Disclaimer: I Do not Own Naruto! Damn!

Hey All!!! Chapter 8 is finally out… Little action, much words, but more plots… Read and guess...

Couple of Shout outs!

To Rose Tiger: Hahaha! You got your wish! Naruto will return soon!

To count-zechs00: Glad to see that I can finally surprise u as well! Hahaha! Mmm! Danzo and Madara… Wait and see!

To Shale - Heart of the Pack: Hmmz… Dedicate to Hinata is slightly a bit too much... Naruto is kind of lost in what is deemed to be love. So I can't say I can dedicate it that way…

Alright! Shout outs are over! Now we can finally move on to the story!


Last Chapter:

'Yeah sure. As I was saying, de-gozaru, I last met Naruto-san at……" 596-03 told Kakashi of the last place he met Naruto.

It was going to be a race to find Naruto and bring him back to Konoha!


Chapter 8

-Land of Snow, Publisher's house-

"… So to make things straight, when you last met Naruto… He was over at a village located near the borders of Fire Country and Lightning Country near towards the ocean?" Kakashi questioned 596-03, the ninja courier. He wanted to make sure he had all available information on Naruto whereabouts before rushing to find him. 596-03 agreed with Kakashi, nodding in agreement.

"Hai, de-gozaru." He replied, nodding earnestly.

This is a very important situation. Kakashi thought calmly. If Naruto is alive, that means the two bodies found at the scene must have been Akatsuki… But why didn't Naruto return back to Konoha first? Something must be wrong… Kakashi could only conclude that something serious must be brewing for Naruto to take flight and not return to Konoha. Goosebumps rose all over his body. We must inform Godaime as soon as possible.

Hinata, who during the whole incident, was shocked-still. The news that Naruto was alive has momentarily shocked her. N-Na-Naruto-kun… Naruto-kun is alive… He actually is alive… Hinata stared blankly, amidst all the discussion Kakashi was having with 596-03 about Naruto's last known location. Her head was repeating Naruto's name and alive over and over again. A familiar blush started to appear on her cheeks as her Naruto is alive and that she would finally be able to see him. I can see him… Hinata dreamily thought, oblivious to her surroundings.

She failed to notice Kakashi talking to her, the face mask on his face moving rapidly as he tried to relay information to Hinata. Hinata continued staring ahead, her pupils unfocused on the surroundings. It was until Kakashi placed a worried hand on her shoulder then she realized what was happening around her. Her blush escalated, Hinata tried to cover her blush by placing her hands on her cheeks and lowering her face, mumbling a word of apology to Kakashi.

"A-Ano… Gomen, Kakashi-sensei… I spaced out just now, so I didn't hear what you said. I am sorry." Hinata mumbled, looking up nervously at Kakashi, as if awaiting a reprimand from him.

"Are you alright, Hinata? As I was saying just now… I have gotten the last known location from 596-03 over here. But there is something wrong for Naruto to not return to Konoha when he got the chance to. So my plan is that I am going to send a messenger dog to Godaime to warm her about maybe some impending trouble ahead and that Naruto's alive as well. We, on the other hand, will be tracking Naruto down to try and find him before anything else. I believe that he knows more about the situation than we do currently. Furthermore, we can also bring him back to Konoha." Kakashi said, his worrying gaze on Hinata changing to one deep in thought about the plans he had made.

"Hai, Kakashi-sensei. I think that is the best of choice as well." Hinata agreed, pushing aside her thoughts of Naruto for the moment. I cannot get lost in my thoughts again… Now that I know Naruto-kun is alive, I must do all that I can to bring him back… Losing myself to my thoughts will not be able to do just that… Hinata focused on the plan on hand with fierce determination.

Kakashi immediately brought a kunai to his palm and made a slight cut drawing blood from it. Forming hand seals with practiced ease, Kakashi placed his cut palm and called out, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu! (Summoning Technique)" Words appeared around Kakashi's hand, before disappearing into a 'poof' of white smoke. The white smoke cleared, revealing a rather petite pug wearing a Konoha headband and dressed in blue clothes. When the dog spoke, it spoke with a deep and gruff voice.

"Yeah? What do you need me for, Kakashi?" the dog regarded his summoner with questioning eyes. He took a glance at Hinata before calling out. "Oh hello there, Hinata. Didn't see you just now."

"We have no time to waste, Pakkun. I need you to travel as fast as you can to Konoha and pass a message to Godaime. I need you to let her know that we found the mysterious author and that person is Naruto-kun." Kakashi paused as he saw the eyes of his summon grew wide with shock before he continued. "Also, I need you to let Godaime know that she has to be on her guard at all times when we are not yet back. We are going off to find Naruto. Tell Godaime to be on high alert at all times. Konoha is currently at its weakest and we can't afford to let anything happen to it now."

That got Pakkun's attention as he shook his head from his reverie, looking at Kakashi. "What is going on, Kakashi? What made you say that?"

"I can't say much at this point of time, Pakkun. But if Naruto was alive all these time, why didn't he come back to Konoha? It doesn't make any sense at all. I believe that something is going on and I need you to alert Godaime as soon as possible. Please." Kakashi stood up, looking at Pakkun.

"Mmm… Right… Ok. I guess I better be on my way now. Don't worry about it; I will get there as fast as I can." The dog turned before running off. Wow! Naruto's alive! I wonder what they are going to make of it when I get back! Pakkun thought to himself as he began his trek towards Konoha.

Kakashi looked at his summon leave for a minute before turning to look at the waiting Hinata. He could feel the impatience radiating off her, as if wanting to hurry search and find Naruto. He too felt the same way. It has been too long, Naruto… We are coming to find you now… "Right… Shall we begin on ours now, Hinata? I believe we have quite a long way to go." He asked, already knowing the answer.

"Hai, Kakashi-sensei." Hinata said, never pausing or stuttering in her words. She couldn't wait to move off and begin the search for Naruto. Naruto-kun… She thought. We are coming to find you now…

Both shinobis said their farewells to 596-03 and Misashi, the publisher, before turning and heading towards the location 596-03 had shown Kakashi on the map. Speed was of the essence and they were already running on borrowed time. There were too many possibilities that by the time they reached there, Naruto would be nowhere there to be found. Still, they had to try and follow every plausible clue that could be found.


-Outskirts of Konoha, many, many miles away in the forests-

Kisame stood amidst the barren, water-soaked land surrounding him, looking at the scene around him. The ground was soaking wet, as if the place had rained heavily without stop for the last few days. Torn tree trunks lay about in haphazard fashion, littering the barren lands. Several trees were uprooted whilst others simply looked as if they were ripped into half by some unknown force. Nothing in the scene seems to offer evidence of a natural disaster, instead it hinted of a place that was recently used as a battlefield. Scorched earth could be seen, indicating use of explosives, whilst some parts of the ground seemed to cave in mysteriously, showing huge impact on its last indication.

Kisame simply stood there, taking in the scene of battle with great pleasure. He grinned widely, showing his sharp, triangular teeth. He then turned his gazed to his outstretched arm, where his fist held a person's head. The person was a few feet above the ground. He tried to free himself from Kisame's vice grip but seemed unable to do much effect. Omoi was struggling to escape Kisame's grip. But with the amounts of severe injuries he suffered at the hands of his opponent, all he could do was flop his arms around uselessly. Omoi's arms were drenched in his own blood, his chest and back and right leg bleeding profusely as well, showing places where Kisame's Samehada 'cuts' had taken place. Omoi knew he was dying, but refused to give up that notion just yet.

"Heh. I see you have a lot more spunk left in you, boy. You can put that energy to good use by saving it you know. After all, you are not going anywhere just yet. Not until you answer my question." Kisame grinned like a madman. His features displayed no signs of the battle that he just had with Omoi, whereas Omoi was breathing heavily from both the loss of blood and chakra. "All that I asked was what are you guys doing here so near to Konoha, and the whereabouts of your fellow shinobi, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

Omoi spat angrily at Kisame, eyes burning with hatred as he stared holes into the blue Akatsuki member. "I am not going to say a single word, Akatsuki scum. Neither will my teammates do so as well. You guys can go to hell."

"Well is that so?" Kisame grin grew even wider, smiling evilly at his victim in front of him. He tightened his grip, squeezing Omoi's head harder, causing Omoi to let out an involuntary cry of pain. "All I am asking is a few simple honest questions, that's all. And don't worry about your female friends; Zetsu will take care of them better than I do you. Now, I don't really care why you are here, but I would really like to know where the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki is. If you answer me honestly, I may just let you live." He released his grip slightly, allowing Omoi to reply.

Omoi breathed heavily as he felt his head almost explode. The pain was almost unbearable. He couldn't believe that this Akatsuki member had simply overwhelmed him in terms of strength and power. He trusted his other teammates with his life, but judging from this man's power, Omoi couldn't help but feel that the other Akatsuki member, the Venus flytrap guy, was equally good and that his teammates were more or less dead. Still, if he were to die, he would never betray any of his comrades, including his sensei.

"I don't know where Kirābī-sensei is. And even if I did, I will never tell you, you stupid sushi! Damn you to hell!" Omoi spluttered out, his eyes staring at Kisame's small pupils with defiance. He knew his fate was sealed the moment he spoke those words, but damn if he was ever going to show a shred of fear to his assailant.

"Well thank you very much, kid. You just gave me two clues. One, your country doesn't know where he is since you do not know that as well. Two, you are the student of the Eight-Tail Jinchuriki, and Kirābī is his name. Well, since I have what I need to know, I guess I won't need you anymore." Omoi's eyes widened in shock. He had unknowingly revealed his country's ignorance and the Jinchuriki's name.

Kisame grinned proudly as he saw the look on Omoi's face had changed from one of anger and defiance, to one of shock and despair. Heh! Stupid boy! Not that great anymore, huh! Kisame thought evilly. He decided to end the boy's life quickly since he had compromised on his answer. The boy did not exactly give the answer, but instead unwittingly said it. Still smiling, Kisame looked at the boy with gleeful eyes. His hand that was holding Omoi's head simply squeezed shut, forming a fist, before opening his hand again.

The skull cracking and caving in, Omoi's head popped like a tomato, spraying red liquid and gray matter all over the ground, some of them still oozing out from Kisame's fist. As Kisame opened up his fist, Omoi's lifeless body flopped down towards the ground, rapidly forming a puddle of red liquid all over the remains of gray matter decorated on the floor. It was a horrible and sickening sight, one that would even make the bravest of men quail and shudder in horror. However, to Kisame, it was like a cartoon to him. He liked the bloodshed and the depravity in it. Bringing his hand towards his face, he licked off the remains of Omoi's brain with great relish.

Omoi's body suddenly shuddered, before it was slowly devoured by a strange, huge Venus flytrap that was slowly emerging from the ground below it. Kisame took no notice to the scene unfolding in front of him. He had seen it many times and it had no effect on him. The Venus, flytrap fully emerged, showing the figure of Zetsu. There was no indication of Omoi being at Konoha at all, except for the pool of blood and gray bits of matter that was left.

"Apparently, Kumogakure doesn't know the whereabouts of their Jinchuriki as well. Oh, the Jinchuriki was also this team's leader as well. A bit too weak, if you ask me." Kisame commented as he looked at his partner, Zetsu. "How about the girls? Did you gain anything from them?"

"Nothing much. Just about the same. But one of the girls had a letter to deliver to Konoha." Black Zetsu sullenly said.

"It's from the Raikage. About a meeting of all five Kages to meet and discuss about what to do with us!" White Zetsu cheerily added.

"Yes. It seems like trouble is brewing. Madara-sama must be notified at once." Black Zetsu replied.

"What about the Raikage? Since we intercepted Konoha's letter, what do we do about this?" Kisame casually asked, stretching his neck. How he hated thinking, he would rather just follow someone and just kill, kill, kill.

"A prank! A prank!" White Zetsu cried out happily, before dissolving into fits of laughing giggles.

"Silence!" Black Zetsu silenced his alter ego. "Yes… A plan is all that we need… I have a plan Kisame… To get rid of the Raikage and maybe preventing this meeting from happening at all…" Black Zetsu smirked evilly as his white counterpart giggled as well. A plan had been made and is being formulated. Kisame simply listened as Zetsu laid out the plan for him.

Wind blew, scattering the leaves of the fallen trees around them. Carrion birds flew overhead, waiting for the opportunity to sneak in and pick on the remains of Omoi, before circling the air again. The ground slowly soaked up the red liquid on it. Night slowly came as all trace of battle except for the barren wasteland slowly faded. The two Akatsuki members that were discussing about their plans had left.


-3 weeks ago, before Icha Icha Goodbye was produced-

Naruto walked down the path towards the ocean, feeling the hint of sea breeze that was stirring just beyond him. It was soon time for him to return home to Konoha, hence he wanted to enjoy as much as he could at the ocean. The trees started to thin down, indicating the end of his journey, showing hints of the ocean and the beach. It was a bright and clear day today compared to the other days when Naruto was doing his training.

A feeling of elation filled him when Hanzo had finally proclaimed him to be trained to the maximum. However, unbeknownst to Naruto, Hanzo felt that Naruto could not learn anymore from him already. Naruto has surpassed him in all aspects of his teachings with a greater capacity to learn much more. His large unusual chakra system : An after effect from the mixing of his own already-large chakra with the remnants of the Kyuubi's chakra to form a potent lavender chakra color, coupled with the Rinnegan, has given him the ability to reproduce high levels of trainings within a short span of time. Already, his sparring with Hanzo was slowly becoming a warm up exercise for him and it didn't really help much when Rin joined in the fray.

Naruto felt surprised when Hanzo told him that his training was going to be over soon and that he would be able to go back home to Konoha. He had expected more from Hanzo because of the years he spent with Jiraya was longer. He hadn't exactly realized how potent his Rinnegan was, but he knew to a certain extent that he could rise to greater heights than he used to be. However, he felt the weight of responsibility rest on his shoulders when Hanzo had explained to him all about the prophecy and that he was the destined one. That was one of the reasons Naruto has come to relinquish the walk towards the ocean. It helped to clear his mind and also let him think through his thoughts.

Whenever he had the time and energy at night to move about after training, he would spend some time, wandering down the trail. A calm melancholy always took over him, as he pondered over the future and his actions that he would take. Sometimes, he felt like he was the cause of everything that had happened and regretted the day his father, Minato Namikaze, had sealed the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox Kyuubi inside him. He knew the reasons why his dad had to do it, but still, he had disliked it. Somehow, he always found the courage to stand up and face that fear, knowing that if he were to ever give in to despair and regret, he would never be able to protect the people he wanted to see so dearly.

This time though, Naruto did not think about these thoughts. Right now, he felt elated with the news that Hanzo will be bringing Naruto back to Konoha soon. Hanzo felt it was time for Naruto to return to the Leaf Village so that he could reveal his survival and also at the same time warn Konoha about the impending threat towards them. Rin was happy to finally return back to Konoha, but a part of her felt scared and uncertain if she should return at all. She was 'dead', and her facade that she had preserved for so long would be exposed, marking her as a dishonored kunoichi. Naruto had coaxed Rin, telling her that he would take responsibility and protect her, claiming that when he returns to Konoha, he will become the sixth Hokage and change Konoha. It had slightly eased Rin's uneasiness, and she felt a bit excited that she might be able to see Kakashi again.

Naruto reached the end of the path, seeing the endless ocean ahead of him. Tiny hermit crabs wandered along the shore, searching for food. Seagulls hunted along the coast, preying on unsuspecting fishes that were carelessly swimming within sight. The sea breeze blew, ruffling Naruto's golden blonde hair. He felt tiny droplets of water on his face as he took in a deep breath and inhale the sight in front of him. It was one of the greatest sights he has ever seen, and he would carefully store it deep within his mind.

As Naruto stared at the enthralling waves, the picture of his teacher, Jiraya, popped into his mind. He smiled at that thought. I wonder where you are now Ero-sennin… Naruto thought. I hope that you are with Sandaime Ojii-san enjoying both your perverted lives in another world… You taught me so many things, and I will never forget them… Becoming your student, becoming a summoner of the toads, without them I would have never been what I am today… Naruto frowned at that last thought. Toads… Wait a minute! I haven't even summoned any of them for the past few months… I wonder how they have been… Naruto absentmindedly shrugged. Oh well, no time like the present to call them…

Naruto formed a few hand seals before biting the tip of his right thumb, drawing blood from it. Placing his right hand on the ground, he shouted, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu! (Summoning Technique)" White smoke enveloped around Naruto, slowly dissipating to reveal two HUGE toads, their backs facing Naruto. One was red wearing a blue vest on its body, with purple markings on its eyes and stomach. The other toad was yellow in color, orange markings on its eyes and stomach, sporting the same blue vest as his summoned partner.

"I told you already, niichan! Naruto's alive! If not how can we be summoned here at all? Hi, Naruto…?" The yellow toad squeaked out in a slightly high pitch voice, a sharp contrast compared to his humongous size. He looked around, trying to find whoever had just summoned them. Just then, a flying insect buzzed past, which the yellow toad immediately had its attention fixated to it, oblivious to its previous thought.

"And I told you that Naruto is dead, Gamatatsu! Ma told us before she left Konoha that they had found evidence of Naruto's death! Now, who was the one that summoned us?" The red toad retorted, looking around for the summoner as well. "And I was so close to getting a date some more…" the toad mumbled under his breath.

Naruto sweat-dropped at the conversation he heard and the mumbled comment Gamakichi had just made. Coughing loudly to gain their attention, he spoke, "Hello guys… Long time no see eh? Heh…" He smirked as the toads turned around with visible shock on their faces as they heard and saw the person who was standing behind them all along.

"Na-Naruto Y-Yo! We were just talking about you! You're alive!" Gamakichi stuttered in surprise. Trying to mask his surprise, he turned to regard his younger brother, Gamatatsu. "I told you he was alive, stupid!"

"Naruto! Welcome back! Do you have a snack?" Gamatatsu squeaked the same time Gamakichi said his hello. Turning to face his older brother, Gamatatsu said, "but that was not what you just said earlier, niisan! You said he was…. Mmppff!!" Gamatatsu was suddenly cut short in his argument with his brother as a red paw was over his mouth, smothering his words.

"Enough talk for now, Gamatatsu! H-Hey Naruto! How come you are still alive? Ma said you died during the fight against Pein…" Gamakichi said panicky. Whispering under his breath for only Gamatatsu to hear, "I will give you some snacks when we return. Just don't say anything!" He released his grip on Gamatatsu's mouth when he saw Gamatatsu visibly shake his head eagerly, the thoughts of snacks in his mind.

"Yeah, Naruto-niichan. How did you come back alive?" Gamatatsu himself was also partially interested in Naruto's survival. After all, Naruto was the one that brought him to this world and showed confidence in him when others had failed to do so. From then onwards Gamatatsu respected Naruto.

"Well… It's kind of a very long story… Guess we have the time to explain…" Naruto sat down on the edge of the beach beside the two toads. He looked back and thought as his memories slowly flowed out, a sad melancholy drifting over him. "It all started after I had been pinned down by Pein during the fight…" Naruto began as he told his story to the two enthralled toads.

"-and when I came to, I found myself with Rin-neesan and Hanzo-ojiisan. From then on, I started my training with Hanzo-ojiisan and Rin-neesan." Naruto ended his speech, turning his head to glance at the two toads, their eyes both showing surprise and uneasiness.

"So… That means you have lost the Kyuubi inside you but instead gained the eyes of the Rinnegan from Nagato, and now you are training to prevent this prophecy about the end of the world?" Gamakichi, being the smarter of the two, had summarized everything within one sentence.

"Um… Yes… That is about it I think." Naruto agreed, after thinking about his own words that he had said.

"I think you had better summon Pops, Naruto. And Ma as well I think. They might be able to help you out with some advice. They are also worried about you, especially Pops. Ma came back with news that you were gone, but Pops somehow didn't believe. Don't let him know I said that though." Gamakichi spoke. Gamabunta had indeed been worried, absentmindedly doing stuff when he was in Myobokuzan, Toad Land. Gamatatsu nodded in agreement with Gamakichi, adding his two cents worth of agreement as well.

Naruto nodded as he once again performed the Summoning jutsu, calling on Gamabunta and Shima in the process. The white smoke cleared away, revealing a very GIGANTIC toad, wearing a blue jacket with the kanji word 'ebi' on the back, a scar on his left eye. Smoke puffed out from its mouth as it held a huge smoke pipe, puffing from it. A second toad stood on its head, smaller than even Gamakichi, about the size of a baby child. It looked female in appearance, draped in a black cloak and had curly hair growing on the top of its head. Both saw the person who had summoned them before their eyes opened wide in shock.

"Naruto!" Both cried in unison, glad that Naruto had somehow made it alive. Naruto couldn't be gladder than ever to see both of them so well and alive. But when he looked at Shima, a look of sadness came over him. Pein had killed her husband, Fukasaku. Still now was not the time for regrets and pity as both newly summoned toads were now demanding answers from Naruto. It was some time later before Naruto finally finished regaling his story once again.

By then, night was slowly approaching, the sun slowly setting down. Shima stared into the distance, gazing into the depths of the ocean. She had believed all hope was lost when she heard Naruto's death, mourning for both her husband and Naruto's death. However, the one who she believed was the prophesized boy was well and alive in front of her. It gave her hope. Finally she gained the courage to speak. "Naruto, I mourned for you when I was told that you were dead. I didn't want to believe that it was over for you. Now… To see you here alive is truly something that I am grateful for. Pa and Jiraya both gave their life for you and because of that; I had my hopes entrusted in you as well."

Naruto couldn't exactly make out the meaning in what Ma was saying but shrugged it off. He knew she had undergone a great deal and that she too had placed her hopes on Naruto as well. He would make them proud. All of them.

"One more thing, Naruto. Jiraya wanted me to pass you something but I had totally forgotten during the confusion. Now that you are here, I guess it is time I gave it to you now." Gamabunta added in after Shima had spoken, browsing through his jacket. He took out a scroll, about the size of Naruto's forearm length. "Use your blood to unseal it. Jiraya wanted you to have it when he passed away." Everyone gathered around Naruto as he unsealed the scroll that he was just given by Gamabunta. Sealed within the scroll was a set of notes, an album.

Curiously as to what the album was, Naruto flipped it opened looking at its contents. He found that it was a photo album, the first page showing a picture of his cheery father, Minato, his hands placed around the waist of a pregnant lady. She had flowing long red hair, beautiful wide green eyes, and she was smiling so sweetly next to Minato. "M-Mum…?" Naruto stuttered as he looked at the woman in the picture. Somewhere deep within him, Naruto knew that the female inside the picture was her mother, and it made his heart clench tight. Flipping through the other pages, he could see pictures of his parents when they were young, and some of Jiraya's as well. He felt tears welling up inside him as he continued flipping.

A piece of paper fell out from one of the pages that he was flipping through. Naruto looked at it and saw that it was a letter addressed to him somehow. Hesitantly, he slowly picked it up and opened the envelope, removing the letter from inside and read it slowly, his tears that were earlier beginning to form now flowing down the sides of his face as he read.


The letter wrote:

Dear Naruto,

If you are reading this now, it means that I have lost the fight with Pein and that I have died, obviously. I want you to know that you are the most loudmouth, irritating, hyperactive shinobi I have ever met. And it reminded of me as well, because I used to be like one too when I was your age. You may not be the best now, but I can see it in you that you will grow up to be better than anyone of the Hokages in Konoha. You're Will of Fire that is in you is burning ever so brightly, and I can see that. No matter what happens in life, walk forward and face the future with the same courage and determination that I have seen in you all this while.

Inside this scroll, I wanted to give it to you when the time is right, when you have found yourself a girlfriend, hehe. Inside is a photo album, containing pictures of your father and mother, and some of mine as well. I never ever told you this but I am you Godfather. That name of yours came from a book of mine that both your parents had agreed on. Your dad, Minato Namikaze, was the one that chose it though, hahaha. Your mum, Kushina Uzumaki, just agreed, loving the sound of it. They were the best parents one could ever have, and I am sorry that you had to lose both of them at such a young age. Please do not hold a grudge on them, because they had their duties to perform during this whole time. Still, this photo album is meant for you, so that you may be able to see them when they were young.

Hey kid, one more thing… If I were to really die, as stated in this letter, it would make you the only summoner left of the toads. You are now the holder of the toad contract and as such, it is your duty to find another worthy person that would take over the mantle of the holder of the contract when you too pass away. Train the next generation well, my godson. Make me proud. You have this special power inside you to make people want to believe in you and walk with you. I'm sorry i cannot tell more about your parents about you earlier. I would if i could, but now, i think its a bit too late to regret it.

Jiraya.

P.S: Oh by the way, could you help me publish this final copy of Icha series if I die? Had no time. Thanks


Naruto read the letter, feeling heartbroken, yet happy at the same time. He had finally met his mother, and had found out her name. "Kushina Uzumaki… Kaa-san…" Naruto softly whispered under his breath, smiling at the beautiful woman that was staring back at him in the pictures. Slowly, Naruto flipped through each of the pictures, looking at his parents once again. His tears started to flow down even more, he was trembling uncontrollably.

Shima was the one to break the ensuing silence that was in the air. "I think we better go now," she spoke to the other toads. "Naruto needs some time alone to sort out his stuff." Both and she and Gamabunta took their leave and puffed into white smoke.

Gamakichi stayed behind longer looking at Naruto. He finally spoke, "Take care, Naruto. There are people in Konoha that still love you. Remember that. C'mon, Gamatatsu, it's time to go. See ya, Naruto." Before disappearing with his brother into a cloud of white smoke.

Naruto cried alone that night. He stayed up late into the night, looking at the starry darkness above him at the beach. He thought about his father, mother and more importantly, his godfather Jiraya. He never really understood a parents' love, but knew that it was going to be something like the caring Jiraya gave him during some times. He only experienced Jiraya's love as a godfather and he was grateful for it. Still, he was already a grownup; he had to be strong to protect the ones he loved this time.

Sakura-chan… Tsunade-obaa-chan… Kakashi-sensei… Everyone in Konoha… I will be strong and protect them… Naruto thought fiercely, his eyes shining bright despite the tears that still flowed from it. A picture of a lavender girl came across his mind as well. The girl that had gave her life up to protect him. Hinata-chan… I will come home soon… Wait for me… Slowly, Naruto stood, holding the set of script papers and the photo album in his arms. He trudged back to the house slowly, thoughts filling his mind as he thought of his future ahead of him.

It was almost time to go home.


-Deep inside the caves-

"We have our orders." A red haired girl with red eyes wearing spectacles walked into the room. She was wearing a black cloak with white cloud markings that covered most of her skin, only sometimes flashing a bit of skin with bite marks on it. She was looking at the man in front of her, a pale skinned guy who wore the same cloak as her with a purple Shimenawa belt tied on his waist. Strapped behind his back was a simple black katana. Raising his onyx eyes to meet the girls red eyes, the male slowly spoke.

"What is it, Karin?" the male lazily spoke. Two guys walked into the room to join both of the Akatsuki members. Both of them sported the same Akatsuki cloaks as Karin and the male inside. One had a huge katana strapped to his back, a thick blade with a hole at its tip. He sported white hair and was grinning slightly at the man. The other person who entered the room as well was very tall, and had short, spiky, orange hair. He was constantly muttering to himself under his breath, glancing around in a slightly quirky fashion before staring at the male in front of Karin.

"We are to head to Amegakure there, Sasuke." Suigetsu sneered. "Finally, we can have some fun. I was getting bored in here. Jugo here as well needs some excitement if not who knows what might happen if he lost control over himself here? Plus, I think there is another Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist there. I can finally get another sword." Suigetsu gestured at Jugo, who stared down at him in annoyance and anger.

Sasuke stood up slowly from the chair that he was sitting in, staring at the trio in front of him. My team… Not yours Tobi… He thought for a moment, before speaking. "I have no issues with Amegakure. My only target is Konoha. I never told Tobi that we would follow Akatsuki's orders." He stared at the three who had thought themselves proud of being Akatsuki, one of the elite and most powerful groups in the Shinobi world. He continued, "But… Tobi has promised us power before the year ends, so I think little thanks is needed here. We shall go to Amegakure."

The die was thrown for Amegakure. The team walked out of the cave, making their way to Amegakure, which lay across the horizon.


END!

Hahaha!! Chapter 8 is out! But it's not really much I supposed... Just a few more plots to throw into the story. Make it more interesting...

FINALLY!! Naruto is coming back to Konoha! But Hinata is out SEARCHING for Naruto! Will they ever meet? Hahaha!! Find out next story! Or maybe next Next Chapter!! ^^

Alright!! PLs PLs PLs!! Read and Review if you will! A little encouragement goes a long way you know! Cheerio!