The Unforgotten Memoirs: Evolution

by Samnamikaze23

He began alone, but forged ahead, gaining companions, and becoming a feared legend. One thing that was certain through his travails was that Uzumaki Naruto always strove to defy all odds, looking ahead to a New World, a world free of war, but then again, things never happen as we wish it to. The Elemental nations is a really cruel place to live in. [AU] Under Cleanup.

4. Ambitions

People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed, only if there is light from within.

AMBITIONS

The Land of Wind was one of the more prominent countries in the Elemental Nations. It was located to the south-west of the Land of Fire and bordered the Land of Rivers and Amegakure. Its government leader was the Wind Daimyo.

The country covered a vast realm, but that realm was largely composed of deserts.

Due to the fact that there was very little rainfall throughout the year, the people of the country lived in villages built on one of the desert's many oases, and despite the country's extremely harsh environment, it had a large population.

In this Land, laid the military village - Sunagakure no Sato.

Sunagakure no Sato, was the hidden village of the Land of Wind and was founded by the First Kazekage. As one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, Sunagakure had a Kage as its leader known as the Kazekage. The current Kazekage which was the fourth, Rasa resided in a spherical structure in the center of the village.

The village was observed by two hooded individuals, gazing upon the silhouette of Sunagakure in all its glory. Why they hadn't moved forward was that despite being the least powerful Great Hidden village, Suna had the best lookout positions in all the Villages ever existed.

The village was surrounded by a large wall with numerous compartments composing of Sand Shinobi. It was so large that using the advantage of being surrounded by desert, Suna could spot enemy Shinobi miles away and could swiftly attack before the Shinobi could make it close. That was why Suna couldn't be ambushed from any side.

The hooded figures seemingly done with whatever they prepared, moved forward towards the Village, walking slowly seeming to be no threat.

It was going to be a long Journey to Suna.

…

KUMOGAKURE

It was a very tense atmosphere as the war council of Kumogakure was gathered, sitting in a large circular hall. Between them was a huge round table, encompassing the space between them, and on the table, was engraved boldly, the map of the Elemental Nations.

At a position seemingly held for the leader, sat the Raikage, A. The chair was adorned with carvings reminiscent of a Boar.The other chairs surrounding the chair was host to twelve individuals, some seemingly in age while others around mid-forties.

The Raikage looked round the table shifting his gaze to each member of the meeting, before closing his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.

"This gathering haven't been called since the Third Shinobi World War and as most of you are guessing, yes, this is a preparation for war."

An old man hummed. "I haven't heard any reports of any Shinobi nation mobilizing for war, all of them mostly taking defensive measures. If what I've concluded is true then Kumo is about to kick start this war that you seem to be interested in. Also, from observations, since the advent of the red moon you seem to be excited about something. Why don't you share your thoughts, A?"

A chuckled quietly. "Was I so obvious to read Watashi? Well, regardless, the reason I'm gearing us up for war is simple." A smirked. "Konoha lost their Jinchuuriki."

Every eye surrounding the table widened as they looked at A, a victorious smile emerging on his face as he took in the expressions of all the occupants of the room. He was certainly sure he got their attention. Watashi's eyes then went back to his original position.

"I see, and you intend to attack Konohagakure due to this mishap." Watashi's eyes narrowed, "May I need to tell you how imprudent this plan is. You know that Konoha doesn't need a Tailed Beast to be powerful, they have powerful ninjas that could outmatch ours and-"

"Do you think I haven't taken that into consideration, Watashi?" A looked at him seriously. "The loss of the Fourth Hokage, the Tailed Beast, have any of you ever estimated that Konoha would be this weak, this vulnerable? This is a perfect opportunity to attack, and also, yes I have considered that if we win, there is high probability that another village would attack us because we would be weakened."

"If you have realized this why go ahead with this irrational plan?" wondered another man, also an elderly person.

"Simple Rohan, we form an alliance." A replied.

"Alliances during war periods are nothing more than a non-aggression pacts A." the man identified as Rohan spoke incredulous. "They would take any chance to take us down when they have a chance!"

"Do you think I would be so foolish to turn my back on them?" A looked insulted, but didn't react negatively. He elaborated. "I've thought on it and settled for a plan that would equally harm both of us as soon as we begin the pact. They would be also weakened as us to even think of betraying us."

"And who do you think is going to agree on this alliance?" asked a man who looked young compared to the people in the council.

"Again it's simple. Who suffered the greatest defeat from Konoha from the last war and, who do you think hates Konoha more than us, Neiza?" A smirked.

The man now called Neiza looked at A eye to eye, until he closed his eyes. "I see… you intend to form an alliance with a village at the same strength as us, Iwa."

"Having an equal amount of tailed Beasts such as us, Iwa lost many of their ninja's in the Third Shinobi War due to the Yellow flash." Watashi mused. "The combined might of Iwa and Kumo should easily take down Konoha. Mizu wouldn't attack because of their civil war and they don't meddle majorly in these situations, and Suna on the other hand are the weakest Village so they pose no threat, the only hope Konoha would have currently is if they formed an alliance with the Sand." He continued. "Well thought out, A."

A chuckled again. "Now the next part we should talk about is how to convince the Tsuchikage to form an alliance. He's a pretty stubborn old goat. That's why you are here, Zan. Got any ideas for diplomacy?"

The man identified as Zan was a dark-skinnedman with creases on his forehead. He wore the standard Kumo shinobi attire with the forehead protector on his arm. He pondered. "Hmm… let's see"

…

KONOHA

Sounds of kunai clashing was heard as sparks flew around the training ground. Two men were observed to be sparing. The first was a relatively tall Shinobi with spiky silver hair, with dark-colored eyes with a mask over the lower half of his face that also covered his right eye.

The other was another tall man with brown eyes, short, black spiky hair and beard. His clothing consisted of the Standard Konoha uniform with the sleeves rolled up halfway.

They seemingly danced with impressive footwork; dodging, clashing, analyzing before dodging and attacking forward. It took a while before one of the men fell to the ground; the one without the face mask.

Panting, he spoke. "You win this round, Kakashi."

The man identified as Kakashi looked at the man below him, sweat glistening his body. Both of them exhausted.

"You did well, Asuma"

"Well is not enough you know." Asuma mused.

"I really don't know who is worse, you or Gai. No I take it back, Gai is worse." Kakashi said before sending his hand towards Asuma who took it and helped himself up.

"Man, ever since the Third declared war protocol the village seemed dull, Stalls don't open frequently and it seems it would be this way for long."

"War is never a good thing, Asuma." said Kakashi

"Of course it isn't, the Third Shinobi war wasn't anything to write home about. If war begins it would seem we at a disadvantage, due to the loss of the nine tails." Asuma blinked. "Hey Kakashi, did you know the kid?"

"No." Kakashi looked in thought. "I haven't met with him."

I should have though.

"Kakashi, are you alright?"

"Yeah, let's go rest. I hate that I'm getting old." Kakashi said walking towards the training gate leaving Asuma who frowned looking at Kakashi's back.

What is wrong with him?

…

HOKAGE TOWER

Hiruzen finished receiving the report from Inoichi and it was alarming to listen to. From Inoichi's recollection, Orochimaru was with Naruto and the forbidden scroll. The Hidden masked figure seemed to be the person that Mamba faced earlier. Hiruzen thought on the situation before he was interrupted.

"Hokage-sama. Report from Kumo." And ANBU said handing Hiruzen the scroll which he collected before looking it through. Exhaling from his pipe he commanded. "Get me Danzo."

MINUTES LATER

Danzo came walking in, nodding at Hiruzen sitting down.

"Hokage?" The room glowed before dying down.

"The Jinchuuriki and the forbidden scroll are with Orochimaru."

Danzo's eye looked forward, contemplating at the information at Hiruzen. He blinked, commenting. "The last known location of Orochimaru was in Rice Country. Strange for him to strike now of all times."

Hiruzen tapped his left index finger on the table. "I see. It seems Jiraiya hasn't kept tabs on him for a while. What is he doing?" Hiruzen questioned before an afterthought crossed his mind. On another note, I need to bring her back to Konoha.

"We need an updated report on his location. I don't know what Orochimaru is planning with the Jinchuuriki but it's never good." Danzo advised to which Hiruzen nodded his head.

"I've sent a message to Jiraiya to get back to Konoha. I need him to fully concentrate on finding Orochimaru."

"On the other hand." Hiruzen started going on a new topic. "You probably know this but Kumo have begun to prepare for war."

Danzo simply nodded commenting. "I received the same message through the seal. I have to admit that was fast. They would not make such a decision unless they are confident. Having in mind that they know that attacking us would definitely not end well for them, so I think they would go for the less risky way by seeking an alliance."

"They wouldn't go to Mizu because of the civil war going on there currently, and they wouldn't go to Suna for known reasons. Which leaves one choice, Iwagakure." Hiruzen concluded.

Danzo nodded his head. "Iwa has history with us and wouldn't want to give up any chance to wipe us out, so they would be easily persuaded."

"We have an alliance with Suna. A bit shaky, but still an alliance regardless. We need to mobilize them to at least give us a chance."

"I really doubt it would be even with Kumo and Iwa having the combination of four Tailed Beasts… that is great military power."

"We can survive." Hiruzen said boldly. "If we play our cards right. No matter how limited they are. We also need control of the water."

"Land of the waves or Kirigakure?" Danzo asked simply to which Hiruzen looked deep in thought. "If we can seize control of Kirigakure before them, it would not only help Suna but us as well."

"Precisely, Danzo." Hiruzen said. "Communication and supplies should always be at the forefront of our goals. Considering it would be futile for Iwa or Kumo to attack the seas due to the distance, we could use that as an advantage."

"I understand."

"And before we go on, I need you to send to me your most trained ROOT agent."

"May I ask why?"

Hiruzen simply threw a scroll to Danzo who opened it, His eyes widened, "This is a very risky move, Hiruzen, but if this works, the war might be in our favor."

"It is going to be a joint mission. You know what I mean, don't you?"

Danzo smirked. "Yeah Crystal. And regarding the waves, something has come up. Something that requires our attention."

"The Gato situation huh?"

"You know of it then."

"A couple of shinobi, made a public display of Gato if the reports are to be affirmed. Apparently Momoichi Zabuza lost his life in the process."

"Yes." Danzo nodded. "While he did a good work for us, having a wild card going around and causing problems isn't the best way to go. If we could find him and request he helps us in the battles, it wouldn't be too bad."

"I see your point." Hiruzen commented. "We need to investigate deeper. I have a feeling we would be meeting these individuals again."

"Good. Now how are things going in the academy?" Hiruzen asked looking through a scroll. Danzo nodded his head.

"Very good actually, my agent Yasue seems to be doing a good job whipping them up to shape. They would be useful soon enough."

"Excellent." Hiruzen said, the room glowing before Danzo stood up. "You can go now if that's all you wish to discuss."

"Yes… Hokage-sama." As soon as Danzo left the office, Hiruzen called out. "Eagle"

"You called Hokage-sama." An Eagle masked ANBU said bowing down

"Go get me Hatake Kakashi."

"Understood."

…

A WHILE LATER

Kakashi walked up the stairs, musing on the current situation the Elemental Nations was going to undergo again, he frowned.

It was happening again, and it wouldn't be long before the loss of loved ones were to occur again. War was never a good thing but yet, the world seemed to relish in the threat. Kakashi's gaze became sullen as a familiar face went through his memories,

Rin, Obito… He shook his head clearing his thoughts as soon as he found himself in front of Hiruzen's office. He made himself in, steeling his expression.

"Hokage-sama you called."

Hiruzen seemingly went through a scroll, proofreading it before muttering.

"Yes Kakashi, I want to send you on two S-rank missions. The first is to Suna. You are to give this letter to the Kazekage. The second is inscribed in this scroll, and soon as you are done, commence the second mission."

Hiruzen muttered, giving the letter to Kakashi who in turn sealed it into a scroll. "You should choose three Shinobi to go with you, mostly jounin, and report here before you leave, Understood?"

"Understood, Hokage-sama." Kakashi bowed his head, before vanishing with the aid of shushin.

Hiruzen sighed. War is upon us, now the question is who would draw the first blood?

…

SUNAGAKURE

The two hooded figures made their way to the gates of Suna, but they stopped within their path, blocked by the guards.

"Halt! Identification."

"Reizo Takeshi." said one of the figures.

"Tamashii Shou." said the other one.

"Take off your hoods."

Tamashii Shou took off his first exposing a thirteen year old Spiky red haired boy, with nervous blue eyes and skin with faint scars. The rest of his body was blocked by the coat he was wearing.

Reizo Takeshi took his off next obviously the taller one of average height and build. He had dark eyes and black shaggy hair as the rest of his body also blocked by the coats.

"What is your business in Suna?" A guard asked.

"We heard of the situation, that the villages were preparing for war so we quickly came to stay with my family." Reizo said smiling.

"Any Identification?" The guard asked with an arched eyebrow. To which Iruka gave them two cards. The shinobi took the cards back within the walls and took some time. Coming out after a few minutes he commented.

"Identification checks out. Though, we still need to search you before you go in."

"No problem."

They screened Reizo without any reason as he was free of any weapons or anything marking him as a threat. As they moved towards Tamashii, before they could touch him he shivered and quickly cowered behind Reizo. This action got raised eyebrows from the guards as some of them tensed.

"Don't worry Tamashii, they just want to make sure that you aren't a threat." Reizo said smiling.

"What is wrong with him?"

"Well I picked him up from an orphanage; he was usually bullied there so I took him with me."

"Just let them in." A guard said sighing in annoyance. "We are wasting time here."

The guard that screened Reizo sighed before letting them in. "Enjoy your stay, and stay safe."

Passing him, a guard spoke at the inner gates. "Welcome to Suna."

Reizo quickly smiled before holding Tamashii's hand and walking into Sunagakure.

"How do you assess them?" One of the guards asked the other. "They are free of any gentechnique, so they aren't a threat. Besides, I sent someone to watch over them for a while."

Sunagakure was mostly made of houses in dome figures located at various positions around the area. Reizo walked, looking around, before entering a store looking at Tamashii.

"Do you want some dango, Tamashii? I heard they taste very good here."

"Yup!" Tamashii said gladly. Reizo quickly bought some before giving some to Tamashii who ate them quickly. "Well let's lodge into a hotel, Tomorrow we get to see my family."

Tamashii nodded enthusiastically, walking towards the lodging establishments. Quickly getting to the receptionist, they got a room heading up.

While in the room, Reizo looked around before going through a sequence of hand seals seemingly to no effect. He then turned to Tamashii.

"Have you found him?"

"It wasn't hard. The entire village directed fear and hatred towards a mass of negative emotions near the Kazekage tower. It seems that the Jinchuuriki is there."

"What do you suggest we do about the spy watching us from the start?"

"Nothing. Let him continue living in the gentechnique you placed just now. We have more important duties at hand."

…

NIGHT

The desert was hot during the day, and very cold in the night. Very cold winds blew around the Village of Suna as the red moon stood high above the clouds casting its red hue above the village. At an area near the children's playground there was a large pillar, and on it sat a young Gaara, gazing at the moon.

"Mesmerizing isn't it?"

He glanced behind him to see Naruto in his 'Tamashii' disguise looking at him with a smile. "Get away from here."

"And why should I?"

Gaara blinked in surprise looking down at Naruto in curiosity. "Mother isn't telling me to serve her your blood."

"Mother?" Naruto asked, tilting his head to the side in confusion. "Is that what you call that thing inside you?"

The boy's eyes narrowed. Quickly a huge tunnel of sand surrounded Naruto.

SAND BURIAL

I warned you

He muttered hollowly as the sand quickly closed; apparently crushing Naruto. He then turned his gaze to the sky.

"Impressive control over sand I might add." Naruto said directly behind Gaara whose eyes widened in shock and confusion, and in reflex, sand quickly erupted in spikes around him to which Naruto just dissipated to smoke.

"Your life would have been ended already." Naruto spoke as Gaara's eyes narrowed.

"Who are you?"

"Tamashii Shou." Naruto said at the base of the pillar. He smiled tilting his head to the side. "Pleased to meet you."

"Get away from here."

Immediately spikes emerged from the ground he previously occupied and while Naruto was in mid-air, a column of sand quickly morphed, turning to a whip before swiping at him. Naruto made a white shield, blocking the collision.

He was made aware to the sand particles that quickly attached to his feet, which fused together, quickly expanding before throwing him to one of the swings. Naruto crashed down on it, destroying the swing easily due to the speed and strenght of the collision.

Getting up he mused. That sand seems to be acting up on instinct; it also seems to be pretty fast. I can't go beyond my current limit while in this barrier or I'll risk alerting the Kazekage. Jumping up from his position to a pillar he looked at the Boy. The Ichibi is obviously lending him its powers, hmm.

Smirking a bit he picked up smoke bombs, Naruto threw them towards the boy who batted them away easily with his sand before his eyes widened as Naruto appeared in front of him and sent a kick getting the boy right in the gut, sending him to the floor.

Getting up, he looked at his body where cracks seemingly appeared before disappearing.

"It seems you can't multitask with your Sand. Very bad weakness, Jinchuuriki."

The boy's eyes widened at the last word. How did he know that?

"You are probably thinking How does he know? Well, you'll have to beat me to find out." Naruto taunted gesturing him to come.

"I see." The boy's eyes flashed golden and the sand around the entire area seemed to pulse with life. The sands around Naruto seemed to rotate before turning into sand whirlpool.

Creation of all things: Pillars.

Multiple white pillars quickly rose from the ground all around the arena, with Naruto jumping on one, leveling the height between them.

The boy looked around before clenching his fist. Immediately numerous large sand spears immediately formed and started heading towards Naruto who quickly dodged by jumping on each of the Pillars.

The action kept going for a while; Naruto going round Gaara multiple times while dodging each spear. Gaara moved for the assault while eyeing each pillar, not noticing that each pillar Naruto came in contact with glowed briefly.

Seemingly satisfied, Naruto muttered. It's time

Quickly weaving hand seals, Naruto muttered.

Creation of All things: Restricting Chains.

Many white beams of light emerged from the pillars all around the boy and raced at light speeds, binding him.

Tch. Gaara scowled, struggling with the restraints as he failed at each attempt to control the sand. He gritted his teeth in annoyance. Naruto, not looking a gift in the mouth, quickly capitalized quickly going through a sequence of hand seals.

Lightning Release: Maximum Bolts Naruto yelled as pure electricity surged from his hands travelling through the beams of light illuminating the playground.

AAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

Gaara yelled in pain as the currents went into him unrestricted; any hope of conjuring sand to assist him went up in naught because of his chakra being sucked violently.

After a while the lightning seemed to cease, and Gaara panted on the ground seemingly losing consciousness. Sand quickly began to recede into him as he was close to unconsciousness.

Quickly sensing a humongous chakra building up Naruto thought, completely stunned. This is! He can't fall asleep here!

Stopping his technique, he went towards Gaara aiming to wake him, but he just stared into space his eyes flickering from their green to star shaped golden.

"Wake the hell up." Naruto quickly sent his chakra through him as he jolted up, his eyes settling for green. Looking up in surprise, he saw Naruto looking at him in thought. It seems it wasn't sealed properly. Tch. I can't do it here. I guess I have no choice.

Gaara was completely stunned. Someone actually beat him, and stopped it from awakening.

"It seems that you have mellowed out a little. So let's start over. I'm Tamashii Shou, and you are?"

He looked at Naruto before standing up slowly clearly weakened. "Gaara… Sabaku Gaara"

"Sabaku Gaara, pleased to meet you."

"I… Lost?" Gaara looked at him in befuddlement. Naruto chuckled a bit.

"Of course you did, everybody loses once in a while, and it helps to get stronger." Naruto smiled "It wouldn't be fun if you won every battle. Everyone needs a challenge."

"Have you lost then?"

Naruto didn't answer. He just continued. "I'll get straight to the point. I noticed that your Tailed Beast wasn't sealed properly."

"You haven't told me how you know that I have a Tailed Beast inside me."

"Simple, I can sense it. Gaara, I can help you seal it properly, making you to be able to sleep, all I need is time. Would you like that Gaara?"

Gaara looked at him impassive to his request. "I haven't slept for years now. I doubt I would need that anyway. So I decline your offer."

"Let me guess by saying that you are scared of being attacked in the night. Being awake keeps you safe."

"You pretty know what I go through every day, have you been spying on me lately?"

"I haven't been spying on you. I know what Jinchuuriki go through. Besides, I'm a Jinchuuriki too."

Gaara's eyes widened at Naruto's last words. He then clenched his fist at Naruto's next words.

"The pain of being unwanted."

He exhaled sharply. "Shut up."

"Everybody you know wants to kill you." Naruto pressed on, "Even your father."

"Shut up." Gaara warned.

"You are looked at constantly with those eyes."

"I said Shut up!" Gaara yelled, infuriated as the sands beneath them rumbled in response.

Naruto looked at him for a while before smiling and turning his back to him. "I'll be here tomorrow, to receive your answer. I have a way to get you away from all this be ready by then. Later Gaara." Naruto said before he vanished leaving Gaara to his thoughts.

Away… away, from all this?

Gaara clenched his fists.

The pain of being unwanted; everybody you know wants to kill you; you are looked at constantly with those eyes.

Naruto's words clearly went into his mind as the words kept revolving in his head.

Accept my offer Gaara, be free.

…

Naruto appeared in a shushin back to the room, looking a bit disoriented. He looked down to feel his right hand shaking involuntarily to his confusion.

His eyes narrowed. What's wrong?

"So… how did it go?" Iruka's question snapped him from his musings, he simply clenched his fist, and sighed a bit as control returned.

Naruto then chuckled, the room glowing briefly before dying down. He mused. "I just figured that I have a soft spot for Jinchuuriki, Iruka…"

"A soft spot." Iruka arched an eyebrow. "Well it's to be expected after all, they all have resonating circumstances with you, well on how they lived"

Their disguises faded, revealing the duo. "Hmmm, we might be here for a while. I need to find a way to seal the One Tails. It seems whoever did it wasn't a genius at it."

"Suna has little to no Shinobi proficient in sealing. It's to be expected, so I expect that you would begin studying the forbidden scroll for any sealing techniques."

"Yeah." Naruto said placing his palm on the floor.

Summoning Technique.

A black matrix appeared on the floor as a puff of smoke appeared on the position were Naruto's hand was, when it cleared, the forbidden scroll was seen and along was Zabuza's apprentice… Haku.

"Wake up Haku-san." Iruka said tapping her lightly on her head.

Haku's eyes jolted awake and looked around in the room. Immediately, the room's temperature dropped as Haku quickly jumped up attaching herself to the ceiling of the room looking at them.

Thick ice mist was threatening to flood the room. Haku asked sternly. "Where is Zabuza-s-?"

"Dead" Naruto said simply looking up at her directly in her eyes.

"Wha-?" Haku said her eyes widening.

"I said he is dead, he died in wave." Naruto replied simply.

Haku looked in shock towards Naruto, her eyes slowly dying as the words repeated itself over and over again in her mind.

"Zabuza-sama, dead? But that's impossible?"

"He died in Wa-"

"Shut up." Haku said with killer intent gracing her voice. The room's temperature was reduced to lower degrees as Naruto exhaled out cold mist from his lips.

"I killed him while you were unconscious." Naruto said simply getting up from his position from the floor and walking to his bed.

"I'm going to get some sleep, hope you have mellowed out then."

"How… dare you?" Haku said.

Naruto stopped in his tracks his back facing her, "What?"

"How… dare you?"

Naruto blinked in confusion. "We are Shinobi, we are all meant to die at a point, am I right?"

"Don't give me that crap!" Haku said with threat gracing her tone as a long lance of ice formed at her hands. Lunging at Naruto, Haku prepared for a strike before Naruto turned his head towards her. As their eyes locked, the ice in her hand seemingly melted from the oppressive aura that surrounded Naruto.

Haku was blown back a bit as she collided to with the ground. She gasped a bit, feeling a bit nauseous. She looked up to Naruto with her eyes widened.

What… was that? Haku immediately felt a chill down her spine while staring at Naruto. She grunted, clenching her stomach in pain to which Naruto observed.

"You have not fully recovered. I am going to get some sleep." Naruto spoke, his eye flickering blood red before returning to their original blue. "You should get some too."

Haku stood rooted in her spot as she stared at Naruto. How old was he and he was exuding this type of aura. Just what was he?

Just then memories of the battle with Zabuza flashed through her mind; every clash, every technique, and every move, until that feeling of her being drawn somewhere.

Afterwards it was just dark.

"You matched him equally." Haku said clenching her fist. "Every move. How is that possible?"

Naruto just smirked. After a slight pause, he muttered. "Who knows?"

He began to move to his bed but stopped as soon as he heard her. "Why didn't you kill me then? Why did you let me live?"

"I HAVE NO PURPOSE NOW!" Haku spoke, her eyes brimming with tears; her expression exuding sadness and anger at the same time.

"That is why I left you alive, Haku." Naruto muttered. Prompting her to show confusion staring at his back.

"You are now a blank slate. Everything you have done was for Zabuza; your goal was Zabuza, your life was for Zabuza. You were simply; his tool, chained to him like a slave."

Naruto spoke turning towards her. "I killed him to break that. The thought of someone like you being his tool is ridiculous. You have your own life now; a life to live to your heart's content, a life where you can decide what you want; a free life. I don't want any thanks, any insult, or any appreciation."

Naruto began to walk towards her. "Just live like a human being; and if possible act like someone who has evolved from those chains, someone who knows the dangers of the world we live in; someone who without a doubt, could live in the new world I'm going to create, and, if you can't live up to those expectations-"

A kunai crept out of Naruto's sleeve. "-allow me to end your life now."

Haku knelt down, seemingly disheartened. Naruto looked at her, observing the turmoil she was going through. "Zabuza-sama cared for me when nobody else could. My father, who loved me, later hated me because I had a bloodline, something I could not control. something I didn't have a choice over. I never asked for it you know?"

Naruto's eyes widened a bit at her words.

"My father wanted to kill me because of my power. He killed my mother because she was trying to protect me. I was lonely, hopeless, and goalless."

Haku gritted her teeth, tears flowed out from her eyes prompting a sympathetic look from Iruka. Naruto looked at her in stunned silence, her words stirring something within him. "Until Zabuza saved me from some ninja working for the Mizukage."

Haku smiled in thought. "He took me in, taught me how to use my abilities. Gave me attention regardless of what it was. It showed I existed for someone, you know. It showed that I still had a purpose. I couldn't be ignored. I could be noticed, I could be someone. I existed, to protect him, because he was the only proof that I existed."

Zabuza-sama I'm your tool, do as you wish with my life, I owe you everything to this moment, I live only for you.

"Now, he is dead. You had no right, we never knew each other! Why did you do that?!"

Naruto looked at her in contemplation before replying. "It was purely circumstance I guess. Zabuza unfortunately crossed paths with me. And, he asked me to spare you. That is it."

"I'm alone once again. The cycle keeps repeating itself over and over again… I hate it!" Haku broke down in tears as Naruto looked impassively at her. He muttered remembering the words of his teacher. "This is all due to a man or woman in need of power, they go on trampling anyone in their way not caring of the ripple effect it may cause."

"It is all due to fear. Something that makes anyone do unspeakable things to get rid of that emotion. It is all due to greed, to have whatever wealth a person desires. All these things and more makes this world what it is, that is why we have wars, bloodline purges, discriminations and many other sacrilegious acts that plague our land."

Naruto smiled at the memory, looking at his palm. "That is what I'm trying to do, to cleanse in this wicked world, Make this world… evolved."

Iruka looked at Naruto seriously as the latter spoke on. "Someone on the street would say that this world can't change, and my answer would be to cut him to pieces. All of them who let fear control them, all of them who allowed the darkness to corrupt their minds, discriminate because of position, all of them who look down on people because of one success or the other, I will change all that. The darkness in their hearts will be wiped out and then we will see peace. Even though it would be for a short time, it would be the longest."

Naruto said all this while looking directly to Haku as she stared at him. "That is somewhat a decent goal-" she mused "-but I can't help but guess that the path you would take wouldn't be all carpets and roses."

"Of course it wouldn't." Naruto said smiling mirthlessly. "I have known that from the start. People will die, people I might care about, but, I need power, power and more power, and just then, it will be in sight. I have a long way to go anyway."

"You needing power is just describing what makes this world what it is, what makes you so different that you wouldn't trample on people once you get to the top?"

"Again I'll say who knows?" Naruto muttered with a ghostly smile before he continued.

"You are obviously distraught about Zabuza, but you need to move on with your life. Find a goal that you yourself choose and do everything to fulfill it."

Goal… huh

Haku mused over that word; everything it entailed. She knew everything about the word but one thing she couldn't know was simple, what did she want for her goal? Looking at the boy in front of her she already saw someone who had a goal and that made him better than her, but maybe, if she-

"Can I join you on your journey?" Haku asked.

Naruto's eyes widened in befuddlement. "I don't want a drone to be followi-"

"I already figured that out already." Haku interrupted him, smiling solemnly. "If I follow you, I could get to know what my goal could be. I don't know if I'm following a future tyrant, a good leader, who knows; I just have this nagging feeling to follow you, if I do, maybe I can have the answer I need."

"What is it that gives you the motive to follow me?" Narut asked stunned.

"I don't know either. If you are confused, why don't you ask him?" Haku gestured to Iruka who chuckled.

"Just accept her, Naruto."

Naruto contemplated, clenching his fist.

Even though I never intended for this to happen, it does. He walked towards her "I'm Uzumaki Naruto currently Tamashii Shou."

"Yuki Haku."

All the conversation was watched by Iruka with a smile. This is actually good for him. He never has really known the true feeling of comradery. But from this, he craves it, just like every other Jinchuuriki, Human connection. Such a powerful feeling.

We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.

Friendship is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them.

Iruka looked to see Naruto nod his head towards her.

We can only love others as we love ourselves.

"We all need to get some sleep, we have work tomorrow." Naruto said before going to his bed, closing his eyes. Haku looked forward on the floor, a great deal of thought flowing through her mind. Iruka looked at her, before moving to his bed. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

…

THE NEXT DAY

Uchiha Sasuke jumped using the rooftops as he headed towards the Ninja Academy. He seemed to be pleased with the effort the village was putting in training them for the preparation to be Shinobi regardless of the brimming situation.

Honestly if someone were to be asking him on his thoughts on the previous curriculum he would have said he was disappointed. Learning just three techniques wasn't even enlightening to him but now he was happy with the progress he made so far. Just a little more time and he would be ready to achieve his goal.

His thoughts were interrupted passed the Academy gates. Looking around he was pleased to see his classmates all looking serious while heading to the combat orientation classes. All they had being doing since Iruka left the Academy were mostly combat orientation and lessons on the shinobi nations, entailing their most practiced techniques and other important matters.

It was basically a Know-your-enemy kind of class. Joining the line, it didn't take long before their instructor Yasue appeared with a stern demeanor.

Looking them over, he nodded and said. "Today we are going to be doing something different; up till now you have all been trained. Now is the time to put them into good use. I'm going to create a mock Chunin exam in which all of you will participate."

"Yes, sensei." The Shinobi hopefuls chorused uniformly. Yasue seemingly satisfied said "You all should appear at the forest of death for further instructions and remember-" His eyes narrowed "If you are not ready to die, you shouldn't be there."

As he vanished in a shushin, almost immediately, most of the students jumped to the rooftops at their top speeds dashing towards the forest.

Kira looked to his sister, placing his right hand on her shoulder. "We might not be on the same teams, but if you ever need help, you know what to do."

Saki scowled. "When are you going to stop babying me?"

Kira huffed, a smile emerging on his face. "Never. You are my younger sister you know."

"You are just older by minutes."

"You said older, didn't you?" Kira smirked before jumping away to the rooftops. Saki's eyebrow twitched before a smile emerged from her face as she watched him leave.

"Stupid brother."

Arriving there, Yasue was seen with another man, conversing inaudibly to the students ears. As soon as they were done, Yasue looked down to his watch before turning to the class.

"Alright, pay attention! This test is not only to see how much you have grown under my tutelage. Now it should be known that your lives would be in danger once you begin this exercise. You would all be grouped into three man cell teams and we will give instructions from there on. Now it is required that you all sign these forms. It basically says if you die. It's by your volition."

Ino grimaced. "That's dark."

"Naturally I wouldn't agree to this but I don't think I have a choice." Shikamaru muttered with a groan.

Ino smirked. "I can't believe you mother still bosses you around."

"You know she's my mother, right?"

"My mother doesn't boss me around."

And look where that got you. Ino sighed at his weight before smiling a bit at her childhood friends. She didn't speak out her thoughts, knowing how unstable Chouji was once his weight was mentioned.

She looked forward to note Yasue passing the forms round. When he was done, he looked to a scroll. "Now time to group you people."

"Team One members would be Netsuke Kin, Haigde Kira and Amiko Wan; Team Two would consist of Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke and Ikeda Kato. Team three would comprise of Nahitstu Kinoke, Haigde Saki and Bara Kudan; Team four would be Basira Gumo, Jumobi Jin and Shin Bon; Team five would consist of Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino; Team Six would consist of Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chouji; that is all for the groupings."

Sakura looked a bit stunned at the groupings. Noting that if it was some time ago, Haruno Sakura would have yelled to the Heavens that she was on a team with Uchiha Sasuke, but now – thanks to that snake lady, she wasn't as enthused as she thought she would be.

All the females were brought out of their childhood dreams about crushes and given the mindset of people who could die in the incoming turmoil, building around the Nations. They were shown what the world entailed and what horrible end awaited them if they continued thinking along the lines of children.

The war pictures didn't help one bit.

…

Sakura looked horrified, sitting on the rooftops of the academy. Her hands trembled in complete and utter fear, as a result of what she was shown.

She was shown pictures of the war and it was horrible. She had made up her mind. She was going to quit. She was not going to be able to handle it at all. She never expected to have the mindset to watch her friends die in the battlefield, and now that she was shown what the truth about shinobi was, she faltered.

"There you are!"

Sakura widened her eyes, looking to the steps to notice, Ino walking towards her. "Ino."

Even she looked disturbed.

"How are you doing?"

Sakura clenched her fist, with her lips trembling. "I'm quitting Ino."

Ino's eyes widened. "W…What?!"

"I can't do it Ino." She muttered looking to her feet. Ino looked stunned towards Sakura. "It's horrible."

Sakura looked in fear. "The deaths. It's horrible."

"I see."

"How are you able to look all cool after what you were shown?" sakura looked to Ino in wonder.. "Aren't you a bit disturbed?"

"I am to be honest." Ino smiled at her, before moving to seat beside her. "But my father told me something."

Sakura looked towards Ino. "Or rather he showed me something. A light in all the darkness."

"Light?"

Ino placed her hand to Sakura's head, and she saw black.

Sakura's eyes widened as she looked around, seeing Ino beside her. They were on the top of the Hokage Tower.

Looking around, Sakura could tell something was amiss. She looked around in confusion.

"Where am I?"

"Your mind." Ino gestured to the ground. "Look down, Sakura."

Sakura looked down in stunned silence as she watched a couple of children playing around in the village. She looked to the civilians to note smiles on their faces.

"All that death, all that suffering, is so the world could be like this someday." Ino smiled at the sight. Sakura looked conflicted. "I don't think I have the strength to ensure this Sakura."

"We all have our parts to play, Sakura." Ino smiled. "And if you are going to stumble, I'll be there to pick you up. And I'm sure you would do the same for me, right?"

Sakura looked at Ino in a stunned silence. Was this really her rival? Things weren't what they seemed. With those words, Sakura gained a small spark of optimism, that things could turn out alright.

So she replied. "Sure thing."

Just once, she was beginning to look to the future, with a goal afoot.

She was going to play her part. She was going to ensure that the next generation would grow in peace.

…

Sharing glance with Ino who nodded at her, Sakura simply signed thee form, and moved towards her group members who didn't even bother with pleasantries. She stopped in front of them and commented. "We need to know each person's strengths and weaknesses if we are to complete this test."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow at her attitude. A slight smile gracing his features. She felt capable.

"I couldn't agree more." Kato said turning his gaze to Sasuke for his input.

He simply nodded. "Definitely a must, we can't just go blind into the forest, we would lose our lives. Though I don't expect most of us to be targeting lives."

His eyes narrowed as he saw Kira. As I said, I don't expect most.

Kira looked at Sasuke with a cunning smile emerging on his face. A lot had happened since the disappearance of Naruto, ands Kira didn't think it was all a coincidence that Iruka seemed to have gotten a mission that day when explosions were felt around the village.

Something was up, and he was annoyed he didn't know it. If he had to be a shinobi to no be in the dark, then he would take out whoever was an obstacle.

A little time passed, as Yasue gave the teams enough time to discuss with their members. "If you are all done discussing, one person from each team should come in and have a scroll."

Immediately 6 Individuals went to the tent, each covering up their scrolls before they could be seen by the other teams.

Yasue then continued. "This test is simple, if you notice you all have half a scroll and a different color: red, green or blue, your job is to complete the scroll, then head to the Instructors building at the end of the forest to complete the test. Simply saying, only those who make it can pass this test. Let's test your perception."

"BEGIN!"

An all the Shinobi hopefuls dashed into the forest each of them not knowing what lay in store for them.

Team Two jumped to the trees using it as a medium of travel for a while before finding a shed untouched. After a quick glance from Sasuke, Sakura nodded her head and sent a clone towards the scene to rig out any traps. Seemingly finding none, they landed at the spot and made it their base camp.

Sasuke looked around before sitting down, his actions followed by each of the team. He quickly reached for the pouch and took out a red scroll that seemed to be cut in half with half Konoha's symbol etched on it.

"Now we have a scroll. All we need is it's other half. We have two main strategies, one, we go into the forest looking for who has the red scroll or two, we wait here for anybody to come."

"I suggest we head towards the possessors of the other half." Kato said to which Sakura nodded her head. "They might be killed and their scroll might be thrown away."

Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Fine then, Kato, can you sense the team closest?"

Kato closed his eyes and stretched his senses wide. "Yeah, Team…"

…

Sounds of kunai clashing filled the forest as members of Team Four and One clashed together. Team Four's Gumo, Bon and Jin seemed to face against Kira, Wan, and Kin respectively.

Quickly separating themselves, each team retreated to a branch above them sizing up the enemy. Kira spoke up. "Just hand over your scroll, if it isn't our type I'll just happily hand it back."

"And would you do the same if we told you the same thing?" Gumo mocked to which Kira's eyes narrowed. "I thought so."

"And Kira, it doesn't matter if your scroll is different, we would still take it. I figured something about this test; you don't have to pass with your given scroll. Yasue sensei said it himself, all you have to do is appear with a complete scroll and you pass. You know what that means don't you Kira?" Gumo said with a smirk forming on his face.

Tch Kin scowled, looking over the adversary. This would be a problem.

"You are probably right. I definitely would have collected it from you regardless of the color." sighed Kira. "I really hoped we could avoid this. Well, it seems that a confrontation is inevitable, so…"

A multitude of kunai immediately pierced through the air, heading towards Team Four. Quickly reacting, Gumo jumped from the branch dashing towards the approaching kunai.

Sound Release: Pulse!

The air pulsed as if full of life before the kunai changed direction hitting random spots on tree branches and the ground. Gumo still on momentum was moving towards Team One who went quickly into stances dashing away as Gumo roared out.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.

A large flame sped towards them immolating the tree, Team One previously occupied. Kin while still on the air ran through hand seals. Earth Release: Earth Pillars.

A couple of pillars jutted of the ground allowing Team One to regain footing by landing on three of the pillars. They were brought to their current situation of defense as the other members, Bon and Jin appeared on either side quickly weaving hand signs.

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough.

A large gust of wind erupted from each of their palms as Gumo also fused his chakra.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.

BBBBOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!

A larger fire compared to the fire technique cast earlier coincided with the wind generated by Jin and Bon, turning into a great combination technique that enveloped the area Team One occupied, blasting everything to smithereens.

Landing on the pillars conjured by Kin, they surrounded the spot in a triangle, looking at the area to know if they were there.

"Are they dead?" Bon asked with a smirk.

"I doubt it, I know Kira very well-" Gumo said with a frown "-He's tricky."

"Now, Our turn!" Gumo's eyes widened at the voice behind him. SHIT! WE FELL FOR A TRAP!

"Scatter!" Ordered Gumo. A technique was swiftly casted by Kin.

Earth Release: Earth's Spikes

Thousand spikes emerged from the ground, Gumo pumped chakra to his legs, blasting him off to the trees; the same could not be said for Bon as a spike stabbed through his foot into his eye killing him instantly.

"BON!" yelled Jin as he attached himself to the trees.

He turned his gaze towards Kin with a murderous look in his eye. Quickly clasping his hands he chanted.

Water Release: Water Needles

A decent mass of needles in the form of water spewed from Jin's lips as he sent them towards Team Four. He was made unaware to Wan that was right behind him.

"Always be aware of your surroundings." Wan said with a deadly smirk as he moved his Kunai for the kill.

SQUELCH!That was the sound of kunai tearing flesh as Wan fell forward; a kunai to the back of his head was seen. His head made contact with the ground collapsing, dead, the scene cleared behind him to see Gumo panting lightly as his hand was in a thrown motion.

"The same goes to you. Always be alert Jin!" Gumo spoke out before joining Jin on the branch he was on, looking forward with a stern face he saw Kira with Kin looking at them with impassive expressions.

"We've both lost a member each." Kira said simply glancing towards the dead bodies of Bon and Wan before back to the two of them.

"And we are about to make it to two." Gumo seethed.

"Is that so?" Kira grinned, before he vanished from view as the tree he was standing on cracked a bit from the speed he propelled from. Gumo crossed his arms, blocking a punch from Kira before shifting back a bit, sent a kick to which Kira jumped. Kira then moved a kunai forward towards Gumo's head while in the air.

Gumo simply shifted his head sideways before ducking as Kira moved his hands sideways also. Gumo retaliated the assault with an uppercut which was blocked by Kira as he interlocked his fingers breaking the momentum from the uppercut, before quickly using Gumo's strength to front flip to Gumo's back, a Kunai appearing from underneath his sleeve in an attempt to finish the battle.

Gumo widened his eyes at the motion, Kira's grin widening as a glint appeared in his eye, aiming for the kill. But his attack was halted, forced to block a kunai thrown by Jin who immediately blocked a punch from Kin; their fight going into the forest.

Immediately seizing the opportunity, Gumo attempted a back kick which connected, sending Kira into a tree branch. Gumo straightened his back as he looked towards where Kira crashed.

Kira groaned, getting up. "Jin saved your life-"

Gumo's eyes narrowed, scowling in annoyance.

"-but he wouldn't save you this time" Immediately Kira vanished from view as Gumo snarled yelling.

Sound Release: Siren Scream!

'SSSSSCCREEEEEEECCHHHHHH!'

A screeching sound emerged from Gumo's vocal cords as the entire trees surrounding him seemed to be sporting cracks before breaking to pieces heaving dust into the atmosphere; the sound continued for minutes as it seemed no to end. The earth rippled, a crater forming beneath Gumo.

The sound died down after a while; the dust parted ways to reveal Kira on the ground, his ears bled out together with large gashes around his skin. His face was in a pained expression as Gumo looked him over.

It's strange that I don't feel tired from that technique. It always drains me. Anyways it doesn't matter, I got him.

"This is the end-" Gumo said before he was interrupted.

"-for you" Kira's mangled body seemingly spoke before vanishing.

That is…! Gumo eyes widened as he brought his hands into a ram sign. Ready to release the technique.

Re…lease? He screamed only for him to look down in shock, a sword piercing through his back to the front.

"Too… late." Kira grinned, spotted behind him. Gumo gasped before collapsing to the earth.

His body vanished alongside to see Kira looking down at him in another location. Gumo was revealed to be under an illusion, courtesy of Kin. He crouched down, looking down to see a red scroll with Gumo.

He sighed. Not the right one. I really wanted our color. Anyways.

Kin made her way towards Kira. "Jin's knocked out." Kira simply nodded. "We should let Gumo be. Not becoming a shinobi is enough. Besides, we are at a disadvantage." He looked around. "We need to find a place to rest."

"You are right." Kin agreed as Kira looked deeply into the forest.

Now… who really has my scroll?

…

Uchiha Sasuke looked ahead, seeing the members of Team Three. Kinoke, Saki and Kudan. Sasuke watched them, looking for any weaknesses he could exploit. Since the change began at the academy, Sasuke took it upon himself to know each top students strengths and weaknesses and looking at Kinoke, he could admit that he was powerful; they once sparred before, and it wasn't easy.

They hadn't moved because Kato told them about Kudan having the power to also sense chakra signatures; only that he's was limited to a certain distance. Looking them over, Sasuke thought on the tactics he could use to take them down. Seemingly satisfied, Sasuke disappeared from the trees before heading to the region his team resided.

"Have you gotten a sound strategy?" Sakura asked to which Sasuke nodded.

"Yeah. Kinoke's main arsenal is the water release but he is mainly good with taijutsu; Saki uses genjutsu so the best person to face her would be you, Sakura; which leaves Kudan to you Kato."

Sasuke continued. "So the best way would be to attack them unexpectedly; it would give us a huge advantage, which also means it would take time before they could regain their bearings. Automatically, Kinoke would have the team's scroll so I would be going for that first."

"So we should be unrelenting huh" Sakura mused. "We can do that."

Kato nodded in agreement.

Sasuke smiled. "Well, let's move."

…

Back within the region of Team Three, Kinoke was talking to Kudan while Saki listen to their exchanges. "Have you sensed anyone, Kudan?"

"Not yet Kinoke. But it doesn't matter we still need to get our guard up. Watch out!"

A lot of paper tags fell upon team three as a multitude of explosions rang through the area creating a huge explosion that was heard for miles heaving smoke into the atmosphere.

…

AT THE INSTRUCTORS BUILDING

Yasue looked at the pillaging smoke emerging from the forests. "Hmm? It seems some students are enjoying themselves."

"Your turn Yasue." spoke an unidentified Chunin not giving a care to the happenings of the forest. His money was on the line here.

"Oh! Sorry." Yasue said returning to his game of shogi.

…

FOREST OF DEATH

The explosion finished as the terrain was allowed to rest from the vicious assault. Sasuke looked over the area from a branch of a tall tree with a smirk on his face, which quickly vanished from the earth dome that seemed unharmed from the blast.

Tch. Sasuke said a scowl adorning his features. Well…

A stream of water spewed from Kato's lips as the water over washed the dome.

Water release: Constriction

As the name implied, the water surrounded the dome like a snake, constricting on it. Inside the dome, cracks began to appear on the dome as drops of water dripped down.

"Shit! We would drown here!" Saki muttered in slight alarm. "I could reinforce it with my seal."

Kinoke shifted his head in the negative, he then spoke. "No need for that, Kudan let go of the Earth Technique."

Kudan nodded, and as soon as the dome gave way, Kinoke shot upwards with his teammates as Sasuke sent a lightning technique to potentiate the effect of Kato's water.

Lightning Release: False Darkness.

The sound of electricity was heard as it travelled from the water into the mist that was slowly forming. Sasuke quickly got up removing his palm from the water.

"Kato?"

"There are still alive, up there." Kato replied pointing towards one of the trees ahead of them. The three members looked down to Team Two.

"I must say that was a good tactic." Kinoke praised "If it was a team weaker, they would have possibly died."

"But you aren't dead" Sasuke said back, "Let's correct that."

Fire Release: Pheonix Flower Technique.

Multiple balls of flames spewed from Sasuke's lips as it ran forth towards them.

Water Release: Water Wall.

Kinoke muttered as a water wall collided with the flames producing thick mist.

"NOW!" Sasuke ordered, and with quick aid from Kato, Sakura attacked Saki, Kato confronted Kudan and Sasuke faced off with Kinoke.

Sasuke quickly took multiple kunai and shuriken before launching them at Kudan, Kinoke and Saki which they blocked; Sakura used that window of opportunity to kick Saki into the forest as she followed. Saki grunted as she moved through the trees struggling to find her bearings.

She mused as she stopped on a tree branch. Her kick is hard. She smirked looking across to see a stern Sakura. She definitely has improved from been Sasuke's bitch.

Kato simply conjured a water whip which dragged Kudan to another part of the forest making him crash into a tree branch.

"So you people intended to split us from the start" Kinoke said with a frown "Do you know the gamble you are playing."

"This world lives off gambles. That was lesson sixteen, remember?" Sasuke said drawing a kunai "It wouldn't hurt to play a little. And besides if they die, they weren't strong enough. You obviously think the same don't you, Kinoke?"

"Let's see about that." Kinoke grinned as he quickly shifted to a stance. Let's battle as usual Sasuke!

Sasuke shot forward with his kunai, thrust forward, to which Kinoke countered with a block also removing a kunai from his sleeves. They clashed in unison as they blocked, parried and attacked. It seemed to be a stalemate that took a while.

The way they maneuvered around each strike, showed that they were used to their style of combat; a bond forming through battle. Sasuke then attempted a slash in which Kinoke just jumped backwards to a high tree then muttered.

Water Release: Water Spears.

Spears of water at large amounts, made their way towards Sasuke who maneuvered around the incoming attack. Each spear he dodged dug into the earth piercing through like an actual spear, before dissipating in water.

Sasuke quickly moved, jumping up to combat Kinoke who smirked and sent a water spear to which Sasuke scowled and moved his kunai to counter, coating it in lightning chakra.

But before they could collide, Kinoke quickly showed a great degree of water manipulation, diverting the spear towards his limbs to the shock of Sasuke who couldn't react as the spear gashed his lap. His attention was destabilized, which also allow one to run through his shoulder. Sasuke gasped in pain as Kinoke yelled.

Water Release: Sub Zero Temperature.

The water that injured Sasuke seemingly froze as Sasuke began to feel numb from the pain as a frozen spear stuck through his shoulder. Using chakra to his hands Sasuke tried to break the spears rather than removing it.

Removing it would definitely bleed me to death!

"Not so fast!" Kinoke roared, dashing towards Sasuke and kicking him deep into the forest.

'CCRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAASSSSHHHHHH!'

Sasuke's back crashed into a tree breaking the part of the ice that jutted out of his shoulder.

"AAARGHH! Shit!" Sasuke screamed in agony at the collision as Kinoke appeared at his front and using the spear attached to Sasuke, he dragged him forward and punched viciously into Sasuke's stomach repeatedly.

Sasuke quickly substituted with a log as Kinoke's punch destroyed it completely. He chuckled as he slowly turned back to see a pained Sasuke looking at him.

"When we usually spar we don't always fight to kill Sasuke. The case is different here. Our lives are on the line if we want to be shinobi."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Yea. That's what makes each of us dangerous. We all want something in this life and that propels us to be strong. You have yours and that propelled you to be as powerful as you are now. Mine though…"

Sasuke quickly moved into a stance ready for battle as Kinoke smirked in delight. He quickly jumped to the air to a very high degree and dashed down with power in a very violent kick that Sasuke simply moved back from.

'BBBBAAAMMMM!'

The kick dug into the earth as Sasuke attempted a round house to which Kinoke brought up two of his arms, blocking the kick. Sasuke smirked as he span and used the other foot to send Kinoke tumbling away.

Kinoke rolled across the earth multiple times before he stopped his movement by quickly ramming a kunai to the earth stilling his body. His balance from the rolling was disoriented but he quickly back-fliped to a tree behind him as Sasuke sent multiple kunai to his initial position.

Using chakra, Kinoke blasted off the earth towards Sasuke, swiftly maneuvering around the kunai and channeled a punch to Sasuke who quickly parried the thrusting punch Kinoke attacked with.

Sasuke could feel his arms getting numb from the contact so he quickly grabbed Kinoke's arm and attempted to throw him away.

Digging his feet into the earth, Kinoke smirked as he reversed the maneuver and quickly with a violent haymaker, sent Sasuke deep into the earth.

'CRASSSSHHHH!'

Sasuke spat out blood as gasped in pain. Kinoke didn't let up on his assault. He was moving into ending this. He kept punching with chakra imbued strikes making Sasuke gasp as he delved into unconsciousness and the earth.

Shit. I messed up, but, as I said Sasuke thought as Kinoke was relishing every moment punching him. We all want something in this life and that propels us to be strong. You have yours and that propelled you to be as powerful as you are now. Mine though…

Is simply greater!

Lightning Release: Lightning Embodiment.

As Kinoke connected his next punch he was electrocuted due to Sasuke producing lightning through his body.

AAARGH! Kinoke screamed as he let go of Sasuke staggering back really stunned. What?

Sasuke slowly got up, panting lightly; his eyes shadowed. Then Sasuke looked at him his eyes blazing red with a comma adorning it.

That is… Kinoke looking on with his eyes narrowing. Sasuke blurred and appeared in front of him and gave a gut wrenching kick to Kinoke who dived deep into the forest. Kinoke crashed deeply into the ground as he rolled several times before crashing to a tree.

Kinoke groaned rising his head, and looking at Sasuke looking at him from afar, noting his glowing eyes.

The Sharingan.

Kinoke chuckled before he got up. "It seems that it's all out from here on out huh?"

Sasuke replied by dashing forward with a low kick which Kinoke evaded; he jumped forward in a front flip before spinning his hands backwards as soon as he touched the ground; which Sasuke reciprocated as they grabbed each other's hands vying for dominance.

Sasuke moved backwards letting Kinoke move forward due to his momentum and Sasuke used his knee to send a deep knee into his gut. Kinoke spat out in pain as Sasuke didn't let up on his assault by driving two quick elbows into his spine before finishing with a punch to Kinoke's head who staggered back and moved forward thrusting a kunai to Sasuke's head.

Sasuke moved his head backwards prompting a smirk from Kinoke who just smirked leaving the Kunai mid-air and jumped upwards.

Sasuke's eyes widened as he saw an explosive note attached to the kunai burning before falling backwards quickly, balancing himself with his hands and using chakra kicked the kunai towards the tree occupied by Kinoke.

BOOOOOOOMMM!

The kunai exploded destroying the base of the tree which came crashing down. Kinoke quickly dashed for Sasuke while in the air while completing his technique.

Water Release: Spiraling Wave.

Water spiraling forward from Kinoke's lips, crashed down where Sasuke was before Sasuke quickly reacted.

Lightning Release: False Darkness.

Lightning emerged from Sasuke's palm as it travelled through the water to Kinoke's lips where the water was spewing forth.

The scene was going in slow motion; Kinoke saw the lightning moving towards him in slow motion; his eyes widening in realization. Shit!

Quickly seizing the technique he placed his hands in a cross shape and imbued chakra in it as the current ran through his body.

ARGH!

He didn't see as Sasuke flew up towards him, sending another knee to his gut and using his hands, threw Kinoke to a tree. Kinoke simply crashed through, breaking several ribs.

Slowly standing up, he panted in pain, leaning on a tree. He looked defiantly as Sasuke looked on with his eyes narrowing. He's tenacious.

Kinoke just mustered strength before dashing forward relying on adrenaline. "I've tried my best, in every aspect, passed every test, trained my ass out; I can't be defeated here!"

Sasuke seemingly looked forward as Kinoke came closer, tensing his muscles. Kinoke engaged Sasuke with taijutsu. While that was a good move earlier, due to the Sharingan and Kinoke's recent injury, he lacked the attacking power he had before.

Sasuke quickly dodged his attempts before delivering two sharp punches to his ribs, to which Kinoke staggered back before going forward again. "Haven't you noticed already?" Sasuke asked rhetorically dodging Kinoke's attacks.

"I've won" Sasuke said before kicking Kinoke to a tree to which he just slumped after the collision, seemingly out of chakra. Taking a Kunai Sasuke quickly dashed towards a panting Kinoke before going for a slash.

This is it huh.

Cutting the string holding their scroll to Kinoke's pouch. Kinoke's eyes widened as he looked at Sasuke holding their scroll. "Why did you?"

"You are something else Kinoke, you are really strong. Your story cannot end here. Besides, killing is unnecessary, don't you think so?"

Kinoke looked at him really stunned before he then smiled still down. "Fine, I've lost." Sasuke smiled, "Now, I wonder what our squads are doing. Really hope they haven't killed themselves."

Sasuke reached into his pouch taking a flare shooting it upwards. Sakura and Kato were both panting as they faced their opponents who were in the same condition. Seeing the flare, they got the message and quickly dashed for his position, getting there they saw Sasuke with the scroll with Kinoke on the ground quickly removing kunai he said.

"No need Kato, Sakura its over" Saki and Kudan appeared immediately. "Kinoke!"

"It's alright Saki." Kinoke assured her. "Now Sasuke get away because once I'm fully rested I'm coming for my scroll."

"Hmmm" Sasuke smiled as Team Two vanished, heading deeper into the forest.

"So you lost, Kinoke." said Kudan.

"Yea, Sasuke's really strong." Kinoke said.

Saki sighed. "No problem, at least you are alive."

"You just need to get stronger, right." Saki said smiling as a green glow emerged from her hands over Kinoke.

"Yea." Kinoke sighed in relief. "We do"

…

Sasuke winced in pain as Sakura pulled the Ice out of his shoulder before proceeding to heal it.

"Just go and get yourself hurt wouldn't you?" admonished Sakura.

"The enemy was strong besides I got their scroll" Sasuke grimaced.

"But it's not even our color." Kato replied with a dry look.

"Who cares now the probability of finding ours and a green scroll are high" Sasuke said

"There… all done." Sakura said finishing bandaging Sasuke's wound. He nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you."

…

Nara Shikamaru was termed by Yasue simply as a genius; someone who thought through every situation in 200 variable ways before making a move. He was incredibly smart during tactics; being able to create a strategy that a baby could win a battle against a full grown adult.

So it was no wonder why team Six seemed to have grounded Team Five.

Hinata Hyuuga was the possessor of the Byakugan; an ocular bloodline that could see 359 degrees of the user and could see the chakra points in a Person's body; but it was useless when she couldn't puncture any chakra points in Akimichi Chouji. Chouji had the ability to expand his size enabling him block Hinata's Gentle fist techniques.

Inuzuka Kiba was a good taijutsu specialist but was actually not well grounded on Ninjutsu making him easily grounded by Shikamaru who was the possessor of the Shadow-Bloodline; a bloodline that allowed one to extend his shadows to capture someone.

Shino Aburame was the possessor of a bloodline which allowed insects to live in his body by feeding on his chakra. He rationally understood that they would lose so he settled for a peaceful retreat accepting defeat.

To put it simply, Team eight was a tracking squad not a squad for combat. But it didn't mean it was a straight out victory; the victory was assured but the path taken was not smooth; Chouji suffered some broken ribs from where Hinata could inflict damage, Shikamaru wasn't really versed in combat so he received some beatings before capturing Kiba and Shino just stood there being caught in a mind transfer technique by Ino from the start.

So after winning, Shikamaru collected the blue scroll from Team Five and released Kiba from the Technique. Ino doing the same before dashing away victorious.

…

Sasuke dashed forward towards the instructors building as Kato concentrated on sensing any incoming threat. Suddenly Kato opened his eyes and signaled Sasuke who stopped along with Sakura. After a while, Kira and Kin appeared before them.

Kira's eyes widened a bit as the individual in front of him was identified.

Uchiha Sasuke. He frowned. Not good. Not only is he okay, his team is complete. We are at a huge disadvantage.

"I see that you are missing one member." Sasuke commented, implying on the disadvantage should a confrontation ensue.

"He got careless." Kira replied with a stoic face.

"If you are alive then, I'm guessing that you have two scrolls with you but you are moving back instead towards the instructor's tower which means that they are incorrect" Sasuke said. "So tell me, what color is yours?"

Kira reconsidered before saying, "Red and green. What's yours?"

Sasuke simply smirked and brought them out.

On his right hand was a red scroll and on the left was a green scroll.

Kira just simply smiled. "Well isn't that convenient. I guess an exchange is in order."

Almost immediately, Sasuke and Kira threw Green and red scrolls respectively completing their scrolls

"Now all that's left to do." Sakura began saying. "Is to go to the tower." completed Kin.

Immediately the all dashed to the tower.

…

At the Instructor's tower, all the teams that made it out alive were standing there; together with the Team that lost… Team one though incomplete, Team two, Team three, Team five and Team Six all stood proudly.

After looking at them thoroughly, Yasue said.

"Team one, you are missing one member. But no need to worry you would be completed soon. Wan would be replaced, after all a four man cell is necessary for a team to be form."

All the Shinobi hopefuls widened their eyes at the implications.

"Yes… that's what it means." Yasue confirmed understanding the expressions on each of their faces. "Congratulations, you have all earned the right to be shinobi. You have finally graduated."

Every Team had a smile on their faces as they received the news. Finally, after weeks of grueling torture, training studying, improving. They finally did it; they finally became Shinobi.

…

SUNAGAKURE NO SATO

Naruto Uzumaki read through every sealing section, looking through it for hours in the forbidden scroll. He doubted that there would be any decent material in the Suna Library because of the way they sealed the Ichibi.

After looking through he came across one; the dead demon consuming seal, a highly forbidden technique developed by the Uzumaki clan, it entailed invoking the power of a spectral entity known as the Shinigami to seal any being on Earth, now while that would be a suicide technique, apparently Naruto had other plans.

He remembered the technique as well as the consequences.

After countless strategies Naruto left the study room and moved towards the main room where he saw Iruka and Haku playing a card game.

"And you are out." Haku said smiling in victory.

"I lost, again? Iruka sighed, before he caught a flash of yellow by the corner of his eyes.

"Have you found it?" Iruka asked arching an eyyebrow.

"Yeah, I move out by night." Naruto replied before heading to where his food was and began eating to Iruka's amusement.

"I thought that you were going starve yourself to death since you wouldn't let any of us in." Iruka said.

"Hmm." was all Naruto could say as his mouth was filled with food eliciting dry looks from the two other occupants from the room.

"Oh yeah." Naruto said remembering something "Two of you need to get as far from Suna as possible before Nightfall." before continuing his meal.

That last comment produced confused looks from both Iruka and Haku.

…

NIGHT

Gaara looked at the red moon continuously on top the pillar. The surroundings were back to normal as if a battle never occurred. The Kazekage had the place cleaned up after assuming Gaara went on another bout of frenzy.

"I see that you came out today."

"I always come out here."

"What troubles you?" Naruto asked.

"Since the advent of that red moon, Mother has been feeling weird."

"Really?" Naruto asked with a thoughtful gaze as Gaara didn't turn to see him, still staring at the moon.

"Maybe Mother recognizes something she just can't input" Naruto said helpfully.

"Yea… Maybe."

"Have you thought on my offer?"

"Yea, and I accept. There is nothing for me here; being with you, might just prove my existence."

"Before you start, there is one question I want to ask you. What tails do you have?"

Naruto smiled before musing. "As nine times as yours."

Gaara's eyes looked at him before they return to the moon. "Well how do we begin?"

"What we would do is going to startle the whole of Suna" Naruto said seriously before creating a huge matrix of seals encompassed the entire region.

"Lie down in the middle here." Naruto said pointing to the middle of the matrix and removing his shirt

Now shirtless, Naruto moved until he was above Gaara's body touching his head. He sent him unconscious before biting on his thumb. Clasping his hands he yelled.

Sealing Technique: Dead Demon Consuming Seal.

A sealing matrix appeared on Naruto's stomach as a cold aura spread all over Suna to the point that every citizen could feel it. Naruto bent down in pain panting heavily. He could feel nauseous, his skin tone becoming pale before looking up.

The spectral entity known as the Shinigami was a translucent gaunt spectre with a demonic visage. It was much larger than an average human possessing long, shaggy white hair, from which two red horns protrude, and a dark grayish blue colored skin. It was draped in a large set of white garments and carried a set of prayer beads with a tanto in his mouth.

It was truly a terrifying visage.

Naruto looked on at the Shinigami stoically with the Shinigami looking at him also. Its eyes seemed to widen slowly as it saw him.

"You are." It spoke in a very hoarse voice

He knows me, how? Naruto said

"I can sense it in you… not the Kyuubi… no it's much more archaic than that."

Tch… Naruto thought, his eyes narrowed.

I would wonder how it happened… probably that night. Are you sure about what you are trying to do?You might not die, but you would not like the consequences. I can see your body giving out bit by bit.

Naruto looked at the apparition for a while before speaking, ignoring his statement. "I need you… to reseal the Ichibi after I release this seal, and you know why… you can't take my soul don't you?"

Naruto without waiting for a response went towards Gaara, the sands seemingly surrounding him.

Naruto's hand trembled as he felt pain throughout his body. Not now! Exhaling a bit he calmed himself down trying to regain his composure. Forming a snake sign, he muttered.

Sealing Technique: Release.

A large and ominous chakra filled the entirety of Suna as the Shinobi felt the reminder of the Ichibi.

This Chakra…

The Kazekage looked to the region where he sensed the chakra coming from. With his eyes narrowing, Rasa quickly began running there. Suddenly he landed on his feet as he looked on.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!"

Those were the screams of multitude of citizens as they saw what the Kazekage saw; it was pure Chaos, People ran uncontrolled, while those who were woken up by the screams looked on in fear. An old man held his grandson looking on in fright. That is…

The Ichibi the Kazekage thought, looking on gravely.

The Ichibi was a huge sandy brown colored Tanuki with black markings all over his body. It had a jagged concave mouth and the sclera of his eyes was black, with yellow irises and pupils that each took the shape of a black four-pointed star with four black dots around it.

The Ichibi, instead of screaming of being free looked down at where a disguised Naruto was, in rage,

"YOU!"

The Kazekage immediately thought with narrowed eyes.

"It's conversing with something over there" The Kazekage immediately dashed forwards via the rooftops forward hoping to get who released the Ichibi completely; killing his son.

But before he could even get there the Ichibi vanished from view once again stunning the Kazekage.

Something's really wrong. He immediately ran as fast as possible hoping to find any clues as to who or what released the Tailed Beast. He was joined by numerous Shinobi, dashing at high speeds towards the scene.

What they saw was Gaara's still unconscious body on the ground and beside him, and standing, was a boy with red hair panting while he looked on with a strained grin. "How… are you doing… Kazekage-sama?" Naruto greeted mockingly

"What did you do to the Tailed Beast?" the Kazekage asked now in view. He had auburn hair, dark eyes with a stern look on his face. He wore a simple Black Jacket and pants with mesh armor underneath.

"Who… knows?" Naruto asked, before feeling a tug at his chakra. He moved towards Gaara placing his hand on his shoulder.

Rasa frowned. "You know that you are surrounded, how do you think you would escape from here?"

"Again…" Naruto answered coughing a bit. He looked ahead. "Who… Knows?"

The Kazekage immediately yelled. "SEIZE HIM!"

Immediately, scores of Shinobi went towards Naruto, and just they were about to capture him, He puffed into smoke along with Gaara.

The Kazekage's eyes widened. They were summoned?

He thought over what just happened and in the blink of an eye, Suna had lost their Tailed Beast.

…

In an area in the desert, a cloud of smoke suddenly appeared and when it cleared, it gave a view of a disguised Naruto with Gaara.

"It seems that you were successful."

Naruto looked a bit dizzy before shaking his head. His eyes widened as his surroundings changed, seeing a white orb in a red tunnel. He shook his head, trying to clear his vision. What was that?

Iruka's eyes narrowed. "Are you alright?

Naruto placed a hand on his head, he sighed and opened his eyes, looking around before nodding.

"Just a bit dizzy. We need to get away from the Land of Wind. The loss of a Tailed Beast is not to be taken lightly."

Naruto said before Haku asked. "What of him?" She asked looking at Gaara's prone body.

"Let him sleep… He needs it."

Gaara was given to Iruka who placed him on his back him before they all dashed at top speeds hightailing out of there.

…

Four hooded figures made it to Suna's gate as they were stopped. "Halt! State your business in Suna!" said the guard fiercely.

The hooded figure in front seemed startled at the harsh attitude, but after recomposing, he removed his hood which was followed by his companions.

"Hatake Kakashi. I have a message for your Kazekage from Konoha."

…