A/N: Hmm, the significant decrease in reviews is slightly worrying, but I reckon it's my fault for not updating fast enough, so hopefully, this one would be able to attract all you guys back. XD

Anyways, the mystery shall slowly unravel itself and hopefully in the end, it'll all make sense. This fic is rated M not only for swearing, or possible sexual scenes, but of certain violence and gore that might appear.

And as I know you guys are 'dying' to know what happens next, and so let's cut all these off and move on. Please enjoy chp 3 of I, Destiny. 3

Disclaimer: I own Keina……and Kiyoko…well not who they represent… --…sigh, so I own nothing in the end……yes, not even Naruto…DX

I, Destiny

Chapter 3: Allies and Enemies

"To think…I am able to attract such attention……" muttered Naruto as he looked around him.

No less than fifty ninjas surrounded him, their expressions filled with fury and rage at the nonchalant attitude they were currently receiving from Naruto. They were all highly respected Jonin from one of the five main shinobi villages, and to think this…this punk had the gall to treat them so lightly.

However, they knew better than to underestimate him too much, he was after all, the Shinku Arashi. Yet, judging from the sweat dripping off his cheeks, the definite sounds of his ragged breathing, the slight fatigue shown in his posture, there was no doubt that after being on the fun for five continuous days, Uzumaki Naruto was exhausted.

The leader of this group narrowed his eyes and wondered what action he should take next. A straight on finish or a slow torturous death? This…this demon was responsible for the lives of many people, all over the world. A renowned shinobi, a fearsome man, yet, one that should have deserved respect.

But no way in hell, was he getting that today. He was going down, right here, right now. And so, without another doubt, he yelled, "Now!"

Jutsu, weapons, projectiles instantly rained down on the Jinchuuriki as he merely stood there, as though ignoring all the dangers that were on a one-way crash course to kill him.

The leader's eyes widened in shock as a gust of wind enveloped Naruto, before blasting out in all directions, rendering the attacks useless. And before he knew it, it was over.

A small voice, much like a whisper mumbled in his ears, the words of goodbye, the sight of Death, has never come so quick before……

"Futon: Shisengan! (Wind Element: Spiraling Finger Bullet)" Chakra formed before them, visible to the naked eye, woven into small spheres on each finger, before blasted off with intense force, striking its opponents right in their vital points.

Instant kill. And amidst the utter silence that followed this feat, to the utmost horrors of these 'assassins', Uzumaki Naruto grinned.


Elsewhere……

It was a quiet day, a cool temperature and a breezy atmosphere, what a wonderful time to be out by the lake, lazing around with a senbon in your mouth?

That is, until a certain blond emerged from the shadows and jumped right into the water, causing quite a huge wave to be formed, resulting in some unwanted splashes.

"Uh huh, nice to see you too Uzumaki."

Naruto didn't reply for a few seconds, intent on washing himself clean before surfacing, "Yo. I knocked on the door for ages, but no one answered, so I thought I would just go in."

The blond leapt out of the lake and landed gracefully on the grass, his eyes closed, "Whew! That felt good. I haven't had a bath in five days."

"……"

"Hey, don't look so annoyed."

"I beg to differ."

"Whatever suits you…"

"So pray tell, why have you decided to 'grace' me with your presence?"

"I ran into some problems."

"That simple?"

"Not really."

"Mind explaining?"

"Probably…"

Naruto formed a half-seal, and with a surge of wind-natured chakra, he was rid of all the extra moisture on his body, "Alright, I'm done."

"I can see that……"

The blond sighed, "Come on Ryosuke, no need to be so cynical now eh?"

Aged twenty-three, he was six feet one in height, about as tall as Naruto, with messed-up azure hair forming random spikes all over his head. He had piercing amber eyes with gray eyebrows lining them, giving him a cool, mature image. The diagonal scar across his left cheek strikes out in his otherwise calm facial features, as though emphasizing the rough side of his nature, and perhaps acts as a souvenir of a battle he shall never forget.

"Keh, easy for you to say. Every time you seek my help, I always get involved in some sort of random danger. Do forgive me for being skeptical to your otherwise insane motives……"

He wore a black undershirt, with an unbuttoned navy-blue jacket over it. A duel belt was fastened to his dark leather pants, and his hands were decorated with fingerless gloves, followed by a black wristband on his right arm. The black shinobi sandals were slightly different from the usual blue ones where they had more elasticity. His costume perfectly emphasized on his personality, somewhat laid back, yet energetic when need be.

"Sarcasm isn't exactly what I want from you." Mumbled Naruto.

"And until you explain why the heck you are in Kiri when you have just assassinated your Godaime Hokage, and most importantly, why you are at my place, that is all you're gonna get from me."

Naruto couldn't help but sigh deeply, "So you do know."

"Indeed."

"Well…is there any need for me to explain?"

Ryosuke rolled his eyes and gave a short grunt, "Don't give me that fake self-pity look, I know it isn't you. What I want to know is……how deeply in trouble are you…and of course, what kind of mess am I getting myself into?"

Naruto frowned slightly, thinking of his current predictions and theories of the possible events that might follow, replied hesitantly, "I can't be certain. All I can give you is the fact that the chances of survival do seem pretty grim at this moment……but once we control the tide of this war, we should be on the winning end, with a slight advantage."

The raven haired nin shook his head in exasperation, "And Akatsuki?"

"Yeah, they're still after me, though……I don't really seem like the priority for them now……"

Ryosuke raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"Lately, there seem to be no news of them. And before I left, the ANBU had clearly told me that they had no leads on them…though they could be lying to me, I am prepared to assume that Akatsuki is on a search once again, but for the lower tailed demons first."

"Well, as long as they don't get in the way for now. So……" He promptly got up from his spot and grinned, "Where to?"

Naruto didn't seem surprised in the least, "Suna. We need to warn Gaara. And of course, reassure him that I am definitely not the 'assassin'."

"More like telling him to threaten the council to shut the fuck up."

Naruto smirked, "I wouldn't be so crude, but yes, that is the ultimate objective."

"Keh, devious as always Uzumaki."

"You aren't one to talk Ukita."

Ryosuke merely shrugged at his remark and began walking towards his hut, "How long till we leave?"

"As soon as possible." Replied Naruto, his face filled with a slight guilt.

The aqua-haired shinobi took no heed of his expression and walked on, "Well then……" He formed a few half seals, before muttering under his breath, "Suiton: Mizu Houdan! (Water Element: Water Cannon Missile)"

The gigantic burst of water blasted the small wooden hut to pieces in seconds, yet lying amidst the wreckage was a three feet long blade made of pure silver. There was a spike at the upper base with a notch, followed by several delicate serrations that lead the back edge of the blade to the spike. The cerulean tint carved into the wave-like features pulsed mildly as Ryosuke held the blade by its handle, which protruded from a golden dragon's mouth made out of steel.

Naruto chuckled as he eyed the Daito (Great Sword), "You're keeping in good shape."

Ryosuke nodded, the pride evident on his face, "Yep, my baby's always ready for battle." He lodged the blade horizontally onto his waist, fastened onto his belt, before turning back to Naruto, "Well then, after you oh high and mighty Arashi."

The current Konoha missing nin rolled his eyes, "You just have to mock my nickname don't you?" With a high leap, he was off.

Ryosuke followed right behind him, smirking all the while, "Hey, you need to loosen up. And my cynicism just might be the thing for you……"

"Thanks…but no thanks."

"Hm…pity."

And before long, they were out of Mizu no Kuni.


With Sakura……

"What is the meaning of this!" roared a very displeased Sannin. She could not believe what the council had just said. It was absolutely infuriating that they could even come up with something that was this despicable.

"So you are saying that we should ally ourselves with Kumo and Iwa in their pursuit of Naruto! What on earth are you thinking!"

"Mind your language Haruno! Do not forget who you're speaking to…"

"I know damn well who I'm speaking to, so you had better shut the fuck up." Her emerald orbs were blazing with fury, unable to comprehend just why this freaking council was even formed in the first place.

Koharu sighed, "Sakura, please, this is for the best…"

"Best? Best for what? For Konoha's prosperity! You bastards chased away Naruto before a thorough investigation could be carried out! And now when I'm almost onto something, you order me to stop my medical duties and join the hunter-nin? Are you going senile!" Her rage was clearly evident, and given her current status in Konoha, and her power, both physically and politically, the council did fear her to a certain extent.

Several of the civilian council members were already on the verge of fainting from the killing intent Sakura was releasing.

The clan leaders remained silent on this matter, for once, not even Hyuga Hiashi agreed with the council on this matter. He had changed a lot since that fateful day, where he was able to explain the truth behind his brother's death, and by seeing Hinata grow confidence and strength slowly, even under his harsh treatment, he slowly began to change his attitude. And the main catalyst for this? One Uzumaki Naruto was responsible.

The frown present on his face clearly showed his dissatisfaction with the council's decisions, yet he is unable to overrule them, seeing how Koharu and Himura were holding most of the political power.

Danzo was the next to rebut her exclamations, "I see no reason for your rage. The Uzumaki was trialed and he himself pleaded guilty. Furthermore, he broke out of jail and crippled countless Konoha shinobi on the way. This is a good opportunity to capture him and gain the favour of two villages that have been at loggerheads with us for quite some time."

Sakura was bristling with anger at this point, "And do you not find it the least bit curious that the Naruto we know would just keep quiet about such a huge event? Everyone knows of his relationship with Tsunade. They're practically mother and son for crying out loud. What motive would he have? What could he possibly gain from this?"

Silence echoed through the room, before a cold indifferent voice spoke up, "Sakura, has it ever crossed you mind that it could have been the Kyuubi that did this?"

She spun around instantly, her eyes narrowing on the speaker that made this outrageous comment. The pink haired kunoichi almost snarled as she saw the Uchiha's arrogant smirk plastered on his face, as though his comment would seal the deal.

Fuck no.

"Oh? Are you insinuating that the seal made by Yondaime, a genius in the art of Fuin jutsu, and subsequently strengthened by Jiraiya-sama, one of the most renowned Seal masters ever to grace Konoha, could possibly break just like that? I suggest you reconsider your comments before spouting nonsense Sasuke."

She was hoping her retort would at least get the ever so prideful Uchiha somewhat embarrassed, yet what she got surprised her, when Sasuke calmly replied in a sickly tone, "I made no such claim. However, has it never occurred to you, Sakura, that Uzumaki is not only the son of the Yondaime, but also the disciple of Jiraiya. Surely, he could break the seal anytime he wanted……"

Outraged cries filled the room as many of the civilian council members instantly started yelling about how the demon should be extinguished immediately. Many of the shinobi council were absolutely appalled at the theory provided by the Uchiha. Did he have no faith in his ex-teammate at all?

Sakura was fighting to keep her anger under control, lest she accidentally murdered a certain bastard seated before her. Her voice was quavering, her fury evident in her expression, the sheer disbelief that Sasuke would actually strike that low……

"And what, may I ask; would he gain from that act?"

Sasuke shrugged nonchalantly, "To gain power of course, how else did he defeat an Akatsuki member with such ease?"

That was it. That was all she could take, without another moment's hesitation, Sakura dashed towards the Uchiha and struck a devastating blow to the spot where he was a second ago, "You scum!"

Said Uchiha eyed her deviously, "Ah, so I was right in my theory eh Sakura? Why else would you get so worked up?" His tactic was to humiliate Naruto right in front of everyone, to the point where Sakura messed up her approach and soon, the decision for Naruto to be assassinated would be final.

Yet, to his slight surprise, Sakura merely glared at him, righteous fury flowing in her chakra as she unconsciously yelled out her next words, "That's all that is to you, isn't it! Power! Power this, power that! I cannot believe that you would fall so low Uchiha. To think that your puny brain cannot even register the fact that one of the elite defeated you in a battle, and that your fucking pride had to make up pathetic excuses to cover your useless skills so that you can maintain your high and mighty status. Well let me tell you something, you can take all your comments and shove them up your ass."

Sakura ignored the furious expression evident on Sasuke's face and went on, "You say that Naruto deliberately broke the seal to fight Itachi? I'm pretty sure that there were no signs of red chakra when Naruto fought Itachi to a standstill last time. The battle ended with Naruto barely defeating Tsukuyomi and hitting Itachi with a Rasenshuriken. Hence, your statements are proved false. Besides, we all know that the only shinobi shameless enough to bow down to a bastard pedophile just for the sake of power was you Uchiha-san."

Sakura then turned and stared an infuriated Sasuke right in the eye, "Well, let me tell you something. Uzumaki Naruto is, and forever will be, a stronger person than you."

A flash of movements later, Sakura appeared back in the middle of the room, her stance relaxed and composed, whereas a snarling Sasuke could be seen bashed into a hole on the wall, "I think you forgot who I am. I, who was your teammate for your genin cell. I, who have the same title as you, a Sannin. I, who is reputed to be the second strongest of the three of us. I, who is immune to your genjutsu. And I, who is capable of crushing every single bone in your body if I wish so. Are we clear Uchiha?"

Sasuke glared at her venomously, "We'll see Sakura, we'll see. You go on protecting your precious demon, and I'll make sure you get kicked out of this village." His cursed seal pulsed and seemed to break free of the suppression seal placed on him by both Naruto and Jiraiya, yet after a while, it grew silent once again.

Sakura challenged his gaze and dismissed his scathing remark, "Bring it."

She then turned back to the council, "I'm sure you know where I'm standing in all this. I warn you, council of Konoha. I am a Sannin, and in no way am I obliged to listen to your pathetic whining and bitching. I don't give a flying fuck about your pride, in fact, I would love to crush them."

She walked towards the door, with her back to them, her voice deathly silent, "I shall now return to my research, and if I find anyone trying to disrupt my investigation, or sabotage the evidence, I will kill him. You can try my threats if you dare, but I would suggest you think otherwise, because for all that you know, I too might just up and leave this village once and for all." Her tone held steel and the power she just demonstrated was proof that she could back up her warnings.

Sakura took one last scathing glance at Uchiha, a quick nod of thanks to the clan heads that stayed silent for her sake, and left the council room. Her steps reverberated through the tension in the atmosphere, as the elders of the council all fidgeted nervously, angry at Sakura's gall to challenge their authority, fearful of Sakura's abilities and importance to the village, and most of all, her strength as a kunoichi.

"Well, I believe there is no point in staying here after all this ruckus. If you will excuse me, I shall take my leave." Inuzuka Tsume stood up and with a definite smirk on her face, she too left the room.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio shared a knowing look, before leaving silently, though the light smiles on their faces showed their thoughts on this matter.

Hyuga Hiashi looked around the council, finally settling his gaze on Koharu and Himura, his displease clearly sent across to them, before he got up and took his leave, followed by Aburame Shibi.

The other clan heads, including the jonin that were asked to join this meeting left too, without any hesitation. It was clear that the council had lost this battle. Himura sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. This was definitely not what he needed. Yet Danzo had laid down predictions that if the matter is not resolved, Konoha could be on the receiving end of multiple attacks. And that would not be a good situation. Not when there isn't any active Hokage within Konoha.

Sasuke gritted his teeth as he clutched his right shoulder, You shall pay Sakura! If it weren't for this stupid seal restricting my power and reflexes, do you even think you can escape my genjutsu! Soon…soon all shall be as they were…and you shall regret humiliating me!

In Iwagakure……

A dark figure sat behind his chair, his posture calm, his expression cold and bitter. The game was making progress, and this time...this time…he will make sure it succeeds. Gone were the times when Iwa would always be recognized as the helpless weak little village. Gone were the days when people of Tsuchi no Kuni have to respect Hi no Kuni.

It was time, to conquer, to fight. The first piece had already been moved, now all he had to do…was wait and collect the spoils.

There is nothing better than to create chaos and confusion amongst your enemies, and watch them drown in self-misery and unneeded panic.

A series of soft knocks was heard on the door.

He tilted his head slightly, a cruel smile slowly emerging on his lips, "Come in…"


With Keina……

She hated this place, the dreaded confrontation that was bound to take place. She hated him, for what he was, for what he did. He thrived on power, he thirsted for power.

Keina took a deep breath, before knocking on the door. She hadn't been back in Iwa for a few weeks now, and as much as she hated to admit it, she had no intention of staying longer than she needed here in her homeland. The entire place reeked of corruption, and no where was safe anymore. The citizens are constantly bullied by the shinobi when they felt like it. Kids forced to become ninjas at a young age, at least two or three years younger than they should. All these resulted from the policies implemented by the Godaime Tsuchikage. That bastard, that scum.

"Come in."

His voice was deadly quiet, almost like a snake hissing its displeasure at the newcomer. She cautiously stepped into the room, closing the door behind her lightly. She bit her lips hard, trying to control the rage that was threatening to erupt within her. The mere sight of that…that monster sitting in that chair……

"And how did the mission go Keina? I assume it was completed rather smoothly?"

"…Hai……" She despised his arrogance, that calm condescending nature of his that seemed to mock anyone that stood before him.

"So why was your arrival delayed?"

Keina's eyes widened, her golden pupils trembling slightly. He knew……

She gulped as those hateful red eyes stared at her emotionlessly, as though looking right through her soul, daring her to tell a lie……daring her to challenge his might……

The Iwa kunoichi turned her head slightly, before replying quietly, "I ran into a Konoha shinobi on the way back. The battle took longer than I expected."

The figure studied her slowly, "And who might that someone be?"

Keina clenched her fists tightly, forcing herself to meet his gaze, "Uzumaki…Naruto…"

"Why did you not kill him?"

"I was unable to."

"Lies, given your abilities and bloodline, you could have taken him by surprise had you wanted to…"

"……"

"So it all comes down to this again doesn't it Keina…You don't want to…hm?"

"I do not know what you're talking about."

"Oh, I'm sure you know perfectly well what I'm talking about. Your lover, your precious demon, your pathetic peace hoper! That vermin! You dare place him before the priority of the mission?"

Keina instantly lashed out, "My mission was completed in the time limit given, without my trace being found out."

"Yet he was able to find you."

"……He is marked as a missing-nin, he does not count."

"Oh, so now you want to argue on technical terms hm? Dear, dear, just as stubborn as her uncle, perhaps a little punishment will cure your insolence?"

Before she could even react, the figure had slammed her into the wall, rock-hard bindings protruded from the ground and tied themselves to her limbs, preventing any chance of escape.

Keina could barely suppress the pain that coursed through her body as the figure drove a kunai into her left arm, "Speak fool! Where is he!"

A twist was administered and the pain increased tenfold. The chocolate haired kunoichi let out a cry of agony as the figure rammed five kunai into her torso, all evading the vital points by a mere milimetre.

"Do not think for a second, that silence can save you. I am not like your uncle Kurisawa. I do not tolerate failures. Now speak! Where is he!" The handles of the kunai were punched on, driving it up to the hilt into Keina's body, eliciting a tortured scream from her.

"I…I don't know…"

"Hm, we'll see how long this takes Keina. Your previous record was five hours…this time……" He formed a few half-seals, ropes made of rocks strangled her throat, tightening by the second.

She struggled against the bindings but to no avail, as the figure took on an almost bored expression, "Well, well, let's begin with the usual. Physical, then mental…and if that's not enough, we could always revert to sexual assaults. It worked pretty well last time……"

Keina let loose a surge of chakra, blasting off the rock at her throat, before gasping for breath, her eyes glaring spitefully at him, "YOU BASTARD! ONE DAY! I WILL TEAR YOU TO BITS!"

He merely smirked and formed a chakra scalpel, "I shall patiently await that day…but now, let's see how you feel to have your muscles sliced up…piece by piece…"


With Naruto……

He quickened his pace once again, a feeling of unease slowly creeping into his mind. Keina? Could it be……

Ryosuke seemed to have caught on to his thoughts, "You sure she's okay? This is the Godaime Tsuchikage we're talking about. Ex-Interrogation master. One rumoured to be even more cruel and merciless than certain S-rank missing-nin."

Naruto gave a deep sigh, "That's one of my main worries; I do not have enough information to at least tell me what is going on in Iwa."

The cerulean-haired Kiri nin had a grim expression on his face, his eyebrows furrowed, "Well, I think at Suna, we should split up. A trip to Iwa might seem necessary if that is the case……"

"My thoughts exactly. I would never…trust Keina with a lowlife that takes pleasure in seeing others suffer…not restricted by any morals where he uses any way possible to totally and completely break down his opponent……"

Ryosuke nodded, "In Iwa, they say the screams in his office reverberate around the whole village, haunting the villagers at night. And more often than not…the victims are of jonin rank or above……"

Just then, a slight rustle of leaves before them got their attention, and using their highly trained reflexes, both dodged the assaulting shuriken rather easily, landing onto the ground.

In an instant, twenty or so Ne members surrounded the two, silently standing there, with their killing intent suppressed to an almost undetectable level. They were definitely skilled assassins. Naruto cussed and glanced towards Ryosuke, whose hand was already resting on his blade.

The aqua haired shinobi merely nudged his head towards their original route, "Go on, I'll take care of the pests."

A definite tensing of stances was felt and the killing intent slowly increased by the second. Naruto chuckled for a bit, before giving a quick nod, "Don't waste too much time."

And as a huge gust of wind picked up around him, he disappeared, all the Ne members could sense was a force so quick none could actually feel its motion as it passed them. Was this the legendary Tenrai Fuujin?

"Oi, oi, where are you guys looking?" Without another word, he charged, daito in his hand, horizontal slices, followed by a series of slashes ending with a swift uppercut made sure that at least two Ne members were down for the count.

He seemed totally relaxed, bored even at the skill level he was facing, "Oh please, surely this isn't the best you can do? Looks like I don't even have to use my full strength against you guys…"

He parried an attack from the left, took a few steps backwards, before clashing head on with at least five kunai, "Ho, so you do have some skill after all."

The Ne commander for this mission was quickly running all the possible shinobi that might fit the description of this current one that they were fighting. His weapon was peculiar and unique, to say the least, and yet…

"Suiton: Teppou Dama! (Water Element: Jade Water Blasts)" To the Ne shinobi's immense surprise, water molecules congregated on his left hand, before forming huge spheres of water, launching themselves at the enemy, four or five shots in a row.

Such manipulation of water jutsu was literally unheard of, even the current Mizukage might not be able to manage such a feat. Unless…the Ne commander's eyes widened, "This guy……no way…RETREAT!"

However, the Kiri nin did not give them that chance, "Too late." The handle of the Daito suddenly elongated as Ryosuke commanded his chakra to release the mechanics within his weapon. A three feet titanium pole now took the place of the tiny handle before, and the whole length of the weapon just increased two fold.

His amber eyes lit up, his smirk widened, "Ah…much better, now…let the fun begin."

His attacks instantly became more deadly, the wave like features on his blade pulsing more and more brightly as Ryosuke channeled more chakra into his attacks, intent on finishing the battle quickly. The Ne commander could do nothing but watch his subordinates get butchered to pieces within the insanely large range of his weapon.

The Kanto (A type of Pole Blade) in his hand……the superb use of water elemental jutsu……that aqua hair……of course! How could he have forgotten!

Kiri no Shinobi Gatana Nana Ninshuu no tensai shounen……

Aranami no shujin……

Ukita Ryosuke……Kiri no Seiten Hayase……

(Protégé of the seven swordsmen of the mist…Wielder of the "Raging Waves", Ukita Ryosuke……Heaven's Torrents of the Mist!)

With Jiraiya……

The battle had dragged on longer than he expected, but his suspicions were once again confirmed. It was indeed another being under the effects of Shoten no jutsu, giving them around thirty percent of Itachi and Kisame's power.

He had defeated them after a ferocious battle and had rescued her from the jail.

Even now, the poor child kept shaking under the blankets, with Jiraiya gently patting her to sleep.

What horrors she must have endured to give her such nightmares!

"It's okay kid, you'll be alright." He hated to see the occasional twitches she showed when Jiraiya tried to reassure her that there was nothing to be feared. She used to be such a happy-go-lucky girl……

Taking a deep sigh, he looked out of the window, thoughts racing past his mind.

So she was not in this base…then where is she? Where could they possibly have hidden her?

I need to contact Naruto as soon as possible. This is getting ridiculous. What could they possibly be planning? Are they trying to destroy the world?

Tsunade……where are you?

Finally finished it! Whew! Right on! Now, many might think the way I portray Uchiha to be too weak, but I did explain it before, and later on, the entire plot would continue revealing itself, so no worries.

The torture bit, hmm, needs work, I know, but you get what I'm trying to put across. It seems unusual, I know, but bear with me, it'll be explained later on.

Well then, please comment and review! I want to know what you guys think about it! XD