Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto or any of its characters

As suggested in a review I will deal with more background in this chapter. I felt in the anime to much of the back story was glossed over. I wanted to explain how things might have happened. Also although Naruto will basically stay the same Sasuke and Sakura's personality will not. Especially Sakura as like a lot of anime's I've seen girls don't get very strong parts. I mean there wasn't a single strong female character in DBZ. I don't know if the Japanese or gender bias or what. I hope I'm wrong. Anyway enjoy.

Sarutobi sat at his desk looking over yet another stack of paperwork. He sure hadn't missed this part of the job when he had retired all those years ago. But his chosen successor passed and he had to take the mantle again. It seemed he just wasn't meant for the peaceful like after all.

Not that there was anything peaceful right now. It had now been a week since the now named 'Uchiha Massacre' had happened. Even after that time the village was still nervous and it was showing everywhere. The citizens no longer went out at night and even in the day they walked in groups. Small talk was at a minimum as everyone rushed to do their jobs and chores and then went straight home. This was not how he wanted things to be. He didn't want his people to be afraid in their own village. But he knew it would take time for them to relax again so he would be patient.

Another of the reports talked about the total body count from that night. Not a man, woman, or child had been spared in the Uchiha district. It seemed Itachi and his partner or partners had been very thorough in their destruction of the clan. The carnage and fires had made it hard to identify all the remains but they were reasonably sure all were accounted for.

Itachi's mother had been found a small ways from the village. He wasn't sure how someone not a ninja could have gotten that far while none of the rest did. Though her fate had been the same and she too had been killed. What had been strange was that the ground was greatly disturbed around the area as if several people had went through that area. His scouts had said perhaps three or four. It was concluded that Itachi and his coconspirators had taken the route of escape and killed her on their way. It made sense but something still bothered Sarutobi. They had been so precise about everything else but left such an obvious trail. Back then he had considered sending a team to follow the trail but ultimately decided against it. The killers had too far of a head start and they had to concentrate on protecting the village from further attacks.

This brought him to his next piece of paperwork. Word of the Uchiha massacre had gotten out rather quickly and there were already stirrings from other villagers. Both rain and cloud had sent condolences and offered any support for Kohanu. Other smaller villages had offered the same but these two warranted further studying. The Leaf was hardly on good terms with the two. They weren't enemies but neither were they friends. He had sent a few select shinobi to check on any suspicious military movements. He knew many would see this event as a weakness in Leaf and might be tempted to exploit it. While it was true their strength had been diminished Sarutobi was confident his village was still one of the strongest. He just hoped he wouldn't have to prove it too soon.

If anything could be considered good news it was that there appeared to be no other attacks through the village. Every home and business had been searched and nothing unusual found. Only a few had protested at the invasion of privacy but they were put aside whether quickly and without harm. Having no other dead bodies was a blessing. A complete count of the village was underway but any missing so far were contributed to being on missions or simply visiting somewhere else for a time. He hoped it stayed that way.

A big exception to that was the missing form of Naruto Uzimaki. He had yet to be found at his apartment or at any of his hiding places. It was not strange for Naruto to go missing perhaps a day. But an entire week was unheard of. The Anbu who were assigned to guard and keep tabs on him had no idea where he had gone. Although Sarutobi hadn't missed how they hadn't seem too distressed about it. He had his doubt's on just how well they actually looked after his charge. But those who saw him as nothing but the nine tails were hard to find. He had done the best he could. Still, that didn't make feel any better about the situation.

There were several scenarios on what might have happen to the boy. The worst case scenario was that he had been taken by Itachi and his people as they left the village. But he chose to believe that unlikely since the killers wouldn't have had time to look for Naruto after the alarms had been sounded. Another scenario was that he had simply ran away. By the way he had been treated Sarutobi could hardly blame the boy.

He only had two friends the Sarutobi knew of. One was himself, and the other Sakura Haruno. He had sent someone to the Haruno house to speak with her to see if she knew anything. The father had said Sakura was sick and had not left the house for days. His representative had asked if she went to the hospital but the father had replied she hadn't liked them since her mother had died in one. On receiving this information Sarutobi reviewed the Haruno file and saw in fact the mother had died from cancer one year ago. That proving to be a dead end Sarutobi had sent out a carrier pigeon three days ago to recall one of his spies back home to help with the search. Hopefully he would arrive soon.

Sarutobi was interrupted from his thoughts at a knock on his door. He turned his head to the paperwork and pushed it aside. Anything that gave him a moment away from it was a blessing.

"Come in." He said.

The door opened and Ibuki the Head of Interrogation and Torture Division walked through the door. He closed it behind him and stood in front of the desk.

"Lord Hokage." He said respectively.

"What news do you have for me?" Sarutobi asked getting right to the point. He knew the man in front of him did not appriate small talk. He always got right down to business. This made him a master at his job but lacking in the social department.

"The three elders you had me interrogate have finished signing their treason papers. I have received all the information they knew. Things related too the Itachi case as well as everything else. A few things in which you will find very interesting Lord Hokage. I only await your word to proceed with their execution in which the charge calls for."

"You have it." The Hokage said without hesitation.

Ibuki nodded his approval and went on to the next section of his report.

"The elders told me of how Itachi reported to them the plans of the Uchiha clan to take over leadership of the Leaf six months ago. Their reasons being that the village had become weak since the nine tail attack. They felt you cautioned on the side of peace and negoation instead of reinforcing out power in armed conflict. As the years went by they felt the Leaf would be destroyed if things continued at the present course. As the strongest clan in Kohanu many within believed they should lead the way and bring us back to the position of strength among the Shinobi nations. Itachi told them not all agreed but most did." Ibuki stated.

"How honorable of them to be so concerned about the village. One might wonder why they didn't bring these concerns to me instead of deciding I and the council had to be forcefully removed and them put into a position of power." Sarutobi commented with some sarcasm.

"I asked this and they stated that Maseo did bring up his concerns but that you ignored him. Itachi commented that his father said you were showing your age and that it was the final straw for him." Ibuki.

"Maseo has always made it clear we should be more aggressive. If it was up to him the Third Ninja War would have never ended without the complete destruction of Iwgnaure. True we had them on the defensive but utter destruction was not warranted. Not to mention we would have sustained far more losses than we did. I tried to explain that to Maseo then but he would hear none of it. He reminded me legends had been created during that war including the Yellow Flash. The conversation could have gone on but the other clan heads agreed with me and an agreement of cease fire was reached." Sarutobi defended.

"You don't have to convince me Lord Hokage, I was there. But it appears Maseo never got over it and that led to this plot. Itachi told the elders it was still in the planning stages until total agreement and a plan of attack were decided on. The Elders told them to continue to spy on his family so enough information could be gathered and then brought to you Lord Hokage. They told him a charge of such magnitude had to have more proof before it could be moved upon. Of course as you know they never did tell you nor did they plan to ever do so." Ibuki continued.

"Did they give a reason for leaving me out of the loop?" The Hokage. Not that mattered but he was curious were there excuse was.

"It seems that they too thought you were out of touch. They wanted a change of leadership too, but not the Uchiha."

The Hokage waited for a moment for Ibuki to continue but he did not. It seemed the Jonin wanted him to ask. That was strange for a man such as this but Sarutobi decided to play along.

"Who?" He asked.

For the first time since Ibuki had given his report he was smiling. Sarutobi grimaced as such an expression did not look right on him.

"Danzo, a prominent member of the council who I believe you are well acquainted with Lord Hokage." Ibuki said keeping the cruel smile.

The Hokage's eyes darken at that name. Yes he knew Danzo very well, the man was pushing very hard for leader of the council and almost had the votes to do so. As Hokage he still held the highest rank had final say on most things. The council leader was a close second had more say on things not dealing with combat. The last council head had died recently in his sleep of old age. He and Danzo had not been friendly. Sarutobi did not want Danzo to take the vacant seat but his vote counted as only two in this situation. He could not over throw the council on this decision.

"Somehow that does not come as a surprise to me. That snake can be quite charming and convincing when he puts his twisted mind to it. Did they supply sufficient evidence about Danzo's involvement in this?"

Now Ibuki lost his smile.

"Unfotunally only verbal communications and nothing written down. Even under extreme pressure they will not speak against him in any court. So if we took him to trial it would the words of dead people we can not prove actually said them. Also no physical evidence to support it. I would suggest we not take that course of action at this time. Although his activities should be looked closer at from now on." Ibuki offered.

"Sound advice, I will look into later. Finish your report Ibuki." Sarutobi said.

"After six months the elders told Itachi he had collected enough evidence. The told him they had brought it to your attention and that you decreed they must be killed. They told him that if such a betrayal were to be made public it would destroy the village. They told him you also said Itachi himself would be given the task of doing it. This was show your confidence in his skills and well as a way to prove his own loyalty to the village. That way there would be no doubt that he had nothing to do with the betrayal. The Elders said Itachi accepted the mission without complaint and said it would be handled tomorrow night. Of course one of them slipped up and got drunk at a bar the next night and told the story. The owner quickly brought it to some passing ninja's attention. And the elder and his two comrades were brought to you. The rest you know Lord Hokage." Ibuki finished.

Sarutobi sat further back in his chair and thought about all he had just heard. Yes he did remember the rest. The three elders had been beside themselves and admitted to the plan almost instantly. He had found it hard to believe at first until explosions had been heard. He had then sent off several squads to the Uchiha district and even went himself. The anbu insisted he take escorts and he didn't have time to argue. Not that it had made any difference. The enemy was long gone and they had been too late. Sarutobi closed his eyes for a moment taking it all in.

Ibuki saw his leader close his eyes but he had not been formally dismissed. So he maintained his position and awaited further orders.

The Hokage finally opened his eyes and looked back to his surbonidate. The man was a true professional. He would stand there and not say a word for days if he had too. Sarutobi was thankful for loyalty even if it bordered on obsession.

"Thank you for your report Ibuki. You may proceed with the executions now. Dismissed." He finally said.

Ibuki bowed and left the room without a word.

Sarutobi opened one of his desk drawers and took out a cigarette. He lighted it with a small jutsu and took a few calming puffs. A bad habit but one he was too old to change now. The paperwork would kill him long before the smokes did.

"That pretty much sums up the situation on what happen. What do you think of the whole thing?" He asked the room removing the cigarette for a minute before putting it back in.

There was silence for a moment until the back wall seem to shiver and a person took its place. He had long spiky white hair and read paint on his face. He had a red and grey outfit as well as a large scroll on his back. On his feet small sandals that didn't seem to fit him.

"How long did you know I was there Sarutobi-sensei?" He asked with a small laugh. The man had walked around the front of the desk and sat in front of the chair that Ibuki had ignored.

"Since Ibuki opened the door when he first came it. He didn't notice the invisibility jutsu but I did. Don't forget I taught you everything you know." He answered.

"True, including the love of Ichu-paradise books. I am currently working on my sixth now. I'll make sure you get an advance copy." The white haired man promised.

Sarutobi cleared his throat and decided to move on to another subject.

"It seems you got my carrier pigeon in record time. I'm sorry to call you back so soon but it was necessary." Sarutobi explained.

"Yes, I heard of the Uchiha Massacre before your message arrived. You know bad news gets out faster then good news. Coincidently I have some information dealing with that as well. But I'll tell you about it afterwards. I trust you called me back more than just to add another defender to the village. The sharks may smell blood in the water but no one is going to attack. They all remember how powerful leaf ninja are from battles in the past. The Uchiha's didn't make this village, no matter if they thought otherwise." The man assured the Hokage.

"That is good to hear Jiraya, but you are correct. That is not the reason I summoned you back. This concerns a duty of yours that you promised to one of your students." The Hokage explained.

The Man known as Jiraya's face become serious now. He knew exactly what his former sensei was referring to.

"Has something happen to Naruto?" He asked without mirth.

"I don't know, that is what I want you to find out." Was the response.

Jiraya got up from his chair and leaned on the desk.

"Explain." He said in tight calmness.

Sarutobi ignored this small form of disrespect and explained the situation. Once he finished Jiraya tuned his back and looked at the door. He said nothing for a long while. Sarutobi could see the way his body kept tensing that he was going through several emotions.

"I'm sorry, I should have done more." Was all the Hokage could think to say. He knew his former student blamed him for Naruto missing and he couldn't disagree. He blamed himself as well.

Jiraya kept silent for a moment longer before his body suddenly relaxed. He then turned back around with a sad smile.

"You have nothing to apologize for sensei. Minato left me in charge as the boys guardian. I should have been around guarding him. You have an entire village to look after, you can't pay all your attention to one boy. If this is anyone's fault it is my own." Jiraya said.

Sarutobi opened his mouth to protest but Jiraya held up his hand.

"It's no point is passing blame from each other. As the boys guardian it is my responsibility to find him and I will do that. You say only you and this girl were his only friends."

"Yes."

"What can you tell me about her?" Jiraya asked sitting back down.

Sarutobi searched through his files until he came to the one dealing with the Haruno's.

"She comes from a small family. I wouldn't even call it a clan. Her name his Sakura Haruno and she is the only child of Rigen and Sara Haruno. Rigen is a merchant while his wife Sara worked in our library. Grandfather was a ninja on the mothers side but not much information on him. Only that he was a distant cousin of the First. By all accounts they weren't close as the relation was very slight."

"Sakura herself helped her mother in the library sometimes and is said to be an intense reader. Said she even sneaked into the ancient archives a few times when no one was looking. Being so young no one considered a big problem since she wouldn't have understood what she found in there. Although she was given an IQ test at age six and scored quite high. Estimations from her teachers was that she would probably be genius level when she reached mid teens. For this reason the teachers told the mother to encourage Sakura to continue to read. The mother agreed with the assessment and Sakura was being groomed to be head librarian one day." Sarutobi stopped for a moment.

"Sounds like a smart career choice. But from what you told me of Naruto they don't sound that compatible. How in the world did these two become friends." Jiraya asked.

Sarutobi looked from his reports and at Jiraya.

"Your right, they are nothing alike. You wouldn't have found any information on how they got together in this file. That information I got from Naruto himself as well as Sakura the few times I met her."

"You met the girl personally?" Jiraya asked surprised.

Sarutobi smiled at this.

"How could I not, all the other kids avoided Naruto like the plague. I had to meet the one who had seen past others resentment and seen the true him. She was exactly as Naruto described her to me. Smart, soft spoken, and kind to people. That is except to people who made fun of her large forehead. This was how the two meant. At age five a group of girls were making fun of Sakura's big forehead and Sakura ran to the swings and the group chased her. Naruto happen to be their at the time and the group of girls screamed at seeing him there and ran away. Sakura continued to the swings and grabbed Naruto thanking him for scaring them away. From there they talked and hung out constantly. They defended each other and were left alone except for a girl name Ino was had been Sakura's friend before. She ignored Naruto but was never mean to him. The two girls broke up over some boy six months ago and since then it had just been her and Naruto." Sarutobi finished.

"Well sounds like they are close. You say this Sakura was sick during the day Naruto left and hadn't seen him right. Well if she better now, I would like to have a word with her anyway." Jiraya stated.

"I'm not sure, but I hope she is. If not she will have to get over her fears of the hospital as it could be something serious.

"Fear of hospitals, why." Jiraya asked.

Sarutobi looked back to the Haruno.

"Sara Haruno got cancer 14 months ago and stayed in the hospital until she died two months afterwards. The girl and father visited almost four days a week. It was during this time that Sakura made friends with the nurses and started learning from them. The last time I spoke to heard she said she wanted to b a medic-nin. Then she would find cures to all the diseases so people like her mother wouldn't die."

Jiraya's face showed confusion now.

"That doesn't seem to be some one who would be scared of hospitals. Quite the opposite in fact. Also I understand being a medic but why a medic-nin? She wants to fight on the battlefield as well?."

A smile came to Sarutobi's face.

"She explained that to me once. She said Naruto was always getting hurt and he told her his plans to become a ninja. She decided she would protect him like he did her so she would become a ninja as well as healing people."

Sarutobi then frowned.

"That's strange, it says here for the past year Sakura has volunteered to work at the hospital on alternate weekends. I don't believe I missed this before. You are right Jiraya, there is no way she is scared of hospitals. Something is defiantly not right here. Perhaps I'll pay a visit to Rigen myself and ask some questions." Sarutobi said with new determination.

"No sensei, you have too much to do here. I'll handle it. Something is defiantly up and it might have something to do with Naruto." Jiraya assured him.

"Very well, but before you go you said you learned a few things that might have to do with the Uchiha massacre."

"Well not the massacre itself, but one of the individuals involved. It seems my old teammate Orichimaru had joined up with another group. I don't know its members yet but they all appear to be missing S class nin. I can only image what there goals are but with bad guys of that high order it can't be anything good." Jiraya began.

The Hokage shook his head at more bad news.

"Yes, I can only image. So you only know there is a group of them. Not an exact number or their goals. Hell what about a name."

"Now that I do have, they cal themselves the Atuski. I also know that they are expecting a new member soon with quite 'Powerful Eyes". It isn't too much of a stretch to think they were talking about Itachi. Not to mention that one or maybe two of the members were gone at the time of the Uchiha massacre. I don't know where there base is but I plan to find out." Jiraya finished up.

"Are you saying they were the true masterminds behind the Uchiha massacre? But to one end, and why not make it public if they want to be known."

"I don't think there ready for the spotlight yet. I'd rather not expose them myself until I have more information on what their permanent plans are." Jiraya cautioned.

"Very well, I will trust your judgment in this. Now go to the Haruno's and get some answers. The longer Naruto is missing the more dangerous it is for him and well as the rest of the shinobi world." Sarutobi told him tossing him the Haruno file.

Jiraya quickly read the address before puffing away. He reappeared at the house and knocked very loudly. He heard grumblings behind the door before somebody finally opened it. He came face to face with a man who hadn't shaved in days and whose eyes wandered back and forth. Jiraya recognized the signs quickly, the man was drunk and had been for some time.

"What you want?" The man asked leaning on the door for support.

"Rigen Haruno, I need to speak to your daughter Sakura Haruno." He told him.

"She sick, come back later." Rigen said before closing the door.

Jiraya grabbed the door before it closed and pushed it back into the man. It hit Rigen in the chest sending the man falling back waving his hands in the air. He sat on the floor looking in no hurry to get up. Jiraya grabbed him by the collar and brought him an inch from his face.

"The only one sick here is you. Tell me which room your daughters in, now." Jiraya told him losing his patience.

Rigen was sober enough to read the threat in his eyes and answered.

"Second door on the right, watch out for the mess." He said before his eyes became glazy again.

Jiraya snorted and threw the man on a near by sofa. The kitchen had dishes pilling up as he walked by. There where also dirty clothing all over the floor. Not to mention a few beer can's and trash that hadn't been taking out in days. This place wasn't fit for pigs, let alone people. He finally reached the door that her father had indicated was hers and opened it

Unlike the rest of the house this room was spotless. There was a desk with writing material on the right. The bed that was made in the middle. A small shelve for a few books and a closet. Not a thing was out of place. It appears the bio of the girl had been accurate.

The only thing out of place was that the bookshelf appeared lopsided. There were empty spaces for books and the remainder hadn't been straighten. Not unusual for most but it was for a girl as neat as this one. There also appeared to be two hangers at the bottom of the closet. Like chlothes had been gathered in a hurry and she hadn't had time to put them back. Few would have noticed these things but he did. The conclusion that he came to was that the girl had left, runaway. Considering her living situation he couldn't blame her. But with the timing it begged the question if she left alone. With all Sarutobi had told him it seemed unlikely.

Minutes later found Jiraya inside the small apartment that had been given to Naruto. Although calling it an apartment was generous at best. It was basically just two rooms. A kitchen/den and a bedroom. While not messy as the majority of the Haruno house was it also wasn't clean. There was a cracked plate on the table and some sour milk inside a glass. Jiraya checked the fringe and only saw the spoiled milk carton, cheese, and some bread.

He closed the fridge and tapped on the front were a few colored drawings. One was a crude picture of Naruto and the Hokage. He could only tell that because the names were above the drawings. Next was him and the Sakura girl in bright pink. Last was Naruto, Sarutobi, and Sakura all standing beside each other. Above that it was titled family. Lastly a small paper was taped on that he saw was a grocery list. But the hand writing was neat unlike the picture and had a femine feel to it. It seemed the Sakura had been here before and tired to remind him to resupply. He was very interested in meeting this girl who seemed to be a real friend to his ward. It also seemed more and more likely that they had left together. He was glad about that because at least she had some smarts. The few test papers he had found in the boys bedroom had shown poor grades.

Well Jiraya had searched both places and still didn't know what direction they had went to. He guessed that the girl was leading the way so he had to think of where an eight year old girl to smart for her own good might go. He decided that she would probably look for supplies so he would look for the closest merchant shop outside of the Leaf village. They had a seven day head start but they were still children. If they were alive and he hoped they were he would find them. He would not let Minato down.