AN:

New chapter! This one is made in a different format that the one I've been working with the last few chapters, do tell me what you think and if you prefer the previous one.

For now, read and enjoy!


PART 2

Chapter 9

The growing darkness

The aftermath of the massacre was something no one expected; however, one could say the most surprised of them all were the elders of Konoha.

It was pretty obvious what had happened to the Uchiha Clan could not be ignored and couldn't be treated as a simple threat. This was a war declaration made to the village and its power, whoever had done this was trying to send a message: that they could do this whenever they wanted.

Danzo was the first one jumping in trying to gather the most reliable source of information about the night in particular. The problem was, when he was ready to label Uchiha Itachi as the perpetrator the few witnesses they could gather say something unexpected.

"He was strange. He had this huge helmet with horns, all gold and green."

"He just looked at me and suddenly I was unconscious…I don't …I don't know…"

"I've never seen the guy before but…I've heard of him…"

"Lie-Smith…"

But the only one who could actually give some light to this matter was Sasuke and even his answer was confusing and worrisome for Sarutobi and the rest of the elders. The boy was confused, tired but most of all frantic and slightly demented when he spoke with Sarutobi and the others.

"My brother didn't do it! I think…I think he was being controlled! Yes! That's it! That man, he killed my family…he…he took my brother away…"

After these declarations it was obvious Konoha couldn't label Itachi as a Missing-nin without taking into account what Sasuke had said about him. It would be too risky to just mark him when there was more than one eye witness coinciding with the same details of the attacker. Konoha decided then to put a picture of the man they all recognized as the murderer of the Uchiha Clan and the possible kidnapper of the eldest son. But, of course, Itachi was also wanted if only for an interrogation that would proof his innocence.

The turmoil wouldn't pass any time soon. Other ninja countries would try their luck and test Konoha's strength, some others would just analyze and watch from afar.

Besides, there were more forces in the world at play, forces lurking in the dark and growing in strength waiting…

…And the time for them to act was coming closer…

~ Four years Later ~

Naruto looked himself in the mirror.

His face was expressionless as he took in the baby fat still decorating the edges of his face. Those blue eyes sparkling as they looked back at him, his mouth twitched in a half smirk while his hair, longer than it should be, fell on top of his eyes.

He had grown up, indeed, from the little boy who Loki had found so many years ago. Now, he was becoming a teenager and soon he would be a full-fleshed shinobi.

The blond fixed his vest and tied his Hitai-ate around his neck making sure everything was in place (his kunai holster, his daggers, and the vambraces Loki had given to him for his birthday). Once again, Naruto took his hand to his forehead protector. Should he wear it on his forehead or let it around his neck?

"Ugh, would stop trying that out? You've been playing with your Hitai-ate since it was given to you! Juts put the damn thing on a visible part of your body and let's go! We're gonna be late!"

"Again." Pointed out Sai from the corner he had been reading, Shin was looking ready to drag Naruto by force, if necessary.

Naruto turned around flashing them a half smirk as he tapped the silver plate with his thumb as he, once again, changed it to place it around his forehead.

"Hey! I've to look good! Today we're officially shinobi. I'm a step ahead to become a Hunter-nin and then Hokage."

"You're a step ahead to stop being an idiot and probably become smarter than the average slug." Naruto glared at Sai who dedicated him his best smile. Shin could only roll his eyes for this was an old argument between them.

"No cool, Sai. No cool." Naruto shook his head while heading to the door; he placed his hand on the doorknob stopping for just a moment.

This new step he was about to give was filled with a meaning neither Sai nor Shin understood. Today, just as Loki had pointed it out, he was becoming an adult. He was reaching the portals of adulthood, in which case, Loki would give him two things: answers and training.

Something he has been demanding since he found out Loki was behind the Uchiha Massacre.

"Naruto?"

Shin asked quietly not being used to this sudden change in his friend. For Naruto was his friend, after all these years the young man could feel it in his heart. Naruto had become someone important, someone he was ready to protect and follow. Shin looked out of the corner of his eye as Sai frowned focusing his attention on the blond as well.

'What are we gonna do, Sai? What shall we tell Danzo-sama? How can we tell Naruto the truth without hurting him?'

"Sorry." Naruto tilted his head grinning foolishly at his friends. "Is just, after we crossed this door we're officially Genin…I'm just excited."

"Well, if you continue this contemplation we are not going to be anything…It's already past nine…"

Naruto and Shin turned to Sai both wearing stunned expression whereas Sai smiled calmly at them.

"What?!"

"Why didn't you say so?!" The both of them exclaimed to which Sai shrugged.

"You didn't ask."

Naruto was the first one out of the door with Shin closed behind and Sai shaking his head.

The morning in Konoha was suddenly interrupted by the trio running down the roads passing through the streets and top of the buildings. Some people would move almost immediately fearing another prank from the three boys. Some others would look at them with anger and resentment in their faces; they were either victims of some of their pranks or victims of the Kyuubi. Then, there were others who would smile and wave at them. For some, Naruto and company were terrorist lead by the demon boy, for others they were mere pranksters, the best Konoha has seen since the Nidaime Hokage.

"Naruto! Shin! Sai! You're late!" Umino Iruka glared at the boys indicating with his hand the three empty chairs at the end of the classroom. Many people would look at them, murmuring while some of the girls would either smile or blush whenever Shin or Naruto would turn to them

Neji narrowed his eyes the moment Naruto turned to look at him. The blond raised a hand and with two fingers he pointed first his eyes then to Neji as a sign to show Naruto was watching him. The Hyuuga frowned snorting and returning his attention to Iruka.

"That Naruto…" Mumbled Tenten with an amuse smile on his face.

"He is an idiot." Was the only reply Neji had to which Tenten merely snorted. If she were to guess, and she would never say it out loud, Neji considered Naruto his best friend forever. His only friend, actually. Naruto was the only mad/cool enough to be near Neji and not being offended half the time by whatever Neji had to say.

There was excited chatter all around the classroom, for a moment Iruka waited for Naruto and company to sit before continuing with his speech.

"As I was saying before I was interrupted," Iruka focused his attention on the class who went silent and turned their attention to their teacher. "Today it is your last day as Academy students. I am really proud of all of you and I hope everything goes well for each one of you."

Soon enough the whole class was back to being distracted. They started talking excitedly about the missions, about their teams, who would be their instructors or how many dangerous missions would they get. Iruka could already feel the growing headache which didn't improve one bit when he noticed Mizuki was sulking on his chair. Whatever had happened to the man? He really seemed worried and pissed at the same time. Iruka shrugged, it wasn't his problem after all.

"Shut up!" The whole class went silent again and to make sure his words were understood Iruka turned his dark eyes to each one of his students. When has was sure there would be no more interruptions he cleared his throat and continued speaking.

"Okay, now, let's start with your Genin teams." Iruka took a piece of paper from the desk, for a brief moment he noticed the strange look in Mizuki's eyes. A slightly gleam of blue and black, Iruka stopped for a moment, blinking to make sure he didn't see wrong but then Mizuki's eyes were back to normal.

Iruka shook his head frowning, "Well, let's start!"

For over twenty minutes Naruto spent his time watching carefully the gift Loki had given to him for his birthday. His fingertips touched reverently the soft surface of the blade while following the patterns of the unknown runes. Unknown to some, of course, for Loki had made sure Naruto would recognize them. He still feels butterflies on his stomach every time he read the words.

Naruto Lokison.

Naruto couldn't help the smile appearing on his face. The dagger was so masterly crafted and the young boy could sense the magic humming through the blade and the hilt. However, and if Naruto were to be honest, the value of the dagger wasn't in the material or its own power. The real value lied on the person who gave it to him. Loki had told Naruto the dagger was a customary gift, something a father gives a son the moment he passed from childhood to adulthood.

The young Uzumaki had a lot of fun making Loki squirm and tried to explain exactly what he meant by 'father' and how that involved him and Loki himself; Naruto also took way too much pleasure in the fact he was looking and behaving like Loki with each passing day.

And the dagger, more than a ritual of adulthood and parenthood was a symbol. A promise, a chance of a new family. Something Naruto took without thinking twice, even after all the terrible things he heard people whispering about Loki. Even after Loki himself told him some of those things were true.

"Team 10 Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee and Tenten. Your Jounin instructor is Maito Guy."

That brought Naruto back to the situation at hand; he turned around only to see the strange, sympathetic smile Iruka directed the newly formed Team 10. It seemed as if Neji and Tenten also noticed it for them were glancing back at the other with dread in their eyes.

Shin snickered while Sai snorted, Naruto turned to them frowning slightly. He was about to ask about this reactions when he felt Iruka's eyes on him. Turning around, the blond gave his teacher his most charming and innocent smile to which Iruka merely rolled his eyes.

"Finally, Team 11 is composed by Uzumaki Naruto, Shimura Sai and Shimura Shin. Your Jounin instructor is Uzuki Yugao."

No sooner had Iruka stopped talking than the room started its exited humming again. Iruka opened his mouth but in the end decided against it. Every single one of them joined their respective teammates talking animatedly about their oncoming meeting with their Jounin instructors.

"It is such a shame, Naruto-kun! I was really looking forward to working with you!" Naruto smiled at Lee shrugging.

"I know, Lee. I know. It would have been awesome the two of us becoming legends." Naruto wrapped his arm around Lee's shoulder, his free hand drawing an arch as he spoke. "Lee and Naruto, the awesomest team in Konoha."

"I don't think 'awesomest' is even a word, Uzumaki." Naruto turned to glare at Neji who was looking at him with a condescending stare. "Then again, your vocabulary is so limited I'm not even surprised about it."

"Humph, you're just mad I beat you in the taijutsu exam. Don't worry, Neji-hime, you'll get better as you grow up." Neji twitched but soon enough he looked horrified as Naruto winked at him blowing Neji a kiss.

Tenten rolled her eyes; Lee was torn between being fascinated and confused. Shin laughed and Sai preferred to not get involve. Neji, apparently, didn't take lightly the comment and stood up, grabbing Naruto by his jacket and bringing the boy closer to his face. Naruto for his part smirked, still amused, and this only made Neji angrier.

"Oh Neji, here? In front of everyone? But…so soon…" Naruto taunted Neji felt his anger grow as he narrowed his eyes. There was something about Uzumaki that seemed to always thick him the wrong way.

"I'm going to fix that face of yours, Uzumaki."

By now, the rest of the class was pretty much paying attention to the discussion. For them, Neji and Naruto were the source of the most epic battles…well, Neji and Naruto and Naruto and the last of the Uchiha. Perhaps, the only difference relied in the fact that whereas Neji and Naruto didn't have a fan club the Uchiha boy seemed to have a bunch of rabid girls following him everywhere. This usually made those fights slightly annoying for some.

"Oh, what a youthful group of Genin you have here, Iruka!" The loud voice coming from a newcomer made the whole class turned around. There, dress in a horrible green jumpsuit, was this man smiling brightly at the students while the rest of the jounin teachers eyed him with amused smiles.

"Now, tell me Iruka, which ones are going to become my dear students?"

Iruka smiled sympathetically at the group and Neji had a sinking feeling that today wasn't just going to be his day. Iruka waved to his students and stared directly at Neji, Tenten and Lee.

"Here is Team 10, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee and Tenten."

Tenten watched horrified the scene, Lee had tears in his eyes, watching in admiration and Neji had this darkened expression when Maito Guy decided to introduce himself as…

"…AND I'M KONOHA'S SUBLIME GREEN BEAST OF PREY!"

Naruto winced placing his hand on Neji's shoulder, "I'm so sorry, man. I really am."

"You'll pay for this later, Uzumaki." was all Neji mumbled because he could see Naruto wasn't sorry at all and the blond was enjoying this way too much.

Just like that the rest of the teachers took their respective teams and Naruto was watching with some anxiety the door. Anytime now, their teacher was going to appear and then his life as a real ninja would start.

The door opened but Naruto didn't even lift his head until he felt Sai elbowing him. He yelped narrowing his blue eyes until he saw the nod coming from his friend. Turning around Naruto's expression changed from a mildly annoying one to one of interest.

His eyes found those of the woman standing at the door. The woman had long, purple hair, with a sharp face and hardened expression. She had on ANBU gear with a long katana hanging from her back. For a moment she lifted her right eyebrow looking unimpressed before turning to Iruka.

"That's them?"

"Yes." Iruka responded behind him Mizuki leant forward focusing his attention on the woman who just spoke. His eyes suddenly narrowed snorting before resuming his sulking position.

There was an awkward moment in which the woman turned to them staring with boredom at Team 11. Naruto tilted his head taking in the sudden change of the woman's expression. The hardened corners of her eyes, the coldness reflecting from those eyes; Naruto was already familiar with them. Eyes that spoke of thousand deaths, of harsh missions, of things young Uzumaki has yet to live. She had the same, old, eyes Itachi had.

The woman was experienced and her stare, whether she knew it or not, was reveling this to Naruto. The woman frowned looking from Naruto to Sai and then Shin.

"Very well, follow me!"

Her voice was pure command she left the room soon after leaving Naruto and Shin blinking repeatedly for a couple of seconds. The three of them looked at each other with excitement and wonder in their expressions. Shrugging Naruto stood up placing his dagger back on the holster inside his sleeve and moving to catch up with Yugao.

Soon enough the trio found themselves in front of a heavy, metallic door, marked with black bold letters that read: TRAINING GROUNDS 72.

The young woman stood up in front of the door, her eyes examining the three young men in front of her. Naruto stared back at her, he felt anxious and curious. The woman didn't say anything and this only serve to make Naruto slightly uncomfortable. He knew from past experience than when someone looked at him this way their intentions were far from pure. There was a slightly jerk of the woman's head and suddenly her stare was on Naruto's friends. Naruto took a step forward when he noticed the sudden gleam of suspicion in Yugao's eyes. Naruto couldn't care less if the woman didn't like him, he didn't care if she was like some of the villagers. What really bothered him was anyone messing with his friends.

"So, are you gonna talk or what?" Shin face-palmed just as Sai shook his head. They counted to ten, so they should give Naruto some credit for waiting so long. Sai turned around and step away from Naruto; if the blond was about to get hit for his insolence Sai would prefer to not be in the near vicinity. He still remembered what happen last time he didn't move.

Instead of answering with some form of violence, Yugao smirked with her eyes gleaming dangerously.

Yugao discovered, in the little time she had known her future team, Uzumaki Naruto was pretty much like his mother. Outspoken, confident, a little rude, not afraid to voice what was on his mind and with little patience. Still, there was also much of his father in him. The looks were a sure give-away but there was also that something he kept hidden in his mind. If it weren't for the way his eyes gave him away, Yugao would be sure the blond was naïve and a fool…but there was intelligence and slyness in there.

In few words, Naruto was unpredictable. Uzumaki Naruto does what he wants and this little fact made him both, dangerous and a great ninja.

"Impatient, I see." Yugao's smirk grew Naruto narrowed his eyes unsure as to how to deal with her. "Let's start then. My name is Uzuki Yugao; I was a former ANBU Captain but decided to give education of the younger generation a try. See if I can turn a bunch of punks in real ninja."

"Why would you do that?" Shin seemed utterly confused at the revelation, Yugao shrugged.

"Why not? You'll be the first Team I ever trained and I'm gonna make sure you're the best of the Genin's teams out there." Yugao then pointed behind her. "Of course, first, you have to pass the test and prove to me you deserve to be a Genin."

"What do you mean? We're already Genin, Lady." Naruto replied pointing at his headband. "See?"

"That doesn't proof anything. To become a real ninja you have to pass a personal test from your Jounin instructor first."

Naruto frowned crossing his arms, "Are you sure this isn't a scheme of some kind?"

"I'm pretty sure." Yugao smiled at the looks on the three boys faces. "But cheer up, even if you don't pass there is always next year."

"THE HELL IT IS!" Naruto jerked his arms forward and out of his sleeves appeared two different daggers. He made a rolling and turning of them on his hands and set them in an attack position. "What do we have to do then, ANBU-san?"

Yugao didn't look impressed, the Sandaime Hokage and Jiraiya had warned her about his. Naruto usually had mood changes; sometimes he seemed pretty conscious about them, some others it seemed as if the boy hardly thought what he was doing. And yet…Yugao wasn't sure which was this time around, for she was starting to get a real headache trying to guess what Naruto was about to do and how to get a nice control of the situation.

The moment Naruto prepared for an attack Sai and Shin moved slightly, both of them in the background at each side of the blond ready for whatever Yugao may do.

Yugao arched an eyebrow impressed. They already knew how to work as a team.

Good, one thing less to teach them; let's see if they can apply it in a combat situation.

"First, you'll have to trap me. And I mean trap me not giving me an option but to surrender." Yugao pointed behind her once more. "This is a dangerous training ground and you'll have three days to catch me. In there you'll find things to eat and drink and you'll have to demonstrate you're capable of more than classroom activities."

Naruto smirked along with Shin, Sai seemed mildly interested. Yugao decided there and then there was no more time to lose so, before either of the boys could say or do anything she started her attack.

They didn't see her coming; Naruto only felt the heavy contact of a fist against his cheek. Sai felt a sudden pain on his abdomen and Shin lost his balance when a knee hit his chest. The three of them fell to the ground and, by the time they recovered, Yugao was gone.

Naruto stood up massaging his face; his eyes wide open in surprise. "Did you see that?"

"No." Sai incorporated as well grabbing his abdomen while eying suspiciously the training grounds in front of him.

"Well, she is an ANBU Captain; you don't really expect us to best her." Replied Shin who eyed Sai out of the corner of his eye. Naruto raised his fist with a feral smile on his face and a strange gleam in his eyes.

"Then, my dear friends, let's show this lady what the three of us can do!" Naruto turned around flashing his enthusiastic expression to both, Sai and Shin, the boys could only reply with shakes of their heads. "To victory!"

Naruto was gone in the blink of an eye Sai and Shin watched him disappear inside the training grounds before turning to look at each other.

"Does he even understand what we have to do first?"

"I don't think so. Naruto is usually doing things first, and then thinking them over." Shin shrugged jumping up standing on top of the railing. "Let's go before Naruto gets lost…"

"Or he gets kill…"

This wasn't what he had in mind for his life.

He always thought the All-Father would forgive Thor the way he always did. He never expected for anything to go the way it did. He never expected to fall from the Bifrost and land in a world like this one. But, he did and now…Now he was spending his energy making this illusion possible.

Loki felt the cold wetness of the drop of water hit his forehead, once he looked up the water started falling as the storm soon caught up with him.

He lowered his green eyes to the ground were the blood of the two ninja sent to assassinated him lied still. Out of the corner of his eyes, Loki saw the dark shadow of a person approaching him. There was a mask of a weasel covering the man's identity, but for Loki it wasn't that difficult to know who it was.

"You seem to be getting more and more attempts on your life." The shadow shook his head finally standing right behind him. "It seems whoever is behind this is getting better shinobi for the job."

"No one is better than me." Loki turned around facing the shadow that under the light coming from the lightning reveal dark, ninja gear and a black cloak, red eyes were staring back at Loki from behind the mask.

"And ant has no quarrel with a boot. These assassins are nothing more than a joke."

"Then, why do you sound so nervous?"

Uchiha Itachi hid the smile behind his mask but his eyes reveal how much he enjoyed the irritation Loki felt at the comment. Loki let out a snort pushing past Itachi and walking away well-aware of the older Uchiha following him close behind.

"I'm not nervous, as you said. However, I cannot deny I feel uneasy."

"Why?"

Loki put the hood of his own cloak up on top of his head stopping enough for Itachi to stand beside him. The rain was by now a storm, the wind was blowing with force removing anything in its path. The thunder and the lightning would illuminate the valley they were in.

"A second one was taken away." Loki clenched his fists a spark of green coming from it. "They're getting closer and I'm still wondering who may be behind all of this. Who is taking the Jinchuuriki and who knows about me…"

"And, when is going to be Naruto's turn?" Loki gave a nod Itachi sighed moving to stand beside Loki.

"Madara wants the Kyuubi to be the last one we captured." Itachi spoke softly while his eyes search on the horizon for a sign of the sun.

"What else have you found out about this sculpture you spoke of?"

Itachi tensed, suddenly remembering the screams of pain coming from the two Jinchuuriki they captured months ago. He still remembered the vivid colors of green and purple coming from them as the Bijuu was extracted, then the lifeless bodies of the two men after the demons were taken away. He could see Naruto there, suffering the same fate. Then, there was the sculpture. The huge form of two arms wearing rings, the two purple and green gems glistening with might giving life to those dead eyes of the sculpture. Whatever this article was, Itachi could feel the power Loki called magic.

"Nothing beyond what I already told you. However, I call you here because there is something you must know." Loki nodded his head indicating Itachi he was still paying attention. "The next target is Naruto's girlfriend."

"She is not his girlfriend." Loki replied slowly repeating Naruto's words every time Jiraiya or Loki referred to Yugito as Naruto's girlfriend. "When it is happening?"

"In two weeks. They're going to hire Kumogakure for a mission in which Nii Yugito would have to be present." Itachi then stood in front of Loki. "Yahiko is going to capture her personally. Mainly because they're expecting the Hachibi Jinchuuriki to be present."

"So, they want to capture the both of them?" Itachi shook his head Loki frowned.

"No, Bee-san knows how to control the powers of his Bijuu, it would be highly dangerous to capture him and place its power on the statute before having the others in our possession."

"They still don't know which gem the Hachibi has inside."

"Exactly."

There was a moment of silence in which Loki contemplated his options. He knew he would need to visit Naruto soon and arranged a meeting with Killer Bee. Loki felt a hand on his shoulder, when he turned around he saw Itachi had taken his mask off and was looking at Loki with his sharingan de-activated.

"Are you okay with this? Are you sure we should…"

"Yes, I am. You should stop asking me the same thing over and over." Loki smiled and Itachi found it hard to return it. "Are you okay? You seem tired."

"I am but…I'm okay." Once again Itachi put the mask on. "Take care of them for me."

Loki nodded his head, "I will. I'll see you soon."

Itachi waited until the illusion finally fell and he was back in the forest, there was no rain and not storm. His conversation with Loki had gone just the way he expected it. There was movement out of the corner of his eyes but Itachi didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"So, tell me Itachi, did he believe you?"

"Yes, he did." When Itachi turned around he found himself face to face with a masked man. One he was pretty familiar with by now.

"That's amazing! You do have the skills of a real liar, Itachi. I've heard there aren't enough people in the Nine Realms capable of tricking the God of Mischief." The man moved forward placing a hand on Itachi's shoulder, he squeezed lightly and Itachi could see the glee in his red, sharingan eye.

"Soon, Itachi, our dreams would come true and we will finally have a world without wars, hatred and unnecessary sacrifices."

Not for the first time, Itachi wondered who hid behind the mask and the name of Uchiha Madara. Who was really the man who has been planning the changed of the Shinobi World for over fifteen years? Whatever the answer for that question was, Itachi knew he needed to be prepared to face this man. Itachi knew if there was anything standing in the way this Uchiha Madara would do anything to take the world with him, of that, Uchiha Itachi was completely sure.

"Let's go then. We need to prepare everything before we go against our next target."

"I thought you say you were a good tracker?" Naruto didn't look up keeping his stare on the ground while ignoring Sai's words.

"I never said I was a good tracker. I only said I was learning how to be a good tracker." Shin snorted and Sai looked genuinely concern.

"So, you mean to tell me you're not as good as you claim to be and we may be lost?"

Naruto revised one last time the ground before lifting his head and looking directly into Sai's eyes. He was pretty serious with a thoughtful expression that suddenly transformed into one of lack of concern.

"Yeah, pretty much." Naruto shrugged Shin chuckled while Sai let himself fall on the ground shaking his head.

"I knew it."

"Oh, come on! It's not that bad!"

A few meters away, in the highest tree was Yugao resting her back against the trunk while listening to the trio. She smiled hearing the conversation between the three friends while thinking of her next step. So far the boys had shown her they knew what they were doing. Naruto, apparently, wasn't lying about his abilities as a tracker, something that didn't surprise Yugao that much, over all, if she took into account Naruto's dream was to become a Hunter-nin.

Sai and Shin were actually the most difficult to figure out. There was no doubt in the woman's mind those two had been trained by Danzo prior and during their Academy time. Their eyes were sharper than Naruto's and they seemed more aware of everything than the blond. Apparently, Hokage-sama was right, those kids were up to something and that something involved Uzumaki Naruto.

Yugao stopped paying attention to the boys, her eyes lifted to look at the darkening sky. Tomorrow was the last day of the hunt, she better have a good night sleep before facing them the next day.

The morning came faster that she would have liked. Feeling the soft breeze of the morning brush her face, Yugao opened her eyes to stare at the tree in front of her. Something in the tree, something in the way the wind kept on caressing her face told Yugao there was something wrong that morning. Yugao stood up rather quickly wondering just what had happened with her even noticing.

She took a few steps ahead only to feel a pair of eyes on her. The heavy glare made the airs of her neck stand up and her body tensed ready for action. Yugao smirked impressed by how fast they had found her and trapped her.

There were many things on her mind as she walked carefully, her hand at the ready near her kunai holster. The first thing he thought was about the ability of them to place a Genjutsu. There was no denying the Academy taught such techniques but none of them were this…advanced. Yugao couldn't even feel something was wrong.

The second thing that made her think was, how and when did they find her? She made sure the three of them were fast asleep before leaving them and going to rest as well. She made sure they were a few kilometers away from each other. And yet…Jiraiya-sama was right. These kids were good and Yugao would do well in not underestimated them.

Yugao stood up resting her hand on a trunk and leaning to the side. She watched the empty road to the left, her eyes sweeping over the place before she jumped in and climbed up the tree looking for some kind of exit, for some kind of response.

Yugao could almost laugh as, as soon as he jumped, Naruto and Shin appeared from both her sides.

Sai must be the one doing the Genjutsu. Good, he can't fight then.

Yugao put a kunai from her holster at an incredible speed, stopping just in time the weapon Shin had on his hand. She impulse herself against Naruto's chest and put her weight on her arm pushing Shin backwards and making him landed on the ground.

Yugao smirked standing on the trunk, but her smile soon disappeared as she saw three different Narutos coming at her.

Bunshin? No…They're look too solid to be Bunshin but…impossible!

Yugao didn't stay to find out if a mere Genin was capable of using Kage Bunshin. She evaded the knee aimed to her head and moved down to try and pin Shin to the ground. Shin wasn't there, however, and the woman soon found herself surrounded by at least 20 Narutos.

"I've got you!" Yugao lifted her head in surprise just as the blond boy fell on her. The moment Naruto wrapped his arms around the woman she went off with a puff and white smoke. Naruto growled laugh reaching his ear from his left side.

"Good, very good…but, it's not enough. I'm still free."

Yugao smiled cockily at the blond but her smile disappeared when another blond appeared to her side, then another and another and another. The smile turned into a smirk, shaking her head Yugao went to disperse the Kage bunshin with her sword but the sword moved past them. The Naruto clone smiled grabbing the woman's and; Yugao opened her eyes stunned never seen this before and clearly shocked as to what just happened.

The Naruto clone grabbing her hand smiled with an approaching fist towards her head. Yugao evaded the fist and hit the boy on his stomach but then the other one, the one he thought was a mere bunshin grabbed her by the ankle.

Impossible! Where did he learn that? You…you can't do a solid clone a minute and then an illusion the next…how…?

Shin didn't make himself wait; throwing a couple of shuriken he caught Yugao's attention engaging her in a close range fight. Now, Yugao was fighting Naruto and Shin at the same time.

The woman was really impressed. She had read about them, of course, she knew everything she needed to know about Shin, Sai and Naruto. But, it was apparent the boys hid some tricks under their sleeves from their teachers. She never read the part explaining Naruto's ability to use the Kage Bunshin, or the fact they could use Genjutsu or just how skill was Naruto and Shin in a close range fight.

Those movements were not Academy standard ones. There was experience and hard training behind every punch, every kick, and every evasion.

"You guys are good…but you have to do better than this." With a quick set of movements Yugao sent Shin flying away only for him to crash against a tree, she grabbed one of the Narutos and sent him down to the ground while dispatching some kunai to the ones who remain.

Yugao land on the ground just as another three Naruto came to her. Suddenly, they stopped and smile. "You're trapped."

And then, she understood.

She tried to move her feet but they now were covered by what looked like the dirty ground climbing up his legs.

Everything was a trick. And she fell for it.

Yugao felt the trees around melted slowly, taking the form of oil ink and giving way to the real trees hidden behind the illusion. She watched as Sai appeared from behind one of it, brush and a scroll on his hand. Shin came at them limping with a satisfied smile on his face and Yugao could see several copies of Naruto still surrounding the scene.

The woman shook her head, partially amused partially wondering just how it turned out like this. She knew there was something strange, she sensed something going on but, if she were honest, she never imagined something like this. She never thought whatever Genjutsu these kids used would be this strange.

"So, did we pass?" Yugao laughed nodding her head. But even as she did so her eyes, sharp and cold were focused on Naruto.

"With flying colors."

Looking in retrospective, Yugao should have said no when she was asked to train a group of Genin. She should have screamed NO when she was asked to look after Sai, Shin and Naruto.

Yugao looked around the room at the three men looking at her, waiting for her word on the boys and her judgment of their abilities.

Perhaps, later in the solitude of her room Yugao would think about Naruto. About the smile, the way he held himself, how easily the words fell from his mouth convincing even when those words seemed to be a deception. Yugao believed him; she believed when he told her it was all Shin's idea, she believed him when he told her Sai was the one who came up with the idea of colored ink for his illusions, she believed him when he told her Jiraiya of the Sannin was the one who taught him the Kage Bunshin no jutsu.

Yugao merely believed him, even after her instinct told her not to.

And now, now she has to say what she thought of them. Of the son and heir of the Fourth Hokage to the very same people who love him as if he was family.

"So, what can you tell us about them?" Yugao shifted startled by the interruption, she was so deep in thought she almost forgot she had been summoned to the Hokage's office. She lifted her eyes to find herself looking directly into the Sandaime's ones.

The young woman was well aware of the others occupying the room. She knew the black eye of Kakashi was focused only on her and she was aware of the unnerving stare coming from Jiraiya; all of them waiting for her final verdict.

"Are these kids dangerous for Naruto? How far has Danzo gotten to them?" Yugao remained silent thinking over the question. Were Shin and Sai dangerous? Yes, they were. Pretty advanced for people their age, it was pretty obvious Danzo had bothered into teaching them some of his tricks.

Were they dangerous for Naruto? No. They were blindingly loyal to the blond. If anything, Naruto was the most dangerous of them all. Yugao knew, sort of less, what to expect from Shin and Sai; but she was confused and lost when trying to figure Naruto out.

"They're good. There is no doubt in my mind Danzo trained them well." The Hokage shoot Jiraiya a worried glance, but Yugao noticed the lack of reaction from the Sannin.

"What about Naruto?" Asked the man leaning in, Yugao shifted again thinking carefully as to what she should say.

"He is good. No one told me he knew how to perform the Kage Bunshin, so that gave him a clear advantage in the test."

"Wait, he knows the Kage Bunshin?" This time the question came from Kakashi who seemed just as confused as the Sandaime. Yugao turned her eyes to Jiraiya but the man was showing no reaction.

"Yes, and I said he knows how to use it pretty well." Yugao shook her head. "Why didn't you say anything, Jiraiya-sama?"

"Jiraiya! You taught him that jutsu?!" Jiraiya shrugged.

"The kid has enough chakra to do so without any harm. Besides, he couldn't do a normal bunshin even if his life depends on it." Then, the Sannin turned to Yugao and the woman saw a glint of amusement there. "Tell me, on a scale of 1 to 10 how shocked were you at his proficiency with the technique?"

Yugao snorted, not liking to be taken for a fool or a newbie, "The kid is good but not that much. He stills needs a lot to learn."

"Oh, yes, I agree." Jiraiya smirked making Yugao glared at the old man. "So, I take it you were really impressed."

"I thought we were here to discuss if those kids from Root were a threat to Naruto." Kakashi intervened advancing towards the Hokage's desk. "Personally, I don't like the fact Naruto is in the same Genin Team as them. I still think you should have given me the opportunity to take him as my student."

"No, that wouldn't be any good. You were chosen to try and help with Uchiha Sasuke's training as soon as he graduates the Academy, Kakashi." The Hokage turned to stare at Kakashi as he spoke, his voice grave with command. "Naruto's grades weren't spectacular but were enough for him to graduate, I couldn't postpone this and you know it."

Kakashi lowered his head frustrated, clenching his fist as he controlled his temper. This has always been a sensitive subject for them. In Kakashi's eyes he had the right to take the only son of his former teacher as his student. It was only right and the best way to return to Minato some of the things he gave Kakashi.

"If it is any consolation, Kakashi-senpai." Started Yugao making the former ANBU captain lifted his head to look at her. "I think Naruto is going to be okay. He is…not what you expected him to be."

"What do you mean?" Asked Jiraiya letting his eyelids droop a little. Yugao stared into the Sannin's eyes and suddenly she saw a glint of warning there. Yugao then turned her head wondering just what the hell was really happening before answering.

"Naruto is smart and I dare to say he is the best fighter of the three of them." This caught the Hokage and Kakashi by surprised but not Jiraiya who's lips curved upwards with the hint of a smirk. "Besides, like I said, Shin and Sai had developed a sort of blind loyalty to Naruto. Whatever Danzo is planning is not going to work. Or at least, it would be more troublesome than he realizes."

Yugao sighed relief once she left the Hokage building. Her eyes lifted to the sky to see the approaching afternoon, she took a step forward when a voice reached her from behind.

"What did you hide from Sarutobi-sensei and Kakashi, Yugao?" The woman turned around to see Jiraiya right behind her. The woman glanced at the Sannin, feeling uneasy for a moment.

"Whatever you mean, Jiraiya-sama. I told you guys everything."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at the informal talk; he turned his head left and right and then nodded towards Yugao.

"Follow me."

The former ANBU hesitated for a moment but, in the end, her curiosity won and she followed the man. The soon found themselves on top of the Hokage monument overseeing the village.

"No one is going to hear us here so, you can speak freely."

Yugao wasn't sure what to think. Her heart was beating fast, she felt observed as if there was someone else there but she realized it was probably the deep, penetrating stare Jiraiya was giving her.

"So? I know you were dying to say more but I wasn't sure if you wanted to share it with sensei, Kakashi or me." Jiraiya spread his arms. "I'm here, so…go ahead."

Yugao frowned deep inside her she knew there was something amiss in here. But, then again, Jiraiya was the one in charge of Naruto. He took it upon himself to look after the blond and has been doing a decent job recently.

"I don't know what else can I say that I haven't already said." Started Yugao she turned to look at the village as she spoke. "Maybe, what is bothering me is the fact Naruto seems so advance for his age. How good he really is when his grades and the general information I got of him told me something completely different."

"What do you mean?" Yugao rolled her eyes.

"Undisciplined, rebel, average to low grades, goo taijutsu, totally inexistent Genjutsu abilities, average ninjutsu, not pretty good with critic thinking or with a fast mind to formulate strategies." Numbered Yugao lifting one finger each time she mentioned one. "Only good for close range attacks and to be on the front as an attack force, not behind the action, planning and leading."

"I don't understand, where do you wanna go with this?"

"Jiraiya-sama, today Naruto was behind everything. He was the one who planned everything, who put Sai and Shin in the right place, who gave them the strategy who…"

"Do you have a proof of what are you saying?" Yugao stopped talking gaping at Jiraiya who was looking seriously at her.

"Pro...wait, what?" Yugao said confused.

"Proof, proof that Naruto seems so adept and different as to how the reports from Iruka and Mizuki described him."

Yugao tilted her head and blinked several times, "No…No I don't."

"Then, why is it bothering you so much? Why even think about it?"

Yugao felt sick. She shook her head opened her mouth but then closed it again. She looked over at Jiraiya and the man, suddenly, smiled gently at her.

"Naruto is a good boy. He is smart and strong, as you said." Jiraiya turned around and waved to Yugao leaving his last words in the air for Yugao to think deeply in the meaning behind them. "But, Naruto is also a ninja. Don't you ever forget it, Yugao."

Jiraiya was very far away when a shadow appeared from behind him, "What do you think about this, Yugao? Is she any good?"

Jiraiya smirked tilting his head so he could see Loki out of the corner of his eye. "Yes, she is already figuring Naruto out. Don't worry, Naruto is in good hands."

"Where are you? Why do you hide?"

He ran with his heart beating fast inside his chest, sweat rolling down his forehead. He saw the path ahead of him, a path he didn't recognize but his mind seemed to think it was familiar. The voice, raspy and deep, filled with malice and laughter, followed him everywhere he went.

"Why do you run? Why do you hide? There is no escape…you will be mine…" There was a cold laughter sending shivers down his spine, he stopped and was facing a huge shadow in front of him, red eyes gleaming deeply and a smirk, a cold evil smirk…

"I would take back what is mine and you and that little god of yours will bow before me or perish in a bath of blood…"

He felt the cold contact of a claw, his head being imprisoned in a tight grasp and a jolt of electricity and ice pressed his head, making him scream into the darkness.

Naruto woke with a start.

He felt a sudden headache, cold sweat falling down his forehead while his shirt seemed drenched in the very same sweat. He was breathing hard feeling suddenly cold and tired, as if he had been running, like in the dream. Naruto lowered his head trying to recall something about the dream. The face of his pursuer where exactly was him…but the only thing he could remember was the sound of thunder and the coldness of the hand around his head.

This was the seventh time he had the same dream in a month. Each time there was a different detail, a different setting, different people but the voice was always the same; cold and deep, filled with power and soulless. Naruto frowned standing up and making his way to the kitchen. He poured some water on a glass and drank all of it in one gulp.

"You look awful, did you sleep well?" Naruto turned around with a mixture of surprise and happiness on his face. Behind him was Loki examining him carefully before placing his hand on the blonde's forehead. "You don't have a fever…"

"I'm pretty well, actually. Today we finished our 25th D-rank mission." Loki nodded approvingly his eyes still on Naruto, worry attached to his face. "Don't worry, Father of mine. I'm okay; just…it was a bad dream."

Loki tensed, as he usually did when Naruto called him that. He was not used to hearing the word 'father' or 'dad' coming from Naruto. It still felt strange and pleasant; however, it also brought to Loki's mind the memory of his children the ones he left in Asgard.

"What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you were going to be out doing…whatever it is you do." Naruto waved his hands in the air while looking at Loki.

"You don't have to sound so please to see me, Naruto."

"Oh, I am! Just surprise that's all."

Loki nodded his head while taking a sit on the closest chair, "I came here to see how it had gone with your new position. Did you receive my gifts?"

"I did. Those daggers are awesome! I'm dying to try them out in a real mission. Not those D-rank…" Naruto shivered at first then he looked genuinely excited; he smiled widely as he sat in front of Loki. The concern moments ago had plagued his face was no longer there and Loki had to wonder just what exactly had happened before he arrived. It wasn't like Naruto not to share whatever was on his mind.

"Don't worry, soon enough you will be able to show everyone around this place just how good you really are."

Loki made sure his displeasure for Konoha filled the tone in which he uttered every word. Naruto usually felt half amused and confused at Loki's animosity against the village. Sure, Naruto himself sometimes felt Konoha wasn't the ideal place to be. People around him were bigots who only saw money, power and heritage. They didn't take into account the ones who made an effort, who work hard to obtain what they want or what they need. The real meaning of a person was always behind the last name or the deeds he or she did for the village.

"There is another reason I have come earlier than promised." Naruto raised a curious eyebrow, his blue orbs following the movements from Loki's hand. Soon enough, there was an enveloped coming from the inside of Loki's coat; the god of mischief handled it to Naruto who took it with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.

"I met with a young woman who asked me, promising a painful dead if I failed so, to give you this letter." Said Loki dryly while remembering the dead threat coming from Yugito.

Naruto chuckled while putting away the letter; Loki smirked when he noticed the sudden blush on Naruto's cheeks. There was a moment of confortable silence between them, Loki observed and wondered just how long would it take for him to tell Naruto the whole truth.

"You should sleep, Naruto. You really look tired." Loki placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder making sure the blond was looking directly into his emerald green eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment; he thought briefly that perhaps telling Loki about his dreams would be a good idea. Maybe, he could help him figure them out…but, something stopped him.

"Nah, just overly motivate with my missions." Naruto shrugged evading Loki's inquisitive stare. "It's nothing to worry about…dad."

Loki held back his smile, nodded solemnly his head and turned around to make his way to his own room. Naruto stood there for a long time before he too went to sleep.

Inside his room, Loki sighed sitting on the bed with his elbows on his knees holding his face down.

"Did you tell him?" The voice of Itachi reached Loki's ears; he kept his face down, his green eyes glaring at the floor.

"Did it sound as if I told him anything?" Itachi took off his mask and sat on the floor, Loki rolled his eyes sighing shaking his head. "No, I didn't. I couldn't."

"You have to tell him. Soon, they will come for him and he needs to know…" Itachi trailed off the moment Loki turned to him. He felt suddenly cold, pinned to his spot as a green light involved him.

"Do not dare to tell me what I should do with my own son, Itachi." Loki's voice changed at that moment, there was pain and anger there and Itachi understood by the slip of Loki's tongue just how much this meant to the god. "I'll deal with this when the time is right. For now, be ready. We must save Naruto's girlfriend before he finds out about the oncoming attack."

"Whatever happened to 'she is not Naruto's girlfriend'?" Loki stood up rolling his eyes. The moment had passed but neither of them forgot what had just happened.

"Do you really believe there isn't any kind of sentiment there between them?"

"No, both seemed smitten enough with each other for the girlfriend reference to work."

The god of mischief placed a note on top of his bed before going over Itachi. Loki grabbed Itachi and soon enough the both of them disappeared from Naruto's home.

Uchiha Sasuke glared at the trio sitting on the ramen stand. His black eyes gleaming with a mixture of anger and resentment, all of it directed to one person only. Uzumaki Naruto. The young blond who was smiling and joking, flashing around the Hitai-ate on his forehead while enjoying his meal. The moron who dared to have a peaceful life, to not think of anything beyond having fun…the moron who knew his brother.

Sasuke huffed turning around to set his glare on the plate of food in front of him. Suddenly he didn't feel as hungry anymore.

It had been four years.

Four years since he was left alone, since he watched his family being slaughtered by the man with the strange clothes. The man he had heard many referred to as the Lie-Smith. After he woke up he was interrogated, over and over ANBU and the elders of Konoha asked him stupid questions about what had happened. Sasuke told them over and over, the idiots even thought it had been Itachi the one behind the attacks but Sasuke knew better.

The chopsticks he had on his hand broke as Sasuke tightened his hold on them. Putting some money from his pocket, Sasuke threw it on the table and left the restaurant. He heard the voice of Naruto and the black-haired boy couldn't help but feel his resentment grow inside of him.

He tried so hard to speak with the blond after what happened. He tried to make him understand he needed to know whatever his brother may have tell him. Because, of something Sasuke was completely sure, Uzumaki Naruto knew something. Itachi spent most of his time with him so, Uzumaki knew something. He had to! And Sasuke would always look for that one chance to make him speak.

"You look upset." Sasuke stopped suddenly, startled by the sudden interruption, he turned to face the voice and found himself face to face with one of his Academy teachers. Mizuki.

The man smiled at Sasuke, lifting his face towards the direction Sasuke had come from. "You don't seem so found of young Naruto."

Sasuke observed carefully at the man in front of him, frowning he tilted his head not giving an answer for the moment. Mizuki smiled gently at Sasuke, a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"I get it. You know? I don't like him myself." Sasuke lifted an eyebrow, mildly interested in what Mizuki was saying. The man was still staring ahead of him, frowning.

"Naruto is…the kind of person that signifies a menace to everyone around him." Mizuki then shook his head and returned his attention to Sasuke. "But the boy is pretty good, given time he would become a powerful ninja."

"I don't care." Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Why are you telling me all this?"

Mizuki made sure no one was around; he leaned in and whispered in Sasuke's ear.

"Because, if you want to find your brother or the man behind the slaughter of your clan you will have to go after Uzumaki Naruto…"

Naruto turned around confused, he could swear someone was looking at him but once he turned there was no one there.

"What is it?" Shin turned as well looking around before focusing on Naruto.

"I don't know." The blond went back to their former conversation. It had been two weeks since they became official members of the Shinobi corps of Konoha and they were already bored out of their minds with the D missions which was the reason why Yugao got them a C-rank one.

"Anyway, I'm just glad we got a chance to leave the village." Naruto took another sip from his bowl. "Do you know where are they sending us?"

"Nope, not a clue. But, since is a C-rank mission probably some place that has dealings with us. Nothing too dangerous or far away."

"Not too far, indeed." Yugao appeared from behind her students smiling as she sat down beside Sai.

"Yugao-sensei! Are you going to tell us?" Naruto blinked battling his eyelashes to which Yugao merely shook her head amused.

"They're sending us to Sunagakure on an escorting mission." Naruto's eyes opened wide, gleaming with happiness.

"Really? Who are we escorting? A princess? Some important Lord? Who?"

"A scroll." Replied Yugao stealing food from her student's bowls. Naruto looked confused; Shin and Sai narrowed their eyes.

"A scroll?" Repeated Shin.

"You mean, they're sending us on a mailing mission? We're going to be postmen?" Sai commented with his voice low and filled with confusion.

Yugao winked at her students and nodded, "That's right! But, cheer up! If it serves as any consolation…the Hokage wrote the official letter and needs us to take it to Sunagakure promptly."

"But…but…"Started Naruto Yugao raised an eyebrow at him, challenging him to speak back at her.

"Unless you want to keep chasing after Tora the cat…"

"NO!" The three of them answer at the same time. Yugao smirked and ruffled each one of their heads.

"That's the attitude. Go home, rest and be ready at four am on the eastern gate."

Yugao left leaving her students wondering for a moment, then after a prolonged silence Sai spoke first. "Wait, Suna is to the other side…"

"This is so going to be a long walk."


AN: And this is it. What do you think? Some things would be explained in the next chapters but, if you have any doubts you can go ahead and ask me.

Hope you like this chapter and I would really appreciate the comments, critics and opinions!