt like something he ate was alive and trying to get out.

Naruto felt him self stop rolling and start falling. Naruto's pain had dulled a lot and but his He caught a glimpse of his arm already the muscle was healed and only his skin was overtaking it. Naruto landed on his back and felt another trap sprung ensnaring Naruto's right leg, bringing a fresh and crushing pain. The trap almost completely surrounded his kneecap. Naruto couldn't bend his right leg without causing it to rip out every muscle.

Naruto looked up and saw more villagers, most armed with brooms or rakes, some carried knives, and others carried pitchforks. None of them took the time to circle him, they just rushed forward thrusting whatever they had available. Naruto wished that he could black out.

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Itachi left for his house just like every other day that he had been with Naruto. Granted that Naruto wanted to spend extra time with Itachi, but Naruto had said "If you get another mission, you should be well rested, and if not then we can spend the day together anyway."

Itachi smiled, years ago his father had told him some advice on life, and it came back to Itachi.

--------------------------------------Flashback------------------------------------

Itachi stood opposite his father in their personal practice field.

"Itachi, there are truths in this world that are so fundamental, that most people never see them," Fugaku started. "Take for example the jutsu that I have taught you, this is one of the basic katon jutsu that our clan uses. However, you will notice that shinobi outside of our clan use both this and more complicated katon jutsu."

Itachi nodded, more to himself than to his father.

"Within Konoha, Uchihas provided almost every single katon jutsu, and others have used them. Often times, shinobi will seek to use similar fighting styles to the Uchiha style, learning every katon jutsu they can, and trying to copy our taijutsu. Itachi, why do you think they do?"

"Because it is effective?"

"That is part of it Itachi…The greatest form of flattery is imitation…It shows that they desire to be like us, no matter what they say, or how they say it. In a way it is a symbol of respect, and prestige, that others try to follow us. With our eyes, we can copy others with the greatest of ease…Remember to always respect where you copy from, because they know things that you don't and thus can still be a threat. If someone has shown you one thing, then they may be able to show you another, don't pass up the opportunity to continue to advance your self."

"I understand Otousan."

"You will notice that some people will attempt to copy you. Feel pride when this happens, because it is proof that you are superior and that others seek to be like you."

--------------------------------------Flashback------------------------------------

Itachi knew that Naruto looked up to him, but he never realized how much Naruto did until he saw him dress like him.

Itachi had taken off his clothes just before going to lie down in his bed. Itachi looked out and saw a bolt of lightning strike out in the distance; the accompanying thunder was long, and powerful. Itachi became worried. "Such a thunder sound is not normal. Perhaps it struck a tree, and that was the sound of the tree also?" Itachi thought to himself trying to clear it up in his mind, 'No, that sound was far too close, the lightning was much too far for me to hear the tree explode…but I have never heard what it sounds like…' Itachi became tense, dreading what this train of thought would lead to, "With all the trees around here, lightning is bound to strike some trees around close by, and if I have never hear such an thunder-explosion from the trees before, then it wasn't the trees this time!"

Itachi hurriedly put on his pants, shirt, kunai holder, and cloak. Itachi left his sakkat inside because he didn't see it, and wasn't going to waste time searching for it, as he ran out the door.

Itachi ran out of his house, and was almost completely unable to make out the smoke coming from in the middle of Konoha, but because he did he made that his destination. Itachi leapt onto the roof of the closest house along his way, his hair already matted against his head, from the rain. Itachi was started off, headed toward the plume of smoke, so fast that he was only touching ever fifth roof along his way.

By the time Itachi had leapt over his district's wall the smoke had stopped, the fire likely put out by the rain and pooling rain water. Paying no mind to the lack of smoke, Itachi had already made it a quarter of the way before Itachi could hear screams and shouts about the "Killing Kyuubi" and "gaki no Kyuubi."

Itachi could only pray that Naruto had managed to run away from them, since jounin level speed was only good if you could run. Naruto couldn't jump to rooftops, so the villagers could corner him if they were lucky…or more so if Naruto was unlucky.

Itachi had never hear or seen Naruto being chased, so he didn't know that the shouts would have turned to rage at having lost Naruto by now under normal circumstances, so when Itachi arrived less than a minuet later and found the bloody mess that was Naruto surrounded by villagers he was shocked first.

Then he was pissed, followed, a millisecond later by murderous. Itachi's killing intent poured forth, Itachi neither wanted nor tried to stem it in anyway. Most of the villagers looked up to see Itachi's look of rage on his face.

Only two villagers did not. One wielding a five pronged pitch fork, and the other brandishing a butcher's knife. Both went for last blows to Naruto's supine body, with unreal speed, for a villager, it was…jounin level speed.

Itachi's sharingan flared forth in the same instant that he saw them both attempt their last plunges into Naruto, and as Itachi launched himself to try and stop them. Itachi's sharingan predicted exactly where they would puncture Naruto's body. The butcher's knife would land in Naruto's heart, and the pitchfork in his head—Two prongs in Naruto's neck and three prongs in his head, with the last prong landing right between his eyes.

Itachi launched two kunai at the weapons themselves, at the blade of the knife and the handle of the pitchfork. The villager with butcher knife threw it and blocked the kunai with his own, the other twisted his shoulder over the handle and took the kunai in his own flesh. By then, it was too late.

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For only a brief second Naruto felt a stabbing pain from his heart; then everything went dark. He was once again, completely surrounded by darkness, accept this time he was not alone. Nor was it the same place.

This time Naruto's dark world seemed to have substance, as Naruto could see some type of walls. Shortly he could see more, he was in a place a hall way of sorts, and he was covered in this blackish-blue substance. Naruto pushed himself out of it afraid that he would drown. He stood out of it and immediately felt a little better, it only came up to his knees now.

Naruto looked around, hallway was too concrete of a term, it seemed that Naruto was simply on a platform, with far off walls that were visible, but not connected to the floor he was on. Naruto looked down at the liquid that he stood in; most of it was a dark blue, almost black color. Some of it, a very small amount was either a clear blue or slightly cloudy red.

COME! CAN YOU STILL NOT HEAR ME!

Naruto recoiled at the voice, it lacked any form of tone, pitch, or any other characteristics, yet Naruto could feel urgency, or annoyance and it seemed large and loud. "Who are you?"

What? You can finally hear me? It took you long enough, what is this the fourth time? Nevermind, just come. Naruto could tell that there was shock, and some annoyance, but mostly Naruto noticed that the voice seemed smaller, or at least controlled.

"Where and who are you, and why should I?"

I am below you right now and as to why…because that 'liquid' that you are standing is a representation of yourself. The blue represents your life energies, the waves in it represent your physical energy, and the swirls represent your mental energy.

"What about the rest of it?"

The red I will tell you later, the black, is bodily death, white is mental death, and gray is when the two have completely died and that part of you has left permanently. Now come down to me!

Naruto jumped away from the black liquid, and into some blue energy, instantly feeling even better. Then Naruto asked, "How do I get to you?"

This is your mind, what you think will happen, will happen…

Naruto walked forward, trying to force himself to reach whoever was calling him, Naruto hesitated then stepped off the edge of the platform…only to step in red liquid. Unlike the rest of the red that Naruto had seen previously, this was not partially clear, it was completely opaque. There was no black and only a little blue on this platform, but the walls were coated in a light blue that was more opaque then the rest that Naruto had seen with some thick red streams going through it.

Naruto looked away from the walls and toward where he thought the voice was coming from.

Good, you are almost here, just come closer and we will meet.

Naruto walked further until a large grayed out kanji hung in the air almost completely transparent, it read "First." Naruto walked past it, and in short notice saw a similar kanji that read "Second." Naruto barely noticed it also, and passed another two that read "Third" and "Fourth" respectively. Then Naruto found a large circle of kanji, all glowing black and blue intermixed. There were two blues, one a dark blue that swirled at a furious pace, and the waves so rapid that they almost distorted the kanji they surrounded. The other, lighter, blue swirled together with the black and the waves matched perfectly as though they were only a single color.

The kanji that formed the circle varied from numbers between "fifth" and "ninth," to "body" and "separation." They had no particular order that Naruto could see, but they all had the same make up of colors. Naruto looked back and saw all the other kanji he had passed, close as though he was still next to them. Except he could see one additional kanji, "Mind" was just beyond "First."

You don't see me because you don't know what to look for; I will give you a perception of me.

"What?"

In your mind, usually you can only see what you can perceive, so I will send you a perception of me.

Almost instantly behind the glowing kanji a large fox appeared. A pair of cold red slitted eyes, dead gray-silver coat, and large paws described the fox. And nine tails, four vibrant red-blonde tails and five dead gray tails, waved from behind it.

I can hear your thoughts…No, I am not like the Kyuubi, I am the Kyuubi no Kitsune. The fox's eyes narrowed and its ears flattened then it said, without opening its mouth, No, I was not killed, and I will not kill you like "the rest of them." I am the one who has kept you alive. Every time that you have been killed, whenever you are injured it is my energy that revives and heals you.

"Why do you do that?"

I will not explain it all…right now…but look beneath us.

Naruto looked as instructed and saw a large number of small kanji with different colors than the other kanji. This one was surrounded and shaped by the black, and filling the kanji was the same light blue but also the opaque red. The kanji red "Soul"

I am tied to you…even if these seals allowed me to kill you in here, I would not do such. Our souls are bound together, and from what I can see one of two things will happen whenever you die. One of my tails is released, and the power surges through your body allowing me temporary control, reviving and then healing your body, or two, the both of us die.

"Thank you for keeping me alive." Naruto said timidly.

You surprise me; I would think that you would fear me or hate me. I am most likely the reason that you have been hated and died at all so far. You are just as interesting to meet as you are to watch.

"Wait you said that seals are released every time that I die right? Then I just died! The villager's killed me?"

Yes, you did just die again, though only bodily death again, and I already revived you, though there was only one person to kill, every other living thing around us was dead already. Sadly that human got away from me since I had to come back, though I am surprised, that you haven't died again since I didn't kill that one off also. Hai, I remember what it looked like, it had red eyes, eyes that had a special type of cursed chakra flowing through them, black fur and pale skin.

Naruto looked confused. Suddenly Naruto saw an enraged Itachi impaling three villagers with a pitchfork. "Itachi-niisan!"

The fox shook its head, So that is the human that has occupied your thoughts constantly…regardless, I suppose that it has been good for you.

Naruto looked surprised.

Since that human has entered your thoughts, you life energy has become much stronger, especially the mind's energy, but also the body's energy. The fox paused, and then said, Our time seems to be growing short—your body seems to be waking up, perhaps if you listen hard enough, you will hear me again…

"I have never heard you before," Naruto said surprised.

You always hear me, but this just happens to be the first time you have been able to understand what I have said…Until now, you have continuously referred to me as your 'stomach.' I don't know where I am sealed on you but, from what I can imagine, your body is hearing what I say, and until now your mind has only subconsciously understood it. Since humans perceive knowledge from other parts of your bodies differently than you do sound from your ears, you 'feel' instead of hear what I have said.

Naruto only half way understood it and resolved to speak to Itachi about it, to understand better.

Regardless of what you do outside, you may still be able to hear me, and if you perceive this place again you should be able to come here again, at any time. However, as much fun it is to kill off some humans every now and then, be careful who you tell what. Humans and demons aren't as different in how they behave as humans would have you believe, from what I have seen of these humans, humans simply have a greater tendency to deny or defend their actions when they kill things.

Naruto could feel this place slipping away from him, and asked two things quickly, "How can I return to here and why are there five seals undone if they only release when I die, and I have died four times?"

I would think something like what you humans call 'meditation' would allow you to return here. The first seal to be broken was the seal on my mind, I broke it by my will, almost immediately after I was sealed, I have been unable to do so with the other seals, since they appear to only be breakable from the inside, and I can't reach my power through the seal. I can also feel that my tails will release in a pre-determined order, although they seemingly were sealed randomly…This most recent tail–

Naruto's vision darkened and Naruto could no longer hear what the fox said. Apparently Naruto's time with the fox was through and it was time to wake up.


ningensei – Humanity/human nature

Kyuubi no Batsu – Attack of Kyuubi (Kyuubi's attack)

Kusa/Ame no Kuni – Country of Grass/ Country of Rain

Touei Zanshu no jutsuInner Reflection tech Causes target's subconscious thoughts to become voiced in their mind. Jutsu remains tied to a person's chakra, and sustains itself off of others the victim. It requires a constant chakra flow, meaning it cancels when either some chakra is used, or when the flow ebbs. Chakra flow ebbs when people become unconscious (forced or otherwise), severely injured, or during lack of oxygen. It waxes when adrenalin starts pumping, around wounded areas, people become nervous, or vigorous activity.

Karada Inbijiburu no jutsu Invisible Body (A-Ranked sub-kinjutsu) Causes the body to become completely see through, even the curves of a body are undetectable. Due to the way chakra is circulated through and around the body, any odors/scents the user/target usually would give off become trapped surrounding the user/target. The chakra current is powerful enough that if a kunai was dropped it would (almost instantly) result in a very deep if not fatal wound. Due to chakra currents, the user cannot have any weapons… (Kunai in their holder would certainly prove leathal…Which is why it is considered both a supplementary and offensive jutsu.)

Fukuhon-Neko Joufu : Kakashi literally translates to Copy-cat Lover : Kakashi (it makes sense actually seeing as the …the copy cat will naturally wanna learn every new thing, so he targets men to learn all the…tricks he can) THIS IS NOT THE REAL KAKASHI! I REPEAT THIS IS NOT THE REAL KAKASHI! Joufu also means prostitute… Prostitute can substituted for Lover

(AN: In truth I believe that Guy isn't really obsessive about training, but he is obsessive about survival and his students. To that end Guy viewed training and attitude as key factors of a shinobi's survival. Guy is likely similar Kakashi in the way that he had a traumatic experience that made him what he is today. Likely Guy changed from a lazy and seemingly unmotivated person, like Kakashi is right now, to what he is today (much like Kakashi changed from ridged to lazy). Likely Guy took it upon himself to help other prevent it from happening, until he met Kakashi. Seeing as Kakashi is his antitheses and almost a painful reflection into his past, Guy particularly tried to motivate Kakashi into becoming more responsible, to prevent the same experience from happening. Sadly considering that Guy was trying to change Kakashi back into the ridged responsible person, means that he is too late. After some time both of them mellowed out, Guy relaxing his push for responsibility, and Kakashi showing his dependable side. From there I think that they eventually came to an understanding of each other to a camaraderie/friendship of sorts

Alternatively, Guy could have known Kakashi before such happened, and became so overt to prevent Kakashi from completely falling apart, until it became just normal interaction between the two (thought this doesn't explain why he is the way he is the rest of the time.

About Karada Inbijiburu…..I wasn't able to find any name for invisibility jutsu and I know I saw one used in the Japanese anime with those Aburame-wanna-bes (bee people) from Iwa…so I just made up one. Although the theatrical history of it is kinda bad, it wasn't designed for stealth really. It was designed to use against weapon masters and in torture situations, the fast current is to stop thrown weapons (and use them against their thrower) as well as to slow and misdirect melee weapons, for weapon masters. In torture, items such as leaves, sticks, stones, or sand would be used to slice, puncture, bludgeon, and grate (respectfully) the victim since it was designed for field use in multiple terrain. The invisibility part was mostly for combat use against weapon masters (all those weapons getting continuously flung into a body would be VERY gory), and for hiding corpses of either interrogated (and killed) shinobis, or targets who had been assassinated, and due to the potential for the jutsu to destroy the body it was the perfect choice.

Karada Inbijiburu became useful for spying missions in the desert once it was found to completely simulate the winds, of course the user has to be significantly covered or else the sand will scrape their skin off. Eventually it became used in the forest since (a few)jounins could catch the debris that were caught in the current and it would appear (to trackers) that only a gust of wind swept through in many cases. Since Konoha only uses it for its spying purposes they classify it as genjutsu for its invisibility…and since it can so easily be misused the Hokage directly decides who can learn it, usually it is via ANBU or hunter-nins that learning it is justified.

Sorry for the long wait…I started the chapter and got it about 2/4 days done…then I stopped for a day, then the next day I watched Berserk, beginning to end…………..and the day after that I was still pissed. So I watched He is my Master, which was good (and no it is not a…not really a S&M kinda thing…to both my relief and chagrin). It is responsible for me even being able to put start/finish day three, and at least start the final day. (god this sounds like Majora's Mask +1 day…)…my AN are getting longer….I might just make a forum about this so I don't have to make ANs like these…..5:03...dam you html this is your fault!