A/N: Yay, next chapter. Not much to say here, but enjoy reading.

Disclaimer: I dont own Naruto.

Aftermath

The whirring of the fan and the ticking of the clock was the only thing that could be heard in the room. Naruto had been unhooked from the machines, as he had become stable. Now he was more or less enjoying a deep sleep. He looked peaceful and calm to Kakashi who sat in the chair next to the bed.

Then, Naruto stirred. He shuffled. His hands moved, but more importantly, his eyes fluttered open. He slowly turned his head to the man next to him. "Ka…Kakashi…sensei." Kakashi did his best to put on a smile, but it held no light. "Naruto. You're awake. How do you feel?" Naruto flexed a bit. "I'm fine really. Nothing wrong except a slight headache…" His eyes bulged as he remembered the last thing he saw before he blacked out. His fight with Neji. He became stiff

"Sensei…I lost the fight…didn't I?" Naruto asked, solemnly, all trace of his usual light heartedness gone from his eyes and voice. "Yes Naruto. You were in a coma for the past two days. Normally, a blow like that could kill a person or at least keep them unconscious for about a week. If I had to guess, I'd say the only reason your awake now is because…you heal fast." Kakashi said slowly as Naruto understood the implication being made. "Two days, huh? What did I miss?"

This was the question that Kakashi had been dreading. But Naruto had to know. Everyone else knew. "Naruto, I am about to tell you some big news, so promise me that you'll react like a true ninja." Kakashi said in a stern tone. Naruto looked confused for a moment, but he realized that his sensei was a lot more serious than he had ever seen him. So he nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"We fought a war against Sunagakure and Otogakure. And we lost, Naruto."

Naruto looked like he had been stabbed. He would've exploded but he could not find the words for it. He was stunned into silence. Kakashi slowly proceeded to recall the events of the invasion, hoping that gradual clarity might help.

It had been a day since the surrender. Konoha was lucky that Baki was only ambitious and not a tyrant. They had proceeded to force the bijuu form back into Gaara using the special seals, and a meeting of jonin soon followed.

Konoha surrendered, and effective immediately, became a colony for Sunagakure. All missions and administrations will be overlooked by Baki himself. The village will have no Hokage, and Baki will be the leading figure. The village council of elders was to be disbanded and Baki would select his own adivsors. He revealed the agreement between them and Iwagakure, which meant that the village could not be taken back by force, or coup. The Leaf ninja would also be given a day to mourn their dead.

Which included the Sandaime Hokage and Jiraiya-sama. Naruto didn't take the news well, but true to his promise, he kept silent. And in a move that no one would have ever expected from him, especially Kakashi, Naruto accepted it. There was no screaming, no determination to fight back against impossible odds, and no promises for vengeance. Just acceptance.

Kakashi was surprised, but he didn't show it. In fact, he didn't even pursue it any further. But now, the worst of it had to be said. Kakashi sighed and braced himself as well, as he prepared to tell Naruto.

"Naruto…Iruka…also died…during the fight…" Kakashi waited for a response, but once again, got nothing. Naruto showed absolutely no emotion, and Kakashi was starting to get worried. Had Naruto snapped? Had he completely lost all mental function? Damn. An eternity of silence followed as Kakashi waited for a response. Then, Naruto finally opened his mouth, and spoke lifelessly.

"Kakashi-sensei…what happens now?"

"Now…now we attend the funeral…and…go on with life…missions, training…" Kakashi spoke in a hopeless tone. "We can't fight back against Suna AND Iwa. But we CAN live. And that is why I chose to surrender. What would you do, Naruto?" Kakashi asked, and a part of him was desperate to see if the boy could find an alternative. But Naruto was not being Naruto. "I don't know sensei. What should I do?"

Kakashi thought long and hard about the boy in front of him. Then, inspiration struck him. It was long shot, but it could work. "Naruto, I have an idea. I'll meet you later tonight after the funeral. You will be discharged after a final checkup, and then you should go home, and eat some ramen or something. I need to think about a few things, and then I'll come see you, ok?"

"Hai, sensei." Naruto droned again. Kakashi called in a nurse to check up on Naruto and after a quick once over, he was released.

As Naruto walked the streets of Konoha, he noticed that several buildings were damaged. Part of the wall on the west side was also quite literally gone. The villagers paid no attention to him, but he was used to that. In fact, that was how he wanted it now. He needed time to think. But right now was not the time or place.

He eventually made his way back to his apartment, where he took a shower and dressed himself in black. And what was probably for the first time in his life, he had no appetite. So he skipped eating, and left the house. He still had some time before the funeral, and he thought about what to do till then. He couldn't face his friends or even old man Teuchi at the ramen stand. It would remind him of his failure to protect the village he held so dear. So he continued to wander aimlessly and eventually found his way to the academy. His heart clenched as he remembered Iruka. He wanted to turn and run away but he couldn't make himself move. His feelings were about to burst out when he noticed that someone was sitting on his swing.

She had short indigo hair, and the palest complexion of the entire rookie nine. She didn't have her usual bulky jacket on. Instead she wore a black kimono and wooden sandals. She had her eyes closed and didn't seem to have noticed he was there.

He couldn't explain why, but he was drawn towards Hinata. His legs moved of their own accord until he stopped behind her. "You don't know how long I've waited to share that swing with someone." He spoke, startling her in the process. She whipped her head back, mentally berating herself for not noticing him walk up behind her. She almost fell off the swing in shock as she scrambled for words that she could not get out before he spoke again. "It's ok. You don't have to say anything. Also, can you please not faint this time?" Naruto asked, still clueless about why it happens. Hinata blushed slightly but nodded her head. Inside, she was a whirlwind of emotions. This was a day of mourning, but happy feelings were bubbling up inside her too. Her Naruto-kun was here with her and actually noticing her. She also felt guilt for shying away from him so much, when all he really wanted was a friend. Sadness, happiness, guilt, shame, joy, love, embarrassment and elation were warring inside her and she didn't know what to feel. Then in a move that could've caused her to faint, Naruto began pushing the swing. Her blush intensified as she felt his hands on her back. They were tough and strong but gentle at the same time, swinging her back and forth through the breeze.

"Hinata…I'm sorry…I couldn't keep my promise to you…" He spoke with so much regret and shame in his voice that it nearly shattered her heart. In light of the current situation, she had actually forgotten about it. And now he was beating himself up for it.

"Na-Naruto-kun…it's…it's ok…really. I…I'm more…more glad that…that you're…you're ok…Naruto-kun." She managed to stutter out, which caused her even more embarrassment. It wasn't a confession of love or anything, but it was more than she had ever said before. Naruto, on the other hand, was shocked. Hinata didn't seem bothered that he broke his word. And she genuinely seemed to care more that he was ok. How? Why? Why would she feel like that?

As he was trying to gather his thoughts, Hinata brought the swing to a halt and got up. She slowly turned around, and Naruto could see tears in her eyes. She couldn't explain where her actions came from, but she walked over to the young boy, and in an act that no one would believe from her, she wrapped her arms around him, and buried her face in his chest. Naruto was frozen solid by the unexpected contact, as Hinata started to cry. Maybe it was because she couldn't see his face but she managed to speak without stuttering, words that she felt with all her heart. "I really am glad that you're ok."

She slowly pulled back from Naruto, and turned to leave before he could think that she had lost her mind or something. She had not taken two steps when he called out to her. "Hinata! Wait…don't go. Come with me…come with me to the funeral…please?" She gasped audibly at this. He wanted her company. He didn't go looking for Sakura-chan. He wanted HER company instead. What was this day coming to? She steeled herself and refused to faint, and managed to stutter out a quiet yes.

The scene at the funeral was as depressing as it could get. Naruto didn't really pay attention to anything around him. Kakashi was the one who stepped up to honor the deaths of the Sandaime, Jiraiya and everyone else. When Iruka's name was mentioned, Naruto tensed visibly for an instant. But he kept his emotional mask on. And having Hinata by his side seemed to comfort him, somewhat. At least there was still someone in the village who didn't see him as a failure.

Eventually, Kakashi stepped down and placed the first flowers on the coffins. The entire village followed suit. Naruto couldn't really tell how much time had passed. But eventually, he was on his way back to his apartment. Hinata had gone home to be with her family, but Naruto didn't notice that she didn't seem to be looking forward to it that much. All in all, the events of the funeral passed as a blur.

Naruto unlocked the door and walked into his apartment where he was alone once again. This time he couldn't hold back the tears. The old man who watched over him for so long was gone. Iruka sensei, the first person to ever show him real love was dead. The pervy sage died a hero's death after fighting an army to protect Konoha. And several other ninja and civilians passed away. And for what? What was the point of all the deaths? What could anyone have possibly gained from the loss of another's life? Was it all for power? Control? Revenge? What did it matter? He couldn't make sense of the reasons. It all just seemed pointless, and now, he was alone in the world again. Just like how it all started. So he sat there and cried and cried for what seemed like hours. Until a soft knock came on his door.

He was brought back to the real world by the sudden noise. He wiped his face as best as he could and proceeded to open the door. It was Hinata. "Hinata? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your family?" At first, Naruto's words made it sound like he didn't want Hinata's company. The girl almost broke down, then and there before Naruto invited her in. It took a while, but she realized that he didn't mean what she thought he meant. "Ye…yea. I should…should be. But…but…" She managed to stammer out.

"But what, Hinata?" Naruto was curious now, and a small part of him was glad to have something else to think about. Hinata started to sob softly, and tears began to run down her face. "I'm sorry…I…I shouldn't have…shouldn't have come here…I'll go now." She got up quickly and made to leave, before Naruto grabbed her wrist and stopped her. "No. Don't go, Hinata." He said in a pleading voice so full of pain and loneliness that it would have killed her to refuse him. She turned around but was shocked that he was standing closer than she thought. Pearl eyes locked onto crystal blues. The rest of the world seemed to vanish to her as she got lost in the endless ocean that was Naruto's eyes. She forgot to breathe. She forgot her own name.

But Naruto, being Naruto, didn't seem to notice. He just thought Hinata was being weird again, and offered her a seat before she fainted. "Hinata. Tell me what's going on." He asked, trying to be gentle. He felt some inexplicable need to comfort her. "I…I went…home…and talked to…father. He was…he was…disappointed…again. I failed…the exams…and he said…he said he was…a…ashamed of me." At this, her tears burst out again.

Naruto was appalled. This girl actually had a family. Something he'd wanted his entire life, but never had. Family was supposed to be loving and supportive, right? But Hinata's family treated her like trash. He couldn't understand one bit of it. He was at a loss for words, and didn't know what the appropriate way to react would be. He was still frozen when Hinata continued, between sobs. "Naruto-kun…my father…he…he made Hanabi…the heir. And he…he disowned me…and demanded that I…that I…that I be moved to the branch house!" She couldn't continue anymore. She cried and cried some more. Whatever Naruto felt an instant ago was nothing compared to how he felt now. She was to be moved to the branch house. That meant that she would get that seal. The seal that could kill her any time. No…no…no! No! No! NO! That was unacceptable.

"Hinata…I…I don't know what to say…I don't know what to do." Naruto was the one that was sputtering now. He couldn't explain why he cared so much. He didn't before. But it was gut-wrenching to watch Hinata cry. He didn't know what to do. Then he remembered that earlier that day, Hinata had hugged him. It comforted him. Maybe it would work both ways. He felt it was worth a shot as he sat next to her on the couch and slowly put one arm around her. The effect was instantaneous. Hinata stopped crying, not because she was comforted, but because she was surprised more than anything else. Lavender eyes shot up and stared into sapphire ones. Naruto did his best and offered her a warm comforting smile. He didn't speak, but he hoped that she could sense that he was trying to be there for her. That was all she could take. She flung her arms around his neck and buried herself in him. Naruto was caught by surprise, but he recovered enough to wrap his other arm around her back. He stroked her back, hoping to comfort her. He couldn't understand, but something about the gestures he was doing felt…right.

Eventually, she calmed down enough to talk again. "Tha…Thank you…Naruto-kun." Though her heart screamed at her not to do it, she pulled away from him. "Any time, Hinata-chan." Naruto replied. He was glad he was able to do something for her. She blushed as he added the suffix to her name. He had never done that before, and he didn't even seem to have noticed. She was also embarrassed as she was sure she looked like a mess from all the crying. "Um…Naruto-kun. May I…use the bathroom?" She didn't stammer as much as she used to, and a small part of her felt proud of that.

"Yea…it's right over there." Naruto pointed to the door, as Hinata stood up and went to make herself look more presentable. This gave him a moment to think about things. True, several people he loved had died. Especially Iruka-sensei, but what could he do? He couldn't bring back the dead. What would Iruka want him to do?

He didn't have much time to pursue his thoughts before another knock came from his door. He opened the door to find Kakashi waiting for him, still in his funeral clothes. "Yo, Naruto. How are you holding up?" Kakashi asked, still concerned about the lack of emotion he had seen at the hospital. "I'm feeling better, Kakashi-sensei." Naruto replied honestly. It was true. He was feeling better, but he couldn't quite understand why. It just felt better. He even put on a small smile at his thoughts. This didn't go unnoticed by Kakashi. He didn't pursue it any further, and chose to be thankful for whatever it was that cheered Naruto up. "That's good to hear, Naruto. I'm happy for you. However, you know why I'm here. And I think it's best if we get it over with as soon as possible."

Naruto knew that Kakashi had something he wanted to discuss, so he led him inside. Kakashi didn't seem to notice that someone else was in the house, and it seemed as though Naruto himself had forgotten that he had another guest. They went into his small apartment and occupied the living room, where Kakashi took the armchair and started organizing his thoughts, thinking of the best way to tell Naruto everything. Naruto was anxious, but still remained quiet. After a while, Kakashi took a long breath and spoke.

"Naruto. Konoha is no longer a free village. We do not have freedom here. Starting tomorrow, we serve the Sand. We even have to wear the Suna headbands. I know you don't like it, but that's how it is. And honestly, no self-respecting ninja of this village is going to go along with it willingly either. We all want our freedom back, but there's no way we can stand up against the Suna AND Iwa armies, especially without a kage. So for now, we'll continue to live. But I have a plan that will give us our freedom back. It'll take a while. Years, in fact. But it will work. I have faith in this plan." Kakashi spoke with conviction, and there was a hint in his voice that he still had more surprises to reveal. Naruto was getting more and more curious with every word, but he continued to reign in his childish energy. Once Kakashi was sure that he had Naruto's complete attention, he spoke again.

"That plan…is YOU, Naruto." Kakashi let the words hang there for a while, waiting to see what Naruto would make of the revelation. The boy in question had frozen stiff, his mind trying to make sense of what his sensei had said. "I…I don't understand. What do you mean, sensei?" Naruto finally mumbled out, still unsure of what was going on.

"Naruto. The only way we can win our village back is through war, but we attack now, we will all be killed by the Iwa army, not to mention that Gaara. Which is why I came to the conclusion that YOU, and you alone, have the strength to save this village." Kakashi continued.

"NO! You have it all wrong, sensei. I can't save this village. I couldn't even beat Neji! Even after I promised Hinata I would. Now you want to place the burden of the entire village on ME? And what happens if I fail this time? Everyone in the village DIES!" Naruto screamed at Kakashi.

"I had a feeling you'd say that. Listen to me Naruto. Your fight with Neji, that was a fluke. It could've gone either way on a coin toss. He had skill and you had strength and determination. This time, skill won out. Maybe next time, it'll be strength and determination that wins. And those are things that you have more than everyone in this entire village put together. You lost a fight Naruto. Big deal. I've lost half the challenges I take part in with Gai. I know it's not the same, and it's not supposed to be, either. That was just an example. My point is, Naruto, one lost match doesn't take away any of your strength. You're still the same person, physically as before that match. However, if you've lost your belief, and your Will of Fire, then this village is doomed forever." Kakashi ended gravely.

Naruto was reeling. He couldn't make sense of anything. Kakashi was asking him to save the village single handedly. He couldn't stand up to one lousy Hyuga genin, and now Kakashi wants him to wage war against not one, but TWO freaking armies? What the hell was he thinking? There's no freaking way that Naruto could believe any of this. But…but Kakashi was still here. Was he still serious? Naruto had to know.

"Kakashi-sensei…are you…being serious?" Naruto asked, still not believing a word Kakashi said. "Yes Naruto, I'm serious. Do you think I'd joke around after a war, when the fate of Konoha is at stake? I know it sounds like I've asked a lot from you, and in truth, I have. But I have my reasons, Naruto." Kakashi replied evenly. "Oh yea? What reasons?" Naruto shot back. What reason would anyone have to possibly believe that one kid could face down two armies?

Images of the Yondaime flashed through Kakashi's mind. But now was not the time to tell him that truth. Or rather, the whole truth. "Naruto. During the third ninja world war, the Yondaime Hokage single handedly took out several battalions of enemies. It may sound ridiculous right now, but you have the potential to surpass the greatest Hokage we've ever had." If Naruto was shocked before, he looked like he'd been hit by a boulder now. Kakashi was expecting him to surpass the Yondaime Hokage? He really HAS lost his mind. Naruto just stared at Kakashi, expecting him to bust out laughing at any minute, but Kakashi was being deadly serious. "You gotta be kidding me, sensei. Me? The failure, surpass the Yondaime? The biggest loser, surpass the greatest ninja this village has ever known? Please tell me this is some sick joke." Naruto was starting to get angry at Kakashi's games.

"ENOUGH! Naruto, I've said it before, and I'm not going to repeat myself. The village of Konoha is at stake, and only YOU can save us. I'm not asking you to go assassinate every Suna nin in this village and then flatten Iwagakure. Now understand that every word I've said, was said with nothing but complete belief in you. I said you have potential, Naruto. A seemingly limitless amount. But it is raw, and untapped. My plan is for you to get stronger so that you can use your strength to save Konoha. And it will take years." Kakashi was being deadly serious now. Any doubts that Naruto had were vanishing into thin air as his sensei glared at him.

"You…you really mean it, sensei?" Naruto asked, still unsure. Kakashi sighed, and composed himself. "Yes, Naruto, I do. You can do this. You have strength. More than any hidden village or any kage anywhere. You just have to find it." Kakashi tried to drill his point home, and some of it seemed to have gotten through. Just a little more. "Believe in yourself again, Naruto. I do."

Naruto stared at his clenched fists as he thought about everything that had been said to him. He had so many questions that needed answering. "Kakashi-sensei. What is it about me that gives you so much belief? What is this potential that you're talking about?" Once again, Kakashi found himself remembering his old sensei. He stopped himself from revealing the information to Naruto. He needed to divert the boy's attention. "It's you Naruto. You have this thing about you where you lift up spirits and give people hope and something to believe in. But if you want a more solid answer, I believe that the Yondaime did what he did because he believed in you too. He must've believed that you would one day be able to control that power within you. So I choose to believe in his beliefs." Kakashi watched as Naruto's hand almost instinctively moved to his stomach where the Kyuubi was sealed. "At least try, Naruto. For Konoha." Kakashi was almost pleading now.

That did it for Naruto. Those words made his decision. He would never back down, never run away, and never turn his back on someone who needed him. And right now, the whole village needed him to become stronger. He loved this village, and he had been dreaming of the day he could serve the village as Hokage. If Kakashi-sensei believed that he could be the village's savior then, maybe he could do it. Maybe he could finally have the respect of the entire village. Yeah. His dream would come true then…but…

"How do I do it, sensei?" Naruto asked. This was the plan. This was what Kakashi had been planning the whole day. "You become stronger, Naruto. You will train and learn to control your powers and increase them further beyond what any ninja has ever dreamed off. You will make yourself strong enough to surpass the Yondaime. He could take on an entire squadron. You will take on an entire army. That is how strong you must become. But you can't do it here." Kakashi ended ominously.

Naruto was wary of the change in tone at the end. "What do you mean, sensei?"

"The Hidden Leaf Village has been compromised. You are our only hope for salvation. You have to get stronger. But you can't do it here. You will not be able to train adequately here. Your training must lie beyond our walls." Kakashi explained, and he could see realization settling in Naruto's features.

"Konoha is at its most dire hour. And to save it, you're going to have to abandon it. Naruto. You must leave the Hidden Leaf Village."

A/N: There you go. Hope you enjoyed that. Reviews with constructive criticism are always appreciated, and I read all of them, and I sometimes like to use ideas that you guys give. Also, I wonder if ending every chapter in a sort of cliffhanger style is enjoyable for you guys or not. It just seems to end that way naturally every time ._. Oh well. Till next time, stay awsum!