Chapter 9

"…Can you understand…?"

The voice seemed much clearer now. He could pinpoint the exact location it was coming from. He could also see a little better. He appeared to be on some sort of long walkway which stretched for several yards. A path, perhaps? Maybe that was why he could hear water…there must be a creek or a river nearby. But where was this place, exactly?

"…Not being needed…"

He peered through the distorted scenery and again made out the outline of the figure. He ran toward it, with more purpose this time. Still, he seemed to not cover much ground, as the figure remained at a distance. Slowly, however, he approached the source of the voice, and the figure became closer.

"Tell me what you're saying!" He called out, more firmly than he had before.

"…The most painful thing…"

"What!? What is the most painful thing!?" He was yelling in anger now, still getting closer to the boy. He was now within arm's reach, but the fog (was that what it was?) became heavier, completely masking the boy's features. Reaching out, he grabbed the boy's shoulders, and pulled…

Naruto bolted upright out of his bed, only to be met with increased pressure to his temples. He closed his eyes and groaned in frustration as he swung his legs onto the floor. It was just another dream. Why are they affecting me so much?

He showered and ate breakfast. In the middle of washing the dishes he heard a knock at the door. Who could that be? I'm not expecting Sakura-chan today…

Opening the door, he was met by a tall, burly man with long white hair. "Hey, Naruto! Good to see you up and about!" Jiraiya flashed a grin as he invited himself in.

Naruto yawned lazily. "Oh. 'Morning, Jiraiya-sama." He said as he walked back to the kitchen. And good to see you use the door for once, and not a giant toad.

The sannin stopped, frowned for a second, then smiled again. "What? No ero-sennin?" He said jokingly. "Well, I mean…not that I mind, of course…" he added, somewhat unconvincingly.

Sitting down on the couch, Jiraiya moved a finger absently over an adjacent end-table and gazed at it. "Wow, so you really cleaned up the place, eh? I must say, I'm impressed. Seems you've had a lot of free time on your hands."

Naruto had finished washing the dishes and was drying his hands with a towel. "Seems like you do too, seeing as you've come to visit and make small talk."

The sannin picked up on the hint. "Alright, you want to know why I'm really here? Well, it turns out that talks with the council have continued even after your trial. Apparently they're at a loss as to what to do with you…"

"Since they didn't kill me?"

Jiraiya ignored him and continued. "Now that you're no longer a ninja, you have no source of income. The council—being the arrogant penny-pinchers they are (he added under his breath)—refuse to put you on any sort of welfare program. However, they have agreed to allow you to seek employment. Although your choices will be limited—you still won't be allowed to leave the village and your house arrest sentence still applies when you aren't working—you'll still be able to provide for yourself."

Although he was listening politely, there was little change in Naruto's expression. It wasn't quite the reaction Jiraiya had been hoping for.

"And that's not all," he continued. "I talked to old man Teuchi down at Ichiraku Ramen, and he said he'd be happy to give you a job, since you've been such a loyal customer all these years. It wouldn't be much…you'd probably start as a dish washer, but you'd be working at your favorite restaurant. You can start as early as tomorrow."

Naruto was silent for a moment as he took in this information. Finally, he looked back up at the sannin. "That sounds great. Thanks for looking into this, Jiraiya-sama."

The blonde smiled, but it didn't satisfy the older man. This wasn't the classic Naruto smile he had seen and gotten used to. It seemed…empty.

As Naruto got up to walk back to his room, he heard Jiraiya's voice behind him. "Dammit, Naruto, what's wrong with you? You got Sakura back, you escaped from Orochimaru alive, and you don't have to deal with the demon anymore. Why are you acting so different?"

He turned and saw the sannin frowning at him, a mixture of irritation and confusion on his face. "Is this about being decommissioned? Surely you knew there would be consequences for your actions. You're dense at times, but you're not stupid."

Despite his former mentor's obvious frustration, Naruto sat back down and spoke calmly. "No, Jiraiya-sama. For the first time in my life, there's nothing wrong. I'm free from all of that crap I had to put up with for being a shinobi, and being the kyuubi container, even trying to get Sakura-chan to…" he paused and shook his head, sighing softly. "All that stuff is in the past now. Hopefully, over time people will forget that I ever was a ninja, and I can live a normal life. I am grateful for all your help, Jiraiya-sama—really, I am, but it's time that I moved on."

Stop calling me Jiraiya-sama! It's…not right! He yelled inwardly. He remained composed outwardly, however, finally nodding in resignation. "Alright, if you say so. I suppose I just have to get used to this change, too." He got up and walked to the door. "I have to go to a meeting with the Hokage, but I'll let Teuchi know you've accepted his offer."

Naruto nodded in reply as the sannin opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. He stood for a moment in hesitation, then spoke with his back still turned to his former student. "What you want to do with your life is your choice, Naruto. I think you deserve that after all the decisions that have been made for you in the past. But in the two and a half years that I trained you, one thing always seemed clear, until now…"

He sensed no movement behind him, but he knew Naruto was there listening, even if he did not react to his words. Jiraiya couldn't help but smile sadly as he continued.

"…I never got the impression that the 'normal life' suited you."


A soft snow fell in the mountains of Fire Country. The stillness in the air served to further mask the presence of the shinobi in a large cave carved out of the rock on the side of a steep cliff, its entrance covered by a massive boulder. There, the leader of the Akatsuki organization stood and waited. He was alone except for one other; a woman with long hair and a single flower resting just above her ear, wearing the same cloak adorned with red clouds.

"Zetsu should be arriving any time now with the report," the leader spoke.

The woman nodded in acknowledgement, but remained silent.

"You're probably wondering why I called you here alone," he continued. "It's because I have a mission for you. It will be a solo mission, one that only you have the capability to accomplish. Do you wish to hear it?"

The woman looked up at her superior. "Of course," she consented, her silvery voice soft yet sharp.

The leader studied her for a second, as if looking for a sign of uncertainty. Finally, he nodded, apparently satisfied. "Very well. I want you to shadow Uchiha Itachi."

The woman's reaction was unreadable, as her expression remained the same upon hearing his words.

"You obviously know why you are the only one proficient enough to do this mission. Because your abilities are so valuable to our organization and coveted by enemies, you have developed extraordinary skills in stealth. You can remain hidden better than anyone else in this organization. Zetsu might be an excellent tracker, but the sharingan can sense his presence. You on the other hand, have the ability to elude even the eyes of an Uchiha, making you the ideal choice."

"Might I ask for what purpose I am doing this?" The woman inquired.

"I have noticed Itachi has been acting…not himself as of late. The difference has been subtle, but enough to be of concern. You have likely realized by now that putting full trust in a shinobi such as Itachi is a foolish mistake. Despite the fact he has so far acted in this organization's best interests, a member of such a powerful clan is bound to have ulterior motives."

"I agree, but you have any idea what these motives might be?"

"None. However, that is where you come in. Look for anything suspicious about how he behaves, where he goes, or what he does. Report all that you see to me, so that I might come to a decision as to his future in Akatsuki. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

"Good. I don't think I need to advise you of this, but keep extreme caution. It is doubtless that Itachi will not hesitate to kill you if he finds out what's going on."

The leader's voice lowered to a softer, less authoritative tone. "I wouldn't be asking you to do this if I didn't think you could, Hantaisha. You are an important part of this organization. Be assured that your actions will not be in vain."

"I am assured, Senpai. Thank you for your support."

Another figure materialized in front of them. The leader turned and addressed the newcomer. "What news, Zetsu?"

"Three out of the four members are returning: Itachi, Kisame, and Tobi," he answered, his deep, raspy voice echoing throughout the cave. "The jinchuuriki is not with them."

The leader's eyes narrowed. "I see. Inform the others that we will meet in four days to commence sealing of the Gobi. We must press on despite this…disappointment."

Zetsu nodded as his form dissipated. The leader looked back at Hantaisha. "Even now, his failure only increases my suspicion. You are dismissed. Your mission starts now."

"Yes, Senpai." She raised two fingers as her shadowy figure melted into the darkness


"It would appear that we have underestimated this new jinchuuriki."

Tobi broke the silence between the three men as they sprinted back through the forest toward the mountains. His arm hung in a makeshift sling and his shoulder was heavily bandaged, covering the wound where Sasuke had stabbed him with Kusanagi. Kisame turned and scowled at him.

"It would also appear that you are out of your league, weakling. I'm still amazed that the boy didn't kill you. He certainly had plenty of opportunity to do so, since you were constantly stumbling over yourself like a clumsy little genin."

"Speak for yourself, Kisame-san," Tobi chuckled. "When was the last time you had that sword of yours sharpened?"

The blue-skinned man growled and reached back to grasp Samehada's hilt, but another voice stopped him.

"That's enough," Itachi spoke, his normally emotionless voice was now edged with impatience. "Both of you failed today, but there are more important issues to be dealt with."

"What sort of issues?" Kisame asked curiously.

Before the Uchiha could answer, something emerged from a tree directly in front of them. The three stopped and faced the figure with a half-black, half-white head surrounded by two large, jagged leaves.

"I trust you have already relayed our position to the leader, Zetsu?" Itachi asked indifferently.

The grass-nin did not acknowledge his words. "I have been asked to pass along the information that we will convene in four days to seal the Gobi. Don't be late."

He disappeared back into the tree. "Well, he didn't seem too happy," Tobi observed, evident sarcasm in his voice.

"It is expected that the leader will be displeased with our lack of progress," Itachi replied. "But that is a trivial matter. In any case, I see no reason to return right away, since we have five days before the next meeting. Kisame, do you need my assistance in capturing the Shibi?

Kisame shook his head. "Unlikely. My target jinchuuriki is an old hermit who lives near Ame. There shouldn't be any trouble."

"Good. You can proceed on your own then—Tobi as well. We will meet again when it is time to seal the Gobi."

"Where will you be going?" Tobi inquired.

Itachi looked over his shoulder as he began walking in another direction. "I must recover something for the organization. It is of no consequence to you right now."

He jumped up into the trees and quickly disappeared from their sight. The masked man scratched his head. "Well, what am I supposed to do?"

Kisame grunted irritably. "I don't know…maybe you should train."

Tobi shrugged. "Y'know, that actually sounds like a good idea, since I already did my work for the organization." He glanced at Kisame and waved his hand as if to shoo him away. "You should get going Kisame-san. That jinchuuriki isn't going to capture itself."

He laughed as he turned to walk away, only to be yanked back violently by a blue hand. The Kiri swordsman's glare bore into Tobi as he gripped his cloak. "I suggest you watch your mouth, kid. Deidara might have put up with your shit, but if you cross me again, you won't have any more arms to break. Got it?"

Tobi held up his hand in resignation. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry."

Kisame shoved him to the ground, releasing him from his grasp, and turned to head west, still grumbling under his breath. Tobi got up and dusted himself off, straightening his robes and bringing his hand up absently to touch his mask.

That was close. I guess I overdid it that time.


Jiraiya walked into the Hokage's office to find Tsunade, Gai, Shikamaru, Yamato, Ibiki, Shizune, Kakashi, and assorted members of ANBU had already gathered. He stared at the silver-haired jounin perplexedly. "Kakashi, why are you--"

"I told him the meeting was going to start two hours ago," Tsunade answered his unfinished inquiry.

"Ah."

Tsunade glanced over at the dark-haired chuunin leaning against the window behind her desk. "Shikamaru, I trust you've been adequately caught up on everything involving Naruto, the demon fox, and Akatsuki?"

He nodded, a slight hint of melancholy present in his usually bored expression. He had been only the fourth in his generation to learn of the secret that Naruto had harbored, and now had given up. The Hokage had felt it necessary to tell him, as he needed as much knowledge as possible to fully grasp the situation at hand.

The Hokage turned and addressed all those present. "I've called you all here because there have been some developments involving Uchiha Sasuke, the new nine-tails jinchuuriki. Jiraiya, please fill everyone in."

Jiraiya took a small scroll out of his pocket and opened it. "I've received information that there has been a clash between Sasuke and certain members of Akatsuki. Apparently, Akatsuki intercepted him and Orochimaru while they were en route to Kumo. This occurred two days ago, so they've likely reached their destination by now."

"So Akatsuki failed to capture him?" Shikamaru asked.

Jiraiya nodded. "It would seem so. Either Orochimaru held them off himself, or Sasuke has taken considerable advantage of the kyuubi's chakra. Given Sasuke's already impressive abilities and Orochimaru's confidence in his 'subjects,' I would think the latter is the more likely case."

"But why would he go to Kumo?" Kakashi wondered. "Given their political situation, they haven't made many friends lately, but even then, they have considerable military power, which is what has allowed them to be so self-sustaining. Orochimaru would need a good bargaining chip in order to gain asylum."

"The information extracted from the prisoners has shed some light in that area," Morino Ibiki, Konoha's head interrogator, spoke up. "Orochimaru has been offering his…services to Kumo's shinobi. He has been providing them drugs and performing experiments in order to enhance their abilities. This would explain why Team 7 had so much difficulty in fighting them. Their chakra levels and much of their jutsu are unnatural."

"And just what is Orochimaru getting in return for this?" Tsunade questioned.

Ibiki shook his head. "The prisoners did not possess this information. As far as we are led to believe, asylum is the extent of Orochimaru's connection with Kumo."

Jiraiya's brow furrowed. "I highly doubt that's all Orochimaru wants from them. He'll use all the influence he has to gain the power he needs to destroy Konoha."

"So this means…" Gai started.

"Yes," Tsunade affirmed gravely. "Orochimaru has probably formed an alliance with Kumo and is planning to attack Konoha, just like he did with Suna three years ago."

The room was silent for a moment as the realization set in. Shikamaru finally broke in with his low monotone voice. "Well, it's obvious what we have to do now."

Tsunade turned to him in anticipation. "Perhaps you'd like to fill in those of us who don't play shouji every day?"

Shikamaru smirked at that remark. "We have to capture Uchiha Sasuke, or at least disable him so he can no longer use the kyuubi's chakra. Without him, Orochimaru will think twice about his plans."

"Well, of course, that much is obvious, but how exactly do we accomplish this when he is under the protection of a hostile country?" The Hokage asked skeptically.

"The Raikage seems to be open to bargaining," Shikamaru rubbed his chin in thought. "So why don't we offer him something he might want?"

"The prisoners." Jiraiya finished for him.

"Exactly. We'll offer to exchange them for access to Orochimaru and Sasuke. The Raikage won't know how much information we've extracted, and he'll likely want his plans to remain a secret, even if it means sacrificing Orochimaru's assistance."

"But why fold if you're holding the best hand?" Yamato pointed out. "If the Raikage believes he can defeat Konoha with Orochimaru's help, he won't care what we do or do not know."

"It's a risk we have to take," Kakashi said soberly. "This is the only option right now…other than war."

"But we can't appear the aggressors," Jiraiya stated. "If other countries have good reason to believe we instigated a conflict, then they'll more likely side against us than stay neutral."

"If this plan fails though, we won't have much of a choice." Tsunade countered. "Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke must be stopped, no matter what the cost."

Everyone else in the office solemnly murmured their agreement. It wasn't an easy concurrence to make. All of them understood the gravity of the Hokage's statement.

"Well then," she continued. "This will be an S-rank priority one mission. It must be undertaken by regular ranked shinobi instead of ANBU, as our initial aim is for diplomacy. Kakashi will be the leader of a four-man cell." She glanced at the jounin, who nodded in response.

"The second member will be Captain Yamato. Obviously, the techniques he inherited from the Shodaime Hokage will be essential to the success of this mission. We'll also need a taijutsu specialist to serve as back-up in case the situation becomes hostile. Gai, are you prepared?"

"Actually," he cleared his throat, "with all due respect, Hokage-sama, I believe my student Hyuuga Neji will be more suited for this mission. His taijutsu skills are superb and his byaukugan will no doubt prove very useful. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in ability."

Tsunade paused, then nodded. "Very well. As for the fourth member, you will definitely need a medic-nin. It is vital that make all effort avoid any casualties. I would have Haruno Sakura join you, but certain circumstances have made that impossible." She turned to her aid, standing by her side at the desk. "Shizune, you will be the fourth member."

Shizune blinked in surprise. "M-me, Tsunade-sama? But don't you need my assistance here at the office?"

"You are quite a capable fighter and an excellent medic-nin," Tsunade answered. "You are the ideal choice for this mission. Besides…" she smiled as she spoke under her breath, "I could use a day or two without you on my back."

Shizune glared at her master, but made no further objection.

"It's settled then," Tsunade announced as she stood at her desk. "The four of you will set out in two days. This should give you enough time to refine your tactics. Remember, gentlemen, your strategy and preparation is of the essence if this mission is to succeed. Dismissed!"

Everyone acknowledged the Hokage's words and left. The only one who remained was Jiraiya. He approached to Tsunade's desk and spoke quietly. "Er, about the other day…"

She held up a hand. "Don't worry about it. It's a tough situation and emotions are sure to be on edge. We'll just have to put it aside for now."

Jiraiya nodded in agreement. He walked past the desk and gazed out the window, where he could see the late afternoon sun shining brightly on the five faces on the mountain, illuminating their rugged features.

Five faces…five generations…and not a single one has yet seen peace…

He spoke quietly to his former teammate, his eyes still focused on the mountain and the village beyond the window. "You realize what must be done if this mission fails."

She walked over to join him at the window. "Yes. This mission is plan A. Plan B is mobilization."

"Do you think we'll be ready?"

Tsunade opened her mouth to give an answer, but none came. The question remained hanging in the air, floating beyond the office and into the village streets, where citizens went about their business, unaware of the dangers that were suspended idly over their heads.

Jiraiya didn't press her, and turned to quietly exit the office, leaving the Hokage at the window. There was no doubt that, when called upon, the shinobi of Konohagakure would once again rise to the occasion, and defend their homeland with their lives. She herself had experienced this moment of courage that inspired strength beyond what seemed possible.

But now, there was something different…something missing. She could see it in the eyes of everyone at the meeting. Where there had once been the drive and desire to change things for the good, now was a resignation to simply endure the bad. Maybe it was fatigue from seeing constant war, or the realization that the enemy's power was just too overwhelming and unbeatable, but it was as though Konoha's fighting spirit had been stripped of its effectiveness, lying forgotten in the corner of some darkened room, devoid of the one most important thing it needed to survive.

Hope.