AN: Sorry this took awhile. My computer died, and with it... well, I'm sure you can imagine! New one arrived recently. Did not want to shell out a thousand bucks in addition to Christmas shopping, but I guess that's life sometimes! I wrote this today over the course of 3 hours straight. I hope you enjoy it, please bring to my attention anything that might need editing.

Konohagakure was covered by a thin veil of fog that dampened the beauty of the sunrise. The gate guards watched their breath as the chilled air nipped at unprotected extremeties, the ninja unable to deny the change of season. The new sun then broke through the wisps of moisture and bounced off the Hokage monument, bringing to light ghosts of the past and stirring the memories of the Sandaime, who observed the village from his tower. Konoha had always been unique amongst the hidden villages; it championed a cause of peace and justice, the words of the former Hokages testifying to this fact, but as its leaders and teachers gave flowery speeches in the classrooms and public arena, the roots of the village were sucking every last nutrient from the surrounding soil. A mighty tree glows as a beacon of hope and peace to an external observer while the same leaves, those reflecting the sunlight with such beauty, cast shadows on the forest floor below.

Danzo surveyed the scene before him briefly before once again turning his eyes to the satchel in his hand. The man before him was nothing more than disease personified, and far less interesting than the wads of cash he had so recently been parted with. Quite a few of ROOT's national accounts, the majority of which belonged to deceased civilians and ninja, had been shut down by the Fire Country Central Bank over the past few months. His organization, as a result, had begun to face liquidity problems and been forced to delay several expensive operations while waiting for international assets to be physically transferred into the city. His musing were cut short by the stuttering speech of the man he was currently meeting with.

"Th-that's your c-cut for this past month, Oak-sama." This person was different than the usual employees Danzo was afflicted with. Not dressed in rags that hid the scars of needles from the outside world but the finery of a professional, this one was clearly closer to the top than the previous messengers. Of course, the elder thought to himself, a bag cannot mask the stench of garbage, no matter how finely made.

Sighing to himself, Danzo responded curtly, "I don't believe we were discussing that aspect of our relationship. Don't waste my time." In a hurry to expedite the process, ROOT's leader activated the hypnotic powers of Shishui's Sharingan. "I'm going to ask you one more time. Why have your people began selling to Konoha's ninja?"

His stuttering erased by the trance-like state he had entered, the shipping company's second in command responded, "Yusuke-sama's instructions."

Danzo felt no surprise at this revelation. If he had not suspected such a thing, he would not have asked. The confirmation, however, was enough to support the future actions he would have to take. "We had a simple arrangement. My ninja would ensure your product arrived safely both in Konoha and the Nation of Fire as a whole. In return we asked nothing more than a percentage of sales and a no-sell policy to ninja." The man before him once again began to shake, well aware of what such a betrayal might mean for his future. "Fortunately for you, Gato-san, I'll need somebody with knowledge of your operation to replace Yusuke. Make sure this doesn't happen again, and we'll have no problems. I think this might be the start of a great relationship."

Gato stopped his shivering upon the realization that his life was not in any danger. A grim smile crept onto his face, and he adjusted his glasses before responding, "I feel the same way. There is one thing, however..."

Danzo's face took on a stern expression, his limited knowledge of the trash before him making him well aware of the request that would be forthcoming. "And what, may I ask, would that be?"

Gato swallowed as chills slowly scaled his spine. "I felt you should be informed of the reasons that Yusuke-sam-Yusuke took his actions. A percentage of sales makes it very difficult for our organization to turn a profit. We acquire our product for about 80% of its retail cost, and I'm sure you can see why..." Gato trailed off as the elder's expression intensified.

"You are a resourceful individual. If you wish to make money in this country, you will find a way to uphold our bargain. Do not make the error of assuming your obligations are mine as well." Turning on his heel as he signaled his agents to escort the new crime boss out of the compound, he allowed himself to strike a little more intimidation into his new "partner." "This meeting is finished. As I'm sure you're now aware, I have some restructuring to expedite. If you're fortunate, we won't be in touch." Nodding to Torune, one of his most trusted ninja, Danzo watched as the Aburame vanished, already knowing his mission.

'The sacrifices I make for this country.'

(x)

Naruto cursed as another one of his kunai completely missed the target. His competition with Sasuke, not that the other boy was aware of it, was not going well. Of the ten he had been forced to throw for the day's evaluation, only seven had made their way onto the training dummy. Only one of those had managed to hit anything that could be considered vital.

"Motherfucker! Sensei, there's something wrong with these fucking kunai!" The boy's shouting only raised the ire of his teacher.

"Naruto! You're staying after class! Those are not words we use in the academy!" Iruka's head seemed to swell as he responded in kind to his student's complaints. "Not to mention," he began in a quieter voice, "none of the other students seemed to have a problem." The class, which was gathered outside for the exercise, laughed as Naruto's scowl intensified.

Morphing his expression into a smile, Naruto changed tactics. "Ehehe, well, you see sensei, I was practicing for a mission!"

A skeptical look wormed its way onto Iruka's face, his previous anger forgotten. "For missions?"

Naruto nodded vigorously, wholeheartedly believing his excuse would be rewarded with a good grade. "Hell yea! You think some ninja is just going to fucking stand there while I throw kunai at him! I was aiming how I would expect him to move! That's why so many of mine missed."

Iruka went silent for a few seconds, ignoring Sasuke's truthful comment that Naruto would have received a lower grade if that was the exercise's intent and the snickers that followed. The orange-clad student glared at the Uchiha, and was about to pick a fight when Iruka shouted again. "IDIOT! You actually think I would buy that excuse!" Naruto had the good sense to look embarrassed. "And if you swear one more time you're staying after class for the rest of the week!"

The boy "hmph'd" and stomped over to a swing, plopping down in it, caring little about missing the performances of his classmates. He sighed as he dropped the facade and took in the beauty of the schoolyard. The morning mist had lifted and bright rays of sunlight now flooded on to the grass. 'Stupid sun got in my eyes. That's all it was...' Not even believing his own excuse, the boy began to swing, observing the rest of the class from the shadows beneath the tree. Shikamaru, who had fallen asleep while awaiting his turn, was the new victim of Iruka's anger. Naruto chuckled to himself, 'at least I'm not the only one Iruka-sensei doesn't like.' The past few years had been difficult for the boy. His prankster nature had caused a lot of the staff to dislike him, and, as a result, the quality of his instruction, as well as his grades, had dropped significantly. Not only that, but as he grew older his arm caused him more and more pain upon use of chakra. Twice now he had failed the practice graduation exams, unable to make a single bushin upon the flare of pain that accompanied chakra molding.

However, even though most of his days were devoted to garnering attention from the local populace and outrunning chuunin after his pranks, there were moments during which he could be truly happy. The most prominent of these were the walks he would take to and from school with Kurenai and Hinata. The jonin had truly become a big sister to him, the nickname he had given her upon their meeting apparently being prophetic. He had grown close to Hinata as well, and the girl no longer stuttered when he spoke to her. Well, as long as he didn't touch her. He hoped that they would be placed on the same team after graduation. 'Well, if I can manage to graduate,' the boy bitterly thought to himself. Caught up in his thoughts, he didn't notice the approaching instructor until the man opened his mouth.

"Ah, Naruto-kun. I was looking for you!"

The blonde jumped out of his skin, falling off the swing in an undignified heap. "Mizuki-sensei! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

The white-haired man smiled, "You're training to be a ninja, Naruto-kun. You shouldn't let people sneak up on you in the first place." Smirking at the affronted expression the boy adopted, Mizuki continued, "Anyways, I heard you didn't do so well on the test today. Didn't you try the tips I gave you?"

Naruto's voice took on an annoyed tone as he responded to the instructor, "Your tips must not be very good because I completely failed."

Taking great effort to conceal the glee he felt at the aspiring ninja's naivety, Mizuki managed to feign frustration at Naruto. "Naruto, perhaps you should take some responsibility for your failures. If you spent less time causing trouble for the village and more time practicing the tips that I gave you, perhaps you wouldn't fair so poorly? What's the point of my helping you if you don't try to learn?"

The orange boy climbed back onto the swing, his go-to location when he was unhappy. Mizuki was one of the few people Naruto considered important. The man would always offer advice when Naruto was struggling with a technique or had done poorly on an exam. This special status made the boy unable to evaluate the teacher's actions with a critical mind. "I practice as much as I can! I have a B in taijutsu because of your help," Naruto failed to notice the vein that pulsed upon Mizuki's forehead in response to his success, "but nobody will sell me any kunai and the academy doesn't let us take them home!"

Calming himself, the instructor pretended to be concerned about Naruto's plight. "And you think you can become Hokage? You need to think, Naruto! If nobody will sell you tools to practice with, you should get them on your own. What do you think would be a good way to find some on your own?"

"How the hell should I know? It's not like anybody would want the defective crap the stores throw away, and Ninja don't just leave kunai lying..." The boy's rant ended and his eyes brightened as he realized what he had to do. "The training areas! I bet that would be a great place to find some! You're the best Mizuki-sensei!"

The man in question couldn't help but grin at the boy's trust. As long as he made sure Naruto failed the next exam, his plan would go off without a hitch. If there was one thing the brat was good at, it was sneaking around unnoticed. "Just trying to help Naruto. It looks like the class is heading back in, you don't want to be late do you? Can't beat Sasuke without going to school!"

Naruto didn't even say goodbye as he raced off to the classroom. 'No fucking way am I losing to that bastard!'

(x)

Kurenai tuned Naruto out as he continued to talk about Mizuki. She was glad that someone was helping the boy. The beautiful woman often worried about his treatment, the looks he received on their walks, though muffled by her presence, making the village's impression of the boy painfully obvious. She couldn't help but grow attached to the bratty kid; he just had such an upbeat personality and an optimistic view of life. She hoped that didn't change when he undoubtedly failed to graduate come Spring. If it there weren't the strict rules about ninja teaching civilians, Kurenai would have helped him herself. Dust kicked up behind the duo as they walked through the city; it had been a dry year, and there had yet to be rain this winter. The fading sunlight set the shops ablaze and the bustle of the civilian population spoke to Konoha's economic superiority. Walking past Naruto's favorite ramen shop, she instinctually glanced at the boy and his now pleading eyes.

"Naruto, do you want me to treat you to some ramen?"

The boy began to bounce up and down, eagerly nodding his head in lieu of speech, knowing that his voice might betray his excitement. Not that his current behavior was doing a good job of keeping the secret. He quickly changed course for the ramen stand, but quickly halted upon his adopted sister's voice.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Na-ru-to-kun." Naruto gulped at the mirthfully evil expression the woman adopted. "I had to make two trips to the academy today because of you. Don't you realize that your misbehavior affects people besides yourself? I doubt Iruka wants to work late, and Hinata was quite upset that you didn't get to walk home with her today."

The boy took on a sorrowful expression. "I'm sorry, onee-chan. I don't mean to get in trouble, and I like walking with Hinata too, but Iruka-sensei just has it out for me!" His face quickly made his outrage clear. " I have to stay after the rest of the week because I did badly on the test today!"

Kurenai's eye adopted a tick as she heard Naruto's attempt to bullshit her. "Naruto Uzumaki." The boy once again gulped, his hand moving behind his head as he adopted his trademarked position of nervousness. "I know exactly why you had to stay after today, and for the rest of the week. If I ever hear you use those words you'll never eat ramen again."

The blonde adopted a look of utter terror at this statement. Life simply would not be worth living without his favorite food! "I don't even remember those words anymore! I promise you'll never hear me say them! Please believe me!"

Kurenai grinned good-naturedly at how easy the boy was to manipulate, and began to initiate her original plan. "Well, I have a little motivation for you, to make sure that you behave in school. How would you like it if I bought you ramen every Friday?" The question really did not need to be asked. Regardless, the dazed look and river of drool on the academy student's face answered it. "Well, since you clearly like the idea so much, I'll gladly do it. On one condition." She tried to look stern but found it quite difficult due to the comical nature of the scene in front of her.

"I'll do anything onee-chan! Just buy me ramen!" Naruto drew the attention of everyone in the area with his shout, accompanied by raising his fist and jumping in the air.

"I'll only buy it for you if you haven't stayed after a single day that week. Do you think you can do that?", she asked slyly.

Fire burned in sapphire eyes as Naruto vowed he would never get in trouble again. "I promise! And I don't go back on my word, that's my ninja way! I won't stay a single day until I'm a genin!"

Kurenai's face lit up in a brilliant smile, "Great! Hinata will be very happy to hear that. And you just might find out how much Iruka cares about you when you stop causing him so many problems."

Naruto pouted. Big sisters could be really annoying. But one thing was for certain - he had a new goal for himself, and he wouldn't fail no matter what!

He didn't miss single Friday of ramen for the rest of the schoolyear.

(x)

Naruto jumped through the forest, rapidly arriving at his destination and unloading his burden. This was a mission that he couldn't fail. The moon did little to light up the decaying leaves on the ground, or the scroll that the boy was rapidly searching through, praying to find a technique that he would be capable of learning. His eyes were alight with a beautiful determination, glowing in the night like those of an animal. He calmed down as he decided on a technique: the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Too focused to notice the irony in his choice, he threw his heart and soul into training. He had no choice; if he failed to succeed, he would lose his dream of being a ninja.

The graduation exam had been today. Despite Naruto's best attempts at behaving himself, paying attention in class, and practicing the material, he had been unable to form even a single bushin. As usually happened when he molded chakra, the instant he began to focus it for the technique a violent pain lit up his entire arm. It felt like thousands of tiny worms were crawling through his skin. Iruka, who had developed a stronger relationship with the now behaving student, was saddened by his lack of options. He had no choice but to fail the boy. Mizuki had attempted to argue that Naruto be passed - after all, his grades had steadily improved over the past few months and the boy was clearly in pain - but Iruka, always one to stick to the rules, had denied him. A ninja that was unable to perform such a basic technique would be a danger not only to himself, but to his comrades as well.

Naruto had understood Iruka's decision. There was no reason to get upset or throw a fit when he had clearly failed the basic requirements of the test. He had just nodded and slowly trudged out the door, making his way to the schoolyard's swing. He had been elated to learn after class that there was another method for passing the graduation exam. Mizuki, always looking out for Naruto, had explained that Iruka cared about the boy as well as the mission the blonde would have to accomplish in order to earn a forehead protector. It was for this reason that the future Hokage was now in the clearing, the Forbidden Scroll of Sealing successfully stolen from the Sandaime's office. It was for this reason that his frustration was rapidly building at his inability to complete the technique, his arm, what he once considered to be the miracle that would grant him access to the ninja ranks, was now responsible for his failure to do so.

But he wouldn't give up. Naruto Uzumaki was a ninja of guts, and nothing would stand between him and his goals.

(x)

Iruka was racing through the woods, almost certain of where Naruto would be heading. He had grown to care deeply for his student, and was shocked that the boy would commit such a crime after demonstrating perfect behavior for the last half of the school year. 'But then again,' he mused, 'such a disappointment would change anyone's behavior. He lost his dream.' His thoughts were brought to a halt as he heard the angered shouting of his blonde student. With one last leap, he landed in the clearing, taking in the haggard sight of the preteen. Naruto was covered in sweat and seemed to be barely standing. The Forbidden Scroll was open toward the edge of the clearing, making it quite clear that there was no mistake: Naruto had committed a capital offense and betrayed the village.

Surprisingly, Naruto noticed Iruka before the man had a chance to speak. "Iruka-sensei! Please, I just need a little more time! I'm so close to learning the technique, but my arm keeps messing me up! ... I really want to become a ninja and graduate."

Iruka was confused. "Naruto, what are you talking about? The graduation test was earlier today. You'll have to try again next year."

"Don't lie to me! Mizuki-sensei told me about the extra test I could take. He told me about this scroll and that if I learn a technique from it I'll be able to graduate anyways!"

Realization dawned on Iruka the same moment that kunai and shuriken were whizzing threw the air towards him and Naruto. He quickly leapt into action, grabbing the blonde and racing out of the way before spinning around to confront their attacker.

Mizuki stood on a tree branch, a foul expression on his face. "I guess you knew him better after all, Iruka. I can't believe you found him before I did!"

Iruka glared at his former friend and coworker, unable to believe that the kind man had tricked an academy student into such an act. "What is the meaning of this? I would have never expected you capable of such a thing. I can't believe you would betray the village like this!"

Naruto was looking on in confusion, wondering why Mizuki had tried to attack Iruka and why the kindly man hadn't known about the bonus graduation test.

Mizuki quickly realized that things were not going his way. If Naruto was swayed to Iruka's side, his entire plan would become infinitely more difficult. "Naruto, don't be confused by Iruka. He's right, I am betraying the village. There's a law that says nobody is allowed to help you or allow you to graduate. Haven't you noticed how the villagers look at you? How everyone treats you? Don't you know why?"

Fear and uncertainty began to swallow the boy. Could this possibly be true? Could the village hate him so much that nobody was even allowed to be nice to him? He couldn't help but ask his teacher for the answer. "Mizuki-sensei... what are you talking about? What do you know that I don't!"

Mizuki grinned, happy that the boy had fallen right into his trap. "You see, Naruto... the village, the ninja, everyone doesn't like you because you are the Kyuubi. You are the nine-tailed demon that attacked Konoha twelve years ago!" At the shocked and hopeless expression on the frozen blonde's face, Mizuki knew that he had won. He quickly reached for the large shuriken on his back and threw it at the child. 'Good riddance.' He was shocked, but happy his job became less difficult, to see Iruka jump in front of Naruto and take the weapon to the back.

Iruka, in clear pain, grunted to Naruto, "Don't listen to him, Naruto. You're not the fox. You're Naruto Uzumaki, future Hokage and citizen of Konoha! Mizuki tricked you into stealing the scroll so he could betray the village. Take it and run!"

Naruto could do nothing else but listen to his sensei. He grabbed the scroll and raced out of the clearing, only to stop behind a tree when he heard the two men continue the conversation.

Mizuki was annoyed at the man he had once thought of as a friend. "How could you take that demon's side? He killed your parents! He killed hundreds of ninja and civilians! He's the reason the Yondaime is dead!"

"You're right." Naruto felt his heart drop into his stomach. Iruka had been lying after all. Tears began to fall down his face, but he didn't miss his sensei's continuation. "Naruto would be all of those things, if he were the Fox. But he's not. He's a person just like you and me and has protected the village by keeping the Kyuubi imprisoned!"

Iruka pulled the shuriken out of his back and flung it at Mizuki, only to wince at the influence his injury had on his aim. The traitor had easily dodged the attack.

"You know, Iruka, I hadn't planned on killing you tonight. It was just supposed to be Naruto. But I have no problem killing you."

Naruto watched from the sidelines as the two men engaged one another. Mizuki had quickly closed the distance between the combatants, aiming to take advantage of Iruka's weakened physical state by restricting the scarred-nosed man from using ninjutsu. Iruka struggled to parry his opponent's attacks, taking minor wounds from the kunai that Mizuki was savagely wielding. An excessive flash of pain caused the kindly man to falter, giving the white-haired traitor the opportunity he needed to sink the kunai into the schoolteacher's stomach.

Naruto couldn't hold himself back as he watched the man he admired fall to the floor, bleeding profusely. He threw every last kunai he had at Mizuki, attempting to get him away from his sensei in any manner he could. The man just laughed, however, as they all sailed harmlessly by. "I see you've been practicing my tips, Naruto! I can't believe you were too stupid to notice your aim was getting worse as you got better at the techniques I gave you!"

Raged bubbled up into the boy, his irises taking on a reddish hue as he shouted angrily at the person he once respected, "Fuck you! I tried so hard to make you happy! I'm not going to let you hurt Iruka-sensei anymore!" He formed the seals for his new jutsu - if he was going to learn the jutsu, it would have to be now.

Mizuki's eyes widened as the boy formed the seals for the kinjutsu. 'He couldn't have learned anything from that scroll. He's a dead-last!' Fear gripped him as the blonde gathered an enormous amount of chakra and began to perform the technique.

Naruto felt everything come together. All his practice, all his effort, all his fighting through pain had brought him to success. He knew the jutsu would work this time. He was going to save his sensei! It was during this line of thinking that he began to scream, his arm igniting into a painful inferno. His technique failed, producing nothing more than a cloud of smoke. The boy fell to the ground, writhing in agony, the physical pain nothing compared to the knowledge that he had failed when it mattered.

The white-haired chuunin watched the cloud of smoke clear with a triumphant grin. He knew the boy wouldn't have been able to accomplish such a feat in a few hours and he scolded himself for even considering the possibility. He walked over to the squirming boy and kicked him in the ribs, causing the boy to fly into the nearest tree and fight for consciousness. Deciding to deal with the harmless child second, he pulled out another kunai and walked over to Iruka, who was barely awake and lying in a pool of his own blood. "My, my Iruka. I can't believe you're still alive." The cruel ninja kneeled down beside his onetime friend and cupped his enemy's cheek. "Don't worry though... I'll take care of that problem nice and quick." Iruka's eyes bugged in horror as Mizuki slit the teacher's throat mercilessly. The traitor watched without expression as the other man bled out onto the forest floor, watching the life fade from his stubborn eyes. He hadn't the time to stand when he felt an enormous killing intent from where he had dropped the boy. His eyes widened in true horror when he witnessed the consequences of his actions.

Naruto's heart had broken as he watched his teacher, his friend, be killed because of his own foolishness and ineptitude. No longer with the will to resist the ferocious energy he had felt making its way to the surface, the boy had surrendered control of his body, only half-aware of the ancient power that was now swirling around his figure in the form of two red tails of chakra. Mizuki stood frozen as Naruto screamed in rage, completely unaware of the ANBU that had just arrived at the scene. He was unable to defend himself against the crushing arm of chakra that grabbed his throat and separated his head from his body in a fiery eruption of blood.

Having killed his first opponent, Naruto began to move on the ANBU, the ferocious tide of rage carrying him to destroy everything, whether they were friend or foe. Disaster was averted, however, as pillars of wood sprung up around him and captured his body, draining the uncontrollable power of the fox. No longer capable of consciousness due to the sudden loss of energy, the boy entered the world of nightmares.

(x)

"The council is gathered here tonight in order to discuss the events that transpired earlier this evening. One of our academy teachers, many of you know Mizuki, tricked a student into stealing the Forbidden Scroll of Sealing from the Hokage tower. Mizuki intended to kill the student and abandon the village, but was interrupted by Iruka Umino. The traitor killed his former comrade before being killed himself by the boy he had tricked." Sarutobi felt a great weight pressing upon his shoulders at the realization of what his inaction had cost the village. He had watched in his crystal ball thinking that Iruka would be more than capable of handling the situation. He had failed Naruto once again.

Murmurs from the council brought his attention to the present. "Why did we feel the Kyuubi's chakra? Which student did Mizuki deceive?"

Sarutobi sighed, knowing that the question was inevitable. "Naruto Uzumaki was tricked into stealing the scroll. He used the his power as a jinchuuriki to kill the traitor."

The council once again devolved into quiet discussion at the new information, only to stop as one of the elders called for their attention.

Danzo couldn't believe the opportunity he had been presented with. He had been wanting to get his hands on Naruto for years, believing that the village was wasting is most powerful weapon. If he knew the Sandaime as well as he thought he did, the trap would be easy to spring. "Surely he will be allowed to graduate the academy with such a performance? He was capable of defeating a chuunin-level ninja as well as stealing a closely guarded scroll from the Hokage's office. That is the type of skill we need to have in our ranks. Besides, I hear he almost succeeded in learning the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique in a matter of hours."

The Sandaime was concerned when Danzo began to speak. He knew the man would try and turn this catastrophe into some sort of windfall for himself. Not only that, but he was clearly aware of every detail that transpired during the evening - details he shouldn't yet have. Sarutobi was wary of a trap, but had no choice to answer honestly - if he did not, his only option would be to put the boy onto a genin team and endanger the lives of other ninja. "Naruto was incapable of discerning friend from foe when he used the foxes power. After he removed the immediate threat, he moved to attack the ANBU at the scene. It was only through the use of that bloodline that further damage was averted. It would clearly be irresponsible to enter him into our forces."

Danzo nodded in understanding. "That is a very reasonable explanation, and I'm sure the council finds no fault with such logic. I would, however, like to propose a solution to the problem." The clear interest of the room left Sarutobi with no choice but to grant Danzo his chance. "As the majority of you are aware, I was once responsible for a now discontinued program called ROOT. I had great experience working with ninja like Naruto - brash, emotional, and unskilled - and turning them into effective members of the shinobi forces. With almost a one hundred percent success rate they learned to control their emotions and work effectively with a team, and follow orders. Naruto obviously harbors great potential, and we still have not fully recovered from the Kyuubi's attack. If I were allowed to take him under my wing, such potential would not be wasted."

The Sandaime took a glance around the room, knowing instantly where this was heading. That man was ruthless and devious, and the council was now eating out of his hand. Sarutobi had only one rare and uncharacteristic thought: "fuck."

(x)

AN: Hopefully this gives you a decent idea of where the story is headed in general. Yes, Iruka is dead. I debated having him just be badly injured, but I think it's almost impossible that a trained ninja like Mizuki would have messed that part up in that situation.

Hope you liked the chapter, feel free to review if you did... or didn't :)