Hey, I'm updating quickly for once. I've been itching to get this chapter out, as quite frankly, no other fic, save maybe Reaper of Death, have ever made me want to keep writing so much.

Quite frankly, I think this fic is my masterpiece. (Hint hint to anyone in my c2, put this in the c2, because I see it as slightly arrogant-although, I have to admit, I am very arrogant, suppose even I have some arrogant issues- to put my own fics in my own c2...if someone else does it, different story)

Oh yeah, I saw Naruto Manga Chapter 385. It was strange, to say the least. I'm still kinda hoping Sasuke gets killed, or at least Itachi lives. 'Cause Itachi's awesome and Sasuke's a dirty little £&$&)"£$"(£/??!"!!"!££&)"$. Damn, it feels good to get that off my chest.

Oh yeah, Naruto does leave, but the circumstances are different than most stories. Oh yeah, there is also a slight twist to the story in this chapter.

Also, I've changed it from Adventure to Memoir. That's a Sherlock-Holmes reason actually, first lot of stories called Adventures, second lot Memoirs, and that also means that the beginning of Shippuden will be ironically called Return. Not a return to Konoha though.

Finally...enjoy the chapter.

Elementary

the story of a genius

Memoir I – The Case of the Traitors

Konoha was in a state of turmoil. Not just because of their ninja losses, and the death of their most beloved leader, the Sandaime Hokage, who none could criticise, or help miss, or even state words against, save of course, the old war-lovers who had detested the peace.

But not just because of Sarutobi.

If one thing could be said about Konoha, it always seemed to recover. When Iwa attacked them, they recovered. When Kyuubi attacked, they recovered. When they lost the Uchiha Clan, they recovered. And finally, when they were attacked by Oto/Suna Alliance, they were well on the way to recovery.

But then, Konoha lost two of their most prized ninja of the young generation.

Who they were? How did it happen? I hear you ask.

You will see.

After a strenuous mission, bordering B-rank (It had been decided since Naruto was promoted, his team were more ready for harder missions), Naruto was relaxing next to a river, or more precisely, leaning on the railing, smoking.

His thoughts strayed back to the Chunnin Exam.

'That was an unusual Chunnin Exam. But, another day for ninja,' thought the blonde. His eyes flashed suddenly as he detected foreign presence behind him, and he turned instantly, and the spike burst out off the cane, and Naruto pointed it to the figure, knowing that the weapon looked like a strange kind of spear.

The person seemed to be male, and was clad in an unusual coat, black with red clouds. A hat covered his head, and all that was visible was his hands and sandal-clad feet, revealing purple-painted nails.

"Who are you?" asked Naruto cautiously, refusing to lower the weapon.

"A...friend," replied the man, in a soft, yet deadly tone. "My organisation wishes to speak with you."

"Where is this organisation based, what is its name, and what does it want with me?"

"Inquisitive," remarked the man. "We are based in the Village Hidden in the Rain."

"You refused to answer two of my questions. My answer to you is negative until I am in full possession of the facts, and am able to think logically," replied Naruto. "Good day to you."

"If you do not come with me, I will use force."

"You have my answer," said Naruto, his hand reaching into his pocket.

"Kisame, Sasori, Deidara, Hidan, Kakuzu...come out," said the man, and immediately, five ninja also in the same garb appeared.

Naruto instantly recognised the danger his life was now in.

"And this morning, I believed that this day would be fairly tedious...irony, it is a pleasure to meet you again," remarked Naruto, before he dropped a particularly powerful smoke bomb.

Covered by the smoke, he formed several Shadow Clones and escaped into the nearest forest, knowing they would catch up eventually. He ordered the Clones to set false trails, and Naruto, using own skill rather than chakra, hid himself into the undergrowth.

Presently, the six arrived.

"Little brat and his shadow clones," said a blue-skinned man. "Itachi-san, should we hunt them down?"

'Itachi? Uchiha Itachi?' thought Naruto, shocked. 'What could one of the greatest missing-nin of Konoha want with him?' But then, Jiraiya's words came back. 'So these are...Akatsuki.'

"He can't have gone far. Search the area," said Itachi. "If you cannot find him, guard the perimeter of the forest. Do not let him escape."

The six disappeared as they began to search the area. Naruto smiled to himself. It could not have gone better. He would simply pick them off, one by one. And he always enjoyed challenges and pressure.

Naruto's first target was the silver-haired man. Hidan. He knew nothing about his abilities, but was sure that the man was no weakling. He'd take the chance of killing Hidan rather than one of the others at the moment.

He removed a weapon from his coat, a modified crossbow, in pieces, but could be easily attached together, provided the person knew what he was doing. Naruto attached together in under a minute, examining the weapon now too big to fit into his pocket.

Mostly made from metal, the crossbow was around the same length as from his fingers to elbows. Possibly longer. Its fire was not far compared to the usual crossbow, but Naruto had made it with one purpose in mind. Damage.

He checked the telescopic sight, checked the silencer –that decreased vibrating, making it quieter- before he hid himself again, waiting for Hidan, whom he had seen heading this way.

Naruto would have only one chance. There. He saw the silver hair, and in an instant, was ready.

He instantly lined up the crosshairs of the sight, and aimed.

A press, and the bolt was fired.

Hidan was pinned to a tree, a bolt through his neck, and in the bark, his neck broken.

But Naruto's smile faded as Hidan laughed.

"Uzumaki! You are too amusing! Could a follower of Lord Jashin be killed by this?!" laughed Hidan, as he removed the bolt from his neck. "Now, I wonder, where did that bolt come from? That way!"

Naruto immediately went for another bolt, one dipped in a unique poison he had developed. He fired again, deliberately aiming for Hidan's eye, and it hit its target.

"Again? Do you-" Hidan stopped, as he realised what had happened. He could not see out of his eye. "What the-?"

Naruto grinned. He had been working on that poison ever since he had discovered Gaara to be a container. It basically damaged the body, yet also tricked it into thinking that there was no damage. This meant that regeneration or similar were unlikely to help, and it appeared it had done so with Hidan. Admittedly, if it was a life-threatening attack, it would be recognised, so really, the best target was the eye. Although, the body would eventually recognise it, and would start regenerating...possibly.

"You little- Show yourself, Uzumaki!" screamed Hidan.

There was a rustle in the undergrowth, but it was not Naruto. It was the man in the mask, Kakuzu.

"Eh? What the hell are you screaming about?!" he said.

Naruto did not wait; he simply fired another bolt- that exploded on contact- at Kakuzu, before fleeing the area, sealing the crossbow into a scroll as he did so.

If he was lucky, he might have done some damage to Kakuzu as well.

Meanwhile, time to move on.

Next, Naruto decided to hunt down the rather feminine looking man. Deidara. Obviously, Deidara did not look like the taijutsu type. From what he had seen from a glance, Deidara was the type to rely on some unique skill, possibly nin or genjutsu, or something completely different.

Suddenly, a shadow passed over him, and Naruto instinctively looked up. It was Deidara...standing on a giant bird.

'What is that...some kind of summon maybe? There are no birds like that here...'

Naruto took cover in the forest canopy, his hard stare fixed on Deidara and his bird, when suddenly a thought came to him.

'I wonder how amusing it would be to see him fall off...'

His hand found a bomb, in a sphere shape. Sadly, Deidara was too far away. But that did not hinder him for long, as only minutes later, he had a sling, thanks to a Transformed Clone.

He smiled, as he spun the sling, the bomb going around and round, before he released.

Deidara was taken completely unaware, and comically fell out of the sky, as the bomb's explosion took his bird down- speaking of bird, the thing seemed to be explosive, and therefore, artificial.

Three down, three to go.

Naruto's next attempt was on the blue-skinned man who resembled a shark, Hoshigaki Kisame. After thinking over his face and sword, Naruto had remembered him from the bingo book, an S-class missing-nin, from Kiri, one of the former Seven Swordsmen.

Then, it only made sense that Kisame would be back at the lake, where he could use his water jutsu.

It was always dangerous to face an opponent on their home turf, or water, as it were, so Naruto figured he could level the field.

Yet when Naruto arrived back at the lake, he was greeted with the unpleasant sight of all six of the missing-nin, Itachi, Kisame and Sasori in perfect condition, while Deidara and Kakuzu looked singed to say the least, and Hidan was blind in one eye.

"There he is!" Hidan practically frothed at the mouth.

"How did you find me?" Naruto's question was directed to Itachi, only for the sole purpose of keeping them talking.

"A genius never should reveal all their secrets, Naruto-kun," was Itachi's only response.

"...There are three more of you...right? Nine in total..." said Naruto. "You usually work in pairs. And you call yourselves...Akatsuki?"

And for a split second, surprise was evident on all of their faces.

Itachi's blood-red eyes glinted. "Subdue him."

Kisame, Kakuzu and Hidan hurtled forwards, three grins breaking out –save of course, Kakuzu's grin was hidden.

'How was he able to discover me so easily...wait, what am I doing? Think later!'

Naruto Replaced himself with a rock, and started to sprint away through the forest.

"After him."

Naruto moved faster, his mind in overdrive, thinking numerous escape plans, yet against six S-class missing-nin, three of them very angry, seemed very unlikely of succeeding.

'Hmm...if I was to make Clones and attack if I got away... that's ridiculously over-used, they'll see through it in an instant...unless...I made a slight...variation.'

Naruto formed a crowd of his Shadow Clones, but didn't stay in the centre or the front, but opted to stay on the left flank.

And eventually, the missing-nin caught up with them.

One of the Clones yelled at the others to buy him some time, and escaped.

Naruto, still in the crowd, was completely aware of the plan. Send a Clone out, they send some after it, the others find the rest of the Clones, and Naruto would sneak out in the fray.

Itachi almost laughed. "Interesting plan, sending a Clone out as a decoy."

Naruto tensed. How did he-

"That one."

A second later, the real Clones simply made suicidal attacks, as Naruto cut to Plan B. Run.

As memories entered his head, he saw how easily the six had dispatched them. Doesn't matter, he told himself. Keep running.

He formed more Shadow Clones, noticing he was starting to waste chakra, his control hampered by having to do so under such pressure and whilst running. Naruto ordered the Clones to start leaving traps. He doubted they'd work, but they might at least slow them down.

He wasn't fast enough to outrun Itachi at his top speed, and was beginning to wonder what was actually going on. Naruto wasn't even pretending to limp anymore; needing every bit of speed he could muster.

But eventually, "The Detective" came to a halt, as he saw the Konoha gate in front of him, the gatekeepers strangely asleep, appearing to be under the influence of a genjutsu.

Naruto briefly considered his options. Outside the village, he'd be able to lose the six much more easily, but they'd find him again...but if he remained in the village, they'd know where he was anyway. His home only contained food, clothes. His explosives, tomes, weapons and poisons he always kept with him, if not able to go into the pockets, sealed in a scroll.

And besides, the village wasn't the same without old Sarutobi. He had only met Tsunade once...and hadn't really impressed her, due to the fact she was one of the people Sarutobi took him to meet to get rid of his cocaine addiction. While her assistant was nice-r about it, Tsunade's method had been to whack him over the head every time she caught him. What did that mean? What would she do, knowing that having Naruto in the village was a hazard? Most Kages would simply throw Naruto out, or even hand him over.

He sighed. It would appear his best bet was to leave the village. It was something he had never thought off before, but had decided to do so very quickly. At least Jiraiya would listen to him, he knew that much.

Besides, as nice as the temptation of being Hokage was, it could be so much more fun as a lone wolf.

Naruto, for the first time in his life, left the village unaccompanied. This time, he knew that the most likely way of him returning would be with his head on a pike.

The first ever missing-nin whose reasons for leaving...included boredom.

"Perfect," was Itachi's only words, as the six arrived at the gate. "Kisame, Deidara, Kakuzu. Do you still have his kunai from the traps?

Three nods answered his question.

"Kill the guards with them, and wipe your prints off. After discovering his kunai in their bodies, Naruto-kun will be denounced as a traitor. We can hunt him down without his protection." Itachi's eyes flashed. "Kisame, come with me. The four of you, after you are done...go back to your own tasks."

Meanwhile, the lone Clone Naruto had sent as a decoy earlier watched the conversation. He disappeared into smoke, thus informing the real Naruto of all he had heard.

Naruto actually was frozen into silence for those few moments. He had hoped, if necessary, he could explain his situation to the Leaf. But now...he had no chance at all.

Naruto drew a kunai, and cut through the symbol on his headband.

But now...he had to run. Itachi and Kisame were going to arrive soon. Naruto decided to head to the Valley of the End, on the Konoha/Oto border. If he went there, not only could he trick the Leaf into thinking he was fleeing to Sound, but he could also use the river to cover his tracks.

Waterfall was nice this time of year.

Yes, they'd do. He'd lie low for a week or so there, wait for Konoha to calm down, and then maybe head east, once again past the Sound border, to Kumo. Large country, and if he was discovered, he could stowaway on a ship to Kiri...but then he'd have to go through Konoha again, but...he could simply avoid the village, and stick to the borders.

"Rasengan!" shouted Jiraiya, blasting Kabuto away. His eyes flicked up to the ANBU fighting Orochimaru. "Look at them Tsunade. Fighting a foe they cannot possibly beat...for your sake. This is how the village views you."

"But I..." Tsunade sighed, defeated. "Fine, you got me, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya commanded the ANBU to retreat, before he summoned Gamabunta. Tsunade then followed suit, summoning the Slug Boss Katsuyu, and Orochimaru countered by summoning the Snake Boss, Manda.

After a gruelling battle, which involved Manda receiving Gamabunta's blade through the mouth, and Orochimaru receiving countless hits by Tsunade, the Snake Sannin and Kabuto escaped.

Naruto was completely tired out by now, and was actually riding on a toad, who called himself Gama, who was about the size of an elephant.

The problem was, even though he was taking time to set traps, just in case of hunter-nin or the Akatsuki, the toad could be tracked by even a civilian due to the footprints.

It was less than a day to the Valley of the End, but it was no use. It was evening now, and he had to rest. Maybe he should change his mind.

It would be expected for him to leave the Land of Fire. Maybe he should hide in a small village for a few days, and then head to the Valley of the End, and from there, Waterfall, then somewhere else.

Mind made up, he dismissed Gama, before heading off on foot, taking sure to cover his trail.

He was tired, suffering from chakra exhaustion, his feet ached, and on top of all that, his pipe had broken and he was dying for a smoke.

A few days later, Tsunade had arrived later, and it was only then, when it was discovered Naruto was missing. Some of the ninja who had known him, namely people like Jiraiya insisted he must have been attacked or framed, but their words fell on deaf ears.

Tsunade, who could only remember the boy as a drug addict, and when the tracks revealed he had been heading to the Sound border, assumed that Naruto was in cahoots with Orochimaru.

Also knowing Naruto's parentage, she was furious that he had defied his parents and betrayed his Hokage. Over time, she began to blame him more and more for Sarutobi's death, viewing evidence all against Naruto.

Now, the only person she blamed for the Sandaime's death was Orochimaru, with Naruto a close second.

And she was determined to have both of them...dead.

She sent out several ANBU squads, but none were able to track down Naruto, only stating that he had been using a toad- which further enraged Tsunade, thinking he also misused a village technique- but the tracks had eventually vanished. She wrongly assumed that Orochimaru's men had met him along the way and escorted him back to Sound.

Meanwhile, Team 7 –it was supposed to be for the genin only, but with Naruto's "absence", Kakashi filled in- had arrived back in Konoha from a mission, involving Ibiki's younger brother who had fled the village many years previous, with Sasuke the most injured. Reports showed that he been dwelling too much on Naruto's leave.

Less than a day later, Sasuke had left Konoha, with several Sound-nin. The ninja sent to hunt him down were Hatake Kakashi, Nara Shikamaru (recently promoted to Chunnin), Akimichi Chouji, Hyuuga Neji and Inuzuka Kiba.

The Sound-ninja were slow, due to the fact someone had put down traps ahead of them. They had no idea who it was, save that there were several strange footprints on the forest floor, looking like they had come from a giant amphibian.

Eventually, the Konoha-ninja started to engage their enemies, a lot of the fights ending in double knock-outs as it were. Chouji felled the bulky Jirobo, only to collapse, due to taking the Akimichi's red chakra pill. Neji defeated the multi-armed Kidomaru, but to also fall down, two holes going through his body.

Kiba, Shikamaru and Rock Lee –who had shown up in the nick of time, allowing Kakashi to go after Sasuke- were currently on the verge of being beaten, only to be saved by the same Sand ninja they had met in the Chuunin Exam, Kankuro, Temari, and Gaara.

Kankuro and Temari easily defeated their opponents, Sakon and Ukon, and Tayuya. Gaara was held at a standstill by Kimimaru, and was almost defeated, but the bone-wielder was defeated by his own disease.

Kakashi was at a great distance from Sasuke who had reached the Valley of the End, but Sasuke was still there, due to the shock of meeting someone else who was also running away from Konoha.

"Naruto," greeted Sasuke, eyes narrowed.

"What- what are you doing here?" said Naruto, almost stunned. It had been one thing for Itachi to know where he was, but Sasuke? "How did you know I was heading here?"

"I didn't. Are you going to Orochimaru?"

"Please, do you think me mad? Oh...I see. You're going to Orochimaru. Let me think. Power?"

"After you left, I met Itachi," hissed Sasuke. "He beat me, and put me in his genjutsu. The village cannot give me power. Orochimaru can."

"You're simply deluded. Itachi wasn't even looking for you. He was after me."

After seeing Sasuke's expression, it was clear that wasn't what Sasuke was happy to hear.

"You...you dead-last!" screamed the Uchiha.

"Dead-last? I received the title "dead-last" because not only could I not perform the ordinary Clone Technique, but I simply couldn't be bothered to show up for most lessons, and missed most of the written tests. And since I learnt the upgrade, Shadow Clones, and since written tests are useless, I hardly see how that is supposed to inflate your ego even more."

Sasuke's expression became even angrier ...if possible. It was quite a difference, noted Naruto, comparing the emotionless Itachi to the negative-emotions-only Sasuke.

And before long, Sasuke had just attacked Naruto.

There were a lot of things Naruto could have felt, ranging from pain, but mostly anger at Kakashi from teaching Sasuke the Iron Fist. Naruto was hardly brilliant at taijutsu, and added to the fact he was using his cane, meant that Sasuke was getting quite a few hits on him.

But it wasn't long before Naruto Replaced himself with a rock, and re-appeared at the valley floor. Sasuke instantly hurtled downwards, and the fight had begun.

The cane-blade met a kunai, and two pairs of eyes met in a harsh glare.

Naruto began to channel chakra into his left leg, and Sasuke veered away, only to realise it was a feint, as Naruto kicked out with the other leg.

Naruto's fist then crashed into Sasuke's face, and then Naruto grabbed onto the Uchiha, and threw him into the river.

Sasuke self-righted himself, using chakra to stick to the water. His eyes snapped open as Naruto leapt after him.

The two fought on the water, moving rapidly -not even completely visible due to the incredible adrenaline and power as they battled.

At a first glance, it would appear Sasuke was winning. But, he was struggling. He knew, a cut from that blade and he'd be poisoned.

Naruto only counter-attacked, knowing Sasuke's emotional state was a weakness.

Sasuke landed a punch to Naruto's stomach, and then kicked out, sending Naruto back, nearer to dry land.

Naruto righted himself, only for his eyes to widen, as Sasuke's Fire Release: Great Fireball was upon him.

The Detective dived into the water, hiding in its depths. Sasuke went onto dry land; for even he knew to follow Naruto into the water would be a very stupid thing to do.

Suddenly, several Clones hurtled out of the water, holding their cane-blades like they were now torpedoes.

Sasuke leapt up, only for another Clone to catapult out of the river at him. The Uchiha reached for a weapon, and threw several shuriken at the Clone, destroying it, before he landed on a ridge on the cliff.

He then saw even more Clones, but for some reason they stayed on the land. He scoffed. Some genius if he couldn't even see where he was.

Sadly for the Uchiha, Naruto had no intention of engaging Sasuke in open combat. And Sasuke also realised that, as each Clone summoned a crossbow.

They fired, and although Sasuke was able to escape, the bolts exploded on contact.

Suddenly Sasuke leapt down to the ground, towards the Clones, but then used his Fire Jutsu to destroy them.

Naruto burst out of the river, with his own crossbow, and fired his own bolt. Sasuke avoided the explosive missile and began forming seals.

"Chidori!" he screamed, as a thousand birds sounded.

Naruto sealed away the crossbow, and thought up his own plan. Sasuke began to dash forwards, and Naruto knew if that hit...

And then an idea hit him.

The Chidori was formed entirely from lightning-affinity chakra. However, that didn't mean you couldn't use jutsu made from chakra.

The idea was all Naruto had, and although it had a near-zero chance of failing, he had to try.

It stemmed from something he had once tried. He had attempted to make his own jutsu, but given up, due to the fact he had no idea what he was trying to make.

Sasuke was still hurtling forwards, and failed to notice a wave of blue pass over Naruto's cane.

The Chidori landed, and Sasuke smirked as he felt it collide with something solid, which certainly was being destroyed like a Clone, but...it wasn't being destroyed at all.

The Chidori was being held by a translucent chakra shield.

Sasuke stared at the shield, and saw what had formed it.

Naruto was pushing chakra through his cane (which he held in his left hand, holding the middle), and it had expelled chakra into a shield, that had formed on his arm and cane.

Eventually, the Chidori died away, and Sasuke jumped back, landing a few metres away from Naruto.

"What the- how did you do that?!" demanded Sasuke.

"It wasn't too hard. There are countless people that can replicate it. Well...excluding you, you have the Sharingan but you can't even figure it out."

Naruto wasn't lying. Essentially, he had used the cane to act as a focus for his chakra, where he expelled it to form a chakra shield. But it could easily be replicated, provided the person had enough concentration, control and finally, large enough chakra reserves.

When chakra is pushed outside the body in such a manner, it disperses itself eventually. Naruto had had to pump chakra into the shield constantly, and even more to reinforce his arm, since the cane was hardly the perfect focus. Such an amount of chakra...well, if he measured it in Shadow Clones, meant the same amount of chakra he had used was enough to summon at least a few hundred clones, maybe even a thousand.

Basically, the shield was not ideal for a technique that would last for a while and disperse itself eventually. For something like a bullet technique however, it was perfect.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Naruto jumped forwards, a kick meeting Sasuke's chest.

Sasuke coughed, but recovered quickly enough to grab the foot and throw Naruto aside.

Naruto landed on his knees on the dry ground, wincing at his now scraped knees, but stood, and ran forwards; back onto the water, and Sasuke tore towards him as well.

Naruto thrust the cane-blade forwards, intent on piercing Sasuke's chest. But Sasuke, with the aid of the Sharingan, dodged it and grabbed the handle.

Blue eyes widened, as Sasuke punched Naruto in the jaw, sending him back, and Naruto landed on the water's surface roughly, his control broken and he began to sink.

Sasuke dropped the cane into the water, and grabbed Naruto by the front of his clothes, lifting him up.

Naruto realised Sasuke was now holding a Chidori in his hand.

"It's over...Naruto."

Naruto struggled, trying to release Sasuke's hand. He didn't understand, Sasuke's grip was nowhere this powerful.

Then he looked in his face again, and saw it. Black markings stretching across Sasuke's face, and stranger eyes.

Of course. Sasuke was using his Cursed Seal.

Sasuke however, seemed to be unaware of the red aura forming around Naruto's body.

Then it happened. Sasuke impaled Naruto through the chest with Chidori. A moment later, Sasuke withdrew his hand, the Chidori dissipating.

Sasuke lunged again, once again, ignoring the surging red chakra.

Naruto's hand was suddenly gripping Sasuke's wrist. Sasuke howled, before he was thrown back.

Naruto, now completely covered in red chakra, was stooping slightly, and the water began to churn. The Uchiha, still holding his injured wrist, gasped as he saw the red chakra form the shape of a nine-tailed monster.

There was suddenly a flash, and suddenly Naruto moved forwards, sending a great tide to attack. Sasuke was sent back, only to be charged again by Naruto.

Naruto pummelled Sasuke with his fists, before kicking him into the air, and grabbing his cane out of the water.

Sasuke looked up to see Naruto hurtle downwards towards him, and he before he knew it, he had sunk into the water, his shoulder pierced with the cane-blade. Fortunately, the water seemed to have washed away most of the poison.

Back at the service, Naruto was unable to restrain the Kyuubi for a few moments, and could not resist sending forth a great bestial roar.

Suddenly, Sasuke burst out of the water, speeding across the surface.

And then Naruto saw. He was running away. And in the thrall of Kyuubi's chakra, anger and pain overrode his brains.

"Get back here!" he roared, charging after Sasuke, delivering several blows. He then leapt into the air, intent on delivering a flying attack.

Sasuke flicked through seals, before sending another Great Fireball at Naruto.

Red eyes widened, and yet, Naruto's shield, now, glowing purple instead of the translucent white it had been, easily stopped the flames, and Naruto came down, the blunt part of the cane, rather than the blade, smashed into Sasuke, sending him underwater. But instead of following Sasuke underwater, Naruto regained control as the former emerged from the water.

Sasuke balanced himself on a log across from Naruto, and Naruto stood himself on an opposing log, attaching his cane to his belt.

"You really are something, aren't you," said Naruto. "Something with the mental capabilities of a retarded duck."

"Are you going to take me back to Konoha?" said Sasuke, eyes narrowed.

"How can I do that when they want me dead?" asked Naruto, rolling his eyes. "As well as that, one of my codes is "Bring them back alive...if they are reasonably practical," he stated. "You want me dead...and quite frankly, I never enjoyed your company. I'd rather see you dead then die myself."

Naruto sprinted forwards, but this time, something was different.

And then he noticed it. Three tomoes in each of Sasuke's eyes. Pity he noticed it as Sasuke hurled him away.

The Kyuubi was raging for him to attack, but that was now suicidal, he was probably faster than Sasuke, but not fast enough to overcome the Sharingan.

It would take an incredible amount of Shadow Clones to overcome Sasuke in taijutsu. Naruto smiled to himself. Back to his tools...

Grenades flew through the air at Sasuke, who dodged them, but did not escape completely unharmed either.

Sasuke smirked, knowing all Naruto's movements he could now see, and could even predict where Naruto was going to throw his next grenades.

Naruto was also thinking, but he had just realised something. 'If I could change my direction at the last possible moment, maybe I could confuse his Sharingan!' he thought. 'But the willpower and strength...fortunately, I have that.'

The Detective flew forwards, his right hand clenched into a fist.

Sasuke smirked again, ready to counter...

When Naruto's left fist hit him this time. Hard.

The Uchiha flew back, to crash into the cliff. He pulled himself out of the rubble, only to cough out blood.

Naruto was upon him, and flung him up into the air, and then jumped up, intent on ending the battle.

The jump was higher than he had thought, and suddenly, Sasuke's Katon Jutsu hit him in mid-air. Naruto howled, crashing onto a ridge.

"It's too late, Naruto!" Sasuke suddenly pushed him off, before jumping off as well.

And then, Naruto realised what Sasuke was going to do to him. Use the force to break his neck.

Naruto struggled, but Sasuke was ensuring that he could not move. But then Naruto realised, and he smiled at the Uchiha, before he activated a bomb.

Sasuke crashed onto the ground, only to see Naruto's body fall into the water, floating. Naruto twitched, before starting to climb up, but it was clear he was drastically weakened, maybe dying.

Sasuke only began to walk away, and Naruto heard a deep voice in his head.

"You're weak even if you're clever, brat. Thank that so-called Yondaime Hokage for sealing me in you..."

Red chakra began to envelope Naruto, more than he had ever experienced. The power rushed through his veins, and Naruto felt it raise his body, before he regained control, sensing Sasuke, who had come back to the water to investigate.

He delivered a punch to the Uchiha's face, sending him back, clutching his face.

Naruto's fist was trembling, and the Detective tried to cut off the red chakra, but the Kyuubi would have none of it, and forced more through, covering Naruto entirely, and he could not help but roar, as a single chakra-tail formed.

Sasuke fled, using his Fire Jutsus to attack from range, but Naruto countered with chakra-arms and eventually caught hold of the slippery Uchiha, repeatedly beating him into a cliff.

But suddenly, Naruto was sent back onto a ridge, as Sasuke flew onto the opposing ridge, having transformed into a horrendous beast.

"Now...I don't feel like I'm going to lose," said Sasuke, examining himself, before he started to form his Chidori.

"Die!" roared Naruto.

Naruto simply leapt through the air, not wielding a jutsu, despite Sasuke's Chidori, as in Sasuke's Cursed Seal Form, he flew towards Naruto.

Suddenly, Naruto twisted in mid-air, avoiding the Chidori, and stabbing the cane-blade into Sasuke's torso. Sasuke howled and lunged wildly, managing to stab Naruto's chest, before the Chidori died away and his hand fell back limply.

While Sasuke fell from the impact, landing on the valley floor, the impact sent Naruto upwards, and he managed to land on the cliff top.

The Uchiha was lying in a puddle of his own blood, his chest heaving, yet slowing. Naruto crawled to the cliff edge, and observed him.

Sasuke had less than five minutes alive, if he estimated, unless he got treatment from a very good medic. Something he didn't have.

But then, bad news for Naruto.

Several Sound ninja surrounded the Uchiha, one being Kabuto. Naruto groaned, before he rolled away from the cliff edge, so they would not see him if they happened to glance upwards.

'Well then,' thought Naruto. 'I'm completely battered up, two Chidori to the chest, numerous bruises, chakra exhaustion...all in all, yet another day for Uzumaki Naruto.'

The Sound-nin had left, and suddenly Naruto turned where he lay, sure he had just seen something. 'What was that?' he wondered. 'It looked like a man dressed as a Venus flytrap. Is this world only getting stranger?'

Naruto managed to lift himself slightly, before he was now sitting upright, his legs hanging over the cliff edge. He reached into his coat, before he withdrew his pipe. He had got it repaired, and fortunately, it had not broken again. Naruto filled it up with tobacco, before he lit the pipe, took a breath, and exhaled with relief, blowing out a smoke-ring as he did so.

"Good trusty pipe-weed. At least my love for you will never die," Naruto said aloud.

"Unlike your love for Konoha, hmm?" said a familiar, yet stern voice behind him.

Naruto almost hit himself. He'd forgotten completely about the Konoha ninja chasing after Sasuke.

"Hello...sensei," said Naruto. "Your Uchiha is being carried off by a couple of Sound-nin, I beat him into pulp and they'll move slow."

"You know as well as I do that I'll never catch them now," replied Kakashi. "That's a pathetic attempt to get me to leave, Naruto. Have you gotten less intelligent since you left?"

"...Are you going to take me back, sensei?" asked Naruto. It was pointless to "beat around the bush", as it were, in case Kakashi received reinforcements.

"Why did you leave?" Naruto immediately realised what that question meant. Kakashi was unsure whether Naruto was in the right or wrong, and wanted to know whether Naruto was a traitor, and did in fact, kill the several guards.

"I had no choice," replied Naruto truthfully. "I was forced out by six missing-nin, one of whom should sound familiar to you, Uchiha Itachi."

Kakashi's eye widened. "He was looking for you?"

"Didn't Jiraiya tell you? Akatsuki."

"...Yes...Yes, I see... So...do you want to come to Konoha, and try to explain your story?"

"I can't go back to Konoha now!" Naruto half-shouted. "To them, I'm nothing but a traitor. I'll be hunted down and killed the moment I enter the village."

"Then, what will you do now?"

"Self-preservation is important. I intended to unlock the mysteries of the Akatsuki, and if necessary, dispose of them. If Konoha believes I am simply a traitor who wishes no harm to them, there is a chance - a small chance, but certainly a chance that they will no longer send their ANBU and hunter-nin after me."

"And if they don't?"

Naruto shrugged. "If they don't...well, if I was able to dispose of Akatsuki, I sincerly doubt that ANBU and hunter-nin could pose a threat to me anymore."

Kakashi was silent for a few moments, but then reached into his pouch. Naruto tensed, but relaxed as Kakashi retrieved a soldier-pill pack.

"Here," said the former ANBU captain, tossing a pill over. "That should get you enough chakra to summon a toad. Take the river, and they won't be able to track you. Go far away. My report will state that you two had fought, Sasuke, more severely injured, was rescued by Oto-nin, and you escaped somewhere. At least, some people might believe you're not with Sound."

With the words, a few seals, and the biting of the thumb, Naruto had summoned Gama. He mounted the toad, and faced Kakashi.

"I hear you have a new Hokage. What's her opinion on me?"

"She hates you," Kakashi shuddered. "She hates you almost as much as she hates Orochimaru. Damn, last time when Jiraiya and I tried to point out you're a good kid, we received one-way tickets through the window."

Naruto opened his mouth, but closed it again, before he opened it again. "Something makes me want to stay far away from Konoha at the moment."

"Good idea," said Kakashi. "How did you know?"

"Very amusing," said Naruto, clutching his injured chest, "Well...I suppose this is goodbye. Farewell. Say goodbye to Jiraiya for me, and anyone else who believes in me."

Kakashi nodded, before waving at him, before Gama leapt away, down to the valley, and began hopping across the river- but Kakashi had turned away, deliberately, so he wouldn't know which direction Naruto was heading.

'Sorry I couldn't help you, or train you. It's quite amusing that the first time I actually did help you, you were leaving.'

"Yeah, you know I can't sell to kids," said the tobacconist.

Naruto sighed, and removed some more money from his pouch.

"Look kid, it's not a question of money. You-"

"I'm a traveller, my parents are dead, and I'm not even a citizen of Waterfall. Can't you make at least one exception?"

The tobacconist sighed, and after taking a glance to check no one was around, whispered: "Fine, but get out quick, and don't tell anyone!"

Naruto instantly agreed, and filled up two pouches with tobacco, paid, before he left the small shop, re-entering the streets of Takigakure.

'So far, so good,' he mused, as he entered another shop, to purchase his groceries, before he moved on, back to the inn.

He entered his room and locked the door behind him, and packed away his food. Naruto walked over the window, and leant on the windowsill, gazing out at the near-empty streets.

A book-with little written in it- and a pen were in his hands, and Naruto began to write. His journal. He would never write his secrets or important plans, but he would write a record.

I arrived in Takigakure today.

I have decided to hide here for some time. Actually, I find myself hoping that they still believe I have fled to Sound and joined Orochimaru, because that will ensure they will not search for me, unless they send an army to Otogakure.

And I wouldn't mind that.

Meanwhile, Akatsuki will continue their search for me. They revealed to me that they were situated in Amegakure. I know not whether Itachi meant to do this. Speaking of Itachi, I found myself at a loss to discover why he was able to see through my plans so easily. He could have used his Sharingan, or kept me in a genjutsu, but I believe neither. I would have noticed, at least.

I will have to get stronger, no doubt about that.

Run, fight, run again. Something tells me that is to become my schedule.

On a more positive note, I have re-supplied my tobacco reserve.

Naruto put the book away, before unbuttoning his coat, gazing at the hole still in the shirt he wore under his coat. He could walk around with his coat buttoned up, or more preferably, get another shirt.

And then he remembered. The Chakra Shield. He had to also think of a way to use it again, but not channel it through his cane, no, he needed to something else.

In the meantime, he needed to rest.

And so, that is how, Uzumaki Naruto was forced out of his village, not by his inhabitants, not by his will, but because, of a foe more powerful than he had ever seen.

They would come for him again. And this time, they would not underestimate him.

And then, not to mention that Sasuke would certainly try to kill him, and finally, Konoha were after him. Both had also seen his power, and would not underestimate him either.

He had relied on his thinking to help him, and he would still do so, save that this time, he would be ready for any of them.

Let them come. The Akatsuki with his S-class Missing-Nin, Oto with Orochimaru and Sasuke, and Konoha's ANBU, the deadly Black Ops, hunters and assassins ranging from B to even S-rank.

S-ranks, so many S-ranks. Naruto was rather sure now, he was one of the most wanted people in the world. All because that one day, he had decided not to go with Jiraiya.

The perverted sage should never have told him about Akatsuki.

But Naruto, and although he did not know it, he would not stand alone. He did not know whether he would endure, but he would not be alone through it.

Friendships would be forged in the fires of battle. The claws of death and betrayal would tear them apart. Power would be gained, and lost. For now, his journey had truly begun.

Hard years were to follow, as Naruto fought, not for good, not for power, but for a reason he had not even found yet.

Life and death were his constant companions, always followed him. I consider myself fortunate, no, truly blessed, to have met such a man. To narrate his tale.

And, now I am to continue, in another chapter.

Right, let's get this over with.

If some of you were wondering how Sasuke was able to gain the upper advantage on Naruto a couple of times, think about this. Naruto was still weak from his skirmish with Akatsuki a week previous, and also, he had to work hard to make sure no ANBU found him during the week. Finally, he had to make it to the Valley unnoticed. Sasuke-haters, don't worry, I've thought off a really good scene later on where Naruto really beats the shit out of Sasuke. That'll be memorable for all time.

The twist was Tsunade actually hating and wanting to kill Naruto. That was inspired by reading Lost Soul by LD 1449, I had to think, why isn't that a common idea? Tsunade thinking Naruto is a nut and thinks he should die? Oh yeah, it isn't very canon-y.

Yes, I know some of you will be disappointed that Naruto was forced to leave Konoha, rather some other reason. But I've already decided most of the storyline, and let's face it, was there any other way he would have left? If you're going to flame me about this, I suggest you go and reach for that computer mouse (or USB stick, or those computer pen things, or a pencil, hell, I'm not fussy) and shove it up your arse. I don't give a damn about any flames, it's the fact that people want me to ruin, in my opinion, a good story.

The fight scenes were quick, as Naruto was either trying to get away, or similar.

Finally, the Chakra Shield. Well, if you've ever played Haven: Call of the King on PS2, you'll know where I got the idea from. I explained how it works in the chapter, and more or less how he was able to suddenly create it. I say no more.

Next, okay. Reader review responding. Hey, that's kinda funny to say.

jusenkyo ruler wants to know who is the guy narrating the story. Well, believe me j.r, you'll find out. Needless to say, this person is, or will become, a friend of Naruto's, a comrade.

nobodyinparticular, anon. Damn man, don't you have an account, I'd like to actually refer to you properly once in a while. Oh well, yeah, I actually did check on wikipedia, but the design was actually wrong. Naruto's blade actually sort of comes out of the stick, like a lightsabre, but the shikomizue looks like you have to remove part of the wood like a sheath. Although, thanks, I think can use that idea in this story...

spurious-verismilitude, I think you may have ruined some of my story. I was going to use that idea, that Naruto had copied some of the scroll. And now that you've written it as a review, if I actually write that in, no one will think it's my original idea! Oh well, I'll see if I can write it anyone. Nice to see someone thinking alike me- however, that is quite disturbing, due to some of my random thoughts I have.

Raiton Kage77, prepare yourself for one of LightningHunter's Ridiculously Long Explanations. You see, first of all, Naruto was toying with Kiba. The reason he couldn't dodge, was because Kiba was practically upon him -Naruto can think a train of thoughts in under a second, you might want to take a note of that whenever you see him think. Next of all, Kiba and Kabuto are rather different opponents. Kabuto can be as twisted as his boss in some cases. Heck, some people even say that he can be as homosexual as his boss in some cases. Which is a very disturbing case as well. Kabuto, also, can destroy a person's insides or outsides with a single blow thanks to his chakra scalpels. Kiba needs to smack them down and hope they don't get up. Naruto can easily regenerate a single blow, but the damage Kabuto could do would be much worse. Besides, Kabuto isn't that fast...is he? Oh yeah, and remember Kiba was using his Clan Techniques for extra speed.

crimsonkyuubi, you are a genius. That is the best idea I have ever heard for an omake. Next chapter, I will feature one, and if goes well, who knows, I suddenly have an idea for making a story entirely filled with that omake and sequels. Also, when you said, Naruto should be able to repair the seal, well, no. Naruto can't do so, but because he's used the Kyuubi's chakra less frequently, the seal is less loose than it was in canon at this point.

RobotPirateNinja, well, isn't it obvious? Naruto's SuperPowered-ness can come from intelligence, as well as the Kyuubi's chakra. There, Naruto is logically powerful.

YellowDemonFlash. Well, yeah, you're right about the whole level thing. I'll sort of elaborate, the majority of people in Naruto's club wouldn't be able to defeat an average jounin, who is usually about B-rank, maybe A-rank, in some cases, even S-rank. The average tend to be sort of B/A, slightly more towards B. Remember, jounin are jounin for a reason, they are powerful ninja.

Finally, I wish to point out that Naruto is not going to win everything. He's going to suffer as well, but that's what I call...life. Who hasn't suffered in their lives? Also, I sort of extended the bit at the end talking about the ANBU. That's cause the ANBU are powerful as well, usually A-rank, some even S. Kakashi used to be an ANBU captain, and strangely enough, Tsunade says somewhere that he could be an ideal replacement for Hokage if something was to happen to her. Itachi used to be an ANBU captain, look at him now. Hmm, wonder what that could mean.

Finally, Naruto's gang. Yes, you all have been waiting for this. If not...read it anyway.

You know I said Naruto is called "The Detective", by some. That's how the nicknames of his gang members will work. For example, if Naruto suddenly went mad and invited an mpreg author into his gang, the author would be called "The Stupid Fuck-Face who Deserves to Die." If a loyal reviewer of LightningHunter became a member, they would be called: "The Loyal, Intelligent Reviewer." If a follower of LH-ism (if you're wondering what that means, read LH's Parody on my beliefs in fanfiction..heck, someone sent me a PM stating they had converted. That was incredible, but he shall remain anonymous) was to join, they'd be called, "The Sane One."

Save of course, like Naruto, the actually nicknames will be only two words long, one a "The" and the other, the description. I can't decided how many to make, maybe nine in total, like Akatsuki, but that eerily sounds like too many OCs. Also, if you have an idea for a character, please, contact me. Remember, they have a speciality, but not necessarily a combat speciality.

If I can figure out how to use that poll thing on my profile page, I'll put up a poll for people to speak about what sounds like an awesome character. Not their personality, their nicknames. Oh yeah, if you have an idea for like defining characteristics of the gang, like Akatsuki's obession with hats, cloaks and rings, tell me as well.

Finally, finally. A couple of people have been wondering about pairings. I'm not sure really, cos I think that this story has Naruto sound better as a lone wolf and bachelor. But if some of you insist, I might consider it. If I do, I will like to say that a pairing would occur past the timeskip. And it probably would be with someone mature. But I'm not sure, cos I could either enhance the story, or completely ruin it with a pairing. Let's just say, if there is a pairing, it will not be the main focus of the story.

It's LightningHunter, and goodnight.