Hello,

Sorry it took me so longer. I was trying to update a different story, but I failed. It just didn't want to come out, so I wrote this bad baby. It is pretty long, so I hope you like it. I think my favorite harasser will. Haha.

Anyhow, please let me know what you think. I love reviews.

Again, I do not make any kind on money on this. I do not own Naruto.

And I am sorry for my horrible grammar- my brain died during proofing.

Chapter 7:

Purpose

Naruto has a few safe houses, spread across the continent, which means one is always close by. He may not step foot in some for months, but he makes sure to keep them up. Having somewhere to go is important for a few reasons, so he has houses in the land of Fire, Wind, Rain, Water, etc. Some he uses more than others, as some are more useful; however, this cabin is not. Sure, it's a decent shelter, but it has more risks than anything. Any cabin in the Land of Fire has risks, but considering how close this one is to Konaha, it has a lot. It's a short 2 days from Konoha, or day and a half if you push it, though that's a job that only most ninjas can do.

Nevertheless, this is the cabin that Naruto retreats to with Minato, and it's more to do with old sentiments than anything. This cabin is where Itachi and he had spent most of their time. With a few good seals, they were able to train without anyone noticing their presence. They were able to live unnoticed, and it was where Naruto had been able to get the cold, stoic Uchiha to smile, which for the longest time he thought was impossible. You bet he poked fun at it, though the laugh probably wasn't worth it, as a blank face was plastered on the Raven's face for some time afterward. However, it didn't mean that Naruto didn't try, because he did. He did a lot.

So, this cabin is more than a safe house to the blond, and though he doesn't have the heart to say it, it's home for Naruto. He feels safe in this place, even if the risks are high. That's why he comes here, even though he knows he shouldn't. That is why this is the first place that he runs to with Minato. He can get his bearings here. He can relax here, and once he settles down, he'll be golden. With Inari's demands getting the better of the elder Blond, he must calm down before he does anything stupid. He can't go rushing in to anything with his head right now.

And, man, he is itching. Some nameless rogue ninja had his precious son in his hands, threating to hurt him, and though the rogue ninja is already dead, Naruto wants—needs to kill him or someone else specifically. He wants-needs to kill this person slowly, spending hours upon hours until he cries for his death, and that person is Tobi, or whatever he calls himself. (That damn asshole needs to stop trying to be someone else.) Even if his target wasn't Minato and he only happened across the boy by chance, the bastard's pets hurt his son. They made him cry, and that's unforgettable in Naruto's eyes. No one made his child cry and gets away with it. No one!

However, he has other things to worry about then revenge, because Tobi has a plan. He doesn't do things for the heck of it, and if he does, it's for a reason. He manipulates things for a purpose. There's no doubt in his mind that Tobi is having those Noble's children—or should Naruto says slaves. Slaves is more like it—killed and blaming on the Demonic Flash. But Naruto doesn't know why or to what end. He's already wanted by every fucken village in the world and has a bounty on that his head that'll make anyone a king, so why does Tobi have these children killed? Unless, he's trying to send a message, but what besides the fact he wants Naruto as his best friend?

Damn it! Why did he kill that Rogue so quickly? He knows he has a short temper, but man…It wasn't like the Ninja wasn't talking, because he was. He was telling a lot, so why did Naruto kill him instead of listening? Okay, Naruto knows why he did it, though he wishes he didn't. He wanted to get back to Minato as quickly as possible, and he didn't—still doesn't—want to listen to anything that Tobi has to say, even if it is through a mouth piece. There's nothing that the man can say that Naruto wants to hear, and nothing good can come of it…Though, does or should it matter to the blond?

He's an assassin for crying out loud; he shouldn't care what other assassins or rogue ninjas do. He himself kills people for money with no care in the world. He takes what he wants, leaving pain behind him. So, why does he care what Tobi is up to? Sure, Tobi seems to want his attention for some odd reason, but why does it matter? He's the Demonic Flash, and he does not fold to anyone or thing. He'll be damned if he let anyone control him, and those who try will meet a painful, untimely death. Besides, it—

Thump!

At the sudden sound, Naruto turns on a dime and zeros in on Minato, who's faced down on the ground. He eyes are closed as he tries to ride through his pain. Everything disappears for Naruto as he watches his son, fight back his tears. In a flash, Naruto appears on his back on the floor across from his son, who's staring wide eyed at his father. "Whatcha doing?" he asks, innocently with a huge smile. Naruto finds it hard to be serious with his son.

"Um," the four-year-old child mutters, jumping to his feet and climbing onto the old, tatty sofa. His tiny legs shake under his weight as he climbs into the sofa.

"Minato, we need to talk," Naruto says, eyeing the boy, who's too smart for his age. Even if his position on the floor is awkward, Naruto doesn't move. "And you probably won't like it." He loves being a parent, and he won't change it for anything, but he doesn't like situations like this. He doesn't like to see a frown on the boy, and he's willing to do anything to rid him of his sadness. A frown doesn't belong on his face. "Something horrible almost happened today, and someone almost took you." That thought alone can wake the fox's rage.

There're a few scratches up and down the boy and a huge bruise on his arm, hinting at the danger the boy was it. "But, Daddy, you'll always find me, and you'll always be able to save me in time, since you know the Hirmy no Jutsu." Minato says, crawling to the edge. He slowly sits on the sofa, while he mindless kicks his feet.

Naruto narrows his eyes, refusing to laugh at how Minato said Hiraishin. "One, that's not the point. Two, I need a special seal." Will it be child abuse if Naruto tags Minato himself? It can't be if he does it to protect his innocent son, right? No one will fault him. "Three, someone hurt you, while I was away. I can't allow that to happen. I can't let someone hurt you." There's a part of him that wonders why he even does this in the first place. He doesn't need to be an assassin for hire. It isn't the only thing he can do…though that the only thing he knows.

Being a ninja is all that he knows. Sure, he can be a farmer or fisherman, but he has been training, fighting since he could move. It is in his DNA. Just look at his parents. He doesn't know if he can live without it…maybe, that's the issue. He has no idea of who he is if he isn't he Demonic Flash… or the Silver Wolf, and besides, he can't just idle. That isn't who he is. He doesn't know how to. Naruto takes a deep breath as he pushes himself up. "I was in a battle, Minato, and I had to use the Hiraishin no Jutsu to get away."

"Someone saw you use it?" Minato gasps, overplaying his shock. Even if he doesn't know much about what he father does, he knows his father doesn't like to use the technique in front of others.

If Naruto does use it in front of someone, that person usually doesn't live long to reveal the technique, though Minato doesn't know that. The blond likes to keep that part of his life away from Minato. "And I did it in front a person who can identify it," Naruto snorts, as his annoyance grows. Stupid Nara, too smart for his own good. "Things will be tricky from now on; plus, we can't stay in the Land of Waves, which means we won't see Tsunami, Inari, and Tazuna again." The idea doesn't sit well with Naruto, but it must be done. This is Inari's wishes.

Minato's eyes widen as he all but falls off the sofa in shock. His little body is shaking as dread fills his face. "No, Daddy! I love Tsunami, Inari and the Old Man."

He really hates doing this, hates seeing the sadness in his son's eyes, but there's nothing he can do. Even if Inari hasn't demanded him to leave, he would have to, as Tobi sent his idiots to the Land of Waves, knowing that Naruto was there. Somehow that pretender knew where to find the Demonic Flash, and it makes Naruto wonder what else he knows. Does he know about this cabin? His identity? "I have no choice," Naruto says, glaring at the floor. He doesn't want to do this, but he must. "I'm sorry, kid." He pushes himself completely off the ground. "We leave in the morning, and we'll have to keep moving."

"But, Daddy," the boy whines, not likely that idea either.

Naruto can't deal with tears, as he hates seeing his son this upset. These're the times that he wishes Aimi is alive, though he normally wishes for that. He hates being a single parent, because there're times that he doesn't know if he can handle it… not that he has much of a choice. He'll never give up his son. Never. "I'll teach you a new jutsu, if you shut-up," Naruto yells out loudly and quickly, as the tears get the best of him. The boy goes silent as a devious smile appears on his face. What a sad sight, his voice of reason replies in his head, to have to bribe your son.

*O*O*

Ino lets out sign of relief as they come across a village after six hours of running. "Oh, thank god," she exclaims.

"At least, we know we're in the Land of Fire," Choji replies, as he looks around. "I know this village. We're about a day out from Konoha." His eyes go straight to a few food stands, but he doesn't move.

Lee nods as he looks around. "Which means we're 12 hours or so from Toya's compound." His voice falters a bit as he looks in the direction of Noble's compound. It's impossible to see the compound from here, but that isn't why he looks in that direction. "This isn't good. The likelihood that we'll make it back in time is low." His hands ball at his side.

Hinata takes a deep breath. "It may already be too late," she replies. "Battles can be over in minutes, especially the ones involving the Demonic Flash." There is a heavy expression on her face.

"So, what?" Ino asks, annoyed, as she turns to the group. "We just head back to Konoha with our tails between our legs and tell the Hokage we let out team die? We can't just leave them. I may not like either Sai or Sasuke, but it doesn't mean we abandon them." There is a tone in her voice, signaling she is ready to fight.

Shifting on his feet, Lee notices the stares directed at them, but considering the state they are in, it's not surprising. Each are covered in mud and…shit. They're covered in feces, and they smell badly. They also look like crap, but appearance is one thing. "We have to go back, as we can't leave a man behind, and we must have faith in our comrades. We must."

"Then we don't have time to lose!" Choji replies.

Though the mud has since dried and it's impossible to wipe off the mud and grime, Ino still attempts to, while she glares at the villages. She knows it isn't personal, but she takes it as such. "I still want to know how the hell he transported us miles away," she says, patting at her clothes. "Like seriously."

"Right now, that's not important," Hinata replies, as she narrows her eyes in the direction of Toya's compound. Her heavy look doesn't disappear, as she thinks. The other three nod, knowing the chances. Though they rather not think like that, they know they might be too late, but that doesn't mean the worst. Shikamaru, Sai, Sasuke, and Sakura are more than capable enough to take care of themselves. Besides being a part of the 'S' gang, they're a few of the toughest shinobi in Konoha, and each of them have their own strengths. There's no beating them when they work together, not that many are brave enough to try.

However, there's no telling when it comes to the Demonic Flash, who's a total mystery. He doesn't fit to any equation, any patterns, and that transportation seal that he has can destroy any team with ease. It can break up any plan or idea before it even begins, and there's no telling what else that jutsu can do. Each of them have heard of transportation jutsu before, though no one has seen one in person, so none of them can truly understand the power one can provide. To say they are impressive is an understatement. Even if they don't know all the benefits of knowing one, they know that there's nothing out of reach if someone knows a transportation jutsu.

Continuing to glare at everyone who walks passed, Ino adds, "then we better get going."

*O*O*

Naruto closes the door to Minato's room and takes a deep breath as he steps away. It feels like his heart has dropped from his chest and then has stepped on as he feels totally exhausted. It feels like a hundred people have ran him over and left him to die. It feels like someone has stabled him in the heart, and it takes everything in him not to fall to the ground. It feels like everything is coming apart, and he doesn't know how to handle that. He doesn't know how to deal with the fact that he has hurt Minato—he blames himself for his son's pain.

Feeling like death, he mindlessly saunters forward. He knows this cabin like he knows the back of his hands, considering the number of days he had spent in this cabin. He has spent months at a time in this cabin, and he has spent that time, walking the floors, walls, and ceiling. Even in his current state, he can walk this cabin blindfolded. He has lost count to the number of times that he simply walked this cabin out of boredom, but he must say it was a lot, as a certain Raven left him alone for extended amounts of time.

In autopilot, Naruto walks to the worn couch and collapses. His eyes close a second later, as his memories forces their way forward. He knows coming here will bring up all kinds of memories—the good and bad-, but he can't bring himself to go anywhere else. This place feels like home. Even now with his memories crawling back, there's nowhere else that he wants to be. This is his home, and nothing is going to change that, even if he wishes the memories would stop.

Right now, he can't handle them as it feels like someone is taking a hammer to his head. It feels like someone is trying to drill a hole into his brain, and the pain is unreal, but nothing he does works. He tries to focus on his kunai, but that only lasts a second before he flings them cross the room. The wood splitters on impact, but he's already reaching for his katana. And he's already running his hand over the cold—still bloody—blade as the broken pieces of wood falls to the ground. He can feel the pain in his fingertips, but it can in no way compete with his mental agony.

There is nothing that he can do to stop the memories from coming forward, and man, are they attacking!

A bored Naruto laid flat on the ground, staring up at the old, worn roof. With nothing else to do in this small out of the way cabin, he stares at the ceiling, which had seen better days. (Okay, there was probably something else he could do but nothing that he wanted to do.) This entire cabin had seen better days—looking like one big gush away from being knocked over, and there was no doubt that it was due to a major overhaul— all of which should've scared Itachi away from the cabin. The blond didn't know how old this cabin was or why Itachi picked it—he wasn't going explain that to Naruto even if he asked, but there was no doubt it needed to be repaired.

Right now for the most part, the roof was holding out the rain and frigid winds, but it was rotting and chipping away with each day. It would only be a matter of time before the ceiling caved in, possibility hurting someone inside—maybe that was Itachi's plan: check his reflexes. However, it would need to be fixed before then—Naruto had no interest in doing that, not that he had any idea of how to—no one had ever showed him how… though, that was probably because no one trusted him. He would most likely make it worse, but he also didn't do it in protest. Itachi—the new asshole, stealing the title from his brother—just left him with very few words and very little things to do or eat. He wasn't sure what the Uchiha expected of him, but he wasn't doing to do it.

However, Naruto wasn't sure what to think of the Raven in general. It had only been a few months since he had agreed to go with Itachi, which he still was unsure on, and he didn't trust him yet. How could he trust the elder Itachi? No, it wasn't that regretted his choice—okay a little but heck that was normal, considering everything that he had left-, but damn. He wished the Raven would say or do something, because he needed him to say or do something. He thought the younger Uchiha was bad, but Sasuke had nothing on his silent brother, who could kill with a glare alone. He would just stare until Naruto shut up, and he would as Itachi's deadly glare drilled into his soul.

After a while, it just got under the blond's skin, eating at him, and he was inches away from punching the Raven in the face—not that he expected to land a hit… but no one should count him out. Unable to take it at times, he stated (more like yelled) his annoyance at Itachi, shaking his fist vigorously, but nothing. Itachi just stared, even when Naruto threw everything at him. Having successfully gotten under Sasuke's skin a few times, Naruto tried to do the same to Itachi, but the elder was nothing like the younger. Yes, they both had that an ego and a death glare, but Itachi was quiet, calm, and patient. If Naruto didn't know his reputation, he would think it was impossible for the man to get angry or express any emotion at all. If he didn't like something, he would just stare with a raised eyebrow.

That was quite the difference from Sasuke, who attacked—either physically or verbally—whenever he was angry. This was why he didn't know how to judge Itachi, as he was unable to read him like he could Sasuke. He couldn't figure out what was going through the Raven's head, and that drove Naruto insane. How could he trust someone if he didn't know what he was thinking? Heck, he still didn't know why the Uchiha even wanted to train him in the first place. This was a man who killed his entire clan, murdering his own parents just to show his strength, but yet, this man wanted to train him. It didn't make sense to the blond, but nothing made sense to him anymore.

His best—no, not best in the least. Sasuke was never his best friend or friend at all. Friends didn't try to kill friends, even when they disliked each other. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Even if he seemed okay as he stared up at the ceiling (wishing it would fall on him), he was not okay. At this point, he didn't think he would ever be okay, as he couldn't see the top. He couldn't see a future. His former teammate tried to kill him, and his village, his home, had lied to him for years. Plus, he was now a missing Ninja with the elder Uchiha brother as his teacher. He didn't think he would ever get used to that idea, even with time.

He was drowning in his emotions with everything building up at once: mistreatment from the village, the betrayal of his closest friend, abandonment of his team, and the identities of parents. It felt like his entire life had been a lie—maybe it was-, and to make it worse, it felt like everyone was laughing at him behind his back like he was some kind of joke. Maybe, he was, considering he was wearing a 'kill me now' orange jumpsuit, but he just wanted someone to pay attention to him… to care for him. Was that so wrong? That could be why he agreed to go with Itachi, even if the man killed his entire clan. He just wanted s-

"Have you moved?" a dry, cold voice asked.

Not hearing the squeaking door, Naruto's eyes snapped to it as he jumped to his feet. Without wasting a second, he was standing in front of the stoic Uchiha, eyes drilling into him. "Where have you been? I have been going crazy!" he yelled, jumping up and down in annoyance. "I was going to die from boredom."

Itachi gave the Blond a once over before he glanced around the room, taking everything in. Once he had taken in the room and the messy contents, he turned his attention to Naruto. He watched the boy hop in front him as he spouted off his annoyance. "I doubt that," he replied, coldly.

The Raven's cold tone didn't stop Naruto from yelling. "How would you know? You disappear for days at a time, leaving me without saying a word. You tell me you'll train me, but heck, you're no better than the Pervert," Naruto replied, rolling his eyes at the Uchiha. He knew he was pushing it, as he couldn't trust this man just yet—though he didn't know who to trust. He was poking at a ball of fur without knowing if it was a wolf or a dog. He could come back and bite off his hand.

Red eyes stared the blond before blinking away to black. "Unlike you, I have responsibilities to deal with, and one of those responsibilities is keeping you safe from the Akatsuki."

Hearing that, Naruto settled down a bit and took a step back from Itachi, giving him a once over. He may not trust him just yet—Itachi did kill his parents after all-, but he could see the tiredness in Itachi's eyes, and that was startling, stopping him cold. It was like he was looking in a mirror, when comparing their pain, and that was striking. "Why are you doing this?" Naruto asked, feeling his fight drain from him.

Itachi stepped away, eyeing his room in the small cabin. It was the one place that Naruto had never seen, not that he could with the seal locking Naruto out. "As stated before, you do not know anything about me. I have my reasons."

Taking a deep breath, Naruto eyed Itachi's stiff form. The Uchiha's back was to him, and his Akatsuki cloak hid his form from the Blond, but he didn't let that stop him from pushing. "Why don't you tell me?" he asked, hopeful. Maybe, he was judging him unfairly?

Itachi glanced back over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes at the blond. His eyes were red once more, as he stared at Naruto. Once again, his cold, heartless eyes were drilling into him. "I offered to train you, nothing more. I am not a replacement for my foolish brother. We aren't friends, and I have no interest in becoming one. I am not my brother."

For some reason unknown, that struck Naruto hard. He shook his head, trying to get control of his wild emotions. "I wasn't t-thinking like that. I w-wouldn't want Sasuke back." There may have been a time where he wanted the younger brother back, but not now. Not after everything that he had said and did. "H-he doesn't care about a-anything besides power." Naruto knew what the Raven wanted to do with this power and that was to kill the man in front of him.

The first few moments after accepting Itachi's offer, a plan had popped into Naruto head. A plan to serve this man to Sasuke, but it didn't last long, as second later, he remembered how Sasuke had tried to kill him. No matter what he did, Naruto couldn't forget the deadly expression on Sasuke's face as they fought. He closed his eyes and it was there, even now. It was there when he opened his eyes, and there was no doubt it would haunt him for the rest of his life. It was like he had looked into the pits of hell and the demons were ready to pull him in. There was no doubt that Sasuke would stab him again without hesitation. He knew this, even if he didn't want to believe it.

This was why he knew there was no going back. The friendship between the two former teammates was gone, and there was no getting it back, even if he gifted wrap the older Raven. He may not know Itachi and he may not trust him yet, but he knew he couldn't trust Sasuke, not with anything. However, he wasn't the only person. He couldn't trust anyone from his old life, not with all the lies that they had told him. He wouldn't know if they were lying to him or not, and that would be the greatest disservice to himself. "H-he doesn't know loyalty."

Red eyes faded away to black again, as he stared at the Blond. There was a softness in the eyes that wasn't there a second ago. "Naruto," he said, drawing the boy's eyes to him. "Rest assure that I am not my brother." This time, it was softer, as if he was trying to be comforting. "I will not betray you."

"Everyone says that."

The Uchiha turned slightly to get a better view of the boy. "I will not betray you. You have…my loyalty," he stated again, staring into Naruto's glassy eyes. He paused for a second before adding, "Go warm up outside. I'll be out shortly to see how horrible your skills are."

Like a light had been clicked on, Naruto paused, as his mind went into overdrive, ignoring the insult. It didn't genius to see the change in the elder Uchiha, but it was surprising and welcoming. "Okay!" he said, as joy entered his voice. "But I'll show you!" He flexed his arm, attempting to show his strength. "There isn't anything I can't do! Believe it!" He cheered, trying to keep the sadness from reentering his tone.

If Itachi smiled, it was gone before Naruto noticed. "I will when I see it."

"Oh, you will!"

Memory fades into the present as Naruto finds himself staring at Minato's door, which at one point was Itachi's door. It had taken over a year to get past the door, only for his expectations to be blown. To this day, Naruto isn't sure what he expected to find in the Raven's room, but he didn't expect it to be so calming and relaxing. The man in general was calm and patient, which surprised and still surprises Naruto. Maybe, that is why he trusted Itachi when he shouldn't have. Maybe, that is why he trusted him easily—well after a few months.

Naruto shakes his head as he shifts his focus to the ceiling. The ceiling had been a long work in process—a group project for the Raven and Blond-, taking weeks to complete, but Naruto finds himself staring at it now from to time. He doesn't know why but it's relaxing—like cloud watching. However, there're at times that it isn't, especially if his brain goes into overdrive… Which it is at this moment. He can't help but wonder what he's going to do. Living on the run isn't something that he wants for Minato…nor for himself. However, what else can he do? He doesn't want to be involved with Tobi and the Akatsuki, but he knows it'll be foolish to think that he can stay out of this fight with Tobi.

Stupid Tobi, who needs someone to rip out his other eye.

*O*O*

"You got fired?!" Ino yells, as the group makes its way back to Konoha.

Shikamaru lets the deep breath he's holding out as he keeps his head forward, ignoring his loud ass team. He doesn't respond to the blond because he doesn't have anything to say. What can he say? Plus, even if he does, she won't shut up—not that she will ever-, and she'll just continue. He wants-needs everyone to shut up, because he can't deal with it. There's only so much he can take at one time, and they are reaching that limit. Plus, they aren't far off from Konoha, and he wants to use this time to ready himself for the Hokage, who won't be happy to hear their report. And they were fired.

"We got fired, Ugly," Sai adds, mindlessly playing with his paint brush. "Though you were the ones sitting on the sidelines being useless." He glances over to her, eyeing the dried, caked on mud on her uniform. Out of the four that was transported to the pig pen, Ino is the dirtiest, and there isn't one ounce of her not covered in mud and shit.

"Like I had any chance! Hinata, Lee, Choji, and I were transported away before we could do anything," she counters, coldly. She glances to Hinata, Lee, and Choji as if she expects them to jump in.

"And whose fault is that?" Sai replies, putting a couple of steps between them. He can sense her anger.

"Why don't you come over here and I'll show you!" Ino demands, glaring at him, as she follows him. "He-"

"Enough," Sasuke demands, glaring at each of them. His killing intent is leaking out, flooding the area. Unlike the rest of the group, he has been quiet, as he plays with an idea in his head. Though no one knows what goes through the Uchiha's head normally, the S's of the team knows he's replaying the Demonic Flash's words in his head, overthinking everything that he said. Though he has gotten passed that deadly shadow in his life, the sound of Itachi's name can send him right back to that time. Normally, he can control his rage, but damn, the Demonic Flash knew which buttons to press. "Why must you all be idiots? I swear you guys are useless."

Taking a deep breath, Shikamaru turns to the angry Raven. He knows he must calm the man, because he's ready to pop, and that won't be good for anyone. "Easy, Sasuke. I know we all are on edge, but we can't fight with each other." He replies, sternly. "We are a team."

Sakura dances between the members of the group, eyeing each person. There's something in her eyes, and it's clear that she wants to say it but hesitating for some reason. She opens her mouth a few times but closes it a second later. She eyes Ino from the corner of her eyes for a second before she turns her attention back to Sasuke. "Um, did anyone else get a weird vibe from the Demonic Flash?" she asks.

Everyone turns and gives Sakura a look, though they do not slow their speed. They want to get back to Konoha as soon as possible. "What do you mean?" Sai askes, his tone changing.

"I know what you mean, Sakura," Lee replies, softly. There is something clouded and guarded in his voice. "He called me something that I hadn't heard in years."

"Bushy Brows," Ino supplies as they hop quickly through the trees.

Sasuke glances over to Rock Lee, while Shikamaru sighs. Nara fondles the cigarette in his mouth with his tongue, as he looks forward, thinking. "There's no doubt that the Demonic Flash is from Konoha, and he had probably heard someone use that nickname" He knows too much not to be, and that jutsu of his… The idea doesn't sit well with the Lazy Ninja, as that means the Assassin knows them, knows who they are. Knows their past.

"No, he isn't," the Uchiha says, through his teeth.

Shikamaru doesn't understand why this is a personal insult to the Raven, but he can see the pure anger in his eyes. "You may not like it, but there's no denying this, and it's foolish to think any differently." He knows Sasuke is close to snapping, which is why he had ordered Sakura to keep the assassin's 'Blond Idiot' comment to herself. He's lucky that the Raven only heard the last part of that conversion and not that comment.

Sasuke curls his lips as he picks up his speed slightly. "Hn," he mutters, not pleased. His eyes are still red, still having his Sharingan activated. He is still on the edge.

The tension is strong, and Shikamaru wants to get back to Konoha as soon as possible before everyone explodes and their anger get the better of them. Plus, he has his own ideas that he wants to run pass Kakashi and Tsunade before he comments on anything. It would be foolish to say anything, especially when it isn't his place to do so. "Let's cut the chat and focus on getting back home."

Hinata nods her head. "Shikamaru's correct. Now is not the time to fight."

Sai chuckles a bit. "But we still got fired. I blame the traitor and his ugly duck hair."

Everyone falters at that, but they recover quickly. "Sai!" Ino yells.

*O*O*

Tsunade loses count to how many paper balls she has made, as she waits for some kind of a message from Shikamaru and his team. She can't help but feel like she has sent them to their death, and that idea eats at her. She knows it's her job, and as a Hokage, she has to make the tough decisions, but she's still human. She loves this village and the people in it. This village is her home, and the villagers are her family. Though it's her job to make the heartbreaking choices, she still feels the sting of it.

Right now, she's flashing back to Naruto and the last mission that she has assigned him. She can't help but think back to the pain he must've felt when she sent him after the Uchiha. His death will always be Sasuke's fault, but she will always blame herself. Sure, not all missions turn out like that, but another possible bloody outcome like that will always be at the back of her mind. She is always going to worry, but she won't and can't let that stop her. She is the Hokage, and she will do what she must for her village.

"You should get some rest," Kakashi says as he enters the office though the door. He can arrive through the window at times, but those times never end well. Though it doesn't matter which way he enters, there's a little green book in his hand which has his attention, not that he needs to look at it.

"Maybe, you shouldn't read that book in my presence," she replies, coldly.

He gives her a playful smile as he turns the page, though he isn't really reading it. Everyone knows that the silver hair man knows the books by heart. "But I enjoy them. They are-"

"Lady Hokage," Sakura greets as she enters first. The remaining members follow in behind her, trailing her by a few feet. Each are sporting a weary, exhausted look as they fill the room, and they look like they have gone through hell.

Kakashi and Tsunade turn to them, eyeing each of them. To her relief, there's only a few scraps and cuts on them, and there doesn't appear to be any excessive amount of blood on them. In that, the Hokage is relieved, but she doesn't enjoy the smell. Four out of the 8 are covered in some kind mud, and man, does it smell! It's like they're covered in shit or something. "What happened to you guys?" she asks, her eyes narrowing. Her worry starts to disappear and curiosity fills her. "I see you aren't dead, but considering you're supposed be on a security detail, why are you here? Did you fail your mission?"

Instead of Shikamaru answering, everyone is speaking at once, and they are aloud as they try to explain what happened. Tsunade feels like her head about to explode, and it takes everything she has not to kill the idiots in front of her. She means everything. "That Fucker was toying with us." "It was all a game to for him." "I hadn't seen someone with his speed before." "That asshole threw us in a pig pen. A pig pen with angry pigs." "I'm going to kill that man." "He played with us like fools." "He handled us with ease, like he wasn't even worried about us in the slightest." "I'll get the Demonic Flash the next time. He won't escape me again." "Toya was disappointed with us."

Each are speaking a million words per second, and the words are starting to bend together, which makes it difficult to figure out what they are saying. However, Tsunade can make out a few key words and make out that they were fired, which does nothing for the Hokage's anger. "One at a time, you brats, and that one should be the team lead. Shikamaru," she orders, glaring at each of them. She wishes she can say that it won't take long, but man, her shinobi don't know when to keep their mouths shut. Shikamaru must stop every few seconds so Tsunade can yell at them, and she's getting anger and anger with each second. However, Nara finishes after an hour or so, but she knows that it isn't everything. There's more to the story, and she can see this in his eyes. She can also tell that he doesn't want to say it front of the group, which doesn't mean anything good. "I need to speak with Kakashi and Shikamaru. Can the rest of you leave?"

Again, everyone's mouths are off to the races; however, one of the voices is louder. "No!" Sasuke hollers, taking a step forward. "I need to know who this Demonic Flash is!" His hands ball at his side. "I need to kill him." The rest group silences at the sound the Raven's anger.

Kakashi narrows his eyes at the Raven before letting out a harsh sigh. "Just one mention of your brother and you go ape shit. What are we going to do with you?" he mutters.

"Sasuke," Sakura mutters as she eyes his balled hands. She takes a step before as she holds her hands to her chest

"He made a fool out of me!" he sneers.

Shikamaru lets out a sigh as he steps forward. "If you fall victim to his mind games, he will win. That's what he wants. Do you want him to play you like a fool? No, then, just shut up and leave."

Sasuke turns to the Lazy Ninja, ready to bite off his head, because no one tells him what to do. He's not a fool, and he will fight anyone on that, but he's cut off by Hinata, who stares him down with an intense stare. There's a sharp look in her eyes, almost daring him to say something. "We shall leave as you wish, Lady Hokage," she replies, bowing before turning to the door. The entire time, she eyes the Raven, sending him dragger with her eyes.

Feeling the tension in the room, Choji nods as well, following Hinata's lead. "Yea, I'm hungry. I'm so in the mood for barbecue." He adds, rubbing his stomach. He pays no attention to the mud that covers his person as filling his stomach is the only thing on his mind.

Ino's eye is twitching. "Well, I'm going home, Dirtball. I need a shower," she counters as she folds her hand cross her chest. Her clothes are heavy with mud, and her smell can scare children. "You should too as no one wants to smell you!"

Tsunade lets out a sigh as the group files out one by one, well besides Sasuke and Sakura. Sakura hoovers by the door, waiting for Sasuke, but he's too busy glaring to move. "Uchiha," the Hokage starts. There's a soft warning in her voice, but she isn't in the mood to play.

"No, that man… that man-"

Kakashi puts his book away as he says, "Your Hokage gave you an order."

There's a clear fight in the Raven's eyes, a warning to how close he is to snapping. Everyone can see that, including the Pink Hair kunoichi, who is keeping a close eye on him. Sakura might've forgiven Sasuke for Naruto's death—a hard journey that no one can forget-, but she hasn't forgotten. She isn't nasty to her teammate—well on her good days-, but she isn't exactly friendly with the man either. For some reason or another, the woman plays the barrier between the Raven and everyone else, curbing his anger. The Hokage believes it's some kind of punishment that the Pink Ninja imposes on herself. Having trained the young woman, Tsunade knows that Sakura blames herself.

"Sasuke," Sakura calls, eyeing him. "Let's go."

He looks at her before glancing to Kakashi and the Hokage. His eyes are red as he stares at them, and he doesn't say word for a few long seconds. The muscles in his jaw are firm and tight, as a vein pops out on his forehead. "Fine," he sneers, as he turns and puffs away a second later. He doesn't even wait for Sakura, who follows him out a second later.

Tsuanade can't see Sakura's face, only her back, but she can hear Haruno cursing Sasuke as she leaves. The Hokage would chuckle if it isn't for the hard look on Shikamaru's face. "So, what aren't you telling me?" she asks, waiting a few seconds to make sure Sasuke and Sakura are gone. Sure, she's annoyed her shinobi were fired, but she doesn't have the time to be pissed about it now.

Letting out a deep sigh, Shikamaru shifts slightly as he takes a step forward. "He's from Konoha."

Kakashi pushes off the wall, taking a step forward, as he eyes the Lazy Ninja. "Yea, we gathered that," he replies. That was one of the few things that he made out when everyone talked all at once. "Surprising as that may be, I do not believe that is the reason for your nervousness."

Though it doesn't completely surprise her, the Hokage can't help but wonder which traitor is the Demonic Flash. Whoever it is, she's going to find and kill him, because she takes this as a personal insult. Sure, she knows there are a few missing ninjas currently from Konoha, but none of them are pissing her off as much as the Demonic Flash is right now. The Demonic Flash—

"You know. He might not be a ninja, well officially anyhow," Kakashi says, lazily, as he looks at Tsunade, who is going through her files. "Might've not even gone to the Academy. He probably got trained after he left Konoha or trained in secret by a Ninja."

"And most likely by Itachi Uchiha," Shikamaru adds, as he folds his arms across this chest with a deep exhale. Again, he is playing with a cigarette in his mouth, annoying the medically trained Hokage. "The way that the Demonic Flash mocked Sasuke, it felt personal. Like he knew the elder Uchiha."

Tsunade leans forward on her desk, her mind spinning. "I've never meet Itachi Uchiha, but after reading his file, he didn't seem like the type to take an apprentice. He seemed more like the guy to kill his apprentice; he did kill his entire clan after all." That's something she can never understand. How could've he killed his family like it was nothing? The very idea makes her sick to her stomach as she would do anything to get back the loves ones she lost…okay, maybe, not everything considering the offer her former teammate once gave her.

"Maybe, he was," Kakashi adds, looking at the scroll on Tsunade's desk. He stares at Itachi's printed name, flashing back to his Anbu times. "There was a rumor before his death about him traveling with someone, and that person wasn't Kisame Hoshigaki."

"But that wasn't proven," Shikamaru adds, as he mindlessly stares at the scrolls. There is a scroll for each missing Konoha ninja still active.

Taking a deep breath, the Hokage leans back in her chair. "It would make sense that it's the same person. But again, why would he have an apprentice?" she asks. It doesn't make sense that he would have taken anyone under his wing.

"He must have seen something in him," Kakashi replies.

"Besides his ability to be a heartless murderer?" Tsunade replies, angrily. She knows the Demonic Flash isn't exactly cold hearted, as he has been sparing children, which isn't what this master had even done. That monster had killed countless children the night he murdered his clan.

"Can he really be that heartless?" Kakashi responds. "The team is still alive, which is odd. The Demonic Flash isn't known for his mercy or for leaving witnesses. He has a 'Run if spotted' warning, which should tell you everything."

"That puzzles me as well." Reaching for a scroll, Shikamaru takes a deep breath. "Who knows, but he knows the Hiraishin Jutsu." Both Kakashi and Tsunade's eyes go wide, as they go deadly silent. Nara waits a second before adding, "I don't know how he knows it, but he does. He may not be interested in taking on Konoha now—calling it's a fool's goal, but there's no doubt that he can if he wants to." His eyes scan the ink on the scrolls.

"Not possible," Kakashi replies as the hand on his favorite book tightens. "He can't know it." He is shaking.

Tsunade glances up at the photos on the wall before she looks back to Shikamaru. She doesn't know what to think of this or the Demonic Flash. Who is this man? What does he want? What is his game? Why not kill Shikamaru and the others? She doesn't buy it that he was in a hurry. He could've killed them instead of transporting them away.

"Yes, and he used it with masterfully," Nara adds, thinking back to the fight with the Demonic Flash. "It was second natural to him."

Tsunade feels her eye twitch as she rises to her feet. Who the hell is this man? He made Sasuke and Sai look like fools with ease while outwitting Shikamaru. Sure, the assassin had failed to kill Toya, which is always be a plus, but he got away, and that's a failure in her book. "How the hell does he know that? Those scrolls are protected by a powerful seal that only a seal master can break." Maybe, that's her answer, but the only seal master she knows is Jiraiya, and it wasn't him.

Kakashi turns to his Hokage, staring long and hard at her. There's a real struggle in his eye. "If I recall correctly, the Hiraishin Jutsu scroll is not stored in the Hokage's library but rather in a separate room. That room is sealed with a blood seal, only accessed by the Hokages or their family members."

Shikamaru let out a sigh. "A second room? What a drag."

The room is only known to the Hokages and selected family members. It's located deep in the Hokage's tower in one of the lower level. In one of the least traveled hallways, most don't know it exists. "Yes, Kakashi," she says.

"Then we need to do an inventory and see what's missing," Kakashi replies. "Though, I doubt that'll help as there is no list to compare it to. The Yondaime, for one, kept many unknown jutsu there, not telling anyone."

She suspected this, but it doesn't mean she is happy to hear this. "Crap," Tsunade curses.

"Troublesome," Shikamaru adds.

"And you mentioned that he has an issue with Konoha, blaming the village for his father's death," Kakashi repeats slow, as he goes into a deep thought. He leans his head back and stares at the ceiling. He pauses for a second before adding, "I mirror Shikamaru. Troublesome."

"And he called Naruto an idiot," the Lazy ninja mutters. "So, there's that."

Tsunade has a horrible temper and everyone knows this, but she's beyond angry right now. This Demonic Flash has no idea of who he's messing with, and he's going to learn this the hard way. "I'm going to kill this man," she hisses, ready to chase after the man herself. No one insults Naruto and his legacy and gets away with it. She wonders why Sasuke hasn't chase after the assassin as he's crazy about protecting Naruto's memory as well… though she remembers that Nara kept that line from Uchiha.

"Hokage," Shikamaru starts, slowly. "As much as I dislike the Demonic Flash, I suggest we track this guy down and figure out who he is. One, he's somehow related to a Hokage, which is troublesome in itself, as he has some kind of anger toward Konoha, blaming us for his father's death. Two, he has some scrolls belonging to the Hokages, which holds valuable secrets. And three, he might have some information that we need."

There's a deeply troubled look in Kakashi's eye. "As much as that makes sense, I can count on one hand the number of people who are related to a Hokage: Mirai, Konohamaru, and you, Tsunade. And I think that we can eliminate the three of you, can't we?" he asks, scratching his chin.

"I supposed so," Tsunade says, dryly.

With a heavy sigh, Shikamaru glances up to the ceiling, as he panders. "And the Yondaime never had a child?" he asks.

Tsunade gives Kakashi a sideway glances, as if to communicate with her eyes. No one knows that Naruto was the son of the Yondaime, and now that he's dead, she doesn't see a point in telling anyone. It'll only create more harm than good and too many questions that she doesn't want to answer. It's also one of the things she regrets the most. Sure, she didn't know at first when she accepted this job, but when she learned the truth, she should've told him. She didn't because she thought she was protecting him.

"Well besides Naruto?" the Lazy Ninja adds. "Did he have any children besides Naruto?"

Both Tsunade and Kakashi snap back to Shikamaru. "What?" Tsnuade utters, while Kakashi stares at him.

Nara lets out a deep sigh. "It wasn't that hard to figure it out. Blue eyes and blond hair. Striking resemblance to the Yondaime," he replies, nodding to a photo on the wall. There're a few different photos in the room, each of a Hokage from years past. The third photo down is of a blond hair man with a furious but protective look in his eyes. It looks like he's daring someone to test him. "And I might've read it that he married an Uzumaki somewhere."

"I didn't think it was written anywhere that he was married," Kakashi hums as he scratches his chin. It's almost comical the expression on his face.

"Yea, I think I only saw it once buried deep in a scroll," Shikamaru replies. "Did he have another child?"

Tsunade glances at Kakashi, looking at him to answer the question. She can count on one hand the times that she had meet Minato, and she doesn't have any idea if it's possible that he had another child. Besides what she got from his writing, she has no idea of who this man was. Sure, he was the Yellow Flash, and she read the reports. She knows he was ruthless at times, but she knows there was more to him, considering he was chosen to be the fourth. However, that doesn't mean he was faithful or loving to his wife.

"Not that I know of. Minato Sensei wasn't that kind of man," Kakashi replies, coldly.

Shikamaru hums as he lowers his head. "Either way, I think we need to track this man down."

"I agree," the Hokage adds, though the idea worries him. There's a reason why the Demonic Flash didn't kill them, and it probably must do with his paternity. Does he hold some kind of love for Konoha? "I want to know why he didn't kill your team."

"I think we all want to know that."

Tsunade lets out a growl, because nothing is making sense. An assassin is supposed to be a merciless killer, murdering people for money, but the Demonic Flash is not fitting the pattern. And she doesn't understand this, and it is pissing her off. What does he want? What is he planning? Is he being played? Whatever it is, she's going to find out, because this mystery is killing her. "How many people do you want for this?" she asks, looking between the two men in her office.

Shikamaru's eyebrow rises as he stares at the Hokage. "What?" he asks, slowly.

"I want you two to go after him," she explains. "Yes, the two of you," she adds, noticing the confusion on their faces. She can see that neither of them are happy with this, but they won't disobey an order or a request from a Hokage. She might get some questions, but they'll complete the mission as they are loyal shinobi. "How many people do you want for this?"

Shikamaru and Kakashi share a look, before Kakashi adds, "Would I be the best choice for this assignment?"

"You know your Sensei the best. So, if this assassin is trying to fool anyone in to thinking that he's the son of the Fourth, you can debunk it. Plus, this fool can outthink anyone, so I need the best to outsmart him." Tsunade replies. She knows Shikamaru and his team failed their last mission, but they did something that no one else had. They lived. They were able to last the Demonic Flash, and that's saying something. "I also believe it would also be wise to bring Sasuke and Sakura." The Uchiha is the muscle, while Haruno is the healer. Both roles are important in any group.

"Do you think that's wise?" Kakashi asks, slowly. "If this Demonic Flash was the student of Itachi, do you believe that Sasuke can control himself?"

Shikamaru takes a deep breath. "I agree. He wasn't able to keep his cool before, and it won't be good if it happens again."

"I trust him to be a reasonable. If not, I can show him how a Ninja of Konoha should act, and if he can't act like it, I will kick his ass," she replies with a smile. She's totally okay with showing him her fist, because Sasuke needs a good punching. He has gone into a funk the last two years, and it is draining for everyone.

"When do we leave?" Kakashi asks, as he lets out a sigh.

Having picked Hatake for her successor, he hasn't been out of the village in over a year, and Tsunade knows she's sending him out without notice, but she must. She must figure who this masked man is and how he was able to break into the Hokage Tower. She needs to know what scrolls he had taken. "Tomorrow, any later and we'll lose his trail."

*O*O*

Sasuke is once again at the Memorial Stone, staring at Naruto's name. He's here to tell Naruto what happened on his last mission. Without hesitation, he tells him about his rage and how he's disappointed in himself. He tells him how he regressed to that hate filled person he was as a child at the mention of Itachi's name and how he hates himself for that. This isn't the person he wants to be. He wants to be a kind of person that Naruto can be proud of. He hopes the Dobe can forgive him for his lapse in judgement, and he hopes he can see that he's trying.

Briefing Naruto on his missions has become a ritual, since he returned to the village. Naruto lived for missions and Sasuke feels this is the least he can do for his fallen team member—even if his team was fired by Toya. Being here makes everything feel normal for a spilt second, and for that second, it's like Naruto is alive. It may hurt as well as talking to a dead guy won't help, and surely, talking to the Dobe won't help either, but he has to talk to someone or he'll go crazy… Some might already call him crazy.

However, Sasuke has never talked to anyone about what he's going through or feeling... well maybe his brother before his brother went insane. After the murder of his clan, Sasuke kept his emotions to himself, though the Blond Idiot never stopped from trying to break his shell. After he left the village, that wall turned steel, not bending for anyone. He kept to himself, never caring about or for anyone- not after losing so many people; besides, no one really cares or cared about him, only wanting his name in the first place. It's a known fact that no one (well besides the villagers) likes him, and he's okay with that; he likes being alone as it means that no one can hurt him.

The clouds slowly pass by and the sun's rays shine brightly as they stretch across the cerulean sky. The wind lightly blows through the trees, providing a dancing shadow on the grassy field. With very little humidity, it's a nice clear day, though it's filled with memories of Naruto. Naruto was innocent like this day, and Sasuke hates days like this. It hurts too much, as it forces him to think. Naruto would've liked this day, he thinks to himself.

With a deep sigh, the Uchiha pushes himself up from the ground and takes a small step forward. Rocking on his feet, he stares at the stone for a few more seconds before turning away as he feels his heart crack. Each step shoots pain to his heart, because he's the reason why Naruto is dead. And that is kills him.

"What's wrong, Uchiha?"

With twitching red eyes, Sasuke twists around to see the replacement. There aren't words to describe how much he hates this man, because he deeply hates this man. "What do you want, Sai?"

Said boy smiles largely and responds, "To see what you're doing." Sai sits in a high branch of a Sakura tree with a blank pad in his lap. He has his oil paints and brushes spared out next to him. "Can't I be a good teammate?"

"No, it's none of your business," Sasuke hisses. I never liked this guy. There's something off about him. Not wanting to listen to this man—this fake, he turns to leave as he doesn't want to start a fight—a foolish battle that Naruto couldn't like.

"What a temper you have," Sai chuckles as he puts the brush to paper. With a clearly faked smile, he never looks up from his drawing. With ease and mindlessly motion, his hand is almost invisible as he draws.

"Hn," Sasuke mutters, shooting Sai a famous Uchiha glare. No matter how often he is with the Raven, he can't figure out why he hates him, well besides for his mouth. He can kill him for that alone—not that he will kill a teammate again. That is something he will never do.

"That is no way to talk to your teammate." He says, playing hurt. He glances up for a second with a cheesy smile.

With his skin itching, Sasuke walks away. "I don't have teammates," he replies, coldly. He doesn't wait for a response from his stretchy comrade.

*O*O*

Naruto checks on Minato one last time before he heads to his room. Today is one of those days that Naruto's nerves are getting the better of him, and it takes everything he has not to run back to Minato and hold him tight. Though he knows the child is fine, his heart doesn't care and he has an urge to check on the boy every few seconds, which is quite annoying. He knows the boy is fine, but he can't stop worrying, and that's frustrating. However, he knows the reason behind it, even if he doesn't like to admit it.

The truth is that he scared, scared of being alone. He has already lost Itachi and Aimi, and he can't lose another person in his life. Even now, he can recall the extreme pain after their deaths, and he doesn't—can't take the pain again. He knows he will fall if it happens again, because there's no way that he can kept his sanity if it does. If something happens to Minato, the world will burn by his hand, and he will enjoy it. There's no doubt about that.

He can remember the pain of Itachi's death like it was yesterday, and even now, he can feel the memory creep over him.

A boy—a man in some circles as he's a few weeks passed his 17th birthday- walked out from the dense woods with an expression of pure pain written on his face.

Naruto shakes his head as he tries to shake the memory. That day was one of the worse days of his life, and to this day, he doesn't know how he survived it. The day he lost his Raven was the day he had lost his purpose, and the loss of one's purpose is the worst punishment there is. To be aimless is a curse that he will do anything to avoid.

With his emotions overwhelming him, he was fighting every urge in his body to go back and kill a young Uchiha by the name of Sasuke. That boy-Naruto refused to call that idiot a man- had killed the most important person in Naruto's life, and he wanted to snap Uchiha's neck in two then watched him die, but he knew it would be stupid as he had no chance in winning a fight when he was like this.

"No," he whispers as he slowly steps back until he's flushed against a wall. Even though he's wide awake, he's unable to break away from the dream-or rather, the nightmare, but at least, it isn't his worst memory from that day—the Raven's death itself. That dream can wake him in a cold sweat.

Naruto must've looked like a lost puppy as he stumbled through the trees and out of the woods. A silver wolf sharped mask—a mask that Itachi always made him wear- hanged from his neck, having removed it when he watched the Raven dropped to his death. He couldn't bear to wear the mask—a gift from the raven—any longer, not that it would help anyhow. The bloody mask was busted, cracked in several places from a battle hours ago. He supposed it went with the battered cloak, which was almost completely ripped apart. It looked like he had fought a cheese grater and lost.

To make him look more like death, he was shaking, shaking badly—clearly visible through the dark, holey cloak. He also was covered in blood from his head to toes with fresh blood trailing down his hands and dripping to the ground. Even with the Demon Fox inside of him, his battered and bleeding hands still bled heavily, but he didn't care. He couldn't even feel the pain at this point as his mind couldn't wrap itself around the physical pain. It was amazing that he could even make it a few feet without falling to the ground as he could barely feel his body. His body was acting on its own, like someone else was controlling it. Unable to look up with this guilt and shame, his head was down and his foggy eyes were focused on the ground, hard ground as he was lost in his own mind, own painful angst.

Tears ran down his checks, dripping down his mask and neck, but he didn't attempt to wipe the tears away, not having the willing to do so. He had just lost everything in his entire world and he was purposeless. He had nothing to live for. He had nothing at all, and he just wanted to die right there. Just stand there and rot to death, because he had nothing. There was nothing that could make him feel alive again, besides killing Sasuke Uchiha.

A few hours hour ago, he had tried to stop the Elder Raven from leaving, But Itachi didn't listen, refused to listen, as he insisted that he had to face his younger brother in battle. Knowing what Itachi wished and hoped for, it took Naruto's breath away and shattered his soul as he stared at Itachi. He remembered Itachi's gentle, worried eyes as he stared deep into Naruto's cerulean eyes, deep into his soul. He wasn't sure what Itachi was thinking, but he looked scared. Scared of what Naruto was going to do next as they both knew he wasn't going to survive even if Naruto refused to say it a loud—unable to say it a loud.

Itachi had asked him not to go after his brother. No, he had begged—pleaded that Naruto didn't go after Sasuke as death was what Itachi thought he deserved. It was what he hoped for as he thought it would cleanse his soul, make everything right again; plus, Itachi knew Sasuke needed this to move on, to live again. He understood this and accepted it, even Naruto did not, would not accept it. Naruto would never accept the fact that Sasuke had to kill and did kill Itachi, even if it would bring about the death of him. A death that Naruto would freely accept.

As he came upon an empty clearing, the young Naruto finally fell to his knees and allowed himself to scream. He screamed loudly, not caring if he went hoarse from overused. He screamed for what seemed like hours as tears continued to run down his face, forming a puddle on the ground. He had never screamed as much in his life, but he had never felt like this—completely broken-before even when his supposedly best friend put his fist through his chest, almost killing him. He had never felt so alone before, and he would never forgive Sasuke for what he took from him.

The blood—from a few different sources, who happened upon Naruto in his grief—on his clothes had dried, by the time he had stopped screaming. Not having the will to move, he laid curled up in a ball in the tall wet grass. He didn't care at all that he was laying in mud and god knows what else. It wasn't important. Nothing was important to him now besides getting revenge, and he was going to get revenge on Sasuke even if it was the last thing he did, because he had to do something. He needed to do something.

"I will kill Sasuke Uchiha," he swore. He didn't care if anyone got in his way. He didn't care if anyone got hurt in the process. With his mind settled, he pushed himself up off the ground with a new purpose filling him, and like magic, he felt better somewhat knowing that the younger Uchiha was going to suffer for everything that he had done to him. Sure, he cared about Itachi's last wishes- as there was nothing he wouldn't do for the Elder Raven-, but it didn't mean he was going to follow those wishes. He couldn't follow those wishes. With Itachi's death fresh in his mind, he couldn't do nothing. He had to do this, because if he didn't, he would have no reason to live. No reason to keep living.

Though, there was still one thing. He may have a new purpose, but he still wanted to die. He wanted to join Itachi in the afterlife, because he didn't want to be alone, couldn't be alone. He also didn't want to live with the knowledge that he would never be able to trust anyone again. Never be able to love again. Never be able to rely on anyone. He was completely alone, and that scared him. That scared the living hell out of him. It—

"Are you okay?"

With his heart racing, Naruto's head popped up, and he zeroed on the person who dared to talk to him. Not caring who had come across him, he narrowed his eyes on the owner of the voice. His eyes were cold, ice cold, as he stared at the young woman—a teenage more like it. It didn't look like she was older than sixteen.

"Are you okay?" she repeated, her voice shaky, as she took in his appearance in. It was clear that she was second guessing herself. She was starting to fear him.

Feeling anger overtaking him, he stared at the brunette—pretty if he allowed himself to think that-giving her the coldness look he could muster. He didn't care that there was a scared, frightened look in her eyes. He didn't care if she was shaking in her step under his killing intend, and he really didn't care if she was just trying to be nice, because this was the worst day of his life. This was the worst time for her to happen upon him in the woods. At this point, his anger and pain was too great to ignore and too great to control.

Naruto didn't get the girl's name then, and he wouldn't get it until he ran into her a year later. At that time in the memory, he didn't realize that she would give him a son, a beautiful son that he can't live without. A son that he doesn't want to live without. Aimi gave him a gift, and Naruto will do anything to keep him. He means anything as that boy is the reason why he gets up in the morning. That boy is his sun.

Shaking his head and taking a deep breath, Naruto pushes off the wall and heads to his room. With his brain in overdriving, he knows he'll be having nightmares tonight, but he prays that Minato doesn't hear him. He hopes to whoever is listening that Minato doesn't hear. Minato can't hear or see him when he is awoken by a nightmare, because that would kill Naruto, who wants the perfect life for his young son.

It will end him.

The End for now.

Let me know what you think.

And just a few FYI:

1) Yes, I know Sasuke didn't kill Itachi as Itachi died from an illness, but in my story, Naruto doesn't know that Itachi was sick. The elder Raven didn't tell Naruto that he was sick. Itachi didn't tell Naruto a lot of things, and it took years for him to even tell Naruto the truth as to why he killed his clan.

2) I had mention that Naruto had an unhealthy relationship with Itachi, and you are starting to see it here in the flashbacks. I would like to mention that he has attachment issues, and you will be seeing those issues continue through this story.

3) and More flashbacks are on their way. I plan in exploring the relationship between Itachi and Naruto more.

The fun has just started.

Until next time.