Ch 7
Enjoy
The hallway, a place that connects rooms, that connects a home; essentially, hallways are the veins, the passage way that bring together rooms, functions, and so on. Currently, Naruto stood with Hinata in the hallway, both staring at each other with stoic faces; Hinata started.
"What are you doing?" she asked with a hint of suspicion while narrowing her eyes at him.
Naruto raised a brow, "I am making friends, last I check, that wasn't bad."
"And last I checked Naruto," Hinata countered, her eyes distrusting, "you tend to use people for your own gains."
Naruto started growing upset, wondering why she hated him so much, he couldn't think of any reason, "Listen, I am trying to change, I mean what I said to Gaara, I want to be his friend."
"That's the other thing I wanted to ask you about," Hinata started again, folding her arms, "how would you know what those two are going through, who are you to say such a thing?"
Naruto gritted his teeth, staring down at the floor before breathing in and out, he looked back at her, "has it ever occurred to you that I might know what they are going through," he liked Hinata, she was a possible love in his other life, but this new one, he wondered what her problem was, 'she doesn't trust you Naruto, thinks you're up to something,' Naruto repeatedly told himself in thought as Hinata looked as if she didn't believe him.
"How would you know?" she asked again, still not convinced.
Naruto turned his head away, muttering low, "you wouldn't believe me if I told you, Hime…" (Hime- Princess)
"What was that?" Hinata leaned close, she didn't hear because of his low tone of voice. Naruto looked back at her, his face masking his disappointment.
"I said, I don't need to tell you," he started walking away but turned his head to look back at Hinata, "I know you care about Ami," he smiled a sad smile while trying to be reassuring, " I won't hurt her, I promise," he meant every word before turning back and leaving, albeit, a bit slowly.
Hinata quirked her lips, a part of her felt bad for what she had done but she needed to know. Hinata sighed before leaving after Naruto; once upon a time, she might have had a crush on the boy but those days were gone, she believed him once but, "people don't just change in a day Naruto…they don't," she spoke more to herself before following after him.
In the adult side of the table, Minato noticed Naruto walk out of the hallway, the boy's face was etched in sadness as he made his way towards the kids' side; soon after, he spotted the Hyuuga daughter, Hinata was it?
"You noticed it too right?" Hiashi asked, watching as they returned to their seats, it seemed a bit quiet at the kid's side now.
"I didn't notice they were gone," Minato answered back.
Hiashi shook his head, "and you are our so called leader…"
Hiashi twitched an eye, hiding his pain as he almost dropped his chopsticks.
"Be nice Hiashi dear," the woman sitting to his right spoke out, smiling back at Minato, "I do wonder what my daughter and your son seem to have talked about.
Hiashi quirked his lips in irritation, 'did you have to kick me?' he thought, staring at his wife as she looked back at him, her eyes glinting off her answer, 'yes.'
Kushina giggled, "Well Nukumi, did you know that Naruto used to have the biggest crush on your daughter?"
"Does he still?" Nukumi asked, looking back at her in interest. Kushina slightly shrugged, "I'm not sure now, he seems like he might like someone else," Kushina slightly glanced at Ami who was eating silently; the group noticed.
"It doesn't matter now," Minato waved it off, grinning, "We've all been there, at that age."
Kushina had a grin of her own, "didn't we meet around that age?"
Minato quirked his lips along with Hiashi as they both glanced back at the kid's side.
"Love can be found even in the most stubborn of hearts," Nukumi smiled knowingly, glancing at an alarmed Hiashi before turning to the Kazekage, "Do you go through these things with your daughter?"
A sad look appeared on his face, the Kazekage shook his head, "no, with Gaara's, "condition," most people tend to keep away from my children, I fear the isolation might affect how my children might react to others."
"I'm sure they will be alright," Kushina said, smiling as she watched the young Hanabi and Kyoto let out a small giggle from a whispered conversation, "your children, they have each other now, I know they will support each other all they need is a father who will help them," she stared at the Kazekage who looked at her in surprise; he looked down, a bit ashamed but soon hardened his eyes.
"Yes," the Kazekage spoke out, smiling a hopeful smile, "Yes, you're right, Gaara needs a family."
Kushina nodded; she could tell what kind of life the boy Gaara had but she rather not ruin any relationships the Sand has with Leaf if she reprimanded the Sand's leader.
"So, how long will you be staying?" Mikoto inquired curiously.
"I was planning on leaving after the sealing process..."
"No, you should stay," Minato protested in a friendly way, "at least, stay as Sand's overseer for the Cloud peace treaty this Friday; it will show how our villages are finally settling down with peace."
"And I am sure Hiashi here," Nukumi added, tilting her head at her husband, "would agree to extend our invitation to our daughter's birthday celebration this Saturday to you and your family; it would be great for Gaara to make more friends."
'Well she got you there,' the Kazekage chuckled, thinking of his family, 'I guess I can start to make it up to them with this,' "alright, we'll leave in…"he waved his hand in the air, "some date I'm sure I'll think when."
Minato laughed, raising his glass in the air, "now that's the spirit."
Mikoto turned to Nukumi and Kushina, "so how are these two," she looked at the two young girls, "doing at school?" The wives started chatting as the Husbands, Kazekage, and Itachi moved to different matters.
"This Friday for the peace treaty," Fugaku started speaking, catching the men's attention, "I just remembered but the Raikage is sending a representative to sign the treaty in his place. It seems he is busy with something important in his village."
"More important than signing a peace contract," Hiashi couldn't believe the Raikage, "what is more important than ending a war between villages?"
Fugaku shrugged, "I wonder the same thing."
Minato waved a calming hand in the air, "hey, he probably sustained more damage to his village than we thought, who knows?"
"Interesting enough but I've heard rumors," the Kazekage added his opinion, his mind in thought, "that there was a demon attack on the Cloud village, but then again, it is only rumors."
"That is interesting," Minato nodded his head, "I've never heard of that."
"So now," Fugaku went back to the main topic, "Once the treaty is signed, the elder councilors want to throw a parade," Fugaku spoke in annoyance, he wasn't fond with those, "what do you think?"
Minato nodded, "I believe those two have the right idea, I agree with the parade."
Fugaku sighed, "Then we have to draw up how we will do this."
"We can discuss this once the emissary enters the village," Hiashi interrupted, gaining the attention, "but we should decide now…" he stared at Minato and Fugaku seriously, "who will represent us at the Sand village."
Minato let out a sigh, rolling his eyes, "ah, Hiashi, do we have to decide this now."
"I do agree," Fugaku nodded, looking at Hiashi, "choosing an emissary to represent us requires thought; their actions will reflect the Leaf village."
'And an Uchiha or a Hyuuga emissary will no doubt boost the reputation of a clan,' Minato thought in slight annoyance, the clan rivalry can still be found.
The Kazekage just grinned, taking a sip from his drink as he listened to the conversation, he wasn't use to this kind of planning, it was always strict and to the point never over a dinner table.
"I nominate Hizashi Hyuuga, his past records are impressive and I trust his judgment, he will do Leaf proud." Hiashi outright suggested.
"That maybe, but his past might cloud his judgment," Fugaku countered while staring at Hiashi who stared right back, "What we need is some one young and professional. No offence to the Kazekage or the Hyuugas but Hizashi has fought in the past war against Sand; maybe his opinion might be biased and already influenced because of it," Fugaku glanced at Itachi, "that is why I elect my son, Itachi. His records are most impressive for his age, he is part of the new generation and if we are to start this new alliance then we should start fresh, Itachi is the perfect choice."
Itachi quietly sat, eating his meal as if the conversation wasn't going on. He just tended to wait for the adults to finish doing whatever.
"But is he experienced," Hiashi challenged, his eyes slightly narrowing, "Hizashi knows what can cloud his judgment, his past experiences with the Sand might be beneficial with deciding what to do if a situation calls for it."
"And yet who is to say that someone in the Sand village might remember him," Fugaku met his challenge, his eyes slightly narrowing as well, "it could add tension to this whole alliance."
Minato started to get a headache, he found it annoying when the two always go at it, 'I was going to send Kakashi but then again—Rin might get mad at me,' Minato thought before raising his hand in the air, silencing the two, "Listen, both of you have good points but I've decided."
Hiashi and Fugaku listened, waiting for his answer; Minato looked at the two of them before speaking, "and I've decided to send…someone else," before they could argue, Minato said, "if both of you are going to act like this every time I have to send a ninja out, I'd rather make the decision myself."
Again, they were about to protest but quieted down once more as Minato spoke out again, a bit louder, "I'm Hokage, my word, my law, it's decided," Minato nodded his head, happy with the perks of being a Hokage.
Hiashi and Fugaku grumbled in their seats as the Kazekage chuckled.
Kushina, Mikoto, and Nukumi giggled at their husbands.
"Look at them argue like little boys," Kushina said with amusement flickering in her eyes as the two woman agreed.
"I guess age isn't really important in politics," Nukumi shook her head as Mikoto agreed.
"Well then ladies," Minato addressed them, opening his arms wide in the table as if giving them the table, "how would you solve it?" Fugaku, Hiashi, and the Kazekage watched as the ladies whispered to each other, Mikoto glanced briefly at Itachi before whispering back to the group.
"We agreed that," Mikoto said, "we want to hear what Itachi has to say."
Itachi blinked, a bit surprised at their decision. His chopstick was holding a piece of meat as he calmly let go and turned to face them, he spoke, "I agree that experience matters, also that with a new alliance we need to start fresh, but I agree with the Hokage, that he is the one who should make it, not us," they looked at him questionably, Itachi continued, "we need to send someone with a good back record and someone we all can agree on. Their titles, Uchiha, Hyuuga, and so on, shouldn't be the only thing that influences our decision but the ninja him or herself that is important."
It was quiet for a moment as Itachi retook the meat with his chopsticks and placed it in his mouth, eating it while waiting for the others.
Mikoto smiled as she stared at Itachi before looking at the others, "and there you have it."
Hiashi, Fugaku, and Minato didn't answer, they just followed Itachi and continued to eat their meal; the Kazekage inwardly held back his laughter, all this was amusing, something he would never find in the Sand village.
…Naruto felt uncomfortable as he glanced at Hinata briefly every now and then before chatting with the others; he wondered if he and Hinata would ever speak like they did in his world, they were good friends at least, they were.
Dinner passed by, topics ranging from mostly the differences between villages, schools, and what not before Fugaku announced that they were leaving.
"But desert is about to be served," Nukumi said as Fugaku refused politely.
"I have to start planning how many guards we need for the signing and where it should take place since I am in charge of that," Fugaku slightly bowed to each of them as his family rose from their seats and followed, "I am grateful for dinner but really, I have a lot of work to plan for."
They bade them a fare well before finally leaving, a Hyuuga guard escorting them out.
Minato twitched, remembering something, "oh yeah," he placed his fist in his palm; "I was suppose to speak to you about the sealing process, where it will be held and what I would need."
Hiashi nodded before standing up and addressing the others, "Please excuse us but make your-selves at home," he glanced at Minato and the Kazekage as they nodded before standing up and leaving the dining room.
"So, I guess we should go to the living room," Nukumi said, wiping her daughter Hanabi's mouth.
"But what about the desert?" Kushina asked as Nukumi waved it off.
"Don't worry, they'll just serve us at the living room," they stood up and told the kids.
Hinata smiled, turning to Temari and Ami, "follow me, I'll show you my room."
Ami turned back at Naruto and Gaara as Naruto nodded and turned to Gaara, "hey, let me introduce you and Kankurou to my family."
Naruto calmly led Gaara and Kankurou to the living room as Hinata led the other two elsewhere.
…Minutes later…
It was dark at the Uchiha district, silence, perpetual silence as nothing moved, nothing stirred.
"You would have thought the fabled Uchihas would put up a tougher fight," his slithering voice resounded from behind his mask as he leaned against the wall of a house; his long hair lay over his shoulder.
"We are still missing the clan head and his family," his partner's deep voice answered back, a bit disappointed as well as he appeared from inside the house; he was wearing a hood connected to a black robe that hid his body. Both Nins wore black masks with red clouds portrayed on them, their eyes through the eyeholes where hidden as they waited for the last remaining members of the Uchiha clan.
'Has my clan become so weak in this village,' the hooded ninja asked himself as he waited with his snake partner.
"We would have gotten them all if your info was more accurate," the ninja with long hair said in annoyance as his partner chuckled.
"I see patience is something you lack," the long haired ninja twitched an eye underneath his mask as the hooded figured straightened up, "wait here and deal with them if you think yourself so powerful," the hooded ninja disappeared in the dark as the long haired ninja stood in the path.
"Lucky we are partners or I would have killed you by now." He disappeared into the dark as well.
...Sasuke...
"Well that went well," Mikoto said as she walked next to Fugaku; Sasuke and Itachi walking from behind.
"Yes, it seems we have a busy week ahead of us," was Fugaku's reply.
"So how was it Sasuke," Itachi asked as he faced his younger brother.
Sasuke had a thoughtful look, replaying the conversations on the table and the new info he had heard about demons.
"It was, interesting," Sasuke answered truthfully as Itachi gave an enquiring look.
"Oh, how so?"
Sasuke shrugged, "I guess, I have a lot of things to think about now."
At first, Itachi continued to stare at Sasuke, wondering if his brother would continue, he didn't; Itachi turned away, leaving his brother to his own thoughts.
The group walked together towards the dark path, further down, Itachi started to get a bad feeling.
"Father," Itachi said.
Fugaku nodded, "it's quiet and why is it so dark?"They entered the Uchiha district but noticed how things felt off, something was wrong.
Itachi tensed as he felt it, he grabbed Sasuke, jumping into the air as Fugaku grabbed Mikoto, both dodging the hail of kunais.
"Hmp, that move worked on the first couple of Uchihas," a figure spoke out from the darkness as the group tensed.
"Uchihas? What did you do!?" Fugaku barked out in anger, 'what's going on?' he thought in panic and in worry about his clan.
Fugaku and Itachi stood in protection stance around their family, their sharingan eyes activated as the figure chuckled and reappeared from the dark.
"I'm just on cleaning duty," he rushed forward, kunai in hand as Itachi moved to meet him.
Fugaku, Mikoto, and Sasuke watched as Itachi engaged the intruder, Fugaku turned to his wife and child.
"Go," he ordered, giving them a push, "get help, now!"
Mikoto looked at his husband's eyes, the worry and seriousness that shone before looking at her eldest son Itachi who stalled the enemy ninja; she nodded, grabbing a shocked Sasuke and rushing out.
Fugaku turned back to the scene but stopped as he felt the other presence, it went past him, heading towards Mikoto as Fugaku leaped on after it.
"Mikoto, watch out!" Fugaku yelled out, moving as fast as he could as Mikoto turned around.
Itachi exchanged grips with the enemy ninja, both trying to overpower the other but he turned around in worry once he heard his father's yell.
"Your fight is with me," the ninja hissed out before kneeing the boy in the gut.
Itachi glared back in anger, "you will see the true power of the Uchiha clan," his eyes spun as he countered, throwing a chakra enhanced punch.
The ninja smirked underneath his mask before calmly tilting his head back.
The move took the enemy by surprise as it struck the ninja in the face, sending him slamming to the ground.
'But how, I dodged it,' the ninja was shocked as he widened his yellow eyes behind his mask as Itachi continued disappearing in the dark, blending with the shadows.
The ninja stood up, looking around the area before he started performing a technique, his hands forming seals as fast as he could.
Before he could finish it, a voice spoke out from the dark, "Dragon fire technique."
The ninja, again, watched in surprise as fire erupted from the dark, forming a shape of a dragon's head, revealing Itachi's position, 'he copied my technique!?' the ninja thought alarmed before he covered his eyes as a large stream of fire smacked him from the front.
Itachi watched the attack connected but waited as a kunai stabbed him from the back.
"That is interesting, I should have snatched one of these Uchihas when I had a chance," the nin appeared from behind, speaking a bit disappointed as Itachi twitched and disappeared in a burst of Ravens.
"Genjutsu?" the ninja was in shock before a voice spoke behind him.
"You will die by my hands, I promise you," Itachi struck him, sending him smashing into a building.
"You fool," Itachi turned to the source of the voice before widening his eyes as another figure appeared, lifting his father by the scruff of his robe; his father had a kunai protruding from his side and by the looks of it, he was in intense pain, "don't trust your eyes, he is using a genjutsu on you," he threw his father to the side as he let out a moan.
Itachi clenched his fists in anger, "who are you, why are you here!?" he demanded.
The figure stopped, staring at the young Uchiha nin, "nothing you would need to know," he moved, faster than what Itachi could keep track off before he too, was sent skidding across the ground.
The cloaked ninja appeared near the building where his partner seemed to have fallen, "Get up, the two others escaped, we need to finish these two before others arrive."
The snake ninja slowly stood up as the shattered wood slid off of his body, he placed his hand on the broken wall as another hand was covering his face.
"Your mask," the cloaked ninja stated before sighing, "leave now, I'll finish this, you risk compromising yourself."
Thefallen ninja, his yellow slit eye from part of the broken mask glared at his partner before turning to the boy Itachi who was slowly and painfully lifting himself up from the ground. 'Dammit,' the pale ninja thought before rising up, 'his eyes, I should have…'
"Leave, now," his partner ordered again as the nijan glared back.
"Don't tell me what to do…" the ninja soon found himself gasping for breath as his partner lifted him up by his neck, "I've waited long enough for this day, I will not risk it being ruined by the likes of you, Orochimaru," the ninja spoke in a deadly whisper.
Orochimaru glared back at the cloaked ninja, surprised he who knew who he was, his arms grabbing at his partner's one arm that held him by the neck; it was then he saw one of his eyes, it was red with three dots spinning around the center pupil, 'he has the sharingan, the bastard,' Orochimaru gritted his teeth before his whole appearance melted off into mud.
The cloaked ninja shook his hand, shaking off the mud, "annoying snake," he muttered before looking at the boy Itachi who glared at him and stood in stance, the boy's father by his side, clutching on to his stab wound as he pulled out the kunai.
"So let's get this over with," he disappeared again.
...Scene Change...
…Naruto smiled as he watched Gaara interact with his little sister, and the look at Kankurou's face showed that he enjoyed it as well.
It started out with a simple statement, "Why do you have my hair?" Kyoto had asked a surprised Gaara as she patted her top hair indicating the matching colors. From there, things became interesting, Gaara smiled more, trying to please both Kyoto and Hanabi before Kankurou joined in.
Kushina watched from the couch, enjoying the scene as Kankurou pulled out a small wooden puppet from his hands; maybe a training dummy as it soon came to life. Naruto saw the feint chakra strings attached to the doll as it started moving and walking around as if it was new to life.
Gaara seemed interested as well, staring with those wide curious eyes along with Hanabi and Kyoto who now held on to Gaara's stuff bear, which probably fueled Kankurou even more as he brought out another small doll and begun to act out a play with the dolls, speaking in high and low voices for the wooden characters.
Naruto saw enough, happy before leaving and exploring the house, maybe check up on the girls. It didn't take him long, he knew the layout of the manor, he knew it all too well as he turned around a corner, went up the flight of stairs and silently stood next to the doorway as voices escaped from the room.
"You have a nice room Hinata," Ami's pleasant voice said as she peered at the pictures on her desk.
Hinata thanked the girl as Temari laid on the bed.
"This village is way different than our own," Temari spoke out, a bit impressed as Hinata smiled, sitting next to her, "I mean, things are just more, I dun no, lively."
"Why, how is it in the Sand village?" Hinata asked as Temari sat up and faced her.
Temari looked thoughtful before speaking out, "it's…Sandy."
Ami and Hinata both blinked at first before giggling, along with Temari before a sad look appeared on Temari's young face.
"But seriously, it has been hard on our village, people aren't as happy as they use to be but they are loyal," Temari closed her eyes, "because of their loyalty, they still stay in the village even though a few leave. It's because of these people; my father finally asked for help…we are a kind of proud people."
Hinata nodded sympathetically, "my mother once told me, people can have their pride, it helps them with their goals and values, but too much pride, especially when it hinders others, a person needs to know when to," she patted her chest, "suck up their pride and ask for help," Hinata smiled, she knew her mother was referring to her father Hiashi but it still applied.
Temari smirked, "yup, you have a smart mom."
They giggled again as Ami continued to stare at the pictures, each one of Hinata with a family member, one with her sister, another with her mother, father, and sister together, and others, even one with the boy she saw earlier,(was that Neji?), and an older looking man who looked like Hinata's father with a woman beside him. A sad sense of longing ached in Ami's heart as she remembered her only picture that reminded her of her own, the only part of knowledge she had left of her family.
"Ami," came Hinata's soft voice as she turned to face her.
Temari and Hinata watched as the girl looked at the pictures, already, Temari knew she was an orphan as a sense of sadness filled her…and not only that, but she was the demon container of this village, that really must have been hard on her.
"Oh, sorry," Ami looked down apologizing as Hinata and Temari grew sadder, "I was just looking at your pictures."
"Ami, it's ok," Hinata said, patting at a place in her bed for her, Temari scooted to the side, smiling at Ami.
Ami nodded as she made her way into the bed, "Ami, I have been meaning to ask you," Hinata looked unsure before swallowing and speaking out, "but where do you stay at?"Hinata had a feeling; she knew about that apartment, she knew it too well.
Ami looked a bit embarrassed as Hinata looked at her in surprise, tilting her head to the side, wondering what Ami was thinking.
"I-I," Ami's cheeks were tinted pink, "I stay with…Naruto."
Hinata froze up, her mouth slightly opened as Temari looked at the girl curiously, "Naruto, the Hokage's son, you live with them?"
Ami nodded, "j-just recently, I moved in."
Temari looked a bit disappointed, "so you two are you guys like …together?"
Ami turned even redder, shaking her head as Hinata seemed to snap out of it and Temari nodded her head, maybe a bit relieved?
"Tell me how it happened," Hinata said, her eyes staring at Ami along with Temari as Ami went to tell the story of the whole scene.
Naruto continued to lean against the wall as he listened to the conversation from the door way, he nearly jumped as a hand touched his shoulder. He turned to face a woman who he figured was Hinata's mother as one of her eyebrows was lifted up and she gave him an amused look.
"It isn't nice to listen on other girl's conversations," she led the boy near the steps before stopping.
Naruto turned to look at the woman he was meeting for the first time, and he could tell that she was a strong willed woman, maybe, when she died; it affected Hiashi and Hinata more than he thought it did.
"I'm sorry," Naruto said, looking away as Nukumi stared at the boy, "I was just worried."
Nukumi peered at the boy, curious, "why would that be?"
Naruto stared up at her, meeting her eyes, "listen, I know what Hinata says about me, I know she hates me; I just don't know why she hates me so much," he said the last part with real curiosity as he looked back down on the floor.
Nukumi blinked, staring at the sad boy as her motherly instincts took in, she crouched, placing her hand on the boy's shoulder, "listen, she is my daughter, and I will always believe her," she placed a hand under the boy's chin, lifting his head up so she could meet his eyes that stared up at her, wide and curious, "if you really mean what you say, then you two will need to work it out, talk to her."
"But I tried," Naruto argued back.
Nukumi shook her head, "try harder, she can be stubborn," Nukumi let out a soft laugh as Naruto grinned, "I am sure she got that from her father and, from me," she smiled at Naruto who nodded, "we are stubborn people, so you would have to try harder," Nukumi stood up again, signaling to Naruto to follow, "but listening in on their conversation, I think she would be even angrier with you if she found out," Nukumi winked at Naruto who sighed as they both walked down the stairs.
Naruto briefly glanced back at the door as he made his way downstairs, whatever they talked about, he wouldn't hear it now.
"Aw, I think that was sweet," Temari said as Ami finished her story.
"Yes, the Hokage is a kind person," Hinata smiled at Ami, "I am happy for you."
Ami nodded in thanks as Temari had that curious look again, "so, you live with Naruto now," Ami blushed again at the enquiring tone of Temari's voice, "is there anything going on between you two?"
Hinata sighed, looking away while rolling her eyes as Ami shook her head, red faced.
"Don't tell me you're starting to like him Temari," Hinata said her voice a bit sick as Temari shrugged.
"Well, he is kind, and a bit charming I guess," Temari thought at the dinner table, "the Uchiha, he was cute too but then again, he didn't really say much, plus, he has this whole weird vibe around him."
"I'm not talking about this," Hinata got off the bed, she was already used to these kinds of chat because of Ino and Sakura, she didn't need to hear another one like it again; she headed towards her drawer.
Temari smiled sadly, "sorry, I don't get to do this much back at Suna."
Hinata stopped before turning back to Temari, "don't you also go to the Academy as well?"
Temari smiled sadly at her, "yeah, but you know with Gaara and all, plus, as the Kazekage's daughter, I don't have much friends or crushes, can't afford to."
Hinata nodded sympathetically as Temari changed the subject, "so anyways, why do you hate this Naruto so much?"
Hinata glanced at Ami who also stared at Hinata, wondering the same thing as Hinata shook her head, "I-I don't want to talk about it," the tone of her voice indicated to drop the subject as they complied, but they still wondered.
"So," Temari started to speak, changing the subject, "how is…"
Temari stopped and turned her head with the other two to the door as they heard yelling from downstairs, they looked at each other before running out the door.
Kushina and Nukumi helped a pale looking Mikoto who had a bleeding wound from her side; she was speaking out to them as they helped her.
"You have to help, they killed them!" Mikoto gasped out as Kushina examined her wound, Nukumi tried to soothe the woman.
Kankurou took the initiative and led Gaara along with the two girls to the other room, he looked worried as well.
"Please, help them," tears streamed down her eyes as Nukumi nodded and yelled for the others.
Hinata, Temari, and Ami came rushing from the corners, eyes widening as they spotted Mikoto.
"Mom, what happened?" Hinata spoke out, concerned as Nukumi shook her head.
"Hinata, get your father now," Nukumi ordered as Hinata nodded, understanding how serious the situation was and went running out of the room.
Kushina turned to the other two, "quickly, go to the kitchen and get me towels and a bowl of warm water, and if you can, get one of the servants."
Ami and Temari nodded, both leaving as they went to fulfill her orders.
Kushina spoke as calming as she can, trying to calm the woman who was pale as can be, "we've told the guard who brought you in, he is getting help for the Uchiha manor but please, what happened?"
Nukumi and Kushina both listened as Mikoto started to explain, both of them widening their eyes and gasping out as Mikoto finished her story, it was then three figures appeared in the room, seriousness was etched in their faces as Hinata came running from behind.
"Mikoto," Minato spoke out in worry, Hiashi and the Kazekage close behind, "what happened."
Kushina made Mikoto rest as she retold what happened as the men stared at her, their eyes growing wide.
"We informed the guard to call for help, but you must go there, now!" Nukumi spoke, her voice grave as Minato nodded and turned to Hiashi and the Kazekage.
"Let's go," Hiashi said as the Kazekage agreed, wishing to aide them.
Minato cursed that he didn't bring his three pronged kunai but he will have to settle with his flash steps, not as fast and doesn't cover as much ground but it was enough.
"Where's Sasuke," Hinata asked as she noticed the boy was missing.
Mikoto sat up alarmed, "he's not here, he was right behind me, he was suppose to be here!" Mikoto started bursting out in tears once again as Kushina tried to calm her.
"He must have gone back," Nukumi supplied, "I saw him enter but after we set Mikoto down, he must have left."
Minato nodded gravely before turning to the door with Hiashi and the Kazekage in tow.
Nukumi widened her eyes as she remembered something, "Naruto," she looked around, wondering where the boy that she was with a few minutes ago was, "Where's Naruto?"
Kushina and Minato paused, both turned to Nukumi, "what, what do you mean," they both looked around as Nukumi spoke out alarmed, "he must have noticed when Sasuke left, he must have gone after Sasuke!"
Minato looked at Kushina in alarm as all around him, the group felt the tingling of chakra before a yellow like energy field engulfed Minato and he disappeared in a flash, Hiashi and the Kazekage nodded before rushing out of the room.
Ami and Temari came back, holding towels, the servant holding the large bowl of water as they helped treat a crying Mikoto, "I should have watched Sasuke, he should be here with me," she cried out, afraid of losing him too as Kushina tried to comfort her as she can, she too was worried, worried for Fugaku, for Mikoto's family, and especially, for her son Naruto, 'Naruto, why would you leave?' she asked herself, hoping they were alright.
...Naruto and Sasuke...
…Naruto dashed along with Sasuke as they neared the district. Earlier, he was shocked at what had happened, the Uchiha massacre, but how, they didn't have Itachi, the plans weren't supposed to happen.
He tried to stop Sasuke but the boy struggled; he was worried for his brother and his father, and from what Sasuke said, watching his father have a kunai plunged inside of him, Naruto couldn't stop Sasuke, so he opted to go with him.
They both ran as fast as they could, each unconsciously pumping chakra into their legs but soon they had to stop as Naruto felt the air tingle for not even a second before someone just blinked in front of them, halting their movement.
"You two, stop now," His voice was firm as he stared at both of them, part of his features appeared relieved as another appeared angry, "this is too dangerous, head back now or else, and Naruto, I need to speak to you after this," Minato turned around again, "I mean it, every second I stall is another second of their lives, go back now!" it was a direct order as all around him, chakra gathered again and he disappeared in a bright flash.
Naruto stared as his Father disappeared, the flash, his father used it differently, but of course, he was the one who invented it.
Naruto turned back to Sasuke who started running again, "I am not turning back Naruto," Sasuke stared at him, his face meaning it as Naruto nodded, replying, "me too, we're both in this together."
Sasuke nodded, an emotion flickering in his eyes as they both started running off again, Naruto, not wanting to waste time, grabbed hold of Sasuke, "just don't get dizzy," Naruto lifted Sasuke up, despite his protests before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
...Uchiha District...
…Itachi coughed up blood as he slammed against the wall, his father already on the edge of passing out as blood leaked out from their wounds. The ninja they were facing, his fighting style, it was unreal.
Itachi stood up again; he was starting to get the hang of the enemy's movements. The ninja, somehow, their attacks would always miss as if their enemy set up some kind of genjutsu. Not only that, but his speed, one moment he was there then the next, he moved as if he was part of the dark, just moving out. Itachi, he dodged the lethal attacks and changed the targeted areas, away from the serious organs.
He was getting use to this movement style. Before the ninja appeared around him, there was a slight tingling in the air, like a forewarning before he struck, but, he had to move fast or else the attack would connect, most likely killing him.
Itachi held on to his bleeding chest as he panted, one eye closed as his other sharingan eye glared at the enemy who disappeared again.
Itachi felt it, the tingle and he knew he only had a little time before…
"It's over," the shadowy figure held a kunai over Itachi's throat.
He was too late, his reaction, he didn't move in time. 'I'm sorry, Father, Sasuke, mother," Itachi closed his eyes, waiting for the finishing move, 'I couldn't save you, I wasn't strong enough.'
The ninja's arm slowly moved as time slowed down, Fugaku's facial expression was that in gloom as he held on to his wound, watching as his son was about to be murdered in cold blood right in front of him.
Fugaku blinked as the enemy ninja flew back, there, standing in his place was the Hokage, holding onto the kunai with his left hand as his right elbow stuck out, the one he struck the enemy with, behind Itachi.
The yellow flash, he didn't have that title for nothing, Fugaku tried to grin in hope as Itachi blinked his eyes open, one second he was about to die then another the Hokage appeared, saving his life.
"I'll handle the rest, go to Fugaku," Minato ordered as Itachi nodded, walking slowly to his father before checking Fugaku's wound.
"You," Minato spoke in a deadly voice towards the cloaked enemy who slowly started to get up, his hand checking the mask that looked to have a crack in the center, "you have been tried with crimes against the Leaf village, your sentence is," Minato disappeared in a blink of an eye as yellow energy field was left behind him; he appeared behind the ninja, holding the kunai against his neck, "death."
The ninja chuckled, "my, my, I didn't expect to face you so soon."
Minato pressed the kunai closer to the his neck, "who are you?"
In response, the he chuckled again, "it is surprising that it wasn't you who stopped the demon I sent you," his pupils moved to the corner of his eyes, a knowing grin was etched on his face behind his mask as Minato widened his eyes in shock, it was all he needed before disappearing and reappearing in front of the injured.
Minato glared at him, "step away," Minato stepped forward as the ninja tsked.
"I guess I have no choice," darkness appeared near the foot of the Hokage, keping him in place before it spread all over an alarmed Minato who couldn't see a thing, "I learned this from the first Hokage, amazing that I would use it on you," the ninja said in a whisper as Minato yelled out, disappearing in the dark.
"It won't last long but it will last long enough," he turned around, facing the two, Itachi and Fugaku, "now, shall we end this."
Itachi started to stand as the ninja kick him back against the wall, facing his kunai towards Itachi before raising his hand in the air in defense as he stopped a huge ball of fire, the flames sparked off the entire area as the ninja got a look at his attackers.
Sasuke stood there panting as Naruto had his hand out in a seal, "again Sasuke," Naruto called out as Sasuke nodded, his hands going through the seals before yelling out, "grand fireball technique," he blew a ball of fire as Naruto concentrated, the winds picking up around him before blowing onto the fireball, increasing it in size as the enemy lifted his hand up again, forming a chakra shield that took the impact.
"Get away from them!" Sasuke yelled out as the ninja smirked behind his mask, Naruto spotted the pitch black spot; he knew that imprisoning technique, his father must be trapped inside.
"Good, you're here," the ninja held out a kunai, pointing it towards Sasuke, "now I don't have to look for you."
"Sasuke, Naruto, run!" Itachi yelled out as they shook their heads.
"What brave little children," the ninja disappeared as Naruto reacted, pulling Sasuke with him as the ninja appeared and sliced where Sasuke was at.
The mask invader looked at the blonde boy in surprise, that reaction time…the boy was either lucky or very skilled. He stared at the blonde boy as he pointed his kunai at them again, "your stronger then you look," he spoke to the boys who glared at him, Naruto standing in front of Sasuke.
'What am I going to do,' Naruto thought to himself as he stared at the ninja he knew was Madara. He spotted the pitch black spot again before a plan formed in his mind, "Listen," he whispered to Sasuke as Madara made his way towards him, "that black spot, I think my father is trapped inside, the only way to free him is to weaken the chakra the ninja has control over it."
"But how are we going to do that," Sasuke whispered back as they both took a step back, away from the ninja who approached them.
"Your technique, try it again," Naruto instructed to Sasuke's doubts.
"But he'll just block it." Sasuke argued back as Naruto grew irritated, "it's better than nothing, now do it!"
Sasuke, scared to death but knew his family was in danger, he needed to stop this man; he hardened his will, starting the jutsu once more.
Madara stared in amusement as he watched the little nins try that attack again, he had little time now, the Hokage was stronger than he thought, the dark prison was stopping him from using that blasted flash technique but it was draining him of his chakra and fast, but he can humor the boys, just a little bit more.
"Grand fireball technique," Sasuke blew again as Madara lifted a hand up, this time, Naruto formed different hand seals before blowing out again, the wind was twisting and turning in his beckoning as the fire seemed to come alive, swerving and changing into a serpent-like shape, making its way to Madara as Naruto continued to control the wind, increasing the fire as it pounded on Madara's shield.
Madara placed both hands together, stopping the technique as he gritted his teeth in shock. The technique, it wasn't letting up anytime soon, just how much chakra did these boys have?
Behind the attack, Naruto had his hand up, facing them towards Madara as the winds howled around him, he gritted his teeth, releasing a few seals from the chakra seal he made to hold his extra chakra; he turned to a panting Sasuke who seemed worn out, "go, help them," he was already having a hard enough time controlling the attack, if he messed up, it would backfire on them.
Sasuke nodded, staring back at Naruto with something to amazement before running to his injured family.
"No, I have no time for this," Madara called out before altering the chakra attack and letting it fly pass him before disappearing again.
Naruto changed the pathway of the twchnique, facing it towards him before he was sent flying off, skidding on the ground as Madara appeared, his fist out from punching the boy, 'yes, he is stronger then he looks,' Madara thought to himself before widening his eyes as the jutsu from before came shooting towards him, he placed both arms up, forming an X guard in front of him as the blast connected.
Sasuke, after checking on Itachi and his father, headed towards Naruto.
"Naruto," Sasuke called out, stopping and crouching low at Naruto's body, he turned him around.
Naruto grinned, "How are they?" Naruto had a bruise above his eye on his forehead but Sasuke had to smile a little at Naruto's attitude, he acted as if nothing happened to him.
"Itachi is injured and my father passed out," Sasuke spoke in worry, "Father needs a medic."
Naruto nodded as Sasuke helped him up and they both headed back to the injured.
As the smoke cleared, the boys reached Itachi and Fugaku. Madara glared at them, his arms burnt as he walked towards them, "you will pay for that."
Naruto smirked, giving a rude gesture towards the ninja who narrowed his eyes more.
"I don't think so," Naruto spoke out, pointing at the pitch black area.
Madara realized he let the technique go from the attack.
The dark wall slowly fell as Minato stood, glaring at the ninja, "don't…touch," a bright ball spun wildly in one of his hands, "my…son," he dashed towards Madara in speeds Sasuke and Itachi couldn't keep up with before Madara followed, both leaping up in the air and moving away from them.
Two figures landed beside Sasuke and Naruto, both keeping track of the battle.
"I'm sorry we didn't make it as fast as we could," Hiashi apologized before moving to Fugaku, "we had to summon the others to get the medical ninjas, and the Kazekage, he didn't know the way here."
Hiashi checked each one of them as the Kazekage observed the battle; a building was destroyed by a ball of light in the Hokage's hand as a figure went flying through the buildings, destroying them.
"The fabled rasengan," the Kazekage spoke to himself, watching the battle, making sure no stray attack would come to harm them.
Itachi stood up, despite the protest of the others, he stood next to the Kazekage, his eyes trying to keep up with the speed, 'I was weak, I should have stopped him,' Itachi thought in anger as he clenched onto the kunai that stabbed his father, 'I should have…'
"You couldn't have stopped him," the Kazekage spoke, his eyes keeping track of their movements. Itachi faced him, his eyes in anger as the Kazekage continued, "If someone like the Hokage has to try hard just to stop someone like that, then how do you plan on defeating him?" Itachi looked down, his hand clenching the kunai somewhat released, "get stronger; that is all I have to say."
Itachi nodded, activating his sharingan once more and staring at the battle.
Madara ducked again, dodging the attack before flipping back, 'dammit, it wasn't supposed to be like this,' he thought in anger as he noticed the presence of the two figures that arrived; he would have to end this now.
"Sorry child, but I'm not after you, not yet at least," Madara formed a seal as Minato shot forward.
"You're not escaping!" Minato yelled out.
Madara released as a blinding light struck; it lit the entire area, blinding Minato, the Kazekage, and the others as Itachi had to shut off his sharingan.
Naruto felt the chakra shift, as did Itachi as something appeared behind him.
"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled out as Madara appeared kunai in both hands as he stabbed them forward, towards Fugaku and Sasuke.
Itachi immediately moved, turning around and holding back the cloaked ninja with the help of the Kazekage who noticed it a bit slower but reacted just as fast.
Itachi's hand holding the kunai rose as his other hand held the cloaked ninja back, the Kazekage helping by holding down the other arm as Itachi slammed the kunai against the ninja's chest, strait towards his heart.
The cloaked enemy stopped moving, he dropped both kunais as Itachi grabbed hold of him, pushing the kunai deeper as he stared at the masked ninja in pure hatred.
Then something odd happened as the ninja fell to the floor, he laughed, laughed out loud to the group as the others sensed the arrival of the Leaf allies who started helping the injured Fugaku and setting up the guard around the area, Minato appeared beside Itachi.
"You think you killed me," he let out a gurgled laugh as blood poured from his mouth, Itachi stared at the dying ninja as if he was insane, "be scared, knowing that one day, I will finish you and your family off," he coughed again as Hiashi covered both Sasuke and Naruto's eyes, "the mask enemy looked at Naruto, the others could tell he was smiling underneath that mask of his, "and you, you will die too," Hiashi tried to hide the boy Naruto's eyes but Naruto fought it and glared back at the ninja.
'I would like to see you try,' Naruto thought dangerously as it seemed the ninja understood what Naruto thought, he just let out another gurgle of laughter.
"Brave, aren't you," he spoke one last time before his body fell limp and stopped moving as Itachi turned him over, ripping the mask out of the face before widening his eyes in shock.
"I-it, it can't be," Itachi fell back, staring at the lifeless black eyes that stared into the night sky.
"S-Shisui!?" his friend, his only best friend he had made, dead by his hands, 'no, he was killing them, but why,' Itachi didn't take his eyes away from the body, his eyes started burning as Itachi stopped moving, his body shaking.
"He's going into shock!" one of the medical ninjas that arrived earlier yelled out, those who could help moved to Itachi, grabbing him as Itachi yelled out in pain and part of I was in hidden betrayal.
Naruto looked away; the dead body, Madara is still alive, out there, this wasn't his body, he was using that technique, the same technique Itachi used in his world when they fought, the same technique that took another person's life away, allowing the user to fight as if he was there, only, limited in chakra.
Naruto clenched his hand as time stopped for him; everything stopped moving for a second as Naruto looked around him. Sasuke, his eyes wet with tears, Itachi, the Leaf ninjas holding him down as he grabbed at his eyes, Fugaku, the medical ninjas trying to heal him the best they could, and his father, Minato, his face angry as he shouted out some orders.
And in the mist of all that was frozen, she appeared, like a goddess, her long red hair hung from her shoulder, red slit eyes stared all around her, pale white skin shone from the dark, and her elegant long white robe dragging on the ground. She looked around sadly at the frozen chaos, a picture of an angel in the mists of despair.
"Fate," Naruto breathed out in shock as she nodded sadly.
"Yes," she motioned all around her, "as you can see, some things don't change," Naruto grew angry as Fate continued, "this is the world I have thrown you into, you see now, Madara, he is more insane, more powerful than before."
Naruto nodded, clenching his hand as Fate looked at him sympathetically, "do not let your guard down, or else, your friends, your family," she pointed at his father as Naruto's eyes hardened, "they will perish."
"I won't let them down," Naruto raised a fist towards her, "I promise."
Fate nodded, she smiled; Naruto wasn't finish yet, "who is the other one, who else is from the other world?" Naruto demanded, tired of this, tired of war and death.
Fate just smiled knowingly at him, "Soon, real soon," she snapped her fingers as the bright light blinded him; he covered his eyes as the noise returned, he heard his father's voice and the medical ninjas who summoned a stretcher and lifted Fugaku into it before running out. Sasuke tried to follow but Hiashi held him back.
"Naruto!" a familiar voice yelled out as Naruto turned to meet her.
Kushina appeared, hugging her son before spotting Sasuke and pulling him in as well.
"Don't run off like that," she hugged them both again before looking at Minato who nodded towards her and went off into the Uchiha district, along with the other Anbus.
"Sasuke," she spoke in disapproval as Sasuke didn't look up to face her, instead, he looked at his brother Itachi in worry. Itachi quieted, his eyes glazed over as the medical ninjas flashed a light at his pupils, another summoned another stretcher from a scroll, they prepared to lay Itachi down on it.
Kushina's eyes softened as she took both of them by their hands, "Mikoto has been worried; she was even more worried when you left Sasuke."
Sasuke looked ashamed, not meeting her look as he stared at the floor, eyes glazed over.
They walked in silence, Kushina in worry for the two boy's; what had just happened, she knew it would damage the both of them mentally, and she prayed to Lord Kami, hoping nothing bad happened to the both of them, "I hope they got the bastard," Kushina whispered as Naruto perked is ear and replied.
"He's dead," Kushina stared at Naruto in worry as Sasuke added, "They killed him," Sasuke shivered at the voice, what the enemy ninja said before dying.
'But he's not gone,' Naruto thought in gloom, what happened was real, he needed to stop wasting time, he needed to train harder and he needed to find the other one from his world. They continued to walk in silence, Kushina realizing this might have affected them a lot more than she thought.
…Uchiha district…
…Minato shivered as he remembered the voice, what he said to the two boys.
"Sensei," Kakashi spoke addressing Minato who turned to look at him.
"I got here as fast as I can," Kakashi looked around the scene, "what happened?"
Minato sighed, "I'll explain when I can but I need you to send out the hunter ninjas immediately, I want them to turn in any suspicious looking person they can find near this area, I know this enemy had an accomplice, he still might be around this area," Kakashi nodded before bowing and disappearing in a puff of smoke.
The Kazekage appeared beside the Hokage, his eyes showing his sympathy as they both stood in silence.
"You heard him too, didn't you?" Minato asked as the Kazekage nodded.
"What do you think it means?"
The Kazekag thought for a moment before replying, "It sounded like a madman, trying to instill fear one last time before dying."
Minato nodded, he thought so too but it just didn't feel right, the demon he sent? What did the nin mean when he said that?
"And he will come…with the power of demons…they will fall…villages will fall…and the world will spin into darkness…"
Minato closed his eyes, the prophecy, the one Jiraiya spoke of; it appeared in his mind. 'No, this doesn't have to do with it,' he thought to himself, trying to calm down whatever feeling he had at the moment…which was fear.
"Lord Kami, something doesn't feel right about the future," Minato muttered out as the Kazekage placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Whatever happens, know that you have my help," Minato grinned along with the Kazekage as they stared back into the dark Uchiha district.
"Thanks," Minato said as the Kazekage nodded and offered to help, Hiashi appearing beside them, his eyes activated.
"I've already counted more than twenty bodies… and that is just on one side," Hiashi said in a hard voice as Minato and the Kazekage both closed their eyes, the Kazekage saying a quick prayer.
"Any survivors?" the Hokage asked hopefully but somehow, he knew already.
Hiashi continued to scan the area before shaking his head; Minato closed his eyes once again before signaling to the Anbu.
"Begin the body count," Minato started walking ahead as the Anbu nodded, "and for Lord Kami's sake, fix these lights."
…Hyuuga Manor…
Naruto remained quiet as he watched Mikoto embrace Sasuke, hugging him tightly while crying into his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Sasuke said quietly and emotionlessly as Mikoto continued to sob.
Kushina watched the scene, her eyes sad before glancing at her son Naruto, with all that happened, she knew it was hard on all of them.
Kushina walked towards Naruto, placing a hand on his shoulder as Naruto looked up to face her.
His quiet, observing stare seemed to have startled Kushina as Naruto nodded.
"It's ok," Naruto said, turning away from Kushina, "I'm fine," Kushina looked unsure as Naruto walked away, "I'm more worried about them," he pointed back at Sasuke and Mikoto before leaving the room and heading towards the Hyuuga gardens, he needed some air.
Ami, who was sitting on the couch along with Temari, watched their reactions, she started to get up and follow Naruto but Kushina shook her head, "I think he needs time to think before we approach him again, ok?"
Ami looked saddened and unsure but nodded and continued to wait, she watched as Naruto left, turning around the corner.
Naruto passed by Hinata, not even acknowledging her presence as he walked off. Hinata stopped in her tract, turned her head back, staring at Naruto's form that walked past her. Hinata turned back to her path, heading towards the living room; she needed to know, what happened?
…Outskirts of Leaf Village…
…Orochimaru leapt through the trees, his face contorted with anger at his partner.
How dare he threaten him, how did he know his name, and why did he have the sharingan?
Orochimaru continued to ponder as he moved quickly, heading towards his base. The sharingan, that was an interesting subject, he should have paid more attention to it before when he was in the village, who knew those things could be so useful.
Orochimaru landed on the ground, his hand placed under his chin in thought, his mask already discarded since it had cracked under that boy's attack; he walked through the forest.
'I need a test subject for my teachnique, but if it works,' Orochimaru grinned, 'then I can live forever."
He grew excited, thinking of all the years he could live, how much knowledge he could obtain. He stopped in mid step. 'Of course!' Orochimaru widened his eyes, smacking his forehead as if he was an idiot, 'I should have done that in the first place,' he looked back at his path he just came from the Leaf village, 'the sharingan, I should have snatched one of those Uchihas alive when I had the chance,'
Orochimaru grew angry, 'no wonder why they wanted to kill off that clan, their potential, it's astounding,' he took a breath in, calming down before smiling that smile, 'no, they are not all dead, the littlest one, he escaped,' Orochimaru leaped through the trees once again, an exciting glint shined in his eyes as he prepared for the future, he would snatch the last Uchiha before his partner finds the boy and kills him…they won't deny him his prey.
…Hyuuga Manor…
…Kushina and Nukumi waited for their husbands with Mikoto and Sasuke. Ami and Temari continued to sit on the couch, staying quiet as the mood demanded it.
Hanabi was sent to her room, along with Kyoto but there was a tiny worried look in their eyes, they knew something was wrong.
Kankurou leaned against the wall as Gaara stood nearby, each of them remained silent, and each of them remained solemn.
Hinata appeared around the corner, she saw the sad looks, she saw Sasuke holding on to his mother like a scared child, and she saw the worried look on her mother's face.
The door opened as the group turned to face the incoming guests.
Minato came through as Kushina, Mikoto, Sasuke, and Nukumi stood up.
Hiashi and the Kazekage soon appeared behind the Hokage.
"How are they?" Kushina asked as she hugged Minato, Nukumi headed towards Hiashi, hugging him slightly from his side.
Minato smiled gently, nodding his head as Mikoto saw and let out a breath of relief.
"Fugaku and Itachi are at the hospital, they will be fine," Minato opted to leave out how close Fugaku was to dying, he just couldn't say that right now, all they needed to know was that the medical ninjas are still patching him up but he will be alright.
Mikoto and Sasuke smiled at the news, they were alright; they were alive. Then they remembered what happened, "how about the others," Mikoto asked, remembering the clan.
Minato turned away, "I'm sorry," a grim looked passed his face as the Kazekage and Hiashi bowed their heads. Kushina hugged him tighter.
Mikoto held a hand to her mouth, gasping before looking down as well. Gone, all gone, in a day her family and friends were wiped out.
Sasuke remained quiet; he was tired, he just wanted to go to sleep.
Minato gently released Kushina, giving her a sad smile before heading towards Sasuke.
He crouched down, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder as the others watched the interaction; Sasuke looked up, his sad tired eyes stared at Minato's kind blue eyes.
"What you and Naruto did, it was brash, and dangerous," Sasuke looked down, nodding his head as Minato continued; "you could have gotten yourselves killed."
Mikoto looked down as well, the kids around Sasuke's age realized now how close Naruto and Sasuke was to dying.
"But," Minato grinned, "you both were brave, strong, and displayed an incredible amount of courage ," Sasuke looked up, surprised as did the others, "that fire technique you did, it helped stall the ninja, long enough for me to break free from that trap, I thank you, that was what saved your father and Itachi."
Sasuke stared at the Hokage, his mouth smiling slightly before he remembered what happened, Sasuke shook his head, "no, don't thank me," Sasuke looked away as Minato and the others wondered what was wrong, "I was scared, I wanted to run away when our first attack didn't work," Sasuke clenched his fist as they looked at Sasuke in surprise, "it was Naruto who told me to fire again, it was Naruto who held the attack. Naruto did something weird to my fire technique, he held it against the ninja and told me to check on my father and brother, then Naruto was attacked afterwards, that's
when you appeared," Sasuke looked at the Hokage, remembering the way Naruto acted, he was braver then him, the grin of his when he was struck, and the way he was defiant till the end towards the ninja, Sasuke realized how weak he was, and how much stronger he needed to be.
Minato remained speechless, looking back at Kushina who had a proud look on her face as the others looked at Sasuke, their mouth slightly opened.
"Where is Naruto," Minato asked as Kushina pointed out to the hall.
"He needed some time alone, so he left over that direction."
Minato nodded, "let's give him a few more minutes before we get him."
"In the mean time," Hiashi placed a hand on Minato's shoulder as Minato nodded to him.
Hiashi nodded back, "Mikoto, Sasuke, please, stay here for the night, it will be safe."
Mikoto smiled, placing her hand on Sasuke's shoulder, "thank you, but when can I see my husband?"
Minato shook his head, "tomorrow, you can see them tomorrow."
Mikoto nodded as Nukumi pecked Hiashi in the cheek before leading Mikoto and Sasuke to their guest rooms.
The Kazekage stepped forward, nodding to Minato and Hiashi, "Even though I am not from here, I will be around if you need my assistance."
They thanked him as the Kazekage collected his children.
Gaara, Kankurou, and Temari bade Ami a farewell but noticed Hinata was soon missing. Temari wondered where she went as she stood by her father.
"Now where are my guards?" the Kazekage spoke out loud, wondering why they haven't appeared at all.
…Somewhere in the Hyuuga Manor…
…Baki leaned on the wall, his cheeks slightly red as his eyes remained half open. The Hyuuga sat next to him, also leaning to the wall as they both chuckled. They watched Yashamara hug a sake bottle as he snored from underneath the table.
"S-something tells me," Baki hiccupped, "we missed something important…"
Hizashi the Hyuuga, who sat next to him agreed, "Maybe, this was a bad idea."
Baki chuckled, closing his eyes, chuckling, "or maybe we are just two old paranoid warriors."
Hizashi nodded, chuckling as well.
"We are in Leaf village, what is the worst that can happen?" Baki spoke out to an agreeing Hizashi.
Little do they know, now that the storm had passed, they would be hitting themselves countless of times when they found out what had occurred that night.
…Naruto…
…Naruto stood on top of the bridge, leaning on the edge as he looked down at the pond.
'Madara is insane in this world, quite possibly stronger too,' Naruto thought with a sigh, 'that body he used, it didn't contain all his powers, only some, and if his father had a little problem dealing with this one, then, Madara's full powers…" Naruto closed his eyes; this was something he didn't want to think about now, not right now.
"Thinking too hard?" Hinata appeared from behind, leaning on the edge of the rail next to Naruto.
Naruto didn't appear surprised as he answered; "not now Hinata, I don't want to be lectured."
Hinata frowned, that was a bit cold, "Naruto, I did not come to lecture you."
Naruto briefly glanced at her, he blinked once before staring at Hinata's hands, her index fingers were poking each other from the tip, the familiar habit he had long ago seen and Hinata was performing it; it brought a smile to his face.
"I'll say this once so listen," Hinata stopped and sighed before speaking, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so hard on you earlier," Naruto looked at her in surprise, not expecting that, she continued, "you were right, I'm just worried for Ami."
Naruto nodded, realizing Hinata's Mother was right, they needed to talk this out, "what did I do to have you hate me so much?"
Hinata stared at him for a moment, gazing into Naruto's eyes before she finally spoke, "you don't remember, do you?"
Naruto shook his head; Hinata sighed before gazing out into the pond.
"Naruto it is not what one thing you did, it is many. I gave you a chance once, when we first met," She smiled softly, "you were kind to me, said things," she shook her head and sighed, "but that was an act and I knew it." Naruto stared at her, "behind my back, I saw those people you pick on, you're so called friends you've abandoned, and when I ask you, you lied to me, told me it was nothing."
Naruto looked down as Hinata sighed and turned back to the pond, "I saw you, what you did to Ami's apartment, the graffiti, and the damage ," Naruto looked at Hinata in shock, he couldn't believe it, Hinata nodded, she refused to look at him, "that was when I drew the line Naruto, that was when I hated you, I believed I could never trust you after that."
Silence, nothing but the sounds of the crickets chirping and the low splash from the fish that reached the surface. Naruto stared at Hinata, stunned and shocked before looking down. 'I was one of them,' Naruto closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as his fists clenched; Hinata looked at Naruto, surprised at his reaction, 'I can't believe I turned out like that,' he acted no better than those villagers, those demon haters.
Naruto breathed out, wiping his face with the palm of his hand before speaking in a sad voice, "does Ami know?"
Hinata shook her head, "I wanted to tell her but then again, I was never friends with her before, only a person she could talk to," She looked ashamed at first, "what could she do anyway, I would tell her then who would she go to?" Hinata stared at Naruto neutrally, "you are the Hokage's son."
Naruto moved back, moved away from Hinata, "so now what?" Naruto faced away from Hinata, turning his back to her as Hinata shrugged, "what do you think of me now?"
Hinata sighed; she didn't know what to think of him now.
"I don't know Naruto, I don't know what to think of you," Naruto turned around, meeting Hinata's gaze, she continued, "all of a sudden you changed, what am I supposed to think?"
"Heh," Naruto shrugged, "how about that I mean what I say, I want to change, and I want to be your friend."
"Really?" Hinata leaned close to Naruto, "do you really mean that?"
"Yeah," Naruto leaned forward as their faces drew inches away from each other, "I mean it."
Hinata smiled moving closer as Naruto gulped, suddenly, a searing pain stabbed Naruto on his forehead. He yelped, falling down as Hinata stood there, her fingers that poke Naruto on his bruise remained in place.
"What was that for?!" Naruto held his bruised forehead as Hinata giggled.
"Sasuke told us everything, I just wanted to see if it was true," Hinata poked at her forehead, "that mark proves it," Hinata turned around heading back inside, "your family is worried, stop being emotional and get in there."
Naruto grumbled, holding onto his forehead with one hand as Hinata stopped near the doorway, she glanced at Naruto briefly, a small smile on her face, "I accept Naruto, we'll be friends for now," she turned back and left.
Naruto let out a toothy grin, the pain gone as he followed after her, at least now, maybe he and Hinata could act civil towards each other…
…Scene Change…
…Madara entered the cave; a slight annoyed look crossed his face as he summoned the meeting.
A shadow appeared as his eyes glanced at Madara respectively; the pupils surrounded with a circle as it looked as if it pulsed for a second.
"Sir," the shadow addressed Madara, "how did it go?"
Madara glared at the shadow.
"I see…"
"The snake was more of a hindrance than a help," Madara spoke out as he paced around the cave, reevaluating his plans, "the main family is still alive, this causes a problem to my plans."
"But sir, if I may suggest?"
Madara waved at him as the shadow bowed his head a little, "you say the family survived; then kill them when the opportunity appears, you shouldn't change your plans because of them."
Madara stopped pacing, he looked at the shadow, "there are only three of them now, but I know if we give them time, there will be more of them, they will grow again, and spread until I will have to deal with all of them again," Madara blinked as a thought appeared in his head, he chuckled, "of course, maybe you are right, I can still continue with my goal," He looked at the shadow, anticipation in his eyes, "did you find any new members?"
The Shadow shook his head, "sir, there have been reports of an uprising against the Mizukage in the mist village, we sent agents to check for any missing ninjas who are suited for joining."
"By any chance would these be the Seven Swordsmen?" Madara asked as the Shadow nodded.
Madara nodded in approval as the Shadow spoke again, "and of Orochimaru, shall we have him terminated?"
Madara thought for a moment before shaking his head, "he is an annoying pest at the moment, but we'll see what he does, I'll give him another chance," Madara smiled as the shadow bowed its head.
"You are most kind my Lord."
Madara nodded, "now, find me my members, then we can finally start my main goals."
The shadow nodded before leaving as Madara chuckled in the dark cave, 'that boy," he remembered the blonde, the boy showed something, some kind of understanding and courage he didn't expect from a twerp that age, 'he would make a fine ninja in our organization,' but then again if he resisted, then they would kill him, simple as that…
